(l-r) Vicki Anderson, executive director, Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, Jeff Nelson, Governor Rell’s Eastern office, Selectman Ed Haberek, Town of Stonington, Bruce MacDonald, president, PNC Board of Directors, at the dedication ceremony for the Robert A. Granato Senior Center on May 27. Jeff holds the proclamation from the Governor declaring May 27, 2009 Robert A. Granato Senior Center Day.
Celebrity Bartending Event Raises Money for PNC
PNC Board Member Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, was the celebrity bartender at a Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center (PNC) fundraiser held at Venice Restaurant & Lounge on Thursday, May 28. Behind the bar, Alexis mixed up peachy Residentinis. The event raised $2,500 for the PNC.
June 24, 2009
Norwich’s 350th Re-Enactment
Three hundred and fifty years later to the day, the Mohegan Tribe and descendants of the founders of Norwich met at the Royal Mohegan Burial Ground, corner of Washington and Sachem Streets, Norwich, to re-enact the June 6, 1659 deed signing. Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Mohegan Tribal Council, performed the pipe ceremony.
New Presidents Welcomed
(l-r) A.J. “Skip” Jordan, site vice president, Millstone Power Station, Michael Speller, president, Foxwoods Resort Casino, and Stephen White, president, Mystic Seaport were officially welcomed to the community at a reception on June 10th at the Officer’s Club, USCGA.
MASH’s Iron Chef Competition
On Friday, June 12th, the Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality (MASH) hosted it’s annual Auction for Action and “Iron Chef” Competition at the beautiful Enders Island. The competition and auction raised awareness for homeless families and children in the towns of Groton, Stonington, North Stonington, Ledyard, New London and Westerly. The event had 300 attendees and raised about $40,000 (l-r) Executive Chef Jamie Fowler, Noah’s Restaurant, Stonington, and Sous Chef Kevin Rogers were the winners for the third year in a row.
Alexis Ann Named
Outstanding Leadership Award Recipient
The Connecticut Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s 14th Annual Outstanding Leadership Award Reception was held at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center on Tuesday, June 16. Honorees this year are Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Leadership Award, and Norwich Public Utilities, recipient of the 2009 Community Service Award, represented by John Bilda, general manager.
(l-r) Dana LaFalce, Campaign Initiative Manager, Lori Corofano, volunteer, and Dina Sears-Graves, VP Community of Investment, United Way, celebrate the Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center’s 20th Anniversary on June 20th.
Miss Connecticut Crowned
(l-r) Miss CT Sharalynn Kuziak, Southington, and Miss CT’s Outstanding Teen Acacia Courtney, Hamden, were crowned on June 27th at the Garde Arts Center.
July 22, 2009
Mohegan Sun’s Winter Entrance Re-Opens
On July 1st, Mohegan Sun celebrated the re-opening of the Winter Entrance complete with three new dining outlets: Bobby’s Burger Palace by Bobby Flay, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and Fidelia’s Market featuring Jasper White’s Summer Shack Express and The Original SoupMan. (l-r) Lloyd Sugarman, Owner/Operator, SoupMan at Mohegan Sun, Seb Rametta, Executive Vice President and Founder, The Original SoupMan, Robert N. Bertrand, President and CFO, The Original SoupMan, Cheryl Todd, Mohegan Tribal Councilor, William Quidgeon Jr., Treasurer, Lynn Malerba, Vice Chairwoman , Bruce “Two Dogs”Bozsum, Chairman, Ralph Gessner Jr., Corresponding Secretary, Thayne Hutchins Jr., Councilor, Allison Johnson, Recording Secretary, Mark Brown, Ambassador, and Executive Chef Jasper White, Summer Shack Express.
The Fairview Odd Fellows Home of CT car raffle took place on Saturday, July 11. This year 471 tickets were sold resulting in a net profit of $22,690.62. (l-r) David Brown, Director of Development, Fairview, stands with this year’s winner, Pat Bowden, Niantic, in front of her new Honda Insight Hybrid.
Hospice Racing Series Successful
(l-r) Andy Stoddard, Commodore, Mystic River Mudhead Sailing Association, presents the Harvey N. Mallove Memorial Trophy to Peter Bergendahl, One More Time, and Peter Ross, Tynaje for winning their classes in the 20th Anniversary Hospice SECT Regattas on July 15 and July 18 at the Stonington Dinghy Club, Thames Yacht Club, Niantic Bay Yacht Club and Mystic River Mudhead Benefit Regatta.
Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum: MS CT Citizen of the Year
Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Chairman, Mohegan Tribal Council, was named Multiple Sclerosis (MS) CT Citizen of the Year at the 2009 MS Gala held at Mohegan Sun Thursday, July 23. (l-r) Lisa Gerrol, CT Chapter President and Chief Professional Officer, National MS Society, presented Bruce with the award.
August 19, 2009
John Whitman “Whit” Davis Celebrates 85 Years
and is Named ‘Farmer of the Century’
On the first day of August, John “Whit” Davis of the Stanton-Davis Homestead, Stonington, celebrated his 85th birthday at Sunday’s Farmer’s Market held on the grounds of the Pequotsepos Nature Center doing what farmers love to do – bringing their products to market. A few days later, on August 5th, the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council named Whit “Farmer of the Century” and Stonington First Selectman Edward Haberek, Jr., proclaimed Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 as Whit Davis Day in the Town of Stonington.
Final Salute: David Hinkle
David Randall Hinkle, CDR USN (Ret.), passed on at home on Monday, July 27 surrounded by his wife, Muriel, of 55 years, and three daughters, Valerie Hinkle Piland, Janet Lee Hinkle and Sally Russell. Dave was diagnosed with lung cancer in early 2008. The Stonington resident is perhaps best known for founding Sonalysts Inc. with Muriel, but there was so much more to Dave: cowboy, rancher, sailor, author, loyal friend, patriot, confidant, husband and father.
Top Dog Rufus traveled from his hometown of Holmel, NJ, to lend a paw in the first ever Dog Days at Mystic Seaport, August 28th – 30th. Rufus kicked off the weekend with a ride on Pizzetta’s famous fire truck before a cocktail party at The Ancient Mariner on August 27th. Proceeds collected from the weekend supported the restoration of the Charles W. Morgan. (l-r) Chris Owens, owner, Pizzeta, Skip Torraca, Ancient Mariner, Florence Tambone, Rufus, Barbara Bishop, Rufus’ Mom, Richard Prisby, The Whaler’s Inn, and Tom Bishop, Rufus’ Dad, stand in front of the famous Pizzetta Fire Truck during Rufus’ visit to Academy Point, Mystic.
New London Ledge Lighthouse:
A Century of Service
To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Ledge Lighthouse and to kick off fundraising efforts, the Centennial Gala was held at the Port ‘n Starboard at Ocean Beach on September 25th. In 1988, the New London Ledge Lighthouse Foundation, a non-profit organization, received a thirty-year lease from the Coast Guard. The Foundation wants to raise $40,000 to restore and preserve this landmark, a lighthouse that is one of the best known in America and a symbol of our area.
September 16, 2009
Moose Lodge Pig Roast Cook-off
On Saturday, August 15th, the Bozrah Moose Lodge held their Fifth Annual Moose Riders Pig Roast Cook-off. They raised approximately $4300 and around 400 people attended the event. The money that was raised is used throughout the year to help various local charities and those in the community who are in need. (l-r) The winners of the Fifth Annual CT Moose Riders Rig Roast Cook Off was the Moose Lodge 950 Team, Dave George, Little Mike, Andre St. George, Collin Laffey, Alexis Laffey, and Kevin Dubicki.
Taylor Swift Reaches SUN Status
(l-r) Mohegan Sun honored Taylor Swift with a star on their Walk of Fame. Mitchell Ettess, President & CEO, Mohegan Sun, Taylor Swift, and Lynn Malerba, Vice Chairwoman, Mohegan Tribe, during the induction ceremony on August 28th in front of the Mohegan Sun Arena box office. Taylor sold out her Mohegan Sun show in a record breaking two minutes.
Connecticut Sun Shines on Sabino
(l-r, front row) Sandrine Gruda, Asjha Jones, Lindsay Whalen, and Erin Phillips, team members, Connecticut Sun, and (l-r, back row) Steve White, President, and Michael O’Farrel, Public Relations Manager, Mystic Seaport, enjoy a beautiful day on board the Mystic Seaport’s Sabino, to raise awareness among school children about the maritime museum on September 3rd.
Stephen C. White Leads Seaport into the Future
Last January 15th, some 80 years after the story of the Mystic Seaport began with the incorporation of the Marine Historical Association, Stephen White, former headmaster of the Fay School, Southborough, MA, took its lead position as President and Chief Executive Officer. Stephen has a strong vision for the future of the Museum as did founder Carl C. Cutler, shown in the painting.
September 30, 2009
Angel Swim for Cancer
Fred Brooke, Lyme, remains on track to swim across the US-Canadian border in August, 2012 – 10 years after his first “Angel Swim” across Long Island Sound to begin raising money for children with cancer. This past August, Fred completed the most recent leg in his 850-mile solo charity swim called, Angel Swim New England, after swimming between the Maine cities of Portland and Port Clyde, August 7 – 13.
Battle Between the Bridges
(l-r) Megan Malmoe, Jessi Reel, Jon Winter, Brian DeRegt, Sam Stitt and James Dietz II are this year’s winners of the 7th Annual “Battle Between the Bridges,” held on September 19th in Downtown Mystic.
David Whitehead Achieves His Ultimate Dream
This past July, David Whitehead, took the lead position as Chief Executive Officer and President of Backus Hospital, the community hospital where he was born 49 years ago. David joined Backus in 1999 and served as Vice President for Planning since 2003. “Leadership skills never stop developing. If you want to continue along a career path that you set for yourself and you want to obtain that ultimate dream, you have a personal responsibility to develop your own skill set and your own tool box,” says David.
Downtown Mystic Streetscape Project
The official kick-off for a $910,000 project funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), began with a groundbreaking ceremony on September 14th at Mystic River Park. (l-r) Mystic Fire Chief Fritz Hilbert, Najib O. Habesch, VP, Urban Engineers, Bill Haase, Director of Planning, Tricia Cunningham, President, Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Stonington Second Selectman Peter Ballestracci, Stonington First Selectman Ed Haberek, Jr., Jenny Contois, Office of Congressman Joe Courtney, Sharon Beebe, Milton Beebe Co., Pat McLaughlin, Chief Inspector, Urban Engineers, Stonington Police Chief Darren Stewart, Joe Bragaw, Director, Stonington Public Works, and Barbara Majedek, CT DOT.
On October 1st, the Groton and Willimantic Elks, gifted eight computers, and two laser printers to the Adult Computer Learning Center at the Groton Senior Center, temporarily housed at the Noank School. Computer classes are offered to seniors, so updated machines are greatly appreciated to further knowledge. To date, the joint venture between Willimantic and Groton Lodges has also donated over 60 computers to local police and fire departments. (l-r) Patricia Beetham, computer center supervisor, Richard Kozek, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler and Groton Lodge Computer Committee, Michael McHugh, Exalted Ruler, Groton Lodge, Mary Jo Riley, Director, Groton Senior Center, Patrick Christadore, PER, Willimantic Lodge, and Ronald Coleman,Computer Committee, Willimantic Lodge.
Walk for a Cure for Breast Cancer
On Saturday, October 3, 430 people participated in the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF) Walk or Run fundraiser for breast cancer research. Pam’s Pink Posse was among the many teams who walked the full marathon distance. (l-r) Members of Pams Pink Posse: Donna Ruggleri, Kim Hoffa, Dennaye Garbati, Patty Fraser, Cindy Shea, Pam Watt, Nancy Shepard, Judy Teel, Abby Shepard.
Thames Club Presents New Façade
(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 Sheridan, president, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, cut the ribbon at the new façade of the Thames Club on October 5th.
Dime Bank Opens in Stonington Borough
During Dime Bank’s grand opening celebration, they served hundreds of hot dogs, ice cream cones, and soda pop. (l-r) Nicholas Caplanson, Senior Vice President, CFO & Treasurer, Lynn Wallace, Stonington Teller, Jim Cronin, President & CEO, Tony Antoch, Vice President Commercial Lending, Laraine Celluci, Stonington Branch Manager, Sandy Blanchard, Stonington Head Teller.
October 28, 2009
NFL Recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Patriots all-pro receiver Randy Moss covered his great pair of hands with some pink gloves in support of breast cancer awareness at the game on October 4th. In addition to players wearing pink accessories, the team festooned Gillette Stadium with colorful pink, including the padding on the goal posts.
Putnam Bank Cuts the Ribbon at New Norwich Branch
On October 14th, Tom Borner, Chairman & CEO, Putnam Bank, cut the ribbon at the Putnam Bank Grand Opening of their new Norwich Branch. (behind, l-r) Kimberly Manavas, Norwich Branch Manager, Robert Halloran, President & CFO, Tony Sheridan, president, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT, Scott Belleville and Scott Merchant, representatives from the Norwich Fire Department, Alan Bergren, Norwich City Manager, Mark Bettencourt, Norwich City Councilman, Brian Curtin, Norwich City Treasurer, and Bob Reed, president, Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce.
Ledyard Center School is 60!
(l-r) The Ledyard Center School celebrated its 60th birthday, on Friday, October 16th, with yellow and orange cupcakes in the shape of a”60.” Tiffany Hui, chooses a cupcake, while Nina Costales, and Christina Dio wait to pick one.
June 10, 2009
