By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
DERBY — William M. LaRovera, the former Derby Middle School administrator who was arrested in September after police alleged he brought narcotics to school, on Friday was found eligible for admittance to the accelerated rehabilitation program.
LaRovera, 35, appeared with his attorney, Rob Serafinowicz of Waterbury, before Judge Burton A. Kaplan in Superior Court.

Read the full story here.

    ANSONIA - Ansonia Community Action's 2nd Annual Black History Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8-11 a.m. Feb. 25 at Macedonia Baptist Church, 243 Pershing Drive.
    The menu will include pancakes, grits, eggs, bacon, sausage, juice, coffee, and tea. Tickets are $8.
    For information and tickets call 203-736-4462.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY — Public Works Director Ron Culmo is keeping his fingers crossed that the mild winter we’re having continues.
That’s not because Culmo isn’t a fan of snow or cold weather, he just fears that the department’s aging fleet of vehicles simply won’t withstand another harsh storm.
And each time a crew member gets behind the wheel of one of the 40-plus-year-old trucks, Culmo said he’s concerned about their safety.

Read the full story here.

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
SEYMOUR — More than 50 small-business owners Wednesday learned about the initiatives state officials on both sides of the aisle are promoting to boost Connecticut’s economy.
State Rep. Leonard Greene, R-Seymour, sponsored the informational forum at Town Hall, which included representatives of the state Department of Labor and Department of Economic and Community Development.
He said the workshop followed passage of bipartisan legislation during a special session in October.

Read the full story here.

Things are looking up in the Valley, longtime resident Marc Weissman says.
He has launched “Looking Up: A View From the Valley, a community access cable TV show that will focus on all things Valley.
The 30-minute show debuted last month on Comcast Channel 10.
Weissman said in a written release that “topics will include culture, history, education, libraries, senior centers, Scouting, parks, recreation, tourism, and volunteer opportunities, among others.
In addition to airing on Channel 10, clips will be accessible via FaceBook, YouTube, Twitter, AOL’s Patch (Shelton, Naugatuck, Oxford), MySpace, www.lookingupvalley.com, lookingupvalley.blogspot.com as well as on access channels outside the Valley.
The show will initially use an on-location talk format, but it will eventually morph to combine news and local event coverage as well, Weissman said.
Video clips from the first three episodes are available here.
Asf or potential co-sponsorship, plans are in the works for the show to join forces with non-profits such as the Valley Arts Council, the Valley United Way, and the Valley Community Foundation.
Persons interested in volunteering or appearing on the show may contact lookingupvalley@gmail.com.

By Register Staff
SHELTON – Police have arrested a local man and a Derby man for allegedly robbing the Buck Stop Convenience Store at 429 Shelton Ave. in December.
Jonathan Russell, 19, of 6 Richard Blvd. in Shelton and Nicholos Cowell, 19, of 204 Derby Ave. in Derby were arrested Wednesday and each charged with robbery in the first degree and larceny in the fourth degree. Neither was able to post the set $250,000 bail and both are due in Derby Superior Court today, police said Thursday.

Read the full story here.

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — The late Edmund D. Strang dedicated his life to guiding Valley youth and now Troop 3, Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America, has launched a book project to remember him.
Strang, a city native, died in 1995 at the age of 85.
Former Scouts and Valley residents who knew him have been asked to share their memories of him.


Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — With two exceptions, the town met its deadline Wednesday to remedy serious violations found last year by the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration at town buildings.
“Everything we needed to get done has been done,” said First Selectman Kurt Miller, adding the town is still awaiting test results on some floor tiles in a closet at Town Hall to determine whether they contain asbestos. If they do, Miller said they will be replaced.


Read the full story here.

By Register Staff 
DERBY – Derby Police are searching for a suspect in an armed robbery that occurred Wednesday morning.
According to a police press release, officers responded to a reported robbery at Tim’s Food Mart at 195 Seymour Avenue just before 8 a.m.
A clerk reportedly told police that a man dressed in a Dallas Cowboys hoodie and New York Yankees baseball cap came into the store with a knife and tried to take money from the cash register.
The clerk struggled with the suspect, and he reportedly hit her in the hand with the knife before fleeing on foot.
The clerk was taken to Griffin Hospital and is in stable condition.
Police found the hoodie and baseball cap nearby, where the suspect discarded them while fleeing.
Police are asking anyone with information on the person who owns these items to call them at (203) 735-7811. All calls will stay anonymous.

By the Associated Press
BRIDGEPORT — A man charged with hacking a Connecticut man to death with an ax and eating some body parts is due in a state courtroom under tight security after being returned from Florida.
Tyree Lincoln Smith, 35, is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Bridgeport Superior Court on a murder charge. The Connecticut Post reports that Smith was returned to Connecticut on Tuesday afternoon after having been arrested last week in Lynn Haven, Fla.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
Valley leaders Tuesday aired some concerns regarding Valley Emergency Medical Services’ procedures and policies, brought on by a VEMS board member’s recent out-of-state accident while driving a new emergency vehicle.
The meeting was called by the Valley Council of Governments, which includes Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe, Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri, Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller and Shelton Mayor Mark A. Lauretti.
Town officials wanted to discuss VEMS operations, and in particular the December accident that VEMS Board of Directors Treasurer Madelene Taggart had on her way home from Maryland while driving a 2012 Ford Expedition.

Read the full story here.

Aftermath of house fire. Patricia Villers/Register 

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — A fire at a house on Platt Street that broke out around 1:30 p.m. was quickly put out Tuesday afternoon, and the two people reportedly at home escaped without any injuries, police said.
The yellow Cape-style home, which houses two families, had a visible hole in the roof.
According to police Lt. Andrew Cota, the fire at a home at 139 Platt St. appeared to have started in the attic bedroom. Cota said he believes the fire was accidental.
Cota said he did not have any further information about the fire.
Fire Marshal Ralph Tingley, who is out of town, also did not have details about the fire.
Assistant Fire Chief Ed Adamowski was not available for comment.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY — The persistent problem of dogs defecating on the Derby Greenway and irresponsible owners failing to pick up the droppings may prompt the city to ban man’s best friend.
The Board of Aldermen broached the reoccurring issue at its monthly meeting last week. It took no action, but Aldermanic President Ron Sill said it may take an ordinance banning dogs to put an end to the chronic problem.


Read the full story here.

    DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering area residents an opportunity to learn Reiki  at a special Reiki Level 1 Workshop from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. March 7 at the hospital.
    Reiki is a complementary healing modality based on ancient healing practices. It involves the conscious direction of healing energy through the practitioner's hands to the patient.
    When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing by relieving energy blockages to the body. The practice of Reiki is intended to bring balance to the energy fields thereby promoting healing on all levels.
    Instructors Eileen Carino, Reiki Master, and Joanne Halstead, will teach the basic concepts of Reiki, allowing ample time for hands-on practice. The workshop is open to all individuals interested in becoming Reiki practitioners.
    The Level 1 Reiki Workshop cost is $50, which includes a Reiki book, but $25 of the cost will be refunded to those who sign up to become a Griffin Hospital volunteer and provide a minimum of 100 hours of Reiki at the hospital within one year of the workshop date.
    Space is limited; pre-registration is required by March 2. To register, or for  information, contact Tricia Brister, Volunteer Services Assistant, 203-732-7555.
    The hospital is at 130 Division St.

    SHELTON - The next monthly meeting of the low vision support group,  Learn to See the World, will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 15 Crosby Commons at Wesley Village, 580 Long Hill Ave. The event will be held in the second floor Nautical Lounge. Light refreshments will be served.
    Speaker will be Mark Leventhal, President of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Regional Group for Blind Veterans. He will discuss coping skills for those with low vision. 
    The meeting is free and open to the public.  Individuals with low vision or are legally blind are encouraged to attend for fellowship and support.
    Contact the group facilitator, Mary Ann Milano, Activities Director at Crosby Commons, 203-225-5018 or at mamilano@umh.org

    ANSONIA - Assumption School, 51 N. Cliff St., will hold an open house from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
    The school houses Pre-K through Grade 8.
    For information call 203-734-0855 or visit www.assumptionschool.net, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/assumptionschoolansonia.

By Register Staff
ANSONIA — Neighbors’ complaints about drug dealing brought officers armed with a search and seizure warrant to a house near Ansonia Middle School.
Two residents of the house at 88 Howard Ave. were arrested.
At about 4:30 p.m. Friday city, Derby and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officers found about 2 ounces of crack cocaine and seized more than $1,300, city police said.
Joseph Vasquez, 18, was charged with sale of cocaine, possession within 1,500 feet of a school with intent to sell and tampering with evidence. He was held in lieu of bail for an appearance Feb. 14 in Superior Court in Derby.
Kayla Schlemmer, 18, was charged with sale of cocaine, and possession within 1,500 feet of a school with intent to sell.
She was held in lieu of bail for an appearance Feb. 17 in Superior Court in Derby.

By Register Staff
CHESHIRE — Police Saturday arrested a man who allegedly held two woman against their will at knifepoint in a home and sexually assaulted one of them, threatening to kill them.
The women, ages 42 and 18, made the complaint to police at 6:45 a.m. Saturday. One of the women suffered a cut to her hand.

Read the full story here.

Samantha Sampiere, left, and Steven Dobson have their engagement photos taken at Bradley School in Derby where they first attended classes together. Melanie Stengel/Register


By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY - A Wallingford couple has added a fourth R to the time-honored reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic: romance.
City natives Steven Dobson and Samantha Sampiere, both 31, spent part of Saturday at Bradley School to have their engagement photos taken.
The two attended the elementary school together many years ago.

Read the full story here.

By Register Staff
SHELTON — Shelton police detectives served two arrest warrants Wednesday on Douglas Fast, 47, of 94 Everett St, Stratford, in connection with two burglaries in Shelton.
The burglaries occurred Nov. 23, 2011, on Isinglass Road and Dec. 5, 2011, on Dome Drive. In the Isinglass Road burglary, a 14-year-old female hid in her bedroom during the incident.

Read the full story here. 

Raymond Cardona (Shelton Police Department photo)

SHELTON – Police have arrested an Ansonia man they believe committed a recent home invasion that took place on Howe Avenue.
Raymond Cardona, 30, was arrested at his home at 40 Columbia St. in Ansonia around 9:15 a.m. Thursday, police said today. Shelton and Ansonia detectives apprehended him; Cardona tried to flee but was captured.

Read the full story here.

An honor guard of firefighters salutes as the casket of firefighter, photojournalist and Navy veteran Eddie Cotter Jr. of Derby leaves St. Mary's Church on Elizabeth Street in Derby Thursday after his funeral service. Cotter died at 91. Peter Hvizdak/Register 

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY — Ed Cotter Jr. took his final ride on Storm Engine #11 Thursday, as hundreds of friends, family and former colleagues bid farewell to the Valley icon.
Cotter passed away Saturday at the age of 91.
Cotter’s casket, draped in an American flag, was raised onto the fire truck following his funeral at St. Mary’s Church.
As the truck draped in black and purple bunting slowly pulled away from the church, dozens of mourners followed behind on foot, walking past Storm Ambulance Corps, where Cotter was one of its founding fathers.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY — Dwindling membership and liability issues have led to the demise of the Fire Department’s Dive Team.
That’s according to Fire Commissioner Kelly Curtis who told the Board of Aldermen during its meeting Thursday that the dive team is no more. “After great deliberation, I have decided that the liability outweighs the need for a dive team within the Derby Fire Department,” Curtis said.

Read the full story here.

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
This week representatives from TEAM Inc., the Lower Naugatuck Valley Community Coalition, the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes’ office and local officials held a press conference at TEAM Inc. offices in Derby to announce the opening of several tax centers in the Valley.
Shannon Houston, volunteer income tax assistance coordinator with the Connecticut Association for Human Services, said the idea is to “connect taxpayers to financial education” at the centers.
VITA provides free tax preparation to families that earn less than $50,000 a year. The returns are completed by IRS-certified volunteers.

Read the full story here. 

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
ANSONIA — The Ansonia Housing Authority will hire a New Haven Housing Authority employee to work as executive director for three months.
AHA board Chairman James J. Tyma said he “certainly hopes” the interim employee will be Jimmy Miller, deputy director of the New Haven authority.
The New Haven employee would replace James J. Finnucan, who resigned Dec. 28 without a public explanation.

Read the full story here.

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — A book project featuring the biographies of close to 70 African-Americans from the Valley is coming to fruition.
The book, “Notable Valley African-Americans,” is at the printer, Toya Graham said recently. A sample copy is expected to be ready for proofreading soon, she said. “We hope to have it out in February for Black History Month,” Graham said.
The idea is to document the achievements of African-Americans who grew up in the community as well as to teach the younger generation about the importance of getting an education and working toward their goals.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — The town could be blazing a new trail if officials decide to ban board and commission members from attending meetings via their cellphones or teleconferencing rather than in person.
Only a handful of states, including Nebraska, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin, have a policy that addresses telecommunication at meetings, which they all allow under various circumstances.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SHELTON — The next time your dirty Dalmatian or muddy Maltese needs a bath, you may soon be able to get the deed done at Splash Car Wash.
While somewhat unconventional, and definitely a new idea for the Valley, the owners of Splash on Bridgeport Avenue are hoping to open a couple of self-service dog-wash bays.
Instead of hauling out the shampoo, conditioner, towels, not to mention getting your dog to cooperate in the sink or tub for his bath, a self-service dog wash would eliminate all the fuss at home.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — The Board of Education Tuesday unanimously approved a $31.3 million budget for 2012-2013, which officials said is geared to help rebuild the historically underfunded district.
“We put forward a budget that is cognizant of the times,” said Superintendent of Schools MaryAnne Mascolo. “It’s a solid budget that we believe is absolutely necessary for the district.”

Read the full story here.

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
DERBY — A Valley man charged in connection with the assault and robbery of a 91-year-old woman and break-ins at area houses was found guilty in Superior Court.
Collin V. McCarthy, 44, faces a total effective sentence of up to 15 years in prison, suspended after eight, followed by five years of probation,
McCarthy entered Alford pleas Friday on all the charges and will be sentenced April 27. He is being held in lieu of $45,500 cash bail.


Read the full story here.

    ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center recently received a $5,000 grant from the Valley Community Foundation.
    The Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center Inc. is an all volunteer organization. it was incorporated in 1991 to support the staff, programs, and vision of the Ansonia Nature Center.
    In addition to grants, membership dues enable the organization to facilitate a variety of outdoor activities designed to bring the community closer to its natural surroundings
    For information, visit www.ansnaturecenter.org
    The staff and volunteers of the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center will use the funding to purchase a security system for Picnic Pavilion #2 and the Redwing Pond House outdoor area. They will also purchase restorative landscaping around the new picnic pavilion, which includes replacing burnt vegetation, trees, and a walkway from the Redwing Pond House to the rebuilt picnic pavilion.
    The pavilion was vandalized Sept. 2. A fire was set and the pavilion and three picnic tables were burned to the ground along with trees and vegetation surrounding the structure.
    The city plans to rebuild the picnic pavilion and the grant will be used to purchase a camera security system that will serve as a deterrent to vandals in this area.

SHELTON - Wesley Village is looking for adults interested in volunteering in our Hands of Comfort Program.  
Volunteers will receive training in giving gentle hand rubs to residents. Training will be held 4 - 5 p.m. March 8 in Crosby Commons at Wesley Village, 580 Long Hill Ave.
Call Barbara Quinn at 203-944-8292 to schedule an interview before the training.

SHELTON — A man kicked his way into a Shelton home Monday and pistol whipped a male inside before fleeing, police reported Tuesday.
At approximately 12:15 p.m. Monday residents of an apartment on Howe Avenue, near the junction of Kneen Street, reported their front door was kicked in by an Hispanic male carrying a hand gun, police said.

Read the full story here.

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — It was standing room only Monday night at The Original Antonio’s Restaurant as more than 60 business owners and elected officials met to brainstorm ways to create a vision to move the city forward.
The Economic Development Commission sponsored the forum, and the host was restaurant owner Chris Setaro.
Mayor James Della Volpe said seeing so many people turn out on a rainy winter night was “a good sign” of enthusiasm. The majority seemed bullish on the city’s business growth.
Commission Chairman Vincent Scarlata said, as a small-business owner, he is “always looking for help.” He said business and government need to work side by side to improve the economic climate.


Read the full story here.

SEYMOUR -  Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road, will hold its annual Pork Roast Dinner, catered by Todd Orner, Oxford Hill Catering of Oxford, from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 18.

  Adult tickets are $12; $7 for children under 10. The price includes a full course pork roast dinner with dessert and beverage.

 Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling Pa, 203-888-0489 or Bob, 203-888-4159.  Adult take-out dinners are also available.  Children take-out dinners will not be available.

 All funds raised help support the church’s mission and ministry programs.

Patrick Henri holds a photo of himself meeting Oliver North while he was stationed in Afghanistan. Patricia Villers/Register 


By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Patrick Henri is getting reacclimated to civilian life after his recent return from an eight-month deployment in Afghanistan.
Henri is a chief petty officer based at the Navy Operational Support Center in Newport, R.I. It was his first deployment.
He was stationed at Camp Eggers in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. “It’s one of the smaller bases,” Henri said during an interview at his home here recently. He was part of a NATO training mission for Afghan security forces.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Construction of a fish bypass in the Naugatuck River could finally begin this spring. It has been in the works for 14 years.
The Board of Selectmen last week voted on two final components that were holding up the project. According to First Selectman Kurt Miller, if the selectmen had not acted, the town was at risk of losing $4.7 million in state and federal aid for the project.

Read the full story here. 

By Register Staff
DERBY — State police closed Route 8 northbound Sunday night just north of Exit 15 due to a multi-vehicle traffic accident involving a tractor-trailer. Police could not say yet if there were injuries. 

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
Don’t be fooled by that sometimes gruff exterior that the late Edward J. Cotter Jr. would show the world.
Eddie, who died Saturday at 91 at his Derby home surrounded by his family, was a marshmallow on the inside.That’s what those who knew him would tell you.

Read the full story here.

 

Ed Cotter, who helped coordinate emergency rescue personnel in the Naugatuck Valley, stands on the bridge near the site of Vartelas Park, a memorial to the Vartelas Family and their three-story The Family Store, that was wiped out in the August 19, 1955 flood from the Naugatuck River near Maple Street . The flood waters inundated and ravaged the entire Naugatuck Valley.  Peter Hvizdak/Register

By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
DERBY — Jim Cotter was 6-years-old and driving in a snowstorm with his dad, Edward J. Cotter Jr., when the car in front of them veered off the road and went into a body of water.
Ed Cotter told his young son, “Wait here,” then proceeded to get out of the car, dial 911 for help, take off his pants and jump into the water to pull the woman to safety.
Saving lives through rescue, ambulance and firefighting was a way of life for the elder Cotter, who died over the weekend at 91. There were many other facets to Cotter’s life, too, as a photojournalist and reporter, but even those had the common thread of being centered on people.
“He was the greatest man and role model anyone could hope for,” Jim Cotter said Saturday. “He was unselfish and gave to others. If he had an hour, he’d give you 59 minutes.”

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — The town could be blazing a new trail if officials decide to ban board and commission members from attending meetings via their cellphones or teleconferencing rather than in person.
Only a handful of states, including Nebraska, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin, have a policy that addresses telecommunication at meetings, which they all allow under various circumstances.
If Seymour does ban use of electronic devices to replace a board member’s presence at a meeting, it would likely be the first town nationwide, to do it.


Read the full story here.

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
DERBY — The city got the OK this week to start clearing 15,000 cubic yards of fill in preparation for building an access road into a planned business park off Division Street.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved a temporary rock-crushing permit at the former state Department of Transportation site now owned by the city.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
Paramedics employed by Valley Emergency Medical Services are now the only ones authorized to use company response vehicles.
That’s according to a revised vehicle policy recently approved by VEMS Executive Director Robert Pettinella.

Read the full story here. 

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Police arrested a town man this week who they alleged was growing a substantial amount of marijuana in his shed and was a link to a recent rash of residential burglaries plaguing several Valley towns.
According to Lt. Paul Satkowski, Joseph Downs, 32, of 57 Great Hill Road, was arrested Monday, following a search of his home. Seymour detectives assisted Derby and Shelton police in executing a search and seizure warrant of the house, where Robert Murhamer, a suspect in burglaries in Shelton, had also been living, he said.
Police allege Murhamer is linked to residential burglaries in Derby, Seymour and Middlebury.

Read the full story here.

By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
WOODBRIDGE — Police leveled a weapons charge Wednesday against a New Haven man, who they believe is also responsible for a string of burglaries in Woodbridge, Bethany, Hamden and Derby, police said Friday.
Police Spokesman Sgt. Frank Cappiello said police were investigating three recent residential burglaries that occurred on Dillon Road on Jan.9,  Apple Tree Lane on Jan. 11 and the Litchfield Turnpike also on Jan. 11.

Read the full story here.

   ANSONIA - Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center assistant director Ali Rubelmann will lead a guided snowshoe hike along trails at the center from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 4.
  On a cold, clear, crisp day, as you move silently through the woods and fields, listen for the musical notes of chickadees calling and perhaps a red-bellied woodpecker drumming on a dead tree.

    Winter is the best time to see tracks and participants will be able to look for those of white-tailed deer, raccoons, skunks, red foxes and coyotes.

    This program is designed for adults and older children.  A limited number of snowshoes, best suited for children, is available.   
    Call 203-736-1053 to register for this free program. A hike will be substituted in the event there is no suitable snow. The center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

  DERBY - Troop 3, Boy Scouts of America, will host its annual “Sweetheart Dance” featuring the oldies band Flashback from 8 p.m.-midnight Feb. 18 at Warsaw Park, Pulaski Highway.
    Cost is $20 a person (must be over 21 years old). Bar set-ups, ice and coffee provided. Bring your own refreshments. All proceeds will benefit Troop 3.
    For tickets call 203-736-0539 or purchase them from a Troop member.

   DERBY - Bradley Elementary School’s annual Fun Fair, “A Day at the Zoo,” will be held from 10 a..m.-2 p.m. Feb. 4.
    It will be a fun-filled day of games, crafts, raffles, and food. The ever-popular cake walk and Super Bowl-themed basket will both be featured.
    The school is at 155 David Humphreys Road.

    DERBY - The Derby Public Library continues to host free career development workshops  presented by career specialists from the Connecticut Department of Labor.
      On Feb. 23 from 10 a.m.–noon, the topic will be ”Over 40 and Looking for Work.”
    This interactive workshop will identify issues that affect older workers. Participants will learn effective strategies to overcome employment challenges.
     Employment myths will also be discussed. Registration is requested.
    For more information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

  ANSONIA - The annual Ansonia Family Resource Fair will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at John G. Prendergast School, 59 Finney St. Snow date is Jan. 28.
    The fair will feature kindergarten registration, fire truck, ambulance and bus tours, free health and dental information, car-seat safety checks and more.
    Transportation will be provided. For information call Diana Brancato, 203-736-5052 or email at dbrancato@ansonia.org.