Griffin Hospital in Derby to host free 'Mini-Med School'

Learn anatomy, disease prevention, more

Griffin Hospital will offer its free “Mini-Med School” starting Sept. 6./ Contributed photo 

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is accepting registrations for its free, 10-week “Mini-Med School” course that begins Sept. 6.

Specifically designed for the layperson with little or no medical background, Mini-Med School provides a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how the human body works, insight into common disorders of the various organ systems, as well as information about disease prevention.

This free course will be conducted over 10 consecutive weekly sessions. 

Griffin Hospital physicians serve as faculty, covering a wide range of topics, including: Anatomy and Physiology; Primary Care; Cardiology; Endocrinology; Orthopedics; Pulmonology; Gastroenterology; Nephrology; Neurology; Oncology and Hematology; Cardio-Thoracic Surgery; Ophthalmology; Gynecology; Urology; Rheumatology; Dermatology; and General Surgery. 

Each weekly session will be divided into two hour-long presentations on different medical topics, with a refreshment break between presentations and ample time for questions and answers.

The program meets Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. in the hospital’s Meditation and Learning Center, 130 Division St. 

The Mini-Med School will culminate with a “graduation” ceremony for participants Nov. 15. 
The course is comprehensive and the knowledge base is cumulative, so those participants who attend all sessions will gain the most benefit.

There is no fee to enroll in the Mini-Med School, but space is limited; early registration is encouraged. 

To register, visit the events calendar at griffinhealth.org or call 203-732-1511.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Recuperation journey: My lucky day

UPDATE: Flounder is now hidden inside a building in downtown Derby.

ANSONIA - After somehow making my way in the hot afternoon sun from my car into Target I went over to get a shopping cart.

I took a double take when I looked down into the cart and spied this cute Valley Rocks CT painted rock! 

Whoever painted it has a lot of artistic talent.

It's the third rock I've found. I posted the other two back in the fall. 
One was in Seymour after the Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K in October, and the second was in Derby at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in November.

Hmm...where shall I hide this one? 

Shelton toddler named East Coast USA National Baby Miss

Dyani Sanders of Shelton

SHELTON - Dyani Sanders has been named the East Coast USA National Baby Miss, winning the title over more than 300 competitors, including 20 in her age bracket. 
The competition and crowning were held July 27 in Parsippany, N.J. 

East Coast USA is a pageant that holds preliminaries in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. 

Dyani’s road to royalty began earlier this year with the preliminary competition where the 20-month-old was named Overall Runway Supreme for Connecticut, moving her into the finals. 

Finals included multiple components held during a three-day event. 

Dyani first completed an interactive interview in front of a panel of judges before taking the runway to model her dress, outfit of choice, swimsuit, and patriotic wear. 

The final outfit was made by her mother, Michel’le Sanders. 

The next day’s competition included both mother/daughter and father/daughter events. When the competitors weren’t working, they were treated to a Disney princess party and got to meet their favorite Disney princesses: Belle, Cinderella, Moana, Arielle, and Tiana. 

As East Coast USA National Baby Miss, Dyani received a custom jacket from Chick NYC, a suitcase with a photo slot, toys, a swag bag, and a savings bond. 
Throughout the coming year she will attend other pageants to crown new royalty. 
Dyani will also attend local community events to help out and give back. She has already started by helping her mother with some back-to-school donations. 

This post is taken from a press release from Dyani's mother, Michel'le Sanders. 

*Congratulations to Dyani and to her mom!

Celebrate Shelton donates $1,000 to Boys and Girls Club

Sharing this photo from Celebrate Shelton's Facebook page.

New Irving principal: "Proud to be a part of the Derby family"

Aimee Misset is new principal of Irving School in Derby. At left is Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway; at right is Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Board of Education appointed Aimee Misset principal of Irving School. 
The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Selection Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway.

Misset comes to Irving School from her position as Supervising Vice-Principal at Driggs Elementary School in Waterbury. 
She began her career in 2005 in Waterbury. Prior to entering administration, she served as a classroom teacher, Title 1 Reading Teacher, and a Literacy Facilitator. 
Her strong background in literacy, instruction, and data driven decision making have allowed her to effectively evaluate staff and make decisions to positively impact student achievement. 
Her training in school climate and restorative practices helped her build rapport necessary to provide a safe, trusting environment where all stakeholders can flourish.
Misset is also a strong proponent of parent and community engagement and collaboration. She plans to continue holding many community events and finding new and innovative ways to provide opportunities to enrich the lives of students and families.

Misset believes strong relationships are the cornerstone of a successful school and, when staff and students feel recognized and respected, they are more willing to take the risks that lead to true learning. 
She said,“On my first visit to Irving, I could feel the positive energy. The building buzzed with student-focused energy and excitement and I left with a huge smile on my face. My core values align so well with the work Irving is already doing. I am proud to be a part of the Derby family and am very passionate about helping Irving continue to grow.”

Conway said, “Aimee joins our Derby family with all the knowledge, skills, and drive to continue the great work at Irving. She has already hit the ground running, working with teachers, staff, parents, our state level partners and community partners to ensure a fantastic start of the school year.”

Board of Education Chairman Jim Gildea said, “Aimee comes to us highly recommended from all of the relevant stakeholders in her last community. Whether it was parents, staff, students or community members, one message that came across loud and clear was that Aimee was able to easily connect with all groups and has made an indelible mark on the school system. Irving School is a special school and we are lucky to have Aimee at the helm.”

Two school events have already been planned to give families an opportunity to meet Misset and kick off the school year as a community.
A Meet and Greet the Principal Read Aloud has been planned in conjunction with Derby Public Library for Aug. 21 from 6-7 p.m. in the main meeting room of the library. 
Families and community members will have the opportunity to meet Misset. She will introduce herself and share some books that have special meaning to her. 
Light refreshments will be served and children will be able to enter a raffle for some new books.
The Irving Back to School Bash will occur Sept. 5 from 5-7 p.m. in the parking lot/playground area. All Irving families are invited. 
The Ice Cream Emergency truck will be there with sweet treats and music. Games will be set up for family fun. 
Community partners have also been invited to join and let families know about resources and activities available to them.


This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Art exhibit in Madison features folks connecting over tea

How many significant conversations throughout the world have occurred over a cup of tea? 

Whether with friends and family, or work colleagues, or even among nations through statecraft, talking over tea has been one of the few cultural expressions that unite us as a human family. 


An exhibition at Mercy by the Sea’s Mary C. Daly RSM Art Gallery, 167 Neck Road, Madison shares the works of 44 artists who expressed their interpretations of the human experience of connecting over tea. 

The gallery show runs Aug.18-Oct. 14, and the opening is from 2-4 p.m. Sunday.

Both the premiere of the video TEA, Connecting Cultures and a piece of performance art by Thomas J. Foran will enrich the opening. 
The collaboration is organized by artist and architect Ann E. Grasso.

The gallery is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

This information is taken from a press release from artist Ann Grasso.

Quaker Farms Fire Company to hold annual carnival in Oxford

OXFORD - Quaker Farms Fire Company will hold its annual carnival this week from Wednesday through Saturday at Quaker Farms School on Great Oak Road. 
Hours are 6-11 p.m. each day. 
There will be fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. 
For $25 you can ride all night with wrist bands. Credit cards will be accepted at food tent.