February 4, 2009

Mohegan Sun’s Winefest ’09

Crowds of foodies and wine lovers streamed into the Mohegan Sun Casino’s Convention Center on January 17th and 18th for the Grand Tasting during Sun WineFest ‘09. Mary Ann Esposito, chef and host of America’s longest running cooking  show, “Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito ™” on PBS, signs her cookbook, “Ciao Italia Slow and Easy.”

Local Women in Biz Attend
Barack Obama’s Inauguration

On January 20, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America – the first African-American ever to hold the office of U.S. Commander-in-Chief. Barbara Stillman, Westerly businesswoman, explains, “I feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the Barack Obama inauguration.  The experience was incredible.  It was surreal to be standing amongst a couple of million people, all gathered for the same reason, and all sharing in the same energy and optimism for our country.  Despite the freezing temperatures and large crowds, there were no complaints.  There were no incidents or arrests.  It was a moment in time where millions joined together in hope.” (l-r) Barbara Stillman and Lisa Konicki, president, Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce, attended the Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

February 18, 2009

Bankers on Main Street

As part of the Resident’s Financial District series featuring local bank presidents, Duncan Stoddard, President, Chelsea Groton Bank since 2000, discussed the economy with Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident. “There was a period of time, particularly between September and November, when almost everyone I ran into was asking, ‘I’m sure Chelsea Groton is doing fine, right?’” said Duncan. “I knew it was a question and not a statement. And of course, I did more than reassure them. Not only are we doing fine, but we are having a really good year.”

Baseball Rivals Unite for Cancer Fundraiser

On Friday, February 6th at Mohegan Sun Casino, Yankees pitcher Rich “Goose” Gossage, former Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice, and Yankees left-handed pitcher Ron “Gator” Guidry were just a few baseball legends who spoke The CT Sports Foundation Against Cancer Dinner and Auction.

Eastern CT State University Black History Month Events

Eastern CT State University students learned about Black History Month through events scheduled on back-to-back nights: a re-creation of the legendary Lincoln-Douglas debates took place on February 9, followed, the next evening, by a storytelling session with Professor Raouf Mama.