Keith Sweeney is West Haven’s 2022 Irishman of the Year. Sweeney, 68, a second-generation Irish American, will receive the “Irish Person of the Year” honor at the 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration outside City Hall’s Campbell Avenue entrance at noon March 17. (Contributed Photo)

Sweeney finally getting city’s top Irishman honor March 17

WEST HAVEN, March 2, 2022 — After a two-year pause because of the coronavirus, Keith Sweeney will finally get his celebratory day on St. Patrick’s Day.

Sweeney, an integral part of West Haven’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as a committee member and participant, was named the city’s Irishman of the Year in 2020 and will now receive the honor as its 2022 recipient at the 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at noon March 17.

The West Haven St. Patrick’s Day Committee will fete Sweeney, whose grandparents hailed from the counties of Roscommon and Offaly, Ireland, by hanging a green street sign designating City Hall’s Campbell Avenue entrance as “Keith M. Sweeney Square” for a year.

Joan D. Connor, the 2019 recipient, will take home her sign at the start of the ceremony. Connor is now the longest-serving honoree in event history because of the twice-postponed celebration.

The “Irish Person of the Year” award is bestowed annually on an Irish resident or couple who personifies service in West Haven’s rich Irish American community.

“I am humbled to receive this award following all the great Irish recipients before me,” said Sweeney, a lifelong Westie who will toast his Irish heritage with scores of his closest friends and loved ones, along with an array of shamrock-clad dignitaries and descendants of folks from Erin.

Accompanied by Celtic music played by bagpipers and drummers, the West Haven Police Honor Guard will escort Sweeney to the Campbell Avenue side of City Hall for his special recognition.

A corned beef and cabbage lunch will follow in the First Congregational Church of West Haven’s Fellowship Hall, at 464 Campbell Ave. opposite City Hall on the Green.

The St. Patrick’s Day Committee is co-chaired by 2009 Irishwoman of the Year Mary Lyng Malenda and 2011 Irish Couple of the Year Glenn and Joanne Conlan.

It includes the lifeblood of West Haven’s Irish American society, such as members of the Irish American Club and former honorees, as well as former and current city, fire and police officials.

“Keith Sweeney’s accomplishments are a testament to the determination, joy and hope of the Irish,” Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said. “The residents of West Haven join me in congratulating Keith on his well-deserved recognition, an event in the making since 2020.”

Sweeney, 68, hails from an ancestry whose legacy is stitched into the tapestry of the American fabric.

More than 200 years ago, countless Irish people, escaping the Great Famine, embraced the dream of a brighter future and departed the Emerald Isle for a new beginning in the United States. With indomitable spirit and unshakable perseverance, the sons and daughters of Erin embarked on a perilous journey to make their new home in a place of hope and promise, and when they landed on America’s shores, they shared the true treasures of their homeland: song and literature, humor and tradition, faith and family.

In the 1890s, Sweeney’s grandparents left the Emerald Isle in search of the American promise, settling in West Haven.

The youngest of five brothers, Sweeney grew up in a single-family home on Lake Avenue overlooking Lake Phipps. He attended West Haven schools and graduated from West Haven High in 1972.

Sweeney was married to the former Kathleen Johnson. They have two adult daughters — Erin Sweeney, of West Haven, and Shannon Sweeney, of Concord, Massachusetts — and two granddaughters: Etta Aylwin Seely, 3, and Nellie Kate Seely, 1, of Concord.

Sweeney is a member of the West Haven Irish American Club and was its Irishman of the Year in 1989. He is a former member of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Sweeney, a longtime member of the St. Patrick’s Day Committee, has participated in many wearin’-of-the-green celebrations in his hometown by leading dignitaries in the opening procession and presenting the colors as a member of the West Haven Police Emerald Society.

Rossi praised the civic-minded Sweeney for his dedication to the yearly St. Paddy’s Day event and the Irish American community, saying, “Keith Sweeney’s Irish eyes have smiled on West Haven as a goodwill ambassador of our robust Irish American society.”

At the event, Rossi will present him with an Irish flag and a proclamation citing his commitment to “sharing and preserving the culture of Ireland and the teachings of St. Patrick.”

Sweeney will also receive an embroidered “Irishman of the Year” jacket.

The Irish American community in West Haven takes great pride in the St. Patrick’s Day traditions handed down from each generation. Every March 17, those of Irish birth or lineage honor the memory of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who brought the message of Christ to the Irish people nearly 1,600 years ago. Teaching the word of God, St. Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock, with each leaf representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The need to preserve their Celtic identity in the U.S. led the Irish to form the Hibernian Society, which held the first St. Patrick’s Day parades, and local organizations, such as the West Haven Irish American Club.

The New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums will lead the event’s opening procession, followed by remarks by 2014 Irishwoman of the Year and state Rep. Dorinda Keenan Borer, D-West Haven, who is expected to serve as the master of ceremonies.

The Rev. Mark R. Jette, the 2010 Irishman of the Year, will offer an Irish blessing. Jette is the former pastor of St. Lawrence and St. Paul churches in West Haven and now serves Sacred Heart Church in Suffield.

Fiona Stewart, the queen of the 2013 Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Irish national anthem, “Soldier’s Song,” followed by remarks by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Rossi.

Sweeney will then pull off a shroud revealing the rectangular sign.

Sweeney is best known for his decorated career as a West Haven police officer and detective. He served on the department for 11 years, starting in 1979, and was the recipient of several commendations.

Sweeney received the department’s Purple Heart and Medal of Valor, along with the Connecticut State Police’s Medal of Bravery, for gallantry in the line of duty while responding to an August 1988 mutual aid incident in which he suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg.

During his distinguished tenure, Sweeney also received the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association Award and the Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association Award.

Sweeney, a former member of the New Haven County Detectives Association, retired from West Haven’s finest in 1990.

He later served as an instructor at the Connecticut State Police Training Academy in Meriden and was an investigator at the state’s attorney’s office for the New Haven Judicial District, retiring in 2012.

Sweeney is a founding and charter member of the West Haven Police Emerald Society, was its Officer of the Year, and is a past president, trustee, quartermaster and treasurer.

He is a lifetime member of West Haven’s Elks Lodge 1537 and was its Elk of the Year in 2010. He is a past exalted ruler and has served as a trustee for nearly 30 years.

Sweeney’s propensity for public service included serving on the Board of Police Commissioners from 2016 to 2021. He also represented the 1st District on the City Council and served on the Democratic Town Committee.

Sweeney has given back to his community by coaching Conlan’s All-Stars — a girls hockey team in the late 1970s and early ’80s — and coaching and refereeing boys hockey. He has also volunteered at West Haven Hook & Ladder Company 1.

Sweeney is a former recipient of the Jimmy Fund award.

Rossi, Lillis release statement on wearing face masks in city buildings

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 25, 2022 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Health Director Maureen B. Lillis have released a joint statement on the option of wearing face masks in all city buildings.

Read the full Joint Statement.

Rossi releases statement on departure of Frank Cieplinski

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 24, 2022 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has released a statement on the departure of Finance Director Frank Cieplinski.

Read the full Statement.

West Haven African American Citizen of the Year the Rev. E. Carl Howard, second from left, is joined by his wife, Belinda Howard, third from left, as he receives citations from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and West Haven Black Heritage Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins during the 26th annual Black Heritage Celebration at City Hall on Feb. 23. Howard is the senior pastor of the First Congregational Church of West Haven. The cultural event, in honor of Black History Month, is presented by the Black Heritage Committee. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Cultural event celebrates West Haven’s Black heritage

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 24, 2022 — The city paid homage to the inspiring legacy of African Americans and the pioneering contributions they have made to shaping the promise and greatness of America at the 26th annual Black Heritage Celebration on Feb. 23.

During the City Hall cultural event in observance of Black History Month, the West Haven Black Heritage Committee cited West Haven High School juniors Randy Alston and Ayannah Obas for leadership and honored the Rev. E. Carl Howard as its African American Citizen of the Year.

Howard, the senior pastor of the First Congregational Church of West Haven, received a citation from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi for personifying “the best of West Haven.” He was joined onstage by his wife of 32 years, Belinda Howard.

Reading the citation, Rossi said, “Your daring spirit and inspiring good works have made West Haven a better place, and the people of our city and your congregation are grateful for your spiritual leadership and support.”

Howard is the first African American pastor in First Church’s 302-year history. He previously served as the church’s supply and bridge pastor.

He is a graduate of the Yale Divinity School and has earned several master’s degrees from the Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary.

Howard was born and raised in Stamford and has lived in West Haven for more than three decades.

Howard also received a General Assembly citation from West Haven Democratic Reps. Dorinda Borer and Treneé McGee and West Haven Republican Rep. Charles J. Ferraro on behalf of the city’s delegation.

The hour-plus program, held in the Harriet C. North Community Room, included an awards presentation by Rossi and committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins, the master of ceremonies.

A powerful rendition of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” was sung by Stephanie Townsend, and opening and closing prayers were given by committee member Christopher M. Suggs, who serves on the Board of Police Commissioners.

The ceremony also included a spirited rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by the standing room-only assembly of dignitaries, family, friends and residents.

Alston and Obas, who excel in academics and sports, received a Black Heritage Committee certificate of achievement and a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card from Mullins on behalf of the committee.

Alston is a point guard for West Haven High’s basketball team and a video game enthusiast. Obas is a member of the school’s indoor and outdoor track teams, is the president of the Junior Class Council and is a member of student government.

The program featured remarks by Rossi and the Rev. Denya C. McGee, the keynote speaker, as well as remarks by Vertical Church Pastor Ken Vance and retired House of Jacob Church Pastor Harold Golston lauding their good friend and peer Howard.

Rossi thanked the committee “for your commitment to continuing a celebration of West Haven’s Black community and the honorees today.”

“Your commitment to this event, even when facing the hardships COVID-19 has presented, is greatly appreciated by all in the West Haven community,” the mayor said.

McGee, the pastor of Abba’s House International Fellowship in North Branford, focused her remarks on the many trailblazing African Americans who have preserved their culture’s values while enriching all aspects of life in the United States.

“It is an honor to celebrate our rich heritage,” she said.

McGee concluded her remarks by empowering the all-ages crowd to fight racial injustice and inequality, saying, “We are stronger together!”

In honor of the monthlong Black history celebration, organizers have decorated the walls of City Hall with banners and posters depicting important Black leaders and role models worldwide.

The committee has worked since 1996 to promote racial harmony across West Haven, transforming City Hall into an exhibition of African American art and literature throughout Black History Month to educate residents about Black culture.

West Haven High School junior Randy Alston receives a Black Heritage Committee award for leadership from Chairman Steven R. Mullins as, from left, Alston’s father, Randy Alston, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Alston’s mother, Michelle Alston, look on. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven High junior Ayannah Obas receives a Black Heritage Committee award for leadership from Chairman Steven R. Mullins as, from left, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Obas’ mother, Nadia Obas, look on. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The Rev. E. Carl Howard is joined by wife Belinda as he receives a General Assembly citation from, from left, Reps. Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven, Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, and Treneé McGee, D-West Haven, as Mullins looks on. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Mullins, the master of ceremonies, delivers opening remarks. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Stephanie Townsend sings a powerful rendition of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Rossi gives remarks honoring Black History Month. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The Rev. Denya C. McGee delivers the keynote speech. McGee is the pastor of Abba’s House International Fellowship in North Branford. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Retired House of Jacob Church Pastor Harold Golston talks about his good friend and peer Howard. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Vertical Church Pastor Ken Vance gives remarks lauding Howard. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Howard is gracious in accepting the African American Citizen of the Year honor. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Dell offers new team member discount program

Dell offers West Haven employees new team member discount program

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 24, 2022 — Because of West Haven’s ongoing relationship with Dell, the city is pleased to announce that Dell has extended discounting on consumer PCs to all West Haven employees and their families and friends.

Member benefits include:

· Exclusive monthly offers.

· Best-price guarantee on consumer PCs from Dell.

· Up to 30% off Dell PCs, electronics and accessories.

· Free enrollment in the Dell Rewards Loyalty Program: 3% back, plus free expedited shipping.

· Military and veterans receive an additional 10% discount.

· White-glove quoting from the MPP Executive Sales Team upon request — please provide member ID: 132940501.

All member discounts are built into the site, and members are not required to log in or use any codes to qualify for discounts.

All offers below will be available on West Haven’s exclusive MPP Page.

MPP Upcoming Offers:

Semiannual Sale: March 10-23.
MPP Flash Sale: April 19-20.

For questions or concerns about the program, contact MPP Strategic Account Manager Bria Simmons at bria_simmons@dell.com.

‘Fraud Alert’ notifies property owners of new transactions

‘Fraud Alert’ notifies West Haven property owners of new transactions

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 14, 2022 — The city clerk’s office is providing a new tool to help property owners protect one of their most valuable assets.

City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath said property owners can sign up for Fraud Alert to receive alerts whenever a document, such as a deed, mortgage or lien, is recorded under their name.

Sign up for free at Fraud Alert.

“This is an easy way for homeowners to have peace of mind,” Horvath said.

Horvath noted that because other West Haven property owners may share the same name, “this new tool adds additional protection to your property.”

Property owners can view documents online or in the clerk’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.

Tax relief programs for elderly, disabled homeowners offered

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 14, 2022 — The assessor’s office is accepting applications by appointment for tax relief programs for elderly and disabled homeowners.

West Haven residents can apply for the programs, based on their 2021 incomes, weekdays through May 13 in the assessor’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St. For an appointment, call 203-937-3515.

The state offers a tax reduction benefit depending on income and marital status through the circuit breaker program. To qualify, the applicant or spouse must be 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2021, or permanently and totally disabled as defined by Social Security.

Income limits, including Social Security, are $46,400 for a married couple and $38,100 for a single person.

To qualify for the West Haven senior tax freeze program, the applicant must be age 70 by Dec. 31, 2021, and have lived in the city for at least 20 consecutive years. The program will freeze the city portion of the resident’s taxes only for the upcoming year.

Income limits, excluding Social Security, are $50,000 for a married couple and $35,000 for a single person. Those eligible for the program must reapply each year.

The assessor’s office is also accepting applications until Oct. 1 for additional veterans exemptions. The maximum income is $46,400 for a married applicant and $38,100 for a single applicant.