Calypso-themed Griffin Gala slated Oct. 3 at Oakdale Theater in Wallingford

 The 2026 Griffin Health Gala offers an enchanting evening of Caribbean music, dance and cuisine on Oct. 3 from 6-10:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Theater, 95 S. Turnpike Road, Wallingford.

Entitled Calypso Nights, this unforgettable event will feature the rhythmic sounds of steel drums, striking tropical décor, and a menu inspired by bold island flavor, creating an immersive and memorable experience rooted in a shared commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our community.

Guests will be inspired to dance the night away as Therapi Band blends timeless hits with infectious island energy. 

There will also be live and silent auctions featuring an exciting selection of items and experiences, including private chef dining at home, VIP Live Nation music experiences around Connecticut, Calypso dance lessons, a Portland, Maine getaway, Caribbean travel, New York City Football Club suite tickets, designer handbags from Dooney & Bourke, spa and winery experiences, and much more.

Individual tickets are $225 and a table of 10 is $2,250. The Gala is championed by Calypso Crown Presenting Sponsor Haynes Group and Apple Rehab, Aquarion Water Co., Bankwell Judi Health, Carmody Torrance Sandak Hennessey LLP, Connecticut Hospital Association, Heidell, Pittoni, Meritain Health, Murphy & Bach, LLP, Ion Bank, Jefferson Radiology, Integrated Anesthesia Associates, Robinson & Cole, LLP, TeamHealth, TD Bank, The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, The Resource Group, and the Valley Community Foundation. 

More sponsorship opportunities are available at www.griffinhealth.org/gala.

Proceeds will support exceptional cancer care by bringing advanced radiation therapy technology to the Lower Naugatuck Valley community, expanding access to leading-edge treatment and ensuring cancer patients receive the care they need close-to-home.

Tickets can be purchased at www.griffinhealth.org/gala. 

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Nista at 203-732-7384 or Lnista@griffinhealth.org.

Griffin Health slates 2025 gala at Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford

Take an unforgettable trip “Under the Sea” at the 2025 Griffin Health Gala Nov. 8 from 6-10:30 p.m. at Oakdale Theatre, 95 S. Turnpike Road, Wallingford.

Featuring a magical ocean-inspired atmosphere, sumptuous dining accentuated by the exotic flavors of the sea, and the energetic sounds of DizzyFish & The Uptown Horns, this elegant evening invites guests to make waves while helping create lasting impact by supporting person-centered health care.

Guests will be floating across the dance floor to “The Best of the 70s,” an electric show by DizzyFish & The Uptown Horns that celebrates the timeless songs of The Beatles, Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones, John Denver, Eagles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Rogers, and more. 

DizzyFish is led by singer and guitarist, Eric Herbst, a powerful live performer who has shared the stage with ZZ Top, Steve Miller, and George Thorogood, and punctuated by world-class backup singers, Angela Clemmons, Sharon Jerry-Collins and Emily Bindiger. The Uptown Horns are a legendary New York City horn section, that toured with the Rolling Stones and played on hit records like James Brown's “Living in America.”

There will also be live and silent auctions for guests to bid on exciting items, fabulous experiences, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia, including seaside getaways and experiences in Rhode Island and Maine, NY Yankee tickets, designer handbags such as Dooney & Bourke, and spa and winery experiences.

Black tie dress is suggested, and ocean-inspired wear is encouraged. 

Individual tickets are $225 and a table of 10 is $2,250. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Haynes Group is the event’s Diamond Reef Presenting Sponsor.

Proceeds will support Griffin Health’s mission to provide critical connections between patients and social services, coordinate outpatient care with compassionate outreach and expert navigation, and empower individuals with disease management education and support.

Tickets can be purchased at griffinhealth.org/gala. For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Griffin Hospital Development Fund, 203-732-7384 or Lnista@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health. 

CT Foodshare seeks help raising awareness of food insecurity

This is shared from St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop and Food Bank of Derby Facebook page.

Tickets offered for Christmas show at Toyota Oakdale Theatre

*Sharing this from Derby Town/City Clerk Marc J. Garofalo:

You are cordially invited to A Christmas Cantata at 7 p.m. Jan. 3, 2020.

It will be performed on stage at Toyota Oakdale Theatre, 95 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford. 

Free tickets for anyone 5 years and older can be obtained at Derby Town Clerk's Office from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2 and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3. 

For more information call or email - 1.888.466.9846 or visit www.christmascantata.us

Happy New Year!

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven names new director

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven has named Louis Perno its new Executive Director. 

He will be responsible for all operations in the New Haven area, the Valley, Meriden, and Wallingford. 

Literacy Volunteers is a non-profit educational organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteer tutors. 

The tutors provide free literacy tutoring for adults who need to improve their reading, writing, and English-speaking skills. 

Empowering through literacy
The organization’s goal is to empower adults through literacy.  

This past year more than 1,500 adults were served by the program.

Perno resides in New Haven and has more than 40 years' experience in the nonprofit sector. Before joining Literacy Volunteers, he served as co-Executive Director of Farnam Neighborhood House. 

Prior to his leadership role at Farnam, Perno was Executive Director of Sterling House Community Center in Stratford for nearly 30 years.

He takes over as Executive Director replacing Donna Violante who is retiring from the position after four years at Literacy Volunteers. 
Prior to her career in the non-profit sector, Violante had over 30 years experience in Marketing, Customer Service, Sales Operations and Training with AT&T, in the Consumer, Wireless, and Business divisions. Her last position there was Director of Consumer Marketing for the East Region. 

Perno has extensive experience working in and managing human service programs, as well as in strategic planning, program and organizational design, human resource, financial management, and development and special events, 

Perno has been an adjunct instructor at Gateway Community College for the past 17 years, teaching courses on human services and sociology. He is also an active volunteer, and serves on the board of FISH of Greater New Haven.

More information about Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven, about becoming a tutor, or making a charitable donation is available at www.lvagnh.org or at 203-776-5899.

This is a press release from Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven.

Ansonia resident to receive Freemasons' award at dinner in Wallingford

Congratulations go out to Diane Stroman of Ansonia, vice president of TEAM, on receiving this recognition! 

Walk in Wallingford in May to benefit autism services organization

I received this card in the mail and thought I'd share.

For more info click here.


April is Autism Awareness Month. 

Griffin Hospital promotes Wallingford resident

Todd Liu

DERBY - Griffin Hospital has announced the promotion of Todd Liu of Wallingford to Vice President of Accountable Care and General Counsel.

An 11-year employee of Griffin Hospital, Liu started at Griffin as an administrative intern before being appointed assistant to the President.

“Over the last 10 years, Todd has expanded his role and responsibilities and in doing so has proven to be a highly effective as well as reliable and trusted management team member,” said Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel. 

“He has also demonstrated a deep commitment to our organizational values and Planetree patient centered philosophy which is essential to preserving and strengthening the culture that is the foundation of Griffin’s success.”

In his new role, Liu will work to build on the success of Griffin Hospital and its parent company, Griffin Health Services, in delivering high quality care and strong patient satisfaction by focusing on improving the health of defined populations and reducing the total cost of care.

In addition, Liu has assumed has assumed the risk management, compliance and legal affairs responsibilities of recently retired Vice President of Legal Affairs Ed Berns.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.