The week in photos – February 9, 2023

Justin Kearney, Sean Sullivan, and Augie Gray, all West Haven residents and former hosts of the annual Savin Rock Skate & BMX festivals rallied people together on Sunday to have a final ride at the skatepark they all called home. Around 50 people attended the event with many people driving by honking and hanging in the parking lot to support and witness the day. It was bittersweet for all involved, and they hope to build a new park for the next generation soon.

Wife Anne Heffernan pins the Historian badge on husband Bill.

Heffernan sworn in by Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners Bruce Sweeney as the department’s second historian.

Councilwoman Kathy Tucker has been chosen by the West Haven Black Heritage Committee as the 2023 Citizen of the Year. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. in the Harriet C. North Meeting Room on the second floor of City Hall. Tucker, an advance-practice registered nurse, is Director of the Heart and Vascular Outpatient Program services at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Prior to serving on the City Council, she was a member of the West Haven Board of Health. In addition to Tucker, four West Haven High School students will be honored. Juniors Dana Davis and Malachi Calhoun and seniors Ayannah Obas and Jo ‘Vante Witter will receive leadership and academic awards. For mor information, call Black Heritage President Steven R. Mullins at (203) 824-4262.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi welcomes more than 100 residents to a free recycling workshop in the Harriet C. North Community Room at City Hall on Jan. 19.

Aayah Osman and Renad Osman were selected for scholarships by Questbrige Scholars Network and show off their institutions they will attend in the fall.

The West Haven Republican Town Committee honored several of its past chairmen recently at a gala dinner dance at the Italian-American Club. From L-R is current Chairman David Riccio, former Chairmen Board of Education member Patricia Libero, City Councilwoman-at-Large Colleen O’Connor and Paul Frosolone, Steven Crowley, the grandson of the late former Chairman Borden Steeves, and State Rep. Charles Ferrero (R-117), who presented the group with General Assembly citations. Missing are former Chairmen Paul Rapanault, John Isdale and former City Clerk Carol Musco.

City Councilman-At-Large Gary Donovan presents an Official Citation to Annawon Lodge, #115 Ancient, Free & Accepted Masons Worshipful Master Christopher Belous at his Installation Ceremony recently; as the Reverend and Most Worshipful Grand Master Bruce Bellmore and Past Grand Master George Greytek look on.

The staffs of Washington School and Savin Rock School celebrated the naming of both as Schools of Distinction.

The staffs of Washington School and Savin Rock School celebrated the naming of both as Schools of Distinction.

Movie Monday – watching the Lego Movie in pj’s

Take a Trip Tuesday – to visit our friends at Woodlawn Duckpin Bowling

Winning Wednesday – this special person’s BINGO and lunch was fun for all

Nicolle Pacapelli was named the Marist head women’s soccer coach, Jan. 17. The WHHS alumna becomes the first Westie to coach on a Division I level.

West Haven Hockey team celebrates the 1988 State Champions before their game against St. Domenic’s of Maine.

City resident John Vinci was recently inducted into the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame for his work in various capacities with the West Haven Youth Soccer League. Affiliated with the league since 1984, Vinci served various positions in the organization, including coach, referee, and registrar. He is currently the league’s president, serving since 2000. Among his other awards are the Secretary of State Award for Public Service, and the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association’ Volunteer of the Year Award. The city honored him in October, naming him the Italian of the Year during annual Columbus Day ceremonies.