Sinatra tribute show closes centennial; watch on YouTube

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 14, 2021 — The City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee drew the curtain on the first great chapter in the story of West Haven on Sunday with a free concert paying tribute to the Chairman of the Board — the one and only Frank Sinatra.

The show, performed by American Swingtime Featuring the Echoes of Sinatra Orchestra, was the swan song of the community’s 100th anniversary festivities, a six-month series of free events commemorating West Haven’s 1921 birth and its incorporation by the General Assembly as Connecticut’s youngest municipality.

The five-piece EOS Orchestra, fronted by Sinatra tribute artist Steve Kaz, traced the career and life of Ol’ Blue Eyes through music and storytelling in West Haven High School’s brand-new, state-of-the-art auditorium.

Kaz was accompanied by drummer Tony Traina, saxophonist Keith Gurland, trumpeter Larry Nissman, trombonist Howard Levy and keyboardist Christian Martirano, the quintet’s music director.

For nearly two hours, Kaz entertained the audience with fascinating stories of Sinatra, playful banter with the orchestra, and spot-on swing renditions of the Sinatra hits you know by heart, including “Come Fly With Me,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “Witchcraft,” “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “Fly Me to the Moon” — the first song NASA played in space, Kaz noted.

Other fan favorites included “Luck Be a Lady,” “The Way You Look Tonight” and “Summer Wind,” one of Sinatra’s most-requested songs, Kaz said.

The concert finale joined an impressive list of special events planned by the centennial committee — a grassroots group of city officials, first responders and civic leaders led by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, the honorary chairwoman, and city Human Resources Commissioner Beth A. Sabo, the chairwoman.

The events observed West Haven’s secession from Orange a century ago, including the Centennial Boat Parade in June, the Centennial Savin Rock Festival in July, the Centennial Fireworks and the “Hubbard Farms” exhibit in September, and the Centennial Fire Expo and the “100 Years of Veterans” exhibit in November. The rural and residential sections of Orange separated in 1921 when the residential part, West Haven, became the state’s youngest town.

The afternoon show featured Kaz crooning big-band standards from Sinatra’s tenure with bandleaders Harry James and Tommy Dorsey and selections from the Great American Songbook, as well as the holiday classic “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” sprinkled in for good measure — much to the delight of a brood of children seated in the sixth row.

Before an electrifying drum solo by Traina, Kaz and the EOS Orchestra closed the concert with “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Mac the Knife” and “My Way,” culminating with the anthem “New York, New York,” and received a standing ovation from the audience.

The inaugural chapter in West Haven’s annals spanned most of the 20th century before crossing the third millennium into a new frontier in the 21st century, chronicling the first 100 years of West Haven’s existence as a town — a community that has shaped and has been shaped by history.

“Congratulations to all residents on our first century of terrific accomplishment,” Rossi said. “And thank you to the members of the City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee, especially Chairwoman Beth Sabo, for organizing so many wonderful events to mark West Haven’s birthday.”

Before the show, Sabo sold copies of the new centennial book, “City of West Haven: Village to Town,” along with centennial coins, lapel pins and WestHavenOpoly, the centennial version of the board game Monopoly.

All book and merchandise proceeds generated by the committee will offset expenses and support the $50,000 centennial budget approved by the City Council, Sabo said.

For other centennial merchandise, visit the official Online Store.

The store, hosted by West Haven vendor West Shore Associates, sells such centennial-branded merchandise as long- and short-sleeved T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, stainless steel tumblers, stemless wine glasses, insulated beverage bottles, ceramic mugs, retro sunglasses, canvas and cotton tote bags, eco-performance face masks, and pigment-dyed twill and mesh trucker caps.

A portion of the vendor’s merchandise proceeds will support the centennial account, Sabo said.

Watch the full concert on West Haven YouTube.

Frank Sinatra tribute artist Steve Kaz, front, leads American Swingtime Featuring the Echoes of Sinatra Orchestra in a free concert in the West Haven High School auditorium Sunday. The two-hour show traced Sinatra’s career and life through music and storytelling and closed the West Haven Centennial Celebration. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The EOS Orchestra, from front: keyboardist and music director Christian Martirano, drummer Tony Traina, saxophonist Keith Gurland, trumpeter Larry Nissman and trombonist Howard Levy. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Frank Sinatra tribute artist Steve Kaz tells the infamous story of how Sinatra got out of his contract with bandleader Tommy Dorsey in 1942 to purse a solo career. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Kaz croons “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” to a mother and her children. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Trumpeter Larry Nissman plays a solo in a Frank Sinatra song. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Kaz listens to saxophonist Keith Gurland play a solo in a swing song. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Drummer Tony Traina plays a masterful drum solo in the vein of Buddy Rich. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Last sworn in for 3rd term as West Haven treasurer

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 14, 2021 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi administers the oath of office for a third term to Democratic Treasurer Michael P. Last at City Hall on Monday.

Last, the chairman of the Democratic Town Committee, was unable to attend West Haven’s inaugural recently because he was in Orlando, Fla., with the West Haven Seahawks of the Ray Tellier Midget Football League.

The Seahawks’ 10U football team and three cheerleading teams competed for Pop Warner championships, with the pee wee cheer team winning this year’s national title.

Last is president of the league’s Seahawks organization.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Taxes due Jan. 1 in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 14, 2021 — The second installment of city tax bills — real estate, personal property, motor vehicle, sewer — is due Jan. 1, and payments after Feb. 1 are considered delinquent and subject to interest, Tax Collector Dorothy Chambrelli said.

The 2020 supplemental motor vehicle bills are being mailed later this week for vehicles registered after Oct. 1, 2020, and are also due Jan. 1.

Payments can be made by cash, check, credit card, debit card or money order from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays in the tax office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St. The city has an ATM outside the office.

Taxpayers can also make a payment on the city website at Tax Collector. Sewer bills are on the same page but under a separate tab. Tax payment history can also be viewed and printed.

The fees for credit cards and electronic checks are available at Tax Collector Payments.

During tax season, taxes can be paid by the drop box outside the interior door of the tax office from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Taxes can also be paid by mail.

When paying by lockbox or drop box, the canceled check is the receipt.

Anyone needing a motor vehicle clearance must pay in person by cash, credit card, debit card or money order.

To enter City Hall, visitors must use the west entrance on the Savin Avenue side, wear a face mask and show ID to the security guard.

Santa Claus, West Haven’s supreme history buff, holds a paperback copy of the new centennial book, “City of West Haven: Village to Town,” and WestHavenOpoly, the centennial version of the board game Monopoly, at City Hall on Friday. Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and author Dan Shine will sign copies of the $20 book from 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 20 at the city’s Main Library, 300 Elm St. People can also buy the $30 board game at the book signing. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Centennial book signing set for Main Library on Dec. 20

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 10, 2021 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and author Dan Shine are signing more copies of the new centennial book, “City of West Haven: Village to Town,” at the city’s Main Library, 300 Elm St.

The signing is from 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 20.

The $20 book, printed in partnership with GHP Media of West Haven, chronicles the stories and photos that shaped the community’s past 100 years. The information was sourced from the “Historian’s Corner” series written by Shine, one of the foremost authorities on West Haven history.

The 116-page historical work, which has black-and-white and full-color photos, was commissioned by the City of West Haven Centennial Celebration Committee to commemorate the community’s 1921 birth and its incorporation by the General Assembly as Connecticut’s youngest town, said Rossi, the committee’s honorary chairwoman.

The paperback book, along with WestHavenOpoly, the centennial version of the board game Monopoly, is also available for purchase while supplies last in the Department of Human Resources at City Hall, 355 Main St., or by calling Commissioner Beth A. Sabo at 203-937-3558.

Sabo, the committee’s chairwoman, said the book and the $30 board game are the perfect gifts for the holidays.

West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi delivers poignant remarks commemorating Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor during an observance on the Veterans Walk of Honor in Bradley Point Park on Dec. 7. Looking on is Louis P. Esposito Jr., Rossi’s executive assistant and the master of ceremonies. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Pearl Harbor remembered at solemn Bradley Point tribute

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 7, 2021 — The city and the West Haven Veterans Council commemorated Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on the Veterans Walk of Honor in Bradley Point Park on Dec. 7.

Before a gathering of veterans, city officials and residents, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi delivered poignant remarks honoring the American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice 80 years ago during Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.

On Dec. 7, 1941, just before 8 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time, a swarm of 360 Japanese warplanes descended on the island of Oahu and bombed the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor, killing 2,335 service members and 68 civilians.

“This event would launch the neutral United States into action during World War II,” said Rossi, speaking in front of a black granite memorial in honor of World War II Army Pfc. William A. Soderman, who received the Medal of Honor after distinguishing himself in December 1944 while defending an important road junction near Rocherath, Belgium.

“The men and women who lived during this tumultuous time would become known as the greatest generation,” Rossi said. “As time passes, events, such as the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor, seem to drift into the historic domain. It is essential that we recognize the valor of our brave servicemen and -women who prevented tyranny.”

The solemn service featured a presentation of the colors by the West Haven Police Honor Guard, and Louis P. Esposito Jr., Rossi’s executive assistant, served as the master of ceremonies.

Representing the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Florence Stoeber, the wife of the late Jack Stoeber, a Navy veteran of Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima who was a regular at West Haven’s Pearl Harbor rites for many years, read the names of the 18 Connecticut servicemen who died at Pearl Harbor. Firefighter Tony Mancini tolled the West Haven Fire Department’s chrome bell each instant a name was called.

Stoeber, whose ashes were scattered in Pearl Harbor after he died Jan. 16, 2016, at age 97, was a .50-caliber machine-gunner aboard the destroyer tender USS Whitney in the Pacific theater of World War II.

“We also honor the 18 military lives from Connecticut that were lost on Dec. 7, 1941,” Rossi said. “Their sacrifices, like all of our veterans’ sacrifices, will never be forgotten. We recognize these brave servicemen and -women’s contribution toward reconciliation and how that peace continues to create a brighter future for us all.”

Floyd Welch, Connecticut’s last known Pearl Harbor survivor, died Aug. 17, 2000, at age 99. Welch, of East Lyme, served aboard the battleship USS Maryland and helped save many lives aboard the bombarded battleship USS Oklahoma.

In observance of Pearl Harbor Day, Veterans Council President Dave Ricci led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and Vice President Steve Carney and member Rick Foley laid a wreath at the base of the William A. Soderman Memorial.

The ceremony included a procession of West Haven fire chiefs and officers and a flag-raising by the West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard — composed of members of the West Haven Fire Department, the West Shore Fire Department and the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown.

It also included the national anthem sung by Nora E. Mullins, opening and closing prayers given by Councilman Victor M. Borras, D-8, and taps played by former West Shore Lt. Kevin McKeon.

Representing the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Florence Stoeber, the wife of the late Jack Stoeber, a Navy veteran of Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima, reads the names of the 18 Connecticut servicemen who died at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Looking on is Louis P. Esposito Jr., Rossi’s executive assistant and the master of ceremonies. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Firefighter Tony Mancini rings the West Haven Fire Department’s chrome bell 18 times in honor of the 18 Connecticut servicemen who died in the Japanese bombing of the U.S. Navy base on Oahu, Hawaii. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The West Haven Police Honor Guard leads the opening procession. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard carries the American flag to the William A. Soderman Memorial Flagpole for the ceremonial raising. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Members of the West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard raise the Stars and Stripes. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Veterans Council President Dave Ricci leads the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

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

The West Haven Police Honor Guard presents the colors as Nora E. Mullins sings the national anthem. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Councilman Victor M. Borras, D-8, gives the invocation. Looking on is Louis P. Esposito Jr., Rossi’s executive assistant and the master of ceremonies. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven fire chiefs and officers stand at attention. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Veterans Council Vice President Steve Carney, front, and member Rick Foley lay a wreath at the base of the William A. Soderman Memorial. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Former West Shore Fire Department Lt. Kevin McKeon plays taps. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Residents urged to test for radon

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 7, 2021 — City Health Director Maureen B. Lillis is encouraging residents to protect their health by testing their homes for radon, the second-leading cause of lung cancer.

Radon is a colorless, odorless and naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the natural decay of uranium. It is found in rock, water and soil.

While radon in outdoor air poses a relatively low risk to human health, it can enter homes from the surrounding soil and become a health hazard inside buildings, Lillis said.

Lillis said testing for the presence of radon in the home is recommended in the winter months.

A limited number of free radon test kits have been made available to West Haven residents by the state Department of Public Health. To receive a test kit, call the city Health Department at 203-937-3660.

A sanitarian from the department will deliver the kit and help place it in the home, Lillis said.

To learn more about radon, visit the DPH Radon Program.

Fighting cancer

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 7, 2021 — (Pictured): Dubel’s Cafe owner Fred Hugendubel, left, and Art Gilbert, the co-chairmen of the Dubel’s Golf Tournament, present an $8,100 check for the West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness Program to committee member Beth A. Sabo outside Dubel’s at 260 Campbell Ave. on Dec. 6.

The money was raised at the tournament in October and will benefit the program’s Susan A. Ruickoldt Scholarship Fund.

The fund was founded 19 years ago in memory of Ruickoldt, a city schoolteacher who died of breast cancer in 1997, and a $2,000 check is awarded to a female high school senior from West Haven who plans to continue her education.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

WHEAT Executive Director Rose Majestic, second from left, receives an oversize check for $2,000 from Killian M. Gruber, the 2020-21 chair of the University of New Haven Mayor’s Advisory Commission, and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi at the West Haven Emergency Assistance Task Force on Dec. 2. With them are, from left, Juan Dominguez, the general manager for Sodexo at UNH; MAC adviser Chris Haynes; and the Rev. E. Carl Howard, the senior minister of the First Congregational Church of West Haven. (City Photo)

UNH Mayor’s Advisory Commission raises $2K for WHEAT

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 6, 2021 — WHEAT Executive Director Rose Majestic received an oversize check for $2,000 from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and members of the University of New Haven Mayor’s Advisory Commission at the West Haven Emergency Assistance Task Force on Dec. 2.

The money was raised by the commission and Westies Care at UNH’s sixth WestFest celebration Sept. 18 on the Green and will benefit WHEAT’s food pantry at 674 Washington Ave. The pantry provides food for residents in need.

Westies Care was aided by the First Congregational Church of West Haven, said Phil Liscio, the president of the not-for-profit charity.

Also joining the late-afternoon presentation were MAC adviser Chris Haynes, 2020-21 MAC Chair Killian M. Gruber, Juan Dominguez, the general manager for Sodexo at UNH, and the Rev. E. Carl Howard, the church’s senior minister.

Sodexo, a food service company that manages UNH’s dining services, was one of WestFest’s title sponsors this year.

Majestic said the donation will help WHEAT at a time when it is most needed by providing 100 food items per week for a year.

The festival proceeds were generated from the sale of wristbands for inflatables, a 50-50 raffle and food, as well as from a dunk tank, Gruber said.

WestFest is organized annually by the MAC, a collaborative, student-driven task force formed in March 2015 to strengthen town-gown relations. Last year’s event was postponed because of the coronavirus.

The UNH commission is now led by 2021-22 Chair Christyllis A. Douglas, a sophomore studying psychology, and Haynes, an associate professor of political science and national security.

Westies Care Inc. was founded by Liscio in 2009 in memory of his son, Daniel L. Liscio. To honor his undying spirit, the Liscio family established a scholarship program and organized community outreach projects in Daniel Liscio’s name.

UNH men’s hockey team collects food for West Haven needy

UNH men’s hockey team collects food for city’s needy

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 6, 2021 — (Pictured): University of New Haven men’s hockey coach Devin Bertrand, right, presents several bags and boxes of food items to West Haven Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman in the second-floor hallway of City Hall on Nov. 30.

The UNH hockey team collected the nonperishable items from players, coaches, staff members and fans during a food drive at West Haven’s Bennett Rink on Nov. 20.

Dietman said the food will benefit families of the West Haven Interagency Network for Children.

(UNH Photo/Amber Bertrand)