Chelsea mayor announces Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven declared September 2015 as Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

City of Chelsea Fire & Rescue Chief Wayne Shirley said the fire station will be lit by teal lights to commemorate the awareness month.

“The purpose of it is to raise awareness for this cause, and we’re happy to be able to participate in that this year, and we hope we raise some awareness,” Shirley said.

Niven said he hopes the community will help bring attention to these cancers and help promote early detection.

“We need to call awareness and we need to encourage our ladies to go and have these examinations,” Niven said. “Anything we can do to identify something early, even if it is cancer, there is a way to control it and cure it, and that’s what we need to do.”

Niven also declared Sept. 28 as “Family Day” in Chelsea. In the past, Chelsea has encouraged families to blow bubbles in September to promote safety and keeping track of children's locations. Family Day, however, encourages family dinner and conversation between parents and adults.

“Looking at my great grandson over here, that’s something you want to do daily, even starting at his age [seven months],” Niven said, “because anything we can do to prevent that child from getting on drugs or alcohol, kids learn so fast that now is the time we teach them.”

Also at the council meeting:

• The council approved the re-appointment of Dawn Wilson to the Chelsea Public Library Board. Wilson will serve another four-year term on the Public Library Board.
• New Chelsea firefighter, Bert Seitz, was introduced.
• Chief Shirley announced an initiative to install fire detectors in conjunction with the Red Cross.
• Councilman Dale Neuendorf recognized COP for its growing force, which is now up to 47 active members.