Category: Mohegan

MONTVILLE, CT —Mohegan Sun’s Winter Wonderland Escape Room opens Friday and promises fun for the whole family. Those who want to participate in the free escape room must have at least one person over 21 years old and a registered account at MoheganSunCasino.com.

“Sunshine Video, a colorful video rental store that was once the home base for guests to escape the Sunshine Slasher,” reads a statement from Mohegan Sun, “is now decked out for the holiday season, complete with tributes to holiday movie classics, and a gif making station with a winter wonderland maze that boasts seven winter vignettes perfect for Instagrammable moments, family photos, and making memories to last for years to come.

“But the real order of the day is to solve Sunshine Video’s latest escape room dilemma. A disgruntled employee was transported into the movie ‘Naughty or Nice’ and has destroyed Santa’s List. Can the new employees get the Naughty or Nice list back together before Christmas Eve? It’s up to the newest Sunshine Video team members to find out!”

The escape room will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Starting Dec. 2, the escape room will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. It will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

For more information, go to Mohegan Sun’s website.

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NORWICH – More than 20 people waited outside the St. Vincent de Paul Place food pantry before 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Director Jill Corbin said items are readily available to the more than 2,000 families registered with the food pantry. Ahead of Thanksgiving, that generosity includes more than 700 frozen turkeys.

Behind the building, members of the Mohegan Tribal Council stood by a pallet of 100 frozen birds donated to the cause. A day earlier, the Mohegan Tribal Council of Elders had dropped off 100 more.

“The holidays are a special time for everybody,” said Tribal Council Chair James Gessner. “Especially during these times where COVID and everything that has been happening – it’s been tough on people so whatever we can do to help our community.”

Volunteers Martha Murphy of Stonington, left, and Joe Pelliccio of Norwich bag a frozen turkey Wednesday for patrons at St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich. In background is volunteer John Drozd of Ledyard.

The tribe’s practice of helping Norwich and surrounding communities over the holidays goes back nearly two decades, according to Mohegan Tribe Chief of Staff Charles Bunnell, and the turkeys delivered by the Mohegans Wednesday are among more than 1,000 purchased for donation in recent weeks.

In addition to Norwich, Bunnell said deliveries would also be made in New London, Montville, and Waterford.

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A Peekskill man who fatally shot a man he had set up for a robbery was sentenced Thursday to 25 years to life in state prison.

Michael Jenkins, 22, got the maximum sentence for second-degree murder from state Supreme Court Judge Robert Neary after hearing the victim’s mother describe him as a “depraved human and heathen.”

Jenkins fatally shot Emmanuel Jordan in the victim’s car on Paulding Street in Peekskill on May 8, 2020. The two did not know each other but Jenkins had found Jordan on the internet and set up a meeting to buy painkillers from him.

The shooting occurred at about 6 p.m. but police did not discover his body until about nine hours later.

Immediately after the shooting, Jenkins cleared his links to Jordan from social media and let people know he had Percocet pills to sell. 

“To Michael Jenkins it was business as usual,” Assistant District Attorney Laura Murphy told Neary.

Guilty: Jury convicts Peekskill man in fatal shooting

Housing: What’s next for New York’s rent relief efforts?

COVID stories: New York nurses have seen the unimaginable

In asking for the maximum, Murphy argued that Jenkins had not learned from his previous crimes. Those included an attempted robbery in 2017 and an incident in 2015 when he took someone’s basketball and stabbed him when the person tried to get it back.

Jordan, 27, of Mohegan Lake, had four children. His mother, Barbara Jordan, told Neary she is “repulsed and enraged” by Jenkins and remains traumatized by the killing, with trouble sleeping and flashbacks of the detective’s call that woke her up that morning. 

She described Jordan as a good son and father, always willing to help others, and said that she misses his hugs, phone calls, smile and laughter.

“I’m proud of him and proud to say he did not have malice in his heart,” she…

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A Peekskill man who fatally shot a man he had set up for a robbery was sentenced Thursday to 25 years to life in state prison.

Michael Jenkins, 22, got the maximum sentence for second-degree murder from state Supreme Court Judge Robert Neary after hearing the victim’s mother describe him as a “depraved human and heathen.”

Jenkins fatally shot Emmanuel Jordan in the victim’s car on Paulding Street in Peekskill on May 8, 2020. The two did not know each other but Jenkins had found Jordan on the internet and set up a meeting to buy painkillers from him.

The shooting occurred at about 6 p.m. but police did not discover his body until about nine hours later.

Emmanuel Jordan, who was fatally shot by Michael Jenkins in Peekskill on May 8, 2020

Immediately after the shooting, Jenkins cleared his links to Jordan from social media and let people know he had Percocet pills to sell.

“To Michael Jenkins it was business as usual,” Assistant District Attorney Laura Murphy told Neary.

Guilty: Jury convicts Peekskill man in fatal shooting

Housing: What’s next for New York’s rent relief efforts?

COVID stories: New York nurses have seen the unimaginable

In asking for the maximum, Murphy argued that Jenkins had not learned from his previous crimes. Those included an attempted robbery in 2017 and an incident in 2015 when he took someone’s basketball and stabbed him when the person tried to get it back.

Jordan, 27, of Mohegan Lake, had four children. His mother, Barbara Jordan, told Neary she is “repulsed and enraged” by Jenkins and remains traumatized by the killing,…

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Nearly four months ago, Chris Paul made another large commitment to historically Black colleges and universities around the country. The NBA star, who is a product of two parents who attended HBCUs, partnered with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame to host the Chris Paul HBCU Tip-Off in Uncasville, Connecticut. Televised nationally, the two-day tournament will feature Morehouse College, Virginia Union University, West Virginia State University and Winston-Salem State University.

“I appreciate the collaboration of the Basketball Hall of Fame and Mohegan Sun in hosting this inaugural event,” Paul said in a press release.

“With several family members and friends who have attended HBCUs, I know firsthand how important they are to our community and country’s future. I’m excited to offer an elevated experience to the players and fans.”

Four months after the initial announcement was made, the time has come for the tournament. Here’s a quick preview of the inaugural Chris Paul HBCU Tip-Off.

Quick Facts

Who: Morehouse College, West Virginia State, Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State

What: Chris Paul HBCU Tip-Off

When: November 22-23, 2021

Where: Mohegan Sun Casino

Why: Provide a larger platform to athletic programs at historically Black colleges and universities

How To Watch: Games can be streamed on ESPN+ for a subscription fee for $4.99 per month. Game tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

Morehouse College Maroon Tigers

Record: 1-1

Last Game: (W) 79-72 at Young Harris College

Scoring Leader: Kerry Richardson (11.5 ppg)

Assist Leader: Andrew Stewart (3.0 apg)

Rebounding Leader: Kerry Richardson (5.5 rbg)

Virginia Union Panthers

Record: 1-1

Last Game: (W) 70-61 at Mansfield University

Scoring Leader: Kaleaf Tate (12.0 ppg)

Assist Leader: Tahj Harding (2.5 apg)

Rebounding Leader: Raemaad Wright (8.5 rbg)

West Virginia State Yellow Jackets

Record: 2-1

…

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MARK PAZNIOKAS :: CTMIRROR.ORG

The statue of John Mason above the north steps of the Connecticut Capitol.

A commission responsible for the restoration and preservation of the state Capitol was asked Thursday to return a verdict: Is John Mason, a founder of the Connecticut Colony, guilty of a 17th Century war crime and unworthy of contemporary honor?

A marble statue of Mason stands in a niche high above the north steps of the Capitol, clutching a sword and gazing over Bushnell Park. To its right, a stone carving depicts the attack he led against a fortified Pequot village in 1637.

Historians say 400 Pequots were massacred, including 175 women and children, many burned to death when the village was set afire. English soldiers and Mohegan and Narragansett allies fired on those who fled the flames, eradication the goal.

“Under today’s standards, John Mason would be charged with war crimes and prosecuted accordingly,” said Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequots. “I ask you: Is this a man who we should celebrate in this great state of Connecticut?”

Over two hours, historians, an anthropologist, members of the Mohegan, Eastern Pequot and Mashantucket Tribes and one descendant of Mason took turns talking about racism and erasure, the complexities and horrors of the Pequot War, and the opportunities and necessity of finding meaning in history. Some appeared by Zoom, others in person at the Legislative Office Building. Butler’s message came in a recorded video.

The state historian, Walter Woodward, recommended Mason remain in his niche, his presence an opportunity to teach visitors and remind the leaders who work in the Capitol about a bloody history that resonates through the centuries.

“As state historian,…

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UNCASVILLE — The 2022 Hartford Boat Show is set for Jan. 20-23 at Mohegan Sun Earth Expo & Convention Center.

The show will feature classic leisure and fishing boats, new models of recreational watercraft, over 150 exhibitors, demonstrations, and activities for the entire family.

Presented by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association and The CMTA Foundation, the 52nd Hartford Boat Show showcases recreational boating in Connecticut for novice boaters and experienced navigators whether on the Long Island Sound or on the state’s lakes, ponds, and waterways. It is a prime location to discover aisles of boats and merchandise, compare features and prices, and talk to the experts about boats.

More than 35 dealers, representing more than 75 brands of boats, motors and trailers will be on site. On display will be the newest, on-trend boats, personal watercraft, paddle sports, kayaks, marinas, motors, slip rentals, servicing, fishing gear, educational programs and materials, insurance, trailers, electronics, sanitation, air conditioning, attire, nautical home décor, decking, dock building, winter storage, financing, shore side activities, destinations and attractions, and boating food and beverages.

Advance online tickets go on sale for $12 on Dec. 15 at www.HartfordBoatShow.com. At the door, general admission will be $15, and free for children under 12, accompanied by an adult. Group sales for groups of over 15 people can be arranged by calling 860-844-8461 or emailing kristie@northeastexpos.com.

For information, visit www.HartfordBoatShow.com or call North East Expos at 860-844-8461.

Check updates at www.facebook.com/HartfordBoatShow, and other social media at #HartfordBoatShow and @HartfordBoatShow.

To become a sponsor or an exhibitor, contact Kristie Gonsalves by calling 860-844-8461 or emailing kristie@northeastexpos.com.

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UNCASVILLE — The 2022 Hartford Boat Show is set for Jan. 20-23 at Mohegan Sun Earth Expo & Convention Center.

The show will feature classic leisure and fishing boats, new models of recreational watercraft, over 150 exhibitors, demonstrations, and activities for the entire family.

Presented by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association and The CMTA Foundation, the 52nd Hartford Boat Show showcases recreational boating in Connecticut for novice boaters and experienced navigators whether on the Long Island Sound or on the state’s lakes, ponds, and waterways. It is a prime location to discover aisles of boats and merchandise, compare features and prices, and talk to the experts about boats.

More than 35 dealers, representing more than 75 brands of boats, motors and trailers will be on site. On display will be the newest, on-trend boats, personal watercraft, paddle sports, kayaks, marinas, motors, slip rentals, servicing, fishing gear, educational programs and materials, insurance, trailers, electronics, sanitation, air conditioning, attire, nautical home décor, decking, dock building, winter storage, financing, shore side activities, destinations and attractions, and boating food and beverages.

Advance online tickets go on sale for $12 on Dec. 15 at www.HartfordBoatShow.com. At the door, general admission will be $15, and free for children under 12, accompanied by an adult. Group sales for groups of over 15 people can be arranged by calling 860-844-8461 or emailing kristie@northeastexpos.com.

For information, visit www.HartfordBoatShow.com or call North East Expos at 860-844-8461.

Check updates at www.facebook.com/HartfordBoatShow, and other social media at #HartfordBoatShow and @HartfordBoatShow.

To become a sponsor or an exhibitor, contact Kristie Gonsalves by calling 860-844-8461 or emailing kristie@northeastexpos.com.

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Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) announced Friday that it had withdrawn its plans to create a casino in Greece. The former Hellinikon airport plot in southern Athens has been the target for the new Inspire Athens, and MGE was chosen to operate the casino following a heated contest with Hard Rock International. MGE might continue as an advisor, but the company’s exit could also give Hard Rock new opportunities in Greece.

MGE Backs Off Greek Casino Plans

MGE released an announcement late last week, explaining that it had conducted an extensive review of its operations and future obligations against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. It stated, “We concluded that we would not continue to pursue the concession rights for the Athens project.”

The operator added, “We are also focused on the large undertaking at Inspire Korea, which will consume the next few years. While we know this is a disappointment to many, it is the right decision for our company and its stakeholders.”

MGE was selected by the Hellenic Gaming Commission along with its GEK Terna Holding Real Estate Construction Partner to build the resort in southern Athens. The company announced in September that all equity ownership in Athens was transferred to GEK Terna, previously only a minority owner of the project.

MGE To Still Assist Project, For Now

MGE will continue to act as a consultant for Inspire Athens and offer its expertise as per its contractual obligations. GEK Terna is a Greek conglomerate that is reportedly in discussions with Hard Rock to form a consortium for the project.

MGE CEO Ray Pineault, last May, promised to complete the casino within 36 months. Pineault stated that the integrated tourist complex at the former Athens International Airport in Hellinikon was the first to include an integrated resort…

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Connecticut headquartered developer and operator Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment has withdrawn its plans for the creation of its Inspire Athens integrated resort and casino following a “comprehensive review”.

Conducted against the backdrop created by COVID-19, the review into its operations and future commitments resulted in the company not pursuing the concession rights for the Athens Project. 

On September 12, 2021, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, through its unrestricted subsidiaries, transferred all of its equity ownership in the Athens Project to GEK Terna, previously the minority investor in the project. 

In the SEC Filings on the MGE’s official website, it stated the company and GEK Terna coordinated the equity transfer with the requisite government officials in Greece, including approval by the Hellenic Gaming Commission on October 22, 2021. 

The final transfer of the consortium’s reliance on the MGE’s technical and professional capacity and experience in the development and operation of integrated resort casinos remains pending, along with other administrative procedures for final governmental and regulatory review.

The news of the withdrawal comes just over a year after Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment expressed its excitement on its Inspire Athens integrated resort and casino launch, which it noted would launch a new era of tourism and economic growth for Greece and Southeast Europe. 

The Inspire Athens development was slated to create in excess of 7,000 jobs for the region during and after construction, including direct, indirect and induced.

Upon completion the firm expected an increase of at least ten per cent in…

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