Kids can read to therapy dog/good listener Molly at Derby Public Library

 Molly is ready to visit Derby Public Library.

DERBY- The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., welcomes therapy dog Molly at 10 a.m. Aug. 3.

She is following in her brother Ollie’s “paw steps” by joining B.A.R.K. (Be A Reading Kid) program for ages 4-11. 

This is a great opportunity for beginner or reluctant readers to build confidence, enhance literary skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading. 

Children are given a 10-minute time slot to read and may select a book from Molly & Ollie’s Book Picks Display to share with her.

Register at https://bit.ly/2nixdJd


*This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

BHcare to host opening of HOPE Family Justice Center in New Haven

NEW HAVEN - BHcare will host a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Aug. 5 for the HOPE Family Justice Center of Greater New Haven. 

The event, featuring New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, will be held at 1 p.m. at 142 Temple St., 3rd floor. 

The public is invited to celebrate the center’s opening and discover more about the comprehensive, wraparound services, as well as support those affected by domestic violence. RSVP to dmorfi@hbcare.org.

HFJC is a collaboration of multiple community providers under one roof providing free wraparound services for domestic violence survivors and their families. 

It can take a victim over 25 hours to travel to multiple appointments to receive services. With each appointment, the victim must re-tell their story - reliving every painful detail as they meet with various providers. 

“Here, victims of domestic violence receive support, healing, and pathways to empowerment,” said site manager Paola Serrecchia. "We’re dedicated to replacing violence with safety, despair with optimism, uncertainty with hope.”

The Family Justice Center model has been identified as a best practice in the field of domestic violence intervention and prevention services by the United States Department of Justice. 

There are many documented and published outcomes in the Family Justice Center model including reduced homicides, increased victim safety and reduced fear and anxiety for victims and their children. 

HFJC initiative is a community project and anyone who is interested to learn more or get involved should contact Project Coordinator Julie Johnson at (203) 780-2033 or j_johnson@bhcare.org. 

Follow HOPE Family Justice Center at www.facebook.com/NewHavenFJC and www.twitter.com/NHFJC_CT.  If you need immediate domestic violence assistance, please call our 24-hour domestic violence hotline 1-888-774-2900. 

This is a press release from BHcare.

Abundant Life Fellowship Ministries in Ansonia slates STEAM to Success

Logan to host coffee hour Friday at Valley Diner in Derby

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold 5K walk/run

The 11th Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital will be held Sept. 28./ Contributed photo

DERBY - The Annual 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital will celebrate its 11th year Sept. 28.

This non-competitive, family-friendly event begins with day-of registration at 7:30 a.m., and the Walk/Run kicking off at 9 a.m.

Registration is $30. The registration fee will increase by $5 after Sept. 14. 

Pre-registration is encouraged at griffinhealth.org/5K with the first 500 registered participants receiving T-shirts. Participants also will receive a gift from the Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton.

All proceeds are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized cancer care and to help ease the financial burden Griffin’s cancer patients face as they undergo treatment. 

Sponsorship opportunities include signage at the event, logos on the event's promotional materials and T-shirts, recognition from the stage, and an opportunity to have a table to distribute products at the event.

The 5K draws walkers and runners from all over the Lower Naugatuck Valley and the state. 

The 5K Walk/Run was started by the caregivers of the Cancer Center as a way to raise funds to purchase wigs for patients. 

The first Walk/Run exceeded expectations by drawing more than 200 participants and raising more than $25,000, providing opportunity for additional financial support for patients as they undergo cancer treatment. 

The 5K has drawn thousands of participants over the years and raised more than $490,000 to help support local cancer survivors in its 10-year history.

Participants can walk or run individually, or form a team with their family, friends and co-workers. 

Participants are encouraged to collect pledges or purchase a commemorative sign to honor or memorialize a loved one at the event.

Individuals and teams can register online at griffinhealth.org/5k. 

For more information, contact Laura Murphy at lkmurphy@griffinhealth.org.

Sponsor the Griffin 5K

The 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care has sponsorship opportunities available, which include signage at the event, company logo on back of participant T-shirts, and opportunities to distribute promotional products at the event.

For more information about sponsorships, contact Laura Murphy at lkmurphy@griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Learn about Space Race, honey making, Woodstock at Derby Neck Library

Dinner and a Movie
DERBY - Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., hosts Dinner and a Movie for ages 18 and older at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 1. 
This month’s feature film is “1984,” shown on blu-ray and a large screen. Free movie refreshments will be served including a pizza dinner at intermission.

History of honey making

The Library presents Catherine Wolko of the Humble Bee Honey Co. at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5. She will describe the sweet history of honey making and offer samples for tasting.  
Free literature and raffled items will also be available. Registration is required. 

Movie, contest

The Library hosts I-Spy, a movie event and challenge contest for teens and tweens at 3 p.m. Aug. 8.  
Free movie refreshments will be served.  Registration is required.

Salute to Woodstock

At 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8 the Library presents radio host, educator, and author Craig Harris with an audio/visual Salute to Woodstock—to mark the 50^th anniversary of the festival in upstate New York. This is a free event and no registration is required.  

Space Race

The Library presents the History of the Space Race with Kevin Woyce at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12.
Follow the USA into space with historic photos of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, culminating in the moon landing 50 years ago. This program does not require registration—just stop in and bring a friend or two.  

Guitarist to perform

On Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m., the Library hosts a live musical performance by Sheri Miller, guitarist and song composer.  
Enjoy selections from the blues, the Beatles, country, and more.  

Women's Forum

At 12:30 p.m. Aug. 19 the Library hosts the Women’s Forum, a literary discussion group.  This month’s selections are two short stories by Heinrich Boll.  
Copies are available at the library.

Evening Book Club

The Library hosts the Evening Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27. 
This month’s selection is “Three Blind Mice” by Agatha Christie. Copies are available at the library. Join us for an informative and engaging discussion.


This is a press release from Patricia Sweeney, reference librarian, Derby Neck Library.

YA Wednesdays on tap at Derby Public Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library staff invites young adults ages 12 to 17 to join the fun of YA Wednesdays during August. Hours are from 6-7:30 p.m. 
Sony Play Station Four (PS4), Nintendo Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. 
Light refreshments will be provided.

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 Tony DeLos, young adult librarian.