DEEP to host geology hike at Osbornedale State Park in Derby

DERBY - Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will host a geology hike at Osbornedale State Park Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. 

Within the forested woodland are interesting geological features including 200-million year old lava flows, abandoned mines and quarries, and a natural spring.        
Participants will observe rocks that were folded and fractured while looking for quartz, feldspar, and biotite minerals.  

Meet at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., to begin the hike to view these features and learn about the geologic history of the park and Connecticut.

The program is free; pre-registration is requested.  

All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by adults.  

For information and to register, email donna.kingston@ct.gov or call Kellogg Environmental Center at 203-734-2513 or 203-734-2514.  

The Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This is a press release from Connecticut DEEP.

A mystery photo reveal

In mid-July I posted this mystery photo. I thought it had a pretty cool look to it.  

I received a few (incorrect) guesses on Facebook but none here on the blog. 
I snapped the photo looking down on a solar light in my front yard. * Mystery solved.*

Recuperation journey: Impromptu ice cream stop

As my daughter, Allegra, was driving me home from a medical procedure this afternoon we both got the idea it was time for one of our favorite sweet treats: ice cream.

We stopped on the way and ordered cones. While we were enjoying our frozen confections I was able to get this bonus mystery photo.

So where did yours truly snap this photo? If you know, please respond in the comments; I'll reveal the location in an upcoming post.

Golfers sought for fundraiser at Brownson Country Club in Shelton

SHELTON - There is still room for golfers in the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley’s John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic, teeing off Aug. 28, at Harry B. Brownson Country Club in Shelton. 

NFP Insurance, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Nick Luise are Gold Sponsors of the event. 

For detailed information and to download a registration form, visit www.BGC-LNV.org. 

The tournament day begins with 11 a.m. registration and lunch, followed by a noon shotgun start. 
Entry fee of $200 per golfer includes 18 holes of golf and cart, driving range, buffet lunch, refreshments on the course, social hour with open bar and dinner (after golf), and tournament gift. 
A raffle, as well as live and silent auctions will also be available.

Entries should include names, handicaps, and contact email or phone number sent to AnnWheeler@BGC-LNV.org.

The Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic, which has run every year since 1972, is dedicated to John “Red” Larsen. Red participated in almost every tournament and was Chairman for more than half. 
It was common to see Red stuffing “tee-favor bags” on Sunday night or putting out sponsor signs in the morning mist. 
His love for children and his dedication to our Boys & Girls Club were rivaled only by his love for his family and the game of golf. 

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people in our area for more than 60 years. 

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit us at www.BGC-LNV.org.

This is a press release from the club.

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers Wellness for Life program

Griffin Hospital is offering its 12-week lifestyle change program starting Sept. 26./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping individuals make the change for a healthier life this fall with its Wellness for Life program.

Wellness for Life is a 12-week, evidence-based lifestyle change program that helps prevent and treat many chronic diseases. 

According to a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services, 80 percent of chronic diseases, like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can be prevented with better lifestyle choices in nutrition, activity, and emotional health.

Starting Sept. 26 from 6-8:30 p.m., the program offers a custom fitness evaluation, a wellness visit with a physician, individual nutritional guidance, one-on-one coaching, group physical activity, and small, interactive health seminars and discussions so participants can make a commitment to a healthier life. 

Each participant also receives a Fitbit, which helps track participants’ activity, sleep patterns and food intake.

“Making changes for a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy – it requires one-on-one guidance and on-going support,” said Wellness for Life Co-Director Eunice Lisk. “This program helps people assess their lifestyle, provides them with a personalized plan to increase vitality and gives one-on-one and group support every step of the way to better health.”

Wellness for Life focuses on hands-on learning, featuring an activity monitor, behavioral change coaching, and weekly group sessions to promote healthy weight management, better sleep and energy, chronic disease prevention/management, and increased personal strength and resilience.

Since its start in 2015, Wellness for Life graduates have reported increased knowledge, skills, and confidence in making lifestyle changes (physical activity, stress management, nutrition, resilience), and the program has received high satisfaction scores from participants in meeting expectations and for presentations by the expert speakers.

Wellness for Life meets on Tuesday from 6-8:30 p.m. at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

For more information about Wellness for Life, visit griffinhealth.org or call Program Director Eunice Lisk, MS, at 203-732-7107. 

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.