Derby nonprofit seeks hams for Easter food distribution

Event Description

DERBY - Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo has shared the following request for assistance from St. Vincent de Paul Helping Hands of the Valley for its Easter food distribution

"Please help St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank for Easter 2016.
"They need pre-cooked hams to help feed our friends and neighbors," Garofalo wrote. 

"You may drop off by March 19 at St. Vincent de Paul Helping Hands of the Valley, 237 Roosevelt Drive, 203-734-7577 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., or from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Office of the Town/City Clerk at Derby City Hall - 1 Elizabeth St. - 203-736-1462."

Valley Shakespeare Festival to hold auditions at Shelton Community Center

Troupe to stage Pericles, Prince of Tyre, and The Taming of the Shrew

Audition info:
When: March 26 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Lunch break noon-1 p.m.)

Where: Shelton Community Center, 41 Church St., Shelton

Seeking:  Actors with strong command for language and ensemble building for our Spring/Summer Season consisting of a non-equity touring production of Pericles, Prince of Tyre and an Equity/Non-Equity outdoor production of The Taming of the Shrew.

Touring production of Pericles (non-Equity only) Daytime Rehearsals: 4/18-4/23 with performances from 4/27-6/4.  Pay: $150-$200 Rehearsal Week and $55-$60 per performance, all actors will be contracted as teaching artists and assigned as Assistant Stage Managers.

Outdoor production of The Taming of the Shrew (Equity/Non-Equity) Daytime rehearsals from 6/27-7/13 and Performances from 7/14-7/17.  
Pay: SPT contract $269 and for Non-Equity $100-$200 per week.  
Also looking for candidates for our Apprentice program for elementary through high school students.

Please have two one-minute contrasting classical monologues prepared.   
Sides will also be provided at auditions.

For breakdown of roles please go to www.vsfestival.org.  Equity members may request an audition time by calling 203-513-9446.


This is a press release from Valley Shakespeare Festival.

Hike, learn to garden, create art, get fit, more at Ansonia Nature Center

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, has scheduled a variety of activities for April. 
The month will culminate with a celebration of Earth Day April 30.  

ART PAINTING PARTY FUNDRAISER –  April 2, 3–5 p.m.

The Ansonia Nature Center and FANCI will host an art class fundraiser for “The Playground Fund 2016” at Kokopelli School of Music and Arts in Seymour. 
Join us for an afternoon of music and painting. All art materials provided; just bring your own beverage and snack as well as your enthusiasm! 
Leave with a wild painting. Fee: $30 per person. 
Register at www.kokopellimusicandarts.com; click on Wine and Easel, then click on 2016 Calendar of Classes. 
Class limited to 35 participants. 

FITNESS AWARENESS JOG – April 4 –June 27, 5 p.m.

Start your week off by jogging the path to a healthier you. Every Monday, join Ranger Dan on a Fitness Awareness Jog. This is your chance to cruise our trails on foot, sweat out impurities, and enjoy the sights and smells of our 156-acre nature preserve. 
We kick off at 5 p.m. with a stretch, then gently jog our two miles of trails for an hour and a half. All experience levels are welcome, so be sure to bring a friend or two! Free, but please register. 

NATURE’S CHILD: Amphibians – April 8,10 a.m.

Learn about these ancient, fascinating creatures that secretly inhabit our woods and wetlands. 
Take a hike to discover the Nature Center’s slippery critters. Make a take home craft too! Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.

                

SPRING CLEANING AND PLANTING DAY– April 9, 9 a.m.–noon.

We’ll supply gloves, plants, and pizza. Scouts, youth groups, student interns—this is a great community service opportunity! Help us beautify our park and get ready for spring. Bring your own garden tools if you want; please pre-register.

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP – April 10, May 8, June 12, 11 a.m.

Losing a beloved animal can be tragic and a very emotional time for humans. There are numerous resources to turn to for the loss of a human loved one; however, there are limited options for when we lose an animal. Susan Wilson has created this support group for those who have lost an animal or have one in the process of moving on. Join us for these free sessions.

BUILD YOUR OWN TERRARIUM – April 10, 2–4 p.m.

Sometimes you want to enjoy the benefits of a garden without having to mow, prune, and fertilize. 
Terrariums are popular thanks to their fuss-free maintenance, beauty, and minimal space requirements, making them good options for those who want to garden but lack outdoor space. Join us to create your very own terrarium. Bring a glass mason jar, glass bowl, or other cool glass container. We’ll provide all other materials. Fee: $10 per terrarium.

SPRING TERM JUNIOR RANGERS – April 14–June 2, 3:30–5 p.m.

Calling all kids 11 to 14 years old who love nature! Has your child wanted to work with animals, garden, help maintain our trails, and help with special events? 
This is the opportunity to help the Nature Center in our eight-week after school program. Parental permission is required. Class size is limited; this class fills up fast! Free.

FAMILY ORGANIC GARDEN PROGRAM – April 15 –June 17, 3:30–5 p.m.

Food Corps and ANC will lead fun, family-friendly activities in our organic garden. Learn about growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Dress appropriately; keep in mind you might get water and/or soil on your clothing. Closed-toe shoes, please! Free, with the potential to take home fresh local produce!

OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS: Lashing Project 1 – April 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Spring is here, seeds will be planted and it will be time to add décor to our organic garden plot. First up in Ranger Dan’s Lashing Project series is creating an arbor out of sticks. Want to add dimension to your garden? Perhaps you’d like a trellis for your beans, or a place for your vines to grow on. Create a stylish arbor in our Organic Community Garden, and bring your newfound skills to your own yard! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free; please register.

SPRING BREAK NATURE DAYS – April 18–22, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

For children from 5 to 10 years old who love the outdoors and wildlife, these popular classes will not only be educational but also a chance to explore our 156 acres. We will visit a variety of habitats such as the park’s wetlands, fields, and woodlands. Great time of the year for amphibian searches too! 
Tuition: $150 priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members), $175 all others. 

FULL PINK MOON HIKE –  April 22, 7 p.m.

This full moon heralded the appearance of the moss pink, or

wild ground phlox - one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon. 
Enjoy the sounds of spring with our Nature Center guides as we lead you around our wetlands to spot some spring amphibians by the light of the moon. 
For all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). Fee: $1. Please call to register.

SPRING MIGRATION BIRDING – April 23, 9:30 a.m.

Join avid birder Ranger Jess for this early morning walk to find the birds living in or moving through our parklands to nest farther north. This is a prime time for birders. 
Bring your own binoculars or use ours. Dress for walking outdoors. We’ll start with a quick introduction to birds. Free; please pre-register.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION –  April 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Every day is Earth Day at the Nature Center! 
We invite everyone to honor Mother Earth with our Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center co-hosting this annual event. Enjoy hikes, live animals, environmental exhibitors, and much more! 
Join one of our naturalists for a wildflower walk too. Food and snacks available from local vendors. 
All ages welcome, young and old—bring family and friends.  

For more information or to register for programs, call 203-736-1053.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center.

Derby Cultural Commission seeks crafters, vendors for Eco Fest, Derby Day

DERBY - The Derby Cultural Commission is looking for crafters and vendors for two upcoming annual events.

The first one is our 3rd Annual Eco Fest scheduled from from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 21.

We are looking for crafters, vendors, booths, and speakers who can help us understand and learn ways to live eco-friendlier and healthier lifestyles. 

We will have music, activities, speakers, crafters, and vendors to help enhance the lessons of the day. 
This is free to vendors, although donations will be accepted.

The annual Derby Day celebration will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25. Crafters and food vendors are being sought. 
The Bernadettes will be headlining a great music lineup.

There will be plenty of children’s activities and fun for all ages. 

Prices are: $60 for vendor spaces; $100 for food vendor spaces; $30 for nonprofit spaces.

For further information and applications, email DerbyCTevents@yahoo.com, or find us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/MYDERBY.

This is a press release from the Derby Cultural Commission.

Resume workshops offered at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library is now offering Resume Workshops at 6:30 p.m. on the first 

Wednesday of each month.

During these sessions, participants are welcome to either

start from scratch or bring copies of their existing resumes, cover letters as well, for review and optimizing.  

Often times a new resume can be created simply by making a number of subtle tweaks versus a whole new change.

The next class will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 6.

Registration is not required.  
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 Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Griffin Bariatrics in Derby achieves national accreditation

Program meets criteria as a Center of Excellence 

DERBY – Griffin Bariatrics has been recognized for meeting the highest standards for patient safety and quality of care and is recommended as a high-quality choice for patients seeking surgical treatment for severe obesity and its related conditions.

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, has accredited Griffin Bariatrics as a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgical methods, including gastric banding, gastric bypass and gastric sleeve.

The MBSAQIP Standards, outlined in the Resources for Optimal Care of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patient 2014 ensure that bariatric surgical patients receive a multidisciplinary program, not just a surgical procedure, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. The accredited center offers preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for their severely obese patients.

“We are very honored to be named a Center of Excellence,” said Griffin Bariatrics surgeon Rishi Ramlogan, MD. 
“We are committed to providing our patients the best possible care in a safe environment so they can be empowered to make dramatic changes in their health. This honor is a tribute to the dedication of all the staff members who put our patients first.”

Griffin Bariatrics' commitment to quality care begins with appropriately trained staff and the leadership surgeons who participate in meetings throughout the year to review its outcomes.  
They seek continuous improvement to enhance the structure, process and outcomes of the center.

To earn the MBSAQIP designation, Griffin Bariatrics met essential criteria for staffing, training and facility infrastructure and protocols for care, ensuring its ability to support patients with severe obesity. 
The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its processes and outcomes, identifying opportunities for continuous quality improvement. 

The standards are specified in the MBSAQIP Resources for Optimal Care of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patient 2014, published by the ACS and ASMBS.

After submitting an application, centers seeking MBSAQIP Accreditation undergo an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon, who reviews the center's structure, process, and clinical outcomes data. 
Centers are awarded a specific designation depending on how many patients it serves annually, the type of procedures it provides, and whether it provides care for patients under age 18.

In writing about Griffin Bariatrics in his summary report, auditor Dr. Barry Greene, Advanced Weight Loss Surgery, in Rockland, Md., stated, “The pride that the Griffin community has in the bariatric program is a tremendous strength which engenders the hospital wide engagement in quality patient care, compassionate interactions and a culture of quality improvement.”

In the United States, around 15.5 million people suffer from severe obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health, and the numbers continue to increase. Obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, among other health risks. 
Metabolic and bariatric surgical procedures have proven to be effective in the reduction of co-morbid conditions related to severe obesity.* 
Working with ASMBS, the ACS expanded this quality program for bariatric surgery centers so that it can assist bariatric patients in identifying those centers that provide optimal surgical care.

About Griffin Hospital Bariatrics

Griffin Hospital launched Griffin Bariatrics to help patients achieve and maintain dramatic, life-changing weight loss and live healthier lives. Focusing not only on the surgery itself, but also on patients’ needs both before and after surgery, Griffin Bariatrics is geared toward long-term success. Its surgeons specialize in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, and Lap-Band® adjustable gastric banding surgery. Both pre- and post-operatively, Griffin Bariatrics offers patients a full continuum of care, including exercise programs, support groups, nutritional and behavioral counseling, education, and diagnostic imaging services to lose and maintain weight loss. 
For more information on Griffin Bariatrics programs and services, or to pre-register for a free seminar, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com or call toll-free 888-657-9252.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 80,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.

About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, founded in 1983, was formed to advance the art and science of metabolic and bariatric surgery by continually improving the quality and safety of care and treatment of people with obesity and related diseases through educational and support programs for surgeons and integrated health professionals.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Easter celebration for children slated Sunday on Derby Green

*Sharing this information from the Derby Cultural Commission's Facebook page.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 14 ~ Become an organ donor

March 14

One organ donor can save up to eight lives. 

Register to become an organ donor today.