5,000 Fathom Race takes place Aug. 28. See page 7 for more information.
Vol. 49, No. 9
Master Chief ‘Big Al’ Atkinson retires
By SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. – It was as
big a day for his family as it
was for him. Command Master
Chief of Naval Submarine
Support Center, Alexander “Big
Al” Atkinson retired on Naval
Submarine Base New London
(SUBASE) Pier 17, July 30 in
the company of his family,
Master Chief Petty Officer of
the Navy (MCPON) Rick D.
West, and 300 supporting fans,
friends, and shipmates.
“He has touched the lives of so
many people, Sailors and civil-
ians alike,” said Commander
Raymond Gabriel, Commanding
Officer of USS Providence (SSN
719). Gabriel was a guest speak-
er during the ceremony as well
as the Executive Officer of the
USS Memphis (SSN 691) when
Atkinson was on board.
Philadelphia born, Al
Atkinson departs with 30 years
under his belt. It wasn’t coin-
cidence that Atkinson’s retire-
ment ceremony took place the
same day as his 30th anni-
versary with his wife, Kate
Atkinson.
“If anyone could put God in a
headlock and order up this kind
of weather, it’d be Kate,” said
guest speaker Captain William
R. Merz, Commanding Officer
of USS Memphis (SSN 691),
pointing out the sunny skies
and windless pier. Atkinson
toured as Chief of the Boat on
the USS Memphis with Merz
on board.
During the ceremony,
MCPON West presented numer-
ous awards to Atkinson and his
family. One of which was given
to Kate - a set of “Dolphins”.
Contract awarded for new firing range at SUBASE
By Thomas A. Kreidel
Naval Facilities Engineering Command
Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. - Naval
Facilities Engineering
Command (NAVFAC) Mid-
Atlantic awarded a $9 mil-
lion contract to build a new
indoor small arms range on
Naval Submarine Base New
London (SUBASE), July 22.
The range will be built by
Saunders relieves as
SUBLANT Force Master Chief
By Kevin Copeland
Commander, Submarine Force
Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. – Force
Master Chief (Submarines) Kirk
Saunders has relieved Force
Master Chief Jeffery Garrison as
Commander, Submarine Force
Atlantic (SUBLANT) Force
Master Chief. The Birmingham,
Ala., native relieved Garrison
during a well-attended, ceremo-
nial change-of-office ceremony
at SUBLANT headquarters in
Norfolk, Va.
Garrison served as the
SUBLANT Force Master Chief
from October 2007 to July 2010.
He will report to Commander,
Navy Personnel Command
in Millington, Tenn., as the
Navy’s Command Master Chief
Detailer.
During the change-of-office
ceremony, Vice Admiral
John Donnelly, Commander,
Submarine Forces/Commander,
Submarine Force Atlantic, pre-
sented Garrison with a Legion of
Merit medal. Garrison was cited
for his impressive resourceful-
ness in providing the Force
Commander and Master Chief
Petty Officer of the Navy valu-
able insight, guidance, and
deckplate perspective. He was
also recognized for his vision-
ary approach in implementing
numerous initiatives which
positively affected more than
GROTON, Conn. - Naval Submarine Support Center Command Master Chief Alexander “Big Al” Atkinson is piped ashore during his retirement ceremony on Naval
Submarine Base New London’s Pier 17, July 30. Atkinson retired after 30 years of service in the United States Navy, with almost half of his career in command
leadership position.
With it, West declared the Navy
wife would be treated with all
of the rights and privileges of
a submariner. Atkinson’s four
daughters also gave a speech
of their own, thanking their
mother and father for the job
they had done raising them.
Since Atkinson’s entrance
into the Navy in August of 1980,
Watermark Environmental
Inc. of Lowell, Mass., and
replaces an outdoor range
that has been in operation
since 1950. The new range
will have 20 lanes, doubling
the current amount on the
outdoor range; while ensur-
ing a safer, more efficient
operation that will no longer
be impacted by unpredictable
New England winters.
“This much needed Indoor
Range will ensure our Sailors
22,000 submarine Sailors in
the Atlantic Fleet. In mentoring
five Group Master Chiefs, 15
Squadron Master Chiefs, and
91 Chiefs of the Boat, Garrison
relentlessly delivered changes
to senior enlisted leadership
which led to innovative growth
and immensely contributed to
the education of junior enlist-
ed.
“I am looking forward to work-
ing with the Force Commander
in continuing the legacy left by
Force Garrison,” said Saunders.
“It is an honor and privilege
in having the opportunity to
help mold and influence the
tremendous Sailors operating
our submarine force. For me
it is the ultimate dream come
true being selected as the Force
Master Chief, and having the
chance to mentor and develop
our senior enlisted leaders and
enlisted force.
“My main goal as the Force
Master Chief is to build and
inspire a group of senior enlist-
ed leaders that are dedicated to
mission and personnel readi-
ness. This will include not only
meeting the demands of day-
to-day operations at their indi-
vidual commands, but also a
focus on the development of
their subordinates to be profes-
sional and competent submari-
ners with the utmost integrity.
If we can achieve that, there is
nothing we can’t accomplish!”
Saunders accepts his respon-
Serving the Military Community in Southeastern Connecticut since 1918
his career has seen many plac-
es, crews, and boats. Starting
out as a Hospital Corpsman in
Camp Lejeune, N.C., his first
tour of duty brought him to
the U.S. Naval Academy in
Annapolis, Md. In 1982, he
returned to Camp Lejeune
where he served as a Fleet
Marine Force Corpsman.
and Navy Team New London
Security Force members
receive their required, and
vitally important, small arms
qualifications in a modern,
state of the art facility,” said
SUBASE Commanding Officer,
Captain Marc W. Denno.
The range provides manda-
tory training for more than
16,000 students annually on
weapons that include pis-
tols, rifles, shotguns, and
M-60 machine guns. The
NORFOLK, Va. - Force Master Chief Jeffery Garrison (left) turns over duties as Force Master Chief at Commander, Submarine
Force Atlantic to Force Master Chief Kirk Saunders, during a change-of-office ceremony at SUBLANT headquarters in
Norfolk, Va. Garrison will report to Commander, Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tenn, as the U.S. Navy Command
Master Chief detailer. Saunders is reporting to SUBLANT from Commander, Submarine Squadron ELEVEN in San Diego,
where he served as the squadron command master chief.
sibilities full-heartedly, and
believes his previous assign-
ments have prepared him for
the challenges that are in his
future.
“My opportunity to lead as
both Chief of the Boat and a
squadron Command Master
Chief has provided me an
incredible insight to the diffi-
In August 1984, he trans-
ferred to Naval Air Station Key
West, Fla., where he trained as
a Search and Rescue Hospital
Corpsman, flying in SH-3 Sea
King helicopters.
“If you’ve never seen a Sea
King helicopter; they’re big,
they’re round, and built to take
a punch. Kind of like some-
new indoor range will also
include an Indoor Simulated
Marksmanship Trainer that
simulates the recoil and noise
associated with live firing
to familiarize students with
the sensation of using a real
weapon.
“With big and small proj-
ects and demolition and con-
struction, Naval Submarine
Base New London contin-
ues to transform under our
Homeport 21 and Navy Shore
culties and challenges we face
day-to-day in the submarine
force. The challenges I faced in
those leadership roles and the
efforts required to resolve them
and persevere during adversity
has prepared me well to lead at
this level.”
In the last several months
there have been two huge social
Thursday, August 12, 2010
New Haven, CT 06511
40 Sargent Drive
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NEWSPAPERS
SHORE LINE
PRSRT/STD
body we know here,” remarked
Captain Merz during the cer-
emony.
July of 1986, Atkinson
became a Nuclear Submarine
INSIDE
Independent Duty Corpsman
(IDC) following training in
Groton, Conn. A year later,
in 1987, he reported aboard
See ‘Big Al’ on Page 4
Vision 2035 efforts,” Denno
added.
Current local military and NMCRS has a
security activities using the
existing base range, such as
new director
the National Guard and Coast
Guard, will also be able to
Page 2
enjoy the benefits of the new
indoor range. According to
Roger Schalge, the project
manager for NAVFAC Mid-
Atlantic, construction on this
range will be complete in
February 2012.
SUBASE
responds to
mock oil spill
Page 6
SUBASE helps
town celebrate
National
Night Out
Page 7
INDEX
Photo by MCC Marlowe Dix
Local...................................2
Movies....................................7
AtEase.......................................7
Classifieds...............................11
changes in the submarine force
- women being assigned to sub-
marines and smoking cessa-
tion on submarines - that will
require tremendous leadership
engagement in the chief’s com-
munity.
“I believe the chief’s mess
leadership is critical in every-
See SUBLANT on Page 4
2 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, August 12, 2010

Medical Service Corps turns 63

This newspaper is an authorized publication for personnel of the

Department of Defense and their families. Contents of The Dolphin are not
necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the
Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy.

Commanding Officer Naval Submarine Base New London

Capt. Marc W. Denno
Executive Officer Naval Submarine Base New London
Cmdr. Daniel M. Rossler
Command Master Chief Naval Submarine Base New London
CMDCM(SS) Ray Powell
Public Affairs Officer - Christopher Zendan
Editor - Sheryl Walsh
Editorial Assistant - Christina Lough
Public Affairs Staff - MCC(SW/AW)Evelyn Haywood,
MCC(SW) James O’Donnell, MC1(AW) Peter Blair,
MM3 Sean Phillips, SN Joshua Hirschfeld
and SN Michael Henderson

• NEWS - The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited

and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Submarine Base New
London. News items and photos must be received by 4 p.m. the Friday
before publication. News ideas and questions can be directed to Christopher
Zendan at 694-5980. Readers can e-mail us at dolphin@ctcentral.com. Log
onto the Web site at www.dolphin-news.com.
• ADDRESS - The Dolphin staff can be reached at 694-3514 or write to:
The Dolphin, Naval Submarine Base New London PAO, Box 44, Groton, CT
06349-5044. All news releases should be sent to this address.
• ADVERTISING - Advertisements are solicited by Shore Line
Newspapers and not the editorial staff or Public Affairs Office. Inquiries
regarding advertisements should be directed to the Display Advertising or Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips
Classified Advertising departments.
Display Advertising, Laura Carpenter at (203) 752-2704, Betsy GROTON, Conn. – Lieutenant Heather Redding and Lt. Michael Kerekgyarto slice into a gold oak leaf decorated cake on the quarterdeck of Naval Branch
Lemkin at (203) 752-2706 and Mercy Mosher at (203) 752-2702 Health Clinic on Naval Submarine Base New London in celebration of the Medical Service Corp’s birthday, Aug. 3. The Medical Service Corp started 63 years
Classified Advertising (in Conn.) (800) 922-7066 ago and has grown to have more than 3,200 active duty members in three specialty sections.
Classified Advertising (outside Conn.) (203) 789-5200

The Dolphin is published every Thursday by Shoreline Newspapers,

40 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511. Telephone (203) 752-2701.
Minimum weekly circulation 10,000. NMCRS welcomes its new director
John Slater, General Manager
Shore Line Newspapers By MM3 Sean Phillips
The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Naval
Submarine Base New London Public Affairs Office. GROTON, Conn. –
The Dolphin is published by Shoreline Newspapers, a private firm in no Culminating a 30-year career
way connected with the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy under exclu- helping service members and
sive written contract with the Naval Submarine Base New London. their families, Tami Scace was
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts of
supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense recently selected to become
or Shoreline Newspapers of the products and services advertised. Naval Submarine Base New
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for pur- London’s (SUBASE) new Navy
chase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national Marine Corps Relief Society
origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other (NMCRS) Director.
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Scace assumed the duties as
This newspaper is printed on recycled newsprint. Please help conserve our director July 26 upon the retire-
resources and recycle this paper when you are finished with it. ment of Michele Bilodeau.
A certified society caseworker,

News in your community Scace is also a nationally accred-

Thrift Store
needs volunteers
The Navy-Marine Corps
Relief Society’s (NMCRS)
Thrift Store, in Building 108,
will be closed on Wednesdays
and Fridays in August, due to
a lack of volunteers to man
the store.
Members of the Naval
Branch Health Clinic Groton’s
First Class Petty Officer
Association have volunteered
to man the store on Tuesdays,
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the
remainder of August.
Normal hours of operation
will resume in September;
Tuesdays and Fridays from
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and
Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to
2 p.m.
If you’d like to volunteer
to help operate the NMCRS
Thrift Store, contact them at
(860) 694-4774.
Looking for former
crewmen of Trepang
Crew members of USS
Trepang (SSN 674) are being
sought after. Contact Gary
Theriault at gterio@bellsouth.
net or Ed Rabbitt at
bugsbunny35@centurytel.net
with your e-mail and postal
mail address.
Groton’s Fall Festival
2010 is coming
It’s time to mark your calendar
and save the important date of
Oct. 9. That’s the date for the
Groton’s Fifth Fall Festival. This
is a special community event cre-
ated and sponsored by the Groton
Business Association (GBA) of
the Greater Mystic Chamber of
Commerce.
Groton’s Fifth Fall Festival runs
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is a
rain or shine event.
You can obtain full information
on all events and how to regis-
ter for a booth by going to the
GBA Web site at grotonbiz.com
or calling the Chamber at (860)
572-9578.
For businesses, this is an oppor-
tunity to connect with your cur-
rent customers and attract new
ones. For artists and crafters it
gives you access to thousands of
new customers. For non-profit
organizations it is an opportunity
to promote your message to thou-
sands in person.
The primary site is Poquonnock
Plains Park, centrally located in
the middle of Groton. This will
be the site of an Arts and Crafts
Show, business displays, exhib-
its and food vendors. The other
festival site is Sutton Park (across
the street), the location for the
car show and the skate board
contests.
ited financial counselor. She
has worked as a Navy trained
Ombudsman for eight years
under the Air Force’s 103rd
Fighter Wing, with family sup-
port for 20 years, and was recent-
ly the relief services assistant
here for more than eight years.
Scace said she has a number
of goals as the new director but
the number one goal is helping
the service member and she says
she wants to do that by spread-
ing the word on how the Society
can help Sailors who are experi-
encing financial difficulty.
“I want everybody to, instead
of panicking when they have one
of those moments where they’re
not sure where they’re going to
get money to carry through an
emergency, they know that we
are available,” she said.
Another one of her major
Personal financial management tips from FFSC
Want your credit score free?
Two different sites offer
completely free credit scores.
One is Quizzle, www.quizzle.
com, which offers a one time
look at your FICO score based
on the Experian credit file.
The other is Credit Karma,
www.creditkarma.com, which
gives you your TransRisk
score from TransUnion once
a month. The TransRisk score
was developed entirely by
TransUnion, is based on the
Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips
GROTON, Conn. – Tami Scace poses for a picture at the entrance to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) on Naval
Submarine Base New London, August 10. The Society offers interest free loans, financial counseling, grants, and other free
services to military members. Any aid given by the society is completely confidential and no referral is needed. For more
information, call NMCRS at (860) 694-3285.
goals is to get the word out Scace will be facing several volunteers is going to have to
about quick assist loans – a challenges as the new NMCRS be one of my main focuses.”
“quick and easy” way to receive director. Since the Society is NMCRS is a non-profit organiza-
interest free emergency finan- run by volunteers, the amount tion created in 1904. This year the
cial assistance. of help varies and can lead to organization has raised more than
“I’ve been a service wife for the organization being short $192,000 at SUBASE. Scace coor-
36 years,” Scace said, “So, I staffed. dinates the efforts, but attributes
know as family of a service “I lost four of my best case the results to the volunteers.
member what it’s like when workers when the USS Virginia “I’m here to work for the vol-
deployment hits, and all of a went out to the shipyard,” unteers, the command, and for
sudden something goes awry.” Scace mentioned, “Recruiting the client.”
same 300 – 850 scale as the introduced to the concept of mod- (PFM) Program recommends
FICO score, but will be dif- ern money management. Today’s you follow this simple formula
ferent. If you decide to use economic reality offers many of 100=10+70+20. That is, 100
either of these sources to look challenges to service members percent of our earnings should be
at your score, prepare your- and families. We are bombarded spent in three categories. Savings
self for some spam and lots of with thousands of commercial and investments should receive
credit offers. pitches to buy goods and/or ser- 10 percent, living expense
A simple formula vices that many of us don’t want should claim the lion share of
or need. How do we counter this 70 percent and no more than 20
for financial success
The old phrase “KISS,” Keep It massive assault on our senses percent should be used for debt
to buy yet another consumer satisfaction. If we maintain this
Simple Sweetie, can be applied
item? The easiest way is often spending ratio throughout our
to many things including our
the simplest way. Your Navy working life, then we should
personal finances as well. New
Personal Financial Management retire well.
recruits entering the military are

School physical NOSC CO opens pre-deployment brief

day at NBHC Groton
Naval Branch Health Clinic
Groton will be performing school
physicals, Aug. 28 by appointment
only. Call (860) 694-1471 or (860)
694-7519 to make your appoint-
ment today!
Volunteers needed at
Rocky Hill Veterans Home
The annual Stand Down for rough areas, etc.
homeless and needy veterans * Sept. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 2
will take place Sept. 10 at p.m. to erect two medical tents
the Veterans Home campus and set up 600 chairs and 80
in Rocky Hill. Volunteers are tables
needed for several parts of the * Sept. 10 from 1:30 to 4
preparation and take down. p.m. - Day of Stand Down - to Photo by MC1(AW) Peter Blair
Fifteen to twenty volunteers disassemble two medical tents,
will be needed at any of the fold chairs and tables follow- GROTON, Conn. - Naval Operational Support Center (NOSC) New London Commanding Officer Commander Matthew Olson, welcomes reservists and their
times listed below: ing the Stand Down event families to NOSC’s first pre-deployment brief in Naval Submarine Base New London’s Dealey Center Theater, August 7. The event included a presentation of
* Sept. 2 or 3 from 8:30 To volunteer and for more all the support available to the reservists and family members, including college tuition, medical assistance, and Ombudsman support. The brief concluded
a.m. to 2 p.m. to prepare the information, contact Lena with a family picnic at North Lake for all the families to attend. NOSC New London is responsible for the training and deployment of 16 reserve units com-
grounds - raking, leveling of Blanch at (860) 694-4779. prising of more than 300 Navy reservists in support of naval operations, individual augmentees.
Thursday, August 12, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 3
4 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, August 12, 2010
‘Big Al’ ...
Continued from page 1
USS James Monroe (SSBN 622)
for his first tour as an IDC.
Atkinson transferred to the pre-
comissioning crew of USS Boise
(SSN 764) for a second tour
October 1990, and in January
1997 to USS City of Corpus
Christi (SSN 705) for his third
IDC tour.
In October 1998, he
became Chief of the Boat of
USS Toledo (SSN 769). In
August 2001, he transferred
to SUBASE New London to
College visits to SUBASE
Thomas Edison State College
Thomas Edison State College will visit the Navy College Office, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,
to meet with students on a walk-in basis. Edison is a flexible, distance learning college that readily
accepts SMART & CLEP/DSST exams.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix will visit NCO, Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to provide advisement
and information on a walk-in basis.
Phoenix offers a variety of distance learning degree programs.
be Command Master Chief. In
January 2005, he transferred
to USS Memphis (SSN 691)
for a second Chief of the Boat
tour.
It was during this tour
that Memphis received the
Battenburg Cup, which is
awarded annually as a symbol
of operational excellence to
the best ship or submarine in
the U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet.
Finally, in May 2008,
Atkinson became the
Command Master Chief of the
Naval Support Center (NSSC)
on SUBASE New London,
where he has served until
his retirement. If you count it
up, nearly half of Atkinson’s
career has been in command
leadership positions.
Commander Gabriel
summed up Al Atkinson with
these words. “Bottom line:
This man is the Navy. He is
what the Navy was, what it is,
and what it will be.”
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
GROTON, Conn. - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West presents a framed letter of appreciation to Naval Submarine
Support Center Command Master Chief Alexander Atkinson during his retirement ceremony on board Naval Submarine Base New
London (SUBASE), July 30. Atkinson was presented many awards and accommodations during his retirement ceremony, including
congratulatory letters from former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as President Barack Obama.
SUBLANT
Continued from page 1
...
thing we do, not only in
the submarine force, but in
the Navy as a whole,” said
Saunders. “The acceptance
of women to serve aboard
submarines and eliminating
smoking aboard submarines
is no different. The submarine
force’s ability to benefit from
the incredible leadership and
expertise women will bring
to our force will only make
us better. Education across
all levels of the chain-of-com-
mand will ensure there is a
smooth transition in these cul-
tural shifts, and the emphasis
on professional behavior will
guarantee that success. I have
no doubt our chief’s commu-
nity will realize the benefit
of these changes and lead the
way in the transition.
“The submarine force has
taken incredible measures to
help Sailors who have chosen
to kick the smoking habit.
The use of both, education by
trained facilitators and nico-
tine replacement therapies,
have already been distribut-
ed to the force. Command
leadership teams are taking a
proactive role in limiting the
use of tobacco on board their
ships in an effort to gradually
phase in to having smoke-free
submarines. This change will
not only benefit the smok-
ers’ long term health, but
the health of the non-smok-
er receiving second-hand
smoke. Although reluctance
to change is normal, I have
no doubt our senior enlisted
leaders will lead the charge in
accepting the changes.”
Saunders joined the Navy in
July 1987, and attended recruit
training in San Diego, Basic
Submarine School in Groton,
Conn., and Torpedoman Class
“A” School in Orlando, Fla.
His first submarine assign-
ment was aboard the fast-
attack submarine USS Richard
B. Russell (SSN 687), home-
ported in Mare Island, Calif.
There he qualified in sub-
marines, earning the coveted
Silver Dolphins. Other sea
tours have included assign-
ments aboard the Los Angeles-
class attack submarines USS
Norfolk (SSN 714), where
he served as the Torpedo
Division Leading Chief Petty
Officer, and USS Boise (SSN
764), where he served as the
Chief of the Boat.
His shore assignments
include Navy Recruiting
District, Miami, Fla., where
he served as a production
recruiter and Recruiter in
Charge and advanced to chief
petty officer; Commander,
Submarine Force, Atlantic
Fleet where he served as the
senior enlisted leader and
weapons evaluator on the
Tactical Readiness Evaluation
Team; and Commander,
Submarine Squadron ELEVEN
in San Diego where he served
as Command Master Chief.
Saunders is a graduate of
the Senior Enlisted Academy
Class 112 (Blue) and the
Command Master Chief/Chief
of the Boat Course Class 10.
He is entitled to wear the
Meritorious Service Medal (two
awards), Navy and Marine
Corps Commendation Medal
(three awards), Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement
Medal (four awards), Navy
Good Conduct Medal (seven
awards), and other unit and
campaign awards.
For more information on
Navy submarines, weapons
systems and Sailors, visit the
Submarine Force Web site at
www.sublant.navy.mil.
 Thursday, August 12, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 5

NOSC families party at North Lake

Photo by MC1(AW) Peter Blair

GROTON, Conn. - Reservists and family members enjoy home-style barbeque and other food from Chester’s Barbeque at Naval Submarine Base New London’s North
Lake, August 7, following the NOSC pre-deployment brief. The picnic included pizza, an air cushion tent for kids, and a strength hammer test for all to enjoy.

Colleges registering for fall semester classes

ECSU
Eastern Connecticut State
University’s (ECSU) fall 2010
classes are available on its Web
site, www.easternct.edu.
It is not too late to regis-
ter for the fall semester which
begins Aug. 30. Eastern’s Fast
Track Bachelor of General
Studies Program in Business
Management is offered at their
SUBASE and Groton sites.
Other BGS concentrations
include: Information Systems
Management, Environmental
Management and Policy, Public
Health, Sustainable Energy
Management and Human
Services.
Stop by and see the Eastern
representative, Jennifer Beatty,
at the SUBASE ECSU office
located in Building 83, room
148 or call for an appointment
at (860) 445-0333. You can
also e-mail address Jennifer at
beattyj@easternct.edu.
Office hours are Monday
through Thursday, 10 a.m. to
2 p.m.
TRCC
It is not too late to register
for fall classes at Three Rivers
Community College (TRCC)!
Classes begin Aug. 26. Three
Rivers offers classes at their
Norwich campus as well as
the SUBASE and Grasso Tech
(both in Groton). A variety of
times are available to suit your
schedule: daytime classes, eve-
ning classes or on-line distance
learning courses. For your
advising needs, they will host
an advisor at SUBASE on the
following Thursdays: Aug. 12
and 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Call ahead for an appointment
at (860) 445-5575 or stop by.
Visit the Three Rivers Web site
for information regarding class-
es, admission and registration
at www.trcc.commnet.edu),
or call/visit Jean Gustafson,
Educational Assistant at (860)
445-5575, in Building. 83, Room
148. The office is open Monday
through Thursday from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
SIU
Southern Illinois University
(SIU) is now enrolling for Fall
Term, beginning Aug. 28. This
accelerated weekend Bachelor of
Science degree program prepares
students to train, develop, and
manage people within their own
occupational specialty. Students
enter career fields in areas such
as: human resources, training
& development, vocational-tech-
nical instruction, production or
project management, technical
writing, etc.
Southern Illinois University
offers a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Workforce Education
& Development that can help
you attain personal freedom,
personal growth and variety in
your future plans weather it be
advancement within the military
community or in the civilian job
market.
Southern Illinois University’s
36 semester hours towards the
professional major can be com-
plete in just 16 class weekends
or one year. Depending on prior
military and civilian credit, you
may be able to complete your
bachelor’s degree with SIU in as
little as one to three years.
Phone SIU at (860) 446-9900
for a no-obligation credit evalu-
ation or stop into Building 83,
Room 148 for more information.
6 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, August 12, 2010

Oil Response
Final Evaluation

GROTON, Conn. – Boatswain’s Mate Chief John Ransom supervises service boats as they leave the lower base finger piers
to begin the Oil Response Final Evaluation exercise, July 23, on Naval Submarine Base New London.

GROTON Conn. – Above,

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd
class Jeffry Ronchaquira,
Boatswain’s Mate 2nd
class Gaylen Frazier, and
Engineman 3rd class Denaar
Stemley help reel and stow
response boom on lower base
following the Oil Response
Final Evaluation.

GROTON, Conn. – Left, Naval

Submarine Base New London
Port Operations Department
Sailors ride service boats full
of response boom down the
Thames River toward Horton
Cove, July 23.

GROTON, Conn. – Below,

Port Operations Department
Sailors, Boatswain’s Mate
3rd class Steven Sawyers
and Boatswain’s Mate 2nd
class Eric Santiago, unload
response boom from a ser-
vice boat along Horton Cove
on the Thames River, dur-
ing the Oil Response Final

Port Ops Sailors conduct annual exercise

Evaluation. The Sailor in white
is wearing mock hazardous
protection equipment.

By SN Michael Henderson

GROTON, Conn. - Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) Port

Operations Department Sailors took their training to the water during
the Oil Response Final Evaluation, held July 23. The exercise, conducted
along the Thames River, was the culmination of the annually required
Facility Response Training (FRT) that had taken place from July 19 to
23.
The final evaluation simulated oil leaking into the river, and forced
the Port Ops Sailors to deal with it quickly and effectively by placing
“response boom” around the affected areas to prevent further contami-
nation. A total area of 2,600 square feet of response boom was placed,
securing Mamacoke Cove, Smith Cove, Horton Cove, Poquetanuck Cove,
and a spillway by the Submarine Force Library and Museum.
After the areas are secured by a boom perimeter, skimmer boats would
then collect the foreign product. Skimmer boats were not a part of the
final evaluation, but currently deploy to the Gulf of Mexico by SUBASE
Sailors, to help contain the Deep Horizon oil spill.
Required training ranged from Hazardous Waste Operations Emergency
Response Program (HAZWOPER), where they teach Sailors to don and
doff hazardous protective equipment, to additional levels of Incident
Command Training.
“The crews did outstanding, beating last year’s record time of one hour
and 45 minutes with one hour and 20 minutes,” remarked Chief Warrant
Officer Tod Morin, Service Craft Division Officer of Port Ops.

GROTON, Conn. – The storm drain just north of the Submarine Force Library and Museum on the
Thames River is surrounded by a response boom, successfully containing the mock oil-spill during
the oil response final evaluation on Naval Submarine Base New London.

Photos by
GROTON, Conn. – Boatswain’s Mate Chief John Ransom briefs Port Operations Department Sailors on the situation they will be
handling during the oil response final evaluation. Sailors were assigned teams and boats, and then set out to contain a mock oil
SN Michael Henderson
spill on the Thames River.
 Thursday, August 12, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 7

Missouri Sailor throws first pitch

. By SN Michael Henderson.
.The year’s top PC game: “StarCraft II” sells 1.5M

.
copies in 48 hours
“End of Nations,” upcoming MMORTS, previewed on

..
mmorpg.com
Free game “Alien Swarm” available on STEAM
Check out August 19th’s paper for a review of “Alien
Swarm”

Sign up for s ccer

Dolphin Sports and Recreation is still accepting online/mail-in
registrations for the 2-3 year old Soccer Clinic and the Soccer League
for ages 4-15. You can visit the Web site and sign up online at
http://www.eteamz.com/dolphinsports/. Teams are forming now!

PGA Championship held

at Lyman Golf Club
The 79th Annual Connecticut Section PGA Championship
at Lyman Orchards Golf Club will take place Aug. 23 through
25 on the newly renovated Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Course.
Approximately 100 golfers from clubs throughout Connecticut Photo by SN Michael Henderson
will compete in the 54-hole stroke-play tournament. For addi-
tional information, contact Lyman Orchards Golf Club at (860) NORWICH, Conn. – Electrician’s Mate 1st class Tony Dunlavy, from the newly commissioned USS Missouri (SSN 780), tosses out the ceremonious first pitch
349.6031, or visit the Web site at www.lymangolf.com. at the Connecticut Tigers game in Dodd Stadium, Aug. 1. Missouri was commissioned July 31, at Naval Submarine Base New London, in Groton, Conn.

National Night Out a big hit with the kids Dealey Center Theater
Aug. 12 6:00 p.m. The Last Airbender
Aug. 13 6:00 p.m. Despicable Me
Photo by SN Michael Henderson
Aug. 14 3:00 p.m. Toy Story 3
5:00 p.m. Despicable Me
GROTON, Conn. – Megan 7:00 p.m. Predators
Armstrong uses a foam Aug. 15 5:00 p.m. Despicable Me
baton to strike Master at 7:00 p.m. Predators
Arms Seaman Recruit Elvis Aug. 16 6:00 p.m. Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Rivera (dressed in protec- Aug. 17 6:00 p.m. Predators
tive sparring pads), from Aug. 18 6:00 p.m. Despicable Me
the Naval Submarine Base Aug. 19 6:00 p.m. Predators
New London Security
Twilight Saga: Eclipse Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert
Department, during Nat-
Pattinson, Rated: PG 13, Story Type: Drama, Romance,
ional Night Out, August 3, Thriller, Adaptation, Sequel and Teen, Runtime: 124 min.
at Poquonnock Park in the Toy Story 3 Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Rated: G, Story
Town of Groton. National Type: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Animation and Sequel.
Night Out brings police The Last Airbender Cast: Noah Ringer, Nicole Peltz, Rated:
and fire departments from PG, Story Type: Kids/Family, Science Fiction/Fantasy and
around the area together Adaptation, Runtime: 103 min.
to provide residents with a Despicable Me Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Rated: PG,
heightened sense of secu- Story Type: Comedy, Kids/Family, Animation, Runtime: 95
rity, and to raise awareness min.
of the many ways citizens Predators Cast: Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Rated: R, Story
can protect themselves and Type: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Runtime:
their neighbors from threats 107 min.
within the community.
Next Week:
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
and Inception

SFLM hosts Submarine and Targets Event

Photo by MM3 Sean Phillips

GROTON, Conn. – Children create and launch Play-Doh torpedoes during the Submarines and Targets event at the Submarine Force Library and
Museum (SFLM), August 7. SFLM hosts many family-oriented programs during the summer. For more information, call (860) 694-3174 or visit
www.ussnautilus.org.

Stand up comedians wanted!

Eight amateur comedians and one runner up from across
the region will be selected from all registered “Clean
Comedy” audition submissions to perform live at the
Connecticut Comedy Idol Contest taking place, Sept. 15
from 6:30 to 9 p.m., at The Funny Bone Comedy Club, 194
Buckland Hills Drive in Manchester, Conn.
The event will be hosted by Celebrity Emcee, Damon Scott
popular afternoon radio personality on 96.5 WTIC-FM.
The eight finalists will perform an original five-minute
clean comedy act live in front of a “Celebrity Judge Panel”
consisting of Rob Steen comedian, talent agent and owner of
North Shore Comedy, Brad Axelrod, talent agent and owner
of Treehouse Comedy Productions, Channel 3 Eyewitness
News Pinpoint Traffic Reporter Teresa LaBarbera, and 2010
Miss Connecticut USA Ashley Bickford. The four celebrity
judges will score the contestants and will select one winner
who will be showcased and perform as the opening act for
three professional headliner comedians at our larger event
called Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Comedy Night again to benefit
Mosaic. This is a great opportunity for someone to fulfill
their dreams and maybe impress one of the talent agents
like last year when a few of the contestants actually received
paid appearance contracted by our talent agent judges!.
The LOL Comedy Night event will take place Nov. 5 at the
Crowne Plaza Cromwell.
Deadline for audition submissions for Connecticut Comedy
Idol is Aug. 20 and the eight finalists will be notified by
Sept. 1. Sponsorships, auction donations, table captains,
and attendees all needed for both Comedy Nights. Contact
Kerry Burrows at (860) 632-2814 if interested in supporting
Connecticut Comedy Idol and LOL Comedy Nights.
Anyone interested in laughing or making people laugh at
the Connecticut Comedy Idol Competition should visit the
event Web site at http://www.ctmosaic.org for more infor-
mation, rules, registration, or to purchase tickets to be in the
audience at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, Sept. 15.
8 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 9
10 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, August 12, 2010

Conformance testing begins for

Navy’s newest working uniforms
By MCC(SCW/EXW/SW/AW/SG) James G. Pinsky
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON - Conformance testing of the Navy’s newest

working uniforms, Navy Working Uniform Types II and III (NWU
Type II/III), began July 26 and will last six weeks.
Norfolk will serve as the primary testing location for 150 Sailors,
with smaller groups testing the uniform in Tampa Bay and San
Diego.
The NWU family of uniforms is intended to replace multiple and
less capable legacy uniforms, reduce the Navy’s total ownership
costs, modernize the warfighter, and complete the vision of Task
Force Uniform. As such, these two new uniforms in the NWU
series have been developed for use in the tactical expeditionary
mission of today’s Navy, tailored for desert and woodland envi-
ronments.
“The NWU Type II/III approval is a culmination of a four-year
effort comprising all of the expeditionary stakeholders, ensur-
ing we capture the true operational requirements our Sailors’
need to succeed on the battlefield,” said Master Chief Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Technician Robert McCue, NWU Type II/III
Conformance Test Monitor. “They provide unmatched capabili-
ties to the warfighter enabling tactical advantage and enhancing
mission success thus saving lives.”
The NWU Type II (desert) uniform will be worn by Navy
Special Warfare (NSW) operators and Sailors assigned to NSW
units or units which directly support NSW operations. The
NWU Type III (woodland) uniform will be the standard camou-
flage uniform for all personnel, to be worn in non-desert envi-
ronments, including most stateside areas. The only difference
between the two uniforms is the camouflage pattern.
The NWU Type III will replace the existing tri-colored wood-
land camouflage utility uniform, will be the standard camouflage
uniform worn in CONUS, and can be worn while deployed as pre-
scribed by combatant commanders. Occasion for wear of the NWU
Type III will be the same as the current woodland camouflage util-
ity uniform per NAVADMIN 188/09. Photo by MC1 Jennifer A. Villalovos
Commands and Sailors currently authorized to wear the wood- NORFOLK - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West holds an all-hands call aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) during his
land camouflage utility uniform (CUU) will continue to wear the visit to Naval Station Norfolk. West is wearing the Navy Working Uniform Type III during the conformance test phase.
CUU as their primary daily uniform until their transition to the
new NWU Type III. the other participants will receive their uniforms on an individual roll out scheduled to begin in the summer of 2011.
The Chief of Naval Operations’ approval of the NWU Type II/III basis. Along with two sets of uniforms, the testers will be given “The conformance testing phase of the uniform is critical to our
was announced in NAVADMIN 374/09, and Program Management a user handbook, which explains the care and manner of wear of developmental process because we are focused on the details of
was assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Command’s the uniforms. They will maintain a detailed log of their experience refining the uniform for our end-users,” said Force Master Chief
Expeditionary Programs Office (NEPO). regarding the wear and care of their uniform and participate in (SCW) Michael Holdcraft. “How the uniform looks is only a small
Norfolk was chosen as the primary testing location due to its interviews, focus groups and surveys both during and after the facet of our design process. We need to know how it wears, if
heavy Navy population and concentration of expeditionary Sailors conformance test. the pockets work in their perspective locations, ease of care and
who will be primarily wearing the NWU Type II/III. At the completion of the testing, the results will be presented wearing.”
Norfolk participants will be issued Type III (woodland) uniforms to the chief of naval operations. Contract preparations for the For more information about NWU Type II/III, visit www.navfac.
at the Cheatham Annex, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, and initial production of the NWU Type II/III are underway, with the navy.mil/nwu.
WVFV helping veterans succeed
Work Vessels for Veterans
(WVFV) is hosting an event,
“Helping Veterans Succeed,”
Aug. 28 in Voluntown,
Blended learning options viewed by Deputy CNO
By Submarine Learning Center
Public Affairs
GROTON, Conn. – To
familiarize himself with
the Submarine Learning
Center’s (SLC) capabili-
ties and to observe the
blended learning used to
teach Sailors at the Naval
Submarine School, the
Deputy Chief of Naval
Operations for Fleet
Readiness and Logistics
visited the training com-
mands in Groton, Conn.
July 30.
Vice Admiral William R.
Burke, spent the morn-
ing at the Naval Undersea
Conn., from 3 to 9 p.m. This
event will help raise money
for the WVFV Veterans
Ranch. The Voluntown Fire
Warfare Center in Newport,
R.I., seeing how Sailors get
hands-on training in the
Submarine Bridge Trainer
(SBT) Engineering Design
Module. He then spent
the afternoon touring the
Naval Submarine School,
talking with students and
instructors.
While observing students
in the Submarine Piloting
and Navigation (SPAN)
Trainer, Burke asked
instructor Chief Electronics
Technician (Submarines)
Jeremy Peterson to explain
how they train Sailors in
paperless navigation.
Peterson highlighted the
importance of recent train-
Department will be provid-
ing a chicken dinner. Pyro-
FX has donated fireworks
for this event and there will
ing improvements, includ-
ing the Voyage Management
System (VMS) that aug-
ments paper charts, citing
enhancements in the time
required for data acquisi-
tion and dissemination as
well as improvements in
the speed of distribution of
critical information.
Burke’s visit is part of an
ongoing process designed
to strengthen the quality of
training through a variety
of means, including provid-
ing Navy leadership with
the opportunity to see train-
ing in action, as well as
direct fleet feedback and
participation in the train-
ing development process.
be three bands and other
activities.
WVFV will unveil
“Connecticut’s Fallen
Hero’s,” a portable display
of pictures, names and ser-
vice of all 57 men from
Connecticut who have lost
their lives while serving
and protecting our coun-
try in the last two con-
flicts. This portable display
is being made by volun-
teers from the Voluntown
Fire Department and will be
used at events honoring and
helping veterans.
WVFV will present a Ford
F250 handicap-equipped
van to a veteran that served
in Afghanistan, and will
provide four laptop comput-
ers to veterans to help them
in school/work.
The Veteran Ranch will
be a sanctuary for wound-
ed veterans designed to
enhance the quality of their
lives and assist in their
transition to civilian life. It
Thursday, August 12, 2010 • THE DOLPHIN • 11
will also be a working farm
designed to teach them how
to grow and market blue-
berries and blueberry-based
products which will help
the ranch become self-suf-
ficient. WVFV currently
owns land in Jacksonville
and leases it to a disabled
veteran group growing
blueberries and producing
blueberry jam in the land
named “Veterans Ranch.”
The new ranch will be
located on a 32-acre tract
of land in Central New
Hampshire, which WVFV is
in the process of acquiring.
Currently there is a three-
bedroom home, which will
house staff, and the plan is
to build an adjacent 10-room
boarding house for the vet-
erans with classrooms for
training and therapy ses-
sions.
The property has numer-
ous trails for four-wheeling
and snowmobiling. There
is access to the lake for
boating, sailing, kayaking,
and fishing, and is located
very near to the Branch
River.
Returning veterans suf-
fering from Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) and
brain trauma will have
access to clinical care and
treatment on the premises.
The various activities avail-
able on the ranch will assist
in their rehabilitation and
recovery from other physi-
cal and mental service relat-
ed injuries. WVFV will team
up with the New England
Disabled Sports Group,
and the Wounded Warrior
Project to identify quali-
fied veterans, and assist in
making a difference in their
stay as they rehabilitate and
adjust to civilian life.
WVFV is currently in the
process of raising $400,000
to purchase this property.
For more information,
visit www.workvesselsfor-
vets.org.
12 • THE DOLPHIN • Thursday, August 12, 2010

SoundMusic to Connecticut Blues

perform at Aquarium Challenge finals to be
MYSTIC, Conn. - SoundMusic, the bold new venture that last
summer brought two critically-acclaimed symphonic concerts
and one very popular big band production to Harkness Memorial
State Park, will present three performances this summer at Mystic
Aquarium.
“Ecstasy, Elegance, Elegy, Elvis,” Aug. 13 and 14 from 8 to 10 p.m.
SoundMusic’s Music Director and Maestro Martin Piecuch will
conduct members of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra in a pro-
gram featuring internationally-renowned classical harmonica vir-
tuoso Robert Bonfiglio performing “Three American Sketches” by
George Martin (the “fifth Beatle”) and a suite of Elvis Presley hits
called “Elvis Lives”. Maestro Piecuch will also conduct “Serenade”
by Josef Suk and “Adagio for Strings” by Samuel Barber, and will
be soloist and conductor for Glazunov’s Concerto for Saxophone
& String Orchestra.General admission tickets cost $40, and VIP
tickets cost $100.
The evening will also include a performance by the Maestro of
Glazunov’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone.
All three performances will occur outdoors. Rather than being
flanked by Long Island Sound, concert-goers will sit within view of the
aquarium’s outdoor “Arctic Coast” exhibit, home to beluga whales.
For information or to purchase tickets, visit the calendar section
of mysticaquarium.org or call (860) 572-5955, ext. 520. All ticket
proceeds will benefit SoundMusic. Drinks and light fare created by
Ocean Blue Catering, Mystic Aquarium’s exclusive on-site caterer,
will be available for purchase at each performance.
Chicken Barbecue Dinner
The First Baptist Church, located at 793 Pendleton Hill Road in
North Stonington, will host a Chicken Barbecue, Aug. 28 from 4
to 6 p.m. The menu includes one-half chicken, potato salad, corn
on the cob, roll, dessert, and a beverage. Cost is $10 for adults and
$6 for children under age 12. Take out is available.
held September 11th
Seven finalist blues bands from all over Connecticut will vie for
a coveted slot to play in Memphis at the 15th Annual Connecticut
Blues Society Blues Challenge Finals, Sept. 11 at the Hannon-
Hatch VFW, 83 South St. in West Hartford, Conn. The public
is invited to this event, which will take place from 1 to 6 p.m.
Admission is $80, or two for $15. Children under 16 get in free
with an adult.
The Blues Challenge preliminary competition, with 30 partici-
pating blues acts, took place over a six-week period from May
through June in Hartford and was sponsored by the Connecticut
Blues Society (CTBS). The final round features the winners of
each Blues Challenge preliminary event. Finalist acts will include
Bad Rooster, Eran Troy Danner, The Mojomatics, Peter King &
The Wildcards, Mighty Sam and the Deep Blue C, The D. Smith
Blues Band, and The Drew Blood Blues Band.
The event will take place indoors, rain or shine, and inexpen-
sive food and drinks will be available. The public is asked not to
bring their own food or drink. A knowledgeable panel of judges,
including musicians, blues radio DJs, writers, and blues fans,
will award each band a score of one to ten in the categories of
Blues Content, Vocal Skills, Instrumental Talent, Originality, and
Stage Presence. The band taking the most votes will be CTBS’ rep-
resentative participating in the Band Division of the International
Blues Challenge (IBC) to held on Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn.,
Feb. 1-5, 2011. The winning act will be awarded $2,000 to offset
some travel costs.
In 2010, the Connecticut Blues Society won the Blues Photo by Dom Forcella
Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive” (KBA) award for best Bob Orsi, frontman of The D. Smith Blues Band, one of the acts performing Sept.
blues organization in the world. 11 at the Connecticut Blues Challenge in West Hartford.

USCGA Band performs on Lottery for fall Church to host

Labor Day at Fort Trumbull
NEW LONDON, Conn.—
The United States Coast
Guard Band presents an
open-air Labor Day Concert
at New London’s historic Fort
Trumbull State Park, Sept. 5 at
3 p.m. Commander Kenneth
W. Megan leads the Band in
this celebration of the end of
summer. The concert is high-
lighted by the annual per-
formance of Tchaikovsky’s
“1812” Overture, which
includes cannon-fire provid-
ed by The Artillery Company
of Newport, R.I.
Also on the program is a
range of music by American
composers: John Philip
Sousa’s “Liberty Bell,” Samuel
Barber’s “Overture to the
School for Scandal,” Dana
Wilson’s “Shortcut Home,”
and John Williams’ “Liberty
Fanfare.” Chief Musician
Joshua Thomas, alto saxo-
phone, performs “Introduction
and Samba,” a solo work by
twentieth century composer
Maurice Whitney, and the
U.S. Coast Guard Dixieland
Jazz Band plays a set fea-
turing Musician First Class
Cedric Mayfield on clarinet.
Fort Trumbull was built in
the nineteenth century as part
of a network of 42 forts to pro-
tect the U.S. coast and harbors.
In 1915, the U.S. Revenue
Cutter Service merged with
the U.S. Lifesaving Service to
become the U.S. Coast Guard,
and the Revenue Cutter Service
Academy at Fort Trumbull
became the first U.S. Coast
Guard Academy. The Coast
Guard Academy was moved
to its current location upriver
in 1932.
This concert is free and open
to the public. Fort Trumbull State
Park is located at 90 Walbach
St. in New London. The U.S.
Coast Guard Cutter Eagle will
be docked and open for tours
starting at noon. No tickets are
required. In case of rain, the
concert will be held Sept. 6 at 3
p.m. For more information, call
the Band’s Concert Information
Line at (860) 701-6826 or visit
www.uscg.mil/band.
2010 Storytimes Greek festival
The Groton Public Library will be accepting registra-
tions for fall 2010 storytimes, Aug. 30. These story-
times are for children from birth to 36 months of age.
Due to the high demand for these programs, regis-
tration will now be determined by lottery.
To have your child’s name entered in the lottery for
the next session of Wee Ones, Babies and Books, or
Time for Twos, call or stop by the Library any time
between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., Aug. 30.
Names will be drawn Aug. 31 with priority given
to Groton residents.
Non-resident names will then be drawn if space
allows. Non-residents should still call or stop by the
library Aug. 30 to be considered for the lottery.
Wee Ones is a program for babies ages birth -12
months and a caregiver.
Babies and Books is a program for babies ages 12
- 24 months and a caregiver.
Time for Twos is a program for children ages 24
– 36 months and a caregiver.
For more information, call the Groton Public
Library at (860) 441-6750.
Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church will
once again host ODYSSEY 2010: A Greek
Festival, Sept. 3-6. Set on the grounds of the
beautiful Byzantine-style Saint Barbara Greek
Orthodox Church, located at 480 Racebrook
Rd, in Orange, the festival offers something
for everyone.
Classic Greek cuisine; live Greek cooking
demonstrations; Greek marketplace; lectures
on Greek culture and religion, along with
tours of Saint Barbara Church; nightly danc-
ing to ODYSSEY’s live Greek band “The
Hellenic Company”; Greek dance perfor-
mances; a kids’ area featuring rides, games,
and magic shows; prize drawings, and much
more!
The festival will be open from noon to
10 p.m., Sept. 3-5 and from noon to 8 p.m.,
Sept. 6. There will be free parking on-site
and next door at Holy Infant Church.
Admission is free.
For more information, call (203) 795-1347
or visit www.saintbarbara.org.