The week in photos – March 15, 2018

Flanked by black balloons, the Rev. Kathryn King, pastor of the First Congregational Church of West Haven, leads, from left, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, former City Council Chairman Nicholas A. Pascale, State Rep. Charles J. Ferraro, R-117, mayoral aide Ruth G. Torres, State Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-115, and City Clerk Deborah Collins in a prayer service March 6 for West Haven’s victims of opioid addiction. The solemn ceremony, held on the steps of City Hall, marked the city’s observance of Black Balloon Day. Click title for story.

West Haven's Irishman of the year, Coleman William Walsh, Jr. Click title for story.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi presents a citation to former Mayor Ed O’Brien recognizing his selection as the West Haven Elks Lodge’s Irishman of the Year during a ceremony Saturday night at Lodge 1537, 265 Main St. O’Brien was honored for his support of and contributions to the local fraternal organization during the past year.

Sister Margaret Golub was among nine other readers from the West Haven Senior Exercise Group and the Land Trust of West Haven, Inc., read a variety of books to students at Mackrille School during Read Across America Week (Feb. 26-March 2). It culminated on Dr. Suess’ birthday with various activities.

Jonathan Capone, coordinator of the Unified Sports Program in West Haven, receives the Way to Go award Feb. 27 at West Haven High School from, from left, Lisa Francis, Cassandra Nieves, Jazmine Anchette and Viola Waldo on behalf of the West Haven Interagency Network for Children. Capone, the high school’s athletic director, was nominated by the four members of the West Haven Parent Support Group for children with special needs for his “support and dedication in coordinating the Unified Sports Program and overseeing the many student volunteers and partner athletic teams and coaches.” Capone is involved in soccer, basketball, track and the annual bowling tournament. The Way to Go program honors teachers, therapists and coaches who go above and beyond to help children and establish better relationships with families and providers.

Mayor Nancy R. Rossi swears in University of New Haven police Officer Vincent O’Banner on Feb. 26 at City Hall. Rossi also swore in UNH Assistant Chief Donald F. Parker. Both were re-sworn in according to state statute, which requires all campus police to renew their oath every two years.

Local 117th District state representative Democratic candidate Cindy Wolfe Boynton. Click title for story.

Cub Scout Pack 288 held its annual Pinewood Derby Saturday at First Congregational Church. Winners of the Cub Scout Division were: Grayson Graniello, 1st Place; Jacob Nealy, 2nd Place; Eddie Fagnani, 3rd Place; Gabe Greengas, Best in Show; Cameron Edge, Safest Driver. Winners of the Sibling Division were: Marissa Payne, 1st Place; Josh Greengas, 2nd Place; Amanda Fagnani, 3rd Place; Aleyshia Gonzalez, Best in Show; Safest Driver, Jaylin Edge. Winners of the Adult division were: Dave Fagnani, 1st Place; Dennis Gagne; 2nd Place; Pat Nealy, 3rd Place; Sara Evans, Best in Show; Mike Kuczynski, Safest Driver.

Cub Scout Pack 288 held its annual Pinewood Derby Saturday at First Congregational Church. Winners of the Cub Scout Division were: Grayson Graniello, 1st Place; Jacob Nealy, 2nd Place; Eddie Fagnani, 3rd Place; Gabe Greengas, Best in Show; Cameron Edge, Safest Driver. Winners of the Sibling Division were: Marissa Payne, 1st Place; Josh Greengas, 2nd Place; Amanda Fagnani, 3rd Place; Aleyshia Gonzalez, Best in Show; Safest Driver, Jaylin Edge. Winners of the Adult division were: Dave Fagnani, 1st Place; Dennis Gagne; 2nd Place; Pat Nealy, 3rd Place; Sara Evans, Best in Show; Mike Kuczynski, Safest Driver.

The Lions Club of West Haven participated in the “Paint for A Cure” for the American Diabetes Association. Local artists, including members from other Lions’ chapters, came out to participate, with food supplies by the West Haven Pizza Works. Thanks go to Alicia Cobb, artist/instructor, for her help in making the event a success. The proceeds will go directly to the ADA.

State Rep. Charles Ferraro (R-117) hosted a Pizza and Politics night for the residents of Morrissey Manor to listen to their concerns and to talk about the 2018 legislative session. “I always enjoy visiting Morrissey Manor,” said Rep. Ferraro. “We are working very hard to make it more affordable for seniors to live in Connecticut. I am hopeful that we can come together this session to provide seniors with the benefits they deserve. Our state government needs to start prioritizing spending and helping those that need it the most.” Rep. Ferraro encourages residents to reach out to him with concerns at [email protected] or (860) 240-8700.

The sign out front Fitzgerald’s has been announcing one of the city’s oldest and most successful businesses for 61 years. Click title for story.

Mekhi Geter with mother Shunndale Cooper and coach Rich Boshea. Click title for story.

Frank Paine of Milford with his mother Christine and coach Joe DeCaprio. Click title for story.

West Haven’s Logan Cole’s makes one of his many saves vs. the Xavier Falcons. The Westies were one and done in the CIAC hockey tournament, last week. Click title for WHHS Sports recap.

Nick Boanno moves in on the Xavier goal during a break- away, last week. Xavier’s goaltending and defense kept the Blue Devils at bay, 4-0. Click title for WHHS Sports recap.

The Celtics’ Khani Wright and the Spurs’ Wade Sheffield get all tangled up in this battle for the ball. The annual end-of-season playoffs are now underway.

The Piston’ Gianni Gambardella uses teammate Dwight Francis’ screen in Kelley Camp gym Fundamental League action last weekend.

Brandan Spreyer of the Green Machine squad is desperate for an outlet pass before the Tar Heels can force a turn- over. The Green Machine and Tar Heels are joining in this week’s playoffs at the Bailey Middle School gym.

David Mendez and Joel Gordon, Jr. clash in a rebound battle at the Bailey gym last Saturday morning. Youth Basketball League teams are finalizing their playoff schedules given the cooperation of Mother Nature.

Cowboy Ezent Centano tries to escape the shadow defense of Friar Damian Lenbeta in Fundamental League play at the Washington School gym recently.

Damian Dandeta of the Friars battles Cowboy Chase Rumford. League playoffs get going this week in local gyms.

Pistons’ forward Jaden DiMaria is about to capture a loose ball in Piston-Bulls action last week