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!!!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, celebrates Farmer John “Whit” Davis’s 86th birthday with his wife, Velora, at the Mermaid Cafe, Westerly on August 4th.

by Alexis Ann

First and foremost… A salute to WWII Veteran, submariner and CT Veteran Hall of Famer, Ernie Plantz of Gales Ferry.  Congressman Joe Courtney presented an award to Ernie on August 2nd here.

Hats off to the Groton Sportsmen’s Club, Stonington, for collecting the most money ever to benefit various charities in our region.  See Mike Riley, club president, presenting a $500 donation to Vicki Anderson, executive director of the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center here.

Here, R.B. Kent, Groton Rotary Club president, picking the lucky winner of the boat raffle.  Congrats to Doug Crandall for winning and to Thomas Kelley for donating the Sundancer.

The cannons are back and looking spiffy!  Take a trip to Stonington Boro here.  Meet James deKay, author, The Battle of Stonington and get the scoop on the mystery surrounding the circumstances of the Battle.

Al Restivo, Groton, is the recipient of the 2010 Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award for his many years of “Giving Back to the Community.”  The award was presented to Al at the annual City of Groton Day Celebration.  Groton Utilities created this award in 2004 during its 100th Birthday.  Meet Al here.

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Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, congratulates Charlie Holland at his 85th birthday held on July 17th at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society, Stonington. Charlie Holland and his All Stars’ CD is available for purchase at Tom’s News, Water Street, Stonington Boro.

by Alexis Ann

“To own a bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds, and watch their renewal of life — this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do.”
– CHARLES DUDLEY WARNER (1829-1900).
“Preliminary,” My Summer in a Garden, 1871

This issue is dedicated to the founders of civilization, our farmers.  Farming is the earliest and most honorable of arts. Just ask Whit Davis, whose career spans 75 years on the Stanton-Davis Farm, Pawcatuck. The 11 generations to work the farm, by cultivating this plot of land for at least 356 years, makes it the last working farm in Stonington. This Tuesday, Whit will celebrate his 86th! Happy Happy here.

“With all the heat this summer, everything is doing well and the corn crops are two weeks early,” said Betsy Molodich of Betsy’s Farm Stand in Sterling. Corn prices are the same as last year, and the sweet butter and sugar corn is plentiful. See what’s growing on here.

A treasure in Lyme here is the once turn-of-the-century dairy farm, Ashlawn Farms transformed into a thriving staple of the community. Nestled amongst the rolling hills, hickory trees and old stone walls of Lyme this farm features a coffee roastery. Owners Chip and Carol Dahlke host a Farmers’ Market on the property.

Archie Chester, Groton, Treasurer of the Denison Society, is an avid promoter of the Denison Farm Market, Mystic, held every Sunday 12-3 pm. Meet Archie, Market Master Stuart Woronecki, Stonewall Apiary, “Doc” William Burrows, Groton Family Farm, and the other farmers that bring their produce to market here.

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In this photo,October 2008, Blake Lewis, American Idol Season 6 runner-up, shares the good news of the 2008 Idols Live Tour at Mohegan Sun with Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident.

Exciting news for reality television fans! The American Idol Live Tour 2010 stopped in at Mohegan Sun Arena on July 13th. In a backstage interview, Resident reporter, Jessica Warzeniak, spoke to the American Idol Season 9 top 10 contestants:  Tim Urban, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Aaron Kelly, and Connecticut’s own Katie Stevens.  Later that night, Resident photographer Christopher Annino, snapped their pictures during the concert. See more here.

Hats off to the new officers of the Groton Rotary Club! R.B. Kent was installed as the president of the club by out-going president, John Silsby at the Mystic Marriott Hotel. Lian Obrey was the recipient of the prestigious Jerry Scarano Award. Visiting Rotarian and former Groton Rotary Club member Jerry Scarano, who sponsors the award, was at the meeting to congratulate Lian and to present the club with a $1,000 donation to continue the award. More here.

Congratulations to the Town of Groton for their 32nd Annual Fourth of July Parade. Grand Marshall Barbara Tarbox led the parade along Route 1 from Poquonnock Plains Park to the Groton Shopping Center. The theme was “Serving Your Country” and floats and marchers were decked out in red, white and blue. See it here and a photo slideshow.

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