West Haven Voice

Mayoral Executive Assistant Lou Esposito holds the microphone for Matthew McCann, 5, as he recites the Pledge of Allegiance. Looking on are Matthew’s grandmother, Florence Stoeber, and state Rep. Charles J. Ferraro, R-117.

West Haven High School sophomore Nora Mullins sings the national anthem.

Two members of the VFW salute during the ceremony. Several dozen people braved the cold temperatures and whipping wind to attend the annual event.

Representing the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Florence Stoeber, wife of the late Jack Stoeber, a Navy veteran of Pearl Harbor and Iwo Jima, reads the names of the 18 Connecticut servicemen who died during the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

West Haven Veterans Council President Dave Ricci salutes after laying a wreath at the base of the granite William A. Soderman Memorial on the Veterans Walk of Honor in Bradley Point Park during the council’s annual observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Friday.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal speaks to the large crowd that gathered Dec. 2 to pay tribute to three city residents who died in the sinking of the HMT Rohna, in November 1943. The story of the three West Haven High School buddies, all assigned to the same unit was found accidentally, when a cache of memorabilia was being catalogued. The find has since brought to light a story that was kept hidden by the federal government for more than half a century.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, fourth from back left, joins members of the West Haven Silver Sneakers, a group of fitness enthusiasts 55 and older, at their holiday party Dec. 4 at the Physicians Physical Therapy & Sports Complex, 544 Campbell Ave. Carolyn Sires, owner of the complex, thanked the workout group for spending two weekends helping her decorate her business’s windows for the holidays.

Forest School was named a Blue Ribbon School by the Dept. of Education in 2018.

Milt Cochran and Peggy Mursko Cochran as a young couple.

The grave of Milton Cochran, USMC, at Arlington Cemetery.

St. Lawrence School recently celebrated its Students of the Month for November, 2018 in a ceremony held at the school. The students were honored for their academics and achievements in the classroom. Each student was awarded a pin and certificate, and they, along with their parents, were invited to have breakfast with the Pastor, the Rev. Jose Mercado and Principal Paul DeFonzo. Pictured from left to right: Front row -- Jeffrey Pamplona, grade 4; Sophia Clini, kindergarten. Middle row -- Demari Foster, grade 1; Laurelyn Chesson, grade 3; and Mia Miraldi, grade 2. Back row -- DeFonzo; Jovan Lakaj, grade 5; Olivia Antoine, grade 6; and Gabriella Vitale, grade 7, Fr. Mercado. Missing from photo is Ralph Touissant, grade 8.

The West Haven/Sacred Heart Sharks came to play last season, recording the best record in the history of the program. Last year the team knotched 18 wins before being ousted from the state tournament by New Canaan in the quarterfinals of the state tournament. The team is looking to prove it was no fluke in 2017-1918, and is looking forward to the beginning of the new hockey season.

Nathan Charron of the Hoyas tries to pry the ball loose during action at the Bailey Gym last week.

Isabelle Fiorillo and Camryn Gibson chase the ball in last Saturday’s contest at Edith Mackrille Gym. The winter sports season is in full swing with youth basketball leagues in the midst of the regular season.

It was everyone toward the ball during Fundamental League Action last week. The winter sports season is in full swing with teams setting into the regular schedule.