Freddy Jackson, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9422, kneels beside the granite U.S. Army insignia marker May 11, 2016, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Bradley Point Park. Jackson, an Army vet who served in Colorado and Korea in 1963-66, will lead the 2018 Memorial Day parade as grand marshal when it steps off at 10:30 a.m. May 28 along Campbell Avenue. Jackson was selected to steer the 2016 and 2017 parades, but they were canceled by rain. This year’s parade has no rain date. Click title for story.
College prep
Thirty-three WHHS sophomores took advantage of the opportunity to attend a full day field trip to the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus on May 4. Students attended an information session where they were able to learn more about the university offerings along with tips on how to prepare for college while still in high school. They were then given a guided tour of the campus, and served lunch in one of the university dining halls.
Mason of the year
Annawon Lodge Worshipful Master Steven R. Mullins is proud to announce the 2018 Mason of the Year is James V. Jennette. The Lodge Marshall, will be honored at a dinner at the lodge 263 Center St., on Saturday, May 19. Dinner will take place at 6 p.m. and the awards program at 7:15. The Annawon Lodge Mason of the Year Dinner and Program are sponsored by the Lodge’s Fellowcraft Club. Dinner tickets are $30 per person or $55 per couple. For more information and tickets, call Alan at (203) 823-5505 or Mullins at (203) 824-4262.
The Waddinghame Mansion stood at Elm Street near First Avenue and was considered a local landmark before fire took it. The space was then occupied by the Methodist Home and is now a strip mall. Click title for story.
Shoreline Hero
Detective Arthur Ferris was recently cited by the Branford Exchange Club during its “Honoring Shoreline Heroes” awards event. Ferris, a lifelong West Haven resident and graduate of the University of New Haven has been with the Branford PD since 2002 and has done much of his work in fighting crimes against children. He is the recipient of many awards and citations.
Day of prayer
Holding hands in prayer, from left, city administrative revenue collection clerk Victor M. Borras, Human Resources Commissioner Beth A. Sabo, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and her executive assistant, Louis P. Esposito Jr., are led in a service by the Rev. Kathryn King, pastor of the First Congregational Church of West Haven, at the city’s celebration of National Day of Prayer on May 3 on the steps of City Hall. The special day, which calls attention to the freedom of religious expression, was marked by Rossi reading a mayoral proclamation declaring National Day of Prayer in West Haven.
Editorial cartoon
In honor of principal
On Friday, May 4, West Haven High School hosted a blood drive sponsored by the Nursing Assistant students and members of HOSA: Future Health Professionals. The blood drive was held in honor of Principal Pamela Gardner and 38 students, first time donors, committed to be lifelong donors. Mrs. Valerie Cosenza, Nursing Assistant Teacher and HOSA Advisor announced 49 units of blood were collected. This blood drive is held annually in the spring. A second drive in honor of Gardner is planned for June, sponsored by the Board of Education.
Clean up session
A new group has been formed to help keep city locations clean. Under the leadership of city school teacher Stacey Giaquinto, the group goes to locations and helps residents clean up the neighborhood. A group recently worked along the brook at Colonial Boulevard (shown above). Those interested in organizing sessions should contact Giaquinto at litterawareness. org or at staceygiaquinto13@gmail.com.
Team Tom
Park-Rec’s Tom Conroy, yellow windbreaker, and members of Conroy’s Team Tom strike a pose during the annual Connecticut MS Walk on April 29 at the Savin Rock Conference Center. The 2- or 5-mile walk for multiple sclerosis ran in part along the Savin Rock beach walk. Conroy, 63, a program coordinator at the Department of Parks and Recreation, was diagnosed 10 years ago with MS, a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. To raise money for MS research, the team sold tie-dye T-shirts for $20. Since 2009, Team Tom has collected more than $40,000 in T-shirt sales for the cause.
Player of the week
West Haven softball player Veronica Lynn is the Vio’s Sports Plus/Westie Blue Player of the Week. In three games last week, Lynn had nine hits, drove in six runs, and scored seven times. Read about Veronica Lynn on the Player of the Week page at www.westieblue.com.
West Haven’s Niko Kyle and Nick Massaro head upfield during Monday afternoon’s contest with Jonathan Law at Ken Strong Stadium. The Westies lost a heartbreaker, 12-11. Click title for story.
West Haven’s Nick Massaro looks to maneuver around a Jonathan Law defender in Monday’s SCC class at Ken Strong Stadium. The Lawmen prevailed in a nail-biter, 12-11.
