The week in photos – November 24, 2022

In a tradition that goes back to the 1970s, the West Haven Voice pays tribute to the gridders who help make the Thanksgiving holiday so special and memorable. The West Haven Blue Devils travel to Fairfield University’s Rafferty Stadium to do battle with the always pesky Fairfield Prep Jesuits. Notre Dame, meanwhile, visits Hamden High School for the annual Green Bowl Classic. Both games have CIAC Playoff implications, and will determine what happens when playoffs open next Tuesday evening.

In a tradition that goes back to the 1970s, the West Haven Voice pays tribute to the gridders who help make the Thanksgiving holiday so special and memorable. The West Haven Blue Devils travel to Fairfield University’s Rafferty Stadium to do battle with the always pesky Fairfield Prep Jesuits. Notre Dame, meanwhile, visits Hamden High School for the annual Green Bowl Classic. Both games have CIAC Playoff implications, and will determine what happens when playoffs open next Tuesday evening.

Reader Robert Daly was sitting on the Green and saw some kids doing what they have done for generations, having fun, playing in the leaves near the bandstand. ”It reminds me of when my kids used to do the same,” he said. “Fond memories of my past.”

From left to right in the picture: Head of Children's/Teen Services Amy Sullivan, Traveling Toys cofounder Diana Caty, Library Director Colleen Bailie, Traveling Toys Cofounder Mary Didiuk

West Haven state Rep. Dorinda Borer, left, and Mayor Nancy R. Rossi present citations to Tom Conroy, a former program coordinator at the city Department of Parks and Recreation, dedicating the Painter Park pavilion as “Conroy Corner” on Nov. 14. The blue-and-white vinyl sign was unveiled in honor of Conroy, who retired from the department in September after 27 years of service.

Tom Conroy stands behind his “Conroy Corner” sign with, from left, wife Barbara Conroy, sister Lynn Jaqua, and daughters Colleen Innamorato, holding son Charlie Innamorato, 2, and Kristina Conroy, holding niece Grace Innamorato, 3 months.

Surfside Veterans of 200 Oak St. hosted the group’s annual Halloween Bash. Events such as these boosts funding for various functions, such as workshops and other group celebrations. Various homemade dishes were made, and sponsors, such as the city, and Casa Bianca helped with the food. Former Mayor Ed O’Brien, and State Rep Dorinda Borer were on hand. DJ Marcus provided the music. O’Brien is shown with organizer Rich Deseo.

Surfside Veterans of 200 Oak St. hosted the group’s annual Halloween Bash. Events such as these boosts funding for various functions, such as workshops and other group celebrations. Various homemade dishes were made, and sponsors, such as the city, and Casa Bianca helped with the food. Former Mayor Ed O’Brien, and State Rep Dorinda Borer were on hand. DJ Marcus provided the music. O’Brien is shown with organizer Rich Deseo.

At Rotary Club of West Haven’s 1st annual Fun 5K Turkey Trot on Saturday from left, 1st place runner, Austin Brothers, 2nd place runner David Guadarrama and 3rd place runner Michaela Hagan pose with Rotary’s favorite turkey Jim O’Brien.

The West Haven Rotary’s newly sponsored Interact groups from Bailey Middle School and West Haven High School, pictured here are gearing up for the holiday season by decorating the Center Green Trees for the Christmas Tree Lighting set for Saturday. All ornaments were hand made by Bailey Middle School Interact Club and UNH’s Rotoract Club. The Interact Club of West Haven High School and the Interact Club of Bailey High School are the newest branches of the West Haven Rotary, where young adults learn on how to make Service above Self an everyday mott o and are mentored by Rotarians.

Amid light rain, veterans, dignitaries and guests bow their heads as West Haven Fire Department paramedic Mike Alfano rings the department’s chrome bell 11 times at 11 a.m. in observance of Veterans Day in West Haven’s Bradley Point Park on Nov. 11. Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is celebrated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.

The West Haven Fire Department Honor Guard, composed of members of the West Haven Fire Department, the West Shore Fire Department and the City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown, carries the American flag to the William A. Soderman Memorial Flagpole for the ceremonial raising.

Officers and members of the West Haven Lions Club hosted a food drive and fundraiser for WHEAT at the Poli House recently. Special thanks to Celia Pinzi, President of West Haven Funeral Home for transporting the dozens of bags of non-perishable goods. The Club will be announcing coat and toy drives for Christmas and winter soon.

Puritans were persecuted in England during Elizabethan times and thereafter for not conforming to Church of England worship. Their staunch Calvinist beliefs put them under the scope of religious authorities. After coming to America they worshipped freely, set up colonies and celebrated a good harvest after the first harsh winter. They invited local tribesmen to the feast that marked the harvest.

Puritans were persecuted in England during Elizabethan times and thereafter for not conforming to Church of England worship. Their staunch Calvinist beliefs put them under the scope of religious authorities. After coming to America they worshipped freely, set up colonies and celebrated a good harvest after the first harsh winter. They invited local tribesmen to the feast that marked the harvest.

The West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center celebrated Veterans Day with a donation of 200 basic needs items – socks, toothbrushes, soap – from JPMorgan Chase. Corporate and branch employees from JPMorgan Chase throughout Connecticut came together to collect these much-needed items for veterans living in and/or receiving long term care from the West Haven VA Medical Center. Many of these veterans face a variety of challenges and rely on the VA for medical services, as well as other social support. Shown during the event are:State Rep. Dorinda Borer; Dr. Glen Gechlik, Acting Deputy Medical Center Director, West Haven VA Medical Center; Luis Penichet, JPMorgan Chase; Russell Armstead, Acting Executive Medical Center Director West Haven VA Medical Center; Bernadette Y. Jao, Associate Director for Nursing and Patient Care Services, West Haven VA Medical Center; Deeksha Ahuja, Assistant Director, West Haven VA Medical Center and Dr. Huned Patwa, Chief of Staff, West Haven VA Medical Center.

The West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center celebrated Veterans Day with a donation of 200 basic needs items – socks, toothbrushes, soap – from JPMorgan Chase. Corporate and branch employees from JPMorgan Chase throughout Connecticut came together to collect these much-needed items for veterans living in and/or receiving long term care from the West Haven VA Medical Center. Many of these veterans face a variety of challenges and rely on the VA for medical services, as well as other social support. Shown during the event are:State Rep. Dorinda Borer; Dr. Glen Gechlik, Acting Deputy Medical Center Director, West Haven VA Medical Center; Luis Penichet, JPMorgan Chase; Russell Armstead, Acting Executive Medical Center Director West Haven VA Medical Center; Bernadette Y. Jao, Associate Director for Nursing and Patient Care Services, West Haven VA Medical Center; Deeksha Ahuja, Assistant Director, West Haven VA Medical Center and Dr. Huned Patwa, Chief of Staff, West Haven VA Medical Center.

The West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center celebrated Veterans Day with a donation of 200 basic needs items – socks, toothbrushes, soap – from JPMorgan Chase. Corporate and branch employees from JPMorgan Chase throughout Connecticut came together to collect these much-needed items for veterans living in and/or receiving long term care from the West Haven VA Medical Center. Many of these veterans face a variety of challenges and rely on the VA for medical services, as well as other social support. Shown during the event are:State Rep. Dorinda Borer; Dr. Glen Gechlik, Acting Deputy Medical Center Director, West Haven VA Medical Center; Luis Penichet, JPMorgan Chase; Russell Armstead, Acting Executive Medical Center Director West Haven VA Medical Center; Bernadette Y. Jao, Associate Director for Nursing and Patient Care Services, West Haven VA Medical Center; Deeksha Ahuja, Assistant Director, West Haven VA Medical Center and Dr. Huned Patwa, Chief of Staff, West Haven VA Medical Center.

WHHS Athletic Hall of Fame inducted its Class of ’22 Saturday night in a gala dinner. The ceremony, is highlighted by the traditional “class picture.” Shown are: Front Row -- Sean McCreven (accepting for Russ McCreven), Modestine Vaughn, Jenifer Fuggi, Jim Brennan. Back Row -- Brandon Fanelli, Anthony Pacileo, Rob Jackson, Jr., Kendale Chambers.

The Blue Devils celebrate their SCC Tier 2 championship after their 27-23 victory over Hamden. They head to Rafferty Stadium on the campus of Fairfield University for the annual batt le with Fairfield Prep.

Avian Evans helps the Westies drive down the fi eld for their game-winning touchdown.

Emma Walker heads the ball in the Blue Devils’ 2-0 loss to the Blue Wave in the CIAC playoff s

The West Haven 8U Seahawk team enters the field for the Southern CT Pop Warner Championship. The Seahawks will move on to the regional playoffs with a 12-0 win over Stratford.

Seahawks’ 8U running back Khylan Crawford (2) follows his blockers during the conference championship game. The Seahawk won 12-0 to move on to the regional playoffs.

West Haven 8U Seahawk fullback Roderick Jones (#51) finds a hole in the Stratford defense. The Seahawks topped Stratford 12-0 to advance to the regional playoffs this weekend.