Mike Buscetto: Citizen of the Year honors for man who’s had an ‘impact’

May 7, 2024

Read the article on TheDay.com

By Brian Hallenbeck
Day Staff Writer

When the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut casts about for a Citizen of the Year, it’s not interested in someone who’s just burst on the scene.

“We don’t select a flash in the pan,” Tony Sheridan, the chamber’s president and chief executive officer, said. “We look for longevity, consistency. ... It has to be a person who truly makes an impact and has done so for a number of years.”

Mike Buscetto filled the chamber’s bill this year. Truth be told, he’s filled it for many years.

Considered brash and outspoken when he served two terms on the New London City Council and then ran for mayor in 2011, Buscetto’s kept a lower public profile since moving to Waterford, where he owns Filomena’s, a popular Boston Post Road restaurant known for hosting well-attended functions. All the while, the 53-year-old Buscetto, a developer and landlord as well as a restaurateur, has sought to further the public good, serving on the boards of several nonprofit agencies and boosting philanthropic initiatives.

“He’s literally helped dozens and dozens of people,” Sheridan said. “It’s in his heart.”

Despite being a poster boy for a citizen of the year honor, Buscetto said he was genuinely taken aback when Sheridan and other members of a chamber committee visited Filomena’s one recent afternoon to tell him he’d been selected.

“It’s very hard to surprise Mike Buscetto,” Sheridan said. “But it definitely got his attention.”

As of last week, some 300 tickets had been sold to the chamber’s Citizen of the Year dinner May 23 at Mohegan Sun, at which Buscetto will be feted.

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Buscetto, a basketball standout, started collecting awards at least as far back as 2008, when his high school, St. Bernard, named him to its Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2009, the Elks Club named him Citizen of the Year, and the next year Quinnipiac University inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame. A steady stream of honors has followed.

In an interview at Filomena’s, where he’s “the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at night,” Buscetto said the chamber award is especially meaningful to him.

“To be honored by an organization that represents a thousand businesses is really something,” he said. “I think it’s because of what I’ve given, not what I’ve opened or developed. ... It feels way better than picking up rent checks.”

After Quinnipiac, Buscetto started working for the family business, Michael’s Dairy, which the family sold to Mitchell College in 2006. As a developer, he built the Utopia Centre shopping center where Filomena’s is located, and Easy Street, a 10-house subdivision off Montauk Avenue in New London that remains the city’s only assisted-living community for those 55 and older.

He now owns and manages 15 residential properties in East Lyme, New London, Waterford and Charleston, S.C., where a daughter and his two grandchildren live. He and his wife Heather also have another daughter and a son.

Buscetto began to garner headlines as a Democratic City Councilor in New London in 2007, when he won more votes than any candidate in that year’s election. When he won a second term two years later, he was the sixth-highest vote-getter among council candidates. Between elections, he courted controversy, applying for the city manager’s job and getting in the middle of a search for a new police chief.

In 2011, when New London returned to a strong mayor form of government, Buscetto lost both a Democratic primary and a write-in campaign for the office to Daryl Justin Finizio. Within a year, Buscetto had moved to Waterford.

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“I never had aspirations to be a politician,” Buscetto said. “People in government recruited me. The city was struggling with finances and a lack of vision. They wanted a strong presence, someone with a business point of view. Some thought my vision was too strong.”

“In politics, you have to rub backs and feet, and that’s not me,” he said. “I wasn’t going to change who I am just to get votes.”

In Waterford, Buscetto has continued to serve New London residents as well as others throughout the region through his involvement with nonprofits like the Center for Safe Futures, which helps victims of domestic violence; the Cactus Jack Foundation, which provides financial support for those in need; and Heavy Hitters USA, which provides after-school and summer mentoring for youth through the Whaling City Athletic Club.

Katherine Verano, Safe Futures’ chief executive officer, said Buscetto has served as honorary chairman of the organization’s fundraising walk in recent years and has long presented himself as “a man who takes a stand against domestic violence.”

“In 2017, I went to him and asked how to get kids involved,” Verano said. “That year, we had 500 kids walking. ... When COVID broke out, he reached out to us, sent us homemade meals and had milk delivered to families who couldn’t get out. He was the front runner for that sort of thing, and it’s never stopped.”

When the pandemic prevented Safe Futures from hosting a two-day conference at Connecticut College, Buscetto didn’t hesitate to make Filomena’s available.

He always says, ‘I gotcha, buddy,’ ” Verano said.

Since 2020, Buscetto has chaired the Town of Waterford’s Youth and Family Services Advisory Board Committee, which oversees a community food bank.

“We have been very fortunate to have him,” said Dani Gorman, Waterford’s human services administrator.

During the pandemic, she said, Buscetto introduced fresh vegetables and other perishables to the food bank, which previously had only provided non-perishable items. Suddenly, residents had access to foods they liked, and could shop as if they were visiting a grocery store.

Gorman said Buscetto also sponsors a veterans’ coffeehouse program that’s grown into the biggest of its kind in eastern Connecticut, with Filomena’s providing free breakfast for veterans on the second Tuesday of every month.

“It’s always a packed house,” Gorman said.

For tickets to the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s 73rd Annual Citizen of the Year Celebration honoring Buscetto, call the chamber at (860) 701-9113 or Filomena’s at (860) 437-1010 or email the chamber. Joshua’s Worldwide limousine service is providing bus transportation between Filomena’s and Mohegan Sun for the event.

Bill Stanley Writes About Filomena's Owner Citizen of the Year Award

May 7, 2024

Article By: Bill Stanley

Author’s Note: (This was originally to appear in my Sunday column in The Day this week, but they have one of their reporters writing about our friend, Mike Buscetto, who is very deservedly this year's Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Citizen of the Year)

It was a quiet Monday morning as Mike Buscetto, III, was going through his routine, filling orders and reviewing the books at the beginning of another busy week when a group of people walked into his Filomena's restaurant with something other than a good meal on their agenda.

The group was comprised of more than a dozen friends, colleagues, and various business types, including Tony Sheridan, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut who had come to inform the 53-year-old Buscetto that he had been named 2024 Citizen of the Year.

"It was a pretty special moment," said Buscetto, who will be honored on the evening of May 23, at a $125-per-person testimonial that is open to the public.

With a few exceptions, the prestigious honor, along with the chamber's annual William Crawford Distinguished Service Award, has been conveyed upon various corporate titans - bank, college and hospital executives, tribal leaders, law firm partners, and other big-business professionals who were often able to leverage the influence of their prominent positions to get good things done in the community.

It requires more from small businesspeople because they're the ones who do it all - to not only stay in business in the post-Covid era, but grow the business in their capacity as CEO, chief financial and operations officer, director of marketing, communications, quality control and human resources all rolled into one... plus all other duties as assigned.

Except for his four years at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Buscetto has lived, worked, played, gone to school (St. Bernard), raised a family (married to the former Heather Occhionero with three children) and supported various charitable causes in southeastern Connecticut for all of his 53 years. He served two terms on the New London City Council before an unsuccessful run for mayor, developed a 55+ housing subdivision in the city's south end, and developed the mall on Route 1 in Waterford where his popular restaurant is situated.

"Hey, buddy, what's up?" comes the boisterous greeting when you walk in, sometimes followed by a hug, handshake, an update on his latest charitable undertaking, and a gentle appeal. "You know anyone who can help us out?"

While at Quinnipiac, he was the point guard on the basketball team and still holds the career assist record at the NCAA Division I school where he is in the Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the floor general who called the plays, ran the offense, knew when to speed things up and when to slow them down, and to ensure the ball go to open teammates so they could score. It was about being a team player, but leaving no question about who was in charge.

The role is not unlike the one he plays when raising money for the four local charities he supports directly - Safe Futures, the Cactus Jack Foundation, Waterford Youth & Family Services, and Heavy Hitters.

The common thread is that they are all local and the work they do produces tangible outcomes that Buscetto said he can see and feel every day, whether it's a child stricken with cancer, victims of domestic abuse, Parkinson's patients literally fighting the disease, or local people who are struggling through a stretch of hard luck.

"It's friends, neighbors, people who we all know who have hit a bump in the road," Buscetto said of those who benefit from the charities' work. "These are neighbors and customers and people that others know, and it's important to help them."

Buscetto's close friend, Scott Gladstone of Waterford, who, with business partner Neil Ryan, was the last small businessman to be honored as Citizen of the Year, said charity work is part of his friend's nature.

"Mike is the real deal who wakes up each morning wanting to make his community better and provide for those less fortunate," said Gladstone, whose own charity work includes raising well over $1 million for the Waterford Country School. "He not only gives generously of his time and money, but he also has a big contact list and knows who to call to help someone in need. When Mike is involved, it gets done."

Those who know Buscetto know that his approach to getting things done is often about as subtle as a punch in the nose. When he calls prospective supporters, there's little more than "Hey, buddy" at the outset of the call before moving on to "OK, here's what we need." The small talk comes later.

It is the same approach that kept Filomena's open throughout the pandemic at a time when some restaurants had either closed or were providing only take-out orders with reduced staff.

Buscetto got creative, purchasing clear plexiglass dividers for inside the restaurant to enhances customer safety. Instead of hand-held menus, he used a large whiteboard with the day's hand-written menu and wheeled it around the restaurant from table to table. When the weather warmed, he used some of his parking lot space to create outdoor seating, then doubled down with live entertainment and dancing that provided a welcome respeite forthose who had been in Covid lockdown for months.

"Closing was not an option and I did not lay off one person. I have always been a positive person that focuses on solutions and moving forward, and it was adapt-or-die for my business," he said of the restaurant that bears his paternal grandmother's name. "During the pandemic, I was committed to overcoming the challenges and as a business leader, I needed to inspire hope (for) those that struggled."

Instead of struggling to remain alive, Filomena's thrived during the pandemic.

"This restaurant became our oasis during the pandemic," a Bozrah woman wrote in her Sept. 24, 2022, Yelp review. "The owners and managers did everything they could to provide a safe outdoor space with great food, drinks and an assortment of live entertainment that starts early and ends early. Perfect for us old folks! Drop in for dinner, meet friends for cocktails and indulge in some dancing. It's good for the soul."

Some neighbors complained about the live outdoor music, but their appeal to the town's Zoning Board of Appeals was rejected.

And when Gov. Ned Lamont visited southeastern Connecticut last year and wanted to visit a business that had demonstrated innovation and growth during the pandemic, Chamber President Sheridan took him to Filomena's, where the proud owner impressed the governor with how the business had adapted.

I first met Buscetto about 20 years ago when he had been enlisted by another volunteer to help with our annual fundraising gala benefitting Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. At the planning committee's first meeting, he accepted about a deozen assignments to solicit sponsorships and/or auction items from his contacts. At the next meeting a few weeks later, he reported on his assignments. Everyone he called had said yes becausee not supporting a good cause doesn't fly with him.

For the hundreds who will attend his May 23 testimonial, the Citizen of the Year wad will be a fitting tribute for this community champion. He will enjoy the good-natured roasting that will undoubtedly occur, then return it in spades when it is his turn to speak.

However, anyone who thinks this will mark the end of his charitable work doesn't know him. One day in the near future, their phone will ring, and a familiar voice at the other end will say, "Hey, buddy ... "

Mike Buscetto: Visionary Leader, Advocate for Numerous Charitable Causes in Southeastern Connecticut

April 2, 2024

Michael "Mike" Buscetto, III has become synonymous with transformation and philanthropy in Southeastern Connecticut. His unparalleled dedication to the region's growth and his fervent support for numerous charitable programs underscore his unwavering commitment to the community where he's lived, served, raised his accomplished family, and owns and operates a thriving business.

As such, Buscetto, 53, of Waterford, has been named 2024 Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. He will be honored by friends, family, patrons, associates and other business leaders at a testimonial dinner on Thursday, May 23, at Mohegan Sun, beginning at 6 p.m.

Through both his entrepreneurial endeavors and charitable activities, Mike has left an indelible mark on the lives of many in Southeastern Connecticut. During the height of the pandemic when many businesses closed or curtailed operations, Mike doubled down at his popular restaurant, Filomena's in Waterford. He remained open and fully staffed with innovative safety measures, indoor/outdoor dining, and live entertainment that not only fed quality food and drink to patrons, but provided a night out and lifted their spirits when they needed it most.

As a visionary real estate developer, Mike spearheaded the creation of New London's first and only 55+ active adult community - Easy Street - setting a precedent for thoughtful and inclusive urban development in the city where he grew up. His efforts didn't stop there; he also developed Waterford's Utopia Centre on Route 1, where the renowned Filomena's stands as a testament to his commitment to economic development, community building, and living life to the fullest. These projects not only contribute to the local economy but add to the cohesive fabric of the community, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Mike's passion for supporting the youth of Southeastern Connecticut is evident in his founding of the "Bash at the Beach" fundraiser at New London's Ocean Beach Park. This initiative alone funneled over $550,000 into 30 organizations focused primarily on youth programs. Through his efforts, countless children and teenagers have received support, guidance, and opportunities that might otherwise have been inaccessible.

Beyond his philanthropic ventures, Mike's leadership roles in local foundations and service bureaus, including the Cactus Jack Foundation and Waterford Youth & Family Services Bureau, demonstrate his dedication to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for local families. His involvement ensures that these organizations have the resources and guidance needed to make a significant positive impact on people of all ages.

Mike's contributions to the community have not gone unnoticed. He has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions, including the Safe Futures Power of Purple Award (2022), the Town of Waterford Champion for Children Award (2016), State of Connecticut Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Leadership Award (2012), and the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award (2022) among others. Each accolade reflects his deep commitment to creating a safer, more prosperous community and his role in driving positive change. Perhaps most impressively, Mike has been recognized as "Revitalization Leader of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut (2009).

Mike Buscetto's still-growing legacy in Southeastern Connecticut is one of profound generosity, leadership, and community service. His tireless work to improve the region exemplifies what it means to be a true community leader. Mike's achievements and dedication to Southeastern Connecticut make him an exemplary honoree for Citizen of the Year, as his impact resonates not just today but will continue to do so for generations to come.

Mike has been married for 31 years to Heather Occhionero Buscetto and is the proud father of three children, Mena Buscetto Tantillo, Sara Buscetto, and Michael Buscetto, IV, and two grandchildren, Luca and Julianna Tantillo. He is the son of Michael Buscetto, Jr. He is a 1989 graduate of St. Bernard High School and 1993 graduate of Quinnipiac University, where he has been inducted into both schools' athletic Halls of Fame.

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Social Event of the Season

April 25, 2022

In the pantheon of great ideas, sure, there's remote control, central air and golf carts, among other things. But not even such paragons of comfort and convenience occupy the same airspace at what promises to be The Social Event Of The Season here in our corner of creation.

Imagine: The chance to enhance what is already a grand slam — The Miracle League Field in East Lyme that serves children with disabilities throughout the region — by honoring two of the region's cleanup hitters at a setting with water views ... but beginning the night by watching the Kentucky Derby together on the big screen.

Throw in a couple of mint juleps and someone might even utter, "Is this heaven? No, it's Westbrook."

Mad props and bon mots to Niantic Rotary, whose 2022 gala at Water's Edge in a few weeks (Derby Day, May 7 beginning at 5:30) is a can't miss. Perhaps by the end of the night, the Miracle League Field will raise enough money for Phase 2 of its evolution — adding a playscape and concession facilities — all while Rotary gives community service awards to Ann Irr Dagle and Filomena's owner Mike Buscetto.