Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 24, 2020 — Mayor Nancy R. Rossi has announced the city’s participation in the 11th annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.

Small Business Saturday falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is a day to celebrate and patronize the small, independently owned businesses that help stimulate local economies across the country.

“Patronizing a West Haven small business is a great way to kick off your holiday shopping,” Rossi said. “While visiting downtown, why not stop at one of our stores or restaurants. Whether you’re looking for items for your holiday table — fresh flowers, truffle products or gourmet meats — or perhaps jewelry, wine or gift cards, West Haven small businesses have you covered.”

Small Business Saturday was established by American Express in 2010 in response to the most pressing need of small-business owners — more customers — and has served as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses ever since.

According to AmEx, U.S. shoppers reported spending an estimated $19.6 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday in 2019.

Similar to last year, the Small Business Saturday Coalition, led by Women Impacting Public Policy, a nonpartisan small-business advocate known as WIPP, is rallying mayors nationwide to show their support and encourage their communities to shop small on Nov. 28.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community, and in this challenging time, they need us more than ever,” Rossi said. “Please pay it forward by supporting your favorite local shops and restaurants this holiday season.”

In recognizing the importance of supporting independent businesses, Rossi has issued a Small Business Saturday proclamation declaring the special observance in West Haven.

Read the Proclamation.

Merchants and consumers can learn more about Small Business Saturday, including how to participate, at Shop Small.

Tree lighting postponed to 2021

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 24, 2020 — Due to rising coronavirus cases and restrictions limiting large public gatherings, the city has decided to postpone the 2020 Christmas tree lighting festivities to 2021. The tree will still be lit in honor of the holiday, despite any large gathering.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said the city plans to hold the festivities associated with the tree lighting, traditionally held on the Green on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, in 2021.

“Christmas is my favorite holiday, but the health and safety of our residents is of paramount importance during the pandemic,” Rossi said. “I look forward to fully celebrating our Christmas festivities next year.”

Allingtown fire chief sworn in

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 24, 2020 — (Pictured, from left): Mayor Nancy R. Rossi swears in new City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown Chief Michael R. Terenzio on Monday as Deputy Chief Michael T. Esposito looks on.

“I am confident that Chief Terenzio will serve our city well and continue the long legacy of excellent fire service in Allingtown and West Haven,” Rossi said.

Attending the ceremony, held at the Minor Park Station on Fairfax Street, were acting Chief Peter V. Massaro, Board of Fire Commissioners Vice Chairwoman Cori Nunley, Commissioners Paul Sikorski and Troy Tappin, and officers and firefighters of the Allingtown department. They were joined by Councilwoman Robbin Watt Hamilton, D-5, and Louis P. Esposito Jr., Rossi’s executive assistant.

Terenzio was Cromwell’s fire chief for the past four years. Michael Esposito, a 33-year veteran of Allingtown’s bravest who is also the department’s fire marshal, had been the acting chief for 30 months.

Terenzio, of Cromwell, will relocate to West Haven. He has been in the fire service since 1992.

(City Photo/Marcin J. Stankevitch)

Local artists participating in ‘Artists Sunday’ on Nov. 29

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 24, 2020 — The city is an official partner in a national effort to promote local artists as a source for holiday gift-giving. During the busiest shopping weekend of the year, Nov. 29 has been designated as “Artists Sunday.”

“West Haven has signed on to Artists Sunday because of the wealth of creative people living and working here who have been hard-hit economically these past several months,” Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said. “Even faced with extreme challenges, they continue to enrich our community in so many ways. This is our chance to come out and show we appreciate them.”

Read the full News Release.

COVID-19 Testing Site at Savin Rock Conference Center

The Veterans Walk of Honor in Bradley Point Park, West Haven. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh, File)

Veterans Day virtual event airing on West Haven YouTube

WEST HAVEN, Nov. 12, 2020 — Due to COVID-19 restrictions limiting large public gatherings, the city and the West Haven Veterans Council observed Veterans Day on Nov. 11 with a virtual ceremony now airing on the city’s YouTube channel.

The Veterans Walk of Honor dedication, which was rescheduled to coincide with the annual Veterans Day tribute, was postponed to 5 p.m. May 29, 2021. The dedication of the Walk of Honor’s 13th phase will memorialize veterans on the brick walkway in Bradley Point Park.

Watch the 18-minute Veterans Day ceremony on West Haven YouTube.

The ceremony featured remarks by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Veterans Council President Dave Ricci, who were accompanied by Police Chief Joseph S. Perno and Deputy Chief Carl V. Flemmig Jr. Louis P. Esposito Jr., Rossi’s executive assistant, served as the master of ceremonies.

The event included the Pledge of Allegiance led by Veterans Council member Al Terr, the national anthem sung by West Haven High School senior Nora E. Mullins, and opening and closing prayers given by Victor M. Borras of Gateway Christian Fellowship.

The tribute also included a bell-ringing by members of the West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard and taps played by former West Shore Fire Department Lt. Kevin McKeon.

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is celebrated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.

The Veterans Council has extended the application deadline to March 15, 2021, for the 13th phase of its popular Brick Campaign.

Download a Brick Application.

In November 2006, the council began the first of 13 campaigns selling bricks to commemorate veterans on the 100-yard Walk of Honor between the William A. Soderman and Vietnam Veterans memorials.

The bricks, which cost $75, have charcoal lettering for personalized messages.

More than 2,700 bricks have been installed so far, including 51 for the 12th phase, which was dedicated May 25, 2019.