West Haven beaches closed as a precaution due to heavy rain

West Haven beaches back open, except for Seaview Avenue Beach

WEST HAVEN, July 18, 2023 — Health Director Maureen B. Lillis has reopened the city’s beaches to swimming and fishing, except for Seaview Avenue.

Water quality tests along the West Haven shoreline came back normal, except for Seaview Beach, which came back elevated for bacteria, Lillis said.

The beach will remain closed until further notice.

The water samples were collected on Monday and processed at a state Department of Public Health lab in Rocky Hill.

A city sanitarian will retest the beach’s water on Wednesday.

The city will notify the public once the closure is lifted.

Lillis had closed West Haven’s beaches as a precaution because of Sunday’s heavy rain.

West Haven crossing guard receives ‘Way to Go!’ award

City crossing guard receives ‘Way to Go!’ award

WEST HAVEN, July 18, 2023 — (Pictured): City crossing guard Lisa Corvera receives the “Way to Go!” award from the West Haven Interagency Network for Children at Elm Street and Union Avenue on June 13.

Corvera was presented with the award at her guard post on the last day of school by city Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman for “always smiling and waving at passing vehicles in whatever weather conditions while performing her daily duties to ensure the safety of children at the busy intersection.”

The Way to Go program recognizes those who go above and beyond to offer services and resources.

(City Photo/Diane Dietman)

Rick Reyes plays Old Grove Park at 7 p.m. Thursday

WEST HAVEN, July 18, 2023 — The West Haven Summer Concert Series will continue at 7 p.m. Thursday in Old Grove Park on Palace Street with the infectious sound of Puerto Rico performed by Rick Reyes.

The “Thursday Night Live!” concert is free and presented by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce and the West Haven Department of Parks and Recreation.

Shaded Soul Band will headline Day 1 of the Savin Rock Festival by performing R&B favorites and pop gems in West Haven’s Old Grove Park at 8 p.m. July 28. (Publicity Photo)

Savin Rock Festival, July 28-29, celebrates ‘the Rock’

WEST HAVEN, July 17, 2023 — Musical groups Shaded Soul Band and Arena Rock Tribute will headline the Savin Rock Festival in Old Grove Park on July 28-29, respectively.

The annual festival, sponsored by the University of New Haven, Yale University and Frankson Fence Co., will showcase the sights, sounds, smells and tastes that cemented the 20th-century Savin Rock Park as Connecticut’s Coney Island, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said.

Other sponsors include Baybrook Remodelers Inc., Affordable Waste Systems LLC and Adams Hometown Market.

The festival, which honors the legacy of “the Rock,” is scheduled from 5-10 p.m. July 28 and noon-10 p.m. July 29.

Along with live music, it will feature the traditional midway of rides and games by Marenna Amusements — and, of course, boatloads of seafood and other mouthwatering dishes.

Marenna will offer wristbands for unlimited rides for $30 and a sheet of 21 tickets for $20.

A number of nonprofit organizations will set up informational booths in the 153-year-old Grove, and a fleet of food trucks on Palace Street will serve up burgers, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, fried dough, gyros, lobster rolls, tacos and meatball bombs. Dessert trucks will offer cannoli, ice cream, cupcakes and kettle corn.

The craft fair, a festival staple, will also take place, spread beneath the park’s oak trees, organizers said.

On July 28-29, the parking fee for nonresidents is $20, payable by credit card through a “Pay for Parking” smartphone app only. Paid parking is available in the municipal lots on Oak Street and Altschuler Boulevard and the grass lot off Oak Street, across from the Surfside public housing complex.

To park, nonresidents must scan the QR code on the Premium Parking sign in each lot or text the lot code to 504504. Both options will connect them to the Premium Parking website to complete the transaction. Nonresidents can also download the Premium Parking app on the Apple or Google app stores.

Parking is free for residents, provided their vehicles, including motorcycles and new, leased or military-exempt vehicles, are registered in West Haven and they are not delinquent on their motor vehicle taxes. A “new” vehicle means it was registered in West Haven after Oct. 1, 2022.

Taxpayers can check if they owe back taxes and make a payment at My Tax Bill .

The festival will open at 5 p.m. July 28 with welcoming remarks by Rossi and the national anthem sung by Ana Garcia.

Radio personality Brian Smith will serve as the “ringmaster” of ceremonies for a sixth time.

The Kathy Thompson Band will play funk, soul and R&B music at 6 p.m., followed by Shaded Soul Band, performing R&B favorites and pop gems, at 8 p.m.

Day 2 will kick off at noon July 29 with the festival’s second annual Touch-a-Truck event, held next to the Oak Street Beach parking lot off Captain Thomas Boulevard until 4 p.m.

At 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., firefighters of the West Haven Fire Department, led by Fire Marshal Roger Sicotte, will demonstrate the department’s 35-foot smoke trailer and show children what to do in case of a fire.

Firefighters of the West Shore Fire Department will demonstrate the department’s amphibious rescue boat at 2 p.m.

At 3 p.m., West Haven firefighters will demonstrate the Jaws of Life tool by prying open parts of a vehicle to free those trapped inside.

At 4 p.m., The Generators will open the diverse musical lineup by playing a 90-minute set of classic rock anthems.

Just before the concert, Smith will introduce Garcia, who will sing the national anthem.

Then, at 6 p.m., Magic of Motown, sponsored by West Haven Vietnam Veterans Inc., will perform a high-energy mix of R&B hits from the acclaimed catalog of Detroit’s Motown Records, known as “Hitsville U.S.A.”

At 8 p.m., Arena Rock Tribute will unleash the monsters of rock and play a two-hour show celebrating the music, performance and spectacle of the melodic rock of the ’70s and ’80s, including Queen, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi.

“Arena Rock Tribute performs rock blocks of their greatest hits with undeniable energy and precision that makes for an exciting event,” the band said in a statement.

Watch the band’s promotional video on YouTube .

West Haven’s flagship festival was established in 1982 by the Chamber of Commerce — initially under the direction of Brian M. Stone, David Gesler and Michael Shiner and thereafter by John L. Perrone and his wife, Mary Perrone — to bring organizations, clubs, businesses and families together for a summer festival that celebrates life in one of America’s oldest maritime communities.

From the dawn of the Savin Rock House hotel in 1838, the Rock had long been a resort hub until it was officially incorporated as an amusement park by the Savin Rock Park Co. on Memorial Day 1925, when it opened to 300,000 visitors and 66,000 automobiles in one spectacular day.

For the next 40 years, the popular seaside park captured the hearts and imaginations of “Rock rats” young and old. “The playground of New England” closed on Sept. 21, 1966, to make way for the Savin Rock Urban Renewal Project.

The Kathy Thompson Band will open Day 1 of the Savin Rock Festival by playing funk, soul and R&B music in West Haven’s Old Grove Park at 6 p.m. July 28. (Publicity Photo)

The Generators will open Day 2 of the Savin Rock Festival by playing a 90-minute set of classic rock anthems at 4 p.m. July 29. (Publicity Photo)

Day 2 of the Savin Rock Festival will continue with Magic of Motown performing a high-energy mix of R&B hits from the acclaimed catalog of Detroit’s Motown Records at 6 p.m. July 29. The concert is sponsored by West Haven Vietnam Veterans Inc. (Publicity Photo)

Arena Rock Tribute will headline Day 2 of the Savin Rock Festival by unleashing the monsters of rock at 8 p.m. July 29 and playing a two-hour show celebrating the music, performance and spectacle of the melodic rock of the ’70s and ’80s. (Publicity Photo)

West Haven Senior Center sets Mystic Seaport trip Sept. 27

West Haven Senior Center sets Mystic Seaport trip on Sept. 27

WEST HAVEN, July 17, 2023 — The West Haven Senior Center is offering a bus trip to Mystic Seaport on Sept. 27.

The trip includes the seaport’s flagship attractions, such as the largest maritime museum in the U.S., ship tours and a half-hour cruise on the Mystic River aboard the Sabino, the nation’s oldest wooden, coal-burning steamboat.

The cost is $130 and includes transportation, gratuities, admission to the seaport, the Sabino cruise and lunch at Scotch Plains Tavern in Essex. Lunch selection is made at the time of reservation.

Payment is due Aug. 18.

The bus departs at 9 a.m. from the Veterans Memorial Park parking lot at 91 Bull Hill Lane, the former Nike site, and leaves around 3:30 p.m. from Essex.

Non-senior center members and nonresidents are welcome. To make a reservation, call the center at 203-937-3507.

Tony Inzero Farmers Market opens season July 6

Farmers market open Thursdays and Saturdays

WEST HAVEN, July 17, 2023 — The Tony Inzero Farmers Market has opened its 2023 season next to the Oak Street Beach parking lot off Captain Thomas Boulevard.

The market, nestled on the right side of the beach lot, includes state farmers selling homegrown fruits and vegetables and crafters selling wares from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays through Oct. 14.

It features artisan breads by Hoffman Unlimited LLC, sauces and jams by Chile King LLC, and salts, oils and vinegars by Dash N’ Drizzle.

The farmers market is partnering with ArtsWest CT this season to showcase a variety of entertainment, such as live performances and unique demonstrations, at the Saturday markets.

The market also includes more than 20 different vendors, crafters, organizations and food trucks during the season.

The Thursday markets feature What the Truck?! BBQ, in addition to ice cream at both markets.

Parking is available in the Oak Street municipal lot and on Palace Street. Oak Street is on the senior shuttle route and the CTtransit route. In addition, a van will run from the West Haven Senior Center, 201 Noble St., to Oak Street at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays.

The Department of Elderly Services will start distributing reusable farmers market cards to eligible city residents. Residents 60 and older who meet income requirements are eligible for $24 vouchers in the form of electronic cards. For information on the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, call the department at 203-937-3507.

The farmers market is sponsored by the city and has operated since 2000. It was dedicated in 2010 in memory of Anthony F. “Tony” Inzero, a leader in the downtown business community who co-owned Flower Affair on Campbell Avenue for many years and was a founding member and longtime president of the West Haven Business Association.

To participate in the farmers market or for information, contact Killian Gruber, the market’s manager, at kgruber@westhaven-ct.gov or 203-937-3510.

For the latest news on the market, go to West Haven Farmers Market.

West Haven Senior Center sets Aqua Turf trip Sept. 12

WHSC sets Aqua Turf trip Sept. 12

WEST HAVEN, June 27, 2023 — The West Haven Senior Center is offering a bus trip to the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on Sept. 12 for an afternoon of ’60s and ’70s classics performed by Rainere Martin as Donna Summer and The Brass Attack Band.

The trip costs $120 and includes transportation, driver gratuity and a family-style lunch. It also includes a glass of beer or wine, coffee and doughnuts, as well as door prizes.

Payment is due Aug. 11.

The bus departs at 9:45 a.m. from the Veterans Memorial Park parking lot at 91 Bull Hill Lane, the former Nike site, and leaves at 3:45 p.m. from Aqua Turf.

Senior center membership is not required to attend. Nonresidents are also welcome.

To make a reservation, call the center at 203-937-3507.

Bowling program offered to West Haven residents ages 13 to 17

WEST HAVEN, June 23, 2023 — West Haven’s Youth and Family Services and Department of Parks and Recreation are teaming up to provide an alternative enrichment bowling league for residents ages 13-17.

The 10-pin league is for West Haven residents and will take place at the Bowlero Milford bowling alley, 1717 Boston Post Road, from 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 1.

The four-week program costs $25 per child. The fee includes two weekly games of bowling, a shoe rental, a pizza slice and soda, as well as a $7 arcade card each week.

Bus transportation is provided for those enrolled in the program. Participants must ride the bus — no drop-offs at Bowlero.

Bus pickup sites and times are: Carrigan Intermediate School, 2 Tetlow St., 3:15 p.m., and Bailey Middle School, 106 Morgan Lane, 3:30 p.m.

The bus will depart at the designated time and will not wait for those who are late.

Register for the program at Park-Rec .

Anyone with questions can email Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman at dietman@westhaven-ct.gov.

Beach parking information

WEST HAVEN, June 21, 2023 — Nonresidents must pay to park in all shoreline lots in West Haven by using a “Pay for Parking” smartphone app.

Nonresidents can pay to park by scanning the QR code on the Premium Parking sign in each lot or texting the lot code to 504504. Both options will connect them to the Premium Parking website to complete the transaction. Nonresidents can also download the Premium Parking app on the Apple or Google app stores.

The daily parking fee for nonresidents is $5 per hour, or $30 per day, payable by credit card only. A nonresident seasonal parking pass for $250 is also available.

Parking is free for residents, provided their vehicles, including motorcycles and new, leased or military-exempt vehicles, are registered in West Haven and they are not delinquent on their motor vehicle taxes. A “new” vehicle means it was registered in West Haven after Oct. 1, 2022.

Taxpayers can check if they owe back taxes and make a payment at My Tax Bill.

The city is transitioning from using beach stickers to license plate numbers for proving that vehicles are registered in West Haven. Residents’ license plate numbers are registered in a tax office database. Each parking lot is equipped with a license plate scanner.

Beach parking lots are for use by both residents and nonresidents on a first-come, first-served basis. The lots are: Oyster River, South Street Upper, South Street Lower, Dawson Avenue, Sea Bluff, Bradley Point, Rock Street, Oak Street, Palace Street, Altschuler Boulevard and Sandy Point, as well as the April Street boat launch.

Parking violators will receive an invoice of at least $100 — a $100 citation, plus a fee for the amount of time they were parked — from Premium Parking, the New Orleans-based company contracted with helping West Haven develop a digitally driven paid parking program along the shoreline.

West Haven Vietnam vets sought for new section of memorial ‘wall’

WEST HAVEN, June 9, 2023 — Current and former city residents who served in the Vietnam War are sought by the West Haven Vietnam Memorial Inc. Committee to have their names inscribed on a new section of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Bradley Point Park.

To qualify for name recognition on the memorial “wall,” Vietnam veterans must apply and meet the following requirements:

— Applicants must live or have lived in West Haven. Veterans living in West Haven must provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill.

— Applicants must have served in-country during the Vietnam War.

— Applicants must have been honorably discharged from military service. A DD214 form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is required.

— Applicants must share potential costs, if any.

The committee does not have a formal application. Veterans must mail all documents, which are due Oct. 1, to West Haven Vietnam Veterans, City Hall, lower level, 355 Main St., West Haven, CT 06516.

Those with questions can call Bill at 203-521-2356, Steve at 475-655-2993 or Paul at 203-500-2159.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial includes a black granite wall inscribed with the names of those from West Haven who served or gave their lives in Vietnam from 1959 to 1975, along with three white flagpoles draped with the American, Connecticut and prisoner-of-war flags.

The memorial, dedicated Nov. 12, 2003, also includes a black granite map of the four battle districts of Vietnam bearing the inscription “All Gave Some, Some Gave All,” as well as five bronze insignia markers atop black granite posts representing each branch of the U.S. armed forces.

Food scrap bags sold at retail sites

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 24, 2023 — Residents who need more green and orange food scrap bags can buy them at the following retail locations ($1.05 for five green bags and $1.55 for five orange bags):

• Krauszer’s Food Store, 10 Jones Hill Road (Babybrook Shopping Center, corner of Ocean Avenue)

• Krauszer’s Food Store, 911 Campbell Ave. (corner of Spring Street)

• Krauszer’s Food Store, 377 Campbell Ave. (corner of Brown Street)

• Krauszer’s Food Store, 191 Platt Ave. (near the WHHS entrance)

• Nazar Halal Meat & Market, 39 Elm St. (West River Plaza)

• Greatway Food Store, 502 Sawmill Road (across from Walmart)

• Best Gas & Food Mart, 161 Boston Post Road (near the Allington Green)

• Noble Gas Station, 941 Boston Post Road (corner of Farwell Street)

City touts launch of state’s largest food-to-clean-energy program

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 14, 2022 — West Haven is the first city in the state to offer a citywide curbside food scrap diversion option to all single-family residents, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

Rossi said the program allows all single-family homes — one, two and three families — to easily separate food scraps and have them collected at the curb in the same container now used for residents’ trash collection.

The city has received a $1.3 million Sustainable Materials Management grant from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop and launch a food-to-clean-energy program.

Grant Coordinator Doug Colter, who secured the funding for the city, said the state is facing a solid waste disposal crisis, as traditional options for disposing of municipal solid waste are diminishing or becoming more expensive. With fewer and rapidly aging disposal options in Connecticut, residents and municipal leaders can expect disposal costs to increase at the remaining waste incineration facilities “as well as out-of-state landfilling,” Colter said.

On Nov. 7, the West Haven Food to Clean Energy program launched a nine-month pilot project for curbside food scrap diversion. Participation in the program comes at no cost to the 16,000 eligible households.

Colter said the funding covers the purchase of special color-coded bags for trash and for food scrap separation for the nine-month pilot. It also covers the cost of educational materials — mailers, a website and a Connect mobile app — along with personnel to sort the bags and the shipment of food scraps to Quantum Biopower in Southington, where the food will be converted into clean electricity, he said.

More details at Food Scrap Recycling.

Informational Materials

The Downsizing Donation Guide: A Resource for Residents of New Haven County (PDF)

What’s In? What’s Out? A Guide to Recycling (PDF)