June is National Safety Month. I am asking all City residents to help us keep New Haven streets safe by responsibly sharing the road as pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Keeping with our Street Smarts campaign, I urge you to drive safely, report illegal vehicles to the New Haven Police Hotline at 946-6956 and wear helmets while riding a motorcycle or bicycle. Dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles and unregistered vehicles are illegal and can be reported to our anonymous hotline.

Here’s what’s happening in New Haven this week:

Pilot Pen Pep-Rally

On Tuesday, June 2nd at 3 p.m., the City of New Haven and Pilot Pen Tennis will be leading a pep-rally in honor of the New Haven students who will be competing in this year’s State Tennis Championship. This year, four New Haven students, all from Career High School, will be participating in the State Championship. Please join us at City Hall to wish these students good luck!

Mayor’s Night In

On Tuesday, June 2nd at 5 p.m., I will be hosting Mayor’s Night In. I encourage residents to stop by my office, where I will be available to answer questions and address any concerns you may have. The Mayor’s Office is located on the second floor of City Hall, 165 Church Street.

One Year Anniversary of Tragic Car Accident: Residents Encouraged to Come Forward with Information as Child Is Remembered

As part of the City’s ongoing Street Smarts campaign, there will be a press conference on Thursday, June 4th at 11 a.m. This event marks the first year anniversary of the untimely death of Gabrielle Lee, victim of a hit-and-run car accident. Officials will discuss the ongoing investigation of this tragic accident as well as recent traffic improvements that will help to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again. The press conference will be held at the corner of Whalley Avenue and Davis Street.

Summer 2009 Youth Guide

There are many opportunities available for young people throughout New Haven this summer. For an extensive listing, please visit: www.cityofnewhaven.com/communityservices.

New Haven Parks and Recreation Camp Guide 2009

The City of New Haven’s Parks and Recreation Department has a number of summer programs, camps and activities available for youth and the whole family. For more information please view the summer guide online at: www.cityofnewhaven.com/parks/recreation/summerprograms.

Explorers Program

The Explorers Program offers young men and women ages 15-20 the chance to experience law enforcement career opportunities. This exciting program for New Haven teens prepares young people with leadership training. For more information, contact Sergeant Ricardo Rodriguez at: 203-946-2888.

Green Tip

If you have central A/C, keep your outside unit in the shade. Plant trees or shrubs around the unit, but do not block airflow. Keeping your A/C unit in the shade can save 10% on your bill!

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 safe and healthy week!

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor

[5/31/2009]