Archives for September 2014

The Disabled American’s Veterans  Chapter Number 10  meets at the Buckingham Building at 307 Main Street Norwich, CT.

For information call 860-546-9754.

Submarine Force Commemorates 4,000^th  Strategic Deterrent Patrol

NORFOLK, VA. – Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic and Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in conjunction with Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, commemorated the submarine force’s 4,000^th strategic deterrent patrol, Sept. 19, 2014, by conducting dual ceremonies in Bangor, Wash., and Kings Bay, Ga.

The first fleet ballistic-missile submarine USS George Washington (SSBN 598) was commissioned December 30, 1959, and completed the inaugural deterrent patrol in January 1961.   Since then, 59 SSBNs have been commissioned in the last 50-plus years. Having patrolled the waters worldwide, the ship has established itself as the most survivable, critical, and efficient element of our U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.

“The ballistic missile submarine force and the capability it offers is as important and relevant in today’s uncertain world as it was when the first deterrent patrols were conducted more than five decades ago,” said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command. “Commemorating the 4,000th patrol allows us to honor not only the submariners who have achieved this milestone, but also to pay homage to the men and women of our strategic forces who are on watch every day providing our nation with a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent against those who might think to do us harm.”

Along with strategic bombers and the intercontinental ballistic missiles, the SSBNs make up the third element of the United States’ triad of nuclear deterrence. SSBNs are critical, stabilizing and efficient elements of U.S. nuclear deterrence and reassurance, and with their sea-based missile launch capability makes them the most survivable asset. They carry the majority of deployed U.S. nuclear warheads allowing them to stabilize deterrent relationships and render surprise attacks inconceivable.

“Today, we celebrate a very special milestone in the undersea warfare community as we commemorate the 4,000th strategic deterrent patrol conducted by our fleet ballistic missile submarines,” said Vice Adm. Michael Connor, Commander, Submarine Forces.  “Strategic deterrence has been the sole mission of the fleet ballistic missile submarine since its inception.  As the sea-based leg of U.S. strategic deterrent forces, the current 14 TRIDENT SSBNs carry more than 50 percent of the total U.S. strategic warheads.  Today’s concept of strategic deterrence seeks to deter attacks on the U.S. or its allies, dissuade adversaries from actions counter to stability, and peace, and to assure allies of the United States’ commitment to their security.”

The current fleet of Ohio-class SSBNs has already been life-extended and cannot be extended any further.  They must be replaced by new class of SSBNs to meet the our future strategic commitments.

“The Sailors have done their part to ensure peace and the ships have done their part too as they now start to serve well beyond their original design service life,” said Connor.  “Now the country must do the same to continue to ensure the peace for our children and our children’s children.  We must build Ohio’s replacement.  There is no more important or more effective use of our National Defense spending than to ensure that we build the 12 ships that will enable exceptional Sailors like you to guarantee the peace for future generations.”

Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfare Systems, echoed Connor’s concerns about the Ohio replacements.

“We as a nation are also demonstrating credibility through commitment to our deterrence strategy, the sustainment of the Ohio class and the procurement of the Ohio replacement.  We must procure and maintain a force of Ohio replacement SSBNs, in order to keep them properly postured and positioned to be survivable and to ensure adequate target coverage.”

While the material and mission readiness of the strategic deterrent fleet is primary focus areas, these elements would be mute without the personnel readiness of our Sailors.   The professional and personal development needs of our Sailors and their families are critical aspects in recruiting and retaining our best and brightest to ensure mission accomplishment in the submarine force.

“The submarine is perhaps the most technological marvel ever!  As we continue to build and develop new submarines they are becoming even more advanced – quieter, stealthier, going deeper, and armed with highly superior weapons systems,” said Vice Adm. Terry Benedict, director, Strategic Systems Programs.  “However, this is all for naught if not for the men and now women of the silent service.  Equally – if not more important than the payload or the platform is the Sailor.  Our Sailors have and will continue to protect and provide credible deterrence to those who would otherwise wish us harm.”

In a letter sent to the submarine force, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus stated:

“It is my great honor to congratulate Commander, Submarine Forces and all the Sailors, civilians, and veterans of the submarine force who have dedicated themselves to achieving this significant milestone -our Nation’s 4,000^th Strategic Deterrent Patrol. This milestone demonstrates not only the far-reaching importance of strategic deterrence to the security of the United States and its allies, but also the significant role the U.S. Navy plays in maintaining this posture.

“History shows us that it is difficult to predict the future of conflict. But it also shows us that we must always be prepared for the threat of conflict. So, I thank you, for protecting peace, promoting global security, and for all you do to ensure the safety of our Nation.”

For more information on the submarine force visit the Submarine Force web site at http://www.public.navy.mil/subfor/hq/Pages/default.aspx.

What:  Unveiling of Mystic Statue Honoring Local Legend John J. Kelley

When:  1:00pm, Sunday, September 21

Where: Baptist Hill, West Main and Bank Street, Downtown Mystic

Six Former Boston Marathon Winners will Unveil Mystic Statue Honoring Local Legend John J. Kelley on September 21st

Six former winners of the Boston Marathon will be in Mystic, Connecticut, Sept. 21 to help unveil and dedicate a statue of the late Johnny Kelley, the 1957 Boston champion and two-time Olympian who many consider the father of distance running in the United States.

Kelley, an inspirational writer, teacher and high school cross-country coach who lived in Mystic not far from where the statue will be located, died three years ago at age 80.

“Johnny would run right by there, almost every day,” Jim Roy of Mystic, a former student and runner on Kelley’s team, said of the location at a small park on Baptist Hill overlooking downtown. The park at the corner of West Main and Bank streets is owned by the town of Groton, where Kelley taught for many years at Fitch Senior High School.

Roy is head of the nonprofit foundation that raised over $87,000 for the bronze statue that depicts Kelley running with his dog, Brutus.

“So many people remember the two of them running together, we felt it was a perfect reminder and wonderful tribute,” he said. Roy said Kelley was revered not just as a runner, but as a man who embraced nature, literature, and above all, friendship. The statue, he added, perfectly captures Kelley’s boyish spirit.  “It’s our hope that this statue will inspire all who see it, runner and non-runner alike, to achieve their full potential and follow their dreams,” he said.

Among those expected to attend the Sept. 21 ceremony, which will be open to the public, are Amby Burfoot, who was coached by Kelley and went on to win Boston in 1968; Bill Rodgers, Burfoot’s cross-country teammate at Wesleyan who won Boston four times between 1975 and 1980, earning the nickname “Boston Billy”.  Geoff Smith, who won in 1984 and 1985; and Jack Fultz, the 1976 champion. Women’s Champions include three time winner Sara Mae Berman (1969-71) and Nina Kuscsik the 1972 winner.

Representatives of the Boston Athletic Association, which sponsors the Boston Marathon and whose team Kelley ran for throughout his storied career, also plan to attend. The BAA and numerous organizations and individuals supported the statue project.

“Johnny was such a beloved figure, so many people were extraordinarily generous,” Roy said. The organization will continue to raise money, with additional funds used to establish scholarships in Kelley’s name.

More information about the John Kelley Memorial Fund and the September dedication is available on johnkelley.org.

7^th Annual Holiday Crafter / Vendor Fair, Silent Auction, Luncheon & Bake Sale

Saturday, October 11 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday, October 12, 2013 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

St. James Episcopal Church

95 Route 2A, Preston, CT 06365   (860) 889-0150 www.stjamespoquetanuck.ctdiocese.org     sjchurch@snet.net

This annual event features a large variety of handmade crafts from local crafters, items from area vendors, a silent auction which ends at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 12^th, bake sale, and a lunch menu of St. James chili, hotdogs, sandwich meal deals. Crafter / vendor space is still available.

• For crafter or vendor space, please contact Karen Kist at 860-608-3523 or desijaz01@yahoo.com
• For more information, please contact Jewelly Szocik at 860-892-4041 or the church office at 860-889-0150

FRIENDS OF FORT TRUMBULL S.P. TO PRESENT TRANSPORTATION MARITIME MANAGER

For their September meeting, the Friends of Fort Trumbull S.P. will continue to explore the theme The Whaling City and the Sea. On Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, the Friends will present Captain Charles Beck (ret.), Connecticut Transportation Maritime Manager.  Mr. Beck will speak on “The Strategy for Economic Development for the Port of New London”.

Mr. Beck will discuss the recent decision by the State Bond Commission to fund $5.8 million in improvements and engineering studies for State Pier in New London.

The presentation will be at The Fort Trumbull Conference Center at 7 p.m.  The public is invited, but seating is limited.  New members are always welcome.  Refreshments will be served after the presentation.

Emerson Theater Collaborative announces its production of HOUR FARTHER
Emerson Theatre Collaborative (ETC), in association with Black Stars of the Great White Way – a Chapman Roberts and Richard Allen Center for Art & Culture, announces its production of the play, Hour Farther written by David Horace Greer, directed by Camilla Ross, and starring renowned stage and screen actor and singer, Kirk Taylor. Most recently, Mr. Taylor had the honor of working alongside the late Robin Williams and Mila Kunis in the film, The Angriest Man In Brooklyn directed by Phillip Alden Robinson.
Hour Farther, set outside a rural Kentucky town, is a play about Victor, an adopted-son waiting to meet his biological father for the first time who discovers how dangerous family truth can be. As he waits, Victor takes us on an odyssey with father-figures in his life: his adopted father, mother, and grandfather, as well as his reverend, step-cousin, step-dad, even Superman and Jesus. Hour Farther is an epic play with cosmic and biblical tones told through rural, gospel, and hip hop rhythms that explores themes of love, reconciliation, and redemption.
Said a member of Cincinnati Playwrights’ Initiative reading committee, “HOUR FARTHER reminds me of Stanley Kubrick’s A SPACE ODYSSEY. It is a beautifully constructed epic, yet humorous tale of the past, present, and future.”

Cast: Elijah Manning, Nichelle Rollins, Menelik Nesmith, Kirk Taylor, & Derrick Williams.
On October 2, 2014 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A “Meet and Greet the Cast” will be hosted by Dennis Sirrine of Sirrine Design at Velvet Mill Studios in The Gallery, located at 22 Bayview Avenue, Stonington, CT. Wine and cheese will be served. Free and open to the public.

Hour Farther will be performed October 3 – 4 at 8:00 pm and October 5 at 4:00 pm at First United Methodist Church in Mystic, CT. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the door or on line at www.emersontheatercollaborative.org.
In addition, ETC announces a Free Reading of the play in New York City on Monday, October 6, 2014 7:00 pm at Manhattan Plaza, Ellington Room (2nd Floor), 400 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036. All Mystic cast members will participate. RSVPs are required and should be sent to dhgreer3@yahoo.com

Key Dates and Information
What: Emerson Theater Collaborative production of Hour Farther by David Horace Greer.
When: October 3 – 4, 2014 at 8:00 pm and October 5 at 4:00 pm [Meet & Greet the Cast on Oct. 2 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at The Velvet Mill Studios, Stonington, CT 06378]
Where: First United Methodist Church, 23 Willow Street, Mystic, CT 06355
How: Tickets are $30 and $25 for Seniors and Students at the door or visit www.EmersonTheaterCollaborative.org.
What: Emerson Theater Collaborative free reading of Hour Farther by David H. Greer.
When: October 6, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Where: Manhattan Plaza, Ellington Room (2nd floor.), 400 W. 43rd St., New York, NY 10036.
How: RSVPs are required and should be sent to dhgreer3@yahoo.com
# # # # #
Creative team is available for interviews, and photos are available upon request.
Contact: Lisa Giordano, ldgldg7@gmail.com, (860) 861-3743.

SEANCE 101 With Author and Medium Elaine Kuzmeskus on Thursday, October 9 HARTFORD, Conn. – During the month of Halloween, The Mark Twain House & Museum presents Seance 101, a special evening with a focus on Spiritualism, Psychic Photographs, and Seances with nationally recognized medium Elaine Kuzmeskus. This exciting event takes place on Thursday, October 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mark Twain House Visitor’s Center. Ever wondered if psychic photographs are real? What famous spiritualist produced faces of spirit on film? How did the Victorian conduct their seances? Author and medium, Elaine Kuzmeskus answers these questions as she explores the fascinating world of physical mediumship and Victorian Seances. Learn more about rare but real physical phenomena, as well as valuable information on: Seances around Victorian Hartford; Connecticut medium who levitated; How to contact spirit through table tipping; Spirit photographs; Electronic voice phenomena; Plus readings for selected members of the audience. Tickets are $15.00 and are available by calling (860) 280-3130 or by visiting MarkTwainHouse.org and clicking on Events. This event ties in with our upcoming fall exhibition Spiritualism, Séances & Sam. This exhibition will examine the Victorian era’s fascination with spiritualism and, in particular, the relevant beliefs and experiences of Mark Twain. This exhibit opens on October 10 with a free 5:30 p.m. reception.  For more information about this exhibition, please visit MarkTwainHouse.org and click on The Museum tab and then Special Exhibits. About Elaine Kuzmeskus Elaine Kuzmeskus, MS is a nationally recognized Spiritualist medium who is Director of the New England School of Metaphysics in Suffield, CT. She is also the author of three books on mediumship: Connecticut Ghosts, Seance 101, and The Making of a Medium. Her latest book, The Art of Mediumship is a “how to” on developing mediumship. During her career, Elaine Kuzmeskus has conducted the many notable seances including the Official Houdini Seance and was recently featured on the PBS special” Things That Go Bump in the Night.” The Mark Twain House & Museum (www.marktwainhouse.org ) has restored the author’s Hartford, Connecticut, home, where the author and his family lived from 1874 to 1891. Twain wrote his most important works during the years he lived there, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. In addition to providing tours of Twain’s restored home, a National Historic Landmark, the institution offers activities and educational programs that illuminate Twain’s literary legacy and provide information about his life and times. The house and museum at 351 Farmington Ave. are open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.  For more information, call (860) 247-0998 or visit www.marktwainhouse.org. Programs at The Mark Twain House & Museum are made possible in part by support from the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, Office of the Arts, and the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s United Arts Campaign.

Mystic Seaport Receives $150,000 Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Funds Will Support State-of-the-Art Components of New Exhibit on American Whaling

Mystic, Conn. (September 18, 2014)—Mystic Seaport announced today it is the recipient of a $150,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support  components of the Museum’s new exhibit Voyaging in the Wake of the Whalers. The award is part of the Institute’s Museums for America Learning Experiences program.

The new 4,000-square foot exhibit will be an interdisciplinary exploration of America’s historic and contemporary relationship with whales and whaling. Using artifacts and artwork, along with compelling audio-visual elements and immersive displays, the experience will provide insight into commercial whaling’s complex and deep impact on the nation’s economy, culture, and global position. It will also explore whaling’s historic and environmental legacy.

Voyaging in the Wake of the Whalers follows the historic 38th Voyage of the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan this past summer. The Morgan, a National Historic Landmark vessel, sailed from Mystic, Conn. to ports across Southern New England and into the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. This was the ship’s first voyage since 1921.

“This exhibit will be the final chapter in the 38^th Voyage of the Charles W. Morgan,” said Mystic Seaport president Steve White. “Through our continuing series of onboard, onsite, and online public programs, we continue to reinterpret the ship for a 21st-century audience in ways that surprise and intrigue the visitor.”

This grant will fund an introductory video and a large 3D projection globe that will weave together global stories of whales, whaling, and whale research in an inspiring multimedia presentation. The globe will be a striking, luminous orb at the center of the exhibit that will draw visitors into a unique experience.

“These state-of-the-art components will enable us to present the themes of the exhibit in exciting, powerful ways,” said Susan Funk, executive vice president of Mystic Seaport. “They will play a vital role in our mission to encourage the visitor to explore how American perceptions of whales and whaling took dramatic turns over time, and how America’s whaling heritage continues to shape communities and culture today.”

Voyaging in the Wake of the Whalers is scheduled to open in the Museum’s Stillman Building in summer 2015.

Groton SUBVETS Announces October Events Schedule

Groton – U.S. Submarine Veterans Groton Base has the following events planned for October.

The very popular monthly Steak N’ Eggs Brunch is October 5 from 10 AM to noon. Regular brunch will be served every other Sunday from 10 AM to noon.

The monthly membership meeting is October 6 at 6:30 PM. All members are encouraged to attend. Persons interested in joining SUBVETS are also welcome to attend. The only requirement for membership is to be designated QUALIFIED in SUBMARINES. Membership is open to active duty United States Navy officers and enlisted personnel as well as all retired and non-career submariners.

The monthly SUBVETS WWII Social and Luncheon is scheduled for October 14 from 11:30 AM at the clubhouse. All WWII Submarine veterans and their guest are welcome.

The annual Submarine CO / XO / COB Dinner is scheduled for October 18 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.

The monthly SUBVETS Holland Club Luncheon and Social is scheduled for October 21 from 11:30 AM at the clubhouse. The Holland Club is an exclusive group within the SUBVETS organization that recognizes members who reach the milestone of a minimum of 50 years qualified in submarines.

The annual Steamship Round Dinner is scheduled for October 25th. Please call for reservations: (860) 445-5262. Dinner is $15 per person and will be served in two sittings, at 5:45 and 7 PM.

Advanced Paid Reservations are required. 

All events are open to members of U.S. SUBVETS and their guests and will be held at the clubhouse, located at 40 School Street in Groton, CT.

For directions, costs or additional information about SUBVETS Groton or any of the above events,  visit their Web site at http://subvetsgroton.org, or contact Jeff Walsh, SUBVETS Groton Base House Committee Chair, at (860) 449–2103 or by e-mail at house1@subvetsgroton.org.

United States Submarine Veterans Incorporated is a National Veterans Fraternal Organization chartered in 1964 and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)19 entity. With over 13,200 members and 160 chapters nationwide, it is the largest organization of US Navy submarine qualified veterans in the world.

If you’d like additional information, please contact Rich Cheatham, United States Submarine Veterans Incorporated Groton Base Public Affairs Officer at (860) 271-6608 or via email at pao@subvetsgroton.org.

Shoreline 50+ Dance:

Saturday Sept 27

VFW Hall, Raymond Hill Rd, Montville,

7:00 to 10:30 PM,

ROUTE 2 BAND

$10 for members, $12 for guests. For more information phone 860-739-7295 or 860-535-1771