LOUDONVILLE, NY (07/07/2014) — Dana Tricarico graduated from Siena College at its 74th Commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18 at the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y. Tricarico received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies. Tricarico was the recipient of the Environmental Studies major award.

The College awarded 758 Bachelor’s and 54 Master in Accounting degrees to the Class of 2014.

Siena College is a learning community advancing the ideals of a liberal arts education, rooted in its identity as a Franciscan and Catholic college. Located in Loudonville, N.Y., two miles north of the state capital, the 176-acre beautiful, suburban campus is home to 3,000 undergraduates. Siena offers 27 majors in the Schools of Business, Liberal Arts and Science. In combination with its minors and certificates, Siena provides students with more than 1,200 program combinations. Siena College: Providing the education of a lifetime for more than 75 years.

EASTON, PA (07/03/2014)(readMedia)– The following local residents have graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. They were among 590 undergraduate students in the Class of 2014 awarded degrees during the College’s 179th Commencement held Saturday, May 24.

Commencement speaker, the Honorable Portia Simpson Miller, prime minister of Jamaica, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. She delivered her address titled “Balancing the Books While Balancing People’s Lives” on the campus Quad to family and friends.

Here are photos and video scenes of the speakers and activities.

Anna Baruzzi of Cheshire graduated and earned a bachelor of arts degree in government and law;

Monica Nelson of Stonington graduated and earned a bachelor of arts degree in engineering;

Lafayette is a top liberal arts college with 2,400 students and 215 full-time faculty that offers a wide variety of undergraduate degree programs including engineering.

With close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, Lafayette has one of the highest endowment-per-student rates in the nation. This means ample resources to fuel student research, and provide opportunities for study abroad, internships and field work. It means outstanding facilities, Division I sports, and funding for 250 student groups on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.

EASTON, PA (07/03/2014)(readMedia)– The following Lafayette College students were named to the Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the spring 2014 semester. Each student achieved at least a 3.60 semester grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Sarah Woodruff of Ledyard; Sarah is a graduate of Ledyard High School.

Anna Baruzzi of Old Lyme; Anna is a graduate of Hamden Hall Country Day School.

Lafayette is a top liberal arts college with 2,400 students and 215 full-time faculty that offers a wide variety of undergraduate degree programs including engineering.

With close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, Lafayette has one of the highest endowment-per-student rates in the nation. This means ample resources to fuel student research, and provide opportunities for study abroad, internships and field work. It means outstanding facilities, Division I sports, and funding for 250 student groups on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (07/03/2014)(readMedia)– The following local students have been named to the Marist College Dean’s List for the Spring 2014 semester:

Philomena Buscetto of Waterford, CT, member of the Class of 2017

Kathryn Chmielewski of Old Lyme, CT, member of the Class of 2015

Sarah Gaudio of Old Lyme, CT, member of the Class of 2015

Katelyn Ollhoff of Niantic, CT, member of the Class of 2017

Aaron Sheldon of Oakdale, CT, member of the Class of 2017

Marist is an independent comprehensive liberal arts college with an enrollment of 4,700 full-time undergraduate students. Founded in 1929, the College offers 44 major fields of undergraduate study and 12 graduate degree programs. Marist is included in the Princeton Review‘s 2013 guide to the top colleges and universities in the U.S., The Best 377 Colleges.

Marist is also ranked 10th in the northern United States in U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 “Best Colleges” guide and is listed by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance as one of the best values in private colleges and universities. For more information visit www.marist.edu.

“We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered” SOLD OUT debut at Suncoast Casino in Las Vegas, June 22-23, 2013. Long ago and oh so far away . . .the world fell in love with the Carpenters and their era-defining repertoire of songs. We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered is a concert show celebrating the music of one of the most successful recording acts of all time. Karen and Richard sold over 100 million records in just over a decade and still hold the record for the most top-ten consecutive singles. The dynamic combination of Karen’s voice and Richard’s compositions and arrangements created Grammy-winning magic and won them a worldwide legion of loyal fans. To view the promotional video click HERE. While working as Music Director for Donna Summer, Harry Sharpe worked with Richard Carpenter in concert at the Hollywood Bowl. (June, 2010) The Show Michelle Berting Brett takes center stage accompanied by her 7-piece band of versatile Nashville musicians directed by Harry Sharpe. Sharpe and the band have worked with popular music icons including: Donna Summer, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Sara Evans, Alison Krauss, The Monkees, Bobby Caldwell, Tom Jones, Gloria Estefan, and Michael McDonald. We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered re-creates their original sound. In addition Berting Brett shares stories culled from extensive research and interviews with those who knew Karen and Richard personally and professionally. The result is a real wholesome family show and an intimate behind the scenes profile of the pop music phenomenon that defined an era. (This show does not purport to be endorsed by Richard Carpenter or the estate of Karen Carpenter, nor by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, lyricist and composer of the song “We’ve Only Just Begun”.) The Music The concert show is available in a 90 minute or two-act format and is jam-packed with back-to-back soft rock classics that include: For All We Know, Goodbye to Love, Please Mr. Postman, Rainy Days and Mondays, Superstar, There’s a Kind of Hush, (They Long to Be) Close to You, Top of the World, We’ve Only Just Begun and Yesterday Once More and many more! The Reviews “Michelle Berting Brett is a richly gifted vocalist whose heartfelt tribute to Karen Carpenter is simply not to be missed.” Christopher Loudon – Vocal Critic, JazzTimes Magazine “Carpenters Remembered was a great addition to our concert series. The group was amazing and I was so impressed with the accuracy of their vocals. A very well done production.” Michael Joseph – Partner/Musical Director The Company Theatre, Norwell, Massachusetts “Michelle Berting Brett performed her heart out on not just one, but two very special shows here. It wasn’t just the tunes, it was the vibe, the stories, and the memories all being shared. It’s a downright special event for anyone who has loved the Carpenters. This show could play, and win, just about anywhere.” Pat Ryan – Entertainment Director, Bridge Street Live, Collinsville, Connecticut “What an AMAZING show!!! Michelle Berting Brett and her top notch band recreate the spirit and essence of the Carpenters and provide an evening that brings back memory after memory . . .” Deana J. Whistler – Entertainment Director, WinnaVegas Casino Resort, Sloan, Iowa “A fabulous, entertaining, informative, and fun show. I loved it! Thanks for an awesome evening!” John Dimon – CEO, Diamond Entertainment, Toronto, Canada Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas is a concert show celebrating the biggest hits of one of the most successful recording acts of all time, and a full complement of their classic Christmas repertoire. A natural off-shoot of the show, We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered, this concert is guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit! The Carpenters released two classic Christmas albums as well as two Christmas-themed television specials. Their holiday music is played every season and their Christmas records still top “Favorite Holiday Album” lists every year. (This show does not purport to be endorsed by Richard Carpenter or the estate of Karen Carpenter, nor by Frank Pooler, lyricist of “Merry Christmas Darling”.) The Music Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas is available in a 90 minute or two-act format and features holiday classics and pop music hits that include: The Christmas Song, Do You Hear What I Hear, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Jingle Bells, Merry Christmas Darling, Sleigh Ride, Goodbye to Love, Please Mr. Postman, Rainy Days and Mondays, Superstar, (They Long to Be) Close to You, Top of the World, We’ve Only Just Begun, Yesterday Once More, and many more! The Reviews “Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas is an absolutely amazing holiday show that is sure to be enjoyed by all. Michelle Berting Brett brings to life a spectacular performance with some of the Carpenters’ most cherished favorites and holiday classics. This endearing show truly fills you with the holiday spirit; I could not speak more highly of this wonderful Christmas show or of Michelle’s unforgettable performance.” Mark Jacobson – Marketing Manager, Cher-Ae Heights Casino, Trinidad, California “Michelle Berting Brett sounds as close to Karen Carpenter as you can get. Beautiful voice, music, and show. Our guests were very impressed and enjoyed it immensely.” Cathy Wright – Entertainment Manager, Spirit Mountain Casino, Grand Ronde, Oregon “Merry Christmas Darling: Carpenters’ Christmas” performance at Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde, Oregon, December 21, 2013. For Bookings and Info: Mark Brett Trajectory Productions 860.377.1912 mark@markbrett.com Sign up for email updates HERE. www.weveonlyjustbegunshow.com    ©2014 We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered | 100 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830

Media Advisory   Contact:   Lance Cowan LCMedia (615) 331-1710 lcmedia@comcast.net       “Ameripolitan” artist Dale Watson Performs on NBC Nightly News; Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Famed Sun Recording Studios   MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE — As he prepares for the release of his Truckin’ Sessions Trilogy (slated for July 8 on Red River Entertainment), Country traditionalist Dale Watson recently joined NBC’s Lester Holt in Memphis, Tennessee to celebrate the60th Anniversary of Sun Studios.  Watson performed Don’t Let The Screen Door Hit You and Adios with an acclaimed group of musicians, including bassist Dave Roe (Johnny Cash, Jerry Reed), drummer JM Van Eaton (Jerry Lee Lewis) and pianist Rick Steff(Lucero).  (Holt handled bass duties on Adios).   The segment is scheduled to air Saturday, July 5 at  6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT on NBC Nightly News.   Watson has recorded five solo albums as Sun Recording Studios. Opened by rock pioneer Sam Phillips at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 3, 1950 Sun Recording Studios was originally called Memphis Recording Service, sharing the same building with the Sun Records label business. Reputedly the first rock and roll single, Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats’ “Rocket 88” was recorded there in 1951 with song composer Ike Turner on keyboards, leading the studio to claim status as the birthplace of rock & roll. Blues and R&B artists like Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Parker, Little Milton, B.B. King, James Cotton, Rufus Thomas, and Rosco Gordon recorded there in the early 1950s. In the late 50s, such icons as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Charlie Feathers, Ray Harris, Warren Smith, Charlie Rich, and Jerry Lee Lewis, recorded there.   In 1998, “Ameripolitan” artist Watson issued a 14-song collection of songs in the tradition of Red Simpson, Merle Haggard, Red Sovine and Dave Dudley called The Truckin’ Sessions.  He followed that release a year later with another 14-song outing, The Truckin’ Sessions 2.  Now, the maverick country traditionalist is adding another new 14-song set,The Truckin’ Sessions 3, to the group, and now, Red River Entertainment will release them all in one package, The Truckin’ Sessions Trilogy.   ###   To schedule an interview with Watson, for artwork, a review copy of Truckin’ Sessions III or more information, contact Lance Cowan • LCMedia • (615) 331-1710 • lcmedia@comcast.net. More information is available at     http://dalewatson.com/index.htm   http://www.lancecowanmedia.com     Lance Cowan • LCMedia •  lcmedia@comcast.net • www.lancecowanmedia.com Phone: 615-331-1710 • P.O. Box 965 • Antioch, TN 37013   Representing:  Joe Ely • Michael Martin Murphey • The Flatlanders • Terry Allen •  Jonathan Edwards TweelX • The Nashville Jazz Orchestra • Reagan Boggs • Swamp Donky • The Kentucky HeadHunters Rockology • RW Hampton • Sharon Ely • Dale Watson • Reagan Boggs • Mike & Dorris Merritt

Mystic, Conn. (July 6, 2014) — Mystic Seaport announced the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan will delay its departure from New Bedford until Tuesday, July 8. The ship had been scheduled to sail Monday from New Bedford to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy at the south end of the Cape Cod Canal on the next leg of its 38^th Voyage on July 7.

“The forecast for sustained winds and gusts and sea conditions for Buzzards Bay exceeds our level of comfort for operating the ship,” said Dana Hewson, vice president for watercraft preservation and operations at Mystic Seaport.

The Morgan is now scheduled to sail to the academy on Tuesday morning. The next leg of the voyage, from the academy to Provincetown, Mass. by way of the canal, will be pushed back one day, to Wednesday, July 9. A series of day sails on the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will continue as scheduled from Jun 11-13.

For more information on the Morgan and its 38^th Voyage, please visit the Mystic Seaport website.

Downloadable Media:

High resolution photos and broadcast-quality HD video of the ship’s activities are available for download and use by news media. Downloads can be accessed on the Mystic Seaport press page

Links:

www.mysticseaport.org/38thvoyage
http://www.mysticseaport.org/connect/press/
http://www.mysticseaport.org/stowaway
http://www.mysticseaport.org/stories

Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mysticseaport
Twitter: @mysticseaport, #charleswmorgan, #38thvoyage

About Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. The Museum is located one mile south of exit 90 off I-95 in Mystic, CT. Admission is $24 for adults and $15 for children 6-17. Museum members and children under 5 are admitted for free. For more information, please visit www.mysticseaport.org

Contact:              Dan McFadden
Director of Communications
860-572-5317
860-333-7155 (cell)
dan.mcfadden@mysticseaport.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 1st, 2014

CONTACT:  George Marley

401-921-2434, Ext. 124

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE OCEAN STATE TO ANNOUNCE IT’S COMING TOGETHER WITH BIG BROTHERS OF RHODE ISLAND AT PRESS CONFERENCE – PRESS CONFERENCE WRAP UP 

Cranston, RI – For over 60 years, Big Brothers of Rhode Island (BBRI) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State, both local affiliates of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, have worked separately by coming to the aid of hundreds of boys and girls statewide by providing them with life-changing mentors. Now, in a historic collaboration, both organizations have come together to serve the growing number of children throughout Rhode Island who could benefit from the positive influence an adult role model can have on the life of a child in need. They will consolidate resources to continue to be the leading mentoring program, under the direction of Executive Director Deb Saunders, serving over 600 children and their families annually as Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS).

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a proven and trusted mentoring program that is nationally recognized for connecting young people with a caring mentor who can help to build their confidence, expand their horizons, encourage them to stay in school, and make healthier choices like avoiding drugs and alcohol. Our organizations have a combined 110 years of experience providing services to children throughout Rhode Island! Together, they will provide services to over 600 children every year, with over 100+ boys and girls still waiting for a mentor.

The coming together of these great organizations was announced July 1 via a press conference held at the headquarters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State, 1540 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.

Watch the announcement:

Deb Saunders, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State, had this to say: “I am so excited that this historic moment has finally arrived. It has been a long time coming and we have worked very diligently with so many fabulous, caring, individuals who truly have the best interest of the youth of Rhode Island in mind. I look forward to continue building an even stronger network of services for the children and families of Rhode Island. We believe that the work we do and the people we engage on a daily basis have seen a positive change in their lives and will continue to do so for years to come.”

The Honorable Jack Reed spoke of the youth of Rhode Island and America “We have to provide the same [mentoring] efforts and services to the next generation of Rhode Island and America.  

Jo-Ann Schofield, President and CEO of RI Mentoring Partnership commented on the continued success of the prevailing organization.  “[BBBSOS] has achieved the highest designation, “Premier” after completing the rigorous quality assessment process.  They have proven time and again that they are a great organization with a great Executive Director and leadership that continuously seeks opportunity for growth.” 

Joe Manera, Board President of Big Brothers of Rhode Island, said BBRI is closing down its headquarters in East Providence on June 30, but that he will stay on “until the last ‘t’ is crossed and ‘i’ is dotted,” take a break from serving for about six months and then possibly take on a new role within the larger organization. “The shared mission of the two groups may have led to a little confusion but the mission is the children. The mission is not about the people in the agency. Mentoring for children, that’s the underlying reason [the groups have existed].” 

Cranston Mayor and Republican Gubernatorial candidate Alan Fung, who gave closing remarks, said “It is an honor to be here for this historic and critically important day in the mentoring mission.”  He remarked on his former career as a professional prosecutor, seeing young men and women who “need help and guidance and are crying out for the guidance that they need.” 

To find out more about our mentoring programs and how you can make a difference in the lives of children across the state of Rhode Island, visit www.BBBSOS.org or call 401.921.2434.

Incoming President Lion Joe Gush and Cabinet Installed

Former Senator Cathy Cook Awarded “Knight of the Blind” 

The new leaders of Mystic Lions Club ( l – r) : Teresa Fields, Eric Garafano, Cathy Cook, Claudette Hull, Past President Tim Fields, Lions District Governor Nanette Burdick, Mystic Lions President Joe Gush, Nancy MacDonald, Lori McCullough, Ed Hutter, John Read, Maryann Read

Lion Joe Gush, retired USN Master Chief, takes the helm of Mystic Lions Club

Ledyard resident Joe Gush has taken the leadership of the Mystic Lions Club as the group prepares to celebrate its 65^th year of service to the community. Retired Master Chief of the US Navy Submarine Force and a current manager at Electric Boat, Gush loves to be a Lion.  He is the chief cook and bottle washer for all events involving food especially regional Lions Club Steak Nights.  President Joe lives the motto of all Lions, “We Serve.”  He takes leadership of this civic organization that for the past 65 years, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help the community, the nation and the world.  Mystic Lions have built playgrounds, collected food for soup kitchens, cleaned up parks, organized health fairs, performed preschool eye screenings, recycled eyeglasses and hearing aids to the poor, donated large print books, helped the homeless, supported community centers and libraries, planted trees and much more.  

“I learned that Lionism is a participating sport.  And we have fun all year!” says President Joe Gush, pictured in the kitchen (left) with Lions Henry Rohrs (right).

In this 65^th year, the Mystic Lions will continue their partnership with the Mystic Aquarium.  Mystic Lions are on call whenever the Aquarium may need “Lion Power” like directing traffic at the Penguin Walk-a-Thon or lighting thousands of luminaria candles for the annual December Festival of Lights. Other local projects include raising $30,000 for charity by serving Pancakes with Penguins, selling hot dogs and kielbasa at the Mystic Irish Parade, walking to Prevent Blindness, selling garlic soup at the Annual Garlic Festival, and hosting the 10^th Annual Wine, Beer & Spirits Tasting and Auction this November 1^st at the Mystic Aquarium.

Cathy Cook named Knight of the Blind

The Mystic Lions recently presented one of their own with one of the highest honors in International Lionism – “The Knight of the Blind Award.”   In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to help prevent blindness around the world.  Lions have been Helen Keller’s “Knights of the Blind” ever since.  To honor outstanding service, the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation established “The Knight of the Blind Award.”  This year, in recognition of her “generosity, compassion and concern for others,” the Mystic Lions named Lion Cathy Cook as a “humanitarian of distinction” with the 2014 Knight of the Blind Award.  “This honor has been bestowed on others who have given themselves to our community.  I am humbled,” says Cathy Cook, former state senator and Mystic Lion for over 25 years since her induction by her Mystic Lion father, the late Russell Welles. “I hope I can continue to live up to the spirit of Helen Keller’s challenge to Lions.”   Cook (left) forged the partnership with the aquarium and chairs the Annual Mystic Lion Club Pancakes with the Penguins Breakfast.  

Mystic Lions Club is one of the 46,000 clubs with 1.35 million members in Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest civic organization. Lions International Foundation is one of the world’s most effective relief programs, providing hope to those with eye disease, offering disaster relief where needed and building clean water facilities to prevent blindness all around the globe.  Members of the Mystic Lions Club have ventured to Korea, Mexico, Germany, Canada and other nations to join Lions from the world in service.   Locally, Mystic Lions volunteer with the Eastern CT Lions Low Vision Center, helping local citizens with vision impairments.  The club supports Connecticut’s CRIS Radio for the Blind as well as training programs for Seeing Eye dogs; and vision screening for young children and needy veterans. 

It’s easy to join Mystic Lions Club!

You don’t have to live in Mystic to join Mystic Lions.  If you are interested in becoming a Mystic Lion, visit their website www.mysticlionsclub.org  or email to MysticLionsClub@comcast.net.   Mystic Lions Club meets the 1st and 3^rd Thursdays at 6:30 pm.   New members are always welcome.                  

Photo credit:  Cathy Cook