Derby Public Library to mark National Library Week in April

DERBY - The Derby Public Library joins libraries across the country in celebrating National Library Week, April 9-15.  

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.  

It is a time to remind everyone -Libraries, we do more than books!  

The Derby Public Library has scheduled many special programs and events for all ages in recognition of this special week. 

Amnesty week

In addition, an amnesty week has been designated. No fines will be collected from April 9-15. 

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.  

Over the years, the Derby Public Library has been very fortunate to receive donations from a long list of generous benefactors.  

Their support has helped build collections, buy needed equipment, expand technology, provide programs, and improve building conditions.  

Anyone who wants to join this list and help the Library in its mission to provide services to people of every age, educational level, income level, ethnicity, and physical ability should contact the Library Director.  

All donations will help the Library in its mission to be a main source of information, technology, entertainment, and socialization for hundreds of residents in the community.      

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.

Irish music concert slated at Seymour Public Library

Raising awareness on World Kidney Day

I just learned that today is World Kidney Day so I'm posting this to help raise awareness. March is National Kidney Month.

Since I have inherited polycystic kidney disease I'm past the prevention stage; but being aware of the vital role that one's kidneys play in overall health is always good.  

From www.worldkidneyday.org: 

"World Kidney Day is a global awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys.

"World Kidney Day comes back every year. All across the globe many hundred events take place from public screenings in Argentina to Zumba marathons in Malaysia. We do it all to create awareness. Awareness about preventive behaviors, awareness about risk factors, and awareness about how to live with a kidney disease. We do this because we want kidney health for all."

Derby Historical Society to hold annual meeting at Ansonia Fire Museum

ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society will hold its annual membership meeting at 2 p.m. March 26 at the Ansonia Fire Museum, 46 Howard Ave. 

David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia

There will be a brief business portion to elect new officers and board of directors members, and presentation of awards. 

Members will be updated on the restoration project of the Gen. David Humphreys House and Museum.  
After the business portion a tour of the fire museum will be given by museum volunteers.

Membership renewals will be accepted at the door. Anyone interested in becoming a member is welcomed to attend this meeting.

Refreshments will be served.

For information, call 203-735-1908 or email info@derbyhistorical.org.

This is a press release from Derby Historical Society, a regional historical society dedicated to preserving, maintaining and celebrating the rich and varied history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. 
The Derby Historical Society welcomes all visitors and is also available to support researchers, school or other program needs.  

Staff offices are located at the Sarah Riggs Humphreys House, 37 Elm St.

For more information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org. 

Griffin Hospital in Derby to offer free cancer screenings April 5

Griffin Hospital will offer free oral, head, and neck cancer screenings from 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 5./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital will offer free oral, head, and neck cancer screenings from 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 5 at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.

This is the sixth straight year Griffin has offered the free screenings to the community. 
Held during Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week®, the free screenings aim to catch cancers that arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box) at an early, and treatable stage.

“We encourage our community members to participate in our free head and neck screening,” said Carrie O’Malley, Director of Navigation and Support Services at The Center for Cancer Care. 
“Individuals will receive a thorough exam and learn more of the symptoms of head and neck cancers, which include: a lump or a sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty in swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. However, it’s important to get screened right away. For our community members who are tobacco users or who have the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), we strongly urge each individual to get screened as both are high risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers.”

The screening is painless and takes about 10 minutes. Space for the free screenings is limited, so early registration is encouraged. 
To register, call 203-732-1260.

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance estimates there will more than 650,000 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, throat, and thyroid world-wide, and approximately 14,240 deaths from these cancers in the United States. Cancers of the oropharynx (tonsil and base of tongue) are increasing in incidence, particularly in younger nonsmokers, and it is estimated that these cancers alone will account for over 40,000 cases per year in the United States

Last year, 55 individuals were screened at the Center. As a result of the screenings, four individuals were referred for further evaluation, three individuals were referred to a dermatologist for skin lesions and one participant was referred to for immediate follow-up for a suspected neoplasm.

About Oral Head and Neck Cancer

Most oral cancers arise on the lips, tongue or the floor of the mouth. They also may occur inside the cheeks, on the gums or on the roof of the mouth. 
Oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV are often found in the tonsil or base of tongue. 
Other head and neck cancers arise from the voice box or throat, or from salivary (spit) glands or the thyroid gland.

Some early signs and symptoms include:

• A red or white spot in your mouth that doesn't heal or that increases in size
• Sore throat or swollen tonsil
• Changes in your voice
• A lump in your neck
• Earache
• Difficulty swallowing

Tobacco (including smokeless tobacco) and alcohol use are very high risk factors for oral, head and neck cancers, particularly those of the tongue, mouth, throat and voice box. 
People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk for developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has recently emerged as having a connection to oropharyngeal (tonsil and base of tongue) cancer, particularly in non-smokers and younger age groups. 

While anyone can develop thyroid cancers, a family history or exposure to radiation is considered a risk factor that may increase the risk. 
Most salivary gland cancers do not seem to be associated with any particular cause.

If you have any of these warning signs, do not wait for the free screenings. Contact your physician or call the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital at 203-732-1280.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Openings available at Salvation Army summer camp in Ashford

ANSONIA - Salvation Army Greater Valley Major Dora Garcia said Thursday there are openings available for local children to attend Camp CONNRI in Ashford this summer.

She said the openings are for children ages 8-12. 
For information, contact Garcia at 203-736-0707. 

Established in 1979, The Salvation Army-run, Christian camp is situated on 272 acres in Ashford, overlooking a 50-acre lake. 

Learn more about the camp on Facebook at www.facebook.com/campCONNRI.

Shelton Democrats to sponsor conversation at Plumb Memorial Library

SHELTON - Shelton Democrats are sponsoring a series of Community Conversations as part of their commitment to educate and engage the community on issues that matter most to residents on a local, state, and national level.

The first Community Conversation will be 'Building a Community of Respect: Why Words Still Matter,' presented in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League at 6:30 p.m. March 20 at Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St. 

This conversation will take an important look at the rise of hate speech, intolerance, and the role community organizations and citizens play in standing together against hate. 

This conversation will feature a panel of speakers including Steve Ginsburg, Director of the Anti-Defamation League;  Shawn Sequeira, Acting Chief of Shelton Police; Christopher Clouet, Superintendent of Shelton Public Schools; and the Rev. Lucille Fritz, Pastor, Huntington Congregational Church.

David Gioiello, Chairman of the Shelton Democrats said,  "Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in this free event, and we look forward to beginning the Community Conversation series." 

This is a press release from Jimmy Tickey.