Allingtown/West Haven Senior Center closing for 2 weeks

WEST HAVEN, March 11, 2020 — Based on a recommendation by the city’s health director, the Allingtown/West Haven Senior Center at 201 Noble St. is closing for two weeks, starting Thursday, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

“Out of an abundance of care and caution, I am recommending that the Senior Center at 201 Noble Street be closed to the public beginning Thursday, March 12, 2020,” Health Director Maureen B. Lillis wrote in a letter informing Rossi on Wednesday.

The city is also suspending the Department of Elderly Services’ senior shuttle service and the Department of Parks and Recreation’s senior fitness program for two weeks, per Lillis’ recommendation, a local directive in response to the public health emergency declared by Gov. Ned Lamont.

“We know that older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable to the Coronavirus Disease 2019,” Lillis wrote.

Lillis plans to reevaluate the senior center closure at the end of two weeks and determine whether to reopen it “depending on the situation at the time,” she wrote.

Lillis also plans to reevaluate the suspension of the senior shuttle service and fitness program at the end of two weeks.

West Haven St. Patrick’s Day Celebration postponed

WEST HAVEN, March 11, 2020 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and the West Haven St. Patrick’s Day Committee are postponing the 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration honoring Irishman of the Year Keith M. Sweeney to coincide with the future date of the postponed Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The March 17 ceremony has been postponed in accordance with Gov. Ned Lamont’s protocol of discouraging large public gatherings of more than 100 people in response to COVID-19.

According to Lamont, large crowds or places where individuals are shoulder-to-shoulder are considered the most dangerous and should be avoided, especially for those 60 and older. The governor’s directive is one of the recently announced policies to discourage the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Rossi and committee Chairwoman Joanne Conlan said the popularity of West Haven’s “Irish Person of the Year” event, which traditionally attracts 100 to 250 people, coupled with the prominence of this year’s honoree, a decorated former police officer, left organizers with no choice but to postpone the celebration in the interest of public health.

“We look forward to coinciding our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade this spring,” Rossi said.

Girl Scout Day

WEST HAVEN, March 10, 2020 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, back center, recognizes Girl Scouts of the West Haven Service Unit at City Hall on Monday night.

During the half-hour ceremony, Rossi, a former Girl Scout and troop leader, answered questions for 25 minutes before reading a mayoral proclamation declaring Girl Scout Day in West Haven. The event was coordinated by Troop 60298 leader Carrie Malangone, Troop 60321 leader Jennifer Ford, Troop 63020 leader Kerri Kennedy, Troop 60330 leader Heather Buccheri, Troop 60351 leader Kara Barton Nieves and Troop 60642 leader Kristy Brouillard.

The observance marked the 108th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the United States of America, a national organization founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Ga.

(City Photo/Joni Capoccitti)

Pollinator project grant launched

WEST HAVEN, March 6, 2020 — David Carr is inviting city residents and businesses to invest in an environmental sustainability project that aims to install pollinator-friendly plants in public spaces, including parks and schoolyards, and residential backyards.

Carr, the project manager of the West Haven Pollinator Pathway project, is encouraging community support in the form of monetary donations, locations and volunteer time to make the project a reality. Details at https://www.pollinator-pathway.org/westhaven.

Anyone who gives will have a say in where the plants are installed, said Carr, who is seeking community-based organizations and local businesses to get involved.

Carr, meantime, is participating in a plant swap lunch from noon-3 p.m. March 21 at the Harugari German American Club, 66 Highland St. The plant swap is for those who want to split perennials and expand their gardens.

“Bring extra plants, and take home new ones,” said Carr, adding that he is also holding a fundraising meeting for the Pollinator Pathway project at 5:30 p.m. March 24 at Mike’s Apizza & Restaurant, 111 Campbell Ave.

The project is supported by a $5,000 Community Match Fund grant from Sustainable CT. To learn more and make a donation, go to https://ioby.org/project/pollinator-pathway-west-haven-ct-5000-matching-grant.

“Communities that are health-focused and recreation-focused, bikeable and walkable with a commitment to open space and quality parks will have a brighter future, especially being so close to Metro-North Railroad, Yale and the beach,” said Carr, a commissioner of the city Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency since 1999.

The Community Match Fund, managed by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, is helping to bring projects to life statewide by providing fast, accessible funding as well as fundraising coaching and support to residents and organizations with ideas to make their communities more sustainable, said Abe Hilding-Salorio, Sustainable CT’s community outreach manager.

Anyone in West Haven is eligible to participate and receive funding, Hilding-Salorio said. Schools, nonprofits, community groups and individual residents can propose projects and access the matching funds. Details at https://sustainablect.org/.

“Through Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund, we put residents at the forefront of creating positive, impactful change,” Hilding-Salorio said. “Match Fund projects are community-led and community-funded, demonstrating the power of people working together to make change in their communities.”

Those with questions about the grant can call Hilding-Salorio at 860-465-0256.

West Haven, which was awarded Sustainable CT’s Bronze designation last fall for improving air quality in public spaces, is working to earn the prestigious Silver certification in 2020 by implementing multiple initiatives to reduce food waste and municipal waste and increase energy efficiency, Carr said.

Sustainable CT certification demonstrates accomplishments in nine impact categories, including inclusive and equitable communities, cleaner transportation, vibrant arts and culture, natural resource stewardship and affordable housing.

‘Surprise’ celebration marks Esposito’s 80th birthday

WEST HAVEN, March 6, 2020 — (Pictured): Louis P. “Lou” Esposito Jr., with wife Kathleen, right, receives a citation in honor of his 80th birthday from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi during a surprise celebration with dozens of co-workers, friends and loved ones at City Hall on Friday.

Esposito, who is Rossi’s executive assistant, was also joined by sons Anthony Esposito and Michael T. Esposito, the acting chief of the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown.

Reading the citation, Rossi praised Esposito, an Army veteran who served from 1958 to 1961, saying: “You are among a great generation of American patriots who have served their country and their community. You have devoted your life to public service, and I am grateful for your inspiring legacy of service to our nation and our city, including sitting on the Allingtown Board of Fire Commissioners from 1983 to 1995 and from 2001 to 2009 and representing the 6th District on the City Council from 1985 to 1991.”

Rossi continued: “As a Democratic member of the Connecticut House of Representatives who served the 116th District from 1992 to 2017, you worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our children and families, to support good jobs for hardworking Westies, and to keep our city strong and prosperous, building a remarkable record of achievement for the residents of West Haven and our state.”

During the reception, held in the hallway outside the mayor’s office, Esposito, whose actual birthday is Sunday, also received a General Assembly citation from Public Works Commissioner Tom McCarthy on behalf of West Haven’s delegation.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Lou Esposito is surprised by Mayor Rossi and son Michael T. Esposito, the acting chief of the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Lou Esposito is embraced by his wife, Kathleen. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The man of the hour. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The epic birthday cake. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Lou Esposito receives a General Assembly citation from Public Works Commissioner Tom McCarthy on behalf of West Haven’s delegation as wife Kathleen looks on. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Lou and Kathleen Esposito with sons Anthony and Michael. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Lou Esposito with city building maintenance workers, from left, Joe DePalma, Sal Esposito and Justin Ramstedt. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Volleyball tourney raises $975 for Limosani scholarship

WEST HAVEN, March 6, 2020 — (Pictured): Team Crab People are all smiles after winning the Department of Parks and Recreation’s coed volleyball tournament in memory of former longtime participant Wayne Limosani on Thursday night.

The single-elimination tournament raised $975 from the sale of T-shirts for an athletic scholarship established in Limosani’s name. The scholarship awards funds to a senior on the West Haven High School girls volleyball team who plans to continue her education.

(City Photo/Diane Dietman)

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 March 2.

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)

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.