A Quick Pick Crane Service begins move to Derby

Scott Schrade, left, an owner of A Quick Pick Crane Service of Shelton, breaks ground Thursday for his company's new location off Water Street in Derby with Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri. Patricia Villers/Register

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff 
DERBY — Things are looking up for business in the city.
On Thursday, Mayor Anthony Staffieri and an owner of A Quick Pick Crane Service broke ground for the company’s future home on Water Street. The business is moving from 55 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton.
Scott Schrade, one of the owners, said they bought the parcel for its prime location and “easy access” to Route 8. “We outgrew where we were in Shelton,” he said.

Read the full story here.

Shelton fundraiser seeks to boost awareness about importance of exercise for those with disabilities

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
SHELTON — Staying fit is vital to people living with disabilities, and organizers of Sunday’s Wheeling and Able Shelton Riverwalk 5K Wheel/Walk for Fitness seek to raise awareness of the importance of exercise.
The second annual event will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Riverwalk off Canal Street. It coincides with the annual Shelton Day, which runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. along Howe Avenue.
The wheel/walk is co-sponsored by LifeDesign Systems and the state chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association.

Read the full story here.

Veteran Seymour cop files complaint against chief (documents)

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Claiming age discrimination, a hostile work environment and retaliation for trying to expose alleged mismanagement of the Police Department, Detective Ronald Goodmaster recently filed a complaint with the state against Police Chief Michael Metzler.
Goodmaster, a 23-veteran with the department, filed the complaint with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Read the full story here.

'Taste of Nature Party' to benefit scholarship fund

    ANSONIA - The Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center Inc. (FANCI) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a "Taste of Nature Party" from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.
    Sample exotic honeys, fresh baked breads, garden fresh salsas, Connecticut cheeses, teas from around the world as well as desserts.
    Music, candlelight, and flowers will add to the atmosphere.
    Donation is $25, which will support FANCI's Scholarship Fund. Call 203-736-1053 or visit the Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Road, for reservations.

Police make arrests, seize crack, heroin, pot, guns in big Shelton drug raid

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
SHELTON – Police made multiple arrests and seized crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, drug packaging materials and guns in a large-scale drug raid Thursday morning.
Police Capt. Michael Madden said 40 law enforcement officers and four police canine units participated in the raid, which happened shortly after 6 a.m. on Cliff Street.

Read more here.

Shelton man sentenced to prison on child porn charge

By Register Staff
A Shelton man was sentenced Wednesday to serve one year in prison for possession of child pornography.
Judge Burton Kaplan imposed the sentence on Albert Franklin Jr., 21, in Superior Court in Derby.
Franklin will be on probation for 10 years after he finishes his sentence, and if he violates the conditions of it, then he risks having to serve a full five years in prison


Read the full story here.

Seymour Land Trust recreation area needs more than $2.7 million in repairs

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
SEYMOUR — The Seymour Land Trust property off Chatfield Street, heavily damaged by flooding after a freak rainstorm July 8, will need more than $2.7 million in repairs to restore a recreation area.
The trails at Legion Pool park and Chatfield Park were destroyed after that storm, described as a microburst, and torrential rains in mid-August. The microburst did extensive damage in Seymour, Oxford and Beacon Falls.
A 93-foot wooden foot bridge over Bladens Brook, which survived the July 8 storm, was washed downstream in August. The bridge provided access to trails, a covered bridge and nearby Chatfield Park.

Read the full story here.

Website makes it easy to support your favorite school teams

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff

Now there is an online business to score some financial support for your favorite local high school football team.
J.R. Romano, Derby High School class of 1997, has a website, www.donationrivals.com, that will allow people to contribute to their teams’ gridiron clubs.
According to information on the site, the business is a subsidiary of A Street Consulting LLC.
Romano played quarterback for the Derby Red Raiders in 1996 and remembers the thrill of defeating the rival Ansonia High School Chargers on his home field.

Read the full story here.

Derby school administrator pleads not guilty to drug charges (video, document)

 William M. LaRovera

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
DERBY — A Derby Middle School administrator who is facing multiple drug charges entered a not guilty plea Wednesday in Superior Court.
William M. LaRovera, 34, of Naugatuck, clad in a suit and with his family supporting him in the courtroom audience, was arraigned Wednesday before Judge Burton Kaplan.
Kaplan, after entering the not guilty plea on LaRovera’s behalf, continued his case to Oct. 17.
Police arrested LaRovera early this month, claiming he had 66 pills of the painkiller Roxycodone, pill fragments and crushed pill residue in his possession at the school, where he is the dean of student development.

Read the full story here.

Updated: Route 8 reopens following rollover

SEYMOUR — The northbound section of Route 8 near Exit 22 reopened late Wednesday after being closed for several hours following a tractor-trailer rollover.
According to state police spokesman Kelly Grant, the 18-wheeler was traveling north on Route 8 when it crashed around 9:30 a.m. The truck was carrying loads of brown paper grocery bags.
The driver, who was not identified, suffered minor injuries, Grant said.
Grant said the left southbound lane of Route 8 across from the accident was also shut down for a time, as debris from the truck flew into that lane.
Grant said there was "a minor fuel leak" from the truck, but that it had been contained, and there were no concerns of any fuel escaping into the Naugatuck River, which is directly below the highway.
Lt. Paul Satkowski said the truck was "up-righted" around 3 p.m.

See www.nhregister.com for video.

Harvest House IV feeds Valley hungry

    SHELTON - Valley United Way’s Corporate Volunteer Council completed its 16th annual Week of Caring project over the weekend by building a 400-square foot house made of nonperishable food items for area food banks.
    Pitney Bowes was the “Marquis Sponsor” for Harvest House IV. Also underwriting the event were: Platinum, PerkinElmer; Gold,  BIC Corp. and First Niagara and Newtown Savings Bank; Silver, Iroquois Gas Transmission, HealthNet and Valley Community Foundation.
    These companies and more than 50 other Valley businesses on the CVC and in the Valley ran food drives at their facilities and provided hundreds of volunteers to help with the build.
    Student teams from Emmett O’Brien Technical High School’s Computer Aided Drafting and Design and Carpentry Departments began by developing blueprints of a 20x20 square - foot house under the supervision of Matthew Holst, a structural engineer from Fletcher-Thompson, a Shelton-based architecture firm.
    Harvest House was assembled last week on the Shelton Riverwalk by students from O’Brien, and people from all over the Valley came to the Shelton Riverwalk all weekendtlo bring food and help with the build. Some of the Volunteers were from the United Way Youth Leadership program, the Valley United Way High School Volunteer Council, Ansonia Prendergast School, Elizabeth Shelton, Perry Hill School, Ansonia Middle and Derby Middle Schools.
    On Monday, area food banks and their volunteers picked up the large quantity of food and transported it back to their agencies. Organizations that participated include Spooner House, The Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul Helping Hands of the Valley, Birmingham Group Health Services, Inc. and the Parent-Child Resource Center.

Shelton man accused of firing gun in home

SHELTON — Police on Tuesday morning arrested a city man who allegedly fired a gun twice in his residence.
No one was injured, according to police.

Read the full story here.

Suspect in Shelton robbery, kidnap case considering a plea deal

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
A man accused of kidnapping, raping and beating a Shelton store clerk last year, allegedly while high on “angel dust,” is considering a plea bargain offer from the state.
Justin Bonner, 26, a Stratford resident who has been held since his June 2010 arrest, appeared Tuesday in Superior Court in Milford before Judge Richard Arnold.
Bonner’s attorney, Public Defender David Egan, told the judge he is waiting for a report from a physician, and asked for the case to be continued to Oct. 27.

Read the full story here.

Study ordered over flooding, sinkholes at Seymour home

This is the flooded backyard at a Walnut Street, Seymour home.  Jean Falbo-Sosnovich/Register

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — A city family, plagued by flooding for more than 30 years, will pay for an engineering study to prove that the problem won’t go away without town help.
John Boanno, of 25 Walnut St., who lives with his family including mother-in-law Valerie Pollack, who owns the house, said the study is going to cost $4,000.
If, when the study is sent to the town, and the town does nothing to help, Boanno will likely pursue legal action.


Read the full story here.

'Smoking' good time planned in Valley

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Where there’s smoke, there’s ... chili and beer.
That’s what’s happening downtown this weekend.
A much-anticipated event, “Smoke in the Valley,” is on tap for noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday behind Town Hall.

Read the full story here. 

Ansonia residents oppose Castle Lane plan

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — Neighbors again voiced major opposition Monday to a proposed 23-lot subdivision on Castle Lane that they claim will be a “detriment” to their quality of life.
About 40 residents attended a Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing continued from Sept. 19.
The commission took no action on developer Mark Romano’s proposal to extend Castle Lane and build 23 single-family homes on 13 acres. Instead, Romano’s attorney, Clifford Hoyle, requested and was granted an extension to continue the hearing until 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at City Hall.

Read the full story here.

Ansonia alderman proposes acquiring open space land by eminent domain to avoid housing development

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — Alderman John Marini is proposing that the city look at acquiring one of Ansonia’s last remaining parcels of open space by eminent domain, if feasible, rather than have a developer under contract to purchase the land build more than 30 houses there.
Marini on Monday proposed a resolution he’s hopeful his fellow aldermen can get behind. In a letter to Aldermanic President Steve Blume, Marini said the city needs to act sooner than later on the property at 64 Pulaski Highway.

Read the full story here.

Author to discuss UConn Huskies' history

    DERBY - The Derby Public Library will host a talk by freelance sports journalist and author Ken Davis at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24.
    He will discuss his book, “University of Connecticut Basketball Vault: The History of the Huskies.“
     This book covers the entire history of the Huskies, from the humble beginnings in 1901 through the 2009-10 season.
    It also offers some personal anecdotes from Davis’ time covering the Huskies.  Coach Jim Calhoun wrote the forward and the afterward was written by Ray Allen.  Books will be available for purchase. Registration is requested.
    For information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203 736-1482 or visit 
www.derbypubliclibrary.org.    

Cable film shot at Ansonia Armory

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — A film shot entirely at the Ansonia Armory in January has aired on Comcast Infinity and FIOS TV on Demand.
Decoupage Productions of New York was in the city for four days to film “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Alderman John P. Marini said.
The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on homosexuals serving in the military was enacted in 1993. Its repeal took effect Tuesday, the same day the film premiered.
Marini, R-3, said in an email, “It is my hope that the film can attract some positive attention for Ansonia and the Armory.”

Read the full story here.

Police union will host food drive Oct. 2

SHELTON - The Shelton Police Union will be holding a food drive on Sunday, Oct. 2 during the annual Shelton Day event.
Non-perishable foods and cash donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The department will have a booth at the event, which is on Howe Avenue.
All donations received will benefit the Shelton High School Food Bank, which provides assistance to families with children who attend any school within the Shelton school system.
Police are asking residents to come out to help neighbors in need.
Since the Food Bank focuses on children, those making donations are asked to keep "kid-friendly" items in mind. Items such as peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, syrup, macaroni and cheese, and hot chocolate mix, as well as canned corn, chicken soup, tuna, and fruit will help to build up the food bank before the upcoming holidays. Please check expiration dates on donation items.
Non-food items are also welcome, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, liquid dish detergent, plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Cash donations collected will be used to purchase grocery gift cards which can be used to purchase other items such as fresh meats and produce.
The food drive was initiated by Officer Mary Beth White. For more information contact Union President Officer John Giordano at (203) 924-1544 ext. 425.

PZC OKs dance studio's, church's move into vacant space in Derby

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief

mtuccitto@nhregister.com

DERBY - A new dance studio and a religious congregation will soon be filling vacant commercial space in the city.

Read more here.

Derby blog suit past appeal deadline

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY — A former Board of Education member who sued Derby’s aldermanic president over defamatory comments about her on a political blog has not appealed a judge’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit.
Renee Luneau filed the defamation suit against Aldermanic President Ken Hughes in October 2009, following a series of derogatory comments that appeared on a blog Hughes formerly hosted called “Connecticut’s Smallest City.”

Read the full story here.
 

Emmett O’Brien students build 'house’ for United Way food drive (video)

Marissa Ruiz, 16, of Ansonia moves wooden shelves into place Friday for the Valley United Way's Harvest House IV at the Shelton Riverwalk. Patricia Villers/Register


By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
SHELTON — Friday’s rain failed to dampen the spirits of nine Emmett O’Brien Technical School carpentry students on a mission.
The students, all juniors, spent the day under a tent at the Shelton Riverwalk, assembling a wooden structure to be used for the Valley United Way’s Harvest House IV, a “building” made of shelving for canned goods and other food donations.


Read the full story here.

Griffin Hospital's Free 4-Week Nutrition Course Begins in October

DERBY - Griffin Hospital is offering a free four-week nutrition course beginning Wednesday, October 5.
The course, “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Nutrition, But Were Afraid to Ask,” will be held over four sessions, October 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave.
This series of fun, informative classes is taught by registered dietician and exercise physiologist Samantha Heller, a nationally known nutrition expert who regularly appears on television and radio programs such as Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, the CBS Early Show, and Doctor Radio on Sirius XM. Participants will learn about a variety of nutrition topics, including how to: reach and maintain a healthy weight, manage Type 2 Diabetes, lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, boost stamina and energy, reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases, improve memory and sharpen the mind, and more.
The course will also feature special cooking demonstrations by Griffin Hospital’s Executive Chef, Greg O’Gorman.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To register, go to www.griffinhealth.org and click on programs and events, or call 203-732-1511.

Shelton greenway nearly finished

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
SHELTON - The Conservation Commission is ready to celebrate several milestones surrounding the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path, a project that has been nearly two decades in the making.
City Conservation Agent Teresa Gallagher said commission members are "in a festive mood" because they are seeing their work come to fruition.
"We've had a huge amount of new construction" in the past year, she said.

Read the full story on Page C2 in today's New Haven Register.

Seymour sells pink banners​ to remember, honor loved ones affected by breast cancer

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — With October known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, “Seymour Pink” organizers are giving people an opportunity to honor loved ones lost to the disease via banners to display around town.
Time is of the essence, however, for anyone interested in purchasing a large pink, personalized banner for $75, as the deadline is Monday.
Anyone who purchased a banner last year, and would like it displayed again, can have the date updated for a $30 renewal fee.
Banners are available on a first come, first served basis.
For more information, call Dolores at 203-231-1340 or visit www.seymourpink.com to download a purchase form.

Read the full story here.

Spooner walk for hungry is Saturday at Derby Greenway

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — The Derby Greenway will be the place to be Saturday morning as Spooner House hosts its 14th annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the event starts at 9 a.m., rain or shine. Walkers may start the 3.4-mile route whenever they arrive, organizers said.
The starting point is at the Division Street, Derby entrance. Parking is available in the BJ’s Wholesale Club lot, 20 Division St.
Spooner House is a 36-bed homeless shelter in Shelton. It also houses the Valley Food Bank. Area Congregations Together Inc. operates Spooner House.

Read the full story here.

Ansonia to celebrate Harvest Festival Oct.1

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Scarecrows and pumpkins will take over Main Street Oct. 1 as the city celebrates its eighth annual Harvest Festival.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is co-sponsored by the Ansonia Cultural Commission and the Ansonia Rotary Club. Rain date is Oct. 8.
Cultural Commission Chairwoman Judy Nicolari said the commission is coordinating entertainment, while the Rotary Club is handling vendors.

Read the full story here.

Derby Neck Library publishes schedule of activities

DERBY — The Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., has announced its events for October:
Oct. 11, from 7 to 8 p.m., participate in Poets’ Corner, a program for aspiring and current poets of teen years and up. Read your own works and share your creativity with others.

Oct. 6, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. is Scrabble Night for all ages. The library provides the game boards, dictionaries and score sheets.

Oct. 17, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., is time for Culture Club for adults who like to read and discuss interesting pieces of literature. Short stories are the primary focus, but the group also reads novels, poems and history books. Free coffee and tea are provided. Copies are available at the library’s front desk.

Oct. 25 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Current Events Club meets at the library. It is for teens and adults, and participants discuss the issues of the day by bringing in news articles from proven sources. All areas are on the table — politics, medicine, the arts, economics, sports and economics.

Get Spanish lessons, taught by a native speaker. This group meets every Tuesday at the library. Lessons are free to the public. Intermediate level students meet from 6 to 7 p.m., and beginners meet from 7 to 8 p.m. Call 203-734-1492 to register.

Free computer lessons are available, taught by a library staff member. Lessons are weekly on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m.; on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; or on Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Please call and speak to Bob for registration at 203-734-1492.

School slates family fun night

    SHELTON - Elizabeth S. Shelton School will host its annual ESS Ice Cream Social and Family Fun Night from 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 30.
    The event will start with a “build your own ice cream sundae” station, followed by an entertaining live game show by Brain Challenge of Hollyrock Entertainment.
    The game will get the whole family involved with physical activities, dancing and trivia questions.
    There will be raffle prizes, including one-night free at Hotel Sierra in Shelton, a digital camera, $50 gift certificate at Il Palio Restaurant in Shelton, four Bridgeport Sound Tigers tickets, and more.

State official to address TEAM annual meeting

ANSONIA - TEAM, Inc. will host its 46th annual meeting at noon Oct. 4 at John J. Sullivan’s Restaurant, 557 Wakelee Ave.
    Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby will be the keynote speaker. He was appointed by Gov. Dannel Malloy in March.
    Bremby had an extensive public-sector career in Kansas and Texas. He served as Secretary (chief executive officer) of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment from 2003 to 2010.  Bremby was Assistant City Manager of Lawrence, Kan., serving as chief operating officer for seven years. His municipal experience also includes four years as an assistant to the City Manager of Forth Worth, Texas.
   Bremby has contributed volunteer services to civic endeavors and founded the Lawrence Partnership for Children and Youth, a group fostering community collaboration on behalf of the well-being of children and youth.  
    TEAM also will present several community awards:
   The Chairman’s Award will be presented to the Hewitt Foundation; The Lillian Chrostowski Award will be presented to Pamela Lorenzo, Nurturing Families Network Program Manager/Clinical Supervisor at VNA of South Central CT.; Partnership Awards will be presented to the Maksymiw Family of Oxford and Pastor Jack Whritenour and the Trinity Lutheran Church of Shelton. 
    The public is invited; cost is $35. Reservations are required by Sept. 29 and may be made by contacting Silvia Paytas, 203-736-5420, ext. 202 or spaytas@teaminc.org. TEAM is based in Derby.

Valley Community Foundation moving from Shelton to Derby

This historic downtown Derby structure will soon house the Valley Community Foundation. Patricia Villers/Register


By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — A 19th-century carriage house downtown will soon be the home of the Valley Community Foundation.
The two-story structure, once used as a horse barn, is adjacent to the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home at 253 Elizabeth St.
Derby native Jamie Cohen, Valley Community Foundation president, said the building is “spectacular” and has “an historic feeling” about it. He said it has been empty for the better part of 10 years and is being renovated for office use.

Read the full story here.

600 Ansonia students craft pinwheels for peace (video)

Sixth-grader Joshua Calderon, 11, joined classmates to plant pinwheels in front of John C. Mead School in Ansonia, marking the International Day of Peace Wednesday. Arnold Gold/Register 

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — John C. Mead School students combined low-tech and high-tech concepts to celebrate International Day of Peace Wednesday.
About 600 children in kindergarten through grade 6 crafted paper pinwheels under the direction of art teacher Lisa Toto for a Pinwheels for Peace project.
Toto along with sixth-grade teacher Melissa Warner and life skills teacher Andrea Card worked with students in the art and literacy project.


Read the full story here.

Seymour votes to fund new public works roof

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — When Hurricane-turned-Tropical Storm Irene blew into town last month, she left a lot more behind than downed trees and power outages.
The roof on the Public Works building on Derby Avenue, already leaking from previous rainstorms, took the brunt of wind and rain damage, prompting town officials to take action.

Read the full story here.

Derby High to be featured on MTV show 'The Substitute' Thursday

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY — Viewers can tune in to MTV Thursday to watch the first airing of a teen quiz show dubbed “The Substitute,” which was filmed earlier this year at Derby High School.
Thursday’s show will air at 4:30 p.m. Each episode runs 30 minutes.

Read the full story here.

Party planned on Green for Derby schoolchildren

DERBY - Derby.Net and Valley Kids Belong invite Derby families to a Back-To-School party for elementary school-age children from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday on the Green.

    There will be live music, face painting and more. Bring a blanket for folding chairs and meet up with other families to celebrate the beginning of the new school year.

    The party had originally been scheduled Aug. 27 but the impending arrival of Hurricane Irene forced its cancellation.

    In case of inclement weather the event will be held in the gym at Irving School, 9 Garden Place.

Derby Main Street plan moving ahead 'full blast' (video)

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — Plans to develop the south side of Main Street are “moving full blast,” according to Douglas Gray, president of Eclipse Development Group of Irvine, Calif.
Gray addressed a special meeting of the Redevelopment Agency Tuesday at City Hall.
He told the agency and members of the public “the construction lender is chomping at the bit. We’re moving full blast on this, as fast as the economy will let us.”
Gray said interest in the project, dubbed Derby Landing, “has been very good, considering the economy we have.”

Read the full story here.

Architects envision brighter, multi-use Sterling Opera House

Michael Meredith and Hilary Sample of MOS Architects in New Haven unveiled these renderings of the new interior design for the Sterling Opera House Tuesday at Derby City Hall.

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
DERBY — An architectural team pictures a bright interior of the Sterling Opera House, with white walls, but retaining many of the theater’s historic features.
Michael Meredith and Hilary Sample of MOS Architects in New Haven unveiled the new interior design for the Sterling Opera House at City Hall Tuesday.

Read the full story here.

Longtime Ansonia Economic Development Director Claude Perry recalled for 'wisdom and knowledge'

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — Friends and colleagues remembered the city’s longtime Economic Development Director Claude Perry Tuesday as a pillar of the community.
Perry, 68, passed away Monday. He served as the city’s ED director for nearly 30 years, and also wore several other hats as the city’s fair housing officer and personnel director.
“It’s a sad day not only for Ansonia, but for the entire Valley, as well,” said Greg Johnson, president of the Ansonia Chapter of the NAACP. “Not only was Claude a dear friend, he was a mentor to me.”

Read the full story here.

Library slates book sale

    DERBY - The Derby Public Library has scheduled its Annul Fall Book Sale. It will begin Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. It will continue Oct. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
    Shoppers are invited to fill a bag for $5. Bags will be provided.  Adult and children fiction and non-fiction, paperbacks, magazines, videos, DVDs and audio materials will be available.
    For information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Nature center to hold wreath-making workshop

ANSONIA - Join Ansonia Nature Center Ranger Dawn Sotir for a workshop making bittersweet wreaths at 2 p.m. Oct. 1 at the center, 10 Deerfield Road.
Bring pruning shears and gloves for collecting the beautiful berried vines that are great for wreaths and fall decorations. At the same time you'll be helping to rid the park of invasive species.
Fee is $4 a person; call 203-736-1053 to register.

Shelton may make farmer's market year-round

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
SHELTON — The city is mulling a proposal to expand the local farmer’s market to a year-round operation.
Stacia Monahan, a co-owner of the local Stone Gardens Farm, which grows a variety of vegetables on about 50 acres, spoke to the Conservation Commission recently about the idea. Monahan also proposed the formation of a sub-committee to oversee the possible year-round farmers market.
The Farmers’ Market runs from mid June through early November on Canal Street, with hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The city owns the multi-purpose building, “The Farm and Public Market,” where it is housed.

Read the full story here.

Ansonia residents oppose 23-lot housing proposal (video)

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
ANSONIA — Dozens of neighbors said it loud and clear Monday night: They are unwilling to lay out the welcome mat for a proposed 23-lot subdivision on Castle Lane.
More than 50 people crammed into City Hall for a public hearing held on developer Mark Romano’s proposal to extend Castle Lane and build 23 single-family homes on about 13 acres.

Read the full story here.

Shelton aldermen OK $170,000 to complete communications system upgrade​

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SHELTON — The Board of Aldermen recently approved bonding $170,000 to complete a radio communications upgrade for all city emergency personnel.
The aldermen, during a meeting earlier this month, unanimously voted in favor of the second phase of the upgrade, which officials said will allow police, firefighters, EMS workers, the Office of Emergency Management and the Public Works department to effectively communicate with each other, even though they all use different radio frequencies.

Read the full story here.

Derby Neck Library announces October events

DERBY - The Derby Neck Library, at 307 Hawthorne Ave., has announced its events for October:
On Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 7 to 8 p.m., participate in Poets’ Corner, a program for aspiring and current poets of teen years and up. Read your own works and share your creativity with others.
On Thursday, Oct. 6, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. is Scrabble Night for all ages. The library provides the game boards, dictionaries, and score sheets.
On Monday, Oct. 17, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., it is time for Culture Club, for adults who like to read and discuss interesting pieces of literature. Short stories are the primary focus, but the group also reads novels, poems, and history books. Free coffee and tea are provided. Copies are available at the library’s front desk.
On Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Current Events Club meets at the library. It is for teens and adults, and participants discuss the issues of the day by bringing in news articles from proven sources. All areas are on the table—politics, medicine, the arts, economics, sport, and economics.
Get Spanish lessons, taught by a native speaker. This group meets every Tuesday at the library. Lessons are free to the public. Intermediate level students meet from 6 to 7 p.m. and beginners meet from 7 to 8 p.m. Call 203-734-1492 to register.
Free computer lessons are available, taught by a library staff member. Lessons are weekly on Mondays at 6 to 7 p.m., or on Tuesdays at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., or on Wednesdays at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Please call and speak to Bob for registration at 203-734-1492.
For more information on any of the programs, call the library at 203-734-1492.

Hundreds say goodbye to shooting victims at Ansonia memorial service

Mourners hug outside the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home in Ansonia after a memorial service for Katrina Hudson and Kevin Hudson, who were slain in West Virginia Sept. 5 along with three others, including their mom. Peter Casolino/Register

By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Clifford Hudson and his former wife, Karin Richardson, always stressed in their five children the importance of being nonjudgmental of others.
That kind of thinking made their son Kevin Hudson, 18, feel free to dye his hair pink or green without fear of what others would say and to freely express his artistic talents on a sketchpad.

Read the full story here.

Ghost hunter's presentation to aid Shelton High swim team

SHELTON — The Shelton High School swim team’s annual fundraiser is a presentation by the renowned ghost hunter and psychic researcher, Lorraine Warren.
This year’s presentation will be at the Shelton High School auditorium, 120 Meadow St., Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $13 and can be purchased at the door beginning at 6 p.m. or in advance by calling 203- 929-9463, or by emailing SHSSTPC2011@gmail.com.

Missing historic sign in Derby is replaced

 

This is the recently replaced historic designation sign on Route 34 in Derby. 

Patricia Villers / Register

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — An historic designation sign on Route 34 at the corner of Sentinel Hill Road, which had been missing for almost a year, has been replaced.
The sign says that French troops encamped on Sentinel Hill in June 1781 as they marched through the Valley on their way to the Battle of Yorktown (Va.) during the Revolutionary War.
They were under the command of Duc de Lauzun and had marched through Connecticut after leaving from Newport, R.I.

Read the full story here.

Seymour's 46th annual Pumpkin Festival draws 25,000 attendees

 

Thousands attend the 46th annual Seymour Pumpkin Festival Sunday. Jean Falbo-Sosnovich /Register 

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Thousands of people converged on French Memorial Park Sunday, munching on fried dough and fudge, dancing to live music, browsing for fall décor and more during the 46th annual Seymour Pumpkin Festival.
Bright blue skies and crisp weather provided the perfect backdrop for the much-anticipated event, which featured more than 110 juried arts and crafts booths, food vendors, the band The Starving Artists and midway rides. Festival organizers estimated that more than 25,000 people attended the day-long event.

Read the full story here.

Ansonia man, dog head to L.A. finals

Andrew Baklik and Pebbles, a Maltese and Yorkshire mix, are a winning pair. Patricia Villers/Register


By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — Resident Andrew Baklik and his canine companion, Pebbles, are heading to Los Angeles next month and when they return they’ll have a tale to tell.
The pair has been selected as one of the 11 finalists in the Purina Mighty Dog “Big Guy, Small Dog” contest.
Baklik said Friday he learned a few weeks ago that he had won, but he was asked to keep the news under wraps.


Read the full story here.

Seymour man subdued with Taser after standoff free on $10K bail

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — The town man accused of barricading himself in his condo earlier this week, threatening to shoot police, turned himself in at police headquarters Thursday.
Christopher Nevers, 32, of 50 Balance Rock Road, was charged with two counts threatening, one count interfering with police and one count of breach of peace. Nevers appeared in Derby Superior Court Thursday and was released after posting $10,000 bail. His case was continued until Oct. 13.


Read the full story here.

Derby school administrator had 66 painkiller pills, cops say

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
DERBY — A Derby Middle School administrator who was arrested this week had 66 pills of the painkiller Roxycodone, pill fragments and crushed pill residue in his possession at the school, according to police.
Police, who charged William M. LaRovera, 34, of Naugatuck, on Thursday, released additional details about the case on Friday. LaRovera is the dean of student development at the school.

Read the full story here.

Seymour Pumpkin Festival set Sunday

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — The 46th annual Seymour Pumpkin Festival is poised to transform French Memorial Park into a Halloween-themed haven of handicrafts, food and fall family fun this weekend.
The free event, which draws crowds of more than 30,000, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the park, at the junction of Routes 8 and 67. The rain date is Sept. 25.

Read the full story here.

Bridgeport man accused of fatally injuring Shelton cop in drunken driving crash gets plea offer

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
The alleged drunken driver who struck Shelton police Sgt. Orville Smith, fatally injuring him, is considering a plea bargain offer from the state.
Bruce Knapik, 64, of Bridgeport, appeared briefly in Superior Court in Derby Friday before Judge Burton Kaplan.
Knapik’s defense attorney, Edward Gavin of Bridgeport, said he has met with prosecutor Marjorie Sozanski and the judge to discuss a potential resolution of the case, and an offer is on the table.

Read more here.

Shelton skunk tale shows negative effects of trash on wildlife

This photo shows a skunk in Shelton that got its face caught in a Yoplait yogurt container.


By Pamela McLoughlin
Register Staff
SHELTON — A simple skunk has managed to reignite a national debate, put a spotlight on a consumer issue and spark public testimony of God’s existence.
How did the critter do all that?
By getting his face and snout caught in a discarded Yoplait yogurt container.

Read the full story here.

VFW classic car, truck show to roll into Seymour this weekend

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Calling all classic car and truck buffs, and those who enjoy military memorabilia. VFW Post 12084 wants you to be part of their events this fall.
The post’s third annual Classic Car & Truck Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at post headquarters, 30 Great Hill Road.
Anyone interested in entering their wheels in the show will pay a $10 entry fee in advance, or $12 the day of the event. Trophies will be awarded in the following categories: Oldest, Most Original, People’s Choice and Commander’s Choice.

Read the full story here.

$200K Connecticut loan aids remediation effort at former Housatonic Wire site in Seymour (video)

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — A year after a devastating fire consumed the former historic Housatonic Wire Co., the state has swooped in to save the day, allowing the remainder of the cleanup and demolition of the blighted property to get underway.
First Selectman Paul Roy announced Thursday that the state Department of Economic and Commercial Development has granted company owner Alex Budzinski a $200,000 loan to finish the remediation work.

Read the full story here.

Derby administrator accused of having drugs on school grounds

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
DERBY — Police today announced they have arrested a school administrator in connection with the investigation into a report of a Derby Middle School staff member being in possession of a narcotic on school property.
Police charged William M. LaRovera, 34, of Naugatuck, the dean of student development, on a warrant this afternoon. LaRovera was charged with one count each of illegal possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics near a school, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia near a school, and possession of narcotics not in original container.
LaRovera posted a $5,000 court set bail and is scheduled to appear in Derby Superior Court on Sept. 28.

Read the full story here.

Griffin Hospital gets recognition for performance

DERBY - Griffin Hospital has been named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America, the hospital announced this week.
This is the first time the commission is recognizing top performers and including them in its “Improving America’s Hospitals” annual report.
Griffin was one of 405 U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals earning the distinction for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance and the only Connecticut hospital named.
Griffin Hospital was recognized based on data reported about evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve the effectiveness of care for certain conditions including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. Inclusion on the list is based on data reported to the commission during the previous calendar year, in this case 2010.
To be recognized as a top performer on key quality measures, an organization must meet two 95 percent performance thresholds. Griffin Hospital was recognized for achieving these thresholds for all of the measures for which it was eligible: Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia and Surgical Care.
“The Joint Commission recognition brings a new level of credibility to the many national quality awards Griffin Hospital has received. The Joint Commission recognition is a tribute to the outstanding performance and dedication of the entire Griffin family to delivering high quality, patient-centered care and to providing an exceptional patient experience,” said Griffin Hospital President Patrick Charmel, in an announcement.

Who put the message in the bottle? Help us solve the mystery

By Register Staff
Everyone loves a mystery and we think we have one. And you might be able to help solve it.
The New Haven Register has received a letter from Joe Sheeler of York, Maine, telling us that he found a bottle washed up on a beach.

Read more here.

Business owners on Seymour's Derby Avenue upset over condition of road (video)

Derby Avenue business owners have described the “nightmarish” stretch of road that runs parallel to Exits 20 and 19 of Route 8 south in Seymour. Jean Falbo-Sosnovich/Register

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — Trying to navigate Derby Avenue these days seems a bit like dodging bullets.
That’s how business owners have described the “nightmarish” stretch of road that runs parallel to Exits 20 and 19 of Route 8 south.
A major road reconstruction project kicked off in July, but some problems have occurred over the past few weeks, causing a delay in getting the mangled, pothole-riddled road paved.

Read the full story here.

All-Decades Reunion rescheduled

    ANSONIA - Ansonia High School and Pine High School alumni have rescheduled their All Decades Reunion, which was postponed by the arrival of Hurricane Irene.
    It will be held from 6-11 p.m. Oct. 15 at Lanza’s Restaurant, 370 East Main St.
    Admission is $15 (cash) with a portion going to the Ansonia Cultural Commission for future events.
    No reservations necessary. Appetizers will be served throughout the evening.
    There will be a cash bar, piped-in decades music and more.

Church to host annual Basket Bonanza

    SEYMOUR - Great Hill United Methodist Church will sponsor its annual Basket
Bonanza Oct. 8.
    The evening of fun will begin with a preview of the baskets from 5 - 6 .m. 
    During the preview hour, tickets are placed in the cup corresponding with any of the baskets; the baskets are given away starting at 6 p.m.  Over 75 special themed baskets and door prizes will be handed out.
    For a $15 admission price, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and beverages will be served and patrons will receive 25 free basket tickets, a door prize ticket and a grand prize ticket.
     Children 10 years old and under have free admission. Basket themes include movie, travel, spa, handyman, entertaining, sports, kids, baby, pets, hobbies, cooking, seasonal, and many others.
    This year’s Grand Prize Basket will include a wide variety of gift cards with a
$500 value.
    The public is invited; reservations are not required.
    The church is located at the junction of Routes 188 and 334. Call Faith Williams, 203-910-5713 for information.

Spooky fundraiser to benefit Shelton swim teams

SHELTON - The Shelton High School Swim Teams’ annual fundraiser is a presentation by the renowned ghost hunter and psychic researcher, Lorraine Warren.
The presentation will be at the Shelton High School Auditorium, 120 Meadow St., Shelton on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 pm.
Tickets are $13 and can be purchased at the door beginning at 6 p.m. or in advance by calling (203) 929-9463 or by emailing SHSSTPC2011@gmail.com.

Church, NAACP to sponsor program

    ANSONIA - “A Walk Through the Bible in Word and Song” will be held 4-6 p.m. Sept. 24 at Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church, 96 Central St.
    Ansonia Branch #2000, NAACP, and the church are co-sponsors of the event.
    Light refreshments will be served.
    Tickets are $20. For tickets, call Naomi, 203-734-3191 or Jackie, 203-732-7718.

Library hosts Sports Talk series

    DERBY - The Derby Public Library is in its sixth season of the popular Sports
Talk series, held at 10 a.m. Thursdays. These informal sessions meet throughout the baseball season. 
    Rich Marazzi, radio talk show host, author, and Major League Baseball Rules consultant facilitates the sessions.  Each session includes trivia contests, videos, lively conversation and more. 
    All ages, rookies through veterans, are invited to join Marazzi and his group of Silver Sluggers.  No registration is necessary.
    For information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 

Plans call for new Walgreens in Derby plaza

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
DERBY — A proposal is coming before city officials to reconfigure a Pershing Drive shopping plaza to include a new Walgreens pharmacy.
The Inland Wetlands Commission is scheduled to review the plans at its meeting tonight at City Hall, 1 Elizabeth St., at 7 p.m.
The plan is for a new Walgreens on the existing commercial site at 60 Pershing Drive, which is by the intersection with Division Street.

Read the full story here.

EDITORIAL: Thumbs Up: Derby school's suspensions drop

In the school year that ended in June 2010, 96 students were suspended at Derby Middle School. In the year that ended this June, only nine students were suspended, an 80 percent drop. This accompanied the middle school’s move out of the high school into its own building, revision of rules on who is subject to suspension and, most importantly, how the school deals with students who need discipline.

Out-of-school suspensions only apply to major offenses, such as assault and possession of drugs or weapons. In-school suspensions used to be served with students doing busy work. Now, they are sent to counseling sessions with teachers who have been trained in mediation.

During these sessions, student and teacher discuss how the suspension could have been avoided. The sessions give the student a chance to see the teacher’s point of view; and, the teacher the student’s perspective. Rather than discipline just being handed down, the suspensions have become an educational process. Students who get in trouble are learning to be responsible for their actions without constant adult monitoring.

Seymour police Taser man who barricaded himself in home

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — A town man who barricaded himself in his condominium, apparently distraught over problems with his girlfriend, was taken down by a police Taser and brought to Griffin Hospital Tuesday afternoon for evaluation.
The 32-year old man, whom police did not identify, “barricaded himself” in his residence in Building 50 at Balance Rock Condominiums.
According to Sgt. Richard Gittings, the man’s family contacted police after they became concerned about some text messages between the man and his girlfriend. Police did not reveal the nature of the text messages.

Read the full story here.

Derby 'Teacher of Year' aims to make math fun for students

Derby's Teacher of the Year David Chevarella poses in his classroom at Derby High School. Patricia Villers/Register 

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — Teacher David Chevarella says he always tries to show students at Derby High School that they don’t need to be afraid of math class.
Chevarella, 38, has taught all levels of math at his alma mater for 16 years, and was recently named teacher of the year for 2012. He said one of the constants of his career teaching math has been students’ fear of the subject.

Read the full story here.

Expired medications collected in Valley

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
Valley residents now have a place to bring their outdated and unneeded medications for safe disposal at any time.
Pamela Mautte, director of the Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council, said the program began Wednesday in collaboration with Seymour and Shelton police.


Read the full story here.

Fired Shelton cop wants all records of arrest erased​

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
SHELTON — A former city police officer who was fired following an internal affairs investigation into his alleged involvement in a larceny case has filed a new lawsuit, seeking compensatory damages exceeding $15,000, and the erasure of records related to the criminal case against him from internal affairs reports.
Loren Casertano, who was fired in May, is trying to get reinstated. Casertano and the Shelton Police Union Inc. filed the latest action in Superior Court in Milford Thursday against the city and Police Department.


Read the full story here.

Seymour's police department union mulls scheduling changes to save town money

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — The Police Department union is hoping to save the town some money by streamlining officers’ work schedules, while maintaining the same coverage for residents.
Union members, including Vice President John D’Antona and Officer Sergio Desiderato, brought the idea to the Board of Selectmen.

Read the full story here.

Programs planned for preschool set

    SEYMOUR - A preschool Sports Mania class will be held from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Tuesdays for children ages 3-5 at the Seymour Recreation Department gym.
    Cost is $25 and the class will run for six weeks starting Sept. 27 and conclude on Nov. 15 with no class on Nov. 8. Activities to include parachute games, soccer, floor hockey, jump roping and more.
    A  preschool arts & crafts class will be held from 10:15-11 a.m. Tuesdays for children ages 3-5 on Tuesdays at the Seymour Recreation Department Snack Room.     Cost is $25 and the class will run for six weeks starting on Sept. 27 and concluding Nov. 15 with no class Nov. 8. Activities will include painting, cutting, glueing and coloring.
    Contact the Seymour Recreation Department, 203-888-0406 for information.

2 teen Bridgeport girls accused of attacking Pop Warner coach after game in Derby

By Register Staff
DERBY — Two teenage girls from Bridgeport were arrested Saturday night after allegedly assaulting a coach following a Pop Warner football game, police said.

Read more here.

$75G is goal for Griffin Hospital cancer center 5K benefit

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
DERBY — The third annual 5K walk/run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital is fast approaching, and organizers are hoping to reach 750 participants.
Event directors Lori Murphy and Laura Howell, radiation therapists at the center, said their goal is to raise $75,000.
Last year’s event netted nearly $30,000, said Connie Evans, executive director of the Griffin Development Fund.
Murphy said she and Howell came up with the walk to draw attention to the cancer center, which opened in October 2008.

Read the full story here.

Seymour family finds itself under water, literally

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — The Pollack family has resided on Walnut Street for more than 30 years, but never have they incurred more flooding damage to their property than this past summer.
The property at 25 Walnut St. floods every time it rains, according to Valerie Pollack and her son-in-law, John Boanno, who lives at the home with his wife and 5-year old.

Read the full story here.

Top taxpayer in Seymour expanding again

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — One of the town’s top 10 taxpayers, Basement Systems Inc., is expanding again.
Despite a shaky economy, the company continues to add more square footage to its world headquarters in the Silvermine Industrial Park.
The company recently gained approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission to build an approximately 9,000-square-foot storage facility/garage at the campus-style complex at 60 Silvermine Road.

Read the full story here.

Derby police investigating report of school staffer with narcotic

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
DERBY – Police are investigating a report that a Derby Middle School staff member was in possession of a narcotic on school property on Thursday, police said.
School officials, meanwhile, are also investigating the matter, and the staff member has been placed on paid leave, Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tracy said Friday.

Read the full story here.

Ansonia students 'united' at 9/11 commemoration event

Stephanie Sweeney, center, a sophomore at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia, and classmates pledge Friday to the American flag. Thousands of students from various schools in Ansonia, more than 2,400 in all, lined the streets near Emmett O’Brien Technical High School for a “Hands Across Ansonia: United We Stand” 9/11 remembrance event. Peter Casolino/Register


By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — The Hilltop section came alive Friday morning to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
More than 2,400 students and staff from four schools came together for “Hands Across Ansonia: United We Stand,” creating a huge circle as they stood along Prindle Avenue in front of Emmett O’Brien Regional Technical School, as well as along Ford Street and Bruns Road and back to O’Brien.

Read the full story here.

Flag bearers carry a large U.S. flag past thousands of students from various schools in Ansonia. Peter Casolino/Register

Maples residents may return to homes

SHELTON - The mandatory evacuation order which affected a portion of the Maples neighborhood has been lifted, Police Chief Joel Hurliman said Friday afternoon.
Hurliman said at 1 p.m. Friday that residents may return to their homes. While power was turned off due to the flooding, it is being restored, Hurliman said.
Due to flooding in the area, city officials had ordered several residents of the Maples neighborhood, which is by Indian Well State Park, to evacuate at 3 p.m. Thursday.

Seymour looking to revise sign rules

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — The Planning and Zoning Commission is working on revisions geared to ensure public safety, as well as bring about uniformity and curb appeal, when it comes to signs around town.
The commission Thursday unveiled proposed changes to its sign regulations at a public hearing. About a dozen people, mostly business owners, weighed in.

Read the full story here. 

Ed Strang Day for Kids set Saturday in Derby

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY — Anyone interested in American Indian artifacts, climbing a rope bridge, sampling some Dutch oven cooking or going on a scavenger hunt can make tracks to the Green this weekend.
That’s where the free Ed Strang Day for Kids, sponsored by Cub Scout Pack 3, Boy Scout Troop and Venture Crew 33, will take place noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.


Read the full story here.

Maples residents in Shelton urged to evacuate because of flooding

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
SHELTON — Police Chief Joel Hurliman said the Maples section is flooding today and police have sent out a recommendation that residents there evacuate.
It is a low-lying neighborhood off Indian Well Road. Police also recommended that residents  take precautions such as removing cars and securing boats.

Read the full story here.

Three former Ansonia residents slain in West Virginia rampage

                                                                  Katrina Hudson
  
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
and the Associated Press

The Valley community is mourning the loss of three former residents who were murdered in a violent rampage in West Virginia Monday.
Three of the victims, Karin Richardson, 50, and her children, Kevin Hudson, 17, and Katrina Hudson, 22, lived in Ansonia for years before moving to West Virginia.

Kevin Hudson

The children’s father, Clifford Hudson of Ansonia, was too distraught Wednesday to speak about what happened, according to his family.
Clifford’s brother, Eric Hudson of Shelton, spoke on the family’s behalf.
“We are all hurting pretty bad over here,” Eric Hudson said. “They were good kids. They would help anybody any way they could. It is a shame, it is such a loss of talent and life. This is not supposed to happen.”

Read the full story here.

Sept. 11 ceremony planned at Derby Green Sunday

DERBY - The Derby Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony Sunday, Sept. 11 on the Green beginning at 10 a.m.
Fire Commissioner Kelly Curtis will be the Master of Ceremonies and call for the presentation of colors with bagpiper escort. A prayer will be read by Chaplin Joseph Moore Sr.
The Fire Department, under the direction of Curtis and Fire Chief Bill Nicoletti, invited Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, and Ansonia Mayor James DellaVolpe to participate in the ceremony. Also invited are Linda Gentile and Themis Klarides, Derby’s State Representatives and Joe Crisco, Derby’s State Senator.
The Derby Police with provide an Honor Guard and both Storm Ambulance and the Echo Ambulance Corps will be in attendance.
Memorial wreaths will be laid, with the ringing of a bell, followed by a moment of silence.
Cara Staffieri will sing "God Bless America."
A closing prayer will be read by Firefighter Michael Witek.
All participants will speak, recognizing different heroes of the Sept. 11 tragedy.

Derby public works truck hits wires, section of road closed

By Register Staff

DERBY — The southern section of Caroline Street had to be closed today so workers could make utility repairs following an accident this morning, police said.
Police Lt. Salvatore Frosceno said a city public works dump truck was dumping debris from Hurricane Irene such as branches in a municipal lot at the time. The body of the truck hit some overhead wires, and pulled a utility pole over, according to Frosceno. The incident happened at about 10 a.m., police said.

Crews remained on the scene into the afternoon, and the road was closed at the junction with Main Street.

Health district schedules flu vaccine clinics

    The Naugatuck Valley Health District will offer influenza vaccine clinics to residents of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour, and Shelton during September and October.
     This year’s flu vaccine (shot or nasal spray) will protect against the A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus; A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus; B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus strains of influenza.
     Flu vaccination (the shot or nasal spray) is now recommended for everyone six months of age or older. 
    Clinics will be held at the following locations: Derby Senior Center, 9-11 a.m. Sept. 29; Naugatuck Senior Center, 9-11 a.m. Oct. 4;  Seymour Senior Center, 9-11 a.m. Oct. 6; Doyle Senior Center in Ansonia, 9-11 a.m. Oct. 13; Beacon Falls Senior Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Oct. 18; Shelton Senior Center, 9-11 a.m. Oct. 25; and the Senior Health Fair, Warsaw Park, Ansonia, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Oct. 20.
    No appointments are necessary. Flu vaccine will also be available by appointment during the district’s immunization clinics from 1-3 p.m. every Tuesday during November and December at the district office, 98 Bank St., Seymour. Pre‐registration is required for the office clinics.
    The Health District will accept Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare Part B. Those who are eligible should bring the proper insurance cards. The cost of the flu vaccine for with other forms of insurance is $25, payable by cash or check. All clinic attendees should wear loose fitting clothes with short sleeves.
    Elderly homebound persons who reside in district towns and who cannot attend any of the clinics may contact the Naugatuck Valley Health District at 203-881-3255 to make arrangements for a nurse to administer the vaccine at home. These individuals should have permission from their physicians for the influenza vaccine. There are certain days scheduled for each town; call for an appointment.
    The Naugatuck Valley Health District serves residents of the municipalities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Seymour and Shelton.
    Updates to clinic schedules are posted on the NVHD website at www.nvhd.org.  

9/11: Events throughout New Haven area commemorate anniversary

By the Register Staff

SEPT. 8

NEW HAVEN: The 92nd Street Y’s educational and cultural programming will be broadcast live via satellite to the Shubert Theater at 8 p.m. “9/11 A Decade Later: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges” is a panel discussion by former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey and radio host and author Michael Medved. They’ll address questions such as, Is the United States safer today than it was 10 years ago? What went on inside the White House on that terrible day? How effective has the American response been? The event is co-presented with the Jewish Policy Center. Tickets are $10 at the door or call 203-624-1825 for reservations.

Read the full story here.

Cooking demo to feature soup recipes

    DERBY -The Derby Public Library has scheduled a cooking demo at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3.
      In anticipation of the upcoming colder weather the theme will be "Soup’s On!"
     Stacey Ference of Savour Catering will offer recipes and tips on how to prepare tasty and hearty soups. There will be samples of all demonstrated foods. 
    The class is for ages 18 years and older.  Registration is required and space is limited.
     For information, stop by the library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

Class of '56 to hold reunion Sunday

     OXFORD - Seymour High School Class of 1956 will celebrate its 55th reunion from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Brookside Inn Restaurant, 231 Oxford Road.
    Cost is $22 per person. For details call Joe Marino at 203-231-3031 or Liz Cotnoir at 203-305-2948.

Fire at Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center deemed arson

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
ANSONIA — A wooden pavilion behind the Red Wing Pond House at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center was burned to the ground Saturday in what authorities have labeled an arson, Lt. Andrew Cota said today.

Read the full story here.

Shelton cops charge man after alleged drug deal

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
SHELTON — Police arrested Edward Taylor, 26, of 193 Howe Ave. after detectives observed a drug deal on a sidewalk along Howe Avenue at about 2 p.m. Friday, Detective Ben Trabka said today.
According to police, Taylor was observed selling crack cocaine to another man.


Read the full story here.

Shelton man faces drug charges after police seize ecstasy pills

By Patricia Villers
Register Staff
SHELTON — A city man is facing drug charges after police searched his residence over the weekend and found a bottle with 46 ecstasy pills, approximately 2 ounces of marijuana, some packaged for sales, and packaging material.

Read the full story here.

Derby man wants to show movies for free on the Green

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
DERBY — Michael Rico, a father of four, knows how expensive it can be to take his family to the movies.
With tickets at more than $10 each, the popcorn, candy or a drink, a night out for a family of four can easily run $75.

Read the full story here.

Shelton police make arrests, issue tickets at DUI checkpoint

By Susan Misur
Register Staff
SHELTON — Over the holiday weekend, police made two arrests on alleged drunken driving and issued tickets for other alcohol and motor vehicle violations.
Authorities doing a DUI checkpoint Friday arrested Robert Conte, 21, of Derby, and Daniel Belber, 25, of Derby, and charged them with driving under the influence, police said. Belber was also charged with operating an unregistered vehicle, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and arrested on a warrant on a charge of failure to respond to an infraction, according to authorities.

Read the full story here.

Shelton developer James Botti details why he should get a new trial

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
mtuccitto@nhregister.com
Shelton developer James Botti is trying to get his conviction thrown out and also a new trial.
On Aug. 31, Botti’s attorney for his appeal, George Ganim Jr. of Bridgeport, filed a 46 page appeal brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York. The document outlines the defense’s argument for why Botti’s conviction should be overturned and why he should get a new trial.

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Blaze at playscape not accidental

The damaged playscape at the Vincentena Kobasa Recreation Area behind Anna L. LoPresti School in Seymour. Patricia Villers/Register

    SEYMOUR - The cause of a fire Friday that damaged a playscape at the Vincentena Kobasa Recreation Area behind Anna L. LoPresti School is being “actively investigated,” Fire Marshal Paul Wetowitz said.
    Citizens Engine Company responded to the fire, which was reported at 12:41 p.m., Wetowitz said.
    Half a section of a plastic slide area was burned and he said it appeared there had been a roof over the slide, which is also gone. Wetowitz was waiting to see a photo of the playscape to get a better idea of how it looked before the fire. “Radiated heat affected plastic chairs that were there,” he said.
    “I can say it’s not an accidental fire,” Wetowitz said. An arson-sniffing canine from the state fire marshal’s office was brought to the scene. No injuries were reported.
    School starts Tuesday in Seymour.    

Seymour cops seek tips on break-ins

By Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
SEYMOUR — A rash of car break-ins in the Colony Road and South Main Street area has prompted police to ask for the public’s help.
According to Lt. Paul Satkowski, things have been stolen from cars parked overnight in driveways and on the road.
The vehicles were mostly unlocked.

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Derby Public Works employee's suspension rescinded

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
DERBY — The Department of Public Works director said Friday he has rescinded the recent suspension of one worker, after a second suspended employee took full responsibility for an unauthorized private painting job.
City officials said this week that employees Kelly Dunne and Shaun Wheeler had received one-day, unpaid suspensions.
The two had been accused of striping parking spaces, while working for the city, at the lot of a business owned by a police officer who is chairman of the Derby Parking Authority.

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Water main breaks in Ansonia

    ANSONIA - Construction crews from the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority are in the process of shutting the water off to a damaged 8-inch water main on High Street.
    Until the shut down is completed, residents may experience reduced pressure or discolored water. Once the main is shut, pressure should return to normal. Discolored water may continue until the repair is completed. The repair is expected to be completed by the end of the day.

Shelton police to do DUI checkpoint tonight

SHELTON - The Shelton Police Department will conduct a DUI enforcement checkpoint on Friday, Sept. 2, from 6:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. The checkpoint will take place on Bridgeport Avenue, River Road, and in the downtown area. The checkpoint location is subject to change.
The checkpoint will be headed by the Shelton Police Traffic Division with assistance from the patrol division. It is being partially funded by a grant from the state Department of Transportation. The goal of the checkpoint is to make the roads in Shelton a safer place to drive. Drivers are reminded that drinking and driving do not mix, police said.

Report Irene damage to aid in Connecticut request for FEMA funding, Blumenthal says (video)

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo
Naugatuck Valley Bureau Chief
and Jean Falbo-Sosnovich
Register Correspondent
Anyone with property damage from Hurricane Irene should report it, to help the state get funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., urged residents Thursday.
“This information is critically important, as it forms the basis for the amount of money that FEMA will give,” said Blumenthal. “People should document and report damage as quickly as possible.”
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has submitted an application, and the congressional delegation has written to FEMA to support it, according to Blumenthal.


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Society to host living history day

 

    SHELTON - Everyone from privates to the President (Lincoln, that is) will be at the Civil War Living History Day Sept. 10 at the Shelton History Center, 70 Ripton Road.
    The event will run from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Several members of Company F, 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry will portray the original regiment, give firing demonstrations, set up their camp and its accoutrements, and answer questions for the public. Of all the regiments Connecticut sent to the Union armies in the Civil War, the most famous was the 14th. 
    The regiment marched and fought with Lincoln’s Army, the Army of the Potomac, and participated in 34 battles and skirmishes. The 14th lost more men killed in battle, in proportion to its size, and captured more prisoners, cannon and battle flags than any other Connecticut regiment. More information about Company F is available at www.cof14thcvi.com.
    Company F offers both the military and civilian aspects of the Civil War era.  In addition to presenting the life of the common soldier, Bill Mellow, a retired pastry chef, portrays a company cook, and demonstrates period cooking over an open fire.  Its civilian re-enactors present the contributions of the US Christian Commission and those of the home front to the success of the Union armies. 
     A popular misconception of the Civil War is that it was fought exclusively by white Anglo-Saxons, but many ethnic groups took part in this great struggle. However, few people are aware that the Chinese were among them and the highest ranking of those, Joseph Pierce, fought with the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry.
    Irving Moy, who portrays Cpl. Pierce, explains why he participates with his fellow Civil War enthusiasts, “Though our living history events and classroom presentations where our audience can see and touch the uniforms and equipment and be able to hear and ask questions about the contributions of both civilian and military and events that shaped that conflict, we hope to spark an interest where they
will want to learn more about the Civil War and ultimately our Nation’s history.” Also appearing at Shelton History Center will be Steve Wood of Claremont, N.H., who bears an uncanny resemblance to President Abraham Lincoln. He will review the troops and make a speech or two.  Mr. Wood’s interpretation of
    Several civilian women will be presenting throughout the day on the effects the war had on the home front and the work that was done at home to support the North. 
Children will be able to play the kinds of games that youngsters enjoyed in the 1860s. 
    Representatives from Civil War Monument, Inc., Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Wooster-Russell Camp #22, and the 20th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry and Ladies Auxiliary will attend.  Military books and refreshments will be available to purchase. 
    Admission is $5 a person or $15 a family. Proceeds benefit the Shelton Historical Society and its programs.
    The Shelton Historical Society owns Shelton History Center, a museum complex of six historic buildings located just north of the Huntington Green, and strives to provide programs of historical interest to the community.
For information, call 203-925-1803 or visit www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org.