For 100 Years Scovill, Chase, and Anaconda-American Fired the American Dream in Waterbury

Submitted by johnmurray on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 03:00

 

The Big Three

Story By Raechel Guest

Photographs From Scovill Bulletin, Pictorial History Of Waterbury

The neglected north gate of American Brass as it looks now.

   In the twentieth century, Waterbury’s brass industry was dominated by the “Big Three” — Scovill, Chase and Anaconda-American Brass. During the nineteenth century, the industry was largely comprised of small independent factories. Scovill was the first of the Big Three to become big, acquiring small specialized companies in order to diversify its product line and enhance its financial stability. Next came American Brass (later Anaconda-American Brass), which was created by the merger of several brass companies. Chase rounded out the trinity in 1913 with the consolidation of several companies owned by the Chase family.

Waterbury Looks To Walking Expert, Mark Fenton, For Inspiration To Exercise

Submitted by johnmurray on Thu, 05/19/2011 - 03:00

Attention Waterbury.....

Let’s Move

By John Murray

Waterbury Mayor Mike Jarjura led by example.

   Waterbury Mayor Mike Jarjura is a great sport. Three years ago he plunged down the Naugatuck River in a canoe, and on April 29th, as part of a Healthy Living community walk, he wiggled and contorted on stage as he stretched out in front of 400 people on the Waterbury Green.

Q&A with Mayor Michael Jarjura From Observer Archives, October 2009

Submitted by johnmurray on Thu, 05/19/2011 - 03:00

Four Years Ago He Won With

An Historic Write-In.

Can "Mayor Mike" Bring Home A Record

6th Consecutive Term?

Story By John Murray and Photographs By Michael Asaro

                  

   As we begin the election coverage of Waterbury's 2011 Mayoral Election the discussion has to begin with the reigning champ, Mike Jarjura, who has won ten general elections in Waterbury in a row. Five as a state representative in the East End of Waterbury, and five for mayor of Waterbury. If Jarjura wins in November he will be the only man in Waterbury's 300 year history to be elected mayor six elections in a row. That's impressive.

State Rep. Berger's Son Deployed To Afghanistan

Submitted by johnmurray on Thu, 05/19/2011 - 03:00

Off To The Front

   Lance Corporal Connor Berger, right, son of Waterbury's 73rd District State Representative, Jeff Berger, left, was deployed last week to Afghanistan to fulfill his commitment to the United States Marine Corps.  Connor serves with "New England's Own" Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. Before leaving Connor, right, and his brother, Chris, left, had the opportunity to meet UConn basketball star Kemba Walker during Husky Day at the state capital.

The Scoop On Woodbury's Steamed Hamburgers

Submitted by johnmurray on Tue, 05/17/2011 - 03:00

Carole Peck's

Zeeburger

By John Murray

   In celebration of National Hamburger Month the Observer cruised over to Woodbury, CT, to check out the steamed hamburger at Zeeburger, the new restaurant opened by famed chef, Carole Peck.

  Peck has owned and operated Carole Peck's Good News Cafe in Woodbury for years, and has already made a splash with Zeeburger.

NAACP Launches Investigation Into The Waterbury Taser Death Of Marcus Brown

Submitted by johnmurray on Mon, 05/16/2011 - 03:00

 

What Happened?

Marcus Brown died after he was tasered by a Waterbury police officer. 

    The Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches President Scot X Esdaile and Waterbury Branch President Victor Diaz will hold a press conference today, May 16th, at 5:30 pm, at the Waterbury Police Station to announce the NAACP's investigation into the Taser Death of Marcus Brown.

Taser Gun Called "Tool Of Torture"

Submitted by johnmurray on Mon, 05/16/2011 - 03:00

 

NAACP Opposes Use

Of Taser Gun

Photographs By John Murray

Connecticut NAACP President Scot X Esdaile addresses a media throng in front of the Waterbury Police Department, May 16th, to call for an investigation into the taser gun killing of Marcus Brown. Esdaile called the taser gun a "tool of torture".

Main Street Touted

Submitted by johnmurray on Mon, 05/02/2011 - 03:00

Main Street Waterbury

Snares Two Awards

Main Street Waterbury was honored for its efforts to restore Waterbury City Hall.

   Connecticut Main Street Center has announced the recipients of its 2011 Awards of Excellence.  Award-winning initiatives and individuals are engaged in Main Street revitalization in New London, Simsbury, Waterbury, Westville Village in New Haven, and Torrington. 

Youth Baseball Skills Competition May 7th

Submitted by johnmurray on Sun, 05/01/2011 - 03:00

 

Pitch, Hit, Run 

@ Municipal Stadium 

(editor's note - the following letter was written to the Observer by Waterbury resident Bill DeMaida, who is involved in planning and organizing a Pitch, Hit, Run competition at Municipal Stadium)

    Over the years, our Municipal Stadium has been witness to the development of our local sports scene. This venue, after our latest renovation project, will be second to none. We hope to bring attention to this complex with not only scheduled local sports but also with varied programs that might bring more than just local citizens to our home.

The Buzz, May 2011

Submitted by johnmurray on Sun, 05/01/2011 - 03:00

It's Time To Start Your

Own Business

By John Rowland

   While many of us may still be chasing those few jobs openings out there, now is the time to start your own business.  The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) here at the Chamber has been sponsoring small business workshops for new startup companies here in the Waterbury area.  The seminars touch on a variety of issues from writing a business plan to securing financing.

David Martin Sworn In As Waterbury's New Fire Chief

Submitted by johnmurray on Fri, 04/29/2011 - 03:00

 

A New Day

   David Martin originally wanted to be a Waterbury police officer. In preparation for the police exam, Martin decided to practice by taking a fire department exam. After passing both tests, Martin decided to join the fire department because "no one shoots bullets at a fire scene." Now more than two decades later, Martin was sworn in as chief of the Waterbury Fire Department, on April 28th, in front of a packed aldermanic chambers in the newly renovated City Hall.

Welcome To The Observer's New Website

Submitted by johnmurray on Tue, 04/26/2011 - 03:00

   The Observer's new website is different than most newspapers on the internet. Instead of cramming fifty stories and tiny thumb nail photographs on the home page, we've decided to publish large, bold photographs to accompany in-depth feature articles. We debut with more than 100 articles and columns, with the promise of hundreds more to come.

Lack Of Enforcement Threatens Quality Of Life In Waterbury Neighborhoods

Submitted by johnmurray on Tue, 04/26/2011 - 03:00

(Editor's Note - The following letter was written by Joshua Angelus, the President of the Waterbury Neighborhood Council, and sent to community leaders and the media in Waterbury)

Dear Mayor and Aldermen,

   I attached a series of pictures that will assist in making clear the tipping point of Waterbury as a functional city and how we suffer from poor public policy, the lack of enforcement and the coddling and tolerance of those who violate our laws and damage our quality of life. They act with impunity.

Rocky On Skates

Submitted by johnmurray on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 03:00

Exploring The Loss Of

The Hartford Whalers

Story By John Murray

Writer Bob Muldoon, a former Whaler employee, writes about loss and redemption in his book, Brass Bonanza Plays Again.

 

   At the heart of any good book is a writer’s passion, It was French cooking for Julia Child, legal thrillers for John Grisham, and big adventure for Ernest Hemingway.

   For Bob Muldoon it’s ice hockey, specifically, The Hartford Whalers.

Observations April 2011

Submitted by johnmurray on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 03:00

 

The Calling

Story By John Murray

  Donna Palomba continues to fight back.

   This time it’s not against a masked rapist, two incompetent Waterbury police officers, or an insensitive newspaper; now Palomba and her Jane Doe No More organization are taking on modern American society, and its response to sexual assault.

Self Defense Course For Women Of All Ages

Submitted by johnmurray on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 03:00

 

Escape Alive

Story By Chelsea Murray

Catherine Rodgers of Naugatuck learns to evade a choke hold. Photos By John Murray

   I was robbed my last night in Greece.

  After watching the sunset from the Acropolis, myself and two friends took a short cut back to our apartment. On our way through the cobblestone streets we encountered a young Gypsy couple, who stepped out of the shadows looking for a smoke. My friend gave them a cigarette and loaned out his favorite lighter. After small talk about how quiet the streets were, the man pocketed the lighter. My friend calmly protested and asked for his lighter back. Instead of the lighter, the Gypsy pulled out a switchblade and thrust it against my friend’s throat.

Legislation Triggered By Mysterious Disappearance Of Waterbury's Billy Smolinski

Submitted by johnmurray on Fri, 04/08/2011 - 03:00

 

Billy’s Law

Re-Introduced In Congress

Congressman Chris Murphy (left) and Texas Congressman Ted Poe (right) have joined forces to co-sponsor “Billy’s Law”. Murphy said the collaboration on missing person legislation is unusual, as the two men, one a Democrat and the other a Republican, rarely agree on any issue. Janice Smolinski is pictured in the middle. Photo by John Murray

   Last year’s effort to pass Billy’s Law flew through the House of Representatives, but like hundreds of other bills, was gummed up in the United States Senate. Time expired on the bill when the calendar year changed, forcing legislators to re-introduce it in 2011.