Cassetti congratulates Ansonia student for helping animal shelter

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti poses with Meghan Bosworth and Ansonia Animal Control Officer Jeannie Roslonowski. /Contributed photo

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti today congratulated Meghan Bosworth, 9, for her ingenuity and spirit of volunteerism. 

Meghan decorated and placed collection boxes in key areas around the city, including City Hall, to help raise money for the city’s Animal Shelter. 

Meghan hand crafted the signs placed on the boxes and helped spread the word regarding the need for food, blankets, and toys for the abandoned animals at the Ansonia Animal Shelter. 

Cassetti met with Jeannie Roslonowski, Ansonia’s Animal Control Officer, and Meghan to distribute the donations. 

“Meghan is a caring, bright young girl who took it upon herself to try to help animals in need," Cassetti said. "The best part about what she did was that it was her own idea and was motivated by her genuine desire to help homeless dogs and cats during the coldest months of the year. I admire her compassion and drive," he said.

Meghan, a fourth-grader at John G. Prendergast Elementary School, is a straight A student.

This is a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office.

St. Vincent de Paul in Derby helps to brighten Christmas for needy

Nonprofit distributes food, gifts to 123 Valley families

All was quiet inside the thrift shoppe Dec. 22, which was closed before the holiday distribution.

Volunteers strike a pose as they wait to give out bags of groceries, frozen turkeys, and gallons of milk. Kudos to Jim Guarrera, an owner of Carey & Guarrera Real Estate in Shelton, for once again getting staff and friends to help with the distribution.

Families receive age and gender-appropriate gifts based on wish lists they submit to the organization.

St. Vincent De Paul Helping Hands of the Valley Thrift Shoppe and Food Bank is at 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby. 

Director Sandi Bailie said the nonprofit gave out more than $161,000 worth of food and gifts for Christmas, thanks to the generous donations of local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

I wish her and thrift shoppe manager Cindy Barbian all the best in the New Year as they continue to make a difference in the community. 

Hours are 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information or to volunteer, call 203-734-7577.

Local history session at Derby Library to focus on freshets

DERBY - The Derby Public Library holds weekly Local History Information Sessions from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays.

During this time Derby resident Mary Biscaccia, the Library’s Local History Coordinator, offers information on monthly highlighted topics.

January’s topic will be Freshets and Their Impact on Derby History.  

Assistance will also be available for research on topics such as genealogy, prominent local figures, major area events, and more.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St., call 203-736-1482 or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library. 


*Note: I've attended several of these history sessions. I recommend stopping by the library to take advantage of them. They're always educational! 

Treasured Time to host concert at Derby High School

DERBY - The Valley based nonprofit, Treasured Time, will host "A Night to Remember" from 6-11 p.m. Saturday at Derby High School, 6 Nutmeg Ave. 

Treasured Time grants the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses throughout the state of Connecticut who want to create a lasting memory with their children.
The organization is raising money for a Derby family so they can go on a family trip. 
Doors open at 5:30 pm. and the event starts at 6 p.m.

Paula Bogart-Pettinella will sing the classics of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Patsy Cline, and many more.

Mark Lanzieri will perform songs out of the American Song Book and Golden Era including Frank Sinatra and more.
Flying Meat will perform all original music, specifically tailored and written for the city of Derby.
The Gamma Rays, featuring Stephen Stockmal and Jimmy Vomas, will play the hits of the '80s and '90s.

Cost is $20 a couple, $10 for singles. Kids admitted free.
Credit cards and checks accepted.

There will be concessions and a 50/50 raffle. Bring a bag of winter coats or clothing and receive $5 off ticket price and an IRS charitable contributions form.


*Sharing this information from an event invitation on Facebook. 

Ansonia mayor reminds disabled residents of tax break

Pictured from left, Alderman Lorie Vaccaro, Mayor David S. Cassetti, Ansonia resident Ralph Villers, and Alderman Pat Henri./ Photo submitted by Sheila O'Malley, Ansonia Economic Development Director 

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti announced over the weekend that Ansonia residents who are non-ambulatory may be eligible to receive a tax exemption on their motor vehicles. 

“As the residents of Ansonia know, I have made lowering taxes a priority," Cassetti said. 

"This new tax break will help our non-ambulatory residents receive a full exemption on the vehicles they purchase that have been modified to accommodate their needs," he said.

“This is a tax exemption that just makes good sense. Disabled individuals require specialized vehicles to enable them to drive or be transported. They should not be assessed the same as those of us who do not need to make modifications just to travel.” 

This special tax exemption applies to any vehicles that have been altered from their original condition to suit the needs of a disabled person, i.e., special ramps, hand controls, etc. 

This includes any modification that enables the disabled person to drive or be driven. 

The vehicles may not be leased and the modifications must be permanent. The exemption will be applied prior to billing. 

Disabled individuals must provide proof of modifications and or have the vehicle inspected by Marsha Benno, the City of Ansonia’s Tax Assessor. 

You can reach the Tax Assessor office at 203-736-5903. 

This is a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office.

Addendum: I interviewed my husband, Ralph Villers, since I posted this today and he said:  
“I have seen more change in Ansonia in the last two years than I had in the 24+ years we have lived here. This is a great break for me, as operating a vehicle like this is quite expensive. The city and Mayor have taken note of this and are allowing us to reduce the many costs we have in operating our vehicles and allowing disabled drivers to maintain their freedom and independence.”