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CES 72 at Foxwoods Resort Casino
In 72 hours, the 37-year-old Collins returns to the cage for the third time since his comeback to face New Hampshire’s Tim Caron for the vacant CES MMA World Middleweight Title in the main event of CES 72 scheduled for this Saturday, March 18 at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Great Cedar Showroom.
The Collins-Caron main event headlines a full day of mixed martial arts, which also includes seven pro fights and six amateur bouts beginning at 6:30 pm. Among them is eight-time UFC veteran and Hartford, CT, native William "Knightmare" Knight (11-5), who has been added to the card in a heavyweight showdown against 22-fight vet Jordan Powell – Knight’s first appearance with CES MMA since January of 2020. Tickets are available online at CESFights.com or Foxwoods.com or the Foxwoods box office.
There’s a lot to unpack with Collins reaching main event status only nine months after resuming his career following a 10-year layoff. An Irish fighter competing for a world title on St. Patrick’s Day weekend is also a great surface-level storyline, but there’s more to Collins’ legacy than heritage.
Most fighters begin to reach their physical prime around the time Collins stepped away from the sport, and while there’s a chance he could’ve fought for a title much sooner had he not endured such a long layoff, Collins says the late 20s version of "The Fury" might not have been ready for such a life-changing opportunity.
"The difference is when you’re younger you’re just going out there having fun," Collins said. "MMA is more of an art to me now. I take it much more seriously from the stretching to the breathing to the mobility. There’s so much more that goes into this than just going out there and scrapping."
The fact Collins has reached this stage is impressive in and of itself. A U.S. Air Force veteran and recovering alcoholic – he’s been sober since June 12, 2020 – Collins spent part of his time away from MMA pursuing semipro football, a sport he dominated in high school. MMA temporarily kept him out of trouble; his drinking problems began after his military career, but when he turned pro in 2011 he managed to focus long enough until alcoholism consumed him again just a couple years.
Life changed when a coworker told him he had a drinking problem. He quit the next day, beginning the inevitable road back to MMA. Within two years, he returned to the cage, beating Deran Martinez in 23 seconds at CES 69 in June.
Make no mistake, the comeback wasn’t about scratching an itch or proving a point, nor was it some one-off bucket-list item. Collins decided to rededicate his life to this sport for the sole purpose of chasing a world title, an opportunity to open doors that could help him provide for his 12-year-old daughter.
"I knew I’d get here," Collins said. "I manifested it in my mind. It’s about knowing what I can do."
"The toughest part was getting my mind right. When you become sober, you have to relearn everything. It was mainly the mental game. Anyone who’s competed will tell you it’s 85 percent mental. It took a long time, even the first couple of fights. Then you get to a point where you are in a groove and you’re like, ‘Just put me in there with anyone.’"
Collins reached that point in his last fight at CES 70 against Mus'Aib Baiyina. He struggled early, ran out of gas, and then found his second wind in the final round, finishing the fight via ground and pound with just over two minutes remaining.
"After grinding through it, I got to the end and realized, ‘I’m still here,’" Collins said. "That was the turning point for me to declare I’m ready for a title shot."
He faces a tall order Saturday against the durable, 35-year-old Caron (12-5, 5 KOs), also a military veteran and a five-time Bellator vet who last fought for CES in 2018 while making an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series that same year. Caron also comes in hot, having beat 7-2 Salaiman Ahmadyar and 9-3 Alton Cunningham in his last two fights.
"I’m not worried. I know it’s an ‘any given Sunday’ scenario and he’s more experienced, but when you fight against [coach and former UFC world heavyweight title challenger] Gabriel Gonzaga every day in camp, it’s hard to be scared of many things," Collins said.
"I heard rumors that [Caron] says he’s going to knock me out. I find that funny considering he hasn’t finished any of his last few fights. We’ll see. All the best to him. Win, lose, or draw, we’ll shake hands when it’s all said and done."
Collins’ demeanor is that of a much more mature fighter who sees the game differently than he did a decade ago. Despite being nicknamed "The Fury" – an fitting nickname given his propensity to "go 110 percent with everything I do" – Collins has learned to pull back when necessary and push harder when it’s time to test his limits. He’s even imparted his wisdom on younger fighters when they’ve been willing to listen. But what’s most important now is focusing on Saturday night and what’s at stake. The Fran Collins who steps inside the cage this weekend is much more prepared for this opportunity than the one who took the region by storm more than a decade ago.
"If you are serious about this and it’s what you want to do, then each fight should sharpen one tool for the next fight," Collins said. "All of a sudden, you have this tool belt with everything in it. You have to remained focused. This is not a joke. You can lose your life inside that cage. This sport is not for the faint of heart."
Full fight card details are available online. Follow CES MMA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESMMA.
Since 1992, Foxwoods Resort Casino has offered guests The Wonder Of It All as the premier resort destination in the Northeast. As the largest resort casino in North America, Foxwoods offers a vast array of gaming in seven casinos; AAA Four-Diamond hotels, restaurants from gourmet to quick service, world-renowned spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, exclusive retailers and free-to-play online casino games. Foxwoods Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, a federally recognized Indian tribe located at one of the oldest reservations in existence, Mashantucket, in Southeastern Connecticut. As pioneers of the Indian casino gaming industry, the history of the Mashantucket Pequots reveals one of America's greatest come-back stories. Today, the tribe owns and operates one of the largest gaming resort destinations in North America, Foxwoods Resort Casino, along with a variety of complementary business enterprises, including Eastern Connecticut's premiere luxury golf experience, Lake of Isles, and the decadent Spa at Norwich Inn. As one of the highest revenue contributors and largest employers in Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequots have hosted more than 330 million visitors since 1992 and contributed over $4 billion in slot revenue payments to the State through a first-of-its-kind agreement, established in 1993. Likewise, the tribe has contributed hundreds of millions in donations and sponsorships to support worthy charities, community events and programs, and other tribes in need, locally and throughout the United States.
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[Links: Photo 2, Video of press conference]
MAYOR ELICKER, ALONG WITH CYCLING ADVOCATES & BUSINESSES, KICK OFF NATIONAL BIKE MONTH & HIGHLIGHT CITY EFFORTS TO PROMOTE BIKE & E-BIKE RIDERSHIP
Connex Credit Union announces new e-bike loan product -- and new state legislation (S.B. 4) will provide e-bike rebates and vouchers -- making e-bikes more accessible and affordable for residents.
NEW HAVEN, CT –Mayor Justin Elicker, along with local cycling advocates, businesses and organizations, came together to celebrate National Bike Month and to kick off New Haven Bike Month, in an effort to promote bike and electronic bike (e-bike) ridership across the city. Over thirty bike rides and events have been organized during the month-long celebration, providing opportunities for both newer and seasoned cyclists. In addition, Connex Credit Union announced the launch of a new e-bike loan product, which – along with the recent passage state legislation (S.B. 4, The Connecticut Clean Air Act) that will soon provide new e-bike rebates and vouchers – promises to make e-bikes a much more affordable and accessible mode of transportation for city residents. The event took place on the New Haven Green in front of the Pierre Lallement plaque, which honors the inventor of the bicycle who peddled from his Ansonia home to New Haven in 1866 in a demonstration for a patent he was pursuing and later received.
"National Bike Month is the perfect time for residents to explore bikes and e-bikes as a greener, healthier, and more cost-effective way to commute around the city. With its flat terrain and over 40 miles of bike lanes and paths – and more coming online soon – cycling is becoming an increasingly attractive transportation option for more New Haven residents," said Mayor Justin Elicker, an avid cyclist. "In addition, with the new cash rebates soon coming from the state coupled with the new loan product from Connex Credit Union, e-bikes will be much more accessible and affordable for city residents. As a bike rider myself, I’m excited to participate in New Haven Bike Month events and for all the ways New Haven is becoming a more bike-friendly city.”
NEW HAVEN BIKE MONTH
National Bike Month was established in 1956 to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and to encourage more people to try biking. New Haven’s celebration is being spearheaded by New Haven Bike Month and the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation, in collaboration with other community partners.
“It’s been special to see the coalition of organizers, sponsors, and volunteers that have come together to make Bike Month happen in May,” said Caroline Tanbee Smith, co-founder and organizer of New Haven Bike Month. “That is aligned with our fundamental belief that every single person should have a voice in the future of transportation in our city. Thanks to the hard work and passion of volunteers and organizers — there will be over 30 rides, celebrations, courses, and gatherings across multiple neighborhoods in the city throughout the month!"
Sandeep Aysola, Director of the New Haven Department of Transportation, Traffic & Parking added, “The Department of Transportation is on a mission to create a transportation system that is safe, equitable, dependable, and affordable. We believe in fostering and creating mobility options that meet the needs of all communities, ensure safety, provide reliable connections, enrich public spaces and most importantly are environmentally friendly and sustainable. We are excited to kick-start Bike Month in partnership with all stakeholders, including residents, businesses, sponsors, volunteers and local and state partners.”
The City of New Haven’s Youth and Recreation Department is also offering bike excursions, events, and education programs -- including on bike safety and bike repair -- which will continue into the summer and fall, with more information to be posted on the city’s website in the coming weeks.
E-BIKES
In an exciting new development that will make e-bikes a more viable transportation option for more city residents, Connex Credit Union announced a new e-bike loan product that offers fixed rates, fix payments, and flexible terms for individuals who live, work, worship or attend school in New Haven, Fairfield, Hartford, and Middlesex Counties covering 80% of Connecticut residents.
With minimum loan amounts of $1,000 and first payments deferred for 90 days, interested residents can easily apply for an e-bike loan online (connexcu.org), over the phone (1-800-CR-UNION) or at a local branch, with most approvals happening the same day. (Additional details about the loan product can be found here.) To help celebrate bike month, Connex will also give e-bike loan holders a $25 bonus to their Share Savings Account.
"Connex is thrilled to be part of Connecticut's e-bike movement and to put e-bike purchasing within reach for more people," said Carl Casper, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Connex Credit Union. "E-bikes provide clean, efficient, fun, and cost-effective transportation. This is a terrific opportunity."
In addition, last week the Connecticut General Assembly passed Senate Bill 4, also known as the Connecticut Clean Air Act, which among other provisions, will add electric bikes to the state’s CHEAPR electric vehicle rebate program. When signed into law, this legislation will provide rebates or vouchers of up to $500 to low-middle income residents to purchase e-bikes that cost up to $3,000.
“About 60% of trips in America are under six miles and NCAT believes that by creating a cycling friendly community we can switch a lot of these trips to bicycle,” said Raymond Tsao, board member of the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation. “Creating a truly bicycle friendly city means providing education and engagement around active transportation. That’s why NCAT is proud to offer free bicycle education to every e-bike loan customer of Connex Credit Union, and that’s also why we partner with organizations like AAA Northeast and SLR Consulting to fund our community engagement work throughout National Bike Month and Bike to Work Week.”
“Creating a bike friendly city means lowering all barriers to people getting on their bikes and riding. By working with Connex Credit Union, Park New Haven is excited to help even more people afford to make the switch and think outside the car,” said Doug Hausladen, Vice Chair of New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation and Executive Director of the New Haven Parking Authority. “With 90 days no payments someone starting in the workforce today will be able to have three months of worry-free riding before making affordable payments, well under the monthly cost of a personal vehicle. For those trips under 5 miles, an e-bike is the perfect vehicle to use and it is a healthy alternative to sitting in traffic.”
The New Haven Parking Authority has also started a new electric cargo bike share program as well, thanks to $18,000 in grant funding from the New Haven Climate Emergency Mobilization Taskforce.
“The mission of NHPA is to support Downtown and to provide safe, affordable, and convenient parking,” said Andrew Orefice, Vice Chairman of the New Haven Parking Authority. “With the increase in apartments and residents downtown and growing capacity at Union Station and transit in New Haven, our Parking Authority is working towards supporting car-free living by working with Connex to create their e-bike loan program and by creating an electric cargo bike share pilot to power the weekly grocery run or the hauling of work gear. Helping to fill in the gaps, NHPA has applied for more grant funding to purchase electric vehicles to add to the bike share system in the future.”
Local bike shop owners, including John Brehon, owner of The Devil’s Gear, and Bob Jacobson, owner of College Street Cycles, along with other advocates and organizations also voiced their enthusiasm for these developments.
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete,” said Paul Wessel, Co-Coordinator of Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition, highlighting the words of another innovator, engineer, and futurist Buckminster Fuller. "Today we celebrate bicycle innovators - past, present, and future, our local bikes stores - The Devil's Gear and College Street Cycles, Connex Credit Union, our wonderful elected leaders, and supportive organizations for building and promoting a new option for more sustainable transportation.”
Barry Kresch, President of the Electric Vehicle Club of CT, said "The Electric Vehicle Club of CT supports all forms of emission-free transport, e-bikes included. E-bikes are an increasingly popular form of clean transportation, especially in urban environments, and the Connex Credit Union program will serve to accelerate e-bike adoption. They have the potential to reduce total vehicle miles traveled and reduce congestion on our road.”
You've heard mention of the Armory community garden during several past management team meetings and you are invited to a special day at the garden tomorrow, Saturday June 4th from 12 - 2 pm.
We will be having an abbreviated garden workday where we do some planting, watering and weeding, and we will also have a presentation from Yale School of Architecture professor Elihu Rubin and several of his students (who are also all Armory gardeners) on our beloved Goffe Street Armory which serves as a beautiful backdrop to the garden AND we'll be having a cooking demo from the one and only Farmer D!
The workday will run from 12 - 12:30 pm, the Armory presentation from 12:30 - 1 pm, and the cooking demo from 1 - 2 pm. Please feel free to share among your networks as we learn more about our historic armory and efforts to save it and enjoy some delicious vegan food as well.
The garden is located at 97 County Street (one-way side) across the street from Goffe Street Park.
See the flyer below for more info and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow...
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Watch live coverage of a hearing held by the House Jan. 6 Committee to investigate the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot resumes its hearings Monday as committee members say they have uncovered enough evidence for the Justice Department to consider an unprecedented criminal indictment against the former president.
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol resumes its series of hearings in an effort to show the American public how democracy came to the brink of disaster.
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol resumes Day 4 of hearings on Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET.
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol holds Day 5 of hearings on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
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Entrepreneur Howard Hill wants to diversify his funeral home client base IN CT
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Families will need to take extra precautions to stay safe this holiday season with variants such as Omicron spreading more easily. Vaccination, testing and masking are all key. Learn more: http://ynh.care/6180JLvqG.
Today the city of New Haven began the process of distributing at-home rapid tests to essential staff with symptoms or COVID exposures – including teachers and other school staff ahead of tomorrow’s return to the classroom. This will help ensure essential staff can safely return to work. This initial distribution is part of 10,000 tests the city obtained in recent days.
The city has also received 9,000 tests from the State of Connecticut. Distribution of those tests will begin tomorrow. This initial tranche of tests will be distributed to non-profit service providers who work with vulnerable communities – such as the elderly and those experiencing homelessness. A large portion of these tests will also be dedicated to New Haven Public School children with symptoms or COVID exposures. NHPS will share information directly with families in the near future on this.
While we do not yet have enough rapid tests to distribute widely to the public, we expect to receive additional tests from the state, at which time we will announce additional distributions.
If you need to get tested, Wren labs is re-opening their testing site on the New Haven Green tomorrow afternoon (3-6 PM) and will continue to operate the 60 Sargent Drive location each morning (8 AM – Noon) except for Fridays. No appointments are required, and there may be wait time.
As a reminder, get vaccinated, boosted and wear your masks.
Check out the City’s Covid website at https://covid19.newhavenct.gov/ or call: 203-946-6999 for more information.
Thanks everyone!
Malcolm X’s daughter calls for congressional probe of assassination
New Haven guitarist Rohn Lawrence to get fitting send-off: a funeral at Toad’s Place
My blogs
City Hall with an update on the parking ban. Por favor espere para escuchar este mensaje en español.
The citywide parking ban will be lifted at 12:00 PM (noon) today. If you’ve parking in a school lot please remove your car by 2 PM. If you’ve parked in a Yale lot please remove your car by 5 PM. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation.
Please remember to clear your sidewalk – it’s the law.
Thanks, and have a good day.
The CT Violence Intervention Program works to build strong relationships with community-based groups and the highest-risk youth to prevent conflict, neighborhood shootings and homicide. Skilled Violence Prevention Professionals are prepared for crisis and de-escalation situations that occur in the community. LEARN MORE https://bit.ly/3pQiXsl #violenceprevention #highriskyouth #commnitygroup
Tune into the First Friday's Hosted by Maurice Williams , on the Tom Ficklin Radio Show, Friday morning February 4th, 2022, 11 am Eastern . Find out why the community will stop the APT Foundation from invading Newhallville. " We the People-part 1" Also Tune into a Special Edition of the Tom Ficklin Radio Show with guest host Sean Reeves on Monday, February 7th at 11 am Eastern to further be informed. "We the People-Part 2". Join Maurice on Friday morning and Sean on Monday morning and their guests,
just go to Click Here Join in . For convenience and referral, my shows are archived. Click Here for Show Archives