Griffin Hospital honors volunteers at annual dinner in Seymour

This year’s Griffin Hospital Volunteer Scholarship winners are, from left, Michelle Antony, Amanda Bean, Britney Swanson, Lekeisha Fonseca, and Bonnie Trelease. /Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital recently honored its volunteers for selflessly giving their time and talents to the hospital in 2018 at its Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at The Inn at Villa Bianca in Seymour.

A total of 328 hospital volunteers logged more than 34,900 hours last year while serving as ambassadors, candy stripers, bakers, shuttle drivers, room service, soft touch therapy providers, writers of vital patient stories and many more roles that benefited hospital patients, visitors, and staff.

“Each volunteer hour represents priceless moments of caring and compassion that make Griffin so special,” said Patrick Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Hospital. “Whether it is making fresh-baked treats for patients and caregivers who are missing home, providing healing comfort with a soft touch massage, or simply being a cheerful face and a listening ear to someone who feels lonesome or anxious – it is your unconditional kindness that makes Griffin exceptional.” 

Students honored

Griffin Hospital also awarded its annual scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000 to high school volunteers going on to college next school year.

For 50 years, Griffin Hospital has awarded scholarships to community students pursuing advanced education.  
In order to qualify for these scholarships, the students must have volunteered over 100 hours at the hospital, been in high academic standing, have been accepted into an accredited college or university, demonstrated initiative and perseverance and possess exemplary moral character.

This year’s winners are Amanda Bean, of Shelton High, Michelle Antony and Britney Swanson of Masuk High, Bonnie Trelease, of Oxford High, and Lekeisha Fonseca, of Ansonia High.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

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Ride/Walk for Children at Quarry Walk in Oxford to benefit PCRC

OXFORD - Do you love cycling events? Do you like to walk? 
Do you want to support children and families in your community? 

If you said yes, you should join the Ride/Walk for Children at Quarry Walk! 

Sponsorships and exhibitor spaces are also available for this fun community event that benefits BHcare’s Parent Child Resource Center. Endless opportunities to participate!

PCRC provides innovative mental health services, prevention and early intervention programs for more than 900 children and families in the Valley and beyond. 

The Ride/Walk for Children at Quarry Walk will take place June 9 at 300 Oxford Road. 

The event features 15, 36 or 50 mile bike routes plus a new MEGA 35 mile bike challenge and a 2k walk. 

This year’s walk is in honor of Wade Michael Prajer. A loving son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend, Wade’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 22. 

While nothing will ever replace the light Wade brought to his community, PCRC will honor his life while raising awareness and resources to provide help and restore hope to others in crisis.

This year’s event also features a FREE Family Fun Fest that includes a bounce house, Touch-a-Truck, live music, food, beverages, yard games and a special performance by 12-time National Champion Stunt Bike Rider Mike Steidley. 

Participants are encouraged to form teams and collect donations online. 

Registration fee is $50 per cyclist, $20 for walkers, and children 10 and under are $10. Register today at http://bit.ly/RW4Kids.

The Ride/Walk for Children at Quarry Walk is sponsored by Haynes Development, Quarry Walk, USI Insurance Services, Haynes Construction, Thule, Union Savings Bank and Griffin Health. 

Division of BHcare

PCRC, a division of BHcare, provides hope and help for children, adolescents, teens, and families struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. 

Visit www.bhcare.org for more information.

This is a press release from BHcare.

Local groups invited to march in Ansonia Memorial Day Parade

Ways shared to promote mental health wellness, fight stigma

Get Prepared: May is Mental Health Awareness Month and every year the goal is to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. This year’s campaign, #4Mind4Body, is encouraging individuals around the country to focus on the healthy aspects of their daily lives in order to promote mental wellness. For the month of May, Mental Health America and NAMI are challenging you to make small positive changes in your life that can benefit your mind and your body. >> For more information Mental health is much more than a diagnosis. While taking care of your mental health can mean seeking professional support and treatment, it also means taking steps to improve your emotional health on your own. 9 Ways You Can Improve Your Mental Health Today** Tell yourself something positive. Write down something you are grateful for. Focus on one thing (in the moment). Exercise. Eat a good meal. *Find a list of 20 Powerful Mood-Boosting Foods! Open up to someone. Do something for someone else. Take a break. Go to bed on time. *Sleep Hygiene is important! You have the power to take positive steps right now to improve your resilience and emotional health. Don’t wait until you're in a crisis to make your mental health a priority. **Full article by Patricia Harteneck, Ph.D., MBA on PsychologyToday.com

Forecast forces Shelton Historical Society to postpone walking tour

SHELTON - Tracey Tate, Director, Shelton Historical Society, announced today that the Walking Tour of Huntington Green planned for Sunday (May 5) is postponed due to the weather forecast until 1 p.m. May 19.