Congratulations to all Julian A. Taylor award recipients in Ansonia

From left: award recipient Airieonna Richards, Ansonia Mayor Frank Tyszka, Committee Chair Diane Stroman.

The $5,000 award went to Airieonna Richards, a recent graduate of Ansonia High School with a 3.69 GPA!! 

Airieonna was involved in many extracurricular activities including Varsity Soccer, Varsity Tennis, FBLA, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honors Society, Chargers in the making mentoring program, and Yearbook. 

This fall Airieonna will attend Quinnipiac University to study radiology.

The $100 award recipients include: Preston Poteete, Jewel Lewis, Volf Jean, Woodly Vixama, Amit Wragg, Destiny Taylor, Emily Depass, Lydia Steward, Daniel Perkins, Omarion Wynter, Beatrice Sherman, Xavier Reid, Don'Nijah Reese, Paige Diaz, Sarah Heslop, Kevin Bronson, Aubree Vereen, Evina Steward, Isreal Kalonji, Hendry Lombert and Aaliyah Marie Ballester.

Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

 

Derby Public Library congratulates 2026 scholarship winner

Derby Public Library would like to offer a massive congratulations to Genesis Alvarado of Derby, 2026 Winner of Derby Public Library’s High School Scholarship Award. 

She will be attending the University of Connecticut this fall, and we wish her all the best in her studies!

Shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Griffin Health in Derby honors nurse with DAISY Award for extraordinary care

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Milly Delaney, BSN, RN, of Milford with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. 

Winners can be nominated by patients, patients’ family or friends, or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care.

Delaney, a nurse for Griffin Hospital’s inpatient units, was nominated by a patient’s caregiver for her compassion and dedication to caring for her patients and their family.

“Milly immediately exhibited compassion and empathy for our mom and cared for her as if she were part of her family," the nomination for Delaney stated. “It is an honor and privilege to have met Milly as a nurse and person. She brought dignity, respect, and care to my mom. She brought us comfort, empathy, and concern.”

Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin Health patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. 

The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Hospital nurses recognize pulmonologist as Physician of the Year

Pulmonologist Dr. Roman Spivak, center, received the Physician of the Year Award from Griffin Health Clinical Nurse Educator Ashley D'Agostino-Putetti, MSN, RN, WCC, and Critical Care Unit Clinical Manager Edward Valente, RN, BSN, CCRN, at Griffin Health’s 38th Annual Nurses Week Celebration./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Faculty Physicians Pulmonologist Roman Spivak, MD, of Shelton, was recently honored as Physician of the Year at Griffin Health’s 38th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.

The Physician of the Year Award is based on voting by the hospital’s nursing staff. In nominating Dr. Spivak, nurses said he consistently exemplifies Griffin’s core values, mission, and vision in his everyday practice caring for both outpatients at his pulmonology office and while treating the critically ill patients admitted to the Griffin Hospital Critical Care Unit.

“Dr. Spivak’s approachable and kind demeanor creates an environment of trust between patients, their families, and the healthcare team,” said Critical Care Unit Clinical Manager Edward Valente, RN, BSN, CCRN. “He takes the time to explain the treatments, options and prognosis - sometimes even drawing pictures and diagrams to ensure everyone has complete understanding of the care the patient will be receiving. His calm and composed demeanor, even in high stress situations, consistently brings reassurance to everyone around him.”

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Safe Kids Worldwide honors Griffin Health for child safety leadership

Safe Kids Worldwide President Torine Creppy, center, presents Griffin Health Community Outreach Special Programs Supervisor Cathi Kellett and Griffin Health Executive Vice President and COO Todd Liu with the Safe Kids Champion for Children Award.

DERBY – Griffin Hospital was recently honored with the Safe Kids Champion for Children Award at the Safe Kids Worldwide International Childhood Injury Prevention Convention (PrevCon) for its outstanding contributions toward preventing childhood injuries.

“Griffin Health is honored to be recognized by Safe Kids Worldwide, which has been an international leader advancing the health and wellbeing of children through its advocacy and programmatic support,” said Griffin Health Executive Vice President and COO Todd Liu. “We are gratified by this award and the acknowledgement of the work being done by Griffin’s many caregivers to fulfill our commitment to provide education and services that advance the safety of all individuals in our community.”

The Safe Kids Champion for Children Award recognizes an individual, business, government agency, or organization that has made a significant impact in the field of child injury prevention.

The award was presented at the three-day gathering that convened more than 600 child health and safety professionals from around the world, including academic researchers, community activists, health care providers, manufacturers, public health and injury prevention practitioners, and policy makers.

More than 20 individuals and organizations were honored for their leadership in the field.

“Griffin Hospital exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner, combining data, strategy, and compassion to make families safer,” said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. “We are honored to work with Griffin’s amazing team to advance our shared goal of reducing the risk of preventable injuries to kids.”

Located in Connecticut’s Greater Naugatuck Valley, Griffin Hospital implements evidence-based initiatives such as their Walking School Bus and safe sleep education programs to meet families where they are. Their ongoing commitment to innovation and outreach is improving health outcomes in the community.

“We're humbled to receive this recognition from the nation's largest injury prevention organization," said Cathi Kellett, Griffin Health Community Outreach Special Programs supervisor and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley coalition coordinator. "As part of Griffin's person-centered care, we truly believe that empowering both children and adults with knowledge and tools in a learning-through-play approach helps keeps kids healthy and safe. Our commitment to our community is at the core of everything we do and we are so grateful that our community is so receptive and supportive.

PrevCon is one of the largest gatherings of individuals and organizations dedicated to childhood injury prevention. Preventable injuries are the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost one million children die of an injury each year, and almost every one of these tragedies is preventable.

About Safe Kids Worldwide

Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to reduce unintentional injuries to children ages 0-14 and build equitable and sustained systems that support injury prevention. Since 1988, Safe Kids and its partners have contributed to a more than 60 percent reduction in the rate of fatal childhood unintentional injury in the U.S. Learn more at safekids.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Health caregiver receives Spirit of Planetree Award honor

DERBY - Griffin Health caregiver Kimberly Kozlowski of North Haven was recently awarded the 2025 Spirit of Planetree Award at the organization’s 53^rd Annual Employee Service Awards.

The Griffin Health Spirit of Planetree Award honors caregivers whose attitudes and deeds inspire others to greater heights and have advanced Griffin’s person-centered care efforts. Kozlowski will also be recognized at Planetree’s annual conference to be held in Baltimore, Md, this fall.

A licensed clinical social worker at Griffin for more than seven years, Kozlowski serves as the lead crisis clinician and advocate for Griffin’s Population Health Department. 

Known for her exceptional compassion and dedication to her patients, she recently went above and beyond to care for a young patient with disabilities in the Griffin Hospital Emergency Department, ensuring the patient felt loved, protected, and comforted during a very challenging and prolonged stay.

“Kimberly’s leadership has transformed Griffin’s pediatric/adolescent ED protocols to better address patient’s social determinants of health, positively impacting Griffin and its community,” the nomination for Kozlowski stated. “She also founded a kindergarten Girl Scout troop and launched a project to create touching “get well” cards for our patients, helping to empower the next generation of leaders.”

About Planetree

Founded in 1978 by Angelica Thieriot, a San Francisco patient who endured a traumatic healthcare experience, Planetree is an internationally-recognized not-for-profit organization that partners with health care providers around the globe to advance patient-/resident-centered approaches to care. 

Planetree has been at the forefront of the effort to personalize, humanize, and demystify the health care system for more than 30 years. 

With its model of patient-/resident-centered care being implemented in a diverse range of hospitals, continuing care facilities, outpatient clinics, and consumer health libraries across North America, Canada, Brazil, The Netherlands and Japan, Planetree is demonstrating that patient-centered care is not only an empowering philosophy, but a viable, vital, and cost-effective model of care. 

For more information, visit www.planetree.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health. 

Ansonia Police Department holds awards ceremony; congratulations to all

ANSONIA -The Ansonia Police Department held its awards ceremony May 1, the first since 2018. The department recognized its officers, civilian employees, fire department personnel, and a civilian for their actions.

The night culminated with the announcement of the officer of the year, the Brian F. Phipps Memorial Award of Excellence.

Chief Wayne Williams presents the 2025 award to Officer Jenny Ribeiro.

Congratulations to all the honorees.

This is shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

Ansonia congratulates Police Chief Williams on 35 years of service to city

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti and the Board of Police Commissioners presented Chief Wayne Williams with a commemorative award Wednesday night for his 35 years of dedicated service to the Ansonia Police Department and our residents.

Chief Williams was hired as a Patrol Officer on February 14, 1990. He was promoted through the ranks over the course of his long career.

Chief Williams’ two sons Tyler and Jared were on hand for the presentation.

Thank you Chief Williams. We are so proud and grateful to have you as our Chief.

Shout out to Commissioner Levinsky for coordinating.

This is shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

UMH honors Wesley Village employees for excellence and longevity

From left: David Lawlor (President & CEO, UMH), Andrea Winchester (Director of Human Resources), Lori Bauer, Marianella San Diego, Shelby Wenz, Dawn Supranovich, Jessica Scaife, Andrea Petillo, Hailey Monroe, Ali Alshabbah, Gracey Chamble, Bianca Turcotte-Reome, Lori Pisani, and David Fife. 

SHELTON - Members of the Wesley Village senior living campus recently gathered for United Methodist Homes’ annual employee recognition celebration at The Waterview in Monroe.

The event was hosted by UMH, the senior living provider organization that manages the campus. It featured a presentation of the organization’s “Values in Action” award and recognition for service milestones of five to 30 years.

Honorees from each Wesley Village community at Bishop Wicke Health Center, Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, and Lifestyle Transitions were recognized with the Values in Action award, which is given annually to employees who reflect the organization’s five core values of Respect, Spirituality, Excellence, Collaboration, and Stewardship in an extraordinary way. 

Values in Action award winners are considered for their commitment to the Mission and Values of UMH and selected based on a peer nomination and leadership review process. Over 100 nominations are typically received each year from across the organization. 

Six outstanding team members at Wesley Village were selected to receive the award for 2024.

Recipients were nominated for their flexibility, dependability, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to supporting Wesley Village communities and the health and well-being of each resident.

Wesley Village is well-known for continuing UMH’s long legacy of caring in the community, and the longevity of the campus team reflects that. This year, eight team members were honored for reaching impressive milestones of twenty years or more. Thirteen team members were recognized for 10- and 15-year milestones and another 10 employees celebrated five years of service with the organization.

United Methodist Homes Director of Human Resources, Andrea Winchester and President and CEO David Lawlor shared words of thanks with the team before the award presentation. 

“So proud of our honorees and to see how our teams support one another in achieving great things,” said Lawlor. “It is a true reflection of a mission that is alive and well after 150 years!  We are so excited to carry this mission forward as we join forces with Masonicare to reinvent mission-based care for Connecticut seniors!”

About Wesley Village: The Wesley Village senior living campus is at 580 Long Hill Ave. and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, five-star skilled nursing care, and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203-225-5024. 

To become part of the Wesley Village team, visit our website at: https://www.umh.org/career-opportunities-at-umh.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

CABE presents Derby Board of Education with award for team work

DERBY - The Board of Education has been recognized once again by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education for exhibiting the most effective leadership, characterized by their ability to work together as a “team.” 

The CABE Board Recognition Awards are designed to recognize boards that provide effective leadership to their districts with good practices. 

This program acknowledges the importance of school board members and superintendents working together as effective teams and continues an important trend among school board associations across the country. 

CABE’s Board Leadership Award assesses 34 items in areas of Leadership/Student Achievement, Board Member Professional Development, Policy, Community Relations and Organizational Leadership, and Boards who apply must fulfill a minimum of 22 items across these categories to qualify. 

Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr., said, “In the preceding year, our Board has steadfastly focused on establishing an inclusive process for crafting our new 5-year strategic plan, with a commitment to ensuring that every voice is not only heard but genuinely considered. Paramount in their priorities has been the assurance of safety and security within our schools, thereby safeguarding the well-being of all staff and students. 

"Furthermore, there has been a concerted effort to refine our coaching model, tailoring support to the distinctive teaching needs of our exceptional and amazing educators. The Board has exemplified the precise leadership necessary for fostering the growth of our district, educators, and, most importantly, our students. 

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their dedicated time, tireless effort, invaluable input, and unwavering support throughout this transformative journey,” Conway said.

Board Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Being honored as a board of distinction is one more positive accomplishment for the Derby school system.  The Board of Education is comprised of a strong bunch of volunteers, who donate countless hours to ensure that the students and the employees of the Derby school system have all of the necessary support that they need to be successful.  It is most rewarding to work with a group of individuals whose main priority is to work together to assure our school system thrives.” 

The award was presented at the CABE/CAPSS Annual Convention on Nov.17. 

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Crosby Commons nursing assistant in Shelton honored with prestigious award

Elizabeth Garcia

SHELTON - Elizabeth “Liz” Garcia, Certified Nursing Assistant at Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community at Wesley Village, was recently honored by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association with the 2023 Outstanding Resident Service Award. 

The award was presented by Christopher Carter, President of CALA, at a special ceremony at The Water’s Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook.

Garcia has been part of the team at Crosby Commons for 13 years, working as a CNA and providing exceptional care to residents. She was nominated for the award by Crosby team members for her professionalism, kindness, and caring spirit, and her commitment to supporting each resident’s health and independence and dignity.

“She is consistently dependable and comes to work ready to assist co-workers and residents with a good attitude and a sense of humor, which is much appreciated,” said Danita Alberti, Registered Nurse and Director of Carelink Nursing Services at the community.  “Liz’s approach to serving residents is focused on cultivating relationships and helping each individual maintain their independence. Residents often request to have her assist them with their daily care routine, which speaks a great deal of their respect for her.”

Along with Garcia, longtime Crosby Commons team member and housekeeper Terri Moffat, was also nominated for outstanding resident service award. While she was not an award recipient for 2023, Moffat has been a loyal and dedicated part of the Crosby team for 38 years, shaping the culture of the community with her commitment to serving residents and collaborating with her team.

United Methodist Homes, the senior living provider organization which manages Crosby Commons, received three additional awards from its Farmington and Newington communities in recognition of outstanding team members and residents. 

Overall a total of four CALA awards, including Garcia’s, were won across the organization for 2023. 

Crosby Commons & Wesley Village: Crosby Commons is located on the Wesley Village senior living campus at 580 Long Hill Ave., Shelton and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization with a nearly 150-year legacy of caring. 

The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Seymour High School Dance Team wins plaudits on victories

Sharing from Office of the First Selectwoman of Seymour Facebook page:

"Congratulations SHS Dance Team they took

1st Place in Pom

1st Place in Kick Line

And won a Special Judges Award for Professionalism At the Wildcat Dance Off at NFA"

Great job, dance ladies!

Rochelle congratulates Ansonia Public Schools on FAFSA challenge win

Please join me in congratulating Ansonia Public Schools on winning the 2021-2022 FAFSA Challenge by the Connecticut State Department of Education and receiving the Commissioner’s Award! We are so proud of you!

A special thank you to all the students, parents, and school staff who helped increase opportunities for our students. 

In Ansonia, the FAFSA completion rate jumped from 51% to 65.5%! This means more options and opportunities for funding for post-secondary education for our young people—whether it be for a four-year, two-year, or technical program.

Congratulations again on a job well done! 

SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL EXCELLENCE It was an absolute joy to honor Derby's own Nicole Rizzo at a book signing for her first published book and memoir “Running on Thin Ice.” Nicole, we are so proud of you and thankful that you’ve authored such a poignant book that is sure to resonate with many. You’ve created something truly special. The Connecticut Education Association has released its Legislator Report Card for the 2021-22 legislative cycle. The Report Card evaluates legislators' voting records and advocacy to support public education in Connecticut. For this year's cycle, CEA has placed me on its 2022 Honor Roll! The CEA Honor Roll distinction recognizes legislators with the highest report card scores who have demonstrated a commitment to public education, students, and teachers. The bills we passed this session and last session will positively shape our young residents' lives and ensure they can access a high-quality education that's full of opportunity. These bills are a meaningful step forward and advance the work to create a state where every child can receive the support they need to succeed. To learn more about the Legislator Report Card, please click here. This post is taken from an update from Rochelle's office.