The week in photos – April 3, 2025

Students in WHHS art classes performed what has become a traditional rite of spring with the senior class painting the monolith that now sits before the entrance of Frank Fitzgerald Athletic Complex. Originally located in the courtyard of the old high school, the rock was moved to its present location. Over the last decade or so, the tradition began for the outgoing class to make its mark by painting the rock. The Class of 2025 will grace the site until the current junior class has its turn.

Students in WHHS art classes performed what has become a traditional rite of spring with the senior class painting the monolith that now sits before the entrance of Frank Fitzgerald Athletic Complex. Originally located in the courtyard of the old high school, the rock was moved to its present location. Over the last decade or so, the tradition began for the outgoing class to make its mark by painting the rock. The Class of 2025 will grace the site until the current junior class has its turn.

Students in WHHS art classes performed what has become a traditional rite of spring with the senior class painting the monolith that now sits before the entrance of Frank Fitzgerald Athletic Complex. Originally located in the courtyard of the old high school, the rock was moved to its present location. Over the last decade or so, the tradition began for the outgoing class to make its mark by painting the rock. The Class of 2025 will grace the site until the current junior class has its turn.

Students in WHHS art classes performed what has become a traditional rite of spring with the senior class painting the monolith that now sits before the entrance of Frank Fitzgerald Athletic Complex. Originally located in the courtyard of the old high school, the rock was moved to its present location. Over the last decade or so, the tradition began for the outgoing class to make its mark by painting the rock. The Class of 2025 will grace the site until the current junior class has its turn.

Mayor Dorinda Borer, back, and mayor’s office volunteer Beth Sabo on March 26 stand with members of West Haven Vietnam Veterans under a City Hall banner commemorating National Vietnam War Veterans Day. With Borer and Sabo are, from left, member Howie Thomas, Vice President Al Beck Sr., President Dave Ricci, and members Mark Levine and Paul Anderson. Vietnam War Veterans Day recognizes those who served in the U.S. armed forces in the Vietnam War. It is observed annually on March 29. The observance also marked the end of the West Haven veterans group’s 19-month poster series on the Vietnam War. The series kicked off at City Hall in September 2023 and chronicled nearly every aspect of the war.

The Golden Rod, #34 Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, installed Joanne DeVoe as Worthy Matron and Bruce Bellmore as Worthy Patron at the organization’s annual rites last week at Annawon Lodge. From left to right are DeVoe, past Connecticut State Grand Patron William K. Barr and Bellmore

Members of the Thursday Book Club recently celebrated the first anniversary of the group. For more information about this and other programs, call (203) 937-4233.

Paige Kenney (Wednesday) and Nick Console (Pugsley) in the performance of The Addams Family.

The Addams Family

The cast and crew of the WHHSTW production of The Addams Family.

Nina Hodgins (Grandma) in the performance of The Addams Family.

Carmella Ruiz (Morticia) lectures Devont'e Campbell (Gomez) in The Addams Family.

Holden Branham plays Uncle Fester in The Addams Family.

Mayor Dorinda Borer, left, cuts the ribbon with, from left, Quality Inn owners Kiran and Vanita Patel and Pete and Keyuri Patel to celebrate the hotel’s grand opening at 7 Kimberly Ave. on March 26. Joining the ribbon-cutting are Simon McDonald, the director of membership and marketing at the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, and West Haven Economic Development Director Steve Fontana. The afternoon ceremony was also marked by chamber President and CEO Michael Moses and chamber board members Robert Creigh and Erin Eberhardt, the owner of West Shore Associates of West Haven. The chamber-organized event featured welcoming remarks by Borer, McDonald and the Patels, who said they invested $2 million into renovating the former Super 8 motel into a new Quality Inn hotel with modern amenities. Among the renovations are a new roof, siding and windows, as well as new rooms. The two-story hotel is located off Interstate 95 and is tucked away on Kimberly Avenue near City Point Yacht Club and the Officer Robert Vincent Fumiatti Memorial Bridge, which connects West Haven and New Haven.

Bailey Middle School eighth graders accompany city department heads at City Hall for a shadow day as part of Mayor Dorinda Borer’s Student Leadership Program on March 19. From left: Victoria Castellanos-Renderos with Corporation Counsel Paul J. Dorsi; Ava Robison and Kailyn Kinman with City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown Chief Michael R. Terenzio; Borer; acting Public Works Commissioner Robert Sandella; Kailyn Kinman with West Haven Fire Department Chief James P. O’Brien; Sophia Amato, who shadowed Sandella; West Shore Fire Department Chief Rafael Zayas; Chenrick Dedungpa, who shadowed Police Chief Joseph S. Perno, not pictured; and Juan Orrego, who shadowed marketing content specialist Elizabeth Conte, not pictured. The other participating students were Margarita Maria Buren, who shadowed the mayor, and Brendan Tucker, who shadowed a fire chief. Borer called the program “a wonderful opportunity” for eighth graders to step into department heads’ roles and learn about the importance of their work. “This initiative is part of our outreach to inspire young minds and give them a unique perspective on local government,” the mayor said. For the program, Borer invited students to submit essays for an opportunity to “work” in department heads’ positions for the day. The mayor called the essays “impressive” and thanked teacher Dina Jones for helping to coordinate them. Borer asked department heads to “inspire, educate and engage” students by sharing their passion for what they do, including daily responsibilities, and how it impacts the city. The department heads also involved the students in hands-on tasks or decision-making to give them a memorable experience. The shadow day culminated with a luncheon and a Q&A session.

Timothy and Bart Murphy sporting their carousel

PTC President Henry B. Auchy (far right) came to West Haven to dedicate the PTC No. 21 carousel in 1912.

Notre Dame Athletic Director Jason Shea congratulates the school’s first girls coach, Steve Johnstone, as he takes the reins of the Lady Knights’ soccer program to begin with the first co-ed class in September. Johnstone, who also represents the 10th District as a Republican City Council member, has an extensive playing and coaching background.

Hudson Axelrod deals from the mound in the Westies' scrimmage against North Haven.

Ean Jones throws on to first in the Blue Devils' scrimmage versus North Haven.

Jose Padilla launches a triple in the Westies’ scrimmage against North Haven. The first pitch of the regular season is set for Saturday.

Thomas Porto guards the ball as he goes around a Hopkins' defender.

Justin Bruno keeps a watchful eye on a Hopkins' player in their scrimmage.

Abby Wynus looks for a hit.

Natalie Gallo pitches in the Blue Devils’ scrimmage versus St. Joe’s.

Brady Price makes a diving catch in center field versus NDWH