Friday, June 15, 2018

Volunteer finds large diamond in donation at St. Vincent De Paul in Derby

Sharing from SVDP Facebook page:

Look what we found!
We found and returned a 3.3 carat loose diamond that had been accidentally donated to our thrift shop. 

One of our trusty sorters was carefully folding a donated sweater when she felt a bump, finding a little black bag that had been safety-pinned inside. 
She opened the bag to find another bag, and inside of that, a piece of thick folded blue paper. 
Carefully unfolding it, she was amazed to see what appeared to be a huge diamond. She immediately brought it to our attention. Remembering only what the woman looked like, we reviewed the video recording of our rear lot and were able to identify her.
The police helped us with the plates on her car and contacted her for us. She returned, uncertain why she had been told to come back. We asked her if she recalled donating the grey sweater and she said that she did. Very quickly, the color drained from her face as she realized what she had done. 
Collapsing into a chair, she shook her head and almost started crying. She hugged us and expressed her gratitude over and over at the return of a very valuable family heirloom. 

An exciting day at the best little thrift shop around!

Cassetti cuts ribbon at re-opening of Eddy's Bake Shop in Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti cuts a ribbon Friday at "the grand re-reopening," as he dubbed it, at Eddy's Bake Shop on Main Street. 
At his left is Arlene Cardenas, who co-owns the bakery with her husband, Raul Cardenas.


President of Griffin Hospital in Derby named CT 2018 Grassroots Champion


Griffin Hospital and Griffin Health Services President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Charmel, right, receives the Connecticut 2018 Grassroots Champion award Thursday from Connecticut House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and state Sen. George S. Logan./ Contributed photo

The American Hospital Association and Connecticut Hospital Association Thursday recognized Patrick A. Charmel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Griffin Hospital and Griffin Health Services Corporation, as Connecticut’s 2018 Grassroots Champion at its 100th Annual Meeting at Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

The AHA Grassroots Champion Award, given annually to one person in each state, was created to recognize hospital leaders who effectively educate elected officials about how major issues affect hospitals’ roles in the community, who have expanded the base of community support for hospitals, and who have been advocates for hospitals and patients.

The award recognizes Charmel’s exceptional leadership in advocating for hospital priorities. He is an active and engaged advocate, speaking at press conferences at the Capitol, and educating legislators on major issues impacting hospitals today. 

“Pat Charmel is a vocal advocate for hospitals,” said Jennifer Jackson, CEO, CHA. “He speaks eloquently and passionately with legislators about the importance of policies that improve patient care and adequately fund Medicaid. In partnership with the AHA, we are pleased to honor him with the 2018 Grassroots Champion Award.”
Charmel is a member of the CHA Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, and a former Chairman of the CHA Board. 
He is the current Chairman of CHA’s Diversified Network Services Board, a member of the Financial Oversight Committee, and a member of the Committee on Hospital Finance. 
Over the years, he has served on many CHA committees, subcommittees, and work groups. 
Additionally, he was an American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board 1 Member from 2003–2006. 

He is also Chairman of the Board of Planetree International, Chairman of the Value Care Alliance of Connecticut, Chairman of the Central Connecticut Board of Directors for the American Heart Association, Member of the Connecticut State Innovation Model Initiative, Member of the Health IT Advisory Council, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Valley United Way.
Charmel, who has led Griffin Hospital since 1998, developed and implemented consumer-driven, person-focused services that result in high patient satisfaction, while maintaining high operational efficiency.

About the CHA
The Connecticut Hospital Association has been dedicated to serving Connecticut’s hospitals since 1919. 
Through state and federal advocacy, CHA represents the interests of Connecticut’s hospitals on key healthcare issues in the areas of quality and patient safety, access and coverage, workforce, community health, health equity, and hospital reimbursement.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia police officer, K9 partner recognized by state association

Congratulations to Officer Paul Smith and his K9 partner Kane for being recognized by the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association as second runner up for 2017 Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award. 
Pictured with Officer Smith and Kane are Chief Kevin Hale and Sgt. Alex Barreira.

*Shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

Adam's House in Shelton names 2 new board members

Renata Plonski
Sarah Prout

SHELTON - Adam’s House has announced the appointment of two new members to the Board of Directors for the nonprofit grief support and education center in Shelton.

Joining the Board are: Sarah Prout, the Director of Finance and Human Resources at The Arc of Litchfield County, Inc. (LARC) in Torrington, and Renata Plonski, who brings more than a decade of healthcare management experience to her new position.

Prout and Plonski will join Board President Adam Lewis and seven other board members in providing leadership to Adam’s House, which provides free educational and peer-support programs to grief-stricken children and families in Connecticut.

Adam’s House Founder and Executive Director Allison Wysota said Prout and Plonski have exceptional backgrounds that will certainly be an asset for Adam’s House.


“Sarah Prout and Renata Plonski not only possess outstanding credentials in their respective fields, but both women have a strong community spirit and dedication to helping others,” Wysota said. “We know their education, talents and expertise will help Adam’s House craft valuable strategies and new ideas to enhance our mission. They join Adam’s House at a very exciting time for us as we continue to attract more clients and expand our role in the Valley community.”


Adam's House is located at 241 Coram Ave., Shelton.

This is a press release from Adam's House.

Oxford Historical Society to hold tag sale