Derby, Ansonia Little Leagues permanently combine, to meet Sept. 28

 

Griffin Health in Derby names chair of the Department of Medicine

 Joao Fontes, M.D.

Griffin Health has announced Dr. João Daniel Trindade Fontes, MD, MPH, FACC, is its new Chair of the Department of Medicine.

Dr. Fontes brings a rare combination of deep clinical expertise, population health leadership, and academic rigor to the role. 

As Chair, he will lead the strategic direction of Griffin's medical services, overseeing clinical quality and safety, guiding physician engagement and performance, and identifying where new technology and innovation can improve how care is delivered. 

With extensive knowledge, experience, and leadership in academic and clinical healthcare, Dr. Fontes will be an instrumental addition to Griffin as it continues to evolve and enhance population health and value-based care initiatives. 

Dr. Fontes trained at Boston University School of Medicine, completing his residency in internal medicine alongside fellowships in advanced heart failure and cardiovascular medicine, and concurrent with a research fellowship in cardiovascular epidemiology at the landmark Framingham Heart Study. He holds a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Clinical Effectiveness from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where he built the analytical foundation he now applies to quality measurement, cost-effectiveness, and care delivery design.

Prior to Griffin, Dr. Fontes served as Director of Inpatient Cardiology Services and Director of Innovation and Technology in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He also served as Director of Quality and Population Outcomes at Pacific Cardiovascular Associates in Orange County, California, where he led practice-wide initiatives to improve outcomes and cost efficiency across a large cardiology group. He has held faculty appointments as Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He was recognized for exceptional instruction of residents and fellows with the Teaching Faculty of the Year Award at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Across these roles, Dr. Fontes has excelled in translating clinical expertise into stronger operational outcomes for the organizations he serves.

Dr. Fontes' commitment to accessible, high-quality care extends internationally. He has volunteered as a cardiologist and Board member with Moyo Cardiac Missions in Tanzania as part of an effort to advance complex cardiac care in emerging countries. These missions provide cardiac imaging, consultation, and hands-on training to local physicians and technologists caring for patients with congenital and rheumatic heart disease.  

“I’m proud to take on this role, and my focus is to be an exceptional leader,” Dr. Fontes said. “Griffin’s person-centered approach to care, and its commitment to the health of this community, is exactly what brought me here. Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to work that connects what happens at the bedside to how a health system performs as a whole. I look forward to strengthening the quality of care, partnering with our physicians to ensure consistent care delivery based on best practices, and a population health and value-based care strategy that serves patients well beyond our walls.”

About Griffin Health

Griffin Health is a not-for-profit health care system that includes the award-winning Griffin Hospital, an independent community teaching hospital located in Derby, Connecticut and its integrated medical practice Griffin Faculty Physicians.  Griffin Hospital is a 160-bed acute care community hospital serving more than 130,000 residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Region.

Griffin Hospital is the flagship hospital for Planetree, an international consumer healthcare organization dedicated to promoting patient-centered care, and has received national recognition for creating a healthcare facility and an approach to patient care that is responsive to the needs of the whole person and their loved ones. Griffin’s commitment to the patient-centered care philosophy enhances its mission to improve the well-being of its communities by empowering individuals with health education, wellness programs and assistance with conditions that adversely affect health. 

Many healthcare organizations around the world send visitors to Griffin Hospital’s facilities and incorporate its Planetree concepts into their healthcare delivery models.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

CT Foodshare to visit St. Mary's Church Tuesday

DERBY - CT Foodshare will return to St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 2:15-3 p.m. All are welcome to receive food, no questions asked. Tickets will be distributed at 2 p.m. to anyone who is physically in line. No placeholding allowed. Next visit Oct 6.

The church is at 212 Elizabeth St.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts this week's sales

 A bunch of golden sales this week as the shop is overflowing with fresh fall stock, one-of-a-kind treasures, and lots of spooky stuff! 

Open 6 days! Mon-Fri 9:30-2:30, Sat 9:30-4:00! Food donations especially needed! 203-734-7577.

Blessing of the Animals slated Oct. 4 at St. Mary's Church in Derby

 

Rochelle to meet with constituents Friday at Valley Diner in Derby

 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host author of gender transitioning guide

DERBY- The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. will host an evening of support and acceptance, exploring the experience of gender transitioning featuring Connecticut author Jillian Celentano  Sept. 21 at 6 pm.

This empowering and positive event will discuss the complexities of transitioning to help others gain understanding and feel comfortable with diversity, equality and inclusion as Celentano reads selections from her book, Transitioning Later in Life. 

She is a transgender woman, a licensed psychotherapist and social worker, educator, researcher, and advocate who has experience supporting transgender and gender-expansive individuals and families. She's co-authored studies on transgender health and works as a therapist, medical educator and standardized patient at Quinnipiac and Yale universities.

Attendees will receive a free copy of Transitioning Later in Life. There will also be time for Q&A.

Seating is limited and registration is required. To sign up or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/transitioning or contact the Community Health Resource Center at griflib@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7399.

This event is sponsored by the Griffin Health LGBTQ+ Resource Committee which addresses the needs of Griffin's LGBTQ+ staff, patients and community at large. As a Planetree patient-centered healthcare provider, Griffin is committed to reviewing, addressing and affirming the specific and unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in order to provide exceptional care.

About the Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy-to-read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., providing access to trusted information on ways to enhance well-being, prevent illness and empower individuals to take an active role in decisions about their health. 

To learn more about the Center, visit griffinhealth.org/library. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby honors mental health worker with BEE Award

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Mental Health Worker Miguel “Mike” Ortiz, of New Haven, with the Being Extraordinary Everyday (BEE) Award for nursing support caregivers.

The BEE Award at Griffin Health honors nursing support caregivers who are committed to providing an exceptional care experience for patients and their loved ones, and fellow caregivers. Just as the bee helps strengthen flowers, nurses provide high-quality, person-centered patient care with the outstanding assistance of a support team.

A caregiver at Griffin for five years, Ortiz was nominated by a fellow caregiver in Griffin’s Inpatient Psychiatry Unit his incredible compassion for patients and team members.

“Mike’s impact extends far beyond a single act or moment,” the nomination for Ortiz stated. 

“Each day, he arrives with a positive attitude, unwavering dedication, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of his patients and colleagues. Patients naturally gravitate toward Mike during their most difficult moments because of his calm presence, empathy, and ability to create a sense of safety and comfort. His exceptional communication and de-escalation skills help foster a therapeutic environment where patients feel heard, respected, and supported.

“Mike's compassion reaches beyond patient care and into every interaction with his team. He is often the first to step forward during times of crisis, ensuring both patients and coworkers are cared for. Whether volunteering for additional shifts, mentoring new staff, sharing his knowledge, preparing meals for colleagues, or simply bringing smiles and encouragement during challenging days, Mike exemplifies what it means to serve others selflessly.”

Griffin Health caregivers eligible for the BEE award are all non-nursing team members from the Griffin Health Patient Care Division, including Unit Clerks, Telemetry Technicians, Multi-Skilled Technicians, Obstetrics Technicians, Certified Surgical Technicians, Gastrointestinal Technicians, Central Processing Department Technicians, Certified Nursing Assistants, Mental Health Workers, Patient Safety Monitors, Continuous Video Monitoring Technicians, Environmental/Housekeeping Team Members, Patient Transporters, Dining Services Representatives, Valet Attendants and Shuttle Drivers.

Patients, visitors, and Griffin Health caregivers can nominate deserving members of the nursing support team by filling out a nomination form available at Griffin Hospital.

CWV Post 1562 Auxiliary in Derby to hold basket bingo Wednesday

St. Vincent de Paul in Derby features 'mumtastic' sales this week

Mum-tastic deals with new one-of-a-kind clothing, treasures, fall decor, and Halloween costumes put out every day!

Volunteer opportunities with our wonderful crew! Give us a try!

Rocktoberfest 2026 on tap at St. Mary's Church Hall in Derby

 

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to hold bottle, can drive

 

Healthy U at Griffin Hospital in Derby to discuss Hispanic health

DERBY -The Healthy U Lecture Series at the Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital will provide an in-depth discussion about healthy living for individuals with Hispanic heritage on Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.

Led by Griffin Health’s Spanish-speaking primary care physicians, this free program features trusted medical insight into the health concerns and risk factors for Hispanic individuals, and how to improve their overall well-being. There will be ample time for participants to ask the medical experts questions.

The Healthy U Lecture Series offers physician-led presentations and discussions to help individuals better understand how the human body functions and be empowered to manage their health and well-being. 

Griffin Health medical experts will provide in-depth information about the body’s systems to best explain health topics including diabetes prevention, cancer awareness, mental wellness, heart health, nutrition, and exercise for individuals who want to learn more about wellness and disease prevention.

Healthy U is held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Community Health Resource Center. 

The topics for each month are: October - Cancer Prevention and Genetic Testing; November – Diabetes Management and Prediabetes Prevention; and December - Healthy Aging.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203-732-7399 or register at www.griffinhealth.org/Healthy-U.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Marks of Design Diamond Dig to benefit Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital

 

CT Foodshare to visit St. Mary's Church in Derby Tuesday

DERBY - CT Foodshare will return to St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 2:15-3 p.m. All are welcome to receive food, no questions asked.  tickets will be distributed at 2 p.m. to anyone who is physically in line.

No placeholding allowed. Next visit Sept 22.

The church is at 212 Elizabeth St.

St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Derby in need of donations

 

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts this week's sales

We're serving up great sales starting Tuesday and beyond! Fall fashions and decor are out for your shopping pleasure!
Kitchen and household items, collectibles, toys, books, jewelry, domestics, and more! 

Feel good knowing you're supporting our busy Valley food pantry!
(Closed Monday for Labor Day) Open Tues- Fri 9:30-2:30, Sat 9:30-4:00

CWV Post in Derby to host Basket Bingo to benefit CT Burns Care Foundation

 

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop in Derby posts this week's sales

Come on in Monday to Friday since we're closed Saturday for Labor Day weekend! We have fields of new stock, fall clothing, one-of-a-kind items flowing out onto the sales floor all day long. Fall and Halloween decor is glowing in the back room!

Griffin Health presents multi-skilled technician with staff excellence award

DERBY - Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including its 2026 Caregiver Excellence Award winner, Multi-Skilled Technician Rachel Layseca.

The Caregiver Excellence Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health employee whom others believe demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, the highest level of standards and excellent patient care, and consistently exhibits caring, commitment, and compassion towards patients and coworkers.

A four-year Griffin caregiver in the hospital’s Emergency Department, Rachel was selected for the award for being a leader who sets a high standard for herself and inspires those around her.

“Rachel is the kind of teammate every nurse hopes to work with,” the nomination for Rachel states. “When Rachel is assigned as your technician, you know you will have an outstanding partner who anticipates patient needs, communicates effectively, and works seamlessly with the entire health care team. She consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a positive attitude, even in the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of the Emergency Department.”