Showing posts with label awards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label awards. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Griffin Health honors caregivers, announces Employee of the Year

Judith Abaidoo

DERBY – Griffin Health recently honored more than 900 employees and physicians who reached service milestones of 5 years and more, and announced its 2026 Employee of the Year and Department of the Year at its 54th Annual Service Awards celebration at Aria in Prospect.

At a “Broadway Bash” themed celebration, Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel personally presented gifts of appreciation to longtime employees and announced Mammography and Breast Sonography Technologist Judith Abaidoo of West Haven as the 2026 Employee of the Year and the Griffin Hospital Central Processing Department as the 2026 Department of the Year.

Abaidoo named Top Caregiver
A caregiver at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital since 2023, Abaidoo regularly receives thankful comments from patients that describe her as professional, kind, calm, and reassuring.
“Guided by the belief in serving something larger than herself, Judith’s impact is seen in the experience she creates for every patient,” Charmel said. 

“Even in situations where patients arrive anxious or uncomfortable, Judith creates a sense of trust. Her colleagues recognize her steady presence under pressure and view her as a role model who leads by example.”
Griffin’s Employee of the Year selection come from its monthly I Take It Personally (ITIP) Award program where employees are nominated by their colleagues. Each month, up to four Griffin Health caregivers are selected for their efforts to improve patient satisfaction and promote Griffin’s commitment to person-centered care. Of these ITIP winners, four are selected as finalists for the honor of Employee of the Year.


Central Processing Department Named Department of the Year
The Griffin Hospital Central Processing Department was honored with Department of the Year for disciplined execution, consistent process control, and an unwavering focus on clinical safety.
Central Processing achieved a high level of performance this year, showing meticulous attention to detail during several HVAC infrastructure upgrades in which there was not a single surgical case delay. 

The department also improved instrument processing and the availability and readiness of surgical instruments through staff education, workplace safety, and innovative technologies that have elevated both employee performance and service quality.
“The team’s responsiveness to clinical needs, including the development of specialized emergency instrument trays and additional safety testing protocols, reflect their spirit of collaboration and accountability,” Charmel said. “Their consistency, coordination, and control flawlessly support exceptional surgical patient care every day.”
The Department of the Year is selected from the four hospital departments selected as “Department of the Quarter” by the ITIP program.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Ansonia Police officers recognized for dedication to child advocacy






Protecting children is more than a responsibility, it’s a commitment our officers carry with them every single day.
The Ansonia Police Department is honored to announce that both the department and several of its members were recently recognized through Pinwheels for Prevention by the South Central Child Advocacy Center for their dedication, investigative expertise, and continued efforts to keep children safe.
The Ansonia Police Department proudly received two awards recognizing the department’s overall commitment to going above and beyond in protecting children, supporting victims, and pursuing these sensitive investigations with professionalism, compassion, and care.
In addition, we are proud to recognize Detective Esposito, Detective Mendenhall, Detective Clifford, Officer Ribeiro, and Officer Troesser (not pictured) for also receiving awards for their outstanding efforts, investigative skills, and unwavering dedication to this important work.
Cases involving children require patience, empathy, attention to detail, and relentless commitment — qualities that these officers and detectives demonstrate every day. Their work reflects the department’s mission to serve and protect our community’s most vulnerable with integrity and compassion.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding members of our department, as well as the department as a whole, for these well-deserved recognitions and for the meaningful impact they continue to make in our community.

Shared from the APD Facebook page.

Sunday, April 19, 2026

Derby Hall of Famer of the Week: Brian Dennehy


The Hall of Famer of the Week, Brian Dennehy, may be a world famous actor, but Derby legend has him getting his start in a 1948 Scout Gang Show.

Learn more about this Tony, Golden Globe, Olivier, and Screen Actors Guild Award winning career at https://electronicvalley.org/.../Hallof.../Dennehy,Brian.htm

Saturday, October 5, 2024

16th annual 5K raises more than $50,000 for Center for Cancer Care at Griffin

Contributed photo

DERBY - More than 400 participants raised over $50,000 at the 16th Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care on Sept. 28.


“Today, you are doing your part to help improve the health and well-being of others,” said Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel. 

“Since the Center for Cancer Care opened its doors in 2008, more than 5,000 of our family members, friends, and neighbors have been diagnosed with cancer and more than 300 additional individuals are diagnosed with and have to face the challenges of cancer every year. The Center for Cancer Care is here to help those individuals with highly advanced, person-centered care, and treatment, crucial nourishment, and free health education and programs that empower them to recover and enhance the quality of their lives.”


The event featured awards for the top individual fundraiser and top team fundraiser selected from the 17 teams. 

The winner of the William C. Powanda Memorial Award for the top fundraiser was Stephanie Ventimiglia, of Derby, who raised nearly $3,000. Team Aversa, which participates in the event in memory of Dr. John M. Aversa, Sr. won the Team Synergy Award as the top fundraising team, raising approximately $5,000. 


Tracey Pittman, of Ansonia, was the winner of the Make It Happen Spirit Award, which recognizes an individual who exhibits tireless effort and support for the event.

The Walk/Run was sponsored by CED Technologies, Jefferson Radiology, CT Dermatology, Physicians Alliance of Connecticut, Astra Zeneca, Ion Bank, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Stelray, Drs. Sudipta & Bindu Dey, Teamsters Local 1150, All About You!, Star 99.9 FM, Regional Water Authority, Centrix, Unidine, and Stani Dairy. 


Donations are still being accepted at griffinhealth.org/5k or via mail to The Griffin Development Fund, 130 Division St., Derby, CT 06418.



This is a press release from Griffin Health.


Monday, August 5, 2024

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley to hold golf tourney in Orange

8-10 a.m. - Registration & Driving Range

10 a.m. - Shotgun Start

Followed by Awards & BBQ Lunch


The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people in our area for 65 years. 

Proceeds from this charity golf tournament will help us provide services regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Thank you for helping us help those who need us most!


This is shared from the Club's website.

Monday, July 10, 2023

Seymour slates 'Build a Backpack' townwide scavenger hunt


The Seymour-based Love Mom XOXO Foundation, Inc., is a family bereavement 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Visit the nonprofit's Facebook page for more information.


Friday, June 30, 2023

Griffin Hospital in Derby recognizes nurses in 35th annual celebration

Griffin Hospital Outstanding Nurse of the Year Susan Rupar, right, of Oxford, poses with Griffin Vice President of Patient Care Kimberlee Richard./ Contributed photo


DERBY - Griffin Hospital recently held its 35th annual Nurses' Week Celebration to honor its more than 480 staff nurses. 

Nursing Department staff members were treated to refreshments, gifts, raffles, and award presentations to nurses who provided exceptional care during the year.

“Nurses are recognized as the 'most trusted profession,' and I have witnessed our Griffin nurses respond to challenging times and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic with expertise and compassion," said Griffin Vice President of Patient Care Kimberlee Richard. “You continually demonstrate your commitment to our patients and their families. I am so incredibly grateful for all that you do. You are and will always be leaders in patient care.”


Susan Rupar, RN, of Oxford, a nurse in the Griffin Hospital Emergency Department, received the 2023 Outstanding Nurse of the Year Award.


A caregiver at Griffin since 2016, Rupar has long been recognized as an outstanding nurse by patients, new caregivers, and Griffin leadership, and as a vital member of the Griffin ED team.

“During a leadership transition period in the ED, Sue has been acting as interim educator, mentor and supporter, as well as transition coach for new hires,” the nomination for Rupar stated. “Sue has gone above and beyond to support the team during this time. Sue treats every person like they are all that matters in the moment. She has helped create new ways for staff recognition to remind the team that we are all here to support each other, make everyone’s day better, and to smile.”


Griffin nurse Christina Defeo, BSN, RN, of North Haven, received the Mary Schumacher Nursing Leadership Award.


Griffin nurse Amy O'Leary, RN, of Shelton, received the Mary Nelligan Continuing Education Award.



Griffin nurse Susan Jack, BSN, RN, PMH-C, of Beacon Falls, received the Shirley Yale Nursing Scholarship Award at Griffin’s 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.


Griffin Hospital Nurse Kelly Puglia, MSN, RN-BC, of Ansonia, received the Shirley Yale Nursing Scholarship Award at Griffin’s 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.



Griffin nurse Elizabeth Walker, RN, of Stratford, received the Shirley Yale Nursing Scholarship Award at Griffin’s 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.



Griffin nurse Flora Raja, RN, of Beacon Falls, received the Marie Santini Perioperative Nursing Excellence Award at Griffin’s 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.



George Mooney, MST, of Ansonia poses with Linda Torok after receiving the Donald Torok Memorial Scholarship Award at Griffin's 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.


Congratulations to all!



This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


Tuesday, May 9, 2023

4 Derby students receive CABE Student Leadership Awards


DERBY - The Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Conway Jr., recently recognized four students for receiving the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Awards. 

These students received this award for their leadership, specifically in the areas of taking on challenges, making difficult decisions, concern for others, working well with others, and diplomacy.

Derby High School students Cayla Cayer-McCarthy and Alysa Cayer-McCarthy, along with two students from Derby Middle School, Alexandra Karaleva and Colton Shields, were recognized at the May 2 Board of Education meeting. 

Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “On behalf of the Derby Board of Education I would like to congratulate the students who have received the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Awards. Our school system continues to produce positive results and outstanding students. These students are well deserving of this award as they have shown a consistent ability to be outstanding students, leaders, and well-rounded individuals. Our students continually show just how special of a place the Derby School system is. These students are certainly well deserving and we are proud of them.”

Conway said, “Receiving this recognition is a testimony to their ability to work with others, lead with others and set the standard for all. These are leadership skills they model in everything they do in school at home and in this great community.”

CABE Area 7 Director and Board of Education member George Kurtyka said, “The CABE Student Leadership Awards Program is designed to honor Connecticut High School and Middle School students who exhibit exemplary leadership skills. Two students from each school, in a CABE member district, are eligible to receive the CABE Student Leadership Award. 

"Derby is fortunate to have two students from our Derby High and Derby Middle Schools that meet, and in my opinion exceed, their leadership skills. Congratulations to our students!"


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.



Thursday, April 6, 2023

Derby Historical Society to host luncheon, present awards at Payden Field House




The Dorothy Larson Award

 

JACK WALSH


For his or her many contributions to the community which in the spirit of the award's namesake coincides with the mission of the Derby Historical Society, which is to preserve, protect, and honor our cultural and traditional values.

 

The David Humphreys Service Award



ELAINE BRANDON


Awarded to members in recognition of his or her many years of service in contributing time, talent, and resources in helping fulfill the mission of the Derby Historical Society.


The Dr. John I. Howe Award

 

THE VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Dr. John I. Howe Award is awarded to a businessman or woman, individual, group, firm, corporation, or industry whose presence has consistently benefited one or more communities in the Valley region in the spirit of its namesake. This benefit is either through activism, perseverance, and/or philanthropy to the extent that the Derby Historical Society recognizes that they will be remembered in an historical context by future generations.



 

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Sunday, March 5, 2023

Derby Historical Society newsletter features Rev. Mansfield, docent training, more


ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society has just published its March/April newsletter featuring plans for its April 16 annual meeting and awards presentation, the Rev. Richard Mansfield, training for new docents, and more.

Read all about it here.

The non-profit Derby Historical Society is based at the David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.


Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Valley Council for Health and Human Services to honor 4 at annual meeting via Zoom


The Valley Council for Health and Human Services will hold its annual meeting via Zoom at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 6.
Three individuals have been chosen to receive the Lewis Savitsky Staff Excellence Award, and one for the Richard O. Belden Award.

Here are descriptions of what the award is about.  Attached is why each was chosen.

 

The Lewis Savitsky Staff Excellence Award will be presented to an individual for extraordinary service as an employee in the non-profit community who has made a positive impact on the quality of life of residents in the lower Naugatuck Valley. The award is named in honor of Lewis Savitsky a long-time employee of Valley United Way who was active not only with Valley United Way, but also with multiple groups in the community.

This award will go to Susan Agamy, Spooner House- Elizabeth Laden, Griffin Health- and Nancy Cahoon, BHcare.

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The Richard O. Belden Community Service Award is for an individual or organization outside the non-profit sector whose efforts have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of residents in the lower Naugatuck Valley. It is being presented for the first time in 2008 in honor of the late State Representative Richard O. Belden and his high standards of ethics and community involvement throughout his long and storied life.

This award will go to Corey Shoop, Wines and More! in Milford.

 

Corey and his team continuously make efforts to support community organizations that serve the Valley and beyond. 

He has been integral to the Rape Crisis Center of Milford’s fundraising efforts throughout the pandemic and has continued the relationship beyond. 

Wines and More! is always looking for new ways to get involved in community organizations in its area, and its support has helped raise funds to increase services to victims of sexual assault and their families in the Valley towns of Ansonia, Seymour, Derby, and Shelton that RCC serves. 

We are very grateful for Corey and his team and they deserve the recognition!



This is a press release from Valley Council for Health and Human Services.