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Community Foundation Awards Grant to Women’s Center

By CHERYL KUNST

The Women’s Center recently received a $25,000 grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation. These funds will help to support the Center’s free and confidential, critically needed services for adults and children provided through our three major programs: Domestic Violence Services, Sexual Assault Services, and Resource Services. During the 2011 fiscal year, the Women’s Center served a total of 27,697 residents in our 13-town service area. These services, provided by specially trained and certified staff and volunteers, include: Crisis intervention, including two 24-hour hotlines and emergency response to area hospitals and police departments; emergency shelter for adult and child victims of domestic and sexual violence; individual and support group counseling; individual and system advocacy; comprehensive community education, primary prevention and training programs for a wide range of audiences from pre-school to senior citizens.

 

Pat Zachman, Executive Director, said “this funding could not have come at a better time, as the fiscal climate continues to challenge non-profits to do more and more with less and less. The Fairfield County Community Foundation not only recognizes this, but steps up their efforts to support organizations to meet the increased demand for their services. We are very grateful to them for this grant award.”

 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Invites you to: Have Fun. Get Dirty. Beat Cancer.

By ROB SULLIVAN

WILTON: On Saturday, May 19th, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Connecticut Chapter will host the second annual Pineapple Classic at the Greenwich Polo Club in Greenwich, CT. Currently, over 525 participants are registered. LLS hopes to have 800 by event day.

The Pineapple Classic is a fun, Hawaiian-themed 5k run with obstacles throughout the course. After the race, a luau will be held with a beer garden, food, and entertainment. Participants compete for speed and for the best costume. In return, participants are asked to raise funds to help LLS advance lifesaving cancer research and patient services. LLS hopes to raise over $110,000 during this fun filled day.

There is still time to sign up! Anyone 8 years of age or older can participate. Register in single-gender or co-ed teams of two or more or as an individual. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest teams in all categories.

“This event was a huge success last year raising $80,000 for the Connecticut Chapter,” said Dina Mariani, Deputy Executive Director of the Connecticut Chapter. “We are so thrilled that it’s now an annual event and that it’s already grown so much in year number two!”

Teams are grouped based on whether they plan to walk or run, and teams that plan to compete to win are categorized at Kekoa (Hawaiian for warrior). The entry fee is $65 per person ($30 for children). Fee includes race entry, tech shirt, goody bag, and entry into the luau for food and drinks. Participants are also asked to raise a minimum of $50 to support lifesaving cancer research. To register or learn more, visit www.pineappleclassic5k.org/ct or call 203-665-1400.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY, with chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. LLS’ mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $814 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

For more information about blood cancer, visit www.LLS.org or call LLS’ Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by master's level social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers. IRC information specialists are available at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

“JOURNEY FROM LOSS TO HEALING & HOPE” BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERIES OFFERED BY ST. VINCENT’S

By LUCINDA AMES

BRIDGEPORT--St. Vincent’s Medical Center is offering a  free seven-week “Journey from Loss to Healing & Hope”  Bereavement Support Series in the Medical Oncology Conference Room on Level 3 of the Elizabeth Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care adjacent to the Medical Center (the conference room is just off the elevator to the right). The series will run every Tuesday from 2:30-4pm for seven consecutive weeks from May 8 to June 19.

This series, for people coping with grief and loss, will be facilitated by a hospital chaplain.

“We are offering the series to provide bereavement education and support, to ease the pain of loss of a loved one and to encourage the process of healing and growth,” said Director of Pastoral Care Deacon Paul Jennings.

Divorce Support Group for Kids& Their Parents

This spring, the Women’s Center is again helping recently divorced and/or separated families build new beginnings in a safe place for learning, support and healing by offering closed, facilitated support groups for children ages 5-7 and 8-11. A required corresponding group for their parents will be conducted simultaneously.

Group topics include family changes, feelings, having two homes, new relationships, and communication.

The 8-week program begins on March 26^th and meets weekly on Monday evenings through May 14^thfrom 6:00-7:30 at the Women’s Center. Registration is by appointment only and required by March 16^th. For more information, please contact our Child Advocate, Amy, at (203) 731-5200 ext. 213 or wcchildadvocate@yahoo.com.

Health care discussion slated for March 31st at North Branch Library

Saturday, March 31st from 2:30 - 4:30 PM The North Branch Library, 3455 Madison Avenue (203) 576-7003 & Bridgeport Votes invite you to a Town Meeting on the "2011 Connecticut Civic Health Index" & a discussion of why civic engagement is crucial in providing our children the quality education they deserve.  Moderator:  Charlotte Jarrell, League of Women Voters of Fairfield. Panel: Mary Pat Healy, Executive Director of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, Robert Francis, Juvenile Department of Justice's Alliances, Maria Zambrano, Executive Director of Excel Bridgeport, Wiley Mullins, Board Chair of Bridgeport Public Educational Fund.  Free refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.

St. Vincent’s Foundation Receives Grant from Mitchell’s Pink Aid for Free Mammograms

St. Vincent’s Foundation received one of the first grant awards from Pink Aid, a grant-based organization that helps fund compassionate services to the uninsured and under-insured women in our community. The grant of $105,000 will be used to provide free mammograms to women who have barriers to care, as well as provide education and support services to cancer patients through Swim Across the Sound.

Digital Mammography Screenings by the Saint Vincent’s Medical Center

St. Vincent’s Medical Center is offering mammogram screenings at the Career Resources Job Fair held at Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd in Bridgeport on Wednesday, March 15, 2012 from 9:00am–3:00pm.

Appointments are recommended; walk-ins accepted. Please call (203) 576-5505 for an appointment.

• A referral from your physician is suggested for this exam. If you do not have a referra, pleasel call (203) 576-5505.

• For those with an insurance card, please bring it to the screening

• Free mammograms for those with no insurance, financial limitations and who qualify.

Funding provided by GE Corporation.

Letter to the Editor: Asthma is a problem in Hispanic communities

To the Editor: The latest in the American Lung Association’s Disparities in Lung Health series, which takes an in-depth look at a specific problem in a community, is Luchando por el Aire: The Burden of Asthma on Hispanics. The Spanish title translates to “Fighting for Air,” something Hispanics suffering from asthma are all too familiar with. According to the report, Hispanics are less likely to be in the regular care of a physician, but are 165 percent more likely to live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Although Hispanics make up only 16 percent of the United States’ population, they account for almost one-third of those not covered by health insurance, making it difficult to access the special care one diagnosed with asthma requires. With the Hispanic population in Connecticut on a steady increase, the need to address the burden of asthma increases. The ALA suggests steps to help eliminate these disparities: support measures to increase healthcare for all, reimburse asthma education as a critical part of the asthma treatment plan, support efforts to improve air quality indoors and out, and expanding smokefree multi-family housing. The full report is available at www.lung.org/asthma-in- hispanics . Michelle Marichal Director, Health Promotion and Public Policy American Lung Association in Connecticut

CACLD Hosts "Let's Talk: My Child Has a Learning Disability" Lecture Series

 

NORWALK - The Connecticut Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (CACLD) is hosting a series of lectures for parents called Let's Talk: My Child Has a Learning Disability. What Should I Do? Parents will discover all the opportunities their child has as Rena Schine, Ph. D., School Psychologist/Advocate, shares her knowledge about what the law and school system have to offer to help maximize each child's potential.   The first lecture, Know Your Child: What do the tests say about your child? will be held on Thursday, March 8. A second lecture, Know the Law: What do the Federal and State laws mandate? will be held on Thursday, March 15. A final lecture, Know the School: How can I be sure the school is meeting my child's needs? will be held on Thursday, March 22. Dr. Schine will explain the referral process, planning and placement team meetings (PPTs), why there can be so much conflict and confusion, and how to measure your child's progress. These lectures will help parents better understand their children's options.   Each lecture runs from 10:15 A.M. - Noon and is limited to 10 participants. This series is intended for beginning parents looking for answers.The fee for the 3-lecture series is $45 for CACLD members, $50 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required. Call 203-838-5010 to register with a credit card. Location: The Connecticut Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (CACLD), 25 Van Zant Street, 2nd floor, East Norwalk.

About the Connecticut Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities Founded in 1963, the Connecticut Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (CACLD) is a non-profit organization whose goal is to ensure access to the resources needed to help children and adults with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders achieve their full potential. CACLD is a regional organization that supports individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals by providing information, education and consultation while promoting public awareness and understanding. CACLD offers information on more than 100 relevant topics including: schools, therapists, counselors, tutors, and camps, to name a few. CACLD is located at 25 Van Zant Street, Suite 15-5, in East Norwalk, CT. For the Help Line, current information and to become a member, please call (203) 838-5010 or visit www.cacld.org.

Real-Life Experience for Students at CAMBA’s Food Safety Program

By SONIA GARRIDO

CAMBA and Whitsons Culinary Group have partnered to provide real-life experience to CAMBA’s Food Protection Training students by inviting Whitsons’ food service professionals to participate in the Guest Speaker series.

The Food Protection Training and Certification is part of CAMBA’s “Next Step” Training Program which focuses on providing occupational training to New York City youth and is supported by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development. During the six weeks of this training course, the participants, required to be out-of-school youth, ages 16-21, are exposed to all aspects of food safety in order to succeed in the NYC Food Protection Management Exam (FPM).

In order to enhance the curriculum of this training program, CAMBA asked Whitsons Culinary Group to collaborate by sending representatives to speak to the students. The goal of these guest lectures is to provide trainees with practical experience and expose students to the different professions in the field of food services. According to Daniel Manbode, CAMBA’s Out of School Program Supervisor, “The Whitsons collaboration has broadened our students’ employment potential by exposing them to a rich and fulfilling service field that they may not otherwise have considered. Students are given a wide overview of employment options from preparation workers to Executive Chef.”

The participants in the Guest Speaker program not only need to be able to relate to the young adult population, but also make the connection between the classroom and the actual work experience. Whitsons’ first guest lecturer, Chef Peter Bellisario shared his extensive experience in the food service field with the students in an engaging, yet practical way. According to Sherill Hampton, CAMBA’s Food Protection Trainer, “our students were very impressed with the depth of knowledge and information he shared and how it truly connected with the various concepts learned in the training program.”

Various Whitsons team members from different business units (i.e. School Nutrition, Residential and Corporate Dining) will participate in the next Guest Speaker series in order to provide a comprehensive experience of the food service field to the CAMBA students.

About Whitsons:

Whitsons Culinary Group provides a wide range of highly customized dining services to public schools, corporations and institutions, with a strong focus on nutritious, high quality menus made from fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whitsons has a long and proud history of excellence and growth since 1979 and currently ranks the 16^th largest dining company in the United States (Food Management magazine, September 2011). Whitsons’ scope of expertise and services extends to: culinary development, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining and vending services.

New leadership at St. Vincent's

The position of President/CEO for St. Vincent’s Medical Center has been split to allow for Susan L. Davis to assume additional leadership responsibilities within Ascension Health.

Susan L. Davis, RN, EdD, is assuming additional leadership responsibilities within Ascension Health but will remain as CEO of St. Vincent’s Medical Center and as president/CEO of St. Vincent’s Health Services.

Stuart G. Marcus, MD, FACS, has been named President of St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

 

St. V's hosting "Smaller Incision, Greater Precision" at Testo's March 15th

“SMALLER INCISION, GREATER PRECISION: Advances in Gynecological Surgery Including Hysterectomy, Fibroid, and Ovarian Procedures, a Listen and Learn Lecture with Daniel Gottschall, MD.

Bridgeport – St. Vincent’s Medical Center is sponsoring a free talk open to the general public entitled “SMALLER INCISION, GREATER PRECISION: Advances in Gynecological Surgery Including Hysterectomy, Fibroid and Ovarian Procedures” as a part of their 2012 Spring Listen & Learn Lecture Series. The talk will take place on Thursday, March 15, from 5:30– 7:00 pm, at Testos’s Restaurant, 1775 Madison Avenue in Bridgeport . A buffet dinner will be available from 5:30 – 6:00 PM.

This unique lecture will feature a discussion of the benefits of the daVinci Robotic Surgical System and how it can be used in gynecology. Information will be shared about how robotic surgery may provide a less invasive surgical option and easier recovery for certain patients who in the past might have required major surgery. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Dr. Gottschall is Vice Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and Vice Chair of St. Vincent’s Board of Trustees. He is also Immediate Past President of the Medical Staff at St. Vincent’s Medical Center . Dr. Gottschall joined the staff of St. Vincent’s Medical Center in 1997 after serving as Chief Resident and Clinical Instructor at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Farmington , CT. He earned a bachelors degree in Theatrical Arts and Biology from the State University of New York at Binghamton , New York , and his medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania .

Dr. Gottschall has served in numerous hospital capacities at St. Vincent ’s. He is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association. In his private practice, Dr. Gottschall is a member of Alliance for Women’s Health in Bridgeport .

Registration is required and attendance is limited to the first 100 registrants. For more information or to register for this lecture, please call St. Vincent ’s toll-free Care Line at 1-877-255-SVHS (7847) or register online atwww.stvincents.org/listenandlearn.

Hamden Ophthalmologist Giving Away Brand New Apple iPod to Local Youth for Doing a Good Deed

Hamden – Hamden ophthalmologist, Dr. Jeffrey Gold of Liberty Vision believes that many good deeds done each day are going un-rewarded.

“We all know that negativity will not improve a situation, but complimenting or rewarding a job well done will actually prompt more of those good activities,” says Dr. Gold.

Dr. Gold launched a Good Deed Contest in November which will end on February 29, 2012. The contest is open to any youth 18 years of age and under.

Children are urged to join the Good Deed Contest by submitting an essay about a good deed they have accomplished. Kids can submit their essay online by going to: http://ophthalmologisthamdenct.com/index.php/community-events/hamden-ophthalmologist-ipod/

Dr. Gold will be giving away a brand new Apple iPod to the winner who submits the best essay. Whether helping a senior citizen cross the street or helping an elderly woman with her groceries, or organizing a fund-raiser at school to help other children in the community who are less fortunate, tell your good deed story to Dr. Gold and you could win a computer.

According to Dr. Gold, “we all have a vested interest in providing a stable foundation of moral values to our youngsters.”

“We believe that children deserve a helping hand to make their own choice of what is right or wrong, to make their own choice of how to reach their goals without compromising their morals,” explains Dr. Gold

Gold believes there is no greater joy for a parent than knowing that their children are on the right path. The contest rewards Good Deeds done by children and teenagers to encourage them to make the right choices in life.

Details of Dr. Jeffrey Gold’s other community events can be found online at: http://ophthalmologisthamdenct.com/index.php/category/community-events/

People helping people have been one of the prominent strengths of our country. During these hard economic times, the spirit of giving and helping is needed more than ever.

Optimus Health Care Celebrates Give Kids A Smile Day

By FRANK BORRES 

 

On Friday, February 3, Optimus Health Care is joining with thousands of dental professionals across the nation to provide free oral health care services to children from low-income families.

 

The initiative is in honor of Give Kids A Smile Day, a nationwide program sponsored by the American Dental Association.  Give Kids A Smile enhances the oral health of large numbers of needy children and highlights the ongoing challenges that low-income families face in finding dental care.

 

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

 

“Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child’s self-esteem. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy and strong,” said Dr. Alexandra Chan Katz, Optimus Health Care Dental Administrative Director.

 

All children under 18 are welcome to come for a FREE Dental Screening on Friday February 3, from 8 am - 5 pm. Stop by any Optimus Dental sites and receive a free gift!

 

 

Our sites are conveniently located throughout Southern Connecticut:

 

Bridgeport

 

Optimus Health Care Main Office

982 East Main Street

Bridgeport, CT 06608
203-696-3270  

 

Park City Primary Care Center

64 Black Rock Ave

Bridgeport, 06604
203-579-5223

 

The University of Bridgeport and New York Times-bestselling author Dr. Peter D'Adamo announce the new Center for Excellence in Generative Medicine

By ANN QUASARANO

Bridgeport: The University of Bridgeport (UB) and Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo, internationally acclaimed clinician, researcher and author of the bestselling Eat Right 4 Your Type, announced today the collaborative launch of the Center for Excellence in Generative Medicine (COE) which will be located at 115 Broad Street across from the UB Health Sciences Complex on campus, and it is scheduled to open in Spring 2012.

The COE will continue to train naturopathic doctors while broadening the College of Naturopathic Medicine's curriculum. It also will sponsor research in the fields of nutrigenomics and epigenetics, which examines how human genes interact and are affected by the environment, lifestyle and diet.

University President Neil A. Salonen, Dr. David M. Brady, Vice Provost for Health Sciences, and Dr. D'Adamo signed the official agreement for the Center at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, at a ceremony held on the eighth floor of the BU’s Wahlstrom Library.

"Dr. Peter D'Adamo is a giant in the field of naturopathic and integrative medicine, and he has made transformational changes in the way thousands of doctors treat their patients. He has taught them to better manage and reduce patient's risk for various chronic health conditions. Having him here at UB uniquely allows our students and interns to be mentored by him while in their primary training and provides patients in the Greater Bridgeport area affordable access to this comprehensive approach to health care," said Brady.

"From our first discussions about the possibility of a Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine, almost three years ago, our goal was to investigate the use of new technologies, algorithms and philosophies as applied to a new type of patient care; one that is personalized and crafted according to these generative principles," said D'Adamo. "I believe that today we embark on a project that holds great promise for humankind and I am especially proud that this initiative has found a partner in the University of Bridgeport, a recognized educational world leader in the field of integrative medical education."

Dr. Elizabeth Pimentel, Dean of the College of Naturopathic Medicine, echoed Brady's enthusiasm. "We are thrilled that we are able to offer our students the opportunity to learn from someone who has been called the 'most creative scientist in the western world' and who is a true pioneer in our profession. Many people made this happen, not the least of which are the students who have embraced these changes whole-heartedly. Special thanks to the Curriculum Committee who were quick to see how this collaboration would benefit our college and the patients served by our clinic, and to the Clinic staff who go above and beyond to make the shift run smoothly."

As planned, the center builds upon D'Adamo's work, which became well known with the 1996 publication of Eat Right 4 Your Type, which promoted the ideas of blood type, diet and personalized nutrition. For the past 15 years, D'Adamo has continued his research on human biochemical individuality and he has published over 20 books, including the recent, Textbook of Generative Medicine.

The Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine is a revolutionary initiative, and it is without parallel or equivalent in any other school of medicine. With the addition of the new Center of Excellence, "we will enhance the naturopathic curriculum as well as provide patients the opportunity to receive this cutting-edge care," Brady said.

Put the Brakes on Lung Disease

Donate your exhausted vehicle to the American Lung Association

Donate your use or exhausted vehicle to the American Lung Association of the Northeast. Any car, truck, motorcycle, fleet vehicle, bus, van, RV, motor home, boat or trailer, unencumbered by a lien, will be accepted at no cost to the donor - and you may be eligible for a tax break.

The American Lung Association will arrange pick-up of the vehicle by a professionally licensed towing company. Donated vehicles are sold at auction to the highest bidder. This process ensures that donations are turned into cash as quickly as possible, so the money can be used in the community right away.

Cars that sit unused for months at a time often pose an environmental hazard, especially if anti-freeze and other toxic chemicals have not been drained properly. Vehicles do not have to run, but they must be towable. All vehicles must have an engine and all tires must be inflated.

Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the country; lung cancer is the number one cancer killer among both men and women. Currently, 35 million Americans in the United States are living with lung disease. Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absences, with more than 7 million children suffering from the disease. The American Lung Association is proud to say that 78 cents on every dollar is reinvested to fund lung disease research, advocacy and programs.

For information, or to donate a vehicle, please call 1-800-LUNG-USA or visit onelessmanymore.org

Put the Brakes on Lung Disease

Donate your exhausted vehicle to the American Lung Association

Donate your use or exhausted vehicle to the American Lung Association of the Northeast. Any car, truck, motorcycle, fleet vehicle, bus, van, RV, motor home, boat or trailer, unencumbered by a lien, will be accepted at no cost to the donor - and you may be eligible for a tax break.

The American Lung Association will arrange pick-up of the vehicle by a professionally licensed towing company. Donated vehicles are sold at auction to the highest bidder. This process ensures that donations are turned into cash as quickly as possible, so the money can be used in the community right away.

Cars that sit unused for months at a time often pose an environmental hazard, especially if anti-freeze and other toxic chemicals have not been drained properly. Vehicles do not have to run, but they must be towable. All vehicles must have an engine and all tires must be inflated.

Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the country; lung cancer is the number one cancer killer among both men and women. Currently, 35 million Americans in the United States are living with lung disease. Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absences, with more than 7 million children suffering from the disease. The American Lung Association is proud to say that 78 cents on every dollar is reinvested to fund lung disease research, advocacy and programs.

For information, or to donate a vehicle, please call 1-800-LUNG-USA or visit onelessmanymore.org

Gerry Cooney to be featured speaker at Swim Across the Sound gala

By LUCINDA AMES

The St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound Sports Gala & Auction is set for Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven. All proceeds from the event will benefit Connecticut state and local police, firemen, correction officers and EMS personnel and their families battling cancer.

The event will begin with a reception and silent auction of sports memorabilia at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m., sports commentary and a live auction.

The featured speaker will be former heavyweight contender, “Gentleman” Gerry Cooney. In the wild world of boxing, Gerry Cooney is a rarity; a fighter who has enjoyed success in and out of the ring. As a world-class heavyweight, Cooney advanced to number-one contender. In 1982, he challenged Larry Holmes in one of the most anticipated title fights in history. As a businessman, Gerry Cooney has promoted championship boxing matches, owned shares in minor league baseball teams, and founded F.I.S.T. (The Fighter’s Initiative for Support & Training), a non-profit organization helping boxers make the transition from the ring to the real world.

Also speaking will be Jim Penders, UCONN Baseball Head Coach. Coach Penders enters his ninth season as head coach after leading the UCONN ballclub to it’s first-ever trip to the NCAA Super Regionals in 2011. Last season, Penders also led the Huskies to the first regular-season Big East Championship title. Jim Penders is a three-time Big East Coach of the Year (2011, 2010, and 2006).

The Sports Gala will also feature Roger LaFrancois, St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Hitting Coach and former Boston Red Sox backup catcher and Howie Schwab of ESPN’s “Stump the Schwab” Show.

There will be a special appearance by Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman with a Connecticut Multi-Department Honor Guard of Police, Fire & Corrections Officers.

Rich Coppola, Fox 61 Sports Director, will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening. In addition to presenting the nightly sportscasts, Rich also co-anchors "Fox 61 Sports Ticket," Connecticut's only prime-time weekend sports wrap-up program. "Sports Ticket" has been nominated on several occasions for a New England Emmy Award.

During the event, a first responder who has demonstrated support and compassion for cancer patients will be presented with the David Felner and Marilyn Goldstone Caregiver Award.

Also honored during the event will be the recipient of the Bobby Valentine Humanitarian Award which is given to a youth for his or her commitment to helping others with cancer.

Confirmed Speakers:

Rich Coppola, Fox 61 Sports Director

Gerry Cooney, Former Heavyweight Contender

Jim Penders, UCONN Huskies Baseball Head Coach

Roger LaFrancois, St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Hitting Coach, Former Boston Red Sox Catcher

Howie Schwab, ESPN’s “Stump the Schwab” Show

Nancy Wyman, Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut

David R. Fusco, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of CT

David Felner and Marilyn Goldstone Caregiver Award Recipient:

Helen McQuilton, Stratford EMS

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will underwrite the event. Tickets are $100 each ($60 tax deductible). Table sponsorships include 10 seats and are available for $1,000 each.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please call the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation office at (203) 576-5451. To learn more about St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound, visit www.swimacrossthesound.org.

About St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound

St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound is a charitable, grass roots organization run by the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation of Bridgeport, CT. Since 1987, the SWIM has had a unique niche, providing cancer education, screening and prevention programs at low- or no-cost for the uninsured and underinsured. In addition, the SWIM helps individual cancer patients on a case-by-case basis with specific needs, such as the funding of wigs and prostheses, medication assistance, free transportation to treatments and appointments, day-care scholarships, support groups and more. The charity raises funds through events such as the SWIM Marathon, Breast Cancer Luncheon, Walk/Run for Cancer and Prostate Cancer Celebrity Dinner. Wherever possible, the SWIM covers costs and expenses of events through corporate sponsorships, and staffing overhead is covered by the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation. The SWIM’s main area of reach is eastern Fairfield County, but outreach programs extend to other areas of Connecticut with the SWIM’s Smokestoppers and Mobile Mammography Programs and annual fund raisers for New Haven County, as well as support for Connecticut’s first responders and correction officers with cancer. The state-wide SWIM’s Smokestoppers program has reached more than 140,000 children and adults. The SWIM raised $2.6 million in the 2011 fiscal year and helps more than 20,000 people annually.

For more information, contact the St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation at (203) 576-5451 or visit www.swimacrossthesound.org.

Dr. Mel Will Always be Remembered by The Connecticut Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

By DINA MARIANI

MERIDEN - On Wednesday, Jan. 18^th, 2012, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Connecticut Chapter lost a dear friend, Dr. Mel Goldstein.  Dr. Mel, retired Storm Team 8 meteorologist, had been fighting multiple myeloma for many years.  

Dr. Mel has been an integral part of LLS’ Light The Night Walk in New Haven since it’s inception over twelve years ago serving as Honorary Chair  In 2010, he created a Light The Night team titled Dr. Mel’s Celebration of Life, and walked with family and friends.  LLS also presented him with the Michael Garil Courage Award that year for his perseverance, determination, and courage through difficult times.

“Dr. Mel was a fixture at our New Haven Light The Night Walks,” said Jeannie Montano, Executive Director of LLS’ Connecticut Chapter, “he will be missed by all and our condolences go out to his family.”

“WOMEN & HEART DISEASE” TALK AT ST. VINCENT’S MEDICAL CENTER

By LUCINDA AMES

BRIDGEPORT — “Women & Heart Disease” will be presented at St. Vincent’s Medical Center on Wednesday, February 1 at 7:30 PM. The free event, open to the general public, is co-sponsored by Regina L. Cozza Women at Heart and the Healthy Hearts Club, and will be held in the Hawley 2 Conference Room located in the Elizabeth M. Pfriem SWIM Center for Cancer Care, next to St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

Cardiologist Alon Ronen, MD, Co-Medical Director of Women at Heart at St. Vincent’s, is the featured speaker. As a board certified cardiologist, with special training in Nuclear Cardiology and Echocardiography, Dr. Ronen will bring his expertise to a discussion of risk factors, prevention and treatments as they apply to women.

Dr. Ronen earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and performed a Fellowship in Cardiology as well as a residency in internal medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester.

A question and answer period will be included and light refreshments will be served. No registration is necessary Parking is free in the lot immediately in front of St. Vincent's. For further information, please call St. Vincent's Cardiac Rehab Department at 203-576-5012.

Women at Heart

Women at Heart at St. Vincent’s Regina L. Cozza Center, is a FREE heart care club, especially for women, reflecting St. Vincent's commitment to heart-related diagnosis, education and treatment for women. Through the use of leading- edge technology, St. Vincent's Regional Heart & Vascular Center can help with early detection, diagnosis and proper treatment of heart disease in women. Membership in Women at Heart helps a woman to lower risks, detect problems early, and treat them effectively. Benefits include discounts on cardiovascular screenings, free risk assessment, educational seminars and lectures on cardiac issues for women, nutritional counseling, cardiac rehabilitation, stress reduction counseling, individualized exercise and fitness assessment and interactive programs to help women live healthier with lower chance of heart problems. To schedule a health screening or to reach the Women at Heart program at the Regina L. Cozza Center, call (203) 576-6119.

St. Vincent’s Healthy Hearts

St. Vincent’s, open to all cardiac patients and their families and friends, present programs on a different cardiac-related topic each month. Featured speakers follow a brief business and social meeting. Periodically, topics relevant to other healthcare and lifestyle issues are introduced. Parking is free in the lot immediately in front of St. Vincent's. No registration is necessary. For further information, call St. Vincent's Cardiac Rehab Department at 203-576-5012 or CareLine toll-free at 1-877-255-7847 or visit www.stvincents.org