The week in photos – March 5, 2026

West Haven community advocate Gardenia Dixon holds up a Connecticut General Assembly citation recognizing her as the West Haven Black Heritage Committee’s 2026 Ernestine Jackson Citizen of Distinction during the 30th Black Heritage Celebration at City Hall on Feb. 26. Applauding are, from left, Elder Dr. Renford Whynes of the New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church, keynote speaker Christopher M. Suggs, master of ceremonies Edward “Mackie” McMillian, 2025 Citizen of Distinction Levi Jordan Sr., 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Steve R. Mullins and Mayor Dorinda Borer.

From left, Mayor Dorinda Borer presents West Haven Black Heritage Committee awards to Hopkins School seniors Vera Okyere and Aurora Chevalier and Notre Dame High School senior Quincy Dormevil, all of West Haven, for “exemplary volunteerism and leadership and outstanding academic and athletic success.”

Cadence Powell of the West Haven High School Concert Choir sings a beautiful rendition of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Former West Haven Black Heritage Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins is congratulated by Mayor Dorinda Borer for receiving the committee’s Lifetime Achievement Award for “his decades of civic engagement, leadership, and commitment to the city of West Haven.”

West Haven Black Heritage Committee member Christopher M. Suggs gives the keynote address lauding the committee’s honorees and “founding mothers.” Suggs chairs West Haven’s Planning and Zoning Commission and is the vice chairman of the city’s Board of Police Commissioners.

From left, Mayor Dorinda Borer reads and presents the West Haven Black Heritage Committee’s Exceptional Entrepreneurship Award to Vivienne Howard, the founder of Quality Staffing Home Care Inc. in Woodbridge, for “outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence in business.” With them is 5th District Councilman Edward “Mackie” McMillian, the master of ceremonies.

The longstanding tradition of the honor is the naming of the plaza in front of City Hall’s Campbell Avenue entrance. Last year, Steve Dargan was the honoree.

The cover of Dominic Konareski’s book, Gloves, Engines & Glory, captures the sports and times of the sports and people who made Donovan Field memorable.

A famous prewar aerial view of Savin Rock shows Donovan Field and its odd dimensions to fit the city block. The distance label tells of a home run hit by the legendary Babe Ruth during a barnstorming game at the site.

In today’s Historian’s Corner, former WHHS teacher/counselor Jim Spina relates a story of Savin Rock and his family. He sent this photo along to Dan Shine. Old-timers may enjoy it. It shows teachers: Jack Conaty, Jim Spina, Angelo Rossomondo, Frank Albright, Anthony Amato, Andrew Carrano, and Bill Hart. Do you remember them?

This photo from our archives depicts East Haven collector Doug Morgan posing with a replica of the famous Laughing Lady statue.

The entrance of the new Washington School gives students, staff and visitors an inviting gateway to the new building.

Meanwhile, the spacious assembly room offers spaciousness and comfort.

This circa 1950 photo shows concessionaire Big Jim Spina schmoozing with a fun seeker

The spinning wheel that operated in the Spina concession for decades at Savin Rock.

Geovani Caceres-Garcia and Justus Richardson are No. 1.

The West Haven boys basketball team hosted its annual Senior Night, honoring the departing members of the program, as well as the friends and families of the various players. The nights was a success for the seniors and for the team, as they topped Hand, 70-39.

With the seniors in front, the 2026 West Haven High School hockey team -- the 100th in the storied history of the program -- honored the outgoing seniors prior to the team defeating Notre Dame Prep,11-3 at the Edward L. Bennett Rink. The team heads to the CIAC tourney.

West Haven’s Brody Bush gives Sean Bush a perfect pass for his 2nd goal of his hat trick versus ND Prep in the regular season finale. The Blue Devils came out on top with an 11-3 win heading into the CIAC tournament.

K’naan Morris takes a jump shot in his team’s Southern Connecticut Conference opening round game against Shelton. H

Fatoumata Keita fends off Guilford defenders in West Haven’s Southern Connecticut Conference win

Brandon Bellamy makes a move around a NDWH defender in West Haven’s SCC playoff game.