Friday, February 27, 2015

Malloy’s proposed cuts leave Valley volunteer firefighters in tough situation

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
Valley lawmakers are fighting to stop proposed cuts to the state’s fire training schools, including a $35,283 cut that would severely impact training for Valley volunteer firefighters, potentially causing tuition to skyrocket by more than 300 percent.
An overall proposed cut of $743,899 in the state budget would affect the state’s nine fire training schools, cutting money for operational costs, instructor’s payroll, utility costs and facilities maintenance.

Read more here

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Derby Neck Library's March events

DERBY >> These events will take place in the library in upcoming weeks:

Wednesday, March 11 
At 6:30 p.m., the Derby Neck Library presents “Bedtime Music and Movement” with Miss Kathi. Come sing and dance under our indoor stars. You may wish to wear your jammies and to bring a favorite stuffed animal.

On Monday, March 16
At 12:30-1:30 p.m., the Derby Neck Library hosts “Women’s Forum,” a monthly discussion group that focuses on short stories, poetry and history. This month we celebrate Women’s History Month by reminiscing about inspirational women we have known and famous achievements by American women. We serve free coffee and tea; you may wish to bring a light lunch.

Tuesday, March 17
At 6-7:30 p.m., and again on Wednesday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m. to noon, the Derby Neck Library presents “Tech Talks.” This free program offers ideas and instruction on how to best use new concepts and gadgets in technology to fit your needs. We offer a new topic each month, plus time to ask questions. For this month’s topic, please call the library.

Wednesday, March 18
At 6:30 p.m., therapy dogs Thor and Bailey visit Derby Neck Library for B.A.R.K. (Be a Reading Kid). Parents are able to register their children for a 15-minute session to read to a trained listening dog. To select a time, please call the library.

Thursday, March 19
At 6:30 p.m., the Derby Neck Library offers “Writers’ Round” a workshop group for writers of all genres—prose, fiction, poetry, history, scripts, etc. Come share your original works and practice writing from an engaging prompt selection.

Saturday, March 21
At 2 p.m. the Derby Neck Library hosts “The Kerry Boys” in a free concert open to the public. Enjoy this dynamic and highly engaging Celtic musical performance. These entertainers  always  give a crowd-pleasing, rousing time. To reserve a seat, please call the library.

Tuesday, March 24
At 5:30-7:30 p.m., the Derby Neck Library hosts “Teen Movie Night.” This month’s feature film, shown on blu-ray, is “Mockingjay, Part One.”  Free refreshments will be served, including a pizza dinner.  Seating is limited, so you must call ahead or stop in at the library to register.  Ages 17 and younger are invited to attend.

Monday, March 30
At 6:30 p.m., the Derby Neck Library hosts the “Evening Book Club.” This group meets monthly to discuss books of short fiction, memoirs, and some non-fiction. This month’s selection is “Facts of Life” by Maureen Howard, her memoir of growing up in Bridgeport. Copies of the book are available at the library.

The library is located at 307 Hawthorne Ave. For more information on any of these events, please call 203-734-1492.

Armory's walking hours extended in Ansonia

ANSONIA >> Walking hours at the Armory have been extended an hour during the winter months, according to Mayor David Cassetti.

Beginning Feb. 24, the Armory will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and will remain open until March 27.

“I am pleased to see that so many of our residents have taken advantage of the Armory to exercise during the winter months so I am opening the doors to the Armory for an additional hour. Hopefully this will help accommodate everyone’s busy schedules,” said Cassetti in a press release.

“Again, I want to encourage all residents to take advantage of this opportunity,” Cassetti said.

The Armory is located at 5 State St.w

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Veterans Appreciation Concert in Seymour April 11


'The Most Haunted House' and 'The Lifeboat' discussions at Derby Public Library

The World’s Most Haunted House: The True Story of the Bridgeport Poltergeist on Lindley Street 
The Derby Public Library welcomes author William J. Hall to the library on Monday, March 23 to discuss his book, The Most Haunted House: The True Story of the Bridgeport Poltergeist on Lindley Street. A Bridgeport native, Hall, watched the 1974 news coverage of the Lindley Street haunting on television when he was 10 years old. A crowd of more than 2,000 onlookers had gathered. The media reported jumping furniture, floating refrigerators, talking animals, and attacking entities. Now 40 years later, Hall examines the events and reveals never-released interviews with police officers, firefighters, and others, telling the story of what really happened. Once a skeptic, he now believes this is one of the most witnessed hauntings in history. Readers of his book believe that this is the haunting that should have brought the paranormal into mainstream science. Registration is requested.

Lunchtime Book Discussion – The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
The Derby Public Library has scheduled its next Lunchtime Book Discussion for Wednesday, March 25 at 12:30 p.m. The selected title is The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan. This debut novel is a young woman’s first-person story of survival against insurmountable odds. Forced into an overcrowded lifeboat after a mysterious explosion on a trans-Atlantic ocean liner, newly widowed Grace Winter battles the elements and her fellow survivors and remembers her husband, Henry, who set his own safety aside to ensure Grace’s. Multiple copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. Participants are asked to bring a sandwich and a friend as they “chat and chew.” Dessert and beverages will be provided. Registration is requested.

The above information was provided by Library Director Cathy Williams. For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Wesley Village continues “Sandwiched” caregiver education series for March

SHELTON >> Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life and caring for an aging loved one can leave you feeling “Sandwiched” and in need of support. Let us help. Caregivers are invited to join us at Wesley Village on Wednesday, March 4 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Snow Date: Wednesday, March 11) for our caregiver education series.

Our topic for this session is entitled: What Family Members Really Want to Know About Assisted Living. What is life really like in a senior living community? Our panel of residents and family members will address some common concerns about the move-in process, adjusting to a new home, communicating with staff and more.

To RSVP, contact us at 203-925-4952 or at http://www.wesleyvillage-ct.org/. The free program will be held at Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community on the Wesley Village Campus at 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton. A light supper will be served.

This is a monthly series. Be sure to “Save the Date” for our other upcoming programs, happening on the first Wednesday of the month.

Macaroni and Meatball Family Supper to benefit St. Mary-St. Michael School

DERBY >> Join Marc Garofalo and St. Michael’s Kitchen Krew at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, at St. Michael Church Hall, 75 Derby Ave., for a macaroni and meatball family supper to benefit the school.

Tickets are $10 per person. Menu features family style macaroni, meatballs, salad, soda, coffee and dessert. For reservations or information, call 203-734-0005. Seating is limited for the comfort of our supporters.

Anyone interested in donating a prize for the raffle or baking for the dessert trays can either drop off at the rectory or bring it by 2 p.m. on the day of the dinner.

Derby’s Marshall Lane Manor nursing home files paperwork to close

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> Marshall Lane Manor, a long-term care nursing facility based here for more than 40 years, has filed paperwork to close its doors.
Owner Anthony F. Simonetti filed a letter of intent with the state Feb. 13 to close the facility, citing financial issues.
“The decision to seek closure approval was difficult as we know relocation of residents from this facility will be disruptive and the jobs of our 91 dedicated employees will be immediately affected,” Simonetti said in a letter to Christopher LaVigne, director of Certificate of Need and Rate Setting for the state Department of Social Services. “We have been unable to make the facility financially viable due to the low occupancy and our efforts to sell the facility have been unsuccessful.”

Read the full story here

Monday, February 23, 2015

Derby nurse among highest prescribers in U.S.

By Lisa Chedekel
Connecticut Health I-Team
A Derby nurse practitioner was among the top 10 prescribers nationally of the most potent controlled substances in Medicare’s drug program in 2012 — an anomaly in a state where Medicare records show nurse practitioners rarely prescribe such drugs, which have a high potential for abuse.
Heather Alfonso, an advanced-practice registered nurse (APRN) at the Comprehensive Pain & Headache Treatment Centers LLC, wrote out 8,705 prescriptions for opioids and other Schedule II drugs in 2012 — the most prolific prescriber among all Connecticut practitioners, including pain specialists and other physicians, according to Medicare data compiled by ProPublica.


Read the full story here

Xpect Discounts to shutter all Connecticut stores within 12 months

By Luther Turmelle
Register Staff
The parent company of XPect Discounts has told East Haven officials that the grocery chain will close all of its remaining Connecticut stores over the next 12 months.
Sal Brancati, East Haven’s director of administration and management, said officials of XPect Discount’s corporate parent, Parma, Ohio-based Marc Glassman Inc., told him recently they are closing all of the chain’s remaining locations in the state, in Danbury, Milford, East Haven and Cromwell. The East Haven store is located at 78 Frontage Road .
“It’s not going to happen overnight, but they told us that they don’t want to do business in Connecticut anymore,” Brancati said. Town officials are close to lining up a new tenant for the building, he said.

Read more here

Teen tells Seymour selectmen ‘Boys & Girls Club changed my life’

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> Before joining the Boys & Girls Club last September, 13-year-old John Buzik said he was pretty much failing most of his classes, hated doing homework, was goofing off in school and heading down a path with little promise for a bright future.
Fast forward five months, and John has earned his first A on a science test, heads up a youth leadership program, oversees the finances for the club’s store and has become an all-around better person.
“The Boys and Girls Club has dramatically changed my life in many ways,” John told the Board of Selectmen this week, where club officials gave an update of the exciting things happening.

Read more here

Seymour Police Department to get drug-sniffing dog fully funded by anonymous donor

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> The Police Department soon will have a furry new addition to its roster.
That’s because the Board of Police Commissioners this week unanimously approved bringing a second police dog onboard to join the department’s ranks.
According to Commission Chairwoman Lucy McConologue, the new dog will be primarily a narcotics dog, which the department currently does not have.
Raider, the current police dog on staff, is not trained in narcotics detection, said Deputy Police Chief Paul Satkowski.

Read more here

Derby Public Library offers resume workshop March 4

DERBY >> The Derby Public Library is now offering resume workshops on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. During these sessions, participants are welcome to either start from scratch or bring copies of their existing resumes, cover letters as well, for review and optimizing. Often times a new resume can be created simply by making a number of subtle tweaks versus a whole new change. The March class will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is not required. For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203 736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

'Just for Women' series at Derby Public Library

DERBY >> The Derby Public Library continues its monthly series, Just for Women, on the first
Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. These informal sessions include the reading of quotes
reflecting life situations relevant to women. A wide variety of topics are covered.  Women of all
ages are invited to share their thoughts as they feel comfortable on Monday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m.
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. Registration is requested but walk-ins are also welcome. For more
information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203 736-1482 or visit
www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Teen Chess Club, YA Wednesdays and Teen Winter Watercolor Painting at Derby Public Library

Teen Chess Club
The Derby Public Library Teen Chess Club invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to meetings Mondays in March from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. Participants will learn how the game is played as well as defensive/offensive strategies. Julio Maldonado provides superb expertise from a life-long love for the game. Registration is requested.

YA Wednesdays
The Derby Public Library hosts YA Wednesdays every month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
All young adults ages 12 to 17 are invited to join the fun each Wednesday in March as Nintendo
Wii, board games, and Legos will be available. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is requested.

Teen Winter Watercolor Painting
The Derby Public Library invites all young adults ages 12 to 17 to a Teen Spring Watercolor Workshop, Thursdays in March, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. This four-session workshop will be led by Valley Arts Councilmember Rich DiCarlo and all materials will be provided. Registration is requested.

The above information was provided by Young Adult/Reference Librarian Tony DeLos. For more information stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org

Friday, February 20, 2015

Phil Rosenthal show at All-American Valley General Store rescheduled

SEYMOUR >> Due to the wintery weather snow forecast for Saturday, Phil Rosenthal's show at the All-American Valley General Store will be canceled this Saturday, Feb. 21, and rescheduled for Friday, April 17 from 7-9 p.m.

Warrant: Former Derby High principal allegedly asked detective if theft could be kept quiet



By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> Details about the arrest of former Derby High School Principal Greg Gaillard emerged Thursday with the release of the warrant, including an alleged admission by Gaillard asking a police detective if the issue with the money he admitted to withdrawing from a union account, and later promising to put back, could be kept quiet.
According to the warrant, Gaillard met with fellow members of the Derby Administrator’s Association in late December, just a couple weeks after he resigned as principal, citing personal reasons. The meeting between Gaillard, Bradley School Principal Mario Ciccarini and Irving School Principal Jennifer Olson occurred as a result of concerns that more than $13,000 was missing from the union bank account.

Read more here

Shelton developer James Botti free after home confinement ends

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
SHELTON >> A local developer sentenced to six years in prison following a federal corruption probe was able to serve less time because he got credit for program participation and good behavior.
City resident James Botti, 52, had an official release date of Feb. 19, ending his home confinement status, according to Federal Bureau of Prisons spokesman Chris Burke.
In November 2010, Botti surrendered and began serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Morgantown, West Virginia, a minimum security men’s prison.
According to Burke, Botti was transferred from prison to a halfway house on Aug. 26, 2014, and then transferred to home confinement on Sept. 10, 2014.
Botti’s home confinement ended with his formal release Thursday, and his three-year period of supervised release began, according to Burke.

Read more here

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Assumption School Honor Roll

ANSONIA >> Assumption School Principal Kathleen Molner has announced that the following students have attained Honor Roll status for the second marking period:

Grade 4
High Honors ~ Ava Cratty, Abigail Hanson, Riley Pelatowski, Samantha Sosnovich, and Emily Sudol.
Second Honors ~ William Bradshaw, Fabian Cuprys, Joseph Czajkowski, Connor Edo, Jamie Fonseca, Paige Fourtin, Angela Ho, James Lowman, Tyra McKoy, Maxwell Osgood, and  Anthony Sullivan.

Grade 5
High Honors ~ Gabriel Bravo-Cancino, Ryan Brimecombe, Jenna Davis, Brianna Dowling, Kiely Geoghan, Isabelle Jadach, Craig Jeffrey, Matthew Martucci, Courtney Musante, and Ryan Tyszka.
Second Honors ~ Zavier Desrosiers, Alana Drugonis, Claudia Hollo, Olivia Kopec, and Michael Marti.

Grade 6
High Honors ~ Schuyler Cummings, Kylee Nimons, and Taylor Pelatowski.
Second Honors ~ Ahsan Ahmad, Sarah Burke, Janelle Cantil, Mackenzie Ceccarelli,  Ayanna Cruz, Michael Eheman, Cheyenne Fedor, Cameron Pomponio and Mikayla Wiacek.

Grade 7
High Honors ~  Matthew DeFelice, Jason Do, Christopher Hughes, Joshua Quinn, Mia Ramadei, Bianca Romano, Andrea Rooney, and Sydney Walsh.
Second Honors ~ Jack Ahearn, Brooke Armistead, Kyle Cardenas, Alexi Edo, Ethan Johnson, Maria Kocianska, and Kristina Terlaga.

Grade 8
High Honors ~ Hadia Ahmad, Robert Damjanovich, Jordyn Davis, Annalee Gaudreau, Gabrielle Jadach, Samantha Mosel, Jason Ostrowski, Manjot Singh, Theresa Swatt, and Ania Washington.
Second Honors ~ Lucas Ardito, Alexa Benfanti, Arianna Blackwell, Victoria Bradshaw, Ally DiMauro, Siobhian Lowman, Logan Lumley, Gillian Nemec, and  Ashton Sarandrea.

Snow budget depleted, Seymour to hold public meeting seeking approval to transfer money

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> The harsh hand being dealt by Mother Nature this winter has pretty much depleted the town’s snow plowing budget.
That’s why the Board of Selectmen needs to hold a town meeting next month to get residents’ approval to transfer more than $120,000 from the town’s general fund into the Public Works budget.
First Selectman Kurt Miller apprised the selectmen during its meeting Tuesday that the 2014-15 budget for snow removal materials, including salt and sand, has been exceeded by $103,000. The budget for labor costs, which includes plenty of overtime as many of the recent snowstorms have occurred on weekends, has been exceeded by $23,000, Miller said.

Read more here

Cassetti to host ‘Mayor’s Night Out’ in Ansonia

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA >> Mayor David Cassetti is once again inviting residents to ask questions and voice any concerns or suggestions for improvement to make Ansonia a better place to live.
Cassetti will host his second “Mayor’s Night Out” Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ansonia Rescue Medical Services (ARMS) building, 22 West. Main St.
“I want to give the residents of Ansonia an opportunity to meet and have their voices heard,” Cassetti said. “I want to hear from my constituents. I am interested in their ideas and feedback.”

Read more here

Derby reacts to arrest of former high school principal

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> The arrest of former Derby High School Principal Greg Gaillard this week for allegedly stealing more than $13,000 from a union bank account was met with mixed reviews from the community.
Gaillard turned himself in to Derby police Tuesday night, after being served with a warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and charged with second-degree larceny.
Police Lt. Justin Stanko said police received a complaint in December from the Derby Administrator’s Association- the union that represents Derby principals, assistant principals and special education supervisors. The complaint states that $13,200 went missing from that account. Gaillard was president of the association, and maintained financial control of the account prior to his sudden resignation Dec. 9, police said.

Read more here

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

PHOTOS: 17th annual paczki-eating contest in Ansonia

PACKING THE PACZKIS IN: Jay Alvarez of Meriden, with his son Adam Alvarez, 3, riding shotgun, participates in Eddy's Bake Shop 17th annual paczki-eating contest in Ansonia, as they celebrate Fat Tuesday. Contestants have five minutes to eat as many of the deep fried Polish-style doughnuts as they can. The traditions of eating paczkis or pancakes on Fat Tuesday are a final celebration on the eve of Lent, a season of penance marking Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. The six weeks of Lent lead up to Holy Week and Easter, which this year falls on April 5. 

(Photo by Peter Hvizdak — New Haven Register)

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY: http://bit.ly/1Dn0qWJ


All-American Valley General Store presents Phil Rosenthal

SEYMOUR >> The All-American Valley General Store presents:

Phil Rosenthal / Saturday Feb. 21st / 
Tickets $10 / 7pm-9pm
16 Bank Street & Columbus Street, 
Seymour CT 06483
Reservations at: 203-828-6442 redcloverblossom.com

Phil Rosenthal is a nationally renowned singer, songwriter, recording artist and record producer. For many years the lead singer and guitarist in the popular bluegrass group The Seldom Scene, he is also highly respected for his instrumental skills on banjo and mandolin.

A native of Guilford, CT, Phil began his professional career in the 1970's as mandolin player and singer in the New England-based bluegrass bands Apple Country and Old Dog. In 1977, he joined The Seldom Scene, travelling widely with the group throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan, including appearances at the Grand Old Opry and the White House. He recorded seven albums with the band, receiving a Grammy nomination for his work on Scene 20 . In 1986, he left the group in order to run American Melody, a recording company founded with wife Beth Sommers, devoted to producing bluegrass and folk music for children and families. The label's 22 releases thus far feature Phil and a variety of other noted performers, and have won many awards from the Parents' Choice Foundation, the American Library Association, and other organizations.
Phil is also a successful songwriter whose original compositions have been recorded by many leading bluegrass and country music performers, including Johnny Cash and Bill Monroe. He wrote the song Muddy Waters. In 1994, the Connecticut Commission on the Arts appointed him the official Connecticut State Troubadour.

'Dinner and a Movie' and 'Meet the Author' at Derby Neck Library

DERBY >> On Thursday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. the Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. hosts “Dinner and a Movie” for ages 18 and older.  This month’s feature film, shown on blu-ray is “Birdman,” starring Michael Keaton. Free refreshments will be served, including a dinner at intermission. This is a no cost event and no registration is required. Please be on time, as doors close at 5:45 p.m. For details, please call the library at 203-734-1492.

On Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m., the Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave. presents “Meet the Author,” with Michael Sweeney of Shelton.  Poet Sweeney is the author of the recently released “Octagon Commonweal.”  He will be reading from his book , copies of which will be available for purchase and for signing.  Sweeney has an M.F.A. from Brooklyn College and has been twice nominated for the Pushcart Prize.  This is a free event; for details please call the library at 203-734-1492.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Bring your tech-related questions to Tech Time at Derby Public Library

DERBY >> The Derby Public Library has changed the format of its monthly Tech Time sessions. Now on every third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. a staff member will be on hand to answer all your tech-related questions and concerns. Whether you are having trouble downloading e-books, searching databases, completing on-line job applications, scanning/sending documents and photos, etc., your problems will be addressed.

February’s sessions will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 19 at 10 a.m.  No registration is needed.

For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482, or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.    

In honor of Presidents Day, Derby Public Library presents talk Feb. 23 on Teddy Roosevelt

DERBY >> The Derby Public Library, in honor of Presidents Day, has scheduled the informative talk, The Character and Personality of Teddy Roosevelt, on Monday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Gordon Williams, retired history teacher, will be the presenter. Descendent of wealth, cowboy, big-game hunter, military leader, urban police commissioner, governor and President, Teddy Roosevelt did it all and did it with flair. While information about his presidency and achievements will be included, this lecture will focus on his character and personality. Registration is requested.  For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Derby Public Library to display local history postcards in March

DERBY >> The Derby Public Library holds weekly Local History Information Sessions on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Along with offering research assistance, the library’s Local History Coordinator also offers information on monthly highlighted topics. During the month of March, Local History Postcards will be available to view and discuss. 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 will also be available for research on topics such as genealogy, prominent local figures, major area events and more.

For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.


Wednesday Movie Matinees (ages 18 and over) at Derby Public Library

DERBY >> The Derby Public Library continues its weekly Wednesday Movie Matinees series for ages 18 and over. Newly released DVDs will be shown every Wednesday at 1 p.m.  Light snacks will be provided. Registration is requested. For a list of featured films, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or call 203-736-1482.  

Ansonia business leaders 'locked-up' for muscular dystrophy

ANSONIA >> The local branch of the Muscular Dystrophy Association held a lock-up event Jan. 29 at The Original Antonio’s located at 314 Main St.

Community business leaders were picked up at their place of business and brought to Antonio’s by several transportation sponsors supporting the event. A car and driver for the day were each donated by Fitzpatrick’s Chrysler Jeep, The Limo Group and Curtiss Ryan Honda. Upon arriving at “jail” to serve their time, the “jailbirds” were served complimentary “jail” food, while they each attempted to raise their bail money for MDA. The “jailbirds” spent their time at the facility calling friends and family to bail them out of the mock MDA “jail.” This year the local MDA raised over $23,000 at the Lock-Up.

Jason Tracy, assistant principal at Amity High School, was the highest fundraiser raising $2,155. Other top fundraisers were Josh Dickinson, Audit Manager at Blum Shapiro, who raised $1,664, Shelly Arsenault, clerk for the City of Shelton, who raised $1,335 Linda Scott, CFO of Brennan Construction, who raised $1,250 and Doreen Laucella, bookkeeper for the Shelton Senior Center, who raised $1,090.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. The majority of contributions to MDA come from individual donors.

This is a press release from the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale set for May 2

SEYMOUR >>  It is time to sign up for the Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale to be held on the Saturday, May 2 (Raindate May 16).The listing fee of $15 should be sent to Elizabeth Pisano, 38 Greenwood Circle, Seymour, CT 06483. Please include your street address, phone number, and your email address so we can contact you if necessary. Your address will be added to a list for shoppers. The event is open to Seymour residents, businesses and organizations. All proceeds from registration will be used for advertising, signage, balloons and any other costs associated with the Town Wide Tag Sale. Why Participate in the Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale? The Seymour Town Wide Tag Sale gives buyers the opportunity to go to one place and spend the day visiting multiple tag sales. It’s a way to have a concentration of sales at one convenient destination. For professional dealers, it’s an efficient way to shop to replenish their inventory. Seymour residents and businesses who wish to have a sale get the benefit of traffic volume that is rarely seen in town. For less than the cost of a single classified ad, you get the benefit of an amount of shoppers that you could not hope to see on your own! For more information contact Elizabeth Pisano at 203-415-4387 or emirabella2006@yahoo.com

Ansonia High School senior selected for All-State Orchestra



ANSONIA >> Ansonia High School senior Jonathan Bustamante is Ansonia High’s first All-State Orchestra member, and he will perform in a concert in Hartford with his peers on May 2, 2015 at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Jonathan Bustamante, who has been playing since he was four years old, auditioned for All-State on Saturday, Feb. 7 at North Haven High School. A percussionist, he was first selected for the Southern Region orchestra this past fall, which made him eligible for All-State.

“He is extremely talented and is not afraid to work hard,” said his music teacher and band director, Maria Tangredi. “He has an unrivaled work ethic.” She noted that in addition to preparing a piece for the snare drum, he had to demonstrate fluency in percussion rudiments, and technique on bass drum, tambourine, and cymbals.

Nearly 10 years ago, an Ansonia High student was selected for All-State for chorus, but Jonathan is the first from Ansonia to make the orchestra. He said his parents, who still live in Ecuador, are proud of him. Jonathan left Ecuador nearly two years ago, moving in with his uncle in Ansonia and learning a new language while refining his musical talents. He said he is “excited, not nervous” about his upcoming performance in May.

Students selected for All-State will spend two days (April 30 and May 1) rehearsing for the concert and enjoying performances in the evenings. More information about the program is available at http://allstatefestival.wix.com/ctallstate.

When asked about his future plans, Jonathan said he just took his SATs on Saturday – hours prior to auditioning for All-State. He is preparing to audition for the music program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and is also considering attending Western Connecticut State University.

This is a press release from Ansonia Public Schools.

Buy ticket to Sound Tigers game to benefit Ansonia Post Prom Party

ANSONIA >> Purchase a ticket to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers vs. the Binghamton Senators and a portion of the ticket money will go to help the Ansonia High School PTSO raise money for the Post Prom Party. Game is Sunday, March 22 at 3 pm at Webster Bank Arena, Bridgeport. Tickets are only $20. Call Mary Boissonneasult to get your tickets now at 203-345-4829.

Popular paczki-eating contest set for Tuesday in Ansonia

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA >> Filling your face with rich, fatty foods the day before the ritual fasting of Lent has become a tradition at Eddy's Bake Shop for the past 17 years. And this year’s annual paczki- (pronounced poonch-key) eating contest promises a new twist.
The contest, scheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Eddy’s, located at 317 Main St., will once again feature contestants trying to scoff down as many of the plump, filled donuts they can in five minutes.
The twist? Mayor David Cassetti will crown the winner, if they hail from Ansonia, as honorary ‘mayor for the day.’ Eddy’s will also give the winner, no matter where they come from, a fat $200 cash prize.


 Marcus Bartone, winner of the paczki-eating contest Tuesday, participated in memory of his little girl, Sydney, who died of neuroblastoma at age 7. Peter Hvizdak — New Haven Register file photo



Read more here

Connecticut legislators introduce bills for better blasting regs

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> Fire Marshal Paul Wetowitz is urging residents and others to speak up on behalf of two newly proposed bills geared to improve local blasting regulations and better protect people’s properties from damage.
State Sen. Rob Kane, R-Watertown, has proposed Senate Bill No. 771, which would require the state Fire Marshal’s Office to study blasting, review existing regulations and statues and make recommendations to a joint standing committee of the General Assembly.
State Rep. Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour/Beacon Falls/Derby, has also proposed a new bill, House Bill 6494 that would require the state to establish complaint procedures for property owners to report damages incurred by blasting, and amend existing regulations to address modern blasting techniques.

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Derby averts possible tragedy by taking wrecking ball to blighted buildings

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> Another longstanding eyesore met with the wrecking ball Thursday.
Two blighted commercial buildings at 67-69 Minerva St. were demolished, marking the end of a years-long struggle with the property owner to remove the unsightly and unsafe multi-story structures.
The property, owned by Bridgeport Developer John Guedes, formerly housed a vintage auto shop, and industrial heat treating facility, according to Building Inspector Carlo Sarmiento. It has stood vacant for the last 15 years and has been decaying at a rapid rate. Large sections of the buildings were open, exposed to the elements over the years, prompting city officials to engage its beefed-up blight laws to get the building demolished.

Read more here

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

'28 Days of Diapers' initiative kicks off

SEYMOUR >> Connecticut Partnership for Children's second annual “28 Days of Diapers” initiative is now underway through March 5.

The attached picture was taken by the agency's teenage volunteer,
of a Diaper Drive she did at American Legion Post 174,
to benefit the Partnership's Valley Diaper Bank
This is a month-long initiative to raise Diaper Need Awareness in the state. During this time, there are many ways to get involved, including running a diaper drive of your own for the agency’s Valley Diaper Bank. Gather your friends, family, co-workers, or community group and collect baby diapers and wipes.

All donations can be dropped at the agency office March 5 during their 6th Birthday Open House. The Connecticut Partnership is located in Downtown Seymour at 141 Main St., Bank Street entrance. The birthday open house will run from noon to 8 p.m., and refreshments will be served. All are invited to stop by and learn more about the agency and its programs.

If you would like more information about how to get involved in the “28 Days of Diapers” initiative, please contact the Partnership at 203-881-1804 or by emailing info@ctpfc.org

At the end of the “28 Days,” Colonial Tavern in Oxford will be hosting the agency’s annual winter fundraiser, The Dave Reilly Comedy Adventure featuring Gary Pettinella. The event will be held on Friday, March 6, doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, or $210 for a table of ten, $240 for a table of 12. Tickets are selling quickly and likely will not be available at the door. Appetizers and desserts will be served, cash bar with drink specials. Tickets are on sale now at www.ctpfc.org or by calling 203-881-1804.

The information above was provided by Meghan Tarby, MSW, executive director and social worker
for CT Partnership for Children, Inc.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Ansonia school's Fire Prevention Poster contest winners announced

ANSONIA >> The winners of the annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest for Ansonia Public Schools have been announced by Fire Marshal Ralph Tingley. Gift cards were presented to the top three winners in Grades 4 and 5 for Mead and Prendergast Schools.

In addition to the fire marshal, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol Merlone, Mayor David Cassetti and school principals participated in the presentation Feb. 5.

Two students who were first prize winners at Mead School have been selected as the grand prize winners for the city, and their posters are on display in the State Capitol in Hartford. The students are fourth grader Willow Cappa and fifth grader Jovi Guevara. The other winners of the contest at Mead are as follows: Grade 4, second prize, Nicholas Fahy; and third prize, Hali Langer; and Grade 5, second prize, Jhael Molina; and third prize, Elaina Cibulas.

At Prendergast, fourth grade winners are Julia Kaye (first prize), Nikky Tran (second prize) and Jordyn Zealor (third prize), while the fifth grade winners are Maya Frager (first prize), Allison White (second prize) and Mikenna Davis (third prize).

Mead School Fire Prevention Poster Contest winners (from left, first row) Elaina Cibulas, Hali Langer, Jovi Guevara, Willow Cappa, Nicholas Fahy, and Jhael Molina are congratulated by (second row, from left) Assistant Principal John Coppola, Superintendent Dr. Carol Merlone, Mayor David Cassetti and Ansonia Fire Marshal Ralph Tingley.


The Prendergast School Fire Prevention Poster Contest winners are (from left, first row) Mikenna Davis, Allison White, Maya Frager, Julia Kaye, Nikki Tran, and Jordyn Zealor. They are congratulated by (from left, second row), Assistant Principal Sherrod McNeill, Principal Joe Apicella, Superintendent Dr. Carol Merlone, Mayor David Cassetti, and Fire Marshal Ralph Tingley.

Tween Tuesdays and Lego Time at Derby Public Library

TWEEN TUESDAYS
Tween Tuesdays for 10 to 12 year olds continues at the Derby Public Library with a Chinese New Year theme on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Tweens will have an opportunity to create a Chinese lantern along with other hands-on activities. All materials will be provided and there is no fee to attend. Registration is requested.

LEGO TIME
The Derby Public Library invites children ages 4-11 to use their creative talents and stir their imaginations during Lego Time on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. All levels of building skills are welcome to come by for this drop-in program which will take place twice a month. There is no fee to attend and all building materials will be provided. The masterpieces will remain on display in the Children’s Room for everyone to admire.

These are press releases from Children's Librarian Susan Sherman. For further information or to register, please call the Children’s Room at 203 736-1482, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St. or visit the library website at www.derbypubliclibrary.org

PHOTO: WTNH meteorologists give St. Mary-St. Michael School students a weather lesson during Career Day



DERBY >> As part of Catholic Schools Week, St. Mary-St. Michael School held a Career Day.  Pictured with grades 4-8 are Kevin Arnone and Sam Kantro (rear center), meteorologists with WTNH in New Haven. The students learned about weather instruments and their use on the Mobile Weather Lab.


Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller's Code Red message on snowstorm prep

The following information is from a Code Red message that Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller sent out to residents and posted on his Facebook page regarding preparations for the upcoming snowstorms:

Text of today's Code Red message. Sorry in advance for any typos....
This is Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller with a public service announcement utilizing the Code Red System. With more snow projected in the coming days we will need to take some steps to allow us to properly prepare. Effective Friday, February 6th at 8pm there will be a parking ban encompassing Main, First, Columbus, Wakeley, DeForest and Bank Streets in the downtown area. This ban will stay in effect ...until Saturday, February 7th at 8am so that snow can be removed from the downtown area. During this time we ask that all cars be removed from these streets. Any cars that are not will be towed. Should you have any questions regarding this, please contact the Seymour Police Department at 203-881-7600. 
As you know, we have more snow in the forecast. The duration and amount of snow expected are still unknown, but most suggest we could see up to another foot of snow. The town is taking all necessary steps to prepare for whatever is needed. We have increased our supply of salt and all of our trucks are ready to go to keep our street clear. As a reminder, property owners are responsible for the clearing of sidewalks in front of their property within 24 hours of the end of the storm. I would also like to ask that you pay special attention to any curb cuts and cross walks attached to those sidewalks to make sure that they are cleared for pedestrian traffic. I do understand that this isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but we need to all work together to make our community as safe as we possibly can. 
I will provide more information as needed in the coming days. Have a great rest of the day.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Officials hammering out details of next demolition phase for Ansonia Copper & Brass

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA >> City officials are hammering out details to make way for the next phase of demolition to the former Ansonia Copper & Brass property downtown.
According to Economic Development Director Sheila O’Malley, the city is working with Property Owner Ray McGee and his legal counsel in drafting a new Memorandum of Understanding for the second phase of demolition. O’Malley is hopeful the MOU can be finalized and ready for a vote of the Board of Aldermen at its meeting next week.
O’Malley said the second phase includes “up to approximately 200,000 additional square feet” that has been proposed for the wrecking ball.

Read more here

Film highlights Ansonia thrift store helping domestic violence victims

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA >> A short film highlighting a local thrift store’s role in raising funds and awareness for victims of domestic violence will make its red carpet debut here Thursday.
Photojournalist Annalisa Russell-Smith, formerly with the New Britain Herald and owner of Local Planet Productions, based in Cromwell, created the four-minute film for My Sister’s Place.
My Sister’s Place, located at 380 Main St., is a family thrift store and donation center run by BHcare where 100 percent of the proceeds collected from the sale of new and used donated clothing, furniture and home goods go to victims of domestic violence.

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Martin Pascale named principal at Derby High School

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> A familiar face will greet students Wednesday as Derby High School’s new principal.
Martin Pascale, who’s been serving as acting principal since the sudden departure of former Principal Greg Gaillard in December, was named to the position on a permanent basis by the Board of Education Tuesday night.
The board met for two hours behind closed doors, conducting third and final interviews with Pascale and another candidate. Pascale rose to the occasion, school officials said, especially since he already knows the community and, more importantly, said Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway, he knows and loves the students.

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Wednesday, February 4, 2015

'In Love and Chocolate' fundraiser returns Feb. 8

SHELTON >> Spooner House will be one of the beneficiaries for the fourth annual In Love and Chocolate, a Valentine's holiday event, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 8 from
1 to 4 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 780 Bridgeport Ave. in Shelton. The Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund is the other beneficiary of the event featuring a chocolate lover’s paradise. Tickets are $25 each or $40 for two.

Sponsoring the event this year are the Valley Community Foundation, Charter Arms, The Glass Source Stained Glass Studio, Marks of Design and Star 99.9 WEZN radio.

Spooner House provides temporary housing and food to help the less fortunate to get back on their feet and the Turtle Shell Fund is a charity that furthers music and arts education through scholarship and programming for children and young adults.

In Love and Chocolate tickets are available at Liquid Lunch, 6 Research Drive, Marks of Design on Howe Avenue and Spooner House, 30 Todd Road , all in Shelton . Tickets may also be purchased on Event Brite using this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-love-chocolate-tickets-15310153080?ref=elink  For questions please e-mail Nicole Heriot-Mikula of The Turtle Shell Fund at nicole@soupstockfestival.org or call/e-mail Kate Pipa of Spooner House at 203-225-0453 x102 or kpipa@actspooner.org. Additional information may also be found on the Facebook event page.

With each ticket, patrons will be able to sample chocolate creations from the best of Connecticut ’s confectioners, sip champagne (for those 21 or older), listen to live music, enter to win door prizes and much more. The exhibitors serving up sweet samples this year include restaurants in Ansonia , Derby , Seymour , Shelton , Milford and more. Proceeds will be split between Spooner House and the Turtle Shell Fund. Vendors include: Taste & See Gourmet Cupcakes, Tidmarsh Home Bake Shop, Common Bond Market, The Pink Cupcake Shack. Stone Gardens Farm, Liquid Lunch, Nikki's Candy Boutique, Royal Bakery, Bricks & Barley Tavern, Rotk'n Chocolates, Wildflour Cupcakes & Sweets, Focaccia's Cafe & Catery, Seasonal Sweets & Catery, Courtyard by Marriot, Starbucks, Tea With Tracy and 500 Degrees.

“We look forward to the always delightful In Love and Chocolate fund raiser every year which showcases wonderful creations from local cafes, restaurants and bake shops,” commented Susan Agamy, Executive Director of Spooner House.

Non-profit Area Congregations Together, Inc. (ACT) was formed in 1979 to help fill gaps in the Lower Naugatuck Valley ’s social service network, and is a partner agency of the Valley United Way .

'Dinner with the Doc' at Wesley Village Campus

SHELTON >> Do you have a loved one experiencing memory loss? What strategies could you incorporate in your day to day life that would be the most helpful? Please join us on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m. for “Dinner with the Doc."

Dr. Daniel Wollman, medical director of the Lifestyle Transition Program, will be available to speak on this important topic and answer your questions or concerns. A light supper will be provided.

Please RSVP to Lisa Kelleher at 203-225-5000. The program will be held in the Lifestyle Transition neighborhood at Wesley Heights.

The Lifestyle Transition Program at United Methodist Homes is located on the Wesley Village Campus, 580 Long Hill Avenue, Shelton, CT 06084. It is a specialized assisted living memory support program designed to maximize independence and provide education and support services for residents and their families. Further information is available by contacting Lisa Kelleher at 203-225-5000 or email her at lkelleher@umh.org

This is a press release from Mary Ann Bradshaw, development coordinator at United Methodist Homes.

Sens. Crisco and Kane testify in favor of fire safety legislation

Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, and Sen. Rob Kane, R-Watertown, on Feb. 3 testified in favor of legislation which would require landlords to notify tenants whether there is an operative sprinkler system in their housing units.

The idea for the proposal originated from former Woodbridge resident Jeffrey Block, whose daughter, Eva, was a student at Marist College when she tragically died in an off-campus house fire in 2012.

 Left to right: Sen. Joseph Crisco, D-Woodbridge, Sen. Rob Kane, R-Watertown,
and former Woodbridge resident Jeffrey Block on Feb. 3 testified in favor
of legislation which would require landlords to notify tenants whether there
 is an operative sprinkler system in their housing units. 
“Too often we see news reports of fires in dwellings which result in the loss of life,” Crisco said. “As legislators, we must take every step we can to prevent such tragedies. Requiring that landlords notify their tenants about whether there is an operative sprinkler system in their unit is one such step.”

“In any dwelling, we can all agree that fire prevention safety and fire prevention safety methods are paramount,” Kane said. “This bill would require landlords to do something which many of us would consider to be a common sense act. Requiring this simple notification could mean the difference between life and death.”

Crisco and Kane, who are co-sponsoring the legislation, thanked Block for bringing the issue to their attention. Block currently lives in Watertown.

The bill now awaits legislative action by the General Assembly’s Housing Committee.

Bill info: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2015/TOB/S/2015SB-00103-R00-SB.htm

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Derby finance director abruptly resigns


By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> City Finance Director Thomas Thompson abruptly resigned last week after being on the job less than three years.
Mayor Anita Dugatto confirmed Monday that Thompson, who previously served as East Haven’s finance director under former East Haven Mayor April Capone, resigned Thursday.
“Tom Thompson made a decision on Thursday to end his employment with the City of Derby,” said Dugatto in an email to the New Haven Register Monday.
Dugatto did not provide an explanation for Thompson’s sudden departure. Thompson could not be reached for comment Monday.

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Seymour seeks veterans to add to plaques at Veterans’ Grove at French Memorial Park

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> The town is continuing its mission to honor residents who have served in the military by adding their names to new plaques planned for Veterans’ Grove at French Memorial Park.
According to a press release issued by First Selectman Kurt Miller’s office, the town is looking for veterans, alive or deceased, who entered service from Seymour from the Vietnam War forward, and who did not receive a dishonorable discharged and whose names do not already appear on the monuments.

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Vendor background checks have Derby Day festival organizers worried

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY >> Requiring vendors who sell everything from balloons to burgers at the city’s annual Derby Day festival to undergo police background checks has organizers fearing the event will fold.
The city has had an ordinance on its books since 1976 that requires background checks for vendors wanting to peddle their wares at city-wide events. However, according to Aldermanic President Art Gerckens, single-day events and licensing and permits for vendors, “was not referenced” back in the ’70s.
“Single-day event licenses have been loosely required to follow all of the requirements of the ’70s-era ordinance,” Gerckens said. “This has led to confusion in recent years and the current Operations and Procedures (subcommittee) has attempted to streamline and clarify the process.

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Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 in Scholarships

    Valley Community Foundation Awards $170,000 from Scholarship Funds to Support Educational Pursuits of Local Students   DERBY, CT (Octobe...