Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Recuperation journey 2.0: Looking at the sky


Today's sunset at 4:25 p.m. seen through the window. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to hold free hernia screening event

Don't Ignore that Lump!

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will host a free hernia screening event Jan. 10 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

A hernia in the abdomen or groin can produce a noticeable lump or bulge that can be pushed back in, or that can disappear when lying down. Laughing, crying, coughing, straining during a bowel movement, or physical activity may make the lump reappear after it has been pushed in. 

More symptoms of a hernia include:
• Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum
• Increased pain at the site of the bulge
• Pain while lifting
• Increase in the bulge size over time
• A dull aching sensation
• A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction
• In the case of hiatal hernias - when the upper part of your stomach bulges through the large muscle separating your abdomen and chest (diaphragm) - there are no bulges on the outside of the body. Instead, symptoms may include heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, frequent regurgitation, and chest pain.

The screenings will be conducted by Griffin Faculty Physician surgeons who specialize in hernia treatment. The screening takes about 10 minutes and participants will receive information and referrals if there is a suspected hernia.

Walk-ins are welcome. Spaces are limited, so registration is recommended. 

Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments can be made online at www.griffinhealth.org/hernia-screenings or by calling 203-732-3443.  


Shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.


'Turnback Tuesday' features history of Christmas tree



'Turnback Tuesday' looks at some of the history of the Christmas tree.
For thousands of years, homes were decorated with evergreens for the Winter Solstice. Other early trees across northern Europe were cherry or hawthorn plants put into pots and brought inside so hopefully they would flower at Christmas time.
In Germany, the first Christmas trees were decorated with edible things such as sweets and fruit. Angels/fairies topped the tree that told the shepherds about Jesus and in Victorian times the trees were decorated with candles to represent stars.
Derby Public Library has on display several trees representing an era or decade. These trees were generously decorated by our patrons.
Please come in and visit and vote for your favorite tree.
The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St., Derby.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.


Derby Public Library offers warming center today


Hi there! If you're looking for a cozy spot to stay warm, Derby Public Library is a Warming Center open and ready to welcome you. Whether you're escaping the cold or just need a place to relax, we offer a friendly environment where you can feel at ease. 

Come on in, make yourself comfortable, have some hot chocolate, and enjoy the warmth. We're here for you!
Derby Public Library is available during opening hours on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Anyone in need of overnight shelter is urged to call 211 or visit 211ct.org for a list of locations.


Shared from Tuesday afternoon's post on Derby Public Library Facebook page. 


Derby revises winter parking ordinance to improve snow removal


DERBY - The City has revised its Winter Parking Ordinance to improve snow removal operations and public safety during winter weather events.
Under the previous ordinance, residents were required to park on a specific side of the street throughout the winter based on the calendar month (for example, December on the even-numbered side and January on the odd-numbered side). This requirement has been eliminated.
Revised Snow Parking Ban:
• When snow is expected in the forecast, the Mayor will declare a Snow Parking Ban.
• Once a ban is declared, all vehicles must park on the EVEN-numbered side of the street only (where allowable).
• Vehicles parked in violation of the ban are subject to a $50 fine and towing at the owner’s expense. If your vehicle is towed contact Derby Police Department @ 203-735-7811 to find the location of your vehicle.
• The parking ban will remain in effect for 36 hours after the storm ends, unless lifted earlier by the Mayor.
How You Will Be Notified:
Residents can find out if a Snow Parking Ban is in effect by:
• Following the Derby Police Department or City of Derby, CT on Facebook.
• Receiving alerts through Derby’s CodeRED emergency notification system. CodeRED is the City’s official emergency notification system and is free to use.
• Receiving announcements through the Derby Public Schools notification system.
Residents are encouraged to register for CodeRED to receive timely information about snow parking bans and other important public safety notifications.
Your cooperation with the revised Winter Parking Ordinance supports effective snow removal and safer streets for the entire community.

Shared from the Derby PD Facebook page.

Food distribution at St. Mary's Church in Derby cancelled today


URGENT ---TUES DEC 16--- CT Foodshare has a driver shortage today.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION today has been CANCELLED