Lots of fun, learning and achieving are some of our back-to-school sparks featured in this issue.  First, mark your calendars for two great food festivals coming up…The Taste of Mystic is on the weekend of September 5-8th.  This year’s Taste is sponsored by Mohegan Sun.  The event is bigger than ever this year, promising more restaurants and diverse entertainment for the entire family.  Don’t miss it.  See you on Cottrell Street, downtown Mystic, rain or shine!

The 17th annual Taste of Italy… Norwich Style will be held on September 6th, at the Howard T. Brown Park on the Norwich waterfront.  A huge turnout is expected.  All your favorite Italian dishes will be provided by 16 of the area’s finest restaurants.  Enjoy the food and entertainment all day long from 10 am until 9 pm.  Fireworks over the Harbor will be the grand finale at 9 pm.

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation recently celebrated the 22nd Anniversary of High Stakes Bingo at Foxwoods.  This game is where the games began and Tribal member Michael Holder, VP Bingo Operations, was there helping to make it happen from Day Two.  Meet the Bingo Team Foursome on page 11.

Another achievement.  Mayor Ben Lathrop, Norwich, presented Marcy Vitagliano, owner, Morning Glories Floral Designs and Pottery, with the Rose City Renaissance 2008 Bring Back the Bustle Award.  Other honorees include:  Robert Oickle, executive director, YMCA of SE CT, Joseph Manfredi, owner, Billy Wilson’s Ageing Still and Richard and Joyce Morrison, owners, The Ice Cream Shop.  Hats off on page 6.

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