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• JANUARY 2022
SOUP'S ON!
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Mental health check-in
How we’re coping since COVID
History takes flight at Saltwater Farm Vineyard
seaweed US IN CELEBRATION OF
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cover photo by elizabeth ellenwood
this month
photos by elizabeth ellenwood
J A N U A R Y
2 0 2 2
32 THE BURNOUT IS REAL 38
IN CELEBRATION OF SEAWEED
Harvesting sugar kelp is akin to picking spinach
Companies, workers seek mentally healthier post-COVID workplaces
january 2022 7
photo by gretchen a. peck
departments CORRESPONDENCE 10 E ditor's note 11 F rom our staff
Meet our publisher and lead designer photo by brenda de los santos
TASTE 25 Restaurant listings 26 Soup’s on
13
January is National Soup Month
30 Restaurant spotlight Tony’s Caribbean Kitchen
HOME & GARDEN PEOPLE & PLACES 13 Mental health culture gap
Mother-daughter therapists focus on BIPOC, LGBTQ communities
18 History takes flight
at Saltwater Farm Vineyard
45 Taking the market’s pulse
What to expect from winter’s housing market across southeastern Connecticut
48 Seasons change quickly at local garden centers
No sooner had the holiday season passed, two local greenhouses began to prep for spring
8
photo courtesy of tony’s caribbean kitchen
30
EXPLORATIONS 65 Take a day trip
The Connecticut Science Center hosts Mummies of the World: The Exhibition
68 Vitamin sea
Small-ship cruises offer intimate luxury, remote ports of call
IT’S YOUR DAY
LOCAL TRENDS 51 Dinner in a dash
How delivery apps have changed the take-out game
54 Turning pages
Book reviews by Betty J. Cotter
LIFE CYCLES
U.S. Secretary of Education and Connecticut native
photo courtesy of connecticut science center
48
73 Miguel Cardona
57 Seven things doctors want you to know
about kids today
62 The great outdoors
65 Best of
MUSIC, DANCE
ENTERTAINMENT returns to Storrs!
A Tribute to Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul 2/19
Complexions Contemporary Ballet 2/3
JORGENSEN CENTER
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! 1/23
All Spring 2022 Events Now on Sale jorgensen.uconn.edu
@JorgensenUConn FOR T HE PERFORMING A R T S january 2022 9
correspondence | EDITOR'S NOTE
It’s a new day here at The Day
Y
ou
are
holding
the
very
history of Saltwater Farm Vineyard may
first edition of our latest
jump out at you. You may feel inspired to
publication The Day Magazine;
take a “day” trip to see the Mummies of the
affectionately known around
World Exhibition at Connecticut Science
the office as TDM. In this
Center, learn more about delivery apps,
inaugural issue, we introduce
devour Betty Cotter’s deliciously written
you to an innovative voice and vehicle
book review, and find out more about Tony
to tell your stories. This magazine will
from Tony’s Caribbean Kitchen. This mag-
be the pulse of the community in which
azine ends with a fabulous Q and A from
it serves. It will arrive in the first Sunday paper of
Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education and
every month.
Connecticut native.
We have taken your advice and have been hard at
To say the least, we are very excited that this edi-
work to bring you a local magazine with a national
tion is now in your hands. We truly want to make
flair. In most monthly editions you will find corre-
something you look forward to and it is our goal to
spondence from yours truly, letters from you, and a
publish a magazine that speaks to every single per-
variety of seasonal stories of interest. Each TDM will
son in The Day community. Barbara (you will meet
end with the “It’s Your Day” Q and A interview with a
her on the opposite page) and I have had the honor
reader or local person of interest. We are beyond ex-
of working with some insanely talented writers and
cited for you to read this first one and welcome your
you will see their work on the following pages.
suggestions for future interviewees.
I am humbled to be your editor and look forward to
In this January 2022 issue, please read the story
engaging even more with you as we continue to pro-
about seaweed! Who knew kelp could be so cool?
duce The Day Magazine. For inquiring minds, I am
Ann Baldelli had the chance to catch up with Suz-
a graduate of Salve Regina University, a North Haven
ie Flores and Jay Douglas, the owners of Stoning-
resident, wife to Craig and mother to Colby and Lyla.
ton Kelp Company, which happens to be one of the
In my “free time” I am a ballerina, ballet teacher,
largest commercial seaweed farms in Connecticut.
book nerd, editor of the women’s magazine élan and
These kelp connoisseurs talk about their winter har-
an ally. I am currently working to bring even more
vest timeline and how they provide food grade sugar
fine art programs to the North Haven community so
kelp to local stores and restaurants.
all children can experience an arts education.
Since it is cold and some of us feel the need to hi-
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you
bernate and not board a boat to harvest kelp, we
have suggestions or ideas. I can be reached at
have also provided you with some fun facts about
s.cushing@shorepublishing.com.
soup and a recipe for sustenance as you winter. In fact, you may choose to make that soup for yourself
With gratitude,
and curl up with this magazine to find out how Gizelle Tircuit and her daughter Janelle Posey-Green are bridging the mental health culture gap. While you turn the TDM pages, the gorgeous images and Shannon Cushing, editor
10
magazine
FROM OUR STAFF
H
appy New Year everyone. We’re happy to start off the year with a new monthly magazine that we will publish the first Sunday of every month. The Day Magazine is a project that we are very ex-
cited about, and we hope that you enjoy this first issue. Sunday magazines have been a long-time premium addendum to newspapers all across the country. Before coming to The Day, I worked at The Boston Globe, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Washington Post. All three papers had incredible Sunday magazines.
H
| correspondence
ello and welcome to the first issue of The Day Magazine! My name is Barb Dunn and I’m the designer behind this magazine. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed putting it together. Working with
our editor, Shannon, has been a pleasure. We are both excited to bring The Day’s readers a brand-new magazine featuring inclusive, community-focused, and helpful articles. I’ve lived in southeastern Connecticut my whole life, and one of my favorite things about working on
When I was in my early 20’s, I had my first story published
projects like this one is discovering just how much
in The Globe Sunday magazine and it was a great honor be-
this region has to offer that even after three decades,
cause the magazine was typically filled with stories from top
I’ve barely scratched the surface. Who knew there
writers from the newsroom and well-known freelancers.
was a seaweed farm in Stonington? I sure didn’t.
My parents lived in central Massachusetts and were avid
And I didn’t realize how many fascinating exhibits
Sunday Globe readers. My mom was a nurse and my dad
the Connecticut Science Center hosts. I’ve learned so
worked in a textile factory and each Sunday they would take
much about what our region has to offer that I can’t
turns reading the magazine with their second cup of coffee
wait to spend some time checking out some of the
or save it to read in the afternoon.
hidden treasures.
On the Sunday my first story ran, my phone rang early that
I grew up in Gales Ferry, went to college in Wil-
morning and when I answered both of my parents were on
limantic, and now reside in Waterford. I’ve been a
the other end. “You have a story in the Globe magazine!” my
graphic designer with The Day for almost fifteen
mom exclaimed.
years. You may have seen my name in some of our
“I do,” I replied.
previous magazines – I’ve been creating the look and
“So this will probably be the highlight of your career,” she
aesthetic for a long time. I’m a certified scuba diver (I
said.
learned to dive right off Stonington’s DuBois Beach),
I laughed and said: “I hope not. I hope I haven’t peaked yet.”
an animal lover (a cat lady, to be more specific), and
The point was they, and all the readers, thought the maga-
a little bit obsessed with food (I’m usually think-
zine was special.
ing about tomorrow’s lunch before I’ve even had to-
And it is in this spirit that we launch The Day Magazine.
night’s dinner).
Each month there will be stories on the arts, local busi-
This project is one of the most challenging, immer-
nesses, food and restaurants, home and garden tips, book
sive, and interesting that I’ve ever worked on, and I
recommendations and reviews, travel adventures, and pro-
can’t wait to share it with all of you. Email Shannon
files.
and me at thedaymag@theday.com with suggestions,
We want it to be part of your Sunday routine once a month, stories you can savor with your second cup of coffee or tea.
comments, questions, and ideas. We’d love to hear from you.
Stories that are special and are presented in a special way.
Timothy Dwyer, president & publisher
We want to hear from you! Send your questions, comments, suggestions and ideas to thedaymag@theday.com. Or get in touch with us on social media. You may even be featured on this page in a future issue. january 2022 11
people & places PEOPLE
PROFILES
FINANCE
N E W & N O TA B L E
photo courtesy of saltwater farm vineyard
BUSINESS
bridge the gap with Magnolia Wellness
12
magazine
the history of Saltwater Farm Vineyard
people & places
Mental health culture gap MOTHER-DAUGHTER THERAPISTS FOCUS ON BIPOC, LGBTQ COMMUNITIES
F
written by traci neal or the owners of Magnolia Wellness, LLC, mental health is more than just a brain issue.
in working with women and young women who have experienced trauma. “The difference in the framework means I look at my
Rather, say Gizelle Tircuit and her daughter
clients not just as individuals, but I look at the person
Janelle Posey-Green, emotional wellness goes far
in the environment,” she said. “With that said, it would
beyond what’s inside someone’s head, encompass-
look like not just clinical therapy, but how can we help
ing their body, their commu-
support you, and do you need
nity, their culture and more.
other things that can help you
That’s why the two wom-
function in your environment
en opened their New Lon-
before we can get to the clinical
don-based mental health of-
aspect of your mental health?”
fice in 2016 with a focus on
Posey-Green combines Afri-
providing a holistic, whole-
can and Native Indigenous heal-
body-and-beyond approach.
ing practices, such as sound
Magnolia Wellness works
therapy — using rain sticks
with all people but special-
and healing bowls — with oth-
izes in clinical services and
er psychotherapy techniques
interventions for people they
used to treat anxiety, PTSD and
say are underrepresented or
trauma, such as meditation,
not very well-understood in
frequencies and EMDR, or eye
the mental health field: peo-
movement desensitization and
ple of color and the LGBTQ
reprocessing.
population.
“I very much like to utilize a
The treatments the two
lot of different types of thera-
employ are a little different,
py so when clients are finished
but the goal is the same: to
working with me they have a
change the landscape of men-
toolkit to go home and prac-
tal health for those popula-
tice, even two or three years
tions, the mother and daugh-
from now, they can utilize the
ter said.
tools they learned,” said Posey-
“Mom and I have differ-
Green.
ent focuses because our de-
Tircuit’s work is similar but
grees are all so different,” said
relies more on the educational
Posey-Green, a licensed clinical social worker specializing
A painting on the wall of Posey-Green’s office at Magnolia Wellness. photo by brenda de los santos
aspects of therapy; Tircuit is a teacher, her daughter said, who
january 2022 13
people & places
ABOVE Crystal singing bowls used in sound healing. The different frequencies restore harmony in the body, mind and soul. photo by brenda de los santos BELOW Janelle Posey-Green and her mother Gizelle Tircuit, owners of Magnolia Wellness, LLC. photo courtesy of magnolia wellness OPPOSITE Brass Tibetan bowl used for sound healing and teaching meditation techniques. photo by brenda de los santos
stressed the need to understand individuals within their own social context. She explains: Adler broke away from the psychoanalysis method of Sigmund Freud — which delved into a patient’s past dreams and childhood — and looked in a more socially beneficial direction: to a goal-oriented future. “It uses much more research and cognitive behavioral approaches to addiction, whether it be substances, porn or whatever the addiction might be, as well as supporting families dealing with folks having addiction issues,” Tircuit said. She also utilizes dialectical behavior therapy — or DBT — a method that was initially developed to treat personality disorders but is now used to treat other mental health issues, Tircuit said. “It’s been found to be useful for folks who have problems dealing with their emotions, folks who go from zero to 100 on the ‘emotionmeter’ whose emotions easily turn into behaviors based on episodes in their life that previously occurred.” The pair also do frequent work in the community, offering several virtual workshops
14
magazine
teaches people through a humanistic and
and group meetings, including a monthly
goal-oriented approach.
Consultation Group for White Allies, open
“Just as Janelle talked about that level of
to anyone who wants to participate or learn
looking at a person in their environment, my
more about developing anti-bias, anti-racism
approach is … to look at a person in their envi-
mindsets or programs.
ronment and explore how they function in so-
“For me it’s another way of trying to create
ciety and how society interfaces with them to
a space that’s more solution-focused than us
create the person that they are,” said Tircuit,
just complaining all the time about people be-
who specializes in working with people who
ing racist or biased,” said Posey-Green, who
have a dual diagnosis, battling addiction and
added that clinicians, teachers, lawyers, and
mental health at the same time.
others have participated in the group. “We
Tircuit’s approach is based on the teaching
work through learning and moving towards
of Alfred Adler, an Austrian psychiatrist who
becoming more culturally competent … it’s
“I very much like to utilize a lot of different types of therapy so ... clients ... have a toolkit to go home and practice, even two or three years from now.” JANELLE POSEY-GREEN not just about race, it’s about all cultures and subcultures, because even within a culture there are biases.” Posey-Green also leads an eight-week therapy group, “Woman Within,” created for women of color to process race-based stress and ‘colorism.’ In one session, she said, participants — a group that meets both online and in person — had a tea party, sampling different types of tea to assess how they made their bodies feel. “We taught them that different teas can relax them or energize them,” Posey-Green said. “What better way to receive therapy than to have a tea party?” The holistic approach, said Posey-Green, “allows you to color outside the lines and it’s still correct. Too many times we’re told that ‘health looks like this’ and ‘wellness looks like this.’ With a holistic approach, it allows you to be exposed to a lot of different ways to help balance yourself out and take with you what works and leave what doesn’t.”
Evening Glow Del-Bourree Bach Before Practice Christopher Zhang
Saffron Sky Apple Slice – Patt Baldino Del-Bourree Bach
Aside the SeaIsland Sailing on Mason’s Jacqueline Jones Jim Magner
The Finer Line Gallery offers affordable original art, fine limited edition prints, january 2022 15 marine art and the largest selection of local artists’ scenes of the area.
people & places “While 56 percent of therapists identify as white, only 5 percent identify as black or African American.” GIZELLE TIRCUIT
16
magazine
Outside of their practice and in re-
said of her upbringing in Louisiana. “I went
sponse to the pandemic and the nation-
from having teachers who looked like me,
wide protests following the murder of a
classmates and neighbors who looked like
black man, George Floyd, by a white Min-
me, to being in the same socio-economic
neapolis police officer in 2020, the pair
standing up here but no one looked like me.
created a series of online forums called
It was a very big culture shock.”
the Connecticut BIPOC Mental Health and Wellness Initiative.
The people she met who did look like her, she said, “didn’t have the same oppor-
Through the initiative, dozens of clini-
tunities to see that there are places where
cians from all over the state offered free
we thrive. Down where I was from, there’s
online group forums to people wishing
HBCUs — historically black colleges and
to discuss their emotional traumas and
universities, there are festivals just for our
feelings of anxiety, anger and resent-
culture. It was very different up here.”
ment during the pandemic and the violent protests.
The two aim to change that, at least in the therapy world.
They also developed a comprehensive
“In the past, if you’re from a black or
list of therapists of color who are accept-
Hispanic community you did not go to a
ing patients so that people seeking help
therapist,” said Tircuit. “That old saying,
could quickly and easily find clinicians
‘What goes on in my house stays in my
“who look like them,” understand their
house,’ is true, especially for black men.”
culture, and provide more focused therapy, they said.
But, the pair said, they do see people of color seeking out therapy more and more
“While 56 percent of therapists identify
and hope their work will help bring new
as white, only 5 percent identify as black
providers into the field while offering op-
or African American,” said Tircuit.
portunities for healing minds, bodies, and
The lack of representation, Posey-Green
communities.
said, “creates this deficit for people to get
“I love the fact that I get to work with
access to someone who is of the same cul-
my mom,” said Posey-Green. “We live in
ture as them to get support. … The best
a community we love but realize there’s
way to do that is by creating opportuni-
things here that are missing. So instead of
ties so they have access to the same care
complaining about it, we created what we
as anyone else.”
felt were the missing parts. So, I’m proud
The deficit Posey-Green refers to was
to work with Mom and help create more
stark when she moved with her family
opportunities to make the New London
as a young girl from New Orleans, where
community better and more diverse.”
about 60 percent of the population is black, to New London, where about 60 percent is white. “I came here as a pre-teen so a lot of my
Magnolia Wellness 302 State St., New London, CT 06320 860-439-1300
worldview was already set,” Posey-Green
Smudge stick, used for relaxation and cleansing of the energies. photo by brenda de los santos
january 2022 17
people & places
history takes flight AT SALTWATER FARM VINEYARD
written by jennifer carmichael photos courtesy of saltwater farm vineyard
W
hile sipping wine and sitting on an Adirondack chair on the vast lawn at Saltwater Farm Vine-
yard in Stonington, Connecticut,
you’d never imagine that the site used to be a thriving airport dating back to the late 1930s before the United States’ entry into World War II. The property also traces its agrarian roots back more than 350 years to the founding of Stonington in the mid-1600s. “We had seen the land advertised in The New York Times and Wall Street Journal,” says Merrily Connery, who bought the property with her husband in 2001, after it
18
magazine
had been on the market for qu it e s ome time. “And then one day, we decided to look into it.” Merrily, a real estate broker, and Michael, a self-described “recovering attorney,” who practiced law in Manhattan for 30 years prior to buying the site, thought it would be unique to have 108 acres on the water. “We didn’t purchase it with the intention of starting a vineyard,” notes Connery. “We’ve always liked to drink wine, but it was never the dream. We figured out after we bought it, what we might do with it.”
january 2022 19
people & places
20
magazine
HISTORY OF SALTWATER FARM VINEYARD
the 20th century when it was known as the
Prior to the Connery’s, the property’s
opened a small community airport, Fos-
ownership dates back to 1653 when Wal-
ter Field, which was also known as We-
ter Palmer established a farm on some 230
stone Airport, and built a hangar, de-
acres of his land holdings surrounding
signed by John W. Lincoln. It operated as
Wequetequock Cove. Portions of Palm-
an airport for several years until World
er’s original tract, including what is now
War II when it was closed for public use.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard, continued to be
In 1945, as the war was ending, Foster
used as farmland into the early decades of
leased the property to Henry R. Palm-
West Farm, owned by Herbert West. In the late 1930s, William J. Foster
Fresh Beer, Brewed Here!
er Jr., of Stonington, who offered commercial air service and flight training. In 1946, Palmer opened Aero-Marine Service at Foster Flying Field, which lasted a couple of years. Afterwards, the hangar was used variously, and haphazardly, as a warehouse, restaurant, and light manufacturing facility.
2022 I’m not just your neighbor, I’m your Realtor
FROM AIRPORT TO VINEYARD
Only after having driven around
STOP IN FOR A BITE, A BREW, & A GROWLER FILL TOO!
the area and noticing other vineyards did the Connerys think that their newly purchased land might support one. Since planes had been flying there, they had the ground tested. And with a number of ac-
Contact me to help you sell your home 860.235.2665 jacqueline.hoyt@cbrealty.com
Willimantic Brewing Company 967 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 860.423.6777 • willibrew.com
quaintances with expertise with grapes and vineyards from their time spent visiting the North Fork of Long Island, they immediately reached out to them. “We planted the first vines, which came in a refrigerated truck from
Providing solutions to help you achieve your goals
Napa, in 2003, and after a threeyear growing season, the first harvest was late October 2006,” notes Connery, “You’re not pouring for a while. It’s a commitment.”
Homebuying / Auto Purchase / Debt Consolidation / Retirement Planning / Increase Savings / Youth and College Support / Refinancing Opportunities
This same year, the couple decided to turn their attention to rehabilitating the dilapidated, World War II-era airplane hangar on site, tapping Steven Lloyd from Chester, Connecticut to design a winery and tasting room. The mill siding and roofing was torn off and the building was insulated from the outside in, so that it wouldn’t detract from the handsome, original woodwork. While the building was structurally sound, the interior space needed to be redesigned. Its new look includes a granite fireplace, cherrywood stairs, a mezzanine tasting area and new
877 860 6928 • scientfcu.org
Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.
®
january 2022 21
people & places | “We’ve always liked to drink wine, but it was never the dream. We figured out after we bought it, what we might do with it.” MERRILY CONNERY windows. And like the Connery’s first harvest, this too, took three years to complete. “Events and weddings were not our intention initially either,” says Connery. “But good friends of ours got married and we had their wedding celebration in our unfinished space. For the next three years, we had word of mouth weddings as the building was in various stages of completion.” By 2009, as they were into their third harvest, and a steady increase in the number of word- of-mouth weddings, they decided to launch a website. They opened to the public in 2010 and ever since, they’ve been nonstop busy with weddings and other events. Over the years, they expanded their initial planting, and production substantially increased to where they’re making around
22
magazine
3,000 cases today. Wine is available for pur-
its winemaker does a Bordeaux blend of
chase in the tasting room, which overlooks
Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Chardonnay,
acres of vineyard and a fully preserved and
Sauvignon Blanc, several Rosés and a few
maintained 1800 ft grass landing strip.
more blends round out Saltwater Farm
“A consulting winemaker from Sparkling
Vineyard’s sizable, award-winning se-
Pointe, a Frenchman, works with our very
lection. A nod to the site’s history, a few
talented vineyard master, and in addition
wines are aptly named Runway White and
to us, he is also a consulting winemaker for
Runway Red.
several other vineyards on the North Fork,” says Connery. Saltwater Farm Vineyard’s reds include Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and
For more information on Saltwater Farm Vineyard’s seasonal hours of operation, visit saltwaterfarmvineyard.com
january 2022 23
RECIPES
taste
CUISINE
R E S TA U R A N T S
celebrating National Soup Month
24
magazine
FOOD & DRINK
spotlight on Tony’s Caribbean Kitchen
RESTAURANT LISTINGS
BAKERY/CAFE
DEKE’S BAGELS
Deke’s Bagels sells fresh bagels, sandwiches, muffins, coffee, smoothies and more. Order online or come visit our Niantic or new Guilford location. Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 157 W. Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357 1013 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, CT 06437 860-739-9509 | dekesbagels.com
FAMILY STYLE
GROTON TOWNHOUSE RESTAURANT
MEDITERRANEAN
PICK POCKETS
A vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free lifestyle isn’t for everyone. But even for meat-eaters it’s a nice change of pace to munch on crisp juicy veggies. Eat healthy, live healthy. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Closed Sunday 214 CT-12, Groton, CT 06340 860-910-0235 | pickpocketsgroton.com
| taste
SEAFOOD
J & R SEAFOOD
Family owned, J&R Seafood Market is committed to bringing you the freshest seafood, delivered daily. Enjoy market-made chowders, prepared meals, lobster rolls, live lobsters, and more. Open daily 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 45 Williams Avenue, Mystic, CT 06355 860-415-4656 | jrseafoodmarket.com
PIZZA
184 PIZZERIA Price range Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Kids’ menu
We are a family-style restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week. We also have a large assortment of freshbaked pies and cakes daily. Open daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m. 355 CT-12, Groton, CT 06340 | 860-449-0355 grotontownhouserestaurant.com
Family owned and operated, located in the Haley Brook Plaza, on Rte. 184. Check out the GRAB & GO fridge - varieties change daily. Pizzas, grinders, sandwiches, wraps, calzones. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Closed Sunday 2440 Gold Star Highway, Mystic, CT 06355 860-245-0800 | 184pizzeria.com
Online ordering Take out Delivery Outdoor dining Alcohol Served Call ahead Open late Entertainment Cash only Facebook Twitter Instagram
To advertise your restaurant on this page, email thedaymag@theday.com.
january 2022 25
’s p u o son
taste
l
a n o i t a N s i y r a u n Ja h t n o M p Sou
writ ten
26
a by phil h
ll
O
rson Welles once claimed that
Stein added. “And then when it gets into the
it was “barbaric” not to begin a
cooling stage, you're going to pull the carcass
meal with soup. But for many
out and you have chicken soup. If you want to
people, soup preparation involves
add noodles, you have chicken noodle soup.”
opening a can or a boxed package
Stein confessed one of his favorite cre-
and heating its contents in a pot or
ations is homemade tomato soup paired
microwave.
with a grilled cheese sandwich.
For shoreline-based chefs and caterers,
“It's almost like the tomato soup is its own
making soup from scratch should not be seen
dipping sauce,” he said. “So, you're covering
as an intimidating process.
that comfort food and appetizer thing to-
“Soup is the easiest thing to make,” said
gether.”
Jennifer Magrey, a chef at The Weekend
Soups are also among the most versatile of-
Kitchen in Essex. “Really, there's no wrong
ferings, according to Erika Y. Gradecki, chef
answer. If you like an ingredient, you add it
and owner of Food For Your Soul, LLC in New
to a soup. There are many chefs in the world,
London, who observed that recipes can be
including myself, that literally
adjusted to meet the particu-
make soup on the fly with no
lar needs of whomever is at the
dridge, executive chef at The
“Soup is the easiest thing to make.”
Shipwright’s
JENNIFER MAGREY
purpose or plan.” “I think it's super easy, depending on what you're trying to make,” said David StanDaughter
in
Mystic, who added the real
dining table. “If you have dietary concerns, such as lactose intolerance, you're not going to want a clam chowder because it's milk-based — unless you substitute it with a plant-based milk,” she said.
challenge that he faces is deciding whether
Standridge praised homemade soup as a
he is “going to make any kind of a chowder
perfect meal for those who favor the farm-to-
or have a chunky soup.”
table approach and keep tabs on the season-
Making homemade soup should not be seen
al offerings of farmers’ markets. He noted the
as a challenge, according to Richard Lawrence
fall’s crop of pumpkins, celery and root vegeta-
Stein, owner/operator of Bridgeport-based
bles “are great for the pureed soups — we try
What’s on the Menu Event Services. For ex-
to incorporate them into chowders.”
ample, he noted that one of the most popular
Stein observed that vegetarians and vegans
soups during cold and flu season — old-fash-
have a seemingly endless selection of soups to
ioned chicken soup — is among the easiest
pursue in their kitchens.
creations to prepare.
“You can take all vegetables, put them into
“Buy yourself a whole roasted chicken —
a Vitamix and just puree it and add your salt,
you don’t even have to cook it,” he said. “Put
pepper, and whatever other seasonings you
that whole chicken without the skin on it into
like — and you have a vegetable soup,” he said.
your pot, and then put in celery and carrots.
“It's really that simple. You can alter it and ele-
At a later point, you can put in potatoes and
vate it by fire roasting tomatoes, grilling your
whatever herbs you like, be it dill, oregano,
vegetables and throwing in potatoes.”
basil or parsley. Of course, if you wanted a
The regional chefs recommend that par-
little bit on the spicy side you’re going to add
ents consider having their children partici-
garlic and onion. And just let it go until all
pate in homemade soup preparations. Stan-
that meat falls off the chicken.”
dridge noted that he is already cooking with
january 2022 27
taste help from his two-and-a-half-year-old son, although
new life to yesterday’s leftovers — and it is a plan
“it's mostly focused ... on pancakes and popcorn. But
that professionals fall back on.
I think when he gets a little older, we’ll do soups and
“Soup is a go-to for restaurants because they al-
sauces — there’s a lot of process there that he can
ways have something in their fridge to make soup,”
kind of take part in, whether it's stirring the pot and
she said. “They don't ever have to call in anything
tasting a lot, that could be really fun.”
and say, ‘We want to make that soup next week, so
Gradecki recommended that certain aspects of soup preparation, such as cutting vegetables, would require parental supervision, but she added she worked in the kitchen “with kids as young as ... three and four years old” and having youngsters taking part in meal preparation can also benefit parents.
Standridge noted that soup can be made in advance of a near-future meal. “You can keep it in the freezer for a long time — for at least a month — and it will still be fine,” he said. But as for those who lack the time or inclina-
“Getting kids interested in the kitchen with what
tion to make their own soups from scratch, Gra-
they create will make them more prone to want to
decki had no qualms about opening a can or box of
taste it and try it because kids tend to be picky eat-
soup — provided that the consumer is aware of its
ers,” she said. “If you're right there and they're doing
ingredients.
the ingredients with you, they see what's going into
“Some of them are really good,” she said. “I grew
it and it makes them wonder, ‘Hey, I kind of want to
up with chicken noodle soup in the can — my gen-
taste that.’”
eration grew up on canned soups, so I've never had
Magrey recommended homemade soup as a
a problem with it. But, in general, if you're trying to
means of reaffirming the bridge between a family’s
be careful with your sodium content, a lot of these
past and present.
canned soups do tend to have some higher percent-
“There are a lot of soups out there that are very
age of salt. So, if you're very health conscious or you
close to people's heritage,” she said. “Borscht can be
have dietary concerns with high blood pressure and
Polish or Ukrainian or Russian, and in my family, we
diabetes, I’d veer away from it. Or if I buy a chicken
always made a couple of different German soups. It’s
broth or a beef broth, I'll water it down so that some
a good thing for families to start with soups as an ac-
of that salt reduces a little bit.”
tivity to do together.” Furthermore, Magrey acknowledged that soup making is a great strategy for giving an extra day of
28
let's order blah blah blah.”
magazine
Chowder with Butternut Squash & Smoked Mussels david standridge of the shipwright’s daughter
DIRECTIONS Steam the mussels: Clean mussels under running water, removing the beard (small bit of seaweed that sticks out of the shell). Heat a pot with a lid large enough to hold all the mussels with room to stir and add ½ cup extra virgin olive oil. Heat oil and add mussels. photo courtesy of the shipwright’s daughter
Stir to coat with oil and return to simmer on high heat. Add ½ bottle of wine and cover. Steam until mussels are all open, stirring occasionally, 5-10 minutes. Move mussels to a tray and cool in refrigerator. When cool, shell the mussels and smoke in the smoker of your choice for 15 minutes with heavy smoke. Cool mussels and reserve. Make the chowder: In a large sauce pot, heat the butter and remaining olive oil. When butter is melted and bubbling, add the thyme and bay leaf and stir to scent the oil. Add all the SMALL DICED vegetables and season liberally with salt and pepper. INGREDIENTS 2 cups white onion, finely diced 1 cup celery, finely diced
“Sweat” on medium heat, stirring often, until veggies are tender. Add the remaining wine and simmer 3 minutes. Add the mussel liquid and stock and simmer until
1 cup Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and finely diced
tender. Strain out the veggies and return the liquid to the
2 cups finely diced butternut squash (use the top for the small
pot, reducing the liquid by one third. Add the large dice
dice and the seeded bulb for the large dice that will be
of squash and simmer for 20 minutes until tender. Add
pureed)
cream and simmer an additional 20 minutes. Puree the
1.5 -2 cups large, diced butternut squash 1 cup butter 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided (½ cup for mussels, ½ cup for chowder)
liquid in a blender or food processor into a smooth base. Combine the veggies, the base, and the smoked mussels and heat to a simmer. Add the chopped herbs and serve.
3 lbs. fresh mussels ¼ cup mixed chopped fresh herbs (dill, tarragon, parsley, chives) 1 cup heavy cream 3 cups fish stock (can substitute clam juice) 2 cups mussel steaming liquid 1 bottle white wine, divided (½ for mussels ½ for chowder) Several sprigs fresh thyme and a bay leaf, tied in a bundle Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup smoking chips
january 2022 29
taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
TONY’S CARIBBEAN KITCHEN
N
written by johana vazquez • photos courtesy of tony’s caribbean kitchen
estled in between early 20th century brick
all over the region, New York and Rhode Island who
buildings on 90 Truman St. in New London,
order, enjoy, and rave about the food.
Tony’s Caribbean Kitchen is a favorite among
“Time is the master of everything,” said Tony, who
locals. Entering the nook of the take-out
learned most of his culinary skills working in the kitch-
restaurant, customers are met with a wall
en of the former Radisson Hotel on 35 Governor Win-
adorned with the Jamaican flag and a serving station.
throp Boulevard where the town’s Holiday Inn now
On the far-left corner is a merchandise refrigerator with a
resides. He started as a dishwasher, and moved up to
wide variety of natural juices and Jamaican brand sodas.
the position of prep cook, line cook and sous-chef.
The food at the serving station is hidden, covered
Self-taught, Tony said he is an executive chef now.
by metal lids to retain the heat and aroma of the
You can find him most days sporting a New York Yan-
goods underneath. With no restaurant seating avail-
kees cap and a traditional black chef coat with the
able, all food is packed into food containers and plas-
words Tony’s Caribbean Kitchen embroidered on it.
tic bags, tied and ready to go.
30
You would never tell now, but before setting foot in
It might be a tight space, but owners Tony and
the Radisson’s kitchen, Tony said he was not much of
Elaine Henry are proud of and happy with what they
a home cook. The years at the hotel made him com-
have built. The Jamaican natives met in New York
fortably skilled in American cuisine, but he said he
and have been together for 37 years. In 2016, after
wanted to go back to his Jamaican roots and cook
several previous attempts of opening a place of their
the traditional dishes he grew up eating.
own in southeastern Connecticut, Tony’s Caribbean
Tony said this required learning a different set of skills,
Restaurant was finally opened. Tony realized that in
seeing that Jamaican food needed more time and at-
order to make it a success, he had to be fully commit-
tention. One of his best-sellers, Oxtail, is the tail of either
ted, giving up his job to become the full-time chef of
beef or veal cattle that has been stewed in low, moist
his own establishment. Today, they have visitors from
heat to release its rich flavor. The prep-time for it is at
magazine
least an hour and a half. Although the restaurant opens at
Also popular are the Jamaican curry chicken and curry
11 a.m., Tony is in the kitchen by five or six in the morning ev-
goat, a personal favorite of Tony’s. Once an English col-
ery day to cook fresh food and it pays off. The oxtail meat
ony, Jamaica became home to thousands of indentured
comes out tender and sticky in texture. The mild, unique
Indian servants that were brought to work on the sugar
flavor is seasoned in onion, thyme, and pepper.
cane plantations after the abolition of slaves in the 17th
Tony said Elaine was the first one to believe in his
century. It is believed they brought the curry spice with
skills, claiming her husband is the best cook and rav-
them. Since then, curry has become an intricate part of
ing about his oxtail recipe. For Tony, it is a labor of
Jamaican culture and history.
love. He said there is always a need
Tony’s curry chicken is soft and
for a restaurant that serves Jamaican
tender, dyed yellow with curry and
food like there is a need for Chinese
turmeric powder. If you’re lucky,
or Mexican food. He prides himself in
you’ll get extra gravy drizzled into
being the one to represent Jamaican
your food container with rice. The
culture in town.
delicate spice of the chicken is di-
Aside from the oxtail, Tony’s has the
vine when paired with the sweet-
best jerk chicken around. The chick-
ness of plantains. Elaine said their
en is blackened with jerk sauce and is
curry differs from the Indian curry
so tender the meat slides right off the
in the sense that it is lighter and
bone when you pick it up. The hot, spicy
more refined.
blend of the sauce lingers lightly after
Nonetheless, it is amazing.
each bite of savory chicken and mixes
Tony says he would like to one
well with Jamaican rice and peas, a rec-
day expand and own a restaurant
ipe that goes back generations and re-
where people can come inside to
ally has no peas. It is rice and red beans
eat, sit, and enjoy the culture, but it
simmered in coconut milk and spic-
has become a greater risk with the
es. All of it washes down nicely with a
COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants
sweet Jamaican brand soda.
are struggling with supply shortag-
Tony strives to make every customer feel at home when they taste his authentic Jamaican cuisine, starting with the insane portions of food that come with every container. Elaine or someone from the staff serves multiple pieces of the main dish and packs the rest of the container with soft, seasoned cabbage, plantains and the following as options: Jamaican rice and peas, or white rice and Jamaican Hard Food, which is a combination of boiled dumpling,
es and rising food market prices, including theirs. For now, the Henrys are proud to remain open in their nook on Truman St. amid these challenges. “It is not possible without God,” Elaine said. “He helps us stand on our feet every day and gives us strength.” Tony’s Caribbean Kitchen 90 Truman St., New London CT 06320 | 860-443-0750
banana and yam.
january 2022 31
a e s
T A R B E L E C IN
32
magazine
d e e w
F O N O I
ood ellenw h t e b a liz os by e i • phot l l e d l ba
s i p l e k r a g u s g n i h t c s a e n v i p s Har g n i k c i p o t akin n n by an writte
T
hat’s how seaweed farmer Suzie Flores describes her work when her crop of sugar kelp is ready to be picked and delivered to customers.
On board her 24-foot Privateer, with a gaff hook in hand and a
good knife at the ready, she pulls the lines suspended a few feet below Fishers Island Sound and carefully cuts blades of kelp about 6 inches from the stipe, or stem, so the yellowish-brown algae rich in
fiber, vitamins and minerals will continue to grow. Flores and her husband, Jay Douglas, own Stonington Kelp Co., and have a
lease from the state of Connecticut to farm 10 acres in Fishers Island Sound, not far from Latimer Reef Lighthouse. Sugar kelp is the only seaweed the state allows to be farmed in the sea for human consumption. It’s a winter crop, started in November with 1-millimeter pieces of seaweed attached to kite string and hung from arrays, a series of suspended lines hung between poles. “Think of it like laundry,” says Suzie Flores. “It’s just like a laundry line. [There are] two poles, a line, and you hang sheets of seaweed over them about 4 feet below the surface.”
january 2022 33
The seaweed is in constant motion, Flores
reer. Formerly employed in market research,
said, flowing in all directions in concert with
her inclination to farm seaweed was helped
the wind, current and tide.
by the fact that her husband had bought a
“There’s a constant energy flowing over the farm and that’s really great for the seaweed,” she said.
“I always had a fascination with the water and conservation and this, well it naturally
There are environmental as well as health
fell into that. The fact that I could go out and
benefits. Seaweed helps to remove carbon,
grow something that is food and put it out in
nitrogen and phosphorus from the water, a
November and harvest it in May, well, that
benefit for marine life, said Flores.
alone is a personal sense of fulfillment.
“Seaweed sucks up everything in the water,” she said. “Like soil for plants, it extracts
“Farming something in the ocean is the most humbling thing ever,” she said.
organic and inorganic nitrogen. If there is too
In 2016, Flores connected with GreenWave, a
much nitrogen in the water, it suffocates all
Branford-based nonprofit that trains and sup-
the other fish and wildlife.
ports ocean farmers. When she learned she
“Seaweed allows the ocean to breathe. It’s a wonderful way to fight climate change.”
34
marina on the Pawcatuck River.
could grow sugar kelp in Fishers Island Sound, she was hooked and has been at it ever since.
Her farm is still in its infancy. When Flores
GreenWave helped her to navigate the per-
and Douglas relocated from New Jersey to
mitting process, supplied her with her initial
Pawcatuck, she began searching for a new ca-
seed stock and growing information, and she
Suzie Flores and Jay Douglas of Stonington Kelp Co. harvest seaweed in Connecticut
has been learning on the job ever since, al-
Renee Touponce, the executive chef at Oys-
though she said she still has GreenWave on
ter Club in Mystic, has used it for oils, dried
speed dial. There have been weather and other
it for powders, made butter and aioli, and
hardships, and then, there was Covid, which
wrapped fish in it overnight to season the
shut down restaurants, her primary market.
protein.
But she’s still at it and began another sea-
“The kelp itself has natural sugars and salt.
son in late November. In early spring she will
I like to say it has an oceanic, umami flavor,”
sell her sugar kelp at the Stonington Farmers
said Touponce. “It’s fresh, earthy, salty, briny
Market and to local chefs who have found in-
-- but not real brusque. I use it all kinds of
novative ways to use it.
ways. I make a lot of stocks and sauces and I
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january 2022 35
“Seaweed allows the ocean to breathe. It’s a wonderful way to fight climate change.” SUZIE FLORES
36
dry it and preserve it. I blend it into a powder and I make oils. I even use it raw for salad.” The team at Oyster Club is planning an event for April 2022 featuring five courses, all including seaweed. They will team up with Flores and other area commercial ocean farmers with a goal of focusing on the unique flavor of the seaweed grown at each farm. Other chefs are also using the seaweed. At Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic, Flores said the chef has prepared seaweed-wrapped scallops, noodled sugar kelp in a fish dish, and used it for a flan. At home, Flores blanches and freezes some of what she collects to make kelp cubes that she uses in smoothies. “I combine it with whatever veggies and fruits my kids won’t eat to improve the nutrition profile. It’s like eating fish and getting omega 3 and antioxidants,” she said. She also pickles the stipes, or stems, of the sugar kelp and serves them with tartar sauce. “It’s the best use for tartar sauce ever,” she said. Flores is a founding member of the Sugar Kelp Cooperative, organized to help the handful of southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island sugar kelp farmers with post-harvest challenges. “Kelp farming fights climate change, supports working waterfronts, and offers the community a native and healthy super-food — but it only works if the farmers are able to sell their crops,” reads a statement on the cooperative’s website. Flores will farm over the winter, visiting her beds weekly while few other boaters are out on Fishers Island Sound. If everything goes as planned, she will begin to harvest her sugar kelp in late March, finishing up around Memorial Day. She will be out there in early spring with her gaff hook, knife, fish baskets and coolers, collecting her bounty and bringing it to shore for customers. “There are challenges,” she said. “But we do it because it is good fun, it really is. It is a wonderful way to help the planet, to help cure the ocean of all the crap we have done to it. And it is a new economy that we bring to this area where there is a dwindling working waterfront.” With each growing season Flores said she gains more expertise and knowledge. “You learn a lot about what you farm,” she said. “The more you know, the more you can predict. Then you can grow more seaweed.”
january 2022 37
burnout is real the
38
magazine
COMPANIES, WORKERS SEEK MENTALLY HEALTHIER POST-COVID WORKPLACES written by traci neal
Psychiatric Association’s Center for Workplace
he bad news is: Workplace burnout
Mental Health.
T
levels remain alarmingly high —
A July 2021 study by The Hartford found that
especially for women. And companies
61 percent of U.S. workers (68 percent of female
dealing with labor shortages are
workers, compared to 52 percent of males) sur-
stretched thinner than ever because
veyed reported exhaustion in the workplace.
of the COVID pandemic.
“This high level of burnout and growing gap
The good news, though, is that the crisis may
for women should be cause for alarm for busi-
be forcing employers to begin looking at new
ness leaders,” Jonathan Bennett, head of em-
ways to create healthier workplaces to retain
ployee benefits at The Hartford, said when the
workers and effectively help them remain men-
results of the Future of Benefits pulse survey
tally and emotionally fit.
were released in September.
Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau
“The need for flexibility in the workplace has
shows anxiety and depression symptoms have
never been greater as the lines between work
nearly tripled since 2019,
and home continue to be blurred amid the pan-
according to the
demic,” Bennett continued. “Fostering an open,
A merican
inclusive work environment that provides flexibility is an important step in addressing burnout and helping employees remain productive at work.” The Hartford study also found that 70 percent of U.S. employers report mental health challenges among their employees, with nearly three-quarters of the employers interviewed saying mental health stigma often discourages workers from seeking help. These findings should be “a wake-up call” to employers, said The Hartford’s chair and CEO Christopher Swift in a statement following the study. Connecticut lawmakers, aware of the toll mental conditions can take on first responders, recently expanded workers compensation for EMTs, paramedics, corrections officers and dispatchers, covering mental health claims that were previously only covered if these frontline workers also suffered a physical injury. And in response to the pandemic, the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services developed a Workplace Mental Health
january 2022 39
and Wellness Toolkit in August 2021 in ac-
wellness and mental health initiatives have
cordance with Public Act 21-35.
been implemented — some were already in
“We have disseminated the toolkit wide-
place, but many were launched in response
ly, through statewide list serves and the
to the pandemic’s toll on workers there.
DMHAS website, with the goal of having
“If employees are healthy and thriving
all companies large and small take a look
then we’re all working together to have a
at their current practices and find ways to
healthy and thriving and productive busi-
support the mental health and wellbeing of
ness,” said Alvin Ayers, GD-EB’s director of
their employees,” said DMHAS spokesman
total rewards, wellness, and HR services.
Arthur Mongillo via email. “Needs vary in
“We have a very diverse workforce that is
each workplace but, overall, workplaces are
critical and essential,” Ayers said. “The men
of U.S. workers are experiencing burnout at work
THE BURNOUT LEVEL GAP IS WIDENING BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN. BURNOUT IS HIGHER AMONG WOMEN AND YOUNGER GENERATIONS. JULY 2021 68% of women vs. THE BURNOUT LEVEL GAP WIDENING BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN. 52% ofIS men BURNOUT IS HIGHER AMONG WOMEN AND YOUNGER GENERATIONS.
JULY 2021
68% of those ages 18-34
63% of those ages 35-54 44% of those ages 55+ graphics adapted from the hartford’s july 2021 future of benefits pulse survey
becoming more aware of the need to sup-
and women building submarines certainly
port employee wellness, particularly during
couldn’t work from home so a portion of the
times of increased stress and uncertainty.”
workforce had to be here during the pan-
Respondents to The Hartford survey list-
demic.”
ed several burnout-reducing benefits they
To help them, the company implemented
want their employers to offer, including ad-
emergent backup care for employee care-
ditional paid time off, a condensed four-day
givers of children and elderly relatives, pro-
and a lighter workload.
situations closed.
workweek, schedule flexibility, remoteEMPLOYERS work viding them opportunities to get assisU.S. WORKERS WANT THEIR TO with PROVIDE ADDITIONAL options, companywide mental health days tance as daycares, schools or elderly care TIME OFF AND FLEXIBILITY TO ADDRESS BURNOUT
40
At General Dynamics Electric Boat, one
Free tutoring from grade school to college
of the region’s largest employers, several
was made available to employees’ children
U.S. WORKERS WANT THEIR EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL Additional paid time off Condensed four-day work week TIME OFF AND FLEXIBILITY TO ADDRESS BURNOUT magazine
LEADING THE WAY
Leadership has a key role in
developing and instilling the values and principles that shape an organization’s culture. In developing the processes and policies that will build a mental health-friendly workplace and promote employee wellness during the COVID-19
I represent ALL 6 Medicare Insurance Carriers in CT Aetna • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield • WellCare ConnectiCare • United Heathcare/AARP CarePartners of Connecticut
pandemic and beyond, leadership should:
• Create a wellness committee • Reassure employees as much as possible, and acknowledge how difficult the situation is • Show vulnerability, empathy and compassion when addressing employees
Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Supplemental Plans Part D Drug Plans Dental, Vision, & Hospital Expense Plans
• Encourage self-care and work/ life balance • Be available to employees with an “open door” policy • Create a healthy work environment and flexibility to accommodate different needs • Provide good physical workplace conditions • Foster good communication and create opportunities for employee feedback throughout the entire process • Be proactive in creating awareness about mental health and tackling stigma CREDIT: Workplace Mental Health and Wellness Toolkit, Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
january 2022 41
WARNING SIGNS OF EMPLOYEE BURNOUT
struggling with hybrid learning, and a pilot work-from-home program was made official policy and now serves some 3,000 remote employees. Other EB programs include onsite health coaches who help with everything from weight loss to mindfulness to quitting smoking, and a financial administrator that offers free on-site financial advice
Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
Frequent absences or tardiness
and assistance, if needed. “We go out of our way to make sure our employee relations and support organizations” are working to keep employees healthy and happy, Ayers said. In terms of behavioral health, he said, “We did a three-month campaign last year to raise awareness and recognition of mental health and substance abuse,” urging workers to seek services if needed. The company also has an on-site health clinic for employees and began of-
Changes in work performance
Confused thinking or problems concentrating/learning
fering virtual health visits and behavioral health services during the pandemic, Ayers said. “The safety and health of our employees is our No. 1 priority and always will be,” Ayers added. “We want to make sure employees and employee families are well balanced and not struggling with personal issues or family issues that keep them from coming to work and thriving and working in a productive environment.”
Becoming withdrawn or uncommunicative
Difficulty understanding others
At U.S. Foods in Norwich, corporate initiatives are discussed with employees for better mental health, said human resources generalist on
CREDIT: NAMI
42
magazine
THE BURNOUT LEVEL GAP IS BURNOUT IS HIGHER AMON WORKPLACE MENTAL JULY 2021 TOOLKIT WELLNESS BURNOUT LEVEL GAP IS TheTHE state Department of Mental THE BURNOUT LEVEL GAP IS WIDENING BETWEEN MEN AND BURNOUT HIGHER AMON Health and AddictionIS Services has BURNOUT IS HIGHER AMONG WOMEN AND YOUNGER GENE “The safety and health of developed a Mental Health and
JULY 2021
JULY 2021
THE GAP IS WIDENING BETWEEN MEN AND our employees isBURNOUT our No. 1LEVEL concepts and foster mental wellness THE BURNOUT LEVEL GAP IS WIDENING BETWEEN MEN AND BURNOUT IS HIGHER AMONG WOMEN AND YOUNGER GENE in the workplace while BURNOUT HIGHER AMONG WOMEN AND YOUNGER GENE priority and always willISbe.” providing actionable JULY 2021
JULY 2021 ALVIN AYERS
site, Alexandra Johnston. “We have resources online, on the company web page with tips and ideas for people on what to do, whether they’re working from home or in the office.” A tip sheet recommends things like getting up and taking a five-minute break from the screen, walking around, doing some exercises, said Johnston. U.S. Foods has had ongoing programs to support physical and mental wellbeing, Johnston said, but the company has boosted its outreach since the pandemic hit.
Wellness Toolkit to explore key
steps that business
THE BURNOUT LEVEL GAP IS leaders can take.
BURNOUT IS HIGHER AMON JULY 2021
WISH LIST
To help address workplace burnout, U.S. workers surveyed U.S. by TheWORKERS Hartford in JulyWANT said theyTHEIR E TIME OFF ANDtoFLEXIBILITY TO want their employers offer the following:
U.S. WORKERS WANT THEIR E U.S. WORKERS WANT THEIR EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE ADDITI TIME OFFAdditional AND FLEXIBILITY TO out there more during COVID,” she said. Mental health in the workAdditional paid time off TIME OFF AND FLEXIBILITY TO ADDRESS BURNOUT “We created a webpage and webinars to get [wellness information]
place has “always been a conversation, just not as in-depth as it is now,” she added.
paid time off
U.S. WORKERS WANT THEIR EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE ADDITI
The Hartford and the National Alliance on Mental Illness urged U.S. WORKERS WANT THEIR EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE ADDITI TIME OFFdispel ANDmental FLEXIBILITY TO ADDRESS BURNOUT Condensed Additional paid time off employers to act swiftly to raise awareness, health TIME OFF Additional AND FLEXIBILITY TO ADDRESS BURNOUT paid time off Condensedwork four-day work week four-day stigma, and help more people access treatment. Schedule flexibility week “For better or for worse the workplace has changed,” said Diane Mokriski, human resources counsel for the Connecticut Business Additional paid time off and Industry Association, in a statement in response to The Additional paid Harttime off ford’s study. “To the extent possible, employers may need to considSchedule flexibility er being more flexible and offering creative solutions in order to ad-
U.S. WORKERS WANT THEIR E Condensed four-day work week TIME OFF AND FLEXIBILITY TO Condensed four-day work week Schedule Schedule flexibility Remote work options flexibility Lighter workload
dress burnout.”
Schedule flexibility Schedule flexibility Lighter workload
Lighter workload Lighter workload
Additional paid time off Company-wide Remote work options Remote work options mental health Lighter workload days Company-wide mental health d
Schedule flexibility
Company-wide Remote workmental health d Company-wide mental health d options
Lighter Lighter workload workload The Hartford CEO Christopher Swift
Alvin Ayers of General Dynamics Electric Boat
CREDIT: The Hartford’s July 2021 Future of Benefits Pulse Survey
january 2022 43
Within containers or planted in-ground, varieties of evergreens can produce a wellspring of seasonal décor and natural fragrance for the home. photo by g.a. peck
home & garden R E A L E S TAT E
44
magazine GARDENING
investigate the housing market
DECOR
ADVICE
options for winter landscaping
home & garden
Taking the market’s pulse WHAT TO EXPECT FROM WINTER’S HOUSING MARKET ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT
Nancy Mesham, a sales associate with the Old Lyme office of Coldwell Banker Realty, represents the seller of 605 Pequot Avenue in New London, a seven-bedroom historic home with a deeded right of way to the waterfront. The beautifully renovated 1923-era home has spectacular views of the Thames River and Long Island Sound. It’s in a walkable waterfront community. The asking price is $1.295 million.
written by gretchen a. peck
example, communities with a wealth of ameni-
he housing market in southeastern
ties, like shoreline towns, had special appeal for
Connecticut is still best described as
this era of homebuyer.
T
“atypical.” As we head into the winter,
Working from home was also top of mind,
the local market is still contending
as working families suddenly didn’t need just
with the lingering effects of a global
one home office; often, they need two or more,
pandemic. COVID-19 greatly influenced how people be-
plus rooms in the home well-suited to distance learning or homework sessions.
gan to think of their homes, of their effective-
Nancy Mesham — a Realtor with the Lyme
ness, their self-sustainability and location —
office of Coldwell Banker Realty and team lead
location even more so than ever before. For
at Nancy Mesham & Associates — said buyers,
january 2022 45
“What gets houses sold today? They have to be strategically priced, with strong marketing and professional photography. And sometimes you need staging.” MARTHA POOLE during the height of the pandemic and still today, search for “compartmentalized” rooms in a home that could be used as private offices or study spaces. Telecommuting also made amenities more popular, simply because time once spent commuting to an office could now be recouped for more active pastimes. “For years, a pool was something people could take or leave, but now, for the first time in my career, we see properties with a pool being a huge bonus,” Mesham said. “Home gyms are also great, because now people have the time to use them.” Conventional wisdom about the housing market suggests that the
NANCY MESHAM HEIDI HOSS HILARY REID WENDY VISGILIO
New England winter and the holidays ahead may quiet the market somewhat — perhaps even more so this year, given the low inventory of homes for sale. This, however, presents some unique opportunities for prospective buyers and sellers, Mesham suggested. “In my opinion, the fourth quarter is a good time to sell, regardless of market conditions,” she said. “You have less competition. But you can’t sell a hidden asset. Putting a house on the market at this time of the year, if it’s correctly priced and well marketed, should net a good number — in any market, but particularly now.” Connecticut’s coastal communities along the Sound have enjoyed centuries of summer dwellers and second-home families who pass properties down through generations. The pandemic certainly reignited interest in second homes here, because of the lower property taxes, compared to other shoreline options. Mesham estimated that
SOLD.
NANCY MESHAM (860) 227-9071 nancymesham.com
860.227.9071 | nancymesham.com | 86 Halls Road | Old Lyme, CT 06371
46
magazine
home & garden
The 1758 Colonial at 5 Town Street in Norwich is currently listed for sale, with an asking price of $220,000. The homeowner made a number of significant improvements to the property in recent years, adding a roof, a new furnace and hot water heater, and central air conditioning. Martha Poole of William Raveis’ Norwich brokerage represents the seller.
about 50% of buyers today, including luxury- and second-home buyers, have come with cash in hand.
NAVIGATING THE MARKET
Buyers looking for homes at lesser price points are a little more conciliatory, because they know how few homes are available, and some may have found themselves outbid for one or more proper-
Martha Poole had a busy week. She’s a Realtor with
ties already. They’re willing to “look past” things
William Raveis Real Estate’s Norwich brokerage. She
like rooms that need a fresh coat of paint or kitchen
spent the first week of November writing three offers
counters that could use an update, Poole said.
for buying clients and entertaining offers with one of
Home prices that had been on the rise throughout
her selling clients. Multiple bids on homes have be-
the pandemic have plateaued and are slowly start-
come the new normal, she said. It leaves buyers feel-
ing to come back to down. Poole said that tells her
ing “on edge” when they have to wait several days to
buying clients not to be upset if they’re outbid for a
know if their offers stood out to the seller. For the
home, because it might mean that the winning buy-
sellers, that time isn’t indulgent. It may be necessary
er is overpaying for a home. “If you want to sell your
to read through each offer and compare them, based
house in three or four years, you don’t want to be in a
on offer price, timing, lending and contingencies.
negative position,” she said.
Poole pointed out that this season’s luxury-market
For prospective sellers, Poole offers this ad-
buyers — looking for properties above $500,000 —
vice: “What gets houses sold today? They have to
are no longer pressed for time. There is not a sense of
be strategically priced, with strong marketing and
urgency to buy what the market saw at the height of
professional photography. And sometimes you
the pandemic.
need staging.”
“Those buyers are being very firm about what they
How a home is presented online is paramount in the
want in a home,” Poole said. “They want all renova-
digital age; residential buyers nearly always begin look-
tions done. They want a house with an in-ground
ing for a home online, and some begin their search as
pool. They’re going to wait for that house to come on
much as eight months before they even engage a Re-
the market, because right now, it’s taking up to two
altor, Poole estimated. “Buyers are very smart today.
years to get an in-ground pool.”
They know the market,” she concluded.
january 2022 47
home & garden
Seasons change quickly at local garden centers NO SOONER HAD THE HOLIDAY SEASON PASSED, TWO LOCAL GREENHOUSES BEGAN TO PREP FOR SPRING story and photos by gretchen a. peck
N
ew England winters have a way of slowing the pace of life, but that’s not the case for local greenhouses and nurseries, which end the calendar year with a frenzied holiday season and immediately start the new year planning for early spring.
It was just before Thanksgiving when The Day Magazine
reached out to two local, family-owned garden centers to find out what the holiday season is like for them and to hear about their plans for the new year. Teri Smith, owner of Smith’s Acres in Niantic, was taking a few days to have the store’s parking lot resurfaced and to set up for the holiday rush. Evergreen varieties are particularly popular with Smith’s Acres’ clientele, all year round, but especially in the wintertime. A yard with flourishing evergreen trees and shrubs can be an annual source of seasonal décor and natural home fragrance. “If you have evergreens in your yard, clip them and use them indoors,” Smith suggested. She advised against leaving potted plants outside for the winter, because the soil and water in a container will freeze faster than a yard or garden will. If you still have fallen leaves on the ground, it’s okay to leave them, as long as they don’t show sign of fungus, like spotted leaves. It’s important that leaves aren’t piled deep and compacted. If they have circulating air to help break them down, they can provide natural insulation for plants and grasses, as well as shelter and water for insects and birds. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Smith’s Acres had been turned into a winter wonderland, with all varieties of seasonal plants, flowers and ornaments, but as soon as the calendar page turned to the new year, it was time again to plan and plant for spring.
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magazine
SPRING AHEAD
Sarah Cates is the garden center man-
ager at Stonington Gardens in Mystic, owned by Jim and Nancy Nieuwenhuis, who spend many of their days consulting with clients on custom-designed architectural landscaping projects. They each earned degrees in landscaping architecture from Rutgers University. They create patios, fountains, courtyards, walkways and gardens, combining
hardscaping
elements
with
carefully curated flowers, shrubs and specimen trees. At the garden center in November, Manager Sarah Cates was preparing for a series of wreath-making workshops
LEFT Providing your landscaping elements with plenty of water before the winter sets and
they host throughout November and De-
adding organic fertilizer, like Holly-tone, can help plants like azaleas thrive during their
cember. Earlier in the fall, they’d held
blooming seasons.
two other local favorite events: a crafting
ABOVE Smith’s Acres.
workshop on how to make a succulent
BELOW Stonington Gardens.
arrangement in a pumpkin “vase,” and a scarecrow-making series. “We made 109 scarecrows this year and had tractor rides,” Cates recalled. “We had so much fun this fall.” A seasonal favorite among Stonington Garden’s customers are the evergreen window boxes they make at the garden center, with mini holly bushes and boxwoods that can be replanted in the yard once the spring soil thaws and the threat of frost has passed. Stonington Gardens goes on winter hiatus from December 24th to sometime between mid- to late-March, depending on the early spring weather, Cates said. “But we’re here the whole time, preparing and planting for next spring.” By springtime, the greenhouses will be brimming anew with color and greenery — the fruits of their winter labors. The fragrance of spring herbs and budding blossoms will fill the air again.
january 2022 49
local trends SHOPPING
APPS
FA S HIO N
BE AUT Y
Mystic River Bascule Bridge, Mystic. photo by jen ferraro
BOOKS
convenient delivery apps
50
magazine
turn the page for book reviews
TECH
| local trends
Dinner in a dash HOW DELIVERY APPS HAVE CHANGED THE TAKE-OUT GAME
written by tyler duboys
D
A November 25, 2020 Marketwatch.com article
uring the pandemic when very few families
written by Levi Sumagaysay, titled “The pandemic has
were leaving their homes for anything else
more than doubled food-delivery apps’ business. Now
other than essentials, dinner time usually
what?” reported that a study found that the pandemic
consisted of opening an app, ordering food,
caused food delivery orders to more than double from
tracking the delivery driver on the map, and
where the numbers were in 2019. And when COVID-19
then receiving the meal on the doorstep. But many
put a choke hold on the restaurant industry, delivery
restaurants are now encouraging their customers
services were seemingly the saving grace for many
to order directly from them in the future, instead
businesses. But are third party delivery apps like
of using third party apps to avoid paying the hefty
DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub helping restau-
commission fees that these apps charge.
rants or hurting them?
january 2022 51
local trends | TECH The convenience that these apps offer does
After many states banned indoor dining in
not come without a price. These apps charge the
March 2020, many restaurants had to get cre-
restaurants a commission anywhere between
ative to find new ways to stay in business. Ac-
15-30%, and customers can be subject to added
cording to an article on nrf.com titled “A look
fees as well. They are usually countered by pro-
inside the $43 billion ghost kitchen industry”
motional deals and discounts made to entice
by Sandy Smith, published on October 13, 2021,
the customer to use their app over the competi-
this is how ghost kitchens became a new indus-
tors. The competition between these apps forces
try standard.
them to focus on pristine user friendliness and
Ghost kitchens are delivery-only restaurants
quality customer satisfaction. Features like de-
with no dining room, no waitstaff, no storefront,
livery tracking, streamlined app experiences,
and sometimes nothing beyond a delivery app.
and a wide variety of restaurant options are just
Even though ghost kitchens are not a new con-
some of the ways these apps try to out play their
cept, the pandemic forced the hands of many
competitors.
restaurants to unwillingly make this drastic change. And in turn, it required many restaurants to have no choice but to fall victim to the mercy of relying on third party delivery apps to stay in business. In a July 1, 2021 article by Erin B. called “Best Food Delivery Services for Restaurants” on restaurantclicks.com these apps allow restaurants to cast a much wider net and reach a brand-new group of customers who may have never even heard of the restaurant before. But is the risk worth the reward? When a restaurant signs a deal with UberEats, they must pay a one-time $350 activation fee to cover the cost of equipment installation (tablets, printers, etc), as well as pay 15-30% commission of each sale made through the app. GrubHub charges a 20% marketing fee, a 10% delivery fee, and a $.30 per order + 3.05% processing fee. During the pandemic, some states and large cities (like New York City and Los Angeles) put a cap on the amount of commission fees that these delivery apps could take. Some apps, like DoorDash, willingly lowered their fees due to the pandemic even before the cap was put into place. But many others found loopholes in the law that even though they lowered the commission rate that the app was collecting, they would offset it by charging new regulatory service charges, marketing fees, or processing fees that did not apply under the new restriction.
52
magazine
With COVID-19 crushing the restaurant in-
extra staff to combat with these changes. Some
dustry, and third-party delivery apps causing
apps charge a smaller commission if a vendor de-
some restaurants to hope that they break even
cides to use their own delivery driver as opposed
on some orders, many are hopeful that the worst
to a third-party driver.
of the pandemic is seemingly behind us. Several
While the choice for a customer of whether
restaurants are hoping to reap the rewards of the
to use a food delivery app is not a life chang-
extended exposure that these apps have given
ing decision, the same decision for a restau-
them, but without being at their mercy. And even
rant comes with a bit more hesitation. There
with all of the complications, many vendors say
is a place for apps like these and they
that they would not have survived the pandemic
are not anywhere close to dis-
without third party delivery apps.
appearing anytime soon, but
DoorDash and UberEats provide their own de-
they’re giving us a preview to
livery drivers who they hire out as independent
help us understand what the
contractors. So even though the restaurants
post-pandemic restaurant in-
must battle with the higher number of delivery
dustry may look like.
orders, they do not have to worry about hiring
Eastern Connecticut Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C. is excited to announce the addition of Katherine Audet, Au.D., CCC-A, Doctor of Audiology, to our Hearing Center! Kate developed an interest in hearing loss at a young age, specifically how hearing impacts the overall well-being of a person. She received her B.A., magna cum laude, in Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences from The University of Connecticut in 2017 and continued her education at UCONN, receiving her Doctorate in Audiology in 2021. Dr. Kate Audet is excited to provide audiologic services to patients throughout Eastern and Southeastern Connecticut. Call (860) 886-6610 today to make an appointment.
HearBetterCT.com W AT E R F O R D | N O R W I C H | W I L L I M A N T I C
january 2022 53
local trends
TURNING PAGES
written by betty j. cotter
J
anuary is a month of possibility. The new year spreads before us like a coat of freshly fallen snow. It’s up to us what tracks we lay there, what path we forge. Untouched and pure, the days await, beckoning us to journey into new worlds. What better time to launch our modest book column? Here every month we will post five
mini-reviews of books – old and new, fiction and nonfiction, hardcover, paperback, audio. The titles will be gathered based on the pleasure they promise, not by the pressures of the marketplace. In other words: If it’s available to buy or borrow and I think it’s worthy, it qualifies. So you won’t likely find the author who’s been anointed by the critics as the next hot thing. What you will find, I hope, are gems worthy of more attention; classics that deserve a second look; and deep cuts from the oeuvres of your favorite writers. For this inaugural column, I am thinking about new beginnings. How do books help us regard the world in a new way? How can they set us on a journey of self-discovery? I am not thinking of self-help as a genre so much as a good, immersive read, the sort of writing that makes us examine life closely. This month focuses on nonfiction, but February will be a month of novels. Make your New Year’s resolution to give one of these titles a try.
“Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times,” by Katherine May (Riverhead Books, 2020, $24) “There are gaps in the mesh of the everyday world, and sometimes they open up and you fall through them into somewhere else.” For May, her husband’s sudden attack of appendicitis upends normal life. Even after he recovers, she struggles to return to the rhythms of working, writing, and mothering her six-year-old son. All this is compounded when her anxiety spills over to the boy, who can no longer bear the bullying he suffers at school. May confronts her winter of the soul with thoughtfulness and compassion, investigating all the ways people have learned to cope with seasonal darkness, both literal and figurative.
“A Naturalist at Large: The Best Essays of Bernd Heinrich,” by Bernd Heinrich (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018, $26) Since 1984, this scientist has been chronicling the natural world with a sense of wonder and indefatigable, ingenious methods. Heinrich goes to any lengths to satisfy his curiosity – wandering out at midnight with a flashlight to check on a Tiger swallowtail caterpillar, or camping out in the cold to figure out how tiny songbirds keep warm in the winter. Heinrich is a Thoreau for modern times, and to follow him through the woods near his Maine cabin is to experience all the mysteries and oddities of Nature.
54
magazine
“The Sound of Paper,” by Julia Cameron (Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, 2004, $19.95) Cameron became famous as the author of “The Artist’s Way,” an inspiring book for creative types to connect with their inner souls. Through writing morning pages and taking “artist dates,” Cameron advises, writers and artists can become more productive and insightful. She has written many books since, but “The Sound of Paper” is my favorite – a series of mini-essays on her creative life, divided between Taos, New Mexico, and New York City. She writes honestly about the droughts and doubts of writers, and in so doing gives us all courage to express ourselves.
“The House by the Sea,” by May Sarton (W.W. Norton, 1995, $14.95) Before Joan Anderson’s “A Year by the Sea,” which chronicled her sojourn on Cape Cod, there was the poet May Sarton’s journal of her first year on the coast of York, Maine. Originally published in 1977, the book chronicles Sarton’s move from New Hampshire, a complicated love affair, and her enchantment with the rugged shoreline of Maine. Sarton could be a difficult person in life, but on the page her honesty and intensity strikes a cord.
“Labyrinth of Ice: The Triumphant and Tragic Greely Polar Expedition,” by Buddy Levy (St. Martin’s Press paperback, 2021, $18.99; MacMillan Audio, narrated by Will Damron, $26.99) What does it mean to be an explorer? Although Army Lt. Adolphus Greely had studied the Arctic, he had no experience at sea or on ice when he and 24 crew set off from St. John’s, Newfoundland, in the summer of 1881. On an island off Greenland, they built winter quarters and conducted scientific experiments. The expedition achieved the farthest North up to that time and gathered vital climate data, but it would end in tragedy and scandal. Levy takes a generous approach to Greely, who has been demonized by some historians, and audio-book narrator Damron sets a breathless narrative pace. Ultimately, Greely’s finest accomplishment may have been his inner journey, as he transformed from autocratic Army man to a true leader of men.
january 2022 55
life cycles
PA R E N T I N G
KIDS
SENIORS
advice from pediatricians
56
magazine
PETS
E D U C AT I O N
explore the great outdoors
PARENTING ADVICE
| life cycles
Seven things doctors want you to know about kids today Like all of us, our kids have been through a lot the past few years. We asked pediatricians and child psychologists the questions parents should be asking of their kids and their kids' doctors now.
written by bridget shirvell
I
concerns among kids. The coronavirus pandem-
t'll be years before we have a complete
ic made it worse. In October 2021, the American
understanding, if we ever do, of the effects of
Academy of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital
the coronavirus pandemic on society. Like all of
Association and the American Academy of Child
us, our kids have been through a lot, yet how the
and Adolescent Psychiatry declared mental health
pandemic affected and continues to affect them
among children a national emergency. Among the
varies vastly than its impact on adults. As, thanks
doctors I spoke with, it was the first concern all
to vaccines, we start to get back to some semblance
four mentioned.
of a new normal, we asked pediatricians and child
"While not the face of the pandemic, children are
psychologists the questions parents should be
at risk of being the biggest victims," said Dr. Foong-Yi
asking of their kids and their kids' doctors now.
Lin of Northwest Medical Group Pediatrics. "We're
How are you doing?
seeing a 25% increase in mental health concerns among 5 to 11 year-olds and higher in older kids."
Even both the pandemic childhood health pro-
The doctors I spoke with said to look for signs of
fessionals reported rising rates of mental health
changes in behavior, which could be increased fussi-
january 2022 57
life cycles | PARENTING ADVICE ness, changes in sleep habits, and separation anxiety in young kids. With older kids look for irritability, increased conflicts, or not being interested in the relationships or activities they once were. "Check in with school support personnel to get their feedback on how your child is doing in school. If they're also seeing difficulties talk to your provider about next steps. If they're not, consider what it is about home settings that might not be working out," child psychologist Dr. Laura Saunders said. Each of the doctors stressed the importance of having open lines of communication with your kids. "It's an opportunity to foster and strengthen relationships," Dr. Kim Palmieri of Gold Star Pediatrics. "Sit down with your kids or go for a walk and let them know things are going and ask how they are doing." "Acknowledge their feelings and that it's OK to feel what they're feeling. Ask them what they worry about and share how you deal with your own stress, added Dr. Foong-Yi Lin. "Don't just say they're going to be fine, say it might not be fine, but it will get better, and we'll work through it together and work through practical solutions.”
What vaccines should my child be getting?
With the FDA authorization of the
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children 5 through 11 in November 2021 and the expectation of vaccines to protect younger children will be authorized in early 2022, vaccines are likely already on many parents' minds. It's essential to ask about the vaccines that are available to your child. "If you have kids aged 5 to 11 ask if they can't get their COVID vaccine," Dr.
58
magazine
Carpet • Wood • Laminate • Tile • and More Ho-Choong Chang, Chief of Pediatrics of Community Health Center, Inc, said. "It's really important to be able to provide kids the protection from COVID that they
2020 2019 2017 2016 2015
deserve." And don't forget to ask if your child is up-to-date on their other immunizations, too, as many people are playing catch-up from the postponement of well visits.
Social media is powerful. It
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said child caregivers should have open, honest conversations about how they and their children use social media, especially asking about the value they get from those social media interactions. "I think it's definitely a good idea to monitor social media usage,” Dr. Palmieri added. "There's a lot of influence that comes from social media. When kids are on social media, they're seeing the positive in people's lives as people don't normally share the negative, and it can lead to kids feeling like they themselves aren't
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860-388-5815 •100 Main Street • Old Saybrook
january 2022 59
life cycles | PARENTING ADVICE
our expert panel Meet the medical professionals we spoke to
Dr. Laura Saunders
Dr. Foong-Yi Lin
Dr. Kim Palmieri
Child psychologist
Northwest Medical Group Pediatrics
Gold Star Pediatrics
Dr. Ho-Choong Chang Chief of Pediatrics of Community Health Center, Inc.
“Establish a routine within the new normal.” DR. FOONG-YI LIN
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the percentage of obese children and teens increased to 22%, compared with 19% before the pandemic. It's something pediatricians like Dr. Chang notices in his patients.
Is this a bad day or something more?
Childhood mental health concerns have
steadily risen over the past decade, and nur-
"We have been seeing this phenomenon
turing kids' mental health and recognizing
where kids who were not able to come in for
when they need help is essential. Still, it's also
their usual checkup are finally coming in and
vital that parents and caregivers don't pathol-
we're seeing significant spikes in body mass
ogize everything.
index," Dr. Chang said.
"Kids have bad days, they have bad weeks,"
As caregivers, Dr. Chang advised parents to
Dr. Saunders said, adding that it is import-
acknowledge that it's been tough trying to stay
ant to have an open dialogue with your kids
active and then help kids get active.
and to get collaborating information from
"You don't need to spend a lot of money for a sports team or a gym," Dr. Chang said. "There are lots of free videos."
How can we get back into healthy routines?
grandparents, aunts and uncles and family friends.
We need help.
While you don't want to pathologize every-
thing, all of the doctors interviewed stressed
There's a lot of joy to be found in the mun-
the importance of seeking out help when you
dane, especially for kids who thrive on rou-
and your child need it or even when you're
tine. Dr. Foong-Yi Lin stressed the importance
unsure if you do. While many practices had
of reestablishing or creating healthy routines.
limited appointments during the height of
"Establish a routine within the new nor-
the pandemic, availability is slowly opening
mal," Dr. Lin said, adding that part of the rou-
back up, and telehealth visits can be a good
tine should be having fun as a family, which
option if you're having trouble getting into
is also important for continuing to establish
the office.
and maintain strong bonds.
january 2022 61
life cycles
The great outdoors written by bridget shirvell • photos courtesy of denison pequotsepos nature center
W
inter comes stealthily in the night,
SOREL, Patagonia and more, Dan LaBreck, Com-
turning the morning bone-cold,
munity Marketing Manager at DICK’S Sporting
spurring a scramble for hats, gloves,
Goods, says.
and scarves. The cold months often
Not all gloves are created equally and knowing
get a bad rap, but we’re lucky to
what qualities to look for can be the best move for
have seasons.
your child’s comfort.
“Fresh air is huge for kids,” Kim Hargrave, di-
“Gloves and mittens can be categorized into
rector of education for the Mystic-based Denison
three categories: lightweight, mid-weight and
Pequotsepos Nature Cen-
heavyweight
ter, said. “Getting outside
different levels of insula-
in different seasons forc-
tion,” says LaBreck. “Mid-
es kids to use their brains
weight gloves are the ideal
in different ways, helping
fit for snow sports like sled-
with their cognitive devel-
ding as they offer a thicker,
opment. They see the dif-
warmer insulation layer,
ferences in the landscape
waterproof materials and
from splashing in a stream
longer wrist cuffs to stop
in the summer to seeing it
snow from finding its way
has ice on it in the winter.”
onto the skin.”
with
Admittedly, getting out-
Don’t forget you can also
doors can be a struggle.
layer on mittens and gloves.
There are those days when
Hargrave suggests starting
all you want to do is make
with a thin pair of gloves
like a bear and hibernate.
and then layering on wa-
Add kids prone to losing
terproof mittens so your
mittens or simply refusing
kids can take the mittens
to wear them, and the call
off as desired. She also ad-
of Netflix is tempting. Yet,
vises letting kids pick out
if you dress properly and
their hats so they find them
know where to look, magi-
comfortable and actually
cal moments are waiting in the great outdoors, even on the frostiest of days.
want to wear them even if the hat is thinner than you maybe would like. And
Layers are your best friend. Start with a syn-
remember that snow pants aren’t simply for snow.
thetic base layer, use fleece as middle layers, and
They can be a nice extra layer to keep kids warm.
make sure the outer layer is waterproof. “For any cold-weather climate, parents can keep their kids warm and comfortable with outerwear from top brands like The North Face,
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“Avoid gaps,” Hargrave says. “There’s nothing worse than when their little wrists or bellies are showing.”
Whether there’s no snow on the ground or you simply need a break from the snowballs and sledding, there are plenty of things to do outdoors in the wintertime. Here are a few activities Hargrave suggests. 1.
If there’s a little snow on the ground, look for animal tracks.
2.
Go on a short night hike. “Don’t let the dark deter you,” says Hargrave. Bring a few flashlights, some hand warmers, and chances are you and your kids will have a blast.
3.
If you hike during the day, make it a destination hike and go somewhere the kids can do something such as climb on a big rock or look at something specific.
4.
Make ice blocks to build with, using different size plastic containers or sun catchers using pie plates and stick to hang it up. You can use food dye in the water or add in grasses and leaves.
5.
Have a campfire.
january 2022 63
explorations D AY T R I P S
G E TA W AY S
photo courtesy of connecticut science center
T R AV E L T I P S
day trip to Connecticut Science Center
64
magazine
climb aboard a small-ship cruise
DAY TRIP
| explorations
Take a day trip THE CONNECTICUT SCIENCE CENTER HOSTS MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION
written by jennifer carmichael • photos courtesy of connecticut science center
L
ooking
for
something
fascinating,
intriguing, and inspiring to do?
All
America, Europe, and ancient Egypt, dating as far back as 4,500 years.
ages, from the naturally curious to the
“This exhibit has been to 23 cities and more
history buff, will enjoy the nationally
than 2.5 million people have seen it,” says Tracy
recognized Mummies of the World:
Shirer, Vice President of Marketing and Com-
The Exhibition — the largest collection of
munications at the Connecticut Science Center.
real mummies and related artifacts ever
“It’s on the same scale as the popular King Tut or
assembled — now at the Connecticut Science
Bodies exhibits.”
Center in downtown Hartford.
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition be-
The exhibit features 40 real human and an-
gan with a mysterious and rare find of 20 human
imal mummies and 85 rare artifacts from
mummies hidden in the basement of the Re-
around the globe, giving insight into how people
iss-Engelhorn Museum in Mannheim, Germany
from past cultures and civilizations once lived.
in 2004. The mummies, which once belonged to
Presented with reverence and dignity, the col-
artist Gabriel von Max (1840-1915), were thought
lection includes ancient mummies from South
to have been destroyed or lost during World War
january 2022 65
explorations | DAY TRIP II. This startling discovery prompted the most important research project ever undertaken with regard to mummies. Without documentation explaining who they were, where they were from, or why they were collected, an international team of scientists from many disciplines studied the mummies. Their studies and research, known as the Germany Mummy Project, is the largest mummy research project in the world. The results of their research and studies are presented in Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, made possible through the collaboration of 21 world-renowned museums, organizations, and collections from seven countries. Premiering in early November and running through September 4, 2022, the exhibit will be at the Connecticut Science Center for a long time, offering lots of educational opportunities and programming. Visitors will not only come face-to-face with mummies, but they will also learn the modern science behind the various ways mummification happens, and the personal stories behind each of the mummies featured. Included in the collection is the Vac Mummies, a family from Hungary believed to have died from tuberculosis in the early 1800s, preserved in a small church until the remains of 265 mummies were discovered by a bricklayer during repair work in 1994. Also featured in the exhibition is Baron Von Holz, a German nobleman who was found tucked away in the family crypt of a 14th century castle wearing his best leather boots. He perished in the castle after seeking refuge from the Thirty Years’ War, which raged across northern Europe from 1618 to 1648. Four other family members, including Baroness Schenck von Geirn, were also found naturally mummified in the crypt. In addition, visitors can see the intricate detailing on traditional Egyptian sarcophagus’ belonging to two stolist priests Nes-Hor and Nes-Min. “Seeing it in person is amazing,” says Shirer, who notes that it is a good time to buy a Membership, which gives people the opportunity to visit as much as you want during the year, as well as the flexibility to bring different guests with you each time you visit. “At other venues where the exhibit has been, there’s an extra cost for this ticket. But we’re including it with the cost of Membership or General Admission.” Membership costs vary with an optional $10 addon per family member for the Butterfly Encounter, an all-season, immersive exhibit with 40-50 different free
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magazine
flying species and a variety of tropical plants. General Admission costs $24.95 for an adult and $16.95 per child under 18 years old. Children under the age of three are free. If your company/employer is a member of the Connecticut Science Center’s Corporate Rewards program, you may be eligible for discounted General Admission. There is also an ACCESS Membership program where those adults who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Husky insurance, can buy a 4-or-6-person family membership for a reduced price. The nine-story museum highlights science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to foster a lifelong interest in these subjects, offering 165 interactive exhibits to include Science Alley, KidSpace, Engineering Lab, Forces in Motion, Sight and Sound, Exploring Space, Genome in Me, Picture of Health, Sports Lab, Energy City, Our Changing Earth, and River of Life. Whether learning engineering principles through a full-body experience of trying to hoist yourself from the gallery floor or posing and seeing yourself frozen from all angles at Freeze Frame 360, there’s so much to do and learn here. During a visit in the warmer months, head up to the Rooftop Garden with local native species and pollinating insects. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the amazing views of the Connecticut River. Another reason to opt for a Membership is the amazing member exclusive benefits and discounts offered. Just some of those include a $5 flat-rate parking fee in the conveniently located, covered, attached garage, 10 percent off in the
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and rotating reciprocals with area attractions during select months of the year. Before heading to the Connecticut Science Center, be sure to download the app. With interactive tours, visitor information, latest news, and
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explorations | GETAWAY
sea
vitamin
The Wind Surf at St. Lucia. photo by jeff zaruba / windstar cruises
68
magazine
a
SMALL-SHIP CRUISES OFFER INTIMATE, LUXURY, REMOTE PORTS OF CALL written by caitlin m. bagley
A
148 to 342 passengers per voyage. A conven-
fter nearly two years of staying close
tional cruise ship, like Carnival Cruises’ Mardi
to home, it’s time to see the world
Gras, carries over 5,000 guests. You can imag-
again. And what better way to travel
ine how such an intimate setting with Wind-
to the destinations you’ve been
star lends itself to a personalized approach at
longing to explore than by cruise?
each destination on your itinerary — and on
We’re not talking about a massive,
the ship itself. In fact, Windstar maintains an
conventional cruise ship with you and 5,000-
“Open Bridge Policy,” meaning guests are wel-
plus strangers. We’re talking small-ship cruises
come to join the crew on the ship’s bridge while
— sailing yachts and clippers — that carry no
at sea and even chat with the captain over a cup
more than approximately 350 guests at a time.
of coffee as time allows.
Spend days at sea relaxing and pampering
Offering a similar personal and well-ap-
yourself in this first-class environment, and
pointed experience, Star Clippers’ three sail-
plot one-of-a-kind adventures at your ports of
ing clippers house between 166 and 227 guests
call with activities that suit your travel style.
on each voyage and afford passengers the op-
See the world up close via small-ship cruises
portunity to experience the romance of sailing aboard a true tall ship. Of course, these modern clippers are not like the sailing ships
You haven’t been on a cruise until you’ve
of old — the Star Clippers fleet boasts first-
experienced the intimate luxury and remote
class accommodations and dining, expansive
ports made possible on a small-ship cruise
teak decks, swimming pools and tropical bars.
line. Companies like Windstar Cruises and
Guests are even welcome to help the crew raise
Star Clippers offer the experience of a private
the sails if they’d like (but there’s no obligation
yacht with the convenience of a crew, captain
— after all, this is a vacation!).
and impeccable service, food, and drink.
Both Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers
Windstar’s fleet of six ships — three sailing
offer unparalleled access to ports throughout
yachts and three all-suite yachts — carry just
the world — those too small for conventional
ABOVE LEFT There is plenty to do onboard and at port on Windstar Cruises – such as a exploring Mallorca, Spain. photo by michael nalley / windstar cruises; ABOVE RIGHT Stay refreshed as you sail in style with colorful cocktails. photo courtesy of windstar cruises
january 2022 69
explorations | GETAWAY cruise ships to enter. Destinations via Windstar
What to pack: Not too many clothes — you’ll
Cruises include Alaska, Asia, the Mediterranean
never wear as many different outfits as you
region, northern Europe, Tahiti, the South Pacif-
think you will. Instead, save room for under-
ic and more. Through Star Clippers you can find
wear and socks, which you’ll go through faster.
yourself sailing around Central America, the Ca-
Some accessories that will enhance your experi-
ribbean and even through the Panama Canal.
ence include a hanging organizer to keep all your
Both companies also offer ocean-crossing voyag-
jewelry, makeup, and other small items easily
es sailing for two weeks or longer — perfect for
accessible; a power strip to charge your phone,
leisurely days and romantic nights when time is
e-reader and any other electronics you bring;
stopped by the magic of the sea.
and a small fan to help you adjust to sleeping in a
Just like your time aboard these ships, the ports of call on your itinerary are held to excep-
Traveling with friends: Cruising with your
tional standards with all sorts of once-in-a-life-
closest friends will no doubt lead to wonderful
time excursions and immersive experiences
memories, but it can sometimes prove difficult
to choose from. Fancy a guided Zodiak cruise
to manage expectations for each person’s per-
around Alaskan fjords with an expert natural-
fect vacation. Before setting sail, discuss your
ist? You can do that with Windstar. How about
travel goals and preferences to ensure your itin-
an invigorating hike on a breathtaking trail
erary includes a bit of something for everyone
in Mallorca, Spain? No problem. For a rush of
— and be sure to carve out some personal time!
adrenaline, try zip lining under the sheer volca-
Stay healthy and hygienic: Don’t let a
nic Petit Piton in St. Lucia with your fellow Star
jam-packed cruise itinerary or lazy days sun-
Clippers guests.
ning on the deck by the pool lead to a slip in
Planning your small-ship cruise adventure
your personal hygiene routine. Even though a small-ship cruise means you’re sailing with far fewer guests than on a convention-
As with any vacation, there’s a certain
al cruise, everyone must be responsible for
amount of planning and consideration to take
their own cleanliness. Prioritize hand-wash-
into account once you’ve booked your intimate
ing, keep your feet clean, use disinfecting
luxury voyage on a sailing yacht or clipper
wipes when traveling around a port of call,
ship. Windstar Cruises shares some helpful
and make sure to rinse any fruits and veg-
travel tips:
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new environment.
magazine
gies you encounter off the ship before taking a bite — no matter how fresh and delicious they look. Mistakes to avoid: Don’t forget to let your bank and credit card companies know you’ll be cruising so they don’t freeze your accounts for seemingly fraudulent purchases. Make sure you bring the right type of shoes for any planned excursions — you don’t want to be caught hiking rocky terrain in flip flops. Plan plenty of fun activities but be sure to pencil in rest and relaxation! And finally, take some time to learn about local customs at the ports of call on your itinerary so you can step out of your comfort zone and show respect to the people whose home country you are exploring.
Charter your own sailing adventure
For some folks, cruising with an-
other 150 to 340 or so people may still feel crowded. If that’s the case, why not head to the Caribbean or the Bahamas and charter your own private sailing adventure? Companies like The Moorings, Sunsail and Dream Yacht Charters offer various levels of charters — from bareboat charters that you can sail yourself (assuming you have the necessary experience) to skippered voyages and even those with a small crew (and private chef!). Charter a sail yacht, a catamaran, or a power boat to explore the Caribbean or the Bahamas your way. Whether you prefer island-hopping through calm, protected waters or the thrill of navigating exhilarating blue-water passages,
FAR LEFT Sail or cruise in style with Windstar Cruises. photo courtesy of windstar cruises TOP Dine in style on the Star Breeze. photo by michel verdure / windstar cruises ABOVE You can count on fine dining with Windstar Cruises. photo by michael nalley / windstar cruises LEFT A balcony suite on the Star Breeze. photo by michel verdure / windstar cruises
there’s a charter for every traveler. Bon voyage! *** Photos captions/credits:
january 2022 71
it’s your day Q&A
INFLUENCERS
get to know Miguel Cardona
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magazine
Miguel Cardona U . S . S E C R E TA R Y
O F E D U C AT I O N
written by erica moser
Soto, former state representative
A
fter serving as commissioner
for New London and a Coast Guard
of education in Connecticut,
Academy graduate, and Nick Sim-
the first Latino to hold the
mons, who served as a policy advisor
position, Miguel Cardona
for Gov. Ned Lamont.
was confirmed by the Senate as U.S.
Cardona has made stops in his
Secretary of Education in March.
home state in his federal capacity.
In the time since, the Meriden
He has toured the new Dual Lan-
native — a vocal advocate of free
guage International School in Wa-
community college and universal
terbury and talked about workforce
pre-kindergarten – has pushed for
development at Middlesex Commu-
President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better agenda. Car-
nity College. He addressed the University of Con-
dona heads the Department of Education at a time
necticut Class of 2021 in a virtual commencement
when parents and educators across the country are
ceremony.
having fraught conversations about COVID-19 protocols and how history should be taught in schools.
Cardona, 46, received a master’s degree in bilingual and bicultural education, Doctor of Education, and
He has advocated for vaccines and mask-wearing
other certificates from UConn, after getting his bache-
while repeatedly stressing the Department of Education
lor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University.
does not have the authority to mandate either. The department has overhauled the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, through which students
He worked as a fourth-grade teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in Meriden before becoming Connecticut’s education commissioner.
can reduce their college debt by working in public ser-
Cardona gave a quick phone interview in early No-
vice after graduating and has sought to address the
vember to talk about his current work and how his ex-
student mental health crisis stemming from the pan-
periences in Connecticut have shaped his perspectives
demic, with a focus on social-emotional learning.
and priorities for America’s students. This Q&A has
Cardona has brought some people from Connecticut
been lightly edited and consolidated for clarity.
to Washington, D.C., naming as senior advisors Chris
TDM: You were sworn in as Secretary of Education eight months ago. What has the transition from education commissioner in Connecticut to your current role been like? CARDONA: It’s been great. It’s humbling, and I still pinch myself knowing I’m part of a team that is really committed to improving education across the country. I’ve been in education almost a quarter of a century, and I’ve never seen
something like this, where we have a president who understands how important education is. It helps to have a teacher in the White House. TDM: When you were growing up in Meriden, what was your parents’ attitude like when it came to school and your studies? CARDONA: They always valued education. Like many parents across the country, my parents
understood that education was the ticket to success. They came from Puerto Rico very young, and in many ways, they sacrificed opportunities for themselves so myself, my brother and my sister could have opportunities, and my success is their success, and I certainly wouldn’t be Secretary of Education or have a doctorate if it weren’t for the value my parents instilled in education.
january 2022 73
it’s your day | Q&A
74
TDM: You hold a master’s and Doctor of Education from the University of Connecticut. What made you decide to go there, and how has your experience at UConn shaped your work in Connecticut and now D.C.? CARDONA: It’s shaped it tremendously, and I have to say, I’m going to throw Central Connecticut State University in the mix. I was an 18-year-old kid, and I was in unchartered territory. Through the warm environment and the nurturing environment at Central, I was able to develop my passion and my beliefs. The [doctorate] but also two other certificates of leadership really just honed my leadership strategy and my beliefs around leadership, and it gave me an opportunity to network around Connecticut, and the rest is history.
I did learn English second, and for me, that really highlights the importance of multilingualism. I think when you have the ability to speak more than one language – and equally as important, understand different cultures – I think you’re more well-rounded. And to me, that’s one of the biggest benefits I had growing up in Meriden, is being around so many different cultures and different languages.
TDM: Your doctoral thesis was on addressing achievement disparities between English Language Learners and native speakers. Tell me a bit about your personal experiences that made that an important issue today, and the work you’re doing around English Language Learners today. CARDONA: It was a broader scope than English learners alone. It was sharpening the political will to address achievement disparities, which if you look across the country, we have to muster political will to address disparities. Look at the agenda the president’s pushing forward: Universal pre-kindergarten, additional funding for Pell Grants. I grew up in Meriden, and in many ways, if it weren’t for the offerings of a public school system, I wouldn’t be able to get to where I am now, so for me, addressing gaps in education and gaps in access to opportunities in education has been a focus.
TDM: What do you miss most about Connecticut when you’re in D.C.? CARDONA: Homecooked meals. Rice and beans. Connecticut’s special to me; it’s home. I love the fact that Connecticut’s small enough where you can pretty much know everyone around the state, and it’s home; it’s a family to me. While I’m in D.C., I still have my Connecticut roots.
magazine
TDM: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing students today? CARDONA: I think the return to school and making sure their social and emotional wellbeing is cared for and addressed in their programming. I think better career and college pathways have to be a focus looking forward.
TDM: What’s your favorite pizza in Connecticut, and have you found any in D.C. that comes close? CARDONA: Not at all to that one, and Little Rendezvous in Meriden, although New Haven does have a couple good spots too. I won’t be picking one over the other, because I don’t want to start a culture war there. TDM: How does your experience as a father shape your work as education secretary? CARDONA: Significantly. Everything that I do, every decision that I make, I first look at it through the lens of a father. Would I want that for my own children? That was critically important when I was talking about reopening schools. My wife works in a school as well, so this is a very personal position for me, and I know children across the country have the same opportunities I had. I relied on public schools to get ahead. Quality public schools is the gateway to opportunity, so that’s going to be the work that I do as Secretary of Education, which is wonderful. TDM: You talked earlier about workforce development. What do you think is the role of the Department of Education in preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow, and today? CARDONA: We have to evolve quicker, so as Secretary of Education, I’m going to work to help evolve our high schools, to have a better connection between our high schools, our community colleges, and our workforce, and our four-year schools. The president’s Build Back Better agenda invests $10 billion in workforce development, in our community colleges ... The jobs are there, the workforce partners are ready, we just have to be more deliberate and more intentional about creating a through line. The Build Back Better funding for this will certainly help.
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