Back to School Rally

Police Offer Back to School Safety Tips

Connecticut State Troopers urge drivers, parents and children to prepare for back to

school safety. As over half-a-million Connecticut children head back to school over the next few weeks, Connecticut State Troopers urge all parents and guardians to discuss school, traffic, and personal safety with their children.  

 

Troopers also caution all drivers to be aware of “back to school” bus, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.  Drivers are urged to use extra caution as they travel on Connecticut’s roadways, and to be alert to children who may be hurrying to and from school.

Under state law, it is mandatory that drivers stop for school buses that have their flashing red warning lights activated, whether they are approaching or following the school bus.

The yellow flashing lights are a warning to drivers that the bus will be stopping to pick up and/or drop-off students.  Drivers should anticipate that the red flashing lights will come on shortly after seeing the yellow flashing lights as the bus comes to a stop.  The red flashing lights on a school bus indicate that the bus is stopped and students are either getting on or off the bus. 

Failure to obey this law not only puts our children at great risk, but it carries a hefty penalty for drivers. Fines for passing a school bus that has its flashing red warning lights activated starts at $465 for a first offense. 

Parents should remind their children to wait in a safe place, out of the travel portion of the roadway, and only cross the street after looking both ways, even if the red lights are activated.  Urge children to tell an adult and the police about anything that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable on the way to/from school and while they’re in school. Children should be reminded not to speak to, or get into the vehicles of people they don’t know.

All Resident State Troopers and Troopers on patrol will periodically monitor school bus stops to help ensure the safety of all students as they travel back to school to begin the 2016-2017 school year.

 

(This is a press release from CT State Police)

Annual back-to-school drive in the Valley enters 9th year

J Cuts launches 9th Annual Book Bag & School Supply drive in the Valley.

Between now and Friday, Aug, 21, book bags and school supplies are being collected around the Valley.

Last year, over 100 book bags and an abundance of back to school supplies were collected.

This drive, originally started by the owners of Luther’s Garage, which is now closed, continues on an annual basis through Jennifer Sneider, owner of J Cuts, located at 505 Howe Ave., downtown Shelton.

J Cuts is the main collection location. Supplies may include book bags, book covers, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, calculators, pencil sharpeners, paper and folders. Supplies are collected for all school-aged children from pre-school to high school. All book bags and supplies must be brand new.

Donations can also be dropped off at Barb's Corner Consignment, 25 West Main St., Ansonia, Mon-Fri 10-3 and Sat 10-2.

“The outpouring of kindness within the community always warms my heart,” said Sneider in a release. “So many people stop by to drop off donations. Many of my customers do not hesitate to hand me five or ten dollars so I can pick up what we are falling short on. It is amazing how it
 all balances out for children in need!”

Minuteman Press, located at 427B Howe Ave. in Shelton, donated collection posters once again.

Last year, for the third year in a row, the Shelton Lion’s Club collected book bags and supplies during free summer concerts held Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. on the Huntington Green.

In addition, Rehabilitation Associates, Inc., located at 1931 Blackrock Turnpike, Fairfield, and the First United Methodist Church in Shelton held their own collections last year to help make the drive a success.

As an added bonus last year, coordinators of the drive were contacted by Jackie Romaniuk, Dental Health Care Specialist with the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership (CTDHP), the dental plan for HUSKY Health. They provided oral kits each containing a tooth brush, toothpaste, floss and oral health education.

Other local businesses and organizations are invited and encouraged to join in by holding collections of their own to add to the donations.

Children receiving donations from the community drive last year are serviced by T.E.A.M., Inc.in Derby, along with the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Shelton School Readiness Program and the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Resource Center, all in Shelton, and BHcare in Ansonia.

J Cuts is also the main collection location for the Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive. The 10th Annual Drive will begin Jan. 1, 2016. Although this community drive officially kicks off on Jan. 1, donations are accepted at any time. For safety and allergy reasons, donations must be new, stuffed monkeys with tags.

The monkey drive benefits the same groups of children in need as the Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Drive.

For more information on either community drive, call Jennifer Sneider at J Cuts, 203-924-4107

Valley agencies benefit from drive at Shelton shop

Needy children to go back to school in style

Pictured at J Cuts in Shelton are front row from left:  Tylice MacDonald, Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center; Jennifer Sneider, owner, J Cuts; Karen Martinez, Child FIRST Care Coordinator, LNV PCRC.  Back row from left:  Jen DeLeon, Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley; Jane Bailey, Shelton School Readiness Council; and Suzanne Reilly, Director,  Family Support Services, TEAM Inc. / Contributed photo 


SHELTON - When it comes to children in need, the Valley always comes through.

For the eighth consecutive year, an Annual Book Bag & School Supply drive has been a great success.  More than 100 book bags and an abundance of back to school supplies were collected this year. 

This drive was originally started by the owners of Luther's Garage, which is now closed. It continues on an annual basis through J Cuts at 505 Howe Ave.

Each year beginning July 1, Jennifer Sneider, owner of J Cuts, provides the main collection location for supplies such as book bags, book covers, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, calculators, pencil sharpeners, paper, folders, and more.  

"The outpouring kindness of the community always warms my heart," Sneider said. “So many people stop by to drop off donations. Many of my customers do not hesitate to hand me five or 10 dollars so I can pick up what we are falling short on.  It is amazing how it all balances out for children in need.” 

Minuteman Press at 427B Howe Ave., donated collection posters again this year. 

For a third year the Shelton Community Lions Club collected supplies during weekly summer concerts on the Huntington Green.  As a result, they were able to contribute greatly to the drive.

The Shelton Community Lions Club purchases eye glasses for less fortunate children, coordinates pediatric eye screenings for daycare centers, and runs a poster contest for 11-13 year olds.

For the first time this year, Rehabilitation Associates, Inc. at 1931 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, held a collection and dropped off supplies at J Cuts.
 In addition, members of the First United Methodist Church in Shelton held their own drive and dropped off some last minute donations.
 

As an added bonus this year, coordinators of the drive were contacted by Jackie Romaniuk, Dental Health Care Specialist with the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership (CTDHP), the dental plan for HUSKY Health. 

They provided oral kits each containing a tooth brush, toothpaste, floss and oral health education. 

The CTDHP is the dental plan for HUSKY Health and promotes good oral hygiene to more than 700,000 children and adults on the HUSKY Health plan. For the last two years, CTDHP has partnered with community agencies, primary care providers and OB/GYN offices across the state to share oral health kits with children and pregnant women who are HUSKY Health members.

“The oral health kits contain tips to keep the mouth healthy as well as the importance of maintaining a healthy mouth to maintain a person’s general health," Romaniuk said. "The beginning of the school year traditionally correlates with starting new routines and habits. This seems like the perfect opportunity to spread the oral health message of the importance of daily oral hygiene and scheduling a dental exam.”

HUSKY Health members can contact the CTDHP call center at 855- CT- DENTAL or visit www.ctdhp.com for help connecting to one of the 1,900 dental providers available.  

Children receiving donations from this community drive are served by TEAM, Inc.in Derby, the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Shelton School Readiness Program and the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center, all in Shelton, and BHcare in Ansonia.

The oral kits were given to students who received back to school donations, as well as kindergarten students at Irving School in Derby and the Milford Department of Children & Families office.

Monkey Love Drive

J Cuts will be the main collection site beginning Jan. 1 for the Ninth Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive.  

Although this community drive officially kicks off on Jan. 1, donations are accepted at any time.  Donations must be new, stuffed monkeys with tags.

This drive will benefit the same groups of children in need as the Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Drive.

The more stuffed monkeys collected, the more the donations will be shared with additional agencies who assist needy children.

Any individual, group, business or organization is welcome to join in the Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive by holding a collection. 

Call Sneider at 203-924-4107 with questions or for more information.

This post is taken from a lightly edited press release from the drive organizers.

Annual school supply drive starts in Valley

Pictured at J-Cuts in Shelton in August, 2013 are from left: Michelle Sanders, Boys & Girls Club of the LNV and Jennifer Sneider, Owner, J Cuts. Back Row: Karen Martinez, Child FIRST Care Coordinator, LNV Parent Child Resource Center; Tylice MacDonald, LNV Parent Child Resource Center; Suzanne Reilly, Director of Family Support Services, TEAM Inc.; Jane Bailey, Shelton School Readiness Council; Dave Haddad, President of Shelton Community Lions Club; Jennifer Olson, Principal of Irving School and Tony Vellucci, Development Officer, Spooner House./ Contributed photo


SHELTON - When it comes to children in need, the Valley never lets them down! 
For the eighth consecutive year, the Annual Book Bag & School Supply drive has begun again. Between now and Aug. 30, book bags and school supplies are being collected around the Valley.

Last year, more than 76 book bags and an abundance of back to school supplies were collected. This drive, originally started by the owners of Luther's Garage, which is now closed, continues on an annual basis through Jennifer Sneider, owner of J Cuts, located at 505 Howe Ave.
J Cuts is the main collection location. 
Supplies may include book bags, book covers, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, calculators, pencil sharpeners, paper and folders. Supplies are collected for all school-aged children from pre-school to high school. All book bags and supplies must be brand new. "The outpouring of kindness within the community always warms my heart," said Sneider. 
“So many people stop by to drop off donations. Many of my customers do not hesitate to hand me five or 10 dollars so I can pick up what we are falling short on. It is amazing how it all balances out for children in need,” she said.
Minuteman Press in Shelton is also donating collection posters. 
Last year, Dave Haddad of the Shelton Lion’s Club, led his organization in a weekly collection. Book bags and supplies were collected during free summer concerts held Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. on the Huntington Green. 

Other local businesses and organizations are invited and encouraged to join in by holding collections of their own to add to the donations.
Children who received donations last year are serviced by TEAM, Inc. and Irving School, both in Derby, along with the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Area Congregations Together/Spooner House, Shelton School Readiness Program and the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Resource Center, all in Shelton. 

J Cuts is also the main collection location for the Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive. The 9th Annual Drive will begin Jan. 1, 2015. 
Although this community drive officially kicks off on Jan.1st, donations are accepted at any time. Donations must be new, stuffed monkeys preferably with tags. 

The monkey drive benefits the same groups of children in need as the Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Drive. 
For more information on either drive, call Jennifer Sneider at J Cuts, 203-924-4107.

This is a press release from Jennifer Sneider, owner, J Cuts in Shelton.

Salvation Army gives out school supplies at Fun Fest in Ansonia

Inflatable basketball hoops stand ready Sunday morning for the kids to arrive.

ANSONIA - As members of the Advisory Board for the Greater Valley Salvation Army, my husband Ralph and I attended Sunday afternoon's Back-to-School Fun Fest at the Salvation Army HQ. It was a wonderful event for some of the needy families in the Valley.
 

Salvation Army Major Theresa Burkholder, who has been working in Ansonia for five years, has been reassigned to Providence. Staff and volunteers will soon welcome Lieutenants Anthony and Stephanie Rivera and their son, Ethan.

 

The line started to grow as it got closer to 1 p.m. Two Griffin Hospital Valley Parish Nurses, Cary Carpino and Maggie Sessa, arrived with the hospital's mobile Resource Center to do their community outreach work.

Seventh grader Jontea Hargrove, 12, of Ansonia, is 'wearing' three backpacks she had picked up for herself and siblings. Her sister, Anjahane McFadden, 2, was along for the fun.

This little guy was learning how to bounce a basketball.

He didn't quite seem to get the hang of the hula hoop.

This girl braved the dunk tank. Here she is on her way into the water.

The line to take a turn was long but the kids didn't seem to mind the wait.

It's safe to say everyone who attended the fun fest had a good time. There was also a bounce house, which was a big draw for the little ones.

Hot dogs, chips, cupcakes, and lemonade were available for all, as were school supplies for those who had pre-registered. There were some extra ones given out to those parents who could produce proper identification.

Inside the sanctuary, backpacks filled with supplies and categorized for children going into K-Grade 5, middle school Grades 6-8 and high school.

And more!

Deflated hoops game symbolizes the party is over.

Plaudits go out to all those who organized the event to make back-to-school a positive experience for needy children.

And I wish Major Theresa all the best in her new position.

Crisco applauds sales tax moratorium week

HARTFORD – State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, vice-chair of the legislature’s Commerce Committee, today underscored the dual purpose in Connecticut’s week-long sales tax moratorium next week. 

The annual event is meant to provide direct assistance to families by temporarily eliminating the 6.35 percent sales tax for what is traditionally one of the busiest weeks of the year in terms of retail sales.

The sales tax hiatus is also intended to spur sales, help retailers clear shelves and move merchandise, and increase foot traffic in traditional hubs of back-to-school preparation, Crisco said. 

According to the state Department of Revenue Services, the state is prepared to forgo some $7 to $8 million in sales tax revenue to provide this economic stimulus.

“This initiative has now been part of Connecticut’s landscape for more than a dozen years, giving families across our state a helping hand as they face significant expense getting children outfitted for the new school year,” Crisco said. 

“The cumulative savings of that sales tax on classroom supplies, clothing, footwear, and cold weather gear adds up to a meaningful amount very quickly.”
 

Connecticut’s sales tax-free week applies to most clothing and footwear purchases of individual items that cost under $300; Connecticut is one of only two states to schedule a full sales tax-free week.

“In terms of generating a boost for our local economy, I liken our sales tax hiatus to any other tax credit or exemption we have in state statute – an investment of state revenue with an expected return of increased sales and overall economic activity,” Crisco said. 

“A 6.35 percent savings is often enough to encourage people from neighboring states to visit or stop off and shop in our state.”

“And if residents and visitors work up an appetite while shopping, that’ll potentially help Connecticut’s restaurant businesses, too,” Crisco added.

Connecticut’s sales tax-free week begins each year on the third Sunday in August and runs through the following Saturday, Crisco said.

This is a press release from Crisco's office.

Churches to sponsor Blessing of Backpacks in Oxford

OXFORD - Oxford-Seymour clergy and churches will sponsor a Blessing of Backpacks at 4 p.m. Aug. 25 at Oxford Town Hall Gazebo.
Bring your backpacks to be blessed.

Participating churches will be collecting donations of backpacks and school supplies and donations by all are encouraged and welcome.

Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller and Oxford First Selectman George Temple will join the community in support of children.
For information on the event call Stephanie, 203-720-2124.


This information is from a press release from Great Hill United Methodist Church.

Parents invited to share feelings at Derby Public Library

Event slated for first day of school

           DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host a First Day of School Blues and Yahoos Social for parents of children attending Derby schools starting at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 28 after school drop off.

Kids are not the only ones who experience mixed emotions on the first day of school.
 Parents are invited to attend this first-ever event to share their feelings, whether they are feelings of excitement, relief, anxiety or joy.  

Come and enjoy coffee and doughnuts, along with a shoulder to cry on, a friend to celebrate with, or just some good conversation.
The library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

            For information, contact the Library, 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Derby Public Library. 
 

Blessing of Backpacks slated in Oxford

OXFORD - The Oxford-Seymour clergy and churches will sponsor a Blessing of Backpacks at 4 p.m. Aug. 25 at Oxford Town Hall Gazebo.

Bring your backpacks to be blessed.

Participating churches will be collecting donations of backpacks and school supplies.


Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller and Oxford First Selectman George Temple will be on hand as the community comes together to support its children.


This is taken from a press release from Great Hill United Methodist Church in Seymour. 

Ansonia groups to hold annual drive for school supplies

   ANSONIA - James H Wilkins Lodge #9 and Sheba Chapter #1, Order of the Eastern Star, will kick off their 9th Annual Back to School Drive July 12. 
 
     This project was started in 2005 by Gregory Gatison of James H. Wilkins Lodge as a way for these two Prince Hall Masonic fraternities to address the need for school supplies for children of Valley elementary schools. 
    The program originally started with two schools in Ansonia and Derby and has since grown to serve six schools in the area.

     Through fund-raising projects and donations from the fraternal membership, corporations, area businesses, and community friends, the fraternities provide pens, backpacks, pencils, notebooks, binders, crayons, glue, folders, clay, and other supply requests they receive from the schools.

    All supplies are delivered to the schools prior to the first day and are distributed to students who can use them. 
     As local boards of education struggle with ever-increasing supply demands on their budgets, the masonic fraternity is providing this support where and when needed.

      This year`s drive will continue through mid-August. Monetary donations are tax deductible and are used to purchase supplies in bulk. 
     For information, contact Project Manager Gregory Gatison, 203-685-0937. 
Donations in the form of checks or money orders may be sent to James H. Wilkins Lodge #9, P.O. Box 36, Ansonia, 06401.


This post is taken from a press release from Gregory Gatison.

                                                    

United Way selects Seymour schools for project

18th annual Back to School Clothes for Kids

SHELTON - Valley United Way’s Corporate Volunteer Council has selected Seymour elementary schools to benefit from the 2013 CVC Back to School Clothes for Kids Project. 

Last year, 193 students from Irving and Bradley Elementary Schools in Derby received their own box of new clothing to begin the school year. 

To date the CVC has outfitted 2396 Valley children and spent $449,940.

The goal of the CVC project is to provide new clothing to children in need at the start of the school year. 

Nationally, statistics show that many underprivileged children miss the first few days of school simply because they do not have new clothes to wear. 
The hope of the Council is that by providing the children with clothes and school supplies they will be encouraged to do their best while receiving a boost to their self-esteem. 

CVC companies strongly feel the attendance of the children on the first day of school attests to the fact that the program is a success. Higher percentages of attendance have been recorded.

One week prior to the beginning of the school year the children and parents will be invited to the school gym and personally presented with their gifts by members of the CVC companies. 

Valley United Way Youth Leaders assist the CVC as Volunteers at this highly successful CVC project.

The students will receive two new outfits, a winter coat, shoes and an overflowing backpack full of school supplies such as pens, pencils, paper and colorful markers.

The Corporate Volunteer Council is a coalition of local businesses and corporations that have an active employee volunteer involvement program. 
It plays a vital role in boosting self-esteem and confidence by helping children to look and feel their best when they attend school, which has a proven positive effect on educational performance.

Valley United Way is the leading philanthropic resource for the Valley towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton matching the needs of the community and the interests of donors to improve the quality of life in the community.


This information is taken from a press release from Valley United Way. 

Kids Night Out slated in Shelton

Free event to be held Thursday

SHELTON - Start the school year off with a free event for families at Kids Night Out.
Come visit The Giggling Pig's new location at 478 River Road Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for an evening of fun for all ages. 
Local women business owners, bringtheHoopla, The Giggling Pig, Chirp, Burnt Bakery, and Julia Jane Photography have joined forces for an evening of fun. 

Kids will enjoy a night full of mini-hooping sessions, arts n' crafts, a "Back to School" photo booth, "Decorate Your Cupcake" and more fun activities plus snack bags and raffle prizes.

Businesses will be selling their goods, and sharing special offers throughout the night.

For information contact bringtheHoopla@gmail.com 
Or call 203-615-1116.


The above is from a release from bring the Hoopla, LLC.   
    

Community chips in to help with Back to School

Shelton businesses collect supplies for needy kids

 

Pictured from left: Frank Yaworowski, President, Shelton Community Lions Club; Jennifer Sneider, Owner, J Cuts; Jennifer DeLeon, Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and Scharletta Samuel, TEAM, Inc. of Derby. / Contributed photo

SHELTON - When it comes to children in need, the Valley never lets them down!

For the sixth year in a row, the Annual Book Bag & School Supply drive has been a great success. More than 110 book bags and an abundance of back to school supplies were collected.

This drive, originally started by the owners of Luther's Garage, which is now closed, continues on an annual basis through J Cuts, 505 Howe Ave.

Jennifer Sneider, owner of J Cuts, was the main collection location for supplies such as book bags, book covers, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, binders, glue, crayons, calculators, pencil sharpeners, paper and folders.
"The outpouring kindness of the community always warms my heart," Sneider said. “So many people stop by to drop off donations. Many of my customers do not hesitate to hand me five or 10 dollars so I can pick up what we are falling short on.  It is amazing how it all balances out for children in need!”

Minuteman Press at 427B Howe Ave. was a collection location again this year.

For the second year in a row, Dave Haddad of the Shelton Lions Club, led his organization on a weekly collection during the summer concerts on the Huntington Green. As a result, they were able to contribute greatly to the drive.

This year, as the collection came closer to an end, coordinators realized there might be a shortage of book bags.  At the last minute, Peter Cantone, CEO of Spray Foam Nation, headquartered in West Haven, came through by donating 50 book bags.

“Although we are a national company, we believe it is important to give on a local basis, especially when it concerns children in great need,” Cantone said. “I don’t think we can ever do enough to help take care of the world’s children.”

Spray Foam Nation shared a portion of the donations with the West Haven Youth & Family Services program. Bob Morton, director of this program, stopped by last week to pick up book bags and school supplies. 

"The majority of our families are single parents, with low to moderate income,” Morton said. “They have one or more children who have a clinical diagnosis (autism, ADHD, OCD, etc.)  Any financial assistance that these families receive is extremely helpful. To be able to get school supplies might mean the difference between putting food on the table, paying a bill or putting gas in the car to get their children to doctor or therapy appointments.”

Headquartered in West Haven, Spray Foam Nation was founded to provide spray foam contractors with premium products and services. The company is dedicated to providing solutions which help create the most energy efficient structures.  In addition to an online store at www.SprayFoamNation.net, Spray Foam Nation has a full service training facility to certify and support spray foam contractors. The company's mission is to provide a one-stop-shop for all spray foam products, services, support, training, and repair needs.

Additional children receiving donations this year are served by TEAM, Inc. of Derby and the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.  

J Cuts will be the main collection location beginning Jan. 1 for the seventh annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive.  Although this community drive officially kicks off on Jan.1, donations will be accepted at any time. Donations must be new, stuffed monkeys.

This drive benefits the same groups of children in need as the Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Drive. The more stuffed monkeys collected, the more the donations will be spread to additional agencies for children.
Any group, business or organization is welcome to join in the Annual Monkey Love Valentine Drive. Call Jennifer Sneider, 203-924-4107 for details.

The above information was taken from a press release.

In a snap, Ansonia boy takes photo of Register photographer

Caleb DeLeone, 5, of Ansonia "borrowed" Register photographer Peter Casolino's camera and took a photo of him in the Ansonia Target store Monday morning. Caleb was one of 15 children who received $80 gift cards to go on a back-to-school shopping spree. The assistance was coordinated through The  Salvation Army of Ansonia. Nationwide, 12,000 needy children received the $80 gift cards, store officials said. Photo by Patricia Villers

Crosswalk refresher

Derby Public Works employee Taylor Bracci Tuesday paints lines on a crosswalk in front of the Sterling Opera House on Elizabeth Street. He said the department repaints lines on crosswalks prior to the opening of school each year. Photo by Patricia Villers

Adopt a child for back to school

Too often, families who have recently escaped abuse or are currently living with abuse, struggle to make ends meet and provide for their children. 
Many wear shoes that are worn, clothing that is too small, pants that are tight or too short, or hand-me-downs that don't fit the child's interest or personality. 

Through the BHcare Back-to-School "Adopt a Child" Program, you can help these children start school on a positive note. 

• Adopt a child by providing a head-to-toe outfit, coat and backpack filled with school supplies.
• Purchase gift cards.
• Make a monetary donation in any amount which will be used to purchase clothing, school supplies and other needed items for a child.

To participate in the program, contact Marcia Jones at mjones@bhcare.org or 203-736-2601 x327 to receive, "Adoption Papers."
Complete and return the papers to the address indicated on the form. Once your paperwork is received, your "adopted" child's sizes and other pertinent information will be mailed to you, and arrangements will be made for you to deliver your gifts.

 The above is a release from BHCare, a behavioral health organization in Ansonia and Branford.