City sets fundraising drive for Puerto Rico victims
The city is holding a fundraising drive for the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mayor Edward M. O’Brien announced Monday.
To aid the hurricane relief effort, O’Brien said the city has established a GoFundMe page that will send people’s donations directly to UNICEF, an international organization focused on supporting the needs of children in disaster-stricken areas.
“Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands desperately need our help,” O’Brien said. “As lives have been lost and homes have been destroyed, our community is answering the call by coming together during this tragic time to assist those in crisis.”
The city is working with the Latino Haven Committee of West Haven, the University of New Haven Mayor’s Advisory Commission, and the West Haven Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club to drum up support for the hurricane benefit.
“This is a real joint effort between the city and these local organizations,” O’Brien said. “Their support, networks and resources are vital to making sure we raise as much money as possible and have the greatest impact we can have for those in need.”
O’Brien pointed out that while the city is focusing on accepting monetary donations, it is also partnering with West Haven’s three fire departments to collect nonperishable items for the hurricane victims.
O’Brien said people can drop off the food at any of the city’s fire stations or City Hall, 355 Main St.
They can also drop off cash or check donations in the mayor’s office on the third floor of City Hall. Cash donors will receive a receipt, O’Brien said.
To make an online credit card donation, go to the city’s GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/westhaven.
“UNICEF is a great organization that knows exactly what they need to help the children of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,” O’Brien said. “They are on the ground and know what items they need, and we want to help them purchase those items.
Fundraiser helps victims of domestic violence
State Rep. Dorinda Borer (D-115) teamed up with the West Haven Elks and, with the support of local residents, hosted a fundraising BlingO night – a fun event with a new twist on BINGO.
The fundraiser was held to benefit women and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual crimes and seek service through Family Centered Services of CT.
Cheryl Burack, Executive Director of FCS said, “The agency serves almost 800 survivors per year, many of whom have children. Intimate partner violence does not just affect the two people involved-it may impact the safety, developmental growth and well-being of their children.”
In addition to the lead sponsors UNH and AGL, the thousands of dollars were raised by women coming forward dolled in their “bling” all showing support for other women in need.
City accepts energy assistance requests, Oct. 17
The city will begin accepting applications Oct. 17 for the federally financed Connecticut Energy Assistance Program in the human resources office on the second floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.
Appointments for all heating sources can be made by calling (203) 937-3572.
The city will process applications by appointment Mondays through Thursdays. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Applicants who have difficulty speaking English are asked to bring a translator.
Eligibility for assistance is based on the income and assets of an applicant’s household. To qualify, applicants must provide pay stubs, including monthly Social Security benefits and pension checks, for the last four weeks for all household members 18 and older.
Applicants must also provide documentation of assets — recent bank account statements for all accounts for all household members — along with a current electric bill for all heating sources and a current gas bill for those who heat with gas, as well as Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members.
Historical Society plans 3rd ‘Tour’
The third annual Historical Society Walking Tour will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14. This year the focus will be on the mid-central area of Campbell Avenue beginning at the Green down to Brown Street. The tour will step off at 10 A.M. and will include the center area and will go as far as Brown Street then up to Washington Avenue from there to New Street and end with Johnny’s Grille for lunch.
“This is our third year sponsoring this event,” explained Jon Purmont, President of the Society. “Each year the enthusiasm of the participants encourages us to focus on a different section of the city which brings back memories of the past,” he said.
Cost of the Tour is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Walkers on the tour will be given a packet of old pictures of the area which will include a picture of employees of the old piano factory, and the first Washington School among other vintage photos.
People interested in participating are asked to call Purmont at (203) 933-008l to reserve a place on the tour and also a place at the post-tour lunch at Johnny’s Grille. They will host the participants after the walk for a Burger and Brew at the Campbell Avenue restaurant.
Senior Center plans fall trips
Join the West Haven Senior Center on the following scheduled trips: All trips leave from Savin Rock Conference Center.
Foxwoods Casino — Tuesday, Oct. 17, $25 per person. Bonus: Buffet meal and $10 slot play. Bus leaves from Savin Rock Conference Center at 8:00a.m. Pay by check to “West Haven Senior Center Trip Account”.
Westchester Broadway Theater — Tuesday, Nov. 14. Concert by the “Edwards Twins” cost $89 includes show, transportation, lunch, meal and driver gratuities. Payment must be paid in full by Friday, Oct. 13. Bus leaves the Savin Rock Conference Center at 9:30 a.m.
Flyers with details for all these trips are available at the office 201 Noble St. West Haven Senior Center or call Miriam at (203) 937-3507 for more information.
City holding VNA walk-in flu clinic
The Health Department will hold a VNA Community Healthcare-sponsored flu clinic for city residents from 9:30 a.m.-noon Oct. 12 at the Savin Rock Conference Center, 6 Rock St.
The walk-in clinic will accept the following insurances for those 65 or older: Medicare Part B, Aetna Medicare, Anthem BCBS Medicare and Connecticare VIP. For those 18 or older, the clinic will accept Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Connecticare, Healthy CT and Harvard Pilgrim Health.
Insurance carriers Cigna and United Healthcare are not participating. Residents should bring all insurance cards and wear a short-sleeved shirt.
People can also pay by cash, check, MasterCard or Visa. For details, call the flu hotline at (203) 458-5920.
UNH moves up in US News ranking
The University of New Haven announced today it has been ranked, once again, among the best in the U.S. News & World Report college rankings.
The University moved up in the rankings of regional colleges in the north this year. It was also ranked in the top 50 nationally for both overall value and value for veterans.
The Tagliatela College of Engineering is ranked among the top 100 best engineering programs in the nation.
The news comes just after The Princeton Review — for the second year in a row — chose the University as one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education.
The Princeton Review does not rank colleges but includes only 15 percent of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges in its “The Best 381 Colleges” guidebook.
The rise in the rankings is one reason the University is attracting students from around the globe. This year, the University of New Haven’s first-year class was the largest in University history with a 33 percent increase over last year. The class includes students from 33 states and 21 countries.
“The reputation and reach of the University of New Haven is clearly growing,” said President Steven H. Kaplan. “This momentum is a reflection of the outstanding faculty, high quality education, and the dedicated student body.”
U.S. News & World Report ranked the University 94th (up from 95th last year) on the list of Best Colleges in the Northeast. It also ranked the University 49th on the Best Colleges for Veterans list and 55th for Best Value Schools.
The University’s engineering program ranked 74th in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report ranking.
Farmers market open on Green
The Tony Inzero Farmers Market is open for its 18th season on the Green.
Through Oct. 28, the expanded marketplace at Main Street and Campbell Avenue will feature state farmers selling homegrown fruits and vegetables from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
It will include crafters selling their wares and an internet radio station DJ playing hit music.
The Thursday markets will showcase food trucks galore, dishing up baked potatoes, fried dough, Italian ice, kettle corn, lobster rolls and pulled pork.
WHEAT open third Saturday
The West Haven Emergency AssistanceTaskforce Food Pantry (674 Washington Avenue) is now open the third Saturday of each month from 9-noon. The next date is Saturday, Oct. 21. Volunteers also accept donations during this time.
To get food requests must be from West Haven residents. They must bring a valid photo ID, two pieces of current mail, and proof of household income. Call (203) 931-9877 or email wheatcharity@sbcglobal.net with questions.