'Sound of Hope' vigil for domestic violence victims planned in New Haven

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

Every nine 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.

The 16^th Annual Sound of Hope will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 7 at Long Wharf Pier.  
The vigil will include the reading of names of those who have died as a result of domestic violence. 
Participants will receive a flower to throw into the harbor. Each flower represents the hopes and struggles of the survivors as they work to end violence in their lives and also honors those whose lives have been lost due to domestic violence.

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.

BHcare is a state-licensed, non-profit behavioral health care provider serving the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities. 

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. 
Each year, more than 7,000 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 Neck Library to host book club, movies, music, more

Derby Neck Library

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., lists the following activities for October:

Smash Club
At 2 p.m. Oct. 1 the Library hosts Smash Club for teens and tweens. Come play Super Smash Brothers on our WiiU. No competition, just an afternoon of fun.

Dinner and a Movie
The Library presents Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 1. This month’s feature, shown on blu-ray, is the newly released Cinderella.
We serve free movie refreshments and a free dinner at the intermission.

Live music
The Library presents an afternoon performance of live music at 2 p.m. Oct. 10. Come enjoy singer-songwriter Sheri Miller as she presents Fall in Love music. She includes traditional pieces as well as her own creations. 

This event is open to all ages. Free light refreshments will be served.

Music and Movement
The Library presents Bedtime Music and Movement with Miss Kathi at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14. Come sing and dance under our indoor stars. Wear your jammies and bring a favorite stuffed animal if you like.

Writers' Round
At 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 the Library hosts Writers’ Round, a free workshop open to writers of all genres—fiction, poetry, scripts, memoir, non-fiction, etc. Come bring your original works and share your ideas with others. Practice your skills with our writing prompt.

Women's Forum
At 12:30 p.m. Oct. 19 the Library hosts Women’s Forum, a lunch group that discusses short literary pieces, primarily short stories. 

This month’s selections are both by famed Portuguese author Clarice Lispector—“The Triumph” and “Jimmy and I.” Copies of both stories are available at the library. 
Feel free to bring a light lunch: we serve free coffee and tea.

Tech Talks
At 6 p.m. Oct. 19 and again at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 21 the Library presents Tech Talks, a monthly program to help introduce our patrons to what is new in technology and how to best fit it into their needs. We also answer your questions and concerns.

Movie Night
The Library hosts Teen Movie Night at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22. All teens and tweens are invited to enjoy free refreshments while viewing a scary movie appropriate for Halloween. Bring your friends!

Evening Book Club
The Library hosts the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26. This month’s selection is “An Academic Question” by Barbara Pym. Copies are available at the library. Come enjoy a stimulating and informative discussion of this novella.

Halloween Party
At 4 p.m. Oct. 28 the Library hosts a Not-Too-Scary Halloween Party for little children.
Miss Kathi will lead the singing and dancing and serve snacks. Wear your favorite costume and bring your favorite adult too. 

For information on any programs call 203-734-1492.

This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.