In this July 5, 2023, file photo, rockets explode over West Haven’s Bradley Point in a shower of red, white and blue sparks at the Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular. This year’s pyrotechnic show is set for 9:15 p.m. July 3 and will feature live music performed by Absofunkinlutely in front of Savin Rock from 7-9 p.m. (City Drone Photo/Andrew Kosarko, Courtesy of Jow Films LLC, File)

Before the July 3 fireworks display, from 7-9 p.m. on the Savin Rock stage, Absofunkinlutely will perform “a fun mix of funk, reggae and alternative rock, along with original music, covers and medleys of old and new favorites.” (Publicity Photo)

July 3 fireworks featuring live music, food trucks

WEST HAVEN, July 2, 2024 — Join Mayor Dorinda Borer and the Savin Rock Fireworks Committee at 9:15 p.m. July 3 as fireworks blast off Bradley Point and explode over Long Island Sound, dazzling crowds along the city’s 3 miles of public beaches with a display of brilliant lighting and booming sound effects.

The Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular, billed as “They Will Be Heard on the 3rd,” is the city’s largest one-day event, attracting tens of thousands of residents and visitors to the West Haven shoreline each year.

Get ready for an Independence Day party like no other, featuring live music performed by Absofunkinlutely in front of Savin Rock from 7-9 p.m. The band will play “a fun mix of funk, reggae and alternative rock, along with original music, covers and medleys of old and new favorites.”

During the afternoon and evening, a fleet of food and dessert trucks will dish up eats and sweets on Captain Thomas Boulevard, near Dyke Street, and Ocean Avenue, near Dawson Avenue.

Join us!

John Merola playing acoustic set Sunday morning

WEST HAVEN, July 2, 2024 — Westie John Merola will perform from 9:30-11 a.m. July 7 at the Oak Street deck, off Captain Thomas Boulevard, as part of the city's Acoustic Sunday Morning Concert Series.

Grab a coffee and a beach chair and chill out to smooth-sailing ditties from one of West Haven’s favorite troubadours. No rain date.

Join us Sunday morning!

West Haven DPW picking up residents’ old recycling bins at the curb from July 8-12

DPW picking up residents’ old recycling bins from July 8-12

WEST HAVEN, July 2, 2024 — The city’s recycling cart rollout was a success, and Mayor Dorinda Borer is thanking residents for their patience.

Despite some minor adjustments along the way, Borer said the rollout went well.

The mayor credited members of the Department of Public Works for overseeing the undertaking and thanked them for their hard work.

The department’s work will continue from July 8-12, when crews will pick up residents’ old recycling bins on their curbside collection day.

Residents are asked to empty the bins before putting them at the curb for pickup.

The city’s recycling program no longer accepts the old bins, but residents can keep them for home use.

Moving forward, residents must use the new 65-gallon carts for all recyclables.

Borer said the new carts have wheels for easy maneuvering and attached lids to keep recyclables dry and secure. They will also keep city streets safer and cleaner, she said.

The new carts are for recyclables only. Many residents have been putting trash in them, which is prohibited. The city’s recycling contractor will not pick up carts containing trash.

Residents are asked to continue doing their part by placing only recyclable materials in their carts, including glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons, paper products, such as newspapers and flattened cardboard, and empty plastic bottles and containers.

Residents are not required to separate cardboard and bottles.

To help limit contamination, give food and drink containers a quick rinse and place them directly into the recycling cart. No sorting is needed.

Residents can find their recycling day and answers to other frequently asked questions by visiting Recycling Info & Carts or calling West Haven DPW at 203-937-3585.

Nicole Zuraitis, W.H. Grammy winner, cited for ‘musical excellence’

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, second from left, congratulates Grammy-winning jazz artist Nicole Zuraitis, center, before presenting a citation recognizing Zuraitis’ “exceptionally meritorious musical excellence” during a reception at City Hall on Wednesday. With them are, from left, Councilman Gary Donovan, D-4, Councilwoman Michelle Coletti, D-2, and City Council Chairman Nicholas A. Pascale, D-at large. Zuraitis, who lives on the West Haven shoreline, won best jazz vocal album for “How Love Begins” at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles. (City Photo/Tianna Greene)

Nicole Zuraitis, West Haven Grammy winner, cited by Borer for ‘musical excellence’ at City Hall reception

WEST HAVEN, June 27, 2024 — Grammy-winning resident Nicole Zuraitis received a citation from Mayor Dorinda Borer recognizing Zuraitis’ “exceptionally meritorious musical excellence” and her contributions to the arts community during a reception at City Hall on Wednesday.

Borer was joined by City Council Chairman Nicholas A. Pascale, D-at large, Councilwoman Michelle Coletti, D-2, and Councilman Gary Donovan, D-4, in the City Council chambers to bestow the citation on Zuraitis, who won best jazz vocal album for “How Love Begins” at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles.

The album, released in July 2023, was written and arranged by Zuraitis, a native of Litchfield who now lives on the West Haven shoreline.

She dedicated the album to “preservation and conservation of my backyard, Long Island Sound and proceeds of the record are donated to Save the Sound.Org.”

Zuraitis’ infectious smile lit up the room as Borer and the council members honored the award-winning vocalist/pianist, whose arrangement of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” co-written with drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, was nominated for a Grammy in 2019.

The mayor praised the “talented” Zuraitis before presenting the citation.

“We are so proud of calling Nicole a resident of West Haven,” Borer said. “You represent what’s not only creative and good in West Haven, but your cool vibe gives us all an uplift.”

The reception was attended by a number of city employees and officials and included a cake with “Congratulations” and musical notes in blue frosting, along with cookies, fresh fruit and lemonade.

Reading the citation to Zuraitis, Borer said, “I applaud your commitment to setting an example for aspiring young artists to follow and to supporting others in the music industry and in our thriving arts community.”

Zuraitis, holding back tears, was overwhelmed by West Haven’s goodwill gesture, thanking the mayor and the city she’s called home for five years and counting.

“I speak about the beauty of West Haven wherever I go,” she said. “This is the best-kept secret in all of the East Coast.”

Zuraitis was accompanied by her parents, Brett and Jeanette Zuraitis, of Litchfield, and members of the arts community, including Elinor Slomba, the director of ArtsWestCT.

“Nicole’s an incredibly generous spirit, and to see her honored this way warms my heart,” Slomba said.

Zuraitis expressed optimism about West Haven’s burgeoning arts and music scene, and she and Borer hinted at the potential of bringing a world-class jazz festival to the city’s shoreline next summer.

‘Bowlin’’ Bob Nugent receives ‘Way to Go!’ award

WEST HAVEN, June 27, 2024 — (Pictured): “Bowlin’” Bob Nugent, the owner of Woodlawn Duckpin Bowling Alley at 240 Platt Ave., center, receives the “Way to Go!” award from West Haven’s Youth and Family Services and Interagency Network for Children on Wednesday.

WHINC Parent Support Group members and families presented the framed award to Nugent for “providing duckpin bowling fun to families of children, youth and young adults with disabilities. Congratulations on your 20th anniversary serving West Haven.”

The presentation took place during a pizza party marking the culmination of WHINC’s five-week duckpin bowling league, which consisted of 14 bowlers ages 9-13.

The Way to Go program recognizes those who go above and beyond to offer services and resources.

To join the support group, call Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman at 203-937-3633.

(City Photo/Diane Dietman)

Meet West Haven’s new lifeguards, ready to safeguard swimmers along the city’s miles of shore all summer long! Margaret Ruggiero, the Department of Parks and Recreation’s pool and waterfront coordinator, recently ran free back-to-back lifeguard training classes, and Park-Rec gained 13 American Red Cross-certified lifeguards in two weeks. (City Photo/Margaret Ruggiero)