Consorte honored as Italian of the Year at Italian Heritage Festival on West Haven Green

Mark Consorte, right, receives an embroidered “Italian American of the Year 2024” jacket from West Haven Italian American Civic Association President Paul M. Frosolone and Mayor Dorinda Borer at the city’s 25th annual Italian Heritage Celebration on the West Haven Green on Saturday. The event was held during the Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Festival, the first time the city combined the celebration with another event. Consorte, a longtime social studies teacher and department head at West Haven High School, served double duty as the festival’s grand marshal and the city’s top Italian. (City Photo/Elizabeth Conte)

Consorte honored as Italian of the Year at Italian American Heritage Festival on West Haven Green

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 16, 2024 — Mark Consorte was feted as West Haven’s Italian American of the Year at the Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Festival on the city’s historic Green on Saturday.

Consorte, a longtime social studies teacher and department head at West Haven High School, served double duty as the festival’s grand marshal and the city’s top Italian.

West Haven served as this year’s host community of the festival, which celebrated the region’s deep-rooted Italian heritage with food trucks, live music, children’s activities and craft vendors.

The four-hour cultural event was presented by the Greater New Haven Italian American Heritage Committee.

To coincide with the free festival, the West Haven Italian Heritage Committee honored Consorte at its 25th annual Italian Heritage Celebration, the first time the city combined the celebration with another event.

Read the full story and see the photo gallery here.

Westie Marjorie Churinetz marks 100th birthday at App’s

‘Margie’ Churinetz smiles her way to 100th birthday

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 16, 2024 — (Pictured): Longtime city resident Marjorie “Margie” Churinetz receives a citation in honor of her 100th birthday from Mayor Dorinda Borer during a celebration with friends and loved ones at App’s Restaurant at 283 Captain Thomas Blvd. on Saturday.

Borer recognized the centenarian and “lover of scratch tickets” for “your exceptional contributions to the fabric of our community.”

Reading the citation, the mayor said, “Your rich legacy is a source of inspiration for all Westies and is rooted in the heart of the American spirit.”

(City Photo/Elizabeth Conte)

Residents’ input sought for community development, housing needs survey; deadline is Dec. 20

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 16, 2024 — Residents can share their opinions as the city updates its five-year Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

A brief survey of needs and priorities is available to residents on the West Haven Community Development Administration webpage. Residents can also take the survey by scanning the QR code below.

Residents must return the survey to rosa@westhaven-ct.gov by Dec. 20.

The goal is to prepare a plan that describes West Haven’s housing and community development needs and implement a strategy for 2025-29.

The seven-question survey can be completed in a few minutes. Information will be from the survey, workshops and other sources.

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer presents a citation to Hispanic American of the Year Jeffrey Moreno for “lifting up the Hispanic American community you love” at the sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on the steps of City Hall on Friday. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Jeffrey Moreno honored as city’s Hispanic of the Year

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 11, 2024 — Jeffrey Moreno received the city’s Hispanic American of the Year award at the sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Friday.

During a midday ceremony on the steps of City Hall, Mayor Dorinda Borer and the West Haven Hispanic American of the Year Alumni Committee honored Moreno, the grandson of a Puerto Rican-born grandmother, based on his community commitment and cultural pride.

The committee bestows the award annually on a Hispanic resident who epitomizes service in West Haven’s thriving Hispanic community.

On a picture-perfect day, Moreno, who has served on the city’s Board of Ethics since 2019, including a stint as vice chairman, celebrated his Puerto Rican roots with dozens of friends and relatives at the half-hour event.

Read the full story and see the photo gallery here.

Energy assistance offered in West Haven starting Oct. 3

Energy assistance offered in city

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 4, 2024 — 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.

Applicants who have difficulty speaking English are asked to have a translator.

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 bills for the household.