Free Tax Help Available

Bowl a Strike Against Domestic Violence

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Register for BHcare's Bowl-2-Benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services! Lanes are filling fast!

BHcare's Bowl-2-Benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services March 3, 2019 Bowlero, Milford, CT Why should you participate? Strike out domestic violence! All proceeds benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS). UCDVS provides services and programs to over 6,000 victims & their children each year. Fun for everyone! 90 minutes of bowling Event giveaway Shoe rental Soft drink Prizes! The highest fundraising team per session will receive a special prize! Collect pledges from your friends, family & peers. Raffles! Each session will feature a variety of fun raffle items! Raffle tickets can be purchased during each session & winners will be chosen at the end of the session. Register now! Click here to register your team and start  fundraising today! ‌ ‌

BHcare | 435 East Main Street, Ansonia, CT 06401

Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 28

The U.S. Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration- has Announced Plans for its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

 

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

 

Saturday April 28, 2018

10 am to 2 pm

 

Locations close to Derby are:

Shelton Police Department – 85 Wheeler Street

Orange CVS – 279 Boston Post Road

Milford Senior Center – 9 Jepson Drive

 

Here is a link for more information and locations:

 

https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html

Ansonia, Milford mayors partner to share Public Works equipment

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA >> The cities of Ansonia and Milford have joined forces in the name of saving taxpayers money.
Mayor David Cassetti met this week with Milford Mayor Ben Blake to forge a partnership to share certain pieces of Public Works equipment belonging to Milford that will result in savings for residents in both communities.
The meeting of the mayors marked the beginning of a new relationship between the two municipalities. Ansonia’s Public Works’ Superintendent Doug Novak and Milford’s Public Works Director Chris Saley have held several conversations regarding shared services over the past few months.

Read more here. 

Milford police: Ansonia man surrenders in attempted robbery, gunplay incident

By Register Staff
MILFORD>> A second man appeared in court Thursday to face charges in connection with an attempted robbery and shooting in a city parking garage that left two people injured.
David “D.J.” Spencer, 22, turned himself in to police Wednesday on an outstanding warrant for charges stemming from the March 1 incident, police spokesman Sgt. Jeffrey Nielsen said in a press release Friday.

Read more here. 

Help needed to “Bowl a Strike” against domestic violence

The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare, is looking for bowlers of all ages and skill levels to participate in the 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit being held Saturday, March 14, at AMF Lanes in Milford.

All proceeds from this non-competitive benefit UCDVS which provides services to nearly 7,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year throughout the Greater New Haven, Greater Naugatuck Valley, and Shoreline communities. UCDVS provides free emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy, support and other crucial services.

The Bowl-2-Benefit, one of the largest fundraising events of its kind in the state, attracts over 1,500 community members.  Bowlers of all ages and skill levels are welcome but pre-registration is required. While the 4:30pm session is sold-out, there is still plenty of room in the 9:00 am, 11:30 am, 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. sessions.

Bowlers pay a minimal $5 registration fee and are asked to collect pledges to support their efforts.  Each bowler will receive 90 minutes of bowling, an event t-shirt, shoe rental, soft drink, and a chance to win prizes. The event is ideal for clubs, schools, organizations, corporations and families.

CJ Forcier is a six year veteran of the event and team captain of the New Haven Family Condors, the event’s top fundraising team in recent years. “The New Haven Family Condors became involved with the Bowl-2-Benefit as a team building event and to support our court-based Victim Advocacy Program in the New Haven Court. The day of the bowling event is unlike any other as it is filled with a lot of laughter, comradery, and heaps of fun. I would strongly encourage anyone to be part of the event; you’ll have a great time,” said Forcier.

Decreases in state and federal funding coupled with increases in demand for services make fundraising events such as the Bowl-2-Benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need.  Last year, the Bowl-2-Benefit raised over $93,000. Event organizers hope to exceed that amount this year and attract an even larger bowling crowd.

The 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit is being sponsored by the Bassett Family Fund and media partners include Channel 3 Eyewitness News, 99.1 WPLR and Star 99.9-FM.  Anyone interested in receiving more information about, or participating in the Bowl-2-Benefit, should call Debbie Soulsby at 203- 736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit http://www.bhcare.org/.  Deadline for bowler registration is March 5.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. For more information, visit www.bhcare.org. ­­

Bowl-2-Benefit event, helping fight domestic violence, set for March 14 in Milford

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent

It’s time to once again bowl a strike against domestic violence.
The 27th annual Bowl-2-Benefit will take place March 14 at AMF Lanes, 1717 Boston Post Road, Milford. Proceeds from the event go to the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, or UCDVS, a program of BHcare, based at 435 E. Main St. in Ansonia.
The Umbrella Center provides services to more than 7,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year throughout the Greater New Haven, Greater Naugatuck Valley and Shoreline communities. Services include free emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy and support.

Read more here. 

Bowlers and sponsors needed to “Bowl a Strike” against domestic violence

ANSONIA >> The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare, is looking for bowlers and sponsors to participate in the 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit being held Saturday, March 14, at AMF Lanes in Milford.

All proceeds benefit UCDVS which provides services to over 7,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year throughout the Greater New Haven, Greater Naugatuck Valley and Shoreline communities. UCDVS provides free emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy, support and other crucial services.

The Bowl-2-Benefit, one of the largest fundraising events of its kind in the state, attracts over 1,500 community members. Bowlers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in teams of 4-6, in one of five bowling sessions scheduled for 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Bowlers pay a minimal $5 registration fee and are asked to collect pledges to support their efforts. Each bowler will receive 90 minutes of bowling, an event T-shirt, shoe rental, soft drink, and a chance to win prizes. The event is ideal for clubs, schools, organizations, corporations and families.

The Bowl-2-Benefit offers sponsorship opportunities for all budgets, with levels starting at just $75. Sponsors reap the benefit of exposure to the more than 1,500 participants as well as additional exposure online. T-shirt sponsors receive continued exposure with their logo printed on the event tee that is distributed to all bowlers. T-shirt level sponsorships start at just $500.

Decreases in state and federal funding coupled with increases in demand for services make fundraising events such as the Bowl-2-Benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need.  Last year, the Bowl-2-Benefit raised over $93,000. Event organizers hope to exceed that amount this year and attract an even larger bowling crowd.

The 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit is being sponsored by the Bassett Family Fund and media partners include WFSB, WPLR 99.1-FM and Star 99.9-FM.  Anyone interested in receiving more information about, or participating in the Bowl-2-Benefit, should call Debbie Soulsby at 203-736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit http://www.bhcare.org/.  Deadline for bowler registration is March 2.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.

Derby motorcyclist seriously injured in Milford crash, Seymour woman arrested

MILFORD >> A Seymour woman is facing charges here after police say she collided with a motorcyclist Sunday afternoon in Woodmont, seriously injuring the motorcyclist.

Milford police said in a press release that 46-year-old Dawn Dobbin, of Derby, was taken to Yale-New Haven for emergency surgery after the crash at the intersection of Anderson Avenue and Chaucer Court.

Police said that 22-year-old Hali Bristol, of Pearl Street in Seymour, had crossed the center line of the road as she rounded a corner and hit the motorcycle head-on around 4:15 p.m. Sunday.

Bristol was allegedly found to be driving while intoxicated. She was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and failure to drive right.
She was held in lieu of $2,000 bail.

Police said Dobbin was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The Department’s Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the crash.

Boating safety course slated in Milford

MILFORD - United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3 is offering About Boating Safety course in August.

For advanced registration prior to the class date, go to http://a0142403.uscgaux.info/.  
The USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 24-3 Training Center is located at 1 Helwig St., located one block north of Milford Boat Works.   

Walk-ins are welcome on day of the class.

The About Boating Safety course will be held Aug. 9 starting at 8 a.m. Instruction will cover all the basic topics involved in the safe operation of recreational boating and seamanship. 

It will also cover safe personal watercraft operation. Successful completion of this eight-hour ABS course satisfies the Connecticut licensing requirements for both boats and Personal Watercraft. Family participation is encouraged. Cost is $60.

Formore information about Coast Guard Auxiliary courses, call 860-663-5505, e-mail  skperrone@hotmail.com or visit http://a0142403.uscgaux.info/

*Please note: All students will need to get a State of Connecticut Conservation ID Number before taking the ABS/PWC class. 

Go to https://ct.outdoorcentral.net/InternetSales/Sales. Go here and register for a free ID number.


This is a press release from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Milford Scouts paddling to Shelton Monday

Troop 701 Boy Scouts photographed Sunday with their kayaks and canoes along the banks of the Housatonic River. / Contributed photo
 
Public can track Scouts paddling 90 miles from Massachusetts to Milford

By Phyllis Swebilius, New Haven Register

Posted: 06/20/14, 7:07 PM EDT | Updated: 14 secs ago

0 Comments

MILFORD >> Twenty Boy Scouts in Troop 701 are using satellite technology to keep followers up to date on their 90-mile paddling trip down the Housatonic River from Massachusetts to Long Island Sound.
“Young people love action,” Assistant Scoutmaster Mark Lofthouse said Sunday from a campsite in Southbury.
“We plan a high-adventure trip every year,” said Assistant Scoutmaster Brian Leary, who could not make the trip.
“They learn skills they will have for the rest of their lives, and we enjoy just watching them grow up and develop these skills,” Leary said.

They left the city June 18 for an adventure that includes camping and portage (carrying their craft overland to avoid obstructions).
They are expected at Walnut Beach for a picnic at 3-4 p.m. Tuesday.

The Scouts, ages 14-18, and eight adults, 45 and older, are in 22 kayaks and canoes for seven days.
To make their schedule, the boys average four hours travel daily, getting up at 6 a.m., “no grumbling,” Lofthouse said.
The boys cook, clean and put up their own tents. “Nobody’s going to do anything for them. This is a big self-reliance week,” Lofthouse said by cellphone from Kettletown State Park.
“They’ve all said this was awesome,” Lofthouse said.
A big hit with the boys has been going through rapids, said Steve Johnson, the city’s open space and natural resource agent, is on the trip with son, Paul, 15.
Lofthouse has spotted a black bear cub in the woods; they once sat under a tree with a bald eagle 25 feet above; they’ve seen osprey fishing; and have been catching and releasing large-mouth bass and perch.
The group has been eating freeze-dried food and lots of nuts, Johnson said. As a special treat, leaders Bill Holdeck and Dave Shaw came up from Milford to cook dinner.

They also saw the International Space Station overhead about 9:30 one night, said Dan Murray, an Eagle from Milford. “We just watched it sail right over us. It was really beautiful,” said Murray, 19.
The trip was the brainchild of Murray, who recently finished his first year at the University of Connecticut.
When Murray was about 14, he asked Lofthouse about rowing down the Housatonic, to which Lofthouse replied: “‘We’ll make that happen.”’

On Sunday, Murray said it was a great idea, despite a few blisters, some sunburn and sore muscles.
Asked how the “old people” were doing, Lofthouse said, “The old people are handling it just fine. I haven’t seen anyone breaking down in tears, calling their wife,” Lofthouse laughed.
Planning for the trip began about 18 months ago for Lofthouse and Leary.

Follow this link to see location updates. The group will be at Sunnyside Park in Shelton Monday.

They had to get special permits for camping locations, as only there were only two state parks; the other sites were private property, or owned by municipalities or utilities, Leary said this weekend. And the two men paddled about 50 percent of the river, taking it in sections, Leary said.
In addition to Lofthouse and Johnson, other adults on the trip are Peter Murray, Bill Elliott, Tom Mercaldo, Bill Thorne of Storrs and Ian Siveyer of Monroe.
“We try to keep the ratio 3-1,” said Leary.
Part of the trip was to educate the boys, Leary said.
On this adventure, the focus is on getting a deeper appreciation of the beauty of the river and its economic importance for transport and energy.
The other part is helping and watching the young men develop life skills, Leary said.
Leary said Lofthouse gives up three weeks a year to plan and go on these trips.
“Mark does high-adventure activities. We’ve hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and part of Vermont,” Leary said.
“No story would be complete without Mark Lofthouse,” Leary said.




Call Phyllis Swebilius at 203-789-5681. Have questions, feedback or ideas about our coverage? Connect directly with the editors of the New Haven Register at AskTheRegister.com.

Navigation course slated in Milford

MILFORD >> The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 24-3 is offering the Charts, Navigation and GPS course from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 10.

For advance registration go to http://a0142403.uscgaux.info/. 
The USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 24-3 Training Center is located at 1 Helwig St. which is one block north of Milford Boat Works.   
Walk-ins are welcome on day of the class.

The course ties together electronic navigation and the method of plotting a course on a paper chart. Instructions on basic satellite navigation (GPS) and its functions are presented as well as pros and cons of relying on electronic navigation devices. 

Students will be instructed how to interpret and use information printed on charts as well as chart a course using that information and navigation tools. 

Cost of the course is $60.

 For additional information about Coast Guard Auxiliary courses, call 860-663-5505, or email skperrone@hotmail.com or visit http://a0142403.uscgaux.info/.

This is taken from a press release. 

TEAM offers tax help in Derby, Milford, Shelton

Tax season is here and many people may not be aware about how to qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit.

EITC is one of the nation's largest anti-poverty programs, annually lifting over six million people out of poverty each year;  half of those impacted are children.
EITC can be a boost to you, your family and community.
Anyone with earnings under $51,567 should see if they qualify at www.irs.gov/eitc, or visit a volunteer tax assistance site.
This credit in combination with other can increase refunds to working families allowing them to reduce debt, save for the future or invest in a home or education.
Free volunteer tax help is available to those who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

IRS-certified volunteers are part of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, a nationwide initiative, offering families a free and easy way to access refunds and tax credits.
VITA provides free electronic filing for federal and state tax returns.
Taxes are prepared by volunteer tax preparers who ensure that each taxpayer receives the tax credits and deductions they are qualified to claim.

For more information about earning this tax credit, filing taxes and claiming refunds, such as federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) contact one of the following local sites for a free appointment with a VITA volunteer:

Derby: TEAM, Inc. 30, Elizabeth St., by appointment only on Monday afternoon, Wednesday night and Saturday morning and Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., by appointment only on Sunday afternoon, call: 203-736 5420 x 206 now through April 14.

Milford: Milford Senior Citizen Center, 9 Jepson Drive, by appointment only on Sunday afternoon and Monday evening, call 203-736-5420 x 206 now through April 14.

Shelton: Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St.: walk-in program on Tuesdays (1-4 p.m.), Wednesday (5:30-7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) from Feb. 4-April 14.
For all walk-in programs, bring prior year’s tax return and all supporting documents for the 2013 tax year.


This is a press release from TEAM Inc., a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community. 
TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge.           

TEAM seeks volunteers to assist in tax filing

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 30 percent.



The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will be held at the VITA Clinic at Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive, Milford.
The need for volunteer assistance runs from mid-January to April 14, 2014.
TEAM will host an informational session for volunteers at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Milford Senior Center. 
VITA offers free preparation of federal and state income tax returns to low-income individuals and families.No experience is required. Volunteers will receive 16-20 hours of training on income tax preparation by a skilled IRS instructor and receive certification. Training will take place evenings at TEAM, Inc., 30 Elizabeth St. during mid-January.

To become a VITA volunteer or for more information about the program, call 203-736-5420 ext. 209 or email mvlahac@teaminc.org.


TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour and Woodbridge.       


This is a press release from TEAM.    

Derby, Shelton veterans among DAV honorees

Top photo, left side of vehicle: Vic Carrol, Burke Ross, Lauren Cust (twice), Senna Punancy, Joe Wargo; bottom photo, right side: Ed Michaud, Maj. Betsy Walsh, Buffert Brooks, Ashley Kenyon, Frank Dlugokinski, Steve Frank, and Josh Phillips. Inset, rear of van: Capt. Dean White. / Contributed photo

Ten area veterans were honored for their dedication in assisting other veterans by being selected to have their service picture displayed on a new Disabled American Veterans Local Veterans Assistance Program van. 

 

The honorees were Capt. Dean White, Derby; Vic Carroll, Stamford; Burke Ross, Shelton; Lauren Cust, Shelton; Senna Punancy, Bridgeport; Joe Wargo, Trumbull; Ed Michaud, Stratford; Maj. Betsy Walsh, Milford; Buffert Brooks, Stamford; Ashley Kenyon, Waterbury; Frank Dlugokinski, Torrington; Steve Frank, Naugatuck; and Josh Phillips, Derby. 

 

They were selected from the list of hundreds of dedicated Connecticut veterans being considered for the honor.

The DAV and the AMVETS have partnered in the effort to purchase vans for the DAV created LVAP, which provides day trips to veterans in homeless shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and veterans who are “shut-ins.”

The LVAP vans also have been used for Operation Gift Cards. Operation Gift Cards has presented over $719,000 in post exchange (military department store) gift cards and other donated items to the wounded troops at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Hospital in Bethesda, Md. during its 99 visits over the last eight years. 

Sixty-eight groups have co-sponsored the program.

 

CT Heroes on Wheels is another major program which benefits by the use of the LVAP vans. CT Heroes on Wheels provides free electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and other medical equipment to needy veterans and their families.

 

The DAV and AMVETS are collecting donations for the purchase of at least one additional LVAP van. 

Anyone interested in making a donation for the LVAP van may contact Al Church (DAV State Treasurer) (860) 529-1759 or church_al@yahoo.com. 

For information about the DAV or AMVETS programs contact Al Meadows (203) 929-3357 or al.meadows@snet.net.

 

 

This is a press release from Al Meadows of Shelton. 

New Haven conference to address domestic violence issues

By Neal McNamara, New Haven Register

Posted: 09/22/13, 10:19 PM EDT 

NEW HAVEN >> By all appearances, Leslie Morgan Steiner has everything. She’s a graduate of Harvard and the Wharton School, and she’s had a successful career as a magazine journalist, book author and marketing executive.
And, she’s a mother who carts her kids around in a minivan.
She’s also a survivor of domestic violence. She was married to a man who beat her so severely she feared he would kill her.
“I come off as someone who’s strong and confident,” Morgan Steiner said. “The stereotype of a domestic violence victim is that they have self-esteem problems, they’re weak, impoverished. “I deliver the message obliquely that this” – domestic violence – “is an everyone problem.”
Morgan Steiner is one of three experts on domestic violence set to speak at a conference called “Beyond the Bruises: A Conference on Psychological Abuse and Stalking” set for Sept. 30 in New Haven.
Also speaking will be Mark Wynn, a former police officer and a consultant and trainer on domestic violence and sexual assault issues, and Hema Khan, an attorney for the Stalking Resource Center.
The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services is holding the conference. The Umbrella Center is a program of BHcare, a nonprofit health service provider based in Branford.
BHcare recently tried, unsuccessfully, to open a domestic violence shelter in Milford. Neighbors near the proposed site exposed the address in public, leading the BHcare executive board to vote to abandon the plans. Most shelter addresses are kept confidential to protect the residents.
BHcare spokesperson Emily Granelli said the seminar is about spreading awareness of domestic violence and stalking.
A grim statistic cited on the flier for the conference reports that 12 people died in 2012 in domestic violence situations, and six have died this year, according to statistics from the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Morgan Steiner wrote the book “Crazy Love” about her experience being married to a batterer. Her abuse took place more than two decades ago, but it also took her that long before she could talk about it publicly.
“It took about five years before I could talk about (the abuse), and another 10 years before I could write ‘Crazy Love,’” she said.
She began speaking publicly about domestic violence after the book was published. Her story is an example of how it’s possible to survive an abusive relationship, she said.
“The most important thing I can do is get up there and say, ‘It happened to me, I’m not ashamed, and I made it out,’” she said.
Wynn, a former Nashville, Tenn., police officer, said he’ll talk about the entire sphere of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, and what kind of law enforcement response those crimes bring.
“Often, we focus on just domestic violence, which is a large component, but when you look at all the crimes committed against women, it’s a big, big problem for the community and law enforcement,” he said. “When we show that most of the crimes in the country are committed against women, you refocus your resources.”
He’ll also talk about empathizing with domestic violence victims and how, for a victim, leaving an abuser is an intense process.
“We’re still dealing with this problem of people focusing more on the victim than the offender,” he said. “The question should be, what are we going to do for her when she decides to leave? When you talk to victims, it’s the process of leaving that’s the most difficult.”
Morgan Steiner had the rare opportunity to walk away from her abuser. One night, when they were both students at Wharton, she experienced “the worst one” of his beatings. After, he simply left their apartment. That was the end of their relationship, but he was never punished for his crimes.

For more information about the conference, visit BHcare.org.


Note: BHcare is a behavioral health organization serving the Valley, Greater New Haven, and Shoreline communities.

DeLauro discusses proposed Farm Bill impact on hungry Americans

House to debate legislation next week

NEW HAVEN - At a press conference Tuesday morning with Connecticut anti-hunger leaders, U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3, highlighted the impact of the proposed Farm Bill on hungry families in Connecticut and across the nation. 

The event was held at Cornerstone Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Milford.

                       

The U.S. House of Representatives’ version of that bill will be debated by the full chamber as soon as next week.

“Nearly 50 million Americans, including over 16 million children, are struggling with hunger," DeLauro said. 

"Here in Connecticut’s Third Congressional District, nearly one in seven households are not sure if they can afford enough food to feed their families. Food Stamps are America’s most important effort to deal with hunger at home and ensure families can put food on the table. But the bill we are expecting to debate next week slashes more than $20 billion from Food Stamps, hurting millions of Americans. These hurtful cuts are a dereliction of our responsibilities to the American people, and our moral responsibility to help the least fortunate among us.”

The bill expected to come before the House of Representatives next week would force nearly two million low-income Americans to go hungry, including one million children. It would also kick roughly 210,000 low-income children off of the school lunch program. 

And many more low-income Americans, mostly seniors and working families with children, would lose their benefits due to changes in the relationship between the calculation of Food Stamp benefits and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Joining DeLauro were Nancy Carrington, President and CEO, Connecticut Food Bank; Lucy Nolan, Executive Director, End Hunger Connecticut; Shonda Hinton, Cornerstone Christian Church; Rev. Dr. Shelly Stackhouse, Church of the Redeemer, United Church of Christ; and Penelope Davis of Orange.

This post is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office.

Oxford kids raise funds for Bowl-2-Benefit event

Here's a heartwarming story for Valentine's Day: 

Students at Oxford Center School are busy collecting donations for BHcare’s Bowl-2-Benefit.

The Bowl-2-Benefit raises money for the Center for Domestic Violence Services.
The Center provides free emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis, counseling, advocacy, support and other crucial services to more than 9,000 battered women and their children.

“I have the most enterprising students this year, many of them have opened little businesses around their neighborhoods shoveling snow, walking dogs, or taking out garbage, all for donations,” said Courtney DeMatteo, Physical Education Teacher and Student Council Advisor at Oxford Center School. 

“These kids are pumped to raise money and spread the good word about the Center for Domestic Violence Services!”

Oxford Center School has been the top youth fundraiser group for over six years.

Matt asked his mom to bake chocolate chip cookies. He is selling them by the dozen throughout his neighborhood. They became so popular he had to create an order form and fill orders. / Contributed photo

Mark passed flyers around his neighborhood offering to walk dogs in exchange for a donation to his Bowl-2-Benefit team.  / Contributed photo


Matt and Mark and all the children at Oxford Center School are to be commended for their efforts to help others in the community. Great job!

BHcare’s 25th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit will be held March 9 at AMF Lanes, 1717 Boston Post Road, Milford. 

All proceeds benefit domestic violence programs and services throughout the Valley, Greater New Haven and the Shoreline.

Participants of Bowl-2-Benefit raise money for the event by forming bowling teams and collecting pledges. 

Bowl sessions are at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. or 8 p.m. Individuals and/or businesses and organizations can get involved by becoming an event or lane sponsor. 

The 25^th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit is sponsored by Bassett Brands and by Cox Radio: WPLR 99.1-FM and Star 99.9-FM. 

For information or to participate, call Debbie Soulsby, 203-736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit  www.bhcare.org.

Deadline for bowler registration is Feb. 27.

This information is taken from a press release from Tracy Bruno, Communications Specialist, BHcare.