Griffin Hospital in Derby raises more than $50,000 with walk/run

To benefit Center for Cancer Care

Contributed photo

DERBY - The sixth annual Griffin Hospital 5K Walk/Run to Benefit the Center for Cancer Care set a record for participation with approximately 580 participants and raised more than $50,000 for patient needs.


The Oct. 18 event drew walkers and runners from throughout the Greater Naugatuck Valley and surrounding areas and featured a Survivors’ Tent for local cancer survivors to come and enjoy the festivities as well as gifts and refreshments.

Proceeds from the fun, non-competitive event are earmarked for patient support programs at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., and financial assistance for cancer patients for a variety of needs, including housing, clothing and grocery bills, transportation, wigs, and salon services.

The was supported by the Ansonia and Derby Police departments, along with generous donations from The Ansonia Rod and Gun Club, Tomra, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Centrix, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists, LLC, Yale Podiatry, Forrest Construction Co., Life Touch, Hersam Acorn, Star 99.9, Adams Super Food Store, Big Y, Bruegger’s Bagels, Duchess Restaurant, Eddy’s Bakeshop, Shop Rite, Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., BJ’s Wholesale Club, Kim’s Light Foods, and YoCrunch.

Donations are still being accepted at http://griffin5k.kintera.org.

For more information, call 203-732-7431 or e-mail5kwalkrun@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Derby native opens cafe in downtown Ansonia

Derby native Nick DiGiovanni, left, and Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti Monday celebrate the grand opening of DiGiovanni's Cafe & Catering with cups of espresso.

ANSONIA - Espresso, anyone?

Derby native Nick DiGiovanni, owner of DiGiovanni’s Cafe and Catering, is ready to make a cup of coffee, cappuccino, latte, or espresso for customers at his restaurant, 344 Main St.

In addition to the Espresso Bar selections, DiGiovanni serves breakfast, lunch, and treats like Italian cookies, cakes, and cannolis. 

Mayor David S. Cassetti and Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell helped DiGiovanni and his family celebrate a grand opening Monday.

Cassetti said, “It is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch or to enjoy a homemade Italian pastry and coffee. Nick DiGiovanni is a skilled chef and caterer and he has put a lot of time and effort into his new place. I have no doubt he will be successful."

DiGiovanni has hired four full-time employees for the cafe, which features traditional Italian cuisine. He opened his catering business in January.

DiGiovanni, a third generation Italian-American, is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University with an A.S. degree in culinary arts and a B.S. degree in food service management.

In 2006 he was selected to work for the FIFA organization, the international soccer governing body, at the world cup in Munich, and had the opportunity to cook for Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany.

Purcell said "the sun keeps shining on the city of Ansonia," and he congratulated Cassetti and Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley on taking the steps necessary to move Ansonia forward. 
"The Valley has become a hotbed of culinary experiences," Purcell said. Downtown Ansonia boasts several restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. “Businesses feed off one another and this a positive sign that we have a restaurant cluster on Main Street," O'Malley said.

"I'm trying to boost up the economy one panini at a time," DiGiovanni said with a smile. "Everything is top of the line and I hope everyone enjoys."

Seymour resident Joe Paolillo said he was there as a friend to support the DiGiovanni family. 

"I'm happy to have a place to come and have my cappuccino," he said. "This is what it's all about: food and good people."

DiGiovanni, holding extra-large scissors, joins Cassetti to cut the ribbon at his new restaurant surrounded by family and friends. At left holding the ribbon is Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell.

The shop sells deli items, homemade soups, salads, and imported pastas and olives to tantalize the taste buds. 

For something sweet to go with your coffee, this case features delectable-looking Italian pastries. 

As an Ansonia resident, I'm happy to see DiGiovanni set up shop downtown. I wish him all the best in his new endeavor.

Griffin Hospital in Derby celebrates Food Day

Griffin Hospital employees, volunteers, and visitors marked Food Day Oct. 24 with an 'Apple Crunch' in the hospital’s dining room. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital employees, volunteers, and visitors marked Food Day today by taking a bite out of an apple at noon.

The “Apple Crunch” was timed with similar events across the state as the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encouraged all its members, partner health organizations, agencies, and schools to simultaneously crunch into an apple.

Griffin Hospital also held a farmer’s market in its Dining Room along with a table staffed by dietitians to provide information about healthy eating.

Food Day is a nationwide celebration and movement to promote healthy, affordable, and sustainable food, and to inspire Americans to change their diets. 

Every Oct. 24, thousands of events around the country bring Americans together to celebrate and enjoy real food and to push for improved food policies.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Dinner to benefit Troop 3 slated Saturday in Derby

DERBY - A home-style macaroni and meatball dinner to benefit Boy Scout Troop 3 of Derby will be served at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Mary Church Hall, 212 Elizabeth St.

The menu, prepared by Marc Garofalo, members of St. Mary Church and friends of Troop 3 includes macaroni, meatball, sausage, sauce, bread, salad, soda, coffee, and dessert.

Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for children 16 and under.
Reservations are required; call 203-929-1770. 

Proceeds will benefit Troop 3 Scouts participating in a 2015 trip to Derby, England. 

This is a press release from Scoutmaster Randy Ritter.

Derby Library to host talk on history of arms race

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host a historical program, Castles of Steel: Part II, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 24.

In this follow-up program, Rob Novak, Jr., a local historian,
will continue to explore the first great arms race of the 20th century through lecture and pictures.

The world’s major powers spent great sums of money on
giant fortresses called dreadnoughts, blending 19th century Naval tactics with 20th century technology.

It was a period of innovation, grandeur and danger that ultimately was one of the
of the underlying causes of WWI and led to the first international arms limitations treaty.

Registration is requested. It is not necessary to have seen Part I to attend.

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


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Griffin Hospital in Derby continues series of breast cancer facts

Staff, students at Assumption School in Ansonia raise funds for Griffin Hospital

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

Assumption School seventh grader Brooke Armistead, left, and eighth grader Alexa Benfanti present Janet Hall from the Griffin Hospital Development Office a $625 check for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Students at the school recently raised the money by selling breast cancer awareness T-shirts designed by Brooke and Alexa. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Assumption School students and teachers, wearing breast cancer awareness T-shirts, form a cross inside the sanctuary of Assumption Church in Ansonia. / Contributed photos


I applaud the students, teachers, and staff at Assumption School for their efforts to raise awareness of this disease by supporting The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness.