Radon test kits still 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.
Marchers needed for annual parade
The city will provide transportation for veterans who are unable to walk the 1.5-mile parade route, which follows Campbell Avenue from Captain Thomas Boulevard to Center Street. To make arrangements, call the mayor’s office at 203-937-3510.
The parade grand marshal is Gerald Cafferty, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
Download a participation form at https://www.cityofwesthaven.com/DocumentCenter/View/6086/Memorial-Day-Parade-Reservation-Form-2024-PDF.
Forms are also available for pickup in the mayor’s office at City Hall, 355 Main St., where they are due May 2.
Completed forms must be faxed to (203) 937-3705 or mailed to the West Haven Memorial Day Parade, Office of the Mayor, 355 Main St., West Haven 06516.