PHOTO: Elvis impersonator serenades Bishop Wicke resident

Despite the storm clouds, snow and wind, warm feelings of love were in the air when residents of Bishop Wicke were recently entertained with classic Elvis music. Believing that the power of music is essential to health and well-being, this performance is just one of many that our residents enjoy throughout the week. Shown in the photo is Connecticut’s No. 1 Elvis impersonator, Seymour resident David Devonshuk. He is serenading resident Jerri Thornton. Love is indeed in the air at Bishop Wicke.

Bishop Wicke Health and Rehabilitation center is located on the Wesley Village Campus of United Methodist Homes, 580 Long Hill Ave. in Shelton.

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

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Naugatuck Community Band in Seymour

SEYMOUR >> Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Naugatuck Community Band sponsored by the Seymour Culture and Arts Commission. The band will perform in concert  Music of the Celtic Isles featuring musical selections from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England.
The Naugatuck Community Band is a volunteer, non-profit organization consisting of musicians from throughout the Naugatuck Valley area and beyond. They enjoy and take pride in performing music at various events throughout the year.
The Celtic concert will be held on Saturday, March 14 at the Seymour Middle School, 211 Mountain Road, beginning at 7 p.m. The concert is free to the public but those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable item to donate to the local Food Bank. For more information or questions, please call Kim at 203-888-7880.

Seymour VFW Post 12084 sponsoring St. Patrick's Day dinner March 15

SEYMOUR >> The VFW Post 12084 is sponsoring a St. Patrick's Day dinner at 3 p.m. March 15 at Villa Bianca Restaurant, 312 Roosevelt Dr.
Post Commander Al Yagovane said the "all you can eat" dinner will feature corned beef, cabbage, potato, carrots, salad and Italian bread. Cost is $18 per  person, and a cash bar will be available.
For more information, contact Yagovane at 203-736-7981 or Steve Forster at 203-654-1002.

Ansonia, Clinton, East Haven, Wallingford get funds for preschool

By Luther Turmelle
Register Staff
Fourteen Connecticut towns, including four in the New Haven area, will share in more than $3.5 million in state funding to expand available preschool space.
Gov. Dannel Malloy announced the funding Monday. Nearly $2.09 million of the money will come from Connecticut’s portion of the Tobacco Settlement fund, with the remaining $1.58 million to come from the state Bond Commission, which will consider the expenditure at an upcoming meeting
Ansonia, Clinton, East Haven and Wallingford are the New Haven area towns that are receiving the funding. Wallingford and East Haven are getting the largest amounts of funding, $300,000 and $298,000, respectively, while Clinton is receiving $150,000 and $90,000 is going to Ansonia.

Read more here. 

Ansonia man guilty in drug trafficking

BRIDGEPORT >> An Ansonia man pleaded guilty Friday to trafficking prescription narcotics such as oxycodone.
James Costanzo, 37, entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport to two counts, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, oxycodone and oxymorphone, and knowingly engaging in a monetary transaction involving criminally derived property.
Costanzo, who has been detained since his January 2014 arrest, faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced May 22.

Read more here. 

Ansonia settles wrongful termination claim for $17,500

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA >> The city recently settled for $17,500 a claim by its former economic development director, who alleged he was unjustly fired last year.
City officials said the settlement saved the thousands of dollars by avoiding costly litigation.
“The City of Ansonia settled Peter Kelly’s wrongful termination claim for $17,500, which is substantially less than his initial demand of over $100,000,” said Corporation Counsel John Marini. “The settlement should not be mistaken for any admission of wrongdoing on the part of the City, but rather a decision to avoid the inherent risks of litigation and substantial costs of litigation. The administration wishes Mr. Kelly well in his new position with the Village of Lisle, Illinois.”

Read more here. 

Have a sweet tooth for cupcakes? Wildflour Confections bakery in Seymour opens

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR >> Something sweet has cropped up downtown.
Wildflour Confections, a new bakery specializing in cupcakes and cakes, recently held its grand opening at the corner of Bank and Columbus streets.
Owner Alyssa DeMatteo, 24, of Seymour, held a soft opening on Valentine’s Day, and well before closing time, sold out of all her sweets. Earlier this week, the bakery’s opening was made official, complete with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and welcoming remarks from Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell.

Read more here.