Octagon Receives AAA Four Diamond Award for Fourth Time
(l-r) Steve Rosen, executive chef, Octagon and the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, and Cindi Houlihan, restaurant manager, Octagon smile after the Octagon received its fourth AAA Four Diamond Award.
Westerly’s Calabrese Society Celebrates 90 Years
George Salimeno, president of Westerly’s Societa Cittadini Calabro Americana, and the son of one of the original six founders, is proud to celebrate the Society’s 90th anniversary in April.
Pawca-Talk Run-Hers
The Pawca-Talk Run-Hers (l-r) Anne Schrempf, Christine Edwards, Kathy Sanford, Sue McVeigh, Lynne Gallucci, Amy Ruenzal, Carol Gilles, Deb Jaccarino, Sue McCarthy, Alexa Jaccarino, Allison Hughes, Laura Metzger, and Anne Collette trained for and participated in the Fifth Annual More Magazine Half-Marathon, in Central Park, on April 6.
World Renowned Artist John Dahlsen
at North Stonington Elementary School Art Show
One of the biggest and most well-attended functions in North Stonington, the North Stonington Elementary School Art Show, featured four or five works by each of the 400 students in grades K-5. This year’s theme was “Art Today.” Suzanne Starr, North Stonington art teacher, took it upon herself to convince the North Stonington Education Foundation to invite John Dahlsen to lecture the children during their annual art show. John worked with the kids, but also brought several of his works to auction off at a show that was held at the Mystic Aquarium on March 17, 2008.
April 16, 2008
Putnam Bank Foundation Pledges $5,000 to United Services, Inc.
(l-r) Robert J. Halloran, President and CFO, Putnam Bank and Diane L. Manning, President and CEO, United Services, Inc., accepted a $1,000 check, the first of five annual installments, from Thomas A. Borner, Chairman and CEO, Putnam Bank, and President of the Putnam Bank Foundation. The Bank pledged a total of $5,000 for United Services Inc.’s expansion.
Foxwoods Poker Classic Charity Media Showdown
(l-r) Brandon Butcher, Chief Meteorologist, CBS 3 Springfield, Foxwoods dealer, Joe Pardavila, executive producer, WPLJ Scott and Todd in the Morning, Brad Drazen, co-anchor, NBC 30 News Today, Scot Haney, meteorologist, WFSB 3, Jim Altman, reporter, Fox 61, Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, Chris Dillon, host & program director, WNLC Sound Morning Drive, and Terry Eliasen, CBS 4 Boston, played for charity in Foxwoods Poker Classic Charity Media Showdown on March 31.
Majestic Mystic
The World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales made an appearance at the 5th Annual Mystic St Patrick’s Parade on March 30th.
April 30, 2008
Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber Citizen of the Year
The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber announced that it will honor Michael Rauh as the 2008 Citizen of the Year.Michael is Executive Vice President of Sales, Service and Delivery at the Washington Trust Company.
Anna Coit Celebrates 100
On Wednesday, April 9th, one day after her 100th birthday, Anna North Coit spoke at a luncheon given in her honor by her many friends at the Westerly Public Library.
Habitat for Humanity Builds Hope
(l-r) On April 13, Sally Bondy, future homeowner of 6 Davis Farm Way, and her children, Jacob, Megan, and Julia, break ground at the site in New London, with their building team leaders Bob Fusari Sr. and Bob Fusari Jr., Real Estate Services of CT, Mayor Kevin J. Cavanagh, City of New London, Norton C. Wheeler III, Mystic River Building Company, with Kaitlin and her dad Doug Bryan, future homeowner of 12 Davis Farm Way, Martin Berliner, Manager, City of New London, Margaret C. Holmberg, President Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity of SECT, and Calvin Price, Vice President of Community Development and CRA Officer, Liberty Bank.
(l-r) Mary Reed and Michelle Jacobik stand with awardee Robert Reed, Station Manager, Hall Communications, who was named 2008 Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT on May 5th.
Westerly Hospital Honors Volunteers
On May 2, The Westerly Hospital honored their volunteers with a luncheon at the Westerly Yacht Club. (l-r) Linda Schackner, Westerly, Mary Auger, Westerly, Joan Swain, Westerly, Andrea Carey, Pawcatuck, Joan O’Brien, Stonington, Renee Miller, Westerly, and Beverly McLaughlin, Misquamicut, are all dedicated volunteers at The Westerly Hospital.
Thames Yacht Club Celebrates 75 Years
(l-r) Phil Michalowski, Calvin Brouwer, Bob Geary, Walter Pratt, Dick Steinhilber, Judith Gibbs, Cliff Fisher, Jack Scaduto and Al Schober, former Commodores of the Thames Yacht Club, are honored at the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of the club, on April 26th at the Port ‘N’ Starboard Restaurant, New London.
May 28, 2008
Happy Days (Are Here Again) at Goodspeed
The whole gang was back at Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam until June 29th in the musical Happy Days. Lannon Killea (Chachi) and Savannah Wise (Joanie) have a sock-hoppin’ good time with the cast.
MGM Grand: A Lion’s Share of Decadence
It is the lion’s share of decadence. It is luxuriant. It is “edgy.” It is fun. It is electrifying and friendly. It is the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, with dramatic opening parties held on May 16 and 17. The $700 million MGM Grand at Foxwoods, towers adjacent to Foxwoods Resort Casino, North America’s largest resort casino, opened to the public on Saturday at midnight.
Mohegan Sun Rises Highest
(l-r) Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Chairman, Mohegan Tribe, Dan Aykryod, founder, House of Blues, and Mitchell Etess, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mohegan Sun, commence the groundbreaking for the Casino of the Wind with a bang on May 14.
(l-r) Angel Uihlein, 17, Westbrook, stands with her family – her brother Jason, her mother Ann and her sister Kim – at the Angel Ride finish, May 25th at the YMCA in Mystic. The Angel Ride originated as a fundraiser for Angel, who was diagnosed with Leukemia seven years ago.
Tour de France Winner Visits Fort Trumbull to Promote Bicycling
On Thursday, May 22nd, three time Tour de France winner, Greg LeMond, cycled around Fort Trumbull State Park, followed by a group of cyclists. Greg, who won the Tour in 1986, 1989 and 1990, was in New London with his old coach Bill Humphreys, Bike Guy LLC, and a large group of junior cyclists from the Mystic Velo Club to promote bicycling in the area and The Whaling City Cyclone Bicycle Race scheduled for June 22nd.
Home Builders Blitz 2008
Habitat for Humanity of SECT and the community came together as one during the week of May 31 through June 7. The 2008 Home Builders Blitz built homes at Davis Farm Way, New London, for two separate families in need – the Bondys and the Bryans. (l-r) One of many Habitat for Humanity volunteers helps to build a house at the Davis Farm Way site under the guidance of Norton C. Wheeler III, Mystic River Building Company. Norton is the team leader for the Bryan family home.
June 25, 2008
Outstanding Leadership Award Honors
Ulysses Hammond and CorePlus Federal Credit Union
(l-r) Warren P. Scholl, President & CEO, CorePlus Federal Credit Union and Ulysses Hammond, Vice President of Administration, Conn College, are proud recipients of the 13th Annual Outstanding Leadership Award reception at the Pequot Museum on July 12.
USS Providence Awarded Prestigious Arleigh Burke Trophy
Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presented the Atlantic Fleet Arleigh Burke Trophy to the Los Angeles class fast-attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) during a ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London on June 12. (l-r) Lt. Cmdr. Todd Figanbaum, Executive Officer, USS Providence, Cmdr. Michael Holland, Commanding Officer, USS Providence, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Commander, US Fleet Forces Command, and MMCS (SS) Jeff Leith, Chief of the Boat, USS Providence.
Life Time Chief Ralph Sturges Inducted into CT Hall of Fame
(l-r) State Representative Michael Caron presents Paul Sturges, son of Chief Ralph Sturges, with the award to accept on his father’s behalf at the CT Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Hartford on June 18th.
Tantaquidgeon Museum Grand Re-Opening
On June 18th, the Mohegan Tribe held a ceremony and blessing to celebrate the re-opening and renovation of the Tantaquidgeon Museum – the oldest Native-run museum in the United States. The Museum provides a home for artifacts and objects of cultural significance for the Mohegans and other Native American tribes. Pipe Carrier Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Chairman, Mohegan Tribe, stands at the entrance to the Tantaquidgeon Museum after performing a blessing ceremony.
Bridget Graff is Mohegan Sun’s Biggest Loser with a total weight loss of 45 pounds over the 12 weeks of the contest. “This is a way to change my life – no, a way to extend my life!” said Bridget.
Jeremy Powers Pro Bike Rider at Whaling City Cyclone Bike Race
Jeremy Powers, 24, of Hadley, MA was proud and happy to compete in the Whaling City Cyclone bicycle race June 22 at Fort Trumbull, New London. “I grew up in Niantic and biking is my passion,” Jeremy declares. “Today I want to give back to my community in a beneficial way.”
July 23, 2008
MASH 6th Annual Auction & Iron Chef Competition
On June 21st, from 6-11 pm, Enders Island was the backdrop for the 6th Annual Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality (MASH) Auction for Action and Iron Chef Competition. The benefit was to raise awareness and funds for local homeless families and children. The evening was blessed with beautiful weather and a successful turnout. About 250 people attended the event, raising an outstanding $40,000. (l-r) The winners of the cook-off were Jamie Fowler of Noah’s Restaurant in Stonington, and his Sous Chef, Kevin Rogers, a teacher in Ledyard and bartender at Bravo Bravo in Mystic.
30th Annual Groton Fourth of July Parade
Paying homage to local heroes was the theme of the 30th Annual Groton Fourth of July Parade. The parade started at Suttun Park and ended at Chelsea Groton Bank. Hosts of the event for the first time were Q-105′s radio talents Jackie Steele and Nancy Hall. The Resident team joined the parade in a classic ‘79 VW Convertible Bug. Maren Schober, writer, the Resident, shows her patriotic spirit.
A Final Salute to Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Elder Paul Harris
Tribal Elder Paul E. Harris, Sr., (May 4, 1946 – July 25, 2008) passed away due to an auto accident in Preston on the afternoon of July 25th. Son of Paul E. Johnson, Jr. and Marion M. Red Feather Curry, Paul was born, raised and educated in New London. Paul proudly served our country as a member of the U.S. Navy. A three gun military salute was performed in Paul’s honor at the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Burial Grounds after a funeral ceremony held at Dinoto Funeral Home in Mystic on July 31st.
NR-1 Returns From Final Deployment
The Navy’s research submarine NR-1 returned to the Naval Submarine Base New London, Wednesday, July 23, after its final scheduled deployment. NR-1 is scheduled for inactivation this fall after serving the Navy for 40 years. Commander John P. McGrath, officer in charge, NR-1, holds his two-year-old daughter, Meghan, while his wife Kimberly greets him.
Nautilus Celebrates Golden Anniversary
The Submarine Force Library and Museum celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Nautilus, the first nuclear powered submarine, conquering the Arctic, transiting from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and “piercing” the North Pole on August 3. After 96 hours and 1,830 miles after submerging under the ice in the Chukchi Sea, Nautilus surfaced off the coast of Greenland and sent the momentous and succinct message: “Nautilus 90 North.” Crew members Frank Holland and John Krawczyk commemorated the historic trip with a cancellation stamp (top r. corner) and envelope cachet stamp (left).
August 20, 2008
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center Celebrates Ten Years!
Rain was predicted, but luckily the Great Spirit blessed us with sunshine for the tenth anniversary of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center (MPMRC) on August 11. “It is a monumental day for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation,” said Kimberly Hatcher-White, Executive Director (left). “It would not be as special without the people who have supported the museum over the past ten years.”
Mystic Outdoor Art Festival
The 51st Annual Mystic Outdoor Art Festival Jury and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce this year’s winning artists. The 51st Annual Mystic Outdoor Art Festival took place on Saturday and Sunday, August 9th and 10th, 2008 along the streets of downtown historic Mystic. Craftspeople and 285 international artists participated in this annual event showcasing over 100,000 pieces of artwork. (l-r) Tricia Cunningham, President, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, and Alexa Shelton, Events Director, prepared for the Art Festival for the whole year!
Pepe’s of New Haven Joins Mohegan Sun’s Project Horizon
(l-r) Mitchell Etess, president, Mohegan Sun, Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Mohegan Tribe, Ken Barry, spokesperson for Pepe’s, and Francis Rosselli, grandson of Frank Pepe, celebrate the announcement of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana at Mohegan Sun during a press conference on July 31.
Westerly Yacht Club Celebrates 80 Years of Social & Boating Fun
On June 7th, the Westerly Yacht Club held a dinner to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the incorporation of the Club. (l-r) Past Commodore Robert Wydler, Joseph P. Reis, Victor J. Manzella, Commodore Alex Houston, Richard Lewis, Gene Frantz, Ted Steinetz, Donald I. Greene. Back: (l-r) Past Commodore Albert Antoch, Sal J. Parise, Stephen DePerry, Jr., Edmund L. Curran, Douglas J. Noble, Lawrence Harland, Ronald E. Lawrence, Galen Skip Hoffman.
