Learn history, make craft from recycled items at Derby Library

DERBY - The Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St., has changed the format of its weekly 

Local History Information Sessions from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays.  

Now, along with offering research assistance, the Library’s Local History Coordinator will also have information available on monthly highlighted local history topics. 

February’s topic will cover Presidents’ Visits to Derby.  

Visitors will also be invited to browse through PastPerfect, a software program that

enables users to search the Library’s progressively updated local history database.  

Assistance also will be available for research on topics such as genealogy, prominent local figures, major area events, and more.

Recycle, reuse to make crafts

The Library has scheduled another Recycle, Repurpose, and Reuse Craft Class at 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 26.

Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jeanie Roslonowski will return to the Library to show participants 18 and over what they can make with their old calendars.

The class also will include information on conservation and animal issues.

Registration is required.  

For more information, visit the library, call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


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

New fire chiefs in Ansonia congratulated

Ansonia's newly sworn-in fire chief Scott Trembley addresses crowd at a promotion and awards ceremony Wednesday night in Ansonia High School auditorium. 

Trembley, a city native, is a 24-year member of Charters Hose Company 4. He will serve a two-year term. He succeeds Joe Kingston in the position. 

Four other volunteer firefighters were promoted to assistant chief status in the department. 

Please check out the complete story today in the Valley Independent Sentinel.

Findings at research center in Derby suggest heart disease patients can safely ingest eggs

David Katz, M.D.

DERBY - Should coronary disease patients continue to receive advice from their health care providers to exclude eggs from their diets?

New short-term findings from a study by Dr. David Katz and his colleagues at the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center at Griffin Hospital in Derby provide suggestive evidence that it may be time to start questioning this advice.

Due to a general belief in the medical community that dietary cholesterol raises cholesterol levels in the blood, health professionals routinely advise patients with coronary disease to restrict dietary cholesterol from eggs and other sources. However, Katz cites a lack of consistent evidence that dietary cholesterol actually impacts blood cholesterol levels. 

He notes that recent epidemiological and clinical studies seem to show a lack of association between eating eggs and harmful cardiovascular effects.

In the last few years, Katz and his team have conducted two clinical trials of egg ingestion – one with healthy adults, and one with adults at risk for coronary disease – which showed daily egg intake over a span of six weeks had no adverse effects on cardiac risk factors in these adults.

Short-term findings from a recently completed study, published in the January 2015 issue of the American Heart Journal, demonstrated similar results - this time with adults with coronary artery disease. This study compared the effects on cardiac risk factors of six weeks of daily intake of either two eggs, ½ cup of a commercially-available egg substitute, or a high-carbohydrate breakfast (choice of bagels, waffles, pancakes, or cereal), as part of an otherwise unrestricted diet.

Results showed that after six weeks of either eggs or egg substitute, when compared to a high carbohydrate breakfast, participants’ endothelial function (the ability of their blood vessels to constrict and dilate properly with blood flowing through them) did not significantly change, i.e., it neither improved nor deteriorated significantly. Their body weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and serum lipids also did not significantly change, when compared to 6 weeks of a high carbohydrate breakfast.

“Our short-term findings, and the overall weight of evidence, argue against excluding eggs from heart-healthy diets, even among those with actual coronary disease,” Katz said. “There may be net harm to overall diet quality and health from excluding eggs from the diet.”

Good source of micronutrients
According to Katz, eggs, in contrast to other sources of animal protein, have relatively little total fat and proportionately little saturated fat. They provide protein at a relatively low cost, and are a good source of micronutrients. 

In addition, since protein is associated with satiety, eggs may be of benefit in weight control.

“This study highlights an important consideration: when coronary disease patients are advised to avoid or limit a food or food category, what do they eat instead?” Katz said. “While some alternatives to eggs, such as oatmeal, might offer benefits, others are far more suspect. Many popular breakfast choices are starchy and or sugary, and foods high in starch and sugar are potentially associated with increased morbidity and mortality. To our knowledge, there is no published population-level data to indicate that replacing eggs with these foods confers net benefit, or avoids net harm. Further research is much needed.”

These studies were conducted with funding from the Egg Nutrition Center. Katz and his team are now conducting a study of egg intake by people with Type 2 Diabetes, since diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and consuming excess high-carbohydrate foods can be particularly harmful for these individuals.


About American Heart Journal (http://www.ahjonline.com)

American Heart Journal has been a trusted resource for cardiologists and general practice physicians for more than 80 years. In addition to publishing results of important clinical investigations, the Journal addresses such topics as cost-effectiveness, design of clinical trials, reports of negative clinical trials, and the changing organization of medical care.

About Dr. David L. Katz (http://www.davidkatzmd.com)

David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, a board-certified preventive medicine physician, is the founding director of the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center, and is currently serving as President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Recipient of numerous awards, including an honorary doctorate and nominations for U.S. Surgeon General, Katz is recognized globally for expertise in nutrition, weight management and chronic disease prevention.

About the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (http://www.yalegriffinprc.org)

The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (PRC) was established in 1998 through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One of 26 Prevention Research Centers nationwide (http://www.cdc.gov/prc) representing academic/community partnerships, the PRC is engaged in interdisciplinary applied prevention research in collaboration with community partners, federal, state, and local health and education agencies, and other universities. The goal is to develop innovative approaches to health promotion and disease prevention that will directly benefit the public's health.

About the Egg Nutrition Center (http://www.eggnutritioncenter.org)

The Egg Nutrition Center (ENC) is dedicated to providing balanced, accurate information on eggs, nutrition, and health, and sponsors scientific research on this topic. Research grants are openly solicited and reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Panel of authorities in health research and clinical practice. Independent scientists guide many of the research projects and provide analysis and interpretation of scientific literature. The ENC is funded by the American Egg Board, which uses funds from egg farmers for promotion and research. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides oversight of its activities.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital. 

Seymour Pink gets donation from founder of dissolved nonprofit

I saw this earlier today on the Facebook page of Seymour Pink founder Mary Deming. 

It's a wonderful story about kindness and the true meaning of giving back to the community. 
As a breast cancer survivor who is extremely grateful for the support I have received from Seymour Pink I thought I'd share it here.

Mary Deming wrote:

"Two years ago I met a woman who was participating in the Relay for Life with the Brave at Heart support group out of Harold Leever Cancer Center in Waterbury. 
"She shared with me that many years ago she began a nonprofit organization whose mission was to treat and assist breast cancer patients suffering from Lymphedema. She decided that it was time based on many factors to dissolve her nonprofit.

"Yesterday afternoon, Carmelita Rifkin, founder of STAR Lymphedema Network, Inc. chose to transfer all the funds from her nonprofit to Seymour Pink. Yesterday afternoon, Carmelita met with me and some of our board members and presented us with a check for $4,368.41!!!!!!!!!! 

"There are no words for that act of kindness! THANK YOU Carmelita and trust that we will continue to help those with Lymphedema wherever possible!"

BHcare's Umbrella program seeks bowlers, sponsors

Annual event slated March 14 in Milford

ANSONIA - The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services, a program of BHcare, is looking for bowlers and sponsors to participate in the 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit March 14 at AMF Lanes in Milford.
All proceeds benefit UCDVS which provides services to more than 7,000 victims of domestic violence and their children each year throughout the Greater New Haven, Greater Naugatuck Valley, and Shoreline communities.

UCDVS provides free emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy, support, and other crucial services.

The Bowl-2-Benefit, one of the largest fund-raising events of its kind in the state, attracts more than 1,500 community members.

Bowlers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in teams of 4-6, in one of five bowling sessions scheduled for 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Bowlers pay a minimal $5 registration fee and are asked to collect pledges to support their efforts. 

Each bowler will receive 90 minutes of bowling, an event T-shirt, shoe rental, soft drink, and a chance to win prizes. The event is ideal for clubs, schools, organizations, corporations, and families.

Sponsorship opportunities
The Bowl-2-Benefit offers sponsorship opportunities for all budgets, with levels starting at just $75. 

Sponsors reap the benefit of exposure to the more than 1,500 participants as well as additional exposure online. 

T-shirt sponsors receive continued exposure with their logo printed on the event shirt that is distributed to all bowlers. T-shirt level sponsorships start at just $500.

Decreases in state and federal funding coupled with increases in demand for services make fund-raising events such as the Bowl-2-Benefit critical to sustaining services for those at risk and in need. Last year, the Bowl-2-Benefit raised more than $93,000. Event organizers hope to exceed that amount this year and attract an even larger bowling crowd.

The 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit is being sponsored by the Bassett Family Fund and media partners include WFSB, WPLR 99.1-FM, and Star 99.9-FM. 

Anyone interested in receiving more information about, or participating in the Bowl-2-Benefit, should call Debbie Soulsby at (203) 736-2601, ext. 1321 or visit www.bhcare.org. 

Deadline for bowler registration is March 2.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities.

For more information, visit www.bhcare.org.


This is a press release from BHcare.

Ansonia Armory to be open for walkers

City offers alternative for winter exercise
ANSONIA - “The Ansonia Armory will open its doors to residents for walking and exercise beginning Monday, January 12, 2015,” Mayor David S. Cassetti said in a release Tuesday.  

Ansonia Armory. Photo taken from Electronic Valley site

“Many residents took advantage of this opportunity last year when inclement weather prohibited outdoor exercise," he said.
"I wanted to be sure to offer this alternative to Ansonia residents again this year. It’s a great way to exercise during the winter months and a good opportunity to socialize with your friends and neighbors,” Cassetti said.

The Armory at 5 State St. will be open from 7-9 a.m. starting Jan. 12 and will remain open until March 27.  

"I encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity," Cassetti said. "It’s a great way to stretch your legs and get your blood flowing during the winter months."   

For questions contact Recreation Director Jeff Coppola, 203-736-5926.

This is a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office. 

Derby Library continues women's series, movie matinees

DERBY - The Derby Public Library has changed the format and content of its monthly series, Just 

for Women, which meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.

These informal sessions now include the reading of quotes reflecting life situations relevant to women. A wide variety of topics is covered. 

Women of all ages are invited to share their thoughts as they feel comfortable at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3.

In today’s world, women are under more pressure than ever.

Take some time to do something for yourself and connect with other women.  

Valley resident and licensed professional counselor Joan Joyce will facilitate the session.  Registration is requested, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Wednesday matinees

The Library continues its weekly Wednesday Movie Matinees series for ages 18 and over.

Newly released DVDs will be shown at 1 p.m. every Wednesday.

Light snacks will be provided.  Registration is requested.
For a list of featured films, stop by the Library, 313 Elizabeth St., or call 203-736-1482.

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