Griffin Hospital in Derby seeks volunteers for elder life program

Griffin Hospital is looking for weekend volunteers for its Hospital Elder Life Program, which provides extra support for elderly patients./ Contributed photo

DERBY- The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at Griffin Hospital is looking for volunteers who are available to come in on the weekend to provide additional support for elderly patients.

HELP is designed to offer special services to older adults hospitalized at Griffin. Research shows that between 30 and 50 percent of seniors can experience a decline in their physical and cognitive abilities during a hospital stay.

HELP is a comprehensive, evidence based, patient-care program that provides various volunteer interventions such as meal time assistance, friendly visits, activities, walking and exercise to help patients maintain their optional level of functioning. 

HELP team members work in partnership with the doctors and nursing staff to highlight issues specific to geriatric care and to provide education to patients and their families.

Training and supervision will be provided. No previous medical experience is required. Volunteers have a choice of working various weekday shifts between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Scholarship incentives are also available for eligible college students.

The next HELP training is scheduled to begin in the fall. 

To learn more about this important program or to become a HELP volunteer, call Laura Murphy, 203-732-7466.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia Soccer Club seeks sponsors for teams

The Ansonia Soccer Club is looking for 2019/2020 sponsors.

Please e-mail monaconm @ aol.com if your business would be interested in sponsoring a team. 

Shout out to The Hub, Mr. Softy, and Tipsy Tomato who immediately signed up to sponsor a team!

*Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.

Photographer battling form of dementia slates show in Shelton

Photos by Patrick Doyle

SHELTON - Resident Patrick E. Doyle will host a show featuring his photography from noon-3:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Shelton Community Center, 41 Church St.

In an email, Doyle wrote in part: 

"I could not take pictures of this quality prior to my diagnosis of Frontotemporal Degeneration, also known as Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia.
"Although it receives minimal attention, it is no less devastating and debilitating for the patient, caregivers, and loved ones than Alzheimer’s. 
"Last year Maria Tomasetti, South Regional Director of the Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association, sponsored a photo show for me. I sold over $700 worth of photos, and with additional orders and donations, I raised $1,700 for the Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association."

I attended that show at Three Bridges Coffeehouse on Howe Avenue and was impressed with Doyle's photography skills. He is to be commended for raising $1,700 for the Alzheimer's Association!

John H. Collins Post in Derby to celebrate centennial of American Legion

Photo courtesy of Markanthony Izzo 

The Veterans' Memorial Center, pictured above, is located at the corner of Atwater and Seymour Avenues in Derby.

Ansonia to host event to celebrate improved Abe Stone Park

'Turnback Tuesday' features grocery store in downtown Derby

Turnback Tuesday shops at Davey Bros. Grocers at 42 Elizabeth St., Derby. 

Davey Bros. started as a little shop at 9 Main St. in 1919 and quickly expanded to two stores, the second one at 42 Elizabeth St. in 1922, which moved to 47 Elizabeth St. in 1925. 

By 1928, it had expanded to a total of nine locations: four in Ansonia, two in Derby, and three in Shelton. By 1932, sadly there were no stores. 

This picture shows the 47 Elizabeth St. store which today would be on the corner of Elizabeth and 3rd streets.

Thanks as always to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week!

Old School band to perform rock, blues and more today on Derby Green

Old School performs July 3 on the Shelton Riverwalk./ Photo from the band's Facebook page.

Sharing an email from Derby City/Town Clerk Marc Garofalo:

Don’t miss the great band Old School “Never too old to Rock and Roll”  at 7 p.m. today on the Derby Green.

Old School will be playing Rock and Roll horn tunes the best way they know how.

They are a band from Shelton that plays classic rock and blues ... with horns.

Band Members

Fran - Lead Vocals;
John - Keyboards - Blues Harp - Vocals;
Kathy - Trumpet;
Carl - Bari and Tenor Saxophones;
Jenn - Bassoon;
Linda - Tenor Saxophone - Flute;
Johnny Z - Lead Guitar - Vocals;
Brian - Rhythm Guitar;
Kevin- Bass - Vocals;
Steve- Drums -Vocals;

"Never Too Old To Rock & Roll" 10-piece line-up includes strong vocals, a rock solid rhythm section and a four-piece horn section. Our song list features favorites from Chicago, Steely Dan, The Blues Brothers, Van Morrison and more!

Hope to see you tonight on the Green.