Sandy Point Neighborhood Association Elects Officers

West Haven CT

30 November, 2021

12:04 PM

Description

Press release from Sandy Point Neighborhood Association: Nov. 30, 2021 The recently-formed Sandy Point Neighborhood Association has announced the election of its first set of Officers to oversee the group's activities for the coming year. It is also letting neighbors know there is still time to join the Association, be part of its committees or participate in neighborhood activities and events. The Association was initially formed during a neighborhood wide organizational meeting held earlier this year. The stated purpose of the Association is to help build networks of volunteers to improve communications and the quality of life in this neighborhood, located in the southeastern corner of this City. The Association's boundaries are: Washington Avenue on the west; First Avenue on the east; Beach Street on the south; and Brown Street on the north. Residents, property owners and businesses are welcome to join by visiting the Association's website, www.SandyPointNeighbors.Org Association President, Michelle Coletti, commented "I am very pleased to see the level of interest in improving our Sandy Point neighborhood and the willingness of so many neighbors to help build this organization. This is a waterfront neighborhood with great potential, and we are anxious to move forward in tapping and enhancing this potential. Working together, I believe we can make a huge difference." The Board of Directors recently elected the following officers to lead its efforts: PRESIDENT – Michelle Colletti of Third Avenue Extension. Michelle moved here last year with her partner, having been attracted by the area's natural waterfront, history, quality architecture, and its Bird Sanctuary. Professionally, Michelle is a Director of Development for a company that has development projects in the broader Washington DC and New York City metropolitan areas. VICE-PRESIDENT -- Kathie Hebert of Blohm Street. Kathie has lived in West Haven for over 17 years with her husband. She is a retired Registered Nurse and has been actively involved in numerous organizations improving this City, including the West River Watershed Coalition, the Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary, and the Native Planting Initiative. She will soon be also serving on the West Haven Public Land Trust. TREASURER -- Peter O'Neill of Second Avenue. Having lived on Second Avenue with his wife for over 30 years, Peter has past experience in Information Technology in the Health Industry and is currently a network engineering consultant. He currently serves on the West Haven Water Pollution Control Commission and served in the past on the Board of Directors of the West Haven Community House. He is excited about the Association and the positive changes occurring in the neighborhood. SECRETARY -- Dave Killeen of Second Avenue. Dave lives with his partner on Second Avenue, which he has called home for almost 14 years. Dave is now retired, having served as a professional planner in five Connecticut communities, including 4 years of service to the City of West Haven. He has been Co-Chair of the West Haven Beautification Committee in the past, and he has been an active volunteer in the Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary. In order to involve as many residents as possible, organizers mailed post card invitations to all households within the neighborhood boundaries to make them aware of the September 18 organizational meeting. At the time, over 40 interested neighbors showed up to support the formation of the Association by endorsing its proposed Bylaws and voting to elect the seven members of its Board of Directors. That Board, in addition to the officers noted above, include: Georgianna Jette of Anderson Avenue. Georgianna has been a lifelong West Haven resident. She is now retired, having worked for 44 years as a teacher in the Milford school system. Since 2013, she has been instrumental in securing grants and working with Audubon Connecticut to spearhead the establishment of the Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary. Thomas Green of Second Avenue. Tommy has lived here with his wife for almost five years. He has over 25 years of experience in the residential and commercial roofing industry. Tommy has a great respect for the natural ecosystem of Sandy Point and is passionate about protecting it and building the Sandy Point Neighborhood Association as a responsible grassroots organization. Donna Spiegelman of Beach Street. Donna moved here about a year ago, attracted by the City's amazing waterfront and beautiful walks right outside of her door. She is interested in traffic calming, noise control and improved water quality for the Sandy Point neighborhood. Having lived in Massachusetts for over 40 years, she comes from Stamford originally. Professionally, she is currently on the faculty of the Yale School of Public Health. To help get things started, the Association is now in the process of forming various committees to help improve the neighborhood in the following areas: Neighborhood Safety and Quality of Life Committee, which will address such issues as traffic hazards, block watches and illegal dumping Beautification Committee which will explore opportunities for improving the appearance of the neighborhood by promoting new gardens and planting areas and organizing area clean ups. Events Committee, which will plan neighborhood activities and social events, such as holiday celebrations, film nights, etc. Publicity and Membership Committee, which will publicize the group's activities through the news and social media and seek to increase membership. Helping Hands Committee, which will help identify individuals and families in need of support within the neighborhood and plan activities to help them out, e.g. an elderly household that needs yard work or house work done to assist them. Ecology/Environment Committee, which will help to focus attention on efforts that can be taken to support the continued health of this unique natural waterfront area. If you or someone you know may be interested in getting involved in this organization, please contact any of the Board members listed above or visit the Association website at www.sandypointneighbors.org. This press release was produced by Sandy Point Neighborhood Association. The views expressed here are the author's own.