Archives for June 2014

Add Seafood to Your Family’s Diet

Add Seafood to Your Family’s Diet

Introduce a new protein your family will love

Quick-and-Easy Cheesy Gulf Shrimp Nachos

(Family Features) The easiest way to get the family together for a meal is with a delicious, homemade dish with tasty ingredients, such as protein-packed shrimp.

There are many scrumptious reasons for including shrimp into your family’s diet. In fact, the American Heart Association and other experts recommend eating seafood at least twice a week, and the FDA just announced this year that pregnant women should consume between 8-12 ounces of seafood a week. It’s easy to work towards this dietary goal by introducing Gulf shrimp into your diet. This versatile protein is easy to prepare; has a wonderfully salty and fresh flavor from the nutrient-rich environment in which it is caught; and is also widely available fresh and frozen at your local grocery.

Better-for-you benefits

Flavorful Gulf shrimp contains high-quality protein and a variety of essential nutrients, such as vitamins B-6 and B-12. Plus, it’s a natural source of vitamin D, low in saturated fat and offers healthy omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Simple substitutions

Add flair and flavor to your family’s meal routine (and keep the kids happy) with these easy meal ideas that incorporate Gulf shrimp:

  • Breakfast: Dice it up and add to omelets with fresh vegetables, such as sautéed spinach and tomatoes.
  • Lunch: Perk up your midday meal by adding it to salads and tortilla soups.
  • Appetizer or snack: Serve with simple cocktail sauce for a no-fuss crowd pleaser, or a light stick-with-you snack.
  • Dinner: Mix it into spaghetti sauce and serve on a bed of whole wheat pasta.

For more great Gulf shrimp recipe ideas, visit www.eatgulfseafood.com.

Quick-and-Easy Cheesy Gulf Shrimp Nachos

Ingredients

  • 1/4 pound tortilla chips
  • 1 cup low-sodium black beans, cooked, rinsed and drained
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheese
  • 1/2 pounds small fresh or frozen Gulf shrimp (or large shrimp cut into bite-sized pieces), boiled and peeled
  • 1 large tomato, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup scallions, diced
  • Low-fat or fat-free sour cream (optional)
  • Salsa (optional)
  • Fresh guacamole (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to broil. In large, oven-proof platter, place tortilla chips in single layer. Sprinkle black beans and half of cheese on top of chips, then evenly distribute shrimp on top. Add diced tomato as next layer, then cover with remaining cheese.
  2. Cook under broiler for roughly 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.
  3. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish nachos with sliced scallions, and top with sour cream, salsa and guacamole.

Serves
2-4 servings

Notes, Tips & Suggestions
Recipe provided to the Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition by Chef Justin Timineri of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Total Time:
10 minutes

SOURCE:
Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition



A Healthier Relationship

Money Tips for a Healthier Relationship

(Family Features) The way someone saves and spends money can tell you a lot about them, and it can also impact how one chooses a future partner.

In fact, according to an April 2014 Valpak® Consumer Survey, 74 percent of panelists said they find people who save money responsibly more attractive, which is sparking a new relationship trend — savers, not spenders — are the new sexy. While expensive getaways and lavish gifts are nice to fantasize about, couples are finding enjoyment in celebrating the savings and practicing smart budgeting together.

With wedding season well underway this summer, and the national average wedding spend at an all-time high, the topic of money savings is front-and-center with couples nationwide. Renowned relationship expert Dr. Terri Orbuch, better known as The Love Doctor®, is the director of a landmark study called “The Early Years of Marriage Project,” funded by the National Institutes of Health. In her research, she has followed the same 373 married couples for more than 27 years.

“When couples don’t talk openly about money, it can become a sensitive subject and lead to conflict,” said Dr. Orbuch. “As a result, couples learn to avoid serious money conversations that need to happen.”

Four easy steps

Dr. Orbuch has developed four simple money strategies to foster a healthier relationship based on her expert research and observation of couples for more than two decades.

  1. Don’t let finances come between you

My research shows that in the early years of a relationship, money is the number one source of conflict. Too often, disagreements about finances have little to do with the money itself and more to do with other issues within the relationship. When a financial issue comes up, ask yourself if it’s really a money problem or if it’s a relationship problem. Think carefully as you discuss money issues with your partner to make sure there isn’t a larger problem at the core.

  1. Focus on smart saving

Studies show that being financially responsible (or saving smart) can increase the romantic desire between you and your partner. People who focus on saving smart are seen as more desirable and attractive, than those who spend excessively. This is because savers are viewed as responsible, trustworthy and more committed to the relationship.

  1. Have a direct and specific conversation

When you sit down with your partner to have a “money chat,” start with simple, direct questions like, “What are we spending?” or “How can we save?”  If talking about money is new or difficult for you as a couple, start with this approach. If one person in the couple is more familiar with handling finances, keep the language as straightforward as possible with a positive tone.

  1. Keep things exciting and new

It is very common for a relationship to fall into a rut. It becomes routine and humdrum, and partners start feeling as though they are missing all the good things that make relationships exciting. Reignite the excitement in your relationship by trying novel or surprising things together as a couple like a different cuisine. Take advantage of great Valpak® offers in your Valpak envelope and on the Valpak mobile app for activities you can both try for the first time together such as amusement park tickets, or quaint local restaurants.

When you’re prepared with a few financial tips, you’ll have everything you both need to keep your relationship strong and healthy. For more money-saving tips, visit the Valpak Behind The Blue Blog.

 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Valpak



Tom Cantone’s Book Release Party

TOM CANTON BOOK Slider

Tom Cantone, Mohegan Sun’s Senior VP, is one of the nation’s top entertainment executives who has been a leading trendsetter in the entertainment, resort and casino industry. His marketing leadership has revolutionized casino entertainment. Venue’s Today Magazine best summed it up, “Tom has honed a highly effective marketing strategy that has helped build the entire casino industry.”

BOOK’EM covers some 250 major debuts, including: Eddie Murphy, One Direction, Jennifer Lopez, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Jerry Seinfeld, Taylor Swift, The Dixie Chicks, Billy Crystal, Pink, Robin Williams, Ke$ha, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and even The Sopranos, to name a few.

WATCH VIDEO FROM TOM CANTONE’S

BOOK RELEASE PARTY!

Tom Cantone’s “Boom ‘Em” Release Party at the Friars Club, June 3, 2014 from Marc Cantone on Vimeo.

Area Students Graduate From Pomfret School-Diplomas and Awards are presented at 120th Commencement

POMFRET, CT (06/13/2014)(readMedia)– With faculty, students, family and friends looking on, the 105 members of the class of 2014 were honored on Sunday, May 25, at Pomfret School’s 120th Commencement. Addressing the students was Dr. James Rothman ’67, Yale University professor, Pomfret Trustee; and recipient, in December 2013, of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Dr. Rothman, who last fall referred to the importance of following what is “deeply in your heart,” spoke to the students on May 25 about “Patience and Urgency.”

Alicia Brisson of Colchester was among the 105 graduates who received a diploma from Head of School Tim Richards (P ’15) and Board President Charles Wilmerding (P ’11, ’14) and an enthusiastic congratulatory handshake from the Nobel laureate. Alicia was one of thirteen who earned membership in the Cum Laude Society, a national fellowship of scholars which recognizes “excellence in academic work.” She was also presented with a Faculty Award, which is given to a senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, deserves special recognition.

Dr. Rothman gave the 105 graduates three career constellations by which to navigate their post-Pomfret lives: “Differentiate”; “Focus on long-term value”; and “Develop your leadership and teamwork skills.” Because, he explained, “you are graduating at a time of profound change and ferment the likes of which we have not seen for half a century.” With the scientist’s eye, he presented what he saw as the fertile dynamics of patience and urgency. “Patience: Have a long-term goal. Stick with it. Set achievable short-term goals but never lose the big picture,” he said. To make it work, “Urgency: Pursue [that] long-term goal as if every day matters–because it does.”

Mark Kozlowski of Oakdale was among the 105 graduates who received a diploma from Head of School Tim Richards (P ’15) and Board President Charles Wilmerding (P ’11, ’14) and an enthusiastic congratulatory handshake from the Nobel laureate.

Dr. Rothman gave the 105 graduates three career constellations by which to navigate their post-Pomfret lives: “Differentiate”; “Focus on long-term value”; and “Develop your leadership and teamwork skills.” Because, he explained, “you are graduating at a time of profound change and ferment the likes of which we have not seen for half a century.” With the scientist’s eye, he presented what he saw as the fertile dynamics of patience and urgency. “Patience: Have a long-term goal. Stick with it. Set achievable short-term goals but never lose the big picture,” he said. To make it work, “Urgency: Pursue [that] long-term goal as if every day matters–because it does.”

Founded in 1894 and coeducational since 1968, Pomfret School is an independent college preparatory boarding and day school for approximately 360 students in grades 9 through 12 and postgraduates, and the more than 40 faculty members involved in their lives. Set on 500 acres in the celebrated Last Green Valley of Northeastern Connecticut, Pomfret offers eight academic disciplines, 19 AP and 16 Honors courses, over 100 elective courses; 25 sports options, and numerous opportunities to participate in community outreach and service programs. At Pomfret we endeavor to teach, guide, and above all, inspire.

Clark University awards Spring 2014 Dean’s List, second honors

WORCESTER, MA (06/12/2014)(readMedia)– The following area students have been named to second honors on the Clark University Dean’s List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Spring 2014 semester.

Joshua Adams of Colchester

Lloyd Schramm of Norwich

Joel Simonson of Waterford

Leah Simonson of Waterford

To be eligible for first honors, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, of a maximum of 4.3 (all A+s).

Founded in 1887 in Worcester, Massachusetts, Clark University is a small, liberal arts-based research university addressing social and human imperatives on a global scale. Nationally renowned as a college that changes lives, Clark is emerging as a transformative force in higher education today. LEEP (Liberal Education and Effective Practice) is Clark’s pioneering model of education that combines a robust liberal arts curriculum with life-changing world and workplace experiences. Clark’s faculty and students work across boundaries to develop solutions to complex challenges in the natural sciences, psychology, geography, management, urban education, Holocaust and genocide studies, environmental studies, and international development and social change. The Clark educational experience embodies the University’s motto: Challenge convention. Change our world.

Local Students Named to Dean’s List at University of Delaware

NEWARK, DE (06/12/2014)(readMedia)– Local students have been named to the University of Delaware‘s Dean’s List for the 2014 spring semester.

Students from the area include:

Alexandra Buckingham of East Lyme.

Hannah Grant of New London.

Summer Grant of New London.

Rebecca Lillquist of East Lyme.

Rebecca Runkle of Lebanon.

Philip Tornquist of Mystic.

Courtney Vinchesi of Old Lyme.

To meet eligibility requirements for the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.33 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester.

Area students earn first academic honors at Clark University

WORCESTER, MA (06/11/2014)(readMedia)– Clark University is proud to announce that the following area residents have been named to first honors on the Clark University Dean’s List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Spring 2014 semester.

Felicia Bakaj of Lebanon

Alexander Guitar of Lyme

Eli Simonson of Waterford

To be eligible for first honors, students must have a grade point average of 3.8 or higher, of a maximum of 4.3 (all A+s).

Founded in 1887 in Worcester, Massachusetts, Clark University is a small, liberal arts-based research university addressing social and human imperatives on a global scale. Nationally renowned as a college that changes lives, Clark is emerging as a transformative force in higher education today. LEEP (Liberal Education and Effective Practice) is Clark’s pioneering model of education that combines a robust liberal arts curriculum with life-changing world and workplace experiences. Clark’s faculty and students work across boundaries to develop solutions to complex challenges in the natural sciences, psychology, geography, management, urban education, Holocaust and genocide studies, environmental studies, and international development and social change. The Clark educational experience embodies the University’s motto: Challenge convention. Change our world. ?

McDonald’s® and CT Association of Schools Honor Local Students as State’s Top Scholar-Atheletes

 

GLASTONBURY (June 2014)- High school seniors from Baltic, Colchester, East Lyme, Griswold, Groton, Lebanon, Ledyard, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Old Lyme, Stonington, and Waterford were recognized as the state’s top scholar-athletes at the 2014 Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) Scholar-Athlete Banquet sponsored by McDonald’s.  A 31-year sponsor of the program with a longstanding commitment to educational programs in Connecticut, McDonald’s joined CAS to honor the following local students as the best of the best in the state:

 

Bridget Holte, Academy Of The Holy Family, Baltic

 

Kathryn Stevens and Nathaniel Baldi, Bacon Academy, Colchester

 

Jenna Schumacher and Matthew Lin, East Lyme High School, East Lyme

 

Kristen Drobiak and Adam Davis, Griswold High School, Griswold

 

Sarah Dinovelli and Joseph Conahan, Robert E. Fitch High School, Groton

 

Ambar Rivera and Thomas Kane, Ella T. Grasso Southeasten Technical High School, Groton

 

Alyssa Tacchi and Christopher Konow, Lyman Memorial High School, Lebanon

 

Arianna Fustini and Zachary Higgins, Ledyard High School, Ledyard

 

Jamie Hill and Daniel Linkinhoker, Montville High School, Montville

 

Brittney Walenta and Anthony Malchiodi, St. Bernard School, Montville

 

Bianca Timpano and Zavier Veliz, New London High School, New London

 

Jessica Morgan and Troy Stefanski, Wheeler High School, North Stonington

 

Hannah Long and Aidan Karam, Norwich Free Academy, Norwich

 

Sheyanne Biltcliffe and Douglas Babbitt, Norwich Technical High School, Norwich

 

Hannah Behringer and David Peck, Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Old Lyme

 

Emily Cassata and Collin Esquirol, Stonington High School, Stonington

 

Alexandra Moger and Alan Luner, Waterford High School, Waterford

 

 

 

“McDonald’s is proud to partner with CAS to honor this year’s high school scholar-athletes from all across Connecticut.  We congratulate the state’s top students who are prominent in their academic and athletic achievement,” says Rachel Deane, McDonald’s owner/operator and president of the Connecticut and Western Massachusetts McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association.

 

 

 

The Connecticut High School Scholar-Athlete 2014 Awards Banquet is the largest program of its type in the state. Only one male and one female student are eligible for the award through a nomination from their principal for: demonstrating exemplary academic and athletic careers including participating in an interscholastic athletics; possessing personal standards and achievements that are a model to others; exhibiting outstanding school; and community service and carrying themselves with high levels of integrity, self-discipline and courage.

 

Thomas Scanlon of Uncasville graduates from James Madison University

HARRISONBURG, VA (06/10/2014)(readMedia)– Thomas Matthew Scanlon of Uncasville graduated with a degree(s) in Public Administration – MPA from James Madison University during the May 10, 2014 commencement exercises.

Scanlon was among more than 3,500 students who received undergraduate, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degrees.

James Madison University offers each student a future of significance — not an education of mere prestige, but an extraordinary education of exceptional scholarship, inventive thinking, unparalleled attention to the world community, a university-wide enthusiasm for teaching, and a commitment to student success.

Local Students Named to Stonehill College Spring Semester Dean’s List

EASTON, MA (06/10/2014)(readMedia)– To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed successfully all courses for which they were registered.

Erin C. Doherty of East Lyme.

Molly A. Kalla of Norwich.

Abby E. Singer of Mystic.

Christina E. Szczesny of Mystic.

Alexandra G. Trausch of Old Lyme.

Stonehill is a selective Catholic college located near Boston on a beautiful 384-acre campus in Easton, Massachusetts. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, the College engages over 2,500 students in 80+ rigorous academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional fields. The Stonehill community helps students to develop the knowledge, skills, and character to meet their professional goals and to live lives of purpose and integrity.