Read the September 18, 2019 issue here:
https://issuu.com/theresident5/docs/theresident-sep18-wholebook
The Resident Good News September 18, 2019 Issue
September 18, 2019 by
Tom Cantone: King of Casino Entertainment
February 5, 2019 by
Tom Cantone, Sr. Corporate Vice President Sports & Entertainment: “Over my total career, I’ve been responsible for some 10,000 shows attended by millions of people, 12 million just at Mohegan Sun Arena, and many making their Casino debuts.”
story & photos by Alexis Ann
If you watched television in the sixties, you’ll remember when that King of Entertainment Ed Sullivan brought the guest stars to television. You may recall the Beatles’ record-breaking first live appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964 at Studio 50 in New York City when seventy-three million people watched that first show. Well, right here in Southeastern Connecticut is our own King of Casino Entertainment, Tom Cantone, Mystic resident. With a 35-year career of bringing entertainment to casino stages, Tom’s a champion at hosting top headliners in Mohegan Sun’s 10,000-seat Arena for the past 11 years, including: Billy Joel, Ed Sheeran, jLo, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, U2, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Kevin Hart, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Jay Z, Luke Bryan and others.
In an interview with Tom Cantone, Sr. Corporate Vice President Sports & Entertainment at Mohegan Sun
Alexis: Let’s talk Korea please. Are you working on lining up entertainment for the Inspire Resort Casino in South Korea?
Tom: We’re three years away from opening. Today, we’re focusing on the venue first. It’s going to be a 15,000-seat major arena, the largest in Northeast Asia right outside of Seoul Korea, next to the Incheon International Airport which will have 100M passengers. We’re a 2-1/2 hour ride from 700M people. Now, that’s called a nice backyard to play in!
Alexis: Who’s at the top of your dream list for the stage?
Tom: As we get closer, we’ll book entertainers who have a global presence. And, for example, who’s hot today, won’t be hot three years from now. Korean pop bands or KPOP is very popular right now in that part of the world. We’ll be doing major sporting events, pageants and all kinds of themed events.
Alexis: So, you’re in the Design Phase of the Arena?
Tom: It’s going to be state-of-the-art design with technology being a huge part of it. Quality of the guest experience is going to be top on the list. This arena is going to be the ‘hub’ of the resort.
Alexis: So, tell me how will it compare to the Arena here?
Tom: The sound system and the integration of the sound to your seat so that you have a better experience listening to the shows. The way that sound is being developed right now is it’s almost personalized to the seat which means that our technology will be first and foremost on our list. Of course, there will be food and beverage services and access to VIP lounges, etc., When you arrive, you’ll enjoy the comfort level of a first class venue.
Alexis: So, you’ll have to attract the top entertainers to fill 15,000 seats, right?
Tom: Yes, we’ll be the new kid on the block but the BIGGEST. With our Mohegan entertainment brand on the world stage and being ranked top in the nation and our partnership with Live Nation Asia, we’ll have a lot of momentum coming out of the gate.
Alexis: Let’s segway into Paramount.
Tom: I’m not privy to Paramount other than what’s in the press release.
In a release dated December 5, 2018
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment’s multibillion-dollar, multi-phase integrated entertainment resort (IER) currently in development in South Korea, Inspire Integrated Entertainment Resort (Inspire), and Paramount Pictures Corporation (Paramount) announce a strategic partnership to incorporate a Paramount Pictures-branded theme park as part of Northeast Asia’s largest IER expansion underway in the Incheon International Airport’s (IIAC) IBC-III Region.
“We are proud to have Paramount Pictures join us as a strategic partner in the development of our innovative integrated entertainment resort concept,” said Kevin Brown, Chairman of the Mohegan Tribe and MGE Management Board. “With Paramount alongside as we answer the demand of today’s consumers, the Inspire IER model not only displays our commitment to trend-setting in this industry but also demonstrates the Mohegan Tribe’s commitment to growing South Korea’s travel, tourism and workforce development goals, while securing the generational sustainability of the Mohegan Tribe.”
Alexis: How is this expansion into S. Korea going to affect us here in Southeastern Connecticut?
Tom: Operating in five states and soon to be in Canada and South Korea will give us the ability to program hundreds and hundreds of shows and events.
We’ve taken a local brand to a regional brand and now soon to a global brand. The partnerships and relationships that we’ve developed over the years are all combined to give us quite an impact. It’s ironic to hear that the top three arena markets in the world are spoken as: NYC, Mexico City, and Uncasville. We’re the number one casino venue in the world. It’s a real success story right here in our own backyard!
Alexis: When did you start working at Mohegan?
Tom: I started 11 years ago and I’m blessed with the best team on the planet. The tours love coming here and many national tours start here. Bonjovi told me he’ll only rehearse here. When you have those kinds of credentials it’s because of the team. Our team has graduated this program into a global stage.
Alexis: Will some of your people travel to the other properties?
Tom: Yes, they already are. The Corporate Entertainment Team is booking entertainment and this past year, we had 600 shows combined.
Alexis: Where are the properties?
Tom: Washington State, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and here. This year, we’ll be operating two properties in Canada.
Alexis: Wow! You’re going to be Busy!
Tom: Yes, making sure we have the appropriate entertainment calendar for each venue is important for marketing each venue. The entertainment calendar feeds the marketing.
Alexis: How do you keep track of this?
Tom: We’re very organized. We do a lot of deals. Everyday we’re doing deals. The key for us is good timing. So, we’re able to route certain artists that can give us multiple plays at multiple venues.
Alexis: What’s a typical work day like for you?
Tom: It’s always different and that’s why I can’t wait to get here. Every day is unknown to known. We have many meetings. I have a dual role: Mohegan Sun and Mohegan Corporate Entertainment. When opportunity meets luck great things happen and we take advantage of every opportunity to expand the Mohegan brand. What sets us apart from others is our personality and entertainment plays a significant role in that personality.
Alexis: What do you like best about your job?
Tom: The people. We put people first including our team members and the people we do business with. It’s all about the people. If you put people first, product and profit will follow. I’m here a lot to be with them. I do a lot of face time. We’ve created an entertainment family here and everyone feels a part of the family.
It’s a family business that we operate here. Like other family businesses we work long hours. Remember, we never close. Our business is open 24/7- 365 days a year and I make it a point to thank everyone. And, when the tours arrive here, the first thing I say to them is, “Welcome home!”
The Corporate MGE Entertainment Team – From their CT Offices at Mohegan Sun, Booked over 600 shows at all MGE Properties in 5 states in 2018 – left to right Kevin Reilly (Technical Production Manager) Joe Soper, Director of Sports & Entertainment , Steve Cholewa (Director of Operations ) and Tom Cantone – Sr. Corp V.P. of Sports & Entertainment for MGE Properties.
The Resident Good News Feb 6-19
February 1, 2019 by
Happy February!
So, tomorrow’s Groundhog Day and the question is: Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? And, if he does, what does it mean? Way back in the early 90s, I took the trek up to Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney, PA and photographed the cute furry weather predictor. Thousands of people gathered. I shot photos alongside a photographer from Belgium—we were both shivering in the early morning cold. In keeping with tradition, Phil emerged from his tree trunk home and saw his shadow which meant six more weeks of winter. Brrrrrrr. Let’s hope that on February 2nd, good ol’ Phil doesn’t see his shadow so we can look forward to an early spring bringing warmer temperatures!
Let’s salute Lieutenant Donald R. Maranell on page 4 for being inducted into the prestigious Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. Yes, Stonington Borough resident and former First Selectman makes us proud joining other local Hall of Famers, including Colonel Robert Simmons 2010; Rev. George Kenneth Carpenter, 2011 and Colonel Linda S. Schwartz 2016.
In case you haven’t visited the recently renovated Naik Family YMCA, Mystic, it’s time to schedule a visit to the most fabulous fitness center on the East Coast. You’ll enjoy the views of the Mystic River while working out on the all new state-of-the-art equipment. Even the new locker rooms are a prized addition to upscale facility on page 4.
Thanks for reading the Resident Good News! Please remember to patronize our advertisers for they’re making the good news happen! Follow us on facebook.
Alexis Ann
editor & publisher,
The Resident
Newest Virginia-Class USS Colorado Commissioned
April 4, 2018 by
(l-r) Commander Reed Koepp, Lieutenant Commander Stephen M. Col proud to serve abroad the USS Colorado.
by Jack Lakowsky; photos by Seth Bendfeldt
The United States Navy commissioned its newest Virginia-Class submarine, USS Colorado (SSN 778) on March 17. It will be the 15th Virginia-Class attack submarine to join the fleet.
Described as the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, the Colorado can operate in multiple combat theaters and situations. The sub is equipped with multiple innovative features including Special Forces support and a new kind of non-penetrating periscope-rather than a traditional scope, it was replaced by infrared digital cameras, operated by a video game controller. This change was made to accommodate for the newest generation of submariners, according to Lt. Commander Steve Col. These innovations were made despite the cost-saving mindset behind the vessel’s construction. According to a news release, 20-percent of the ship was redesigned to reduce costs.
The ship was also built to accommodate women, according to Steve, who explained that integration of women will be a goal of future submarine construction. Excellent quality food was a goal in the Colorado’s construction as well, as this adds to the morale of the crew, who can spend as much as nine months underwater.
Commander Reed Koepp, USS Colorado
Steve explained how the submarine force will only expand in the future because land and air based military technology is vulnerable to tracking.
“The demand [for subs] comes from their stealth,” Steve said.
However, neither budget restrictions nor new technology presented the biggest obstacle. Steve said training new crew members on schedule for the Colorado’s first voyage, which entails operating at sea without support, presents the biggest challenge.
Sailors stand at attention as the commissioning of the pennant and flag take place.
A guided tour of the Colorado reveals the strength of character required for the job. The halls are barely the width of an arm’s length. The quarters are six-to-a-room. If uncleaned lint traps are not attended to, life-threatening fires can ignite. Finally, complete isolation from your family in an environment that is as hostile to human life as deep space. Only an iron will, and love of duty could carry one through these tolls.
Mystic Irish Parade 15th Annual — Humongous Success
April 4, 2018 by
(l-r) City of Groton Chief of Police Mike Spellman, Lori Potter, Director of Communications, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Jan Miller, Regional Ambassador, Alexis Ann, editor & publisher,
the Resident and Ed Stebbins, Stebbins Buyers & Sellers Realty.
The 15th Annual Mystic Irish Parade stepped off without a hitch from the Mystic Seaport parking lot at 1 pm on Sunday, March 25th. Despite the morning snow the sun shone intermittently on hundreds of floats, thousands of participants and several thousand spectators.
You might say that the Luck of the Irish was certainly in full play as the snow stopped just short of the parade but as Leo Roche, Parade Founder and Foundation President commented that morning with a twinkle in his eyes and broad Irish grin, “How do you like the weather–It doesn’t snow on the biggest Irish parade in the State of Connecticut.” From bagpipers, to high school bands, fire engines—new and old; to military personnel, law enforcement units to politicians, leprechauns, mariners and the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales. They were all marching in high style while proudly displaying their Irish heritage if even in spirit alone.
Grand Marshals for 2018 were Rob and Bob Valenti, Rob walked while Bob rode in his beloved 1975 Chevrolet that Bob purchased brand new and has kept in the same condition ever since it’s purchase. The Grand Marshals were also in for a special treat when Sift Bakery presented them with a five layer chocolate cake decorated with the parades logo signifying 15 years for the parade.
The parade was capped off with the Budweiser Clydesdales stopping at the reviewing stand to deliver a special case of beer to Leo Roche. Leo was also able to climb up and ride the rest of the route back to Mystic Seaport smiling ear to ear while playing with the Dalmatian mascots along the way.
Parade winners will be awarded on April 8th, 3 pm at Harp & Hound in Downtown Mystic. All are invited to join in the celebration and raise a glass or two to the well-deserving winners. In addition to the winners being awarded the parades raffle for a trip to Ireland will also be pulled at 4 pm. It’s not too late to win a trip to Ireland! See www.mysticirishparade.org for more information.
Vintage Car Lover “Brings ’Em Back to Life” on His Hit YouTube Show
March 23, 2018 by
Renee and Dennis Savage enjoy restoring, driving, and showing off their fantastic collection of 1956 Chevys.
by Anna Trusky
To Dennis Savage of Lisbon, walking through an automobile salvage yard is like paying a visit to dear old friends.
“Salvage yards are outdoor museums for men who are interested in automotive history,” Dennis said. “They’re full of ‘memory candy,’ as I call it – old cars that remind us of times when we were younger, riding around with our parents or friends. That feeling is what I try to create with my YouTube show, ‘Bring ’Em Back to Life!’”
When he decided to develop a program that would share his passion for salvage yards and antique cars, Dennis joined the SECT filmmakers group so he could learn the ropes of television production. The friends he made there helped him turn his idea into a pilot and trailers, which led to showings at exhibitions and festivals.
“Today, with the assistance of my grandson and awesome editor Robbie Savage, Jr., a New England Tech graduate, ‘Bring ’Em Back To Life’ is garnering tens of thousands of views and hundreds of ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ on YouTube,” Dennis said. “We’re getting new subscribers every day. There are now 14 episodes on YouTube and a new season is about to begin.”
On each episode, Dennis takes his camera into a salvage yard and looks for vintage vehicles with parts that can be saved and repurposed. “Most salvage yard owners are happy to let me come into their yards. They walk with me and tell me the history. It’s good for those who are looking for parts for their antique cars to see what is out there.”
Dennis himself has a “sizeable” collection of vintage ’55 ’56, and ’57 Chevrolets. “We’ve been driving them all our lives,” he said. “When I’d find them in salvage yards, we’d save them and put them in our barn. We restored them and now they’re valuable antiques.”
Word of Dennis’s show is spreading far and wide. “Recently I was invited to talk about the show on Mike Minarski’s Wolverine FM Radio station in Jewett City, Stu Breyer’s WICH AM Talk Radio show in Norwich, and most recently Joe Pepitone’s ‘Every Car Has A Story’ on Big Talk Radio FM 106.7 in Wilmington, North Carolina. My wife Renee taped us meeting in person to use on an upcoming episode,” he said.
Renee, Dennis pointed out, is his faithful supporter and biggest fan. It’s no wonder since vintage Chevys have played an important role in the Savages’ life together since day one. “We just celebrated our fiftieth wedding anniversary—we eloped in my ’57 Chevrolet. That’s how our love affair with classic Chevrolets started!” Dennis said.
To get in touch with Dennis, email him at Den567@att.net or visit his Facebook page, Dennis Savage.
Montville Dog Park
March 21, 2018 by
by Jack Lakowsky
In 2006, Chris Lawton’s dog passed away, inspiring him to campaign for a dog park in Montville.
“When I presented my idea, at the time it was not received well, so I put it on hold,” Chris, now de facto head of the Montville Dog Park Commission, said. Interest in the park renewed in 2011 and Chris renewed his effort, starting a grassroots movement of locals. The town approved construction in 2014, after several years in limbo due to personnel shortages and lack of funding.
Chris said that no town funds would be used for construction. Chris has used local fundraising to fund the park. The park’s proposed location will be on Route 163 in Oakdale, across the street from Camp Oakdale.
Chris said the biggest obstacle to construction was time.
“We needed time to raise money, time to clear the land, time to schedule the work, [and] time for grass to grow,” Chris said. In addition to budget shortfalls, the park contended with Mother Nature. An October 29 windstorm knocked a tree onto a newly built fence.
However, this did not deter a dedicated group of volunteers. The park’s Facebook page displays pictures of volunteers braving the wind, rain, and cold to make this small recreational pleasure a reality. Lawton said that support also came from town offices, Montville Parks and Recreation, Public Works, the mayor’s office, and the town clerk.
“It will be nice to have a park of our own, instead of going to other towns,” Chris said. The dog parks closest to Montville are in Norwich and Colchester. The park’s rules and regulations will comply with normal standards, such as leashing and waste disposal.
In the future, Lawton said he’d like to have electricity and running water for the park, and to connect it to local hiking trails, essentially expanding the park.
Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/montvilledogpark. The Dog Park Commission’s has raised over $14,000 of its $25,000 goal. Meetings are still being held for ideas and suggestions from the community. Meeting times can be found at www.townofmontville.org/dogparkcommission.
Dan “the Auction Man” Thanks Valenti Toyota for Helping Him Support St. Jude
March 21, 2018 by
by Anna Trusky
Dan “the Auction Man” Stanavage presents check and certificates from the National Auctioneers Association to Sales Manager Rocky Sposato, Business Manager Robert Valenti, and Sales Manager Bruce Morrow of Valenti Toyota in Westerly, to thank them for Valenti’s contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
On March 6, Dan “the Auction Man” Stanavage presented a poster-sized check and two framed certificates to Valenti Toyota in Westerly. The items were presented on behalf of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA), to thank the good people at Valenti for their contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The funds were gathered between Thanksgiving and Christmas as part of NAA’s annual drive to benefit St. Jude.
“The $11,000 donation was the culmination of contributions from many caring people and car dealerships,” said Dan, who handles the wholesale auto auctions for Valenti as well as auctions for many other local businesses and organizations. “A lot of people gave their hearts and souls to this worthy cause!”
To help raise funds for St. Jude, Dan also auctioned off tools purchased from Lowe’s, donated toys such as die-cast trucks, and watches donated by TC Pawn Shops. “However, many people gave donations without even buying something,” he noted.
Dan pointed out that the NAA raises close to $1 million each year for charitable causes. He is more than happy to help—especially when it comes to St. Jude, a cause that is near and dear to his heart. He was born with a condition known as Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease, a hip disorder that occurs in roughly 5.5 of 100,000 children per year and affects more boys than girls.
“I was in St. Jude briefly and they determined it wasn’t cancer, so I then went to Newington Children’s Hospital,” Dan recalled. “My mother always said leaving me there was the hardest thing she’d ever done. But my parents would not give up on me. I had lots of X-rays and needles and was in traction for years.” Today Perthes disease is easily curable.
“That’s why I help St. Jude,” said Dan. “I know what it’s like to be in a hospital without your parents. I feel for the kids at St. Jude who have it way worse than I did. If I can save one kid’s life, then my life is worth living!”
To get in touch with Dan and find out how you can help, visit www.dantheauctionman.com.