The Boys & Girls Club of Shelton plans to screen The Rise of the Phoenix: From Ashes to Impact, a documentary about the 1991 fire that destroyed its former Howe Avenue clubhouse and the community’s effort to keep the club going. The free screening was announced for October 22, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse, 1 Positive Place, Shelton. The announcement mentions advance registration; confirm the event and registration details before attending.
What happened in the 1991 Shelton clubhouse fire?
On April 11, 1991, shortly before closing, a fire spread across the third floor of the Boys & Girls Club’s former clubhouse on Howe Avenue, then through the rest of the building and its roof. The Valley Independent Sentinel’s October 7, 2026 account, drawing on contemporary news reports, says about 30 people inside escaped safely. Firefighters sustained minor injuries, damage exceeded $1 million, and the building was left a shell.
How did the club continue after the fire?
Club leaders met two days after the blaze, and the organization reopened four days after it at a location around the corner. It continued serving young people from temporary sites, including the former St. Joseph’s School on Coram Avenue. The Sentinel describes a decade-long recovery effort that raised about $4.5 million and culminated in the opening of the Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse in a former factory in 2000.
Executive director Shaye Roscoe summed up the distinction between losing the building and losing the organization: “We lost a building, but technically, we didn’t lose the Boys and Girls Club. We can form a Boys and Girls club anywhere.”
#1 Best Overall
What is the documentary about, and who made it?
The Rise of the Phoenix: From Ashes to Impact revisits the fire and the club’s recovery through interviews with members and leaders. Mikey Cotela, Jr., who was a club member at the time of the fire and later directed the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse in Ansonia, narrates the film. New York-based filmmaker J. Clayton Winters, who works with nonprofits on film projects, made it.
The screening is part of the Boys & Girls Club of Shelton’s 70th-anniversary observance. The club also planned to recognize former executive director Jack Ribas, Shelton Fire Marshal James “Chic” Tortora, Shelton Echo Fire Hose & Hook & Ladder Co. 1, and Mayor Mark Lauretti for their roles in the organization’s history and commitment to local youth. Roscoe said the club wanted to honor the leaders who brought it to this point and keep their memory alive.
When and where is the screening?
- Date and time: October 22, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
- Venue: Raymond P. Lavietes Clubhouse, 1 Positive Place, Shelton, Connecticut.
- Cost: The Sentinel reported that the screening was free.
- Registration: Advance registration was mentioned, but the report did not provide a registration link or further instructions.
These details were announced by the Valley Independent Sentinel on October 7, 2026, and may change. Check with the Boys & Girls Club of Shelton for confirmation before making plans.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Source
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Teach Kids the Basics of Fire Safety – This engaging coloring and activity book introduces children to important fire safety concepts, including the role of smoke detectors and the dangers of fire. A great way to start meaningful conversations about emergency preparedness.
- Value 25-Pack – Includes 25 copies of the same activity book. Each book features 16 pages of fun and educational content (8 double-sided sheets) with coloring activities and games designed to reinforce fire safety lessons.
- Kid-Friendly and Age-Appropriate – Recommended for children ages 3 and up. Simple language and playful illustrations make safety lessons easy to understand and remember.
- Ideal for Community Outreach – A perfect handout for fire departments, police stations, schools, daycare centers, and safety awareness programs. A thoughtful handout during National Fire Prevention Month in October or at community events year-round.
- Made in the USA – Each full-sized book measures 8 x 10.5 inches and is proudly printed in the USA. A cost-effective and impactful tool for spreading fire safety awareness.
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
