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.
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT is please to announce Mary Ellen Jukoski, President, Mitchell College, as the 2008 recipient of the William Crawford Distinguished Service Award. The Award recognizes an outstanding member of the community who contributes not only to the quality of life in the region but also to his or her fellow neighbors.
United Way Campaign Kick-Off
Tom Kasprzak, of Chelsea Bank and United Way of Southeastern Connecticut’s 2008 Campaign Chair, announced a goal of $9.1M at a gathering held at Branford House, Avery Point, Groton, on September 17th. This money will fund critical human service programs in New London County. Tom (r) and Charlie Jaskiewicz (l), 2008 Campaign Vice Chair, are all smiles at the Kick-Off.
Annual Golf Tournament for Habitat for Humanity
The Eastern CT Association of Realtors Annual Golf Tournament, held at the Lake of Isles Golf Course on September 16th, raised over $100,000 for Habitat for Humanity of SECT. It was co-sponsored by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Eastern CT Association of Realtors. Rodney Butler, Councilor/Treasurer, MPTN, Charlene Jones, Councilor/Secretary, and Richard E. Sebastian, Councilor, and Linda Davis, Chair, Golf Tournament Committee.
October 15, 2008
Italians of the Year Banquet
(l-r) On Friday, October 17th at the Groton Inn & Suites, Attorney Frank A. Manfredi and Fay Pillari were honored by the Italian Heritage and Cultural Committee of Norwich. Fay and Frank are both members of the Norwich community that are active in not only Italian activities, but also volunteer their time to organizations in the area. They will be named Italians of the Year.
Final Salute!
The Resident offers a final salute to Paul Newman, CT’s legendary film star and philanthropist. Paul was also a co-founder of Newman’s Own, a food company from which he donated all post-tax profits and royalties to charity. As of October, these donations had exceeded US $250 million. On September 26, 2008, Paul died at his home in Westport of complications from lung cancer.
TVCCA Child Development Center
On Friday, October 3rd, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. (TVCCA) broke ground for extensive renovations at the Child Development Center on Bayonet Street, New London. (l-r) Deborah Monahan, Executive Director, TVCCA, Ross, Lara Cole, Teacher, Catrina Vymola, Teacher, Alexis and Dave Wash, CHEFA participated in the event.
October 29, 2008
Casino of the Wind Celebrates October All Month Long
Mohegan Sun’s great lineup of entertainment for Columbus Day weekend kicked off with a “Live Idols” event on Friday, October 10th at 7pm. Former American Idol finalist Blake Lewis gave a free performance. Other stars that attended the weekend-long event were: Band From TV, Pat Cooper, Lindsay Price, Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin, Robert Buckley, Jessica Szoher, Becky Newton, Tracey Morgan, just to name a few. (l-r) Lindsay Price, actress, Lipstick Jungle, Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, and wife Kelly enjoyed the night at the Grand Opening.
Guests Raise A Glass to Tastings
Guests, friends, colleagues and business partners gather for the grand opening of Tastings, 4 Hendel Drive, Mystic, Thursday, Oct. 16th. The evening was filled with hors d’oeuvres, mingling and a chance to try over 100 types of wine offered by Tastings. (l-r) Janice Scott, owner, Andrea & Rob Bunger, owners, State Representative Diana Urban, Ken Kilcoyne, General Manager, Tricia Cunningham, President, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, and Tulsa Scott, owner, participate in the ribbon cutting.
Brig. Gen. John Walsh Is Top Gun
At Fort Harrison’s parade field, Helena, in front of a gathering of 400 Guardsmen and women, family and friends, Montana’s Governor Brian Schweitzer presents the state command flag to Brig. Gen. John Walsh, Montana’s new Adjutant General of the Guard. The passing of this flag from the Commander in Chief to General Walsh signifies the passing of his trust and command responsibilities to John.
James Cronin, President & CEO, Dime Bank, was interviewed on the economy’s downturn and clarified what is actually happening in the financial market. James also discussed the good news about community banks.
New London Police Celebrate 140 Years
On October 30th at the Radisson Hotel, New London, the New London Police Department (NLPD) celebrated its 140th anniversary. The CT Police Union, Congressman Joe Courtney and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal attended the festivities. “This is an historic milestone for the department,” said Marshall “Chip” Segar of the NLPD. (l-r) NLPD Officer Leslie Smith received a CT Wartime Service Medal by Congressman Joe Courtney. Marshall “Chip” Segar also received an award.
Westerly Businessmen Put Aside Modesty
The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce produced a humorous calendar that features 30 respected local businessmen who agreed to cast aside their modesty for fundraising. The photos show men in various stages of undress, often with just a “prop” that relates to their business. Kenyon Murphy, Vice President, Ray Hoxsie Buick Pontiac GMC, poses for the camera.
November 26, 2008
L&M’s The Well Healed Woman
The Well Healed Woman is a one-day conference, presented by Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, designed especially for women. Held at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa on November 9th, the conference featured five-time Emmy Award-winning actress, Doris Roberts was the guest speaker.
Jimmy Buffett Kicks Off Opening
On a Saturday evening at 5 O’ Clock, singer, songwriter, and author Jimmy Buffett performed an intimate, invitation only concert for 650 lucky guests at the grand opening celebration of Margaritaville at Mohegan Sun’s new Casino of The Wind. Some of the guests included Jimmy Buffett fan club members (Parrotheads), Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, the Resident Newspaper, and radio contest winners.
Valenti Subaru Grand Opening
Valenti Subaru held a Grand Opening celebration on November 13, at their new dealership on Langworthy Road, Westerly. This is Valenti’s sixth dealership in the Southeastern CT and Southern RI area.
On a crisp Saturday evening many gathered to witness the annual Mystic Holiday Boat Parade. Over 20 boats from CT, RI and NY were decorated with lights parading down the beautiful glimmering Mystic River. Santa and The Nutcracker also made an appearance in Mystic that day.
Athlete Battles Medical Problem
Amy Ogden, a senior at Waterford High School, has been playing softball since age four despite a breathing problem first diagnosed as exercise/heat induced asthma.
Music is Love for Dave Mason
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Dave Mason rocked the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun on Sunday, November 31st. Resident writer Annie Chapman enjoyed front row seats as well as dinner reservations with the legendary rock band, Traffic’s co-founder, Dave Mason.
December 24, 2008
Honoring Jim O’Boyle
On December 11th, at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Auction. The recipient of the 2008 Community Service Award is the familiar, community-minded, Jim O’Boyle, a Mystic resident since 1962. Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, The Resident, congratulates Jim as he is well deserving of this award and what it represents.
Matt Kobyluck Is First Native American To Win NASCAR Series Championship
Friday, December 12, 2008, the Mohegan Tribe made history and honored when Matt Kobyluck Champion Matt, a member of the Mohegan Tribe, accepting the coveted NASCAR trophy for the 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series East Champion.
Caring Starts At The Top
Harold Chick, a 40 year veteran of Chelsea Groton Bank celebrated his 90th birthday at the Seaman’s Inne, Mystic, with Duncan Stoddard, President, Chelsea Groton Bank and Bob Tabor, Commercial Lender, Chelsea Groton Bank, as well as other friend and veterans of the bank.
