Vigil in Shelton to honor, remember domestic violence victims

SHELTON - Every October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed to bring to light an issue that effects all of our communities. 

Every 9 seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold a vigil to honor and remember survivors and victims of domestic violence October 13 at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo on Huntington Green.

Ansonia Police Chief Kevin Hale will be keynote speaker. 
The vigil will also include recognition of law enforcement officials and community members.

For more information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call (203) 736-2601, ext. 1381, or visit www.bhcare.org. If you need immediate assistance, call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline, 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 
Each year, over 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 
Learn more at bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare. 

Derby Library offers software training, unveils new technology

DERBY - The Derby Public Library now offers lynda.com, online software training, on all 

Library computers and remotely to all Derby Public Library card holders. 

This premier online learning resource offers more than 3,400 courses covering technical skills, creative techniques, business strategies, and more.

Need help with Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, financial literacy, writing or overcoming

procrastination? There is a topic for everyone!  
Courses are viewable on your desktop, laptop, mobile, or tablet.

All you need is your Derby Public Library card number to receive unlimited access 24/7 to a vast library of high-

quality, current, and engaging video tutorials taught by 

recognized industry experts.  

Hoopla Digital 

The Library is now partnering with Hoopla Digital to give patrons online and mobile access to thousands of free movies, television shows, music albums, eBooks, audiobooks, 

and comics. 

Once their account is set up, Derby Public Library card holders can download the free Hoopla Digital mobile app on their Android or IOS device or visit www.hoopladigital.com

to begin enjoying thousands of titles from major Hollywood studios, record companies, 

and publishers, for streaming or temporary downloading to smartphones, tablets, or computers. 

A link is also available on the Library’s website at www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Borrow both newly released and hard to find digital movies, music, eBooks, and more.

All free, all available 24/7, with no wait lists or late fees!  

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit the Library website.

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library. 

Guilford saxophonist to perform at Griffin gala in New Haven

Jazz saxophonist Billy Cofrances of Guilford recently held an impromptu show in the Griffin Hospital lobby. Cofrances is co-chair of the 2015 Griffin Gala. He will perform at the Sept. 26 event with Las Vegas and Broadway performer Rick Faugno./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The 2015 Griffin Hospital Gala will feature Vegas-style entertainment with a homegrown touch Sept. 26 at the Shubert Theater in New Haven.

Guilford saxophonist Billy Cofrances, also known as “Billy Co” on the local jazz circuit, is co-chair of the event and will lend his musical talents to the performance by the gala’s headliner – Rick Faugno, a celebrated Vegas performer and Broadway standout.

The son of saxophonist Billy Cofrances, Sr., and renowned jazz vocalist “Rainy Day,” Cofrances was born in New Haven and attended Amity High School where he honed his craft. 
He started his career as a member of the popular band Jump Street and has worked with some of the best in the jazz world, including legendary jazz pianist Sarah Cion; jazz vocalists Billy Weston and Giacomo Gates, Walt Andrus, lead singer with the Tommy Dorsey Big Band, Ralph Lalama of Village Vanguard and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and the great saxman Tony Lavorgna.

Entitled “Vintage Vegas,” the Griffin Gala will feature a cocktail reception and silent auction, a historical and architectural walking tour and dinner at nearby New Haven restaurants, and a dessert reception.

The evening will be capped off with a Sammy Davis Jr. style song and dance performance by Faugno, who was named “Best Singer” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and who recently appeared on Broadway in the Tony-nominated musical On the 20th Century.

The cocktail reception and dinner start at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. 
Tickets for the reception, dinner and show are $185 each and tickets for everything except the dinner are $115 each.

Proceeds will benefit essential programs and services for the Griffin Hospital community, ensuring patients have access to state-of-the-art care in a healing, patient-centered, Planetree environment.

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities call 203.732.7504 or visit griffinhealth.org/gala.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia gearing up for full day of fall fun

The Main Street festival features food, crafts, music, and more!