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Crime & Safety

MDA Poker Run Deals a Winning Hand

About $1,000 was raised at the annual MDA Poker Run on Sunday.

The MDA Poker Run sponsored by Firefighters Local 1205 on Sunday was a great success. 

But before the poker run began, motorcycle riders were treated to a huge and hearty breakfast at Smitty’s East Side Café.

“We’ve been sponsoring this breakfast for MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) since 2005, when my childhood friend Joe Ciscone mentioned it to me,” said Paul Coleman, owner of Smitty’s. “We’re friendly with a lot of bikers that come through our door and it just seemed like a perfect fit to help with this great cause.”

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Paul and his wife Patti had been at the café since 6:30 a.m. preparing for the breakfast, which included eggs, sausage, bagels, donuts, coffee and juice. Daughters Annie and Maria and a friend also pitched in with the workload.

After registration and breakfast, 17 riders saddled their bikes for the ride up the coastline.

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“I’ve known Joe and all of these guys for a long time,” said Wallingford resident Darlene Suarto of Joe Ciscone. It was Suarto’s second year riding in the benefit.

Riders arrived back in town at about 1:30 p.m. for their third stop at the East Haven Stoners Club, where they took a breather to refresh themselves and socialize before returning to fire headquarters on Main Street, where the final results of each poker hand would be scored.

Waiting for the riders back at headquarters was North Haven resident Michael Dufour and his family. Dufour is an 11-year-old boy with muscular dystrophy. He said he couldn’t wait to check out all the bikes.

“They are so cool,” said Dufour.

While everyone was turning in their scoresheets or drawing other cards to make the winning hands, 50/50 tickets were being sold to make a pot of $660. Dufour pulled the winning ticket, which belonged to Angel Russo, who wasn’t present to claim the winnings.

As for the poker hands, first place went to Tony Mancini, who won with a straight. Mancini was awarded $100 plus a trophy for best hand. Fire Chief Chuck Licata was awarded a trophy and $75 for his second-place winning hand of three aces. Rider Bob Gargano fell in third with three 10s; he received a $50 cash prize and a trophy. 

Winning the “Horses Butt Trophy,” which goes to the worst of all hands, was John Conte. When it came time to show ’em, he presented a 10, 8, 7, 4 and 3.

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