Derby to hold kick-off to kindergarten at DHS

Career coach to return to Derby Public Library

DERBY - The CT Works Career Coach will return to the Derby Public Library from

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 20.

During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m.,

instructors will be offering the class, Using Social Networking in Your Job Search.

Both sessions will explain very useful tools that job seekers need today.

Social Networking has become one of the most popular ways

of landing your next “big” job by creating useful connections online. 
These connections make it easier to look for a job online through your created network.

Classes are free and open to the public.

Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served

basis.
The CT Works Career Coach is a project of The WorkPlace, Inc. operated 

by Career Resources.  

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.

Diabetes workshop offered at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - Individuals diagnosed with diabetes can learn how to take control of the health disorder through a free, six-week diabetes self-management workshop at Griffin Hospital this March.

Part of the Live Well Chronic Disease Self Management program, the workshops will be held on Fridays from 1-3:30 p.m. from March 6-April 10 at the hospital, 130 Division St.


The workshop will focus on several topics for those with diabetes, including what to eat, foot care, low and high blood sugar, sick day guidelines, tips for dealing with stress, and how to set small and achievable goals.

The Connecticut Department on Aging, Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Hospital Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nursing sponsor the program.

To register or for more information, contact Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137 or at mswansiger@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ice fishing class slated in Ansonia

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Armory, 5 State St., will be the place to be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to learn about ice fishing.

The free, two-hour class will focus on equipment, safety, and rules.

The Ansonia Recreation Department, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) are sponsoring the program.

Call Dave to register, 203-231-0946.


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

Health in the spotlight at Ansonia Middle School fair

 Edi May Macri of Milford, owner of Bikram Yoga in Shelton, talks to a parent about the benefits of yoga at a recent holistic health fair held for seventh graders at Ansonia Middle School.

Ansonia Middle School health teacher Lisa Nicolari said the idea behind the fair was to demonstrate to students that ultimately they determine their own well-being. She said she teaches them that the choices they make now will have an effect on their future health.

The event for seventh graders focused on physical, intellectual, social, and emotional health. It also taught stress and time management techniques and problem solving.

Nicolari said unified arts teachers - art, music, health, consumer technology, and physical education - and special education teachers participated in the fair. Parents were invited to the event in an effort to increase their involvement with the school, she said.

Art teacher Ashley Preneta's students created an exhibit that talked about the benefits of art therapy.

Music teacher Matt DeSorbo discussed the use of music therapy and how it can help people with autism, emotional disorders, and physical disabilities lead fuller lives.

Myra Odenwaelder, Director, Rehabilitation Services Department at Griffin Hospital in Derby, spoke about 'backpack strategies' aimed at preventing problems heavy backpacks cause and distributed information from The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. Odenwaelder said the slogan she wants students and parents to remember is "Pack it Light, and Wear it Right." She weighed students' backpacks and said one girl was carrying a "14-pound bag."

The effect of alcohol consumption on the body was the subject of a demonstration by Lorrie McFarland, prevention coordinator, Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council, a program of BHcare in Ansonia. She said alcohol consumption leads to poor judgment and loss of coordination.
Students had an opportunity to don "goggles" that simulate feelings of being drunk.

Seventh grader Lizette Herrschaft said when she wore the goggles "it was hard to walk." Classmate Cedreya Lanier said she "got very dizzy" when she tried them out.

Students' posters lead the way to the fair held in the gym.

Kudos to the teachers who organized this community event. There was a lot of good information offered to visitors. 

And a big thank you goes out to Ansonia Middle School Co-Principal Terri Goldson for sending me these photos, since I had a camera "issue" that morning.

Sharing Derby mayor's message

From the Valley Independent Sentinel's Facebook page:
"Mayor Anita Dugatto has issued the following notification:

Derby City Hall will be open from 9 am to 5 pm on Wednesday January 28, 2015.

Garbage Collection in the City of Derby has been delayed one day due to the “Blizzard.”

Tuesday’s garbage will be collected on Wednesday, etc.

"Further updates will be given on Wednesday morning."

Ansonia info shared

A message from Sheila O'Malley, Ansonia Economic Development Director:


"All Municipal buildings will be open Wednesday, January 28th at 10 a.m.

Parking ban will be lifted Wednesday, January 28th at 7 a.m."