Feeding those in need

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 15, 2020 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, third from left, joins Wellspring Community Center President Omer Kizilcik, fourth from left, on the steps of City Hall on Wednesday to announce the center’s gift of 210 pounds of ground beef to the West Haven Emergency Assistance Task Force.

With them are, from left, Wellspring volunteer Aysin Karaman, WHEAT Vice President Arnold Agnoli, state Sen. James Maroney, D-Milford, and Peace Islands Institute Connecticut Director Enes Yapici.

The donation was part of the fourth annual meat drive held by Wellspring and its sister nonprofit, Peace Islands, both of Milford. It was made possible through their partnership with the Connecticut Food Bank and Embrace Relief, a nonprofit international humanitarian relief and development organization based in Fairfield, N.J.

The beef was blessed July 31-Aug. 3 during the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, meaning “Feast of Sacrifice.” The most important Islamic holiday marks the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim — Abraham to Christians and Jews — to sacrifice his son.

During the four-day holiday, Muslims slaughter sheep or cattle, distribute part of the meat to the poor and eat the rest.

According to Rose Majestic, the executive director of WHEAT at 674 Washington Ave., the beef will feed 4,000 city families in need.

West Haven has the state’s largest Turkish American population.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Tappin, Sikorski sworn into Allingtown fire commission

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 7, 2020 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi swears in Troy Tappin to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown on Oct. 6 at the World War I Armistice Memorial on the Green.

Tappin, 57, of Josephine Avenue, was the second Allingtown resident sworn into the fire commission in just over two months. Paul Sikorski Jr., 27, of Orange Terrace, who previously served on the commission from 2012 to 2016, was administered the oath of office by Rossi on July 30.

Both ceremonies were held at the Armistice Memorial on the Green.

“Mr. Sikorski and Mr. Tappin are community-oriented individuals who will provide additional knowledge and expertise to the Allingtown fire commission,” Rossi said. “I am confident in their abilities to serve on the commission and act in the best interests of Allingtown residents.”

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Paul Sikorski Jr. is sworn in by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi to the Allingtown Board of Fire Commissioners on July 30 at the Armistice Memorial on the Green. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Abbott Park gardens spruced up

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 7, 2020 — (Pictured, from left): West Shore residents Walker Perry, Heying Qian, Jim Greenberg, Carmela Livolsi, Anthony Marini, and Lalani and Steve Perry pause while sprucing up the gardens in Abbott Park on Oct. 3.

The Ocean Avenue park’s spruce-up was led by Livolsi, who said the volunteer effort was “the epitome of West Haven pride.”

(Contributed Photo)

(Contributed Photo)

Energy assistance offered

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 7, 2020 — The city will begin accepting applications Oct. 19 for the federally funded Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.

Appointments for all heating sources can be made, starting Oct. 5, by calling 203-937-3572.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, applications will be processed via phone by appointment Monday through Wednesday. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Applicants who have difficulty speaking English are asked to have a translator.

Eligibility for assistance is based on the income and assets of an applicant’s household. To qualify, applicants must provide pay stubs, including monthly Social Security benefits and pension checks, for the last four weeks for all household members 18 and older.

Applicants must also provide documentation of assets — recent bank account statements for all accounts for all household members — along with a current utility bill, Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members.

Hispanic, Italian of the Year celebrations canceled

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 7, 2020 — Due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing restrictions, the city has canceled the 2020 Hispanic Heritage and Italian Heritage celebrations.

The city has also postponed the 2020 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration honoring Irishman of the Year Keith M. Sweeney to March 17, 2021.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said the cultural honors are bestowed annually on Irish, Hispanic and Italian residents or couples who personify service in West Haven’s spirited Irish American, Hispanic American and Italian American communities.

“We look forward to celebrating these vibrant cultures next year and their immeasurable contributions to our way of life,” Rossi said.

UI’s tree care program resumes

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 7, 2020 — United Illuminating has begun the latest phase of its tree care program to reduce the amount of vegetation that UI says threatens power lines during storms.

In the next two to three months, UI’s tree service contractor will increase the distance between vegetation and power lines by targeting trees and limbs on Bull Hill Lane, Morgan Lane, West Spring Street and Campbell Avenue, said city Tree Warden Leo Kelly, who reviewed and approved the project.

Kelly said the contractor, Asplundh Tree Expert LLC of East Windsor, will focus its work on UI’s “Utility Protection Zone,” which extends 15 feet above, 8 feet below and 10 feet to the side of power lines.

According to UI, the Orange utility will designate trees for pruning or removal if they pose a threat to power lines or risk falling into or encroaching on the Utility Protection Zone, causing damage to the electrical system or outages due to their height and growth pattern.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi cuts the ribbon with 10th District Councilman Barry Lee Cohen, left, and Hubbard Family Association President Steven Johnstone to celebrate the reopening of Hubbard Farms Park in West Shore on Sept. 29. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Hubbard Farms Park reopens with ribbon-cutting

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 30, 2020 — Surrounded by a gathering of two dozen Hubbard family and friends, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, Councilman Barry Lee Cohen and Hubbard Family Association President Steven Johnstone welcomed volunteers, neighbors, sponsors, and state and city officials at a ribbon-cutting Sept. 29 to celebrate the reopening of Hubbard Farms Park.

The West Shore park, formerly the Hubbard Nature and Education Center, was recently renamed Hubbard Farms Park to best represent the area’s rich history, which dates to the 1700s. The new name was unanimously supported by the Parks and Recreation Commission and approved by the City Council.

The new name also complements West Haven’s centennial in 2021, said Cohen, R-10, who has worked closely with Johnstone to transform the long-dormant park.

Johnstone is the owner of Hubbard Farm’s Wood and Snow LLC, the park’s lead sponsor. The co-sponsor is Jose Amaya, a licensed arborist and the owner of Above the Ground Tree Care LLC. Both West Haven companies will continue to support the park’s upkeep with the city, Cohen said.

All work to date was completed under Johnstone’s direction in partnership with Public Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy.

“The efforts of Steven Johnstone, the Hubbard family, Councilman Cohen, and the collection of volunteers and sponsors have exemplified the true power of a strong community,” Rossi said. “My walking tour of the park early last week allowed me to see the great progress that was made by this group of volunteers. Thank you to everyone involved who made this renovated natural resource available to all Westies.”

Joining Rossi, Cohen and Johnstone at the late-afternoon ceremony were state Reps. Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven, and Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven; city Treasurer Michael P. Last; City Council Chairman Ronald M. Quagliani, D-at large; council members Robbin Watt Hamilton, D-5, Robert Bruneau, D-9, Gary Donovan, D-at large, and Colleen O’Connor, R-at large; city sidewalk inspector Ernie Chiarelli; city Tree Warden Leo Kelly; and McCarthy.

The revitalization of the Hubbard Road park, nestled between Jones Hill and Benham Hill roads, far exceeded the sponsors’ original commitment to the wooded park, said Cohen, who pointed out that more than 80% of its 7.6-acre trails were restored.

All labor and materials to reestablish the trails, clear brush and debris, add new and refurbish existing fencing, and beautify the main entrance were provided by sponsors at no cost to the city, Cohen said.

In addition to the sponsors’ direct support, more than $11,000 of in-kind and monetary contributions were made by over a dozen businesses, he said.

Cohen extended a special acknowledgement for the generous donations of the following companies: Joe Iannone, the owner of Reliable Fence CT of West Haven, which provided 70 feet of cedar fencing and installation; Gio Barbano, a co-owner of Barbano Brothers Land Design of Milford, which provided landscaping to reestablish or create new trails; Jim O’Donoghue, the owner of JOD Designs of Milford, which provided the park sign, design and installation; Patrick Roka, the manager of Sherwin-Williams Paint Store of Orange, which provided the park bridge stain and paint supplies; and Philip and Justin Grande, the owners of Soundview Landscape Supply of West Haven, which provided 10-plus yards of mulch, ground maintenance supplies and debris removal.

“The park’s transformation has stimulated a sense of community and pride while showcasing the benefits that can be achieved through a public-private partnership,” Cohen said. “The reopening has also reignited many Westies’ fondest memories, such as skating on the pond, hitting the hiking trails and countless childhood adventures.

“It is my heartfelt belief that the continued commitment by the sponsors and city, in combination with local business engagement and neighborhood outreach, will create new memories for many generations to follow.”

Johnstone noted the restoration was also made possible by three dozen volunteers who contributed more than 350 hours to the park’s rehabilitation.

“With the driving force of a core team of volunteers and generous donors, the revitalization has exceeded all expectations for the Hubbard family and many throughout the area,” Johnstone said. “It was quite inspiring to see the community come together during these difficult times and do something positive.”

The 34-year-old Johnstone continued: “People told me from the very beginning that I was crazy and it couldn’t be done. Well, they got one thing right. I was a man on a mission to make my grandparents and great-grandparents proud.”

Johnstone, tearing up, told the crowd that when he was young, his grandfather often took him to the park property, then part of the Hubbard family homestead, but that he “hated it.”

That sentiment has become a distant memory for Johnstone, however, as his appreciation for the park has deepened with each passing year. Now more than ever, he said he treasures the precious times exploring the park with his grandfather, especially since Johnstone and his wife are expecting their first child and looking forward to sharing similar experiences there with their own family.

The revitalized Hubbard Farms Park. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

CDA gets $400K grant to aid coronavirus response

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 24, 2020 — The West Haven Community Development Administration has received $401,929 in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19, CDA Manager Mark J. Bisaccia announced.

The aid is part of the third round of the coronavirus rescue package in response to the growing effects of the public health crisis.

Using the federal money, CDA will prioritize the needs of low-to-moderate-income residents and the development of partnerships between all levels of government and the private for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Bisaccia said.

Those who qualify for CDBG-CV grants must coordinate with state and local health authorities before undertaking activities to support local pandemic response.

The emergency grants are subject to oversight, reporting and the requirement that grantees have adequate procedures to prevent the duplication of benefits, Bisaccia said.

CDA is in the process of sending out grant applications to its social services and governmental agencies. For an application, contact Bisaccia at markb@westhaven-ct.gov or 203-937-3550.

Applications will be reviewed by the West Haven CDBG Citizen Participation Committee for funding recommendations.

Applications are due Oct. 22 to the City of West Haven, Community Development Administration, 355 Main St., West Haven, CT 06516. Applications can also be inserted into the drop box at the Main Street entrance of City Hall.

Farmers market vouchers available

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 24, 2020 — Farmers market vouchers are available by calling the Department of Elderly Services at 203-937-3635 or 203-627-1382.

In an effort to limit contact, the department is distributing the vouchers by mail to eligible city residents.

To receive $18 in vouchers, the income limits for those at least 60 years old are $23,606 per year, or $1,968 per month, for a single person and $31,894 per year, or $2,658 per month, for a married couple.

Each voucher booklet contains six $3 vouchers that residents can use at any farmers market in the state. A list of markets is included with each booklet.

West Haven’s Tony Inzero Farmers Market was canceled in accordance with local public health guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.