 Former West Haven school nurse Sandy McCauley is the city’s 2024 Irishwoman of the Year. McCauley will receive the “Irish Person of the Year” honor two days before St. Patrick’s Day during West Haven’s 31st annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration outside City Hall’s Campbell Avenue entrance at noon March 15. (Contributed Photo) |
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Sandy McCauley, former school nurse, named city’s 2024 Irishwoman of Year; event set for noon March 15
WEST HAVEN, March 5, 2024 — Sandy McCauley, a long-standing member and volunteer of the West Haven Irish American Club and the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, has been named West Haven’s Irishwoman of the Year.
McCauley, a former longtime West Haven school nurse, will receive the honor two days before St. Patrick’s Day during the city’s 31st annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at noon March 15.
The West Haven St. Patrick’s Day Committee will fete the city’s top Irishwoman by hanging a green street sign designating City Hall’s Campbell Avenue entrance as “Sandy McCauley Square” for a year.
Last year’s recipient, retired West Shore fire Capt. Richard “Woody” Beirne, will take home his sign at the start of the ceremony.
The “Irish Person of the Year” award is bestowed annually on an Irish resident or couple who personifies service in the city’s close-knit Irish community.
“My family’s Irish heritage has been such a big part of my life in the West Haven community,” said McCauley, a city resident since 1966. “I am proud, humbled and honored to be chosen to represent all of the kind, generous and amazing Irish folks in our city as the 2024 West Haven Irish Person of the Year.”
McCauley will toast her Irish lineage with dozens of friends and loved ones, along with an array of shamrock-clad dignitaries and descendants of folks from the Emerald Isle.
Accompanied by Celtic music played by bagpipers and drummers, the West Haven Police Honor Guard will escort McCauley to the Campbell Avenue side of City Hall for her special recognition.
The St. Patrick’s Day Committee, co-chaired by the city’s 2011 Irish Couple of the Year, Glenn and Joanne Conlan, includes the lifeblood of West Haven’s Irish society, such as members of the Irish American Club and former honorees, as well as former and current city, fire and police officials.
“I’m thrilled to honor Sandy McCauley as our 2024 Irishwoman of the Year,” said Mayor Dorinda Borer, the city’s 2014 Irishwoman of the Year. “Sandy’s dedication to our city, her strong Irish roots and her tireless work as a school nurse and volunteer truly make her stand out. Whether she’s helping our schools, organizing events or supporting our Irish community, Sandy’s impact is felt by everyone around her.”
Borer continued: “Sandy’s not just receiving an award, she’s a symbol of what makes West Haven special. Her caring nature, hard work and love for our traditions shine bright. We’re lucky to have Sandy, and I’m proud to celebrate her as a shining example of the best of West Haven. Congratulations, Sandy, on this well-deserved honor!”
McCauley hails from an ancestry whose legacy is woven into the tapestry of the American fabric.
Nearly 200 years ago, sons and daughters of Erin, escaping the Great Famine, embraced the dream of a brighter future and embarked on a bold journey across the Atlantic to make their new home in a place of hope and promise. And when they landed on America’s shores, they shared the true treasures of their homeland: song and literature, humor and tradition, faith and family.
McCauley and her younger sister were born and raised in Huntington, Indiana. She graduated from Huntington Catholic High School in 1962, followed by the St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1965. She moved to West Haven a year later.
McCauley lives in the city’s Richmond Avenue neighborhood and has two adult children: Terri Graf, of Lincoln, Massachusetts, and Sean McCauley, of Milford. She has three grandsons: Collin Graf, 21, Justin Graf, 16, and Logan McCauley, 8.
Sandy McCauley is an integral member and fundraiser of West Haven’s Irish club and Greater New Haven’s parade committee and has served as a marshal in many “wearin’ o’ the green” parades in downtown New Haven. She was last year’s recipient of the committee’s prestigious Cornelius Driscoll Award for outstanding public service.
Borer praised the civic-minded McCauley for “devoting her time and talents” to the deep-rooted Irish American community.
At the midday event, the mayor will present her with an Irish flag and a proclamation citing her dedication to her “spirited heritage.”
McCauley will also receive an embroidered “Irishwoman of the Year 2024” jacket.
West Haven’s Irish community takes great pride in the St. Patrick’s Day traditions handed down from each generation. Every March 17, those of Irish birth or lineage honor the memory of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who brought the message of Christ to the Irish people nearly 1,600 years ago. Teaching the word of God, St. Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock, with each leaf representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The need to preserve their Celtic identity in the U.S. led the Irish to form the Hibernian Society, which held the first St. Patrick’s Day parades, and local organizations, such as West Haven’s Irish club.
Members of the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums will lead the event’s opening procession, followed by remarks by St. Patrick’s Day Committee member David Coyle, the master of ceremonies.
Retired Pastor Mark R. Jette, the city’s 2010 Irishman of the Year, will offer an Irish blessing. Jette formerly served St. Lawrence and St. Paul churches in West Haven and Sacred Heart Church in Suffield.
Fiona Stewart, the queen of the 2013 Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Irish national anthem, “Soldier’s Song,” followed by remarks by Borer.
McCauley, joined by her son and daughter-in-law, Erin Reilly McCauley, will then pull off a shroud revealing the rectangular sign.
Sandy McCauley is widely known for her work as a school nurse and volunteer. She served West Haven Public Schools for more than three decades, retiring in June 2023, and was a fixture at after-school enrichment activities. She continues to serve the school district as a substitute nurse.
McCauley was a member of Local 1547 of the West Haven Federation of Teachers and School Nurses and is a former president of the School Nurses union. She was recognized as an “Everyday Hero” in 2012 by the American Federation of Teachers union.
She is a former member of the Connecticut Association of School Nurses and was its School Nurse of the Year in 2000.
A self-described local and state history buff, McCauley serves as the treasurer of the West Haven Historical Society. She also helps raise funds for the society, headquartered in the historic Poli House at 686 Savin Ave.
McCauley is a longtime member of the Savin Rock Fireworks Committee and has served as a co-chair for several years. She is responsible for raising money and securing permits for the annual pyrotechnic show — the city’s largest one-day event, launched off the Bradley Point shoreline.
McCauley’s propensity for volunteerism has included serving as a Girl Scout troop leader, a member of the West Haven High School Band Parents Association and a member of the St. John Vianney Ladies’ Guild. |
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Borer, WTNH meteorologist Ashley Baylor celebrate Read Across America Day at Mackrille School
WEST HAVEN, March 5, 2024 — (Pictured): Second graders of teacher Callie Vlandis’ class at Mackrille Elementary School on Friday hold up the children’s book “Storms and Snow, Skis and Sox! New England’s Weather Truly Rocks!” authored by WTNH News 8 meteorologist Ashley Baylor, right, joined by Mayor Dorinda Borer.
Baylor and Borer read the book to students to celebrate the school’s Read Across America Day event, which marked Dr. Seuss’ birthday and the importance of literacy.
Read Across America, established in 1998, is an initiative of the Washington, D.C.-based National Education Association to encourage reading. The year-round program focuses on “motivating children to read through events, partnerships and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.”
(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh) |
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 Former 5th District West Haven Councilwoman Robbin Watt Hamilton receives the Ernestine Jackson Citizen of Distinction Award from, from left, West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, West Haven Black Heritage Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins and committee member Jonathan Jones, the master of ceremonies, during West Haven’s 28th annual Black Heritage Celebration at City Hall on Thursday. Watt Hamilton, a financial clearance specialist at Yale New Haven Hospital, is the committee’s inaugural recipient of the award, formerly known as the African American Citizen of the Year. The cultural event is presented by the committee in honor of Black History Month. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh) |
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Cultural event celebrates city’s vibrant Black heritage
WEST HAVEN, March 5, 2024 — The city paid tribute to the nation’s Black trailblazers and the pioneering contributions they have made to upholding the traditions and values of African Americans at the 28th annual Black Heritage Celebration on Thursday.
During the City Hall cultural event marking the culmination of Black History Month, the West Haven Black Heritage Committee cited former 5th District Councilwoman Robbin Watt Hamilton as its inaugural recipient of the Ernestine Jackson Citizen of Distinction Award, formerly known as the African American Citizen of the Year.
The award honors the life and memory of Jackson, who was a charter member of the Black Heritage Committee in 1996 and served as its president for many years. She died in April 2023 at age 96.
Mayor Dorinda Borer presented Jackson’s son Herbert with an “in memoriam” citation extending her “deepest sympathy” and lauding his mother’s meritorious public service.
“My mother loved this city,” he said. “Thank you.”
The committee also recognized West Haven High School seniors Dana Davis-Anagboso, Alison Frazer and Da’ron Markell Tucker for “leadership and academic success.”
Read the full story and see the photo gallery at Black Heritage Celebration 2024. |
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 West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer on Tuesday reads the 2004 Mo Willems children’s book “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale” to students of Washington Elementary School’s English Language Learners program for grades K-4. The West Haven school is temporarily housed in the former Molloy Elementary School building at 255 Meloy Road while a new Washington School is constructed at 369 Washington Ave. The ELL program is led by ELL-certified teachers Pauline Moycik, Meghan Abate and Helen Soufrine. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh) |
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Borer brings reading tour to Washington Elementary School’s English Language Learners program for K-4
WEST HAVEN, March 5, 2024 — Mayor Dorinda Borer brought her reading tour to a temporarily relocated elementary school on Meloy Road to highlight the importance of literacy.
On Tuesday, Borer met with students at Washington Elementary School and read children’s books, including the 2004 Mo Willems book “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale,” to students of the school’s English Language Learners program for grades K-4.
The school is housed until further notice in the former Molloy Elementary School building at 255 Meloy Road while a new Washington School is constructed at 369 Washington Ave.
The ELL program is composed of 127 students, including 13 newcomers, and is led by ELL-certified teachers Pauline Moycik, Meghan Abate and Helen Soufrine.
According to Washington Principal Alicia M. Limosani, at least 18 different languages are spoken by the students and their families.
During the half-hour reading session, an energetic and engaging Borer received enthusiastic comments and responses from the classroom of students.
To show their gratitude for the mayor’s visit, students presented Borer with two bouquets of flowers and two large signs with “Thank You Mayor” printed in colored markers.
Borer was so impressed by the paper signs, she hung them in her office at City Hall.
The mayor then made more stops on her reading tour to celebrate Read Across America Week, including at Savin Rock Community School and Mackrille Elementary School on Friday and at the West Haven Child Development Center on Monday.
The annual literacy week, promoted as “celebrating a nation of diverse readers,” kicks off March 2, the birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss, and runs through March 6.
Read Across America, established in 1998, is an initiative of the Washington, D.C.-based National Education Association to encourage reading. The year-round program focuses on “motivating children to read through events, partnerships and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.” |
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 West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer is surprised with two bouquets of flowers given by students of Washington Elementary School’s English Language Learners program for grades K-4. Before receiving the bouquets, Borer read children’s books to the students, including the 2004 Mo Willems book “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale.” (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh) |
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 West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer is all smiles with students and teachers of Washington Elementary School’s English Language Learners program for grades K-4. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh) |
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Johnstone temporarily suspends council duties over ‘medical issue’
WEST HAVEN, Feb. 28, 2024 — Republican Councilman Steven J. Johnstone, who represents West Shore’s 10th District, is coping with a medical issue and has temporarily suspended his City Council duties.
Johnstone, the council’s minority leader, has requested until further notice that constituents direct all 10th District matters to council members Meli Garthwait, R-at large, and Brian Laucks, D-at large.
Garthwait can be contacted at mgarthwait@westhaven-ct.gov and Laucks at blaucks@westhaven-ct.gov.
“The city of West Haven wishes Councilman Johnstone well in his recovery,” Mayor Dorinda Borer said. “We will all pitch in and cover his responsibilities so that our constituents are served and Councilman Johnstone can take the time to recover.”
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UNH football team cleans up campus neighborhood
WEST HAVEN, Feb. 28, 2024 — (Pictured): Players of the University of New Haven Chargers football team, armed with pokers and trash bags supplied by the city Department of Public Works, clean up the neighborhood surrounding the university’s main campus on Route 1 on Feb. 2.
The cleanup was part of the team’s outreach to the community and was supported by DPW crews, which picked up the bags.
(Contributed Photo) |
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Sanitary system report available for public review, comment
WEST HAVEN, Feb. 22, 2024 — The 2023 annual report for the city’s Municipal Separate Sanitary and Stormwater System is available for public review and comment.
The “MS4” report can be viewed on the city website or in the engineering office on the third floor of City Hall.
Anyone wishing to comment on the report can send it by mail to the Office of Engineering, City of West Haven, 355 Main St., West Haven, CT 06516. Comments by email can be sent between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays to City Engineer Abdul Quadir at quadir@westhaven-ct.gov.
Comments are due no later than March 21.
Anyone with questions can call Quadir at 203-937-3577.
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