story & photo
by Jessica Warzeniak

(l-r) Mohegan Sun employees Brian Roode, Lisbon, Pat Fletcher, Norwich, Erin O’Hanlon, Niantic, and Jim Smart, New London, lost a combined 86 lbs!

Mohegan Sun is at it again, making their employees into big losers… of those extra pounds that is! Modeled after the show, Biggest Loser, Mohegan Sun provides a supportive environment for their employees to lose weight, including access to the casino’s fitness center and free health screenings.

For the fourth year of the program, over 500 employees participated. Over 365 employees lost 4-percent or more of their body weight and received a free gift ranging from a digital camera to an iPod to a Nintendo Wii. In just 12 weeks, the 500 participants lost over 6,700 pounds.

“I think the fact that so many people are involved in the program shows that they are invested in their own personal health,” said Chief-Elect and Chairwoman Lynn Malerba. “And if you invest in your own personal health, you can truly do anything.”

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Beryl Fishbone, Director, Leffingwell House Museum, invites everyone to the “Great American Backyard Campout National Wildlife Federation” on June 26.

story & photo
by K.A. Breton

I remember what it was like growing up and going camping with my family. It was a simpler time. Today, in our busy 21st century lives, we are usually too busy to do the “old-fashioned” vacation.

On June 26, the Leffingwell House Museum is giving everyone a chance to get back-to-basics with the “Great American Backyard Campout National Wildlife Federation.” The event will be held at the museum, 348 Washington Street in Norwich. The museum is a specialized wildlife location.

Folks are asked to bring their own camping equipment, tents and sleeping bags, along with a food to share. A $20 per-tent donation will be shared with National Wildlife Federation, and if you are sleeping over a $5 donation to defray costs. Everything else will be provided by the museum.

Melodye Whatley, a member of the museum said, “This will be a chance to give back to our children what they don’t even know they have lost. Parents are encouraged to trade websites for a campsite and screen time for a green time.”

Ron Ward, another member said, “I am looking forward to the campout. It is very exciting and all about the kids. By us opening our doors to the Great American Backyard Campout, we are hoping the kids get excited and will develop a love for history, connecting with the museum and what is going on there. Kids being outdoors in a natural learning environment stimulate their imaginations, and they get to move around and be active – learning skills and playing with friends.” He continued on, “Many of the kids do not understand that a microwave or stove is not the only way to cook.” They will be cooking on an open fire for meals and roasting marshmallows.

Along with campfire cooking, there will also be a potluck dinner, a scavenger hunt, worm race, graces, croquet, bird blind building, insect identification, hula-hooping and music and dance from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Reservations are not required, but you are asked to register online at www.backyardcampout.org or call the Leffingwell House Museum and leave a message, 860.887.9000.

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Calvin Brouwer

Calvin Brouwer, Quaker Hill, was recently named Sailor of the Week by the U.S. Sailing Association.

Calvin is treasurer and a past commodore of the Thames Yacht Club, which recently honored him for his 50 years of race management. More than 100 people attended “Calvin Brouwer Night” at the club.

For the past 30 years, Calvin was either principal race officer or race secretary at Thames. During that time, he managed thousands of races, including several regional and national contests, and won a number of awards for his work.

“Whether it’s racing or cruising, I like the camaraderie most,” Calvin says, “No matter the event, you’re always looking forward to talking with your friends, swapping war stories, and exchanging tales under the lee of the longboat.”

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Anika Noni Rose

Girl Scouts of Connecticut is pleased to announce that the Woman of Merit honoree for 2010 is Bloomfield native and Broadway and film actress, Anika Noni Rose. A dinner celebrating Anika was held on Wednesday, June 9 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown. The event is supported by Aetna, Comcast, Travelers, and ING.

Girl Scouts of CT is known and respected for helping girls develop uncommon leadership and life skills that serve the common good. Despite a very demanding career, Woman of Merit Honoree, Anika Noni Rose, stayed true to her Girl Scout roots by displaying courage, confidence, and character in her professional and personal life. Her high standards and recognizable accomplishments make her a great role model for Girl Scouts across CT.

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