Derby Police Department is hiring

 

This is shared from the Derby PD Facebook page.

Legion Post 10 to host Veterans Service Day at Seymour Community Center

 

Survey finds benefits of medicinal marijuana to treat MS patients at Griffin Hospital

DERBY - According to results of a survey published this spring in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, individuals with multiple sclerosis who use medicinal marijuana to treat their symptoms reported several benefits from its use.

Despite increased interest in the role of marijuana in treating various medical conditions, questions have remained about its benefits in treating MS symptoms, and some clinicians have been reluctant to prescribe it. 

While prior surveys and clinical trials involving persons with MS have shown benefits of marijuana in treating certain symptoms, the findings have been inconsistent.  

More than 100 patients responded to the survey, developed by the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center at Griffin Hospital.

All patients were enrolled in the Connecticut Medical Marijuana program and treated at the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital. 

The survey respondents reported on their use of medical marijuana, its effects on their symptoms, and changes in the use of prescription medicines as a result of their use.

Participants were predominantly women and more likely to have the relapsing-remitting form of the condition. Most had experienced MS symptoms for more than 10 years. 

Among the variety of forms of medical marijuana, the most method of consumption was inhalation by smoking or vaping, followed by oral and topical applications. 

Inhalation brought most relief of symptoms, followed by oral and topical methods.

Self-reported significant improvements in symptoms associated with marijuana use included mood disorder, insomnia, pain, and muscle cramps and spasms. 

Patients reporting the most benefit tended to have a milder form of MS with less disability. A small number of respondents felt that marijuana use led to a worsening of symptoms related to cognition, mood disorders, fatigue, headaches, nausea, insomnia, vertigo, numbness, pain, bowel or bladder issues, vision, balance, or muscle function.

Among those who completed the survey, 45 percent said they had reduced or stopped using prescription medicines as a result of medical marijuana use. These included opioid and non-opioid pain medications, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxers.

“This survey helps to clarify medicinal cannabis use by a group of persons with MS. One of the goals of the study is to educate patients and physicians,” said Joseph B. Guarnaccia, MD, principal investigator, who directs the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital. “Physicians might be well-advised to familiarize themselves with the potential benefits and risk of medical marijuana use as part of a discussion on symptom management with their patients with multiple sclerosis.”

The study title is “Patterns of Medical Cannabis Use among Patients Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.” 

Funding was provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Biomedical Research Trust Fund and by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center

was established in 1998 through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

One of 26 Prevention Research Centers nationwide representing academic-community partnerships, the PRC is engaged in interdisciplinary applied prevention research designed to develop innovative approaches to health promotion and disease prevention that will directly benefit the public’s health.  

The Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital offers a comprehensive program for the evaluation and treatment of multiple sclerosis and related conditions. The Center is operated by Joseph B. Guarnaccia, MD, in partnership with Griffin Hospital, which is known nationally and internationally for its patient-centered health care under the Planetree Model of Care.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Rochelle shares list of bills in support of CT veterans

HB 6449, An Act Expanding Economic Opportunity in Occupations Licensed by the Department of Public Health, reduces the requirements for health care professionals licensed in other states to obtain licensure and practice in Connecticut, making it easier for the family of service members to transfer into our state.

HB 5592, An Act Redefining “Veteran” and Establishing a Qualifying Review Board, ensures all Connecticut veterans have access to state-provided services and benefits.

HB 5737, An Act Establishing A Veterans and Military Tourism Trail, creates the Veterans and Military Tourism Trail to link memorials, battlegrounds and other historic sites related to CT's veterans and military history.

HB 6483, An Act Concerning the Enrollment of Children of Members of the Armed Forces in Public Schools and the Establishment of a Purple Star School Program, adopts the "Purple Star School Program" to ensure military-friendly schools for children who must relocate schools due to a change in a parent's duty station. 

This takes a vital step to address some of the challenges children face when they switch schools and better supports military families.

This is from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby. She represents the 104th District.

Rochelle: Increase in SNAP benefits to take effect Oct. 1

I am pleased to report that the Biden Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have approved a significant and permanent increase in the amount of food stamp assistance available to families in need.

The pandemic further confirmed what activists have been saying all along: inadequate assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program forced many households to simply go hungry as the funds dwindled toward the end of the month.

Starting in October, SNAP benefits will rise an average of 25 percent - a permanent change that will benefit our nation's 42 million SNAP beneficiaries. 

As a result, the average SNAP benefit - excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief - will increase by $36.24 per person, per month, beginning Oct. 1, 2021.

This additional assistance will help individuals and families maintain a healthy diet and keep food on the table both during and after these uncertain times.

Click here to learn more about Connecticut's SNAP program, including information on how to apply for food assistance.

This is shared from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

Free webinar on veterans' benefits for senior care slated Tuesday

SHELTON - Seniors, caregivers, and family members are invited to participate in a free webinar at 2 p.m. Tuesday (March 9) offered by Wesley Village Senior Living Communities and AidandAttendance.com. 

The webinar will discuss the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits.

“This webinar is a great opportunity to learn if you qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance Benefits, which can pay $1,244 to $2,295 a month for senior care,” said Lisa Bisson, Director of Community Outreach for Wesley Village. “For those who qualify, these benefits can be a great resource, especially for older adults with changing care needs.

Wesley Village, a Shelton senior living campus owned and managed by United Methodist Homes, will be partnering with AidandAttendance.com to present this webinar. Registration is required. 

To register, call Lisa at 203-225-5024 or visit https://calendly.com/vabenefit/umh or REGISTER HERE

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

The Wesley Village campus offers assisted and independent living, memory support, skilled nursing, short-term rehab, and outpatient therapy and fitness services. 

To learn more, visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org or contact us at 203-225-5024.

For more information about VA Aid and Attendance Benefits, visit AidandAttendance.com or call 800-626-7145. AidandAttendance.com is not the Department of Veterans Affairs or part of any government agency or service organization. 

Only the VA can determine who is eligible for benefits, including Aid and Attendance pension benefits. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Learn about Social Security via Zoom in Derby Public Library program

DERBY - Derby Public Library will host an online workshop on Social Security from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 17.

 
Almost 74 percent of Americans voluntarily received reduced retirement income benefits because they don’t know all the facts (Source: SSA Annual Statistical Supplement, 2011). 

This workshop will cover when to apply for benefits, how to avoid reductions and increase benefits, and how to coordinate benefits with
your spouse. 

You will learn special rules for divorced spouses and survivor benefits.

This program is presented by Rebecca Miller and the Financial Awareness Foundation – a non-profit dedicated to the advancement of financial literacy.

You must register to attend this program via Zoom. 

Download Zoom in your app store or visit Zoom.us to create a free account.

YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR LIBRARY BARCODE NUMBER TO BE APPROVED. 

If you do not have a library card, email dplreference@biblio.org. 

 Registration ends at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17.

This is shared from an online community calendar sponsored by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the New Haven Independent. 

Derby Public Library to hold workshop on Social Security via Zoom

DERBY - Derby Public Library will hold a virtual webinar about Social Security from 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 17.

Almost 74 percent of Americans voluntarily received reduced retirement income benefits because they don’t know all the facts (Source: SSA Annual Statistical Supplement, 2011).

In this workshop Rebecca Miller, Financial Awareness Foundation, will cover when to apply for benefits, how to avoid reductions, and increase benefits and how to coordinate benefits with your spouse. 

You will learn special rules for divorced spouses and survivor benefits.

Register here https://bit.ly/2Y0ka1l with your Library card number by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17 to receive the Zoom link and password.

This is shared from the Derby Public Library Facebook page.

Klarides-Ditria shares updates regarding CT unemployment benefits

More Information

The CT Department of Labor has announced updates regarding Unemployment Compensation, including early application timelines for the new federal Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation program, and a new Consumer Contact Center tool to assist residents who need unemployment claims assistance.

Established as part of the newest CARES Act iteration, the Mixed Earner Unemployment
Compensation program is a new federal resource for residents who have both self-employment earnings as well as W2 earnings. 

Currently, Connecticut is one of only a handful of states that have announced they are opting into this program, which offers an additional $100 for eligible filers using many state and federal unemployment programs, however, the law excludes PUA claimants.

Over the next few weeks CTDOL will notify claimants who may be eligible to apply.

About the MEUC program:
Eligible claimants will receive an additional $100 per week until the program expires March 13, 2021. 

Eligibility requirements include at least $5,000 in self-employment net earnings in the most recent completed taxable year. Ex. Filers for 2020 will submit 2019 tax documents.
Claimants must apply for the program. CTDOL expects to open the application process in late February/early March. Eligibility will be retroactive to Dec. 27, 2020.
State unemployment, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, extended benefits, and other filers are eligible. The law excludes Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants from MEUC.
The program is 100% federally funded, employers are not liable for MEUC payments.
Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation, like all unemployment benefits, is taxable and could impact Medicaid and CHIP eligibility.

Consumer Contact Center

The new Contact Center feature, accessed through the www.FileCTUI.com page, allows people to schedule a call back up to two weeks out.
With the new scheduling feature, customers can schedule a call back right from the website and know they have an appointment for a claims specialist. The scheduled call back feature handles all filers except for PUA claimants. 

They are directed to a designated unit at the Contact Center and must continue to use the phone numbers or online features.

More Information
Sincerely,

Contact Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria 860-240-8700 | 800-842-1423 www.repnkd.com nicole.klarides-ditria@housegop.ct.gov                          View a map of our district Information

Extra food benefits slated in April for 100K households in state

Sharing from 2-1-1 Connecticut Facebook page:

"Extra food benefits going to 100K Connecticut households April 9 & 20. 
SNAP emergency aid comes from Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020. 
Full info: http://ct.gov/snap"

*Note: Just learned that the above link is broken.This one works:
https://portal.ct.gov/DSS/SNAP/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program---SNAP?fbclid=IwAR1zpU-Yw96GNbmW__bwG9tyni6H5Fmp-6mQH_hFgRLXEdYHRWLlQ_d0jr8

Save the date: Stand Down slated next month in Rocky Hill

WIC office opens at TEAM, Inc. in Derby

Veterans Stand Down 2017 slated in Rocky Hill

The event will provide Connecticut veterans with access to federal, state, and local services such as: veterans' benefits, medical, dental, mental health, recovery services, legal, housing, employment, education, and more.

*Information shared from a Connecticut government site. 

Gentile hails House approval of state employee concession plan

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, applauds the House approval of a $1.2 billion state employee concession plan that will enact several significant structural changes and save $24 billion over the life of the agreement.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

This is an historic agreement that prioritizes structural, verifiable reductions to long-term pension and benefit costs, while also achieving significant savings in the coming biennium. 
This groundbreaking agreement substantially reduces the unfunded liability for both the state employee retirement system and our retiree health benefits trust fund.

Under this labor deal, the State Employee Bargaining Agent Coalition has agreed to zero wage increases for three years, higher health co-pays and premiums, and three unpaid furlough days in 2017-18.

“This labor agreement is the first step toward solving our budget deficit as it adopts a spending plan that generates new revenue, restructures our pension system into the future, while respecting the promises made in the past, and takes advantage of our demographic reality,” Gentile said. 

“This deal will put Connecticut on the path to financial sustainability, produce immediate savings in healthcare and enact several significant structural changes by gradually shifting costs onto employees and retirees into the future.”

Other structural changes include overtime capped at 60 percent, health insurance redesign, pension reforms, increased co-pays, premium cost sharing and COLA reforms. 

Additionally, the plan will require all employees to pay 2 percent more into their pension over biennium and establish a new tier IV of employees going forward that will have a defined benefit and contribution plan.

In regards to savings, this agreement:

• Saves taxpayers approximately $710 million in Fiscal Year 2018 and $850 million in Fiscal Year 2019,
• Savings grows to $24 billion over the next 20 years,
• Turns a $20.7 billion unfunded liability into a $1.5 billion surplus over 30 years.

This is a press release from the House Democrats' office.

Spooner House in Shelton to benefit from events in September

To recognize National Hunger Action Month
SHELTON - Spooner House is benefiting from several events in the Valley planned this month in recognition of September being National Hunger Action Month. 

All month, Spooner House, 30 Todd Road, is partnering with the Common Bond Market at 40 Huntington Road to help alleviate hunger in the Valley. 

"Help fill a plate and an empty stomach" by making a monetary donation at the store check-out to help feed your neighbors in need. 

Some 73 percent of Valley food bank recipients report choosing between food and other necessities and nearly three out of four food bank households report income levels below the poverty level. 

Support from the public will help Spooner House fill plates and empty stomachs. 
One in seven people in Connecticut is "food insecure."

Hunger is a reality for 48 million people in the United States. Without proper fuel and nutrition people, especially children, do not have the energy to focus, learn, grow and ultimately succeed.

On Saturday a Back-to-School Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Shelton Farmers Market, 100 Canal St. There will be activities for children at this event.

On Sept. 22 Bertucci's at 768 Bridgeport Ave. is inviting anyone to enjoy a meal and support a good cause during another Dining for Dollars day. Present the flier on the Spooner House website or Facebook and 15 percent of whatever a person spends will be donated back to Spooner House. 

On Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport is offering residents in Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, and Naugatuck to be admitted for only $5 each (with I.D.).  

Come see the penguins and all the other wonderful animals or ride the carousel for a whole new experience.

This is a press release from Spooner House.

Ansonia Library schedules workshop on Social Security

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Library will hold a Social Security Workshop at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 4.

When to collect Social Security may be the single most important decision you make when it comes to your retirement. 

There are a number of common mistakes people make when signing up for benefits. 

A most basic one is, don’t assume you can draw full benefits at age 65. The rules have changed.

This is a great opportunity to learn key concepts you need to know before applying for Social Security. 

Several little-known strategies may boost lifetime benefits and increase retirement income by tens of thousands. 

You will learn about: 

• How Social Security benefits are calculated and the advanced planning required to increase them. 
• Why married couples can miss out on significant lifetime sums. (Spouses urged to attend.) 

• Special strategies for married couples, divorced individuals and minor children will be discussed. 
• Case studies will show you the advantages of some of these strategies. 

Join Michael Alimo and David Weyner of USA Financial as they help you navigate important retirement decisions.

For more information or to register, call 203-734-6275.

The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St.

This is a press release from Mary Ann Capone, Director, Ansonia Library.

Derby Public Library to host workshop on benefits, AARP driver safety class

DERBY - Learn to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits, at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Derby Public Library.

David Cowan, endorsed AAA retiree advisor, will lead the workshop. 

He will discuss how to navigate retirement savings challenges, ways to safeguard retirement savings, and how to increase Social Security benefits by as much as $100,000.

Learn when the right time is to start taking your Social Security, hidden benefits you may have from a former or deceased spouse, and the benefits of "switches."

While the program is targeted for pre-retirees, ages 60-66, the general public is welcome to attend.  
Registration is requested.  

AARP Driver Safety Class 

The Library has scheduled an AARP Driver Safety Class for Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  

The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Cars have changed and so have traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads you travel. 
This refresher course is designed for drivers 50 and over to brush up on their driving skills.  
No written tests, no road tests, and no information will be given to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  
Participants will learn how to drive more defensively and may save up to 10 percent on their present auto liability insurance.  
Space is limited and registration is required.  
Participants may bring a bag lunch.

Coffee and dessert will be provided.  

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth

St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library. 

Derby Public Library to host workshop on benefits

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host a workshop, Maximize Your Social Security Benefits, at 6:30 p.m. June 20.

David Cowan, endorsed AAA retiree advisor, will discuss how to navigate retirement savings challenges, ways to safeguard retirement savings, and how to increase Social Security benefits by as much as $100,000.

Learn when the right time is to start taking your Social Security, hidden benefits you may have from a former or deceased spouse, and the benefits of "switches."

While the program is targeted for pre-retirees, ages 60-66, 

the general public is welcome to attend. 
Registration is requested.   

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Ansonia Library schedules Social Security workshop

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Library will host a Social Security Workshop from 1-2 p.m. May 12, and again from 5:30-7 p.m. that day.

When to collect Social Security may be the single most important decision you make when it comes to your retirement. 

There are a number of common mistakes people make when signing up for benefits. A most basic one is, don’t assume you can draw full benefits at age 65. The rules have changed.

This is a great opportunity to learn key concepts you need to know before applying for Social Security. 

Several little-known strategies may boost lifetime benefits and increase retirement income by tens of thousands. 

We will inform you about: How Social Security benefits are calculated and the advanced planning required to increase them; why married couples can miss out on significant lifetime sums (we suggest spouses attend!);

special strategies for married couples, divorced individuals and minor children; case studies that will show you the advantages of some of these strategies. 

Please join hosts Michael Alimo and David Weyner of USA Financial as they help you navigate important retirement decisions.

For more information or to register, call the Library, 203-734-6275. The library is at 53 S. Cliff St.

This is a press release from Mary Ann Capone, Director, Ansonia Library.

Crisco backs bill to help firefighters facing cancer diagnosis

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, voted Tuesday in support of a bill that creates a firefighters’ cancer relief program and account to provide wage replacement benefits for certain paid and volunteer firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer.

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco

The bill passed the Senate on an overwhelmingly bipartisan and nearly unanimous 34-1 vote after passing the House of Representatives last week on a unanimous 141-0 vote. 
The bill now heads to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy for his consideration.

Crisco spoke in favor of the bill in the Senate chamber.

“There are towns in my region that are completely staffed by volunteer firefighters, thereby saving communities millions of dollars in full-time salary costs,” Crisco said. ‘I want to thank our firefighters for their professionalism and their sacrifice to our communities, and this vote is one way to do that.” 

The bill establishes a new cancer relief subcommittee of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association to award benefits to firefighters beginning July 1, 2019.

The wage replacement benefits must be approved by the subcommittee, wages cannot be provided for more than two years, and the bill prevents a firefighter who receives benefits from the account from simultaneously receiving unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits or any other municipal, state or federal wage replacement benefits

The account will be funded through a diversion of 1-cent per month per phone line from the enhanced emergency 9-1-1-program, which is funded through a monthly subscriber fee.

This is a release from Crisco's office.