Friday, January 14, 2022

Ansonia announces holiday closings

Dr. Martin Luther King


Shared from the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

All City of Ansonia buildings will be closed on Monday, January 17 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday.

Additionally, trash and recycle pick up will be operating on their regular schedule. 

Follow this link for 2022 calendar with A/B listing. Next week is an "A" week. http://www.cityofansonia.com/.../2022-AB_LIST_yearly...


3 Griffin Hospital nurses honored with DAISY Award

             
Hwei-Jeng Liao-liu

Jocelyn Helms

                         


Jennifer D’Errico

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Hwei-Jeng Liao-liu (Jen), RN, of Watertown, Jennifer D’Errico, RN, of Shelton, and Jocelyn Helms, RN, of East Haven, with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. 

Winner can be nominated by patients, patients’ family or friends or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care.


Liao-liu, a nurse in The Childbirth Center at Griffin Hospital, was nominated by a patient for her kind and welcoming nature.

“As a single mother at a time where visitors are restricted, Jen made me feel welcomed and cared for from start to finish,” the nomination for Liao-liu stated. “She always explained everything in detail and even took a feeding or two so I could sleep for a few hours. This was so helpful and appreciated! Jen was always prompt and attentive.”


D’Errico, a nurse on the Griffin Hospital inpatient floors, was nominated by a patient for her exceptional care and empathy.

“While having a specifically difficult night, Jen listened to me, talking about a possible anxiety attack,” the nomination for D’Errico stated. “My oxygen numbers were good, my pulse was good, but I still felt like my heart was beating out of my chest. She looked into medications for me, but changing my roommate of the evening seemed to solve a lot of the problem. However, it was definitely Jen’s listening skills that night that made me feel much better and much more well cared for.”


Helms, a nurse in the Griffin Hospital ICU, was nominated by a fellow Griffin caregiver for her exceptional compassionate care.

“Jocelyn is one of the most selfless people we have the pleasure of working alongside,” the nomination for Helms stated. “She never wants recognition for any of the gracious acts she provides. Jocelyn always incorporates some extra love and compassion into the care of both patients and families - going above and beyond for all the little things that actually have had the greatest impact.

“Jocelyn works tirelessly in caring for COVID-19 patients, putting their needs above all else, comforting and reassuring their families, but above all, advocating for someone who no longer had a voice. She always seems to find out what is most important to her patients and incorporates that into their care - whether it’s playing Whitney Houston at their bedside, giving them new hairstyles, or somehow blinding the patients to the busyness in the ICU. Jocelyn’s calming voice was the last some of our patients heard. It always seemed like she was the angel who helped these patients pass with dignity. Somehow, Jocelyn comes into work every day with a positive attitude and continues to motivate all of us to be the best version of ourselves. Jocelyn is someone we all strive to be like and we are blessed she is not only one of our co-workers, but one of our best friends too.”


Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin Health patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. 

The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.


About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. 

Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.


Boys & Girls Club in Ansonia holding fundraiser


 

Thursday, January 13, 2022

TEAM Toys 4 Kids makes magic happen for 1,920 children


Who? TEAM Toys 4 Kids is the largest holiday toy drive in the region serving over a thousand children in our region each year. TEAM is a nonprofit human services agency serving the Greater Valley and surrounding region. www.teaminc.org 

What? Due to hardships of the pandemic and the growing need in our community, in 2021, TEAM Toys 4 Kids provided holiday gifts to 1,920 children with the help and support of 534 individual donors, volunteers, and local businesses. TEAM reached more children than ever this year, and it would not have been possible without the support of the entire community. Despite the continuing challenges we face from the COVID-19 pandemic, from the devastating health impacts, to the financial strain on workers and businesses, shipping delays and more, TEAM and our community supporters prevailed in order to bring joy and magic to children in our region. The 2021 TEAM Toys 4 Kids Magic Makers Committee was led by local volunteer leaders Carolyn Cutaneo and Carol Pendagast. Major business sponsors were United Illuminating, the Valley Community Foundation, and Tuttle Insurance Group.


Why? TEAM Toys 4 Kids helps ensure children and families experience the love, joy, and happiness during the holiday season amidst the economic and other challenges we continue to face. At this time of year, parents face difficult choices between providing food, paying for rent, diapers, utilities, and more, on top of giving gifts to their children. And there’s the stigma and anxiety among the kids less fortunate in school and childcare settings – in other words, the “haves” and the “have nots” being amplified by how benevolent the Holiday Season was for some kids but not for others… These memories for children can impact a child’s world experiences for years ahead and have an immeasurable emotional & social impact. What seems like a simple toy drive actually impacts children far beyond what we can imagine. 

        TEAM is proud to continue to Make Magic Happen for children each holiday season.


This is a press release from TEAM, Inc. in Derby.

Ansonia Library offers Take & Make craft supplies


ANSONIA - The supplies and instructions for this sweet ballerina are available in the Children's Room at Ansonia Library as part of our Take & Make Series.

Kits are limited so stop in soon! The Library is at 53 S. Cliff St.


This is shared from The Children's Room Facebook Page.

 

Technology is wonderful when it works


Today I was unable to sign into my desktop computer - which explains why I didn't post anything on the blog.

Finally able to use it tonight. Phew! 


Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Derby Neck Library to host virtual program about birds of prey


DERBY - This virtual program presented by Derby Neck Library will feature Mary-Beth Kaeser of Horizon Wings introducing us to some of her feathered friends! 
We'll learn about the characteristics and behaviors of birds of prey like eagles, hawks, and owls and what makes them so special compared to other birds. 
All of the raptors at Horizon Wings are rescues, so we will hear their individual stories as well. Join us for wings full of fun and wonder!
Registration is required for this event to receive the Zoom link - please register on the Derby Neck Library website here:  https://derbynecklibrary.org/events/horizon-wings-2/
Also be sure to sign up for our Youth Services mailing list so you're always in the loop about our programs and events! 
Click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/sEwn2WRNekRyDg1K9 

This is shared from a Derby Neck Library event page.