TEAM seeks donations for gift baskets for Meals on Wheels clients

 TEAM is located at 30 Elizabeth St., Derby.

TEAM slates Community Cook-Off April 25 at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

ANSONIA - TEAM’s beloved Men Who Cook event is back with a new name – Community Cookoff! Expect the same great food, drinks, raffles, music, and fun! 

TEAM’s 18th Annual Community Cookoff (formerly known as Men Who Cook) fundraiser will be held on April 25 at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway. 

We hope you will be able to join us for an evening of culinary creations from dozens of volunteer chefs in our community, along with drinks, dancing and raffles.

This event is essential to keep TEAM programs such as Meals on Wheels and medical transportation, community diaper bank, support services including housing, food, and home heating help, income tax assistance and so much more… fully operative and accessible, and able to meet the needs of all who turn to us in the most difficult of circumstances. 

We hope you will stand alongside us as we aim to ensure all our neighbors have the support and resources they need. 

And by attending the Community Cookoff, you will be a part of making a meaningful difference in the lives of over 19,000 individuals and families who turn to TEAM each year. This is a record number of people served – the needs in our community continue to grow, and we must make sure TEAM is able to respond!

Space is limited! Please purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Tickets include everything – all you can eat food, drinks, music, and dancing and fun – and can be purchased via check or cash to TEAM, Inc. 30 Elizabeth St, Derby, CT Attn: Cookoff. 

Or, purchase your tickets online at givebutter.com/teamcookoff. Sponsorship opportunities are also available! Any questions can be directed to Lillian McKenzie at lmckenzie@teaminc.org.

EVENT INCLUDES:

All you can eat food
Open bar – beer, wine, mixed drinks, soft drinks, and water
Raffles – top prize is a 7-day cruise!
Music & entertainment including Chaz of Chaz and AJ as our guest emcee!
Fun photobooth
And more! 

Shared from a Facebook event page.

Sharing memories of 2018 taco-eating contest in Seymour

 

TEAM requests community support for Meals on Wheels in Valley

March is National Meals on Wheels month! 

For just $1, add your name to a list of community supporters for Meals on Wheels and vulnerable seniors in our community! https://givebutter.com/MOW25

In the last year alone, TEAM has served 411 seniors with our Meals on Wheels program, providing over 90,000 meals. Seventy-six percent of our Meals on Wheels clients are low income (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level), 58% live in isolation and 22% are at-risk for hospitalization.

Our Request: TEAM asks for you to show your support for our Meals on Wheels program which provides a daily, healthy meal to hundreds of homebound seniors in our community. For just $1, add your name to our wall of supporters of Meals on Wheels! Our display of Wheels will be in TEAM's lobby, and we will regularly post updates of how it grows.

Meals on Wheels is the key piece for many seniors allowing them to age in place at home, where they prefer to be. Being homebound can cause many challenges in a senior’s life, but they do not need to be institutionalized if they have access to proper care and services. Meals on Wheels provides two nutritionally balanced meals a day to homebound seniors, and the delivery of these meals also acts as a daily wellness check. There have been a few incidents in which our drivers have gone to meet a client at their door, only to hear the client plea from the floor for help after a fall. The peace of mind that comes with the predictability of a Meals on Wheels delivery is priceless for homebound seniors and their loved ones.
Shared from TEAM's Facebook page.

TEAM's 17th annual Men Who Cook slated at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

Friends, TEAM's annual fundraiser, Men Who Cook, is coming soon!

Join us for a fun night of all-you-can-eat food, drinks including local craft beer & wine, raffles, music and entertainment. Our friend Chaz from Chaz and AJ will be our guest emcee!

This fundraiser supports TEAM's vital work in our community from our diaper bank & childcare, to home heating assistance, housing & food support programs, job & employment training, services for older adults including Meals on Wheels, and so much more!

Your fun night out can make a BIG difference for thousands across our region.

The event will be held from 6-10 p.m. May 3 at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway, Ansonia.

Tickets here: https://givebutter.com/mwc25

TEAM asks donations to fill spring baskets for Meals on Wheels clients

 

TEAM seeks gift basket items for Meals on Wheels program clients

It's that time of year! TEAM is beginning to put together holiday gift baskets for our Meals on Wheels clients - 220 of them!

This is something we do each year to give our homebound, older adults a surprise and a smile, and a reminder that their community cares about and values them.

Are you willing to donate any of these items to fill our baskets? Email lmckenzie@teaminc.org.

Donations are due March 15, and we ask that you let us know what you are planning to donate so we minimize any duplication. Thank you

Save the date: TEAM to present 16th annual Men Who Cook in Ansonia

It's here! TEAM's 16th Annual Men Who Cook fundraiser will be held April 20.

We hope you will be able to join us for an evening of culinary creations from over 30 teams of volunteer chefs in our community, along with drinks, dancing and raffles.

TEAM’s Men Who Cook fundraiser is essential to keep our programs such as Meals on Wheels and medical transportation, community diaper bank, support services including housing, food, and home heating help, income tax assistance and so much more… fully operative and accessible, and able to meet the needs of all who turn to us in the most difficult of circumstances. We hope you will stand alongside us as we aim to ensure all our neighbors have the support and resources they need.

And by attending Men Who Cook, you will be a part of making a meaningful difference in the lives of over 17,000 individuals and families who turn to TEAM each year.

Space is limited! Please purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Tickets include everything – all you can eat food, drinks, music and dancing and fun.
***Early Bird Tickets are on sale NOW thru Feb. 29 at $50 each!***

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE!

Visit https://teaminc.org/men-who-cook/ for more information. All questions can be directed to Lillian McKenzie: lmckenzie@teaminc.org.

LOOK WHO'S COOKING!
Harry Burlakoff, Ken Dugan and David Morgan, Michael Smith, Todd Liu, Hector Velez, Kevin Atterberry and Jorge Pezo-Candelario, Nick and Nicholas Tarasovic

Stay tuned for more!

This is shared from a Facebook event page.

TEAM seeks on-call driver for Meals on Wheels in Valley

Appealing to our community! We are looking for a back up Meals on Wheels driver. 

Seeking an individual who would be available on-call Monday thru Friday in the mornings. This is a fun and rewarding job - if interested please apply at https://teaminc.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=253...

This is shared from TEAM's Facebook page.

Save the date: TEAM slates Men Who Cook at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

Friends - we are excited to announce that Men Who Cook will be back for the first time since 2019! 

This long-standing event brings our community together over good food, drinks, dancing, raffles, and more. 

We look forward to highlighting our wonderful volunteer chefs, as well as the numerous programs TEAM runs to better the lives of individuals and families in our region, including Meals on Wheels, housing and food support programs, childcare, our Diaper Bank, medical transportation, income tax assistance, and so much more.
Tickets are on sale, and sponsorship opportunities are available. 

See further details at https://teaminc.org/men-who-cook/

More information to come! 

This is shared from TEAM's Facebook page.

Rochelle supports legislation to assist senior citizens

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D- Ansonia/Derby) is proud to support tax relief for those who receive Social Security and pensions and an increase in funding for the Meals on Wheels program, both included in the 2019 budget. 

In addition to these budgetary efforts to support seniors, Rochelle supported four additional bills focusing on seniors’ well-being and quality of life. 

Legislation passed in the most recent session included funding initiatives that will help keep seniors in their homes as long as possible, requiring appropriate staffing levels in nursing homes, providing the public access to a searchable database of people who may be a risk to our seniors and people with disabilities, and requiring certain health care providers to receive training in recognizing the signs of and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“Our older neighbors, friends, and loved ones deserve pathways to age with stability, proper support, and dignity," Rochelle said. "These legislative efforts all work toward that goal. I’m proud to be a part of improving the lives of our seniors and look forward to continued efforts in future sessions.”

A closer look at the bills:

The Budget

· Tax Relief for Seniors: This year’s budget implements tax cuts for seniors on Social Security and for those who receive pensions. For Social Security recipients who earn a total income of less than 75k/year or couples who earn less than $100,000k/year the state will no longer be taxing social security income. For those who earn above these thresholds, you will receive a 75 percent tax credit on social security. For those receiving pensions: starting this year and going forth every year until we reach zero the state will be reducing pension taxes on those earning less than $75k/year for an individual and $100k/year for a couple by 14 percent each year.

· Increase in Meals on Wheels Funding: This year’s budget saw an increase in funding for Meals on Wheels, critical for supporting thousands of seniors across the state and many seniors here in Ansonia and Derby.

Legislation

· HB6170, An Act Increasing Funding For Aging In Place Initiatives – funds various initiatives to help our older neighbors remain in their own homes as long as possible with proper support as needed.

· SB375, An Act Concerning Nursing Home Facility Staffing Levels- ensures the well-being of nursing home residents by requiring nursing homes to provide clear safety data to the state including but not limited to the number of nurses that will direct patient contact for each shift and minimum number of required staff for each shift.

· SB832, An act Concerning Registries of Persons Found Responsible For Assaults Or Other Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Or Abandonment Of Elderly Persons Or Persons With Disabilities – provides the public with access to a searchable database of perpetrators of crimes and other substantiated abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment of elderly persons or persons with disabilities.

· SB827, An Act Concerning Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Training And Best Practices – requires certain health care professionals who provide primary care or emergency treatment for adults to receive training in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease dementia. 
This bill also establishes a working group to develop recommendations on improving the care for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients.


This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Fashion show at Assumption in Ansonia to benefit Meals on Wheels

TEAM fashion show, luncheon in Ansonia to benefit Meals on Wheels

TEAM, Griffin partner to promote elderly nutrition at Derby Senior Center

Who? TEAM’s Elderly Nutrition Café Meals annually serves more than 3,000 lunches at 4 Valley café locations - this is in addition to TEAM Meals on Wheels home-delivering more than 40,000 meals in the last year alone. TEAM is a nonprofit human services organization serving the Greater Valley and surrounding region. 

What? To increase awareness of Elderly Nutrition & Wellbeing opportunities, TEAM is hosting celebrity chefs from Griffin Hospital at its Derby café location (Derby Senior Center). These congregate meal café opportunities include healthy balanced meals in a friendly group atmosphere such as senior centers, senior housing, and other suitable cafe locations. TEAM’s Elderly Nutrition Programs are offered every week at four convenient locations – these meal café opportunities are available to Valley seniors, and for those unable to access a café TEAM will deliver to homebound or isolated seniors via Meals on Wheels.

When? At noon Thursday a Hawaiian Luau style lunch will be served by Griffin Hospital Celebrity Chefs.   

Where? Derby Senior Center, 293 Main St., Derby. Serving in 12 communities, TEAM’s central offices are located at 30 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Why? TEAM is committed to maximizing opportunities for the independence and well being of our Valley seniors most in need – this event (which has more than 90 seniors who have responded!) is to help raise public awareness of these services that aim to provide nutritionally balanced meals, to reduce senior hunger and food insecurity, and to promote socialization, health, and well being for older residents in our Valley. 

For those who are homebound or isolated and unable to get to a congregate site, TEAM’s Meals on Wheels program delivers daily nutritious meals, friendly social visits, and safety checks to enrolled seniors all year long. 

TEAM’s lunchtime café meals are available at several locations throughout the Valley, with locations and days/times listed below:

Congregate Meal Program Service Locations

Callahan House

32 Smith Street

Seymour, CT 06483

Lunch Monday thru Friday, 11:30 AM

Derby Senior Center

293 Main St.

Derby

Lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:30 AM

Griffin Hospital

130 Division St.

Derby

Dinner Tuesday thru Friday, 4:30-6 PM

Oxford Senior Center

10 Church Road

Oxford

Lunch two days per month (rotating schedule) 12 PM

This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.

Save the date: Fashion show to benefit TEAM slated in Ansonia

TEAM awarded $92.7K for 2 Meals on Wheels delivery trucks

DERBY - TEAM, Inc.'s Meals on Wheels program recently received a boost when the organization was awarded $92,700 to purchase two new delivery trucks.

Read all about it here in a story by New Haven Register correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich.

Miller emcees taco-eating contest fundraiser in Seymour

Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller emceed Friday's fifth annual Taco Eating Contest at Hot Tamale Mexican Grill and Bar in Seymour to benefit TEAM's Meals on Wheels program. 


*Stay tuned for more photos in an upcoming issue of the Valley Voice newsletter.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti is ready to compete in Friday's fifth annual Cinco de Mayo taco eating contest at Hot Tamale Mexican Grill and Bar in Seymour. 
The event benefits TEAM's Meals on Wheels program that delivers hot meals to hundreds of senior citizens the Valley.


*Stay tuned for more photos from the event in an upcoming Valley Voice newsletter.

Spector Spectacular in Ansonia to benefit TEAM, Valley troupe

What do you get when some local professional actors and tell them they can perform inside a furniture showroom? 

A wonderful and unexpected experience you won’t want to miss.  

Spector Furniture and Mattress Gallery, TEAM, Inc., and Valley Shakespeare Festival have teamed up to bring you Spector Spectacular Presents Psycho Beach Party!  

The furniture showroom at 385 Main St., Ansonia, is the perfect set for the professional actors of the Valley Shakespeare Festival to perform a rendition of the off-Broadway show that combines 1950s psychological thrillers with 1960s beach movies with the 1970s slasher films – Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch.

“This is a show that is a ton of fun for an adult evening out! So many remember those Annette and Frankie moments, but never like this! Like last year, it’ll be an experience not to be missed,” said Tom Simonetti, Director, Valley Shakespeare Festival. 

Doors will open to Spector Spectacular at 6 p.m. Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 with the show starting around 7 p.m. 

The event will feature a silent auction, a raffle, a variety of foods from surrounding restaurants, including sushi and stuffed cookies, and music. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. 

Advance tickets are on sale at $35 per person ($40 at the door) with net proceeds to benefit TEAM, Inc. and Valley Shakespeare Festival. 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.SpectorFurniture.com.  

For program updates, follow Spector Spectacular on Facebook. 

This information is shared from a press release.

Luncheon, fashion show in Ansonia to benefit Meals on Wheels program

Sharing this info from a Facebook event page:

ANSONIA - Runway for Meals Intergenerational Fashion Show & Luncheon will be held Aug. 26 to benefit TEAM Meals on Wheels program. 
The event will run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Assumption Church hall, 61 N. Cliff St. 
Ticket donation is $30 for adults, $10 for children.

Fashions will be provided by Dress Barn/Dress Barn Woman, Justice for girls, Seccombe's Men's Shop, and Jos A. Bank. 

Proceeds will provide weekly hot nutritious meals to homebound, frail seniors in Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford and Shelton.