Treasured Time to host Paint & Sip at art studio in Oxford

OXFORD - Treasured Time will host a “Paint & Sip Party” from 7-9:30 p.m. March 31 at Rad Art Studio, in the Tommy K’s Plaza, 144 Oxford Road.

Local artist Adriene Radcliffe will guide participants in painting their own masterpiece with easy, step-by-step instructions. 

Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite beverage and sip along with the strokes of the paint brush. By the end of the night, everyone has their own work of art to take home.

The cost is $40 per person and includes canvas, paint, and brushes. 
The event is B.Y.O.B. Stuffed breads will be provided, but participants can bring their own snacks.

Proceeds will benefit Treasured Time and its efforts to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.

This fundraiser will help support experiences like the recent one planned for Cheryl Speller, a 44-year old single mother of six children, who would like to take her family on a cruise this summer. 

In January 2012, Speller was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma, also known as triple negative breast cancer. After undergoing a lumpectomy in February 2012, as well as undergoing months of radiation and chemotherapy, she and her family believed she was free of cancer. 
However, this February, Speller was diagnosed to have a more aggressive Stage IV reoccurrence of her original breast cancer. Despite the emotional, physical, and financial hardships she and her family have to endure, Speller lives life to its fullest with the highest level of humility and faith that there is a plan for her greater than she can ever understand. 

To reserve your spot or for more information, contact Jenn, 203-446-1068, or jenn@treasuredtime.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Seymour Historical Society member to present talk on women's suffrage

SEYMOUR - When the first primary elections were held this year, each of the major American political parties had a woman running for president. 
But just a century ago, women weren’t even permitted to vote. 
The long struggle for women’s suffrage will be the focus of a Seymour Historical Society program at 2 p.m. March 20.

In 1848, the first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, N.Y. 
But progress toward electoral equality was slow, as the movement faced opposition from male politicians, the courts and the press. It wasn’t until 1920 that Congress and the states finally adopted the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote. 
In this program, presenter Carolyn Ivanoff, a Shelton Intermediate School administrator, will dress in period clothing and offer a lively history of the suffrage movement. She will use vintage photos, political cartoons, and newspaper editorials.

March is Women's History Month.

The Seymour Historical Society is located at 59 West St. near Trinity Episcopal Church. 
The program is free to Seymour Historical Society members and $5 for non-members. Doors open at 1 p.m. 

For more information, contact psussman@snet.net or call 203-881-2156.


This is a press release from Seymour Historical Society.

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers smoking cessation program

DERBY - Griffin Hospital offers free education, advice, and support to help individuals prepare to quit smoking with its four-week smoking cessation program starting March 30.

“That’s It – Learn to Quit” teaches a variety of methods to help individuals quit smoking. 

The program consists of Wednesday meetings from 5:30-7 p.m. scheduled for March 30, April 6, 13 and 20 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

“The goal of the program is to help you learn how to quit,” said Carrie O’Malley, RN, a co-coordinator of the program. “There are different methods of quitting and managing nicotine withdrawal. If one method didn’t work for you in the past we’ll help you understand all your options.”

Through group discussion and interactive activities, participants learn how to develop a quit plan that addresses their personal behaviors and habit. 

Strategies to manage nicotine withdrawal, behaviors, triggers, and urges are all discussed as well as weight control and stress management.

Participants must be prepared to attend all four sessions. To register for “That’s It – Learn to Quit,” call 203-732-1476.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

Crisco welcomes Hall of Fame inductees at ceremony in Hartford

State Sen. Joseph Crisco, Jr. speaks Monday at Hall of Fame ceremony in the Legislative Office Building. /Contributed photo

HARTFORD – Building on the intellect, hard work, fame, and bravery that have been the hallmarks of Connecticut residents for centuries, state Sen. Joseph Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, Monday helped unveil the 2016 inductees to the Connecticut Hall of Fame: actress Meryl Streep, American Revolution patriot Nathan Hale, state militia General Henry Burbeck, dentist Horace Wells, and author and advocate Helen Keller.

The ceremony, held this morning in the second floor atrium of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, is the eighth Connecticut Hall of Fame class inducted since its creation in 2006. 

Previous inductees include Mark Twain, Katherine Hepburn, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Robert Ballard, Dave Brubeck, and others.

“Throughout nearly 400 years of Connecticut history, we have been home to some of the most fascinating, talented, productive and intelligent people on the planet. Every time someone is inducted into the Connecticut Hall of Fame, I am reminded of what a great state we live in,” Crisco said. “Today was no different. Six men and women with creativity, passion, commitment and bravery are now a part of our honor roll of state residents. I expect to add more names next year, and the year after that, because that’s just the kind of people that Connecticut grows and attracts to live and work here.”

This year’s inductees include three men and two women with deep roots in Connecticut:

• Meryl Streep of Salisbury, the theater, television, and film actress who has won two Academy Awards and numerous other acting honors.

• Nathan Hale of Coventry, an American soldier and spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War who is the Connecticut State hero and is well-known for his final words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

• General Henry Burbeck, commander of the Connecticut State Militia in New London during the War of 1812 who came up with the idea for the West Point military academy.

• Horace Wells, a Hartford dentist who pioneered the use of surgical anesthesia

• Helen Keller, a deaf and blind American author and activist who resided in Easton for the final 32 years of her life.

Founded in 2006, The Connecticut Hall of Fame is intended to recognize the outstanding achievements of Connecticut individuals and serve as an educational tool for those visiting the state Capitol and Legislative Office Building.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Seymour K-9 officers visit Boys & Girls Club

The Seymour Police Department's K-9 units recently visited the Seymour Boys and Girls Club. Sage and her K9 handler, Officer John Oczkowski, left in photo, and Rex, and his K9 handler, Officer Matthew Butler, at right, demonstrated their skills. The Clubhouse is in the Seymour Community Center. / Photo from Facebook page of First Selectman Kurt Miller.

Easter Egg Hunt, pancake breakfast in Shelton to benefit Pagliaro Family Fund

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PKD Challenge for March: Day 8 ~ Contact lawmakers

March 8

Our PKD advocates are on Capitol Hill today meeting with members of Congress to raise awareness of PKD and discuss our legislative priorities for the year. 

You, too, can be an advocate for PKD patients. 

Contact your representative today.