Mr. Sparky, America’s On-Time Electrician, of Seymour, donated 20 turkeys to the Seymour/ Oxford Food Bank for Thanksgiving. Staff members include from left: Brian Pugliese of Prospect, electrician; Mike Marshall of Watertown, electrical apprentice; Chris Teixeira of Naugatuck, shop assistant; Kurt St. John of Bethlehem, owner and master electrician; and Eric J. Ortiz of Wolcott, co-owner and electrician. Mister Sparky in Seymour provides electrical services to homeowners and businesses throughout western Connecticut. / Contributed photo

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

SHELTON — Up to 70 certified and noncertified school board employees may find themselves without jobs after the new year, due to a nearly $700,000 deficit in the current budget.
On a recommendation from Superintendent of Schools Freeman Burr, the Board of Education Tuesday voted 6-0, with two members abstaining, to approve Burr’s mitigation strategy to eliminate the existing budget shortfall.

Read the full story here.

By Lauren Garrison

Register Staff

DERBY — The transfer station will be shut down indefinitely while the city works to resolve existing violations there, the Board of Aldermen unanimously decided Tuesday night.
This decision comes after a ruling by the state Board of Labor Relations that the city must remove Annex Associates, a private company it had contracted to run the transfer station, and return to negotiations with the Public Works union.

Read the full story here.

By Patricia Villers

Register Staff

ANSONIA — A revitalized downtown is within reach, a business advocate told the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Tuesday.
“Everything is here,” said Kimberley Parsons-Whitaker, associate director of Connecticut Main Street Center, a private consulting organization that Ansonia became a member of last year.

Read the full story here.

ANSONIA - No one was injured in a fire Tuesday afternoon in the back of Botanica Okalanque, at 94 Main St., but the store's stock was largely destroyed, according to the city's fire marshal.

Read more here.

By Cara Baruzzi
Register Business Editor
SHELTON — Health Net notified state officials last month that a portable disk drive containing personal information on 446,000 Connecticut members of the insurance company was missing, but Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Monday an investigation has found the drive likely was stolen, along with two laptops.

Read the full story here.

Peter Hvizdak/Register
Kaz Brejwo, 60, quartermaster of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 597, front, and other veterans salute during the national anthem at the start of the memorial service sponsored by the city of Ansonia at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Main Street Monday in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day. The event was organized by Brejwo and Julia Maher of Ansonia (not in photo).

By Patricia Villers

Register Staff

ANSONIA — The Japanese bombing Dec. 7, 1941, of the Navy fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor was remembered Monday at Veterans Park, as more than 100 people gathered to mark the 68th anniversary.
The surprise attack killed 2,402 American military personnel and launched the U.S. into World War II.
Veterans of that war and all the wars since, as well as other residents, attended the remembrance.
Comcowich-Carver Post 597, Veterans of Foreign Wars, sponsored the event. Master of ceremonies was Peter J. Danielczuk, who provided music for singing of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”

Read the full story here.

Paul Roy is sworn in as Seymour First Selectman by Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz at Seymour Middle School Monday. Melanie Stengel/ Register

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

SHELTON — Faced with a nearly $700,000 budget shortfall, the Board of Education may have to lay off some staff.
According to school board member Win Oppel, a 19.8 percent spike in health insurance costs, along with an increase in special education students and reduction in state aid, are causing the deficit in the 2009-2010 budget. The board, earlier this year, failed to get its health insurance provider, Health Net, to reduce rates, Oppel said.
Superintendent of Schools Freeman Burr, to help close the gap, had asked employee unions to consider a two-day work furlough, Oppel said. If the unions agreed, Oppel said the furlough would save the district some $400,000.

Read the full story here.

Read the full story here.

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief

DERBY — A lawsuit against a church filed by three underage girls who said they were sexually abused by the church organist has been settled.

The litigation, which was filed in 2005 in Superior Court in Waterbury, named the organist, Robert Nelson, and Immanuel St. James Episcopal Church on Minerva Street, as defendants. The three plaintiffs are identified only as Jane Doe 1, 2 and 3.
Attorney Timothy Moynahan of Waterbury, whose firm represented the girls, said Monday, “It has been settled to the satisfaction of the plaintiffs.”

Read the full story here.

SHELTON — The Shelton High School Drama Club will present “Adaptations” Jan. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium.
“Adaptations” is presented each year as the club’s fundraiser to finance the spring musical. Four musical adaptations of movies or plays are presented, one for each grade level.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door or by contacting Rosemary Pagliaro at 203-922-3004, ext. 201.
For general information, call the Drama Club box office at 203-922-3004, ext. 755.
This year’s shows are: “Footloose,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Twilight” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”’ There will also be a special tribute to the late Michael Jackson.

By Lauren Garrison

Register Staff

SEYMOUR — After weeks of jockeying by different people for the position of school board chairman, the board reached a solution that pleased everyone by voting in Ed Strumello as chairman Monday night.
Fred Stanek, the other nominee for chairman of the board, received three votes to Strumello’s five. After the meeting, Stanek said he was “very pleased with the election of Mr. Strumello as chairman,” and that Strumello will “advance much friendlier relations” between the board and the public.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

DERBY — Aldermanic President Ken Hughes has a “shot” at tapping into the national nightclub and bar scene for an invention he came up with during his college days at the University of Connecticut.
That’s because the shot glass he created that’s worn around the neck, dubbed the “SlingShot,” is poised to make its national debut in nightclubs and bars.

Hughes, who holds a U.S. patent for the invention, says a Florida-based distributor, which distributes items to more than 500,000 bars and nightclubs across the U.S., has given Hughes a verbal commitment to purchase a “considerable” number of SlingShots. Hughes declined to name the distributor until it’s a done deal.

Read the full story here.

By Register Staff

ANSONIA — Winter parking regulations are in effect until March 31, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on all city streets and highways, officials said recently.

Read the full story here.

By Patricia Villers

Register Staff

ANSONIA — A remembrance will be held today to mark the 68th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
The bombing on Dec. 7, 1941, killed more than 2,400 American military personnel and thrust the United States into World War II.
The 11 a.m. ceremony will be held in Veterans Memorial Park next to City Hall. Organizer Julia Maher of Ansonia said the public is invited.

Read the full story here.

By Lauren Garrison

Register Staff

DERBY — Aldermanic President Ken Hughes is blasting the state Board of Labor Relations for its recent decision ordering the city to remove a private company that’s been running the transfer station since 2008.
Hughes said Friday the city may be left with no other option but to shut down the transfer station.
“The decision of the labor board was very irresponsible and highlights the fact they do not understand the situation at our transfer station,” he said.

Read the full story here.

By Patricia Villers

Register Staff

SHELTON — Al Meadows, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, is seeking help during the holidays with Operation Gift Cards, an ongoing drive for U.S. troops he launched more than four years ago.
Meadows travels once a month to visit patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and Bethesda Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Representatives from veterans’ organizations accompany him.

The patients were recently wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said.

Read the full story here.

The Community Fund for Women & Girls, a component fund at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the region’s charitable endowment, is accepting grant applications. The Fund promotes social and economic advancement for women and girls through strategic philanthropy, grants, advocacy and collaboration. Projects considered for support, should align with the Fund’s mission and seek to accomplish one or more of the following:

· Create and support opportunities for the economic, educational, physical, emotional, social, artistic, and personal growth of women and girls.

· Meet special needs of women and girls and the diverse populations of women in our region.

· Encourage the advancement and full participation of women and girls in the community and in philanthropy.

· Advance the status of women and girls in the core areas of economic security, health, violence, education and political participation.

Two types of funding are available from the Community Fund for Women & Girls. The first is a small grant of under $10,000. The second is a large grant of $10,000, which is intended to significantly address one of the core areas listed above. Each has a separate application form; the deadline to submit either application is 5:00 pm on Friday, January 15, 2010. Applications and guidelines are available on-line on the Community Fund for Women & Girls’ web site www.fundforwomenandgirls.org or

on The Community Foundation’s site, www.cfgnh.org/Grantmaking/TypesofGrants/tabid/199/Default.aspx .

Paper copies of applications are available at The Foundation’s offices, 70 Audubon Street, New Haven, Ct., 06510.

The Community Fund for Women & Girls was created in 1995 to provide ongoing support for services important to women and girls in the Greater New Haven and Lower
Naugatuck Valley area. Since its inception the Fund has distributed $370,000 into the community. Individuals interested in increasing the Fund’s ability to support important programs that benefit women and girls, should consider making a contribution to the Fund’s $1 million campaign.

Gifts can be made at www.fundforwomenandgirls.org or via check payable to: The Community Fund for Women & Girls c/o The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, 70 Audubon St., New Haven, Ct., 06510. For information, contact Sharon Cappetta, 203-777-7071.

ANSONIA - The Ansonia High School Music Department Winter Concert featuring the concert band, mixed chorus and Ladies of Harmony, will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at the school, 20 Pulaski Highway. Snow date is Dec. 17.

Admission for all is $4, or free with the contribution of one new winter accessory

to the Warming Tree sponsored by the AHS Student Government.

Items donated go to community charitable organizations to help needy Valley residents.

The Naugatuck Valley Health District will provide H1N1 flu vaccine to residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour,and Shelton at a clinic from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 16 in Naugatuck.

Vaccine will be administered by appointment only to district residents meeting eligibility guidelines for priority population groups and ages. Those wishing the vaccine must call the district office for pre-screening and to receive an appointment. Due to the limited supply of vaccine available, walk ins and those without appointments will not be vaccinated. There is no charge for the vaccine. Both nasal mist and injectable vaccine will be provided, based on the individual’s eligibility, health status and age.

The H1N1 Influenza Vaccine will be administered to individuals who are in the following priority population groups: pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers of infants less than six months of age; children ages 7 through 24 years of age; persons aged 25-64 years who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

People who have a high fever on the day of the clinic, or a severe allergy to eggs should not get the vaccination. Persons with an egg allergy should receive the vaccine in their provider’s office. Children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about a month apart.

People who meet the eligibility guidelines for receipt of the H1N1 vaccine and wish to schedule an appointment should call Naugatuck Valley Health District, 881-3255cq, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

For information regarding the district’s H1N1 flu clinics, including eligible priority groups, call the automated NVHD FluLine at 203-881-3262.cq Clinic schedules are also posted on www.nvhd.org. The Naugatuck Valley Health District office is located at 98 Bank St., Seymour.

OXFORD - On Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., Oxford High School will present a "Holiday Spectacular" featuring twelve-time regional champions, "Harmony on the Sound Chorus," along with the Oxford High School Jazz Bands and Choir.
"Harmony on the Sound" is an all-women chapter of Sweet Adelines International, made up of women from 33 different towns in Connecticut.
Refreshments will be available and Festival of Trees will be in full swing in the OHS lobby to get visitors into the holiday spirit!
Tickets for this family event are $10 for general admission, $8 for students and seniors, and $5 for children under five years old. Advance ticket sales are $2 less for each level and can be purchased at Oxford High School.
The snow date for this event is Saturday, Dec. 12, at 2 p.m. All proceeds from the "Holiday Spectacular" will go to fund field trips for "Perspectives on Race," a class taught by OHS history teacher, Jeff Giovacchino.
For information or tickets call 203-888-2468.

Farmers from Jones Family Farms in Shelton visit the Governor¹s Residence to view trees from
their farm. Pictured from left are Allyson Angelini, Christiana Jones, Terry Jones, Michael Soares, Keith Padin and the next generation of farmers. Jones Family Farms photo

The Olde Ripton Garden Club of Shelton decorated the studio at the Osborne Homestead Museum. A ring-necked pheasant sits amidst greens placed among deer antlers. Acorns are scattered on ferns to complete the table centerpiece. Each year local garden clubs decorate the lifelong home of Frances Osborne Kellogg, a businesswoman, philanthropist, and conservationist who died at age 80 in 1956. The museum at 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 20. Twilight tours will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. today, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18. The state Department of Environmental Protection runs the museum.

Patricia Villers/For The Register

Outgoing Seymour First Selectman Robert Koskelowski sits in his Town Hall office. Mara Lavitt/Register

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Staff

SEYMOUR — When the clock strikes midnight Sunday, First Selectman Robert Koskelowski will go back to becoming a regular citizen.
After leading the town for 16 years, although not consecutively, Koskelowski will turn the reins over to Democrat Paul Roy, who defeated Koskelowski, a Republican, in last month’s election.
“It really didn’t hit me until about two weeks ago that I would no longer be first selectman,” Koskelowski said Thursday from his office at Town Hall. It was his last official day there, since Town Hall is closed on Fridays. “I keep asking myself, ‘What did I do wrong?’ but the people spoke and said it was time for a change.”

Read the full story here.

By Lauren Garrison

Register Staff

DERBY — The state Board of Labor Relations has ruled that a private company brought in to run the city transfer station must leave within 10 days.
The labor board in September ordered the city to “cease and desist” from continuing to employ Annex Associates.
The union for Department of Public Works employees, who oppose having Annex run the transfer station, declared victory. But city officials claimed that the labor board’s decision only meant they had to return to negotiations with the union, not remove Annex.

Read the full story here.

By Lauren Garrison

Register Staff

ANSONIA — The attorney for Rodney Lee Brown, who was arrested after his infant daughter died in his care, wants the court to reduce Brown’s bail so he can be released from custody.
“(Brown has) been saying all along that he’s absolutely heartbroken, that he didn’t do anything to hurt his child. That he would never do anything to hurt his child,” public defender Paul Eschuk said Thursday.

Read the full story here.

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief

A Shelton woman accused of using a Maryland resident’s personal information to get credit cards and loans to steal over $41,000 faces up to five years in prison.

Dawn Marie Coppola, 36, of 82 Ten Coat Lane, pleaded guilty this week to first-degree larceny and first-degree identity theft.

Read the full story here.

DERBY - Commander Erwin Williams of the John H. Collins Post 24 American Legion has issued a call to all Post members reminding them Dec. 12 will be the final meeting of 2009. The meeting will be held in the Post Home on Caroline Street at 11 a.m.

In addition to conducting the business of the Post, Williams announced that Army Capt. William Gargano of the Connecticut National Guard will address the membership.

Gargano, a native of New Haven, is a member of the Special Operations Unit within the National Guard and has recently returned from deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

ANSONIA - The Gen. David Humphreys House Christmas gift shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday featuring unique, one-of- a-kind gifts.
For the first time handmade American Girl doll-sized clothing from all eras will be for sale. The pewter Humphreys House ornament, which originally sold out 10 years ago, makes its return this year as well.
Books, colorful prints, and maps, all featuring the local area, as well as unique toys that have proven so popular over the years will be for sale. The house is at 37 Elm St.

American Hapkido of Seymour recently was awarded the Pelletier Trophy for being the best overall unit in the Seymour Christmas Parade. The group had already received the Mackenstein Trophy for the best children's float with its gingerbread village theme. Seymour Christmas Parade treasurer Judy Pelletier presented the trophy to Charles Ehrentraut. Aurora Council, Knights of Columbus, is trophy sponsor.

DERBY — Police are searching for a man who pushed an elderly couple in an elevator at a Griffin Hospital facility and then snatched the woman’s purse.
Police Lt. Sal Frosceno said the incident happened Tuesday at about 10:45 a.m. Police responded, but were unable to locate the suspect.
William Powanda, vice president at Griffin Hospital, said it happened at the Hewitt Ambulatory Pavilion, which is attached to the Center for Cancer Care, on Seymour Avenue.
Police said the victims were checked and, while frightened, didn’t suffer any injuries.
The purse snatcher is described as a light-skinned black male, in his mid-30s, about five feet, three inches tall. He was wearing a tan trench coat and a gray hoodie, according to police. Anyone with information is asked to contact Derby police at 203-735-7811.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

SEYMOUR — Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend, and rather than being pulled by a sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, the jolly old elf will arrive by train.

The Seymour Culture and Arts Commission, in conjunction with the First Saturday event, will usher in the holidays with the arrival of Santa and a host of activities geared to get everyone in the spirit.

Read the full story here.

By Lauren Garrison

Register Staff

SEYMOUR — First Selectmen-elect Paul Roy says he was simply lobbying for his friend to become chairman of the Board of Education when he recently spoke to other board members.
But others are calling it “dirty politics.”
The board changed over from Republican to Democratic control in last month’s election, meaning current Republican Chairman Bruce Baker will be replaced by a Democrat. The board will vote in a new chairman at an organizational meeting at 8 p.m. Monday, following the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected city officials.

Read the full story here.

By Lauren Garrison

Register Staff

ANSONIA — A 27-year-old Oxford man who was arrested last year and linked to an elaborate marijuana growing operation was arrested on new drug charges this week.
Cheyne Mazza, 27, of 34 Wedge Hill Road, Oxford, and Philip Negron, 27, of 11 McKinley Ave., Derby, were arrested Tuesday after police said searches of a home and vehicle turned up large amounts of cash and marijuana.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

SEYMOUR — Work to repair the deteriorating train trestle downtown will begin Friday, closing part of Route 115 to traffic for the weekend.
First Selectman Robert Koskelowski said traffic will be detoured starting at 9 p.m. Friday, to allow the state Department of Transportation to begin the first phase of repairs to the rusty eyesore.
Residents who live in the immediate area will be allowed access to their homes.

Read the full story here.

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief

The attorney representing convicted Shelton developer James Botti filed a motion for acquittal and a motion for a new trial this week.
In November, a jury in U.S. District Court in New Haven found Botti, 46, of Maple Ave., Shelton, guilty of two counts, including structuring bank deposits and conspiracy to structure. As a result, Botti faces up to 10 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $500,000.
His attorney, William F. Dow III of New Haven, filed the motions Tuesday. If the motion for acquittal is unsuccessful, then Botti is hoping for a new trial.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

SEYMOUR — The new teachers’ contract, approved this week by an arbitrator, holds the line on raises and step movement the first year of the pact.
First Selectman Robert Koskelowski praised the Board of Education’s negotiating committee, composed of school board member Jeanne Loda, Superintendent of Schools MaryAnne Mascolo, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Christine Syriac and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Rick Belden.

Read the full story here.

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
A Shelton man has pleaded guilty to robbing two banks, robberies allegedly inspired by a commercial for the movie "Public Enemies," starring Johnny Depp as the notorious robber John Dillinger.

Read the full story here.

By Patricia Villers

Register Staff

SHELTON — Service to the community is the mission of the Lions Club International, and a new group in the city will be called the Shelton Community Lions Club.
That was the word Tuesday from Rich Krodel of Woodbridge, president of the North Bridgeport Lions Club.

Read the full story here.

Physical education teacher Paula Ferrara stuffs donated bed pillows into the trunk of her car outside Bradley School in Derby. The pillows will be distributed at area homeless shelters.

Patricia Villers /For The Register

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY - Physical education teacher Paul Ferrara is on a mission to make life a bit softer for many who have fallen on hard times.

Read the full story here.

By Lauren Garrison
Register Staff
ANSONIA - Mayor James Della Volpe warned of difficult financial times during his inauguration Tuesday evening to a sixth term.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR - First Selectman Robert Koskelowski presided over his last Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday, and will be leaving office with a life insurance policy everyone can live with.

Read the full story here.

If you know a child who would like a letter from Santa this year, Shady Knoll Health Center, 41 Skokorat St., Seymour, will have a mail box headed for the North Pole.
Please provide your child's name, address and a wish list to the reception desk mail box by December 17.
Your child will receive a response note from Santa.
Call 203-881-2555 for more information. Shady Knoll Health Center is an Athena Health Care Systems managed facility.

SHELTON - Santa will be escorted on a fire truck through the White Hills section of the city from 9:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12.

He and his helpers will pass out popcorn balls to children during Santa’s tour through White Hills.

This decades old tradition is also a major toy drive. Each year through the generosity of Shelton residents, the fire company provides truckloads of new, unwrapped toys to The Marine Corps’ Reserve Toys for Tots program.

Members of the White Hills Fire Company will follow Santa’s engine with pickup trucks as part of the fire company’s toy drive.

In the event of inclement weather visit www.whitehillsfireco.org for rain date.

By Lauren Garrison

Register Staff

ANSONIA — The cop accused of stealing a garden hose from the Police Department has filed a second complaint with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, as his criminal case heads to trial early next year.
Police Officer Mustafa Salahuddin has been on paid administrative leave since his July 2008 arrest. His criminal case is scheduled to go to trial Jan. 12 at Superior Court in Derby.

Read the full story here.

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich

Register Correspondent

DERBY — For nearly a quarter century, Alderman Ron Sill has been seated at the far right end of the table in aldermanic chambers at City Hall, at various times representing all three city wards.
Sill’s 23-year run on the board ended when he chose not to seek re-election this year. Sill, a Democrat, most recently represented the 2nd Ward.

Read the full story here.

ANSONIA-Winter parking regulations will be in effect from December 1, 2009 thru March 31, 2010, 24 hours a day, seven days a week on all city streets and highways. Motor vehicles will be allowed to be parked on the odd numbered side of municipal streets. The purpose is to allow snow equipment to remove snow and ice as quickly as possible from all city streets and highways.
Streets that have “No Parking” signs displayed are exempt from alternate side parking during the winter parking season. These streets include: South Cliff Street, North State Street, Crescent Street (Howard Ave to Day St.), Franklin Street (Jackson to Wakelee Ave), Colony Street, Division Street and North Spring Street (from Hill Street to Jewett Street), High Street (Lester St. to Howard Ave), Doyle Drive, Fourth Street (Gatison Park area), Church St., Holbrook St. (Pork Hollow to Jackson St.) and Pork Hollow.
Parking is permitted on the even numbered side of Fifth Street, Jewett St. (North Spring Street to Platt Street) and Hotchkiss Terrace (the area west of Kathy Lane) during the parking ban.
Parking is prohibited on the following streets: Stage Coach Road, Remer Street, Union Street, Crowley Street, Pleasant Street, Beaver Street (North Street to the Seymour Line), Holbrook Court and Father Lar Drive, Lawton Terrace, Crescent Street (Howard Ave to Lester St.), North Fourth Street, Prospect Street (Moulthrop St. to Viselli Court), Rockwood Ave. Ext., Viselli Court, Walkers Court, Oak Lane and Carver St.
In the event that a street has a mix of odd and even number, parking will be determined by the preponderance of even or odd numbers on each side.
Parking is prohibited on Main Street, West Main Street and East Main Street from midnight to 6:00 a.m.
Any person receiving a written notice for violating the regulation must submit payment of $5.00 to the Police Department within 48 hours. The fine will increase to $10.00 after the 48 hours.
Residents should also be aware of the city regulation that requires the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within 6 hours from the end of the snowfall. The owner of the land and/or the person having care and control of the property shall be responsible for the removal. Any violation of this may result in an infraction for violation of a town ordinance.

A collection of snow globes is on display at the historic Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby. The collection is part of the Snow and Ice theme used in the room as part of this year's "Wonders of Nature" holiday decorating theme. Each year area garden clubs and volunteers decorate the house at 500 Hawthorne Ave. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 20. Twilight tours will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. The museum is run by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Patricia Villers/For the Register

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief

Changes to the state’s probate court system in 2011 will mean consolidation of many courts, as there will be 54 instead of 117.
The redistricting, which is based on population levels, takes effect Jan. 5, 2011. Residents of many small communities will have longer drives to get to their local probate court. These courts deal with family matters such as settling estates, adoptions, termination of parental rights and guardianship for the mentally ill or developmentally disabled.
Under the new probate court districts, large communities such as New Haven, West Haven, Shelton and Wallingford will each have a local probate court.

Read the full story here.

By Lauren Garrison

Register Staff

SEYMOUR — In an effort to secure the future of affordable senior housing at the Norman Ray House on Walnut Street, the Housing Authority is applying to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to federalize the development.
“This is an opportunity to solidify our stock and provide for the community affordable housing, as our mission states,” said David Keyser, executive director of the Seymour Housing Authority. If federalized, nothing would change at the complex except for the funding source, he said.
He expects to learn in January whether HUD has agreed to federalize the Norman Ray House.

Read the full story here.