Crosby Commons residents in Shelton decorate lunch bags for schoolchildren

Lunch bags decorated by residents of Crosby Commons Assisted Living in Shelton./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Kind gestures, no matter how small, have an incredible ability to create lasting joy and happiness for all parties involved. 

This certainly was true for residents of Crosby Commons, an independent and assisted living community on Long Hill Avenue as they worked to inspire New Haven schoolchildren. 

This mission was part of a Martin Luther King Days of Service project where volunteers created inspiring messages on lunch bags for local schools in hopes of reducing stigmas within their communities.

After hearing about this cause, Crosby Commons residents helped make 100 inspirational lunch bags for students who participate in the Free Lunch Program. 

The bags were covered in drawings, colorful stickers, and quotes like “Happy lunching," “Do great things,” and “Have a great meal!” 

This project was in conjunction with the Connecticut JumpStart Coalition, a group of organizations, government agencies, financial institutions, and corporations that work together to improve the financial management and responsibility of our youth. 

Kelly Coppola, Activities Director at Crosby Commons, said, “Our residents were so eager to be a part of this wonderful project! We are always looking for ways to give back to the community, and knowing our involvement would help inspire today’s youth really made this a rewarding activity.” 

Motivated by Martin Luther King Day, this project has become a source of inspiration for both the volunteers that helped make it happen and the students receiving the lunch bags. 

Crosby Commons is an award-winning assisted and independent living community located on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. 

For more information about the community, visit www.crosbycommons.org or call 203-225-5000.

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Derby Public Library to host author via Skype for book discussion

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for 12:30 p.m. Feb. 22.    
The selected title is the compelling and thought-provoking novel The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian.   

When Richard Chapman agrees to host his brother’s bachelor party, he expects there will be some debauchery.  
What he doesn’t expect is two dead men in his living room, two women are the run from the police, and his marriage ripping apart at the seams.  

This is a gripping story about suburban America, the choices we make, and the consequences they bring.  

Bestselling author Chris Bohjalian has agreed to join the group discussion via Skype.  

Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.  

Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as 

they “chat and chew.” Dessert and beverages will be provided. 
Registration is requested.  

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

This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Seymour Lions Club accepting scholarship applications

SEYMOUR - The Seymour Lions Club is accepting scholarship applications for 2017. 

This scholarship is open to all high school seniors that are residents of Seymour planning to attend any college or course of study. 

Four $500 scholarships are awarded each year.

You can apply at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/seymourct. 
After filling out the application under the scholarship tab, print it out along with the application cover sheet also found online. 
You can mail your essay, application and cover sheet to:

The Seymour Lions Club
26 George St.
Seymour, CT 06483

All applications must be postmarked by April 1 of the current year. The check will be made payable directly to the college/course of study upon verification of students acceptance into the college/course of study.

Career Coach to visit Derby Public Library

DERBY - The American Job Centers Career Coach returns to the Derby Public Library from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 17.

During both the morning session, 10 a.m.-noon, and the afternoon session, 1-3 p.m., instructors will be offering Job Search Assistance.  

Participants will learn where to look for jobs, how to get the job they want, and how to search for jobs on the Internet.  

The workshop is free and open to the public.  

Registration is requested but walk-ins will be welcomed on a first come, first served basis.  
The American Job Centers Career Coach is operated by Career Resources.  

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


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.

Celebrate Shelton to launch 'around town' handmade market at Valley United Way

SHELTON - In 2014, Nicole Heriot-Mikula, Michael Skrtic, and Jimmy Tickey created Celebrate Shelton as an initiative focusing on small businesses in Shelton and the surrounding community with free, family-friendly events.

Throughout the year, Celebrate Shelton sponsors several Downtown Handmade Markets with specialty artisan vendors, the Downtown Sounds Summer Concert Series as well as a Holiday Community Tree Lighting in downtown Shelton.

This year, the Downtown Handmade Markets will be moving around town highlighting new areas, businesses and non-profits in Shelton.
The first Downtown Handmade Market... Around Town will be held Feb. 11 and 12 at the Valley United Way. 

Support Valley United Way
This particular market will focus on shopping local, and giving local as we encourage attendees to make a donation to the leading nonprofit in our community, the Valley United Way. 

"Our Valley United Way works in Shelton, Derby, Seymour, Ansonia, and Oxford to strengthen families, support senior citizens, help people in crisis, and prepare youth to succeed, and we are thrilled to partner with them for this special Downtown Handmade Market," Tickey said.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Downtown Handmade Market will feature artisan vendors - from handmade soaps to one-of-a-kind jewelry, and gifts for both men and women.  
There will also be a mini-chocolate tasting and Make-Your-Own-Valentines for children. 
Ample, free parking is located in the Valley United Way parking lot and on Grove Street.

“When we shop local, we are supporting business owners who are our friends and neighbors, while strengthening our local economy. We invite you to join us for our February Downtown Handmade Market and purchase locally-made goods just in time for Valentine's Day. Join us as we shop local, give local, and love local," Heriot-Mikula and Skrtic said.

Learn more at www.celebrateshelton.com and follow Celebrate Shelton on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/celebshelton). 

The Valley United Way is a leading philanthropic organization serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. 
If you would like to make a contribution that will have an impact in the community, give online at www.valleyuniteway.org; or by check to Valley United Way, 54 Grove St., Shelton, 06484.


This is a press release from Celebrate Shelton.