Logan to host coffee hour at Valley Diner in Derby

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold fall prevention program

Griffin Hospital is offering a free fall prevention program./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Valley Parish Nurse Program at Griffin Hospital and Griffin Hospital Lifeline will host a free Fall Prevention Program Sept. 14 from 9 a.m.-noon at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St.

The program will discuss the dangers of falling, especially for seniors, and will help attendees prevent falls by: Assessing their fall risk; teaching them to assess their, or a loved one’s, risk of falling; teaching and practicing exercises to improve balance and leg strength; providing a medication review; encouraging annual eye exams; teaching ways to reduce tripping hazards at home and learning how to get up or to call for fast help if a fall occurs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three adults 65 and older will fall each year. 
For those 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury, death and hospital admissions for trauma. 
Those who fall, even if not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear causes people to limit their activities reducing their mobility, causing loss of physical fitness, which in turn increases the actual risk of falling.

A light breakfast will be provided by Griffin Hospital Lifeline.

To reserve a seat or for more information, contact Esther at 203-732-1523 or ejones@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.   

Massaro Farm in Woodbridge to host fund-raising dinner

Derby Public Library slates YA Wednesdays

DERBY - Derby Public Library invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to join the fun of YA Wednesdays during September as Sony Play Station Four (PS4), Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. 
The meeting runs from 6-7:30 p.m. 

Light refreshments will be provided. 

For more information stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to host free 'Mini-Med School'

Learn anatomy, disease prevention, more

Griffin Hospital will offer its free “Mini-Med School” starting Sept. 6./ Contributed photo 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is accepting registrations for its free, 10-week “Mini-Med School” course that begins Sept. 6.

Specifically designed for the layperson with little or no medical background, Mini-Med School provides a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how the human body works, insight into common disorders of the various organ systems, as well as information about disease prevention.

This free course will be conducted over 10 consecutive weekly sessions. 

Griffin Hospital physicians serve as faculty, covering a wide range of topics, including: Anatomy and Physiology; Primary Care; Cardiology; Endocrinology; Orthopedics; Pulmonology; Gastroenterology; Nephrology; Neurology; Oncology and Hematology; Cardio-Thoracic Surgery; Ophthalmology; Gynecology; Urology; Rheumatology; Dermatology; and General Surgery. 

Each weekly session will be divided into two hour-long presentations on different medical topics, with a refreshment break between presentations and ample time for questions and answers.

The program meets Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St. 

The Mini-Med School will culminate with a “graduation” ceremony for participants Nov. 15. 
The course is comprehensive and the knowledge base is cumulative, so those participants who attend all sessions will gain the most benefit.

There is no fee to enroll in the Mini-Med School, but space is limited; early registration is encouraged. 

To register, visit the events calendar at griffinhealth.org or call 203-732-1511.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Recuperation journey: My lucky day

UPDATE: Flounder is now hidden inside a building in downtown Derby.

ANSONIA - After somehow making my way in the hot afternoon sun from my car into Target I went over to get a shopping cart.

I took a double take when I looked down into the cart and spied this cute Valley Rocks CT painted rock! 

Whoever painted it has a lot of artistic talent.

It's the third rock I've found. I posted the other two back in the fall. 
One was in Seymour after the Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K in October, and the second was in Derby at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in November.

Hmm...where shall I hide this one? 

Shelton toddler named East Coast USA National Baby Miss

Dyani Sanders of Shelton

SHELTON - Dyani Sanders has been named the East Coast USA National Baby Miss, winning the title over more than 300 competitors, including 20 in her age bracket. 
The competition and crowning were held July 27 in Parsippany, N.J. 

East Coast USA is a pageant that holds preliminaries in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. 

Dyani’s road to royalty began earlier this year with the preliminary competition where the 20-month-old was named Overall Runway Supreme for Connecticut, moving her into the finals. 

Finals included multiple components held during a three-day event. 

Dyani first completed an interactive interview in front of a panel of judges before taking the runway to model her dress, outfit of choice, swimsuit, and patriotic wear. 

The final outfit was made by her mother, Michel’le Sanders. 

The next day’s competition included both mother/daughter and father/daughter events. When the competitors weren’t working, they were treated to a Disney princess party and got to meet their favorite Disney princesses: Belle, Cinderella, Moana, Arielle, and Tiana. 

As East Coast USA National Baby Miss, Dyani received a custom jacket from Chick NYC, a suitcase with a photo slot, toys, a swag bag, and a savings bond. 
Throughout the coming year she will attend other pageants to crown new royalty. 
Dyani will also attend local community events to help out and give back. She has already started by helping her mother with some back-to-school donations. 

This post is taken from a press release from Dyani's mother, Michel'le Sanders. 

*Congratulations to Dyani and to her mom!