It’s a win-win situation for Grasso Tech students and Fairview Odd Fellows Home. Grasso students gained hands-on training when they installed a stereo system for the non-profit retirement home. Now, the folks at Fairview can enjoy music while dining. Meet the team of students on page 4.
Dime Bank wins the hearts of 20 children from Norwich when they each received a reconditioned bike, helmet, backpack and school supplies. Teaming up with Bike For Kids, a non-profit organization based in Old Lyme, Dime’s president, Jim Cronin, played the part of a pirate asking the kids, “Do you know what treasure we have here for you?” Celebrate good news on page 5.
Wow! Last weekend, walkers, runners, kids, adults and seniors from around the State joined Fred Poulos in the 5th Annual Walk With Fred fundraiser benefiting Parkinson Research. Fred, owner of Fred’s Shanty, New London, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago. At the opening of the ceremony, the weather looked grim and people prepared to get wet. Fred announced, “The support that I receive from all of you makes me want to fight harder. I will be walking with you today and I will make sure the sun comes out.” Within a blink of an eye, the sun peered through the clouds! Miracles do happen especially when you’re doing good things like Fred is. Meet Fred on page 5.
Congrats to our friends at Mohegan Sun on the opening of Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville in the all new Casino of the Wind. Mitchell Etess, President & CEO and Tribal Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum pointed out that this fun venue makes Mohegan true parrot head country and it’s the first restaurant to enjoy a water view! Celebrate the fun on page 24.
A basketball team wins by putting in more baskets than its opponent. Well, the CT Sun didn’t do that against the New York Liberty, September 22, at Mohegan Sun Arena, and the 66-62 setback eliminated them in the opening round of the 2008 Eastern WNBA playoffs.
“First… I want to congratulate New York,” Mike Thibault, Head Coach, CT Sun, said. “They played terrific when they needed to.” Mike then cited some interesting stats: “We won in turnovers, rebounding, free throws, fouls, and yet we lost a game because we shoot 34-percent and they shoot 47-percent.” Asjha Jones, MVP candidate said, “We didn’t make the adjustments we needed… We exceeded some people’s expectations [this season], but that doesn’t help. We have a lot of … rookies, playing out of their natural position and developing new skills. We are a team who wants to get better.”
Shameka Christon, NY Liberty, – what a terrific player she is – noted, “To me… we just beat ‘The Fantastic Four,’ Lindsay Whalen, Tamika Whitmore, Asjha Jones, and Mike Thibault. They are great. I have so much respect for them…” Pat Coyle, Head Coach, NY Liberty, intoned, “…it was an unbelievable team effort… when they came back and got the lead it would have been easy for us to fold but we didn’t.”
Despite the setback, the 2008 campaign was a stellar one for CT: They had bevy of new players – which included a number of rookies – and a second place finish. To top it off, Mike was named WNBA Coach of the Year. Sun coaches, players, and staff take a bow for giving fans an exciting, enjoyable season.
Micah Rood
If you haven’t seen “The Curse of Micah Rood,” you owe it to yourself to see it. But if you have seen it, check it out it again for its nuances. It’s a true gem. Just right for the day before Halloween.
So, get a sitter for Thursday, October 30. “The Curse of Micah Rood,” co-starring Ron Palillo and Brian Ellsworth, will be screened at Olde Mistick Village Cinema in Mystic. Alec Asten directed “Micah Road” and Eric Toriello produced. Nick Checker, Quaker Hill, who wrote the screenplay, told me, “A number of the short films we’ve been shooting will also be shown as a preliminary. Those that aren’t ready will be screened at an ensuing film festival.”
Mystic Aquarium Run/Walk
This just in: “Lace up your sneakers and get ready to run or walk for the good of our feathered friends,” said John Trahan, one of the organizers of the Penguin 5K Run/Walk that the Mystic Aquarium: An Institute for Exploration, will hold October 18, 9:00 a.m. “It’s to benefit our much loved African penguins.” The 5k run, two mile walk, and quarter-mile children’s race take place on a field, trail, and road course.
“For the first time this year,” John explained, “the event includes a merchants’ competition open to local business teams and a middle school cross-country team competition. The money raised goes toward the aquarium’s penguin research and conservation efforts.”
Entry fee is $20.00. After October 11, it’s $25.00. For kids, 3-13, it’s $10.00. “All participants receive free admission to the Mystic Aquarium: An Institute for Exploration on race day,” John said. “Register at mysticaquarium.org.”
John stressed that volunteers are needed. Volunteers get a free pass to visit the Aquarium. “The penguins will be out mingling with their fans and this is a great opportunity to see them up close and have a picture taken with them,” John said.
The point is Norwich’s Diana Finegold and Richard Seiden enjoy writing, acting, and their audiences. In turn, their audiences enjoy them. Put simply, in the hands of these two skilled artists everyone has FUN. So, if you’re a theater-lover, the hugely talented play-writing duo is back with two Wild Thyme Players productions: “Nothing Personal” and a new work titled “Dead Right.”
“We [just performed] ‘Nothing Personal,’ which is our story, sometimes heavily fictionalized, sometimes not, at that wonderful new Complex Performing Arts Centre in Putnam,” Diana said. The centre is operated by Nichola Johnson and Carl Mercier, a husband and wife team who are, Diana said, laughing, “Like a younger version of us.” (Several months ago Diana and Richard traveled to Putnam to see “Nunsense A-Men.” They were impressed. After the show Diana asked Nichola, “Do other groups perform here?” The answer was “yes.”)
Performances of the interactive “Nothing Personal” took place in early September. On October 24, it will be performed at The Dennis Senior Center on Cape Cod; on October 25, two performances at The Cape Cod Cultural Center in South Yarmouth.
As for the story behind “Dead Right,” Diana said three years ago “a local dentist heard about our audience participation murder mysteries and asked if I ever wrote on commission. I told him I’ve done it before and I’d be thrilled to do it again.” Diana and Richard wrote a mystery for the man’s huge family reunion.
“Dead Right” is politically themed – which is fitting because, Diana said, “The family love each other but fight like mad about politics.” Richard added: “Afterward, several family members said the play was the highlight of the reunion. Anyway, in the play there’s a conservative spokesman, who is a takeoff on Rush Limbaugh. He’s murdered. There are many motivations to commit the crime. It’s a twisty mystery and just when people think they’ve got it, it turns out they don’t. Add, too, a Hilary supporter.” “She switches her allegiance to Obama,” Diana noted. “As I said to myself recently, ‘What happens when you get passion, politics, and power?’ Well, it’s a poisonous mix.” Entertaining, too, may I add?
An audience-participation murder mystery, “Dead Right”, will be performed at the Donald L. Oat Theater, in Norwich, October 10 and 17, 7:30 PM (Dessert Theater: tickets are $22.00) and October 11 and 18, 7:00 PM (Dinner Theater: tickets are $44 and reservations a must). For further information, call 860.887.2789 or The Wild Thyme Players at 860.204.9871.
Brian Culbertson
Brian Culbertson plays keyboards, trombone, and guitar – and puts on a hugely entertaining, high energy concert. The enormously talented young man from Decatur, IL, appeared September 13 at the Cabaret Theater (Mohegan Sun Casino).
Like funk? Well, that’s mainly what Brian, who thoroughly enjoys performing, and his ten-piece band gave the crowd. Many of his songs were from his latest CD, “Bringing Back the Funk.” (The concert was, in part, a tribute to Earth, Wind, and Fire. In fact, Sheldon Reynolds, formerly of EWF band, was Brian’s guitarist.) From the new CD, the crowd was treated to a stellar cover of Tower of Power’s “You Got to Funkifize,” (“Got to kick to the backbeat before you get too old/ You got to flash to the fire and let it grab your soul”), “Always Remember” (co-written by Brian and Sheldon) and “Funkin’ Like My Father” (among others).
Before his encore number, “Our Love,” which Brian wrote, he thanked the audience and the people at Mohegan Sun Casino. “Hopefully we’ll be back,” he said. Let’s hope so – and soon.
Congratulations, Leslie
Leslie Dupuy, once of Preston, now living in Conroe, TX, finished the Louisville, KY Ironman in 15 hours 32 minutes. Leslie is a member of the Conroe Running Club and Conroe Tri-athletes. Another member, Paris Menefee, crossed the finish line in 13 hr. 29 min. An Ironman competition consists first of a 2.4 mile swim, then a 112 mile bike ride, and lastly a 26.2 mile run. Ho hum! All in a day’s work.
Was Leslie pleased with her performance? “Yes,” she said. “I was thrilled to finish under the cut-off.” Leslie thanked her parents, training partners, husband, son, dog, co-workers (“for their encouragement”), and veteran Ironman tri-athlete Frank Wilcox of Taftville “for all his sage advice.”
Leslie, the athlete formerly known as Leslie Zotti, is eager for another triathlon: “I’d love to. I’m looking at November, perhaps in Arizona. [Next time] I hope to set up a professional coaching plan and line out each week’s goals and stick to them. Maybe I can find a training partner at my level who will hold me accountable.”
Raul Malo saved the best for last: He put himself into a Van Morrison mode and belted out a tremendous cover of Van the Man’s “Bright Side of The Road.” The crowd was on its feet. What a way to end a show! Backed by a five-piece band, the former Mavericks’ front man appeared August 15 at the Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theater.
Raul’s opening three songs, including the driving “Every Little Thing About You,” set the tone for the concert: This wasn’t Raul Malo the mellow crooner, though he did treat us to splendid versions of “You’re Only Lonely,” “Surrender,” and “Sway.” Rather, this was a hard driving Raul Malo bringing together all those musical influences he’s so fond of: country, jazz, salsa, honky tonk, and rock and roll. And, of course, it worked.
Notes and Such. After Raul’s third song, North Hampton’s Mike Weltman dashed to the sound booth, to point out a distortion that was interfering with Raul’s performance. Hats off to the Cabaret sound board crew who wasted no time in correcting the problem. (Hate to say it, but Mike was the evening’s hero)… “Raul Malo’s style is so effortless,” said Jean Caron of West Springfield, MA. “I hear a little of Roy Orbison in his voice. You know, I think he sounds better than Roy.” Fighting words! But Jean might be right: Go to YouTube, listen to Raul’s cover of Roy’s “Crying,” and judge for yourself.
Dion
You know – and I’m serious when I say this – if you’re feeling in the dumps, go to a Dion concert. When it’s over, you’ll leave smiling. Maybe ready to dance. The legendary man from the Bronx – Arthur Avenue, to be exact – appeared August 28-31 at Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theater to a packed, appreciative audience that loved everything he sang and said.
He performed his big hits from the late fifties and early sixties, like “Donna The Prima Donna,” “Runaround Sue,” “This Little Girl,” “Ruby Baby,” and for an encore, “The Wanderer,” which had the crowd on its feet, singing, clapping, and dancing. Oh yes, let’s not forget a poignant version of “Abraham, Martin, and John” that earned a standing ovation.
Dion also added some tracks from “Bronx in Blue,” his 2006 CD that was rightfully nominated for a Grammy. One song was a memorable rendition of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Built for Comfort.” Worth noting is that Dion was brought up, he said, “Not on rock and roll but on singers like Howlin’ Wolf, Robert Johnson, Sam ‘Lightin’ Hopkins, and Muddy Waters.” Then, after reminiscing about his influences, he talked about Fats Domino, Aretha Franklin, and Neil Sedaka and launched into – brace yourself! – a blues version of Sedaka’s “Calendar Girl.”
Mid-way during the show, Dion told the crowd that in his heyday, in the sixties, he became involved with drugs. One day, by chance, he and a friend stopped into a church. Call it an epiphany, but when he exited, he realized he was destroying himself. The song encompassing that period of his life and recovery is
“Sweet Surrender,” from his 1980 “Inside Job” album: “Thought I was bad and I had to get good/ Thought I was smart but I misunderstood/ Felt I was weak and I had to get strong/ I was sure I was right then I found I was wrong/ Thought I was lost and I had to get found…”
M. William Phelps’s Book Signings
CT author M. William Phelps’s “Nathan Hale: The Life and Death of America’s First Spy” is a departure from his usual kind of book – true crime. An interview with William, one of the country’s leading investigative journalists, is forthcoming, but for now know that one reason he decided to tackle Nathan Hale is because, he said, “The most contemporary biography about him was written about one hundred years ago.”
William will do signings September 21, 1:00 p.m., at the Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South Street, Coventry; September 27, 2008, 2:00 p.m., the Strong-Porter Museum, 330 North River Road, Coventry; October 2, 7:00 p.m., the Hall Memorial Library, 93 Main Street, Ellington; and October 4, 2008, 4:00 p.m., the Stephen Hempstead House, 11 Hempstead Street, New London.
Never mind the details, but Detroit-raised Anita Baker took a long break from recording and touring in 1994 - at the height of her career – to raise a family. What she did, wrote James M. Manheim and Tom Pendergast, was “[playing] the role of mom, joining the local PTA, and shuttling her kids to school activities. She also nursed her foster parents through the last years of their lives.” Anita returned in 2003 and issued her album “My Everything.”
As Norwich’s Rose Aksterowicz put it, “Anita Baker is one singer who sounds the same in concert as she does on her CDs, which we know can’t be said about too many artists.” Anita, a six-time Grammy Award winner, and one of the most talented performers in the music business, appeared August 7 at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.
Mixing soul, jazz, and romance, Anita offered “Sweet Love,” “Caught Up in the Rapture,” and “Watch Your Step” from “Rapture,” her smash 1986 album. From her 1994 “Rhythm of Love” album, Anita treated the audience to “I Apologize” and “Body and Soul,” From her 1988 “Giving You the Best That I Got” album, she had the crowd on its feet with “Just Because” and the album’s title track.
Highlights… Anita continually expressed her gratitude to the appreciative audience for her success (She’s a performer of twenty-plus years.) … Early on she said, “Remember, I’m an earthy girl. So if you want to sing with me, then sing. If you want to get up and dance, then dance. If you want to talk to me, then talk.” So, people sang along. People danced. People talked to her and she responded… Her stunning alto voice still intense, sophisticated, and powerful. Anita is rarely stationary. She covers the entire stage and gets quite a workout. Always gives each song a little extra something. Laughs a lot. Clearly, she’s happy to be back performing – and so are we.
Ed Torello: A Tribute
“Old timers in the New Haven area still talk about this. Ed [Torello] was an infielder with the West Haven Sailors, a semi-pro baseball team that played its home games at Donovan Field, West Haven. The year was either 1948 or ‘49. Well, Ed chased a fly ball deep and made a sensational, over the shoulder catch, and promptly collided with the wall, knocking himself out – but he held on to the ball,” said Bob Riccio of Brattleboro, VT, Ed Torello’s nephew.
Ed was a genuinely personable and likable man, Bob said. He made friends with fans and many Major League ballplayers: “He once introduced me to three great New York Yankees, Hank Bauer, Phil Rizzuto, and Yogi Berra, before an exhibition game in Hartford. It was a day I’ll never forget. Another friend was Jimmy Piersall, of the Red Sox and Mets, who often dined with Ed and his wife at their home.”
On and off the playing field Ed’s accomplishments were many. In 1936, while playing for the Fafnir Ball Bearing Company, he hit an amazing .544, easily winning the league’s batting title. When his playing days were over, he helped organize youth baseball in his hometown of New Haven. In 1956, as coach of the Babe Ruth All-Stars, Ed’s team represented New England in the Babe Ruth World Series, in Oregon.
There’s more. When Ed was 14, he represented CT in the National Junior Olympics and came home with two Gold Medals. “[At those Olympics] he threw a hardball 351 feet,” Bob said. “Major League scouts were interested, and they watched him during his senior year at Hillhouse High School, in 1930. But the crash of ‘29 interfered. Ed refused their offers. The minors, you see, didn’t pay much. For him family came first. He needed a twelve-month job to help his family, which had lost its finances.”
On June 22, 2008, Ed passed away at 95-years-old. He was married seventy years to Adele Riccio Torello. He also leaves a son, Edward Torello of Branford.
Amanda Kaletsky
Congratulations to Bethany’s Amanda Kaletsky. Along with her excellent band, the young lady with the pristine voice, who writes her own songs and plays keyboard, opened for Coldplay, in Hartford, August 2. A few days later Amanda sang the National Anthem at Shea Stadium before the New York Mets game.
Also, she’ll be performing at The Space in Hamden, August 24. “It’s kid friendly. No alcohol allowed,” said her dad, author Rick Kaletsky, adding that her “website is amandakaletsky.com, and there’s a free song download on the site.”
It’s a win-win situation for Grasso Tech students and Fairview Odd Fellows Home. Grasso students gained hands-on training when they installed a stereo system for the non-profit retirement home. Now, the folks at Fairview can enjoy music while dining. Meet the team of students on page 4.
