Archives for June 2017

Boxing Champ Micky Ward, John Laudati, President, CT Boxing Hall Of Fame, Mohegan Tribal Chairman Kevin “Red Eagle” Brown, super middleweight boxing Champ Dana Rosenblatt, Glenn Feldman, boxing judge and CT BHOF founder, flyweight boxer Luigi Camputaro, Kenny Reels, Mashantucket Pequot leader, inductee and CT BHOF Board member, cutting the ribbon opening the CT Boxing Hall of Fame in its new location at Mohegan Sun.

story & photos
by Alexis Ann

The Grand opening of the Connecticut Boxing Hall Of Fame’s new location in the Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun was celebrated June 26. An official ribbon-cutting starring leaders from both the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribal Nations participated in this jovial ceremony with John Laudati, President, CT Boxing Hall Of Fame (CBHOF), several board members and celebrity boxers including: Micky Ward, Marlon Starling, Gaspar Ortega, Dana Rosenblatt, Troy Wortham, Luigi Camputaro, Orlando Montalvo and Ray Oliveira. Up-and-coming professional Mykquan Williams also attended with his trainer, 2014 inductee Paul Cichon.
John Laudati welcomed all and thanked the Mohegan Sun for allowing boxing fans to be able to visit this beautiful facility whenever they are in the casino. “We at the CBHOF are extremely grateful to Mohegan Sun for hosting this great facility and for contributing generously to its construction.”
“We are very excited and anxious to have the ability to present the rich history of boxing in Connecticut while simultaneously honoring those who have contributed to that history.” President John gave special thanks to board members: Mohegan Sagamore Maynard Strickland, Mashantucket Pequot leader Kenny Reels, Don Trella, Mike Mazulli and Kim Barker for spearheading this magnanimous effort.
Mohegan Chairman Kevin Brown greeted the crowd and joked about increasing rental charge for the space in the casino. Kevin carried the gigantic pair of scissors to the center of the ribbon joining board members and boxers so anxious to snip the bright red ribbon.
The new CBHOF will be open to the public during Mohegan Sun Casino operating hours. In addition to the inductees’ plaques and videos of famous fights held in the Nutmeg State, the new location features rotating displays of historically significant boxin

(l-r) Boxing legend Gaspar Ortega tells Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Councilor Merrill “Marvin” Reels that he’s still at his fighting weight.

g memorabilia. There will also be interactive displays for public use.

story & photo
by Kelvin Ake

What a great honor for the United States Coast Guard Academy graduating class of 2017 as they received their diploma in commission at the 136th Commencement Ceremony held on Wednesday May 17 in New London.
Graduation ceremonies are always marked with great pomp and pageantry, but this year’s exercise was a bit more special. The cadets were excited not only to be celebrating the occasion with proud family members and important dignitaries but were especially thrilled to have the President and Commander-in-Chief Donald J. Trump as the commencement speaker.
In his welcome remarks, Rear Admiral James E. Rendon, Superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy, congratulated the graduates for successfully completing their program. “The mission for these graduates is complete.” he announced. “We are confident they will serve, lead and succeed.”
In his keynote address, President Trump congratulated the Class of 2017 for their accomplishments. “Every cadet graduating today, as your Commander-in-Chief, it is truly my honor to welcome you aboard. And you should take a moment to celebrate this incredible achievement.”
The President also highlighted the vital role of the Coast Guard in the nation’s security. “The Coast Guard is deployed in support of operations in theaters of conflict all around the world, but not only do they defend American security, they also protect American prosperity.”
“You’re the only federal presence upon our inland waterways. You pursue the terrorists, stop the drug smugglers and keep out all who would do harm to our country. Together we have the same mission, and your devotion and dedication makes me proud to be your Commander-in-Chief.” the President said.
Speaking on behalf of his peers, Cadet First Class Christopher Robert Popiel, this year’s distinguished graduate, thanked the guests for joining them to celebrate their achievement. “Our achievement assures us that the Coast Guard will be in good hands.” He noted with pride the courage demonstrated by the Class of 2017 in the face of difficult challenges. “Unity gave us courage to get through the storm.” he said.
Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant, United States Coast Guard, in his remarks called on the new officers to be leaders of character. “You’re going to be leaders in a world that has storms on many fronts. It’s going to require leaders with character to lead this great nation,” he reminded the young officers. “I have followed this class for four years. I know you’re going to do the best.”
John F. Kelly, Homeland Security Secretary had this ad

Cadet Shane Corbett and Cadet Samuel Park Sharing a moment at the commencement ceremony

Cadet Jennifer Stein recieving her diploma from President Trump.

United States Coast Guard Class of 2017 celebrating the hat toss at the commencement ceremony

vice for the graduates. “Take care of your people. Train them, mentor them and defend them. If you do this,” he explained, “They will do anything you ask them to do. They’ll show up to work on time. They’ll put their lives at risk on the high seas interdicting drug, dealing with the most dangerous men on the planet, or they’ll jump out of a helicopter in the middle of the night in the raging seas to save somebody. All you have to do is lead them.”
President Trump’s speech was followed by the administering of the Oath of Office, presentation of degrees to the 195 graduating officers and the divestiture of cadet symbols, a befitting ending to a day they will long remember.
Congratulation grads! We wish you great success. We honor your devotion to duty and appreciate your service to our nation.

by Karen Koerner

True to his word, Guy Fieri stopped in for a visit to his Guy Fieri’s Foxwoods Restaurant Kitchen and Bar June 1, to talk food, demonstrate how to unmold his famous “Trash Can Nachos,” and to visit with friends at Foxwoods Casino Restaurant.
First the food. As guests watched, Guy carefully finessed a mold from layers of nacho chips, cheese, onions, hot peppers and more, leaving a crispy, cheesy stack of nachos where every bite is delicious. He joked with Lena Sternburg, a nearby Food Instagrammer, that she had to eat it all. “I’ll be back in five minutes,” he said. “They’re really good!” Lena exclaimed.
Guy, famous for visiting down-to-earth eateries around the country in his popular show, “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” was diplomatic when asked to recommend restaurants. “It’s impossible,” he said, but then got serious. “Go and look,” he said, advising the group around him to experiment with all types of restaurants and foods.
Conversation soon turned to one of Guy’s favorite topics: the Best Buddies program, which is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Guy Fieri’s Foxwoods Restaurant Kitchen and Bar employees Best Buddies to give these people with IDD a chance to be a productive part of society. For Guy, it’s a personal commitment.
“I had a cousin with an intellectual disability,” he explained. “I have first-hand understanding of how misunderstood people with intellectual disabilities are.” Guy supports the Best Buddies fundraising efforts and loves spreading the word about the charity. “When you work hand-in-hand with the Buddies you get to see their energy and sense their involvement,” he said.
Guy was in New England to participate in the Best Buddies Challenge weekend at Harvard Stadium in Massachusetts. During the June 2 kickoff of the event, Foxwoods presented a donation of $100,000 to the charity.
This is Guy’s first visit back to his restaurant since the ribbon cutting ceremony last fall. He took a quick tour with Felix Rappaport, President and CEO, Foxwoods Casino and Guy’s long-time friend, checking out the changes in the stylish eatery since he was last here.
Guy’s Foxwoods eatery features his famously big burgers, crab fondue, explosively-flavored entres, spectacular drinks and more. It’s everything you would expect from a visit to Flavortown.

 

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