Seymour Historical Society to host talk on cemeteries

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk for caregivers

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Griffin Hospital and The Valley Senior Services Council will host a talk to help caregivers keep their loved ones safe and independent at 5:30 p.m. April 20.

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Healthy U program and The Valley Senior Services Council will host a talk to help caregivers keep their loved ones safe and independent at 5:30 p.m. April 20 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Dawnmarie Hunter, of Visiting Nurse Association of South Central CT, and Kim Vertrees, Community Liaison with Connecticut In-Home Assistance Home care, will present “Keeping Your Loved One Independent and Safe.” The talk will explain the difference between medical and non-medical home care, including when and why you need it, how to search for it, and how to pay for it.

A Griffin Hospital physical therapist will also discuss fall safety and demonstrate exercises for balance and core strengthening, and Tara Kelly, of Griffin Hospital Lifeline, will present information on home safety and preventing avoidable fall injuries.

The talk is part of a series that focuses on providing information, resources and support to caregivers of seniors, especially those of “the sandwich generation,” who are caring for a senior loved one while still managing work and care of their children. 

However, the series will share information and resources that are beneficial to anyone caring for another person.

A light dinner sponsored by Valley Senior Services Council and their Valley United Way Special Needs Grant and Griffin Hospital Lifeline will be provided at 4:30 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their loved one for whom they provide care.

On May 18, “The Caregiver’s Toolbox” will feature a presentation by Maria Tomasetti of The Alzheimer’s Association, on care methods for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including communication strategies and helpful activities. Griffin Hospital Community Outreach Program will present a “toolbox” of resources for caregivers to help a loved one manage their disease and gain control of their health.

The series wraps up at 5:30 p.m. June 8 with a variety of presentations on caregiving from area resources, including Wesley Village UMH, Sunset Shores, Griffin Hospital Lifeline, Alzheimer’s Association, TEAM, Valley Transit District and Agency on Aging. 

The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

Space is limited; registration is required. Call 203-732-1511 or register online at the Griffin Hospital events calendar at griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Turnback Tuesday features hotel in downtown Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features The Hoffman House, a hotel that once operated in downtown Derby. The House was managed by Adolph Rapp in the 1890s until his son, Adolph "Otto" Rapp, Jr., took over in 1896. Otto introduced a summer garden as an attraction, and the Hoffman House boasted the first amusement garden of this kind in the East. The hotel was located on the corner of Main and Water Streets. It was the last family-owned hotel in Derby when it was demolished in 1960 to allow for expansion of the Farrel factory.


*Thanks to Derby Public Library for sharing this information.

Naugatuck Duck Day and Race to benefit MDA of CT

Derby Public Library to host AARP driver-safety class

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled an AARP Driver Safety Class from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. May 9.
The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members.  
Cars have changed and so have traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads you travel. This refresher course is designed for drivers 50 and over to brush up on their driving skills.  
No written tests, no road tests, and no information will be given to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Participants will learn how to drive more defensively and may save up to 10 percent on their present auto liability insurance.  

Space is limited and registration is required.  
Participants may bring a bag lunch. Coffee and dessert 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 Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Seymour Public Library to present talk about Titanic

*Shared from the Office of the Seymour First Selectman Facebook page.