Plunge into L.I. Sound, play beach volleyball for breast cancer

More than 200 intrepid participants navigate 2-foot swells in the 41-degree water of Long Island Sound during the 17th annual Icy Plunge for the Cure, a benefit for breast cancer research and education, on Jan. 28 at Savin Rock Beach. The 2018 plunge, set for 9 a.m. Jan. 13, will feature a follow-up event, the first Spike for the Cure beach volleyball tournament, also a benefit for breast cancer, at 11 a.m. at Sea Bluff Beach. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Plunge into Long Island Sound, play beach volleyball for breast cancer research and education

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 15, 2017 — Get ready for a doubleheader of arctic proportions.

If it were not already epic enough with its Icy Plunge for the Cure, the city’s Breast Cancer Awareness Committee is presenting an additional goodwill contest on the same January morning for those looking to challenge themselves while raising money for a good cause.

The first winter beach volleyball tournament, appropriately called the Spike for the Cure and organized by the Department of Parks and Recreation, will complement the 18th annual Icy Plunge for the Cure on Jan. 13.

Both events will benefit breast cancer research and education, said city Human Resources Commissioner Beth A. Sabo, a founding member of the committee, established in 2001.

Participants in the plunge can break out the polar swimwear at 9 a.m. at Savin Rock Beach, off Captain Thomas Boulevard. Then, at 11 a.m., participants in the volleyball tourney can bust out the cold weather sportswear on the frozen tundra of Sea Bluff Beach, just down the way off Ocean Avenue.

Registration for the plunge starts at 7:30 a.m. in the Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St.

The first 100 people to register will receive “plungewear.” The top fundraiser will receive a prize.

Participants will wait on the beach for the signal to charge into the frigid surf of Long Island Sound. Wetsuits are not allowed.

More than 200 people took part in last year’s frosty dip, which netted about $30,000, said Sabo, who supervises Park-Rec.

And organizers anticipate another hearty turnout this year, with several city, police and fire departments forming teams and issuing challenges to one another to help raise the stakes and more money.

After the plunge, organizers will hold a raffle with prizes donated by area businesses.

Sabo said the plunge is a celebration of survivors and a remembrance of loved ones who have died of the disease.

Registration forms are available in the Department of Human Resources on the second floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.

Pledges for the plunge must be handed in the day of the event, Sabo said. Checks are payable to the West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness Program.

Proceeds have previously gone to the Smilow Breast Center at Yale New Haven Hospital and Looking Forward, an education and wellness program for cancer patients at Smilow.

For information or to sponsor the plunge, call Sabo at 203-937-3558.

For the Spike for the Cure, Park-Rec is registering six-person teams for the single-elimination tournament. The team entry fee is $100.

Register at the department’s Painter Park office, 190 Kelsey Ave. Checks are payable to the West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness Program.

The tourney winner will receive a prize, said organizer Diane Dietman, recreation program coordinator.

For information or to sponsor the tournament, call Park-Rec at 203-937-3651.

Send donation checks to the West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness Program, Department of Human Resources, 355 Main St., West Haven 06516.

Menorah lighting marks Jewish Festival of Lights

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 15, 2017 — State Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, leads, from left, state Rep. Charles J. Ferraro, R-West Haven, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, state Rep. Michael A. DiMassa, D-West Haven, and Rossi’s executive assistant, Louis P. Esposito Jr., in a Jewish blessing at the sundown celebration of the first day of Hanukkah during the annual lighting of the menorah Tuesday on the Green. The ceremonial lighting, also attended by Rossi transition team member Thomas J. McCarthy and city Human Resources Commissioner Beth A. Sabo, marks the Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight-day commemoration of rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Cheering for the home team

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 15, 2017 — Members of the West Haven Seahawks cheerleading squad lead a spirited pep rally Dec. 8 in the Bailey Middle School auditorium for the Ray Tellier Midget Football League’s West Haven Seahawks junior varsity team. An enthusiastic assembly of students, teachers, faculty and staff, joined by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, watched the Seahawks live on ESPN3 — via a giant projection screen on the rear of the stage — as they competed for the national title against the Westchase Colts of Tampa Bay, Fla., in the Pop Warner Division II Junior Varsity Championship at the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Orlando, Fla. The Seahawks, ages 11-13, lost 28-0. However, in addition to finishing No. 2 in the nation, the Seahawks are the New England Region Pop Warner Division II Junior Varsity champions and the champs of the Southern Connecticut Pop Warner Football Conference. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

City issues snow rules for parking

WEST HAVEN, Dec. 8, 2017 — To help expedite snow removal, the Department of Public Works is reminding residents and businesses to observe parking regulations during and after snowstorms.

Under normal snow conditions, once snow begins to fall, a parking ban is in effect on the even-numbered side of most roads, unless one is posted with a “No Parking” sign on the odd side.

The ban is in effect for 36 hours after a snowstorm. Residents are urged to park in driveways or designated private lots.

During an official snow emergency declared by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, a parking ban will run from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on both sides of Campbell and Savin avenues, Morgan Lane, Elm Street, Meloy Road, Second Avenue from Elm to Beach streets, and Main Street from Savin to Washington avenues.

Police will tag and tow vehicles violating the parking ordinance at the owner’s expense.

Per city ordinance, residents and businesses are responsible for removing snow from sidewalks on and bordering their properties. Also, per ordinance, plowing or blowing snow into city streets is prohibited, and violators are subject to fines.

Residents and businesses with mailboxes damaged by snow thrown from a plow are the responsibility of the property owner. The city will only repair mailboxes damaged by the striking of a plow blade if there is visible evidence, such as paint or tire tracks.

Snow removal around mailboxes is the property owner’s responsibility.

For information, call the Public Works Department at 203-937-3585.