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.

Newsletter: Women's Health Initiative, Seymour Pink cut-a-thon, more

Dear readers, 

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features Women Making a Difference in the Valley awards, a Center Stage production in Shelton, and Seymour Pink cut-a-thon. 

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph

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.

Nominations sought for Women Making a Difference in the Valley

DERBY - The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations of area women who have made positive contributions to the community to be honored at its 17th Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute Luncheon and Fundraiser.

The luncheon and fundraiser will be from noon-2 p.m. Oct. 5 at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour. 

Over the past 16 years, more than 100 women from various walks of life who live or work in the Naugatuck Valley have been honored at this event.

Individuals, business leaders, and organizations are invited to submit nominations. Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. 

Nominees must live or work in Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, or Shelton. 

Nomination forms are available on the Valley Women’s Health Initiative page on griffinhealth.org or by contacting Dorothy Gandy at dott.g@comcast.net or 203-233-7639.
Nominations must be submitted by July 31.

Selected honorees and their nominator will attend the luncheon as guests of the Valley Women's Health Initiative. Tickets will go on sale in August.

Sponsor opportunities and congratulatory advertisements in the luncheon’s souvenir program are available. Contact Gandy at dott.g@comcast.net for 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 common 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.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

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

SEYMOUR - The Valley Women's Health Initiative will honor five women Oct. 6 at the 16th annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute and Fundraising Luncheon. 

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

A special recognition award will be presented to William C. Powanda of Seymour, retired vice president of Griffin Hospital in Derby.

The 2016 honorees are: Linda Dozynski of Oxford, Janette Fedak of Derby, Esther Jones of Derby, Anastasia Timpko of Seymour, and Jenn Moffatt of Ansonia.
Liz Kennard will host the event. The committee is co-chaired by Kate Cosgrove and Stephanie Wain, M.D.

The luncheon is sponsored in conjunction with Griffin Hospital, The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, and Bigelow Tea, Fairfield.

Tickets are $40 a person.

For information call D. Gandy at 203-233-7639 or K. Cosgrove at 203-888-3290.

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is comprised of members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues.

The initiative sponsors two major fundraisers each year: the annual "Women Making a Difference in the Valley" event and an annual Spring Tea.

Funds raised from the luncheon will benefit the Valley Breast Care Health Fund.

Initiative seeks nominations for Women Making a Difference in the Valley award

DERBY - The Valley Women's Health Initiative is seeking nominations of area women who have made positive contributions to the community to be honored at its Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute.

The luncheon and fundraiser will be from noon-2 p.m. Oct. 6 at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour. 

Over the past 15 years, more than 100 women from various walks of life who live or work in the Naugatuck Valley have been honored at this event.

Individuals, business leaders, and organizations are invited to submit nominations. 

Nominees should exemplify the multi-dimensional role women play in today's society as demonstrated by the contributions they have made to positively affect their community. Nominees must live or work in Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, or Shelton. 

Nomination forms are available on the Valley Women’s Health Initiative page on griffinhealth.org or by emailing Chris Cooper at ccooper1064@yahoo.com. 

Nominations must be submitted by Aug. 1.

Selected honorees and their nominator will attend the luncheon as guests of the Valley Women's Health Initiative. Reservations are $40 per person and will go on sale in August.

Sponsor opportunities and congratulatory advertisements in the luncheon’s souvenir program are available. Contact Dorothy Gandy at contact dott.g@comcast.net for information.

Valley Breast Health Care Fund

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 common 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.

Members of the committee include Co-Chairs: Kate Cosgrove and Dr. Stephanie Wain; Daun Barrett, Darlene Breving, Cary Carpino, Dolores Chew, Christine Cooper, Karen Cusick; Dorothy Gandy, Antonietta Hallet, Elizabeth Johnson, Lisa Kechijian, Peggy Marlowe, Frank Michaud, Mia Talamelli, Patricia Tarasovic, and Nancy Valentine.

To learn about the various ways you can help support the Annual Women Making a Difference in the Valley Tribute, call Chris at 203-733-7266, Dorothy at 203-233-7639 or Kate at 203-888-3290.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Women's Health Initiative to host tea fundraiser at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Get a head start on Mother's Day by spending an enjoyable afternoon together April 24 at the Women's Health Initiative Tea Fundraiser featuring a buffet meal, raffles, and door prizes. 

And be sure you all wear a “favorite” hat!

Hosted by members of the Women's Health Initiative to benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund, the Tea will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Dining Room at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

Dr. Mark Melendez of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Associates, with offices in Shelton, Fairfield, and Greenwich, is special guest speaker. 

Elizabeth Johnson, representing Bigelow Tea in Fairfield, will be on hand to describe the various teas and associated health benefits.

This annual event is co-chaired by Patricia Tarasovic and Kate Cosgrove.

Cost is $30 per person. Reserve your seat by contacting Nancy at 203-734-6945 or nvbv@hotmail.com or send a check made payable to the Valley Breast Health Care Fund to Nancy Valentine, 18 Farrell Drive, Ansonia, 06401. Donations are also welcome.

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is comprised of members of the community working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues including breast cancer awareness and heart disease. 

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

Committee members include co-chairs Kate Cosgrove and Dr. Stephanie Wain; Daun Barrett, Carey Carpino, Christine Cooper, Dolores Chew, Karen Cusick, Dorothy Gandy, Antoinetta Hallett, Elizabeth Johnson, Lisa Kechijian, Peggy Marlowe, Frank Michaud, Mia Talamelli, Pat Tarasovic, and Nancy Valentine. The group also sponsors an Annual Women Making A Difference Tribute and Fundraiser each October in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Membership is open to all persons interested in promoting and supporting breast cancer awareness and wellness.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Save the date: Tea planned in April to benefit Valley Breast Health Care Fund

DERBY - The Valley Breast Health Care Initiative (Women Making a Difference) will host the 9th Annual Tea to benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund from 2-4 p.m. April 24 at Griffin Hospital.

The hospital is at 130 Division St.  

That's all the info I have so far..stay tuned for more.