Sharing the good news with my favorite, Willie Nelson, in March 2000 aboard his bus.
by Alexis Ann
So… 20 years ago, almost to date, I published the inaugural edition of the Resident Good News! From the start, I emphasized PEOPLE and COMMUNITY. Quoted in the local papers, “It’s like a local ‘People’ magazine… It’s fun and entertaining — no Saudi Arabia, no politics and lay-offs.” “We will have something for everyone from ages 18 to 102.”
And so, it is today, ALL about people doing good things in our two-state region sprinkled with premier dining choices that ROCK page 12. Thank you for sending in your votes for your favorite restaurant! Entertainment is featured by Mohegan Sun on the back cover and our free listings for non-profits in Across the Area. A big thanks to local businesses, like Cardinal Honda and Grader Jewelers that you see featured regularly in Residents In Biz. Oh, and, don’t forget about Fripperies’ ads. And, Valenti’s back in offering a special discount to Resident readers who clip the $500 coupon. Golf Tips, Antiques, Stars ‘N Stripes, Adopt-A-Pet, Hollywood and your favorites Lifestyles, Intimacy and MORE!
Yes! My dream was to keep the phones ringing with businesses eager to buy advertising in a regional community publication. “We think we are offering them something they can’t get elsewhere—inexpensive, cost-effective advertising.”—NOV. 1990.
A GIANT THANK YOU, FROM THE HEART OF OUR RESIDENT TEAM, TO YOU, OUR READERS, OUR DISTRIBUTION SITES AND TO OUR ADVERTISERS FOR HELPING TO MAKE THE GOOD NEWS ROCK! SYNERGY AT ITS BEST!!!
Children in Natchaug Hospital’s Joshua Center programs benefit from an afternoon fundraising event hosted by Stefan and Bernice Szafarek at their Lebanon home, Harmony Hill. (Above) Dominic D’Amore, opera singer, was among the performers providing the entertainment for the event and shares the good news with Alexis of this group effort resulting in raising $12,400.
by Alexis Ann
We have a birthday in the house… Let’s put our hands together in celebration of the 14th Anniversary of Mohegan Sun! It’s hard to believe 14 years have whizzed by since the Sun’s opening on Columbus Day Weekend, 1996. Our region is lucky to have such a premier resort offering gaming, entertainment, dining, shopping, meeting, and lodging. The Mohegan Sun continues to evolve and along the way, they’re providing thousands of jobs. The Resident takes you down memory lane with photographs of 14 milestones at the Sun over the past 14 years here. Also, find out what the Residents on the Street are raving about here & here.
A round of applause goes out to Jacqueline Owens, President, Norwich Branch NAACP, as the recipient of the 2010 Palmer Davies Leadership Award presented by United Community & Family Services. As Bev Goulet states here, “Jackie walks softly but carries a big stick.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet may help reduce your risk of breast cancer, however, committing to change your habits is sometimes easier said than done. Go here for tips to reduce this dreadful disease and try the healthy veggie recipe.
This next request is a tough one and for EXTRAORDINARY people only…. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is hosting a Puppy Raising Open House on Saturday, October 30th. Every guide dog gets its start in the heart and home of a volunteer puppy raiser. Find out how you can be extraordinary here.
The St. Bernard High scholars on the front cover and here are super impressive to meet. Find out their career choices and what they like best about their school.
Thanks for reading the Resident, the Good News that Rocks! Please remember to patronize our advertisers as they’re helping to make the “good news” happen.
According to a U.S. Census, more than 19,000 people in SE CT are living below the poverty level. At the United Way Kick-off, Gemma E. Moran, founder, Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, shares the good news with Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, “Last year, The Food Center distributed more than 1.7 million pounds of food through more than 90 free food programs which in turn helped provide meals and snacks, at no cost, to those in need throughout New London County.”
This year, a dynamic team, MPTN Chairman Rodney Butler and Melodie Peters, first vice president American Federation of Teachers Connecticut, are heading up our United Way campaign and the approach is very expansive. What’s that mean?
Unlike prior years, with the dollar goal continuously increasing, the 2010 goal is to increase the number of participants. So, whether you can give a million or a dollar, Rodney and Melodie want you to join the team and give what you can. Ask Haley Hinton, Junior Miss Ledyard, how it’s done – Haley contributed 90 hours of UW volunteer work this past summer and now, she says, “I want to get the word out more and start a fundraiser in my school.” More on page 5.
The Arc of New London County opened a general store and bakery at 52 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton. Founded in 1952, by parents of persons intellectually challenged, Arc teaches life skills. Be sure to visit the store for a bite to eat. There are some goodies baking in the ovens right now on page 13.
Resident friend, David Preka, owner, Advanced Improvements, officially opened new digs in downtown Mystic, next door to Chelsea Groton and across the street from Mystic Pizza. Stop by and say hello on page 4.
Finally, a Salute to our World War II Veterans joined by three Korean War Vets on page 20. Meet them as they prepared for a trip to their Memorial in DC. Let’s put our hands together for Chris Coutu and his AmericanWarrior Team Members. They’re doing an outrageously good thing by making these visits possible!
Thanks for reading the Resident, the Good News that Rocks! Please remember to patronize our advertisers as they’re helping to make the “good news” happen.
Joanie Jackson and “Stanley” of Houston, TX, visited Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, in Mystic, as part of the Flat Stanley Project.
by Alexis Ann
We are sooooooo lucky to live in this unique two-state region. The word on the street from the mouths of business owners is that, “Business is picking up!” Now, that’s music to my ears… yours too, I’m sure.
Just ask Neil Ryan and Scott Gladstone who recently expanded by relocating their Wireless Zone of Groton location to Route 12 (next to Kohl’s) about how busy they are. With a snip of the ribbon, invited guests joined in the celebration by raising their cell phones and cheering-all raving about the outstanding customer service offered by the Wireless Zone’s Team for the past 12 years! “Our goal is to help our customers in-and-out of the store quickly in a comfortable atmosphere while being serviced in a professional manner,” says Neil Ryan. Congrats here.
A salute to the Subase for cutting the ribbon on its new Child Development Center. This center will provide a safe, nurturing and caring environment to promote the healthy growth and development of more than 150 military community children. “The Child Development Center is committed to positively impacting Subase’s fleet, fighters and families through the best child care we can deliver,” states Janet Anderson, director, CDC here.
Our Community Spirit column features Nity Oris for her life of giving here. Nity is a nurse supervisor at Backus Hospital and her career there spans 40 years. She is the Health Care Hero awarded by the Connecticut Hospital Association. Congratulations Nity!
Thanks for reading the Resident, the Good News that Rocks! Please remember to patronize our advertisers as they’re helping to make the “good news” happen.
Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, and Governor Candidate Dan Malloy (D), enjoyed the opportunity to judge the CT Moose Riders 6th Annual Pig Roast Cook-off at the Bozrah Moose Lodge on August 21.
by Alexis Ann
Harvesting history is our passion at the Resident and we are proud to share our passion with you! Of course, the wonderful people of our two-state region are making history happen. I was reminded of this, earlier in the week, when viewing some past issues of the Resident.
Each edition is a capsule of the good news… people doing good things in our communities. Some of these people are gone, including “Old Blue Eyes” himself and some dear friends like Chief Ralph and Ida Sturges, Sir Ron Aliano, and most recently, Bill Stanley, Sr.… but their memories live on in historic Resident photographs published on newsprint for you to enjoy the moment again and again in years to come. You can pass these capsules down to your grandchildren.
For some Mohegan Tribal history, take a look here, our tribute to newly appointed Lifetime Chief Lynn Malerba. Last week’s Wigwam Festival is here.
Let’s put our hands together for Jon Panciera, Mystic, and Don Kostoss, Moodus. These distinguished fishermen made history when they reeled in the BIG ONES off Block Island recently. Wow!! What fine catches deserving of Resident front cover exposure. Check ‘em out here, too.
Thanks for reading the Resident, the Good News that Rocks! Please remember to patronize our advertisers as they’re helping to make the “good news” happen.
