Montagna calls it a career, cited for 52 years of service to West Haven

Montagna calls it a career after 52 years of service

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 20, 2023 — (Pictured): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi on Friday congratulates retiring Park Maintenance Superintendent Joseph “Joe” Montagna on 52 years of “dedicated service” to the departments of Public Works and Park Maintenance.

During a morning reception attended by Montagna’s co-workers at the Park Maintenance Department at 91 Bull Hill Lane, Rossi presented him with a mayoral citation for his “hardworking spirit” and “remarkable career in public service.”

Reading the citation, Rossi said, “Your wholehearted devotion to maintain our park system has placed our parks among the finest in Connecticut.”

Montagna was hired in 1971 under the administration of then-Republican Mayor Alexander F. Zarnowski.

(City Photo/Kara Comfort)

West Haven unveiling street corner sign for ‘Johnny Z’ on Oct. 21

The late Z’s Corner Cafe owner John “Johnny Z” Ziada. (Contributed Photo)

Unveiling of street corner sign for ‘Johnny Z’ Saturday

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 20, 2023 — The family of the late Z’s Corner Cafe owner John “Johnny Z” Ziada will unveil a street sign christening the cafe’s landmark corner of Campbell Avenue and Court Street as “Z’s Corner.”

On Saturday, just steps from the cafe’s front door, Ziada’s wife, Susie, and their daughters, Samira and Zienna, will pull off a shroud draped from a utility pole to reveal the Kelly green sign in memory of the popular restaurateur and spirited volunteer.

The ceremony is set for 6 p.m. and will take place in front of loved ones, friends, patrons and city leaders, including Mayor Nancy R. Rossi. The public is invited.

Other family members joining the celebration will include Ziada’s father, Sami Ziada; his sister, Adele Gaudino; and his brothers-in-law, Porky Gaudino and Andy Sharpe.

Ziada, who had owned and operated Z’s Corner Cafe since 1997, died Feb. 10, 2022, after having pancreatic cancer. He was predeceased by his mother, Samira Dabai Ziada.

Rossi said the rectangular street sign, bearing a white border with bold white lettering, will immortalize Ziada’s legacy of volunteerism in the city he called home for 53 years.

After the sign unveiling, new local cover band The Richie, Rob & Bobby Show, featuring Richie Weber, Rob Hames and Bobby Moran, will play a special tribute concert celebrating their longtime friend, the incomparable Johnny Z.

Weber, the trio’s drummer and Carrigan Intermediate School’s principal, said Ziada was the rock of the West Haven music scene who gave many up-and-coming bands their first gig.

The free show will take place at Z’s, of course — the live music mecca that Ziada built at 407 Campbell Ave.

Rossi said the civic-minded Ziada dedicated much of his life to serving his community. Before his untimely passing, he devoted his time, talents and energy to booking and coordinating the bands for the city’s centennial events, Savin Rock Festival and Christmas tree lighting, as well as the WimBash music festival.

On Aug. 28, the City Council honored the Ziada family during its meeting at City Hall, where the Z’s Corner sign was shown to the public for the first time.

The sign effort was led by Councilwomen Colleen O’Connor, R-at large, and Bridgette J. Hoskie, D-1, who represents the district that includes Z’s.

According to those who knew him best, Ziada gave hope and help to countless West Haveners through the years. He is the embodiment of service and the definition of a true Westie.

So stop by Z’s on Saturday night to toast Johnny, say hello to Susie and the girls, and rock out to The Richie, Rob & Bobby Show.

Do it for Johnny.

After Saturday’s 6 p.m. street corner sign unveiling for Johnny Z at Campbell Avenue and Court Street, new local cover band The Richie, Rob & Bobby Show, featuring Richie Weber, Rob Hames and Bobby Moran, will play a special tribute concert celebrating their longtime friend. The free show will take place at Z’s Corner Cafe at 407 Campbell Ave. (Contributed Publicity Artwork)

West Haven Senior Center sets Old Sturbridge Village trip Dec. 8

West Haven Senior Center slates Old Sturbridge Village trip Dec. 8

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 12, 2023 — The West Haven Senior Center is offering a bus trip to Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts on Dec. 8.

Day-trippers can tour the holiday-decorated village to learn about the origins of Christmas traditions, taste holiday treats, ride the horse-drawn carryall, see demonstrations and shop village-made products.

The cost is $145 and includes transportation, driver gratuity, admission to the village and a “holiday” buffet lunch at Wight Farm.

Payment is due Nov. 10.

The bus departs at 10:30 a.m. from the Veterans Memorial Park parking lot at 91 Bull Hill Lane, the former Nike site, and leaves around 4:30 p.m. from Sturbridge.

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

West Shore Fire Department Fire Marshal Keith T. Flood demonstrates a home fire sprinkler during a live burn at the third annual West Haven Fire, Emergency Management, 911 ERS, Police & Health Expo in Old Grove Park on Oct. 8. The side-by-side burn consisted of two 8-by-8-foot cells, one with a sprinkler and one without. The burn showed the fire’s destruction on a structure without a sprinkler, compared with minimal damage to a structure with a sprinkler. The demonstration was sponsored by the Connecticut Fire Sprinkler Coalition to show the importance of home sprinklers, which can save lives and reduce property damage. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Fire Department firefighters knock down the live burn blaze during the home fire sprinkler demonstration. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

3rd expo promotes fire prevention, public safety ed

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 10, 2023 — The city once again joined West Haven’s three fire departments to mark Fire Prevention Week during an exposition of all things fire, emergency management, public safety, police and health in Old Grove Park on Oct. 8.

Rescheduled from a day earlier because of rain, the third annual West Haven Fire, Emergency Management, 911 ERS, Police & Health Expo brought together families and first responders — firefighters, police officers, EMTs, health care professionals — from across the state for hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations to promote public safety education.

The large public exhibition, fittingly held on the first day and 101st anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, was organized by West Haven Fire Department Chief James P. O’Brien, West Shore Fire Department Chief Stephen Scafariello, City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown Chief Michael R. Terenzio and Expo Committee Chairwoman Beth A. Sabo, the city’s commissioner of human resources.

West Haven’s storied fire service includes the independent West Haven Fire Department, which serves the First Fire Taxation, or Center, District, and the independent West Shore Fire Department, which serves the Shore’s 2nd District. It also includes the 3rd District’s formerly independent Allingtown Fire Department, which was taken over by the city in July 2012 and is now known as the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown.

Collectively, the departments have been in operation for 354 years: West Haven since 1888, Allingtown since 1907 and West Shore since 1918.

The free exposition featured an array of fire engine and firetruck displays, including antique fire apparatus. The colorful fleet was spread along the adjacent Oak and Palace streets and on the grounds of the 153-year-old Grove.

The five-hour expo included West Haven’s marine unit, food trucks and rides in West Haven’s 1935 Mack pump firetruck.

It also included educational demonstrations on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, home fire sprinklers, and fire code and investigation.

Sparky the Fire Dog interacted with children, and singer-songwriter Tony V performed an entertaining set of oldies and singalongs, including Frank Sinatra classics.

West Haven fire Inspector Eric Sobolewski demonstrated the department’s smoke trailer and showed children what to do in case of a fire. Sobolewski and fellow Inspector Russell LaRiviere also displayed information on fire education and prevention.

West Shore Fire Marshal Keith T. Flood demonstrated a home fire sprinkler during a live burn. The side-by-side burn consisted of two 8-by-8-foot cells, one with a sprinkler and one without. The burn showed the fire’s destruction on a structure without a sprinkler, compared with minimal damage to a structure with a sprinkler. The demonstration was sponsored by the Connecticut Fire Sprinkler Coalition to show the importance of home sprinklers, which can save lives and reduce property damage, Flood said.

Read the full story and see the photo spread at Expo 2023.

Energy assistance offered in West Haven starting Oct. 2

Energy assistance offered in city

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 10, 2023 — The city is accepting applications for the federally funded Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.

Appointments for all heating sources can be made by calling 203-937-3572.

Applications will be processed via phone by appointment Monday through Thursday. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Eligibility for assistance is based on the income of an applicant’s household. To qualify, applicants must provide pay stubs, including monthly Social Security benefits and pension incomes, for all household members 18 and older.

Applicants must also provide SNAP benefits, Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members, as well as current utility and water bills for the household.