Saturday, December 31, 2011

Ansonia Nature Center preschool opens

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Friday was a day for the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. to celebrate the end of years of fund-raising and planning and the beginning of a new era.
That’s because the Friends held a grand opening party for the Red Wing Pond House nature-based preschool.
The facility will open sometime in January, director and head teacher Jacqueline Lema said.

Read the full story here.

Derby tax board appoints elder Butler chairman after election snafu

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — Resolving a November election snafu that had the wrong man’s name listed as a candidate for the Board of Apportionment and Taxation, the board has voted to seat Democrat James R. Butler as its chairman.
Butler ran for a second term on the tax board. However, the name of his son, James J. Butler, appeared on the ballot.

Read the full story here.

Friday, December 30, 2011

St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby earns continued accreditation

Jaelyne Dure, 4, of Derby, is all smiles as she gets off a slide on the new playscape at St. Mary-St. Michael School in Derby. She is joined by Maksim Godbolt, 4, of Derby, standing left rear, and Cooper Wherley, 5, of Ansonia on the slide. Patricia Villers/Register

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff 
DERBY — It was a stellar autumn for St. Mary-St. Michael School.
Not only did the pre-kindergarten through grade 8 school earn continued accreditation, it now has a playscape for its smallest students, covered by a $10,000 Katharine Matthies Foundation grant.
Principal Linda T. Coppola said a five-member team from the New England Association of Schools & College’s Commission on Independent Schools visited the school for several days in October

Read the full story here.

Free citizens training offered in Seymour

SEYMOUR — Anyone interested in learning the ins and outs of police work still have time to sign up for the Seymour Police Department’s 3rd annual Citizens Police Academy.
Applications are currently being accepted for the 12-week program, which begins Jan. 11.
The program is free, and those interested will be subject to a background check.
Applications are available at the police station and must be returned before Jan. 9 to either the police station or Seymour Town Hall, 1 First St. The program is limited to 30 applicants, and Seymour residents will be given first priority. Applicants must be 18 or older to register.
Classes will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at the police station, 11 Franklin St., and run until March 28.
Classes will be taught by Seymour police officers and guest speakers. Topics will include training for a career as a police officer; motor vehicle, juvenile and criminal law, drunk-driving enforcement, domestic violence, substance abuse, firearms training, the criminal justice system and more.
For more information, call Community Police Officer Sergio Desiderato at 203-881-7608.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Wife of Shelton's Dan Orlovsky gives birth to triplets

By The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Dan Orlovsky could be playing this week on short rest.
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback missed Wednesday’s practice after his wife, Tiffany, had triplets.
Coach Jim Caldwell said Orlovsky was expected back in town Wednesday night and should practice Thursday. Caldwell would only say Orlovsky was absent for “personal reasons.”
But Curtis Painter, who took the first-team snaps Wednesday, said Orlovsky’s wife had delivered the three boys.
Orlovsky, in his seventh NFL season, has won two straight for the Colts (2-13) since replacing Painter four games ago. Orlovsky had lost his first nine career starts. He is the second Colts quarterback to welcome multiple children this year. Peyton Manning and his wife, Ashley, have eight-month-old twins.

Ansonia aldermen to videotape meetings

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — Come January, the Board of Aldermen had better be ready for their close-ups.
That’s because their meetings will be videotaped, under a new policy.
While the aldermen approved a resolution in October that would enable the taping to start at the January meeting, a Video Recording Committee, composed of five aldermen, has been working to fine tune the details.

Read the full story here.

Shelton plans kindergarten signup, Jan. 23-27

SHELTON — The school system will hold kindergarten registration at each of its five elementary schools Jan. 23-27.
Children may register from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m. at their assigned schools: Booth Hill, Elizabeth Shelton, Long Hill, Mohegan or Sunnyside.
Parents planning to register their child/children must provide two forms of verification of local residency, which include utility bills, copy of rental lease, mortgage receipt, and a valid state driver’s license. No parent will be allowed to register their child/children for school unless proof of residency is presented.
In addition, parents are asked to supply the school with the child’s/children’s official birth certificate (original with raised seal), immunizations record and passport (if needed).
Immunizations record must include evidence that the child has been adequately immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus, polio, TB test, Hib, HepB and varicella (chicken-pox).
Physical examination forms will be distributed at the time of registration and must be returned to the school before the first day of school.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Seymour police board to hear complaint about chief's alleged outburst (document)

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
SEYMOUR — A flare-up at the police station the morning after a town meeting voted to finance a new emergency communications system is expected to be played out at a police commission meeting next month.
Residents Dec. 15 approved financing of the emergency dispatch console, for up to $497,000; along with vehicles for the Public Works and Fire departments.
On Dec. 16, according to First Selectman Kurt Miller, Police Chief Michael Metzler “was voicing frustration about the lack of support by members of the Police Department and was speaking out.”


Read the full story here.

Ansonia auctions off 8 properties

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
ANSONIA — The city reaped about $142,000 after eight properties were put on the auction block Dec. 8 for nonpayment of city taxes.
The sites were commercial, residential and undeveloped land. Two lots on Ells Street failed to draw bids.
A total of 12 properties were slated for auction, but arrangements were made to settle the debt on four sites before the auction, Mayor James Della Volpe said.

Read the full story here.

Derby aims to expand its art class offerings

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — City Bureau of Youth Services Director John Saccu and Valley Arts Council President Rich DiCarlo are collaborating to make more art more available to students.
Saccu said Tuesday that students “need to be exposed to different kinds of art” and given an opportunity to discover their talents. He’s using seed money from a portion of a state Department of Education grant to offer free classes in illustration at Derby High School during the school day.

Read the full story here.

Shelton man gets 44 months in drunken driving crash that killed motorist

By Register Staff
DERBY — A Shelton man was sentenced to 10 years in jail, suspended after 44 months, and three years of probation after pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle.
Nicola Urbani, of 27 Adams Drive, had entered the plea Oct. 5 in Superior Court before Judge Burton A. Kaplan.
Shelton police arrested Urbani in connection with an April 30, 2010, crash that killed Bradner Cameron, 52, of Quaker Ridge Road, Shelton.

Read the full story here,

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

FOI hearing on demotion dispute involving Seymour detective set Jan. 10​

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — The new year will bring another date for the state Freedom of Information Commission to hear a complaint lodged against the police commission by a demoted detective.
FOIC spokesman Tom Hennick said the hearing involving Detective Ronald Goodmaster and the Board of Police Commissioners is set for 2 p.m. Jan. 10.

Read the full story here.

ESPN plans to shoot commercial in Ansonia

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — ESPN is coming to town.
Representatives of the cable television network in Bristol toured the Ansonia Copper & Brass facility twice in recent weeks, Alderman John Marini said.
A crew will return in mid-January to shoot a commercial for “NFL32,” an ESPN2 show.

Read the full story here.

Shelton school board OKs proposed 2012-13 budget

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SHELTON — The Board of Education has approved a $64.3 million budget for the 2012-2013 school year with a proposed 1 percent increase.
The board, at a recent meeting, approved the $636,129 increase in spending, which in part will go toward covering contractual pay raises.

Read the full story here.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Ansonia students have a field day (video)

The annual Class Wars at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School. Members of the class of 2015, including Paul Makinano of Ansonia in Santa hat, battle in the tug-of-war. Mara Lavitt/Register

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Spirited competition before the start of winter break was the order of the day Friday at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School.
About 550 students packed the gym to compete and support their classmates in the third annual “Class Wars.”
Their cheers were so loud they almost drowned out the holiday music playing in the background.

Read the full story here.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Ansonia's decked-out house winners named

By Register Staff
ANSONIA — The Ansonia Cultural Commission and the Valley Arts Council have had a successful Deck Your House & Yard contest this holiday season with 23 entries, commission member Mary Gibson said.
She said the houses varied in style of decorating. Members of the Ansonia Cultural Commission and the Valley Arts Council judged the decorations.

Read the full story here.

Ansonia police ID suspects nabbed in drug bust

By Register Staff
ANSONIA — Police early Wednesday nabbed eight suspects in connection with an early-morning drug bust at 15 Howard Ave.
Four suspects at the Howard Avenue house were arrested in connection with drugs and four people at a house on Bassett Street were charged with interfering with police for hiding the suspect, police Lt. Andrew Cota said.

Read the full story here

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Seymour police arrest Stratford man accused in string of area burglaries

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Police have captured and arrested a Stratford man responsible for a rash of recent burglaries, who also led police on a high-speed car chase.
Douglas Fast, 47, of 94 Everett St., was arrested Wednesday for burglarizing a home on Patrick Drive. Fast was taken into custody and charged with first-degree burglary, interfering with an officer, second-degree criminal mischief, brandishing a facsimile firearm, engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, misuse of registered plates, operating an unregistered motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended drivers license.


Read the full story here.

Derby drive raises food, gifts, cash valued at $158,562 to help 100 families

Nick Hawker, of Monroe, loads a bicycle into a vehicle at the St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Shop and Food Pantry. The nonprofit is distributing food and toys to more than 100 needy Valley families. Melanie Stengel/Register

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — A miracle has happened again.
That was the word Wednesday from St. Vincent De Paul Helping Hands of the Valley director Sandi Bailie as the organization held its annual Christmas food and gift distribution.
Bailie said this year the nonprofit was able to reach its goal of helping more than 100 needy families for the holiday.


Read the full story here.

Ansonia cops arrest 8 after drug raid

By Register Staff
ANSONIA — Police early Wednesday nabbed eight suspects in connection with an early-morning drug bust at 15 Howard Ave.
According to Lt. Andrew Cota, police were serving a search warrant at 6:30 a.m. when one suspect jumped out a window and apparently swung on wires connected to the house and landed on the ground. The suspect ran through a side yard and escaped.
Police searched the area, and a police dog tracked the suspect to the house of friends at 35 Bassett St., where he was found hiding in the basement.
Four suspects at the Howard Avenue house were arrested in connection with drugs and four people in the Bassett Street house were charged with interfering with police for hiding the suspect, police said.

TEAM Toys 4 Kids a big hit in Ansonia (video)

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — It will be a happier Christmas for Shelton resident May Ortiz and her family, thanks to help from TEAM Toys 4 Kids.
Ortiz, a single mother, shopped Tuesday at TEAM’s temporary toy store on Main Street for her daughter, who is 10.
“It’s great because sometimes there is no money, no job,” she said. “TEAM helps a lot.”

Read the full story here.

Ansonia students wrap small gifts for needy Valley children (video)

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Kids helping kids they’ve never met.
That was the theme Wednesday in the cafeteria at John G. Prendegast School as 40 students in grades 4-6 wrapped small gifts and stuffed them into stockings for needy children in the Valley.
The students are members of the Character Club, started last year by behavior intervention teacher Melissa Cook.


Read the full story here.

Report: Bed bugs found in Seymour's Anna LoPresti Elementary School

WFSB is reporting that an Anna LoPresti Elementary School teacher found a bed bug Tuesday. An exterminator search Tuesday night did not find any more of the bugs.
Tuesday's find was the latest in a number of bed bug discoveries at the school over the past year.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Moody's raises Ansonia's bond rating

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — The city recently received an upgrade to its bond rating, which city officials said is unusual in this tough economy.
Mayor James Della Volpe announced that the city’s A1 bond rating was upgraded to AA3 by Moody’s Investors Services. The AA3 rating means the city has a “very strong capacity” to meet its financial commitments, and only slightly differs from the highest rating a municipality can achieve, which is AAA.

Read the full story here.

Shelton family undergoes difficult times

 
Single mother Joyce Mueller's family of Shelton needs a holiday gift as she recuperates from breast cancer surgeries. She is unable to work while she also caring for her special needs triplets, Nicole, Tommy, and Jessie, 13. Melanie Stengel/Register

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
SHELTON — Being a single parent of triplets is difficult enough.
But having three children with special needs while dealing with your own health issues can be downright overwhelming.
And all that’s needed to help someone in that situation is an ability to empathize and offer some hope.


Read the full story here.

Ansonia baby killed by 'violent shaking,' warrant says (document)

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
DERBY — Infant Kyle Robinson died of severe injuries, “the result of violent shaking,” shortly before he was brought to the hospital, according to the warrant for the man arrested in his death, Angel Luis Santiago, 35.
Kyle’s injuries were “consistent with the head being shaken,” the warrant said.
Kyle died of severe trauma, with injuries to his brain, neck, spinal cord and eyes, it said.

Read the full story here.

Maple Street bridge in Ansonia reopens

The Maple Street bridge that spans the Naugatuck River in Ansonia opened to traffic Tuesday afternoon. It has been closed since March 2010. The bridge, located between Olson Drive and Main Street, is on Route 334. It has undergone a $3.84 million reconstruction. Patricia Villers/Register

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Ansonia man arrested after robbing store employee of receipts, cops say

Ramos

By Register Staff
ANSONIA — Police arrested an Ansonia man after he allegedly robbed an employee carrying the day’s receipts from a Pershing Drive convenience store when the employee stopped for a cup of coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts, police said.
Police responded at 5:25 p.m. Sunday to a report of an armed robbery in the Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot on Pershing Drive.

Read the full story here.

Suspect in death of Ansonia infant held in lieu of $1M bail after court appearance


Angel Luis Santiago (right) is arraigned at Superior Court in Derby Tuesday. Arnold Gold/Register


DERBY — Angel Luis Santiago, 35, appeared briefly in Superior Court Tuesday afternoon in the June death of 5-month-old Kyle Robinson of Ansonia.
Santiago, of West Haven, wearing a PoloJeans sweatshirt, baggy pants and shackles around his ankles, faced Judge Burton Kaplan at about 12:30 p.m. in Superior Court.
Charges against him were read out: first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault and risk of injury.
He was held in lieu of $1 million bail.
The case was sent to Superior Court in Milford, where the more serious charges are heard.

Club to offer music lessons


       SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is offering music lessons with instructor Casey Gorman beginning after the first of the year.
      An introductory meeting and pizza party will be held for parents and kids at 6 p.m. Jan. 9.
      Cost is $25 per instrument for eight sessions. All classes are held Monday nights. For children ages 7 and older, no exceptions. 
      Cost includes instruction and instrument use during practice; a limited number of instruments are available for each class; first come first serve. It is recommended that the child also have an instrument at home for practice. 
    Classes are held as follows: Drums 4-4:30 p.m.; Drums II 4:30-5 p.m.; Keyboard 5-5:45 p.m.; Keyboard II 5:45-6:30 p.m.; Guitar 6:30-7:15 p.m.; Guitar II 7:15-8 p.m.
     Register online at www.BGC-LNV.com. Club members may sign up at the front desk. 
     The club is at 1 Positive Place.
    
 

2 Ansonia cheerleading squads win big (video)

Title-winning cheerleaders pose with state Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, front left, and Ansonia Mayor James Della Volpe, right, in the aldermanic chambers at Ansonia City Hall. Jean Falbo-Sosnovich/Register


By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — Two city cheerleading squads recently clinched a major V-I-C-T-O-R-Y, landing first place national championships.
Both the Ansonia United 12 (girls ages 10-12) and Ansonia United 14 (girls ages 11-14) cheerleaders from the city’s United Youth Football League earned the first place titles during a recent national cheerleading competition in Florida.

Read the full story here.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Winners of house-decorating contest announced

    ANSONIA - The Ansonia Cultural Commission and the Valley Arts Council have had a successful Deck Your House & Yard contest this holiday season with 23 entries, commission member Mary Gibson said.
    She said the houses varied in style of decorating. Members of the Ansonia Cultural Commission and the Valley Arts Council judged the decorations.
    A winner was chosen from each ward; no houses were entered from Ward 4.
    The winners are: Ward 1, 12 West Brookside Ave., Fredrick Baker and Paula Abbati;  Ward 2, 191 Prospect St., Ron and Carolyn Steeves; Ward 3, 28 William St., Christine Boulay; Ward 5, 209 Wakelee Ave., John and AnnMarie Checkley; Ward 6, 48 Highland Ave., Bill Webster; Ward 7, 7 Birchwood Drive, Robert Meyernick, which also won overall city winner.
    Ansonia merchants that donated gift cards for prizes included: The Original Antonio's Restaurant-Bar-Takeout-Catering; Lewis Jewelers; Seccombe's Mens Shop; and L2 Innovate-Computers & Technology.

3 people die in 2 separate accidents on Route 8 in Shelton

By Abbe Smith
Register Staff
SHELTON — Three people were killed early Sunday in two separate accidents on Route 8, and state police say the crashes were related.
Barbara Powell, 47, and Christopher G. Powell, 34, a married couple living at 680 Long Hill Ave., Shelton, were in a car traveling south on Route 8, just north of exit 13, when it veered into the median, hit a metal guide rail, crossed the highway divider and rolled over, police said. The accident occured at about 1:30 a.m.

Read the full story here.

West Haven man surrenders in June death of infant in Ansonia


By Register Staff
ANSONIA — Angel Luis Santiago turned himself in to police today in the June death of infant Kyle Robinson.
Santiago, 35. of 96 Center St., West Haven,  is charged with manslaughter in the first degree, risk of injury to a minor and first-degree assault. He was held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail and will be presented at Derby Superior Court Tuesday.
The Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide and cited blunt force trauma as the cause. After an extensive investigation, Santiago became the focus of the investigation, police said in a written release. An arrest warrant was obtained at Milford Superior Court. Attempts to locate Santiago were unsuccessful until information was received today that Santiago was going to turn himself in. He did so at 1 p.m. today.
Check back for more details.

Ansonia property owner claims mistreatment by zoning official

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — A Litchfield man, who owns property here, claims he was mistreated by a city zoning official in being served with a violation notice by a state marshal, accompanied by a state trooper, at his home.
Ron Glander relayed his concerns and frustration during last week’s Board of Aldermen meeting. Glander owns property on Hodge Avenue, and was cited for violating the city’s blight ordinance in October.

Read the full story here.

Ansonia man surrenders in June death of infant

By Register Staff

ANSONIA — Angel Luis Santiago turned himself in to police today in the June death of infant Kyle Robinson.
Check back for more details.

Derby zoners to consider application for a Walgreens on Pershing Drive

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
DERBY — Walgreens Eastern Co. is bringing a multimillion dollar proposal for the corner of Pershing Drive and Division Street before the Planning and Zoning Commission at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the aldermanic chambers at City Hall.
It’s a “terrific project,” Mayor Anthony Staffieri said.

Read the full story here.

Seymour seeks participants for 3rd annual Citizens Police Academy

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR ‑ The Police Department is looking for residents to join its third annual Citizens Police Academy.
The 12-week program is geared to give participants a working knowledge of the Police Department, according to Community Police Officer Sergio Desiderato.

Read the full story here.

Convenience store in Shelton robbed for second time in two weeks

SHELTON — The Buck Stop Citgo at 429 Shelton Ave. has been robbed for the second time in two weeks.
Lt. Robert Kozlowsky said police responded to the gas station on a call of a robbery at about 11 p.m. Sunday. Two men dressed in black entered the store, showed a knife, and took an unknown amount of cash from the register, Kozlowsky said. There were no injuries.
Detectives are investigating.
On Dec. 9, police investigated a robbery at the Buck Stop and two suspects were arrested.
The two incidents do not appear to be related, he said. Police ask anyone with any information to call the detective bureau at 203-924-1544.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Ansonia police seek man in death of 5-month-old

By Register Staff
ANSONIA — Police have secured an arrest warrant for a man in the June death of a 5-month-old, and they are looking for the public’s help in finding the suspect.
On June 10, police responded to a call for an unresponsive child. Officers and medical personnel arrived but they unable to revive the child. The child was transferred to Yale-New Haven Hospital and died the next day.

Read more here.

Late Ansonia official honored by family, friends, colleagues

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Some 65 friends, family and colleagues came out Friday to honor the late Brian F. Phipps at the armory.
Phipps, 61, was a civic-minded man who won the Bronze Star with the V for valor while serving in the Army during the Vietnam War.
He volunteered more than a decade on the Board of Police Commissioners and was a Pop Warner Football assistant coach for 28 years.

Read the full story here.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Masters Table salutes restaurateur; Setaro helps provide community meals

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Shelton resident Jim Fedak, who launched Masters Table Community Meals Inc. earlier this year, recently recognized Chris Setaro, owner of The Original Antonio’s Restaurant, for his support.
The mission of the monthly Masters Table Community Meals is to combine a sense of belonging with a free, full-course meal prepared by volunteers.
Fedak, board president, presented a plaque to Setaro at the restaurant, 314 Main St. Fedak and fellow board members were there to eat and express their gratitude to Setaro for his continued assistance.

Read the full story here.

EDITORIAL: Plaque thefts a vile desecration

Whoever is stealing war memorial plaques in the Valley has neither a sense of decency nor a feeling of pride in his country. The plaques list the names of area residents who served in the armed forces, some of whom died. Theft of the plaques should evoke the same disgust as spitting on the flag or desecration of a grave.
The first plaque was stolen in late November in Shelton. It commemorated Issac Hull, a Valley native and a hero of the War of 1812. As captain of the USS Constitution, Hull defeated a British frigate in a sea battle that showed the power of a young nation’s new Navy.
This month, two plaques were stolen from a war memorial on Woodbridge Avenue in Ansonia. The stolen plaques listed Ansonia residents who served in World War II and Vietnam.
Finally, two plaques honoring Frank P. Witek were pried from a monument in Derby, where Witek was born and raised. A private in the Marines, he was killed Aug. 3, 1944, in a battle on Guam while defending the rest of his platoon from enemy fire. For his exceptional bravery, Witek was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
There seems little doubt some of the plaques, if not all, were stolen for their value as scrap metal. The plaques that were on the Witek memorial weigh about 100 pounds each.
No reputable scrap dealer would accept these plaques. Instead, they should immediately inform the police if they are offered for sale. The plaques commemorate an important part of the Valley’s history.
The veterans’ record of service to their country will never be forgotten; and, these memorials to that service must not be treated as junk to be melted down.

Seymour program seeks soldier names

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Town Clerk Esther Rozum is again asking residents to submit the names of military men and women serving away from home so she can send them a Christmas check, courtesy of the town’s Richard R. Pearson Memorial Fund program.
The complete service address, along with the individual’s local home address, and the name of the person submitting the request, must be included.


Read the full story here.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Proposed bill aims to protect veteran memorials in wake of Valley, New Britain thefts

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Investigations Editor
After a rash of thefts of metal from veterans’ memorials in the Valley and New Britain, U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy, D-5, is proposing a bill to make it a federal crime to transport stolen veterans’ memorials, monuments and plaques of any value across state lines.
Murphy announced the proposal Friday at the World War II Veterans Memorial in Kulper Park in New Britain, where thieves last year stole plaques bearing veterans’ names.
Murphy plans to submit the “Protect Veterans’ Memorials Act” on Monday. Murphy said he expects it to get wide support and pass by the end of 2012.

Read the full story here.

Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller appoints 2 assistants, 3 legal counsels

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Republican First Selectman Kurt Miller made several new appointments while presiding over his first Board of Selectmen meeting this week.
Miller, who defeated Democratic First Selectman Paul Roy in November’s election, began his first day of work Monday. During Tuesday’s selectmen meeting, he asked the board to support his choices to replace several people who worked in Roy’s administration.

Read the full story here.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Ansonia preschoolers to explore nature

Jacqueline Lema, director and head teacher of the Redwing Pond House Preschool, is photographed at the school behind the Ansonia Nature Center in Ansonia recently. Arnold Gold/Register
 
By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Jacqueline Lema, director and head teacher at the new Redwing Pond House Preschool, hopes the nature-based program soon takes flight.
The preschool is housed in a 2,500-square-foot space at 21 Milan St., on the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center property.
It is slated to open in January, Lema said. She was hired in late March and worked for several months to set up the classroom.

Read the full story here.

Santa visiting Seymour Saturday

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Santa Claus will arrive with a bang Saturday during the Seymour Land Trust’s 16th annual visit.
Santa will make his entrance to a fireworks display, scheduled for 6 p.m. at Legion Pool, 13 Chatfield St.
Special-needs individuals and group home residents may visit from 5 to 6 p.m.

Read the full story here.

19 Valley nonprofits share $595,500 in grants

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
Nineteen Valley nonprofits have received an early holiday gift in the form of Valley Community Foundation grants.
Through its 2011 Responsive Grants, the Valley Community Foundation awarded $595,500 in one-year and multi-year grants to organizations and programs. The awards were announced earlier this week.

Read the full story here.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Seymour Girl Scouts win parade trophy

Girl Scout Troops 61237 and 60112 of Seymour were awarded the Pelletier Trophy recently. The award is presented to the best overall unit in the Seymour Christmas Parade.  The group had already received the Sponheimer Trophy for the best children’s marching unit with its Nutcracker Express theme.
In a ceremony at Trinity Church in Seymour, Christmas Parade treasurer Judy Pelletier presented the giant trophy to troop leader Rhonda Rossik. Aurora Council, Knights of Columbus is the trophy sponsor. Pictured in foreground are Pelletier and Rossik.
Front row, l to r: Sarah Prodan, Christina Sonsone, Lauren Burton, Tori Noel, Rachel Gagne
Rear on stage: Erika Spaulding, Catherine Dimon, Jaynie Denicky, Katie Berti, Catherine Rossik, Jessica Gagne.  Missing from photo: Emma Fabrizi, Emma Hamilton, Lily Hamilton, Juliann Wilkins, Katlynn Tiatro. / Contributed photo

Father replaces son on Derby tax board

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — One letter can make all the difference, and such was the case last month in the municipal election.
It all came down to a middle initial: James J. Butler’s name was erroneously placed on the November election ballot for a seat on the Board of Apportionment and Taxation instead of that of his father, James R. Butler.
On Wednesday, the four Democratic members of the Board of Aldermen held a caucus at City Hall. They chose James R. Butler to fill a vacancy on the tax board left by James J. Butler, aldermanic President Ron Sill said.

Read the full story here.

Ansonia plays host to Dec. 7 remembrance event

87-Year-old Daniel Waleski, a WWII Navy veteran from Derby, plays taps Wednesday  during a ceremony remembering the attack on Pearl Harbor at Ansonia City Hall. Peter Casolino/Register


By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Valley veterans, residents and elected officials paused Wednesday to remember those who were killed when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
Wednesday was the 70th anniversary of the aerial attack that plunged the United States into World War II.

Read the full story here.

Seymour to vote on financing emergency equipment needs

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Residents will be asked at a town meeting next week to approve more than $1 million in financing to replace a failing emergency communications system, two Public Works Department vehicles and a rescue truck for the Fire Department.
A town meeting to vote on the emergency dispatch console, at a cost not to exceed $497,000, along with a pay loader ($160,000) and dump truck ($180,000) for the Public Works Department, has been set for 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Town Hall.

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Son resigns from Derby tax board so father can take seat

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY — James J. Butler resigned from the Board of Apportionment and Taxation Tuesday, just days after bring sworn in to a post for which his father, James R. Butler, actually ran.
And now it’s up to the Democratic members of the Board of Aldermen to decide who will fill the seat. According to the city charter, the aldermen of a certain party, in this case the Democrats, have the authority to caucus and name someone to fill the vacancy.
The aldermen are scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 in City Hall. Mayor Anthony Staffieri said he expects the Democratic aldermen to caucus, then make their selection at that time.

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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Officials debating whether to remove Joe Paterno mural from middle school gym in Oxford

School officials in Oxford are debating whether to paint over a mural of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno on a gymnasium wall at a middle school, WFSB reports.

Son resigns from Derby tax board so father can take seat

By Register Staff
DERBY — James J. Butler today announced that he has resigned from the Board of Apportionment and Taxation, just days after being sworn in to a seat for which his father, James R. Butler, actually ran.
“I have tendered my resignation this morning from the tax board,” James J. Butler said in written statement this morning. “After speaking to my Dad, a mistake was made on the ballot with our middle initials. My father the incumbent was one of the top vote getters last election. Although I would like to think it was me elected, I was not the person running, nor was my face on the campaign brochures it is the right thing to do, resign, so my father can gain the seat he ran and was truly elected for."

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Family members of missing Waterbury man claim they never harassed anyone

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Investigations Editor
NEW HAVEN — Family members of missing Waterbury man William “Billy” Smolinski Jr. denied claims they harassed or threatened anyone, and said they put up posters about Smolinski solely to try to find him, during testimony Monday.
Madeleine Gleason of Woodbridge, who dated Smolinski until they broke up just prior to his disappearance, sued his mother, Janice Smolinski of Cheshire, and his sister, Paula Bell, in 2006.
The lawsuit claims the defendants falsely accused Gleason of involvement in Billy’s disappearance and have defamed her, and she is seeking monetary damages.


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Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller and team sworn in, get right to work

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Newly-elected Republican First Selectman Kurt Miller and his team took their official oath of office Monday.
Miller, 41, was actually sworn in by Town Clerk Esther Rozum Monday morning at Town Hall, where he began his first official day of work. Miller defeated former Democratic First Selectman Paul Roy in last month’s municipal election.

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Endowment fund set up for Derby's Sterling Opera House

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — There is renewed interest in the history of the Sterling Opera House, and the structure now has a designated fund to generate interest for its future.
On Monday, Mayor Anthony Staffieri joined Valley Community Foundation President James E. Cohen and several involved citizens to sign documents creating a Sterling Opera House Endowment Fund. It is now one of the Valley Community Foundation’s charitable funds.
The signing was held at the Valley Community Foundation’s new home at 253A Elizabeth St., a former carriage house on the property of the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home.


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Monday, December 5, 2011

Woodbridge boater found in Housatonic River died of natural causes, medical examiner says

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
Richard Fiske, the Woodbridge boater whose body was recovered Sunday in the Housatonic River, died of natural causes.
According to the state’s Chief Medical Examiner’s office, which performed an autopsy Monday, Fiske, 75, died from an “intra-cerebral hemorrhage, due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease.”


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Grant will fund Ansonia Nature Center 'touch tank'

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center will soon have a “touch tank” teaching tool, thanks to a grant from the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority Watershed Fund.
A $10,045 grant was given to the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center Inc. to purchase a 100-gallon classroom tank, center Director Donna Lindgren said.

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Ansonia to sell tax-delinquent properties

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Twelve properties will be put on the auction block Thursday for nonpayment of city taxes.
The sites are commercial, residential and undeveloped land.
The total owed is $505,028.
The most owed is for a single-family house at 21 High Acres Road. The owners, who owe $98,624.61 plus legal fees, haven’t paid taxes in more than 15 years, according to state Marshal Arthur J. Davies, who runs the sale.
The least amount due is $14,277.17 for a 0.4-acre lot at 14 Woodbridge Manor.

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Sunday, December 4, 2011

Report: Body of missing boater from Woodbridge recovered from Housatonic

The body of a boater from Woodbridge missing since Monday was recovered in the Housatonic River this morning, the Valley Indepent Sentinel reports.

Swearing-in in Derby takes an unusual twist

James J. Butler, right, and Jason A. Cronk are sworn into the Board of Apportionment and Taxation by state Rep. Themis Klarides during the Derby municipal inauguration ceremony at Derby High School Saturday. James J. Butler was sworn in even though his father, James R. Butler, was the actual candidate. Peter Casolino/Register

 
By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
DERBY — About an hour before the swearing-in Saturday, it was apparent who was going to be seated on the tax board when James J. Butler accepted a boutonniere for his suit lapel.
What wasn’t clear was how long he will be in office.
“I’m not into politics, that’s my father,” he said. He said he hasn’t had a chance to talk with his wife and children about serving.

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Saturday, December 3, 2011

Derby Dems silent on inaugural tax board member

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
DERBY — The question over which Butler will take a seat on the tax board today remained open, even after the inauguration program was printed.
The souvenir book lists James J. Butler, son of James R., as a newly elected member of the Board of Apportionment and Taxation.
It’s James R. Butler who wants to serve on the tax board, but the name of his son, James J., appeared on the ballot in November.
His father has said James J. has no interest in politics.

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Work progressing on Derby site for Tracy's Garage and A Quick Pick Crane Service

By Phyllis Swebilius
Register Staff
DERBY — Work is progressing on a new site for two companies on Water Street.
A tenant has moved into a facility owned by Mike Tracz, proprietor of Tracy’s Garage, and the first of two buildings for A Quick Pick Crane Service, is going up.


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Derby seeks donations for servicemen's fund

DERBY - Mayor Tony Staffieri, in conjunction with the Catholic War Veterans St. Michael’s Post 1562,  is again reaching out to the Derby community to seek monetary contributions for local men and women serving in the military at home or overseas.
    The contributions serve as a Christmas gift from the community. 
    “I realize these are tough financial times for all of us and to ask for donations is difficult.” he said. “Though difficult, I believe sending our brave young men and women, who are protecting of freedoms and our way of life, a small, unexpected check offering our appreciation during this holiday season is worth the sacrifice.”
    Last year, Derby citizens contributed $1,150 to the fund and six service people were sent gifts of appreciation.
    Donations may be sent to Mayor Anthony Staffieri, Servicemen and Women’s Fund, Derby City Hall, 1 Elizabeth St., Derby,  06418, attn: Barbara Charlonis
    Checks should be made out to Derby Servicemen and Women’s Fund.
    Names of Derby servicemen and servicewomen serving either at home or overseas may be sent to the above address.
    For information call 203-736-1450.

Plaque thieves strike Ansonia war memorial, making it 3rd Valley town hit


This monument near the Commodore Hull Bridge at the corner of Howe Avenue and Kneen Street in Shelton was stripped of a copper plaque. Patricia Villers/Register

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — A third Valley town reports the theft of veterans’ memorial plaques.
City police said two copper and brass plaques were taken from the Woodbridge Avenue Honor Roll and War Memorial.
Three plaques were reported stolen in Derby earlier this week. In Shelton, a plaque dedicated to Commodore Isaac Hull was taken late last month from a site near the entrance to Route 8 north, The Valley Independent Sentinel reported Thursday.

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Ansonia mayor takes oath to start 7th term; other city officials also sworn in (video)

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — Longtime Mayor James T. Della Volpe officially embarked on his seventh term in office Thursday.
Della Volpe, 63, along with the newly elected members of the Board of Aldermen, Board of Education, town & city clerk, city treasurer and city sheriffs, took the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony at City Hall.
Before a standing-room- only crowd, Della Volpe thanked the voters, and choking back tears, praised his wife, Jane, for “the sacrifices she has made in order for me to have the privilege of serving my hometown.”


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Thursday, December 1, 2011

Police, restaurant launch annual toy drive

    SHELTON - The Shelton Police Department has teamed with Outback Steakhouse of Shelton for an annual toy drive.
    People are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to local families in need.
    The toys can be dropped off at the Shelton Police Department, 85 Wheeler St., or Outback Steakhouse of Shelton, 698 Bridgeport Ave.
    All toys must be received by Dec. 21. Outback Steakhouse of Shelton is giving away a free appetizer or dessert to any customer who brings in a new, unwrapped toy to the restaurant by Dec. 21.
    Any questions related to the toy drive should be directed to Officer Kevin Sherman at (203) 924-1544 ext. 349.

OSHA cuts Seymour fines in half

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — OSHA will reduce by half the amount of fines the town has to pay for several violations found earlier this year.
“OSHA has agreed to cut the fines by 50 percent to reflect a total of $2,555 owed,” First Selectman Paul Roy said in a written statement.

Read the full story here.

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...