First Choice Health Centers Celebrates National Health Center Week with FREE Community Events!

First Choice Health Centers Celebrates National Health Center Week

with FREE Community Events!

 

First Choice Health Centers is proud to be a part of the national campaign celebrating Community Health Centers as the Key to Healthier Communities.  The Center is hosting a variety of events this week as part of National Health Center Week (NHCW) thanks in part of our sponsor, OneDigital Health and Benefits. The national campaign runs August 13^th-19^th with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Health Centers over the course of more than five decades.

 

One of the bright spots in America’s health care system, Community Health Centers like First Choice Health Centers, serve more than 25 million Americans, a number that continues to grow along with the demand for affordable primary care. They have compiled a significant record of success that includes:

 

• Producing $24 billion in annual health system savings;
• Reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and unnecessary visits to the emergency room;
• Treating patients for a fraction of the average cost of one emergency room visit;
• Maintaining patient satisfaction levels of nearly 100 percent;
• Serving more than one in six Medicaid beneficiaries for less than two percent of the national Medicaid budget.

 

Health centers not only prevent illness and foster wellness in the most challenging populations, they produce innovative solutions to the most pressing health care issues in their communities. They reach beyond the walls of conventional medicine to address the factors that may cause sickness, such as lack of nutrition, mental illness, homelessness and opioid addiction. Because of their long record of success in innovation, managing health care costs, and reducing chronic disease, health centers have a proud tradition of bipartisan support in Congress.

 

There are NHCW events scheduled across the country, locally, First Choice Health Centers is kicking off NHCW with the Hartford Yard Goats on Saturday, August 12^th for an employee & patient appreciation night.  The week’s events will include Cancer Prevention & Treatment education, BMI Screenings, Low Vision Education, Cooking Classes, Prenatal Health Workshop, DIY Container Gardening, STD/HIV/LGBTQ+ Education, Oral Health screenings and dental cleanings, Health Center Advocates and Parents As Teachers Ice Cream Social as well as a program titled “Voices of Recovery” featuring First Choice Health Patients discussing their ongoing recovery from opioid addiction.

 

For our full schedule of National Health Center Week events visit our website at www.firstchc.org or like us on Facebook.

Chelsea Groton Bank Presents Scholarships to 16 Rising College Students

 

 

Chelsea Groton Bank recently presented scholarships to a select group of graduating seniors who represent 16 area high schools. Each of the individuals who applied for the scholarships excelled in academia, leadership and extracurricular activities during their high school years, and plans to pursue college degrees.

“As a community bank, we are committed to investing in the next generation of young adults, and supporting them as they work to achieve their goals,” said Michael Rauh, President & CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank. “The scholarship recipients are a distinguished group of students with bright futures ahead of them. We wish them the best as they pursue their college education.”

The 16 recipients of $500 scholarships were: Sarah Billis of The Williams School; Donovan Davino of Wheeler High School; Teagan Driscoll of Stonington High School; Hailey Gordon of Marine Science Magnet High School; Amanda Lumpkins of Norwich Free Academy; Jordan Mailly of Glastonbury High School; Samantha Martinez of New London High School; Jeremiah Pedraza of Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School; Katie Pescatello of Norwich Technical High School; Zoe Pierce-Olhson of Ledyard High School; Daniel Rubio-Ejchel of East Lyme High School; Natalie Schafer of Fitch Senior High School; Chloe Sherman –Watson of Science & Technology Magnet High School; Nikolas Strickland of Montville High School; Mya Verraheault of Griswold High School; and Shana Wilson of Westerly High School.

About Chelsea Groton Bank

Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank’s products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management and financial planning. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County and a Loan Production Office in Hartford County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses. To learn more, please visit chelseagroton.com. Member FDIC.

 

The Historical Society of Glastonbury presents ANNUAL ARCHAEOLOGY DAY

On Monday, August 21st from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., the Historical Society of Glastonbury invites anyone twelve years or older to join Connecticut State Archaeologist Dr. Brian Jones and members of the Friends of the Office of State Archaeology (FOSA) at an authentic archaeological dig.

Join the professionals as they excavate the site of an original ca. 1693 house which is said to be the first home built in town after the establishment of Glastonbury. Historical records indicate that this frontier house was once protected by a palisade, which is quite a rare occurrence in Glastonbury.   The house was replaced by the current structure in 1850.   The HSG excavation will examine areas around the house to identify evidence of life during the time of Benjamin Talcott and his family.  Ground penetrating radar will also be demonstrated as we attempt to locate the palisade.

As a guest archaeologist you’ll learn the early history and geology of Glastonbury, basic techniques of identifying and preparing a dig site, and the general procedures of excavation.  The majority of your day will involve partaking in an authentic archaeological dig.  You will excavate in prepared grids, locating, sifting, identifying and cataloging your finds.    Check one off your “bucket list” and become an active participant as history comes alive under your fingertips!

First Choice Health Center’s Countdown to National Health Center Week 2017 Begins with Variety of Events

First Choice Health Center’s
Countdown to National Health Center Week 2017 Begins

First Choice Health Centers is proud to be a part of the national campaign celebrating Community Health Centers as the Key to Healthier Communities.  The Center is planning a variety of events as part of National Health Center Week (NHCW) thanks in part of our sponsor, OneDigital Health and Benefits. The national campaign runs August 13^th-19^th with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Health Centers over the course of more than five decades.

One of the bright spots in America’s health care system, Community Health Centers like First Choice Health Centers, serve more than 25 million Americans, a number that continues to grow along with the demand for affordable primary care. They have compiled a significant record of success that includes:

• Producing $24 billion in annual health system savings;
• Reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and unnecessary visits to the emergency room;
• Treating patients for a fraction of the average cost of one emergency room visit;
• Maintaining patient satisfaction levels of nearly 100 percent;
• Serving more than one in six Medicaid beneficiaries for less than two percent of the national Medicaid budget.

Health centers not only prevent illness and foster wellness in the most challenging populations, they produce innovative solutions to the most pressing health care issues in their communities. They reach beyond the walls of conventional medicine to address the factors that may cause sickness, such as lack of nutrition, mental illness, homelessness and opioid addiction. Because of their long record of success in innovation, managing health care costs, and reducing chronic disease, health centers have a proud tradition of bipartisan support in Congress.

There are NHCW events scheduled across the country, locally, First Choice Health Centers is kicking off NHCW with the Hartford Yard Goats on Saturday, August 12^th for an employee & patient appreciation night.  The week’s events will include Cancer Prevention & Treatment education, BMI Screenings, Low Vision Education, Cooking Classes, Prenatal Health Workshop, DIY Container Gardening, STD/HIV/LGBTQ+ Education, Oral Health screenings and dental cleanings, Health Center Advocates and Parents As Teachers Ice Cream Social as well as a program titled “Voices of Recovery” featuring First Choice Health Patients discussing their ongoing recovery from opioid addiction.

For our full schedule of National Health Center Week events visit our website at http://www.firstchc.org.

A New Office for American Eagle Financial Credit Union

American Eagle Financial Credit Union Announces Purchase of 333 East River Drive, East Hartford, to Centralize Administrative Offices

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Dean Marchessault, President and CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union, announced today that the Credit Union plans to relocate its Administrative Offices from 417 Main Street, East Hartford, Connecticut, and 20 Western Boulevard, Glastonbury, Connecticut. The Credit Union has purchased the office building at 333 East River Drive, East Hartford, adjacent to East River Park. The transaction was recently finalized after an extensive search for suitable lease and purchase options in the Greater Hartford market.

“Consolidating our operations into one location will provide us with the improved efficiency required to effectively serve our growing membership and maintain a similar cost structure,” Marchessault said. In 2018, AEFCU plans to vacate approximately 70,000 square feet of owned office space in East Hartford and Glastonbury and move approximately 200 employees into the new location, which is a five-story, 100,000-square-foot property that sits conveniently near the intersections of Route 2, Interstate 84, and Interstate 91. The Credit Union will continue to lease out the balance of the space to other tenants, as well as develop space for the American Eagle membership and their families to use for financial education and community meetings. The Credit Union intends to maintain a branch in East Hartford for the foreseeable future.

American Eagle Financial Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in East Hartford, CT, and was recently voted “Best Credit Union” by Hartford Magazine for the second year in a row. AEFCU is consistently rated 5 Stars by Bauer Financial, the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating firm. It is the largest community credit union in Connecticut with 13 community offices, 128,000 members, and $1.5 billion in assets. AEFCU operates retail offices in Bloomfield, Cromwell, East Hartford, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Manchester, Newington, Plainville, Southington, South Windsor, West Hartford, and Vernon. The Credit Union is open to anyone in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, and Tolland counties in CT. www.americaneagle.org.

 

Education in Glastonbury & East Hartford

Education in Glastonbury & East Hartford

Education in the Connecticut River Valley serves the smallest student with early childhood education programs, through elementary, junior and high school, and onto career training programs, traditional four-year degrees, and even beyond to graduate degrees. The community knows that placing an emphasis on quality education early on, and offering ample opportunities to continue that education, ensures an educated workforce ready to meet the demands of changing and growing businesses in the area.

Kindergarten through 12^th Grade

There are nine schools in the Glastonbury Public Schools system serving students from kindergarten to 12^th grade, including a school dedicated to helping 6^th graders transition to secondary school. Students pre-k through 1th grade in East Hartford are served by the 15 schools in the East Hartford Public Schools system, including an early childhood education program for pre-kindergarten students and an alternative school for high schoolers.

Higher Education & Career Training

Great emphasis is placed on the importance of higher education in the Connecticut River Valley, as witnessed by the presence of several well-regarded colleges and universities in the area. Eastern Connecticut State University is a public liberal arts university located in Willimantic. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available, with over 30 undergraduate majors and three master’s programs. The university also has an Office of Continuing Studies and Enhanced Learning.

Students looking for career training in Connecticut will find ample opportunity in Glastonbury and East Hartford. Located in East Hartford, Goodwin College is committed to providing flexible, career-focused programs of study, including online and hybrid courses. The school offers certificates, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees for students. Manchester Community College located in Manchester, offers over 90 degrees and certificates. Students attending MCC can prepare to pursue a career after graduation or continue their studies by transferring their credits to a four-year university. The school also offers programs for professional development and online learning programs. The programs at Stone Academy are designed to train students for a career in less than two years. Diploma and certificates are offered in several disciplines, including licensed practical nursing, dental assisting, CNA and medical assisting, to name a few. The school has campuses in East Hartford, Waterbury and West Haven. Students interested in nursing programs and licensing in Connecticut have many options available for training in the area.

With local schools such as Goodwin College and MCC offering online courses, it should be evident that distance learning is an important tool for anyone seeking education. Connecticut students can learn the basics of distance learning and find the best online colleges to suit their needs and goals with this guide designed to help students considering an online education.

One thing to keep in mind whether choosing a local school or an online program: The importance of accreditation in higher education programs can’t be overstated. Receiving federal financial aid depends on a school being accredited. The accrediting body for universities in Connecticut is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and Accreditation, which is the oldest regional accreditor in the U.S.

Much like Manchester Community College, many community colleges are offering courses and entire programs completely online. This comprehensive guide explores why online community college is a good idea for a variety of students, how to find the right school and more.

Professional Development & Business Education

There are several ways to move a career to the next level, but perhaps the most powerful way of doing so is by pursuing an education that matches with career goals. Residents of the area are fortunate to have access to advanced education and business training at respected institutions in the state. Professionals will find ample opportunities for career advancement and training through continuing education, graduate schools and MBA programs.

Online and accelerated MBA programs are popular for the flexibility they offer working adults looking to move up in their business careers.

College Affordability & Financial Aid

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education has compiled a list of useful financial aid resources for Connecticut students, including the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program (formerly the Governor’s Scholarship) available to CT students who qualify. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the first place students should go when they’re ready to pursue financial aid for college. Aside from determining federal financial aid, many schools use info on the FAFSA to award grants, scholarships and other financial aid. Several websites offer free searches for scholarships for Connecticut students and guidance is also available to help students Learn the tips and tricks for getting scholarships for college, including online college. Along with state scholarships, there are many more scholarships for all students, including minority students, veterans, students with disabilities and many more. Students should never have to pay to have access to scholarship information.

Researched and Written by: Megan Martinez | meganmartinez78@yahoo.com

Miria Toth Joins Chelsea Groton Bank

Miria Toth Joins Chelsea Groton Bank

As Assistant Secretary, Community Education Officer

GROTON, Conn. – Miria Toth joined Chelsea Groton Bank as Assistant Secretary, Community Education Officer. In this role, Miria will be responsible for overseeing and continuing to expand the Bank’s Community Education program, which was founded 11 years ago. She will be focused on further developing the curriculum available to individuals, families and businesses, and reaching more members of our communities through the frequency and variety of classes being offered.

For the last six years, Miria was the Marketing Director for Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC), where she developed public events in conjunction with other community organizations and city agencies, oversaw economic development activities, and managed the NCDC’s traditional and digital marketing. Prior to that, she was a reading intervention consultant at Sayles Elementary School in Baltic, where she developed lessons, taught classes and tracked the progress of students.

“Miria comes to Chelsea Groton with experience as a community builder and as an educator,” said Lori Dufficy, SVP, Sales and Service at Chelsea Groton Bank.  “Her experience, coupled with her commitment to educating and improving the lives of the members of our communities, will make Miria a wonderful addition to our team.”

Miria is co-chair of the Fields Memorial School Parent Teacher Organization, Treasurer of the Norwich Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee, a First Friday Committee member, a facilitator of the Norwich Creates Art Collaborative, and a Chair and Market Master of Bozrah Farmers Market.

Miria graduated from Franklin Pierce University with a BA in English and Secondary Education. She is a 2015 Southeastern CT 40 Under 40 Award recipient. She and her family reside in Bozrah, CT.