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Coalition of CT Sportsmen Awards Banquet |
The 3d Coalition of CT Sportsmen Awards Banquet was held Sunday, October 19, 2003 at the Aqua Turf Country Club, Southington, CT. It was a successful and enjoyable event for the 285 (2001-175; 2002-215) sportsmen/women present.
The event began with a cocktail/hors d'oeuvres hour and review of the over 40 bucket raffle prizes; over 40 Silent Auction prizes including women’s prizes; live/card raffle prizes consisting of 14 guns/ about a dozen quality wildlife prints/sculpture, Fishing equipment; and about 80 door prizes. The standard outstanding Aqua Turf prime rib (or choice of Shrimp, Chicken, vegetarian) was next, followed by presentation of Awards.
A "BENEFACTOR AWARD 2003" was presented to Michael J. Roberts. The award reads:
Your dedicated involvement, devotion, and
perseverance in establishing and managing sportsmen shooting programs that
generate substantial donations to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital has
also significantly enhanced the reputation of Connecticut Sportsmen. The
children and we Thank You.
A “PATRIOT AWARD 2003” was presented to Senator Louis C. DeLuca (Woodbury); Representative Linda A. Orange (Colchester); Representative Arthur J. O’Neill (Southbury); Representative John E. Piscopo (Thomaston); Representative Stephen D. Dargan (West Haven, Not Present); Representative Kosta Diamantis (Bristol, Presented 2002 Award); The award reads:
TENACITY - INTEGRITY - COURAGE
For Unwavering Support for the Protection and Promotion of Sportsmen’s Issues
Your understanding, courage, and dedicated commitment to Constitutional Rights and Environmental Issues have significantly benefited both the State and Connecticut Sportsmen through the enhancement, preservation and continuation of our heritage and activities.
The “ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR AWARD 2003” was presented to the Connecticut Sportsmen with Disabilities For achievement in promoting, enhancing, and safeguarding our Constitutional Rights, the Environment, and Sportsmen Activities.
A number of other legislators and agency personnel were also in attendance:
Jeffrey Nelson, representing Congressman Rob Simmons (2d Dist, last minute cancellation because of a trip to Iraq); Senator "Doc" Gunther (Stratford); Sen. William Aniskovich (Branford); Sen. Billy Ciotto (Wethersfield); Representative Len Greene (Beacon Falls); Rep. Kevin DelGobbo (Naugatuck); Rep. Dave Labriola (Naugatuck); Rep. Bill Hamzy (Terryville); Rep. Rich Ferrari (E. Granby); Rep. Ann Ruwet (Torrington); Rep. Ray Kalinowski (Durham); Rep. Hank Belawa (W. Redding); Rep. Korky Masurek (Wolcott); Rep. Brian O'Connor (Westbrook); Rep. Penny Bacchiochi (Somers); Mayor Ron SanAngelo (Naugatuck); and previous Representative Alan Kyle (E. Lyme).
It is apparent through many e-mails and calls that the banquet was enjoyable and the prizes/auctions appreciated. Most important, we netted a profit of which half will be allocated to our Legal Defense Fund. Next year we expect to have even more attendees.
The Coalition Thanks and Acknowledges all the generous Sponsors and Donors who helped make the Awards Banquet a success.
EVENT SPONSORS
ATTORNEY GREGORY MILLER; BENENSON, KATES & MICHEL
LEONE FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC
TABLE SPONSORS
BRISTOL FISH & GAME
CT BASS FEDERATION
CT HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY
CT NUISANCE WILDLIFE CONTROL OPERATORS ASSOC.
CT SHOOTING SPORTSMEN FOR ST. JUDE
CT SPORTSMEN WITH DISABILITIES (2)
CT TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION
CT WATERFOWLERS ASSOCIATION
FAIRFIELD COUNTY LEAGUE OF SPORTSMEN
LEDYARD SPORTSMEN’S CLUB
MERIDEN ROD & GUN CLUB
NEW DEPARTURE FISH & GAME CLUB
NORTHWEST CONNECTICUT SPORTSMAN'S COUNCIL
NRA INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION (2)
SPORTSMEN!! (ERNIE KENT)
UNITED BOWHUNTERS OF CONNECTICUT
Merchandise Donors
BLUE TRAIL RANGE - WALLINGFORD, CT: Mossberg 500, 12 Ga.
BRIDGEPORT SHOOTING RANGE: 10 Hours Range Time
CHARTER ARMS - SHELTON, CT: .38 Cal. Revolver
COLT MANUFACTURING CO. - HARTFORD, CT: Shirts, Hats
FLIEG & NEWBURY, TORRINGTON, CT: Print.
HOFFMAN’S GUN CENTER - NEWINGTON, CT: $100 Gift Certificate
L. W. SEECAMP CO. - MILFORD, CT: .32 cal. Pistol
MARLIN FIREARMS COMPANY - N. HAVEN, CT: Rifles (“1895”/cal .450 & .17 Caliber)
MILLSTREAM PRESERVE - MARLBOROUGH, CT: 2 Person, 2 Guns, 12 Bird Hunt
MYRON’S 20 GUAGE FINE COOKING SAUCES
NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION: Remington 870 Commemorative Shotgun
NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION: Circular Rug
NEWINGTON GUN EXCHANGE - NEWINGTON, CT: Remington Knives
NORTH ATLANTIC SPORTSMAN - MONROE, CT: Hearing Protection
NORTH EAST PROMOTIONS: Tickets, 2004 Hunting & Fishing Expo, Hartford
NORTHEASTERN TACTICAL SCHOOLS: Select from several 1-day courses.
O. F. MOSSBERG & SONS - N. HAVEN, CT: Shotgun
PERSONAL SECURITY INSTITUTE, LLC: Concealed Carry Defensive Pistol Course $400
PAUL’S GUNS - WATERFORD, CT: Firearm Cleaning Kits
BILL PETERKEN, HIGGANUM, CT: Black Powder & Dry Fire Devices
SALMO CHARTERS, HENDERSON HARBOR, NY: 1 Day Fishing, L. Ontario, 1-4 people
SECOND AMENDMENT FOUNDATION: Books
STURM, RUGER & CO - SOUTHPORT, CT: Rifle
VALLEY FIREARMS - SHELTON, CT: 2 Basic Pistol Classes
WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE - S. WINDSOR, CT: Framed Print
Thank You to those who attended the banquet. Look for an expanded banquet next year scheduled for Sunday, October 24, 2004!