Dr. Diane Pomerance

I want to show everyone how to make your family happier — and save a life at the same time — in October.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) sponsors October as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month to encourage Americans to turn their houses into homes by adopting a shelter dog. Each year, millions of dogs enter our nation’s shelters, yet of the almost 59 million owned dogs in this country, fewer than 20 percent are shelter adoptees.

I am an activist who owned more than 40 shelter dogs in my lifetime and I think it’s a shame that more people don’t adopt from a shelter, because the most faithful, healthy and loving dogs are waiting there for new homes.

People sometimes don’t go to animal shelters to adopt a dog, because they have a lot of misinformation about these animals, They think, ‘I don’t want to inherit someone else’s problem,’ or they simply think all the dogs there are abused or hard to train, or that they won’t be able to find the breed that they want. All of those notions couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, up to nearly 60 percent of dogs in shelters are not strays, but pets whose families had to give them up because of a loss of income or a change in location. These are faithful, loving dogs who just need a home and some love.”

The key is to know how to choose the right pet for your family:

Breed – Check online about the different breeds, their temperament, health & physical characteristics. Find out all you can about the specific animal from shelter workers and volunteers.

Lifestyle — Think about your lifestyle and personality in terms of the kind of dog that would be more compatible with your home and your living situation.

Activity level — Assess the activity level and exercise requirements of the dog you are considering. Are you able to walk your dog several times a day and play with him?

Age — Figure out what age of the animal is best suited to you and your family. Which is more compatible with your age and lifestyle? Do you want an active puppy that needs attention and training, a middle-aged dog with established behaviors, or an older, less active dog?

Time – Do you have enough time for a quality relationship with a dog? Like children, they require attention, companionship, patience and interaction. They also require socialization and obedience training.

Budget – Research the costs of not only adopting a pet (adoption fee), but veterinary care, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, potential injuries or illness, regular checkups, toys, accessories, etc. Factor in costs of food, pet sitters or boarding while you’re away. Keep in mind many pet shelters offer these services as part of the adoption fee, or at a discounted rate because many are not-for-profit organizations supported by private donations.

Space – Do you have sufficient room for a dog to move, eat and sleep comfortably? Further, are you legally allowed to have a dog on the premises/in your community? If you rent, make sure you are legally allowed to have a pet.

Shelter – Find out as much about the shelter from which you are adopting your pet as possible – what is its reputation?  Is it a kill or no-kill shelter? What is the track record of the successful adoption of its dogs?

Adopting a shelter dog is a lifetime choice, as these pets will likely spend the rest of their lives with you, and it is not something that should be taken lightly. That being said, it is a positive choice, and one that will bring joy and love into your home and provide your family a loyal, caring companion.”

Sincerely,
Dr. Diane Pomerance
Author, Our Rescue Dog Family Album

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Peter Derosa, Program Director, Montville Joshua Center, Natchaug Hospital

Yes, children can experience depression, including forms of the disease that can be life-threatening. October, National Depression Month, reminds us that depression is a treatable illness affecting nearly 10% of the adult population in the United States, plus 12% of the adolescents and 3% of young children, including pre-schoolers.

Depression can lead to suicide, which is the fifth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 5 to 14 years age, and the third leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15 and 24.  The rate of suicide for those ages 10 to 14 has doubled in the past 20 years.

Depression can range from mild to severe, the mildest being sad feelings in response to a sad situation.  This is normal.  Parents should assure children that sadness or depression is nothing to be ashamed of while not minimizing their feelings: what may be an insignificant issue for an adult, may be a major issue for a child.

If depressive symptoms persist, say several months, then it may be a form of depression called dysthymia. If the symptoms interfere with daily functioning, such as school or friends, professional counseling may help.  Outpatient counseling is usually the first choice and only if this is unsuccessful will other options, such as medication, be considered.  Clinical depression, a physical disease that is more serious, responds well to treatment.  A combination of medications and “talk therapy” assures the best chance for recovery from serious depression.

Children who take medications must be monitored closely.  Sometimes several different medications need to be tried before finding the most effective one, and the best dosage. Unfortunately, it may take 2-6 weeks before an improvement is noticed.  Medicines such as St. John’s Wort have been used to treat depression in adults but their effectiveness in children has not been adequately studied and there is no evidence that these therapies are safe for use by children.  St. John’s Wort can also interfere with other medicines, including antidepressants.

In summary, depression may be mild, moderate or severe, determined by how intrusive and persistent the symptoms are.  Do not be afraid to ask for help and remember, the earlier the intervention, the greater the chance for a full recovery.

Natchaug Hospital, quietly helping people recover from mental illness for the past 50 years, provides treatment at 10 sites in Eastern Connecticut.  For more information, visit www.natchaug.org, or call 860.456.1311

Sincerely,
Peter Derosa
Program Director
Montville Joshua Center, Natchaug Hospital

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Lisa Konicki, Executive Director, Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce

Fall is probably the best time to visit this beautiful region and enjoy all that is has to offer.  The beaches are pristine and far less crowded, and there are numerous events to put on your calendar.  Fortunately, many of them feature wonderful culinary offerings from our fabulous local chefs.

The good times begin with the 6th Annual Brews and Blues Beer Tasting at the Hilton Mystic on Thursday, September 23, 6-9pm.  Enjoy delicious foods from 18 area restaurants along with samples of 30 different beers.  The popular local blues band Karl Kelly will be performing live which always guarantees a great time.  Admission is just $25 and the event sells out annually, so be sure to buy your tickets soon.

The 1st Annual Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Restaurant Week will be a culinary celebration like no other.  Nearly 20 restaurants are participating by offering 3-course, price-fixed menus for lunch and dinner.  It’s a culinary celebration that will be a feast for the senses.  Broaden your food horizons by trying out some of the region’s finest eateries at tantalizing prices.  There will be great music to enjoy as well.  Several local musicians are donating their talents in support of this dine-local program, including Pat Kirker, Kenyon Murphy, and jazz duo Sam Slater & Andy Kawabata.  Be sure to visit www.westerlychamber.org for a list of participating restaurants, menus, recipes, entertainment, and all the delicious details.

The 16th Annual Wine Tasting by the Sea will take place on Thursday, October 28 at the spectacular new Ocean House, Watch Hill, from 6-8pm.  More than 80 varieties of wines will be showcased along with food from 18 area restaurants.  Painist Michael Campbell will perform.  Admission is $35 and the Ocean House view alone is worth that!

The 8th Annual ATHENA AWARD will be celebrated on October 21 at Lake of Isles, North Stonington.  This internationally recognized program will honor six outstanding community members for excelling in their careers, helping women achieve leadership roles, and providing extensive community service.  We will be celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Barbara Silver of Stonington, Sue Cowley of North Stonington and Westerly residents Julie Manfred, Maria Allen, Patti Hartford and Mary Ellen Buckley.   Scholarship awards will also be presented that evening to local youth who have balanced academic excellence with a commitment to community service.  Tickets are $40 each.

For more information on these and other events, feel free to contact our office at 401.596.7761 or visit us on line at www.westerlychamber.org.

Sincerely,
Lisa Konicki
Executive Director
Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area
Chamber of Commerce

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Tony Sheridan, President and CEO, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT

Eastern CT is a region that has many opportunities for people to secure a bright future.  We have a talent pool that is deep and we have many vibrant business and community organizations dedicated to keeping alive the entrepreneurial spirit and enhancing the quality of life here.

At the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT, we work daily to help promote the region as a good place to grow businesses, and a wonderful place to live and raise a family. It is our 100th year of doing this.

With a national economy that seems to be stuck in low gear and creeping along the road to recovery, it would be easy to be ambivalent about our future, or even pessimistic. I do not share that downcast view.  While we are not immune to the nation’s economic state, and we have challenges, I think eastern CT has what it takes to emerge from the downturn stronger than ever.

There are plenty of reasons to think positively about the future of our region. We have an educated workforce and an enviable quality of life. In that regard there have been some promising signs of late.

The tourism sector of our economy is busy and building upon its long and enviable record of accomplishment. It is a sector that we must pay attention to and support and this is why we have joined with a state-wide coalition to sponsor a jobs rally, September 29, in Hartford.

Certainly, the decision of Electric Boat to relocate a large portion of its workforce to New London was good news for that city and the region. It is a reflection of a strong demand for its product.  It is also important to remind ourselves that Pfizer chose to concentrate its New London operations back in Groton, this preserving a number of high-paying jobs in our area.

Not only that, there are small start-up companies working quietly in a variety of cutting-edge endeavors, harnessing the creative energies of many, from those working in the green industry to those in the bio-sciences.

Another positive note occurred recently in Norwich, where ground was broken for the intermodal transportation center. This is but one step, and others will have to be taken by the state elsewhere in the region. Improved transportation infrastructure will be critical to helping us realize our economic potential in eastern CT.

Later this year, we will celebrate 100 years of working for businesses in eastern CT with an anniversary ball at the Mystic Marriott. I invite you to contact our office and register to attend. You will be with business and community leaders from throughout the region, the very best we have who are working daily to make our part of CT an even better place than it already is. Plus, it will be a fun time.

Sincerely,
Tony Sheridan
President and CEO
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT

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James A. Boucher, Director of Sales, The Spa at Norwich Inn

If you hold a leadership position in business, you are probably planning your strategies and budgets for 2011. Getting out of the office for a change of scene has been known to increase the quality of the work that you and your key staff need to produce. An off-site meeting helps clear the mind, improve focus and encourage new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Many clients have told us that bringing their people to The Spa at Norwich Inn for a meeting has been well worth their time.

The Spa at Norwich Inn affords an exceptional setting. Featuring the latest in meeting technology, comfort and convenience, we offer all the modern conveniences required for today’s meetings, all in a relaxed setting. In addition to meeting facilities, including ergonomic chairs to maximize comfort, natural lighting, three-season patios and decks for outdoor dining, we provide on-site audio visual services, a business center and a distraction free environment. Our versatile facilities are designed for not only meetings in mind, but comfort and elegance as well.

Let our seasoned Sales and Conference Services staff members guide you to a successful meeting, with your needs as the priority. In addition, allow our spa professionals guide your attendees to a new level of fitness, mind-body awareness and stress relief. Offering four-star caliber cuisine, your catered meals will not only be tastefully present and delicious, but nutritionally balanced as well. We also offer golf nearby, culinary demonstrations, fitness breaks and beautiful grounds as a peaceful setting for contemplation. From our spacious Grand Ballroom and Hunt Room, ultra-private Cottage, the Conservatory, and our Board and Thames Rooms, you will find the perfect space to suit the size of your meeting.

We also offer overnight meeting packages that provide “one-stop shopping” that combines all of the services needed for a productive meeting. We also host meetings that are full-day or half-day to meet the needs of our clients.

The Spa at Norwich Inn is a seven-time recipient of the “Best of the East” award as an outstanding meeting facility, providing excellence in service, as rated by the readers of Meetings|east magazine. We are located at 607 West Thames St. (Route 32) in Norwich, just north of Mohegan Sun, and convenient to Interstate 395.

You are welcome to contact me at jboucher@thespaatnrowichinn.com.

Sincerely,
James A. Boucher
Director of Sales
The Spa at Norwich Inn

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Frank E. Winkler Manager, Economic Development and Groton Utilities Spokesman

It takes a combination of business entities to make an area’s economy work.  As we know, some are small, some are big and some are simply larger than we are willing to admit or accept.

If you add the fact of municipal ownership to the equation, then the mix becomes more interesting and more dynamic.

Groton Utilities is one of those municipally owned and operated businesses which exist in various parts of the country. The businesses are usually associated with utilities. This is the case for Groton Utilities which is owned by the City of Groton.

Our origins are in the utility industry, specifically water and electric.  More than 100 years ago, the City’s fore founders decided to buy a local, privately owned water and electric company.  Originally the focus was on street lighting.  Today, the focus is to power a combination of homes, a pharmaceutical company, a submarine builder, small and medium businesses, and yes, we still provide electricity for those street lights.

For 106 years, we have prided ourselves on delivering timely, responsive and quality customer service.  People think we simply sell electricity, water, cable television, Internet service and digital phone service.  But, service is indeed our core business.

Part of the responsibility of a business is not only being a part of the community, but also giving back to the community.  It may be something like co-sponsoring the summer concert series, Concerts in the Park, or the winter concert series, City Cabaret.  Or it may be supporting the Groton Fall Festival and the Groton Holiday Lights Parade.

Service after all is a commitment not only to our customers, but also to the community.  While the city owns the utilities, our service areas extend beyond our boundaries.  We serve our neighbors in the rest of Greater Groton and provide certain services to the surrounding towns.

The business of business becomes more complex as time passes.  It is no longer acceptable to promote yourself simply as a pursuer of profits, but you must also be a community partner.

Groton Utilities has tried to strike that important balance between our business responsibilities and our community commitments.  We will continue to try to maintain that delicate balance.

Sincerely,
Frank E. Winkler
Manager, Economic Development and
Groton Utilities Spokesman

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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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