Chief diver receives Instructor of the Year award

Chief Navy Diver Kenneth L. McCollum was presented with the Submarine Learning Center’s Senior Enlisted Instructor of the Year Award on March 8 at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton.

A native of Phoenix, Ariz., McCollum currently serves as the leading chief petty officer and master training specialist for the Pressurized Submarine Escape Trainer. This course trains future submariners on the process of escaping a submarine in the case of an emergency.

“McCollum’s exceptional performance as leading chief petty officer for the PSET course allowed his students to experience high velocity learning which will prepare them all for real world situations in the submarine force,” said Capt. Steven Antcliff, Commanding Officer of the Naval Submarine School, in a release. “McCollum displayed true grit, tenacity, and innovation in ushering Sailors through this short, yet critical aspect of Naval Submarine School.”

The Instructor of the Year designation is awarded to both enlisted and officer instructors selected by their commands as the example of what it means to be an instructor, and is accompanied by the award of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Mystic Garden Club announces beautification awards

The Mystic Garden Club has announced its annual beautification awards, recognizing gardeners who make a significant improvement to the landscape or property in the greater Mystic area.

Recipients include Michael and Kelly Longo of 172 Hewitt Road; Antonio and Shaun Mastroianni of Antonio Hair Design at 59 Williams Ave.; Rudolfo Reyes, facilities manager at Mystic Museum of Art; and Susan Fridy of Steamboat Wharf.

Winners, along with the help of several volunteers, were recognized for efforts to enhance the pedestrian walkway and seating along the Mystic River.

As part of its own beautification efforts, Mystic Garden Club continues to maintain 45 window boxes and three planters in the downtown Mystic area along with supporting other community projects through grants and scholarships. For more information, visit mysticgardenclub.org.

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