Conroy backs Family-to-Family program planned in Naugatuck

Course to help caregivers of mentally ill
State Rep. Theresa Conroy  D-Seymour, urged constituents who care for family members with mental illness to consider attending an upcoming 12-week program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Naugatuck beginning Feb. 5.

Theresa Conroy

NAMI’s Family-To-Family Educational Program is a 12-week program for loved ones, family and friends of individuals who have a mental illness. This course is taught by trained volunteers.  All instruction and course materials are free to class participants.  

The World Health Organization predicts that by 2020, mental illness will be the second leading cause of disability worldwide.  In the United States one in four adults experiences a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year and one child in 10 has a serious mental or emotional disorder. 

“Family members who care for a loved one need support and guidance,” Conroy said. “NAMI’s Family-To-Family Educational Program can help provide caregivers with the tools they need.” 

Class curriculum includes:

Current information about mental illnesses

Up-to-date information about medications, side effects and strategies for medication adherence

Special workshops for problem solving, listening and communication skills

Strategies for handling crises and relapse

Caregiver coping skills for stress and emotional overload

Guidance to locate supports and services in the community

Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services

For more information, or to register, call Terrilynn Krampetz, 203-881-2707.

Derby Library hosts chess club, games for teens

DERBY - The Derby Public Library Teen Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to meetings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 2, 9, and 23. 
All skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn how the game is played as well as defensive/offensive strategies. 

Julio Maldonado provides superb expertise from a life-long love for the game. 
Registration is requested. 

YA Wednesdays 

The Library hosts YA Wednesdays every month from 6-7:30 p.m. All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in February as Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. 
Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested. 

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

This is a press release from Tony DeLos, young adult/reference librarian, Derby Public Library.

Ansonia Middle School to host holistic health fair

* This information is from Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page.

Oxford power plant proponents say project would create jobs, stimulate economy

Fred Carstensen, Director, Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis at the University of Connecticut School of Business, Tuesday addresses a press conference about a proposed 805-megawatt power plant in Oxford. He spoke in favor of the project. The event was hosted by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce at its offices in Shelton. Read the story here.  

Dave Roche, President, Connecticut State Building Trades Council, speaks in support of a proposed electricity-generation plant at Tuesday's press conference in Shelton. He said the project on 26 acres in Woodruff Hill Industrial Park in Oxford is a "win-win" for local construction workers.

Residents will have an opportunity to speak for or against the project at public hearings before the Connecticut Siting Council at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Oxford High School auditorium, 61 Quaker Farms Road, Oxford. A site tour is planned at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Seymour Pink to recognize emergency personnel

'Off-Duty Night' event planned at shop

The shop is at 3 Franklin St., Seymour.