Boys & Girls Club to hold annual carnival in Shelton

* Information shared from the Boys & Girls Club of the Naugatuck Valley Facebook page.

Spring has sprung in downtown Ansonia

Main Street, Ansonia is on the other side of the trees.

Therapeutic Touch workshop offered at Griffin Hospital in Derby

Holly Major, Therapeutic Touch coordinator for Griffin Hospital, will conduct a two-day Basic Level Therapeutic Touch workshop./Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., is offering a two-day Basic Level Therapeutic Touch workshop from 4-8 p.m. June 3 and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. June 4 for individuals interested in learning about this healing method.

Therapeutic Touch is an energy healing technique that is derived from the ancient practice of laying on of hands. 
It has been taught to thousands of healthcare professionals and can help reduce pain and anxiety, expedite healing, and increase overall feelings of well-being.

The purpose of this Basic Level TT Workshop is to explain the concepts and practice of TT, allowing ample time for hands-on practice. Participants must attend both workshop sessions to receive credit. 
The workshop is open to the public and there are no prerequisites to attend.

The workshop instructor, Holly Major, NP, MSN, QTTT, is an adult nurse practitioner and the TT Coordinator for Griffin Hospital. 
Major has been teaching TT since 2000 and is a qualified TT instructor through Therapeutic Touch International Associates, the international association of Therapeutic Touch.

Fee for the workshop is $100, and includes all class materials. 
The deadline to enroll is May 26.

For more information, or to enroll, contact Laura Murphy at 203-732-7466 or lkmurphy@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Save the date: Ansonia to host bike festival June 25

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host workshop on joint disease

19th annual walk on Derby Greenway to benefit Spooner House

Participants pose at last year's walk on the Derby Greenway./Submitted photo

DERBY - Spooner House invites willing walkers and runners to the Derby Greenway May 21 starting at 9 a.m. (rain or shine) to take part in the 19th annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless. 

Registration is at the fountain beginning at 8:30 a.m. with a 9 a.m. kickoff. 

Participants are asked to make donations in any amount that fits their budget, ask others to sponsor them for additional funds, and seek matching donations from employers. However, a minimum donation of $20 will be required for each participant to receive the commemorative walk T-shirt. 

All proceeds benefit Spooner House Homeless Shelter and Food Bank in Shelton.

On May 20 from 4 to 7 p.m., walkers will have the opportunity to pick up their walk T-shirt and drop off their pledge form in advance during a Community Open House at Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, Shelton. Participants can also register online to form and join teams. 

The first 250 participants to register will receive a goodie bag and every participant will receive an entry into a drawing to win gift cards and prizes.

For walk registration and sponsorship forms or more information please call 203-225-0453 ext.102 or

e-mail Kate Pipa at kpipa@actspooner.org. 

The Spooner House website actspooner.org has a link to the walk registration page and all forms as well.

The entire walk route is 3.4 miles along the Naugatuck River, but participants may travel any distance they choose and water will be provided at the halfway point along the 1.7 mile Greenway. 

The Derby Greenway provides a safe, vehicle-free, boardwalk style route with great scenery along the Naugatuck River. 

Strollers are welcome, and participants may begin the route whenever they arrive. Please use the Division Street entrance and meet at the Derby Greenway fountain. Parking is available at BJ's.  

The fourth annual Derby EcoFest will be taking place the day of the walk on the other end of the Greenway on Caroline Street.

This year generous sponsors have stepped forward in support of the annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless. 

They include as Gold Sponsors: Unilever, Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte, and Sterczala PC, AD-MERICA, Precision Aerospace, Inc. and New Haven Terminal. 

Silver Sponsors are: Gary's East Coast Service, Calvert Safe + Lock, Pepe Reality, Tuttle Insurance Group, Apple Health Care, BIC Corp., and PerkinElmer. 

This year's Bronze Sponsors include: O.E.M. Controls, Inc., DataTel, LLC, Newtown Savings Bank, R.D. Scinto, Inc., Friedberg Smith & Co., P.C., St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oxford, Teamsters Local 1150 and Iroquois Gas Transmission System.

Contributing sponsors are: Royal Bakery, Derby Adams Super Food Store, Legend’s Pizzeria, Focaccia's Café & Catering, Berry Chill, Outback Steakhouse, Aroma JS, Captain’s Pizza, Orange Theory Fitness, Seymour Stop and Shop, and Young Nails.

Pre-registration is not required, but encouraged so participants won't have to get up as early on Saturday morning and to guarantee a walk t-shirt.

This is a press release from Spooner House.

5K planned June 3 in Ansonia in memory of Leah Rondon

*Information shared from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.

Wesley Village in Shelton celebrates National Nursing Home Week

Resident, 106, to be honored
SHELTON - This week, May 8-14, is National Nursing Home Week. 

Wesley Village will host a week-long celebration with a special event at 2 p.m. Friday at Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center at Wesley Village. 

The event is entitled “Welcome the Dream Weavers” and will be a gathering of residents, staff, volunteers, family members, and guests, featuring refreshments and entertainment by singer Mark Lanzieri. 

The highlight will recognize Minnie Sutton, a resident at Bishop Wicke, who will be turning 106 years old. 
Staff will be surprising Minnie with her dream come true, the chance to return to her home in the Bronx, N.Y. one more time during her life. 

Wesley Village is a campus of senior living and care communities including Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Apartments and Cottages, Lifestyle Transitions Memory Care, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus, at 580 Long Hill Ave., is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization serving all members of the community. 

To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org.

This is a press release from Untied Methodist Homes. 

DEEP offers environmentally-friendly tips for summer fun

These balloons were collected at Long Beach in Stratford near an important nesting area for state threatened piping plovers and least terns. Photo credit: Laura Saucier, DEEP Wildlife Division

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding residents and visitors of ways to enjoy outdoor celebrations this summer in an environmentally friendly manner. 

DEEP offers the following tips on how to have an environmentally-friendly backyard barbeque, graduation ceremony, wedding, or when enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.

• While balloons are a popular celebration tribute, do not release helium balloons into the air. Under Connecticut General Statutes, it is illegal for any person or any group to intentionally release 10 or more helium balloons per day. This law was passed to protect wildlife, particularly marine animals that live in Long Island Sound. A summer breeze can transport balloons released in inland areas all the way to the Sound. Once in the Sound, the deflated balloons – just like plastic bags and other floating plastic garbage – look like food (mainly jellyfish) to some sea creatures. When marine animals, particularly sea turtles, eat the floating plastic, their digestive systems become blocked and the animals die.
• If the balloons land on the ground before reaching Long Island Sound, they create litter that is hazardous to wildlife. Animals and birds can also become entangled in ribbon attached to a balloon and could die from starvation or strangulation.
• Use reusable plates, cups, and cutlery if possible. If you use disposable plates or napkins, look for those made from recycled content. Avoid polystyrene foam products. "Compostable" utensils and plates are only “greener” if you have made arrangements for composting them. For light snacks, try to serve "finger food" or food that can be served with minimal plates and utensils.
• Use cloth or reusable tablecloths. These can be rented along with tables and other event supplies so that you do not have to buy a lot of items unnecessarily.
• Serve drinks from pitchers or bottles rather than individual drink bottles.
• Serve locally grown foods whenever possible. Check the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s website www.ct.gov/doag for the Connecticut Grown program.
• Provide separate containers for trash and recycling and have them clearly marked. Make sure trash containers are paired with recycling containers. For information on event recycling, go to www.ct.gov/recycle.
• For favors or centerpieces, choose edible or plantable items, which are less likely to end up in the trash. Buy local flowers or plants from farmers markets or farm stands, or, for real freshness, find a “pick your own” location. Check the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s website www.ct.gov/doag, for a listing.

This is a press release from DEEP. 

Swim classes slated at Seymour High School

Assisted living association recognizes resident of Crosby Commons in Shelton

Crosby Commons resident Jim Nies poses with staff and his daughter Cynthia Charles, second from left. Crosby staff: Executive Director Lori Pisani, far left; Activities Director Kelly Coppola, second from right; receptionist Bonnie Tormay, far right./ Submitted photo

SHELTON - Jim Nies, a resident of Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community, was recently recognized by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association with the Distinguished Resident Accomplishment Award.
The award honors the distinguished service and accomplishments of senior living residents. 

Nies, along with 20 residents from other senior living communities across the state, was nominated to receive this prestigious award because of his extraordinary example of aging and his exceptional contributions to the community.

“Jim is really an amazing individual,” said Lori Pisani, Executive Director of Crosby Commons. 
“At the age of 96, he still drives, travels, volunteers, and remains as active as ever.” Jim is not afraid to try new things and never lets technology intimidate him. He offers his experience as a mechanical engineer to implement new projects within the community and his genuine concern for his fellow residents is evident at all times. 
“Having Jim as a resident in our community is a pleasure. We are thrilled to be able to honor him in this way,” said Pisani.

The First Annual Resident Accomplishment Awards luncheon was held at Wesley Village April 27 for all honorees and their guests. 
Awards were presented by CALA Board Chair, Randy Phillips, with opening remarks made by CALA President, Christopher Carter, and a welcome address offered by Peter Belval, Vice President of Wesley Village Operations. Carlene Rhea, Director of Mission Development for Wesley Village/United Methodist Homes and First Vice President of CALA, extended her thanks to everyone who attended this very special event and best wishes to all the honorees. 

“CALA is honored and delighted to acknowledge and recognize the inspiring residents who live in our many communities. Each and every one of them is the reason we all come to work each day. They represent an outstanding group of people,” Rhea said.

The Connecticut Assisted Living Association is a trade association which represents the Assisted Living industry in Connecticut. 
CALA’s mission is to promote the growth of Assisted Living in the state including the development, marketing, and operation of communities. CALA provides education and training while fostering ethical standards and the best business practices. CALA also serves as a legislative advocate and information resource for its members. 

For more information about the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA), visit www.ctassistedliving.com.

To learn more about the continuum of care offered at Wesley Village or the mission of UMH, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact Lisa Bisson, 203- 225-5024.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Paper shred event in Shelton to raise funds for Spooner House

*Info shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent.

Beatlemania coming to Ansonia, folks in Seymour chow down on tacos for charity

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