Recuperation journey: Shades of gray on a gray day

As I mentioned here yesterday, the 7-day Black and White Photo Challenge currently making the rounds on Facebook is fun, and strangely addicting. 
I've started looking at my photo archives in a new way, searching for some that I could turn into interesting B&W pix to share.

I thought this one - a gift from my sister-in-law after my kidney transplant - looked cool in shades of gray:

It was two pounds of fabulous chocolates for me to "share" with my family members. 
I probably gained five pounds eating many of these bon bons when no one was looking. 
But I was recuperating, so I figured it was OK.

Griffin's School of Allied Health Careers in Derby offers classes

The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers is accepting applications for winter programs./ Contributed photo


DERBY - The Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers, 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 206, is offering winter classes for its Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, and Phlebotomy programs.

Classes for the CNA program will be Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. starting Jan. 15. 

The day PCT program and the Phlebotomy program begin Jan 16.

The CNA course offers students an affordable and condensed six-week schedule. 

Course content includes infection control, legal and ethical responsibilities, communications, body mechanics, moving and positioning residents, personal care skills, nutrition, measuring vital signs, and restorative care. 

The program’s clinical experience is at a long term stay facility and Griffin Hospital from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a total of 40 hours. 

After successfully completing the course and clinical experience, students will be qualified to take the certification exam for a Nursing Assistant in Connecticut. The CNA course tuition fee includes the course book, CPR training, and malpractice insurance coverage for the clinical rotation.

The 16-week PCT program requires students to attend practical training on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and have the option to take the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Phlebotomy classes are offered during the day from 9 a.m.-noon or evenings from 6-9 p.m. 

The PCT program offers ample hands-on training and opportunities for practical experience in the school's fully equipped mock hospital room and during the 160 hours of clinical experience. 

The course tuition includes textbook, malpractice insurance, CPR certification, and national certification.

Classes for the 13-week Phlebotomy program will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays with a daytime option of 9 a.m.-noon or an evening option of 6-9 p.m. The course tuition includes a 40-hour internship, national certification, lab coats, CPR certification, malpractice insurance and textbook.

Anyone 18 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED may apply for admission. Early application is encouraged for all courses, as space is limited.

For more information or to apply, call 203-732-1276 or 203-732-7578 or visit griffinhealth.org/allied-health.

About the School of Allied Health Careers

Griffin Hospital's School of Allied Health Careers was one of the first hospital-based schools of its kind to be authorized by the Connecticut Department of Higher Education and offers Phlebotomy and other professional educational programs to provide training, education, and certification in selected health careers. 

Classes are taught by certified instructors in the Griffin Hospital Medical Building, 300 Seymour Ave.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Derby PD auxiliary to hold food drive for St. Vincent de Paul

'Stuff-a-Cruiser' to help needy neighbors
DERBY - The Derby Police Department’s Auxiliary Unit will hold its 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Derby from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 

The "Stuff-a-Cruiser" event will be held outside of ShopRite, 49 Pershing Drive.  
Officers will accept non-perishable food donations to feed needy Derby families.
St. Vincent de Paul operates a thrift store and food bank at 237 Roosevelt Drive. 

Last year the four-cruiser goal was crushed, as the community stuffed 13-1/2 cruisers with more than $15,000 worth of food! 
Give while you check your own Thanksgiving shopping off your to-do list. 

As you celebrate with family and loved ones this holiday, know that you helped provide for families that might otherwise go hungry.

*Sharing information from a Facebook page.  

Treasured Time to host fundraiser Thursday in Seymour

SEYMOUR  - Join Treasured Time for its 5th Annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza and its Red, White and Rosé Wine Tasting fundraiser Thursday at The Inn at Villa Bianca.
The Shopping Extravaganza will be from 5-9 p.m. 

For a $5 donation, visitors can do all their holiday shopping in one place with more than 40 vendors, and a free ticket for raffle prizes.

There will be a visit from Santa from 5:15-8:15 p.m. DJ Phyllis Kaplan from Lone Wolf Productions will be playing songs to spread the holiday spirit, and there will be a free gift wrapping table.

The Wine Tasting will be from 6-8:30 p.m. For a $50 donation, participants can take their palate on a journey around the U.S., sampling a variety domestic wines, beers and ciders. Admission also includes hors d'oeuvres, a pasta station and dessert. Combo rates are available with two tickets for $80.

The Wine Tasting will feature unique silent auction items and a “wine pull game” in which $10 purchases a wrapped “mystery” bottle of wine. 
There will also be live music by Paula Pettinella and homemade cupcakes with a boozy twist by Sugar and Spice Cupcakes.

The Wine Tasting is held in partnership with GLENRO Spirit Shoppe in Monroe. 
Both events are sponsored by the Hampton Inn, Shelton and Jason Oberhand, DDS Family Dentistry, Trumbull.

Tickets for both events can be purchased at treasuredtime.org. 

The mission of Treasured Time is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children.

For more information about the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza or the Red, White and Rosé Wine Tasting, contact Lindsay at 203-446-1068, lindsay@treasuredtime.org, or visit Treasured Time on Facebook.

This is a press release from Treasured Time. 

Recuperation journey: Sunday sunset seen

... at 4:40 p.m.? Unfortunately, yes. 
But I do love the change of seasons. 

Recuperation journey: Life in B & W

The Facebook challenge to post a black and white photo - no people, no explanation - seven days in a row is strangely addicting. 
I may continue the fun here on the blog.

Hmmm ...
I'll just change the rules a bit so I can use people and explain the photo.

This was today's B & W submission:

I can reveal the photo was taken in a former Farrel factory building in Ansonia, where RugPad USA will be relocating.

Massaro Farm in Woodbridge to host program on gardening

To share tips on putting butterfly garden to bed for winter 

Sharing info from Facebook:
WOODBRIDGE - Massaro Community Garden, 41 Ford Road, will hold a program on gardening from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.

"As the year draws to a close there are many chores for us to do in the flower Garden/Butterfly Garden to ensure repeat blooms and a healthy and strong garden for next spring/summer. 
"Join Emily Cosenza, Butterfly Gardener, advanced Flower/Shrub Gardener, as she demonstrates what to do with our flower beds for winter protection. She will also briefly discuss nectar and host plants for a successful Butterfly Garden and the types of butterflies we may hope to observe in the Butterfly Garden. 

"Cosenza raises several types of butterflies and will discuss appropriate plants for each. Bring gloves and a sharp hand pruner for helping to put the Garden to Bed!!!"