Saturday, November 21, Bobby Flay, world re-knowned chef, restauranteur, television personality and cookbook author, hosted a private party for more than 200 guests for the opening of his new restaurant Bar Americain. Bobby’s 276 seat restaurant is located at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville. The restaurant features European brasserie fare. Also featured are many spirits reflecting the commitment to all things American, including a variety of bourbons (which is his favorite). Bobby says he now has 10 restaurants, with this being the second Bar Americain. The first one opened in New York in 2005. Mohegan Sun is also home to Bobby’s fourth Bobby’s Burger Palace (BBP) which opened there on July 1, 2009. BBP presents Bobby’s love for the grill in his extensive selection of burgers inspired by America’s regional flavors and traditions. You can also find that the bar list is the only place he moved away from the (All American) theme, by including wines from all over the world.
The menu includes American regional cuisine, with dishes inspired by Native American tradition, a hint of Southwest flair, and a little Southern touch. The guests enjoyed the evening as they sampled the non-stop appetizers that were passed around. These included some of his specialties like lobster-avocado cocktail, tuna tartare on a potato chip, to name a couple.
Mitchell Etess, President and CEO, Mohegan Sun, graciously took time to pose for a photo and stated, “We’re really excited to be bringing this product in now.”
Amongst the many guests, was Bobby’s wife, Stephanie March (an American actress, best known for her portrayal of Alexandra Cabot in the television series (Law & Order, SVU New York), and his mother, Dorothy Flay.
Also in attendance was architect David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group, who designed Bar Americain by incorporating the design of the original Bar Americain in New York City with the theatrics of Mohegan Sun. At 11,500 square feet, the facade of the restaurant faces the hotel lobby, Casino of the Sky, and Taughannick Falls.
Bar Americain’s bar and lounge, also located off the hotel lobby, is open seven days a week from 11:00am until closing. The restaurant is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00pm until 11:00pm and Friday and Saturday from 5:00pm until midnight.
Sara Gates greets her husband, Machinists Mate Second Class Sean Gates with the traditional “first kiss” during the Los Angeles-Class Submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) homecoming to Naval Submarine Base New London.
by MC1 Steven Myers photos by ET1 John Sabados
The Los Angeles-Class Submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) returned to Naval Submarine Base New London Saturday, Nov. 21 after a seven-month deployment with the USS Bataan (LHD 5) Expeditionary Strike Group in the U.S. European and Central Command areas of responsibility.
For the Sailors aboard, it was more than just a homecoming; it was an opportunity to be with the family for the holidays.
“We’re going to Disney World,” said first hug recipient Megan Jackson. “Our daughter Kandyce turns five on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s dinner with the princesses this year. She is so excited that Daddy gets to be there too.”
First kiss winner Sara Gates had to contend with her own fears amid the excitement.
“I promised myself I wouldn’t cry,” she said. “It’s been so long. Two hundred and four days but who’s counting.”
Memphis commanding officer Cmdr. Glenn Pendrick may have counted days; he definitely counted the miles.
“We traveled nearly 42,000 miles,” said Pendrick. “The crew did an outstanding job throughout our time away, and I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”
Attack submarines like Memphis are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and special operation forces; carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; support carrier strike groups; and engage in mine warfare.
Machinists Mate Second Class Robert Jackson greets his family, wife Megan; four-year-old Kandyce; and 16 month-old R.J. with the “first hug” at the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) homecoming to Naval Submarine Base New London. Memphis returned following a seven month deployment to the U.S. European and Central Command areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Electronics Technician First Class John Sabados.
Anthony Sciola, 16 of Griswold and Life Scout Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 20, puts in hours of community service on the Landa Project and other community tasks as he works up to the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
story & photo
by Maren Schober
Coming up through the ranks of Boy Scouting, Anthony Sciola, 16, of Griswold is in the final stretch as he reaches for the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Anthony is a Life Scout which is one rank away from Eagle Scout. To pass from one rank to another requires Anthony to put in hours of community service, something he loves to do.
“I first started doing volunteer work in the community when I was in the Enrichment Program at Griswold Middle School,” Anthony tells me.
“A group of about ten of us worked on roadside clean up as a community service project. I found that it was fun to help clean up my community with my friends, and I learned work is not hard when you do it with others. It feels good to see the difference we can make and how much nicer the roads look after the job is done. I also liked this clean up work because I got off from school that day!”
Anthony’s Scoutmaster, Bruce Sullivan, is proud and happy to have Anthony in Troop 20.
“Anthony is presently the Senior Patrol Leader of Boy Scout Troop 20 in Jewett City,” Bruce explains.
“This means he is the Senior youth leader of the entire troop. The Scouts report to him and Anthony leads the troop meetings and camp-outs. I see him grow and mature as a leader and I observe the development of his leadership skills. I know Anthony will be a better person for taking this responsibility.”
The big project that Anthony is now working on is the “Landa Project.” “The Landas are a family in our town that need help since their house burned down,” Anthony shares. “The whole community is coming together to help them by raising funds to build them a new house. I help out at yard sales and car washes to raise money for the project.”
Anthony also helps other scouts on their Eagle Scout projects. “I recently helped finger print children for their safety and worked on the winter preparation of Camp Laurel Girl Scout Camp. For this project we worked with United Way and the Rose City Chapter of Business Networking International (BNI) at their Day of Caring at Camp Laurel.”
Anthony’s enthusiasm for volunteer community work is inspiring. “Large tasks are very easy when there are many people helping and they all work as a team,” Anthony remarks. “I am proud to be helping the Landa Family. It feels good to directly help a family in need get back on their feet and give them a better life.”
Anthony’s involvement in his community is inspiring. We owe young people like him our appreciation and thanks.
Lorrainne Sanborn and Frank E. Winkler, Groton Business Association co-chairs, pass the gavel to Charles Vigorita, UPS Store, Groton, and Jim Bates, Edward Jones Investments, on November 19.
On Thursday, November 19, the Groton Business Association (GBA) met for their monthly meeting at Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical School. The students of the tourism and hospitality department, headed by Paul Jones, provided catering. The Groton Business Association’s main goal is to help promote businesses in the Groton area.
The meeting agenda began with the introductions of co-chairpersons Frank E. Winkler and Lorraine Sanborn and local businesses. Jack Cervera, Dean of Students at Grasso Tech and the host of the meeting, did a brief intro and summary of the school’s ever growing programs. After that there was an introduction of the Student Representatives from Fitch Senior High School and the Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School by Dave Silvia.
The final aspect on the agenda was the passing of the gavel to the new co-chairs, Vice Chair Charles Vigorita, UPS Store, Groton, and Vice Chair Jim Bates, Edward Jones Iinvestments. “I absolutely love what Grasso Tech is doing for these kids and think that Frank and Lorraine have done an amazing job during their term, I wish the new Vice Chairs the best of luck,” said GBA member Kathleen Poole, Mystic River Acupuncture.
For further information on the Groton Business Association visit www.grotonbiz.com.
