Mayor Dorinda Borer launches new marketing video showcase, ‘West Haven: A Home for All Veterans’

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 1, 2024 — Mayor Dorinda Borer has launched “West Haven: A Home for All Veterans,” the latest video showcase in the city’s new promotional series, “Discover West Haven.”

Check out the video.

West Haven residents warned of ‘continued elevated fire risk’; Borer declares ‘burn ban’

‘Continued elevated fire risk,’ ‘burn ban’ declared in the city

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 31, 2024 — With no significant rainfall expected for the next two weeks, the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and three fire departments are warning residents of a continued elevated fire risk, including brush fires.

Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana and chiefs of the West Haven, West Shore and City of West Haven Allingtown fire departments have convened and prepared a mutual response plan in the event of a brush fire.

To bolster the plan and safeguard the public, Mayor Dorinda Borer has issued an emergency declaration ordering “a burn ban prohibiting the use of all outdoor firepits, campfires, or the kindling or use of any flame out of doors until further notice.”

“This small bit of rain we recently received does not provide for a relief from threat,” Borer said. “With high winds expected, unusual warm weather and little precipitation, risk of fires continues to be a great threat. Please continue to work with us over the next few weeks and abide by the state and city restrictions in order to protect life and property.”

To avoid accidentally starting a fire, Fontana said residents should heed the following tips:

— Do not operate a vehicle off-road in brush or high grass. The hot exhaust system can ignite grass or brush.

— No bonfires or firepit or open flame activity.

— Do not discard any burning items outdoors. Hot embers, cigarettes and matches can ignite dry grass or brush.

— Faulty brakes or dragging metal under or behind a vehicle can also send sparks into roadside grass.

Read Borer’s emergency declaration .

Also, the city has secured a grant for smoke detectors. Starting next week, residents can call their local West Haven fire department to schedule an installation of the new detectors, which are free while supplies last.

LSH Beauty Supply store and salon celebrates opening in Savin Rock Plaza on Capt. Thomas Blvd.

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 31, 2024 — (Pictured): Mayor Dorinda Borer joins LSH Beauty Supply owner Nevaeh Dent to celebrate the grand opening of her beauty supply store and salon at 252 Captain Thomas Blvd. on Oct. 25.

Dent, a graduate of West Haven High School, has leased the 1,250-square-foot space for three years, first as a salon with booth renters who accepted private appointments and now as a beauty supply store and salon in one.

In her early 20s, Dent is already a successful Black woman business owner.

“My goal is to educate women on what they put in their hair and only sell the best of the best,” said Dent, who also owns a business in Hamden.

LSH Beauty Supply is nestled with other small businesses in the prime location of the Savin Rock Plaza near the beach and specializes in “ethnic hair care and hair services, such as braids, wig installations and luxury weaving services.”

LSH is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

(City Photo/Tianna Greene)

The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is led by pops conductor Chelsea Tipton II. (Contributed Photo/NHSO)

New Haven Symphony performing ‘Holiday Extravaganza’ concert at WHHS on Dec. 13

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 25, 2024 — The New Haven Symphony Orchestra is performing a special “Holiday Extravaganza: Joy to the World!” concert at West Haven High School on Dec. 13, Mayor Dorinda Borer announced.

The 7 p.m. concert is presented by the city and will take place in the school auditorium at 1 McDonough Plaza.

Tickets cost $20 for orchestra seating and $15 for mezzanine seating.

Tickets are sold only in advance on the GoFan website or the NHSO website.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit West Haven Public Schools’ music department.

“I am overjoyed to bring this special holiday concert by the world-renowned New Haven Symphony Orchestra to West Haven as part of our efforts to revitalize arts and entertainment across the city,” Borer said. “This spirited performance for all ages will also serve as a way to support our school district’s music department as we recognize the value and importance of the arts among our youth. It enriches lives no matter the age.”

According to its website, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Series, conducted by Chelsea Tipton II, will bring the music and magic of the holiday season to West Haven for a special concert benefiting the arts in the city’s public schools.

“Families and friends will come together to experience the joy of holiday music from around the world in Connecticut’s favorite festive tradition!” according to the NHSO website.

The New Haven Symphony is America’s fourth-oldest orchestra, founded in 1894.

For more than a century, the NHSO has continued the traditions of performance and education by supporting programs in schools and communities and presenting classical repertoire and pops concerts.

The orchestra has performed regularly in New Haven and toured throughout Connecticut and beyond, including concerts at New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. It has also given numerous radio broadcasts.

The Whiffenpoofs performing concert at West Haven Veterans Museum on Nov. 16

The Whiffenpoofs of Yale University. (Contributed Photo/Whiffenpoofs)

The Whiffenpoofs of Yale performing Nov. 16 concert at West Haven Veterans Museum, 30 Hood Terrace

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 25, 2024 — Yale University’s Whiffenpoofs, the nation’s best-known collegiate a cappella group, are performing a concert at the West Haven Veterans Museum on Nov. 16, Mayor Dorinda Borer announced.

The concert is presented by the city and will take place at 30 Hood Terrace.

Tickets are $5 and sold at the door, which opens at 3:30 p.m. The concert starts at 4 p.m.

Because seating is limited, people are encouraged to preregister by emailing whveteransmuseum@gmail.com or calling 203-934-1111.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the museum, a living history of America at war.

The Whiffenpoofs are America’s oldest collegiate a cappella group, founded in 1909, and have become one of Yale’s most celebrated traditions.

Singing a mixture of old Yale tunes, jazz standards and other hits from across the decades, the Whiffenpoofs perform more than 200 concerts across six continents each year, according to its website.

Residents informed about Cove River flood mitigation project

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 24, 2024 — The city is informing residents who live near the Cove River about an important project aimed at reducing flood risks along the river.

The city, with assistance from SLR Consulting, is assessing the river’s reaches to identify challenges, including maintenance issues, erosion, debris accumulation and flood risks.

As part of the project, SLR staff members will conduct field assessments and surveys along the Cove River into early November and may need to traverse properties adjacent to the river, City Engineer Abdul Quadir said.

SLR field personnel will wear company-branded items that are identifiable and visible, such as badges, vests or hats, Quadir said.

Residents with questions or concerns can call Quadir at 203-937-3577.

Land Trust of West Haven’s Poetry Post marks 25 years

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 24, 2024 — The Land Trust of West Haven's Poetry Post has stood on the boardwalk near the bocce courts for the past 25 years. On it are poems, drawings and photos submitted by residents that reflect the wonder of nature and concern for the environment.

Published poets from West Haven, including Claire Zoghb and Poet Laureate Tony Fusco, have graced the post with their work over the years.

Read the full news release.

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

WEST HAVEN, Oct. 24, 2024 — West Haven’s Youth and Family Services and Department of Parks and Recreation are teaming up to offer an after-school 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, Nov. 6-Dec. 11. No program Nov. 27.

The five-week program costs $15 per child and includes a pizza party Dec. 11. Siblings receive a $5 discount.

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

Parents should promptly drop off and pick up their child.

Register for the program here.

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.

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.