Grand Marshal Gerald “Jerry” Cafferty steers West Haven’s Memorial Day parade up Campbell Avenue on Monday morning while riding shotgun in a black Mustang driven by city resident Kevin Gardner. Cafferty, a decorated Army veteran, served in the Vietnam War in 1970-71. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, center, waves to paradegoers while leading city and state officials along Campbell Avenue. From left, Attorney General William Tong, Democratic Rep. Bill Heffernan, 9th District Councilwoman Kathleen Mueller, Democratic Rep. Treneé McGee, Republican Rep. Charles J. Ferraro and City Clerk John W. Lewis. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Parade memorializes America’s fallen heroes

WEST HAVEN, May 28, 2024 — Grand Marshal Gerald “Jerry” Cafferty steered West Haven’s Memorial Day parade Monday morning while riding shotgun in a black Mustang driven by city resident Kevin Gardner.

Cafferty, a decorated Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War in 1970-71, led the more than 40-unit procession of veterans, bands and dignitaries, including Mayor Dorinda Borer and state Attorney General William Tong, along Campbell Avenue.

Despite damp conditions, the parade soldiered on, stepping from Captain Thomas Boulevard north to Center Street, where hundreds of revelers lined the 1 ½-mile route, American flags waving, for the annual patriotic march.

Cafferty, 75, was tapped by the West Haven Veterans Council, which helps the city organize the parade, for his years of service to the military, his fellow vets and his community.

The 90-minute event, in memory of the deceased members of the U.S. armed forces of all wars, is the oldest parade of its kind in southern Connecticut.

The parade featured the Connecticut Army National Guard’s 102nd Army Band, the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums, the East Rock Brass Band, the West Haven High School Band and the Harry M. Bailey Middle School Band.

Read the full story and see the photo gallery at Memorial Day Parade.

47 bricks dedicated at Veterans Walk of Honor ceremony on West Haven shoreline

During the Phase 16 dedication of the brick Veterans Walk of Honor in West Haven’s Bradley Point Park on Saturday, the West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard leads the procession of city and state dignitaries while carrying the American flag to the William A. Soderman Memorial Flagpole for the ceremonial raising. The honor guard is composed of members of the West Haven Fire Department, the West Shore Fire Department and the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

47 bricks dedicated at Vets Walk of Honor ceremony

WEST HAVEN, May 28, 2024 — A legion of veterans and their families from across Connecticut, joined by city and state leaders and members of West Haven’s Veterans Council and three fire departments, turned out late Saturday afternoon to help dedicate 47 bricks as part of Phase 16 of the Veterans Walk of Honor in Bradley Point Park.

The patriotic crowd, many wearing red, white and blue, gathered along the Walk of Honor on Long Island Sound as Mayor Dorinda Borer delivered poignant remarks dedicating the new bricks.

“I know you agree with me when I say it feels really good to stand under that American flag,” said Borer, speaking in front of a black granite memorial in commemoration of World War II Army Pfc. William A. Soderman. “And we do so because of all of you, all of our veterans here — and all that we’re honoring here tonight. You’ve made this possible for us.”

The mayor continued: “I’m deeply humbled by the presence of so many veterans and their families who have come to these hallowed grounds from all corners of Connecticut and beyond to participate in the solemn dedication of Phase 16 of the Veterans Walk of Honor.

“Thank you all for your service — our Army, our Navy, our Air Force, our Marines, our Coast Guard. Thanks to each and every one of you.”

Borer then gave a shoutout to retired city Human Resources Commissioner Beth A. Sabo, who is now a volunteer in the mayor’s office.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Beth Sabo for overseeing the construction of all phases of the Walk of Honor since its dedication in May of 2007,” Borer said.

Read the full story and see the photo gallery at Veterans Walk of Honor.

Dog license renewals in West Haven due June 30

Dog license renewals due June 30

WEST HAVEN, May 28, 2024 — June is Dog Licensing Month, and residents who own dogs at least 6 months old must renew licenses by June 30 or face a $1 monthly fine, City Clerk John W. Lewis said.

State law requires dog owners to submit a current rabies vaccination certificate when applying for the new dog tags. Expired certificates are not accepted.

The fee for the two licenses, which are available in the city clerk’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., is $8 for neutered or spayed dogs and $19 for other dogs.

Residents can also send vaccination records and checks in a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of the City Clerk, P.O. Box 526, West Haven, CT 06516.

Dog license renewals are also available online .

National EMS Week observed; first responders honored, city employees trained in CPR, AED, Narcan

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer delivers remarks observing the 50th anniversary of National Emergency Medical Services Week and honoring first responders during a ceremony at City Hall on May 21. As part of the event, about 100 city employees received training from more than 20 paramedics and EMTs in performing hands-only CPR, using an automated external defibrillator and administering Narcan, a brand name for a device that delivers the opioid-overdose antidote naloxone. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

City observes National EMS Week; first responders honored, city employees trained in CPR, AED, Narcan

WEST HAVEN, May 22, 2024 — The city marked the 50th anniversary of National Emergency Medical Services Week on May 21 with Mayor Dorinda Borer issuing proclamations to first responders and city employees receiving lifesaving training.

After opening remarks by West Haven Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana, Borer welcomed emergency medical services, fire officials and city employees to City Hall for the special observance and hands-on training.

Borer delivered remarks before presenting National EMS Week proclamations saluting the members of the city’s three fire departments — West Haven Fire Department, West Shore Fire Department and City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown — as well as the members of the West Haven Police Department and American Medical Response of New Haven.

National EMS Week runs through May 25.

“West Haven is a HeartSmart city, and in keeping with that HeartSmart city initiative, we want to make sure that everybody is up to date in our training,” said Borer, who thanked Fontana for leading the training and for hitting the ground running since taking over as the city’s EMD in February.

The mayor continued: “We’re also going to talk about Narcan: 1,500 deaths in Connecticut in 2022 because of opioid overdoses. I know you all know a family that lost a loved one and the devastation that comes with this opioid crisis. And that’s just 2022 statistics; we don’t even have 2023 statistics yet.

“So this is a great time to do all of this training because it is EMS Week, and we want to recognize our EMS workers.”

Reading West Shore’s proclamation, Borer said, “National EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism of our EMS first responders who serve on the front lines, often risking their own safety to ensure the health and well-being of others.”

Fontana followed by demonstrating an automated external defibrillator and answering employees’ questions.

The city recently installed grant-funded AED kits and Narcan emergency overdose kits in many municipal buildings and public places around West Haven.

Each Lifepak AED kit contains gloves, a face mask, scissors and a razor, as well as a Narcan overdose kit with two 4-milligram nasal sprays. Narcan is a brand name for a device that delivers the opioid-overdose antidote naloxone.

After the ceremony, held in the Harriet C. North Community Room, about 100 employees broke into small groups in the second-floor hallway to receive training from more than 20 paramedics and EMTs in performing hands-only CPR, using an AED and administering Narcan.

The first-of-its-kind training for city employees consisted of two hourlong sessions.

See more photos at National EMS Week.

Kickoff Dinner raises funds, recognizes honorees for Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Fest

WEST HAVEN, May 22, 2024 — (Pictured, from left): Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee Treasurer Sal Decola, committee member Mike Luzzi, Mayor Dorinda Borer, and newly sashed honorees Celia Pinzi and Mark Consorte are all smiles at the committee’s Kickoff Dinner at Cielo Banquet Hall on May 15.

The fundraising dinner recognized Consorte, a longtime social studies teacher and department head at West Haven High School, as the grand marshal of the 2024 Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Festival and Pinzi, the owner of West Haven Funeral Home, as the recipient of the committee’s Laura Luzzi Award for outstanding public service.

West Haven is the host community for the festival, which is scheduled from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, on the West Haven Green.

The cultural event will include live music and family-friendly activities to celebrate the region’s deep-rooted Italian heritage.

In addition to West Haven, the host community rotates annually among New Haven, North Haven, Branford, East Haven and Hamden, the host of last year’s festival.

(Contributed Photo)

Craft, farm, food truck vendors sought for Tony Inzero Farmers Market; 2024 season starts July 6

WEST HAVEN, May 17, 2024 — The city is seeking craft, farm and food truck vendors to participate in the Tony Inzero Farmers Market, which will open its 2024 season July 6 next to the Oak Street Beach parking lot off Captain Thomas Boulevard.

The market, nestled on the right side of the beach lot, will include state farmers selling homegrown fruits and vegetables and crafters selling homemade wares from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday through Oct. 12.

It will also include food trucks.

To participate in the semiweekly market, download an Application.

Applications are also available for pickup in the mayor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., where they are due June 17.

Completed applications must be emailed to Tracie Slater, the market’s manager, at tslater@westhaven-ct.gov or faxed to 203-937-3705.

For more information, call Slater at 203-937-3510.

Duckpin bowling program offered to West Haven residents ages 9-13

WEST HAVEN, May 17, 2024 — West Haven’s Youth and Family Services and Department of Parks and Recreation are teaming up to provide an alternative enrichment duckpin bowling program for residents ages 9-13.

The program will take place at the Woodlawn Duckpin Bowling Alley, 240 Platt Ave., from 4-5:15 p.m. Wednesdays, May 29-June 26.

The five-week program costs $20 per child and includes a pizza party June 26. Siblings receive a $5 discount.

Participants will bowl in their socks. Staff members from both city departments will keep score for bowlers.

Parents must drop off and pick up their child.

Register for the program at Park-Rec.

Anyone with questions can email Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman at dietman@westhaven-ct.gov.

Borer announces Blue Ribbon Panel on Arts, Culture & Tourism

WEST HAVEN, May 3, 2024 — Mayor Dorinda Borer has appointed a Blue Ribbon Panel on Arts, Culture and Tourism to support arts investments in the community, to create a strategy for promoting tourism in West Haven, and to help coordinate the city’s new microgrant arts program.

Borer said the West Haven Microgrants for Arts + Culture program will be facilitated by the Greater New Haven Arts Council to help distribute microgrants for artistic purposes in the community.

The microgrants will total $116,250 and will be issued in increments between $2,500 and $10,000 each, depending on an applicant’s need, the mayor said.

Borer, who chaired the General Assembly’s bipartisan Arts, Culture and Tourism Legislative Caucus when she was a state representative, modeled the new yearlong panel after the speaker of the state House’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tourism in 2021.

“This special coalition is made up of individuals who bring different strengths and perspectives to the table,” Borer said. “Their vision and innovation will help drive the future success of the arts, culture and tourism in West Haven.”

“I like the idea of a panel,” the mayor added, “as they have a short one-year life span with a focus on bringing results.

“Statistics have demonstrated that for every dollar you invest in this area, $3 is brought back to the economy. There is a direct link toward bolstering our community.”

The grants, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will also help strengthen the development of a vibrant and creative city by integrating arts and culture into community life while showcasing West Haven as a cultural destination, Borer said.

The ARPA grant program has been approved by the state Municipal Accountability Review Board.

Borer said the microgrants will be just one component of the panel’s role.

Elinor Slomba, the director of ArtsWestCT, West Haven’s public-facing arts service organization, has been a champion of the microgrant program and will coordinate the program’s application process.

“We are incredibly glad to see this get started,” Slomba said. “We’re starting a new chapter for creatives in West Haven. From all the interest we’ve received so far, we anticipate that a robust and diverse group of artists will submit applications.”

Applications are available online until May 29 at https://artscouncilofgreaternewhaven.submittable.com/submit/293095/west-haven-arpa-grant/collectOrganization.

Funded projects will take place in July and August to support West Haven artists, arts organizations and creative businesses, officials said.

The Arts Council will provide the infrastructure for a professionally managed review process. ArtsWest will help promote the program and provide mentorship to applicants.

Borer’s eight-member panel will decide the grant awards.

The members are city residents Monique Bolt, Ruby Melton, Marilyn Wilkes, Paige Weinstein, Caitlin Maloney, Steven Gourdier, Jeffrey Moreno and Paul Scanlon.

“I am excited and honored to work alongside Mayor Borer as part of the blue-ribbon panel,” said Bolt, a lifelong Westie and former associate vice president of customer service and enrollment events at the University of New Haven. “As a member of the panel, I look forward to collaborating with the other members to examine ways we can stimulate more arts, culture and tourism within the city of West Haven and to assist with making decisions, in partnership with the Greater New Haven Arts Council, regarding microgrant distribution to artists, art organizations and creative businesses within the city.”

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve on the mayor’s blue-ribbon panel and to help create a vibrant and thriving arts and culture ecosystem in West Haven,” said Melton, a longtime advocate of the arts who brings extensive experience from her work on several New Haven regional arts organizations.

“This microgrant program will provide a wonderful opportunity for West Haven-centered artists and organizations to showcase their talents,” she said. “It’s also a way for the city to tap into the beautiful diversity of our artists and creatives and to jump-start creating an inclusive and sustainable arts and culture community. West Haven is at an exciting moment of change.”

Informational sessions about the application process will take place online and in person.

The first session is on Zoom at 6 p.m. May 8. Participants must register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3-XgRhFiHn5Gxw7MOm-HjhQ7q26dQKTE35Vk9oTKWHssUcQ/viewform.

The second session, open to the public, is at 10 a.m. May 9 at Coffee Haven West, 535 Campbell Ave.

Appointments can also be made during ArtsWest’s office hours from 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The one-on-one sessions can be virtual or in person at 377 Main St., Suite 105, lower level, but must be arranged by emailing artswestct@gmail.com.

Learn more about the Arts Council of Greater New Haven at https://www.newhavenarts.org/.

Learn more about ArtsWestCT at https://www.artswestct.org/.

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer is joined by Mental Health Connecticut President and CEO Luis B. Pérez, center left, city Health Director Maureen B. Lillis, center right, and other West Haven officials during a kickoff event marking Mental Health Awareness Month on the steps of City Hall on May 1. At right, an easel displays the “988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline,” a national 24/7 hotline that provides caring, trained counselors for people who are experiencing mental health-related distress. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

City leaders shine light on Mental Health Awareness Month at May 1 kickoff event on steps of City Hall

WEST HAVEN, May 2, 2024 — A united front of city leaders and first responders were joined by a group of mental health experts on the steps of City Hall to publicly mark Day 1 of Mental Health Awareness Month on May 1.

The kickoff event was led by Mayor Dorinda Borer and Health Director Maureen B. Lillis and featured an array of speakers from the region’s mental health agencies, including the Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, Mental Health Connecticut, Bridges Healthcare, Shoreline Wellness Center & Behavioral Health Clinic, Fair Haven Community Health Care and the Bereavement Support Group of West Haven.

Borer and Lillis, both of whom wore green for the special month, delivered poignant remarks on the importance of mental health awareness, including a sobering statistic that suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States.

Lillis organized the half-hour event to shine a light on the public health crisis.

In front of dozens of mental health supporters, including city employees and fire chiefs, speakers shared stories of inspiration and words of encouragement, starting with Borer, who bravely revealed her struggle with mental health while growing up in West Haven.

Read the full story and see the photo gallery at Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental health relief the focus of EAP May newsletter

WEST HAVEN, May 2, 2024 — Get mental health relief by checking out the May edition of the EAP newsletter.

Read the newsletter.