Memorial Day parade canceled, Vets Walk of Honor dedication postponed

WEST HAVEN, April 29, 2020 — Due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing restrictions, the city and the West Haven Veterans Council have canceled the Memorial Day parade and postponed the Veterans Walk of Honor dedication, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and council President Dave Ricci announced.

Despite the parade’s cancellation, Ricci said this year’s grand marshals, World War II veteran Frank Corso and Korean War vet Salvatore Gullo, will lead next year’s procession of veterans, dignitaries and bands along Campbell Avenue.

Corso served in the Army Air Forces in 1942-45, and Gullo served in the Navy in 1948-52.

The dedication, which memorializes veterans on the brick Walk of Honor in Bradley Point Park, has been rescheduled for Nov. 11 to coincide with the annual Veterans Day ceremony, Rossi said.

In November 2006, the Veterans Council began the first of 13 campaigns selling bricks to commemorate vets on the 100-yard Walk of Honor between the William A. Soderman and Vietnam Veterans memorials.

The bricks, which cost $75, have charcoal lettering for personalized messages.

More than 2,700 bricks have been installed so far, including 51 for the 12th phase, which was dedicated May 25, 2019.

Watch the mayor’s video message on West Haven’s official YouTube Channel.

The revitalization of the 7.6-acre Hubbard Nature and Education Center on Hubbard Road in West Shore is underway, thanks to city leaders and corporate sponsors. (City Photo/Barry Lee Cohen)

Hubbard Nature Center revitalization underway

WEST HAVEN, April 29, 2020 — After months of planning and review with city officials, neighbors, corporate sponsors and the Hubbard Family Association leadership, the revitalization of the Hubbard Nature and Education Center is underway, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

Under the guidance of Councilman Barry Lee Cohen, R-10, the initiative was approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 2 and is being spearheaded by Steven Johnstone, the owner of Hubbard Farm’s Wood and Snow LLC of Hubbard Road, who is also the project’s lead sponsor.

Jose Amaya, the owner of Above the Ground Tree Care LLC of Westfield Street, is the co-sponsor and a licensed arborist. Parks and Recreation Director Mark E. Paine Jr. and City Council Chairman Ronald M. Quagliani, D-at large, were also engaged in moving the project forward.

“I am thrilled this much-needed revitalization is starting,” Rossi said. “The Hubbard Nature Center is such a beautiful area for West Haven residents to use for a short hike, a picnic or to just enjoy being outdoors.

“We are grateful to the Hubbards for their commitment to one of West Haven’s most scenic nature preserves. Thank you also to Barry Cohen for his efforts in moving this wonderful project forward.”

During the major renovation, the West Shore park will remain closed to ensure the safety of residents and workers.

The work is being done under the supervision of Public Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy and Tree Warden Leo Kelly.

All labor and materials to reestablish the front trails, clear brush and debris, replace fencing and beautify the main entrance are being provided by the sponsors at no cost to the city. In addition, the Hubbard Family Association is donating a new sign to replace the existing, weathered one.

Cohen, who represents the district that includes the Hubbard Road nature center, said the sponsors are taking special precautions to enforce social distancing and proper hygienic practices as the project progresses.

Johnstone, who is also the vice president of the Hubbard Family Association, said, “I told Mayor Rossi that my grandparents and great-grandparents would be ashamed of me if I didn’t take on this project given that I’ve been fortunate to build up the tools and the resources over the years to reestablish the integrity of the park.”

Cohen added: “When Steve and Allie Johnstone invited me to their house last January to discuss their idea and seek assistance, I was and remain absolutely thrilled to assist as the park has been an ongoing concern of the 10th District for quite some time. The commitment made by the Hubbard Family and the corporate sponsors is a testament to their love for West Haven.

“It’s my hope that this park revitalization might serve as a template to foster future private-public partnerships to maintain other recreational areas throughout our wonderful city.”

About one-third of the 7.6-acre park, nestled between Jones Hill and Benham Hill roads, is being revitalized this year. Pending any potential delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, the park is expected to reopen this fall.

A cleanup is being planned for the following spring, when organizers will determine the next steps in moving forward on the remaining acreage while ensuring the preexisting renovations are strictly maintained, Cohen said.

“The Hubbards have lived in West Haven for 200 years,” Johnstone said. “There is still a lot of pride left in the tank. I know it’s not the skating pond like many fellow Westies remember, but I think a lot of people are going to be quite surprised and impressed when the park reopens later this year.”

For more information, contact Cohen at bcohen@westhaven-ct.gov or 203-645-2913.

Scholarship offered in memory of third grade teacher at Savin Rock

WEST HAVEN, April 29, 2020 — The West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness Committee is accepting applications for a scholarship fund it founded in memory of a third grade Savin Rock Community School teacher who died of breast cancer.

The 18th annual Susan A. Ruickoldt Scholarship Fund will award $2,000 to a female high school senior from West Haven who plans to continue her education.

Candidates must submit an application form, a 250-word essay on achievements and goals, and a 250-word essay on the importance of breast cancer screening and education.

Applicants must also submit a letter of acceptance from a postsecondary school and a letter of intent to attend the school.

Download an Application.

Applications are also available by calling the personnel office at 203-937-3558.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. May 27 to the City of West Haven, Department of Personnel, 355 Main St., West Haven, CT 06516. Applications can also be inserted into the drop box at the Main Street entrance of City Hall.

Social distancing urged; direct complaints to 203-937-3900

WEST HAVEN, April 23, 2020 — Effective immediately, please direct all social distancing complaints to the West Haven Police Department’s nonemergency line at 203-937-3900. Social distancing includes staying 6 feet away from other people.

Recently, many instances of large gatherings in parks and on fields were reported, along with numerous instances of crowding on the 1 ½-mile shoreline boardwalk, which was closed by the city until further notice.

These incidents are in violation of Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive order restricting social and recreational gatherings to no more than five people as well as Mayor Nancy R. Rossi’s emergency order closing playgrounds, prohibiting large gatherings, postponing recreation and sports programming, including group practices and recreational activities, and urging social distancing.

These vital preventive measures to restrict when and where people can gather were implemented for your protection and safety and to stop or slow the spread of the coronavirus.

In these challenging times, please do your part to help our great city overcome this pandemic.

From Tree Warden Leo Kelly

WEST HAVEN, April 23, 2020 — The city’s annual Arbor Day celebration has been postponed from April 25 to this fall.

A tree planting and ceremony will take place once a date has been determined. In the meantime, please enjoy our city’s treescape as spring arrives and West Haven’s urban forest comes to life.

Please take a moment to read below about the benefits that trees offer our community.

Trees play an important role in increasing urban biodiversity, providing plants and animals with a durable habitat, food and protection. In cities with high levels of pollution, trees can improve air quality, making cities healthier places to live.

Trees are dynamic ecosystems that provide critical benefits to people and wildlife. Urban forests help filter air and water, control stormwater, conserve energy, and provide animal habitat and shade. They add beauty, form and structure to urban design.

Additional benefits of trees include:

Public Health and Social Benefits:
Access to trees, green spaces and parks promotes greater physical activity and reduces stress while improving the quality of life in our cities and towns.

Environmental Benefits:
Trees sequester carbon dioxide, reducing the overall concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A tree is a natural air conditioner; the evaporation from a single tree can produce the cooling effect of 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours per day.

Economic Benefits:
Homes landscaped with trees sell more quickly and are worth 5% to 15% more than homes without trees. Trees enhance economic stability by attracting businesses: People linger and shop longer when trees are present.

“Fun Facts” of Tree Benefits:
Trees provide inviting and cool areas for recreation and relaxation, such as playgrounds and parks. People walk and jog more on shaded streets, which encourages interaction with neighbors and improves the sense of community.

For more information about the benefits of trees, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.

For information about planting a tree on your property, contact Tree Warden Leo Kelly at lkelly@westhaven-ct.gov.

Park-Rec holds photo challenge

WEST HAVEN, April 23, 2020 — Are you running out of ideas and looking for something to do during this unprecedented time of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Why not test your knowledge and awareness of things and locations found right here in West Haven!

The Department of Parks and Recreation will post a photo weekly at https://www.whparkrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29656 for you and your family to figure out “what or where is it?” Then all you have to do is respond by registering* and give your answer.

The names of individuals with the correct answer for each week’s photo challenge will be placed in a random weekly drawing* for a $50 Park-Rec gift certificate/household account credit.

So, are you up for the challenge? Good luck!

* Please, only one registration/entry per family per week.

Easter Bunny delivers egg candy bags to 600 city kids

WEST HAVEN, April 23, 2020 — (Pictured): Peter Cottontail recently hopped his way across the city and delivered egg candy bags to the first 600 children ages 2-10 who registered online as part of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s new Easter egg scramble.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing restrictions, the Easter Bunny and his friends distributed the bags to residents at the curb of their house or apartment. Some youngsters even found a purple ribbon in an egg, which they returned to Park-Rec in exchange for a prize.

(City Photo/Kerri Ruocco)

West Haven fireworks canceled

WEST HAVEN, April 21, 2020 — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its significant impact on the community, the Savin Rock Fireworks Committee has determined that it is appropriate to cancel the 2020 Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular, co-chairwomen Sandy McCauley and Marianne Drapeau announced.

After committee member and City Council Chairman Ronald M. Quagliani, D-at large, informed Mayor Nancy R. Rossi about the difficulties of having a large public event in these challenging times, the committee decided to cancel West Haven’s annual July 3 fireworks display to ensure the health and safety of the public.

Rossi agreed with the committee’s decision and thanked members for their “hard work and tireless dedication to putting on the best fireworks show possible.”

The committee also had to cancel many scheduled fundraisers due to the pandemic and social distancing restrictions.

“Due to circumstances beyond our control, I feel we have no choice but to cancel this year’s show,” McCauley said. “Many traditional sponsors are unable to give this year due to the financial uncertainty this pandemic has caused.

“There is no way of knowing when (social distancing) will end.”

Drapeau agreed with McCauley, saying, “We are making the right call to cancel the fireworks this year.”

Committee member Sherri Lepper, the city’s Democratic registrar of voters, added: “I believe canceling would be the best thing right now. We are not going to raise $15,000 to pay for the show by July.

“We should get a jump on having fundraisers to raise money for 2021 once this pandemic is over.”

Committee member Susan K. Walker echoed Lepper’s sentiments, saying: “We cannot raise the money and cannot ask businesses that usually support us to donate this year. We should use the money we have to give us a good start for next year.”

The committee’s fundraisers this year collected less than $5,000, said McCauley, who added that the committee is offering to return several checks it received from city businesses to aid their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

“The committee wishes all the residents of West Haven good health and will get to work on the 2021 show as soon as we are able to,” Quagliani said.

The fireworks display, traditionally launched off Bradley Point, is billed as “the region’s largest Independence Day fireworks show,” drawing an estimated 100,000 people of all ages to the West Haven shoreline each year.

Walmart gives supplies to 1st responders fighting virus

WEST HAVEN, April 21, 2020 — (Pictured): Walmart of West Haven employees donate several cases of Gatorade, water, and Lysol disinfectant spray and wipes to members of the West Shore, West Haven and City of West Haven Allingtown fire departments; the West Haven and New Haven police departments; and the Connecticut State Police on April 20 to aid first responders in the coronavirus fight.

Among those receiving the supplies from store manager Tamara Sweeney and asset protection associate Nyijal McMillan in the Walmart parking lot at 515 Sawmill Road on behalf of the departments are West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, West Shore Fire Department Chief Stephen Scafariello, West Haven Fire Department Chief James P. O’Brien, acting City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown Chief Michael T. Esposito, and West Haven police Sgt. Patrick Buturla and Officers Ahmed Arnold, Kevin Bowerman and Kim Simone.

Walmart and other West Haven businesses have mobilized to donate cleaning supplies, face shields and medical gowns to help protect people from COVID-19.

Walmart Inc., headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., is keeping its retail stores operating during the coronavirus pandemic.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)