It is time for our first Community Forum of 2026. On January 13th at 6 p.m, we will be hosting a panel of experts at 335 Broad Street in Manchester to discuss the impacts of social media on mental health. "Scrolled Out: Social Media and the State of Our Minds" is sure to spark insightful conversations about our digital age. If you missed the event, not to worry, you can watch and listen to the full discussion here . Panelists include: John Murphy: UConn Digital Media & Design Professor and Digital Health Advocate Paul Weigle, Associate Medical Director for Natchaug Hospital, a Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network partner, at UConn Medical School Keith McGilvery, Good News Guy and Journalist Micheal Shelby, LPC, Founder and Director of Technology Addiction Center, LLC, and Plan Be Counseling, LLC Aly Fox, Root Center Clinic Supervisor State Representative Gary Turco

Calling all Artists! Root Center is pleased to present New Beginnings, an art exhibition celebrating recovery, hope, and renewal on the eve of the Vernal Equinox. On March 19th , Root Center will host this juried art show at our Branford location , featuring work by local artists exploring the theme of New Beginnings . Much like recovery itself, the exhibition reflects the possibility of change, growth, and redefinition. The selected works invite viewers to consider what it means to start again—whether through healing, self-discovery, or the quiet courage it takes to move forward. Timed with the return of spring, New Beginnings honors transformation as both a personal and collective experience . Artists are encouraged to interpret new beginnings broadly. The following genres will be considered: all 2D works, including, mixed media, painting, photography, drawing, collage, printmaking, illustration, graffiti, printed/recorded word. Condition: 2D works are recommended to be framed, but not mandatory. Works must be hang ready. Please do not use fisheye hooks or saw tooth hangers. For questions, please contact margaux.farrell@rootcenter.org Submission and Exhibition Date: Deadline to submit: February 16th, 2026. The exhibition will run March 19th, 2026 - June 19th, 2026. The reception will open Thursday, March 19th from 6-8pm. Accepted work: you will receive an email you art has been selected Friday, February 20th, 2026. If you art has not been accepted, you will also be notified on this date. Send Submission: In an email, please include the following: name, contact info (phone &email), and submit up to 5 photos/recordings for each work. For each piece submitted, please include: title, size (inches), price (if applicable) for each, and an artist statement for each piece. Links to additional work are also permissible. Email your submission to margaux.farrell@rootcenter.org - subject: Root - NEW BEGINNINGS Cost: The Root Center for Advanced Recovery does not charge for submissions and takes 0% commission on all artwork(s) sold. Location: Stony Creek Medical Center, 6-12 Business Park Drive, Branford, CT 06405 Submission: Please submit all pieces for consideration via email to margaux.farrell@rootcenter.org by FEBRUARY 16th, 2026 . All submissions will be responded to by February 20th. Special thanks to Alex Ranniello , MA for your collaboration as our juror on this exciting project!