The week in photos – December 8, 2022

West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, right, leads Santa and Mrs. Claus in a countdown to light the Christmas tree on the Green as Rossi’s special guests prepare to flip an electric switch at the city’s annual holiday kickoff Nov. 26. The guests are, from left, Kaitlyn Burras, the University of New Haven’s assistant director of residential life; UNH senior Saniyah Brinney, the president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association; and West Haven resident Kathy Wielk, Notre Dame High School’s executive vice president.

Amelia Gomez, 6, of West Haven, gets a snowflake painted on her face by Laura Feist-Roche, the owner of Happy Daze Costumes of West Haven

With the flip of the switch, the Green is transformed into a holiday wonderland.

The glowing Christmas trees on the Green

Logan McCauley, 7, of Milford, is all smiles with Santa and Mrs. Claus in their workshop on the Green. 

University of New Haven men’s ice hockey coach Devin Bertrand delivers eight bags of food items to West Haven Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman in the first-floor hallway of City Hall on Nov. 22. The UNH hockey team collected the nonperishable items from players, coaches, staff members and fans during its annual food drive at West Haven’s Bennett Rink on Nov. 19. Dietman said the food will benefit families of the West Haven Interagency Network for Children.

West Haven Tree Warden Leo Kelly gives a brief presentation on the city’s budding tree planting initiative at the Connecticut Urban Forest Council’s annual conference at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on Oct. 26. Kelly discussed the city’s use of a $10,000 grant from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to plant trees along Kelsey Avenue. The project aims to create a greenway covering sidewalks from the West Haven train station to Savin Rock Beach. With help from his “tree tenders,” Kelly and the volunteer group hope to plant more trees around the city and inspire more residents to get involved. To become a tree tender, email [email protected]. For information and updates, go to the group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WHTreeTenders.

The WHFD Historical Library presents its 2022 Pewter Christmas Ornament featuring the 1889 Button Crane Neck Hand Pumper. This is the fourth ornament in the series. The cost of this year’s ornament is $20. The department still has a limited amount of our 2021 ornaments for sale as well. The 2021 ornament featured Elm Street Headquarters. The cost to purchase the 2021 ornament is only $10 with the purchase of the 2022 ornament (while supplies last). To order your ornaments please contact Lt. William Heffernan at our email: [email protected].

The WHFD Historical Library presents its 2022 Pewter Christmas Ornament featuring the 1889 Button Crane Neck Hand Pumper. This is the fourth ornament in the series. The cost of this year’s ornament is $20. The department still has a limited amount of our 2021 ornaments for sale as well. The 2021 ornament featured Elm Street Headquarters. The cost to purchase the 2021 ornament is only $10 with the purchase of the 2022 ornament (while supplies last). To order your ornaments please contact Lt. William Heffernan at our email: [email protected].

Dina Tunon from West Haven, a communication disorders student from Southern Connecticut State University, traveled to Peru for a service-learning experience sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services. Tunon participated in experiential learning in areas such as global health, providing care to underserved populations, and learning about different healthcare systems within the United States and abroad. Students from Southern’s College of Health and Human Services travel each year to provide healthcare to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access.

West Haven Mayor Nancy R. Rossi cuts the ribbon with brothers Jonnathan Castro, left, and Luis Castro, the owners of Castro Oasis, to celebrate the high-end car wash’s grand opening at 80 Prindle Road on Oct. 31. Marking the event are, from left, Councilwoman Colleen O’Connor (R-at large), Louis P. Esposito, Jr., Rossi’s executive assistant, and Councilman Gary Donovan (D-at large). Boasting “an unparalleled full-service auto care experience,” the 12,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art hand car wash offers such services as vehicle customization, film protection, window tinting, interior and exterior auto detailing, and paint correction. The new West Shore business sits atop Prindle Hill, opposite Latella Farm on the Orange line. The family-owned car wash and auto salon is open from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 7-11 a.m. Sunday.

New University of New Haven police Officer Arthur Shannonhouse is sworn in by Mayor Nancy R. Rossi at City Hall on Nov. 29. Shannonhouse recently retired from the Western Connecticut State University Police Department after a 22-year career. UNH Police Chief Adam Brown attended the ceremony.

Barry Lee Cohen (left) is joined by Jon Atherton and Chris Jamikowski (far right) of Yale West Campus in presenting Rose Majestic, Executive Director of the West Haven Emergency Assistance Taskforce (WHEAT) $3,350 in donations along with over 1000 pounds of non-perishable food items collected during the third annual West Haven ROCKS! WHEAT drive that was held on Nov. 12. This year's drive showcased the generosity of West Haven residents, local organizations, and the business community including Off-Shore Restaurant, West Haven Police Union Local 895, Apple Oil, Star Distributors, Levey Miller Maretz, Casa Bianca Pizza, Ricardo Torres, Jr. Memorial Fund, and Soli’s Garage.

The Mary Clap Wooster Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution [NSDAR], based in New Haven, recently honored area students chosen by their respective schools who consistently demonstrate good citizenship, leadership, service, and patriotism. Each high school senior received a Good Citizens certificate, pin and a $500 scholarship check, and each eighth-grade student received a Youth Citizenship certificate, medal, booklet on the U.S. Constitution, and a check for $50. Middle school winners are, from left: Kenzy Abdalla, Francis Walsh Intermediate School; Martha Agustin, Bailey Middle School; and Sophiea Runlette, North Haven Middle School.

The Mary Clap Wooster Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution [NSDAR], based in New Haven, recently honored area students chosen by their respective schools who consistently demonstrate good citizenship, leadership, service, and patriotism. Each high school senior received a Good Citizens certificate, pin and a $500 scholarship check, and each eighth-grade student received a Youth Citizenship certificate, medal, booklet on the U.S. Constitution, and a check for $50. High school students honored were,(standing from left) -- Jonathan Chin, North Haven High School; Amelia Westfall, East Haven High School; Leila Ayers, Hill Regional Career High School; Weihao Lin, Hamden High School; and sitting from left: Alena Annunziata, Branford High School; Vittoria Favia, West Haven High School; Anchal Bahel, Amity Regional High School; and Yanit Vasquez, Wilbur Cross High School.

West Haven Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball participated in Beauty vs The Beast Skills competition. The teams are preparing for the 2022-23 season

Kadear Dembele rushes the Glastonbury quarterback in the Blue Devils’ 17-7 loss in the CIAC playoffs.

Avian Evans strips the ball from a Glastonbury runner for the turnover

Deven Robinson lunges across the goal line to give the Westies a 7-0 lead against Glastonbury.

Demarco Eady returns the opening kickoff versus Glastonbury. The Westies were ousted in the first round of the CIAC Class LL playoff s, 17-7.