Re-posting: Irish eyes will be smiling in Ansonia Saturday

See you there!

Raising awareness of disease today on World Kidney Day

March is National Kidney Month

World Kidney Day and National Kidney Month are both celebrated in March to increase awareness of kidney disease around the world. 
This year’s World Kidney Day theme is “Kidney Disease and Children: Act Early to Prevent It.” 
Kidney disease affects all ages, and many people do not know they are at risk or already have kidney disease. Increased awareness and screening help identify kidney disease earlier. This may prevent or delay progression to end stage kidney failure, which requires dialysis or kidney transplant.

Here are three things you can do to make a difference

*Take the Kidney Disease Risk Quiz to see if you or family members are at risk.

*Have your blood pressure and blood glucose levels checked. Diabetes and high blood pressure and two major causes of kidney disease.

*Participate in the World Kidney Day campaign “Move Your Feet.” Staying active any way you can make a difference to keep you and your kidneys healthy.

For more information about kidney risk factors and kidney disease visit DaVita.com. 
Download the Today’s Kidney Diet: International Flavors Cookbook and celebrate flavors from around the world on World Kidney Day.

Residents of Shelton facility cheer for UConn at basketball tournament

A group from Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community cheers on the Huskies at Mohegan Sun Arena. From left: Rudy Tobis, family member, with residents John Balogh, Dolly Woerner, Jim Nies, Larry Meehgan, and Activities Director Kelly Coppola./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Residents of Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community here brought their energy and enthusiasm to the Mohegan Sun Arena Saturday for the American Athletic Conference Quarterfinals. 

The group cheered on the UConn Lady Huskies and enjoyed two great basketball games at the tournament, watching Tulane defeat Memphis 70-64, and UConn defeat East Carolina, 92-51. 

The trip was organized by Activities Director Kelly Coppola and coordinated with the help of Crosby driver, Angelo Constantini and volunteer Karly Coppola. 

“It was a great trip!” said Crosby resident John Balogh. “I graduated from UConn in 1953, so I’m a big fan. I try to watch all the games.” 

Asked his predictions on the Lady Huskies for the end of the season, Balogh was very optimistic. “They’re going to win the National Championship,” he said.

Crosby Commons is located on the Wesley Village Campus and offers award-winning independent and assisted senior living options, along with access to a broad continuum of care. 

The campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local mission-based, not-for-profit organization. 

To learn more about senior living options at Crosby Commons or Wesley Village, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact Lisa Bisson, 203-225-5024.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Ansonia seeks nominations to recognize paraeducator of the year

Valley United Way names 46th winner of prestigious Flynn Award

Ned Miller

SHELTON - Valley United Way has named Ned Miller as the 46th Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award winner.

The award is the Valley’s oldest and most prestigious community service award. It is named for the late editor of The Evening Sentinel and has been presented annually since 1971. 

The award is presented for a lifetime of service to the community, encompassing more than one town or organization. 

Miller is President of the Ned Miller Agency, a Division of Starkweather & Shepley. 

He is currently a member of the Board at Valley United Way and co-chair of its allocations committee. In the past, he served as chairman of the board and also served twice as the Chairman of the Annual Community campaign. However, Jack Walsh, President and C.O.O. of Valley United Way noted: "Ned's incredible record of service to Valley United Way is just the tip of the iceberg of his community service. Very few people have had his depth of experience, especially in leadership positions."

Miller's distinguished record of service includes involvement with the Shelton Jaycees (President), Ansonia Rotary Club (President), Housatonic Council Boy Scouts of America (President), Parent Child Resource Center (Vice President) and Mason Temple Association (Treasurer).

His other Board affiliations include Griffin Hospital, the Recreation Camp, Shelton Economic Development Corporation, and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. He also is currently an alternate member of Shelton's Planning and Zoning Commission.

Miller's work has not gone unrecognized as he has been the recipient of several major awards including the Chamber's Gold Seal Award, PCRC's Joseph A. Pagliaro Award, Valley United Way's Volunteer Center Volunteer of the Year, the Derby Historical Society's Dr. John Ireland Howe Award, and the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver and Good Scout awards.

Miller is a graduate of St. Bernard College. He resides in Shelton with his wife, Marianne. They have two children, Nick Miller of Denver, Colo., and Erica Laudano of Manhattan, and two grandchildren.

The award will be presented April 26 at United Way's annual dinner meeting. Reservations may be made at valleyunitedway.org.

This is a press release from Valley United Way, the leading philanthropic resource for the Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton matching the needs of the community and the interests of donors to improve the quality of life in the community. 

United Way supports and creates initiatives addressing youth, families and people in crisis. Each year Valley United Way funds programs and organizations that make a measurable difference in the lives of people living and working in the Valley.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 10 ~ Wear apparel to raise awareness

March 10

Wear your PKD apparel for World Kidney Day!

I'd wear PKD apparel today but I don't have any (yet).