Read Across America Day

WEST HAVEN, March 2, 2020 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi reads the 1957 Dr. Seuss children’s book “The Cat in the Hat” to second graders of teacher Carmela Armellino’s class at Savin Rock Community School as part of Read Across America Day on Monday.

Rossi was joined by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, who also read to students.

During the event, which observed Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the importance of literacy, Savin Rock Principal Taryn Driend announced that the Title I school has been identified as a School of Distinction by the state Department of Education based on high growth in math for all students and high growth in math for high-need students.

Read Across America Day, launched in 1998 by the Washington-based National Education Association, is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The year-round program focuses on “motivating children to read through events, partnerships and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.”

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

From left, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, literacy teacher Kristen Malloy Scanlon, state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, and Mayor Rossi pause before reading to students at Savin Rock Community School. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Keith M. Sweeney is West Haven’s Irishman of the Year. Sweeney, 66, a second-generation Irish American, will receive the “Irish Person of the Year” honor during the 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at noon March 17 on the Campbell Avenue side of City Hall. (Contributed Photo)

Sweeney named West Haven’s Irishman of the Year

WEST HAVEN, March 2, 2020 — Keith M. Sweeney, an integral part of West Haven’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as a committee member and participant, will receive the city’s Irishman of the Year award at noon March 17 at the 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.

The West Haven St. Patrick’s Day Committee will fete Sweeney, the grandson of emigrant grandparents from the counties of Roscommon and Offaly, Ireland, by hanging a green street sign designating City Hall’s Campbell Avenue entrance “Keith M. Sweeney Square” for a year.

Last year’s recipient, Joan D. Connor, will take home her sign at the start of the ceremony.

The “Irish Person of the Year” honor is bestowed annually on an Irish resident, or couple, who personifies service in the city’s rich Irish American community.

“I am humbled to receive this award following all the great Irish recipients before me,” said Sweeney, a lifelong Westie who will toast his Irish heritage with scores of his closest friends and loved ones, along with an array of shamrock-clad dignitaries and descendants of folks from Erin.

Accompanied by Celtic music played by bagpipers and drummers, the West Haven Police Honor Guard will escort Sweeney, a second-generation Irish American, to the Campbell Avenue side of City Hall for his special recognition.

A corned beef and cabbage lunch will follow in the First Congregational Church of West Haven’s Fellowship Hall, at 1 Church St. opposite City Hall on the Green.

The St. Patrick’s Day Committee, co-chaired by 2011 Irish Couple of the Year Glenn and Joanne Conlan, includes the lifeblood of West Haven’s Irish American society, such as members of the Irish American Club and former honorees, as well as former and current city, fire and police officials.

“Keith Sweeney’s accomplishments are a testament to the determination, joy and hope of the Irish,” Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said. “The residents of West Haven join me in congratulating Keith on his well-deserved recognition.”

Sweeney, 66, hails from an ancestry whose legacy is stitched into the tapestry of the American fabric.

More than 200 years ago, countless Irish people, escaping the Great Famine, embraced the dream of a brighter future and departed the Emerald Isle for a new beginning in the United States. With indomitable spirit and unshakable perseverance, the sons and daughters of Erin embarked on a perilous journey to make their new home in a place of hope and promise, and when they landed on America’s shores, they shared the true treasures of their homeland: song and literature, humor and tradition, faith and family.

In the 1890s, Sweeney’s grandparents left the Emerald Isle in search of the American promise, settling in West Haven.

Born in 1953, Sweeney, the youngest of five brothers, grew up in a single-family home on Lake Avenue overlooking Lake Phipps. He attended public schools and graduated from West Haven High School in 1972.

Sweeney was married to the former Kathleen Johnson. They have two adult daughters — Erin Sweeney, of West Haven, and Shannon Sweeney, of Concord, Massachusetts — and a granddaughter, Etta Aylwin Seely, 1, of Concord.

Sweeney is a member of the West Haven Irish American Club and was its Irishman of the Year in 1989. He is a former member of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Sweeney, a longtime member of the St. Patrick’s Day Committee, has participated in many wearin’ of the green celebrations in his hometown by leading dignitaries in the opening procession and presenting the colors as a member of the West Haven Police Emerald Society.

Rossi praised the civic-minded Sweeney for his dedication to the yearly St. Paddy’s Day event and the Irish American community, saying, “Keith Sweeney’s Irish eyes have smiled on West Haven as a goodwill ambassador of our robust Irish American society.”

Rossi will present him with an Irish flag and a proclamation citing his commitment to “sharing and preserving the culture of Ireland and the teachings of St. Patrick.”

Sweeney will also receive a blue jacket embroidered with his new title: Irishman of the Year.

The Irish American community in West Haven takes great pride in the St. Patrick’s Day traditions handed down from each generation. Every March 17, those of Irish birth or lineage honor the memory of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who brought the message of Christ to the Irish people nearly 1,600 years ago. Teaching the word of God, St. Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock, with each leaf representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The need to preserve their Celtic identity in the U.S. led the Irish to form the Hibernian Society, which held the first St. Patrick’s Day parades, and local organizations, such as the West Haven Irish American Club.

The New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums will lead the opening procession, followed by remarks from committee member David Coyle, the master of ceremonies.

The Rev. Mark R. Jette, the 2010 Irishman of the Year and former pastor of St. Lawrence and St. Paul churches in West Haven who now serves Sacred Heart Church in Suffield, will offer an Irish blessing. City resident Caitlin Morrissey will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Irish national anthem, “Soldier’s Song,” followed by a greeting from Rossi.

Sweeney will then pull off a shroud revealing the rectangular sign.

Sweeney is perhaps best known for his decorated career as a city police officer. He served on the department for 11 years, starting in 1979, and was the recipient of several commendations.

Sweeney received the department’s Purple Heart and Medal of Valor, along with the Connecticut State Police’s Medal of Bravery, for gallantry in the line of duty stemming from an August 1988 mutual aid incident in which he suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg.

During his distinguished tenure, Sweeney also received the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association Award and the Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association Award.

Sweeney, a former member of the New Haven County Detectives Association, retired from the police force as a detective in 1990.

He later served as an instructor at the Connecticut State Police Training Academy in Meriden and also worked as an investigator at the state’s attorney’s office for the New Haven Judicial District, retiring in 2012.

Sweeney is a founding and charter member of the West Haven Police Emerald Society, was its Officer of the Year and is a former president, trustee, quartermaster and treasurer.

He is a lifetime member of West Haven Elks Lodge 1537 and was its Elk of the Year in 2010. He is a former exalted ruler and has served as a trustee for more than 25 years.

Sweeney’s propensity for public service includes serving on the Board of Police Commissioners since 2016. He also represented the 1st District on the City Council and served on the Democratic Town Committee.

Sweeney has given back to his community by coaching Conlan’s All-Stars, a girls hockey team in the 1970s, and coaching and refereeing boys hockey. He has also volunteered at West Haven Hook & Ladder Company 1.

Sweeney is a former recipient of the Jimmy Fund award.

West Haven African American Citizen of the Year Freddy Jackson, third from left, is joined by his wife, Miriam Silas Jackson, second from left, as he receives a citation from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and West Haven Black Heritage Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins during the 24th annual Black Heritage Celebration at City Hall on Thursday. The cultural event, in honor of Black History Month, is presented by the Black Heritage Committee. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Cultural event celebrates West Haven’s black heritage

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 27, 2020 — The city paid tribute to the proud legacy of African Americans and the immeasurable contributions — courage, imagination and unbeatable determination — they have made to shaping the American nation at the 24th annual Black Heritage Celebration at City Hall on Thursday.

During the cultural event in observance of Black History Month, the city’s Black Heritage Committee cited West Haven High School seniors Esther Boadiwaa Danso and Edward Kruah for leadership and honored Freddy Jackson and the late Teresa S. Blackwell as African American Citizens of the Year.

On behalf of their mother and grandmother, who died of cancer in 2005, Edwin Blackwell and his sons, Eli, 16, and Quincy, 15, accepted a citation from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi recognizing the former city welfare director’s “conviction, integrity and wisdom.”

Jackson, the commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9422, also received a citation from Rossi for his “courageous spirit and inspiring good works.” He was joined onstage by his wife, Miriam Silas Jackson.

Reading the citations, Rossi said: “I am grateful for your pioneering contributions in shaping the fabric of our African American community. Your story, an American story, speaks to the hopes and dreams we all have in common.”

A native of Bennettsville, South Carolina, Blackwell moved to West Haven in the mid-1950s. She later became involved in the city’s Democratic Party and worked on several campaigns, including Azelio M. “Sal” Guerra, who was elected the sixth mayor of Connecticut’s youngest city in December 1985.

Seven months into his inaugural two-year term, Guerra appointed Blackwell as West Haven’s first African American female director of welfare. She led the Welfare Department from Aug. 4, 1986, to Jan. 5, 1990.

After her stint with the city, she served as U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro’s office manager.

Blackwell was a member of the Democratic Town Committee, the Board of Education and the Democratic Women of West Haven. She was also an avid bowler and golfer.

Jackson, 75, an Army veteran who served in Colorado and Korea in 1963-66 during the Vietnam War era, was the ceremonial grand marshal of the city’s 2018 Memorial Day parade.

Born and raised in Opp, Alabama, he came to West Haven with his wife in 1968.

Jackson is a longtime member of Hughson-Miller Post 71 of the American Legion and served as its commander in the early ’90s.

He has also volunteered for many years at the West Haven Veterans Affairs Hospital and is a former girls softball coach.

Jackson and his wife live on York Street and have two adult daughters, Tiffany and Joya, and eight grandchildren.

The hourlong program, held in the Harriet C. North Community Room, included an awards presentation by Rossi and committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins, the master of ceremonies, whose daughter, West Haven High junior Nora E. Mullins, sang a moving rendition of the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” She was accompanied on the performance by the standing room-only assembly of dignitaries, family, friends and residents.

The ceremony also included a presentation of the colors by the West Haven Police Honor Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Eli and Quincy Blackwell.

Danso, who aims to study mechanical engineering at a university next fall, and Kruah, who also aspires to pursue higher education, received a Black Heritage Committee certificate of achievement from Mullins, who was joined by Rossi, Superintendent of Schools Neil C. Cavallaro and West Haven High Principal Dana Paredes.

Danso is enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, has earned high honors and was named West Haven High’s Student of the Month. Kruah, whose interests are video games, basketball and football, is also enrolled in college-level courses and has earned honors all four years while tackling a challenging workload.

The program featured remarks from Rossi, Cavallaro and 7th District Councilwoman Treneé McGee, the keynote speaker, as well as committee founder Beulah “Bea” Johnson and committee President Emerita Ernestine Jackson.

Rossi thanked the committee for “celebrating West Haven’s African American community.”

McGee focused her speech on the history of black soldiers, including the Tuskegee Airmen of the Army Air Forces’ 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group who fought in World War II, and how they played a significant role in the history of the U.S. military.

After saluting the veterans in the room, she concluded her remarks by empowering the crowd, made up of people from all walks of life, to embrace diversity and “be part of the cultural expansion in our country.”

In honor of the monthlong black history celebration, organizers have decorated the walls of City Hall with banners and posters depicting important black leaders and role models worldwide.

The committee has worked since 1996 to promote racial harmony across West Haven, transforming City Hall into an exhibition of African American art and literature throughout Black History Month to educate residents about black culture.

Edwin Blackwell, center, and his sons, Eli, 16, and Quincy, 15, accept a citation from Mayor Rossi and Black Heritage Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins on behalf of their mother and grandmother, the late Teresa S. Blackwell, recognizing the former city welfare director as West Haven’s African American Citizen of the Year. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven High School seniors Esther Boadiwaa Danso and Edward Kruah receive a Black Heritage Committee award for leadership from Chairman Steven R. Mullins as Principal Dana Paredes, left, and Mayor Rossi look on. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Black Heritage Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins stands at attention as the West Haven Police Honor Guard leads the opening procession. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven High junior Nora E. Mullins sings “The Star-Spangled Banner.” (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The Rev. E. Carl Howard, the pastor of the First Congregational Church of West Haven, gives the invocation. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Councilwoman Treneé McGee, D-7, delivers the keynote speech. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Black Heritage Committee founder Beulah “Bea” Johnson, right, and President Emerita Ernestine Jackson give closing remarks. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

“Times Gone By,” a collection of African American art, literature and photographs by Valerie Clinton Bertrand. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Public meeting set for proposed medical waste transfer station

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 27, 2020 — A public information meeting has been scheduled for a proposed medical waste transfer station at 81 Farwell St.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 11 at Carrigan Intermediate School, 2 Tetlow St.

For more information, read the Announcement.

Sidewalk repair program slated for spring

Spring sidewalk repair program set

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 27, 2020 — The Department of Public Works is continuing its sidewalk repair and replacement program this spring.

City sidewalk inspector Ernie Chiarelli recently announced that 372 addresses were reported and inspected last year. Among the addresses, 997 4-by-4-foot concrete sections were replaced and 111 trip hazards were removed by a shaving process to meet guidelines under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act for a total of 1,108 sidewalk hazards corrected, Chiarelli said.

The 2019 sidewalk list has been fully completed, he said, adding, “We are looking forward to spring with the continuation of this program to help make West Haven a better and safer place to live.”

The Public Works Department is able to repair sidewalks damaged by city trees because of funding from a state grant. The grant money is for sidewalk repair and replacement only, Chiarelli said.

City trees are defined as those located between the sidewalk and street curb. Otherwise, it is the owner’s responsibility to repair the sidewalk fronting their property, according to Article 1, Section 1 of the “Streets and Sidewalks” ordinance under Chapter 206 of the West Haven Code.

Anyone who has a sidewalk in need of repair due to a city tree can have their address added to the 2020 inspection list by emailing the Department of Public Works at sidewalks@westhaven-ct.gov or calling 203-937-3585.

Marchers sought for Memorial Day parade; applications due April 10

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 10, 2020 — The city is seeking veterans, civic groups, fraternal organizations, service clubs and marching bands to participate in the annual Memorial Day parade, which steps off at 10:30 a.m. May 25.

The parade has no rain date.

Participants must register and list required special accommodations.

Transportation is provided for veterans who are unable to walk the 1 ½-mile parade course, which follows Campbell Avenue from Captain Thomas Boulevard to Center Street. To make arrangements, call the mayor’s office at 203-937-3510.

The parade grand marshals are World War II veteran Frank Corso, who served in the Army Air Forces in 1942-45, and Korean War vet Salvatore Gullo, who served in the Navy in 1948-52.

Download a Participation Form.

Forms are also available in the mayor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., where they are due April 10.

Forms can also be emailed to parade organizer Kristen Teshoney at kteshoney@westhaven-ct.gov or faxed to 203-937-3705.