Printer Friendly Version - North Haven and East Haven: A Year in Review 2023

North Haven’s Alex Petersen (12) shoots the game winning goal at 9:25 in OT to break a 1-1 tie with Woodstock Academy giving the Nighthawks the Division II boys ice hockey championship at Quinnipiac University’s M&T Bank Arena on March 21. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

North Haven claimed its second straight Class MM state football championship with a 21-0 victory Wilton at Arute Field in New Britain on Dec. 9. Players raise the championship plaque. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Mexican musical group Liberación performs to a packed crowd on Aug. 20 at the North Haven Fairgrounds as part of the Tequila and Taco Festival 2023 which featured craft vendors, food, and music. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Owner Giuseppe Colella of Hoffman Bread in Long Island City prepares an order for a customer at the East Haven Farmers Market on Sept. 17 on the Town Green. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Storm clouds form behind the rides during the final night of the Our Lady of Pompeii Carnival on July 29. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

Mark Esposito accompanied by trolley conductor Mark Pilletere hosts the Haunted Trolley: Murder on the Shoreline Express at the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven on Oct 6. The interactive comedic murder mystery takes place on an antique trolley and will have performances on weekends throughout the month of October. Photo by Victoria Fennell/The Courier

Wreaths Across America was celebrated with a ceremony on the East Haven Town Green, East Lawn, and Green Lawn Cemeteries on Dec. 16 by Harry R. Bartlett American Legion Post 89. The ceremony honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families. Frank Bugay and Chris Rosa salute as they place a wreath honoring the Air Force. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

East Haven and HeatSmart Connecticut begin a collaborative program to support clean energy initiatives for residents.

Hundreds of firefighters from around the state gather in North Haven to pay respects to fallen fire department veteran Mattias Wirtz.

North Haven Community Services sponsors an energy assistance program for residents.

The North Haven Public School District looks for new bus drivers and monitors to fulfill a shortage.

First Selectman Mike Freda outlines 2023 as a new year of opportunity for economic development in North Haven.

The South Central Connecticut Traffic Unit Regional Enforcement Team wraps up its first year in its mission to create safer roadways in its coverage area and educate and establish positive interactions with motorists.

The East Haven Arts Commission is officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by the Internal Revenue Service.

New education and health programs gain support from a regional grant to boost senior activity at the East Haven Senior Center.

The North Haven Board of Education (BOE) approves and revises a new crop of school policies at its Feb. 9 meeting.

North Haven and the Hamden League of Women Voters host a forum on Feb. 11 for residents to ask questions to representatives in Hartford.

East Haven High School (EHHS) links up with local businesses as part of its Careers in Technical Education program.

The East Haven Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) reviews regulations for cannabis dispensaries in town.

Quinnipiack Valley Health District hosts two free education forums for Emergency Medical Service providers and anyone interested in drug treatment and response.

Hagaman Memorial Library holds a workshop informing residents on the whats, wheres, hows, and whys of the Freedom of Information Act.

The acquisition of a new warehouse for a New York-based bakery at 50 Devine Street in North Haven is expected to boost economic development.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum gears up for a new year of training courses and expanded programming in education.

North Haven High School (NHHS) presents a production of Disney’s Newsies musical.

The East Haven Town Hall weighs in on the Careers in Technical Education program at EHHS as a supportive factor in economic development.

First Selectman Mike Frea lays out an “Oasis of opportunities” for North Haven in the annual State of the Town address.

The East Haven Food Pantry continues its efforts to support food-insecure residents and bolsters its services to meet greater needs.

North Haven Food Pantry is still active in providing food for residents and has brought its pantry back to pre-pandemic levels.

The North Haven Parks and Recreation Commission says "no" to mountain biking at Peter’s Rock Park at its meeting on March 2.

The East Haven BOE mulls over grading criteria for extracurricular participation in sports and arts.

Mayor Joseph Carfora touts leadership, transparency, and the financial security of East Haven in State of the Town speech on March 29.

The North Haven Education Foundation hosts a comedy night to support continued investments in schools and students.

Local Prevention Council in North Haven seeks support from residents for an anti-vaping and drug treatment mission.

Students of Joseph Melillo Middle School and East Haven Academy take a round-trip flight as part of the co-ed Aviation Career Exploration Program at both schools.

The East Haven Police Department (EHPD) identified Patricia “Tricia” Meleady Newsom as the victim of a cold case homicide that occurred 48 years ago.

North Haven's $121.5 million budget for fiscal year 2023-’24 heads to referendum.

The East Haven Town Council approves a $101 million budget for the 2023-’24 fiscal year at its April 25 meeting.

A luxury apartment complex at 71 South Shore Drive in East Haven meets public criticism at a PZC meeting.

The East Haven Chamber of Commerce recognizes East Haven TV with the Non-Profit Award at its annual meeting and awards dinner on May 17.

GoNetspeed looks to install new fiber-optics infrastructure in North Haven for faster internet connection for residents and businesses.

North Haven electors approve a $121 million budget for the 2023-’24 fiscal year at a May 16 referendum.

The North Haven Clean Energy Task Force hosts an educational forum on heat pump technology and home energy solutions assessments.

Students of the Class of 2030 at Momauguin Elementary School bury a time capsule on May 26.

Alchemy Musical and Arts Festivals comes to East Haven on June 3 to benefit the nonprofit Women and Family Life Center and the East Haven Public Schools music department.

North Haven moves forward with a $3.5 million capital bonding package for major improvements and upgrades to athletic facilities on June 6.

The East Haven PZC adopts a moratorium on applications for multifamily and multi-unit proposals at its June 7 meeting.

East Haven police identify a North Branford teenager as the victim of a May 23 fatal knife attack that took place outside Tuttle Elementary School.

East Haven kicks off summer with its annual beach party and fireworks display on June 24.

Town electors vote to renew the Public School Security Supernumerary Program Ordinance at a special town meeting on June 26. The ordinance extends the daily presence of a school security officer at all North Haven Public Schools through 2028.

East Haven Fire Department (EHFD) is awarded a $121,835 federal grant for cardiopulmonary resuscitation compression devices through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum joined with museums nationwide to participate in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a federal program providing free admission to museums to active military.

The South Central Connecticut Traffic Unit Regional Enforcement Team rolls out its summer campaign.

The North Haven BOE moves forward on a Path to Belonging painting project on the NHMS and NHHS campus.

The East Haven Town Council looks to draft regulations on short-term rental properties in town.

Following months of discussions, East Haven and North Branford reach an agreement to move North Branford's animal control and sheltering agreement from Branford to East Haven.

A new bandstand is headed to North Haven Town Green to support more performing arts events.

The EHPD joins exclusive ranks among police departments in Connecticut after being awarded national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies for the fourth consecutive year.

With the arrival of two new fire engines set for 2024, the North Haven Board of Fire Commissioners is looking at how best to acquire engines and other necessary equipment in the future at its regular meeting on Aug. 22.

North Haven Fairgrounds celebrates 81 years of tradition with its annual fair from Sept. 7 through Sept. 10.

The East Haven Fire Department (EHFD) adopts its first station support dog, Riggs, after the six-month-old beagle mix was found trapped inside a hot car.

East Haven's Democratic party heads to the polls to cast ballots in a primary election on Sept. 10. Jack Stacey wins a spot on the ballot as a mayoral candidate against petitioning candidate Gary DePalma.

Town electors in North Haven approve appropriations of $6.4 million for "critical" infrastructure improvements at the Annual Town Meeting on Sept. 18. Voters also approve $16.9 million in appropriations to support town services.

North Haven and Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce host the inaugural North Haven Festival and Business Expo on Sept. 30.

A new and inclusive playground is coming to Joseph Melillo Middle School, paid for, in part, using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The East Haven PZC sets its sights on crafting new regulations to meet affordable housing goals.

East Haven Senior Center sponsors a fuel assistance program and awaits new transportation upgrades.

Temple Pines Senior Housing Facility will receive an extensive upgrade with the support of a $5.7 million federal grant.

East Haven's mayoral candidates take to the stage at EHHS to debate credentials and leadership on Oct. 26.

An application to create a new Billboard Overlay District in North Haven proves divisive at two PZC public hearings.

North Haven Police Department oversees the installation of new signage at Elm Street and the intersection of Hartford Turnpike and Homewood Avenue on Nov. 2 and 3 to increase motorist and pedestrian safety.

East Haven incumbent mayor Joseph Carfora wins reelection for a third consecutive term on Nov.7 as Democrats swept the Town Council vote.

Running unopposed, North Haven's incumbent first selectman Mike Freda earned an eighth consecutive term following the Nov. 7 election.

East Haven Public Services Department begins its seasonal leaf collection on Nov. 13.

North Haven PZC unanimously denies an application to establish Billboard Overlay District along Interstate 91 at its meeting on Nov. 13.

Local business owners and residents, with continued assistance from East Haven's Twin Pines Diner, come together to provide $10,000 in gift cards to be distributed to residents in need during the holiday season.

Three major restaurant chains, including Starbucks, Five Guys, and Chipotle, are one step closer to opening their doors after gaining approval with conditions from the PZC at a Nov. 21 meeting. The application from BL Companies calls for the construction of several new businesses on Foxon Road and Foxon Boulevard, which the applicant hopes will break ground in early spring.

North Haven Memorial Library receives a $500,000 grant from the CT State Library's Public Library Construction Grant Program. Library Director Sue Griffiths says the library received notice of its award on Nov. 27, and the funds will go toward remodeling and expansion of services.

The EHPD partners with LINKED - Autism Safety Project in an effort to build positive relationships between emergency service personnel and neurodiverse residents.

NHHS football claims its second straight Class MM state football title with a 21-0 victory over Wilton on Dec. 9.

State Senator Paul Cicarella (R, District 34) receives a Connecticut Police Chief's Association Carroll J. Hughes Legislator of the Year award at the organization's winter meeting on Deb. 14.

Wreaths Across America comes to East Haven on Dec. 16. Ceremonies are held on the East Haven Town Green, East Lawn Cemetery, and Green Lawn Cemeteries.