 Grand Marshals Mike Pimer, wearing sunglasses, and Frank J. Corso steer West Haven’s Memorial Day parade up Campbell Avenue on Monday morning from a golf cart driven by city Human Resources Commissioner Beth A. Sabo. (City Photo/Andrew Kosarko)
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Parade honors America’s fallen; watch it on YouTube
WEST HAVEN, June 2, 2021 — Grand Marshals Frank J. Corso and Mike Pimer steered West Haven’s Memorial Day parade Monday morning from a golf cart driven by city Human Resources Commissioner Beth A. Sabo.
Corso, an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II in 1942-45, and Pimer, a Navy veteran who served stateside in 1955-61 and again in 1962-68, led the 40-unit procession of veterans, bands and dignitaries, including Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and other city officials, along Campbell Avenue.
The parade stepped from Captain Thomas Boulevard north to Center Street, where throngs of people lined the 1 ½-mile course, American flags waving, for the annual patriotic march.
Corso, who turns 100 in July, and Pimer, 83, were tapped by the West Haven Veterans Council, which helps the city organize the parade, for their years of service to the military, their fellow vets and their community.
The hourlong parade featured a dramatic flyover by a C-130 Hercules, a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft operated by the Connecticut Air National Guard.
The event, in memory of the deceased members of the U.S. armed forces of all wars, is the oldest parade of its kind in southern Connecticut.
In addition to marching bands and veterans groups, the procession showcased the traditional contingent of youth organizations and sports leagues, dance and Scout troupes, fraternal organizations and service clubs, local and state leaders, police officers and firefighters.
A wreath-laying ceremony followed the parade at the World War I Armistice Memorial on the Green.
Watch the parade on West Haven YouTube. |
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 Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and grandson Arthur Rossi, 11, hold American flags while waving to paradegoers along Campbell Avenue in the heart of downtown. (City Photo/Andrew Kosarko)
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 The West Haven Police Honor Guard leads Chief Joseph S. Perno, left, Deputy Chief Carl V. Flemmig Jr. and members of the department. (City Photo/Andrew Kosarko)
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New Allingtown firefighter/paramedics sworn in
WEST HAVEN, June 2, 2021 — (Pictured, from left): City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown Deputy Chief Michael T. Esposito and Chief Michael R. Terenzio look on as Board of Fire Commissioners Vice Chairwoman Cori Nunley swears in new firefighter/paramedics Vincent Del Vecchio and Thomas O’Toole on Friday at the Minor Park Station on Fairfax Street.
O’Toole and Del Vecchio, who were joined by other members of the Allingtown department, recently completed the 18-week recruit firefighter training program at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks.
The recruits were administered the oath of duty the day after graduation and have started their two-week orientation with the department.
“Both firefighters were already nationally certified paramedics upon their hiring, and the department is fortunate to have their skills availed to its delivery service to the public at this EMS advanced level,” Terenzio said. “With their joining the ranks now brings the department to its full authorized roster, which includes 10 paramedics. This will more readily assure that the department will have two paramedics on duty 24 hours a day.”
(City Photo) |
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West Haven Historical Society plans centennial exhibit June 12-13
WEST HAVEN, June 2, 2021 — The West Haven Historical Society will hold an open house exhibit, “From Village to Town,” on June 12-13 as part of the community’s centennial celebration.
The free exhibit will take place at the Poli House, 686 Savin Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
Read the full News Release.
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City Hall reopens under phase two
WEST HAVEN, June 2, 2021 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi rolled out phase two of City Hall’s reopening May 24 in accordance with state and local COVID-19 guidelines.
Phase two calls for the expanded reopening of City Hall for in-person appointments on the first and second floors to better serve residents, Rossi said.
Under phase two, City Hall will be open for business Monday through Friday by appointment only and limited to those floors.
For a first-floor appointment from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, residents can contact the Building Department, assessor’s office, tax office and city clerk’s office at https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/directory.aspx.
For the first-floor registrar of voters office, which operates part time, residents can make an appointment from 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday and Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday by contacting thee office at https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/directory.aspx.
For a second-floor appointment from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, residents can contact the Health Department, Department of Human Resources and Personnel Department and the West Haven Community Development Administration, Probate Court and Youth and Family Services at https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/directory.aspx.
Appointments should be made by 3 p.m. the previous day.
Those unable to make an appointment inside City Hall can do business at the service windows outside the assessor’s and tax offices on the Campbell Avenue side of the building and the window outside the city clerk’s office on the Savin Avenue side.
To enter City Hall for an appointment, visitors must use the west entrance on the Savin Avenue side, wear face masks and show ID to the security guard, Health Director Maureen B. Lillis said.
Visitors must sign in with the guard, noting the time and location of the appointment, and sign out when business is done. They must also maintain social distancing, including staying 6 feet away from others, Lillis said.
Residents are encouraged to continue using online payments and the drop box at the 355 Main St. entrance of City Hall.
To request a free recycling bin, call the Department of Public Works at 203-937-3585. A staff member will leave a bin with the guard at the west entrance.
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Centennial Boat Parade honoring West Haven’s 100th anniversary
WEST HAVEN, June 2, 2021 — A fleet of more than 100 boats are expected to set sail and parade across the West Haven seaboard at 1 p.m. June 12 to christen the community’s 100th anniversary.
The West Haven Centennial Boat Parade, presented by the City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee, will pay homage to the community’s nautical heritage and 3 miles of publicly accessible beaches on Long Island Sound — the crown jewels of West Haven, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said.
The parade will follow the city’s coastline from the jetty off Sandy Point in New Haven Harbor to the Oyster River in Baybrook, said West Haven Harbor Master Robert Pimer, who has charted the course for the committee and will help steer the procession.
Rossi is encouraging city residents to descend on the beaches along Beach Street, Captain Thomas Boulevard and Ocean Avenue for a front-row view of the boating spectacle.
“I cannot wait for our residents to witness this one-of-a-kind boat parade along our very shore,” said Rossi, who will join Pimer at the helm aboard his harbor master boat. “This event is a tribute to the enduring history and legacy of West Haven as a true maritime community.”
Organizer and committee member John Biancur said he expects over 100 boats of varying sizes to participate in the free parade, including motorboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats from the Prospect Beach Fish & Game Club and the City Point, Pequonnock, Waucoma and West Haven yacht clubs.
The procession will also include rescue boats from the West Haven, West Shore and City of West Haven Allingtown fire departments.
Biancur pointed out that the parade is not limited to just yacht club members. It is open to all watercraft operators, provided they meet at the West Haven jetty at 1 p.m. and follow the Police Department’s patrol boat throughout the route.
“The committee is reaching out to the boating community to take part in this unique event,” Biancur said. “We are also inviting as many people as possible to come down to our beaches and see our parade.”
Skippers are asked to decorate their boats in patriotic colors, including displaying American, Connecticut or West Haven flags.
The rain date is June 13 at 2 p.m.
Although the parade will celebrate West Haven’s 100th anniversary, the official centennial kickoff ceremony is June 24. Details are forthcoming.
The committee is planning a series of commemorative events to observe the 1921 birth of Connecticut’s youngest town, said Rossi, the honorary chairwoman.
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Every Friday is #FunFactFriday on W. Haven centennial Facebook page
WEST HAVEN, June 2, 2021 — The City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee has launched a new series called #FunFactFriday to promote the community’s 100th anniversary this year.
Every Friday, the committee will post tidbits celebrating historical events, people and places in West Haven from the past 100 years on its official Facebook page, City of West Haven Centennial Celebration - 1921-2021.
The page is administered by the city and edited by Dan Shine, one of the foremost authorities on West Haven history. Like the page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CityofWestHavenCentennialCelebrationCommittee.
The historical facts are compiled from various West Haven Library references by staff members Taylor Cordova and Kiana Arevalo under the supervision of Executive Director Colleen Bailie.
The committee is planning a number of commemorative events, starting this month, to observe the 1921 birth of Connecticut’s youngest town.
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