Griffin Hospital in Derby schedules bereavement support groups

Griffin Hospital’s bereavement support groups will start new sessions in January./ Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is starting new support groups in January for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one.

These groups provide grief education and support to ease the pain of loss as well as encourage healing and growth. The groups meet in an eight-week cycle at the hospital, 130 Division St.

There will be groups meeting on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m., starting Jan. 6, and Tuesdays from 2:30-4 p.m., starting Jan. 26.

Due to limited capacity, pre-registration is required. 

To learn more or to register, contact Heather Billingham at 203-732-1132 or hbillingham@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

DEEP to announce hiking challenge winners at Kellogg Center in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will announce the winners of 2015 Hiking Challenge -“The Sky’s the Limit” at the First Day Hike at 1 p.m. Friday (Jan. 1) at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave.

A total of 234 people successfully hiked all 14 of Connecticut’s highest peaks and are eligible to receive a hand-crafted walking stick made by Connecticut Wood Carvers Association. 

Fifty names will be drawn at 3 p.m. after the First Day Hike to determine the winners. 
More than 400 participants hiked at least 10 of the designated locations and received a hiking staff medallion and certificate.

“DEEP held this hiking competition for the first time this year that encouraged families and friends to enjoy Connecticut’s state parks and forests any time of the year,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. 
 “We learned that people like to participate in friendly competition to win prizes and by the high number of hikers who joined in we know the program was a success.”

Success Stories
The stories told by the participants proved that in this time of giving sometimes just an outstretched hand can be the best present of all. 
One father shared his story of what this challenge meant to him and his very special little boy. http://www.ctmq.org/tstl9-macedonia-brook-state-park/ “At some point, I had to hold his hand to get him up the incline. I didn’t really let go until the summit… probably a good quarter mile of hand-holding. He didn’t fight me with it (very unusual.) When I’d let go to wipe the sweat or whatever, he’d silently reach out his hand again, accepting of my help.”
Sometimes we all just need a helping hand.

Others told us how fathers and daughters reconnected by doing the hikes, about a marriage proposal, how walking in the woods benefited a man dealing with “seasonal affective disorder” and inspired him to visit all the state parks and perhaps write a book about his adventures! 
Young, and young at heart, who completed this challenge were very proud of their accomplishments and were amazed to see all the beauty that exists in Connecticut’s state parks and forests.

After hectic preparations for the holidays hopefully as Rachel Carson stated: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will ensure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” 
Hopefully, we will all take time to enjoy the refrains of nature and renew our spirit.

Background on “The Sky’s the Limit"
Participants were required to hike any number of designated 14 peaks in Connecticut throughout 2015 and take two photos – one of themselves at a state park or forest sign and one at each location they hiked. Photos were emailed to DEEP for verification.

The 14 peaks were located in either a state park or forest and were located throughout the state.
Plans are currently underway to develop a new challenge for 2016.

For more information: www.ct.gov/deep/SkystheLimit.


This is a press release from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Teens to learn electro-mechanical basics at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to enjoy Teen Maker Space from 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 19.

Participants will learn some electro-mechanical basics by assembling, activating, and operating solar-powered spider kits. 

Space is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required. 
Light refreshments will be provided. 

For more information stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library. 

Club, Master's Table to host breakfast at church in Ansonia

Derby Neck Library to host teen programs, Tech Talks, writing workshop

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., has scheduled activities for January.
Video games
From 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 16 a Teen Video Tournament will feature the newly-released Super Mario Maker on Wii U. 
All teens and t'weens are invited to compete for a grand prize. Free refreshments will be available. Bring your friends for a fun time. 

Discussion group
At 12:30 p.m. Jan. 18 the Library will host Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group that focuses on short stories and poetry. This month’s stories are “Ted and Angeline” by Dinah Lampitt and “Stuff and Sawdust” by Valerie Thame. 
Copies are available at the library. Feel free to bring a light lunch; coffee and tea served. 

Tech Talks
On Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 20 the library presents Tech Talks, a program which describes the latest in technology and how to best purpose it for your own needs. For this month’s topic call 203-734-1492. Your questions are welcomed.

Writers' Round
The Library hosts Writers’ Round, a monthly workshop for writers of all genres—scripts, prose, poetry, fiction, history, etc. at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21. 
Bring your original works to share with others and join us in practicing your creativity with a writing prompt. 

Evening Book Club
The Library hosts the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25.This group meets monthly in the Reading Room near the fireplace to discuss novellas written by award-winning authors. 
Among selections are fiction, memoirs, and on occasion non-fiction. This month we discuss “The Moon is Down” by John Steinbeck. 
Copies of the book are available at the library. 

For details on any program call 203-734-1492.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.