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by Toni Parker-Johnson

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Saturday, November 21, Bobby Flay, world re-knowned chef, restauranteur, television personality and cookbook author, hosted a private party for more than 200 guests for the opening of his new restaurant Bar Americain. Bobby’s 276 seat restaurant is located at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville. The restaurant features European brasserie fare. Also featured are many spirits reflecting the commitment to all things American, including a variety of bourbons (which is his favorite). Bobby says he now has 10 restaurants, with this being the second Bar Americain. The first one opened in New York in 2005. Mohegan Sun is also home to Bobby’s fourth Bobby’s Burger Palace (BBP) which opened there on July 1, 2009. BBP presents Bobby’s love for the grill in his extensive selection of burgers inspired by America’s regional flavors and traditions. You can also find that the bar list is the only place he moved away from the (All American) theme, by including wines from all over the world.

The menu includes American regional cuisine, with dishes inspired by Native American tradition, a hint of Southwest flair, and a little Southern touch. The guests enjoyed the evening as they sampled the non-stop appetizers that were passed around. These included some of his specialties like lobster-avocado cocktail, tuna tartare on a potato chip, to name a couple.

Mitchell Etess, President and CEO, Mohegan Sun, graciously took time to pose for a photo and stated, “We’re really excited to be bringing this product in now.”

Amongst the many guests, was Bobby’s wife, Stephanie March (an American actress, best known for her portrayal of Alexandra Cabot in the television series (Law & Order, SVU New York), and his mother, Dorothy Flay.

Also in attendance was architect David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group, who designed Bar Americain by incorporating the design of the original Bar Americain in New York City with the theatrics of Mohegan Sun. At 11,500 square feet, the facade of the restaurant faces the hotel lobby, Casino of the Sky, and Taughannick Falls.

Bar Americain’s bar and lounge, also located off the hotel lobby, is open seven days a week from 11:00am until closing. The restaurant is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5:00pm until 11:00pm and Friday and Saturday from 5:00pm until midnight.

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by Alexis Ann

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The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut presents the William Crawford Distinguished Service Award annually to an outstanding member of our community who exemplifies the spirit of service to one’s neighbors and who contributes to the quality of life in Eastern Connecticut.  Dr. Raymond B. Johnson, formerly of Pfizer Inc., is this year’s award recipient.   “Dr. Johnson is an inspirational example of this service,” announced Tony Sheridan, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, to a gathering of 400 people who joined in honoring this extraordinary man, Ray, on November 5th at the Mystic Marriott.

Dr. Ray is a native of Washington, D.C. and following his graduation from Dartmouth College, 1959, he completed medical training at Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C.  Upon graduation, Ray joined the Navy Medical Corps and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology.  He served as Chief of Gastroenterology at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, and Chief of Internal Medicine Service and Director of Clinical Services at the Naval Submarine Medical Center, Groton.  Subsequently, he became the commanding officer of the Naval Regional Medical Center, Newport, RI, and completed his naval career as commanding officer of the Naval Hospital, Bethesda, MD, retiring in 1985.

If you know Ray, you know that Ray gives back to his community in a BIG way.  Since 1990, Ray served on the Board of Trustees at Waterford Country School.  David Moorehead, executive director, Waterford Country School, said, “Ray is the epitome of a youth worker.” And, ironically, “Today is National Youth Worker Day.”

“Ray came to us in 1990, and began working with the youth almost immediately,” said David.  “I remember Ray sharing his story of growing up in D.C. and overcoming adversity.”  “He mesmerized the children.” He showed the youth that it can be done.   “We are blessed to have Ray on our board.”

Ray serves as First Vice-Chairman of the Board and in June 2005, Waterford Country School designated its Children’s Medical Clinic as the “Raymond B. Johnson, M.D. Medical Clinic.”

Serving on the Board of Directors at Natchaug Hospital, for the past nine years, Ray took the leadership position as chairman in 2002.  Upon his retirement in June 2009, Natchaug dedicated its Staff Resource & Education Center in Ray’s honor.

Stephen Larcen, PhD, President and CEO, Natchaug Hospital, while at the podium, offered the ultimate compliment, “It is a special honor for me to call Ray, my friend.”
“What struck me is Ray’s compassion for the story behind the numbers,” said Steve.  Ray wanted to talk to our staff and experience our core values, firsthand.  His “walk-around approach” and engagement with our staff demonstrated his true commitment to Natchaug.  “We’re lucky to have Ray as our friend.”

Ray is a Corporator for both Dime Bank and the William W. Backus Hospital.  Keith Fontaine, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Backus Hospital, Chairman, Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce, when introducing Ray to the audience, defined the Crawford Award and said, “Ray exemplifies the spirit of this honor.”   He continued, “The community is like a ship and everyone should be prepared to take the helm.  With Ray Johnson at the helm, we can be assured of a safer and more secure harbor.”

Bill Stanley, emcee for this gala, introduced a member of Ray’s family, Michael Lewis, one of his six grandchildren. “Michael is a decorated, Purple Heart, Iraqi Veteran,” announced Bill. This prompted a standing applause from the audience, as a heartfelt salute to this young Marine Corporal. Michael told of a situation he was in while in the military.  He said he knew if he called upon his grandfather, the problem would be solved.

“I called him at 3 a.m.,” told Michael.

“How much time do we have?” asked Ray.

“Until 11:00 a.m.”

“At 10:00 a.m., my grandfather phoned and said, “”Everything is taken care of.””

“I am a direct result of my grandfather’s dedication,” stated Michael.  “I will try to follow in his footsteps!”

The final presenter, Dr. Jefferson Wiggins, a WWII Veteran and friend of Ray’s, opened with some honest humor,  “It’s a long way from the cotton fields of Alabama to this wonderful place here tonight!”  The audience gave it up in applause and laughter, but  the message was clear:  We’ve come a long way, but let’s not forget where we came from.

There was silence in the audience as Dr. Wiggins recited from MEMORY, a poem, about a Bridge Builder, by Will Allen Dromgoole.

The Bridge Builder
An old man, going a lone highway, Came, at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide, Through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;  The sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned, when safe on the other side, And built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim, near, “You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day; You never again must pass this way;
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide – Why build you this bridge at the even tide?
The builder lifted his old gray head:“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followeth after me today, A youth, whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm, that has been naught to me, To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building this bridge for him.”

“Ray, you are a great bridge builder.  You know how to build bridges that span racism, poverty, ….”  “I hope you will continue to build bridges, my friend.  And, I hope you will continue to be my friend because you cook pretty good meals, too,” joked Dr. Wiggins.

In recognition of his professional achievements and his community service, Ray was honored in May 2008 with a Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the State of Connecticut’s African-American Affairs Commission.  He was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree by Dartmouth College, his alma mater.

Upon receiving this distinguished award, Dr. Ray, thanked all present.  Speaking from the heart, Ray warned the audience that he is very emotional about this award and that he may even shed some tears.  And, so he did, when thanking his grandson, Michael.  I don’t think there was a dry eye in the audience.

Ray thanked EVERYONE for coming out to honor him.  He mentioned the book, “Tuesdays with Morrie,” an old man, a young man and life’s greatest lessons, by Mitch Albom, and likened the evening’s event to what Mitch’s professor friend, Morrie, proposes in the book,  holding a funeral BEFORE a person’s death, a “living funeral.”

Ray didn’t read a prepared speech.  Instead, he discussed,  “Nine lessons I have learned.”

1. You can learn from everyone: The way to be, the way not to be; the way to do things, the way not to do things.
2. People make the difference (vice technologically). Talk to people.  If you want to talk to me, come see me or call me.  I don’t email.  I am not technical oriented.  When in a leadership role, stand up for your people.  LOYALTY is important.
3. Never forget where you came from.
4. Don’t “postpone” your expressions of love to people or pets.
5. Respect yourself first, and then others.
6. Remember “Please” and “Thank you.”
7. If you pat people on the back more, you’ll have to kick them in the butt less. Praise in public, criticize in private.
8. Give back by helping others.
9. Don’t expect financial remuneration or formal recognition for your efforts – enjoy the moment and the personal gratification gained.

Ray asked his wife, Arlene, to the podium and presented her with flowers.  He praised Arlene for being his “soul mate” and stressed that he couldn’t have accomplished all without her.  He credited her and the Chamber folks for helping to plan the evening’s event.

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
-Henry Adams

Thanks for the nine lessons and more, Ray!

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by Jessica Warzeniak
photos by Alexis Ann

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On November 1, Well Healed Woman celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a record-breaking 861 attendees at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, Groton. Each year, Lawrence and Memorial Hospital presents the dynamic one-day conference for women. This year the keynote speaker was actress and activist, Jamie Lee Curtis who epitomizes the theme of Health, Healing, and Humor.

Well Healed Woman co-chair Pat Romano, president, The Auxiliary of L&M, opened the conference with details of the monies raised by the Auxiliary including a $250,000 pledged to the hospital. The first installation of $50,000 will be presented on November 11. Fellow co-chair, Kim Kalajainen, Chief Information Officer, L&M, thanked volunteers, including: the two men from L&M that help make it happen – Bill Stanley, Vice President, Development & Community Relations, and Graham Gavert, Director of Development – Rose Baker, the originator of the Well Healed Woman program, and the Mystic Marriott.

State Representative Betsy Ritter and Senator Andrea Stillman presented a legislative proclamation in honor of the Well Healed Woman’s 10th anniversary. The general assembly citation was introduced by the women of Southeastern CT.

This year introduced the Well Healed Woman award. The award was established to recognize an individual in Southeastern CT who embodied the theme of health, healing, and humor, someone who was an advocate for change and had personal warmth and humor. The first ever Well Healed Woman award was presented to L&M nutritionist Mary Ann Nash, MS, RD. “I’m never speechless and I’m speechless,” said Mary Ann. “It is humbling. I don’t do this alone. As they say, it takes a village.”

Mary Ann was one of the guest speakers at last year’s conference where she imparted wisdom on how to help stop the aging clock by focusing on what we eat, how we burn it, and how we deal with stress. This past year Mary Ann earned her Board Certification in Oncology Nutrition. She is one of only 77 in the country to hold this certification.

During lunch, which included recipes from Mary Ann and Sal Argento, Executive Chef, L&M, Jamie Lee stopped to speak with each table, picking up bits of wisdom that she shared with us during her program “Live Wisely, Love Well: An Afternoon with Jamie Lee Curtis.”

Jamie Lee began her presentation with her own definition of being a Well Healed Woman. She joked that she initially thought it meant going to the shoe repair shop to “get that little piece of rubber put on your shoes that keeps heels from making that awful clickity-clackity sound.” She removed one of her 4” heels and compared it to the delicious dark chocolate shoe that was served for dessert. “It looks just like mine!” she exclaimed. “Except, I decided to wear a sling-back today. I was feeling a little flirty.”

“How is it possible I am here today?” Jamie Lee asked herself, wanting to know why she was chosen to be the keynote speaker. “I am wildly unprepared for life, yet I managed an unbelievable one.” She told of how she is “genetically predisposed to be drunk, naked, and kissing your husband in a movie.” She talked about barely making it through high school, being an alcoholic, her insecurities and about going, and staying, grey – issues that plague everyday women.

During the question and answer period, an attendee asked Jamie Lee about her state of mind during “A Fish Called Wanda,” a well-loved crime comedy in which Jamie Lee plays Wanda, an alluring con-artist. “I wish I could tell you a funny story about the making of Wanda, but it was really a deep, dark truthful mirror.” At the time, her daughter, Annie, was six-months-old and the movie was “a chance of a lifetime.” They moved to house in Chelsea, England. “It was an hour’s drive to the studio and an hour’s drive home. At the first block, I started sobbing. I worked through my daughter’s entire childhood. I had a choice. I could have easily said no. I could have worked hard to change my hours. I felt like the worst mother in the human race.”

Jamie Lee urged working moms, “Try to stay home as much as you can. It’s hard, having to give up something, but your children are getting something. Nothing can replace the mother.” But she also warns that you must lead by example, “Children are paparazzi. They take your picture when you don’t want them to, and then they show it to you. I love that description, but I can’t actually take credit for it. It belongs to Dr. Susan Williams.”

“This is how I became me,” she described, telling about  the day Princess Diana died. Jamie Lee came home from vacation and her nanny told her Diana was in a horrible accident and was gravely injured. She remembers the numbed shock she felt when “the woman came on with that quivering voice” and said Diana hadn’t made it. She turned off the TV and picked up a book a friend had given her that she kept at her bedside about Buddhist meditation. She laughed and said, “Can you imagine me meditating?” Then told of how she left it by her bedside so people would think she did.

In the book it said, “That at the time of death, people who live mindfully ask themselves just two questions: Did I learn to live wisely? Did I love well? ” Thinking of old stories and photos of Diana, Jamie Lee was able to say yes, Diana had learned to lived wisely -  she hadn’t started there, but had learned – and yes, Diana had loved well. The though put Jamie Lee at ease.

That was Jamie Lee’s “enlightening moment.” It opened the door for her to live her life with those questions as her “frame.” She said, “I am not a Buddhist or a meditator, but if I can answer those two questions every single day satisfactorily, then I have had a good day.”

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		Bill Stanley Sr. Local Historian & Journalist “In 1972, my brother introduced me to Ron. During our first meeting, I couldn’t figure out Ron’s angle because he didn’t have one!” Ron and Bill clicked right away, and since that day, they remained close friends. They enjoyed dinners and outings, and never had a dull moment. One memory that stands out is the evening they went to dinner with Bill’s wife, Peggy, and Joe and Dotti Levanto, at Federal Hill in Providence. Ron, wearing a snazzy white linen suit, rolled up to the restaurant in his big Rolls Royce. He was unaware that a shaken up glass Coke bottle was setting on the running board, and when he opened the door, it fell, broke and sprayed all over him. Everyone on Federal Hill that night thought it was a gun shot, and ducked. Sitting in the corner of the restaurant was Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci, Jr. Ron was just dying to meet him. He wanted to invite him to Norwich. Ron was hesitant to interrupt him. Outside the Rolls, Ron stopped and said, “I’m going back in. I’m going to invite him to come to Norwich.” Always winning, “Buddy’s coming to Norwich,” announced Ron. “Ron Aliano is one of Norwich’s greatest treasures and I don’t know who can possibly take his place. He accomplished things people can only dream of. I know of no one who changed the face of Norwich more than Ron Aliano. He put his ambulance service on Mt. Pleasant where the old west side neighborhoods stood.” Before 1972, Herman Leon and Joe Viadella owned and ran Norwich’s City Cab Company, which consisted of two cabs, and the City’s one ambulance. When a stretcher was needed during an emergency, the two cabs would respond. The cab drivers would help load the injured person onto the stretcher, put it into the ambulance and be on their way. Ron recognized opportunity. The Rose City needed an ambulance fleet. He purchased the City Cab Company, and the Norwich Ambulance Company, and told Bill, “I am going to have the best ambulance service in the State.” From that, he created American Ambulance. Later on, Bishop Riley, Worcester, MA, friend of Ron and Bill, blessed the fleet of ambulances. “We did wonderful things together. He raised $50,000 and brought fireworks back to Norwich. That was Ron’s show.” “He worked to recover and restore the Abe Lincoln flag. It was a $40,000 purchase from e-bay.” “If I know Ron, he would want to die on a Saturday so he could make the Sunday edition.”
		Bill Stanley, Jr. Vice President, Development & Community Relations, Lawrence & Memorial Hospital “Ron was one of those rare guys who wouldn’t take no for an answer, and the City of Norwich and all of eastern Connecticut are better for it. Whether it was his ambulance corps or the marina project, Ron did everything first-class. He expected no more or less from his employees than he would demand of himself, which is why they’re all so good at what they do. Our region is a little less colorful and dynamic without Ron.”
		Mary Jo Wlodecki People’s Bank “Thank you Ron for seeing it, going for it and delivering it to Norwich.”
		Jeffrey Howe Director, American Professional Educational Services “The community remembers Ron as being a talented businessman and civic leader. Few realize Ronald Aliano had a true passion for health education. Ron saw a void in educating the general public in lifesaving skills as well as training individuals to fill the increased demand for EMS professionals. In 1996, Ron’s passion and vision turned into action by establishing American Professional Educational Services. Under his guidance and drive, we have fulfilled is wishes to afford the opportunity for persons to Learn CPR and First Aid skills as well as gain occupational skills to become an E.M.T., C.N.A. or even a Paramedic. Ron will be sorely missed but his spirit of learningwill be ever present.”
		Dave Whitehead President & CEO, The William W. Backus Hospital “Norwich has lost one of its finest and fiercest advocates. Ron gave back to this community in so many ways – not just through his business efforts, but most importantly, through his volunteer service on so many boards and organizations. Ron liked to joke that he would always be known as an ‘outsider,’ because he wasn’t born in Norwich. But Ron’s passion and dedication showed that heart is what makes a place your hometown.”
		Duncan Stoddard President & CEO, Chelsea Groton Bank “When I think of Ron, I think of someone who saw the great potential that was to be had in downtown Norwich, which he developed. He was a visionary person. He had the ability to always see through what appeared to be a rough surface and see a highly refined finished product that served the community in the best fashion. It is all a credit to who he was. He turned what was a coal yard into a first class marina in every way – from the buildings to the docks and the restaurant – a hard enough thing to do. He was a man with great persistence which was necessary to carry through his dreams – which he did.”
		Dr. Grace Sawyer Jones President, Three Rivers Community College “Ron and I had a very special relationship. He was my older brother and I was his younger sister ever since I moved here. He was a giant of a visionary and he saw things in a way that not all the world could see, in way that not all the other visionaries could see either. I respect him for that. He worked hard on behalf of this region, especially Norwich. I’ll miss his impact a great deal. And I’ll miss him as my friend.”
		Alderman Mark Bettencourt City of Norwich “Ron and I served for four years together. He had a vision for Norwich that other people didn’t see – like no one else. He was a very special guy that put a lot into Norwich. He put his money where his mouth was. We were in opposite parties, him being a Republican and I’m a democrat, so there was a difference there. But the one thing we had in common was a great love for the city. Ron always put that first.”
		Michael Valentine Marina Manager, The Marina at American Wharf “I’m sure plenty has been said on Ron’s accomplishments over the past 35 years here in Norwich. His vision and transformation of the Marina at American Wharf property alone is amazing. I feel fortunate to have been able to work with Ron and to be a part of the American Group. One of the benefits of working at a close knit, family run company was getting to know the Alianos on a personal level as well. In addition to being an astute businessman, Ron was a caring and passionate individual. He cared for his employees and among his many interests; we shared a love of American history. I am lucky to have learned quite a bit from Ron and he will be greatly missed.”
		Alan Bergren City Manager, City of Norwich “He had a great passion for the city. He loved the City. He made his mark. He will certainly be missed by the community. It’s a great loss. It was very rewarding to work with him for the past two years. He energized you.”
		Angela V. Arnold Director of Marketing & Business Development, CorePlus “Ron Aliano was a proud, powerful and persistent man. He was a sharp business man with a generous heart! He loved the city of Norwich and as a visionary was always proposing new ideas and improvements to make it a better place to work and live. I will never forget the conversation we had before he announced that I was to be President of American Ambulance. He took my hand and said, ‘Angela, I love my children Michael and Ronda but this company is my baby, please take good care of it.’ His love for the company was exemplified by his persistence and unwavering commitment to perfection whether it was the equipment, our employees or most importantly, our service to the patients. His passing has created a significant void in our community and we will all miss him immensely. His contributions and our memories of him will live on forever!”
		Frank Demicco Vice President, Italian Heritage and Cultural Committee of Norwich “Ron will be missed by the community. He was a great supporter of the Italian community, as well as, the community of Norwich. It is a total shock to us. Every year the Italian community chooses two people as Italians of the Year. Ron was selected to be Italian of the Year in 2005.”
		Rob Simmons Former State Representative “Ron was a special guy – a good guy. When I think about Ron Aliano, he was a visionary in his thinking in the City of Norwich that he loved so much. It goes beyond vision. He was a doer, a worker, an organizer, a collaborator, a cooperator and an advocate to make his vision a reality.”
		Bob Reed Station Manager, WICH/WCTY/WNLC/WKNL Radio President, Greater Norwich Chamber of Commerce “Ron was a giant in our Eastern Connecticut community. He was a self made man who accomplished great things, both professionally and personally. His influence to get things done will be sorely missed. He was a good friend and a great businessman.”
		Jim Cronin President, Dime Bank “Ron was a persistent champion of Norwich. He made sure that everything he did was first class, so that he and Norwich would be proud of whatever it was. He also was always supportive of community endeavors and would willingly give financially to help whatever needy cause came his way.”
		Charlie Jaskiewicz Chairman, Norwich Board of Education “Ron was a pioneer for advancing pre-hospital care in Eastern Connecticut. At a time when paramedic care was met with resistance and skepticism, Ron was true to this cause, which has resulted in many lives being saved.”
		Mary Ellen Jukoski President, Mitchell College “Mr. Aliano was a seriously committed citizen who cared dearly about making the community of Norwich a better place. He worked tirelessly to make this happen. I know he will be deeply missed by his friends and business associates.”
		Rear Admiral “Dan” A. M. Danielsen (ret.) U. S. Coast Guard “When I was a Cadet at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy in the early 1950”s, I remember traveling to Norwich and seeing Hollyhock Island. It was sure an eyesore then! Much later, in 1988 after I retired from the Coast Guard and moved back to East Lyme, I was interviewed and selected to become the Executive Director of the Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce. That was when I first met Ron Aliano. He was a member of our Board of Directors. That was also when I was very impressed when I learned that Ron had converted Hollyhock Island into a very, very fine Marina. Over the next four years, I continued to learn more and more about the marvelous improvements and new businesses that Ron had initiated and made very successful. These, as well as, his outstanding contributions, helped immensely improve, not only Norwich, but also much of Eastern Connecticut. Ron was an amazing business leader. Besides his wonderful business contributions, he also was a wonderful friend whose company was always enjoyed at business meetings and social events. We will all miss Ron Aliano very, very much, — and we will all continue to enjoy our own lives more because of this man’s wonderful contributions.”
Paul Jakoboski President, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut “Ronald Aliano has supported our community for many years by encouraging his employees to be community minded at American Ambulance Service and participate in United Way Employee Giving Campaigns. His philanthropy and deep dedication for our community will live on through the lives that he and his employees have helped.”
Mike Schaefer City Planning, City of Norwich “Ron’s passion and vision for the City of Norwich, particularly pertaining to the harbor and the waterfront, coupled with his extraordinary ability to get things done, has truly made Norwich a better place. His presence will be greatly missed.”
Edward Seder Harbor Commission member “Ron was a good man. That’s important to me. I was in business for a long time and when I say someone is a good man that is a big compliment – what I hope they say about me when I go. He did a lot for the City of Norwich. I didn’t always agree with him, but he did a lot for the City.”

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