Page 32 - North Haven Magazine Issue 32 Winter 2024

NOR TH HA VEN
NORTH HAVEN

CHAMPIONS
CHAMPIONS
CHAMPIONS

by Jill DeChello

I was happy to work with DeMartino Outdoor when they generously
offered to put up a billboard honoring our championship football
team. They then hosted a pizza party at Jroo‘s for the players and
coaches, ending with each receiving a framed image of the team
to take home.

You all know my sister is the sports fanatic in my family. I know
nothing and lean heavily on my sportswriter Mike Proto to help me
with any sports information. Thank God he was there.

I have to say that I was so impressed with the members of the
football team. I knew several of the players who had done school
community service with me for years in the pumpkin patch. Scary
how quickly they grow up. I found the team to be respectful,
friendly, grateful and collectively, had the best hair that I’ve ever
seen. The coaches were charming and totally accepting of the fact
that I knew nothing.

I was touched by the number of local dignitaries that showed up to
support and congratulate the team. Mike Freda, our first selectman,
was there. Dave Yaccarino, and Paul Cicarella were there. Chief
Paul from the fire department, Paul Weymann, Vern Carlson and
even the incoming Rotary president, Mark Minotti stopped in to
congratulate the boys. That’s what makes our town so special.
The people that really care. And when they presented the signed
helmet to Dominick. I have to say I got a little teary. It was touching.

I’m going to be working with Shirley, one of the moms, to raise
money for championship rings and a banquet. If you’d like to help,
reach out to me at [email protected].

32 North Haven Magazine - Winter Issue 2024