Early bird registration ends soon for Pounding the Pavement in Seymour

Sharing a message from Mary Deming, founder of the nonprofit Seymour Pink, a community's fight against breast cancer.

"There are just 3 days left to early bird registration. The cost is still $25. 

"On August 1 registration fees will increase to $30. Do not delay. Head over to runsignup.com now and register for this amazing 5K and join the FIGHT against breast cancer! 

"Thank you for your continued support!"

Church to host 2nd annual Ansonia Police Appreciation Day, fundraiser

Recuperation journey: My wonderful donor

I love this photo! 
From left: my wonderful kidney donor, Robin Gilmartin of West Hartford, me, my equally wonderful sister-in-law Suzanne Watson of Laconia, N.H. (Ralph's baby sister), and Suzanne's kidney recipient, William Greenwood of Bethel.

I can't thank Robin enough for her altruistic gift.


Photo by Allegra Villers 

Recuperation journey: Good question; feeling silly

Less than two weeks ago this marigold plant had only one bloom ... now I'm wondering if my kidney donor has a green thumb and it has been passed on to me! 

Hmmm ... I'll have to ask her about that.   🌼 

Recuperation journey: Meeting my kidney donor

Medical professionals at Yale-New Haven Hospital uttered the word altruism several times at today's press conference celebrating a recently completed kidney exchange.

I received a kidney May 9 from an altruistic donor as part of the first group of surgeries in what turned out to be an 18-person kidney exchange.

I met my donor, a wonderful woman named Robin, for the first time just before the press conference. It was incredibly exciting to meet the person who changed my life for the better; I told her I couldn't thank her enough! 

I'll be writing about this adventure in future posts. 
Please stay tuned, and thanks as always for reading.

I wanted to share a photo I snapped before the event of this little guy waiting patiently for the big reveal. 
Coincidentally enough he turned out to be the grandson of my sister-in-law Sue's recipient! 
Sue was an altruistic donor, and was thrilled to finally meet the man who now has her kidney.

Recuperation journey: Today's the day

I could barely sleep last night anticipating today's event: a meet and greet for nine kidney recipients and their donors followed by a press conference at Yale-New Haven Hospital. 

I'm so excited to meet the person whose gift changed my life for the better! 

'Turnback Tuesday' on Wednesday features organ company founder

Businessman's house still stands in downtown Derby

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of Charles Sterling's house. Mr. Sterling was the founder of the Sterling Organ Co. in 1845. Originally from Sharon, CT, Charles moved to Derby after marrying the daughter of Edward Shelton and prior to opening the factory. In 1860, the Sterling Organ Co. began to produce pianos as well. Their popularity no doubt led to the company becoming more widely known as the Sterling Piano Co., especially after a separate branch was opened in 1871 specifically to produce pianos. Sterling served as president of the company until his death in 1887. His house was located on the corner of Cottage and Caroline Streets, where it still stands.


*Many thanks to Derby Public Library for sharing this interesting local history each week!