Radon test kits now available
By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
It’s not too late to test your home for radon, the second-leading cause of lung cancer.
Radon is a colorless, odorless and naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the natural decay of uranium. It’s found in rock, water and soil.
While radon in outdoor air poses a relatively low risk to human health, it can enter homes from the surrounding soil and become a health hazard inside buildings, city Health Director Maureen B. Lillis said.
Lillis said testing for radon is recommended every two years.
The city Health Department has received a limited number of free radon test kits from the state Department of Public Health.
To receive a test kit, West Haven residents can call the Health Department at 203-937-3660. A sanitarian from the department will help place the kit in the home, Lillis said.
To learn more about radon, visit https://portal.ct.gov/dph/Environmental-Health/Radon/Radon-Program.
Applications for Summer Youth Employment
Applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program will be available from April 1-26 in the main entrance at West Haven High School and the main office at Bailey Middle School.
Applications are available on the city website for students who do not attend West Haven High or Bailey at https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/DocumentCenter/View/6024/Summer-Youth-Employment-Program-Application-2024-PDF.
The summer program, which begins July 8 and runs at least four weeks, is aimed at funding positions for low-income city residents ages 14-21.
Students must return applications, including students who downloaded them, with all required documents to West Haven High from 7-8:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and to Bailey from 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
No applications will be accepted after April 26.
Students must also include copies of information, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card, as well as documentation of household income.
Family income is based on the number of people per household and is required to be within 185% of state poverty income levels.
In addition, some work sites will require a COVID-19 vaccination. Students must indicate their vaccination status on the application.
Incomplete applications will not be processed. Applicants will be notified by mail or phone if more information is needed.
Golden Oldies marks 41st year
Come Celebrate the 41st anniversary of the Golden Oldies Review at the Cielo Ballroom, 85 Chase Lane, on Saturday, April 13, from 7:30 to midnight.
Michael Hoover presents “Memories of Elvis.” Proceeds will benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association. Music by DJ Charles Rosenay of Liverpool Productions
Tickets are $40, includes cash bar, door prizes and a raffle. The event is smoke free.
For ticket info call Geri, (203) 795-5473, or Lucy. (203) 468-2528.
SCROG plans update of Mitigation Plan
The 15 municipalities in south-central Connecticut, with the help of the South Central Regional Council of Governments, are preparing an update to the region’s Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The plan names natural hazards and their potential impacts to each community, including West Haven. It then identifies activities each community may take to mitigate identified risks.
The plan makes each city and town eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency pre-disaster funding.
The plan is each community’s tool to prevent damage from natural hazards. For more information, read the full SCRCOG news release on the city website at https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/.