The week in photos – December 21, 2023

Mayor Dorinda Borer, joined by chief of staff Rick Spreyer, speaks with more than two dozen city, fire and school officials during Borer’s inaugural department head meeting in the Harriet C. North Community Room at City Hall on Dec. 11. At the hourlong meeting, Borer discussed a number of priorities aimed at improving government efficiency and workplace safety.

Santa Claus and his elf, Margaret Longo, sitting, meet with children of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Breakfast with Santa program at the department’s Kelsey Avenue office in Painter Park on Dec. 9. Each child received a pancake breakfast and a wrapped toy. Longo is a Park-Rec program coordinator.

This vintage Christmas card from a bygone era, celebrates the season in a simpler way. We at the Voice wish all our readers and friends the happiest of holiday seasons.

West Haven Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman, left, receives several bags of toys and Target and Walmart gift cards from social committee chair Donna Hall on behalf of the New Haven Ski Club at City Hall on Friday. Dietman will hand out the toys and gift cards to low-to moderate- income families of the West Haven Interagency Network for Children at the WHINC Holiday Fiesta today. The Ski Club is a longtime supporter of Youth and Family Services.

Allure Official owner Monya Harris cuts the ribbon with Mayor Dorinda Borer, center left, to celebrate the clothing shop’s grand opening at 431 Campbell Ave. on Dec. 12. With them are, from left, Harris’ aunt, Deanna Hawkins; Harris’ mother, Monya Saunders; Harris’ aunt, JoAnna Langley; and Simon McDonald, the director of membership and marketing at the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce. The new Black-owned business offers high-end fashion at affordable prices and is located in a plaza of small businesses near Court Street in downtown West Haven’s vibrant cultural district. The afternoon ribbon-cutting was also attended by chamber members Robert Creigh and Hala Urban, the branch manager of New Haven Bank of West Haven. Allure Official is open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm of Chabad of Milford-Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont, right, is joined on the West Haven Green by Mayor Dorinda Borer to celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah on Dec. 11.

Keyboardist Richard Gans leads the crowd in a singalong of a Hanukkah song during festivities on the Green marking the fifth night of the Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight-day commemoration of rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees after their victory over the Syrians.

Mayor Borer speaks to those gathered.

St. Lawrence School cited its Students of the Month for December. Those students are: Grade 1 – Khiry Lamothe, Grade 2 – Louis Spina and Madison Burgos, Grade 3 – Dakota Jackson and Ryan Shore, Grade 4 – Jorge Zacua and Cristal Zacua, Grade 5 – Christa Orfei and Dylan Torres, Grade 6 – Demari Foster, Grade 7 – Joy Inigo, Grade 8 – Lynnie Chesson and Lulu Sebas. Amidst the winners is Assistant Principal James Rullan.

Last week, Bailey Middle School hosted its 7th & 8th Grade Winter Chorus Concert in the auditorium. It was the first time the group sang together in public, and had a big crowd to enjoy the show.

Water Pollution Control Plant employees donate a sleigh’s worth of toys to the Police Department’s Toys for Joy drive at police headquarters, 200 Sawmill Road, on Dec. 12. From left, police Officers Brittany Fink and Joyce Pesantez, plant lead CCTV operator Pat Morrissey and lead collections operator Mike O’Brien, and Officers James Roldan and David Rivera. The officers are part of the department’s Crime Prevention Unit, led by Sgt. Pat Buturla. O’Brien said the donated toys were out-of-pocket purchases made by employees of the wastewater treatment plant on Beach Street. Buturla said the toy drive will benefit Board of Education families in need.

Retired Lt. William Heffernan III tolls the West Haven Fire Department’s chrome bell 18 times in honor of the 18 Connecticut servicemen who died at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Heffernan, the department’s historian, rang the bell after Chief James P. O’Brien read the name of each serviceman.

Master of ceremonies John W. Lewis, left, and West Haven Municipal Veterans Rep. Rich Deso, a Navy vet, lay a wreath at the base of the William A. Soderman Memorial in remembrance of the 18 Connecticut servicemen who died in the Japanese bombing of the U.S. Navy base on Oahu, Hawaii.

City Clerk John W. Lewis reads prepared remarks on behalf of Mayor Dorinda Borer commemorating Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

The West Haven High School Choral and Band Departments had their annual Winter Concert at the WHHS auditorium, showing off the talents of hundreds of students, and marking the holiday season. Band Director Band Director Donata Lupacchino is shown with her charges during the event. Director of Choirs Jason Thomas led the various groups during the event.

The West Haven High School Choral and Band Departments had their annual Winter Concert at the WHHS auditorium, showing off the talents of hundreds of students, and marking the holiday season. Band Director Band Director Donata Lupacchino is shown with her charges during the event. Director of Choirs Jason Thomas led the various groups during the event.

Wendy Trayer pins a firefighter badge on her daughter, new City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown career firefighter/EMT Samantha Trayer.

New City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown firefighter/EMT Samantha Trayer, left, shakes hands with Allingtown Board of Fire Commissioners Chairwoman Iris Diaz after being sworn in by Diaz at Minor Park Station on Dec. 12. Looking on are, from left, Trayer’s mother, Wendy, and Allingtown Chief Michael R. Terenzio. Trayer is the department’s first female firefighter.

Chief Michael R. Terenzio smiles as Angela Kennedy pins a firefighter badge on her husband, new City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown career firefighter/ paramedic John Kennedy. Kennedy laterally transferred from a fire department in Arizona.

Coach Boshsea, the West Haven captains, and the Fidalgo-Pugh family pause for a moment of silence prior to the Championship game. The sophomore died days before the final game, shocking the school community and the city.

Nick Conlan dives into the endzone for the Blue Devils’ first touchdown.

Camren Kemp splits Staples defenders to pick up yardage.

Armani Reid high steps into the endzone to give the Westies a 14-7 lead versus Staples.

Javed Ullah makes a pad stop against NDWH’ James Mascari. the action took place during the annual Jackie Coyle Jamboree at the Edward L. Bennett Rink.

Hailey Azzarone scores for the Westie Sharks versus Trumbull/St. Joseph’s. The Sharks couldn’t hold a lead, and found themselves on the short end of a 5-4 score in overtime.

Sarah Davey looks for the tip in front for the Trumbull/St. Joe’s goal. Davy’s WH?SHA Sharks lost to the Trumbull/St. Joseph sextet in overtime, 5-4.