Save The Date!

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut will once again hold the ever-popular Glow Ball Golf Tournament on Friday, September 20, 2013! The event, which will be held at Eastwoods Country Club in Torrington, with food and refreshments provided by P.Sam's Bar & Grill, will be open to the first 72 paid golfers. 
Sponsorships levels are: Golf - $1,000 (includes 4 golfers); Eagle - $500; Birdie - $325; Par - $250; Bogey - $200; Double Bogey - $125; and Tee - $75.
Want to register early? Call the United Way at (860) 489-4131 or Eastwoods Pro Shop at (860) 489-2630.

United Way Distributes Donated Books

At the start of the summer, the United Way of Northwest Connecticut received about 3,000 pounds of reference material from Scholastic Books! The books were distributed to several area schools for use by their middle school students.

United Way Golf Success!

The annual United Way of Northwest Connecticut golf tournament raised approximately $14,000 for the United Way.  The tournament plays an important role in raising additional funds for the United Way, especially in light of a lagging economy in Northwest Connecticut.

Women's Gala Raises Funds!

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut's women's gala held in May raised $3,082, which will be invested into a young girls leadership program. The Women's Leadership Initiative Committee is in the process of recruiting members and forming subcommittees.

United Way Northwest Connecticut Campaign Leadership

The campaign leadership team is set for the 2013 annual campaign.  To learn more about these illustrious leaders, visit our web page at http://www.northwestunitedway.org/2013-campaign-leadership today!

United Way NWCT Campaign Video Ready!

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut's campaign video for 2013 is now ready for viewing on You Tube at http://youtu.be/wGWmqJGComo

United Way Holds Community Leaders Breakfast

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut recently hosted a community leaders breakfast to raise awareness about poverty in its service area. Visit   http://www.northwestunitedway.org/community-leaders-breakfast to learn more.

Ladies N' Lyrics Concert

A summer concert will be held this Saturday, July 20, at the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, 192 Main St, Torrington, from 7-10 p.m.  The concert will feature songwriters and singers Kathleen Kruze, Lisa Martin, and Lara Herscovitch. Adam Cyr will accompany on saxophone. 
For further information, contact the songwriters network at 860-387-3336 or visit http://ladiesandlyrics7-20.eventbrite.com

Extreme Heat Precautions

EXTREME HEAT PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY TIPS (provided by United Way of Connecticut, 2-1-1) 

Exposure to high temperatures and humidity may result in a heat-related illness.
Heat-related illnesses include:
Heat Cramps:
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms-usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs-that may occur in association with strenuous activity.  Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.  If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, seek medical attention for heat cramps.
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heart-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Elderly people and those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment are most prone to heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke:
Heat stroke is the most serious-heart related illness.  It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.  Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.  Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
For more information go to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: Extreme Heat, http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection offer the following tips during extreme high temperatures:

• Slow down, and avoid strenuous activity.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body.
• Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.
• Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Do not leave pets outside for extended periods. Make sure pets have plenty of drinking water.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors regularly.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• FEMA - Extreme Heat: http://www.ready.gov/heat
• Connecticut Department of Public Health - Extreme Heat: http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3115&q=480536
• DPH - Heat Safety in the Workplace: http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/environmental_health
  /eoha/pdf/fast_facts_heatsafetyawarenessday_2012.pdf

To find a temporary shelter during heat wave type weather: Search by service term:  Extreme Heat Cooling Centers

Local Cooling Centers

Are you a Torrington or Winsted resident looking for a local cooling center? The following sites are available:

In Torrington, from Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19:
Sullivan Senior Center, 88 East Albert Street, 9-5 p.m. (Senior citizens only)
Register Citizen, 59 Field Street, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Torrington Health & Rehab, 225 Wyoming Ave., 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Torrington City Hall Auditorium, 140 Main St., 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

In Winsted:
Winchester Town Hall, 338 Main Street, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. handicap accessible, no pets
Blanche McCarthy Senior Center, 80 Holabird Ave., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., handicap accessible, no pets, open to Winsted and Winchester seniors only

Recommended Summer Reading for Children

Are you looking for some fun books suitable for children in grades K through 6?  Consider some of the following titles as provided by United Way Worldwide:

Grades K-3: 
Benny and Penny in the Big No-No! by Geoffrey Hayes
Birds, by Kevin Henkes
The Curious Garden, by Peter Brown
I Spy Fly Guy! by Tedd Arnold
My Abuelita, by Tony Johnston
Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors, by Joyce Sidman

Grades 4-6:
Cirque du Freak, by Darren Shan
The Cricket in Times Square, by George Selden
Fudge-A-Mania, by Judy Blume
Kid vs Squid, by Greg van Eekhout
Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry
Planet Earth: What Planet Are You On? by Dan Green
Zebrafish, by Peter H. Reynolds

For other ideas, consult your local library, the National Education Association's Educator's Top 100 Children's Books, Oprah.com's Kids' Reading Lists, the International Reading Association's Children's Choices Booklist, or Parents Magazine.

Money Workshop for Kids

A money workshop for kids ages 9 and up will be held on Saturday, July 20 from 9:30 - 12:30  at Wake Robin Inn, 106 Sharon Road, Lakeville, Connecticut.  A portion of the $35.00 program fee will benefit Community Mental Health Affiliates, a United Way of Northwest Connecticut agency.  Children will decorate a piggy bank, and Shannon McGuill, an Assistant Manager at Webster Bank, will make a presentation that is designed to help kids learn about money.  To register, call 860-689-3991 or email tracey@pinchhitters.biz

United Way NWCT Day of Caring

If you missed out on the Day of Caring, visit our photo gallery at
http://www.northwestunitedway.org/2013-day-caring-photo-gallery
The weather was great, unlike last year's scorcher!

Back to School Kids Clothes Campaign

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut is conducting a back to school clothing campaign for underprivileged children who attend school in North Canaan and East Canaan. 

Residents, businesses or organizations register with the United Way to sponsor a child.  They will received the first name of a boy or girl and a shopping list to purchase a wish list of items. It's hoped that each child will receive two outfits of clothing, personal care items, a winter jacket, sneakers, a back pack and school supplies.

The North Canaan area was selected for this dress-for-success community impact project because a recent study indicated that the town's rate of poverty, 12.7%, is higher than the statewide average rate of 8.7%.

The approximate cost per child is expected to be $250.00.  Monetary donations are also accepted and can be mailed to the United Way of Northwest Connecticut, P.O. Box 1001, Torrington, CT 06790. 

CT Works to Host Networking Workshop

The CT Works office in Torrington will host a new "LinkedIn" workshop on July 22d from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.  Discover the advantage of using this digital method in today's job market. For more information, call Mike Hall at 860-496-3507.

Community Leadership Breakfast

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut is hosting a breakfast on Wednesday, July 10 at the Torrington Country Club in Goshen.  The event will feature plans for the new campaign video and a panel discussion, moderated by Cathy Coyle, director of Maria Seymour Brooker Memorial, about the economics of poverty in northwest Connecticut. Featured speakers will include Mary Bevan, director of Education Connection's Center for Healthy Schools & Communities; Brian Mattiello, VP of Organizational Development at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital; Tom Villanova, President and CEO of Litchfield Bancorp; Dr. Barbara Douglass, President of Northwestern Connecticut Community College; and Stephanie Barksdale, Executive Director of the United Way of Northwest Connecticut.

Reservations are due by July 3rd.  To learn more or rsvp, call 860-489-4131, email Cheryl@northwestunitedway.org, or visit www.northwestuntiedway.org.

Camp Layton Rose summer camp

Applications are now being accepted for New Opportunities' Camp Layton Rose, a summer co-ed day camp for children ages 7-13 who live in Waterbury and Torrington.  The camp, located in Morris across from Bantam Lake, has sessions available between Monday, July 8 and Friday, August 2, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Transportation and meals, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, will be provided.  The cost is $25.00 per child and $10 for each additional child from a household.  Payment is due after camp acceptance.  To obtain an application, call (860) 482-9749 or apply in person at 138 Migeon Avenue in Torrington.

United Way Recruiting Campaign Volunteers

Just like Uncle Sam, the United Way "Wants You"! Volunteers are always welcome to join the annual campaign team and work in one of several divisions such as finance, manufacturing, construction, residential, sales and service, public service, or the Leader's Circle.  If you would like to call or visit a few accounts, sign letters, or volunteer in another capacity between now and November, call our office at (860) 489-4131 or email Stephanie@northwestunitedway.org today!

United Way NWCT Photo Galleries

Photo galleries from the United Way of Northwest Connecticut golf tournament and Women's Initiative gala are now available online at
http://www.northwestunitedway.org/32-annual-golf-tournament-image-gallery and http://www.northwestunitedway.org/image-gallery-womens-gala

Northwest Connecticut Resources

Are you a northwest Connecticut resident who's looking for help?  The United Way of Northwest Connecticut has recently updated Sources, a community resource directory that was designed just for that purpose.  Visit http://www.northwestunitedway.org/find-help and click on SOURCES and you may find exactly what you're looking for!

Day of Caring Volunteers Needed!

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut needs volunteers for a Day of Caring on Friday, June 21st.  A variety of projects offer opportunities to paint, plant bulbs or vegetable gardens at day care centers, clear trails and get area kids' camps ready for summer, to name a few.  Most projects don't require any special skills, just a willingness to donate one day to help make a difference in your community.  If you'd like to learn more, call the office at (860) 489-4131 or email ferreira742@gmail.com today!

Torrington Club Offers Summer Tutoring

The Torrington Women's Club hopes to have at least fifteen volunteers to tutor up to twenty-eight students this summer.  The club has been tutoring school age children for about four years now.  Last fall they received a United Way grant to conduct a grade school tutoring program for dyslexic and learning disabled children. To learn more or volunteer, call June Zeiner at (860) 489-7258. 

United Way of NWCT Golf Photos

A photo gallery for the United Way of Northwest Connecticut's annual golf tournament that was held on May 13 is now available at http://www.northwestunitedway.org/32-annual-golf-tournament-image-gallery.

The tournament raised nearly $14,000, which provides supplemental funding for 24 member agencies. 

Child Care Center Opens in Norfolk

Norfolk Early Learning Center, located at 122 Laurel Way in Norfolk, is now open. The center is owned and operated by Paige Corey and Kailyn Nadeau, both formerly of the Winsted Area Child Care Center. For more information, call 860-542-6016 or visit www.norfolkearlylearningcenter.com

Chef to Help Food Pantry

Jake Gandolfo, a former contestant on Fox channel's Master Chef, will join patrons for a "Pop-Up Dinner" on May 26 at 7 p.m.  at Black Forest Bakery & Café in Canaan. Part of the proceeds will benefit Fishes & Loaves, a local food pantry.  For advance tickets and reservations, call 860-824-8275. Tickets are $30 per person.

FISH Announces Name Change

FISH, Inc. Torrington Chapter has changed its name to FISH of Northwestern Connecticut as the agency provides assistance beyond Torrington. FISH has a food pantry, 35-bed shelter (10 reserved for veterans) and provides other social services. To learn more, visit www.torringtonfish.org

Register for United Way Golf!

There's still time to register for the United Way of Northwest CT golf tournament, which is scheduled for Monday, May 13 at Torrington Country Club in Goshen.

The $185 cost per golfer covers lunch, 18 holes with a cart, driving range, dinner, and 5 raffle tickets, 2 mulligans, and the putting contest.  Two hole-in-one challenges are sponsored by Mitchell-Volvo Torrington and Northwest Hills Dealerships. 

To register, call (860) 489-4131 or email pat@northwestunitedway.org

United Way Director Attends Leadership Conference

Stephanie R. Barksdale, Executive Director of the United Way of Northwest Connecticut, recently attended a United Way Worldwide Staff Leaders Conference in Indianapolis.  The conference was paid through credits granted by United Way.

The three-day event featured a series of learning sessions designed to provide educational and networking opportunities for United Way leaders. Keynote speakers included Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, and Stacey Stewart, President of United Way of America.

Attendees listened to guests ranging from Presidents and CEOs of national and global organizations, government officials, and leaders and members of preeminent Centers of Excellence.  Participants were able to learn about innovative and engaging strategies and explore a variety of topics in roundtable discussions.

"I learned a lot about the impact and importance of grant funding to reduce administrative expenses, inspiring donors to be a force in the community through major gifts, the role of United Way leadership in community impact, and how United Way can improve the high school graduation rate, among other topics," Barksdale said. "Hundreds of executives and staff attend this event.  It gave me a chance to network with United Way peers and learn from them as well."

Needs Assessment Now Online

The 2012 Community Health Needs Assessment, funded by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, United Way of Northwest Connecticut, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and Torrington Area Health District, and prepared by Education Connection, is now available as a .pdf file through the United Way website.  The assessment provides valuable information about demographics and the health status of Litchfield County residents.

2-1-1 Answers the Call

2-1-1 Infoline received 1,800 calls during the first quarter of 2013 from residents in the United Way of Northwest CT service area.  Calls answered regarding utilities - 249, Housing - 196, Mental Health - 174, Financial help - 171, Legal sevices - 100, Substance abuse - 99, Health support services - 91, Public assistance - 84, Food - 65, and Tax services - 48. 

McCall Foundation Housing for Veterans

McCall Foundation will celebrate the opening of their transitional housing for homeless veterans on Wednesday, May 8 from 3-6 pm at 231 North Main Street, Winsted, CT. Light refreshments will be served.  The housing will be able to help ten homeless vets and provide outpatient service. Inquiries should be directed to 860-496-2100.

Canaan Community Day

A free ‘Community Connection Day’ event will be held on Sunday, May 19^th 12-5pm at the Town Pavilion, Canaan, CT. (and every 3^rd Sunday through August). The event is designed to help develop a stronger sense of community in Canaan, CT. and help residents connect to community services

Community Connections Coalition’s goal is to strengthen and increase neighborhood based activities that: empower residents and build partnerships by coordinating resources already in the community, bringing out the voices of the residents and ensuring that the services meet the needs of the people. 

This interactive day highlights area community organizations who serve our community.

·     What you can expect: Live music, information booths, farmers, yard sales.

Join our coalition …free space is available to representatives from local farmers, education, government, faith-based, civic and health care organizations that have information to share with local residents. 

This event is sponsored by THE COMMUNITY MISSION and CT Co-Act. For more information about this event or to reserve a table, call 781-413-7604 or visit www.ctco-act.webs.com

United Way of NWCT Golf Sponsors

Twenty-one sponsors have signed up for the May 13 golf tournament to date: Hole in One: Mitchell Volvo Torrington and Northwest Hills Dealerships; Hospitality: Charlotte Hungerford Hospital; Lunch: BD, Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank and Thomaston Savings Bank; Par: RJB Contracting; and Tee Sponsors: Barry Cone's Heating & Air Conditioning, Borgeson Universal Company, Bouffard & Ramsey, Cook Funeral Home, Dr. Robert T. Crovo, Eastside Electric, Litchfield Woods Health Care Center, Maria Seymour Brooker Memorial, National Iron Bank, Northwest Hills Credit Union, Theroux Nowell & Stoughton LLC CPA, Petrovits, Patrick, Smith & Co. LLC, TEC Control Systems, and Torrington Savings Bank.

Mobile Food Pantry in Torrington

The Connecticut Food Bank will deliver fresh produce for low-income households on Thursday, April 18th at noon, at the Northwestern CT Community College parking lot on Holabird Avenue across from the church.  Recipients should bring their own bags. One ticket per household will be given out.

2-1-1 Mental Health Care Barometer

Close to 109,000 adults and 39,000 children in Connecticut live with a serious mental health condition. While mental health is as essential as physical health to an individual's overall well-being, there are often barriers to receiving mental health care. Barriers can include cultural stigmas and lack of insurance coverage. This 2-1-1 Barometer reviews the goals of Connecticut's current mental health plan, which addresses those barriers. This 2-1-1 Barometer also lists many of the mental health care resources available for children, youth and adults, those in the military and those at risk of suicide. Click here for this latest edition of the 2-1-1 Barometer.

Click here for previous editions of the 2-1-1 Barometer.

June 21 United Way of Northwest CT Day of Caring

This year's Day of Caring Committee is already planning projects and scheduling volunteers. Committee members (pictured below, left to right) are: Pat Marciano, United Way Office Manager; Josh Ferreira, Financial Advisor; Kevin Canady, Northwestern CT Community College; Alyssa Caliendo, Village Mortgage Company; Janic Wojtczak, Litchfield Bancorp; and Tiffany Hussey, Litchfield Bancorp. Members not pictured include Stephanie Hart, CT Mutual Holding Company; Paul McLaughlin, Litchfield Bancorp; and Lauren Smith, NWCT Chamber of Commerce.

Projects scheduled to date include painting at Catholic Charities, gardening and building a shed at Falls Village Day Care, painting a LARC group home and maintenance at Camp Moe, and planting a garden and installing cabinets at Winsted Area Child Care. 

While projects primarily benefit United Way member agencies, other non-profits and civic organizations can call the United Way at (860) 489-4131 to inquire about submitting a project. 

Volunteers are always needed! Call or email pat@northwestunitedway.org if you or a group are interested.

The United Way Day of Caring is designed to complete projects that an agency would otherwise not be able to undertake due to lack of funds or personnel, and provides volunteer opportunities for area citizens and businesses.

Alcohol Awareness Month

Community Mental Health Affiliates, a United Way of NWCT member agency, recognizes April as Alcohol Awareness Month.

Awareness helps to reduce the percentage of young people who use alcohol. Last year, the national average of youth in grades 8-12 who used alcohol last month was 27%, but in central and northwest Connecticut regions served by CMHA, that average was 17%, down 24% from the prior year, and suspensions due to alcohol abuse has decreased 61% in the past 6 years.
To learn more about he Substance Abuse Action Council (SAAC) visit www.saacct.org

Litchfield Bancorp Executive Leads Golf

Bob Teittinen, Chief Lending Officer at Litchfield Bancorp, is Chairman of the United Way of Northwest Connecticut’s annual Golf Tournament that will be held on Monday, May 13^th at the Torrington Country Club in Goshen.

“I'm very pleased to once again chair this year’s United Way Golf Tournament” said Bob.  “We decided to reconfigure the event with all-inclusive pricing as well as some select prizes for the raffle winners!  We are hoping for a full field of golfers, as the money we raise here is directly distributed to the United Way sponsored agencies in our towns and these agencies need our help more than ever this year.  I am looking forward to seeing you on the 13^th!”

Two hole-in-one challenges are being sponsored by Mitchell-Volvo Torrington and Northwest Hills Dealerships, should anyone be lucky enough to win!

The tournament raises about $13,000 each year to benefit United Way Community Impact initiatives. The cost is $185 per golfer, which includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, the driving range, dinner, and five complimentary raffle tickets, two mulligans, and the putting contest. Lunch sponsors are Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank, and Thomaston Savings Bank. 

If you’d like to participate or volunteer, call Stephanie Barksdale at (860) 489-4131, email Stephanie@northwestunitedway.org or visit www.northwestunitedway.org.

Mentoring Program Helps Youth

Jennifer Ives-Groebl, a busy mother and Assistant Vice President at Litchfield Bancorp, is making a difference in a child's life as a volunteer of the United Way of Northwest CT mentoring program.

 

Jennifer volunteered for the program because she understands how important it is for grade school children to build learning habits that will contribute to their future success. Since she began her mentoring experience, she's seen measurable improvement in the student's skills. Her commitment shows that anyone can impact a student’s reading proficiency, attendance, and graduation rate. Early help is critical to future success. Volunteer mentors can provide not only basic instruction, but emotional support and guidance as well.

Individuals who wish to volunteer as a mentor should call the United Way of Northwest Connecticut office at (860) 489-4131, visit the website, www.northwestunitedway.org, or email pat@northwestunitedway.org.

 

Harwinton Food Pantry

The Town of Harwinton has opened a food pantry, located at the town hall on Bentley Drive, for Harwinton residents.  The pantry will be open every other Tuesday beginning April 2nd, with hours of 11 am to 1 pm. Non-perishables can be dropped off during normal business hours. Anyone wishing to make a donation should mail a check to Town of Harwinton, POB 66, 100 Bentley Drive, Harwinton, CT 06791.  Queries should be directed to harwintonfoodpantry@gmail.com

CMHA Lime Rock Day

June 1 ~ 6:00 pm ~ Lime Rock Park ~ Lakeville, CT 

A gala fundraiser to benefit CMHA's Northwest Center, which provides mental health care services for those who cannot afford to pay.  

Curated classic car collection ~  Jazz music
Dinner  ~  Dancing

Live and silent auctions of exciting items, including:

Escape to California Wine Country 
5 nights at a 3-bedroom Aspen condo

Las Vegas Exotic Car Vacation ~ Lime Rock Drive Day

www.nwcct.org

Food for Your Neighbors Helps Hungry Neighbors

The United Way of Northwest CT's Food for Your Neighbors program has collected nearly 9,000 items to help curb hunger in northwest Connecticut. Local beneficiaries in Torrington include FISH, Friendly Hands Food Bank, the Community Soup Kitchen, and the Salvation Army; in the Winsted area: Open Door Soup Kitchen, the Salvation Army, and Hands of Grace food pantry of New Hartford; and in the Canaan area, Fishes & Loaves.  Over 100 local businesses and organizations participated in the food drive. 

Susan B. Anthony Receives Donations

Siobhan, an employee of the Susan B. Anthony Project in Torrington, looks over donations that the United Way of Northwest CT received from a generous local retailer. The items will be used to benefit the shelter or help women who are beginning new lives.

United Way of Northwest CT Golf Tournament

Registration is now open for the 32d annual United Way of Northwest CT charity Golf Tournament.  This year's tournament will be held on Monday, May 31st at the Torrington Country Club, 250 Torrington Road, Goshen.

The $185 entry fee includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, and also covers the cost for the driving range, buffet lunch and dinner, 5 raffle tickets, 2 mulligans, and the putting contest.  Late registration begins at 11:00 a.m. that day.

The scramble format will start at 12:30 and prizes will be awarded for first and second places teams, the longest drives for men and women, closest to the pin, a $5,000 putting contest, and the challenging Hole In One contest sponsored by Mitchell-Volvo Torrington and Northwest Hills Dealership. 

The lunch is sponsored by Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank, and Thomaston Savings Bank.

For more information call the United Way office at (860) 489-4131 or email stephanie@northwestunitedway.org

Warm The Children Program Success

The Register Citizen's Warm The Children program raised $10,260, enabling them to buy clothing for 111 children, equalling the success of last year's program.

FISH Inc. Torrington - New Executive Director

FISH, Inc. of Torrington, CT announces that Winsted resident Deirdre Houlihan DiCara has accepted the position of Executive Director.  DiCara will replace retiring director Kevin Purcell, who came out of retirement in 2009 to lead the organization.

Deirdre is a former CEO for the Girl Scouts of Northwestern CT, where she served for twenty-three years.  She has also led the Winsted Health Center Foundation and Southbury-Middlebury Youth and Family Services. She will start her new position on March 18.

FISH, a United Way of Northwest CT member agency, is a 41-year old social service agency that provides shelter, emergency food and related programs for homeless individuals, families, and those in need in Litchfield County.  DiCara said she plans to network with others to provide the best services for those facing a crisis. www.torringtonfish.org

United Way of NWCT Golf Tournament

Registration is now open for the United Way of Northwest CT Charity Golf Tournament!

The tournament, which is scheduled for Monday, May 13 at the Torrington Country Club in Goshen, is $185 per person. The all-inclusive price includes lunch, 18 holes of golf with a cart, driving range, dinner, five raffle tickets, two mulligans, and the putting contest.

Sponsorships are available as follows: Dinner $1,750 (includes one four some) Lunch $1,250 (includes one four some) Golf Cart $750, Hospitality Station $500, Par Sponsor $250, and Tee Sponsor $150.

Dinner only reservations are $45 per person.  The lunch is sponsored by Litchfield Bancorp, Northwest Community Bank, and Thomaston Savings Bank.

Community Mission Church Seeks Donations

The Community Mission Church, located at 93B Main Street, Canaan, CT, is seeking donations of food and clothing. They're open daily for people who need food and clothes. Non-perishables can be delivered Monday through Friday between 4 and 7 pm or between 11 and 4 on Saturday. To learn more, visit www.thecommunitymission.webs.com or call their office at 860-453-4331.

March Luncheon

The Register Citizen is hosting a free luncheon on Thursday, March 21st. The featured speaker will be Brian Kelly, Communications and Marketing Director for Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. He'll educate his audience about the need for mentors for at-risk children and the opportunities for adults to volunteers.  The lunch will take place at 12 noon at 59 Field Street, Torrington. To sign up, call the United Way of Northwest Connecticut at (860) 489-4131 or email cheryl@northwestunitedway.org

To visit the Register Citizen: www.registercitizen.com

To learn more about Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, www.bbbsnutmeg.org

Red Cross Helps Disaster Victim

The American Red Cross is helping an individual who was displaced by Monday's house fire on Griswold Street in Torrington by providing emergency housing, food, and clothing. Red Cross disaster assistance is free of charge and made possible by generous donations. For more information, visit www.redcross.org