Derby Public Library to mark National Library Week

Annual book sale slated

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will join libraries across the country in celebrating 

National Library Week, April 12-18.  

First recognized in 1958, this is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association.

It is a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. 

The Library has scheduled many special programs and events for all ages in recognition of this special week, including the Annual Spring Book Sale. 

Amnesty Week

In addition, an Amnesty Week has been designated. No fines will be collected from 

April 13-18.  
This is everyone’s opportunity to do some spring cleaning and find those overdue Derby Public Library items and return them without any fines. 

Previous fines for already returned items will not be waived. Also, fines for lost or damaged items will not be waived.  

For more information on events scheduled for this special week, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.   

Griffin Hospital in Derby sponsors 'Paint-A-Duck' contest

This duck is decorated for the contest. / Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts’ 5th Annual “Paint-A-Duck” Contest is underway.

This annual art contest invites members of the community to show off their painting skills and help support The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby.

Participants can purchase a “Paint-A-Duck” kit at Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts, located on the ground floor of Griffin Hospital at 130 Division St. or at the Boutique at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness receives $1 for every paint kit purchased.

Participants can decorate their duck using the eight different color paints included in the kit or improvise with their own. Props and accessories are also allowed.

All entries must be dropped off at Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts by April 24.

Each entry will be displayed inside Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts as they are submitted.

A panel of judges will decide the winning duck in each of the following categories: Most Creative; Best Use of Props; Best Theme; Best Group Effort; Best Senior Entry; Best Children’s Entry (Age 5 & under); Best Children’s Pre-Tween (Age 6-8); Best Tween Entry (Age 9-12); and Best Teen (Age 13-19).

Each winning category will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to Griffin Pharmacy & Gifts. Winners will be announced by May 1.

For more information, call (203) 732-1490 or email gpg@griffinhealth.org.


This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ansonia celebrates Irish heritage Saturday in rain

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti recognized lifelong Ansonia resident Horace Behrle, above, by naming him Mayor for the Day on Saturday. 
Behrle, who was born 79 years ago in a tenement on Main Street, said he was honored to have the opportunity. He joked, "Everybody gets a raise."  
Over the years Behrle has served on several city boards and commissions, and volunteers as an ambassador at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby. 

Behrle had the honor of raising the Irish flag with Cassetti. The Irish flag will fly for a week at City Hall.

After raising the flag in the pouring rain, Behrle shares a laugh with, from left, Alderman Lorie Vaccaro, Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, and Mayor David S. Cassetti.

The Rev. Jeff Gubbiotti, pastor, Church of the Assumption in Ansonia, waits under cover for the ceremony to start. He offered an invocation and a blessing. 

Ansonia High School music teacher Maria Tangredi, right, and senior Jennifer Godfrey, chorus co-president, sing the Star Spangled Banner at the flag-raising ceremony. 

Rain doesn't stop the dancers from Kathleen Mulkerin School of Irish Dance in West Haven from strutting their stuff. 

Great job! Their teacher, Kathy Carew, said the dancers are scheduled to give 30 performances Tuesday, St. Patrick's Day. 

Mayor David S. Cassetti, at podium, listens to Irish music performed by Take Four, a Trumbull-based a cappella quartet. The members are from left, David Hunter, Scott Parch, Jordan Kugler, Victor Lembo.


State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, an Ansonia resident, was on hand for the festivities, and DJ Phyllis Kaplan played Irish music. Gentile said it was all about "tradition."

The event was hosted by the city's Cultural Commission.