Griffin Hospital honors volunteers at annual recognition dinner

Griffin Hospital Volunteer Scholarship winners are, from left, Melanie Antony, Sai Kulkarni, and Olivia Zak.   

They are joined by, from left, Todd Liu, Griffin Vice President of Accountable Care and General Counsel, Patrick Charmel, Griffin President & CEO, and Kimberlee Richard, Griffin Vice President Patient Care Services./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital honored its volunteers for selflessly giving their time and talents to the hospital in 2021 at its Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. 

The event was held at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

A total of 128 hospital volunteers logged more than 14,800 hours last year while serving as ambassadors, candy stripers, bakers, shuttle drivers, soft touch therapy providers, writers of vital patient stories and many more roles that benefited hospital patients, visitors and staff.

“Whether it is making fresh-baked treats for patients and caregivers who are missing home, providing healing comfort with a soft touch massage, or simply being a cheerful face and a listening ear to someone who feels lonesome or anxious, each volunteer service represents priceless moments of caring and compassion that make Griffin so special,” said Patrick Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Hospital. “It is your unconditional kindness that makes Griffin exceptional.”

Students honored

Griffin Hospital also awarded its annual scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000 to high school volunteers going on to college next school year.

For 50 years, Griffin Hospital has awarded scholarships to community students pursuing advanced education. 

To qualify for these scholarships, the students must have volunteered over 100 hours at the hospital, been in high academic standing, have been accepted into an accredited college or university, demonstrated initiative and perseverance and possess exemplary moral character.

This year’s winners are Melanie Antony of Masuk High School, Sai Kulkarni of Biotechnology Research & Zoological Sciences Inter-District Magnet High School, Fairfield Wheeler Campus, and Olivia Zak of Oxford High School.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

'Not Today Cancer' benefit dinner slated for local woman at Villa Bianca in Seymour

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby to honor alumni, community members

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School will honor seven school alumni and community members for their service to the school and community at its annual Alumni Recognition Dinner and Auction event.

John Saccu, Andrea Hyde, Rev. Christopher M. Tiano, Arthur T. and Patsy A. Gerckens, Rebecca Keane, and Paugassett Hook & Ladder Company No. 4 of Derby will receive awards at the Recognition Dinner and Auction April 9 from 5:30-10 p.m. at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

John Saccu and Andrea Hyde will receive the Guardian Angel Award which is given to individuals who have made an impact through service in their community, or for other humanitarian efforts that reflect the mission of St. Mary-St. Michael School.

Rev. Tiano and Arthur and Patsy Gerckens will receive the Spirit of St. Mary-St. Michael School Award, which is given to alumni who have made a significant positive impact in their field or profession, in the community in which they reside.

Rebecca Keane and Paugassett Fire Department will receive the Christian Compassion Award, which is given to individuals or groups who have served the community and school in countless ways, embodying the spirit of generosity, kindness, and goodwill.

Tickets are $50 per person with tables of 10 available for $450. The event will feature a cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres, dinner, award ceremony, live music, dancing, raffles, and a live auction for many unique items. 

Tickets can be purchased at www.stmarystmichael.org.

Event sponsorship opportunities are available online at www.stmarystmchael.org, as well as space in the event program book for advertisements, congratulatory, and in memoriam messages. 

Contact Principal Grace Torres at gtorres@stmarystmichael.org or 203-735-6471 for reservations and sponsorship information.

Proceeds will benefit current educational initiatives and enrichment programs for the school. 

For more information about St. Mary-St. Michael School, visit www.stmaryst-michael.org.

This is a press release from the school.

Save the date: Valley United Way to hold annual meeting in April

SEYMOUR - The Valley United Way will reveal its new strategic path for the future at its annual meeting from 5:30-8 p.m. April 30 at The Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive.

*This information is shared from a Facebook event page.

Treasured Time slates Shopping Extravaganza in Seymour

Valley Chamber to hold 48th Annual Gold Seal Awards Reception

Save the date: Treasured Time to host Shopping Extravaganza in Seymour

6 women to be honored at luncheon, fundraiser at Villa Bianca in Seymour

Contributed photo

SEYMOUR - The Valley Women's Health Initiative Thursday will honor women from Derby, Oxford, Stratford, and Milford at the 19th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Luncheon and Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

The luncheon will be held from noon-2 p.m. at the Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive.

The tribute recognizes outstanding women who have made positive contributions to the community and have demonstrated significant achievement in their fields of endeavor, both professional and volunteer.

This year’s honorees are Barbara Casagrande and Elizabeth Johnson, both of Oxford, Dr. Joyce Chung and Maggie Sessa, both of Derby, Kathy Radin of Stratford, and Elizabeth “Liz” Kennard of Milford. 

Jocelyn Maminta, Good Morning Connecticut at Nine co-anchor and Emmy Award-nominated Medical Reporter for News 8, will host the event.

Valley Breast Health Care Fund

Proceeds from the event benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund. 

Established in 2001, this fund is an effort to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

To purchase tickets or to make a donation, call 203-734-6945, nvbv1952gmail.com or send to N. Valentine, 18 Farrell Drive, Ansonia, 06401.    

The Women’s Health Initiative, Co-Chaired by Kate Cosgrove of Oxford and Dr. Stephanie Wain of Griffin Hospital, is comprised of members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women’s breast health issues.  

Committee members include Darlene Breving, Oxford; Cary Carpino, Derby; Dolores Chew, Beacon Falls; Christine Cooper, Seymour; Dorothy Gandy, Naugatuck; Antonietta Hallet, Southbury; Elizabeth Johnson, Oxford; Peggy Marlowe, Hamden; Lori Murphy, Derby; Monica Oris, Derby; Shayne Seccombe, Derby; Patricia Tarasovic, Oxford, Nancy Valentine, Ansonia.   Committee membership is open to all interested persons.

About The Valley Women’s Health Initiative

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is a coalition of health agencies, community leaders, and volunteers from the Valley community working toward the common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues including breast cancer awareness and heart disease.

To join or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/VWHI.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Save the date: Treasured Time to hold fundraiser at Villa Bianca in Seymour

Women Making a Difference in the Valley luncheon slated in Seymour

Griffin Hospital honors volunteers at annual dinner in Seymour

This year’s Griffin Hospital Volunteer Scholarship winners are, from left, Michelle Antony, Amanda Bean, Britney Swanson, Lekeisha Fonseca, and Bonnie Trelease. /Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital recently honored its volunteers for selflessly giving their time and talents to the hospital in 2018 at its Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

A total of 328 hospital volunteers logged more than 34,900 hours last year while serving as ambassadors, candy stripers, bakers, shuttle drivers, room service, soft touch therapy providers, writers of vital patient stories and many more roles that benefited hospital patients, visitors, and staff.

“Each volunteer hour represents priceless moments of caring and compassion that make Griffin so special,” said Patrick Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Hospital. “Whether it is making fresh-baked treats for patients and caregivers who are missing home, providing healing comfort with a soft touch massage, or simply being a cheerful face and a listening ear to someone who feels lonesome or anxious – it is your unconditional kindness that makes Griffin exceptional.” 

Students honored

Griffin Hospital also awarded its annual scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000 to high school volunteers going on to college next school year.

For 50 years, Griffin Hospital has awarded scholarships to community students pursuing advanced education.  
In order to qualify for these scholarships, the students must have volunteered over 100 hours at the hospital, been in high academic standing, have been accepted into an accredited college or university, demonstrated initiative and perseverance and possess exemplary moral character.

This year’s winners are Amanda Bean, of Shelton High, Michelle Antony and Britney Swanson of Masuk High, Bonnie Trelease, of Oxford High, and Lekeisha Fonseca, of Ansonia High.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Valley Women's Health Initiative to honor 5 at luncheon in Seymour

DERBY - The Valley Women's Health Initiative will recognize five outstanding women at the 18th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Luncheon and Breast Cancer Fundraiser Oct. 4.

The event will be held from noon-2 p.m. at the Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive, Seymour.

This year’s honorees are: Arlene Greco, of Naugatuck, formerly of BHCare and currently with United Methodist Homes in Shelton; Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation at Griffin Hospital Eunice Lisk of Stratford; Operations Manager for Access Information Management Business Jennifer Magri of Seymour; and TEAM, Inc. Administrative Assistant Silvia Paytas of Oxford.
Special recognition will be given to Longaberger Private Consultant Maria Ammar.

The Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Award recognizes outstanding women who have made positive contributions to the community and have demonstrated significant achievement in their fields of endeavor, both professional and volunteer.

Tickets for the luncheon are $45 per person. Supporters are encouraged to become “Make a Difference” and “Pink Ribbon” sponsors through ad donations. 
Ad prices range from $30 for a business card sized ad to $1,000 or more as a “Make a Difference” sponsor, which entitles the purchaser to a reserved table for 10 at the event, a full page ad in the program booklet and recognition as event sponsor. 
A “friends” listing is only $5.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund. Established in 2001, the Fund works to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

To purchase a ticket or make a donation, call 203-734-6945, email nvbv1952@gmail.com, or send a letter to N. Valentine at 18 Farrell Drive, Ansonia, 06401. 
To become a sponsor or place a congratulatory ad, call 203-233-7639 or email dott.g@comcast.net. The deadline for ad placement is Sept. 14 and the deadline for ticket purchases is Sept. 28.

The Women’s Health Initiative, co-chaired by Kate Cosgrove of Oxford and Dr. Stephanie Wain of Griffin Hospital, is comprised of members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women’s breast health issues. 
Committee members include Darlene Breving, Cary Carpino, Dolores Chew, Christine Cooper, Dorothy Gandy, Antonietta Hallet, Elizabeth Johnson, Peggy Marlowe, Francis Michaud, Shayne Seccombe, Patricia Tarasovic, and Nancy Valentine. Committee membership is open to all interested persons.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Dinner in Seymour honors Ansonia resident retiring from TEAM

Diane Stroman

Hundreds of family members, friends, and colleagues turned out on a stormy evening Tuesday to honor beloved Ansonia resident Diane Stroman. 
She recently retired after a quarter-century of working tirelessly at TEAM, Inc. to help needy residents of the Valley and surrounding communities. 
Diane's co-workers made sure she had a lovely throne to enjoy during the festivities held at the Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

Griffin Hospital honors volunteers, awards scholarships at Seymour dinner

Contributed photo

This year’s Griffin Hospital Volunteer Scholarship recipients are, from left, Shelton resident Megan Duffy of Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, Molly Schiffer and Stephanie Tabaka of Seymour High School, and Samantha Tiberi of Shelton High School.

DERBY – Griffin Hospital honored its volunteers for selflessly giving their time and talents to the hospital in 2017 at its Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner held at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour recently.

A total of 326 hospital volunteers logged more than 38,205 hours last year while serving as ambassadors, candy stripers, bakers, shuttle drivers, room service, soft touch therapy providers, writers of vital patient stories, and many more roles that benefited hospital patients, visitors, and staff.

“Over the past several years, Griffin has grown its presence far beyond the hospital’s walls into the communities we serve, now focusing our attention and energy almost as much on promoting health and preventing illness as we do on treating it," said Patrick Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Hospital. 

"As we continue that transition, the time, talents and passion for service volunteers provide every day will be even more critical to efforts to care for our community.” 

Charmel thanked the volunteers for their compassion and caring, and the priceless smiles and comfort they provide to Griffin’s patients and caregivers.

Students honored

Griffin Hospital also awarded its annual scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000 to high school volunteers going on to college next school year.

For 50 years, Griffin has awarded scholarships to community students pursuing advanced education.

In order to qualify for these scholarships, the students must have volunteered over 100 hours at the hospital, been in high academic standing, have been accepted into an accredited college or university, demonstrated initiative and perseverance and possess exemplary moral character.

This year’s winners are Samantha Tiberi of Shelton High School, Molly Schiffer and Stephanie Tabaka of Seymour High School, and Shelton resident Megan Duffy of Sacred Heart Academy.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Valley United Way to hold Great Gatsby Gala fundraiser

SHELTON -The Valley United Way will hold its 4th Annual Great Gatsby Gala to benefit Valley Food Insecurity at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 20, at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

The exciting and elegant event is based upon The Great Gatsby, the epic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel that follows a cast of characters living in the fictional town of West Egg on prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922. 

Guests at the gala can dress in 1920s attire and there will be a costume contest for the best-dressed individuals.

A sumptuous dinner includes starters such as fried calamari, crab-stuffed mushrooms, pastry puffs with spinach, as well as main courses and side dishes including mouth-watering carving stations of salmon, beef, chicken and potatoes, pastas, and salads. A beautiful Venetian dessert table tops off the meal. 

Bottles of wine will be provided at each table and a cash bar will be open throughout the evening.

The Rob Zappulla 13-Piece Big Band will perform 1920s-to-50s-era music as well as popular songs through the '50s. 

Zappulla was featured vocalist for eight years in the famed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, led by the late Buddy Morrow.

In addition, there will be a live and silent auction, door prizes and valet parking. Professional dancer Kristen Prall, owner of the studio Art in Motion, will perform and provide dance instruction.

Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased online at valleyunitedway.org. 

For more information or to order tickets by phone, call 203-926-9478.


This is a press release from the Valley United Way, a leading philanthropic organization serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton. Its mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration.

Treasured Time to host fundraiser Thursday in Seymour

SEYMOUR  - Join Treasured Time for its 5th Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza and its Red, White and Rosé Wine Tasting fundraiser Thursday at The Inn at Villa Bianca.
The Shopping Extravaganza will be from 5-9 p.m. 

For a $5 donation, visitors can do all their holiday shopping in one place with more than 40 vendors, and a free ticket for raffle prizes.

There will be a visit from Santa from 5:15-8:15 p.m. DJ Phyllis Kaplan from Lone Wolf Productions will be playing songs to spread the holiday spirit, and there will be a free gift wrapping table.

The Wine Tasting will be from 6-8:30 p.m. For a $50 donation, participants can take their palate on a journey around the U.S., sampling a variety domestic wines, beers and ciders. Admission also includes hors d'oeuvres, a pasta station and dessert. Combo rates are available with two tickets for $80.

The Wine Tasting will feature unique silent auction items and a “wine pull game” in which $10 purchases a wrapped “mystery” bottle of wine. 
There will also be live music by Paula Pettinella and homemade cupcakes with a boozy twist by Sugar and Spice Cupcakes.

The Wine Tasting is held in partnership with GLENRO Spirit Shoppe in Monroe. 
Both events are sponsored by the Hampton Inn, Shelton and Jason Oberhand, DDS Family Dentistry, Trumbull.

Tickets for both events can be purchased at treasuredtime.org. 

The mission of Treasured Time is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.

For more information about the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza or the Red, White and Rosé Wine Tasting, contact Lindsay at 203-446-1068, lindsay@treasuredtime.org, or visit Treasured Time on Facebook.

This is a press release from Treasured Time. 

Wine tasting at Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour to benefit Treasured Time

Holiday shopping event in Seymour to benefit Treasured Time

SEYMOUR - Treasured Time, Inc. is hosting its fifth annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Nov. 16 at The Inn at Villa Bianca. 

Join us for a night of shopping from 40+ specialty vendors and crafters, raffles, music from DJ Phylis of Lone Wolf Productions, photos with Santa, and an appearance by Harmony on the Sound Chorus Singers!

$5 donation at the door (includes free raffle ticket)

At Treasured Time, our goal is to help grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who seek to create a memorable family experience, during an incredibly difficult time in their life. Our unique approach is in understanding the value of getting to know our families well, so that we can come to appreciate what matters most to them.

Together we develop creative adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. These experiences will be the building blocks that create lasting memories for our families for years to come. The team at Treasured Time wants families to be given the opportunity to laugh a bit harder, love a bit more, and fondly remember the "gift of moments" forever.

Treasured Time, Inc. is a CT based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children. 
With your help, Treasured Time, Inc. can provide these families with the "Gift of Moments."
To see how you can help make a difference, visit www.treasuredtime.org.


This info is shared from a Facebook event page.

Valley Women's Health Initiative to honor 6 at luncheon in Seymour

DERBY - The Valley Women's Health Initiative will honor six women at the 17th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Luncheon and Breast Cancer Fundraiser Oct. 5 from noon-2 p.m. 

The event will be held at the Inn at Villa Bianca, 312 Roosevelt Drive, Seymour.

The tribute recognizes outstanding women who have made positive contributions to the community and have demonstrated significant achievement in their fields of endeavor, both professional and volunteer.

This year’s honorees are: Jodi Dawley of Shelton, Donna Hayes of Derby, Tammy Link of Ansonia, Sheryl Riley of Shelton; Karen Spargo of Seymour, and Dawn Supranovich of Seymour.

Liz Kennard of Comcast will host this year’s event.

Proceeds benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund. 

Established in 2001, this fund is an effort to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

Supporters are encouraged to become Make a Difference and Pink Ribbon sponsors by donating for an ad in the program booklet. 

Ad prices range from $30 for a business card-sized ad to $1,000 or more to become a “Make a Difference” sponsor, which offers a reserved table for 10 at the Luncheon, a full-page ad, and recognition as event sponsor on all publicity.

Tickets for the event are $40 per person. The deadline for reservations is Sept. 28.

To purchase a ticket or to make a donation, call 203-734-6945, email nvbv1952@gmail.com, or send mail to N. Valentine, 18 Farrell Drive, Ansonia, CT 06401. 
To become a sponsor of the event or place a congratulatory ad, call 203-233-7639 or email dott.g@comcast.net.

The luncheon is sponsored by the Women’s Health Initiative in conjunction with Griffin Hospital in Derby, The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and Bigelow Tea of Fairfield.

The Women’s Health Initiative, co-chaired by Kate Cosgrove of Oxford, and Dr. Stephanie Wain of Griffin Hospital, is comprised of members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women’s breast health issues. 

Committee members include Darlene Breving of Oxford; Cary Carpino of Derby; Dolores Chew of Beacon Falls; Christine Cooper of Seymour; Karen T. Cusick of Woodbridge; Dorothy Gandy of Naugatuck; Antonietta Hallet of Southbury, Elizabeth Johnson of Oxford, Lisa Kechijian of Derby, Peggy Marlowe of Hamden, Francis Michaud of Ansonia, Patricia Tarasovic of Oxford, and Nancy Valentine of Ansonia. Committee membership is open to all interested persons.

About The Valley Women’s Health Initiative
The Valley Women's Health Initiative is a coalition of health agencies, community leaders, and volunteers from the Valley community working toward the common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues including breast cancer awareness and heart disease.
To join or for more information, visit griffinhealth.org/VWHI.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

'Circle of Friends' at Griffin in Derby applaud facilitator on award nomination

At our Circle of Friends breast cancer support group meeting Thursday at Griffin Hospital we learned co-facilitator Donna Hayes, center, was nominated for the 17th annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Award. 

Co-facilitator Joyce Grohe, left, announced the honor for Hayes, who is oncology social worker at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.
Congratulations, Donna, on this recognition! It's certainly well-deserved.
When I snapped the photo at our annual ice cream social I didn't realize Grohe and Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming, right, also are recipients of this prestigious award for all they do in the community. 

The Tribute Luncheon and Fundraiser will be held at noon Oct. 5 at the Inn at Villa Bianca, Roosevelt Drive, Seymour. 

Sponsor opportunities and congratulatory ads in the luncheon’s souvenir program are available. 

Contact Dorothy Gandy at dott.g@comcast.net 

for sponsorship and ticket information. Proceeds are earmarked for the Valley Breast Health Care Fund, a donor-advised fund administered by the Valley Community Foundation.

Founded in 1999 with the support and leadership of Griffin Hospital, The Valley Women’s Health Initiative is comprised of members of the community working toward a goal of improving women’s health and quality of life in the Valley. 

Its primary goal is to reach out to any person who cannot afford breast cancer screening and diagnostic imaging costs and enable them to receive it.