August 23rd through August 29th is National Community Gardening Week! Here in New Haven, our Community Garden Program has allowed for the development and maintenance of over 100 community gardens and greenspaces. Community gardens are a great opportunity for you to take a leading role in the improvement of your neighborhood and to develop connections with your neighbors. If you would like to learn more about New Haven’s Community Garden Program or to apply for a community garden or greenspace, please visit: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Parks/gardens.asp.

Here’s what else is happening in New Haven:

Tax Assessor Initiative

On Tuesday, August 25th at 10 a.m., I will be holding a press conference in front of City Hall, 165 Church Street, to discuss a new motor vehicle initiative that will commence next month. This initiative will seek out unlawfully registered vehicles and out-of-state plates that are continuously located, garaged or parked in New Haven but do not pay New Haven motor vehicle taxes. Both individual passenger and commercial vehicles will be investigated.

Crossing Guard Celebration

As we prepare for the start of another school year, it is important that we focus on the safety of our children. On Wednesday, August 26th at 8:15 a.m. in the Hearing Room of 200 Orange Street, I will be discussing the essential role that school crossing guards play in ensuring the safety of our youth.

Back to School Rally

The New Haven Public Schools will be hosting a Back to School Rally for kids and parents at the New Haven Athletic Center, 480 Sherman Parkway on August 29th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At this event, various government agencies and community organizations will be handing out information and answering questions about their services. There will also be food, fun activities and giveaways!

Mayor’s Night In

On the first Tuesday of every month, I hold Mayor’s Night In at City Hall. This event is an opportunity for residents to meet with me to discuss you your questions, concerns, and suggestions for our City. I encourage residents to stop by Tuesday, September 1st at 5 p.m.

Police Department Promotional Ceremony

Join me on September 2nd at Nathan Hale School to celebrate captain, lieutenant, sergeant and detective promotions. The promotional ceremony will begin at 5 p.m.

Mayor’s Green Tip

Do you drive at 70 mph or more on the highway? Reducing your speed to 55 mph from 70 mph could not only reduce accidents, but increase your fuel efficiency by 23 percent.

Congratulations to the New Haven Age Group Track Club

The New Haven Age Group Track Club recently completed its outdoor season by competing in the 2009 Junior Olympic National Track and Field Championship in North Carolina. Seven of the athletes showcased elite performances and earned 2009 All American Status by finishing in the top 8 of their event within their respective age divisions.

Is someone you know interested in receiving the Mayor's Monday Message? To join this list, please send your name and email address to: jmayorga@newhavenct.net. An opportunity may exist down the line to receive messages specific to your neighborhood. For this purpose, in your email, please tell us what ward you live in.

The Mayor's Monday Message list is not shared with any outside groups and is used solely for the purpose of delivering timely information about issues and events in the City from the Mayor's office to your inbox.

I hope you have a happy and healthy week!

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor

Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660

[8/23/2009]