The Resident celebrates our graduates.  Hats off to the U.S.  Coast Guard Academy, New London, on its 128th Commencement Ceremony graduating 225 cadets.  The Honorable Janet Napolitano, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security, gave the commencement address, stating, “…You will face a dynamic, ever-changing threat environment and there has never been a greater demand for the Coast Guard’s services than right now.”  More on page 5.

For a listing of our local graduates from UCONN, see page 22.  Our own reporter on page 10, Chris Annino graduated from Mitchell College earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication.

Robert R. Birge, UCONN professor, on page 16 is awarded the Connecticut Medal of Science, recognizing his extraordinary achievements in scientific fields crucial to CT’s economic competitiveness.

John Waller of Groton, President, SoundMusic, has something to sing about-The Magic is back-at Harkness Park, Waterford.  Read the praises he’s singing about Martin Piecuch, music director and conductor, SoundMusic, on page 8.  Save the dates and get your blankets ready!  You won’t want to miss the music’s magic!

Thanks for reading the Resident, the Good News that Rocks! Please remember to patronize our advertisers as they’re helping to make the “good news”  happen.

Bookmark to:

The Savings Institute Bank & Trust Company Employees’ Caring & Giving Program recently awarded $4,400 to 18 local charitable organizations.

Employees targeted organizations dedicated to alleviating hunger and homelessness. Those organizations receiving grants were: Windham Area Interfaith Ministry, No Freeze Hospitality Center, Holy Family Home Shelter and Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic, Friends of Assisi Food Pantry and Community Kitchens of NE CT, Inc. in Danielson, Reliance House and TVCCA Shelter for the Homeless in Norwich, and Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality. Also receiving funds were:  East Lyme Caring and Sharing, St. Mary’s Food Pantry in Jewett City, Senior Nutrition Program, Meals on Wheels in Bozrah, East Hampton Volunteer Food Bank, Tolland Senior Services, Enfield Food Shelf, Town of South Windsor Food Bank, New London Community Meal Center and Rutland Open Door Mission in Rutland, VT.

In announcing the grant recipients, William Anderson, Senior Vice President, said, “We are pleased and proud of generosity shown by our employees who continue to assist the less fortunate in the communities we serve.”

The Caring & Giving program makes quarterly grants since its inception in 1998.  Bank employees created the program as a way of self-directing their yearly charitable contributions. For the year 2009, employees pledged, and will award, more than $17,600 to assist organizations that address such issues as families in need, hunger and homelessness, helping the elderly and assisting individuals with disabilities or special needs.

Bookmark to:

The  Mystic Lions Club presented special service awards to two of their members. Lion Nanette Burdick received the District Governors Award for her tireless work in the Mystic Lions Club at the local level and as Lions District Zone Chairperson. Lion Nanette was appointed as a Regional Chairperson for District 23C. Fellow Mystic Lion Susan Jennsen will be replacing Nanette as Zone Chairperson.

Lion Nancy MacDonald received the Governors Appreciation Award for her active participation in most of  the Mystic Lions Club activities. Both awards were presented by Mystic Lions President, June Valenti.

The Mystic Lions recently welcomed new member, John Rodearmel. He was sponsored into the club by Lion Nanette Burdick.

Mystic Lions Club as a member of the International Lions Clubs is one of the largest nongovernmental organizations in the world. It’s mission and motto is “We Serve,” in the local as well as global communities. They act as Knights of the Blind through many outreach projects such as the Lions Low Vision Center and Fidelco Guide Dogs. For more information contact President June Valenti at 860.572.0055 or jmv1017@aol.com.

Bookmark to:

Dennis Gada, Salem, won the 35-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature on Saturday, May 9th at the Waterford Speedbowl. Dennis is a seven-time track champ at the “Bowl.” The win was his 63rd victory at Waterford.

Bookmark to: