West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi congratulates 2023 Miss American Teen Mackenzie Gardner after presenting a citation recognizing her “crowning achievement” during a reception at City Hall on Monday. Gardner, a West Haven resident whose yearlong reign ends Sunday, won the Miss American Coed pageant Sept. 4, 2022, at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Ballroom in Orlando, Fla. She was also presented with a flower arrangement from Councilwoman Meli Garthwait, R-2, on behalf of the City Council. (City Photo/Patricia C. Horvath)

Gardner, 2023 Miss American Teen, cited by city

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 1, 2023 — 2023 Miss American Teen Mackenzie Gardner received a citation and other congratulatory gifts from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi recognizing Gardner’s “crowning achievement” during a long-overdue reception at City Hall on Monday.

Rossi was joined by a delegation of city and Board of Education leaders to bestow the citation on Gardner, whose yearlong reign ends Sunday.

Gardner won the Miss American Coed pageant Sept. 4, 2022, at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Ballroom in Orlando, Florida.

She is a 2021 graduate of West Haven High School and was a co-captain of the girls ice hockey team. She is a junior at the University of New Haven.

Gardner’s father, Scott, beamed with pride as the group of officials honored his daughter in the third-floor conference room of City Hall, just before the evening’s City Council meeting.

Gardner was also joined by friends and other loved ones, including grandparents Harold and Pat Bellmore and great-aunt Patricia B. Libero, who introduced the “hardworking” Gardner.

“(Mackenzie) is task-oriented, personable and an all-around good kid,” said Libero, a Republican member of the school board. “She continues to strive to be the best person of herself and keeps on pushing herself to be better and better.

“So in keeping with the drive to be the best she can be, for the first time since 1933 when Marian Bergeron won the 1933 Miss America pageant, West Haven has a natural pageant winner, Miss American Teen. During the past year, Mackenzie has represented Connecticut and West Haven at many, many events. It is so very appropriate that we as a West Haven community celebrate her success, as her success is West Haven’s success.”

Rossi then lauded Gardner before reading and presenting the citation to her.

“Your determination, sacrifice and desire for excellence have placed you among the most talented teenagers in the United States,” said Rossi, who also presented Gardner with a blue tote bag containing a signed copy of the 2021 centennial book, “City of West Haven: Village to Town,” along with centennial coins and lapel pins.

“You have represented our city with class, dignity and courage by demonstrating the best of the American spirit and Westie pride,” the mayor said. “Our community is proud of you and your accomplishment.

“I also applaud your commitment to setting an example for young people to follow and to helping others in our community.”

After Rossi’s remarks, Councilwoman Meli Garthwait, R-2, presented Gardner with a flower arrangement on behalf of the council.

Gardner was gracious to the crowd, especially when speaking about her hometown.

“Truly I don’t think I would be the person I am today without the lessons that West Haven has taught me, as well as them being able to rally around me and give me new opportunities,” Gardner said. “I’m really grateful to be able to bring this back to West Haven, and I hope to do all that I can to make you guys proud.”

Fire service exhibit moved to Johnson center

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 1, 2023 — (Pictured): An 1889 Button Crane Neck hand pumper is unloaded and moved by Tony Capuano, the West Haven Fire Department’s superintendent of apparatus, rear, to a new display in the foyer of the Robert A. Johnson Community Center at 201 Noble St. on Thursday.

To accommodate the large hand pumper, crews had to remove the center’s six-panel front window before the apparatus was carefully unloaded from a wrecker provided by Bruneau’s Garage.

Capuano was assisted by Councilman Robert Bruneau, D-9, who owns the West Haven garage, and retired West Haven fire Lt. William Heffernan III, the department’s historian.

The antique hand pumper, formerly operated by the department’s Engine & Hose Company 1, was part of a fire service exhibit in the former Savin Rock Museum at 6 Rock St. for many years.

City officials are looking to convert a portion of the Johnson center into a museum to house old Savin Rock Park and fire service memorabilia.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

‘Fall Foliage Concert Series’ announced for Grove

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 1, 2023 — The city has announced a new concert series and is rolling out three shows in September and October.

The “Fall Foliage Concert Series” will feature performances by Avenue Groove on Sept. 8, Arena Rock Tribute on Sept. 30 and American Honey on Oct. 13.

The concerts are scheduled from 7-9 p.m. in Old Grove Park on Palace Street.

Avenue Groove is a six-piece “R&B, funk and dance band with attitude.” Arena Rock Tribute celebrates the music, performance and spectacle of the ’70s and ’80s. American Honey specializes in modern country hits and ’90s pop rock favorites.

The Arena Rock show was slated for the Savin Rock Festival in July but was postponed by rain.

The concerts are sponsored by the city and the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Avenue Groove, a six-piece “R&B, funk and dance band with attitude,” will perform from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 8 in Old Grove Park on Palace Street in West Haven. The show is part of the city’s new “Fall Foliage Concert Series.” (Publicity Photo)

Arena Rock Tribute will celebrate the music, performance and spectacle of the ’70s and ’80s from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 30 in Old Grove Park on Palace Street in West Haven. The show was rescheduled from July’s Savin Rock Festival and is now part of the city’s new “Fall Foliage Concert Series.” (Publicity Photo)

American Honey will play a mix of modern country hits and ’90s pop rock favorites from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 13 in Old Grove Park on Palace Street in West Haven. The show is part of the city’s new “Fall Foliage Concert Series.” (Publicity Photo)

West Haven Senior Center offers Foxwoods trip Nov. 8

WHSC offers Foxwoods trip Nov. 8

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 1, 2023 — The West Haven Senior Center is offering a bus trip to Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard on Nov. 8.

Enjoy the new Pequot Woodlands Casino at Foxwoods featuring 430 slot machines, the new high-limit slot room with 130 state-of-the-art machines and the newly opened Wahlburgers restaurant, as well as shopping at the Tanger Outlets.

No casino packages are offered at the moment.

The trip costs $35. Payment is due Oct. 13.

The bus departs at 8:30 a.m. from the Veterans Memorial Park parking lot at 91 Bull Hill Lane, the former Nike site, and leaves at 3 p.m. from Foxwoods.

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

Board to hear appeals on vehicle assessments in City Hall, 1st floor

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 1, 2023 — The Board of Assessment Appeals will meet in open session from 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in the assessor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., to hear appeals of motor vehicle assessments on the 2022 grand list.

Any owner of a city-registered vehicle claiming an aggrieved assessment can issue an appeal at the hearing.

Tony Inzero Farmers Market opens season July 6

Farmers market open Thursdays and Saturdays

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 1, 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 is 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.

Ukrainian Independence Day declared for 2nd year in West Haven

Ukrainian Independence Day declared in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, Aug. 24, 2023 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, center, holds a bouquet and a certificate of appreciation from President Ann Salemme of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 108, holding a mayoral proclamation, for Rossi’s support of Ukrainian Independence Day on Aug. 24.

“The city of West Haven stands united with Ukrainians in commemorating their independence by lighting the Cove River pedestrian bridge in blue and yellow for a second year,” said Rossi, reading the proclamation before presenting it to Salemme, of West Haven, in the City Council chambers of City Hall.

Shown with Rossi and Salemme are, from left, Carl Harvey, a resident of Orange and the commander of Ukrainian American Veterans Post 33, and St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church Choir members Mary Antonyshyn, of Orange, and Nadiya Ivantsiv, formerly of Lviv, Ukraine, and now of New Haven.

In 1991 the parliament of Ukraine proclaimed the nation’s independence, taking the first step toward establishing a free and democratic state.

“As Ukraine marks its 32nd anniversary of renewed independence today, Aug. 24, 2023, let us recommit ourselves to helping the Ukrainian nation to reclaim full sovereignty over its international borders and to remember its heroes who sacrificed their lives to ensure freedom and happiness for future generations,” Rossi said.

(City Photo/Killian M. Gruber)

Girls summer basketball champions

WEST HAVEN, Aug. 24, 2023 — (Pictured): The Gray Team, the champions of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Girls Summer Fun Basketball League, show their medals at the Veterans Memorial Park courts on Bull Hill Lane on Aug. 14.

Front row, from left, are Maddie Kelly, Karine DaSilva, Angelize DaSilva, Bridget Kelly and Justine DaSilva. Back row, from left, are Coach K, Ja’stice Butler, Tiranke Keita, Fatoumata Keita, Josylyn DaSilva and Coach Victor. Missing from photo is Evey Fitzpatrick.

The team defeated the Red Team in an 18-17 nail-biter to finish the season 8-0.

The league, overseen by Park-Rec program coordinator Margaret Longo and court supervisor Desmond Lymon, just capped its 23rd season.

(City Photo/Margaret Longo)

West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, center left, and TR Laundromat owners Reagin and Thomas Carney, center right, cut the ribbon with a pair of oversize scissors to celebrate the laundry’s grand opening at 818 First Ave. in West Haven on Friday. With them are Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce President Michael Moses, left, and Director of Membership and Marketing Simon McDonald. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

‘State-of-the-art’ TR Laundromat opens on First Ave.

WEST HAVEN, Aug. 18, 2023 — TR Laundromat, a new self-service laundry at 818 First Ave., celebrated its grand opening Aug. 18.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce executives snipped a blue ribbon with husband-wife owners Thomas and Reagin Carney to officially mark the event and welcome TR Laundromat to West Haven.

The Carneys said the family-owned laundromat has been completely renovated and features state-of-the-art stainless steel washers and driers to “meet all your laundry needs.”

“We have all-new, spacious machines designed to handle even the largest loads with efficiency and reliability,” said Thomas Carney, who has worked in the laundromat industry for 20 years as a sales representative and manager. “We also offer complimentary Wi-Fi.”

Carney added: “Our laundromat is the only establishment in the Greater New Haven area offering the innovative Huebsch Command app payment system, giving you the flexibility to pay via your phone or with coins. With our user-friendly touch controls, available in over 30 languages, operating our machines has never been easier.”

The morning ribbon-cutting was attended by chamber President Michael Moses, Director of Membership and Marketing Simon McDonald and member Robert Creigh, the vice president of Patriot Bank of Milford.

TR Laundromat, located off Interstate 95’s Exit 43, is based in a plaza with a convenience store and a Chinese restaurant. The laundry site, near Spring Street, was formerly occupied by Spotless Laundry.

The Carneys, who have four children, said the laundromat’s black-and-white sign is adorned with a gold triquetra, a triangular figure composed of three interlaced arcs. Also known as a Trinity knot, the emblem is the Celtic symbol for family.

Reagin Carney said the initials “TR” in the business’s name are a tribute to her late father, Thomas Reid. She said the initials also stand for Thomas and Reagin.

TR Laundromat is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with the last wash at 9 p.m.

West Haven Senior Center sets Aqua Turf trip Sept. 12

West Haven Senior Center plans Stonington Vineyards trip Oct. 11

WEST HAVEN, Aug. 18, 2023 — The West Haven Senior Center is offering a bus trip to Stonington Vineyards on Oct. 11.

The trip includes a one-hour wine tasting and a keepsake glass, followed by a visit to Olde Mistick Village, where attendees can shop and have lunch independently.

The trip’s final stop is at the historic B.F. Clydes Cider Mill, the oldest operating steam-powered cider mill in the U.S., which offers cider doughnuts, hard cider, wine and other treats.

The cost is $120. Payment is due Sept. 25.

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 4 p.m. from Mystic.

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

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

WEST HAVEN, Aug. 18, 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 Jan. 1, 2024, 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.