Volunteers Needed for Plant-Based Diets Study

DERBY – The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, is looking for adult volunteers to take part in a study looking at how a vegan diet, with or without eggs, affects diet quality and heart health.

Study participants will eat a plant-based diet for approximately five months, including eggs for six weeks. 

The study team plans to enroll 35 adults in this study, including men who are 25 to 75 years old, and women up to 75 years of age who have gone through menopause, but are not on hormone replacement therapy. Those who qualify must be non-smokers, and have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes based on certain criteria for this study.

Benefits for those who participate in this study include free study-related dietary counseling from a dietitian, free health testing, free eggs, grocery store gift cards to purchase vegan foods, and a total of $600 for completing the study.

For more information and to be considered for this study, please call Rocky at 203-732-1265 extension 300.

This study is funded by the Egg Nutrition Center, the science and nutrition education division of the American Egg Board that sponsors health-related scientific research that is primarily focused on eggs.

(This is a press release from Griffin Hospital)

Afterschool Programs in Seymour

Project spans variety of disciplines

Students' imaginations soar at Derby school

Science is not my strong suit - and I am a simpleton when it comes to math.

I can add, subtract, multiply, but ... whatever else I learned way back when has gotten hazy.

That said, I got a bit concerned when I entered a classroom last week to cover an enrichment class at St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby.

I figured most of what the 40 students - in Grades 6, 7, and 8 - were working on would go right over my head. Literally.
Their assignment was to "build a bridge to the moon."
 

Sixth grader Cristina Carloni of Derby shows her group's plan outline.

 
I was amazed at the creativity of their initial project plans, since it was only the second class of the session. And I understood what the students were explaining to me. It was great to see them using their imaginations.    

The students are also learning teamwork through the project. They are split into groups of three or four.

Marc Weissman, a teaching consultant, is working with them on a STEM project.
STEM is a nationwide educational initiative to inspire students  to enjoy learning about the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

One group's design for building a 'bridge to the moon.' 

The project involves using art skills, as well as science and math knowledge.

Weissman said since snow cancelled school students missed two sessions, so the program will go on a bit longer than he had planned.

I hope to get a chance to return to see the students' finished projects.

Derby library to host Science Snoopers

    DERBY -The Science Snoopers series continues at Derby Public Library this fall with an after school program for children in kindergarten through Grade 3.
   Jean Mai presents Going Batty at 3:45 p.m. Oct. 11. Explore the fascinating world of bats during this 45-minute presentation.
        The Science Snoopers series are designed to introduce children to the natural world around them offering them an opportunity to explore the simplicity and complexity of science.
      The class includes a short talk enhanced with hands-on material, props and an experiment, a short story related to the theme followed by an art project.
    
Learn about bones
       The Library will present Bones! at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 17 for children ages 3-6.  Participants will learn about animal and human skeletons and discover why they are so important.
       The Science Snoopers series is designed to introduce children to the natural world around them offering them an opportunity to explore the simplicity and complexity of science.
     The class includes a short talk enhanced with hands-on material, props and an experiment, a short story related to the theme followed by an art project.
      Registration is requested for both programs. There is no fee.
      For information or to register, call the Children’s Room, 203-736-1482, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

This is a press release from Sue Sherman, Children's Librarian, Derby Public Library.

Derby library slates kids' activities in June

    DERBY - Families are welcome to attend a Pajama Story Time at Derby Public Library at 6:30 p.m.  June 12. Children ages 3-7 may wear their pajamas and bring along their favorite bedtime buddy or blanket to listen to stories, sing songs and enjoy a bedtime snack. Registration is requested.
       At 11 a.m. June 14, kids ages 4-11 are invited to attend Crafty Kids at the Derby Public Library. They will create a card for Father’s Day during this free arts and crafts activity. All materials will be provided.  Registration is requested.
    The library will offer a series of Science Snoopers programs to coincide with the children’s summer reading theme, "Dream Big-Read."
  At 10:30 a.m. June 13 children ages 3-8 are invited to attend Whooo’s Awake.  They will explore the nocturnal world and discover which animals are awake while they are asleep.
        The Science Snoopers series is designed to introduce children to the natural world around them offering them an opportunity to explore the simplicity and complexity of science.
    The class includes a short talk enhanced with hands-on material, props and an experiment, a short story related to the theme followed by an art project.
      Registration is requested.  There is no fee. For information on any of the above programs or to register, call the Children’s Room, 203-736-1482, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org