TEAM in Derby seeks volunteers for tax assistance program

DERBY - TEAM, Inc. is seeking volunteers to assist low-income families and individuals in filing their taxes and claiming refunds owed to them, such as federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) that can boost their yearly income by up to 35 percent.  

The TEAM VITA program is held at the VITA Clinics located at TEAM Derby, Derby Neck Library, and the Milford Senior Center and operates from Jan. 29 to April 16, 2018. 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offers free preparation of federal and state income tax returns to low-income individuals and families.  

No experience is necessary.  
All volunteers will receive training appropriate for their position.  Volunteers receive the materials for self-study on basic income tax law for federal and state returns.  In addition, training sessions will take place in January 2018.  

To become a VITA Volunteer and to learn more about the program, a VITA Information Session will be held at 5 p.m. Oct. 30 at TEAM, 30 Elizabeth St. Please call (203) 736-5420 ext. 202 or email spaytas@teaminc.org to reserve a seat.

This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to strengthen our community by educating, supporting and empowering individuals and families. 
TEAM programs impact the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, Waterbury and Woodbridge.    

Recuperation journey: Friday morning sky

I didn't catch the sunrise but these dramatic clouds inspired me to grab the camera. 

This post is a look back to several years ago when I was participating in memes in the blogosphere, including one of my favorites, Looking at the Sky on Friday.

Have a great day!

Vigil in Shelton to honor survivors, remember victims of domestic violence

SHELTON - Every October, the nation observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring light to an issue that affects all of our communities. 

Every nine seconds, a woman is battered in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men in the U.S. are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

To raise awareness about domestic violence, BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services will hold a vigil to honor survivors and remember the victims of domestic violence. 
The candlelight vigil will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Gazebo at Huntington Center Green. In the event of rain, the vigil will be held at Huntington Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 19 Church St.

Geralyn O’Neil-Wild, Director of Legal Advocacy, CCADV, will be the keynote speaker. Local police officers will be recognized for their role in the fight against domestic violence – Officer John Edwards, Officer Michael Sterling and Officer Jacquelyn Troesser of the Ansonia Police Department, and Officer Christopher Brosz of the Shelton Police Department.

For information about the vigil, or about domestic violence services call 203-736-2601, ext. 1381, or visit www.bhcare.org. 

If you need immediate assistance, please call the 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900.

UCDVS is a program of BHcare that provides services for victims and children of domestic violence free of charge. Each year, more than 6,000 abused women and their children walk through the door of UCDVS looking for shelter, help and hope. 

Learn more at bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare. 

Recuperation journey: Swans on the lake

Swans seen chatting late Thursday afternoon on Lake Housatonic in Derby.

Seymour High to hold soccer game to benefit Seymour Pink

Recuperation journey: Sunrise scenes

So glad I noticed the sunrise today after missing the spectacular sunset that folks photographed and posted the other evening!

Newsletter highlights 5K week in the Valley

Dear readers, 

Today's Valley Voice newsletter features two 5K events held each year in October in our community, and a fundraiser in Oxford. 

Thanks for reading,

Patti