By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
Mayor Dorinda Borer combined two traditional valentine celebrations for the city’s older residents on the holiday of love.
On Feb. 14, Borer honored more than 70 West Haven Senior Center members, including 25 couples who have been married for at least 50 years, at the city’s Valentine’s Day luncheon.
Maple Street residents Walter and Myrna Clinton, who marked 71 years of marriage on Jan. 9, were among the couples recognized by the mayor for anniversary longevity in the First Congregational Church’s Fellowship Hall at 464 Campbell Ave.
Borer played Cupid and presented the Clintons with a citation as “the longest-married couple.”
Reading the citation, the mayor said, “A lasting marriage like yours is truly one of life’s greatest treasures and is an inspiration to us all.”
When Borer inquired about the couple’s secret to a long-lasting marriage, Walter Clinton responded, “Yes, dear,” drawing laughter from his wife and the other couples.
Myrna Clinton responded by standing up and addressing her fellow seniors with words of affection, saying, “We’re all the same, and we’re all here to take our place here to bring love.”
Borer delivered remarks welcoming the senior center members, many dressed in red, before introducing new city Human Resources Commissioner John Carrano, Elderly Services Director Alyssa Maddern and new Seniors Commission Chairwoman Deb Johnson, all of whom issued remarks welcoming attendees.
As part of her remarks, the mayor touted upcoming initiatives for older Westies, including new pickleball courts in Painter Park and the construction of a community center at the former Molloy Elementary School that will provide services and programs for seniors, veterans and youths.
Borer then asked everyone to raise a glass and led the Clintons in a toast to “the happiness you have shared, the dreams you have realized, the memories you have made, the life you have built. Congratulations on 71 years of marriage!”
The two-hour catered lunch was presented by the city’s Department of Elderly Services and featured the hits of yesterday sung by West Haven’s own Alex Pericas Jr.
Among those serving lunch were Deborah Collins, Nickie Galli and members of the University of New Haven chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Senior center members received a chocolate-covered pretzel rod and played a trivia game to win a pair of gift cards to Duffy’s Tavern.