The Week in Photos – May 19, 2022

West Haven’s Culinary Arts program offers real-world experience for those looking into the career field, and includes use of a state-of-the-art kitchen

The University of New Haven celebrated Commencement, Saturday, with the Class of 2022 taking center stage. Parents, faculty, alums and friends took part in the traditional ceremony, which saw bachelor’s and advanced degrees awarded to students.

West Haven Army veteran Emery Linton Sr. stands behind the granite U.S. Army insignia marker at the city’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Bradley Point Park on May 5. Linton, who served in the Vietnam War in 1970-72, will serve as grand marshal of West Haven’s Memorial Day parade when it steps off at 10:30 a.m. May 30 along Campbell Avenue.

From left, Douglas J. Ruickoldt and his father, Doug “the Rake” Ruickoldt, present a $28,000 check on behalf of the West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness Program to West Haven High School Principal Dana Paredes on May 6 to benefit the Susan A. Ruickoldt Scholarship Fund as Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and committee member Beth A. Sabo look on. The donation will support the scholarship fund for the next 14 years, said Sabo, adding that money raised at the annual Dubel’s Golf Tournament will further benefit the fund. The Ruickoldts thanked and praised Sabo for her unwavering commitment to the Breast Cancer Awareness Program, including collecting more than $700,000 for breast cancer research and education since the program’s inception in 2000. The scholarship fund was founded in March 2003 to raise breast cancer awareness in honor of Susan Ruickoldt, who taught third grade at Savin Rock Community School before succumbing to breast cancer in 1997. Each spring since 2003, scholarship organizers have awarded $2,000 in Ruickoldt’s memory to a female high school senior from West Haven who plans to continue her education.

From left, West Haven Planning Director Christopher Soto, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, Executive Assistant Louis P. Esposito Jr. and Public Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy inspect the Water Street area of The Haven development for blight violations during an emergency meeting May 6. The city is considering fining the project developer for not cleaning up and maintaining the properties it owns along Water Street, which is temporarily closed, as part of the long-planned luxury outlet center.

Thomas Heilman and Vicki Revere, both of West Haven performed at a concert of the Sir Charles Productions opera company’s presentation of “Opera Rara.” They were accompanied by pianist Eric Trudel. The concert, which took place at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit was a benefit for the West Haven Emergency Assistance Task Force (WHEAT).

Forest Elementary School third grader Nicholas Gorske receives a proclamation from Mayor Nancy R. Rossi, left, declaring Apraxia Awareness Day in West Haven on May 12. Shown with them are, from left, Nicholas’ mother, Anna Gorske, and Forest paraprofessional Cynthia Russello, special education teacher Gabrielle Gambardella and Principal Thomas J. Hunt. Ethan Kubicko, a seventh grader at Bailey Middle School, also received a mayoral proclamation for Apraxia Awareness Day. National Apraxia Awareness Day was May 14. Nicholas and Ethan have childhood apraxia of speech, or CAS, an uncommon speech disorder in which a child has difficulty making accurate movements when speaking. To increase awareness of the speech disorder for the fifth straight year, the students recently contacted Rossi about declaring the special day in West Haven.

Planning and Zoning Commissioner Steven R. Mullins (center) presents the “Commissioner Mullins Youth Leadership Award” to West Haven High School freshmen Sarah Davey, and Justin Wychowski.

Recently, Bank of America and the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals VAREP) donated a mortgage free home to U.S. Air Force Veteran, Staff Sergeant Quiendel Thompson, and his family in West Haven. Coinciding with Military Appreciation Month, the home donation is a part of Bank of America’s ongoing commitment to serving the military and veteran community, locally here in West Haven and across the country. Left to Right: Daniel Rodarte (Media Director; VAREP), Kimberly Larkin-Ritter (House a Vet Coordinator; VAREP), Samara Thompson, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Quiendel Thompson (Home recipient), Dustin Luce (Co-Founder; VAREP). Now a father to a 3-year-old daughter, Thompson’s goal is to become a computer programmer – he attends school in Connecticut through the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and will graduate in May of 2023 with a degree in computer science. As a proud homeowner, Thompson looks forward to spending time with his family in his new home.

On May 6, State Reps. Dorinda Borer (D-115) and Charles Ferraro (R-117) visited each West Haven school nurse for National Nurse’s Day, donning flowers, state citations and much gratitude. Pictured with them is Mackrille School Nurse Deborah Salkins, Principal Driend and the many students who joined them.

Brandon Sihaphong prepares to smash a return against North Haven.

Mia Rubirosa delivers from the circle in her win over the Academics. Her no-hitter was marred by one walk in the 12-0 win.

West Haven Girls’ Lax celebrates Senior Day and then went out and beat Shelton 15-6.

Brianna Miller slides into home to score for the Blue Devils.

Caitlin Welch drives around a Shelton defender in the Westies’ 15-6 Senior Day victory.

Gianni Gambardella launches his home run in the Westies’ victory over Platt Tech on Senior Night. The Westies won the game on Senior Night, 19-2. routed the Panthers.

Hannah Burrows lays down a bunt in the Westies’ win over North Haven, 6-3. The Lady Westies are on a roll going into the fi nal week of the season with an SCC berth and the CIAC State Tournament on the horizon.