051619
The week in photos – May 16, 2019
Around Town
10th banquet
Westies Care, Inc., a recognized 501 (c) 3 charity is hosting its 10th Dinner, velebrating Education and Community on Sunday, May 19 at 5 at the Cielo Ballroom, 85 Chase Lane. The Class of 2019 includes Person Of The Year – John Lewis; Lifetime Community Service Awards will be given to Kathryn Gregory, Diane Milano, Teddi McKenna, Hilary Brentson, Paul Bronson and Paul Defonzo. The D’Andrea Group will be honored for Outstanding Leadership in Business. Student Honorees will be West Haven High School — Miranda Burrows, Hannah Coppola, Olivia Coppola, LeAnna Corvera, Emily Cummings, Olivia Hauer, Daniella Occhineri, Keegan Riccio, Skylar Serenson, Riley Waterfield. Notre Dame — David Anania, Drew Borer, Vincent Lacobelle. ESUMS: Trey Lewis and Diego Rosete. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or donate a raffle prize, contact Phil Liscio, (203) 494-6021, phil.liscio@westiescare.org.
Garden Clubs
Bradley Point Garden Club of West Haven will hold its monthly luncheon followed by a craft workshop at noon on Tuesday, May 21, in the lower level of Ora Mason Library, 260 Benham Hill Road. New members are always welcome. Call Marie at (203) 878-8428.
Caregivers Workshops
The Agency on Aging of South Central CT is sponsoring a self-care education program for family caregivers, designed to provide you with tools and strategies to better handle the unique challenges you face. The free workshop series consists of six sessions held on Tuesdays, 1-3:30, April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, held at the Agency on Aging of SCC at 117 Washington Ave, Suite 17, North Haven.
To register call or e-mail Jan Simmons at (203) 785-8533 x. 3162, jsimmons@aoascc.org. You can also register online at: www.aoascc.org/forms/ptc/.
Senior Center trips
Join the West Haven Senior Center for the following trip:
Wednesday, June 12 – The Good Speed Opera House “The Music Man” $99 per person enjoy lunch at the Gelston House, American bistro just steps from the Goodspeed. Bus leaves Savin Rock Conference Center 10 a.m. Departs Goodspeed approximately at 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31– The Westchester Broadway Theatre “On Your Feet” enjoy lunch at the theatre before the show Cost $90 Bus leaves Savin Rock Conference Center 9 a.m. Departs Westchester approximately at 3:45 p.m.
A flyer with further details is available at the office at the West Haven Senior Center 201 Noble St. or you can call the Senior Center (203) 937-3507.
Al-Anon group
An Al-Anon meeting group invites new members to attend its weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church, 52 George St. For information and details, call (203) 506-1464.
Student Loans
The Seth Haley Memorial Loan Fund of West Haven provides eligible college students with loans of up to $2500 to help students finish their post high school education.
Applicants must be West Haven residents who have completed two or more years of college or post-secondary work or be in their final two years of advanced work. Any West Haven resident attending college or a post high school professional, technical or trade school can be eligible for a loan. Repayments do not begin, and no interest will be charged until one year after graduation. If you are interested in making an application for a loan, please Gert Beckwith at (203) 934-6921, or Ralph Lawson, (203) 934-6442
Wizards celebrate Yankee crown
The West Haven Wizards swim team celebrated its first-ever undefeated season and undisputed league championship with a banquet on Sunday April 28. This year’s team was comprised of more than 150 swimmers in five different age groups. Swimmers were recognized for growth and improvement throughout the season, excellence in individual strokes, strong technique, versatility and team spirit.
The Heart of Gold Award is given to swimmers that exemplify the “gold standard” for outstanding commitment, effort and attitude. This year’s Heart of Gold recipients are: Anna Piskura, Aarya Mulmi, AJ Meglio, Olivia DeLauir, Khando Dorjee, Erin Morton, Lucas Vital, Sidra Barry, Kaelyn Falanga, Kaleigh Morton, Macie Rascoll, Morgan Falanga and Hannah Rascoll.
The Junior and Senior Coaches Awards are the oldest in the team’s history with the Senior Coaches Award dating back to 1979. The Coaches Awards recognize swimmers for excellence in and out of the pool. Each recipient must show exemplary sportsmanship, citizenship, team leadership, commitment, respect, excellence in swimming and they must show a strong drive for personal and team success. The recipients must also qualify for Yankee League Championships. This year’s girls’ junior winner is Macie Rascoll. The senior award was given to Morgan Falanga. The boys junior award was given to Lucas Vital.
Since the Wizards starting keeping team records after the 2004-2005 season, they have served as both a point of conversation and goal for the swimmers. These records show how the Wizards continue to improve as record after record fall each year. This year six new records were set: Collin Charron set a new record for the boys 11/12 50-yard backstroke, and Anya Celmer set new records in girls 15 and over 100-yard freestyle, 100-yard butterfly, 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard backstroke and the 50-yard freestyle.
This year’s only graduating senior is Anya Celmer, Anya takes her swimming career to the next level at Southern Connecticut State University in the fall.
Registration for Spring Wizards is still available. For more information on the West Haven Wizards please visit our website at www.westhavenwizards.org.
U-14 boys top Seymour in soccer
The sun was shining on Saturday as the West Haven Youth Soccer League kicked off Week 2 of its spring season. On Friday night, the Elite Soccer Camps U-12 Lightning Travel team played the first of two games, traveling to Southington. The Lightning lost, 7-4, against a tough and skilled Southington team, but battled hard. Llyanna Griffith-Waite picked up a second half hat trick, and Annabelle Pasacreta and Sophie Mazuroski played well on defense. Etta Funke worked to keep the pressure on Southington late in the game, and Taylor Guarino and Aylin Soto strung passes together from the midfield. On Saturday, the Lightning hosted Meriden in another physically tough match-up. The two teams traded goals back and forth, with the game ending 2-2. Jaylyn Powell opened the scoring in the first half, with a right-footed rocket from outside the penalty area. Cashlin O’Neill had several stellar saves for the Lightning, and Alex Nunes and Ciara Harp both created several good chances for the Westies in the second half. Chloe Whelan played an excellent game anchoring the defense, aided by the excellent play of Niamh Chesson who shut down her side of the field to Meriden attacks.
The Elite Soccer Camps U-14 girls team hosted Milford Friday night. The Westies were short-handed, and had problems holding of the Milford attacks, suffering their first loss of the season, 4-0. Abigail Phelan played a strong game on the wing, as Ariana Izzo forced the Milford goalkeeper to make several big stops. Camryn Flaherty gave everything she had at outside back, getting fouled often by the aggressive play of Milford. Olivia Trenchard, Ava Murphy and Melissa Tsakonas played well in the center of the midfield for West Haven.
The U-11 boys took to the road to face Guilford this past Saturday. It was the team’s first game due to a very rainy start of the season. Guilford got off to an early 1-0 lead with a goal that got past West Haven keeper Rafi Treat. The West Haven defense was still trying to find a good rhythm when Guilford found the back of the net again to make it 2-0. The Westies started to move the ball a little better when Sean Studley found Pedro Furtado through the middle of the field and Furtado released a blistering shot high into the back of the net. Matt Panton, Efrain Brown, and Leo Mazuroski played well defensively, while Johnathan Forbes-Wolfe, Pacey Larka, Nate Charron, and Mahmet Aciker provided support in the midfield. Maicon Miguel played goalie the second half of the game and he made some great saves, but Guilford’s passing proved to be the game changer as they netted a few more goals and the Westies dropped their first league game, 5-1.
The U-14 boys finally opened the season this past Saturday hosting WHIT rival Seymour in a league game at Duffy Field. The Westies came out on top, 6-2. West Haven came out strong and controlled the pace of the game from the start. Sebastian Treat and Collin Charron closed down the middle of the field, only allowing Seymour’s offensive attack, led by Justin Zwolinski, a few opportunities to goal. The defensive support gave first-time goalkeeper Yahzeel Beyley a relatively quiet game. Beyley was called up from the U-12 squad and immediately adjusted well to the bigger pitch and players.
West Haven scored first as Bryan Fernandes placed a beautiful cross from Robert Foley in the back of the net. Rafael Gazcon scored West Haven’s second goal as Giancarlo Esquivel provided the assist on the goal. Maurizio Urriola finished off the scoring in the first half with an assist from Gazcon. Seymour found the back of the net once in the first half to keep them in the game. The second half was all West Haven as they moved the ball quickly and didn’t allow Seymore time and space with the ball. Andrew Bello scored an unassisted goal as West Haven began to pull away with the lead. Zachary Guy scored on a well-placed pass from Urriola. Fernandes scored his second goal from a long cross from Esquivel. Michael Luth, Sean Callahan, David Smith and Hamidou Timera all played a great game keeping Seymour’s attack from scoring and confidentially playing the ball from the back beginning many of the offensive attacks.
On Saturday night at West Haven High School the U=19 boys played a second-round Connecticut Cup game against New Fairfield. The Westies came out on fire scoring four goals in the first twelve minutes of the match. Danny Morales, Holden Axelrod and Derick Meza each scored two, and Shamar Kingston got a hat trick. Brian Rivedera and Ty Reeves provided two assists a piece in the 10-4 win. West Haven now has advanced to the quarterfinals and will see action again on June 1.
The Keenan Funeral Home Yellow Jackets took home the win Saturday against Shoreline Wellness Green Leafs in a 5-0 final. Madison Gargiulo picked up two goals, while Camilla Murphy, Kayci Gayle and Lexi Lucas each added one. Alivia Reilly and Kaylee Pellino showed a strong game in net, Cristel Miguel played well in the game. For the Green Leafs, Viviana Cuevas played strong in the goal for the second half and didn’t give up any goals and Vrinda Patel played hard and strong in midfield.The Gunning Law Firm Grey Sharks lost to Capetta’s Italian Imports, 3-0, but a strong game was played by Chelsea Hernandez on defense and Sophia Empric at midfield. Lynnie Chesson played well in goal stopping several tough shots and Lulu Sebas also showed good hustle.
The West Haven Police Local 895 Yellow Flash played WH Professional Fire Fighters Red Alerts, with the Yellow Flash coming out on top, 8-3. Jacob Colon picked up his first hat trick, and Jeshrun Polington scored and made some excellent throw ins. Julian Esposito scored as well in the win. The Elite Soccer Camps Blue Sharks won against the Jason Ranalli Grey Ghosts, 10-5. Ben Trenchard, Matteo D’Elia, and Ryan Abekah all picked up multiple goals, while Jax Guarino made some good passes, while Michael and Mikalyah Sierra, Emmet Hemming, Andrew Hulse and Lorenzo Daniele showed their growing skills. The Penguins lost a close game to the Hurricanes, 6-4. Chloe Morris made some good passes, while Emma Shuckerow played strong defense. Keily Apolo had a few good scoring chances and Tariya Issac played a good game.
The P & B Express Green Gators showed strong defense and offense which led to a victory over Milano & Wanat, 3-0. The defense was led by Andrew Collazo and Jan-David Latorre. The offensive side was led by Rida Saanon with one goal and Alex Lima-Cortes, who found the back of the net twice. Gunning Law Firm lost a close game to Frank Agvent Plumbing and Heating, 3-0. Victor Magana Preciado had many nice saves in the game and kept the score close. George Ellis Company, Inc. tied 2-2 against Sweet Relief Catering. The game was back and forth with both defenses and goalies stopping repeated attacks. George Ellis took a 1-0 lead with a goal from Aldair Saucedo, but the game was quickly tied afterward. Victor Smith III and Noah Rader stopped repeated shots from the opponent, and midway in the 2nd half Matthew David scored a goal from just inside the box giving George Ellis the lead. The game was quickly tied by Sweet Relief Catering and ended up in a well-played 2-2 tie. For Sweet Relief Catering, Junior Saguero played excellent in goal, and great defense was played by Dante Grammatico and Lucas Aronson. Elijah and Gregory Reddick also played well in the field.
Nick’s Luncheonette won a good game against Gunning Law Firm, 6-3. Dylan Narvaez Ramos did a great job dribbling, while Mason Panton and Andrew Loehn played strong defense. The Stars Ice Cream Golden Dragons defeated West Shore Family Dental, 6-2. Gabe Greengas, Eddie Fagnini, Chase Watson, Ryan Walsh and Charles Sutton all scored, while a great defensive effort was put forth by Christopher Glynn. The Cappetta’s Italian Imports Polar Bears fought a tough game against Top Hat Dance Academy falling, 8-5. Kiley McCoart played a strong game on defense. Giada Jimenez, Luciana Cappetta, and Olivia Petrie all scored for the Polar Bears. The Porto Funeral Home Green Dragons played the Oyster River Energy Tidal Waves winning, 5-4. Jeremy Salas played well overall. Jackson Schoeman and Mohammed Lamkhantar played excellent defensively and each had a goal for the Green Dragons.
The WH Federation of Teachers Local 1542 Mini Blueberries lost to the WH Italian -American Civic Assn, 7-5. The Mini Blueberries came from behind with the help on offense from Harper Golde. Josylyn Davila stopped multiple goals on defense. Anessa Worrell took opportunities to keep pressure on the opposing defenders and found the back of the net. It was a close game as the Blueberries improved this week. The Bar Code Blue Bruisers lost, 4-0 to Stars Ice Cream. Hudiner Sahin displayed her skills by playing a strong defense. Eliana Centeno-Galdamez was very versatile, playing offensive and defensive positions to help her team wherever they needed it. Alanis Nieves held her own in midfield despite her smaller physique, showing size doesn’t matter as she did well applying pressure to her opponents. The Rock House School of Music Rockers lost a close game this weekend, 4-3. Sarah Davey played keeper in the first half and had a few great saves, Natalie Rivas contributed from left back, getting up field to join the attack, as did Sofia Lora.
Westie Blue In Touch
The biggest test of the year for the West Haven softball team did not have to wait for the postseason. One game after losing their first contest of the year, the Westies rebounded with a 6-3 victory over East Haven Friday evening at Biondi Field in West Haven.
With the victory, West Haven improved to 16-1 on the year.
Dianesse Rodriguez led West Haven with two hits and two runs scored, Morgan Peryer had one hit and drove in three runs, while Ivy Santos had one hit, scored one run and drove in a run as well.
Santos went the distance, allowing four hits and two earned runs, while walking five and striking out nine.
The Westies took a 3-0 lead in the second inning, then increased the margin to 6-2 in the fourth.
Santos gave West Haven a 1-0 lead with a long homer to left to start the second, before Kasey Marron walked, Rodriguez singled, and both advanced on a sacrifice by Paige Beurer. Peryer then came up with the big hit as her two-out single scored a pair for a 3-0 advantage.
After East Haven scored twice in the third, the Westies added three more runs in the fourth.
Rodriguez led off with a single to left, Beurer singled to center, and Neve Krajcir grounded out to score Rodriguez. Peryer then delivered Beurer with a fly ball to left, and Ashlynn O’Keefe later scored on an error.
The win came after West Haven’s 15-game winning streak to start the season came to an end. After the long run of victories, the Westies were finally sent to defeat.
Just four days after rallying to defeat Hand in Madison, the Westies could not muster the same comeback as they fell to the Tigers 4-1 at Biondi Field in West Haven Wednesday evening.
West Haven had eight hits in the game, but could not come up with the clutch hit. West Haven also made two errors, leading to a pair of unearned runs.
Santos went the distance, allowing eight hits and two earned runs, while striking out nine and walking three. Veronica Lynn and Kailey Carrano led the offense with two hits apiece, with Lynn driving in West Haven’s lone run.
Hand never trailed in the contest, taking a 1-0 lead in the first, and increasing the lead to a pair of runs in the third. After Lynn drove in Peryer with West Haven’s only run in the third, Hand scored single runs in the fourth and seventh innings to put the game away.
West Haven had a big inning brewing in the first as O’Keefe, Lynn and Carrano hit one-out singles to load the bases, but Hand got a double play ball to end the frame.
Trailing 2-0, West Haven cut the deficit in half in the third as Peryer led off with a single and moved to third on a grounder to first. Lynn grounded to second to score Peryer and get West Haven within 2-1.
Carrano followed with a double, but Hand again escaped without further damage. The Tigers did the same in the fourth, stranding Kasey Marron at third.
West Haven remained undefeated on the season in what seemed to be a fitting way. Not only did the Westies improve to 15-0 with an identical 15-0 blanking of Hillhouse, the Westies did it in perfect style as Santos and Krajcir needed just 49 pitches to toss a perfect game in a contest stopped due to the mercy rule.
Santos went the first four innings, needing just 35 pitches to strike out eight of the 12 batters she faced. Santos threw 30 of her 35 pitches for strikes.
Krajcir followed with an inning of perfect relief, striking out all three batters on 14 pitches, 12 of which were strikes.
Offensively, Peryer led a 12-hit attack with three hits and four runs scored, while Lynn had a pair of hits and four runs batted in, and Marron had two hits and scored a run.
The Westies led 1-0 after one, 4-0 after two, and blew the game open with nine runs in the fifth inning.
Peryer led off the game with a single, moved to second on a fielder’s choice by Lynn and scored when Santos walked with the bases loaded.
The Westies increased the lead to 4-0 in the second as Rodriguez led off with a walk, and Gigi Perkins and Peryer followed suit. O’Keefe singled to center to score a pair, and Carrano walked with the bases loaded for a 4-0 advantage.
Perkins singled to score Marron in the third, before West Haven erupted in the fifth. Lynn hit a two-run single for an 8-0 lead, Santos tripled in two more for a 10-0 advantage, and Krajcir increased the lead to 11-0 with a single to left to score Santos. Lynn added another 2-run single for a 14-0 lead.
ND bookends wins
The Notre Dame spring sports teams entered the final week of regular season play as their seasons quickly head into post-season mode. Yes, the springs sports season goes that fast!
Baseball — The baseball team split the weekend with bookend wins in one-run decisions. The week started with a big Jack Milone effort as he drive in four runs on a home run and game-winning single in an 8-7 come-from-behind win at East Haven. Milone’s single in the sixth inning capped a 5-run rally after trailing, 7-3. The win over East Haven clinched the division title and SCC Tournament berth. Notre Dame edged West Haven, 2-1, to earn a split of the week on Friday, on a Zach Peters pitching gem. In between, the Green Knights lost, 6-5, to Sheehan and, 9-6, to Law. The squad concludes its regular season with a three-game week, highlighted by a 7 p.m. Senior Night Game against Amity at Quigley Stadium on Friday.
Golf — The golf team had a successful week, getting a pair of wins and placing third in the Avon Invitational. Tommy Rosati paved the way as the Green Knights low man in all three matches. In a 10-shot loss to Fairfield Prep, Rosati fired a 4-over 40 and followed that up with a 1-over 37 in a sweep of Sheehan and North Haven at The Farms CC. He saved his best for last as he carded a 2-under 68 to earn medalist honors at the 20-team event in Avon. Notre Dame shot a 306 and only finished behind host Avon and Simsbury. Jake Ivan-Pal added a 78, Jon Bushka a 79 and Ryan Hayes an 81.
Lacrosse — The lacrosse team ran its win streak to five games in a 10-5 win at Berlin to start the week before suffering a tough 4-3 less to Hand as the Green Knights split the week. Against Berlin, Notre Dame led, 6-2, at halftime. Berlin then scored the only three goals in the third quarter to pull within 6-5. Notre Dame’s offense responded, scoring four goals over the final six minutes of the game to get a key road win.
Defense ruled the day when Hand came to Veterans Field on May 8. Notre Dame jumped out in front 2-0 on a pair of Michael Card goals only to see Hand score once in each quarter to take a 4-2 lead. Alex Hird scored with just over two minutes left but the Green Knights could not get the equalizer in a 4-3 loss.
Tennis — The tennis team captured wins at the first two doubles positions but couldn’t muster another win as North Haven emerged victorious, 5-2, in a match played at the UNH Courts on May 7. The doubles wins came courtesy of Brendan Canning and Pranav Kuraganti, who won their match, 8-5. Jack Jannitto and Justin Pollio also won their match by the same score. Notre Dame lost its other match of the week, 7-0, to Fairfield Prep on May 6.
Track — The track team swept its final meet of the regular season to run, jump, and throw its regular season record to 10-1. They have been undefeated since a season-opening loss to Xavier. In a sweep of West Haven and Branford on May 7 at the WHHS track, the Green Knights beat Branford, 99.5-50.5 and West Haven, 139-11. Notre Dame started its postseason meets with the SCC West Sectional on May 15, 2019 at Bowen Field.
You can get all the latest athletic news, scores, and more by following @NDWHAthletics on Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope while frieNDing the @NDWHAthletics Facebook group.
Westies bounce back after defeat
The West Haven softball team visited the Hillhouse Academics on Tuesday afternoon and improved to 15-0 with a 15-0 victory. Ivy Santos and Neve Krajcir combined to throw a perfect game, mercy-rule shortened, 5-inning win. Santos struck out eight while Krajcir struck out all three batters she faced. The Westies were slow out of the gate, leading 1-0 after one inning and 4-0 after two innings but pulled away with nine runs in the fifth inning. Morgan Peryer led the Blue Devils with three hits while Veronica Lynn had two hits and four RBIs.
On Wednesday evening at Biondi Field, the streak came to an end with a 4-1 loss to the Hand Tigers. Hand took a 1-0 lead in the first inning and added another in the third inning for a 2-0 lead. The Westies got a run back in the third when Veronica Lynn drove in Morgan Peryer, who led off with a single, to cut the lead in half but, the Tigers responded with a run in the fourth and another in the seventh to seal the Blue Devils fate and hand them their first loss of the season. Ivy Santos went the distance in the circle, allowing two, earned runs on eight hits while striking out nine Tigers.
On Friday evening, the girls were looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they hosted the East Haven Yellow Jackets. Ivy Santos pitched a complete game, allowing two, earned runs on four hits while striking out nine and also helped her own cause when she crushed a home run in the 6-3 victory. Santos got things going with a line-drive homer over the leftfield fence for a 1-0 lead in the second inning. After two walks and a Kasey Marron single, Morgan Peryer singled to bring in two runs for a 3-0 lead. The Easties responded with two runs in the top of the third to cut the lead to 3-2. The Blue Devils put up three, more runs in the fourth to put this one away.
This week, the Westies wrap up their regular season schedule and prepare for the postseason. The girls were scheduled to finish the season with home games against Amity on Monday, Guilford on Wednesday and Hillhouse on Friday at 6.
Needing to win three of its final six games, the West Haven baseball team has battled every game to get a chance to play in the postseason. On Monday evening, the Westies visited the Shelton Gaels and came up on the short end of a 9-5 decision. Down 4-0 in the third inning, the Blue Devils put up five runs to take the lead. Chris Cavallaro and Lorenzo Espinal opened the third with walks and Tyler Jones was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Dom Cambino doubled to clear the bases cutting the lead to 4-3, J.C. Contreras followed with another double to tie the game and then a Gianni Gambardella singled to score Contreras and give West Haven a 5-4 lead. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils that would be all the offense they could muster on the night and the Gaels rallied for four runs in the bottom of the inning and an insurance run in the sixth to defeat the Westies.
On Wednesday evening, the Westies hosted the Xavier Falcons and pushed the Falcons to extra innings but, Xavier pushed across four runs in the 8th inning to defeat the Blue Devils, 8-4.
On Friday afternoon, the Westies took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Notre Dame when Mike Boni hit a sacrifice fly to score Tyler Jones, who had singled earlier. Unfortunately for West Haven that would be the extent of its offense and the Green Knights pushed across two runs in the bottom of the second inning in the 2-1 defeat of the Blue Devils. Lorenzo Espinal did his best to keep the Knights off the board, allowing six hits.
The boys need to win three of their last four games to qualify for the postseason. They hosted Sheehan on Tuesday, O’Brien Tech on Wednesday and will host Wilbur Cross on Friday at 6:30 and East Haven on Monday at 6:30.
The boys’ lacrosse team was riding a seven-game, unbeaten streak coming into its game with the Branford Hornets on Wednesday evening at Ken Strong Stadium but, the Hornet offense was more than the Blue Devils could handle in a 16-2 defeat of the Westies. Branford scored six, first quarter goals to put West Haven away early. The Hornets added two, more in the second quarter before Justin Rivera got the boys on the board, assisted by Niko Kyle with 3:26 left in the half. Rivera got his second goal of the game with 41 seconds left in the third quarter and Kevin Moriarty did his best between the pipes, making 22 saves in the loss.
On Saturday morning, the Westies traveled to Stamford to take on the Westhill Vikings. Niko Kyle gave the Blue Devils a 2-0 lead with goals at 7:37 of the first quarter and again 22 seconds later, both assisted by Tyler Moscato. The Vikings responded with two goals before the end of the quarter to knot the game at 2-2. The Westies took a 5-2 lead on goals by Justin Rivera assisted by Moscato with 9:05 left in the second quarter, followed by Moscato assisted by Kyle 2:05 later and the Connor Fowler 1:24 after that assisted by Rivera. But, Westhill had an answer again scoring two goals before the half ended and then a goal with 8:32 left in the third quarter and another with 7:09 left in the game to take a 6-5 lead. Conner Fowler got his second of the game with 3:44 left, assisted by Charlie Miller but the Vikings scored 25 seconds later to seal the 7-6 defeat of West Haven. Kevin Moriarty made 28 saves between the pipes for West Haven.
This week, the boys wrapped up their regular season schedule with a road game at Amity on Monday and a home game versus the Sheehan Titans on Wednesday.
The girls’ lacrosse team hosted the Sheehan Titans on Monday evening at Ken Strong Stadium and the Titans had their way with the Westies in a 15-3 final. Sheehan scored the first seven goals and held a 7-0 with 12:54 left in the first half. Keegan Riccio finally got the Blue Devils on the board when she scored with 6:07 left in the half. The Westies got goals in the second half from Gianna Sliby and Nicole McKinney but it was not enough to overcome the Titans. Nicole Gaston made 17 saves in goal for West Haven.
On Thursday evening, the Westies hosted the Lauralton Hall Crusaders and fell by a score of 12-7. After the Crusaders had taken a 2-0 lead, CC Condon scored to cut the lead in half with 17:10 left in the first half. Lauralton responded scoring the next four goals to take a 6-1 lead. The Blue Devils rallied late in the half when Keegan Riccio scored with 4:17 left and then again with 1:58 left and then Nicole Gaston hit Mackenzie Gardner with a long pass and Gardner buried the shot to get the girls to within 6-4 with 57.6 seconds left in the half. Riccio added her third goal and Gardner added her second along with a goal by Taylor Nowak as the Blue Devils fell short. Gaston made 18 saves in net for the Westies.
The girls finish their season this week. They hosted the Lyman Hall Trojans on Monday and travel to Foran to face the Lions in their final game on Thursday at 6.
The boys’ tennis team opened its week with a trip to North Haven to face the Indians. The Westies could only manage to secure a win from Joseph Delgado, who was victorious by a score of 8-6, in a 6-1 loss.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Westies were defeated by the Shelton Gaels, 4-2. Delgado won in the one-seeded match, 8-7, 6-4, and Zach Kerzner won, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2. On Wednesday afternoon at the Painter Park Courts, the boys were swept, 7-0, by the undefeated Hand Tigers. On Thursday, the boys were swept by the Branford Hornets, 7-0.
This week, the boys finish their regular season schedule with three, home matches against Guilford on Monday, Platt Tech on Wednesday and Fairfield Prep on Thursday at 3:45.
The girls’ tennis opened its week with a 7-0 loss to Jonathan Law at Painter Park. On Wednesday afternoon, the Westies defeated the Yellow Jackets in East Haven, 6-1. Sofia Lora won, 6-1, 6-1, Skylar Serenson won, 6-1, 6-1, Kiara Walker won, 6-4, 6-3, and Savannah Lopez won, 6-3, 6-4, in singles action. In doubles play, Shea Clark/Ariana Nguyen won, 6-1, 6-0, and Maryn Lovallo/Megan Mendoza won, 6-3, 3-6, 10-8.
On Thursday afternoon, the Blue Devils hosted the Lyman Hall Trojans on their Senior Day but fell, 4-3. In singles play, Kiara Walker was victorious 6-3, 6-3, Skylar Serenson won, 6-0, 6-2, and the doubles team of Jennylee Malpica/Jasmine Brown won by forfeit after an injury to a Lyman Hall player.
This week, the girls wrapped up their regular season when they played at Branford on Monday and at Sacred Heart Academy on Wednesday.
Water safety program tonight at Carrigan MS
In conjunction with the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association, the American Red Cross and the Pool Safety Campaign, the Department of Parks and Recreation will hold its first water safety event from 5:30-7:30 tonight at the Carrigan Intermediate School pool, 2 Tetlow St.
The free event, open to the public, will feature games and activities focused on water safety; compression-only CPR instruction; how to use an automated external defibrillator; basic first aid; and basic rescue skills that can be done as a bystander.
Attendees will receive instruction on water safety and how to help someone in trouble. Participants will be encouraged to sign pledge cards promising their safety around water and designating a “water watcher” during activities involving water.
There will be light refreshments and fun giveaways. There will also be a free open swim for children and a free Aqua Zumba demonstration, as well as information about the Park-Rec swim team, the Wizards.
Registration is required for the event so the department can plan accordingly. Register for free at http://www.whparkrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29646. Parents must accompany their children; this is not a drop-off program.
Historian’s corner
First Church’s Earliest Ministers
Part I
First Church was established in 1719, and is celebrating its 300th birthday this year.
Eighteenth-century America was a deeply religious culture that lived self-consciously under the eye of heaven. Events were generally perceived by the colonists, not from their own viewpoint, but from God’s perspective. The colonists didn’t see themselves as a ragtag settlement of religious exiles, but as God’s special people.
Lacking all of today’s media, they turned instead to the church sermon; it was generally an hour and a half long, and was part prophet, newspaper, video, internet, community college and social therapist all rolled into one. By the time a colonist turned seventy, he would have listened to some 7000 sermons, totaling 10,000 hours; this is about the amount of lecture time a college student would need today to earn ten different undergraduate degrees, without ever repeating the same course! The colonists at First Church therefore habitually turned to their ministers for news, information and guidance.
The credit for this series goes to Steve Hildrich and the late Edward Chase, whose research and efforts will chronicle the lives and deeds of some of First Church’s earliest ministers:
1719-1722 — The Rev. Samuel Johnson (1696-1772) – He was raised a Congregationalist in Guilford and educated at the Congregational “Collegiate School” (renamed Yale). However, soon after being called as Minister at First Church, he announced his interest in the Episcopal Church, and resigned in 1722. He became an Episcopal minister in England, with degrees from Oxford and Cambridge, and returned to Connecticut as an Episcopal missionary. The first church he founded was the Episcopal Church here in West Haven! He later became the first President of what became Columbia University!
1725-1734 — The Rev. Jonathan Arnold (lost at sea 1739) – He also resigned to go to England to become an Episcopal minister. When he returned, he also served briefly at the Episcopal Church here in West Haven.
1738-1742 – The Rev. Timothy Allen (1715-1806) – Though educated at Yale, he was prone to itinerant preaching without a required license. He was however, called and ordained at First Church. He was an eloquent but controversial speaker influenced by the revival called the “Great Awakening,” whose proponents were known as the “New Lights.” His fervor, brashness, and imprudence antagonized not only members of First Church, but also ministers of the New Haven Association, which censured him in 1742, and members of First Church removed him. He later repented and his censure was repealed.
1742-1758 — The Rev. Nathan Birdseye (1714-1817) – Raised in Stratford and educated at Yale, he was called and ordained at First Church at 28 years old, the first actual Congregational minister to serve at First Church. He had an effective ministry and favored early religious training for youth. He resigned for family reasons to care for his late brother’s farm, but continued as a supply pastor in the Stratford area. He is said to have had a remarkable memory, died at 103, with 200 living descendants at that time.
1760-1811 — the Rev. Naschus (Noah) Williston (1734-1811) – Educated at Yale, he served as Headmaster of Hopkins Grammar School for three years before being called to pastor at First Church. The Rev. Dr. Boaz in his “History of First Church” said Rev. Williston “laid the spiritual foundation for our Church.” He was so friendly, caring, and of such exemplary conduct that he was deeply loved. He strongly supported religious training for children, meeting with them twice weekly. He was among the first to take missionary trips to Vermont, the first being a year before the Missionary Society of Connecticut was formed.
He preached two different sermons each Sunday at morning and afternoon services. He outlived 3 wives, the last being the aunt of the Rev. Lyman Beecher, who lived with them in West Haven for a year when he was 16. Beecher was the father of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” considered the most influential abolitionist book and the most influential American book of the 19th century. All this is in addition to his famous rescue by British Adjutant Campbell during the invasion of West Haven (and New Haven) on July 5, 1779.
Sires aids three groups in need
By Josh LaBella
Voice Reporter
Much of Carolyn Sires’s 30 years in physical therapy private practice has been spent helping the community. A Westie, she said she consolidated all her practices in the area to one location in her home city.
She said there are three communities she does charity work for: veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
“I learned so much from them,” said Sires. “From the veterans, I learned honor, integrity and pride. From the seniors, I learned wisdom. Wisdom enough not to make mistakes through their stories and their experiences. From the disabled I learned patience and humility and gratitude.”
Sires said she has treated active duty and military veterans with a whole range of injuries from loss of limbs to head trauma.
“Every veteran or active duty military I treated brought me closer to appreciating the country and appreciating their volunteerism,” said Sires. “To take a bullet for me. I just could not let this population go by the wayside. I had to do more and more for them.”
Sires said it was because of that belief that she got more involved in doing charity work for veterans. She said one way she is involved is by being a suicide prevention awareness advocate.
“It’s prevalent,” she said. “It’s needs to be stopped or it needs to be addressed.”
Sires said 22 veterans commit suicide a day on average. She questioned where the United States would be without its military, adding that they deserved to be taken care of during and after service.
“Because I am not courageous enough to volunteer frontline,” said Sires, “I will volunteer to take care of them when they need help.”
Sires said for eight years she has been a certified service dog trainer. She and 10-year-old yellow lab Blue have travelled across the country meeting with members of congress to lobby for service dogs for to be free for veterans who need them.
Senator Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro invited Blue and a few other service dogs to be their guests for the 2016 presidential inauguration. Sires said she has visited many state representatives and seven or eight members of congress in a year.
“We are incredibly well received,” said Sires. “They agree that service dogs, who used to be paid for by the government as a medical service devise, help [veterans]. There is enough study.”
According to Sires, service dogs were paid for by the federal government until 2012 when the funding ended. She said she is trying to get Congress to continue the program. She added that training service dogs costs around $30,000.
“It’s an expense,” said Sires, “but its life altering for them.”
For seniors, Sires said she teaches the population about Medicare fraud and scams and is a certified agent of the Agency on Aging. She said it is sad that there are so many seniors she has to counsel on fraud, waste and abuse.
She also said she helped fight and stop the Parkside Village Project, a housing development project in Branford that would have put 90 seniors out of a home.
“My passion for seniors is if, at the end of their lives, if we can’t find them a home, shame on us,” said Sires.
Sires also said she hosts events, classes and trips for seniors. She said what she does isn’t special.
“I’m not doing anything more spectacular than anybody else could do,” said Sires. “It’s just that I do it. There’s a lot of people out there who want to change the world. They always come to me and ask how they can. I tell them, ‘I’ll help you do it. But if you do it there is so much pride in doing it.’”