Bruce Morrow, General Manager, Valenti Subaru, caught the largest fish every sent in to the Resident. Bruce’s catch is a 56lb, 54.5” striped bass caught off “The Race” a couple of weeks ago.

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Angela wears a Cynthia Rowley top with rock-n-roll stud detail from Marshalls. The emerald-tone beaded necklace and matching earrings with Swarovski crystals are one of Kristy’s creations from the “Arc General Store and Bakery, Groton. For the lusious curls in her hair, she used Chi products from TJ Maxx.

by Angela Olsen

Ready or not, Fall is in full swing, and I decided to use the change in season to mark a personal time for renewal, a fresh start, if you will, and a return to the chapter Mirror Mirror from Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti Stanger’s book: “Become Your Own Matchmaker.”  Patti hammered me for my lack of style and weight at Singles Boot Camp at the Mohegan Sun Casino on Valentine’s Weekend.

I’ve come a long way since then, but even on the journey up, it’s easy to become complacent or stagnant “in a groove,” while life happens.  For example, eating only once a day this Summer, fearful of gaining back lost pounds, actually hindered my weight loss efforts.  My friend, Jessica, pointed out eating once a day is the “Sumo Wrestler Diet.”  While sporting a red t-shirt to run errands, my friend, Julia, asked me if it was my favorite shirt since I wore it all the time!  Oops!

That plateau was busted-through, last week, losing eight-pounds, and I’m on track to do the same this week!  Now, to lose ‘my favorite shirt’ and scour the fashion scene and renew my style!

What designers sent down the runways for the Fall 2010 collections was thrilling!  I spent the past few days studying their collections around the clock for you!  Two of the largest themes are military-inspired garments, which is evident in the new cargo leggings and the closures on several coats.  Also exhilarating is “lady-chic” a return to feminine pieces, like glamorous hats, to ‘top off’ a look!

Jewel-tones are huge. The deep plums and khaki colors Chanel presented in the new makeup palette mirror the richly colored autumn leaves!  Animal prints are making a ferocious resurgence. In fact, leopard is now considered a neutral!  Modern lace was everywhere on the Gucci runways. It’s a refreshing departure from the cheap-looking 1980’s rock-video lace and revamped so that it doesn’t look like drapery.

Oscar de La Renta recently showed emerald toned jewelry on his models; reminding me of the “Emerald City.”  Thrift stores are an awesome place to find beaded accessories.  You can ‘have a leg up,’ with legwarmers – the Prada runway boasts knit versions with rosette details. Oversized, cozy, chunky sweaters were part of Chanel’s collection.  Donna Karan, true to form, had chic blacks, flattering women of all shapes and sizes.

Armed with this information, I grew excited to go shopping for my own interpretation of these runway looks! There are many videos on YouTube. My favorite is by a girl named Marlena, who is a makeup artist.  Search “makeup geek” and you will master every hot technique imaginable.  She even helped me with organizing, for example, using a desktop pen-holder for all of my makeup brushes!  Although many of the makeup she uses is expensive, she lists comparable affordable brands.  I ordered an 88-color palette and am loving it!

Most local shops are carrying designer-inspired Fall looks, and transition pieces which will work through Winter.  The prices are tangible.  The key is to make each idea unique, reflective of whom you are, and enjoy the ride!

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by Sam Mazzotta

Dear Paws4Pets: I have a 1-year-old golden retriever, “Hal,” and he has contracted puppy warts. I have been told there is no treatment for this, and the only recommendations I’ve received are to give him multivitamins and an occasional treat with honey on it. I’m hoping this will clear up in the next few weeks, as I usually put him in doggy day care two or three days a week, and they won’t allow him as this is extremely contagious. Do you have any tips on any other form of treatment that would clear this up?

— Sue, via e-mail

DEAR SUE: Unfortunately, because puppy warts are caused by a virus, there is no treatment that will cure Hal quickly. The infection has to clear up on its own. Multivitamins will help keep Hal physically strong so that his immune system keeps working to get rid of the virus, but other than that, time is the only cure.

Puppy warts normally clear up after about 45 days. Be sure to just let them go away on their own, and don’t try to remove them yourself.

It is inconvenient for your puppy to be banished from day care during this period, but hang in there. If you’re unable to stay with Hal all day or check in on him during your workday, ask a friend to stop in and spend some time with him so he’s not by himself in the house all day.

If there’s one bright spot of news, it’s this: Once Hal recovers from puppy warts, he won’t catch them again.
Question about your pet? Contact Sam at ask@pawscorner.com

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Stop in for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or dinner. They do it all – plus more – at the Mystic Market. If you stand long enough at any of the counters trying to make a decision about what to order, don’t be surprised if you hear an unsolicited testimonial, such as “Just pick anything. It’s all good.”

For breakfast, there are rolls of every description with lemon and poppy seed reputed to be among the best. No matter what the name, the size is the same: extra large. Two can easily share one of these muffins. Try a danish, which come in a variety of flavors and are also popular. Fresh baked bagels can be topped with everything from butter to sliced smoked Scottish salmon, cream cheese, red onion and tomato. Cost ranges from a low of $1.59 to a high of $7.95 for the salmon topping.

While doing the breakfast run, it may also be practical to get lunch-to-go at the same time. The array of choices is impressive. French baguette, rolls, pumpernickel, rye, wheat, spinach, sundried tomato and white tortilla are bread options.  As for fillings, there’s almost nothing that is impossible to find. Small and large grinders are also offered. You can also get a Gourmet Boxed Lunch with a choice of a Sandwich or Wrap with Pasta Salad, Fresh Cut Fruit, Mystic Chips and a Jumbo Cookie for $12.95!

Soups at the market gained a wide following. Made fresh daily, they range from an incredible New England clam chowder to a delicate carrot-ginger blend. Enjoy a salad with the soup and feast on such items as Grilled Chicken Caesar, Antipasto, Greek, or the East Market Salad with Goat Cheese or Gorgonzola.

Dinner menu items include an extensive selection of fine foods prepared fresh daily. Some favorites are Sautéed Chicken with Boursin Cheese and Spinach, Veal Creole, Grilled Red Snapper with Mango Salsa, Vegetarian Brown Rice Pie, and Grilled Fillet with Wild Mushroom Jalapeno Demi-Glaze.

A Mystic Market cookie is a must. One of the largest can be relished any time of day or night. It’s true by many accounts: “They’re all good.”

You can also view Mystic Market’s complete menu online at www.coastalgourmetct.com.

Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. For the specials of the day, call 860.536.1500 for Mystic Market West (Rt. 215) or 860.572.7992 for Mystic Market East (Rt. 1).

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Kristy, East Haddam, employee, The Arc General Store and Bakery, makes one of many sales of her lovely handmade jewelry to Representative Betsy Ritter, Waterford, at the Grand Opening on September 16th.

story & photo
by Angela Olsen

Participants and staff rolled out the red carpet at The Arc General Store and Bakery at the Thomas J. Sullivan Transition Center, 52 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton, on Thursday, September 16.  The Arc of New London County was founded in 1952 by concerned parents of persons with intellectual disabilities with the goal of teaching them a myriad of life skills.
I can say, without hesitation, that The Arc General Store and Bakery is a welcome addition, offering a lovely selection of irresistible on-site baked treats, boxed-lunches, several retail items, and handmade jewelry meticulously fashioned with a massive dose of LOVE!

As I made my way to the entrance, admiring the fun and cheerful window art, I was greeted by Paul Harvey, Director of Development.  He is a generous host, introducing me to Kim Blair, Director of Employment Services, Lori King, Chief Operations Officer, Allan Selserman, store manager and Kathleen Stauffer, the Executive Director who replaced Thomas J.Sullivan.

With my tasty cup of Cool Beans Coffee, in hand, I am treated to a VIP tour of the bright and immaculate property.  Says Paul, regarding The Arc, “We have a commitment to people’s aspiration. We want to allow them to become involved with their community in every way.”  Such a refreshing perspective!

The first stop on my tour found me in the enviable kitchen on the second floor.  Busy at work was Nick Carter, Ledyard, with several squares of puff pastry, a container of the secret apple-turnover filling and some tools of the trade.  The sweet and spicy smell of the turnovers and chocolate chip cookies danced in the air around us.  Nick loves being a part of The Arc program and starting at the Norwich facility in 2008, he proudly found himself through baking, “I always wanted to cook because my mother is a great cook!”  Well, the ‘apple-turnover’ doesn’t fall far from the tree, as I heard dozens of “oooohs” and “aaaahs” as guests sampled the goods, freshly prepared by none other than Nick!

Next stop was a chat with Allan Selserman, who was assisting Shelby Kenyon with the responsibilities of the cash register.  Allan formerly worked in corporate America as a manager for Exxon.  After the tragic loss of his son in 2008, he took a voluntary leave of absence, and eventually learned of the opportunity to work at The Arc.  “I never had a job which was so enriching as it is healing.  I watch them progress and work independently.  It’s so rewarding.”

Shelby and I became fast friends, as she showed me how to brew delicious Hazelnut coffee, and talked me through all that she learned about baking those famous turnovers!  She was extremely curious about the SK-Modified Stock Car, so we both snuck outside to have a closer look.  She pointed out The Arc logo on the car, which Allan’s family generously sponsored.  It was a good thing the keys weren’t in it, as Shelby nearly convinced me to take her for a spin!

Kristy seemed to be at every post throughout the opening, a perky young woman, with tons of energy, a contagious smile and the most amazing dimples!  First, she worked as a greeter, then as an independent cashier, from there she was helping people select gorgeous beaded jewelry.  Did I mention that she makes most of it?  I was blown away by the attention to detail, lobster claw clasps, and well, Kelly has expensive taste, using Swarovski crystals in several pieces!  I asked her to put aside some for me because they were selling fast! (See page 9 for a photo of what I purchased).
Local politicians, Representatives Eliza Wright and Betsy Ritter, as well as, Senator Andrea Stillman, gathered to present the participants with a much deserved Citation from the General Assembly and many congratulations.  Representative Betsy Ritter, Waterford, reminded those in attendance, that “the holidays are coming, and to come do some shopping since The Arc provides the community with great opportunity to show who they are!”

Kathleen recalled the severe epilepsy her aunt suffered many years ago.  She was unable to attend school and was lost in the shuffle.  “The Arc provides the social networks, community ties, and contacts that the average family might easily take for granted.  We support full inclusion.”  I say, job well done!

For more info or to download a coupon for a free turnover, please check out their website at www.thearcnl.org.

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