Salons support Domestic Violence Services in Valley, region

The Umbrella to benefit

An Orange resident who wants to make a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence has launched a unique fund-raising campaign.

Victoria Butler is asking area salons to participate in a month-long event to raise awareness and funds for BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven.

The idea is to have women get their ring fingernail painted purple, which is the color of domestic violence awareness. 

Chazon Designs' signature necklace

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. BHcare is a behavioral health organization.

Butler, a jewelry designer who recently started Chazon Designs, has created a signature piece, “Heart for the Cause” to sell to support domestic violence victims.

She said Chazon is a Hebrew word for "dream or vision." 

Butler writes on her website:

"I was inspired because I am a visionary and have always wanted to help other women to 'dream' and see their own potential.

"Unfortunately, I have seen neglect and abuse squelch the dreams and hopes of many women."

A donation of $5 or more at a participating salon will not only get one's ring fingernails painted purple, but will raise awareness and funds for The Umbrella, Butler said.

The Umbrella offers free domestic violence services, including walk-in crisis help, support groups, emergency shelter, community education, volunteer programs, and advocacy.

One donor will win a “Tugging on my Heart Strings” signature piece necklace donated by Chazon Designs.

Butler also said she will donate 10 percent of her sales of the necklace to The Umbrella Center.

For information on the “Heart for the Cause” event call 203-982-4508.

As of Tuesday participating salons include:


90’s Nail Salon, 515 Howe Ave., Shelton

Adesso Moda, 2524 Dixwell Ave., Hamden

Alan DelMonte Salon, 554 Boston Post Road, Milford

Aleez Salon & Spa, 500 Boston Post Road, Orange

Aura Day Spa, 234 E. Main St., Branford

Blades Hair & Nail Studio, 400 Boston Post Road, Milford

Clover Nail & Spa, 1680 Boston Post Road, Milford

Envy Salon, 354 New Haven Ave., Milford

Essential Nail and Body Boutique, 116 Montowese St., Branford

Hair Forever, 374 New Haven Ave., Milford

Joiya, 2349 Whitney Aven., Hamden

Kimberly & Company, 16 Red Bush Lane, Milford

La Petite Nails & More, 646 Columbus Ave., Milford

Lady Nails & Spa, 400 Boston Post Road, Orange

Lovely Nails, 2100 Dixwell Ave., #70, Hamden

Maria’s Hair Gallery, 2 Division St., Derby

Paris Nails, 500 Boston Post Road, Orange

Sky Nails & Spa, 200 Indian Hill Road, Orange

Studio One Salon, 1810 Dixwell Ave., Hamden

Transitions Nails, Hair & More, 354 Woodmont Road, Milford

Z Hair Studio, 92 Bridgeport Ave., Milford

Chamber of Commerce group plans pink party in Ansonia

ANSONIA - Young Emerging Professionals, a committee of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, is ready to go pink for a good cause.

The group will hold its fifth annual Pinktoberfest from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen, 557 Wakelee Ave. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Proceeds will go to the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 

Admission is $40.

The event is part of The Valley Goes Pink, a grassroots effort to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection; support the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness; and showcase partnering organizations.

Here's the winner of costume contest at Seymour Pink 5K

 Ava Colburn, 7, proudly poses with her trophy.

I inadvertently omitted this photo from a gallery that was posted on the Valley Independent Sentinel website Monday.

I had so many photos from Saturday's Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K in Seymour that I lost track of this one.

Ava Colburn (town withheld) is all smiles because not only did she win for having the "pinkest outfit" at the Seymour Pink event, but as it turns out she won the coveted title last year!

Will she make it three years in a row? Stay tuned.

Seymour-based nonprofit to benefit from drive in Ansonia

And visit Treasured Time's website for more information about the organization.

Church in Derby to host Fall fest