Griffin, Agency on Agiing to host spiritual wellness talks in January

DERBY - Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut are hosting a series of spiritual wellness talks and free blood pressure screenings for seniors throughout the Valley in January.

Griffin Health Chaplain Eric Grimes will host a discussion about spirituality and aging. The talk will explore the way individuals’ relationships with aging and change affects their ability to embrace the beautiful persons they are, while finding new meaning in this unique stage of life. Griffin Health caregivers will also be offering free blood pressure screenings and consultations.

The events are scheduled for Jan. 2 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Senior Center; Jan. 6 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Seymour Senior Center;  Jan. 22 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shelton Senior Center; and , Jan. 23 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at  Derby Neck Library.

These offerings are part of the AgeWell program which co-sponsored by Griffin Health and the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut to increase access to care and prevent disease among the Valley senior community through a series of health screenings and healthy living education sessions each month. Periodically, this program provides nutritiously balanced and delicious foods for attendees.

Registration is required to attend the AgeWell events. 

To sign up, contact the location (Ansonia Senior Center: 203-736-5933; Seymour Senior Center: 203- 888-0406 ext. 1; Shelton Senior Center: 203-924-9324; and Derby Neck Library: 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Wesley Village in Shelton seeks volunteers

SHELTON - Are you an active adult or student looking for a great way to stay busy while helping others? Join our Wesley Village volunteer team!

Wesley Village is currently looking for active adult and student volunteers to share their interests and experience with our residents. 

As a Wesley Village volunteer, you could: lead an arts and crafts class, play cards and games, call bingo, cook and bake, share your musical talent, lead a discussion group, share your hobbies and interests, help with clerical tasks, lead a walking group, interview residents for life stories articles, start a book club, visit with a resident one-on-one, lead a spiritual program (prayer group, bible study, hymn sing, etc.), assist with special events, or offer your time and talents in any number of ways. 

Interested adults and students who can commit to volunteer at least two hours per month are invited to apply. 

Volunteers with evening and/or weekend availability are always needed. We are currently looking for volunteers to fill several openings in a variety of areas. 

For a list of up-to-date opportunities, or for more information on becoming a Wesley Village volunteer, please visit our website and contact 

Vicky Dompierre at 203-944-8279 (vdompierre@umh.org) or visit www.wesleyvillage-ct.org. Please scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Volunteer Opportunities.

The Wesley Village Campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. and includes: Crosby Commons Independent/Assisted Living Community, Wesley Heights Independent/Assisted Living Community, Lifestyle Transitions Assisted Living/Memory Support Community, and Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation Center. 

The campus is owned and operated by UMH, a local, mission-based, not-for-profit organization.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host program on meditation

Griffin Hospital to host an interactive program on meditation April 26./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping individuals refresh their spirits for spring with a free program on meditation from 6-7 p.m. April 26.

Janice Lautier, director of Spiritual Care and Education, will host “Finding Balance,” an interactive program about the benefits and styles of meditation that can help participants balance and settle themselves - especially during chaotic times. 

There will be group discussion and experiential learning as well as guidance on how to start a daily meditation practice.

Healthy U Talks

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U Talks, a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org/events. The hospital is at 130 Division St.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer program focusing on spiritual renewal

Program on meditation slated at Griffin Hospital in March. 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is helping individuals get their spirits ready for spring with a free program on spirituality and meditation from 6-7:30 p.m. March 16.

Janice Lautier, director of Spiritual Care and Education at Griffin, will host “Awakening the Sense of Spirituality,” an interactive program that demonstrates how spirituality and meditation can help bring feelings of inner peace and purpose.

This talk is part of Griffin Hospital's Healthy U Talks, a series of free wellness talks featuring Griffin Hospital medical experts and community partners providing trusted health information and answers to questions on a wide range of topics.

The hospital is at 130 Division St.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call 203-732-1511 or visit griffinhealth.org/events.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Church in Ansonia to hold service for families with special needs children

Photo from church website

ANSONIA - Rhythms of Grace to Go is a monthly worship service at First United Methodist Church that serves the spiritual needs of families who have children with disabilities.

The next service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the church, 47 Franklin St.

For information call 203-734-0374, or emailpastorjim@anseyumcs.org. 

The service is supportive, loving, open, and fully inclusive.

The church seeks to actively nurture participants through Gospel teaching, music, play, and activities, all while being mindful of the entire family's spiritual needs.

This is a release from the church.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host program on spirituality

Griffin Hospital will host an interactive program on spirituality and meditation Jan. 27 at the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center./Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center will host a free program on meditation and spirituality from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jan. 27 at the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St.

Janice Lautier, director of Spiritual Care and Education at Griffin, will host “Awakening the Sense of Spirituality,” an interactive program that demonstrates how spirituality and meditation can help bring feelings of inner peace and purpose.

This program is part of a series of free, educational forums hosted by the Community Health Resource Center in an effort to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Author to address happiness club at Shelton community

SHELTON - The community is invited to Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community at 6 p.m. June 11 for a meeting of the Smiles Within A Village Happiness Club. 
Author Emily Filloramo will present “Be Unforgettable: How to Permanently Erase the Negative Self Talk So You Can Unleash Your Best Self.” 

Filloramo will discuss the cutting-edge, little-known, and powerful modality that can help to permanently erase the critical voices that hold you back from living the life you want. 

She will be sharing insight from her book, which addresses nutrition, self-image, psychology, self-actualization and spirituality. 
All are welcome to the presentation; the meeting is free and open to the public.

Crosby Commons is located on the Wesley Village campus at 580 Long Hill Ave.


For more information or to RSVP, contact Mary Ann Milano, 203-225-5018 or by e-mail at mamilano@umh.org.


This is a press release from United Methodist Homes. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk on ancient healing art

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Community Health Resource Center, 130 Division St., invites the community to a discussion on the healing aspects of Emei Qigong at 1 p.m. Feb. 13.

Patricia Bolger, of Qi Artisans in Wallingford, will host the discussion on Emei Qigong, an ancient system for health, healing, rejuvenation and spiritual development that encompasses physical forms and exercises, meditation, nutrition, healing techniques and spirituality. 

This Q&A will focus on the healing aspects of Emei Qigong and will offer participants a brief experience with the ancient art.

This free program is part of the Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital’s Planetree Programs Health Education, a series of forums to help improve the health of the community.

To register or for more information, call Kerry or Deborah at 203-732-7399.

The Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is a traditional library that provides an array of medical and health information, including a large collection of easy to read health and lifestyle related materials. 

The Center is open to the public to educate themselves on ways to enhance their well-being, prevent illness and play an active role in decisions about their health.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.