Griffin employee to receive Caring Heart Award at ceremony in Woodbridge

Honoree Betty Montefusco 

DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will honor Elizabeth “Betty” Montefusco of Beacon Falls with the Caring Heart Award at the 14th Annual Women's Heart Wellness Caring Heart Award ceremony April 24 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

The event will be held at the Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club, 1027 Racebrook Road, Woodbridge.

The Caring Heart Award recognizes individuals who promote and improve the general health and well-being of all.

This year’s recipient has been a valued member of Griffin Health for more than 45 years. Montefusco started her career as a nurse’s aide working in the Emergency Department and in Griffin Hospital’s Critical Care Unit, tending to many patients suffering from heart conditions and other life-threatening ailments. 

Today, Montefusco serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Patient Care Services and manages the Griffin Nursing Administration Office, which oversees more than 350 nurses and 130 Multi-Skilled Technicians.

In addition to her professional duties at Griffin, Montefusco is chairperson of the Griffin Recreation, Entertainment & Arts Team (G.R.E.A.T.), which organizes events for Griffin staff and their families to promote comraderie. 

She is an elected member of the Parish Council at Assumption Church in Ansonia where she serves as a Eucharistic Minister, and is called upon to administer the sacrament to Griffin patients when needed. She also helped to organize weekly celebrations of the Mass at the hospital.

Outside of work, Montefusco volunteers her time with several community organizations. She is a Spooner House Team Captain, organizing and cooking meals for the residents of the homeless shelter in Shelton. 

She volunteered as a religious education teacher, and is a volunteer member of the Connecticut ACTS chapter, an organization where she is responsible for organizing and leading religious retreats for women.

Montefusco has organized a food drive for St. Vincent DePaul in Derby and has donated Christmas gifts and Easter baskets to families and children through St. Vincent DePaul. 

She makes necessity bags for the homeless through the Brian O’Connell Homeless Project. 

In her most recent volunteer project, she teamed up with the Knights of Columbus to make baby blankets for cribs being donated to a community organization that supports mothers and babies.

The Caring Heart Award Ceremony is open to the public. 

The event will feature an interactive presentation by Griffin Faculty Physicians cardiologist Dr. Sayena Azarbar. There will also be a health fair with information on overall wellness and more.

Tickets for the dinner are $35 per person and includes plentiful hors d'oeuvres, dessert and a complimentary glass of wine. To reserve a seat, visit griffinhealth.org/whw. Deadline for reservations is April 17.

For more information, contact Eunice, 203-732-7107 or elisk@griffinhealth.org.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of health care professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Caring Heart Award ceremony slated at Oak Lane in Woodbridge

Sayena Azarbar, M.D. 

WOODBRIDGE - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will host its 14th Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Ceremony April 24 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club, 1027 Racebrook Road.

The event will feature an interactive presentation by Griffin Faculty Physicians' cardiologist Dr. Sayena Azarbar. There will also be a health fair with information on overall wellness and more. 

The event will also honor Elizabeth “Betty” Montefusco, of Beacon Falls, with the Caring Heart Award. 

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will also present its Caring Heart Award to an individual from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large by his or her actions and/or volunteerism.

Tickets for the dinner are $35 per person and includes plentiful hors d'oeuvres, dessert, and a complimentary glass of wine. 

To reserve a seat, visit griffinhealth.org/whw. The deadline for reservations is April 17.

For more information, contact Eunice, 203-732-7107 or elisk@griffinhealth.org.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of health care professionals, heart patients and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. 

Membership is open to all interested persons.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.  

Griffin Hospital in Derby seeks nominations for Caring Heart Award

DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee is seeking nominations for its Annual Caring Heart Award.

This award is presented to an individual who lives or works in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, or a Valley-area organization, that has made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large, and demonstrates a “Caring Heart” through actions and/or volunteerism.

Nomination forms can be downloaded at griffinhealth.org/whw and can be emailed to elisk@griffinhealth.org or faxed to 203-732-1418. 

Nominations must be received by March 8 to be eligible.

The award winners will be announced in April and presented at the Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Dinner April 24 at 5:30 p.m. Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club in Woodbridge. 

The featured speaker at the dinner will be Dr. Sayena Azarbar, a cardiologist with Griffin Faculty Physicians.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of health care professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.

Tickets for the Annual Women’s Heart Wellness Dinner and Awards Program will go on sale in February. 

To learn more, become a sponsor or make a donation, contact Eunice at 203-732-7107 or elisk@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Oxford resident to receive Caring Heart Award at Woodbridge event

Honoree Barbara Casagrande of Oxford

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will honor Barbara Casagrande of Oxford with the Caring Heart Award at the 13th Annual Women's Heart Wellness Caring Heart Award Ceremony  at 6 p.m. April 26 at the Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club, 1027 Racebrook Road, Woodbridge.

The Caring Heart Award recognizes an individual from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who made significant contributions to the wellness of an individual or the community at large by his or her actions and/or volunteerism.

Known by the children in Ansonia as “Ms. C,” Casagrande dedicated most of her life to working in the Valley as a paraprofessional at the former Ripton School in Shelton, and as education coordinator at the Ansonia Housing Authority's Tinney Community Center. 
At the Center she managed the after-school program, taught GED classes, ran a summer camps and secured grant funding for programs.

Throughout her career, Casagrande regularly involved herself with back-to-school rallies, clothing drives, and other community outreach, and was especially influential in the lives of Ansonia teenagers, many of whom she continues to keep in touch with.

“Her overall mission is to be a bridge to the community,” Diane Stroman, vice president of TEAM Inc., wrote in Casagrande’s nomination. “Barbara is an individual who gives of herself unselfishly, works tirelessly, and gives 150 percent of herself in whatever she does. She has volunteered in many capacities in the Valley community and does so with a smile that can light up a room.”

Following her retirement, Casagrande partnered with Restoring Hope Ministries, which focuses on feeding the homeless and providing school supplies, clothing and a school success incentive program to Valley children. 

She helped open the Hope Center in Ansonia, a volunteer-based adult education and job training center. 

Casagrande is a volunteer for the Greater Valley Salvation Army, and serves as a deaconess at Living Springs Christian Fellowship in Seymour. She was the coordinator for the TEAM, Inc. 2017 Toys 4 Kids drive, donating 200 hours to the program. 

She is currently assisting at TEAM's Elizabeth Street location and is volunteering with the VITA tax program.

Casagrande received the 2012 Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Gold Seal Award. 

The Caring Heart Award Ceremony is open to the public. 

The theme of the event is “Who’s That Woman in the Mirror?” 
The evening will feature a panel of health experts discussing women’s health and answering questions related to healthy aging. 

There will also be a health fair with information on overall wellness and more. 

WTNH Health Reporter Jocelyn Maminta will be the emcee for the evening.

Tickets are $35 per person and include plentiful hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary glass of wine. 

To reserve a seat, become a sponsor, or for more information, call Eunice at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. 

Membership is open to all interested persons.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Heart Wellness Committee to hold ceremony in Woodbridge

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee to host its 13th Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Ceremony April 26 at Oak Lane Country Club, Woodbridge./ Submitted photo

DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee at Griffin Hospital will host its 13th Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Ceremony April 26. 
The event will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Birchwoods at Oak Lane Country Club in Woodbridge.

The theme of the dinner will be “Who’s That Woman in the Mirror?” featuring a panel of health experts discussing women’s health and answering questions related to healthy aging. 

There will also be a health fair with information on overall wellness and more. 

WTNH Health Reporter Jocelyn Maminta will be emcee.

The event will honor Barbara Casagrande, of Oxford with the Caring Heart Award. 

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will also present its Caring Heart Award to an individual from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large by his or her actions and/or volunteerism.

Tickets for the dinner are $35 per person and includes plentiful hors d'oeuvres and a complimentary glass of wine. 

To reserve a seat, visit griffinhealth.org/whw and click the event link at the bottom of the page. 

The deadline for reservations is April 22.

For more information, contact Eunice, 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby seeks nominations for Caring Heart Award

DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee at Griffin Hospital is seeking nominations for its Annual Caring Heart Award.

This award is presented to an individual who lives or works in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and has made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large, and demonstrates a “Caring Heart” by his/her actions and/or volunteerism.

For a nomination form or information on how to make a nomination, contact Eunice Lisk at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org. Nominations must be received by March 16 to be eligible.

The award winners will be announced in April and presented at the Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Dinner April 26.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of health care professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.

Tickets for the Annual Women’s Heart Wellness Dinner and Awards Program will go on sale in February. 

To learn more, become a sponsor or make a donation, contact Eunice at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

DeLauro visits TEAM in Derby, Caring Heart awards presented at Griffin Hospital

Dear readers,

The latest Valley Voice newsletter is now available. 
Please check it out here. 

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro

We feature U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro's visit to TEAM offices in Derby Monday to talk about proposed cuts to heating assistance.

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Patti and Ralph

Heart Wellness Committee to present awards at brunch at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee (formerly Women & Heart Disease) will host its 12th annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Brunch March 25 from 8:30 a.m.-noon in the Griffin Hospital dining room.

DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will host its 12th annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Brunch March 25 from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Griffin Hospital Dining Room, 130 Division St.

The theme of the event is “What’s Your Shelf Life,” focusing on how healthy eating habits can help prevent heart disease. 

The event will feature a survivor speaker, a cooking demonstration, and tips on how to shop for healthier food.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee will also present its Caring Heart Awards to an individual and a group, organization or business from the Lower Naugatuck Valley who have made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large by their actions and/or volunteerism.

Tickets are $25 per person. 

To reserve a seat, become a sponsor, or for more information, call Eunice Lisk, 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

Heart health awareness

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of health care professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. 

Membership is open to all interested persons.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Nominations sought for Caring Heart Awards in Valley

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee (formerly Women & Heart Disease) is seeking nominations for its annual Caring Heart Awards. /Contributed photo

DERBY - The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee (formerly Women & Heart Disease) is seeking nominations for its Annual Caring Heart Awards.

These awards are presented to an individual and a group, organization or business that lives or works in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and has made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large, and demonstrates a “Caring Heart” by their actions and/or volunteerism.

For a nomination form or information on how to make an email nomination, contact Eunice Lisk, 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org. 

Nominations must be received by Feb. 3 to be eligible.

The award winners will be announced in February and presented at the Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Brunch March 25 from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Griffin Hospital Dining Room, 130 Division St.

The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. Membership is open to all interested persons.

Tickets for the 12th Annual Women’s Heart Wellness Brunch and Awards Program event will go on sale in February. To learn more, become a sponsor or make a donation, contact 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to present Caring Heart Awards

Cheryl A. Santiago, RN, left, and Linda Stochmal, right, will be honored with the Caring Heart Award for their work at The Heart Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Shelton resident Susan DeLeon, former director of The Umbrella, and The Heart Wellness Center at Griffin Hospital will be honored with the Caring Heart Award at the 11th Annual Women’s Heart Wellness and Caring Heart Award Brunch March 12. 

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the hospital Dining Room, 130 Division St.

The award recognizes individuals and groups that foster initiatives to promote and improve the general health and well-being of all. 

This is the eighth year the award will be bestowed.

Susan DeLeon

DeLeon served as director of The Umbrella, a domestic violence shelter in Ansonia, for more than 25 years. 
She is a marriage and family therapist who has received many community recognitions for her work with The Umbrella and BHCare including the Lillian Chrostowski Award from TEAM, Inc., the Silver Seal Award from the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Outstanding Community Service Award from Gateway Community-Technical College.

Griffin Hospital’s free Heart Wellness Clinic helps those with congestive heart failure stay well by giving them regular screening and support and providing a better understanding of their condition by equipping them with skills and strategies to stay healthy and avoid preventable hospital admissions.

Increase disease awareness

The Caring Heart Award is presented by the Women’s Heart Wellness Committee, which consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley. 
The primary focus of the group is to increase heart disease awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. 
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease kills nearly twice as many women in the United States as all types of cancer.

The brunch will start with registration at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9 a.m. 
There will be presentations by Griffin Hospital’s Department of Radiology Chair Dr. Devika Jajoo on ways to take care of your health, and by certified diabetes educator Mary Swansiger on diabetes prevention and management. There will also be blood pressure and diabetes testing and consultation. 

Tickets for the brunch are $25. The event is open to the public. 

Proceeds benefit the Women’s Heart Wellness Fund, which supports heart wellness programs for women in the Valley.

Valet parking will be available.

Reservations are due by March 4. 
To make a reservation or for more information, email whw@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Heart committee at Griffin Hospital in Derby seeks award nominations

DERBY - Griffin Hospital's Women’s Heart Wellness Committee (formerly Women & Heart Disease) is seeking nominations for its annual Caring Heart Awards.

These awards are presented to an individual and a group, organization or business that lives or works in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and has made significant contributions to the heart wellness of an individual or the community at large, and demonstrates a “Caring Heart” by their actions and/or volunteerism.

For a nomination form or information on how to make an email nomination, contact Eunice Lisk at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org. 

Nominations must be received by Feb. 5 to be eligible.

The award winners will be announced in February and presented at the Annual Women's Heart Wellness & Caring Heart Award Brunch to be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon March 12 at the Griffin Hospital Dining Room, 130 Division St.

Increase heart health awareness
The Women’s Heart Wellness Committee consists of healthcare professionals, heart patients, and women from throughout the Valley communities. 

The primary focus of the group is to increase heart health awareness among women, empower them to love and save their hearts, and ensure they are provided the means to do so through education and rehabilitation. 

Membership is open to all interested persons.

Tickets for the 11th Annual Women’s Heart Wellness Brunch and Awards Program event will go on sale in February. 

To learn more, become a sponsor or make a donation, call 203-732-7107 or email whw@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.