Elsie Encarnacion honored as city’s Hispanic of the Year

Elsie Encarnacion, a longtime downtown business owner, received the city’s Hispanic American of the Year award at the fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Friday.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and the West Haven Hispanic Heritage Committee recognized Encarnacion, whose grandparents hailed from Puerto Rico, during a midday ceremony on the steps of City Hall.

The committee bestows the award annually on a Hispanic resident who epitomizes service in the city’s thriving Hispanic American community.

At the 20-minute event, Encarnacion, a State Farm agent who owns Encarnacion Insurance & Financial Services Inc. at 487A Campbell Ave., honored her Puerto Rican roots with dozens of friends and loved ones.

Along with descendants of folks from Puerto Rico and Latin America, she was also joined by an array of city and business officials, including 5th District Councilwoman Robbin Watt Hamilton, City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath, Republican Registrar of Voters Jo Ann Callegari, Finance Director Scott Jackson and Simon McDonald, the director of membership and marketing for the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Encarnacion, 50, humbly accepted the Hispanic American of the Year award by thanking the crowd multiple times.

“I want to give thanks to God, and I want to thank the committee,” said Encarnacion, born Elsie Velasquez and raised in Christiansted, the largest town on St. Croix of the Virgin Islands, where she graduated from St. Croix Central High School in 1990.

Encarnacion was accompanied by her husband, Emilio, who sat in the front row with their Chihuahuas, Chilly and Princess, while looking on with pride as his wife was feted. The couple met while pursuing undergraduate degrees at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and wed in 1996 when they moved to West Haven.

“I appreciate this (award),” said Encarnacion, who earned a master’s degree in business management from Albertus Magnus College. “This only motivates me to do more.”

A Latin-flavored lunch after the event was catered by Jerri’s Luncheonette of West Haven in the First Congregational Church’s Fellowship Hall, at 464 Campbell Ave. opposite City Hall on the Green. Two cakes were provided by Costco of Milford.

In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15, West Haven recognizes the important legacy of Hispanic Americans and the inspiring contributions they have made to the culture and history of the United States.

Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on the civic and cultural life of America, enhancing and shaping the national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.

Hispanic Heritage Month, which traces its roots to 1968, begins each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days during that period.

Rossi said Encarnacion personifies the noble qualities of serving her vibrant community and carrying on the proud traditions of Puerto Rico.

Rossi praised the civic-minded Encarnacion, whom she called a woman of faith and service, for her devotion to the city and its robust Hispanic American community.

Encarnacion, a member of Vertical Church, is known for her volunteerism at the Meloy Road church, where she helped deliver meals to needy residents amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Rossi presented her with an embroidered “Hispanic American of the Year” jacket and a Puerto Rican flag.

The mayor then read a citation lauding Encarnacion’s public-spirted good works.

“As a Puerto Rican business owner … and a woman of character, compassion, principle and wisdom, you represent what is best about West Haven,” Rossi said. “You are proof the American dream is alive and well!”

The cultural event also included remarks by Rossi’s executive assistant, Louis P. Esposito Jr., the master of ceremonies.

Before a Spanish prayer by Vertical Church Pastor David Biewald, Ana Garcia sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Puerto Rican national anthem, “La Borinqueña.”

Encarnacion and her husband live on Sanford Street in Allingtown.

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Cleanup targets litter in downtown; city, Moby Dick’s partnering Oct. 15

The city and Moby Dick’s, a new “raw bar cafe” at 560 Campbell Ave., are planning a downtown cleanup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15.

The public-private partnership is aimed at cleaning up litter along Campbell Avenue from Elm to Court streets, said organizer Doug Ruickoldt, who owns Moby Dick’s with Evan Mink on West Haven’s main thoroughfare.

Anyone who wants to volunteer for the cleanup can call Ruickoldt at 203-415-2470.

The Department of Public Works will supply volunteers with bags, gloves and pokers, and Moby Dick’s will provide water.

“We’re hoping to get the city more involved in enforcing regulations on the books and do what we can to help the cause,” Ruickoldt said.

Public Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy said the cleanup is also aimed at ensuring that business owners maintain the public spaces in front of their properties.

A public space is defined as the area from a business’s front door to the street. The area also includes the sidewalk and the tree belt, a strip of ground lying between the sidewalk and curb lines.

“All merchants are responsible for keeping the sidewalk in front of their business premise free of litter,” McCarthy said. “They are also responsible for maintaining their dumpster.”

Violations of the “Littering” ordinance under Chapter 142 of the West Haven Code carry a $150 fine per offense per day.

The ordinance is enforced by the city’s property maintenance/zoning enforcement officer and police.

Support groups resuming meetings at West Haven Senior Center

West Haven Youth and Family Services’ new Bereavement Support Group for Grieving Parents will hold its inaugural meeting and open house from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the West Haven Senior Center on the upper floor of the Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St.

The group, facilitated by Marianne Gambardella and Cate Saxton, will meet monthly on the first and third Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at the senior center.

The Bereavement Support Group of West Haven for widows, widowers and partners meets monthly on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at the senior center.

The West Haven Interagency Network for Children’s support groups for parents and guardians of children with autism and other disabilities will resume meetings in October from 6-7:30 p.m. at the senior center.

The Parent Support Group, facilitated by Viola Waldo, will resume Oct. 17 and meet the second Monday of each month.

The Spanish-speaking Parent Support Group, facilitated by Gricel Aguilar-Cobos, will resume Oct. 10 and meet the second Tuesday of each month.

Youth and Family Services has intended to offer on-site child care so people can attend support group meetings, but the respite service has been suspended until further notice. Anyone needing the service to attend a meeting must contact Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman at least a day before the meeting at [email protected].

Those attending support group meetings must follow all national, state and local COVID-19 safety protocols. Face masks are recommended but not required.

Energy assistance offered in West Haven starting Oct. 3

The city will begin accepting applications for the federally funded Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.

Starting Oct. 3, appointments for all heating sources can be made by calling 203-937-3572.

Applications will be processed via phone by appointment Monday through Thursday. No walk-ins will be accepted.

Applicants who have difficulty speaking English are asked to have a translator.

Eligibility for assistance is based on the income of an applicant’s household. To qualify, applicants must provide pay stubs, including monthly Social Security benefits and pension incomes, for all household members 18 and older.

Applicants must also provide SNAP benefits, Social Security numbers and birthdates for all household members, as well as current utility and water bills for the household.

Moody’s confirms West Haven’s ‘stable’ bond rating outlook

Moody’s Investors Service on Sept. 20 confirmed a Baa3 rating on the city’s general obligation bonds while assigning a “stable” outlook, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

The confirmation “reflects the city’s improved financial position as a result of growth to cash and reserves and decreasing reliance on state-administered municipal restructuring funds,” Moody’s said in its bond credit analysis. “The likelihood of gradual improvement is enhanced by the increased presence of the (state) Municipal Accountability Review Board, which amplified its oversight of the city following (alleged) financial malfeasance by former employees … in an effort to defraud the city of federal COVID relief dollars.”

“That episode, combined with the MARB’s increased scrutiny of the city, resulted in a delay of the fiscal 2021 audit,” Moody’s said. “While the fiscal 2021 audit is still unavailable, the city has provided detailed unaudited information to both Moody’s and MARB that are of sufficient quality to maintain the rating pending receipt of the fiscal 2021 audit in November.

“However, Moody’s does not anticipate a substantive difference between the city’s unaudited and audited figures for fiscal 2021 because of the presence of MARB oversight and the redoubled efforts of new staff to strengthen the city’s financial reporting and controls.”

West Haven’s “solid economy” and “manageable debt profile” are also factored into the bond rating.

In its report, the New York agency pointed out that West Haven’s stable outlook “is driven by our expectation that the city will continue gradual financial improvement while strengthening its policies and procedures. This effort will be enhanced by the oversight of MARB, which will heighten the probability for fiscal stability.”

West Haven Fire/Police Service, Public Safety & Health Exposition scheduled for Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

West Haven’s three fire departments and the city will salute National Fire Prevention Week with an exposition of all things fire, police, public safety and health.

The second annual West Haven Fire/Police Service, Public Safety & Health Expo is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at Old Grove Park and Palace Street. The rain date is Oct. 16. Free parking is available in the lots off Captain Thomas Boulevard.

See the Flyer.

West Haven’s collective fire services include the independent West Haven Fire Department, which serves the First Fire Taxation, or Center, District, and the independent West Shore Fire Department, which serves the Shore’s 2nd District. It also includes the 3rd District’s formerly independent Allingtown Fire Department, which was taken over by the city in July 2012 and is now known as the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown.

Together, the departments have been in operation for 350 years — West Haven since 1888, Allingtown since 1907 and West Shore since 1918.

West Haven Chief James P. O’Brien, West Shore Chief Stephen Scafariello and Allingtown Chief Michael R. Terenzio are organizing the large public exhibition, which will feature fire engine and firetruck displays, including antique fire apparatus, and a fire service exhibit at Old Grove Park and Palace Street.

The expo will include Mack firetruck rides, a hazmat trailer, food trucks, the departments’ rescue boats and fire merchandise vendors, as well as live music by Tre Paul and an appearance by Sparky the Fire Dog, said organizer Beth A. Sabo, the Expo Committee’s chairwoman.

It will also include educational demonstrations on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, drone technology, home sprinkler systems, first aid, and fire code and investigation.

West Haven firefighters will demonstrate the department’s 35-foot smoke trailer and show children what to do in the event of a fire.

West Haven Professional Firefighters Local 1198 will collect donations for its annual Muscular Dystrophy Association charity event.

Allingtown firefighters will perform a certified inspection or installation of child safety car seats for the public free of charge. They will also show how to ensure that the portable seats have been properly fastened for securing small children.

Fire apparatus dealers and members of the University of New Haven’s Fire Science and EMS/Paramedic clubs will have resource tables with information on products and programs.

Jennifer A. Amendola, the director of West Haven’s 911 Emergency Communications Center, which operates out of police headquarters at 200 Sawmill Road, will educate the public on the structure of the city’s Emergency Reporting System and what the dispatchers do.

Amendola and other ERS dispatchers will demonstrate how to make a “real” phone call to 911 while showing people what the dispatcher on the other end of the call would be doing. For example, dispatchers will show the public the premade, established card sets that consist of a series of questions they must ask when receiving certain types of medical emergencies to give the callers an idea of why the questions need to be asked and why.

Dispatchers will show how to “TEXT 911” if people cannot place a phone call in an emergency. There will also be a display of what the dispatcher workstations look like, along with some of the equipment they use, such as headsets and portables.

“West Haven 911 will be happy to educate the public on any questions they may have about the system, how it works, what to do,” Amendola said. “We want to make sure people know when to call and reassure them that there will always be a voice on the other end to help them.”

ERS dispatchers will also distribute educational materials and pass out goodies to people of all ages to remind them that 911 should be called for any police, fire or medical emergency, Amendola said.

The West Haven Department of Emergency Management will have information on the city’s Community Emergency Response Team, storm preparation, post-storm recovery, and natural and human-made disasters.

Emergency Management Director Joseph Soto said the CERT program, which needs volunteers, educates volunteers on disaster preparedness for hazards that could impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

Soto will sign up residents for West Haven’s emergency notification system to receive alerts. The Citizen Notification System enables the city to quickly provide residents with critical information in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, and building or neighborhood evacuations, he said.

The system is operated in partnership with Everbridge Inc. of Burlington, Massachusetts, the world’s leader in incident notification systems.

Once registered in Everbridge’s secure database, the site will send subscribers time-sensitive messages via cell, home or business phones or email or text messages. The notifications are broadcast through the city’s Emergency Operations Center.

Members of the West Haven Health Department will give doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to those 18 and older and have information on the coronavirus, food sanitation and the flu.

Local health care agencies, including Bridges, will present their programs.

The West Haven Police Department will hold a K-9 demonstration and have information on public safety, crime prevention and law enforcement programs.

The call to “save the date” for vendors and fire, police, public safety and health organizations to participate is underway.

“Save the Date”

Saturday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

West Haven seniors empowered by National Senior Center Month events

Today’s senior centers deliver vital connections to help older adults age well.

Senior centers offer enriching daily activities, socialization opportunities and resourceful information. Therefore, it is fitting that the National Council on Aging recognizes September as National Senior Center Month.

During the special month, the West Haven Senior Center is celebrating the shared experiences that strengthen community connections for older, independent adults.

From intriguing brain fitness to diverse creative arts and educational seminars to unique fitness programs and classic bingo, the senior center, based in the Johnson Community Center at 201 Noble St., is a community hub where older, independent adults can find friendship, meaning and purpose.

To share the power of those connections, WHSC has planned a variety of special events to celebrate Senior Center Month, including reestablishing the West Haven Public Library’s Bookmobile program, viewing DVDs of past parties the senior center hosted, and reminiscing about Savin Rock with a screening of “See Ya at the Rock!”

Other forthcoming events include cardio drumming and WHSC members stocking the Purple Pantry Box at the First Congregational Church, 464 Campbell Ave.

For the full Senior Center Month itinerary, see the West Haven Senior Highlights Newsletter.

“Betty Friedan said, ‘Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength,’” said Alyssa Maddern, the director of the Department of Elderly Services at the West Haven Senior Center.

Maddern continued: “WHSC members are finding opportunity and strength each and every day. They demand the opportunity to continue connecting: We serve them and this community the best we can with fun and engaging programs while also providing practical information and resources to help them stay healthy and independent.”

Senior Center Month emphasizes the tremendous potential senior centers deliver in their communities, including programming that empowers older, independent adults to holistically age well and strengthen mind, body, spirit and community connections.

WHSC provides opportunities for older, independent adults to travel together in various local daytrips and enjoy the daily nutritious lunch program through the LifeBridge Community Services Community Cafe.

It also provides health screenings through the West Haven Health Department and other health centers, transportation to local spots three times a week through the West Haven Senior Shuttle, and tax assistance and driver safety courses through AARP.

To learn more about WHSC, call 203-937-3507 or visit Elderly Services/West Haven Senior Center.

Public invited to take regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey from SCRCOG

The South Central Regional Council of Governments and its municipalities are working together to update the Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The plan is aimed at identifying and assessing the region’s natural hazard risks — flooding, hurricanes, winter storms — and determining how to best minimize or manage those risks.

To increase public participation, SCRCOG has launched the South Central Connecticut Hazard Mitigation Plan Survey so those in the planning area can share their opinions and participate in the mitigation planning process.

The information provided by the five-minute survey will help the planning team better understand local concerns and issues as expressed by the region’s residents and can lead to mitigation activities that should reduce the impacts of future disasters.

Read the news release and take the survey at SCRCOG.

See the Flyer.

See the Fact Sheet.

For more information, visit the plan’s webpage, or contact Rebecca Andreucci, SCRCOG’s senior transportation planner, at [email protected] or 203-466-8601.

Public input sought for bike and pedestrian plan in West Haven

The city needs input from residents to help craft the West Haven Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

Be part of the process and let your voice be heard.

Tour the virtual meeting room and take the survey: http://vmr.betaftp.com/WestHavenBikePedPlan/.