West Haven Voice

West Haven soccer player Anthony Vendrella takes his on-field actions seriously, but is just as goal-oriented when it comes to his performance in the classroom. The Westie was named to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association All-State Academic Team.

West Haven High School teacher Erin McCauley reinstituted a program that was on hiatus for a decade. The UConn program offers college credit to students, while studying locally. She is shown during the class, which is offered not only to in-person students, but also those who are opting to continue distance learning.

Scenes like this might be a thing of the past, but March is always a wild card month when it comes to weather. February proved to be a difficult month for snow, but the city seems to be within its expectations, budget-wise.

Susan Dupee receives a mayoral citation in honor of her 100th birthday from Louis P. Esposito Jr., the executive assistant to Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, left, and Councilman Robert Bruneau, D-9, during a celebration at the Hillside Avenue home of her daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Mike Pniewski, on Feb. 17. Dupee, who has lived most of her 100 years in West Haven, was recognized for “leading a remarkable life that is great in years and great in accomplishments.”

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, center, cuts the ceremonial ribbon with city leaders and the owners of La Catrina Restaurant and Cantina on Feb. 24 to celebrate the Mexican restaurant’s grand opening at 240 Captain Thomas Blvd. Top --Marking the event are, from left, Councilman William X. Conlon, D-2; owners Karen Sanchez Benitez and brothers Nicolas and Alberto Altamirano Escobedo; Councilman Gary Donovan, D-at large; City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath; city Treasurer Michael P. Last; and owner Carlos Perez, the brother-in-law of Nicolas and Alberto Altamirano Escobedo. Nicolas Altamirano Escobedo and Sanchez Benitez, who hail from Puebla, Mexico, and now live together in Hamden, chose the West Haven location, housed in the Savin Rock Plaza near the beach, because they “love the city.” Bott om -- The newly remodeled restaurant and bar is decorated with Spanish furnishings, knickknacks and murals and is accentuated by bright hues of the owners’ native Mexico. The striking theme of La Catrina is “Dia de los Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead,” the popular Mexican holiday that commemorates loved ones who have died. “La Catrina,” a female skeleton donning a dress hat with feathers, is the referential image of death in Mexico and is the symbol of Dia de los Muertos, observed Nov. 1-2.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, center, cuts the ceremonial ribbon with city leaders and the owners of La Catrina Restaurant and Cantina on Feb. 24 to celebrate the Mexican restaurant’s grand opening at 240 Captain Thomas Blvd. Top --Marking the event are, from left, Councilman William X. Conlon, D-2; owners Karen Sanchez Benitez and brothers Nicolas and Alberto Altamirano Escobedo; Councilman Gary Donovan, D-at large; City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath; city Treasurer Michael P. Last; and owner Carlos Perez, the brother-in-law of Nicolas and Alberto Altamirano Escobedo. Nicolas Altamirano Escobedo and Sanchez Benitez, who hail from Puebla, Mexico, and now live together in Hamden, chose the West Haven location, housed in the Savin Rock Plaza near the beach, because they “love the city.” Bott om -- The newly remodeled restaurant and bar is decorated with Spanish furnishings, knickknacks and murals and is accentuated by bright hues of the owners’ native Mexico. The striking theme of La Catrina is “Dia de los Muertos,” or “Day of the Dead,” the popular Mexican holiday that commemorates loved ones who have died. “La Catrina,” a female skeleton donning a dress hat with feathers, is the referential image of death in Mexico and is the symbol of Dia de los Muertos, observed Nov. 1-2.

Eli Blackwell drives against Amity in in a 67-41win.

Westies celebrate after Mike Madera's goal.