VALLEY SOCIAL CLUB NEWSLETTER

FOR APRIL 2015

VOLUME 49, ISSUE 4

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello everyone, Like everyone else Im so happy spring is here. I feel so much better
feeling the warm air and seeing the flowers come up. When those few spots of snow are
gone I can forget that darn cold winter. At the club we are getting ready for our spring
and summer plans. Next month we begin the season by having all our May is Mental
Health month activities. The club will be having our annual luncheon, our art show as
well as having some really interesting guest speakers. Boy Im excited already. Keep
your eyes on the newsletter for everything going on in the club.

Your Pres. Julianne.

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

Howdy, fellow club member! Spring has sprung ! Hallelujah ! Happy Easter to those who
celebrate it. I cant wait to be outdoors walking and soaking up the sun. It was a
difficult winter but thats behind us now and there are clear skies ahead. April will leave
us without our President for a week. Julianne will be on vacation and Ill be filling in
those shoes. If anything comes up feel free to bring it to me and Ill be sure to get it
taken care of. Im not sure exactly what we have planned this month so Ill be checking
the calendar for the scheduled events. Remember to sign up ahead of time as things fill
up fast. All of our regular groups will be happening so keep an eye on the clubs white
board for those happenings. Every one enjoy the beauty of spring I know, I cant wait.
Be grateful for what we have in our lives now and enjoy our surroundings and the
company we keep, be it at the club or in our lives away from the club. I anticipate a lot
of cool happenings at the club. Join at V.S.C.

FROM THE CLUB SECRETARY

Hello club members. By now all the snow has melted away and the cloudy
weather is behind us. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather. Easter is
April 5th and I cant wait to start planting in my garden and spending time
outside. Valley Social Club has a lot to choose from. We have drawing class,
discussion groups, embroidery, arts and crafts exercise groups and night time
social groups. Check the calendar for dates and times. Warm Line is also an
important one too when you need a person to listen to you.

GROCERY GROUP FOR APRIL

Dates for the grocery group are:
Derby, Seymour, Oxford, April 7th & 21st.
Shelton, Ansonia , April 8th & 22st.
Pick up times start at10 am

Call Mike at 203-732-7089 to make reservations.

LAUNDRY GROUP FOR APRIL

Dates for the laundry group are:
Derby Seymour , Oxford, April 14th
Shelton, Ansonia, April 15th
Pick up times start at 10am.
Call Mike at 203-732-7089 to make reservations.

BIRTHDAYS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL

The following people are having birthdays in April.
Donna A. , Suzanne D. , Donald K. , Carlos M. , Kathy P., Luis R.

FROM ROBERTS READING ROOM

It is the marriage of the soul with nature that makes the
intellect fruitful and gives birth to imagination.
Henry Davis Thoreau

THE MASTERS TABLE

BIG NEWS !!!!!!! The Masters Table Dinner has a new

location. Assumption Church at 61 North St.
Ansonia. Save the date for April 26, 2015.
Doors open at 4:00p, Dinner is from 4pm-5:30pm.
Call 203-732-7792 for weather cancellations. See
www.masterstablemeals.org for information.

FIRST ANNUAL WII BOWLING TOURNAMENT FOR UMBRELLA

What a great day on March 11, we had for our First Annual Bowling
Tournament here at the VSC! We had 17 bowlers and donations from other
members .We raised $130.00 for the cause! Members donated $5.00 and
each bowler played at least one game, enjoyed an ice cream sundae with
sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and whip cream. They will also received an
Umbrella Bowling Shirt courtesy of Arlene G. and Debbie S.
Everyone had so much fun we will make this annual event!
Congrats to Cathy B (1st place), Doug N (2nd). Paula B.(3rd) and John C.

(4th). Thanks to all our club members for their support!

SPRING IN MY HEART SUBMITTED BY CATHY B.

The grass will soon be turning green and new leaves shall soon
appear. Its then Ill know within my heart that spring is nearly
here. My heart yearns for the colors and sweet fragrance that
flowers bring. The birds will be returning home and the streams
will once again sing. The sun will no longer hide behind the clouds
of winter snow. It will bring us warm and sunny days as it
highlights springs new show. Thank you, God for sending us
through the beauty and pleasure it brings.
By Shirley Hile Powell

ADVOCACY WORK IS NEVER DONE

PAGE 4

Members from all over the state are left wondering who is gong to lead now that Pat
Rehmer, Commissioner of Mental Health since 2009 has stepped down from her appointed
post. She is leaving for a new opportunity according the CT Mirror 2/15/2015. She worked
hard to stop budget cuts over the years ,as this seems to be the area always targeted by the
Governor no matter who is in office. Community Mental Health Centers serve their
communities with less and less money every year. Members have gone countless times to
testify and talk with Senators, Representatives, Appropriation Committee members and
local politicians. This seems to help but to no avail, they are always trying to break the
promise made when all the hospitals were closed which included; Fairfield Hills and
Norwich. Where did that money go we ask all the time with little answers. We also have
answers for spend downs which effect our members. Who will lead us now? We have to wait
and see. Thank you Commissioner Rehmer for all you did for the people of Connecticut.

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Calendar fundraiser
We want to thank those of you for supporting our members with their
artwork.
The calendars are still available at the club office. We are asking a
donation of $5.00
Contact the Valley Social Club staff at 203-736-2601 ext. 1163
All proceeds will benefit future art projects so again thanks everyone!!

NEW GROUPS FOR SPRING/SUMMER

Crafty Shells Mike Barone will be running a fun new group to explore all the ways you can use sea
shells as crafts.
Fishing Group John Dykman will reprising his ever popular fishing group, local fishing holes, free
bait and poles are given all you have to do is get your license and off you go! Times to be announced.
Manners and etiquette group will help members understand how to deal in social situations.
This will be a fun group meant to try new skills and use them at activities
Pen and Ink will be fused into our present Drawing Group. Learn how to use what you got to draw
nice works of art.
Origami the Japanese art meaning folding paper. Jose will be doing this fine art !

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH IS COMING

PAGE 5

May is Mental Health Awareness Month is almost here. We are in the

beginning of our planning process. Once March hits we start to get ready
for our many different events! Each department presents something to
bring awareness to mental illness. Last month we did a campaign for
People Matters . All the community mental health centers participated
in this post card writing campaign to save mental health funding. If
centers and their social clubs were lost forever, where
would people go to get help? So May is dedicated to
educating the public on this subject! From local schools
to public events like our Block Party our objective is to
teach and break the stigma around mental health and
public perceptions about mental illness. So look for our
special events in May! We will not disappoint you!

ME, WORK? PREVOCATIONAL GROUP

If opportunity doesnt knock, build a door. - Milton Berle.

Why not think about joining us on Thursday mornings at
11:00 oclock for the Pre-vocational group?
We discuss the possibility of re-joining the work force
or working for the very first time.
Whatever your commitment to working, come and join us.
We will talk about various ways to prepare to get back to
work, and answer the question: Me, Work?
Please contact Deb Morrisroe for more information at ext.
3126 or get a referral from your Community Support
Specialist or Clinician for this fun and informative group.

PEER RUN SUPPORT GROUPS (SPRING SCHEDULE)

MONDAY3-4PM- OVER EATERS ANONYMOUS - For those individuals in
need of support for all eating disorders-Meetings are held in the Clinic
Maple Room. Call John Dykman at 203-736-2601, Ext. 431.

WEDNESDAY2-3PM-NICOTINE ANONYMOUS-12- Step Group to assist with quitting or Support of quitting your
tobacco habit. Located in the Clinic Maple Room of BHCARE. Call John Dykman at 203-736-2601,
Ext. 431.

THURSDAY2-3PM-AA MTG. held weekly in the Clinic Meeting Room of BHcare. Everyone is welcome to attend
that is in recovery. This is a 12-Step Support Group.
5-7 PM-SOBER SOCIAL- Come to this fun group held at the club for anyone who would like to learn
a new game, and learn how to socialize with others in a fun and unique way! The group also shares a
light dinner too! Rides provided only after the conclusion of group if needed. Call 203-732-7089 for
more information.

FRIDAY4-5PM- EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS this nationally advertised program assists Individuals in dealing
with their day to day concerns and works on a 12-Step Program. For more information please call
203-736-2601, Ext.431 and ask for John Dykman.
(Revised March 2015)

MOVE AND GROOVE BY LEIGHANN AND JACQUES

Move and Groove has been a success so
far. Members are having a blast while
doing light exercise to their favorite
music. Were inviting those of you who can
take advantage of this moving group to
come on down and enjoy the excitement!

VSC CALENDAR FOR APRIL 2015

Sun
Phone Numbers (203)

Phyllis 305-7895
Jacques 893-8135
Mike 732-7089
BHcare 736-2601
Social Club
735-9106

5 Happy
Easter

Closed Club

Mon

Tue

Club Hours

Warn Line Hours

Mon-Thurs
8:30-5pm
Fri 8:30am-4:00pm
Open for E.A. only
Closed weekends

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

6Lunch 12-12:30pm

Exec Meeting 12:30p

Lets Talk 1-2pm
Drawing Class 2-3p
Over Eaters 3-4p

7Breakfast Club
8:30-10am
Embroidery Class
11-12
Bingo 2-3

Wed

1Breakfast Club

Thu

Etiquette Fun 11-12

CLUB CLOSED

13

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Lets Talk 1-2pm
Drawing Class 2-3p
Over Eaters 3-4p

19

20

26

27

CLUB CLOSED

CLUB CLOSED

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Lets Talk 1-2pm
Drawing Class 2-3p
Over Eaters 3-4p

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Lets Talk 1-2pm
Drawing Class 2-3p
Over Eaters 3-4p

14Breakfast Club
8:30-10am
Embroidery Class
11-12
Bingo 2-3

21Breakfast Club
8:30-10am
Embroidery Class
11-12
Bingo 2-3

Origami 10-11a

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Social Hour 1-2pm
Drawing 2-3pm
Evening Social 5-7pm*

8 Breakfast Club

Origami 10-11a
9Etiquette Fun 11-12 10
Move & Groove

8:30-10am

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Move & Groove
Social Hour 1-2pm
11-11:30a
Drawing 2-3pm
Enlightened Lunch 12Evening Social 5-7pm*
1 w/Mayor Cassetti

15Breakfast Club 16
8:30-10am
Move & Groove
11-11:30a
CLRP 1:30-2:30

Craft Class 2-3p

22Breakfast Club
8:30-10am
Move & Groove
11-11:30a
Ice Cream Fundraiser
1-2
Movie Afternoon 1-3$

8:30-10am
Move & Groove
11-11:30a
History Enlightened
Lunch 12-1
Craft Class 2-3p
River Walk 3:305p*

Move & Groove

11-11:30
Free lunch 12-12:30pm
Wii Bowling 1-2p
Crafting class 2-3 Egg
coloring fun

11-11:30a
Free lunch 12-12:30pm
Wii Bowling 1-2p
Crafting class 2-3pm
Emotions Anon 4-5

17 Origami 10-11

Etiquette Fun 11-12

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Social Hour 1-2pm
Drawing 2-3pm
Evening Social 5-7pm*

Move & Groove

11-11:30
Free lunch 12-12:30pm
Wii Bowling 1-2p
Open Topic 2-3pm
Emotions Anon 4-5pm

23No Lunch today

24

Spring Fling 1-3:30

$2.00 food and music
Milford-Open Door
Club
Evening Social 5-7pm*

28Breakfast Club 29Breakfast Club 30

8:30-10am
Embroidery Class
11-12
Bingo 2-3
Club Dinner 5-7p

Sat

8:30-10am
Move & Groove
11-11:30a
Craft Class 2-3p

Craft Class 2-3p

12

Fri

Etiquette Fun 11-12

Lunch 12-12:30pm
Social Hour 1-2pm
Drawing 2-3pm
Evening Social
4-6pm* SPECIAL
TIME!!!

Origami 10-11
Move & Groove 1111:30
Free lunch 12-12:30pm
Wii Bowling 1-2p
Crafting class 2-3pm
Emotions Anon 4-5pm

New

Origami
Etiquette
Cultural
History

Closed Club
Happy Passover

11

Out for Breakfast

Chips10-12p

$*

Closed Club

18

Closed Club

25

Closed Club

Sign up Key
$ = Money needed

* = Must sign up