Sunset over Ansonia

Urban sunset 

I took this photo Friday afternoon and posted it on Facebook, and more than 20 friends liked it. 
I thought I'd post it here, just for fun.

I could use it as a mystery photo, but I won't. I took it sitting in my car in the parking lot of Ansonia Shopping Center while I was waiting at a red light to cross Main Street.

There are always great views of the sky over the Naugatuck River from the shopping center's parking lot ~ perfect for picture-taking fun.

Students, staff share holiday spirit at O'Brien Tech in Ansonia

ANSONIA - A spirit of giving and Yuletide fun was evident Thursday to all who entered the cafeteria at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School.

The school welcomed more than 40 members of the community to an annual dinner prepared and served by culinary students. 

Junior Jenna Randall of Ansonia said she enjoyed the festivities. "It's fun to volunteer here," she said. "It puts a smile on your face at the end of the day."

Classmate Nicole Parker of Shelton agreed. "It's nice to make other people happy," she said.

Pedro Hernandez, also a junior from Shelton, added, "It's a good experience. The seniors are nice. They're really kind."

Junior Makayla Eaton of Ansonia offers cookies to guests.

Junior Pedro Hernandez of Shelton serves cake.

Ho, ho, ho! Santa (a.k.a. culinary arts instructor Louis Fusco) strikes a pose with students who helped serve dinner to guests. Pictured from left are senior Anthony Melchiore, sophomore Matthew Goncalves, sophomore Victoria Hubbell, sophomore Brianna Gessner, sophomore Annie Froschl.

Each guest was invited to select an ornament created by students. 

Derby resident Janis Yakimovich attended the dinner for the first time this year. She said, "The food was very good, and the students were all very courteous and attentive."

Employee at Griffin in Derby certified as medical alert provider

With Philips Lifeline GoSafe service

DERBY - Griffin Hospital recently announced that Diane Betkoski, the hospital’s Lifeline Coordinator, is certified as a Philips Lifeline GoSafe provider.

GoSafe is a leading mobile medical alert service that is designed to help provide peace of mind to seniors at home or on the go.

Betkoski achieved certification through completing a comprehensive training curriculum and program offered by Philips Lifeline, the nation’s first medical alert service. 

Throughout the certification process, Betkoski demonstrated knowledge of GoSafe and expertise in how the technology can help active, independent seniors live life to the fullest.

Featuring the power of up to six location technologies, GoSafe gives seniors the assurance to get up and go while being protected by Philips Lifeline’s 24/7, U.S.-based emergency call response center. 

GoSafe is the only mobile personal emergency response system (mPERS) to utilize this “hybrid” locating approach, which allows response center associates to locate seniors in need of assistance in areas where GPS may not be available. 

Additionally, GoSafe’s built-in AutoAlert fall detection technology can automatically call for help if it detects a fall, providing protection even if the senior is unable to call on their own. 

“We’re proud to offer a service that empowers seniors to age safely and independently while providing their families with peace of mind,” said Ken Roberts, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Griffin Hospital. 

“By offering GoSafe, we can give seniors the confidence to stay active and on-the-go while keeping them connected to help if they need it. Griffin Hospital Lifeline considers senior health and wellbeing to be our first priority and we’re delighted that Philips Lifeline shares that mission.”

For more information on Philips Lifeline GoSafe, visit www.griffinhealth.org/lifeline.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby Historical Society to celebrate 'Twelfth Night'

Jan. 11 event marks end of Yuletide season

The Keeping Room at the Gen. David Humphreys House in Ansonia. / Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Join the Derby Historical Society as it marks the end of the Christmas season with its annual Twelfth Night celebration from 1-4 p.m.  Jan. 11 at the Gen. David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.
This event features tours led by costumed docents of the 1698 house, birthplace of Humphreys in 1752.

Spark up a conversation with a historical actor and take yourself back to an earlier time in American history.

Try some mulled cider and punch alongside some samplings of Colonial cookery and modern day baked goods.   

There will be demonstrations of Colonial skills such as spinning, weaving, and open hearth cooking.

Be sure to visit the gift shop to find that unique item. Toys of yesteryear, local history books, and watercolor prints of Derby from long ago are available for purchase.

For information call 203-735-1908.  
Limited parking is available in back of the house.  Additional on-street parking is available on nearby Thomas Street. 

This is a press release from the Derby Historical Society, a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 
The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.  
For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org  

Griffin Hospital in Derby slates session on tuition help for health careers

Griffin Hospital’s School of Allied Health Careers and The Workplace will hold information sessions Dec. 17 to help students receive tuition assistance for the school’s programs, including phlebotomy. / Submitted photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s School of Allied Health Careers and The Workplace will hold informational sessions at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at the school, 300 Seymour Ave. to explain student assistance programs, including free tuition through the Health Careers Opportunity Grant.

The School of Allied Health Careers is one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers training, education, and certification for Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician and Phlebotomy.
The school’s winter semester starts in January.

The Health Careers Opportunity Program aims to increase the number of individuals from educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who enter the health and allied health professions.
The program provides stipends and financial planning resources to students and parents, as well as information about healthcare careers and training.

In addition to assisting potential students in applying for a Health Careers Opportunity Grant, The Workplace will be offering information about student assistance for transportation and child care.

The Workplace is one of five Workforce Development Boards in the state. It works with employers and job seekers in Southwestern Connecticut to prepare people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers.

For more information about the session, the school or to apply, call 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Church in Ansonia offers night out, holiday fun

ANSONIA - Attention parents:

The folks at First United Methodist Church, 47 Franklin St., are ready to provide a safe environment for your children, ages 4-12, to relax and have some holiday fun from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 19.

They will provide dinner and dessert, and the children will have an opportunity to play games, do arts and crafts, and watch a movie.
  

All this while you enjoy dinner with friends; go holiday shopping; or just spend some time relaxing.  

Whatever you do, they have the kids covered.

Cost is $10 a child.

Register at www.SUMCthePearl.org.

Registration closes one week prior to the event.
Payment will be accepted at the door. 

For information call 203-463-8953.

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

Spooner House in Shelton assists PCRC clients

Spooner House in Shelton is a known champion in the community, especially during the holiday season. 

This year, for the first time in the history of its relationship with PCRC, Spooner House has provided numerous turkey dinners, assisting a total of 76 individuals for Thanksgiving.

“We have always made referrals to their food pantry for our clients, but they contacted us this year with some extras that they had,” said Lori Parise, Coordinator of Case Management and Triple P Parent Educator at PCRC.

Historically, PCRC’s clinic, System of Care and community programs have worked with Spooner House, because they have housed PCRC clients who have also received assistance through their food pantry.

Holiday meal baskets
Every November and December, individuals and families are able to apply to receive a holiday meal basket through the food pantry at Spooner House, which includes a turkey and all the trimmings.
This November, Spooner House received an outpouring of donations and was able to distribute 368 baskets to food bank clients, additional individuals and families in need of added assistance around the holidays, and partner organizations within the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

"Spooner House received an abundance of support for our holiday meal basket program this year due to generous community donations from churches, businesses, schools, families, and individuals. 

"We are happy to be able to provide extra baskets to PCRC for distribution to their clients in need, and we appreciate all they do for children and families in our community," said Susan Agamy, Executive Director of Spooner House.

According to its website, “Spooner House is operated by Area Congregations Together, Inc. with the mission of providing food, shelter and support services to people in need. All of our energies are devoted to helping our clients establish a self-sufficient living situation. We recognize the dignity of our clients, we give them our respect and we deliver our services without proselytizing.”

This post is taken from a release from PCRC, the leading provider of behavioral health services to children and families in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
Programs, including the Child Guidance Clinic, Valley Kids Belong programs, Child First, Triple P In-Home services, Early Childhood Consultation Partnership, Therapeutic Mentoring Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and the Prevention through Early Intervention Program, help children and their families so that they may develop to their fullest potential.