Virginia Spell Photos
Paula Panzarella (at left in photo) sent in this write-up about the annual West River neighborhood holiday party.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, the West River Neighborhood Services Corporation’s sixth annual holiday party brought smiles and toys to at least 100 children, and smiles and joy to about that many adults. The light morning snowfall added to the festive air of the winter gathering as neighbors brought their children to Barnard Environmental Studies Magnet School for the fun.
This was a completely free event for the community, which included a lunch of ziti, salad and cake. For the kids there were toys, free books, arts and crafts, cookie-decorating and face-painting. Each adult got a bag of various items donated by Walgreens, and a chance in a raffle for bags of Avon products. There was live music, and those who wanted to sing with the band had a microphone set up just for them.
The party began with a tribute to the families in Newtown on the one-year anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The silent reflection that followed made the afternoon of fellowship, family and holiday spirit all the more poignant and precious.
Billy Bromage Photos
The party-planning committee of West River Neighborhood Services Corporation was headed up by Tyisha Walker (at right in photo), alderwoman of the 23rd Ward. Her committee reached out to local businesses and community partners and institutions to make this an extra-special day for the neighborhood youth. Sponsors and donors included Barnard Environmental Studies Magnet School, Black and Hispanic Caucus of the New Haven Board of Aldermen, Centerplan Development, Continuum of Care, Lupi Marchigiano Bakery, New Haven Reads, Police Athletic League, Toys for Tots, Walgreens, Yale-New Haven Hospital and Yale University.
The solidarity, support, friendship and commitment from people in the West River neighborhood and throughout New Haven are making this neighborhood shine bright.
