Foxwoods Development Co. (FDC) and its partners have won an extremely competitive bidding project and have been awarded a rare state license to build a first-class slots casino in Philadelphia, on the banks of the Delaware River.

    Construction is expected to start in 2007 and take about two years to complete the stunning $560 million project. FDC is an arm of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

    "Philadelphia is a great city with a historic past and a promising future," said Pedro Johnson, a Mashantucket Pequot tribal elder and the chairman of the FDC board of directors.

    "We are honored that we have been chosen to be a part of that future. We were impressed with the thoroughness of the application process; it was rigorous and professional, and as we enter the building phase of this effort, we pledge to continue working hard to justify the confidence the gaming board has placed in us," Johnson said.

    The joint venture, called Philadelphia Entertainment and Development Partners, first announced the project in December 2005 and submitted an application with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for a casino operating license.

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Observation tower at the Pequot Museum re-opens after redesign and renovations

 The 185-foot Observation Tower at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center re-opened to the public on Sunday, December 10, after a year of renovations and improvements. The tower's redesigned elevator shaft has been completely enclosed in glass to facilitate patron comfort and maintenance without affecting the spectacular views from the elevator as it goes up to the observation deck.

    The trip to the top of the 18-story tower affords panoramic vistas of the tribal reservation and surrounding bucolic countryside, including nearby Lantern Hill and Preston Plains.

    "The natural features of Mashantucket - forests, fields and the Great Cedar Swamp - give an overview of the landscape that was formed by the last glacier that blanketed this area 18,000 years ago," said Kimberly Hatcher-White, the museum's executive director. "The impact of the glaciers and climate change on our environment and natural resources are addressed by several museum exhibits. We are excited that this wonderful part of our visitors' experience is open again and even better than it was before."

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Tribe brings holiday cheer to local children

Santa Claus and his helpers, including Tribal Council Treasurer Rodney Butler (to the right of Santa and his elves) pose for a photo after throwing a holiday party for children at the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center on December 16. Anthony Kulla photo

When the holidays approach, we are reminded that this is the season for giving and sharing, but most importantly, it's a time of year for children. There are many families in need that cannot afford what may seem like small luxuries to some; pictures with Santa, gifts, or a holiday party with other children. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation held two holiday parties this year to make these luxuries become a reality.

    On December 9^th the Mashantucket Tribal Public Affairs department teamed up with the United Way to sponsor a children's holiday party at the New London Senior Center. This year, over 180 children identified from the United Way's agencies were invited to attend the event.

    "This is a marvelous program that the kids look forward to every year," says Janet Pearce, president of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. "It's a great way to help children that may not have as many opportunities, and it's been great to work (More)

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