West Haven Voice

An aerial view of the inaugural West Haven Fire, Emergency Management, 911 ERS, Police & Health Expo at Savin Rock on Nov. 6, 2021. This year’s exposition of all things fire, emergency management, public safety, police and health will return to Savin Rock, 6 Rock St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The fourth annual event is presented by the city and West Haven’s three fire departments in observance of Fire Prevention Week.

Workers installed the 160-window during the project. The replacements fixed a problem that has been plaguing City Hall since it opened 53 years ago.

Longtime Westie Barbara Keyes receives a citation in honor of her 100th birthday from Mayor Dorinda Borer during a celebration at her Milton Avenue home with her children, David Keyes and Rosemary Uppvall, on Sept. 18. Borer recognized the centenarian and “lover of music and nature” for “leading an extraordinary life that is great in accomplishments.” The former Barbara Gaetano is a 1943 graduate of West Haven High School. She proudly noted that her uncle John Prete, a Democrat, served as West Haven’s first selectman.

The West Haven Historical Society presents its annual Haunted Graveyard Tour coming on Oct. 19, from 5-7:30 p.m. Several West Haven residents will join us from beyond the grave to tell us their stories. Who will be coming? Find out who comes to visit us this year. Adults $5, children under 12 $2. Meet at the Poli House, 686 Savin Ave. for an escorted walk into the Haunted Graveyard.

From right, Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana demonstrates the newly installed floodgate on the north side of the Campbell Avenue underpass Sept. 19 as police traffic Sgt. Charles Young and Mayor Dorinda Borer discuss the city’s emergency action plan for the flood-prone area. After decades of using wooden sawhorses to block reoccurring flood areas and having public safety personnel parked at the sites, Borer requested the installation of floodgates to safeguard motorists from the dangerous areas. As part of a pilot program, the metal gates have been installed on both sides of the railroad underpass and have flashing orange lights and yellow and-black “Road Closed” signs. Fontana said police will close the gates during rainstorms to prevent vehicles from driving through the low-lying area. A “Detour” sign set up by police on the north side of the underpass will reroute traffic up York Street, he said.

From right, Mayor Dorinda Borer on Sept. 26 thanks third graders of teacher Amy Warren’s class at St. Lawrence School for making “Get Well Soon” cards for the mayor, who is recovering from an injury. With them is, left, Warren’s daughter, paraprofessional and art teacher Emma Warren. A grateful Borer, who was joined by Principal Jim Messina, engaged with students of the private Catholic school at 231 Main St. and answered questions on what it’s like being mayor.

Picasso Parties owner Darcee LoPresti receives a citation in recognition of her business’s 10th anniversary from Mayor Dorinda Borer, left, on Sept. 26. With them are, from left, Picasso artists Ashley Gibbs, Crystal Betham and Gillian Murray. Borer congratulated LoPresti and her “thriving” arts and crafts business at 944 Ocean Ave. for “providing a wide variety of services that encourage people to be expressive and imaginative.” Reading the citation, the mayor said, “These services have inspired your clients to be the best version of themselves by helping them create memories that last a lifetime.” The woman-owned business, located in the heart of West Shore’s Prospect Beach neighborhood, is nestled in a historic red brick building with a pair of established small businesses: Tom & Pat’s Pizza and Prospect Beach House Deli & Market.

Here is a view as it hovered over Long Island Sound

Here is a view from a popular Savin Rock postcard of the era.

Mayor Dorinda Borer on Sept. 19 reads a proclamation to West Haven Senior Center members declaring September as National Senior Center Month. With Borer is Elderly Services Director Alyssa Maddern, who oversees the center at 201 Noble St. Over cake bites and refreshments, Borer chatted with West Haven’s older residents about their “immeasurable contributions to enriching the fabric of our community.”

Kasdear Dembele throws a block to open a hole for #6 Coryon Harris in the Westies’ 36-12 win over Hall.

Mia Roman calls for the ball in volleyball action versus Cheshire.

Chloe Whelan gets some air to get a header on a ball defending for the Blue Devils.

Amani Dumbuya gets the dig for the Westies against Cheshire.

Bryan Monge gets a header against Notre Dame of West Haven.

Matthew Hunter flies through the air attempting to get a shot on the NDWH goal.