Shadow Shot Sunday

On Thursday I snapped some shadows I stumbled upon while taking a photo of a lamp post to go with a news feature.

I love mums!

And reflections!


These photos were taken in Veterans Park in Ansonia, Ct. After I took a photo of the lamp post, as an example of the ones that are being installed along our Main Street, I realized I caught more shadows. The stately structure is City Hall, built in 1905.

As you can see it was a beautiful early autumn afternoon. 

Join the fun and take a peek at lots more shadows from around the globe at Shadow Shot Sunday 2.  You won't be disappointed.

Reminder: Monday is the start of 'Pink' month in the Valley

Note: I just posted this on the New Haven Register's View from the Valley blog and thought I'd share it here as well. It's part of an occasional series on my breast-cancer journey.


Time to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As a 19-month breast cancer survivor I must admit October now has a special place in my heart.

I do what I can to help raise awareness, and make sure I wear a little bit of pink every day. 

Starting Monday, there are many activities planned by the grass roots' initiative The Valley Goes Pink.
The initiative benefits the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.  

In addition, the fourth annual 5K walk/run that benefits the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is Oct. 6. The event raises funds to help those diagnosed with all forms of cancer who are treated at the Center.

I'm kinda-sorta training for the walk. Being as out of shape as I am the thought of walking 3.1 miles with my teammates next Saturday is making me a bit nervous. As team captain does that mean I have to lead the rest of them? Scary thought indeed.

Thankfully the walk is not a competitive one. I finished it last year and imagine I can do that this year as well!

The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Center for Cancer Care, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby.
If you join in you'll find lots of dedicated family and friends eager to participate in honor or in memory of someone or just to show support.

Food, live entertainment, and a health information fair are part of the scene.

It's not too late to join a team or even walk as an individual, as I did last year.

Please think about lacing up your sneakers and taking a trek around Ansonia and Derby neighborhoods with us.

You'll be glad you did!

Sharing thoughts on breast cancer

Note: I wrote this yesterday and posted it on the New Haven Register's View from the Valley blog.

It's one of an occasional series about my breast cancer journey.  

Kicking cancer to the curb

Griffin Hospital staff offers support when needed most

DERBY - I'm not one to reveal my thoughts too often but today I thought I'd give it a whirl.

After all, my editors published a story about my breast cancer journey I wrote on a whim last December, and that was straight from the proverbial heart.

I want to publicly thank the health-care professionals at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital and The Center for Cancer Care, also at Griffin Hospital.

They helped me through every step of my mammography, ultrasound, biopsy, diagnosis, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and post-treatment appointments.
I'm sure I've left something out, but I must admit 2011 went by in a bit of a blur.

That said, I want to congratulate the hospital on the acquisition of tomosynthesis equipment. The state-of-the-art technology creates 3-D images of a breast.

The equipment can detect previously "hidden" cancer cells on select patients, doctors say. The machine has been in use at Griffin for less than a month.

I attended a reception Thursday at which Dr. Zandra Cheng, medical director at the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, told supporters and patients about the new equipment and introduced Dr. Laura Sheiman, the center’s recently hired breast radiologist and breast imaging medical director..

I was fortunate to have imaging supervisor Mariann Vallillo show me the impressive new equipment and demonstrate how it operates. Check out the video imbedded in my story.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a variety of pink-themed activities are being planned throughout the community.

Schools, church groups, civic organizations, restaurants, and businesses will again take part in The Valley Goes Pink, a month-long initiative to raise awareness and funds for The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness and the grassroots organization, Seymour Pink, Inc.

Please check out the websites to see how you can help these efforts.

My hope is Valley residents will take the time to support at least one of the many fun activities being planned with the goal of making the diagnosis of breast cancer a thing of the past.

Labels: breast cancer, Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, Derby, Seymour Pink, The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital, The Valley Goes Pink, Valley

Shadow Shot Sunday ~ Solemn

 

On Tuesday, which was the 11th anniversary of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, I covered the blessing of an addition to a mausoleum.
I spied this while waiting for the ceremony to begin and took a video of it.

Happily I can now take snapshots off of a video - score one for me becoming tech savvy.  :-)

If you read the story I've linked you'll see how the solemn event seemed in some way to be tied to that fateful morning.
The beautiful weather and the bright blue sky overhead all added to the memories.
~ ~ ~


I've not participated for a few weeks but am glad to be back. Ralph is definitely my inspiration! 

Join in the fun and see lots more shadowy pix at Shadow Shot Sunday 2.

Wheelin' to raise awareness about disabilities

I posted this yesterday on the View from the Valley blog for the New Haven Register and I thought I'd re-post it here today. 

Ralph, Allegra and I enjoyed spending time with some wonderful, like-minded people. 

Also please check out Ralph Rolls Along ~ it's his new blog.

West Haven Wheel-A-Thon raises $16G to aid disabled youth

Music, fun, sun accompany 7th annual event 

Marc Anthony Gallucci, executive director, Center for Disability Rights, leads the way Sunday at Savin Rock. 

My daughter and I were two of the able-bodied people who took part in the 1.5-mile walk/roll event Sunday morning along the West Haven shoreline.
My husband Ralph, who uses a wheelchair, has been involved with the nonprofit Center for Disability Rights for many years and I can attest to the fact it's a great organization.

Sunday was a picture-perfect weather day, which added to the festive, upbeat atmosphere. After a complimentary breakfast walkers and rollers started down the sidewalk along the beach, then through the parking lot and out to the sidewalk along Capt. Thomas Boulevard.
Some who don't need wheelchairs tried them out to learn firsthand about the daily difficulties faced by the disabled.

Entertainment throughout the morning was provided by five talented teens in a rock band called "Up in Arms."

Members include: Joe Famiglietti of East Haven, lead guitarist; Joe Caruso of East Haven, singer and keyboardist; Kyle Cifarelli of East Haven, bass guitarist; Dan Durazzo of East Haven, drummer; and Matt Zingarello of Guilford, rhythm guitarist.

Executive Director Marc Anthony Gallucci said at least $16,000 had been raised, with more funds pledged. He said more than 90 percent of the money raised goes to scholarships for disabled young people who are headed to college or technical school. "You can feel good about that," Gallucci said.

I do feel good about being a part of this great event. And judging by the many smiling faces that were there I know I'm not alone. 

Labels: Center for Disability Rights, East Haven, fund-raiser, Guilford, West Haven

Whimsical windows, delirious doors

Linus looking

This is a photo I took almost two years ago of our Linus looking out the window. I hope it is suitable! Ralph urged me to take part in this fun meme.

Visit Toby each Monday at I Wish I Were a Photographer to see lots more photos featuring windows and doors.