The week in photos – March 9, 2023

Retired West Shore fire Capt. Richard “Woody” Beirne is West Haven’s 2023 Irishman of the Year. Beirne, 65, a second-generation Irish American, will receive the “Irish Person of the Year” honor at the 30th annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration outside City Hall’s Campbell Avenue entrance at noon March 17.

It was the faculty’s turn to test its spelling prowess. When it was all over, Lucille Portley, a speech therapist at Pagels Elementary School, spelled 'formaldehyde’ correctly to win the contest. She outlasted Matt Cohen, a math teacher at WHHS. She is shown with the trophy following her win.

The Pagels Spell Casters join in some post-contest fun, showing off the trophy won by eventual best speller Lucille Portley (center).

The West Haven High School team, with runner-up Matt Cohen mug it up for the camera after the event. In all six teams participated from all the schools in the city’s system.

The main entrance at the new clinic in the Center of Allingtown. It is located at 1 Cellini Place.

One of two interior views of the new Hartford HealthCare Center, which recently opened in Allingtown

One of two interior views of the new Hartford HealthCare Center, which recently opened in Allingtown

At the Minor Park Station on Feb. 17, City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown firefighter Vincent Del Vecchio shows Mayor Nancy R. Rossi how to install a car seat to ensure that it is properly fastened for securing a small child. The public service is provided by the department’s Child Safety Car Seat Installation and Inspection Program. Allingtown Chief Michael R. Terenzio reminds residents to register their car seat or booster seat with the manufacturer so they can receive a notification in the event of a recall. To schedule a car seat inspection or installation, call the department at (203) 933-2541.

Holding oversize scissors, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and State Farm agent Christopher Carucci, who owns the Christopher Carucci Agency, cut the ribbon to celebrate the Milford insurance company’s new State Farm office in West Haven on Feb. 27. Marking the grand opening at 4 Ocean Ave. are, from left, Simon McDonald, the director of membership and marketing at the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce; chamber President Michael Moses; State Farm associate agent Mariely Gonzalez and office manager Eric X. Negron; and state Sen. James J. Maroney, D-Milford. The Christopher Carucci Agency LLC, a State Farm affiliate, signed a long-term lease last fall to open the 1,800-square-foot insurance office at a former dental practice in West Shore’s Baybrook Shopping Center, just across the street from Oyster River Beach. Like Carucci’s Milford office, the West Haven office is open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and offers a full range of insurance options, including policies for auto, home and property, life, health, disability, small business, liability, and identity restoration. It also provides financial services, such as banking and investment options. Founded in 1922, State Farm is the largest property and casualty insurance provider in the U.S. It is also America’s largest auto insurance provider. The mutual company, headquartered in Bloomington, Ill., has 70,000 employees and 19,000 independent contractor agents who service 80 million policies and accounts nationwide.

Members of the West Haven Interagency Network for Children sell baked goods at City Hall on Feb. 21 to raise funds for special needs programs. From left, co-chair Sharon Rodriguez, Youth and Family Services Director Diane Dietman, co-chair Viola Waldo, Kyle Scarpulla, Michelle and Briana Pettaway, and co-chair Lucia Salazar-Cano. The Mardi Gras bake sale collected $645 for special events and social activities organized by WHINC for families of special needs children enrolled in its support group program.

The Ora Mason Library hosted a program presented by the White Memorial Conservation Center featuring their live “ambassadors.” The recent school vacation contributed to a large, captive audience.

The Ora Mason Library hosted a program presented by the White Memorial Conservation Center featuring their live “ambassadors.” The recent school vacation contributed to a large, captive audience.

The model, now in the possession of the department was missing for 120 years.

Heffernan points out the James Grahams’ lavish meeting room which was upstairs in their firehouse on Washington Avenue just north of Elm.

New Haven is bounded by East and West Rocks as shown in early photos and post cards. The city is nestled between the two formations, as well as Sleeping Giant to the north and the harbor to the south

New Haven is bounded by East and West Rocks as shown in early photos and post cards. The city is nestled between the two formations, as well as Sleeping Giant to the north and the harbor to the south

One attraction at Sleeping Giant is the famous tower.

Cat In the Hat” (WH Fire Chief and Rotary Past President James O’Brien) reads to youngsters at the “Read Across America” celebration held at the Annawon Lodge last Saturday.

The team celebrates after the win.

Juliann Picard celebrates her game winning goal in the 2nd OT to give the Westie Sharks a 1-0 victory over Hamden in the SCC Championship game.

Ciara Harp battles for position on a rebound versus Enfield in the CIAC playoffs. The Lady Devils advanced into the second round against Enfield, only to be ousted, 55-51. The team ended the year with an 18-7 mark.

Ada Udaya, West Haven High School Class of 2010, returned to her alma mater Monday, March 6 to speak to female student-athletes. Udaya talked to the girls about her background, how she developed into a 16-time NCAA Division II All-American track star at the University of New Haven, and her life after high school and college.