Seymour Oxford Food Bank lists volunteer opportunities

As summer starts to wind down and the busy fall season approaches, we wanted to share some of the many volunteer opportunities available at the food bank!

From van drivers to shelf stockers, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Whether you have a few hours a week or are only able to help occasionally, your time makes a difference.

Not able to volunteer at this time? Share this post with your friends, family, or coworkers.

Come be part of our amazing volunteer team and help us continue serving our community!

Reach out to learn more about how you can get involved.

Email Charlotte at sofbinc.1@gmail.com or call 203.888.7826.

Griffin Health presents multi-skilled technician with staff excellence award

DERBY - Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including its 2026 Caregiver Excellence Award winner, Multi-Skilled Technician Rachel Layseca.

The Caregiver Excellence Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health employee whom others believe demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, the highest level of standards and excellent patient care, and consistently exhibits caring, commitment, and compassion towards patients and coworkers.

A four-year Griffin caregiver in the hospital’s Emergency Department, Rachel was selected for the award for being a leader who sets a high standard for herself and inspires those around her.

“Rachel is the kind of teammate every nurse hopes to work with,” the nomination for Rachel states. “When Rachel is assigned as your technician, you know you will have an outstanding partner who anticipates patient needs, communicates effectively, and works seamlessly with the entire health care team. She consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a positive attitude, even in the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of the Emergency Department.”

Seymour Police probe homicide after male found shot in Ideal Plaza parking lot

 

Ansonia Police asking public's help in locating teen

Anthony Rush 

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing person who left his home around 9 p.m. on 8/25/2026.

Anthony Rush is a 15-year-old male, approximately 5’4” tall, weighing 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black jeans.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885.

Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Tip411 using the link below:

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

 

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky

 Tonight's waxing gibbous moon is 94 percent illuminated.

Griffin Health congratulates Heart of Caring Award winner

Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including its 2026 Heart of Caring Award winner, Multi-Skilled Technician Moraima “Mo” Medina.

The Caring Heart Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health nursing support staff member whom others believe to be truly committed, compassionate, kind and exemplifies the Planetree person-centered care philosophy.

A recently hired caregiver in the Griffin Hospital inpatient units, Moraima was selected for the award for her consistent person-centered care and compassion for patients.

“It is not unusual for Mo to go to the gift shop to buy little gifts for her patients such as lip balm for dry lips or balloons for a birthday,” the nomination for Moraima stated. “Mo is known to go visit her patients when they are transferred to other units. Specifically, there was a patient transferred for hospice care. Mo made a point to go visit with the patient and the family.”

‘Turnback Tuesday’ features Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1

Turnback Tuesday is remembering the oldest fire company in Derby, Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1.

The company was formed June 7, 1837. Records indicate that the first engine was a hand pump machine manned by 12 men.

This image is of the first motorized fire apparatus. It was built by John J. Booth in 1914. John was a local blacksmith and carriage maker with a shop at 13-17 Housatonic Ave. in Derby.

This image and many others will be on display for the months of September and October at the Derby Public Library.

The items displayed will be from the collection of the Hotchkiss Hose Co. #1 and their members.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.