story and photo
by Maren Schober

Jennifer A. Grillo, a senior at Norwich Technical High School, found her passion and it is in helping others.  It all started years ago when she began working at Bridebrook Nursing Home, Niantic.

“When I was eight years old I began working with my mother at Bridebrook,” Jennifer reflects.

“During the summers and some week-ends during school I would volunteer in the daycare or Recreation Department in a variety of ways.  I helped out the preschool teacher in their employee daycare center by playing with the children, setting up projects, setting up cots for naptime and reading to the kids. I absolutely loved being there and I was never bored. It was so much fun!  In the Recreation Department I used to lead the morning exercise group, play cards with the residents and just talk with them most of the day.  I loved doing this.  That joy has stuck with me until this very day; the joy of doing things for others. “

Today Jennifer is very active in community service through her high school.

“I am the Skills USA President, which is a national organization focusing on leadership skills and community service. We host and prepare an annual thanksgiving dinner for Norwich seniors at our school, wrap gifts for needy families around the holidays, and we sponsor a toiletry drive in the spring for local shelters.”

“Another organization that I am a part of in my school is called Hogie’s Heroes.  With my Civics teacher Mr. Edward Hogan we go to the Salvation Army in Norwich to sew sleeping bags for the homeless.  We also help out with the after-school homework program sponsored by the Salvation Army.”

“In October, I get Norwich residents to register to vote. We stand outside of Wal-Mart reminding the customers when, how and where to vote. This work is through the “Get out the Vote, Youth and Democracy Challenge” kicked off by the Anti-Bullying Coalition.  This is a Salvation Army project led by Debbie Keivitis.”

Jennifer is learning a lot from her volunteering service. “I am learning that one of the greatest joys in life is the joy you receive from helping others.  You would be surprised how the smallest things like talking to someone or saying hello can brighten up a person’s day.”

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Grossman’s Seafood announces that they will host a FREE lobster dinner for active duty and retired Groton Subase military personnel and their families.  The event will take place on Sunday, July 19 from 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. outside Grossman’s Seafood, 479 Goldstar Highway, Groton (past Girard Nissan, across from Goldstar Pizza).

“We want to demonstrate our sincere appreciation for our military neighbors for all their sacrifice, hard work and dedication to our country,” says Christian Porter, Operations Manager, Grossman’s Seafood. “We recognize the difficulties our military men and women face every day.”

The free dinner will include lobster, mussels, steamers and baked potato.  Entertainment will include a special appearance by Miss Connecticut Ashley Glenn, and Top 40 music by local band Rhythm Method, moonwalk for the children, games and family activities. Work Vessels for Veterans will present a brand new “Work Van” to one returning veteran to begin his or her civilian career! (For more information on Work Vessels for Veterans, www.workvesselsforvets.org)

Tickets are FREE but required, and will be available after July 5 at the Groton Subase, ITT Building 164.  For tickets please call 860.694.3238.

Grossman’s Seafood  needs your help!  If your business is willing to help make this event a success, contact Christian Porter at  860.448.9273. For more information on Grossman’s Seafood, visit www.grossmansseafood.com.

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Every June, The Resident and the PNC hold a joint “Awareness Raiser / Fundraiser” to help end local hunger.  According to  “The Working Poor” by David K. Shipler, “….An inconvenience to an affluent  family – minor car trouble, a brief illness, disrupted child care – is a crisis for them (the working poor) for it can threaten their ability to stay employed.”

Conn Agra Foods Foundation tells us, “….8 in 10 children, who receive free school lunch, do not receive food during the summer when school is out..”  We don’t have to let that be the case in SECT.  Let’s feed our children, and the families caring for them. Thank you all for donating. We need your help 365 days of the year.

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Summer in Southeastern CT and Southern RI means visiting the beach, riding bikes, picking berries, and enjoying a good book (or nap!) in the hammock. Summer, with its rich and abundant wildlife and inspiring sights, sounds, and smells, is also the perfect time to explore the  (DPNC) in Mystic. DPNC has a whole slate of activities planned this summer for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and interests.

Summer Nature Day Camp is in full swing and is open for campers ages 3 – 16. Our younger campers spend their days hiking, pond dipping, meeting live animals and catching bugs, frogs and more. Our oldest campers can be found kayaking, hopping boulders, fishing, crabbing and more as they explore the wonderful natural areas our region has to offer. Some camp spots still remain open and those interested are encouraged to contact DPNC.

Hikers can lace up their boots and join one of our many guided hikes.  Each month DPNC offers a free Full Moon hike at various locations.  DPNC has a Women’s hiking group that meets twice a month.

Summertime also means the rivers are calling.  There’s no better way to see Southern New England than floating some of the local waters.  Some are salty, some are fresh water, but all can refresh, revive and reconnect you with nature. Our guided kayak/canoe trips run through July and August and explore the Pawcatuck River, the Mystic River and Charlestown Pond.

Kids and families have their pick of programs as well. Our Summer Kids programs run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for children ages 3 – 5 and ages 6 and up.  They’ll learn about everything from honeybees to dragonflies to dinosaurs. Our new Family Drop-in programs provide the opportunity to enjoy time together at various program sites. Some of these drop-in programs are free thanks to a generous grant from the New London Water Authority.

Of course, a visit to the Nature Center’s exhibits and trails is always a good choice.  You can enjoy our beautiful wildlife sanctuary, which includes nearly 10 miles of marked walking trails through woodland, wetland and meadows.  You’ll see an array of birds, turtles, wildflowers and other fascinating wildlife.

Originally made possible through the long-term support and commitment of the Denison Society, the Nature Center is a private, non-profit organization. We are open year-round, Monday thru Saturday from 9 to 5, and Sunday from 10 to 4.  For a complete program schedule please visit www.dpnc.org.  To register for any of our programs please call 860.536.1216.

Best Wishes,
Jennifer Johnson
Director of Marketing &Communications
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

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Whether you are joining friends or family or spending a little quality time with that special someone, the Fisherman restaurant offers something for everyone.

Freshness and quality are our standards and we strive to offer our guests top quality while still providing great value.

Live entertainment happens most Fridays at The Fisherman and on Saturdays our baby grand piano gets its ivories tickled by some very accomplished artists!

We would like to remind everyone that our Palmer;s Cove Patio is open and in full swing, relaxed, casual and beautiful. We invite you to come as you are whether off of the beach or the boat or after the Esker Point Concerts the patio is the perfect place to put the icing on the cake at the end of a great day.

The Fisherman offers a tremendous amount of options for group events ranging from 10 to 200 with ample parking and wonderful water views of Fishers Island Sound and Palmers Cove.

Come and see what the new buzz is all about at The Fisherman in Noank, you’ll be glad you did!

For reservations please call 860.536.1717.

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