(l-r) First Selectman Paul Formica, East Lyme, poses with the Niantic Community Church Chili Cook-off Winners: Chris Bono, Best Overall, Christine Bono, Best Non-Beef, Charity Kennedy, Best Vegitarian, Evan King, “Paul’s Choice Chili,” Paul Formica and Don Foster, Second Place Overall.
Niantic Community Church announces winners of its 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off held on October 16. With 16 entries guests had a tough job trying to discern the best of the best. During the two hour tasting period folks were entertained by emcee Chris Deveau who did a fabulous job stirring up the competition and a little laughter as chili lovers perused one crock after another of the spicy culinary delight. John Wood’s endless acoustic and vocal talent kept everyone in great spirits and East Lyme’s First Selectman Paul Formica graced the crowd with his poised, political presence.
Ultimately, the Selectman was slated to choose a “Paul’s Choice Chili” and 12 year old Evan King of East Lyme was the proud recipient of the title with his, “Some Like It Hot & Some Like It Not” chili. Winner in the Best Vegetarian category was Charity Kennedy, standing in for chef Christy Hammond representing the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut with their “Vintage 70’s Vegan Chili.” Christine Bono of Gales Ferry reigned supreme in the Best Non-Beef category with her Chicken Chili and Don Foster from Post Road Market, East Lyme, took Second Place Overall with his Italian Chili. Savouring the very best for last, was Christine Bono’s husband Chris, winning Best Overall with his St. Louis Chili.
David Yarnold, president, Audubon Society, and B. Holt Thrasher, chairman, Audubon Society, presented Donal O’Brien with the prestigious Audubon Award on October 2 in Greenwich.
The National Audubon Society named Donal O’Brien as the 51st recipient of its prestigious Audubon Medal, in recognition of his dedication to advancing conservation on a global scale for five decades.
A giant of conservation, Donal served in leadership roles in numerous organizations, including 25 years on the Board of the National Audubon Society, 15 of them as Chairman. In this role he was largely responsible for introducing a globally significant conservation initiative to the Western hemisphere: the Important Bird Area program. To date, 2,500 places across the United States, encompassing more than 300 million acres, have been identified as vital to bird survival.
“Few Americans have contributed as much to conservation as Donal O’Brien,” said B. Holt Thrasher, Audubon Chairman. “He not only introduced critical new conservation initiatives to the western hemisphere, he also provided some of the steadiest and inspired leadership that Audubon ever had.”
Donal’s reach and influence within the conservation community is legend. In CT, he was appointed as Chairman of the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality by three governors, and also served as Commissioner of the CT State Board of Fisheries and Game. Elsewhere, he served as Chairman of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, former Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors of The Nature Conservancy, and Former President of the International Council for Bird Preservation.
“Before joining Audubon I learned much about the huge role that Donal O’Brien played in increasing its reach and influence across the US. I was even more amazed at how he managed so many responsibilities so well,” said David Yarnold, Audubon President.
Donal managed his conservation duties while leading a career as partner at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy in New York City. He was chief legal counsel to the Rockefeller Family & Associates, and President of the Rockefeller Trust Company.
Previous winners of the Audubon medal include Robert Redford, E. O Wilson, Roger Tory Peterson, Ted Turner, William Conway, Rachel Carson, Walt Disney, Stewart Udall, Julie Packard and Richard Louv.
Donal was honored at a dinner October 2 in Greenwich.
United Community & Family Services (UCFS) selects Mrs. Jacqueline Owens, President, Norwich Branch NAACP as the recipient of the 2010 Palmer Davies Leadership Award.
United Community & Family Services (UCFS) proudly honors Mrs. Jacqueline Owens with the 5th Annual Palmer Davies Leadership award for her passion and dedication in meeting the needs of the community. Jacqueline is a true collaborator and promotes a sense of spirit in all of her endeavors. 2007 Palmer Davies recipient, Bev Goulet stated, “Jackie walks softly but carries a big stick.”
More than 100 years ago, 1876 to be exact, Fannie Palmer and Emily Davies walked across the Norwichtown Green one afternoon and discussed the development of an association that would relieve all forms of suffering. Their idea was the foundation for what is today, United Community & Family Services. Four years ago, UCFS created an award to recognize individuals in the community who have fostered an environment of community spirit and understanding that reflects the mission and organization’s values, much in the same way that Palmer and Davies first envisioned their idea more than a century ago.
UCFS will recognize Jacqueline Owens at their Annual Meeting, October 28th at 5:00 pm at Three Rivers Community College, multi-purpose room. To attend our annual meeting, please contact Pamela Allen Kinder at 860.822.4146 or pkinder@ucfs.org.
The Economic Development Commission is pleased to announce that the 2010 recipient of the John Baldoni “Spirit of Saybrook” Award is Barbara J. Maynard. Barbara will be honored at an Award Ceremony on Friday, November 5th, 5:00pm, Pashbeshauke Pavilion at Saybrook Point Park. The Award Ceremony is open to the public.
Barbara’s commitment to Old Saybrook’s quality of life, business community, Town Boards and Commissions, and its government was ever present for over fifty years. She served as First Selectwoman for sixteen years, from 1973-1989. Barbara and husband George B. Maynard owned and operated Saybrook Hardware for eighteen years. Her continued Town involvement and leadership has greatly contributed to Old Saybrook’s commitment to excellence. Barbara is an accomplished professional who has a long-term history and involvement with Old Saybrook.
Special Olympics Connecticut celebrates Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day with the first official announcement of the athletes and partners selected to compete at the 2011 Summer World Games in Athens, Greece. The event was held at Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Orange. Father Peter Orphanakos proudly poses with the team, including, (l-r) Kera Connolly, Norwalk, Frank Smurlo, Old Greenwich, Kathleen Ledwidge, Mystic, Christopher and James Hasak, Fairfield, after sharing traditional Greek food and dance in preparation for their journey to Greece.
