September 3, 2008
ITS S. Todaro Visits Groton
The Italian submarine ITS Salvatore Todaro (S 526) arrived at Naval Submarine Base New London on Thursday, August 21, for a 14-day visit. ITS Todaro was commissioned on March 29, 2006, and is the first of four submarines in the U212A class. Todaro’s port visits, including Mayport, FL and Norfolk, VA, are historic for the Italian Navy – it is the first time since World War II that an Italian submarine crossed the Atlantic. (l-r) Commander Michael Brunner, USS Annapolis, hosts Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Mauro Panebianco, ITS S. Todaro.
Schemitzun 2008: Sunrise Blessing
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s annual Feast of Green Corn and Dance is a time to celebrate the riches of the land and to reap the rewards of a season of hard work. At sunrise, on the first day of this event, a blessing was held on the grounds of the Eastern Woodland Village exhibit. Children, parents and Tribal leaders adorned in Regalia gathered around campfires during the dark hours of the morning before sunrise on August 24th. (l-r) Anaya Porter, Keela Reyna, Mahailyah Carey, Siera Weum, Asia Carter, Miss Teen Mashantucket 2008, Nita Sims, Christina Valladores, Miss Mashantucket 2008, Kenny Merrick Jr, drum coordinator, Arti Crippen, Shanna Alexander, Myasia Gray, Keela Reyna, and Councilor Marjorie Colebut-Jackson, Schemitzun Chairwoman.
Bike Fundraiser
Five-year-old New London resident Chase McGrath held a bike fundraiser to raise money for the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and raised almost $500 for the cause. Chase was inspired by a commercial for what St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital’s does for less fortunate children. When asked who inspires him, Chase said, “I look up to my parents because they taught me right from wrong. I also look up to Superman, Spiderman, and Batman because they defend people who need help.”
September 17, 2008
Russ Kramer’s Maritime Paintings
Marine Artist Russ Kramer writes about his oil painting “Onboard Weetamoe 1930,” “Inspiration for this painting came from some grainy, vintage black & white film shot aboard the great Herreshoff J Boat. What a thrill to watch the crew work and feel like you were among them!”
Casino of the Wind Opening: A Full House
August 29th was a perfect day for a ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of the opening of Mohegan Sun’s “third wonder of the world,” stated by Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Mohegan Tribe. Excitement filled the room outside of the entrance to the new 64,000 square-foot Casino of the Wind. (l-r) Tribal Councilor/Treasurer William Quidgeon Jr., Councilor Thayne Hutchins, Councilor Cheryl Todd, Councilor/Ambassador Mark Brown, Councilor/Recording Secretary Allison Johnson, Councilor/Corresponding Secretary Ralph Gessner Jr., Councilor/Vice Chairwoman Lynn Malerba.
