Tre Paul playing West Haven Green at 7 p.m. Friday

WEST HAVEN, June 27, 2024 — The West Haven Summer Concert Series continues at 7 p.m. Friday on the Green with Tre Paul.

Get ready for a two-hour set of rock, oldies and singalongs performed by the dynamic trio of Paul Puglisi, Paul Speranza and Paul Raucci.

The free concert is presented by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Join us Friday night!

Nicole Zuraitis, W.H. Grammy winner, cited for ‘musical excellence’

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer, second from left, congratulates Grammy-winning jazz artist Nicole Zuraitis, center, before presenting a citation recognizing Zuraitis’ “exceptionally meritorious musical excellence” during a reception at City Hall on Wednesday. With them are, from left, Councilman Gary Donovan, D-4, Councilwoman Michelle Coletti, D-2, and City Council Chairman Nicholas A. Pascale, D-at large. Zuraitis, who lives on the West Haven shoreline, won best jazz vocal album for “How Love Begins” at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles. (City Photo/Tianna Greene)

Nicole Zuraitis, West Haven Grammy winner, cited by Borer for ‘musical excellence’ at City Hall reception

WEST HAVEN, June 27, 2024 — Grammy-winning resident Nicole Zuraitis received a citation from Mayor Dorinda Borer recognizing Zuraitis’ “exceptionally meritorious musical excellence” and her contributions to the arts community during a reception at City Hall on Wednesday.

Borer was joined by City Council Chairman Nicholas A. Pascale, D-at large, Councilwoman Michelle Coletti, D-2, and Councilman Gary Donovan, D-4, in the City Council chambers to bestow the citation on Zuraitis, who won best jazz vocal album for “How Love Begins” at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles.

The album, released in July 2023, was written and arranged by Zuraitis, a native of Litchfield who now lives on the West Haven shoreline.

She dedicated the album to “preservation and conservation of my backyard, Long Island Sound and proceeds of the record are donated to Save the Sound.Org.”

Zuraitis’ infectious smile lit up the room as Borer and the council members honored the award-winning vocalist/pianist, whose arrangement of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” co-written with drummer and bandleader Dan Pugach, was nominated for a Grammy in 2019.

The mayor praised the “talented” Zuraitis before presenting the citation.

“We are so proud of calling Nicole a resident of West Haven,” Borer said. “You represent what’s not only creative and good in West Haven, but your cool vibe gives us all an uplift.”

The reception was attended by a number of city employees and officials and included a cake with “Congratulations” and musical notes in blue frosting, along with cookies, fresh fruit and lemonade.

Reading the citation to Zuraitis, Borer said, “I applaud your commitment to setting an example for aspiring young artists to follow and to supporting others in the music industry and in our thriving arts community.”

Zuraitis, holding back tears, was overwhelmed by West Haven’s goodwill gesture, thanking the mayor and the city she’s called home for five years and counting.

“I speak about the beauty of West Haven wherever I go,” she said. “This is the best-kept secret in all of the East Coast.”

Zuraitis was accompanied by her parents, Brett and Jeanette Zuraitis, of Litchfield, and members of the arts community, including Elinor Slomba, the director of ArtsWestCT.

“Nicole’s an incredibly generous spirit, and to see her honored this way warms my heart,” Slomba said.

Zuraitis expressed optimism about West Haven’s burgeoning arts and music scene, and she and Borer hinted at the potential of bringing a world-class jazz festival to the city’s shoreline next summer.

‘Bowlin’’ Bob Nugent receives ‘Way to Go!’ award

WEST HAVEN, June 27, 2024 — (Pictured): “Bowlin’” Bob Nugent, the owner of Woodlawn Duckpin Bowling Alley at 240 Platt Ave., center, receives the “Way to Go!” award from West Haven’s Youth and Family Services and Interagency Network for Children on Wednesday.

WHINC Parent Support Group members and families presented the framed award to Nugent for “providing duckpin bowling fun to families of children, youth and young adults with disabilities. Congratulations on your 20th anniversary serving West Haven.”

The presentation took place during a pizza party marking the culmination of WHINC’s five-week duckpin bowling league, which consisted of 14 bowlers ages 9-13.

The Way to Go program recognizes those who go above and beyond to offer services and resources.

To join the support group, call Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman at 203-937-3633.

(City Photo/Diane Dietman)

Meet West Haven’s new lifeguards, ready to safeguard swimmers along the city’s miles of shore all summer long! Margaret Ruggiero, the Department of Parks and Recreation’s pool and waterfront coordinator, recently ran free back-to-back lifeguard training classes, and Park-Rec gained 13 American Red Cross-certified lifeguards in two weeks. (City Photo)

West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer reads a proclamation to Zuppardi’s Apizza co-owners Lori Zuppardi, left, and Cheryl Zuppardi Pearce marking the pizzeria’s 90th anniversary celebration at 179 Union Ave. in West Haven on June 17. Looking on is the event’s master of ceremonies, New Haven-style pizza historian Colin Caplan, the principal of the food tour company Taste of New Haven. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

From left, Zuppardi’s Apizza employees Meagan O’Brien, Tia Bonessi and Lauren Vincent are all smiles showing a commemorative mozzarella “abeetz” with pepperoni slices forming a “90” in honor of the pizzeria’s anniversary. (City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

Zuppardi’s Apizza celebrates 90 years of making New Haven-style ‘abeetz’; hundreds observe anniversary

WEST HAVEN, June 18, 2024 — Zuppardi’s Apizza, West Haven’s first family of apizza, celebrated 90 years in business June 17 with music, Italian ice and pizza, of course.

Mayor Dorinda Borer joined generations of Zuppardis in the tented parking lot of the historic pizzeria at 179 Union Ave., where Borer read and presented a framed 90th anniversary proclamation to Cheryl Zuppardi Pearce and Lori Zuppardi, co-owners of Zuppardi’s, as other family members looked on.

Zuppardi’s has been serving New Haven-style apizza, pronounced “abeetz,” since 1934. The fourth-generation business is one of the oldest family-owned pizzerias in the U.S. and was featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America” in February.

The Zuppardi sisters were accompanied by hundreds of friends and supporters, including local and state officials, who turned out to pay tribute to a family that, through thick and thin, has been there for their customers, their city and their business community.

Borer, who was joined by the sisters for her remarks, lauded the family and its flourishing pizzeria business.

“It’s more than just about pizza; it’s the memories you’ve created,” said Borer, who called the sisters “two very strong businesswomen.” “You’re part of the fabric that’s woven into our community.”

Read the full story and see the photo gallery at Zuppardi’s 90th Anniversary.