Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular set for Saturday

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 1, 2022 — The 2022 Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular is set to launch off Bradley Point at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi announced.

The display, billed as “They Will Be Heard on the 3rd,” is presented by the Savin Rock Fireworks Committee. The rain date is Sunday.

In early June, the city decided to move the fireworks from July 2 to Sept. 3 — the same date as last year’s Labor Day weekend display — to give West Haven’s biggest event “more of a local flavor.”

“The Savin Rock Fireworks Spectacular is a meaningful event for all of us who live in West Haven,” Rossi said. “It is a special opportunity to come together as friends and neighbors to celebrate our city by demonstrating the best of the American community spirit.”

For this year’s pyrotechnics show, the city is focusing less on attracting out-of-town visitors and more on attracting West Haven residents, a strategy aimed at decreasing crowds to reduce overtime costs for police and public works crews, organizers said.

At 4 p.m. Saturday, police will close Captain Thomas Boulevard and Ocean Avenue, from Kelsey Avenue to South Street, to give the festivities more of a block party feel. The roads will reopen around 11 p.m., according to police.

A fleet of food and dessert trucks will line the Savin Rock side of Captain Thomas Boulevard, near Dyke Street, and dish up fried dough, lobster rolls, meatball bombs and tacos, as well as ice cream and kettle corn.

Before the fireworks light up the sky over the West Haven shoreline, E’Band will perform R&B hits on a portable stage in front of Savin Rock from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Residents and nonresidents should take note that “No Parking” signs will be posted on both sides of Platt Avenue from Ocean Avenue to Randall’s Restaurant; Dyke Street from Captain Thomas Boulevard to Educational Way; Kelsey Avenue from Captain Thomas Boulevard to Graham Avenue; Ocean Avenue from South to Ivy streets; and the even side of all side streets off Ocean Avenue from South to Ivy streets.

Also, “No Parking” signs will be posted on the north side of Connecticut Avenue; the even side of all side streets off Ocean Avenue to Highland Avenue; the even side of Highland Avenue from Arlington to Linden streets; and the even side of all side streets off Beach Street to Thomas Street.

Police can ticket and tow vehicles violating the traffic plan at the owner’s expense. Violators are subject to a $100 fine.

Residents and nonresidents should also take note that police will strictly enforce all beach regulations, which are posted at each access point along the shoreline, as well as the following restrictions:

—    All bags will be subject to search before entering the beach area.
—    No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the beach.
—    No disorderly or obscene conduct will be tolerated.
—    No open fires or cooking will be allowed on the beach.

West Haven seniors empowered by National Senior Center Month events

WEST HAVEN, Sept. 1, 2022 — 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.

Click Here to view the City Of West Haven City Notes - September 1, 2022