The week in photos – January 5, 2022

Announced in December 2020, the West River-Front Avenue neighborhood was designated as an Enterprise Zone, allowing the city to promote the area with incentives. Mayor Nancy Rossi gave a report on the progress this week.

The Staff of West Haven Voice wish all our readers and advertisers the best of 2023! May your New Year be one of contentment and prosperity, surrounded by family and friends!

Early in the year, COVID was still in the news, with masks still required.

The Rock House was able to re-open its Open Mike nights at West Haven Community House after a two-year hiatus.

The WHHS chapter of Students Against Drunk Driving had a mock accident as we moved into prom season

The Sandy Point Association ran cleanups during the spring and summer and became a voice for the neighborhood throughout the year.

The Simon Group’s slow-walking the Haven Project prompted the Rossi Administration to threaten fines for blight. Eventually, the group canceled the project, surprising no one.

The Fire Expo, which originated for the city’s 100th anniversary in 2021, made a second appearance in the fall.

Antonio Ponton was awarded a scholarship from the College Board.

More than 100 bags of frozen turkeys and fixings are prepared for distribution to needy veterans and their families in the kitchen of the Errera VA Clinic at 114 Boston Post Road in West Haven on Nov. 21. Organizing the effort are, from left, West Haven Vietnam Veterans members Kevin Sullivan and Howie Thomas, Vice President Al Beck Sr., President Dave Ricci and Treasurer Steve Carney, along with members of the Vertical Church Service Team in West Haven, led by Wayne Hammond, right. The turkeys were donated by the Hometown Foundation’s “HungerLESS Holidays” program, a charity based in Cheshire and founded by Bozzuto’s Inc.

Just before the Christmas break, students at various schools marked season with special presentations, sing-alongs, collections for the needy, and visits by guest speakers. Holiday cheer! Peer Counselors at West Haven High School inventoried the hundreds of toys collected by students during the Toys for Joy campaign.

Just before the Christmas break, students at various schools marked season with special presentations, sing-alongs, collections for the needy, and visits by guest speakers. Holiday cheer! Students at Mackrille took part in a holiday sing-along in the school gym

Just before the Christmas break, students at various schools marked season with special presentations, sing-alongs, collections for the needy, and visits by guest speakers. Holiday cheer! Students at Seth Haley were given a talk by Sgt. First-Class Michael Finnegan.

University of New Haven’s Maxcy Hall: "The structure was known simply as the Main Building until June 4, 1987 when it was named for Dr. Ellis C. Maxcy who headed the college from 1932 to 1937 during the Great Depression."

The New Haven Probus Club has initiated its Comfort Cuties Program. Six hand-made dolls were received by Robyn Buchter, administrator of the Memory Care Unit, Atria, Larson’s Place in Hamden. The dolls are to aid residents and patients in area facilities. The program hopes to expand to several facilities throughout the greater New Haven area.

The New Haven Probus Club has initiated its Comfort Cuties Program. Six hand-made dolls were received by Robyn Buchter, administrator of the Memory Care Unit, Atria, Larson’s Place in Hamden. The dolls are to aid residents and patients in area facilities. Pictured above: Robyn Buchter, Administrator of the Memory Care Unit, Atria, Larson’s Place, Hamden and Les Faiman, Greater New Haven Probus Club.

Beginning this week, WHEAT, Inc. is changing the way it distributes food. Due to safety precautions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, for the last two years WHEAT had been providing its guests with pre-packed bags of food with only a limited amount of choice in what they received. But now clients will be able to select the items they prefer from a designated shopping area in WHEAT’s pantry, giving them the power to choose what foods they want for themselves and their families. The “full client choice” model is generally seen as a best practice for food pantries as it can better accommodate dietary and culture needs.

From left to right in the picture: Head of Children's/Teen Services Amy Sullivan, Traveling Toys cofounder Diana Caty, Library Director Colleen Bailie, Traveling Toys Co-founder Mary Didiuk

The West Haven High hockey team shopped and donated more than $1,500 worth of toys for those in need as part of Toys for Joy campaign, held annually by WHHS students.

The West Haven High hockey team shopped and donated more than $1,500 worth of toys for those in need as part of Toys for Joy campaign, held annually by WHHS students.

The West Haven AA Squirts celebrate their holiday tournament victory in New Jersey.

Melissa Tsakonas forechecks for the Westies Sharks versus the Eagles. The Westie Sharks, a coop team with Sacred Heart Academy and West Haven High School, began the year in fine form. Takonas and her team topped the Trumbull-St. Joseph’s Eagles, 2-1.

Belle Derosiers makes a save on a breakaway to preserve the 2-1 victory over Trumbull/St. Joe’s.

Ashley Welch celebrates her goal with Chase Ireland to give the Westie Sharks the lead and a 2-1 victory over Trumbull/St. Joe’s.