This week I will be participating in the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. I look forward to representing New Haven at this important event and to using this opportunity to exchange ideas with leaders from across the nation. You can keep up to date with what I’m seeing and hearing in Denver by checking out my daily diary entries in the New Haven Register. Is there something you’d like to know about my experience in Denver? If so, please e-mail mmm@newhavenct.net with your questions.

While I’m in Denver, there’s still plenty happening in New Haven:

Holiday Hill

Today, the Office of Elderly Services is taking hundreds of New Haven seniors to Holiday Hill for its 24th Annual Senior Outing. Seniors from throughout the region have also been invited to share in today’s festivities.

Mentoring & Getting Involved in your Neighborhood

In the last several weeks we’ve talked a great deal about the need for residents of our community to get involved whether it be as mentors to young people, advocates for safer streets or as a neighbor doing you part to keep your neighborhood safe and welcoming. If you’re interested in learning more about New Haven Mentors, a program where adults can serve as mentors and classroom volunteers in New Haven Public Schools, please contact Adriana Arreola at 946-2394. Mentors must complete an application process and successfully undergo a background check before being placed in a school.

Another way to get involved is to attend monthly management team meetings and to join or create a block watch. For more information on Block Watches please contact Officer Joseph Avery at 946-5915. The following is a list of Management Team Meetings throughout the City:

Downtown: 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. City Hall

Westville: 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Substation

Hill South: 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. Substation

Dwight: 1st Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Dwight School

Hill North: 2nd Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. Substation

Dixwell: 3rd Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. 26 Charles Street

Newhallville: 4th Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m.

Fair Haven: 1st Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Substation

East Shore/Cove: 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Lighthouse Firehouse

Quinnipiac East: 1st Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Ross/Woodward School

Beaver Hill: 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Substation

East Rock: 4th Monday of every month at 7 p.m. East Rock School

Back to School

New Haven Public Schools open next week on Thursday, September 4. On that first day of school, Troup School and Columbus Family Academy will reopen as state-of –the-art centers for learning and excellence as part of our Citywide School Construction Program.

Labor Day Weekend

Make this Labor Day Weekend a safe and healthy one! Remember that New Haven Police are dedicated to keeping our streets safe! Officers will be looking to make sure that you’re wearing your seatbelt and that you’re not driving while under the influence.

Have a happy and healthy week!

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor