On Nov. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters will present the 2024 Environmental Awards at The Red Barn at Mitchell College in New London. For tickets, visit https://secure.everyaction.com/sttkmwANP0qYqlD7GUHQyg2.

​The Environmental Public Service Award will be given to Marissa Paslick Gillett, chair of Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. Gillett received a bachelor of science in bioengineering from Clemson University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is being presented to Amy Blaymore Paterson, who has served as the first executive director of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council since 2010. Under her guidance, CLCC has grown into one of the most influential land trust service organizations in the nation.

Amy Blaymore Paterson, executive director of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council since 2010, will be honored for her leadership in making CLCC one of the nation’s most influential land trust service organizations.

The Environmental Legacy Award will be presented to Ulysses Hammond, who this year stepped down as interim executive director of the Connecticut Port Authority, a quasi-public agency responsible for the maritime economic development of Connecticut’s ports and harbors. He was also responsible for the transformation of the Port of New London into a world class heavy lift intermodal transport marine terminal that is a marshaling hub for the staging and pre-assembly of wind turbines for America’s new offshore wind industry.

The Community Impact Award will be bestowed upon ​John G. Harris of Preston, now serving his first term on the Mohegan Tribal Council. Harris served on the Mohegan Tribal Housing Authority for nearly 25 years, as a site operations director for the Preston Redevelopment Agency for the last 10 years and as the chairman of the Preston Housing Authority from 2007 to 2017.

Groton Rotary Club has announced its slate of new officers for the 2024-25 Rotary Year. Robert Boris will be the club’s president. Cindy Olsen will serve as secretary and Deborah Lea Doran will be treasurer.

Boris is a local businessman and serves on several local municipal boards and commissions. Olsen is a program supervisor at Thrive 55+ Active Living Center. Doran has been responsible for the club’s finances for past few years.

The club’s Board of Directors are: Robert Boris, Cindy Olsen, Deborah Lea Doran, Gary Weale, John Silsby, Richard B. Kent, Jr., Jim Mitchell and Lian Obrey.

The club’s Community Service Awards Foundation Board members are: Frank E. Winkler, chair; Cindy Olsen, Lea Doran, Robert Boris, David Brown, Greg Thevenet and Marcia Gipstein.

John P. Silsby will continue as the club’s Interact Advisor and Youth Services Chair. Richard B. Kent Jr. will serve as the Club’s Rotary Foundation chair and executive secretary. Winkler is chair of the Club’s Foundation Board. Silsby and Kent chair the club’s annual Golf Tournament Committee. For club information, visit grotonrotary.org.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce recognized Command Sgt. Maj. William “Bill” Wright, a dedicated community member and distinguished veteran, in its Community Proud series sponsored by CorePlus Credit Union.

Known for his remarkable work ethic, Wright is celebrated as one of the hardest workers at Beer’d Brewing Co. and an invaluable team member. Whether it’s assisting with deliveries, stepping behind the bar, or offering support across departments, Bill exemplifies dedication and teamwork.

Beer’d Brewing Co. owner Precious Putnam noted Wright’s “unwavering service and sacrifice” that extends to volunteer work repairing local structures with the Maine Island Trail Association and as a steward for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

Wright’s military service included leadership roles with the Connecticut National Guard and the Joint Staff, where he led, mentored, and safeguarded soldiers during both natural disasters and overseas missions. After his military career, he continued to serve by supporting veterans and their families at the Stonington Institute.

Jewett City Savings Bank has announced the hiring of Justin Croteau as branch manager in the Preston office.

Croteau brings more than seven years of experience in retail banking, sales, and customer service. Prior to joining Jewett City Savings, he served as branch manager for CorePlus Credit Union. He brings knowledge of the local community having grown up in Griswold and attending Griswold High School.

The North Stonington Garden Club has named its 2025 board of directors. They are: Fran Barsky, treasurer; Karen McGee, president; Jen Panosky, vice president; Karen Askins, recording secretary; Claire Verdier, assistant treasurer, and Susan Rostenberg, corresponding secretary.

On Oct. 11, Gov. Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes awarded Comcast more than $21 million in grants to connect unserved homes and businesses across Connecticut to high-speed Internet services through DEEP’s ConneCTed Communities Grant Program.

Through the public-partnership, and private capital, Comcast will extend its state-of-the-art network in 76 municipalities, including Norwich and Essex. Expanding broadband access to unserved and underserved communities is part of a mission to bridge the digital divide, sending millions of dollars in investment to mostly rural communities throughout the state.

Ahead of Veterans Day, Navy Federal Credit Union and Sperling’s BestPlaces released the 2024 Best Cities After Service list— designed to help military servicemembers, veterans and their families evaluate the pros and cons of U.S. cities where they may consider settling down, and Norwich ranked No. 2 nationally on the “best overall” list and No. 5 for retired veterans. Norwich was selected due to its blend of rich history, culture, and abundant outdoor recreation with excellent veteran services like income tax exemptions and college tuition waivers.

Each year during National Veterans Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of veterans, service members, National Guard members, reservists and military spouses. This year the Connecticut SBA will hold a Military Spouse Pathways to Business Program, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Regional Innovation Center, New London, or on Zoom. For more, visit visit sba.gov/ovbd.

Foxwoods Resort Casino has announced the opening of the 150-seat Momosan ramen restaurant by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, set to debut in spring 2025. The new addition brings the globally renowned chef’s celebrated Japanese cuisine to Foxwoods, marking the seventh location. Located in the Great Cedar Concourse at Foxwoods, Momosan will feature signature dishes including gyoza, nigiri and sushi rolls.

This announcement is the latest in a series of enhancements at Foxwoods, including Grace By Nia, the resort’s first Black-woman-owned speakeasy-style lounge, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen and Sprinkletown, the debut storefront from celebrated pastry chef Zac Young. For more information, visit www.foxwoods.com.

Cumulus Media's station WWKX-FM in Providence has flipped from its Rhythmic Contemporary format to Classic Rock, debuting as the all-new 106.3 The Wolf. Cumulus Media has also launched a new website for 106.3 The Wolf at: https://www.thewolf1063.com/.

The newly reformatted 106.3 The Wolf joins Cumulus New London sister station 102.3 The Wolf/WMOS-FM with its Classic Rock format. As part of the change, Doug MacGunnigle has been promoted to regional program director for NewsTalk and Classic Rock/Southern New England, overseeing 102.3 and 106.3 The Wolf, NewsTalk 630 AM/ 99.7 FM WPRO, and Sports Talk 790AM The Score in Providence, along with NewsTalk 980 WXLM in New London.

Mike English, longtime host of the WMOS-FM morning drive, will now also be heard on WWKX-FM weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. The stations will also both carry live nighttime show, Steve Gorman Rocks! Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Awards & Recognition

Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours has been named one of the top ghost tours in the country, securing the No. 3 spot in the prestigious USAToday 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, and No. 1 in New England.

Founded by author and historian Courtney McInvale in 2013, Seaside Shadows offers a blend of history, local legend, and paranormal lore in the Mystic and Westerly areas. USAToday describes Seaside Shadows as a premier tour operator that “blends history with the occult on guided tours,” offering everything from downtown walking tours to spirit-themed pub crawls.“ For information, visit www.seasideshadows.com.

Thames Valley Council for Community Action has been awarded $5,000 by R.S. Gernon Trust to support its homelessness prevention initiative in the Norwich area. Ida Parker, director of TVCCA’s housing program, said the support of the Gernon Trust will allow TVCCA to work with individuals and families much more extensively, as solutions focus on employment, child care, and health/nutrition issues.

Chamber News

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut recognized local leaders during its 15th annual Social Service Recognition Awards on Nov. 7 at the Holiday Inn Norwich.

Honorees were: Lonnie Braxton, Board Member of the Year for the Public Library of New London; Wendy Lusk, Executive Director of the Year for the South East CT Community Center of the Blind; Denisse Mateo, Staff Member of the Year for The Arc Eastern CT; Elizabeth Shilosky, Volunteer of the Year for Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter; Community Foundation of Eastern CT, Collaboration of the Year, and an Honorable Mention for Petra, a Therapy Horse at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center.

Dina Sears-Graves, president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, gave the keynote address.

The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business After Hours at The Spa at Norwich Inn from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. Walk-ins are welcome. For information, email Amber at info@norwichchamber.com.

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