TEAM slates Community Cook-Off April 25 at Warsaw Park in Ansonia

ANSONIA - TEAM’s beloved Men Who Cook event is back with a new name – Community Cookoff! Expect the same great food, drinks, raffles, music, and fun! 

TEAM’s 18th Annual Community Cookoff (formerly known as Men Who Cook) fundraiser will be held on April 25 at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway. 

We hope you will be able to join us for an evening of culinary creations from dozens of volunteer chefs in our community, along with drinks, dancing and raffles.

This event is essential to keep TEAM programs such as Meals on Wheels and medical transportation, community diaper bank, support services including housing, food, and home heating help, income tax assistance and so much more… fully operative and accessible, and able to meet the needs of all who turn to us in the most difficult of circumstances. 

We hope you will stand alongside us as we aim to ensure all our neighbors have the support and resources they need. 

And by attending the Community Cookoff, you will be a part of making a meaningful difference in the lives of over 19,000 individuals and families who turn to TEAM each year. This is a record number of people served – the needs in our community continue to grow, and we must make sure TEAM is able to respond!

Space is limited! Please purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Tickets include everything – all you can eat food, drinks, music, and dancing and fun – and can be purchased via check or cash to TEAM, Inc. 30 Elizabeth St, Derby, CT Attn: Cookoff. 

Or, purchase your tickets online at givebutter.com/teamcookoff. Sponsorship opportunities are also available! Any questions can be directed to Lillian McKenzie at lmckenzie@teaminc.org.

EVENT INCLUDES:

All you can eat food
Open bar – beer, wine, mixed drinks, soft drinks, and water
Raffles – top prize is a 7-day cruise!
Music & entertainment including Chaz of Chaz and AJ as our guest emcee!
Fun photobooth
And more! 

Shared from a Facebook event page.

Explore, enjoy culinary adventures at Derby Neck Library sessions

From viral bites to bold new flavors - explore the food and drinks everyone is talking about.
We're kicking off a new culinary adventure for adults at Derby Neck Library! 

Our first session on Monday, Feb. 2 at 4:30 p.m. will focus on dirty soda. Registration required! Ages 14+ only, please.

Shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Griffin Center in Oxford to hold cooking demo for peak sports performance

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living invites high school athletes and their parents to a free presentation and cooking demonstration about proper nutrition for peak performance in sports.

Faster, Focused, Fueled: Nutrition Essentials for High School Athletes will be offered Oct. 18 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

This free culinary workshop will feature a discussion led by Griffin Health Trainer Alexander DeMoura on the essentials of healthy eating for athletes followed by a demonstration of how to make a healthy high-protein breakfast that’s the perfect start for an active day.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/faster-focused-fueled or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

Opened in 2020, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is a unique facility in which Griffin Health partners with the community in wellness – offering education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and promoting overall well-being. 

The Center is part of Griffin’s mission to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and embodies Griffin’s goal to not only care for individuals when they are not well, but to build a meaningful relationship, guide, and coach them to maximize their quality of life. Visit www.griffinhealthyliving.org for more information about the Center's features and upcoming community events.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Health Center in Oxford to feature protein snack workshop

This free culinary workshop will feature a discussion led by Griffin Health Registered Dietician Becca Cretella about protein and how it can be incorporated into snacks for a healthier way to satisfy cravings in between meals. 

Griffin Executive Chef Daryeal Murphy will then demonstrate how to make vegan protein bars and egg bites, which can be made ahead of time and stored for a quick and satisfying snack.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Visit www.griffinhealth.org/protein-snacks or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

Shared from Griffin Health Facebook page.

Griffin Center in Oxford to hold eating right for kidney health cooking demo

OXFORD - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living is helping individuals improve their kidney health with a free wellness presentation and cooking demonstration.

Eating Right for Kidney Health will be held Aug. 26 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

This free culinary workshop will feature a discussion led by Griffin Health Registered Dietician Becca Cretella about how eating nutrient-rich foods while managing key minerals like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus is important for kidney health. 

Griffin Executive Chef Daryeal Murphy will then demonstrate how to make a tasty chipotle shrimp taco meal that is low in carbohydrates, sodium and potassium.

Opened in 2020, the Griffin Center for Healthy Living is a unique facility in which Griffin Health partners with the community in wellness – offering education, guidance and assistance in preventing and managing chronic disease, and promoting overall well-being. 

The Center is part of Griffin’s mission to empower individuals to make choices that change their lifestyles for the better, and embodies Griffin’s goal to not only care for individuals when they are not well, but to build a meaningful relationship, guide, and coach them to maximize their quality of life. 

Visit griffinhealthyliving.org for more information about the Center's features and upcoming community events.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/kidney-health or contact the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to hold fun cake decorating contest

OCEAN: This Takes the Cake

Participants: Families with children in Grades 4-6

Day/Date: Thursday, June 12

Time: 1-2 p.m.

Location: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St. Shelton

Families are welcome to try Plumb's newest culinary competition (it's friendly)!

Each team will be provided with:

-A Team Number

-1 Store baked, frosted cake

-1 Can of white frosting

-Food coloring

-Kitchen utensils

-Sweet ingredients

Each family team must include at least ONE child in Grades 4-6 and ONE adult. Family teams CANNOT be more that 5 People. Both child and adult will be expected to participate.

Teams will then have 1 hour to creatively transform their sweet treats into a sugary masterpiece. Library staff will then vote on the most creative cake metamorphosis!

This is a hands-on food program.

Register online: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=2661&BranchID=826&Branch=Plumb%20Memorial%20Library&EventID=553638&PK=

or call 203-924-1580.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Griffin Health Center at Quarry Walk in Oxford to present cooking with herbs demo

OXFORD - Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen will host a free program on the health benefits of culinary herbs.

Cooking with Healthy Herbs will be held April 17 at 5 p.m. at The Griffin Center for Healthy Living at Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

In recognition of National Move More Month, former executive director of Massaro Farm and sustainable nutrition expert Caty Poole will discuss how herbs can invigorate individuals to be more active, the pros and cons of growing vs. buying herbs, the difference in using fresh or dry herbs. She will also demonstrate the basics of making Spring Potato Nettle Soup and Meadow Magic Tea.

Space is limited for this event; registration is required. 

Visit www.griffinhealth.org/events-calendar/healthy-cooking-with-herbs or call The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree patient-centered care model.

Planetree promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Health in Oxford to host cooking demo on cancer-fighting food

 OXFORD -The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will host a free cooking demonstration on foods that can help fight cancer as part of its Food Is Medicine Series.

How to Boost Cancer Fighting Benefits with Meal Planning will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen, Quarry Walk, 300 Oxford Road.

This free culinary workshop will provide evidence-based cancer prevention education through cooking demonstrations and a discussion of how a variety of food choices can enhance the health benefits of weekly meal planning. 

Carolyn Gundell MS, CDCES, of The Griffin Center for Healthy Living, will present easy-to-understand cooking methods and demonstrate delicious recipes that can boost the cancer fighting benefits of daily meals.

This event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Contact Lindsay Vitale at 203-732-1408 or Lvitale2@griffinhealth.org to sign up.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen Food Is Medicine Series provides nutrition-related education and resources in an interactive, real-world kitchen environment.

Participants of this free program will receive vital information on what types of food are most beneficial to their health, how their diet can help them prevent or manage chronic health conditions and live, step-by-step instruction on how to make nutritious dishes for themselves and their loved ones.

The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Teaching Kitchen Food Is Medicine Series is part of Griffin’s commitment to the Planetree patient-centered care model, which promotes greater well-being in communities through access to health information and assistance in helping individuals address the social determinants of health such as access to fresh nutritious foods and how to prepare them.

For more information and to view upcoming Food Is Medicine events, visit griffinhealth.org/food-is-medicine or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Children to learn cooking at Plumb Memorial Library event in Shelton

Book Bites

Ages: Grades 5 and 6
Day/Date: Saturday, May 11
Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton

Join Miss Maura as we make culinary cuisine based on a book we read!
May's monthly book is: This Is How I Roll by Debbi Michoko Florence. 

Once your child has registered, please borrow a copy of our book to read at home. Then the day of our program, we will discuss the book and try to make sushi with veggies, rice and shrimp, and also candy sushi too!

This is a hands-on food program at the library. Recipes, food, cooking instruments and direction will be provided. Caregivers must remain in Plumb Memorial Library during this hands-on food program.

Register online https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=519016&PK=
or call 203-924-1580 ext. 5108.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System
Facebook page.

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to serve up Book Bites program

Book Bites

Ages: Grades 5 and 6
When: Jan. 13, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St., Shelton

Interested in exploring some culinary cuisine that you have created? 

Join us once a month, as each chef-in-training is provided with the recipe, the ingredients and the cooking tools needed to make a tasty small dish. 

Caregivers must remain in Plumb Memorial Library during this hands-on food program.

Registration is required for children only. 

Register online https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=512915&PK=
or by calling 203-924-1580; extension 5108.

This is shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Muncheatery in Ansonia holds grand opening, serves culinary delights

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti cuts a ribbon Friday at the grand opening of Muncheatery, 560 Main St.
To his left is owner/chef Mikey Cotela, and to Cotela's left is Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell.

I attended Friday's celebration of Muncheatery and it lived up to all the praise it has received from customers since its soft opening earlier this summer.

The sandwiches and salads were delicious, and the baked goods were out of this world! 

I'm looking forward to visiting again soon! 

Bingo Night at Emmett O'Brien Tech in Ansonia to support culinary students

Bingo Night to support culinary students at Emmett O'Brien Tech in Ansonia

Recuperation journey: Crock pot fun

When we have a snowy day like today it puts me in the mood for using the crock pot. 
Anyone else feel that way? 

The aroma of something delicious cooking gives the house a warm and cozy feeling.
I'm about to do my best to put together ingredients for beef stew. The photo shows most of them. 

True story: I just realized I wrote a similar post Jan. 4! 
The more things change the more they stay the same.

Recuperation journey: Chickening out?

At the risk of offending and/or losing friends I have to admit I just don't get wings. 

Not Paul McCartney's band of the same name from the '70s. I got them, and still do.

But the chicken wings that one eats. Everyone I know loves 'em.
Eating them just doesn't do it for me. Maybe I've never had the right kind.

I suppose I should venture to those restaurants in the Valley known for their fabulous wings and give them a try. 

Am I alone on this? I'm not a picky eater, really.  

TEAM seeks toy donations at Derby HQ, drop-off sites in Valley

Santa recently visited Seymour resident Tom Baklik at the 13th annual breakfast event at Baklik's home to collect toys for needy children./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The 2017 Valley Toys 4 Kids Campaign is under way and TEAM, Inc. seeks to provide more than 1,200 needy Valley children with something special under their Christmas tree this year. 

This campaign collects new, unwrapped toys for the under-served children ages birth to 12 years of age in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

More than 70 TEAM volunteers attended the annual Toys 4 Kids kickoff breakfast recently hosted by the Derby Senior Center. 

Breakfast was prepared and served by Emmett O’Brien Technical High School culinary students under the direction of culinary department head, Chef Perfecto Valle. 

Diane and Tom Baklik, owners of The Yankee Clipper Barber Shop, celebrated the spirit of caring and giving by hosting their 13^th annual Christmas Breakfast which garnered more than 700 toys to kick off the toy drive. 

“Christmas is a difficult time of year for the families we serve due to the expense and expectations of the season," said David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO. 

“The holiday toy program really is an incredible program - it makes the kids’ faces light up to be able to still "have a holiday" and it really relieves a huge burden of stress from parents who have very little financial resources to purchase toys. Many of our children suffer the effects of poverty every day, continuously going without, knowing that luxuries like new toys or clothes are simply not available to them. 

"Our message is that Christmas should be fun and not just about survival. Contributions to TEAM’s Toys 4 Kids Toy Drive help our families provide a festive holiday for their children.”  

Donations of new, unwrapped toys to Toys 4 Kids can be dropped off at TEAM, Inc. headquarters, 30 Elizabeth St., weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and various drop-off sites throughout the Valley. 

The list of drop off sites can be found on TEAM’s website. 

Financial donations are accepted and should be sent to TEAM, Inc., Valley Toys 4 Kids Campaign, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby, 06418. 

The annual Toys 4 Kids program provides thousands of Christmas toys for children from low income families across the Valley - children who otherwise might “go without” during the holidays. 

“Christmas can be a financially and emotionally challenging time for families already concerned about money. With the toys collected along with financial contributions, we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of many less fortunate children, who otherwise might have been overlooked," said Diane Stroman, TEAM’s Executive Vice President. 

Last year due to the generosity of the community, TEAM was able to provide 1,234 children with toys to place under their Christmas trees.  

Applications to receive toys are currently being accepted weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. until Dec. 15 TEAM, Inc.’s headquarters at 30 Elizabeth St.  

Parents/guardians who apply for the program must meet low-income eligibility requirements and provide identification and proof of residence for themselves and a birth certificate or social security card for their children.

For information on donations, volunteering, or the application process, contact Diane Stroman at  dstroman@teaminc.org or 203-736-5420 ext. 234. 

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501c(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families. 

TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, and Woodbridge. 

Recuperation journey: Light bulb went off!

When I woke up this morning I had a flash of what I consider culinary genius.

I remembered we had a box of disposable vinyl gloves and I said to myself, "Why not use them when I have to tussle with the turkey?" 
I did and it worked! 🦃
And so starts a new Thanksgiving tradition. 🦃

Derby Public Library discussion to focus on memoir about love, cooking

DERBY - The Derby Public Library's next Lunchtime Book Discussion will be at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 30.  
The selected title is the pleasurable memoir Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes by Elizabeth Bard.  

In Paris for a weekend, Bard sat down to lunch with a handsome Frenchman, and never went home again.  

This is the chronicle of a young American woman caught up in two passionate love affairs – one with her new beau, and the other with French cuisine.  
It is a great, light read that lovers of food and romance will relish.  

Dessert and beverages will be provided.  

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

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

TEAM Toys4Kids seeks to brighten Christmas for needy children in Valley

Students in the culinary department at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School in Ansonia recently prepared and hosted a kickoff breakfast for TEAM's Toys 4 Kids campaign./ Contributed photo


The 2016 Valley Toys 4 Kids Campaign is underway and TEAM, Inc. is hoping to provide more than 1,300 needy Valley children with something special under their Christmas tree this year. 
This campaign collects new, unwrapped toys for under-served children in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

More than 80 TEAM volunteers celebrated the spirit of caring and giving at the annual Toys 4 Kids kickoff breakfast hosted by Emmett O’Brien Technical School Culinary Department. Breakfast was prepared and served by the Senior Class Culinary Students. 

The annual Toys for tots program provides thousands of Christmas toys for children from low-income families across the Valley - children who otherwise might “go without” during the holidays. 

“Many of our children suffer the effects of poverty every day, continuously going without, knowing that luxuries like new toys are simply not available to them," TEAM Executive Vice President Diane Stroman said. 

"When families are struggling, they have to make decisions during this time of year between paying for heat and rent or buying the children Christmas toys. The Toys 4 Kids toy drive ensures that every child can have a good Christmas.” 

Last year due to the generosity of the community, TEAM provided 1,200 children with toys to place under their Christmas trees.  

Donations of new unwrapped toys to Toys4Kids can be dropped off at TEAM, Inc. headquarters, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and at various drop-off sites throughout the Valley. 

Financial donations are accepted and should be sent to TEAM, Inc., Valley Toys 4 Kids Campaign, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby, CT. 06418. 

“Christmas is a difficult time of year for the families we serve due to the expense and expectations of the season," said David Morgan, TEAM President/CEO. 

“Parents surviving on low incomes are often overwhelmed trying to fit the expense of gifts into an already stretched budget. Toys 4 Kids assists parents or guardians in providing presents to their children during tough economic times. Our message is that Christmas should be fun and not just about survival.  

"Contributions to TEAM’s Toys 4 Kids Toy Drive help our families provide a festive holiday for their children.”  

Applications for the program are being accepted weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 15 at TEAM, Inc.’s headquarters, 30 Elizabeth St., Derby.  

Parents/Guardians who apply for the program must meet low income eligibility requirements and provide identification and proof of residence for themselves and a birth certificate or Social Security card for their children.

For information on donations, volunteering, or the application process, contact Diane Stroman at dstroman@teaminc.org or 203-736-5420 ext. 234. 

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501c (3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families. 

TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge. 

Drop off sites listed below: