Printer Friendly Version - East Haven: The Year in Review

Greg Casey and son Liam hold tight as they sled down a hill in The Pit on Jan. 30. Winter Storm Kenan dropped up to a foot of snow over the weekend, falling short of the severest predictions but leaving plenty of snow for winter fun.Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

The Easter Bunny made a Hippity Hop Easter Bunny Stop at Joseph Melillo Middle School on April 10. At the East Haven Rotary Club-hosted event, children received candy, a coloring kit, and the option to have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Here, the Easter Bunny waves to Gabriel and Michael and their grandmother Sue Pine.Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

What happens when a musical theater fan starts to play the recording of their favorite musical? It comes to life. And thanks to the East Haven Arts Commission, The Drowsy Chaperone comes to life on the stage in East Haven on July 21 through 23. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

East Haven High School celebrated the Class of 2022 during its graduation ceremony on June 16. Photo by Victoria Fennell/The Courier

The Shoreline Trolley Museum hosted Santa on Saturdays and Sundays through Sunday, Dec. 18.Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Plans to distribute COVID test kits at East Haven High School were canceled when Governor Ned Lamont announced that the shipment of kits were delayed. Lamont then announced that the state’s bid for test kits was not awarded.

Members of the Ferrara Elementary School Student Council collected more than 150 pairs of gloves, scarves, and hats for people in need.

The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) discussed development of property along Strong Street by Autumn View, LLC, but no agreement was reached.

The East Haven Police Deparment (EHPD) arrested an adult and five juveniles in an attempted carjacking in Guilford.

The East Haven Fire Department (EHFD) reported a 16 percent increase in calls in 2021 from 2020. The department additionally hired seven new firefighters and received a $108,000 grant to fund new equipment.

More than 500 elementary school students participated in vision screenings at East Haven Public Schools, resulting in free eye exams for 128 students through a partnership with Vision to Lean, a national nonprofit providing mobile vision services to children.

The East Haven High School (EHHS) cheerleading squad took second place at the SCC Cheerleading Championship on Feb. 5.

The East Haven Rotary Club hosted its 20th annual Ben Mazzucco Clothe the Children event. To-date, the program has provided clothing for more than 1,300 children.

The Shoreline Line Trolley Museum began offering trolley operator training classes and tour guide classes for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Irish American Community Center and New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club held its annual corned beef and cabbage dinner on Feb. 27.

Nearly two years after the onset of COVID, East Haven Public Schools became mask-optional for all students in pre-K to grade 12 and staff.

The Board of Education (BOE) requested a 1.9 percent increase in its budget for the 2022-’23 school year.

Avelo Airlines expanded its service at Tweed-New Haven Airport, adding three new destinations. The airline announced it had served more than 100,000 travelers since November 2021.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2022-’23 was up 5.36 percent over 2021-’22. Appropriations for the town’s debt service represented an increase of $2,207,576 or 120.82 percent.

Twin Pines Diner offered free take-out Easter dinners East Haven military veterans, elderly residents, and in-need community members.

East Haven High School presented a performance of The Little Mermaid on April 14, 15, and 16.

Anginette Wars returned to East Haven High School after a two-year COVID-induced hiatus. More than 30 local bakers competed to create the best traditional Italian cookie.

Protesters gathered outside of East Haven Town Hall on April 22 to address concerns over the expansion of Tweed-New Haven Airport and its impact on quality of life and the environment.

The Joseph Melillo Middle School National Junior Honor Society hosted a book drive in honor of National Reading Month. Students collected 490 books to be donated to the community book bank at New Haven Reads.

Mayor Joseph Carfora appointed Jamie Cuticello director of administration and management.

Two East Haven residents were among three young victims in a one-vehicle accident on Hosley Avenue in Branford.

EHPD offered advice on crime prevention following an uptick in vehicle entries, catalytic converter thefts, and vehicle thefts.

The return of the East Haven Farmers Market was announced. Residents prepared for the new season, slated to begin on June 12.

EHPD announced a joint task force with law enforcement agencies in North Haven, North Branford, Branford, Madison, and Guilford dubbed the South-Central Regional Traffic Enforcement Unit.

Following a deadly shooting in Uvalde, Texas, East Haven Superintendent of School Erica Forti addressed staff, families, and members of the community about school safety concerns.

EHHS celebrated the gradation of the Class of 2022 during June 16 commencement exercises.

The East Shore District Health Department announced the newly-released COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 11 years old was available through free local clinics.

The 20th annual Fourth of July Beach Party and Fireworks display was held on the Town beach on June 26.

EHPD located the body of a 1975 homicide victim known only as Jane Doe after coming up short on a first attempt conducted in June. Police hoped to use technology to identify her.

U.S. News and World Report recognized the Village at Mariner’s Point as one of the best assisted living communities in the state.

The East Haven Arts Commission presented The Drowsy Chaperone July 21 through 23.

East Haven Public Schools received a donation of “Go-Buckets,” from the Home Depot Foundation. The buckets were part of a strategy adopted by the district in 2019 that contained materials that could be used in the classroom or travel with a class in the event of an emergency evacuation.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona visited the Horizons program at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. The pair touched down at Tweed-New Haven Airport on July 20.

A bar fight at BullsEye Billiards & Bar on Aug. 6 left one person dead and another injured. The bar was subsequently closed after the Department of Consumer Protection suspended its liquor permit. The bar reopened in September.

The State Bonding Commission awarded the Town $600,000 for a new public safety facility that would upgrade infrastructure of the town’s first responders.

The EHFD Ladies Auxiliary launched it “First Night” response kits for victims of tragic events.

Roof repairs were underway at Hagaman Memorial Library. The work was expected to continue over three to four weeks. During work, parking was limited and patrons were asked to follow markers to enter the building.

Members of the EHPD and EHFD squared off in the annual Battle of the Badges softball game on Sept. 16. EHPD was declared victorious with a 16-10 score.

The curtain went up at East Haven’s newest theater, Cabaret on Main, on Sept. 17. The theater was described as a premier performing arts theater and event venue.

EHPD released a statement to the community following an increase in fentanyl use and overdoses. The department urged that it was “more concerned about saving lives and connecting those with addiction issue to care and treatment” than making arrests.

The East Haven Parks and Recreation Department looked to provide a plentiful amount of activities for all ages in town, from pickleball courts to arts and crafts classes, and youth and senior competitive sports leagues.

The PZC decided to extend a previously expired moratorium on applications for cannabis dispensaries at a meeting on Oct. 3, a period which that was intended to run through Dec. 31. Zoning laws and regulations governing the sale, growth, and distribution of medical and recreational cannabis products were considered from multiple perspectives.

The Post 89 American Legion Auxiliary hosted the first Light the Night luminary event at the Town Beach on Oct. 15, in honor of current and former town veteran residents who served and sacrificed their lives in conflict. The event happened concurrently with the 100th anniversary of the Post 89 chapter, and the arrival of the new Auxiliary women’s wing.

The EHHS Co-op Marching Band took home the top regional award as the best band at the USBands New England States Championships on Oct. 29, making them the best band in Connecticut and New England.

East Haven Public Television opened its new production facilities, which expands in opportunities in video and audio productions, such as podcasting, town meetings, and new shows.

For the 16th consecutive year, the East Haven Rotary Club delivered free full-course meals to needy residents Thanksgiving Day, with support from Boston Market.

The South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG), which represents East Haven, began work on updates to the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The SCRCOG considered updates for future infrastructure projects, economic development and in preparation for the devastating effects of climate change.

A new adult learning group at the Hagaman Memorial Library hosted a “Great Decisions Foreign Policy” discussion session, a new program where attendees can discuss a variety of topics related to current American foreign policy and global political issues.

The Post 89 American Legion announced its participation in the national Wreaths Across America event for the second time on Dec. 17, honoring fallen and past residents veterans of East Haven.

The East Haven Rotary Club hosted several events demonstrating its continued commitment of giving back to the community. Events included the “Breakfast With Santa“ pancake breakfast on Dec. 10, a stuff-a-trailer toy drive event on Dec. 4. They will also host the Clothe the Children drive event in January.

Joseph Melillo Middle School announced the arrival of the new co-ed Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Program, the first of its kind as a part of any middle school curriculum in Connecticut. In collaboration with Avelo Airlines, prospective students will have hands-on experience in learning about the many parts and careers involved in the field of aviation.