Griffin Health expands COVID-19 testing, opens site in Trumbull, adds hours

Griffin Health has expanded its free COVID-19 testing./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Health has expanded its free COVID-19 testing in Connecticut with a new drive-through COVID-19 testing site in Trumbull and expanded hours at its sites in Naugatuck, Farmington and Middlebury.

The new testing site opens Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Unity Park on Unity Park Road in Trumbull from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Additionally, Griffin’s free COVID-19 drive-through testing sites in Naugatuck, Farmington, and Middlebury will also be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Naugatuck testing site is located at Ion Bank, 1430 New Haven Road and is open on Wednesdays. 

The Farmington testing site is located at Tunxis Community College, 271 Scott Swamp Road, and is open on Thursdays. 

The Middlebury testing site is located at Quassy Amusement Park, 2132 Middlebury Road, and is open on Fridays. 

No appointment is necessary for the Trumbull, Naugatuck, Farmington, and Middlebury testing sites.

Griffin’s COVID-19 testing site at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. is open daily from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with extended hours Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Tests are by appointment only for the Griffin Hospital site. Contact the Griffin Call Center at 203-437-6815 Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Individuals without a doctor’s note for testing can use the promo code “Community” to schedule a test.

All test sites will have results available within 24-48 hours. A valid ID is required for all test sites.

Visit griffinhealth.org/covid for more information.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

 

Recuperation journey: December chill

 I stopped for a short while this morning at Osbornedale State Park in Derby. The water fowl were nowhere to be found. Too chilly?

Derby Historical Society to host Christmas Fair at Humphreys House in Ansonia

SnowMAT: One of the raffle prizes at the fair.

ANSONIA - Enjoying a crackling fire and a cup of hot cider at the Derby Historical Society's annual Christmas Fair Saturday will certainly help cure the season’s blues. 

If you are in need of some good cheer - history and unique gifts await at the 17th century David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St. 

The annual fair will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn about the Humphreys House and its colorful colonial past and help support your local crafters! Coon Hollow Farm, Wood ‘n Bark, and Big Bear Trading Co. will be displaying their handmade items, perfect for that personal gift.

For more information call 203-735-1908 or email to info@derbyhistorical.org.

 

*Masks are required for indoor events according to current State of CT guidelines - Group/tour sizes monitored.

Masks are not required for outdoor events unless 6' distancing cannot be maintained.

Gift shop open to one family/group at a time during Open House events* 

Prizes:

• Hamilton (two books, desk calendar, soundtrack CD)
• Yankee Candle (three jar candles and one room spray)
• Unicorn (plush unicorn, Tervis tumbler, assorted accessories)
• Lavender (an assortment of lavender-scented products)
• Centerpiece Mat and Needlepoint Ornaments
• Frosty the SnowMAT and a Christmas Cookie Towel
• Wine tumbler set, a toy horse, candles, ornaments, and two decorative pre-lit trees!               

  

  Needlepoint ornaments are another prize.

RAFFLE TICKETS

are only

$2 for 1 Ticket

$5 for 3 Tickets

or

$10 for 14 Tickets

Tickets can be purchased in advance - call for details!

This is a press release from Daniel Bosques, executive director, Derby Historical Society.

Klarides-Ditria named chair of Legislative Regulation Review Committee

State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria

HARTFORD - State Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria,  R-Seymour, has been named Chair of the Legislative Review Committee by House Republican Leader-elect Vincent Candelora for the 2021-23 legislative session. 

Klarides-Ditria was also tapped to serve as a Caucus Whip.

“I am honored to be named Chair of the Regulation Review Committee for the 2021-2023 session and look forward to working with my colleagues to review and discuss proposed regulations to make certain they fit within existing state statute and do not make unintended alterations or changes,” Klarides-Ditria said. 

“Nicole has distinguished herself as a smart, tough and capable leader for our caucus,” Candelora said. 

“The regulation process in Connecticut is a year-round commitment that requires a keen eye and attention to detail. I am confident in her abilities to manage the intent of the lawmaker with the legal application of the law, while codifying regulations on behalf of the state residents. This committee is the only balanced one in the legislature—made up of equal numbers of parties from both sides. The respect that Nicole has earned by her colleagues will serve her well on this important committee.”

The Legislative Regulation Review Committee has the responsibility to review regulations proposed by state agencies and approve them before regulations are implemented.  Since all regulations have the force of the law, it is imperative that the regulations do not infringe upon the legislative intent or clash with current state and federal laws and constitutions.  The Legislative Regulation Review Committee is a bipartisan committee with a total of fourteen members, six senators and eight representatives equally by party.  To ensure equality and bipartisanship throughout, the chairmanship or co-chairs rotate every two years pairing either a Democratic Senator with a House Republican or vice versa.

Candelora also tapped Klarides-Ditria to serve as a Caucus Whip for the coming term. Whips are traditionally responsible for helping to shape public policy, assisting Republican lawmakers and making sure all Republican House members are in attendance to cast their votes on legislative issues.

Klarides-Ditria has also been selected to serve on both the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee and Public Health Committee.

“Even though the pandemic has caused major disruptions to our usual routines, I am excited to start another session and work on the important issues facing the state,” Klarides-Ditria said. “This year more than ever, it’s important to make sure the policies, guidelines and laws passed in Hartford don’t unnecessarily burden the residents and businesses that are already struggling. If we work together we can find common sense balance that helps everyone.”

Klarides-Ditria was first elected in 2016. She represents the 105^th District of Beacon Falls, Seymour, and Derby.

This is a press release from Klarides-Ditria's office.

Recuperation journey: Sunday best

 Stripes must be in style if you're a squirrel.

Rochelle: Ansonia receives $400K state grant for housing rehab

This is shared from a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby:

I am pleased to share that Ansonia is among the 12 municipalities in Connecticut awarded $13 million in Small Cities Grants through the state's Community Development Block Grant to modernize and rehabilitate housing. Ansonia received a $400,000 grant, which will capitalize its Housing Rehabilitation Program. The program seeks to make health and safety improvements to homes of low and moderate-income community residents. Project repairs will address the needs of 12 to 20 households with code violations to create safer conditions. The city will prioritize homes with health and safety concerns and/or life-threatening conditions. Ansonia residents who are interested in applying for funding should contact Sheila O'Malley at somalley@ansoniact.org, or Anna Andretta at aandretta@ansoniact.org, or call 203-922-3946. This funding is critically important for people who are already strapped for resources and will help fund enhancements to the city's housing stock and increase property values. Thank you to Governor Lamont and Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno for allocating resources to improve residents' lives. I am grateful Sheila O'Malley, Ansonia's Director of Economic Development, recognized and pursued this opportunity for Ansonia's hard-working residents. Housing opens doors for our city and its residents. This is wonderful news for our community. Ansonia residents that are interested in applying for funding should contact Sheila O'Malley at somalley@ansoniact.org, or Anna Andretta at aandretta@ansoniact.org, or call 203-922-3946. Read more about the Small Cities program here.

Klarides-Ditria: COVID-19 payment program enrollment date extended

 

Winter Protection Program Also Now in Effect 

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is reminding all customers the enrollment period for the COVID-19 Payment Program for both residential and non-residential customers is extended through at least Feb. 9, 2021. 

Further, the Winter Protection Program, which protects eligible households against heat source shut-offs during the winter months, is also in effect from Nov. 1, 2020 through May 1, 2021.

PURA encourages customers experiencing difficulty paying their utility bills to contact their utility company and ask:
First, whether the residential customer is eligible to be “coded hardship” and enrolled in the Winter Protection Program.
Second, if ineligible for hardship status or a non-residential customer, to enroll in a COVID-19 Payment Plan.

All customers with past due balances are eligible to avoid utility shut-offs by enrolling in one of the programs provided by the state-regulated water, electric and gas utilities, Operation Fuel, or the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS).

Importantly, no customer actively enrolled in a COVID-19 Payment Program can have their service terminated for non-payment. 

COVID-19 payment plans are available to any residential or non-residential customer requesting assistance, without demonstrating financial need; require no initial or down payment, can be up to 24 months in length; waive any fees or interest in the calculation of the monthly payment amount; and facilitate the repayment of the past due balances in addition to the customer’s monthly bill.

For more information, contact your utility or PURA’s Consumer Affairs.


This is a press release from state Rep. Nicole Klarides-Ditria, R-Seymour.