VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB

NEWSLETTER FOR APRIL 2016

WWW.BHCARE.ORG

Vol,60/Issue 15

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello everyone. I hope everyone is enjoying the great spring weather. All
my flowers are starting to come up in the garden. It was so nice to have
a mild winter for a change. We had a really great St. Patrick's day
celebration at the club Everyone was Irish that day. Thanks to Phyllis and
Mike for cooking a great meal for us. The Wii bowling tournament was a
big success again and we made a lot of money for the shelter. Take a look
at the monthly calendar and check out all of the things going on at the
club this month.
Present Julianne M.

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

April showers bring May flowers. Lots of the things going on at the club. The Wii
bowling tourney raised money for Umbrella and it was a fun day. Thanks to
everyone for their donations too. St Pattys day lunch is a big day for V.S.C.
members and staff and we were served wonderful meal. Mary Janes group was
a good way for us to gather. Thank you Mary Jane. I also want to thank South
Central Behavioral Health Network for making dreams come true. Other events
were enlightened lunches, Ladies group and special bingo. To those members
who haven't tried any of the activities at the club my only suggestion is give us a
chance, try even just one thing, sign up and then Just do it. It will change
your life. Note: In April renters rebate will start at each towns hall so if your
looking to have a few dollars in the fall get your application in.
Your V.P. Sylvia

SECRETARY PAULA
Spring will be here soon. I cant wait to start planting in my garden. Make sure
you pay your dues so you can go on the clubs day trips in the summer. I enjoy
these trips and going to places that I have never been to. I want
to take time to thank Linda M for all the hard work she did on
Black History Month The food was delicious and watching the
video was amazing.
Secretary Paula B.

LAUNDRY GROUP FOR APRIL

Derby, Seymour, Oxford residents April 12
Ansonia, Shelton residents April 13
Call for reservations at 203-732-7089
Pick ups start 10am.

GROCERY GROUP FOR APRIL

Derby, Seymour, Oxford residents April 5 &19th.
Ansonia, Shelton residents April 6 & 20th.
Call for reservations at 203-732-7089
Pick ups start at 10am.

BIRTHDAYS IN APRIL
Happy birthday to the following folks.
Donna A, Sue D, Donald K,
Kathy P. Lydia R.

ITS COMMUNITY DINNER TIME

This months community dinner will be on April 24th from
4-5:30pm. Assumption Church,61 Church St. Ansonia. For
more info call 203-732-7792 www.masterstablemeals.org.
Free to the public and donations are gladly
accepted.

THE POETS CORNER

Count your blessings instead of your crosses.
Count your gains instead of your losses
Count your joys instead of your woes
Count your friends instead of your foes.
By Ezra Pound
Submitted by Robert S.
A GIFT FOR OUR FRIENDS AT UMBRELLA
The Valley Social Club celebrated its annual Wii bowl a thon to benefit
the BHcare Umbrella Centers for Domestic Violence Services. The club
runs this tournament to coincide with BHcares Bowl 2 Benefit
tournament held in March. This year the club beat last years record by
raising $215 dollars for this very worthy cause. The Options Social Club
also donated $15 matched by the Valley Social club. The club would like
to thank all those who participated. The members had a great time and
said it felt good to help out people in need.

SPECIAL BINGO IS A TREAT FOR ALL PLAYERS BY REBECCA C.

The VSC has had two Special Bingos in February (Valentines Day)
and March ( ST. Pattys Day). The bingo members paid $2.00 to
participate. There were special prizes bought at a local dollar store by
Sylvia H. and myself with all the money paid in advance. There was a
great variety of items that we found at the store. Everyone was very
excited as the time drew near for the half hour session to begin. This
will be a recurring event because of the success we had. We
appreciate everyone trying something new that we wanted to do and
we look forward to more exciting bingo events in the future.

Testimony before the Appropriations Committee

H.B. No. 5044 AN ACT MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO STATE EXPENDITURES FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2017.
February 18, 2016
Haleigh E. Feldman, Ansonia CT
Good afternoon Senator Bye, Representative Walker, and members of the Appropriations Committee.
My name is Haleigh Feldman, and I am a registered voter in the town of Ansonia. I am here to testify
on H.B. No. 5044, An Act Making Adjustments to State Expenditures for the Fiscal Year Ending June
30, 2017 I am opposed to any proposed cuts to the DMHAS and any mental health services and
supports. This act will cut funding to Community Care Teams by $3 million. This program has already
shown it will save the state money by encouraging joint effort between hospitals and community
providers to stabilize individuals living in the community. I urge you to keep crucial services available
to the residents of Connecticut. As a young adult living in the community, I receive a multitude of
supports from Young Adult Services, the providers within my community. Cutting funds to community
providers would greatly reduce the amount of assistance I obtain on a daily basis. I am expecting a
baby girl in July, and the support I am already receiving from Young Adult Services is incredible. If the
funds are greatly reduced to this program, these supports I receive now will also be reduced. When my
child is born, I will need more assistance. If the amount I obtain now is reduced when my daughter is
born, I am afraid I wont be able to provide for her in the ways I know I can with additional support.
She deserves the best, and I need the support from my community providers so I can be the best me
and provide the best for my daughter.
Thank you for your attention to these important services and supports.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

RILEY CEDARBAUM, SEYMOUR, CT.

Good evening Senator Bye, Representative Walker, and members of the Appropriations
Committee. My name is Riley Cederbaum, and I am a registered voter in the town of Seymour.
I am here to testify on H.B. No. 5044, an Act Making Adjustments to State Expenditures for
the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2017. I am opposed to any proposed cuts to the DMHAS and
any mental health services and supports. Programs whose funding would be combined into
one big pot of money subject to the proposed $34 million cut include Housing Supports and
Services, Young Adult Services, and Home and Community Based Services. I urge you to keep
crucial services available to the residents of Connecticut.
A service I listed above is Young Adult Services, a program that I receive a lot of support
from. With Young Adults I have an amazing case manager and a young adults team. With
their help Ive worked hard to get my license and a part time job, along with working daily on
my recovery. Young Adults have introduced me to the Social Club, where I am supported
even more. With funds cut, Young Adults and the Social Clubs benefits will be minimized
and the supports I have will be limited. The daily encouragement I have from these services
is an overwhelming abundance of groundwork I need to continue building a healthy life. To
be without these supports would impact not only my therapy but would affect my life in
recovery. Thank you for your attention to those important services and supports.

CATHYS STOMPSAT THE SHUBERT THANKS TO HER GRANT.

Thanks to the Grant I received from the South Central Behavioral
Grant Program ,I got to go to the Shubert Theatre in New Haven
and see the show Stomp. Ive never seen a stage show before so
the atmosphere was really exciting . The dancing and music was
really intense and it was incredible how they were able to make
music using every day stuff like match boxes, rubber hoses and
trash can covers. The whole audience got into the rhythm and we
cheered and applauded at the end of each number. It was even
funny at times. I want to thank South Central for awarding me my
grant. Im hooked on shows for life.

TOP OF DA MORNIN TO YA
The club celebrated its annual St. Patrick day lunch at the club. As

always we had a big turn out of hungry Irish club members. We had
all the usual favorites, played Irish music and enjoyed each others
company. We want to thank Phyllis, Mike and Jacques for
working really hard at making a really great lunch.
Julianne M.

BANKOS BRINGS MUSIC INTO OUR LIVES

The South Central Behavioral Grant Program has also created some
new and budding musicians too. Recently two club members started
instrument lessons at Bankos music shop in Ansonia. One Member is
learning the violin and another is learning the guitar. Two
really tough instruments to learn but we are sure the two
members will be giving concerns in the future. Best of luck
to them in their new endeavors.

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH NOTABLE EVENTS !

MAY 6TH Options Social Club starts off the festivities with its Annual Art Show James
Blackstone Memorial Library on 758 Main Street, Branford, will show the
fantastic art displays from clients of BHcare. 5-7pm and its Free and open to the public.

May 11th Commissioner of Mental Health is Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D. will speak
at the Ansonia National Guard Armory on The Budget and the future of Mental
Health. 12-1pm light lunch provided. Free to all attendees.

May 17th-Day of Hope Poetry Contest Valley Social Club This years theme is
Wellness. See who wins at this annual event.

May 18th-Options Annual Barbeque Picnic at 13 Sycamore Way in Branford. 12-3pm.

Free to BHcare Club Members and Staff.

May 21st-NAMI WALK in Hartford, CT. This fun walk is always filled with music and
friendship and all are welcome. Held at Bushnell Park. Leave at 7:30a. Seats are limited.

May 25th-Movie Big Sky 1-3pm popcorn provided at the Valley Social Club. Free !

May 26th-BHcare Annual Block Party & Art Show at the Valley Social Club come see
some wonderful art work by the clients of BHcare, Raffles, childrens games and Music
provided by Phyllis Kaplan. Food also provided. Time: 4-7pm in the back parking lot of
the center.

May 30th Center and clubs closed in observance of Memorial Day!

Remember! May is Mental Health Month! Come learn about services at BHcare!

DAY OF HOPE ESSAY/POETRY CONTEST

As a part of our May is Mental Health celebrations we are having our annual Day of Hope essay/poetry contest. This years topic is Wellness.
If your interested please write a poem or essay (story) about how
wellness plays an important role in your life? Please describe your story!
Your submission will be judged by a great panel judges. All entries will
be read at the Day of hope ceremony hosted at the Valley Social Club on
May 17,2016at noon. All submissions must be turned in to Jacques at
Valley Social Club no later than Friday April 29, 2016
Prizes will be awarded for 1st,2nd 3rd places.

no exceptions !

VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB

NEWSLETTER FOR APRIL 2016
Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Club Hours
Mon-Thurs 8:30-5pm
Friday 8:30-4pm
Closed Weekends

Sign up Key

Phone Numbers

BHcare 736-2601

*Must sign up

Warm Line Info

203-732-2004
Sun-Thurs 6-10pm
Fri-Sat 6-11pm

Computer Class 10a

Free Lunch Friday
12-12:30pm
Craft class 2-3pm
Emotion A. 4pm
April Fools Day!

CLUB CLOSED

$ -Bring Money

Phyllis 305-7895
Jacques 839-8135
Mike 732-7089
Social Club 735-9105

4 Lunch 12-12:30pm

CLUB CLOSED

Mental Health Survey

w/ Nancy Patrick
12:15
Lets Talk 1-2pm
Drawing class 2-3p
Overeaters A. 4-5

Breakfast Club
8:30-10
Mary Jane Group
11-12p
BAKE SALE 12:15-3PM
Bingo 2-3pm

Breakfast Club
8:30-10a
Out To Eat 4-6pm
Member Choice!
IHOP $$*

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Executive Mtg. 12:15p
Anxiety Grp 1-2pm
w/Will **
Drawing class 2-3p

Computer Class 10a

Free Lunch Friday
12-12:30pm
Craft class 2-3pm
Emotion A. 4pm

CLUB CLOSED
Thrift Store
Shopping in
Waterbury 10-1p
$$**

10

11

12

13

14

15 (Tax Day)

16 CLUB CLOSED

CLUB CLOSED

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Lets Talk 1-2pm
Drawing class 2-3p

Breakfast Club
8:30-10
Mary Jane Grp
11-12p
Bingo 2-3pm

Executive Mtg. w/
Roberta Cook 11-12p
Breakfast Club
8:30-10a
River Walk 3-5p *

Ladies Group 10-11

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Game Time 1-2
Drawing class 2-3p

Milford Mall 10-1pm

$$*

Evening Social 5-7*

Computer Class 10a

Free Lunch Friday
12-12:30pm
Craft class 2-3pm
Emotion A. 4pm

Overeaters A.
4-5

Evening Social 5-7*

(bring water)

17

18

19

Breakfast Club

20 Breakfast Club

21

22 Passover Begins

23

CLUB CLOSED

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Lets Talk 1-2pm
Drawing class 2-3p
Overeaters A. 4-5p

8:30-10
Mary Jane Grp
11-12p
Quinnipiac Nurses Talk
12-1p
Bingo 2-3pm

8:30-10a
Enlightened Lunch w/
Tracy Parks-12-1p
CRLP 1:30-2:30*

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Game Time 1-2
Drawing class 2-3p
Evening Social 5-7*

Computer Class 10a

Free Lunch Friday
12-12:30pm
Craft class 2-3pm
Emotion A. 4pm
EARTH DAY!

CLUB CLOSED

24 CLUB CLOSED
Masters Table from
4-5:30 pm at the
Assumption Church
Ansonia

25

26

27

28

29

30

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Lets Talk 1-2pm
Drawing class 2-3p
Overeaters A. 4-5

8:30-10
Mary Jane Grp11-12p
Bingo 2-3pm
Club Dinner

Breakfast Club
8:30-10a

Ladies Group 10-11

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Game Time 1-2
Drawing class 2-3p
Evening Social 5-7*

Computer Class 10a

Free Lunch Friday
12-12:30pm
Craft class 2-3pm
Emotion A. 4pm

CLUB CLOSED

Breakfast Club

3:15-4:30p

Cultural Day 12-1

Madagascar Day