CJ Connolly, Noank, shares her book, “Wil, Fitz, and Flea Named T.”
Meet Mr. T. He is a wise, old flea that helps his new friends Wil and Fitz find what they are looking for and teaches them a thing or two about life along the way. This enchanting children’s book, “Wil, Fitz, and a Flea Named T,” is written by CJ Connolly, Noank, and is part of a new series, published by Crosswinds Press, Inc. The book is illustrated by Lisa Adams, Mystic, and designed by Trish LaPointe, Old Mystic.
The main character of this book, and the series, Wil, is CJ’s grandson. She wrote the story for him for Christmas last year. CJ was diagnosed with scleroderma, and incurable and ultimately terminal auto-immune disorder, and wanted to have something special to leave for her family, and for Wil. “Finding out about my disease definitely put life in perspective. It was time to write down all of the many lessons I learned from family, friends and life in general to pass on to my grandchildren and others,” said CJ. CJ’s husband, George, wanted a way to publish the story, so others could enjoy it. He created Crosswinds Press, Inc.
CJ authored many professional books and articles before this children’s series, but certainly nothing quite as fun and exciting. Rhyming comes easy and she’s glad that she can have fun with were writing for a change. When asked why she chose fleas, she responded, “No one has written about fleas yet!” CJ explained that before she even thinks of the plot of the story, she has to think about the flea first. Sometimes, the flea is based on a real person. In another one of her books, “The Boomerang,” Mr. T’s cousin, Zed, visits from Australia and teaches Wil that in life you get what you give. Zed is based off a friend of CJ’s that actually gave Wil a boomerang.
Wil, and CJ, are very proud of the series and CJ expresses, “I wouldn’t be able to do it without the team. The team of people making it happen.” The book is available locally at Bank Square Books, Mystic, or through the Crosswinds Press website, www.crosswindspress.com.
Logistics Specialist First Class Brett Adams, assigned to Naval Submarine Support Center (NSSC) New London, received the Charles A. Lockwood Award for Submarine Professional Excellence by the Naval Submarine League.
This annual award, named for World War II Submarine Force Pacific Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Charles Lockwood, “recognizes individuals for achievement, contribution, specific action or consistent performance, which best exemplifies the traditional spirit embodied in the submarine force,” according to the Submarine League.
Brett, a native of Houma, LA, was selected for his performance while assigned to Los Angeles class attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719).
“I was surprised and overwhelmed to learn I had won this award,” said Brett. “It could not have happened without the support of the leadership and crew aboard Providence.”
Assigned as the Supply Division Leading Petty Officer, Brett excelled not only in his primary duties, but in his collateral duties. He served as the Educational Services Officer, facilitating and administering advancement exams while deployed; Drug and Alcohol Prevention Advisor; and, president of the Recreation Committee, improving the command climate and overall ships readiness. In addition, he was the only First Class Petty officer selected to stand Chief of the Watch.
The award was presented during the Naval Submarine League symposium in Mclean, VA.
(l-r) Frank McLaughlin, House Committee Chairman, Thames Club, Michael Satti, President, Thames Club, Barun Basu, Barun Basu Associates, Penny Parsekian, CEO, New London Main Street, Mark Stapleton, Stapleton Steel, Inc, Ted Mish, T.M. Builders LLC, Ned Hammond, New London Council and Tony Sheriden, president, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, cut the ribbon at the new façade of the Thames Club.
On Monday, October 5th, The Thames Club, New London, showed off its new gateway and restored façade entrances to the Club during a ribbon cutting ceremony. The steel arch was designed by Barun Basu, Barun Basu Associates, and fabricated by Stapleton Steel, Inc. The project was funded by The Thames Club Foundation and the City of New London, as part of the city’s façade grant program.
Members of the Club, city officials, and members of the community all agreed that the gateway is a wonderful improvement of the Club and the City. The steel gateway does not take away from the historical structures around it, but adds a modern flair that is inviting. Frank McLaughlin, House Committee Chairman, Thames Club, says, “This archway is the perfect fit for this area between the two historical buildings.”
The Thames Club was established in 1869, and in 1888 Thames Club made its permanent home on 290 State Street, New London. The building was destroyed by a fire in 1904, and the present building was built on the site.
Once you walk into the Thames Club, you notice the rich colors and details in the woodwork around doorways. It is a very welcoming feeling and you can sense the pride that each member has for the club. Jerry Olsen, member, and co-owner, Olde Mistick Village, says that the Club “is the oldest club in Connecticut, going back over 100 years. It’s not commercial.” He also said that if you are a member of the Thames Club, you are welcomed into other club across the US.
On a tour around the Club, Lorraine Allen, 2006-2007 President, I was lead to the antique pin bowling lanes and Silhouette Room. The Thames Club has many activities, including bowling leagues, dinners, wine tastings, and children’s events. Lorraine said that not only is the Club a great way to network, but also to meet new friends, and get out of the everyday routine. She dubbed the club as an “oasis of civilization.”
(l-r) Shlomi Lavie, Dylan Keefe and John Wozniak, band members, Marcy Playground, hang out back stage before performing at the Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun on Sunday, August 16.
story & photo
by Amy Pjura
“This is our new single. Sing the words if you know them!” It might not really be their new single, but Marcy Playground rocked “Sex and Candy” like they did back when they debuted in 1997. On Sunday, August 16th, John Wozniak, Dylan Keefe and Shlomi Lavie, members of Marcy Playground, played at the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun.
It was their first time playing at the Sun, and they loved every minute of it. After sound check, earlier that day, I had the chance to go backstage and hang out with them. They all agreed that they love the stage and atmosphere of Mohegan and the Den. Talking with them was not as nerve-racking as I thought it would be. They are very laid back, and doing what they love. It was like kickin’ back and chattin’ it up with people I have known for years.
They just released their fourth album, titled “Leaving Wonderland…In A Fit of Rage” in July. They gave me a signed copy after the interview and I listened to it (and loved it!) on my way home, so I could prepare myself for the live versions to be heard later on at the concert.
The show, which started at 7pm that night, was filled with emotion and energy, that anyone could enjoy. Fans in the crowd stood, danced and sung along to every song played. Their new album is filled with lyrics that people can relate to, and John, singer/songwriter, says that it is by far the most personal record that he has ever made.
One song that I think everyone can relate to is “Good Times.” It’s about remembering the good times when life isn’t exactly going the way you planned. “When life has got you down/and everything about it makes you blue/Pick up, keep moving on/‘Cause that’s the very best thing you can do.” Great words to live by!
So, if you’re looking for a rockin’ good time, check out Marcy Playground’s newest cd “Leaving Wonderland…In A Fit Of Rage.” It will lift you up and help you remember the good times!
Rufus stands in the winners circle after receiving Best In Show at The Philadelphia Kennel Club’s National Dog Show in 2005.
by Amy Pjura
photo submitted by Florence Tambone
Rufus, a tan and white bull terrier, is not your average dog. He is a Top Dog throughout the world and has a long list of awards and titles to make anybody proud. Rufus is best known for his large noggin, which in turn, is one of the reasons why he has won so many times. Judges have said that his egg-shaped head is the classic profile of a bull terrier.
Rufus’ official title as a show dog is Multiple BIS/BISS, American, Canadian, Mexican, World, Americas, CH. Rocky Tops Sundance Kid, ROM, TDIA, CGC, but at home and when he makes appearances, he’s Rufus. Rufus has won 35 Best In Show’s and holds 750 titles, including champion titles of America, Canada, World and The Americas. He is the first dog in the breed to win at the most prestigious show, the Westminster. Other top Best In Show titles are from the Morris and Essex Kennel Club and the National Dog Show.
Since retiring from show biz in 2006, he became “the champ that gives back.” Rufus volunteers his time to visit nursing homes once a week. He is a Certified Therapy Dog and an AKC Canine Good Citizen. He also participates in school programs, like “Read Across America.”
Along with his mother and father, Barbara and Tom Bishop, Rufus will be traveling from his hometown of Holmel, NJ, to lend a paw in the first ever Dog Days at Mystic Seaport, August 28th – 30th. Rufus will kick off the weekend event with ride on Pizzetta’s fire truck before a cocktail party at The Ancient Mariner, Mystic, Thursday, August 27th, 5-7pm. Head downtown to see this famed dog – you won’t be able to miss him, he’ll be wearing a fireman’s hat! Tickets for the cocktail party are $25, and may be purchased at the Whaler’s Inn or the Ancient Mariner, Mystic.
From Friday to Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm, Rufus will be representing “Read Across America,” sporting his Cat in the Hat outfit during story time. Visitors will have the chance to get their picture taken with Top Dog Rufus. Proceeds collected from the weekend will support the restoration of the Charles W. Morgan.
Other events will take place during Dog Days weekend. You can check out a list of all the events at www.mysticseaport.org/dogdays.
