West Haven receives $194G in stimulus aid for arts center

The city has received $194,409 in federal stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for downtown revitalization efforts.

Mayor John M. Picard said the city plans to use the Community Development Block Grant funds, part of the government’s $10.1 billion Recovery Act program, to rehabilitate the exterior of the old Masonic Temple on Center Street for the future West Haven Cultural Arts Center.

The money will pay for various improvements to preserve the architectural integrity of the nearly century-old building, including a new roof and windows, the removal of an underground oil tank, as well as the re-pointing of the building’s chimney and other brickwork, said Ralph A. Paolillo, manager of the Community Development Administration, which oversees the city’s allotment of CDBG funds.

“This project will create construction jobs, will improve a key structure in our downtown, will support our long-range plan to develop the building as an arts center, and will foster economic development within the central business district,” Picard said.

The city also will use the money to restore the building’s columns and doors and to install security fencing and lighting.

According to HUD guidelines, the city, which received the grant award March 6, will have 120 days to bid the project and do the work.

Planning and Development Commissioner Eileen Buckheit, who supervises CDA, said she expects the project to start immediately.

The Masons of Annawon Lodge 115 sold the downtown building to the city in 2007 for $650,000, mostly financed with a $550,000 state grant. The 15,022-square-foot building was turned over to the city free of asbestos after abatement work that virtually gutted the building.

The exterior front portico of the two-story temple resembles the Greek period with ionic ornament capital columns with architrave and pediment details that continue as a cornice and fascia for the building.

Courtesy West Haven City Notes (March 16, 2009)

Bill #5918 Requests $1.2 million For Arts Center Restoration

State Representative Paul Davis (117th district) introduced a bill which will go in front of the State Commerce Committee this Thursday, Feb. 5th at 11 a.m. The bill, House Bill 5918, seeks 1.2 million dollars for the restoration of the Cultural Arts Center on Center street.

Paul attended Kevin's presentation in front of City Council in January and I see this action as a direct result of that meeting. Congratulations and well done!

Rosemary and Barth will represent us and speak in favor of bill 5918 at the public session in Hartford this Thursday. They will share the experience at our meeting Thursday evening, February 5th at 7 p.m. in the basement of City Hall. There will also be city officials speaking in favor of the bill.

I urge all reading this to contact your local representatives and ask them to submit testimony in favor of House Bill 5918. Mention the public hearing this Thursday. More information and local Reps contact information can be found at the following site: cga.ct.gov

West Haven Summer Youth Theatre Performance on August 7th and 8th

On August 7th and 8th, theater-goers will be treated to the second season of the West Haven Summer Youth Theatre. Group 1, children ages 10yrs - 13yrs, will perform You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, while Group 2, ages 14yrs - 18yrs old, will perform the Andrew Lloyd Webber/ Tim Rice opera, Jesus Christ Superstar.

The West Haven Summer Youth Theatre, sponsored by the West Haven Council on the Arts and a block grant from the West Haven Community Development Department, got underway on June 23rd. Almost 30 children took part in their auditions. Since then, cast members have been rehearsing their parts, as well as learning the behind the scenes duties that most of us never think about when we see a show. Their 6-week investment culminates in their performance which takes place on August 7th and 8th, at Carrigan Middle School in West Haven. The show will begin with Group 1 performing songs from You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, followed by Group 2’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar.

West Haven Council on the Arts would like to thank the West Haven Board of Education for making Carrigan Middle School available for the theatre program, as they did last year. Our goal is to present this program at its permanent home in The West Haven Arts Center in the near future.

WHCA Member to Perform at Savin Rock Festival

Rob Granoth and his band Infinity Project have agreed to be the opening band of the Savin Rock Festival. The band hits the stage at 5:30pm on Thursday, July 24, 2008.

Rob, who is the band's drummer, is a student at Bailey Jr High School and member of West Haven Council on the Arts. He and his bandmates Larry Shea (guitar, vocals) Mike Gendreau (bass, vocals) and vocalist Jason Corn have been playing together since 2007. They've scored high marks with fans, family and us through their talent and their community spirit. They recently participated in a successful fundraising event for the CT Children's Hospital.

"Infinity Project's name was at the top of the list when the SRF Committee approached council members for entertainment suggestions, not just because of Rob's affiliation with WHCA but because we know the public will be treated to a performance of the highest caliber." said council president, Paul Scanlon. The council is very proud to be associated with such exceptional talent and such a fine group of teens.

When he was asked if the band would kick off the festivities Rob said this, "Absolutely! We love playing and this is a great way to reach a wider audience. We work hard to be the best we can be and want everyone to know that."

To learn more about the band and other arts council projects or to become a member yourself, stop by our booth at the festival. Members will be on hand from Noon until 4PM on Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th.


WHCA

Mother's Day Luncheon at City Square

Dear readers,

This Spring saw WHCA hard at work organizing and producing a fantastic event that was held on Mother's Day in City Square. (A cabaret style Mother's Day Luncheon)

Council member Daniel Juarez secured the entertainment and Greg Giaquinto (Giaquinto's Deli) provided the food for a spectacular program. WHCA members handled the hosting duties with council president, Paul Scanlon, as the Master of Ceremonies. Both the food and entertainment were superb. As I said earlier, the Giaquinto family provided a delicious buffet. All the mother's and their loving families were teated to the dynamic sounds of The Sentinels sentinels-sounds.com, a doo wop group from Stamford who performed two sets of music for an appreciative audience of about 75 people.

For those of you that aren't yet familiar with it, City Square is the beautiful courtyard behind Gold Works on Campbell Avenue perfectly suited to outdoor Arts events. You'll be hearing a lot more about this space as the city and WHCA stage more productions there.

That's it for now. The Summer is shaping up to be very active, too, so come back soon for more council news and events.

An Historic Walk

Hello dear friends,

I just want to write a brief note about what we are up to, right now. This past week we had our November council meeting where Rosie presented details of a proposal to partner with The West Haven Historical Society in a walking tour of downtown West Haven. We all agreed that it was a good idea and gave our blessing to iron out the details of that venture. Details are listed below:


Walking Tour of Historic Downtown West Haven


Presented by

West Haven Council on the Arts

And

The West Haven Historical Society


Dates: December 1, 8 and 15
Time: 10:00am
Location: Tour will assemble at the former Masonic Temple
304 Center Street, the future home of the West Haven Arts Center.
Tickets: $20/adults, $10/children 7-12, 6 and under free

Reservations Required

Call 932-2102 or 479-3522 for reservations or more information.


Proceeds to benefit both organizations.

In the next few weeks I'll be posting highlights of previous meetings for all to see. But, as our meetings are open to the public, I invite you to join us in person. Usually, we meet at city hall on the first Thursday of the month. If you would like to join us and want confirmation of date, time or place, email me at artswh@aol.com.

Barth

Apple Festival Brings Interest

On October 6th, the West Haven Council on the Arts participated in the 2007 Apple Festival on the West Haven Green. A good number of people stopped at our table to offer their support and to find out what we are doing in the community. We also welcomed several new members to the WHCA. If you would like to become a member of a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering art in our community, contact us and we will get you started. You don’t have to be an artist to join. Our members include people from all professions with many interests. Each and every talent is appreciated, from bus driver to x-ray technician. If your talent is a knack for getting things done and a desire to make West Haven a better place to live, we need you.

Members, or any citizens interested in the arts in West Haven, are welcome to join us at our monthly meetings which are usually held on the first Thursday of each month in Room A in the basement of West Haven City Hall. Check the blog or contact a council officer for changes to the schedule. Our November meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday, November 8, 2007.

Come join us as we make West Haven a true Center of the Arts.