Alexa Shelton, Events Director, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival is excited to announce their collaboration with the Mystic Seaport on this year’s featured artwork. The design, which focuses on the restoration of the Charles W. Morgan, will be showcased on the 2010 Art Festival t-shirts as well as on the cover of the Art Guide.

The Charles W. Morgan is the last wooden whaleship in the world and the oldest commercial vessel afloat. A registered National Historic Landmark, the Morgan was built in 1841 in New Bedford, MA. The Morgan made 37 voyages during its 80-year whaling career, traveling to every ocean on the planet.  The Morgan arrived at Mystic Seaport in 1941 and is undergoing a multi-million dollar restoration project.  Much of the wood used in the restoration project is Live Oak, a species that grows only in the south and was the preeminent material for shipbuilders in the 19th century. Protected by the federal government, Live Oak can only be acquired after a natural disaster or an infrastructure project such as road construction. Much of the Live Oak for the restoration has been salvaged from Hurricanes Katrina and Ivan. These fallen trees are truly becoming part of American history.

The artist of this year’s piece, Julia Sverchuk, chose to highlight Live Oaks in her design.  Julia was born in Moscow, Russia, and moved to New York in 1994. She received her BFA at Parsons The New School of Design and also studied at Dalvero Academy. As part of her post graduate work at Dalvero, Julia and her fellow students have visited Mystic Seaport and, while focusing on the Charles W. Morgan, have all created unique individual works of art. Because of the restoration, Julia’s Live Oak: One Life for Another, truly adds a unique element to the project.

The Mystic Outdoor Art Festival Committee was delighted to collaborate with the Seaport and with Julia to feature this stunning and thoughtful piece of art work.  To pick out your own piece of art don’t miss this year’s 53rd Annual Mystic Outdoor Art Festival on August 14th and 15th, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, along the streets of historic downtown Mystic.  Views of the Mystic Seaport and the famous Mystic Drawbridge display the community’s maritime history while over 275 artists and artisans participate in this annual event, showcasing over 100,000 pieces of artwork.  For more information and to view this year’s signature art work please visit: www.mysticchamber.org

Sincerely,
Alexa Shelton
Events Director
Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

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Nancy Gray, Director of Membership and Development, The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce.

Despite the rain clouds encountered from these difficult economic times, the sun still shines on us and I’m here to talk about the good things happening in our area and to let you know that Northern New London County is very much alive and growing.

The City of Norwich for example is experiencing huge growth in the dining arena with the recent opening of five new restaurants, some introducing the diversity of new cultural foods to our area.

Starting in downtown with Miss Saigon’s Vietnamese Restaurant located on Water Street. There you are greeted by a welcoming staff and given a menu of delicious choices. Unsure what to choose, the staff will assist you to make sure you are happy with your choice. Then, there is Aki, offering a Japanese fare exquisitely displayed for a surprisingly pleasant and awesome dining experience of authentic Japanese foods made to perfection. They are located on Main Street, across from the old YMCA building.

For an outdoor choice, feast your eyes and appetite on The Surf and Turf Restaurant located at the Norwich Marina, a place you will want to frequent during the hot summer months, for a cool drink and great food from sandwiches to entrees, there is something for everyone’s palette in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Moving north to Norwichtown you will discover Prime 82, just off exit 82 from Route 395, West Town Street in the Courtyard Marriott, with its jazzy décor, music, super service and great choices on the menu, they are sure to make your dining experience memorable.  Just a little further down the road, you will find the newly re-opened Yantic River Inn, under new management, serving up a delicious early morning breakfast to a late night menu at the bar. Yantic River  Inn and Prime 82 both offer banquet facilities for private parties.

The choices for dining in Northern New London County are endless.  For a complete list of our member restaurants, pubs and cafes please visit our website at www.norwichchamber.com.  There you will find restaurants offering, Irish, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Fresh Seafood, Chinese, Cape Verdean, Portuguese, Mediterranean and Polish cuisines.  So here you have it… add us to your summer fun for your next dining experience!  Bon Appetite!

The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of our supporting role to businesses in the communities we serve to include Griswold, Lisbon, Sprague, Preston, Montville, Ledyard, Bozrah, Franklin, Salem and Norwich.  If you or someone you know has a business and is in need of connecting and networking call me at 860.608.6165.

And lastly, we are always looking for good people. If you would like to get on a volunteer list to assist on various projects and fun events at the Chamber, please give us a call at 860.887.1647.

Sincerely,
Nancy Gray
Director of Membership and Development
The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce

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Mitchell Grossinger Etess, President and CEO, Mohegan Sun

June is always a very exciting time of year at Mohegan Sun. I think we share the same sentiment as many Southeastern CT residents — there’s a certain buzz and excitement in our region each year as the temperatures warm up, the leaves on the trees are out and we know that summer is upon us.

Here in Mystic Country, we’re often at our best in the summer. Tourists from all over the country, and many times, within our own state, visit our beautiful beaches, wooded trails, great family attractions and our non-stop entertainment offerings.

The Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau is in full swing now with a marketing and media plan that will directly assist our region in attracting tourism consumers. The GMVB website, mystic.org, is up and running and is an incredible new resource for potential visitors and local businesses.  I would like to thank Dr. Stephen Coan and Peter Glankoff of Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration for their leadership on these efforts, as well as, Ed Dombroskas from the Eastern Regional Tourism District and George Galinsky, who has been involved on behalf of Mohegan Sun. Countless business and industry leaders have rallied together again, as has been done so many times in the past, to support Greater Mystic.  This is especially important this year with the lack of any state funding to promote and draw visitors to the region.

Along with our partnerships within the region for the upcoming tourism season, here at Mohegan Sun, we’re gearing up for what we know will be a very exciting summer.

Our 13th Annual Hot Summer Fun celebration begins on July 1st and we’re thrilled to bring back our Wild Wednesdays parties/fireworks on the rooftop of the Riverview Garage, special deals throughout the rest of the week and some of the best concerts touring this summer. In fact, during Hot Summer Fun, we’ll host 144 shows and events in just 64 days, with something for everyone in Mohegan Sun Arena, The Cabaret Theatre, the Wolf Den and The Shops at Mohegan Sun. Many of these great shows and events are also free.

I hope that we see you for Hot Summer Fun and that this season, you’ll be able to enjoy our region’s great resources and offerings. Have a fantastic summer!

Sincerely,
Mitchell Grossinger Etess
President and CEO
Mohegan Sun

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Christian E. Porter, Operations Manager, Grossman’s Seafood Inc.

We Need Volunteers!

Sunday, July 18, from 11:00am-4:00pm, Grossman’s Seafood Inc., will host the 2nd Annual Operation Lobster Dinner. This year’s event will be larger and we are looking for over 70 volunteers.

As you may know, Operation Lobster Dinner was created to express gratitude to our military neighbors and their families, for all the sacrifices they make for each and every one of us. Often, we forget about the families, whose sacrifice is as important as the soldiers themselves. On July 18th we plan to provide 600 lobster dinners which will include: lobster, steamers, drawn butter, corn on the cob, baked potato, coleslaw, dinner rolls, etc… at no charge to these families. The event will also feature live bands and children activities including, moonwalk and face painting.

This year we have some great enhancements.

1. Increased Lobster dinners from 500 to 600.
2. The National Guard will provide a Color Guard, helicopter and heavy equipment for display.
3. Work Vessels for Veterans will again provide a vehicle to a returning veteran and is also working on other gifts.
4. A special scholarship program will be set up to provide financial support for a military family.

The cost for this event is large, but as we learned last year, the support from Local businesses and organizations was terrific.

This year, we hope that you are just as passionate about this as we are, and provide financial support. Your donation will help pay for the cost of this event, with all additional proceeds going to Work Vessels for Veterans and our Scholarship Program.

The event will be held at Grossman’s Seafood at 479 Goldstar Highway, Groton.

If you would like more information please call Christian or Sean at 860.448.9273 or you can e-mail Christian at christian.grossman@sbcglobal.net.

We are looking forward to another great event!

Thank you and God Bless,
Christian E. Porter
Operations Manager
Grossman’s Seafood Inc.

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

On Saturday and Sunday, June 5 & 6, residents from across the state will hit the trails to take part in the 18th Annual CT Trails Day Celebration.  Coordinated by the CT Forest & Park Association (CFPA), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to conserving CT’s land, trails, and natural resources, this long-standing event celebrates the state’s spectacular trails, and the many joys and benefits they provide.  With more than 160 events statewide taking place, there will be something for everyone-including hiking, biking, trail maintenance, kayaking, educational walks, bird watching, geocaching, and more.

Once again, CT will hold the record for the largest Trails Day celebration in the nation, with events scheduled in over 88 towns throughout the state.  These events are guided by knowledgeable volunteers from local hiking clubs, parks and recreation departments, state agencies, conservation groups and land trusts.  Every year, Trails Day inspires thousands of Nutmeggers to participate in activities that educate the importance of nature, promote healthy living and mental well-being, and protect and instill excitement for the outdoors.

The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is hosting two events in honor of Trails Day.  One event is a guided hike along the Avalonia Trail at the Nature Center.  This lesser-traveled trail winds by beautiful ledges and vernal pools.  The hike is free and runs from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Heavy rain will cancel.  Please call 860.536.1216 to register.

A second free event, an Exploration of a Pitch Pine Ridge, is co-sponsored by the CT Botanical Society and begins at 10 a.m.  This 22-acre Pitch Pine and oak savanna is unusual in CT.  We hope to document the associated tree, shrub and herbaceous species found there.  To join this outing, please call 860.536.1216 to register.  Heavy rain will cancel.

A full listing of CT Trails Day events is published by CFPA in an annual CT Trails Day booklet.  For more information and to view an electronic version of the event booklet, visit www.ctwoodlands.org.

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.  We are located at 109 Pequotsepos Rd. in Mystic.  For more information, please visit www.dpnc.org or call 860.536.1216.

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

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John Niekrash, president, Work Vessels for Veterans, Inc.

We are writing this letter of thanks in advance of an event which will change the lives of many returning Military Veterans who, having served this nation will be transitioning to civilian life.  With a 26% unemployment rate, Work Vessels for Veterans, Inc. has determined a tremendous need to provide a leg up for these courageous veterans pursueing educational opportunities or entering the business world as entrepreneurs.

Work Vessels began in 2008 when a local Lobsterman donated a boat to a returning marine who wished to make a living off the water.  The marine, from RI, Rich Giguere, started his business and was subsequently recalled and is now serving, again, in Afghanistan.

Other Veterans have been given over 100 Laptop Computers to assist in their search for a career and others were given more than 10 vehicles to form a business on their own.  Recently, Work Vessels purchased 8 acres of land in Jacksonville, FL to assist a disabled Vet, Adam Burke, pursue his blueberry business, which hires other disabled Vets and teaches them how to farm and maintain a business. A thirty-year lease at $1.00 a year removes the pressure of a mortgage and allows Adam to focus on blueberries, not banks.

The WVFV message has been heard around the country and has acquired hundreds of donors and people willing to do all they can to help out.

An great example of this spirit will be found at The Garde Arts Center on June 4th, 2010.  A fundraising concert featuring Rock’n Roll Hall of Famer  -  Dave Mason (Traffic) and Kal David (Fabulous Rhinestones) and the Real Deal. Opening will be Natalie Gelman, a bright new talent with a wonderful voice and a fond attachment to Work Vessels’ entertainment events.

As I opened, we are thanking you in advance for attending the concert which will be the start of more to come given a success this time.  Helping our Veterans succeed is the least we can do given their sacrifices for us. Please contact The Garde Arts Center at 860.444.7373 x1 for tickets and support our effort to help as many Vets as we can. 

This will be a concert you will never forget, with grateful ceremony and recognition of service to our country by current Vets and those from the Greatest Generation. Be prepared to swell with pride and listen to some of America’s great guitar legends in support of Work Vessels for Veterans, Inc.

Sincerely,
John Niekrash
President
Work Vessels for Veterans, Inc.

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Cindy Arpin, RN, Stroke Program Coordinator, The William W. Backus Hospital

Because 80 percent of strokes are preventable, it is important for people to be aware of their risk factors and the warning signs of stroke.

• Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke, with 795,000 strokes annually in the United States.

We’ve made advances medically with new  treatment options, but it is really up to the public to be aware of the warning signs and to call 911, because the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome.

Most people don’t die from a stroke, but they become disabled.  The long term affects of stroke are huge for both the patient and their family. In fact, stroke is the No. 1 cause of disability and the No. 3 cause of death in the U.S.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Controllable medical risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol and diabetes and controllable lifestyle risk factors include smoking and tobacco use, alcohol use, physical inactivity and obesity. Obviously, it is important to know your risk factors and to control the ones you can.

Symptoms of a stroke can be outlined in the FAST response method – Face, Arms, Speech and Time. Does one side of the face droop? Does one arm drift downwards when both arms are held up? Is speech slurred? If a person shows any of these symptoms, time is important, call 911 immediately.

And if there is an emergency, residents of Eastern Connecticut are lucky to have a state designated Primary Stroke Center at Backus, meaning it offers rapid, high quality, evidenced based care as a part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program.

Sincerely,
Cindy Arpin, RN
Stroke Program Coordinator
The William W. Backus Hospital

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Amey Marrella, Commissioner, CT Department of Environmental Protection

On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans showed their support for environment protection on the first Earth Day.

The day reflected growing public concern over the state of our nation’s environment and helped to foster the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  Within a few years, Congress enacted the federal Clean Air Act (1970), the federal Clean Water Act (1972), and a new law to control hazardous wastes, known as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976).

This April 22, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, offers an occasion to celebrate the progress we have made while acknowledging the environmental challenges that we must still tackle.

In the early years of environmental protection, efforts focused on large facilities like power plants, factories and sewage treatment plants.  We were able to dramatically limit pollution from these sources while allowing our economy to grow.  We now see that a clean environment and robust economy are complementary – not conflicting – goals.  Through pollution prevention strategies such as production innovation, smart land use and “green” construction we can continue to grow and prosper in a manner that is environmentally sustainable.

Connecticut has made a strong start down this path through energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources, improved land use policies and expanded public transportation.  And Connecticut companies are increasingly focused on improving both their environmental footprints and their bottom lines.

On Earth Day this year, I hope you will visit the State Capitol in Hartford to participate in special Earth Day activities.  There are also many actions that each one of us can take, every day, to live in a more sustainable way.  I encourage you to visit DEP’s website to find out 40 things you can do to help Connecticut’s environment.

Earth Day activities at the State Capitol will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 22.  For more details about Earth Day in Connecticut, activities at the State Capitol, and what you can do, please visit www.ct.gov/dep/Earthday.

Sincerely,
Amey Marrella
Commissioner
CT Department of Environmental Protection

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