Grant expands music therapy for children, domestic violence victims

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services received a $3,500 grant from the Michael Bolton Charities, Inc. to continue and expand its music therapy program for victims of domestic violence.

The music therapy program will now be offered twice a week at UCDVS safe houses.

The program, led by Music Therapist Cyd Slotoroff, has had a positive impact on the families at the shelter. The children and mothers gather together for sing-a-longs and the moms with babies to learn to sing lullabies.

“The moms have been able to create new nonviolent experiences and positive memories with their children,” said Jane Adamik, Child Advocate, UCDVS.  “The children look forward to seeing Cyd every week and ask me when she will be back again.” 

The Michael Bolton Charities, Inc., founded in 1993, is dedicated to assisting at risk children and women through education and effective programs, creating social awareness to broaden horizons and expanding opportunities for youth across socioeconomic and multicultural lines.

BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services is dedicated to increasing awareness of domestic violence and its effect on the community, empowering those victimized by providing advocacy and safe and effective services, and to working for social change to eliminate domestic violence.  

Each year UCDVS provides free and confidential services for more than 6,000 victims and their children. 
Learn more at www.bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare.

Club with sites in Shelton, Ansonia, Seymour marks 60th anniversary

Stories sought from members, ex-members as part of celebration

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2016. 

Special events will be held throughout the year commemorating the milestone, culminating with an anniversary gala in November.

As part of the year-long celebration, we are looking for stories about anyone whose life was positively affected by our Boys & Girls Club. Stories are welcome all year long, from Club members, past members, friends, and family. 
If you have an experience you’d like to share with us, email Press@BGC-LNV.org, or call Ann Wheeler, 203-924-7462.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is for boys and girls ages pre-K through 18, of all ethnicities, races, and creeds. 
Trained professional staff provide members with positive adult mentors and role models. 
Nationally recognized programs are designed to help members succeed in school, stay healthy, learn important life skills, pursue interests in the arts and sports, and explore vocational choices.

The club was established in 1926 as the Community Building Association. 

In 1956 the organization was incorporated as a Boys Club and merged with the Community Center in 1969. In 1980 girls were accepted as full-time members. 
The name changed to The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, its current iteration in 1993 to reflect the service increase to the entire Valley. 
The Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse in Shelton was opened in 1999, the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia was opened in 2009, a satellite program at Elizabeth Shelton School in Shelton also opened in 2009, and the latest addition, the Seymour Unit, was opened in 2014.

For further information about the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, visit www.BGC-LNV.org. 


This is a press release from the club. 

Seymour to start basketball league for Valley teens

*Sharing from the Facebook page of the Office of the First Selectman of Seymour.  

Support group at Griffin Hospital in Derby to host advance care plan talks

The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free talks about Advance Care Planning Feb. 9 at the hospital./Contributed photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free talks about Advance Care Planning Feb. 9 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Maggie Sessa from Griffin Hospital’s Community Outreach & Valley Parish Nurse Program, will lead a discussion on what individuals can do to ensure that their healthcare is consistent with their wishes and preferences, should they be unable to speak for themselves. 

Advance Care Planning can help alleviate unnecessary suffering, improve quality of life and provide better understanding of decision-making challenges. 

An advance care plan can be used at any stage of life and should be updated as circumstances change.

The 2:30 p.m. session will be in Dining Room Conference Room 2 and the 6:30 p.m. session will be in Dining Room Conference Room 1. Free valet parking is available for the 2:30 p.m. session.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. 

Anyone with diabetes and their families are welcome to attend. No registration is required.

For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Church in Derby to host family film night Saturday

The free film will be shown at Walnut Hill Community Church, corner of Smith and Ninth Streets, Derby.

Kerry Boys to perform at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - The Kerry Boys will appear at 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave.  

The Kerry Boys 

Bring the entire family to enjoy the fun of traditional Irish music interpreted and described by these well-known area performers. 

This is a lively and highly entertaining free program open to all.  
Light refreshments will be served.  

Evening Book Club

On Feb. 29 (Leap Day) at 6:30 p.m. the Library hosts the Evening Book Club.  
This literary discussion group meets on the last Monday of each month by our fireplace in the Reading Room. Novellas (short novels) are the main focus, but sometimes non-fiction is considered.  
This month’s selection is “On Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros.  
Copies are available at the library.  

For further information call 203-734-1492.

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