by Angela Olsen

National Geographic photographer Todd Gipstein presented “Geography of the Human Spirit: A Journey Through Life” at the AAUW meeting on October 14, at the Waterford Public Library.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) proudly presented a mixed media presentation entitled “Geography of the Human Spirit:  A Journey Through Life” by Groton resident Todd Gipstein at the Waterford Library, Thursday, October 14th.  Todd worked on over 70 projects as a photographer and producer for National Geographic Magazine and continues to scour the globe for images that touch the human soul.

He was pleased to share his moving presentation “Geography of the Human Spirit,” a progression of spectacular photos which he narrates live, to members of the AAUW in the Waterford Library media center.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, there is no danger of spoiling the splendor that is Todd’s collection with the written word.  That said, WOW!  We are all a part of “The Geography of the Human Spirit,” it knows no boundaries.  In one segment, Todd reveals the pictures inside an old photo album.  When asked how that idea came about he said, “I used that book as a prop for a Titanic piece for National Geographic and looked inside one day.  That is where this theme of anonymous immortality originated.”  It is deeply thought-provoking.

As the presentation progresses, certain wrongs are righted in Todd’s own way, a story about the Titanic as well as one about the Civil Rights Movement come full circle leaving not a dry eye in the house.  This ability to present events which question our own moral fiber, yet display some resolution, however minor, is part of the appeal. So many people made the ultimate sacrifice in hopes of a better tomorrow.

Fear not, there is plenty of humor and ‘warm fuzzies’ in the presentation as well.  Todd shared this voyage with a room full of women whom enjoy the efforts of the AAUW such as “advancements in equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.”

“The Geography of the Human Spirit” is a must see; it is for everyone.  We live in an uncertain time and great inspiration is within that one hour!

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story and photo
by Angela Olsen

Dr. Jim Scarles, Mystic, and Mrs. Pugsley, New London, a five year cancer survivor, volunteer on behalf of Lawrence & Memorial Hospital for the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Walk.

More than 340 walkers, determined to find a cure for breast cancer gathered at three starting points on yet another glorious and curiously warm, New England morning, Saturday, October 2nd to walk a full, half ,or quarter marathon.  The sky shone so brightly, one had to wonder if angels were smiling down upon the team-work, unity, and passion shared by so many walkers and volunteers for the common end: Find a cure for breast cancer!

Now in its fifth year, the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation, (TBBCF) is gaining notoriety within the medical community for its many strengths.  How proud Terri Brodeur and Norma Logan would be to see how far this idea has evolved! This month marks the fifth year since Terri Brodeur lost her battle with Stage IV Breast Cancer in October of 2005 at the age of 41.

The Walk Across Southeastern CT began at 7:00 am at Saybrook Point for people walking the full marathon and ended at Camp Harkness.  Driving through Waterford gave a bit of perspective into how devoted people are to finding a cure.  Over 200 volunteers lined the streets and worked the tents, keeping Norma Logan’s dream alive!

The operative word of the day was not cancer.  The word was RESEARCH!  When founding president, Norma Logan, began the TBBCF she developed the “100% pledge,” as she grew tired of watching valuable monies raised for research get absorbed by overhead and operating expenses for other non-profits.

“To date, we have raised 1.4 million to fund 15 researchers; $900K went to Dana Farber to search for a cure for breast cancer,” said Stacey Gualtieri, Treasurer, in a heartfelt speech at the closing ceremonies. “Imagine that!  Imagine it’s us!  Us giving Dana Farber $1 million to go out and fight cancer!”

Breast cancer will claim the lives of nearly 41,000 women in the United States this year, and research is the window to a cure.  That was the common theme, as Dr. Jim Scarles, Mystic, whose wife, Amelia, is a survivor said, “Our government doesn’t donate enough money.  Research is critical.  I am involved with TBBCF as a husband and as a doctor.”

The Terri Brodeur Foundation is responsible for funding some of the most elite research in the Northeast, according to John LaMattina, president. “So where does all of this money go?” he said. “We set our philosophy on the scientific advisory committee to try and identify young researchers just getting started out in their careers at some of the best research institutions in the Northeast!  And we focus on places like, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Harvard Medical School, Dana Farber Medical School, Yale and others.  The quality of the grants has been remarkable.”

“Having said that, the quality of research is remarkable – thanks to your efforts. As you were walking today, you were walking to try to help a researcher find out why breast cancer patients develop resistance to an important breast cancer drug. We’re trying to find out why women who bear children earlier in life than others are more resistant to breast cancer. We’re trying to understand why your own immune system doesn’t fight the disease.  Your work today is going toward finding answers to these questions.”

What a glorious moment in time it will be when we are speaking about breast cancer in the past tense, as a disease that now has a cure.  The dedicated walkers and volunteers are tireless in their efforts, and gaining momentum!

“We are getting closer; this is evident by the growing number of survivors who join us every year,” said Stacey Gualtieri. “Always remember Norma’s Dream, she gave us the final four months of her life and we can’t ever forget that.”

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story & photo
by Angela Olsen

(l-r) Members of the Block Island Learning Center Danielle Bates, Laurel Littlfield, with Bruce Morrow, General Manager, Valenti Subaru, Mary Sue Record, Kristin Baumann, Greta Heinz and Lyn Brown at the 2010 Car Raffle on Block Island, Saturday, September 25th. Valenti Subaru, Westerly, donated the Subaru Impreza 5-Door Outback Sport 5MT. The raffle raised over $20,000 for the Block Island Early Learning Center.

It looked as if the entire island came out on Saturday, September 25th to watch the Grand Prize Drawing for the Block Island Early Learning Center’s 2010 Car Raffle!  Onlookers waited in suspense on the field at The Oar Restaurant, for the 4th Annual Block Island Motoring Event, perhaps some envisioning themselves speeding away in the slick-new, black Subaru Impreza 5-Door Outback Sport 5 MT, donated by Valenti Subaru, Westerly.

The Resident received a warm welcome from friend of the paper, Bruce Morrow, General Manager, Valenti Subaru.  Everyone marvelled at the spectacular sunshine, temperatures in the 80’s and how we were all blessed with “one more day,” of summer!

One ticket stub holder NOT at the raffle was Catherine Puckett, who lives on Block Island with her boyfriend on their boat.  She left for the day on a tug boat, to help a friend move it toward Providence.  When her cell-phone continuously lit up and voicemail became full she was fearful of a family accident.  However, it was just her boyfriend Jamie Cassady, calling to tell her that she won a new car or $15,000 cash!

Although Catherine actually owns a Subaru, one that we hear could use some TLC, she has plans of keeping the cash, and at long last, launching her 36-foot sailboat.  She and Jamie are set to sail south for the winter!

The raffle was organized to raise money for the BIELC, a privately owned school, which means that they charge tuition; it is a licensed teaching facility by the RI Department of Children, Youth and Families and also by the RI Board of Education.  Located on Block Island at 91 Chapel Street, the mission of the BIELC is, “the purpose… is to strive to provide affordable, quality care and education for toddlers and preschool age children.  The BIELC is committed to meeting each child’s developmental needs.  As such, to the best of our ability, we work with the Block Island public school to provide appropriate services.”

“This was our first time to do a raffle and it was a big undertaking, a big risk, but it really paid off so well.  We might be able to balance our budget now,” said Laurel Littlefield ,with delight-filled laughter!

As for Catherine Puckett, the Resident wishes her “bon voyage” in her pursuit of many sun-filled days to come!  Please send some rays our way!

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Anglea has lost 15 pounds to date!

by Angela Olsen

My favorite Matchmaker and inspiration for this column returns to television on Tuesday, October 19th with a new season filmed in my home away from home, New York City!  When I think of love in The Big Apple, I think of a timeless bit of advice given to me by one of my aunts, ‘be with someone who likes you!

She imparted those words of wisdom while I was dating Charlie, my best catch to date.  Charlie had a wonderful family, he was a stockbroker, brought home roses at least twice a week and planned surprise getaways to tropical islands.  Most importantly, he really, REALLY liked me!

Since I met Patti Stanger at the Mohegan Sun Casino on Valentine’s Weekend, I’ve hit the ground running with words of advice given to me by Patti, an objective observer.  It’s proven to be beneficial and improve my overall quality of life!

Along the way, I’ve had to step back, reassess and set new benchmarks.  This is crucial in order to pay forward any mission, in this case, to reach a healthy weight.  I’ve lost 15 pounds in three weeks, and got my metabolic age down to 60 years old!  Yes – excess weight has real, medical side effects!  Scary!

As the role of food in our lives changes, it’s like peeling away layers of the proverbial onion.  There is lightness on the scale, but also an emotional reveal, as new behavior toward food eclipses the old.

I had a moment the other day, where it dawned on me, that part of my weight gain can be attributed to liking or loving someone who didn’t “like” me.  The person, by default, only picked out the negative in me, and on one’s best day, it’s tough not to own some of that, even if it’s only subconsciously.  This is where unhealthy ideas about food, for me, seemed to originate.  Thus, “be with someone who likes you,” maybe even a little more than you like them and let your attributes take the stage for change!

Like G.I. Joe always said, “Knowing is half the battle.” Now that I know, I can change!  It’s actually quite exciting!  Who knew that Patti’s litany of things I needed to fix to ready myself for true love would reveal so much!

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