Celebrating love

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 16, 2018 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, center, joins Kip and Beverly Trembley, of William Street, during the city’s 28th annual Valentine’s Day party Wednesday afternoon at the Savin Rock Conference Center.

The Trembleys, who have been married for 71 years, were among 28 couples married for at least 50 years who were honored at the two-hour event, which was presented by the mayor’s office.

Rossi recognized the Trembleys, both 89, as the event’s oldest couple, presenting them with a gift-wrapped necklace and watch courtesy of Leslie Jewelers, 523 Campbell Ave.

The youngest couple was also recognized by Rossi.

All couples received chocolates, wine glasses and roses, as well as a photograph of themselves in a frame.

The party featured music by the Clam Diggers and included hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

It was made possible by D&D Linen Supply, 24 Gilbert St.; Fitzgerald’s Florist, 281 Campbell Ave.; and Costco of Milford.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Applicants sought for Charter Revision Commission

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 16, 2018 — City Council Chairman Ronald M. Quagliani is encouraging any West Haven electors interested in serving on the Charter Revision Commission to apply.

Candidates are advised that the newly established commission will require a 16-month commitment with a minimum of one evening meeting per week.

Quagliani, D-at large, said the commission will recommend changes and revisions to the West Haven Charter.

Anyone interested can send a resume and cover letter to the Office of the City Council, 355 Main St., where they are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 26. Documents can also be emailed to mdimassa@westhaven-ct.gov.

They do!

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 16, 2018 — Newlyweds Anthony W. Marshall and Takisha K. Carter are joined by the bride’s mother, Tokeato Pearson, on Wednesday afternoon at City Hall.

Marshall and Carter were among six city couples united in matrimony on Valentine’s Day as part of an annual service sponsored by the city clerk’s office, which offers free weddings to the first six couples who apply for a marriage license at City Hall.

The weddings, presided over by a justice of the peace, were held hourly.

(City Photo/Cynthia McGrath)

New UNH police officer takes oath of office

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 16, 2018 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi swears in new University of New Haven police Officer Christina Nicolia, of Milford, on Monday at City Hall.

Attending the ceremony were Nicolia’s sons, Timothy, 14, and Jeremy, 12; Ronald M. Quagliani, UNH associate vice president of public safety and administrative services; and UNH Police Chief Tracy L. Mooney and Assistant Chief Donald F. Parker.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Elderly, disabled homeowners offered tax relief in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 12, 2018 — Assessor Ann Marie Gradoia is accepting applications for tax relief programs for elderly and disabled homeowners.

Residents can apply for the programs, based on their 2017 incomes, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, Feb. 15-May 15, in the assessor’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.

The state elderly and disabled homeowners program offers tax reduction benefits depending on income and marital status.

To qualify, the applicant or spouse must be 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2017, or permanently and totally disabled as defined by Social Security.

Income limits, including Social Security, are $43,000 for a married couple and $35,300 for a single person.

To qualify for the West Haven senior tax freeze program, the applicant must be 70 years old by the end of the previous calendar year and have lived in the city for 20 consecutive years.

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 state tax freeze program is only for residents already enrolled with incomes not exceeding $6,000, excluding Social Security.

Applicants who receive railroad retirement benefits must include the taxable portion.

The assessor’s office is also accepting applications until Oct. 1 for additional veterans exemptions. The maximum income is $43,000 for a married applicant and $35,300 for a single applicant.

Taxpayers can appeal property assessments

Taxpayers can appeal real estate, personal property assessments

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 5, 2018 — The Board of Assessment Appeals will hear appeals of real estate and personal property assessments on the 2017 grand list by appointment during March in the assessor’s office at City Hall.

The board will also hear appeals of motor vehicle assessments on the 2016 supplemental motor vehicle grand list that received a tax bill due Jan. 1.

Any property owner who wants to appeal an assessment must submit a written application to the board. The assessor’s office must receive the completed form to have it stamped in by 5 p.m. Feb. 20.

Applications are available in the assessor’s office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St., or by calling the office at 203-937-3515.

Download a Board of Assessment Appeals Application.

Driver safety course offered in West Haven

Driver safety course offered March 21

WEST HAVEN, Feb. 5, 2018 — The West Haven Senior Center will offer an AARP Driver Safety Program from 2-6 p.m. March 21 at the Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St.

The program is designed to help sharpen driving skills, develop strategies to adjust to age-related vision changes, develop hearing and reaction times, and learn about the effects of medication on driving performance.

Participants must complete the class to receive a certification for insurance purposes.

The fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers, payable to AARP.

To register, call the senior center at 203-937-3507.

Tax help offered in West Haven

WEST HAVEN, Jan. 18, 2018 — The West Haven Senior Center is offering a free tax preparation service to help low- to middle-income taxpayers.

The AARP Tax-Aide program is available by appointment from 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting Feb. 7, at the Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St.

Special attention is given to help those 50 and older fill out federal tax forms.

The service, which includes tax counseling, is offered by trained volunteer tax preparers from AARP, in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service.

For an appointment, call the senior center at 203-937-3507.