090519
The week in photos – September 5, 2019
Around Town
Society kickoff
The West Haven Historical Society will hold its September Meeting Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Poli House.
Speaker for the evening will be Cathie Iaccarino who will discuss her participation in the Native American dig that took place at the Platt Avenue site. Iaccarino, a local resident and teacher, will also share her knowledge on some of the key artifacts that were found at the local Native American site.
Her talk follows up on the recent exhibit on Native Americans that the Historical Society presented in June that was well received.
The public is invited to the meeting. Refreshments will be served following the meeting.
Poetry Lounge
“The Poetry Lounge” will be hosting an Open Mic at The West Haven Library, 300 Elm St., on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6:30. Sign up starts at 6. Bring your poems , bring a friend and relax .Refreshments and door prizes For more info contact Sistet Deborah at swananewhaven00@yahoo.com.
Corn Hole tourney
The Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee is sponsoring a Corn Hole tournament Saturday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m., at the CFC Arena and CFC Park, 1018 Sherman Ave., Hamden. Deadline to register is Sept. 1. Two people make a team at $25 per person, $50 a team. Registration and payment in advance.For more information contact Amanda Brown 203-494-0185 or mandylee_13@yahoo.com.
Hillhouse ‘59
Hillhouse Class of 1959 will celebrate its 60th Year reunion on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the New Haven Country Club, Hamden. Luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30P.M. Any question? Visit the website: hillhouseclassof59.com.
Library sale
The Friends of West Haven will hold the 16th annual Book Sale on Friday and Saturday Sept. 6 and 7 from 10-4 in the Connie Sacco Room of the Main Library, 300 Elm St. Donations will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 30, at the Circulation Desk of the Main Library. No textbooks or encyclopedias, please. Volunteers are needed, please sign up at the Circulation Desk to help. There will be a very large selection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and AV items available at low prices. Fill a bag for $5 between 3-4 on Saturday
WHHS ‘64
West Haven High School Class of 1964 will hold its 55th year reunion on Saturday, Oct; 5, at App’s Restaurant, from 5:30-10 p.m. Buffet dinner and DJ. Cost $50 per person. Your guests are welcome. Invitations have been sent.
I-A Seniors
The West Haven Italian-American Civic Association Senior Center is seeking new members to join its Tuesday senior gathering. Join a group of friendly seniors in an afternoon of good company, with Bingo, cards, trips to casinos and conversations with like-minded people and more. We meet at the club, 85 Chase Lane, each Tuesday from noon to 3. The cost is just $3 per week to cover expenses. We offer refreshments at no additional cost. Call Sherri Torre, (203) 932-2893 for further information.
WHHS ‘69
West Haven High School Class of 1969 will hold its 50th reunion on Friday, Sept. 27, at Seasons located at 990 Foxon Road, East Haven, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. There will be music provided by a DJ, a plentiful cocktail and hors d’oeuvre hour, buffet dinner along with open bar. The cost is $75 per person Checks should be made payable to Charlene Morgal and mailed to 18 Shumway St., West Haven, 06516, before Aug.ust 15 More information can be found on our Facebook page: WHHS Class of 1969- 50th reunion, or by emailing chazbo40@ aol. com /203 494 7379 or sandee110@aol.com /203 494 7730.
Senior Center trips
Join the West Haven Seniors on the following scheduled trip: All trips leave from Savin Rock Conference Center:
Wednesday, Nov. 6 — MGM Springfield. Cost is $30 per person. Bus leaves Savin Rock Conference Center at 8:30 a.m. Trip includes $20 free slot play and $10 food coupon. Payment due by Oct. 4. Registration information for M Life Card to be completed at time of reservation. Those who have M Life Card need to just give their M Life number at time of reservation.
Tuesday, Oct. 22 – The Log Cabin presents OKTOBERFEST with the Schnitzel Brothers. Enjoy the colors of Fall on our ride to the Log Cabin in Holyoke, Ma. Where renowned pianist Jeff Barnhart will lead the quartet in German music and polka parodies. Menu includes Welcome Hors d’oeuvers, complimentary glass of wine or glass or beer, rolls and butter. Family style: Jaeger schnitzel, knockwurst and bratwurst, sauerkraut & sauteed red cabbage, German potato salad, apple strudel coffee decaffeinated coffee and tea. Cost is $72 bus leaves Savin Rock Conference Center at 9:30. Departs Log Cabin at 3:15.
Monday, Dec. 9 — The Westchester Broadway Theatre – “The Edwards Twins” New Holiday Themed Show! Direct from Las Vegas identical twins Anthony and Edward make musical legends come alive for this holiday performance. Sonny & Cher, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis and Barbara Streisand just to name a few of the acts re-created by the talented twins. Enjoy lunch at the theatre before the show. Cost $90 due by Nov. 1. Bus leaves Savin Rock Conference Center 9:30. Departs Westchester approximately at 3:45.
A flyer with further details is available at the office at the West Haven Senior Center 201 Noble St. or you can call the Senior Center (203) 937-3507.
Coin Show
The Liberty Coin Club of West Haven, organized in1962, will host a Coin Show on Sunday, Oct. 20, and Dec. 15, at the Elks Club, 265 Main St., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. Anyone with an interest in buying, selling or collecting coins, or with questions about coins, is welcome to attend. Expert dealers and collectors will be on hand.
Al-Anon group
An Al-Anon meeting group invites new members to attend its weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church, 52 George St. For information and details, call (203) 506-1464.
Student Loans
The Seth Haley Memorial Loan Fund of West Haven provides eligible college students with loans of up to $2500 to help students finish their post high school education.
Applicants must be West Haven residents who have completed two or more years of college or post-secondary work or be in their final two years of advanced work. Any West Haven resident attending college or a post high school professional, technical or trade school can be eligible for a loan. Repayments do not begin, and no interest will be charged until one year after graduation. If you are interested in making an application for a loan, please Gert Beckwith at (203) 934-6921, or Ralph Lawson, (203) 934-6442
WHCH Rock & Stroll on the docket
The West Haven Community House (WHCH) announces its annual Rock & Stroll to be held on Saturday, Sept. 21. Rock & Stroll is an all-day event starting with a two-mile stroll along the historic Savin Rock Boardwalk followed by a music festival featuring a variety of local bands, arts and crafts vendors and fun activities for kids.
Food will be available for purchase. Walk registration is at 9:30 a.m. with a 10:30 event kick-off. There is a $25 fee to participate in the walk, which features a variety of fun activities along the route where participants receive free chances to be entered in a raffle.
“This walk is unique in that there are a variety of fun activity stations along the route including corn hole, limbo, hopscotch, bowling and more”, said Patty Stevens, Community House executive director. “At the end of the walk, each participant turns in their earned raffle tickets for a chance to win some great prizes, which include a toys, games, concert tickets, gift cards, and more.”
The walk is followed by a music festival in collaboration with organizers John McCarthy of Rock House School of Music & Johnny Ziada of Z’s Corner Cafe.
“We are excited to add music to our established fall fundraising event in order to showcase and promote Teach Kids Music (TKM) programs that have been intertwined with the Community House’s programs for preschoolers and school age children,” Stevens said.
The Community House hosts monthly TKM Youth Open Mic Nights where young musicians and singers, 19 and under, play and listen to music and get the opportunity to interact with other musicians. The open mic nights play an important role in helping children express themselves in a safe, creative atmosphere. In addition to performing, many local children come to watch and get inspired creating a positive community experience.
Parents are always welcome to come and get involved.
“As the owner of Rock House School of Music and founder of TeachKidsMusic.org (TKM), my main mission is to help children learn music. By providing instruments and instruction, we are able to guide these kids to be creative and start a lifelong music journey,” said John McCarthy, founder of Rock House School of Music and the TKM. “Working with the West Haven Community House has been a pleasure. They are forward-thinking when it comes to providing music instruction to young children. The Rock House Ukulele course and Clap, Tap and Sing program is used as part of their program.”
The music festival, which is free and open to the public, begins at noon on the lawn of the conference center and ends at 5 People are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and sit back and enjoy the music featuring local bands playing on the Savin Rock bandstand. In between the bands there will be children’s performances on stage.
Music Festival LineUp:
The Navels: CT’s premier Rock Band covering songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
Tears Fall Down: 2017 and 2018 Winner of CTNOW Best of CT Punk/Alternative band.
Fiction: An original local blues rock band just back from summer tour.
Shot Down: A high energy country music band.
McCarthy Zipay Band: Featuring John McCarthy, owner of Rock House School of Music and virtuoso guitarist and Carla Zipay, local vocalist. Together they will blend a unique style of rock, metal, funk and blues.
CT All Stars: An “All Star” Lineup of talented musicians coming together to rock the Savin Rock stage including:
Carmine Appice: Former drummer for Vanilla Fudge who set the grooves for the groundbreaking band’s psychedelic debut, influencing and inspiring a generation of Rock and Heavy Metal drummers.
Paul Nelson: Grammy Award winning blues/rock guitarist for Johnny Winter.
Rob Liptrot: A bass guitarist from ‘The Brotherhood Funk Band’.
Kevin Lawless: Lead vocalist for Ozzy Osbourne tribute band, Ozzy America, and local CT band ‘Liplok’.
Rich Weber: Former drummer of ‘Mean Carlene’ and West Haven’s Carrigan School principal.
Jordan Giangreco: Keyboardist for ‘Psychedelic Breakfast’
John McCarthy: The Rock House School of Music
Chuck Peterson: Drummer with Sandoval Band and Eliot Lewis from Hall and Oates. Damiano Christian: Guitarist who played on ABC’s American Idol tv show.
All proceeds from the event will benefit West Haven Community House and its programs including Head Start pre-school, Community Connections’ day and residential programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, and Children & Youth before and after school child care programs located in the West Haven public schools and the TKM programs.
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities and/or to register, please visit www.whcommunityhouse.org or contact Kathy Hart-Jones at (203) 934-5221 x 131 or via email: kathyhartjones@whcommunityhouse.org.
Food & Fig Festival returns to Savin Rock
Coalition plans Skeleton Festival
West Haven will host its first-ever Skeleton Fest from Oct. 12-31. The festival will highlight fun Halloween activities in a citywide celebration as part of the ongoing sustainability efforts to become certified under the SustainableCT initiative.
Skeleton Fest West Haven will include all of the activities that normally take place in the city in October—including the Historical Society’s Haunted Graveyard Tour and West Haven United’s Halloween Party on the Green—as well as some new ones like the Skeleton Fest Kick-Off Party. Events will take place on the three weekends leading up to Halloween on Thursday, Oct. 31.
“Skeleton Fest is a great event for West Haven for a number of reasons,” said Heather Scutti, host of the West Haven—Why Not? Facebook page and a newcomer to the city. Originally from Detroit, Scutti suggested the event because she saw the success that its neighboring town of Marshall, MI, experienced with its Skeleton Fest. “It will bring different groups of people together in a fun, family-friendly way; it promotes local businesses and other organizations; and ultimately, it helps to build a positive image for West Haven.”
In addition to Heather, the Skeleton Fest West Haven committee members include State Rep. Dorinda Borer (D-115), Marie Cox, Jane Whelan, and Marilyn Wilkes.
Local businesses are encouraged to sponsor a skeleton and/or one of the activities being planned. Sponsorship packages range from $50 to $1,000. A calendar of events and sponsorship packages are listed at skeletonfestwesthaven.org.
Skeleton Fest is being planned as a “placemaking” event to align with one of SustainableCT’s recommendations for building community and contributing to economic wellbeing by using arts and culture by diverse partners to strategically shape the physical and social character of a place. The initiative offers Connecticut municipalities a voluntary certification program that provides a wide-ranging menu of best practices aimed at helping them become thriving and resilient. West Haven adopted a resolution to join the initiative in May of 2018.
For Sponsorship Information, contact Heather Scutti at heatherscutti@gmail.com.To Volunteer, contact Jane Whelan at jfwhelan4@hotmail.com. Organizations planning a Halloween-themed public event can contact Marilyn Wilkes at whskeletonfest@gmail.com to list it on the Skeleton Fest website.
Letters
Collins’ deficits more than dollars
City Clerk Collins has had a deficit in her budget results in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, of a cumulative total of ($97,155). Ms. Collins claims it is for Election expense but yet the Election Day Expense line item has been within budget for the same years. The line items that are in deficit are Regular Wages and Other Contractual Services. The cumulative deficit amounts are ($18,854) and ($102,073) respectively.
If a department head cannot manage the Regular Wage Account that is mismanagement. Why would the Regular Wage Account be in deficit? Overtime has a separate account and vacations are charged to a different line item in the City budget and are not charged to the individual departments.
Other Contractual Services has a much larger deficit and the City Clerk has used it as a catch all for expenditures in her department whether authorized or not. There is also a process outlined in the City Charter, if a line item is expected to go into deficit, the Department Head, Ms. Collins, should apply for a transfer and bring it before the City Council. No credible evidence has been brought forward from Ms. Collins showing denial of transfers by the City Council. It appears Ms. Collins didn’t bring transfers forward to the City Council for approval, a direct violation of the City Charter.
Certified Public Accountants look at much more than the bottom line, they look at all the numbers, the policies and procedures and in this case the governing laws of the City of West Haven, which is the City Charter. Ms. Collins challenged me for the details and the whole story; I have complied with her request. Should Ms. Collins not understand this and need more clarification, I would be happy to discuss this topic at the debate on Sept. 4.
Nancy Rossi
Mayor
City’s educators should keep seats
As any Westie knows Sept. 10 is Primary Day. The Board of Education has five incumbents who are running to keep their seats. They are Democrats Patrick Leigh, Karen Pacelli and Susan Walker. and Republicans, Patricia Libero and Robert Guthrie. All five have served for the past four years and have done an excellent job. Each one brings his own area of expertise to table. Throughout the past four years this board has rolled up its sleeves and gotten the work done. Budgets have been balanced, curriculum has been reviewed, technology has expanded throughout the entire district and Board Members have routinely visited schools and attended after school activities. Meetings have taken place the first and third Mondays of each month and not once has a meeting been cancelled for lack of a quorum. This is a board of adults from all different backgrounds who work together for the sole purpose of our children. We are a board who agrees to disagree but always manages to work well together.
Robert Guthrie and Pat Libero have both been endorsed by the Republican Party. The three Democratic candidates have not been endorsed by their party, but are running on Debbie Collins’ ticket. The lack of endorsement causes me to wonder why? All five of these members have worked tirelessly for our children. All are competent, honest and have integrity, but yet only two received endorsements. This is a board that works so well together and has been successful. It makes me ask the question, why would we change course now if all the incumbents are willing to run and serve again? Why would we intentionally dissolve a Board that has a proven record of success? There was never an explanation given, which leads me to assume that it is political. This is a very dangerous slope to go down. The Board of Education’s main focus should be on providing quality education not political advancements.
Rosemary Russo
Chairman, BOE
City’s educators endured setbacks
We are Westies! We support one another!
Through everyone’s efforts, our system endured and survived unbelievable loss. We supported one another, we cried with one another, we laughed with one another, reminisced with one another and then said: We are Westies! In memory of all those we lost, let us continue to be kind and caring. Let us show one another that they matter.
For the new hires:Welcome aboard! You will soon witness the power of being a Westie and the love and kindness that goes with it. We look forward to you also loving the Blue and White!
Here’s to another successful year!
You make me proud every day.
Pat Libero
Proud former WH educator Present BOE member, honored to serve
Rossi deserves a second term
Mayor Nancy Rossi deserves another term as mayor. The mayor has made major accomplishments in a short 21 months.
The financial condition of the city was and continues to be the top priority for Mayor Rossi and her administration. As a result the city has had two balanced budgets; a fund balance (rainy-day fund) for the first time in 14 years and our bond rating outlook was upgraded from negative to stable. This is the first step to getting an overall bond rating upgrade. Just the outlook upgrade will save taxpayer money on future borrowing costs.
Economic development projects are moving forward and small businesses are opening and expanding throughout the city. “The Havens” was stalled and needed both federal approval (Bayview Park) and state approvals (grant funding and transportation), all of which have now been received. The Parkview development in Allingtown was stalled because of an infrastructure (sewer pipe) issue, Mayor Rossi obtained a $1.5 million state grant to replace the pipes so the project could continue and is now making excellent progress. The Yale New Haven Regional Operations Center was awaiting approvals and permits. The project was pushed through the permit process and the building is complete and will open soon. Many investors and developers were sitting on the sideline to see if West Haven could turn its financial situation around—and now that we have shown good progress, we have gained their confidence, and they are now at the table to discuss projects. The grand list grew by $30 million in 2018, and future increases look promising.
The West Haven High School (phase one) opened last week, which was on schedule and below the authorized budget. The construction schedule and construction costs have been closely monitored. A state grant will provide our students with computers. The investment in our school facilities and upgrading student resources will help attract commercial investors and positively affect our community.
Our city parks and beaches have been well maintained and continue to be enjoyed by our residents, and visitors alike. After the city pays off the Savin Rock Festival’s past cumulative debt, the mayor will appoint a board to bring back the event again in 2020 to celebrate our city’s valued history. The Savin Rock Festival will be just as much fun, but it will pay for itself using corporate sponsorships and the charging of fees to vendors.
West Haven is on the right path and I am asking our Democratic voters to support Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and all the endorsed Democratic candidates on Row A on Sept. 10 to keep West Haven moving forward! ROW A ALL THE WAY!!!
Michael P. Last
City Treasurer
Chairman, Democratic Town Committee
Wizards prepare to defend title
The Yankee League Champion West Haven Park-Rec Wizards are set to begin their 2019-2020 fall Sseason on Monday Sept. 16, and registration is now open at the Park-Rec Dept. The Wizards fall swim team is a winter-long competition season open to children of all ages and designed to teach children proficiency in the four competitive swimming strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
Swimmers will be instructed and trained at a competitive level and will participate in meets against other teams from around the state. The season concludes with the Yankee League Championships featuring all teams in direct competition with one another.
The coaching staff is dedicated to improving all swimmers, as well as teaching the principles of sportsmanship, fair play, and all facets of competitive swimming. All swimmers will compete in meets and are encouraged to focus on self improvement, team spirit and having fun.
A mandatory informational meeting and tryouts for new swimmers and any members of the spring team that have not participated on the fall team will be held at the West Haven High School Pool, Monday, Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. Returning swimmers will begin the season on Sept. 17 at the same practice time they ended the 2018-19 season.
The first day of practice is Sept. 17. Practice runs Monday through Friday, with a minimum attendance requirement of three practices per week.
For more information please contact Coach Sean McCauley at whwizards@hotmail.com or visit our website at www.westhavenwizards.org.
Seahawks open ‘19 with a sweep
The Ray Tellier Midget Football League (West Haven Seahawks) opened the 2019 season under bright sunny skies. Mayor Nancy Rossi threw the ceremonial first football to 8U head football coach Rick Merritt to officially kickoff the season.
The flag football (5 & 6 year olds) teams hosted the Hamden Hurricanes to begin the day. The flag program is strictly fundamental and scores are not kept. The teams both looked good. The blue team was led by Colin Watson, Jackson Boynton, Payton Roach. The green team got a great effort from Andrew Loehn, Riley Ortiz and Elijah Vreeland.
The tackle football teams hosted the Naugatuck Hounds.
Mayor Nancy Rossi threw the first pass to 8U coach Rick Merritt while league president Mike Last and the football and cheer leading teams and coaches look on.
In the 8U game (7 & 8 year olds), the Seahawk squad raced off to an early start in route to a 32-0 victory over the Hounds, with Majesty Whitaker scoring one of his three touchdowns on the day. Two of the scores were on offense and one on defense as he had an interception for a score.
Tristian Crawford added two scores including an electrifying 99-yard touchdown run. The offense of line was led by CJ Schlauder, William Pastore, Jayden Potter, Jacari Harris and Mason Booker. A strong defensive effort was led by Jaden Spell who had an interception and six solo tackles.
The 10U Seahawk team (9 & 10) topped Naugatuck, 32-6, after falling behind in the first quarter. Quarterback Mason Wright accounted for four touchdowns, one rushing and three passing. Caden Stanley caught one touchdown pass and Joseph (JJ) Lugo caught passes for two more scores. TJ Stevenson also had two rushing touchdowns in the win. An aggressive and good tackling defense was led by Arthur Rossi and Azriel Pizarro.
The 12U game (11 & 12) saw two teams that matched up well and the game did not disappoint the fans. The Seahawks pulled away late in the game for a 21-2 win, but the defenses for both teams played well.
The Seahawks scored first with quarterback Nick Conlon hitting receiver Teriq Mallory for a touchdown. Running back Aedan Coe had two long touchdown runs. Anthony Dorsi and Bryan Tillman added the extra points. Jovon Williams, Joey Copela, Delaney Fludd and Lindell Jaynes led the defensive effort.
The 14U Seahawks (13 & 14) beat the Naugatuck Hounds, 39-24, in a competitive back-and-forth game. The Hawks pulled away late in the 4th quarter. Damari Barker accounted for five touchdowns on the afternoon and Javier Smith added his own 38-yard score. Quarterback Dylan Whitlow threw the ball well, hitting key passes including a 40 yard strike to receiver Xavier Fernandez.
Fullback Trysten Dos picked up key first downs while controlling the clock late in the game. Amber Militrano executed an onside kick in the fourth quarter with the score 25-24.
The Seahawks are back home at Veterans Field on Saturday will host the Stratford Redskins. The flag game will start at 8:45 with the 8U game at 10, 10U at noon, 12U at 2 and the 14U game at 4.
Senior Bash set Sept 13
The Department of Elderly Services will hold its annual End of Summer Bash at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Allingtown/West Haven Senior Center, 201 Noble St.
The event will feature entertainment by Bob Giannotti and root beer floats provided by Bill Garry of WG Insurance Group.
To attend, call the senior center at (203) 937-3507 by Sept. 10.
Stankevitch has a call to serve
Josh LaBella
Voice Reporter
Marcin Stankevitch has worked under two West Haven mayors and will now be making the journey to Hartford to work in the office of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. He said he has learned a lot from his time as an aspiring political operative.
Stankevitch has lived in West Haven since he was three-years-old. He said he attended St. Lawrence School from kindergarten to eighth grade and then went to Notre Dame High School.
“I graduated and then went to the University of New Haven,” said Stankevitch. “[I study] political science. I’m a senior now.”
He said he was in the model United Nations at the university for four semesters; playing the role of a delegate three times and a head delegate once. Stankevitch was also a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Commission.
“We’d plan events like WestFest or we’d host townhall meetings,” said Stankevitch. “Sometimes we’d do a food shuttle for UNH students around West Haven.”
When Stankevitch first got to UNH he had yet to declare his major but, after an American Government class with Professor Chris Haynes was motivated to become a political science major.
“I find politics very interesting,” he said. “But it’s not that I just like politics. We also do a lot of community things.”
In the fall of 2017 Stankevitch started an internship in the O’Brien administration. He said he was there mostly as overseeing operations with WestFest. But, after Nancy Rossi became mayor, was invited to continue working in City Hall’s third floor.
“It was kind of surprising to me because I had worked for the past administration,” said Stankevitch. “I felt like I had to prove myself a little bit. So, the first thing I really did in that office was a Town Hall meeting in January of 2018.”
The student described work in the Rossi administration as interesting and fun but also challenging. He said working in West Haven gave him a good perspective regarding local government.
Taking his experience studying local and international government, Stankevitch said he wanted to split the difference and find opportunities in national politics. He said it was for that reason he applied to an internship in Senator Blumenthal’s Hartford office.
“They are going to start me off doing a lot of case work,” said Stankevitch. “But I’d like to a little bit of everything because in the mayor’s office I did a little bit of everything.”
Stankevitch said he enjoys that type of work because he likes to help people solve problems while using government in a “way that’s good.” He said he’s learned a lot from his time in politics so far.
“There’re a couple important things that I learned,” he said. “Like having a good network and being able to network is very important. Being willing to do menial tasks, even if you think you’re above them, is very important.”
The intern said he has developed a good work ethic and has grown as a person every step of the way. He said he envisions himself staying in Connecticut after he graduates in the spring.