Wine tasting event to benefit school in Derby

DERBY - St. Mary-St. Michael School's Wine Tasting Fundraiser will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at 500 Degrees on Main Street, 181 Main St.

Tickets are $25 per person and include wine and hors d'oeuvres. 

Contributed photo

There also will be a wine basket raffle and door prizes. To purchase tickets contact the school, 203-735-6471. 

All proceeds benefit St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby. 


This is a press release from the school. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby offers breast cancer facts

Crisco recognized at Waterbury event for support of YMCA

Pictured from left, Ailyn Dilone, youth governor, YMCA Youth and Government, Susan Talbot, executive director, Naugatuck YMCA, state Sen. J. Joseph Crisco, Sean Doherty, executive director, Wallingford Family YMCA, John Cattelan, executive director, CT Alliance of YMCAs. / Contributed photo


WATERBURY - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco Jr., D-Woodbridge, has received a 2014 Legislative Champion Award from the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs in recognition of his strong advocacy for the Y.

The award was bestowed at the YMCA’s Leaders’ Dinner Tuesday night at the Courtyard by Marriott on Grand Street.
“Senator Crisco and long been active in community service, and he has a rich history of support for not only Naugatuck YMCA -- having helped us secure more than $800,000 in funding over the years -- but the community at large,” said John L. Cattelan, executive director of the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs.

“Joe is well-known for his advocacy on the part of senior citizens, quality health care, economic development and youth-supporting agencies, and he has received numerous awards for his work in these areas as well as many others.”

“The Y has a saying: they’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” Crisco said. 
“You put those three things together and you’ve got the foundation for a great society and great personal success. That’s why I go out of my way to help great organizations like the YMCA help young kids achieve those goals.”


This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Seymour nonprofit to collect food, winter clothing for needy

2013 Thanksgiving food drive / Photo by Karen Fisher, board secretary, CT Partnership for Children

Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc. is a Seymour nonprofit that serves children in need throughout the entire state by meeting basic needs. 

The organization is hosting the fifth annual Thanksgiving Food Program and the sixth Annual "Helping Hands, Warming Hearts" winter sponsorship program. 

These programs are sponsored by Stop & Shop, Derby Wal-mart, Great Expectations Day Care and Learning Center in Southbury, St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oxford, Walnut Hill Community Church, Seymour Campus, and many individuals and businesses throughout the state. 

In 2013, the Thanksgiving Food Program served 101 families, an increase of 63 families from the previous year. 

Connecticut Partnership's goal is to serve 150 families this year. 
The agency provides a turkey, and asks for the non-perishable fixings from individual and business sponsors and donors. 

Donors have two options, to either sponsor a family or run a food drive. Meal distribution will be held Nov. 22; the deadline for items to be delivered to the agency is Nov. 17.

The "Helping Hands, Warming Hearts" winter sponsorship program provides brand new jackets, boots, hats, scarves, gloves, and books to children in need. Each year, this program has served approximately 200 children. 

The agency's goal for this year is to increase the number served to 250 children. Donors have two options: sponsor a child or provide an item in bulk. 

The agency provides size information, etc. to sponsors. These items will be delivered to the children on Dec. 22 and 23, and must be delivered to Connecticut Partnership no later than Dec. 15. 

For more information or to commit to sponsoring a family for Thanksgiving or a child for the winter program, call (203) 881-1804 or e-mail meghan@ctpfc.org.

This is a press release from Meghan Tarby, MSW, founder and executive director, Connecticut Partnership for Children, Inc.

'Make Some Mischief' in Oxford to benefit nonprofit for children

Halloween-themed party to feature vaudeville show

OXFORD - In 2009, when Connecticut Partnership for Children was established, Colonial Tavern hosted the agency's first fundraiser,"Make Some Mischief," a Halloween party for ages 21 and up. 

Last year, in the agency's fifth year of operation, the event was brought back and it was a huge success!

"Make Some Mischief" will be held Friday, hosted by Colonial Tavern. 

This vaudeville variety show will feature Burlesque by Kitty Katastrophe, Cabaret by Dot Mitzvah, Magic by Adam Parisi (www.magicofadam.com), Tarot and Palm Readings, music and dancing, and this year - a mischievous games area will be set up!

All proceeds benefit the Seymour-based nonprofit, Connecticut Partnership for Children.

Cost is $25 per person, or $200 for a table of 10 (reserve in advance) and includes hot and cold appetizers, sandwiches, salad, pizza, pasta, desserts, and automatic entry to win a door prize.

There will be acash bar featuring a large beer selection and Halloween drink specials, door prizes, and raffle prizes.

Costumes are encouraged, but not required. The costume contest is back by popular demand.!

Doors open at 6 p.m. and bar opens; food will be out until 8 p.m.
A DJ will entertain from 6-8 p.m., and again after the show until midnight
Magic of Adam starts at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m., dessert served at 9 p.m.

This information is from the nonprofit's Facebook page.

Shopping event to benefit Seymour Pink

SEYMOUR - On Thursday local shop owners in the historic downtown district will stay open later for a special shopping night to benefit Seymour Pink. 

Night Out for a Cause will be held from 5-8 p.m., rain or shine. 

The following businesses will be participating: 
Tickled Pink, Karen Fisher Law Firm, Ozzie’s, The All American General Store, The Dancing Chihuahua, Dragonflies, Tea With Tracy, Yesterday’s Luxuries, A Window in Time, Main St. Antique Center, Greenwich Workshop, Tangies, Wildflour Cupcakes and Sweets, and Special Discount Liquors. 

For more information call Kim, 203-888-8898. 


This information is taken from an online community calendar.

Valley Shakespeare Festival to stage spirited play in Shelton

SHELTON - Blood. Mayhem. Revenge. And some pretty awesome prize giving!

Join Valley Shakespeare Festival Oct. 30 for its Shakespeare in the Bar presentation of Titus Andronicus at Porky's Cafe, 50 Center St. 

It is the tale of betrayal, revenge, murder, and mayhem that is sure to spur your Halloween spirit! 
Join Titus and the gang on his journey from heralded hero to madness, to final revenge.
And along the way meet the most demented, demonic, and depraved company of characters the Bard has ever created!

At 5:30 p.m. there will be free food; at 6:30 p.m. The Lamentable Tragedy of Titus Andronicus will be on stage.

Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door.

Call 203-513-9446 for tickets and savings.

Valley Shakespeare Festival is proud to partner up with The Valley Goes Pink.

This is a press release from the Valley Shakespeare Festival.