The week in photos – January 8, 2026

Emergency Management Director Rick Fontana leads city, public safety and United Illuminating officials in a winter readiness exercise in the Emergency Operations Center at City Hall on Dec. 17.

Mayor Dorinda Borer speaks to city, public safety and Unit￾ed Illuminating officials about the importance of collaboration among West Haven departments and supporting agencies, such as UI, a subsidiary of Orange-based Avangrid Inc.

West Haven Probate Court Judge Mark J. DeGennaro, center, receives a proclamation for his “well-deserved retirement” from Mayor Dorinda Borer during a send-off dinner with his wife and former and current staff members Dec. 18. From left, front to back: Joy DeGennaro, assistant clerks Candice Estelle and Jake Scafariello, retired chief clerk Sally Skerritt , retired assistant clerks Suzan Beirne and Beth Maliff , clerk Lisa Cardassi, chief clerk Tracy Morrissey, retired chief clerk Maureen O’Connor, clerk Shamorrow Codner.

A member of the West Haven Police Department has completed one of the most prestigious courses in the law enforcement profession. On Dec. 11 , Lt. Joseph D’Amato graduated as a member of the 296th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, VA.

Mayor Dorinda Borer and city employees celebrated the holidays at a City Hall gathering Dec. 17.

Mayor Dorinda Borer and city employees celebrated the holidays at a City Hall gathering Dec. 17.

Mayor Dorinda Borer and city employees celebrated the holidays at a City Hall gathering Dec. 17.

Joseph F. McVety, Jr., aka “Joey Bond” will be formally installed as Master of Annawon Lodge, 115 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of West Haven this Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Breakfast will precede the ceremony at 9 McVety replaces Worshipful Master Douglas Turcotte, III. McVety previously served as Master in 2024. He is one of a handful of Annawon Masters to be elected multiple years since the Lodge was established in 1873.

Mayor Dorinda Borer, Santa Claus and friends, including Councilmen Gary Donovan and Peter Rivera, mayoral aides Deborah Collins and Nickie Galli, and chief of staff Rick Spreyer, spread holiday cheer at the West Haven train station and during a golf cart tour of Campbell Avenue businesses Dec. 19.

Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm gives a blessing of hope before lighting the menorah on the Green to mark the third night of Hanukkah.

Mayor Dorinda Borer delivers remarks to members of the Jewish community and others gathered on the Green for the city’s celebration of the third 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. Borer said, “Hanukkah reminds us that even a small light can push back darkness.”

Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm of Chabad of Milford-Hebrew Congregation of Woodmont lights the menorah on the West Haven Green to mark the third night of Hanukkah on Dec. 16.

Rabbi Schneur Wilhelm’s children, from left, Rochel, 16, Sholom, 8, and Devoroah, 11, celebrate Hanukkah on the Green.

A crowd of more than 600 packed the West Haven High School auditorium for the annual New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Pops Concert. The performance benefited music programs in both Carrigan and Bailey schools. Santa made a special appearance during the night.

A crowd of more than 600 packed the West Haven High School auditorium for the annual New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Pops Concert. The performance benefited music programs in both Carrigan and Bailey schools. Santa made a special appearance during the night.

Members of the West Haven High School Concert Band celebrated the holiday season with a gala concert in front of a packed house.

Members of the West Haven High School Concert Band celebrated the holiday season with a gala concert in front of a packed house.

Members of the West Haven High School Concert Band celebrated the holiday season with a gala concert in front of a packed house.

Hubbard Road was once a simple path moving off The King’s Highway, now called Jones Hill Road.

Each Month, at Saint Lawrence School, one student from each grade is recognized for living out our school mott o: Togetherness, Engagement, Academics, and Ministry. These students remind their peers that every child plays an important part in our team and in our faith-filled community. Gr.1- D. Kelly, Gr.2- J. Mantilia, Gr.3- C. Sebas, Gr.4- V. Andrade, Gr.5- J. Perez Sandoval, Gr.6- J. Zecua, Gr.7- R. Saucedo, and Gr. 8- S. Lupone. Principal Jim Messina and the Rev. Ricardo Borja.

Mayor Dorinda Borer, Frosty the Snowman, West Haven Fire Department Deputy Chief William S. Johnson IV, and Capt. Jacob Urban and Danny, the department’s station and therapy dog, visited city schools for the holiday season.

Mayor Dorinda Borer, Frosty the Snowman, West Haven Fire Department Deputy Chief William S. Johnson IV, and Capt. Jacob Urban and Danny, the department’s station and therapy dog, visited city schools for the holiday season.

Mayor Dorinda Borer, Frosty the Snowman, West Haven Fire Department Deputy Chief William S. Johnson IV, and Capt. Jacob Urban and Danny, the department’s station and therapy dog, visited city schools for the holiday season.

Representatives of the Regional Water Authority recently presented a $1,000 grant check to the West Shore Fire District. The funding will help the district purchase two Mustang Survival Anti-Exposure Suits, which emergency responders will use to respond to marine emergencies in cold weather. The West Shore Fire District was one of 15 emergency organizations throughout the region selected to receive awards recently through the RWA’s Emergency Responder Grant Program. Pictured: Capt. Dan Johnson, Acting Lt. Justin Hyndman, Lt. Frank Rasile, Firefighter James Cossaboom, Firefighter Davon Johnson, Firefighter Stephen Neugebauer, Firefighter James Gatcomb, Firefighter Dieter Scheller, Interim Deputy Chief Collin McBurney, Fire Chief Rafael Zayas, RWA Manager of Community and Government Affairs Nicoletta Blevins and RWA General Manager and Head of Operations Jim Hill.

Dominic and Carlyssa Konareski of West Haven celebrated their first wedding anniversary to open the new year. The former Carlyssa Otero and her husband were married on Jan. 10, 2025, by Steven R. Mullins in the gazebo on the West Haven Green in the winter afternoon. The 21-year-olds own two dogs, a Cavapoo named Taz and a Shih Tzu Mix named Prince. Since tying the knot, the Konareski’s have been active in the West Haven community through their church youth group at Promise Land Church of God and working with the Save Quigley Stadium Project, which Dominic created.

Mayor Dorinda Borer is presenting a pair of free winter concerts for residents in the West Haven High School auditorium at 1 McDonough Plaza. On Jan. 17, The Stevie Experience will perform a tribute to the “music, story and legacy” of the legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks. On Feb. 28, Personal Touch will play a high-energy set of Motown hits. Both concerts are scheduled for 7 p.m.

Mayor Dorinda Borer is presenting a pair of free winter concerts for residents in the West Haven High School auditorium at 1 McDonough Plaza. On Jan. 17, The Stevie Experience will perform a tribute to the “music, story and legacy” of the legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks. On Feb. 28, Personal Touch will play a high-energy set of Motown hits. Both concerts are scheduled for 7 p.m.

Mark Aiken wrestles for the Westies against New Haven at the Warrior Winter Classic Meet.

Daniel Goldsmith claims victory against Hopkins at the Warrior Winter Classic Meet.

Noelle Lawrence gets the layup in the Westies' 55-44 win over Hillhouse.

Leo Mazurowski celebrates his game-tying goal against Lyman Hall.

Alina Lipinsky and #35 Megan Losito defend the Westie Sharks’ net versus the Amity-North Haven-Cheshire co-op Blades.