Griffin Hospital to hold annual fund-raising gala at venue in Prospect

Proceeds to support patient programs, services

Nationally-renowned magician, mentalist and entertainer Dennis Watkins will perform at the 2016 Griffin Gala Sept. 16 at Aria in Prospect. /Contributed photo

The 2016 Griffin Hospital Gala will celebrate the elegance and enchantment of autumn with an evening of lavish food, enjoyable music and entertaining magic from 7-11:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Aria, 45 Murphy Road, Prospect.

The evening will feature an unforgettable combination of spectacular views, exquisite dining, and first-rate entertainment.
Guests will be treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while enjoying Aria’s delightful manicured and sculpted gardens, and breathtaking scenic views.

A customized dinner will be served accompanied by live music before a one-of-a-kind performance by award-winning and nationally-renowned magician, mentalist, and entertainer, Dennis Watkins.

The evening closes out with dancing to the energetic, Latin-inspired sounds and funky beats of the 10-piece band, Sugar.

There will also be a silent auction for guests to bid on exciting prizes.

Tickets start at $185 per person. Black tie is suggested.

Proceeds will benefit essential programs and services for the Griffin Hospital community, ensuring patients have access to state-of-the-art care in a healing, patient-centered, Planetree environment.

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Nista at 203-732-7384 or email lnista@griffinhealth.org, or visit griffinhealth.org/gala.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Seymour-based nonprofit is collecting school supplies

Sharing a message from Connecticut Partnership for Children:

The Annual Communities Care for Education Program is brought to you by BIC Corporation and supports children in Shelton, Torrington, New Britain, and Seymour this year. 

Of course, you can do your shopping at any store, but if you're using Amazon, be sure to click the link below and use Amazon Smile, as a portion of the proceeds will get donated back to us.

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/26-460936

Meghan Tarby, founder and executive director, Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc., said, "We are collecting now through Aug. 28 (at our annual Barefoot Summer Festival held at Colonial Tavern in Oxford) and are in need of pencils, notebooks, erasers, highlighters, folders, backpacks, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, and crayons." 

*** BIC Marking is donating pens for all children served! ***

Boys & Girls Club to sponsor 43rd annual golf classic in Shelton

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley will sponsor its 43rd annual Golf Classic at 11 a.m. Aug. 29 at Brownson Country Club, 15 Soundview Ave.

The golf classic is dedicated to John “Red” Larsen. He participated in almost every tournament and was chairman for more than half of them.

The event includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour. 

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been changing the lives of young people in our area for more than 60 years. 

Proceeds from this golf classic will help provide services regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

Admission is $200 per person.


Information shared from an online community calendar sponsored by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The New Haven Independent.

36th annual festival slated at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Orange

Dancers perform a traditional dance at a previous Odyssey Greek festival on church grounds. 

ORANGE - St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, will host its 36th annual Odyssey Greek Festival Sept. 2-5.

The festival on Labor Day weekend features Greek food, live music, and dancing.

There will be Greek dance lessons, a marketplace, giant tag sale, cooking demonstrations, raffle, church presentations and tours, kids’ rides, games, and magic shows, and more.

The event is rain or shine, indoors and out on 10 country acres. Parking and admission are free. 

For information call 203-795-1347.


*Note: Information shared from a Facebook event page.

Gentile hails Connecticut's efforts against human trafficking

State leads way in fight; law gets tougher Oct. 1

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, is hailing Connecticut’s efforts against human trafficking.  

Beginning in October, hotel and motel operators must train their staff to recognize signs of human trafficking.  

The operators must also keep records of their guests.

In addition, the General Assembly will get annual reports from law enforcement outlining: 

law enforcement’s participation in federal, statewide, or regional anti-trafficking efforts; referrals related to human trafficking allegations; criteria used to determine the validity of human trafficking allegations; coordination among state and local police on trafficking cases; obstacles to investigating trafficking; the number of missing children investigations; the number of referrals from DCF related to trafficking; and the number of trafficking cases referred for prosecution.

“I am so proud of this legislation,” Gentile said. “It came about thanks to the women's caucus of the General Assembly who recognized the extent of this horrible crime and urgent need to address it. We worked side by side, across the aisle to ensure that our law would be comprehensive and effective. Because of my commitment and that of my colleagues, Connecticut's law is model legislation for our country.”

Connecticut’s aggressive anti-trafficking laws have attracted the attention of law enforcement and civil rights groups across the U.S.

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Seymour Library slates Science Snoopers, music and movement, book clubs, more

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St., has scheduled a variety of fun activities for children in September.

9/1 - 4 p.m. – StoryKids’ Book Club for K-Grade 2. Book talks, craft and a snack. Child must have some reading ability.

9/7 - 4 p.m.– Nutmeggers - YA Book Club for Grade 5 and up. Book talks, craft and a snack. The club features the Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees.  

9/8 -  10:30 a.m. – Lynn Lewis - Music and Movement for ages 0-6. This is a fun time for everyone!

9/8– 4 p.m. – BookChatters’ Book Club for Gr 2-4.  - Book talks, craft, and a snack. Club features the Magic Tree House Series. 

9/13, 20, 27 – 10:30 a.m.– Family Place Playgroup for infants and up. Many different types of play, craft table, and a brief circle time are included. A fun time to spend with old and new friends! Continues into October.

9/15 – 10:30 a.m.– Science Snoopers - ‘Milk Makers’ – real milk will be used. Natural science and a craft for ages 2 and up. Children must be able to sit and listen.

9/15 – 4 p.m. – ‘The Club’ book club for Grades 8 and up.  Teen advisory. Book talk, snacks and more!


This is a press release from Ann Szaley, children's librarian, Seymour Public Library.

Classic rock rules at summer concert Wednesday in Ansonia

The Beacon Falls-based band Bob's Fault performed classic rock tunes Wednesday as a part of Ansonia's summer concert series. 
It was a fun evening that brought back fond memories for those of us of a certain age.

Much more live music is on tap at Rock the Valley this Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at Nolan Field on Wakelee Avenue. 
Admission is free. See you there!