This week is Public Servants Recognition Week as established in 1985 by the Public Employees Roundtable and Council for Excellence in Government. Therefore, I salute all of the employees of the City of New Haven for your hard work and contributions to making our communities safe, just, clean, prosperous and attractive. While you may not always receive all of the credit and compliments you deserve for all you do, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your service to our city.

Senior Day of Service

On Wednesday, we will be celebrating the Senior Day of Service at two Senior Centers in the City. First, at the Atwater Senior Center located at 26 Atwater Street, seniors will be planting a vegetable garden and flowers from 10am until 12pm. Then, I will be joining seniors at the West River Senior Center where seniors will be hosting a cross-generational activity with students from the Barnard school. From noon until 2pm seniors at West River will be conducting a backyard clean-up, planting flowers and beautifying flower boxes. The Department of Parks and recreation will be providing rakes and other supplies for the clean-up. Hopefully the sun will shine for this wonderful event! Refreshments will be served!

Senior Tax Freeze Clinics

This week we will launch a new program to offer assistance to New Haven seniors who are interested in applying for the Senior Property Tax Freeze credit. It is important to apply immediately because time is running out. The last day to apply for this credit will be May 30th. Representatives will be available starting today from 12:30-4pm at the main Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library at 133 Elm Street.

This week’s assistance schedule is:

Monday May 7, 2007

New Haven Free Public Library

Main Branch

133 Elm Street

12:30 – 4:00 PM

Tuesday May 8, 2007

New Have Free Public Library

Main Branch

133 Elm Street

12:30 – 4:00 PM

Wednesday May 9, 2007

Wilson Library Branch

303 Washington Avenue

12:30 – 4:00 PM

Thursday May 10, 2007

Fairhaven Library Branch

182 Grand Avenue

12:30 – 4:00 PM

Friday May 11, 2007

Red Cross Building

703 Whitney Avenue

12:30 – 4:00 PM

Tax questions can be addressed directly to the Tax Assessors office at 946-4800. Application forms for this program can also be picked up at any of the City’s senior centers.

Open Schools Registration Launch

On Wednesday, we will begin registration for the Open Schools program. Open Schools offers New Haven Public School students the opportunity to take fine arts, crafts, sports, fitness and other courses over the summer at one of the nine “open schools” in the city. Registration forms will be available in all New Haven Public Schools as of Wednesday.

Noise Ordinance

As the temperature begins to rise and we spend more time enjoy the outdoors, please remember to be respectful of your neighbors and keep noise down. On Thursday, I’ll hold a press conference to discuss the official implementation of the City’s noise ordinance. The main sources of noise that we want to control revolve around loud speakers at outdoor events, loud music emanating from car stereos, motorcycles in neighborhoods and other sources that I will discuss on Thursday.

Congratulations King/Robinson School!

The newly renovated K-8 King/Robinson School applied for, and has received, authorization as Connecticut's first official International Baccalaureate middle school. The designation means that students at the school will enjoy a curriculum focused on helping them learn to live and work in a rapidly globalizing world.

Tomorrow, at 10 a.m., Superintendent Dr. Reginald Mayo will join principal Illine Tracey, staff and students in celebrating the receipt of authorization from the Inspector General of the International Baccalaureate Organization. King/Robinson joins 2,050 schools in 125 countries that have also achieved this coveted designation.

I hope you have a happy and healthy week!

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor

[5/6/2007]