Thursday, October 8, 2026

2 Ansonia men arrested in arson at Gatison Park playground

Jayvon Johnson

Jose Bordoy

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department has arrested two Ansonia residents in connection with the Oct. 3, 2026, arson that destroyed the playground at Gatison Park. 
On Oct. 3, at approximately 3:29 a.m., officers of the Ansonia Police Department and the Ansonia Fire Department were dispatched to Gatison Park, located in the area of Third Street and Fourth Street, for a report of a possible structure fire. 
Upon arrival, officers discovered that the playground/playscape and the rubber safety matting beneath it were completely engulfed in flames. 
Members of the Ansonia Fire Department responded to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire. 
Following an investigation, the Fire Marshal determined that the fire was not caused by a natural source, electrical equipment, or public utility equipment. There is no electrical power source servicing the playground. The fire was subsequently determined to have been intentionally set and was classified as arson. 

Members of the Ansonia Police Department's Patrol Division and Detective Division immediately began an investigation into the incident. Through the review of surveillance video and other investigative efforts, detectives were able to identify two suspects believed to be involved in the burning of the playground. Based on information obtained during the investigation, members of the Detective Division secured two search and seizure warrants for the residences of the identified suspects. 
On Oct. 5, members of the Ansonia Police Department executed the two search warrants. During the searches, detectives recovered evidence that further supported the involvement of both suspects in the incident. On Oct. 7, detectives secured arrest warrants for Jayvon Johnson (DOB: 04/26/2007) and Jose Bordoy (DOB: 04/02/2007), both residents of Ansonia. 

Johnson and Bordoy were subsequently arrested and charged with: Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, Reckless Burning, Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Burning, Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree Conspiracy to Commit Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree.
Johnson posted a $25,000 bond and given a court date of 10/21/26 at Derby Superior Court. (Top photo) Bordoy was held on a $25,000 bond and presented to Derby Superior Court on 10/08/26. (Bottom photo) 
The Ansonia Police Department would like to thank the Ansonia Fire Department and the members of the Department's Patrol and Detective Divisions who assisted with the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is being released at this time. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

This is a press release from Lt. Alex Barriera.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Festival of Trees slated Nov. 14 at Warsaw Park in Ansonia


 

Griffin Bariatrics to offer virtual weight-loss presentations


 DERBY - Griffin Bariatrics will offer free virtual presentations on its weight-loss services throughout October.

Led by Griffin Hospital Director of Bariatrics Dr. Abe Fridman, these seminars will explain how bariatric surgery can help patients lose significant amounts of weight, enhance their health, and provide long-term well-being. Additionally, techniques, support programs, pre- and post-operative expectations, and insurance questions are also discussed.


Upcoming seminars will be held on Oct. 21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Oct. 27 from 12-1 p.m.

Griffin Hospital established its comprehensive weight loss surgery program, Griffin Bariatrics, to provide a medical solution for patients with more substantial weight loss needs. 

The long-term success enjoyed by Griffin Bariatrics patients is a result of excellent medical care, including the latest minimally invasive surgical procedures, combined with access to a full range of multidisciplinary services that have been assembled to support them before, during, and after their surgery.


To register, contact Bariatric Care Specialist Kimberly Fisher at kfisher@griffinhealth.org or 203-732-7108. For more information about Griffin Bariatrics, visit griffinhospitalbariatrics.com.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton to host program on nutrition, skin care


Marta Irene from Absolutely Healthy Living will be sharing her knowledge about proper nutrition and skin care to keep our faces glowing. We hope to see you there!

To register, click here: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2661&EventID=597596&PK=

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Community movie night slated Saturday at Gatison Park in Ansonia


 

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Caldor Department Store in Derby


 Turnback Tuesday visits a favorite place in Derby: Caldor Department Store, which was located at 656 New Haven Ave. Carl & Dorothy Bennett started the business in 1951 in Norwalk CT. The name "Caldor" came from them melding their first names together.

They boasted that their business was the "Bloomingdale's of Discount." For years families could get all the supplies they needed in one location. Unfortunately, their competition grew fierce with similar retailers such as Ames, K-Mart and Walmart leading to the sudden closure of all Caldor stores in 1999.

We believe this image, taken in 1975, is of Caldor employees with Mike Bogdan (center) of the Executive Board for the Derby Tercentennial. Please help us identify these lovely ladies and gentlemen so we may add them to our historic archive.

Thanks goes to Derby Public staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Learn about fermenting foods at Griffin Center for Healthy Living in Oxford


OXFORD - Come to the Center for Healthy Living [at Quarry Walk at 6 p.m. Oct. 15] to dive into all things fermented. 

So much more than sauerkraut, we'll be talking about all things lacto fermented, including homemade vinegars, vegetables, grains and herbs! 

Free but space is limited so you should definitely RSVP!