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© Copyright 2023 by The Day Publishing Company All rights reserved. Reproductions without the permission of the publisher are prohibited. ATTENTION SUBSCRIBERS: This issue of The Day Magazine is considered one of The Day’s premium editions. You are receiving this premium publication for a fee equivalent to one issue of the newspaper; charged by moving your expiration date back by one day. If you would like to opt-out of receiving these publications please call Customer Service at 860-701-4400 or email memberservices@theday.com.

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on the cover Delicate hand-blown glass vessels on display in the Sargent, Whistler, & Venetian Glass: American Artists and the Magic of Murano exhibit. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

this month

Early 20th century mosaic glass goblet. p hoto courtesy of Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, ca. 1914-1928

J A N U A R Y

2 0 2 3

ART FROM THE ISLANDS OF ITALY

Sargent, Whistler, & Venetian Glass: American Artists and the Magic of Murano on exhibit in Mystic

january 2023 7

departments CORRESPONDENCE

TASTE

10 Editor’s note

21 Gorgeous and glutenfree

PEOPLE & PLACES

Westbrook eatery’s healthy food is anything but boring

13 The undertow of home

26 Restaurant listings

Artist Judy Cotton’s new memoir examines the complicated allure of our birthplaces

TRENDING Photo by Denise Mineau

29 Five streaming shows for the armchair traveler

32 Turning pages

All things books: Our new columnist introduces herself

34 Local finds

Shop unique. Shop local.

LIFE CYCLES 45 Doctor profile

Dr. Raja Fattaleh, MD, Diabetes and Weight Loss Center of Northeast CT, LLC

46 Trends in medicine

Almost inconceivable not too long ago, some ideas are taking off in Connecticut

52 Ditching the “old” label

Rebranded senior center renames itself to promote active living at any age

58 Homework: How much is too much?

Parents, educators weigh in on the age-old question

62 Therapy 9-1-1

13 8

magazine

COVID, high demand and shortage of providers make finding help difficult

52 worth keeping in 2023

Ancient practice is good for the mind, body and soul

74 Is it time for a personal trainer?

Experts say they help people live longer, healthier lives

photo by mary ellen fillo

68 Yoga, a resolution

photo by Jan tormay

EXPLORATIONS 79 Flying high

Tweed New Haven Regional Airport has seen sudden growth in the past year, further expansion expected

86 Bucket list: Greece

Cruising the cradle of Western civilization was a lifelong dream fulfilled

INTERVIEW 95 Cherie Poirier

Executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut

january 2023 9

correspondence | EDITOR’S NOTE

Downtown Mystic. P hoto by john geyer

dear readers,

elcome to 2023 and to January’s issue of The Day Magazine!

Travel to Murano, the Venetian region in northern Italy famous for its glassmaking, by visiting an exhibit

The new year always brings with it

at the Mystic Seaport Museum highlighting the influ-

some hope for fresh starts, changes,

ence that region has had on American artists. The

new adventures and, of course, New

exhibit showcases blown glass and other glasswork,

Year’s resolutions that are for most of

paintings, even Native American beads from this area

us (according to the experts) focused on better health and mental and physical wellness.

that were influenced by Venice. If you’re more of the armchair traveler, enjoy a sea

In this issue, we introduce you to several ideas and

voyage to the Greek islands, cruising from port to port

people who can help with that goal: personal train-

along Greece’s stunning coastlines with our writer,

ers, yoga instructors and mental health experts who

who recently checked the trip off of her lifelong bucket

explain why now is the best time to start taking care

list. Or, check out our film column, with recommenda-

of your mind, body and soul.

tions for streaming travel shows that will take you to

We also explore some Connecticut-related medical trends that just a few years ago might’ve seemed incon-

places across America and the globe and introduce you to new foods, cultures and countrysides.

ceivable but are starting to take off here, thanks to

There’s so much more packed into this issue and

research, innovative technology and legislation aimed

we hope you enjoy it as you kick off 2023 and plan (or

at improving health and well-being in our state.

dream about) the resolutions or adventures the com-

If you’re looking for a new adventure, it’s an exciting

ing year will bring.

time to be an air traveler in southeastern Connecticut.

Thank you for joining us and as always, please share

We take an inside look at the new and improved

your own ideas, experiences and travels throughout

Tweed New Haven Airport, which has gone through a

southeastern Connecticut with us. Here’s to a great 2023!

renaissance of sorts, with passengers flocking to the Elm City to fly out of the small airport to more than a dozen affordable destinations and counting, and plans for expansion.

Happy New Year!

Traci Neal, editor t.neal@theday.com

Send your questions, comments, suggestions and ideas to thedaymag@theday.com. Or look us up on social media. You may even be featured on in our “Letters” section in a future issue. By getting in touch with us, you give us permission to reprint your comments.

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january 2023 11

people & places ENVIRONMENT

FINANCE

PEOPLE

Outer Light, Old Saybrook. P hoto by Mark Cassidy

BUSINESS

Judy Cotton honors the concept of home

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N E W & N O TA B L E

people & places

The undertow of home ARTIST JUDY COTTON’S NEW MEMOIR EXAMINES THE COMPLICATED ALLURE OF OUR BIRTHPLACES By Janet Reynolds

t 81, Judy Cotton would be forgiven if she decided to rest on her laurels. An internationally acclaimed artist with works in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Britain Museum of American Art, the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., and the National Gallery of Australia—to name just a very few—the Lyme resident is doing anything but hanging up her brushes. Not only is she actively creating art— more on that later—but she just published her first memoir. The book, Swimming Home, is a recollection of home in its many complicated phases. Born and raised in Australia, Cotton was sent to boarding school at age 4. After a conflicted childhood, she moved to Korea and Japan in the late 1960s, and ultimately landed in New York, where she discovered and joined the thriving art scene. The book is an ode to the land she left but has never left her. (See excerpt on page 19.) Cotton says she had been writing bits about her life for a while. “Then I would put them away in a drawer and hide them,” she says. “Then I thought, ‘You’re 80. Stand up and own it. Stop hiding stuff.’” Although familiar with writing and editing—she was the contributing New York editor for Vogue Australia for many years— Artist and memoirist Judy Cotton, 81, with her beloved dog Pip, a 15-yearold Jack Russell. The painting is one of Cotton’s works from the 1970s. Photo by Denise Mineau

Cotton had never written anything booklength prior to her memoir. “It was lovely to

january 2023 13

people & places

Judy Cotton’s Reflections The images on these pages are part of Judy Cotton’s Reflections series, which was shown at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in fall 2022.

ABOVE Fur Traders Descending the Missouri, George Caleb Bingham, 1845. left Young Mother Sewing, Mary Cassatt, 1900. BELOW Prisoners from the Front, Winslow Homer, 1866. Opposite TOP The American School, Matthew Pratt, 1765. opposite middle The Champion Single Sculls, Thomas Eakins, 1871. opposite BOTTOM Mrs. John Wood Dodge, watercolor on ivory by John Wood Dodge, 1836. Photos courtesy of Judy Cotton

magazine

be lodged in a longer piece,” she says, adding she rewrote the book four times. “It was like being in the middle of a series.” Delving into her life also brought some surprises. “I was surprised at what an obstinate little beast I was,” she says. “I didn’t realize how hard-headed I was. I would resist authority no matter what.” Her time at boarding school challenged that stubborn streak, Cotton says. “In those days they thought you should know how to hold a spoon correctly, hem a tablecloth. That’s not my preferred choice,” she says, noting during the holidays at home she was allowed to run and explore the vast outdoors with abandon with her brother and cousin. “We could go anywhere. We ran free in a way I don’t think you can now.” And still Cotton realized she needed to leave Australia. Her parents were going into politics and she says she needed to leave in order to become her own person. “I left because I wanted to see the world,” she says. “I wanted to see what art was, where you couldn’t hit the ceiling too fast.” O ver the yea rs, Cotton, whose work was recently shown at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, has explored different mediums. Before she left Australia, she primarily used acrylics. Then she moved into oils. Lately, she has been working with encaustic, a form of hot wax painting. “I was laid low with Lyme disease and in a wheelchair for six months,” she says. “I could only stand for 10 minutes at a time. For some reason I said, ‘Encaustic, that’s what I’m going to do.’ When the surface is honey soft, you draw rapidly. It’s a lot of fun. If you fail, you melt it. “At 81, you can paint a leg of a chair three times. That’s not the question you’re asking yourself,” she says of her interest in exploring various mediums. “In the studio, you ask yourself a question and the painting is the way you try to answer it. Different mediums come up [to answer the question.] “Ideas—they rise. You can’t trust it unless they do. You can’t decide arbitrarily I would like to

january 2023 15

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people & places paint six trees today,” she continues. “That has never worked for me. I have to trust my instincts.” While Cotton’s mediums have varied, she has always been inspired by water. “I’m always working with water, even when painting about the desert. It’s an Australian obsession.” Now she lives by the Connecticut River. “Water is something that has always fascinated me. I have not run out of interesting water.” She and her husband of 37 years, Yale Kneeland III, discovered the land while bringing their son to school. They had lived in New York City for four decades—he was a conservator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for many years—and were looking for a little cabin. They stopped for coffee in Lyme and learned some land was for sale on the Connecticut River. “We had sworn we would never build because that’s how you get divorced,” Cotton says. “But we walked onto this piece of land and a man was sitting there with his pet goat, Silas, and my husband had had a pet goat. We fell in love and bought three acres. “It has been abidingly peaceful,” Cotton says. “When you’re traveling and come back, you come back and you think. ‘Here. I live here.’ It has a strange gentleness… “The Connecticut River Valley is a luminous landscape,” she continues. opposite top Judy Cotton’s painting, Thin Blue Line, is a 36- by 60-inch acrylic on canvas, 2014. P hoto courtesy of Judy Cotton opposite bottom left Swan (2012), part of Cotton’s Nature Morte series, is a 36- by 36-inch oil and acrylic on canvas. Cotton said the series, which depicts animals and birds after their deaths, was her way of paying tribute to the creatures. P hoto courtesy of Judy Cotton opposite bottom right Judy Cotton’s Rower is in the collection of the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. P hoto courtesy of Judy Cotton top Artist and memoirist Judy Cotton, 81, whose artwork has been shown around the world, lives by the Connecticut River in Lyme. P hoto courtesy of Judy Cotton

“There is something about the quality of the light. The amount of liquid in the air allows light to bloom. It is very enriching to be in this landscape. There is color everywhere.” Turn the page to read an excerpt from Cotton’s memoir, Swimming Home. Janet Reynolds is an award-winning Connecticut journalist, editor and content strategist with deep roots in alternative journalism and arts and culture magazines.

january 2023 17

people & places

Judy Cotton’s sculpture, Adrift (2018), is made from driftwood salvaged from the Connecticut River, and is part of the Lyman Allyn Museum of Art’s Sculpture Trail. Photo by Denise Mineau

magazine

“

1979

I had just returned to the house in Balmoral

when the wallaby died. The day before, I had watched my sister walk through the lowering beauty of the light to feed her, as if it were an ordinary thing to do. It was. Stumbling out of bed with jet lag the next morning, I heard a small struggle in the bush below, and looking

over the verandah saw the wallaby lying among the tree ferns, head flung back in a rictus that had it almost meet the sturdy whip of tail that was her counterpoise. Above the white muzzle, her large dark eyes were blank. A small trickle of blood ran from her right ear. This was the dark undertow of home. Wildness extinguished in a suburban garden, the heartsick dichotomy that faces the returning expatriate, dazzled with the land’s savage beauty, each memory a stroke of the lash marking that soon it will be gone. ‘You could never live here now,’ my sister declared. ‘They wouldn’t let you.’ Who were They? My presence seemed to stir up troubling antagonisms, as if I were some unruly, sea beast disturbing the blue waters locked around this drowsy island. ‘Go back where you came from!’ seemed to be implied. But this was where I came from. And yet the child in me does not doubt that I can return to seas that slide in a silver sheet on long empty beaches as if erasing the notion of human existence—return to melting ice cream, bare feet running in bush paddocks, parrots, snakes, bushfires, and trees that seem as eccentric as close friends; does not doubt that miles and square miles of freedom are mine. But that is the child in me. Australia is still my inner landscape that lets me in and shuts me out, so that returning to America I feel as if I’ve jammed the fingers of my emotions in a door.

—Excerpted with permission from Swimming Home, a memoir by Judy Cotton (Black Inc. Books, 221 pages, $29.99)

january 2023 19

E N T E R TA I N I N G

R E S TA U R A N T S

Hole in the Wall Beach, Niantic. Photo by Suzi Schell

RECIPES

taste

go vegan and gluten-free at Shayna B’s

magazine

FOOD & DRINK

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

| taste

Gorgeous and gluten-free WESTBROOK EATERY’S HEALTHY FOOD IS ANYTHING BUT BORING By Mary Ellen Fillo photos courtesy of Christine reed ime was when you heard the words “gluten-free,” your mind and your palate turned beige as you imagined bland, uninspired and just plain boring food choices. Clearly you had never been to Shayna B’s by the Sea. Because at this Westbrook gluten-free and vegan bakery and café, your taste buds will be hard-pressed to know that the offerings at this cozy dine-in or takeout eatery are any “different” from a mainstream menu. “Oh, definitely people are surprised at how good the menu is once they try it,” said owner Christine Reed, who began her niche business as a reflection of her commitment to healthier eating and a desire to produce foods that were better for people. “We do have people who come in and say, ‘oh, it’s a vegan place’ or ‘oh, it’s gluten-free’ and walk out again,” she said. “But we encourage them to try it and we have many more who come and once they try some of our dishes and baked goods, come back again.” Go to her shop at 631 Boston Post Road or to her website at shaynabsbythesea.com and prepare for some mouth-watering The pastry case at Shayna B’s by the Sea, where gluten-free and vegan baked goods are prepared with wheat flour alternatives and other health- and allergy-conscious ingredients.

offerings, no matter what your day-to-day food preferences might be.

january 2023 21

taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT Breakfast pastries include bagels, scones, cinnamon rolls and muffins, all created with ingredients that are safe for those with certain food allergies and those who just want to eat healthier. Soups and starters include choices like grilled cheese sliders, cashew queso nachos and soup specials, created with alternative ingredients, including allergy-safe flours, gluten-free breads, organic flax, coconut oils, nut bases and egg and dairy alternatives. Reed, who says she is always experimenting, is focused on not just gluten-free or vegan recipes, but on delivering the taste, crunch and texture of “traditional foods.” Also on the menu are salads and bowls, like Reed’s famed “Buddha Bowl” (with Napa cabbage, rice noodles, tofu, veggies, sesame seeds, scallions, sesame dressing, pickled onions), wraps and paninis, and pizza choices like spinach pesto, toasted veggie, the Hawaiian and the “Cashew Margarita,” that bely the idea that gluten-free or vegan cannot measure up when it comes to taste. Another specialty is the house-made veggie burger, served with diet-restriction-safe, house-made slaw, ketchup and chips. But what gets the most attention are the desserts, including specialty cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes and cookies.

“People are surprised at how good the menu is once they try it.” CHRISTINE REED “The top sellers across the board are our cookies,” Reed says smiling as she rattles off the most popular, including chocolate chunk, biscotti and oatmeal raisin. “We use flour alternatives and are careful with butter and fats,” she explained, referring to how she makes sure people with dietary restrictions can enjoy something sweet safely. “They are certified gluten-free, and people love them.” Reed, who first started her professional food journey at a farmers market, said she didn’t find her business, it found her. “I started out as a vegan baker and that was not so popular here,” said Reed, who is originally from Massachusetts. “I knew eating vegan was a better way to eat, not just for your body but for the environment,” she continued. “I was selling vegan products at the market and people kept asking me whether I had gluten-free items as well. So I started

magazine

top left Shayna B’s by the Sea makes gluten-free and vegan baked goods, including bagels, prepared with wheat flour alternatives and other health- and allergy-conscious ingredients. bottom left Shayna B’s chef salad is made with fresh greens, carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, hummus, “chiken” salad, hemp and chia seeds, cranberries and served with a house dressing. above Christine Reed, center in red apron, and most of her staff at Shayna B’s by the Sea in Westbrook, a gluten-free and vegan bakery and cafe offering sit-down dining and takeout. right Shayna B’s vegan and gluten-free cashew cheesecake is sold whole or by the slice.

january 2023 23

taste | RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

above Vegan and gluten-free holiday cupcakes prepared at Shayna B’s by the Sea. below left Shayna B’s breakfast platter includes house-made pancakes, home fries, tofu or plant-based egg scramble and fresh fruit. below right A certified gluten-free and vegan wedding cake from Shayna B’s by the Sea.

magazine

experimenting and my ‘Wendy’ cookie was my first gluten-free creation. And then it just grew from there.” Reed admits that the increase in the number of people with celiac disease and cultural changes have helped grow her business. “There’s much more of a demand now,” she said, recalling days when finding gluten-free options was practically impossible in most grocery stores and restaurants. “I think the fact [that food allergies have] become more prevalent is prompting more attention,” she said, noting that more preservatives and additives have changed the composition of foods. “It has forced food manufacturers to look at things differently and they are looking at developing better products for those with the allergy because it is a market.” Reed expanded from the farmers market booth to her first store in Old Saybrook in 2017. Years later she moved on to the bigger location in Westbrook. “I have five employees now and my goal is always to just do better,” said Reed, recalling what she calls her “Red Riding Hood days,” when she would take samples of her products to local natural food stores in hopes they would stock some of her items. “I think the brand has grown, as has the awareness of what people want to put in their bodies,” she said. “I knew years ago there was a customer base for these kinds of foods.”

above Shayna B’s autumn squash dish was a holiday special featuring squash stuffed with brown rice, spinach, mushrooms, cranberries and roasted pecans. below In addition to scones, Shayna B’s by the Sea also offers homemade gluten-free and vegan bagels, cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies and other baked goods.

While the subject might seem serious, Reed’s marketing is sheer fun. The store is named after her yellow Lab, Shayna, and includes a patio dog bowl for canine visitors. The whimsical store logo is a mix of tropical colors featuring a piece of cake sporting beachy sunglasses. “This is all kind of crazy,” said Reed, who worked in a manufacturing company’s purchasing department but knew she wanted to cook. “It started out kind of social for me but this is it for me,” she said about a profession, which has become her vocation. “I am where I am supposed to be.” Mary Ellen Fillo is an award-winning reporter who worked for the Hartford Courant since 1971 before retiring as its popular Java columnist in 2016. Since then she has continued feature, food, travel and trend writing for a variety of publications, as well as restaurant public relations and social media work along the East Coast. A Connecticut native, she attended Hartford College for Women and Central Connecticut State University.

january 2023 25

taste | RESTAURANT LISTINGS ASIAN

BARBECUE

PINK BASIL

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WE LIVE, BREATHE AND SMOKE BARBECUE! With a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University, our chef Christopher Lusk is excited to present our unique sauces and flavors to you. Open Wednesday–Thursday 12–7 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 12–8 p.m.; Sunday 12–7 p.m.; Monday 4–7 p.m.; Closed Tuesday

27 Coogan Boulevard, Building 3B, Mystic 860-245-4470; pinkbasilct.com

4 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic 860-415-9564; noblesmokehouse.com

BAKERY

GIULIANO’S BAKERY

FINE DINING

ITALIAN

BUON APPETITO RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA

Family-owned and operated Italian restaurant serving an eclectic mix of northern Italian dishes with the best service, food and presentation. Enjoy a true dining experience with a Tuscan flair. Open Tuesday & Wednesday 3–9 p.m.; Thursday 12–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 12–10 p.m.; Sunday 12–9 p.m.; Closed Monday 386 Norwich-Westerly Road, North Stonington; 860-535-2333; buonappetitoristorante.com

85 MAIN

ILLIANO’S GRILL

Hometown bakery known for crispy bread, rolls and pastries. Also serving breakfast sandwiches. Come see us for our large diverse variety of baked goods. Open daily 5 a.m.–8 p.m. 284 Main Street, Niantic 860-739-5495; nianticbakery.com

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Fresh, contemporary fare, seasonally influenced. Fresh seafood, steaks and locally grown produce. High-quality sushi and full raw bar. Enjoy creative cocktails while dining on our patio, weather permitting. Open Sunday–Wednesday 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Thursday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. 85 Main Street, Putnam 860-928-1660; 85main.com

Serving authentic southern Italian cuisine since 1997 using the best ingredients, from mozzarella to seafood. Our dishes are made to order: pizza, pasta, fresh salads, soups and gourmet Italian classics. Open Monday–Friday 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 257 West Town Street Yantic; 860-889-6163; illianosgrill.com

JAPANESE

SPORTS BAR

WOODFELLAS PIZZA

SAMURAI NOODLE

C.C. O’BRIEN’S

Woodfellas opens second location in New London in the former space of 2 Wives! Serving quality food! Contact us regarding our Rolling Pizza Truck and New Mobile Salute Bar Cart! Open Wednesday–Friday 4–9 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 12–8 p.m.; Closed Monday–Tuesday

Authentic Japanese ramen noodle soup, Asian barbecue and sushi in downtown Mystic. Noodles are made fresh daily on site. Happy hour 4–6 every day. Open Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 12–10 p.m.

45 Huntington St, New London; 860-447-9337 facebook.com/woodfellaspizzanl

27 West Main Street, Mystic 860-415-9317; samurainoodlemystic.com

Friendly Irish sports cafe serving a variety of pub food. Award-winning burgers and wings with sports on 23 TVs! Pool and darts. 28 draft beers. Serving food Tuesday 3–9 p.m.; Wednesday–Thursday 11 a.m.–9.p.m.; Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday 12–9 p.m.; Bar open later 8 Mechanic Street, Pawcatuck 860-599-2034; ccobriens.com

THE STUMBLE INNE

SEAFOOD

Retired Armed Forces Association

FRIDAY FISH FRY

PIZZA

184 PIZZERIA Great food, happy hour, live music, pool tables, darts, trivia, karaoke. Nominated for best burger! Open Monday–Saturday 3 p.m.–12 a.m.; Sunday 1–10 p.m. 90 Halls Road, Old Lyme; 860-434-2342 facebook.com/thestumbleinne

THAI

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. Open Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Closed Sunday

THE SPICE CLUB Open to the public every Friday. Enjoy chowder, lobster rolls, fish & chips and more! PLUS join us on the second Saturday each month from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. for breakfast. Open Friday 3–8 p.m.

2440 Gold Star Highway, Mystic 860-245-0800; 184pizzeria.com

Price range Kids’ menu

135 Garfield Avenue, New London 860-447-0055; armedforcesretirees.org/home

Breakfast

Online ordering

Alcohol served Cash only

Brunch

Take out

Lunch Delivery

Call ahead

Open late

Facebook

Twitter

Dinner Outdoor dining

Entertainment Instagram

We serve healthy, home-cooked Thai, sushi and Pan-Asian cuisine in a casual, familyfriendly environment. Open since 2012. Open Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4–9 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday 12–9 p.m. 239 Main Street, Niantic 860-451-8121; thespiceclubct.com

january 2023 27

SHOPPING

APPS

FA S HIO N

BE AUT Y

MEDIA

Mystic. photo by Emily Thompson

BOOKS

trending

Travel the world from your couch

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turning pages book reviews

trending

Five streaming shows for the armchair traveler By Kitty Williams

raveling offers a unique opportunity to learn about history and cultures other than your own. However, traveling to and exploring those places can be expensive, and not everybody has the time to pack up and travel the world. The next best thing, which you can experience from the comfort of your couch, is watching travel shows. And who knows, maybe one of the shows will inspire your next trip.

january 2023 29

trending 1. Men in Kilts (Amazon Prime) Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish are two of the Scottish actors from the show Outlander. In their new travel show, the two team up to travel around Scotland and learn more about their country and its history. Each episode has a unique focus: While there are episodes about the expected topics like food, drink and music, there are also episodes dedicated to superstition as well as the different tartans of Scotland.

2. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (Apple TV+) Anyone who follows the actor Stanley Tucci on social media knows how much he loves food. In the last few years, that appreciation for food has led him to create a show in which he travels to different regions of Italy to learn from locals about their regional specialties. While learning about the cuisines is enjoyable, the enthusiasm Tucci shows as he tries new foods will absolutely delight you.

3. Penelope Keith’s Coastal Villages (Amazon Prime) Known best for her roles in charming shows like To the Manor Born and Good Neighbors, Penelope Keith is also our guide through a tour of coastal villages of the United Kingdom in this similarly charming travel show. She visits popular destinations and unknown gems alike in an effort to illustrate just what makes these coastal villages so magical.

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4. Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi (Hulu) Host of the famous cooking competition show Top Chef, Padma Lakshmi guides us through this travel show with an emphasis on food. Entirely focused on the United States, Lakshmi travels from city to city learning about regional and ethnic cuisines—such as German food in Wisconsin and Peruvian food in New Jersey—and how they came to be popular.

5. Travel Man (Amazon Prime) Richard Ayoade, the actor and comedian best known for saying “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” in The IT Crowd, hosts this comedic travel show. For each episode, he plans a packed 48 hours in a city anywhere in the world and invites a comedian along with him for the adventure. While there are moments in the show in which you’ll learn something new, the focus is almost entirely on having fun, and you will have fun. Kitty Williams lives in Brooklyn, New York, and shares her writing and photography at amykatherinewilliams.com.

january 2023 31

trending | TURNING PAGES

All things books:

Our new columnist introduces herself

By Janet Reynolds can still conjure the joy in my heart when I recall the day I first realized I could read. I ran home for lunch and knocked excitedly on the back kitchen door. My mother, curious why I didn’t just burst in as usual, came to the door, dish towel in hand. Before she could even say a word, I yelled, “I can READ!!! I

can READ!!!” And then I pulled out my Dick and Jane reader and began to read her the book right there. “See Spot run. Run Spot run.” It was the beginning of my lifelong love affair with words in all their forms, but particularly and especially with books. My obsession with books and reading was a bit of an anomaly in my house. While we had a few picture books and my father would often tell my sister and me stories lying in bed on a Saturday morning, I literally never saw my parents read a book the entire time I lived with them. True, we did have the entire Nancy Drew series (thank you Aunt Dorothy) and the Encyclopedia Britannica, but I never

saw my parents read anything but newspapers. And, yet, like my driving passion to play a musical instrument— another anomaly and a story for another time—I jumped into reading like it was my job. The afternoon each week when our class went to the library was one of my happiest weekly moments, only frustrated by the fact that I could only take out two books. Laura Ingalls Wilder? Pippi Longstocking? Bedknobs and Broomsticks? I read them all and then some. By the time I was in sixth grade, I had basically read all the books the school library had to offer. When our small town library was moving to a larger, new building across town, the librarians brilliantly told students early in the

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summer that they could take out as many books as they wanted with this caveat: they had to return them to the new building. Voila! Instant mini (free) movers! I can still picture myself walking to the car weighed down with a stack all the way up to my nose. I was thrilled. I read on the bus. I read while walking home from school. In my high school years, when life in our family began to unravel, books helped get me through. I regularly propped up a book in front of my plate rather than engage with what was going on around me. Later, as a working mother of three, reading in bed before sleep quickly became one of my favorite parts of the day. Finally, I was doing something for me and me alone. Not surprisingly, I have worked in words all my life. An award-winning journalist in print and online, I am also a teacher. I taught highschool English for six years early in my career and today, I teach writing to young adults with mental health issues. Oh, and I also have a master’s in English literature from Trinity College, a degree I got simply because I wanted to do more reading and writing. Today, as a freelance magazine editor and writer, I work in words all day and read all kinds of books as part of that work. I’ve also been a fandom blogger/editor (Outlander and the All Souls series by Deborah Harkness, and, yes, you will be hearing about them at some point). I also work at Barnes & Noble a couple of days a week solely because I like being around books and talking about them with other people. I mention that last bit because I think it’s important for people to know why a columnist is someone they should take seriously. So many people pontificate without any credibility about all kinds of topics these days. I want you to know that I know books and that I take books seriously. I’m so looking forward to sharing books and ideas about books with you all here. Like all good conversations, I’m hoping it won’t be onesided. I would love to hear what you’re reading or your responses to thoughts I put here on the page. You can reach me via the contact page on my website, janetfreynolds.com. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and sharing our love of all things books.

january 2023 33

trending | LOCAL FINDS

Shop unique. Shop local. B A

like Looks more a a a bed th n e. m to t s ve

A. HIVE “HNL” EMBROIDERED VEST

Keep warm throughout the cold January days in style with the Hive “HNL” embroidered vest. This light down vest features the classic Hive Skate Shop logo and is available in black or red. Hive Skate Shop and Indoor Skatepark in New London was founded by homegrown entrepreneur and skateboard enthusiast Charlie King, and continues to be run by a group of dedicated skateboarders. $69.99 Hive Skate Shop, 139 Shaw Street, New London; 860-445-4411; hiveskateshop.com

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B. SARGENT, WHISTLER, AND VENETIAN GLASS: AMERICAN ARTISTS AND THE MAGIC OF MURANO BOOK

Sargent, Whistler, and Venetian Glass (Smithsonian Art Museum and Princeton University Press, 2021) explores American engagement with Venice’s art world in the late-19th century through beautifully crafted works of art by American artists who found inspiration in the floating city of palaces, churches and shop windows filled with dazzling pieces of brightly colored glass. $65 Mystic Seaport Museum, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic; 860-572-0711; mysticseaport.org

Kick off the new year with these amazing finds for January!

Keep an eye out for Sundae’s pawprint of approval on any item that might be purr-fectly suited for a cat (or other pets) to enjoy!

Contact thedaymag@theday.com to feature your product.

You’ll also find out why I like it!

Happy shopping! E

D F

C. MAKER’S KEEP MAGNETIC BRACELET

This magnetic slap bracelet is perfect for holding pins and needles for sewists and crafters. Unfurl the bracelet and push the magnet to one end to use it as a straight edge ruler. It can also be used to hold paper clips, nails and screws while working around the house. Available in chartreuse and slate. $20.95 Shoreline Sewing Machine Co., 22 Bayview Avenue, Studio #91, Stonington; 860-388-1832; shorelinesewingmachine.com

D. MAKALA MK-T PACK CLASSIC TENOR UKULELE

The start of a new year is a great time to try your hand at something new, and there’s no denying a ukulele’s charm. In addition to its happy tone, the ukulele tends to be more affordable and gentler on the hands than other stringed instruments. It also only has four strings, which make chord shapes and scales easier to learn. $109 Spindrift Guitars, 300 State Street, New London; 860-444-2112; spindriftguitars.com

E. GOLD HEART MOONSTONE NECKLACE

This romantic 14 karat yellow gold etched heart necklace with moonstone is handmade by Daniela Balzano of Water Street Jewelers, a renowned jewelry company on the Connecticut shoreline owned and operated by Daniela and her husband Todd Taylor. Contact Water Street Jewelers to inquire about Daniela’s Cuore collection. $3,800 Water Street Jewelers, 769 Boston Post Road, Madison; 203-421-6024; waterstreetjewelers.net

F. MINI VELVET JEWELRY CASE

This case is perfect for keeping your jewelry safe and organized wherever your travels take you. Made from velvet for a soft and luxurious feel, it can hold several pieces of jewelry yet is small enough to fit in your bag or luggage. Available in navy, dusty blue and blush pink. 4×4×2 inches. $20 Loving Life Boutique, 2 Mechanic Street, Pawcatuck 860- 591-1200 | lovinglifeboutique.com

january 2023 35

cover story

art from the islands of

ITALY J 36

By Morgan Rizzo

mahogany, cherry, fir, walnut, oak, elm, larch and

ust a few steps into the Mystic Seaport Mu-

lime. Borrowed from La Gondola, a company that

seum’s Collins Gallery in the Thompson Ex-

offers gondola tours in the heart of Providence,

hibition Building sits a beautiful 35-and-a-

Rhode Island, the boat sets the tone for visitors to

half-foot hand-carved gondola made in the

travel back to Venetian life in the late 19th century.

1970s in Venice, Italy.

“Who doesn’t want to have a visit to Venice in

The long, f lat-bottomed boat was created with

the middle of winter?” asks Christina Brophy,

more than 280 pieces of various species of wood:

senior director of museum galleries and senior vice

magazine

To the left is a still-life painting of Cypress glass, oil on canvas by Henry Alexander, 1894. On the right, glass beads on sample cards from the late-19th century to 1904. photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

SARGENT, WHISTLER, & VENETIAN GLASS: AMERICAN ARTISTS AND THE MAGIC OF MURANO ON EXHIBIT IN MYSTIC

president of curatorial affairs at the Mystic Seaport Museum.

The Mystic Seapor t Museum is the third and final stop for this exhibit, which was organized and

The Sargent, Whistler, & Venetian Glass: American

hosted by the Smithsonian American Art Museum in

Artists and the Magic of Murano exhibit, on display

Washington, D.C., before traveling to the Amon Carter

through February 27, brings to life the Venetian glass

Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

revival of Murano in the 1800s, and the inf luence it

The show is maritime-centric with connections to

had on the renowned American artists who visited the

the city of Venice, paintings by American artists, and

northern Italian islands.

brilliant Venetian glass designs. The exhibit also gave

january 2023 37

cover story the museum an opportunity to host programs, such as gondola construction and history, so that visitors could learn more. “One of our strengths at the Mystic Seaport is preser ving 19th-century crafts and skills with our carving, blacksmith and print shops,” says Brophy. I n add it ion to pr e s er v i n g crafts and skills, the location at Mystic fits perfectly with the Venetian-inspired art exhibit: The artists and the art traveled the seas, inf luencing port cities around the world that connected them. “We talk a lot about the global industry of maritime activities like whaling, shipping, fishing and recreation,” says Brophy. “This is a great opportunity to talk about the cross-cultural connections made by the seas.” Work seen in and brought back from Venice greatly inf luenced the art and design, furniture and decorative arts in this country, showcasing artists’ passion for Venetian art at the turn of the century. The exhibit features 150 pieces f rom a r tists includ ing Joh n Sargent and James Whistler and many others whose work was inspired by their visits in Venice. “The exhibit looks at artists like Thomas Moran who made picture-perfect postcard scenes of Venice,” describes Brophy. “Then you get to Sargent and Whistler, and the pieces are more intimate about the people in the city who were doing the

magazine

1 A young visitor admires a painting in the exhibit. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

2 A view of Venice painted by Thomas Moran, a Britishborn artist who built his reputation by painting dramatic records of the mountains and waterfalls of the American West. P hoto courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service 3 Ancient Mediterranean ewer, or water jug. Ancient glass beguiled artists and connoisseurs with its rich colors and irregularities—signs of hand workmanship that distinguished these vessels from factory-made glass. photo courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly 4 This fish and eel vase, attributed to Murano glass artist Vittorio Zanetti and manufactured by Compagnia di Venezia e Murano circa 1890, features entwined sea creatures and is considered a masterwork of glassblowing prowess. photo courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly

january 2023 39

cover story 1

1 The Thompson Exhibition Building at Mystic Seaport Museum hosts the Sargent, Whistler, & Venetian Glass: American Artists and the Magic of Murano exhibition through February 27. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum 2 A painting of a young girl admiring flowers in a Murano glass vase by American artist Louise Cox (1865-1945). Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of William T. Evans 3 A young visitor peers into the glass case looking at the blown glasswork of artisans. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum 4 This etching of the famed Bridge of Sighs by American painter and printmaker Frank Duveneck (1848-1919) balances architecture and human subjects to capture the recognizable landmark and the experience of viewing it firsthand. Photo courtesy of The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase 5 The Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, Rhode Island, loaned pieces for the exhibit, including Beaded Top Hat, circa 2018, Yolanda Smith, Seaconke Wampanoag, and the Trade Bead Necklace, circa 2012, Dan Loudfoot Simonds. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum

magazine

january 2023 41

cover story 1 work through glassmaking, bead work and lacemaking behind the scenes.” A special addition to the exhibit—bead work by Native American people in the area—comes from the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter, Rhode Island. The beads are the same style as Venetian glass beads made in Murano. Work by local artist and professional glassmaker Jeffrey P’an, who trained with the great modern glass artist Lino Tagliapietra, is also featured in the exhibit. “Italian glassmakers still resonate in our own village here, and their influence on contemporary work is popular and has a deep patronage with local glass collectors,” says Brophy, noting that artists continue to visit Italy to practice their craft and learn. “I like showing people how this still exists today,” explains Brophy. “It’s not just about 100 years ago, it still resonates now.” Sargent, Whistler, & Venetian Glass: American Artists and the Magic of Murano is an example of an exhibition that the museum hopes to continue to bring to the community in the

years to come in collaboration with contemporary artists and other organizations. Visit mysticseaport.org for tickets and more information. Morgan Rizzo is a senior at Salve Regina University with a double major in English communications and creative writing and publishing with a marketing minor. She loves watching the sunset, capturing photos for social media and spending time with her family in Westerly, Rhode Island.

magazine

1 Visitors take in the beauty of the art including paintings, glasswork and beads inspired by Venice. P hoto courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum 2 The age and origin of this necklace are unknown, but many signs point to creation in Italy in the late-19th century. Its medallions loosely represent Christ and the 12 apostles, with each face a small mosaic construction of cut shapes in mother of pearl and Venetian glass. Photo courtesy of The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly 3 Mosaic glass vessels captivated late-19th-century collectors, who especially sought ancient examples. At some point prior to its donation to the Smithsonian Institution in 1929, this blue bowl was reconstructed using surviving shards and plaster to fill the gaps. photo courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly 4 A goblet with a striped bowl by an unknown Murano artist. Inspired by international expositions, including the Venice Biennale art fairs, Murano glassmakers began around 1900 to adopt art nouveau trends. photo courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly

5 A canal in Venice by Robert Frederick Blum (1857-1903). Blum visited Venice many times in the 1880s and became known as one of the most careful American observers of its architecture, inhabitants, customs and colors. P hoto courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of William T. Evans 6 This diorama depicts in miniature John Gellatly’s “favorite corner” of his diverse art collection, with tiny replicas of a painting by Abbott Thayer and a large wooden desk covered in specimens of glass. The velvet-covered case with folding doors was made by Gellatly’s personal curator and butler Ralph Seymour. p hoto courtesy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly

january 2023 43

SENIORS

PETS

E D U C AT I O N

H E A LT H

WELLNESS

Smith Cove, Quaker Hill. P hoto by Matthew Hughes

FA MILIE S

life cycles

medical breakthroughs

rebranding senior centers brings younger crowd

finding help in a post-covid world

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yoga for the mind, body, soul

rethinking homework

trainers personalize workouts

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life cycles

Trends in medicine

ALMOST INCONCEIVABLE NOT TOO LONG AGO, SOME IDEAS ARE TAKING OFF IN CONNECTICUT

By Cris Cadiz odern medicine is evolving rapidly.

technology (similar to how an MRI works) and radio

Doctors, researchers and health prac-

frequency heating (like a heating pad), treatments

titioners constantly discover new and

offer an average of 30 percent fat loss and 25 percent

better treatments for conditions that

muscle gain in targeted areas, according to Fattaleh

plague us, from obesity to depression

and studies published in 2020 and 2021 in the jour-

to Lyme disease. These four recent medical “break-

nal Dermatologic Surgery.

throughs” are now available in Connecticut, thanks

R ea lizing that hea lthy choices a re ha rd to

to research, innovative techniques and legislation

maintain in a typical American’s ultra-busy life-

aimed at improving health and well-being in our

style, Fattaleh hopes that noticeable results from

state. As always when reading about health and med-

EMSCULPT NEO® treatments will encourage obese,

icine, consult your physician.

diabetic and cardiac patients to remain committed

NONINVASIVE BODY CONTOURING

Using high-intensity focused electromagnetic

to better eating, exercise and weight loss. Nutritional and medical counseling is recommended in tandem with treatments, he said.

Dr. Raja Fattaleh, of Priority Family Healthcare in

“This is the first system with a dual mechanism,

Putnam, has practiced family medicine for 28 years.

building muscle by creating contractions, and

He recently created the Diabetes & Weight Loss

permanently destroying fat cells with heat,” says

Center of Northeast CT and invested in a newly FDA-

Fattaleh. He’s seen frustration, yo-yo dieting, peo-

approved medical device called EMSCULPT NEO®,

ple trying hard but getting discouraged. “I got this

a nonsurgical, noninvasive treatment that has been

device to combine with other things people can do to

found to reduce fat and build muscle. His goal is to

lose weight … another tool for a healthier you.”

help his patients live longer and better by maintain-

EMSCULPT NEO® treatments are only offered in a

ing a healthy weight. EMSCULPT NEO® treatments

physician’s office. The Diabetes & Weight Loss Center

take place in sessions of 30 minutes once a week for

of Northeast CT owns one of just two of these med-

four weeks and results have been shown to last up to

ical devices in Connecticut. Visit CTWeightloss.net

a year, according to studies.

for more information.

magazine

adobe stock photo

left Raja Fattaleh, MD, and Sara Garcia-Gomes, APRN. photo courtesy of Diabetes & Weight Loss Center of Northeast CT below The newly FDA-approved EMSCULPT NEO® medical device. photo Copyright 2022 BTL Group of Companies

january 2023 47

life cycles CANNABIS CLASSES IN COLLEGE

Cannabis has been grad-

adobe stock photo

ua lly decrimina lized in Connecticut over the last decade, although it’s still classified federally as a Schedule 1 drug, like heroin and cocaine. In the last two years, opport u n it ie s f o r f o r m a l e d ucation have blossomed. Cannabinoids, a group of substances found in the Cannabis sativa plant, may be helpful in treating certain rare forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and loss of appetite and weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS, according to the National Center for Complement a r y a nd Integrative Health. In addition, some evidence suggests modest benefits of cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic pa in a nd mu ltiple sclerosis symptoms, NCCIH reports. Resea rch on cannabis or cannabinoids for other conditions is in its early stages, a nd some Connecticut schools have taken the lead in providing education. In 2020, the Connecticut State

Students in Quinebaug Valley Community College’s Horticulture of Cannabis class take a hands-on approach to learning deep-water hydroponics with Dr. M. Dean Fenton, front left. The students are, clockwise from left, Murphy Chase, Kydel Weldon, Sarah Gonzalez, Keith Lewis, Tarny Vanase and William Magenst Velez. Photo by Jane E. Knapp

magazine

“This first-of-its-kind program offers potentially life-saving interventions to veterans, first responders and front-line health workers.” JESSE MACLACHLAN Colleges and Universities Board approved adding a

as caregivers or for personal medical use, includ-

Cannabis Studies program to curricula.

ing regulations surrounding such activities. I focus

“From dabs to vapes to edibles, students learn

much of the coursework on recent studies and the

about onset times, how cannabinoids are metabo-

many new findings as research into cannabis opens

lized, and how medical marijuana has had a substi-

up,” Knapp said.

tution effect on prescription drug use, particularly

Other colleges and universities, including

opioids,” said Jane Knapp, Ph.D, program coordina-

Three Rivers Community College in Norwich and

tor of the Cannabis Studies Certificate, an 18-credit

Middlesex Community College in Middletown,

program at Quinebaug Valley Community College

University of New Haven and UConn, are among

in Danielson, the first to offer a program.

the Connecticut schools offering cannabis courses.

Knapp also teaches Horticulture of Cannabis and

Erin Sullivan, director of workforce develop-

Cannabis Law and Policy. Cannabis as medicine is

ment and continuing education at Three Rivers,

covered in lectures about how it can

says her school’s two workshops are part of a non-

treat specific conditions, she said.

credit Cannabis Studies program. Anyone can reg-

“Our students gain knowledge about growing cannabis

ister and there are no admissions requirements. “In partnership with industry and other community colleges, we are developing a more robust education pathway surrounding cannabis studies,” Sullivan said.

STATEAPPROVED PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY

Researchers have studied how psychedelic substances can help treat depres-

sion, PTSD, anxiety and other mental health concerns since the 1950s. Even though the use, sale and possession of these drugs is i l lega l u nder federa l l a w, t h e s t at e of Oregon and s e v e r a l c i ta d ob e sto

ies across ck ph

oto

january 2023 49

life cycles the country have decriminalized or otherwise

the U.S. This potentially debilitating tick-borne

allowed their use, possession or cultivation, and

disease now affects almost a half-million people

the FDA has allowed expanded access for “com-

in the U.S. Your pet can get a vaccine for it, but

passionate use.”

humans cannot. A study currently enrolling par-

In Connecticut in May, Gov. Ned Lamont signed

ticipants aims to change that.

a bill allowing psychedelic-assisted therapy using

Dr. Jackson Booth is a principal investigator at

psilocybin (a naturally occurring compound found

Care Access, the research organization perform-

in many fungi—think “magic mushrooms”) and

ing clinical trials for Pfizer on a vaccine that tar-

MDMA (a synthetic drug that alters mood and

gets Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes

perception) with a small group of first respond-

Lyme disease. The study is seeking volunteers at

ers, veterans and front-line health workers. This

fightlyme.careaccess.com.

first step offers hope for people who have not been

“There is currently no other vaccine candi-

successfully treated with other drugs or therapies.

date in active clinical development targeting

“Connecticut’s pilot program can help advance

Lyme disease,” says Booth. “Attempts to control

medical knowledge by providing funding for

it through avoidance of tick bites are often inef-

real-world treatment and data collection from

fective. Our clinical trials will confirm how effec-

patients often excluded from clinical trials. It

tive and safe the study drug is on a large group

will also provide clinical experience for provid-

of varied individuals at high risk for becoming

ers trained in this new treatment,” says Brett

infected by a tick bite.”

Waters, executive director of Reason for Hope,

Study subjects include active families (ages 5

a state-based group that advocates for safe and

and up), people who work outdoors or enjoy rec-

affordable access to psychedelic medicine and

reation where ticks are endemic, and people with

assisted therapies.

pets that bring ticks home.

“This first-of-its-kind program offers poten-

The study will follow trial participants over two

tially life-saving interventions to veterans, first

and a half years. Volunteers receive a full series

responders and front-line health workers,” says

of the vaccine or a placebo followed by a booster.

Jesse MacLachlan, former state representative

They will be tracked through two Lyme seasons

and policy director for Reason for Hope. “Members

for tick bites, exposure to Borrelia or subsequent

of the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition

infections through study visits and bloodwork.

have collectively helped over 1,000 veterans

“We are bringing the ability to fight Lyme dis-

receive psychedelic-assisted therapy outside of

ease to at-risk people,” said Booth. “Children,

the U.S. in countries where it is legal. We feel our

teens and adults who are routinely exposed will

society should be ashamed that our vets are forced

be key to this vaccine study. They will help make a

to leave the country to get care they need. Pilot

vaccine possible.”

programs like these will prepare health-care providers to offer this treatment here in the U.S. upon

Freelance writer Cris Cadiz is curious about nearly everything,

FDA approval.”

learning appreciatively with every story. She enjoys sharing

LYME DISEASE VACCINE FOR HUMANS

journeys and dreams of people she meets and places she treasures, both near and abroad. As a tourism writer, she cheerleads for noteworthy people, organizations and small busi-

Named after the Connecticut town where it was

nesses throughout New England. An avid traveler and outdoor

first discovered in the 1970s, Lyme disease is com-

activity enthusiast, she’s always planning her next adventure.

mon in New England and has spread throughout

chanticleermedia.com/journalism

magazine

Lyme vaccine Care Access Mobile Clinic. Photo courtesy of Care Access

january 2023 51

life cycles

Frank Dalrymple, 65, of Niantic plays Wii bowling at THRIVE55+ Active Living Center in Groton.

Ditching the “old” label left Manomoney Subramaniam shows her artwork from a class at THRIVE55+ Active Living Center. After moving to the area to be closer to her son, she said she found community and friendship when she started attending classes and activities at the Groton center. right William Bonang of New London participates in Stretch, Strength and Balance class at THRIVE55+ Active Living Center in Groton. Behind him is Junior Tharkur. far right Kathy Spencer of Groton enjoys coffee at THRIVE55+ Active Living Center’s Cove Café. She has also taken drawing and painting classes and agreed it is fun to discover new talents.

magazine

REBRANDED SENIOR CENTER RENAMES ITSELF TO PROMOTE ACTIVE LIVING AT ANY AGE story and photos By Jan Tormay

because they’re busier. Older adults are caring for

he saying, “60 is the new 40” might explain

their grandchildren, going back to school to learn

a lot about the perspective of many of to-

new skills, traveling and even working full or part

day’s older adults. Formerly known as “seniors,” folks in the 60-plus age bracket are increasingly put off

time until they’re 70 or 75. They’re also hiking, biking and kayaking—for enjoyment and the health benefits, she said.

by that label, and “senior” centers are responding,

Riley credits Baby Boomers (those born between

said Mary Jo Riley, supervisor at THRIVE55+ Active

1946 and 1964) with this new outlook. “We were

Living Center, which changed its name in 2021 from

never going to turn 30, so now we’re never going

the Groton Senior Center.

to turn 65…. We’re never going to act like an older

These days, older people approach their time dif-

person.”

ferently, Riley said. They still enjoy volunteering

The center’s name was changed after a pair of

and gardening, knitting and doing crafts at home;

studies found that some people weren’t using it

they’re just working it around other activities,

because they didn’t consider themselves “seniors,”

january 2023 53

life cycles which, according to them, meant frail and elderly, said Riley. (Riley emphasized the studies were paid for by a special revenue fund made up of class, fitness center and trip fees, not taxpayer dollars.) “People thought that the senior center meant it was a (nursing) home,” said Frank Dalrymple, 65, of Niantic, a volunteer who runs a Wii bowling program at the center. After the name-change, “more people came,” said Dalrymple. “When they changed it to THRIVE55+, first it implies 55 and up, so more younger people are coming now. They didn’t know that you could come in and have lunch” and do other things. “So more services are being used,” he added. After attending her first yoga class about eight years ago, Kathy Spencer, 66, of Groton, said she realized how many activities the center had to offer, including day and evening exercise classes and trips. “You can explore different talents or skills or classes without an outrageous outlay of funds,” said Spencer, a former secretary and Curtin Transportation driver who has also taken music and art classes at the center. “It’s like with my guitar class, no matter what mood I go in, I always come out happy,” Spencer said. “It’s a nice group of people. There are ukuleles (and) guitars on all levels … which is good, because as a beginner, it gives you something to aspire to. You hear the others and they kind of take you under their wing. They show you little tips, so it’s a happy class.” Ann Ledger, 86, of Groton, said she likes the center’s name change. “I think it attracts the younger 55ers. We’ve got pickleball, which is bringing in younger people. Once they do that, then they’re happy and they join other things.” The addition of younger people, Ledger, a former Groton school teacher, said, “invigorates the programs and us older ones can learn from younger ones as well. … You get a smile from them, you smile. It makes you happy.” Manomoney Subramaniam, 72, a retired international cuisine trainer, moved to Groton about a year ago but, she said, she felt “down and depressed”

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above Ann Ledger, 86, a former Groton school teacher, said she likes the center’s name change because “it attracts the younger 55ers.” top right After taking art classes at THRIVE55+ Active Living Center in Groton, Manomoney Subramaniam of Groton started drawing flowers and birds and writing poems to go with some of her pictures. right Darnell Aker, 81, of New London plays Wii bowling at THRIVE55+ Active Living Center in Groton.

because she didn’t know anyone in town except her son, and didn’t know what to do with herself. Since joining the center, the Singapore native said she has met many good friends who teach her what they have learned. “It’s just a different kind of world for me and I find it so interesting,” Subramaniam said. William Bonang, 63, of New London said his brother encouraged him to come to the Groton center about a year ago, six months after suffering a stroke that left him temporarily paralyzed on one side. Bonang admits he thought to himself, “I’m not ready for that.” He first joined the center’s fitness program and now goes to a cardio-sculpting class in the morning as well. “They’re really good in here. I’m doing more in here than I was doing in regular physical therapy,” said Bonang, adding that the exercises he does three times weekly have helped him walk better, and socializing with others has relieved his depression. After 30 years working at General Dynamics Electric Boat, he retired and now sees many people he used to see at work, he said. Built in 1980, the bright and airy, 36,000-squarefoot center was expanded in 2010 and is now three times its original size. It offers a variety of activities to stimulate the mind, body and spirit. There are fitness and athletics programs like pickleball, zumba, line-dancing, cardio-sculpting, strength-training, tai chi and yoga; games, like cards, bingo and mahjongg; arts classes, such as ceramics, quilting and painting; and music instruction, like guitar and ukulele. Some classes are free, while others have small fees. Out-of-town residents pay an additional $10. Geared toward people 55 and over, participants in their 40s are allowed to join classes and discussion groups if there is room. “Once we get people in the door, we can help them with the service end of things,” Riley said. In addition to a salon and barber shop, a nurse from the Visiting Nurse Association stops by for blood-pressure checks and foot care, and a

january 2023 55

life cycles counselor comes in to speak on benefits through Senior Resources. About 3,500 people utilize the center for classes, the fitness center, in-person and delivered meals and transportation to doctors’ appointments and shopping. Upcoming events open to the public include the Souper Bowl Saturday contest and raffle, featuring soups from area restaurants; the “Gnog” Talent Show, a THRIVE55+ take on The Gong Show, in February; Bakers’ Battle, with professional and amateur bakers in April; Club 55 Flea Market and Active Living Expo in May; a car show and concert in June; a chili cookoff in October; the Holiday Kickoff in December and periodic movie matinees. “We always seem to be just that step ahead and it’s because we have good staff here that want to try new things” to get people involved, said Riley. Even though there are over a dozen Connecticut centers that do not include “senior” in their names, Connecticut Association of Senior Center Personnel President Carrie Concatelli said that she is not aware of any that changed their names other than THRIVE-55+. However, rebranding senior centers is occurring across the U.S. THRIVE55+ Active Living Center is located at 102 Newtown Road in Groton and its office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information and a schedule of activities and classes, go to groton-ct.gov/departments/parksrec/seniors, or call 860-441-6785. Jan Tormay is passionate about telling stories through photography and the written word. For over 25 years, she has written for newspapers, magazines and radio. She currently writes feature stories for numerous publications. Jan, a Connective native, now lives in Westerly, Rhode Island.

magazine

left Fran Birt, 80, of Groton plays Wii bowling at THRIVE55+ Active Living Center in Groton. right Mary Jo Riley, supervisor at THRIVE55+ Active Living Center in Groton. below Louise Phillips and Earl Harris, on the left, challenge Rob Bruno and Larry Cramer to a game of pickleball at THRIVE55+ Active Living Center in Groton.

january 2023 57

life cycles

homework: how much is too much? adobe stock photo

PARENTS, EDUCATORS WEIGH IN ON THE AGE-OLD QUESTION

By Bridget Shirvell

really gone up,” says Doug Kaufman, an associate pro-

Why is my child not expected to play or relax

fessor at The Neag School of Education at UConn. “This

after school? Kids work all day at school only to come home and work some more? Why?

It starts as soon as the school year does. The messages

“Since the 1990s, the amount of homework has really,

an we talk about homework for kindergartners?

may be driven by the American ethic that we constantly have to move forward and achieve more. As the amount of homework has gone up … so has the amount of anxiety around homework.”

about homework from parents spread out around the

Over the past few years, though, the messages have

country on group chats and parenting boards. The kids

shifted from simply complaining about homework

are stressed about homework, and so are the parents.

to inevitably someone chiming in that their family is

magazine

adobe stock photo

opting out of it. Opt out of homework? Is that a thing that parents can do? Should they? Homework, after all, seems like a routine part of school. It helps teach good habits, time management and how to complete a task, the National Education Association says. Students get a worksheet and are expected to turn it in the next day, or are given a larger project and have to manage breaking it down into smaller tasks. “[Homework] helps with self-organization and task completion,” says Sandra Chafouleas, an associate professor at The Neag School. But how much homework is too much homework, and at what age is homework actually beneficial? A sampling of 10 districts in southeastern CT found the amount of homework given at the elementary age varies. Stonington Public Schools, for instance, gives 10 to 15 minutes of homework a night to students starting in kindergarten; by third-grade, students in Montville Public Schools are getting 30 adobe stock photo

january 2023 59

life cycles

adobe stock photo

magazine

to 40 minutes of homework. Waterford Public

ingredients,” says Chafouleas. “How many ingre-

Schools doesn’t routinely assign homework to

dients are there? What shape is the can? The idea

elementary students.

is how you translate what students are learning

“At kindergarten some of that is reading, or sometimes it’s a worksheet to do together to help

into real life and it can be as simple as a one- or five-minute conversation-starter.”

establish routine early,” says Ian Polun, the prin-

In other words, it shouldn’t be homework

cipal of Fields Memorial Elementary School in

just for homework’s sake. Students and par-

Bozrah, which starts giving about 10 minutes of

ents should use homework as a way to talk about

homework a day in kindergarten.

what’s happening in the classroom, and a way for

“A kid’s grade isn’t going to suffer because they didn’t do it right,” said Polun. “It’s really about having that practice—and even that practice in struggling a little bit.”

parents to communicate with teachers. If a child is struggling, let their teacher know. “Write a note, inform us in terms of what’s going on,” says Polun. “Essentially we want them

The National Education Association recom-

to not go more than a few minutes over the sug-

mends that homework time increase by 10 min-

gested time and if they’re struggling we want to

utes per year in school, starting in first grade. A

know that.”

third-grader, for instance, would have 30 minutes of homework per day, while a fifth grader

Bridget Shirvell is a Connecticut-based journalist focused

would have 50 minutes.

on the intersection of the climate crisis and parenting. A

The guidelines raise all sorts of questions:

contributing editor to the award-winning daily news source

What is considered homework? How long does

for critical thought about the American food system,

it actually take? Does it improve academic

Civil Eats, and a regular columnist for Modern Farmer,

performance?

her work has also appeared in The New York Times,

According to Kaufman, right now, there’s no

Good Housekeeping Magazine, Fast Company and

research that correlates student success at the

more. She is currently working on a book about parent-

elementary level with homework. That does

ing in the climate crisis. You can subscribe to her newslet-

change at the middle school and high school lev-

ter raisingclimateresilientkids.substack.com and find her on

els when homework is given in moderation.

Instagram, @breeshirvell.

“Homework can eat into quality family time,” said Kaufman. “If a student is confused about homework, it can add stress and anxiety and lessen time needed for sleep. It can create fraught relationships between parents and kids. This stress, exhaustion and confusion actually diminishes, rather than enhances, the academic experience.” Homework, when done well, though, according to Kaufman, Chafouleas and Polun, can help connect parents with what’s child’s curiosity and increase their motivation. “Homework cou ld be a s simple as finding a can in the kitchen and checking out the

adobe stock photo

happening in school, support a

january 2023 61

life cycles

therapy

9-1-1

By Gretchen A. Peck

inpatient services, which includes hospital services

ancy Navarretta was always drawn to the

on the grounds of our Middletown campus, and a few

idea of helping people. It’s what inspired

other areas. … That’s the safety net for individuals

her to dedicate her professional life to a ser-

with [serious mental illness] and severe addiction.”

vice-oriented career. She studied clinical

COVID has put a strain on those safety nets in

psychology and became a licensed counsel-

Connecticut and across the country. A shortage of

or, working in the public and private, nonprofit sec-

therapists along with demand that some say is higher

tors, and now heads up the state Department of Men-

than ever before has also made it difficult for some to

tal Health and Addiction Services.

receive needed services right away.

Through public-private partnerships with more

“The pandemic did not affect everyone equally,”

than 150 agencies, the Department provides pre-

Navarretta explained. “Maybe you went into the

vention, recovery and treatment services to adults

pandemic with some vulnerabilities, whether that

throughout the state.

was from housing instability or financial instability.

“The core services are for persons with serious men-

Or, perhaps you are a single parent who had to jug-

tal illness and severe substance use disorders,” said

gle managing a virtual environment for your child

Navarretta, who was named commissioner in 2021 by

while managing whatever situation you’re dealing

Gov. Ned Lamont.

with—getting more or less hours at work, having to

“Our continuum includes outpatient mental health and substance use services, residential services,

COVID, HIGH DEMAND AND SHORTAGE OF PROVIDERS MAKE FINDING HELP DIFFICULT

magazine

manage your own hybrid virtual and in-person work situation.

“All of those vulnerabilities may have added to the stress you’re experiencing,” she continued. “Folks experienced a lot of loss, whether it was loss of a loved one due to the pandemic, or just changes in environment and how the world functions for your family. … People were not connected to their existing social support, and if they were receiving [mental health] services, maybe those look different during the pandemic, too—receiving them virtually or through phone contact, rather than in person.” It turns out, people are ambivalent about telehealth, particularly relative to mental health and addiction treatment. “We found that about 50 percent of people we surveyed felt that receiving service virtually was something they liked, and other folks felt like there was something missing, that it wasn’t quite the same as a face-to-face encounter,” Navarretta said. The shortage of therapists is particularly acute in rural regions. “Already, more than 150 million people live in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas,” according to Stacy Weiner, senior staff writer for the Association of American Medical Colleges, in a recent article, “A growing psychiatrist shortage and an enormous demand for mental health services.” “Within a few years, the country will be short between 14,280 and 31,109 psychiatrists,” Weiner wrote, “and psychologists, social workers, and others will be overextended as well, experts say.” Navarretta agrees. “We know there’s a shortage of workers across most sectors of the U.S. economy,”

adobe stock photo

january 2023 63

life cycles Navarretta said. “And the health-care industry has been especially hard hit. Connecticut is like other areas across the states that have been hit in the same way, because of a conf luence of events, like going through the pandemic. Health-care workers were on the front lines, and they experienced a lot of stress and trauma themselves.” Stress, trauma, inherently long hours and multiple shifts inspired many in health care to make different life and professional choices, she said. Navarretta said it’s the responsibility of everyone in the mental health space today to promote the profession to future generations of clinicians. “We have to energize young people and share with them how rewarding this field is,” Navarretta said. “It’s really a vocation, and I think there’s more of a calling to work in this field. So, we really need to amplify that message about the rewards of helping people.” Jean Allbee-Roberson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, knows just how rewarding the mental health profession can be. As a clinician at her Groton practice, Alliance Counseling, AllbeeRoberson saw the pandemic’s toll on her clients’ mental and emotional well-being. “For so many people, self-care went out the window,” said Allbee-Roberson, who studied human development and family dynamics at the University of Rhode Island, earning her master’s degree in the field, with a concentration in marriage and family therapy. Allbee-Roberson has a team of professionals that includes fellow licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, and interns who get practical, on-the-job experience as they complete their master’s programs. She lauded several things the state did well during the pandemic: It deemed mental health professionals to be “essential workers,” allowing them to remain open during the pandemic; Connecticut provided mental health workers with pandemic relief monies and passed legislation, “An Act Concerning Telehealth (Public Act 21-9),” requiring insurance carriers to cover telehealth services.

magazine

LOCAL RESOURCES

Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services funds the following services, including many in southeastern Connecticut.

Alliance for Living: allianceforliving.org Artreach, Inc.: creativityishealing.org Backus Hospital: backushospital.org Connection, Inc.: theconnectioninc.org Goodwill of Southern New England: goodwillsne.org Ledge Light Health District: llhd.org Martin House: martinhousect.org New London Homeless Hospitality Center: nlhhc.org Norwich Human Services: norwichct.org Reliance Health, Inc.: reliancehealthinc.org Safe Futures (Women’s Center of Southeastern CT): safefuturesct.org The Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction (SCADD): scadd.org Sound Community Services, Inc.: soundcommunityservices.org Southeastern Mental Health Authority: portal.ct.gov Thames River Community Service, Inc.: trfp.org Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc.: tvcca.org United Community and Family Services: ucfs.org adobe stock photo

adobe stock photo

january 2023 65

life cycles At the start of the pandemic, Allbee-Roberson’s

Allbee-Roberson said she hears from new patients who

Alliance Counseling installed a high-tech air filtration

say they can’t get the help they need when they need it.

system to mitigate COVID-19 and ensure that they could

However, there is a waiting list for new patients at Alliance

still safely meet with patients in person. For patients

Counseling. That wait can be two to four months, depend-

who preferred to obtain services remotely, there was

ing on the staff’s time constraints and caseloads.

telehealth. “I have clients who I have never actually met in per-

“The demand has never been as high as it is right now, for as long as I’ve been in practice,” she said.

son,” Allbee-Roberson said. “I have clients who I had seen in person who choose to continue telehealth today because it’s convenient. … I have a lot of clients who take a hybrid approach.”

For people needing services, Navarretta suggested

Asked about mental-health apps, like BetterHelp,

starting with their insurance carrier to identify cov-

Cerebral or Talkspace, Allbee-Roberson said that they

ered mental health providers, or calling 2-1-1 (or visit-

offer a solution for people experiencing difficulty find-

ing 211ct.org), Connecticut’s central hub for coordinated

ing a therapist. However, she cautioned, some are not

services.

covered by insurance, often making them inaccessible to underserved communities.

“The advice I give people is to really interview your clinician,” Navarretta said. “You want to make sure that

Children weren’t exempt from the pandemic’s stress-

it’s a good fit for you or your family or child. If you feel

ors. Virtual learning had a measurable impact on how

like it’s not a good fit, then it’s OK to say that and to look

children interact with other children, Allbee-Roberson

for another clinician, because the relationship is the

observed. “We have seen so much social anxiety,

most important thing.”

because kids didn’t have that face-to-face interaction with other students and teachers,” she said.

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WHEN YOU NEED HELP

magazine

There’s good news and bad news about the state of mental health in Connecticut, Navarretta said, citing

the bad news first: the rising rates of addiction throughout the pandemic and concerns about fentanyl. The good news, she said, is that “We have done a good job getting messages out to the public about taking care of your mental health. Coming out of the pandemic, the conversation is happening—a conversation that people are more comfortable having. “People can raise their hand and say, ‘I need help,’ and not be embarrassed or feel judged about that. That’s a real positive.” Gretchen A. Peck is the editor of The Day’s “Welcome Home” real estate section, a contributor to TDM and to Hearst Newspapers in Fairfield County. She is also a contributing editor to Editor & Publisher magazine, where she’s reported on U.S. news media since 2010.

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january 2023 67

life cycles

magazine

yoga

a resolution worth keeping in 2023 ANCIENT PRACTICE IS GOOD FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL By Terry Wolfisch Cole

Desirée Rumbaugh. photo by Rick LeBeau / New York Times

elcome to 2023. If you’re like many Americans, you’ve already made New Year’s resolutions to eat better, exercise more, lose weight and reduce stress. Yoga might be able to help you accomplish all of those goals. A 2022 survey found that 40 percent of Americans made New Year’s resolutions—with health and wellness dominating their list of to-do’s. The ancient practice of yoga has never been more popular— and it has many potential physical and mental health benefits, according to yoga professionals. From its humble origins in India more than 5,000 years ago, yoga earns more than $9 billion in the United States every year, according to Zippia, a California-based career research company. An estimated 28 million Americans practice yoga at over 40,000 studios from coast to coast. “Yoga is for everyone,” says internationally known yoga instructor Desirée Rumbaugh. “You don’t have to be in perfect shape to begin yoga. The practice will change you slowly over time. It will help you befriend your body and you will naturally want to take better care of yourself.” Simply defined, yoga is the process of moving the body in conjunction with the breath, forming a series of postures and ending with a period of rest. “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self,” according to one ancient text. Yoga has been shown to increase muscle strength and tone, improve balance and flexibility and boost heart health, and people who practice yoga have lower body mass indexes. Weight Watchers, which sees its highest annual membership during January, encourages its members to practice yoga. Research also shows that the benefits of yoga can support efforts toward weight loss by encouraging mindfulness around food.

january 2023 69

life cycles “Through practice, yoga brings us back to

the risk of osteoporosis but that doesn’t mean

ourselves and to what matters most to us,” says

you have to head to the gym. Many yoga poses

Patty Serraro, a certified Baptiste influencer and

require practitioners to bear their own body

owner of Baptiste Power Yoga Groton. (Baptiste

weight. One recent study concluded that a

power yoga is a style of yoga developed by the

12-minute daily yoga routine reversed the neg-

Baptiste family of yogis.)

ative effects of osteoporosis.

“The mindful movement and focused atten-

“Yoga’s not just for a certain kind of person and

tion give us access to a state of calm, clarity and

it’s not just done in one way,” says yoga teacher

insight,” adds Serraro. “Ultimately, the physi-

Chelsea Hauck, of Bluebird Yoga, who teaches

cal practice of yoga gives us the strength to fol-

virtually (offering donation-based classes!) and

low through on those insights and the tools to

in towns including Westerly and Stonington.

take the actions that will help us to fully enjoy

“It can be just mindful breathing or taking a

our lives.”

moment to check in with yourself. You can do

Yoga can offer benefits to post-menopausal

Many different styles of yoga are available,

degenerative condition that causes bones to

ranging from the very vigorous to the very

become soft and brittle and increases the risk of

relaxing.

fractures.

Popular options include vinyasa, in which stu-

The National Institute on Aging recommends

dents flow from one pose to another; gentle yoga,

regular weight-bearing exercise to decrease

in which most poses are performed seated or on

Patty Serraro. photo by Chelsea Mandes

yoga in line at the grocery store.”

women and others at risk of osteoporosis, a

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Chelsea Hauck. p hoto by Victoria Dubord

january 2023 71

life cycles

“The mindful movement and focused attention give us access to a state of calm, clarity and insight.” PATTY SERRARO

magazine

the back; and yin yoga, in which students hold poses for long periods of time to allow the muscles and other soft tissues to release. Most classes are taught in gyms or yoga studios, with each participant on their own yoga mat. Modifications and props ensure that poses are accessible to all students. “There are so many ways to do a pose,” says Hauck. “The most important thing is that it should feel good in your body.” One always-accessible option is chair yoga, practiced while seated in chairs. Hauck, who teaches chair yoga regularly, says that this is especially useful for those who work at a desk or who find it difficult to make their way down to the floor and back up again. To those who enjoy its benefits, yoga is much more than the latest fitness fad. “Whatever you’re looking to shift, yoga works every time you step on your mat,” says Serraro. “Cultivating awareness about what you’re doing and how you’re doing it opens your mind to new possibilities for whatever it is that you’re dealing with. You can begin yoga whatever your age, and the benefits of returning to stillness and observation are cumulative.” Some yogis find mental stillness through meditation, but Serraro says that moving through poses is a meditation as well. “The time that you spend in class is time when 100 left Desirée Rumbaugh. photo courtesy of Desirée Rumbaugh above Chelsea Hauck. p hoto by Victoria Dubord below Patty Serraro. photo by Noelle Wolcin Photography

percent of your attention is on you, on the life that’s here right now. That kind of focus and self-care is restorative and brings you back to life,” she says. Rumbaugh, who has taught yoga for decades, offers another benefit of practicing yoga: the community of other like-minded people that yoga attracts. “Open-minded, open-hearted individuals who are courageous and willing to explore their inner lives,” says Rumbaugh. “So many yogis are willing to be open and vulnerable and share from their deepest hearts and souls. You don’t always find that kind of friendship in this life.” Based in the Hartford area, Terry Wolfisch Cole is a writer and professional Moth-style storyteller. Terry is the founder of Tell Me Another, through which she produces live shows, teaches online and in-person workshops, and provides one-on-one coaching for speakers.

january 2023 73

life cycles

is it time for a personal trainer?

magazine

EXPERTS SAY THEY HELP PEOPLE LIVE LONGER, HEALTHIER LIVES

By Jeff Otterbein reg Drab doesn’t need a lot of motivation. He has been a personal trainer for 26 years and while still in college at the University of Connecticut, he was

developing a client base. But if the owner of Advantage Personal Training in Mystic ever needs a kick in the pants, like some of his clients might from time to time, all he has to do is think of how he has impacted lives. “In over 20 years in the fitness profession, I have helped clients live longer,” Drab said. “Some have literally told me they would have been dead if they had not started exercising with our program. I have clients eliminate osteo porosis, and others who have made such improvements in their f itness level that they no longer need medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. I have had the blessing of clients saying that our program has helped them with their mental health, which is just as important as the physical changes they made. I have helped a client play 10 years in the NFL when he was an undrafted rookie. I have had clients climb mountains when they started off not being able to do five minutes of exercise. What motivates me every day is having the ability to literally change clients’ lives from being sedentar y and obese to being fit and at a healthy weight.” MacKenzie Orzechowski is a certified trainer and nutrition coach who owns Champions Athletics + Fitness in Waterford. She left her job as a financial analyst in 2020 (“three weeks before the

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life cycles

pandemic shut everything down—ha!”) to pursue her

from 2003 to 2011 for the San Diego Chargers. Cesaire

dream, as she says, of helping people change their lives

played at Southern Connecticut State University and

for the better.

is now the defensive line coach for the Houston Texans

“I worked in a health-care system as an analyst, and through that experience, I realized just how reactive we are with our health in society,” Orzechowski said.

in the NFL. We may not all be NFL players, but here are a few things to get us all going.

Being proactive can take care of a lot of issues. No problem with thinking big, but you might want to start

How often should I work out?

small, she advised.

DRAB: The American College of Sports Medicine rec-

“Oftentimes when we first get started or back into

ommends healthy adults get at least 150 minutes of

the gym, we believe we need to jump right into five days

exercise per week. That can be three times a week

or more of workouts every week, when we haven’t actu-

for 50 minutes, five times a week for 30 minutes, two

ally been working out even a day a week consistently

times a week for 75 minutes, etc. They also recommend

for some time,” Orzechowski said. “Start small, aim-

muscle strengthening activities two or more times per

ing for one to two days per week, then build up to more

week as part of the 150-minute-per-week routine.

days in the coming weeks. This will be easier to stick to long term.”

What’s more important, diet or exercise?

That undrafted former NFL player Drab mentions is

DRAB: I wish I could tell you that the importance of

Jacques Cesaire, who played defensive end in the NFL

nutrition and exercise are 50/50. However, a balanced

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nutrition program is 70 percent of the results you will

should not just be “copy and pasting” a standard pro-

see from an exercise program. The very best exer-

gram that they give to everyone and handing it to you.

cise routine is not going to overcome a bad nutrition

Everyone is different, at different fitness levels and

program.

living different lifestyles. Your program should fit

ORZECHOWSKI: Diet interacts with fitness big

into that so it can be easier to adhere to, even with-

time. As a society, we have to learn to look at food

out the trainer around.

as fuel, because that’s truly what it is. Your muscles and body need energy to get a great workout in, and

Jeff Otterbein is a freelance writer and editor living in Manchester.

also need energy to repair and recover after a workout, too. The same goes for the remainder of your day. Less is not always a good thing, especially if you’re not eating enough. Your body needs enough fuel to get through the day and maintain good energy levels so that you feel great and can perform at your best at work, school, home and in the gym.

What are the biggest myths of training? ORZECHOWSKI: The biggest myth … that’s a tough one because there are so many. I’d say it is that people believe they have to cut out major food groups and/ or the foods they enjoy to see any results. We have to start teaching more about living a healthier lifestyle, not just “dieting or not dieting.” If you make consistently healthy choices each day, you can still enjoy the foods you love in moderation, and still see results. It’s possible, I promise. Just ask my clients who still eat pasta, desserts and drink wine.

What should I look for in a personal trainer? DRAB: A good personal trainer is someone who cares about the clients with whom they are working. One of the phrases I try to live by is, “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” A good personal trainer will listen to their client and will have the skills to adjust each client’s workout program based on where the client is physically and mentally. A good trainer needs to be a great coach and be able to intrinsically motivate a client without getting the client to overdo it. A good trainer explains why a client is doing something and how it will help them achieve their goals. ORZECHOWSKI: Look for a trainer who is willing to meet you where you’re at currently in life. They

left Personal trainer and owner of Advantage Personal Training Greg Drab, second from right, works out with clients, from left, Kathy Bruciati, Sherry April, Michele Waterman and Kenny Helme, at his Mystic center. Photo by Aiden McLean. above MacKenzie Orzechowski, right, a certified trainer and nutrition coach, works with a client at Champions Athletics + Fitness in Waterford. Photo courtesy of MacKenzie Orzechowski.

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explorations D AY T R I P S

G E TA W AY S

Boschetto Park, Corfu, Greece. Photo by Mary Ellen Fillo

T R AV E L T I P S

growth and expansion at Tweed Airport

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visiting Greece fulfills a lifelong dream

explorations

Flying high TWEED NEW HAVEN REGIONAL AIRPORT HAS SEEN SUDDEN GROWTH IN THE PAST YEAR, FURTHER EXPANSION EXPECTED

By Dirk Langeveld hen my family and I booked a weeklong getaway to an East Haven beach house this summer, we were periodically reminded that we

how to balance the benefits of expansion with quality-of-life concerns in the surrounding area.

TWEED’S HISTORY

Tweed’s master plan details much of the early

weren’t too far from an airport. While

history of the airport. In the early days of aviation,

building sand castles or splashing in the waves

people coming to New Haven by air had to utilize

with the kids, a low rumble would announce the

rural strips in nearby towns or float planes that

arrival or departure of an Avelo jet with its distinct

could access the harbor. As the need for a munic-

purple and white livery.

ipal airport became more pressing, New Haven

The planes have become a regular feature of the neighborhood as Tweed New Haven Regional

Mayor David E. Fitzgerald oversaw the 1922 purchase of 220 acres of land for this purpose.

Airport experiences a sudden uptick in commer-

The ground-breaking for the airport took place

cial air travel. The airport’s shift in fortunes, from

in 1929, and New Haven Municipal Airport opened

losing its skimpy roster of commercial flights to

two years later. The facility was renamed in 1961

offering affordable trips to 14 cities, has unexpect-

in honor of the airport’s first manager, John H.

edly made it much more appealing to southeastern

Tweed.

Connecticut travelers.

Now 437 acres, the city-owned airport includes

The greater availability of f lights has allowed

3,626-foot and 5,600-foot runways, only the lat-

Tweed to position itself as a more convenient and

ter of which remains in service. The terminal was

less stressful option than other nearby airports. It

built as a hangar in 1930 before it was converted to

has also sparked debate over the airport’s future and

its current use in 1995. Among other uses, Tweed

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

january 2023 79

explorations is regularly used by flights delivering organs for transplant to patients at Yale New Haven Hospital. Commercial service at the airport started three years after it opened, when American Airlines began servicing the city. Since then, commercial flights have been intermittent and ever-changing, with a steady decline through the 1990s and 2000s due to lack of demand. Between 2009 and 2018 the number of passengers fell below 40,000, and sometimes dipped under 30,000. The COVID-19 pandemic delivered the final blow. In August 2020, American Airlines announced that it was suspending its American Eagle regional f lights from Tweed; three months later, it declared that it was pulling them altogether, leaving the airport without a commercial carrier.

AVELO’S DEBUT

The lack of service would prove to be short-

lived. In May 2021, one month after it launched West Coast operations out of California, the low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines announced that it would establish its first East Coast base at Tweed. Six months later, it began offering flights to six Florida cities. top Jack Tweed testing his flying boat, 1917, in Madison. photo courtesy of New haven museum above An aerial view of the airport, circa 1940s. photo courtesy of New haven museum below Passengers at the airport in the 1960s. p hoto courtesy of New haven museum

“Avelo chose Tweed because it was a n unser ved ma rket w ith a lot of demand,” Courtney Goff, communications manager at Avelo, said in an email. “Avelo’s main goals are to offer convenience and affordable travel, and through our partnership with Tweed we can offer those to our customers that other area airports cannot.” Avelo operates a fleet of 737-700 aircraft in New Haven, saying on its website that they “provide a more comfortable, mainline jet experience” than the smaller turboprop planes that typically service regional airports. The airline also says these jets are more efficient, allowing them to offer nonstop flights and lower fares. When service debuted in November 2021, fares for flights to Florida were as low as $49.

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photo by fred boothman

“We’ve seen a lot of popularity among our New Haven flights,” Goff said. “Some are more seasonal

EXPANSION DEBATE

The explosion of passenger travel through Tweed

than others, but our Florida routes are very popu-

is spurring long-mulled expansion plans, with par-

lar year-round.”

ticular regard to the runway. For years, airport

Service expanded rapidly, and Avelo now offers

advocates have called for a longer runway, which

flights to more than a dozen cities including Myrtle

would allow heavier aircraft capable of reaching

Beach, Washington, D.C., and a “Pizza Express”

more distant destinations, as a way to strengthen

option connecting Chicago and New Haven. On the

the regional economy. Longer runways also allow

first anniversary of its debut in New Haven, Avelo

aircraft to operate more safely with a full passen-

said it had completed more than 5,000 flights and

ger load, and reduce the possibility of flight delays

carried more than 600,000 travelers—a 130 per-

or cancellations during weather events or other haz-

cent increase in flights and 1,400 percent increase

ardous conditions.

in passengers from 2019.

Tweed’s master plan declares that there is a cur-

“In 12 short months we’ve transformed Tweed

rent need for a 6,000-foot runway, and recommends

from a sleepy single destination airport into a

that it ultimately be extended to 7,600 feet. The plan

vibrant gateway to 14 destinations spanning seven

also notes that one carrier, Allegiant Air, has indi-

states,” said Andrew Levy, Avelo’s founder, chair-

cated it would begin flights out of Tweed if the run-

man and CEO, in a press release.

way is extended to at least 6,000 feet.

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explorations

This page photos by fred boothman opposite page An aerial view of the runway at Tweed New Haven Regional Airport, circa 2019. There are plans in the works to not only create a carbon-neutral terminal but extend the runway as well. photo by Bfwalach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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“Avelo chose Tweed because it was an unserved market with a lot of demand.” COURTNEY GOFF

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explorations

photo by fred boothman

DISTANCE AND TRAVEL TIME FROM NEW LONDON TO LOCAL AIRPORTS Tweed New Haven Airport

46 miles

48 minutes

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport 50 miles

50 minutes

Bradley International Airport

64 miles

1 hour

John F. Kennedy International Airport

124 miles

Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours (Source: Google Maps)

However, the expansion plans have also raised

I n M a y 2 0 2 1 , a n e x p a n s i o n a g r e e m e nt w a s

opposition among residents in neighborhoods near

announced between the Tweed New Haven Airport

the airport, who are concerned that expanded oper-

Authority and Avports, a private company owned by

ations at Tweed will lead to more noise due to larger

Goldman Sachs and serving as the airport manager.

jets and more frequent flights, greater traffic conges-

An amended version of the 43-year agreement was

tion, harm to the local environment and decreased

approved later in the year.

property values.

Under the agreement, Avports will provide $100

The issue was seemingly settled in 2009, when an

million in financing for the planned upgrades; these

agreement between Tweed and the mayors of East

include an extension of the runway to 6,635 feet, a new

Haven and New Haven effectively put a moratorium on

carbon-neutral 74,000-square-foot terminal with four

further attempts to lengthen the runway. However, this

gates, and a new parking garage. The agreement also

agreement was scrapped in 2019, and the possibility of

phases out subsidies provided to the airport by state and

runway extension was again on the table in March 2020

local governments and provides $5 million to address

after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal

community impact issues, including noise reduction

on the matter.

and traffic mitigation efforts.

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WHAT IT MEANS FOR SOUTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT

restoration of commercial service would face a num-

In a 2019 interview with CTNewsJunkie.com,

foot runway is only able to support smaller turboprop

Dillon acknowledged that a significant enhance-

planes. An extension of the runway to 6,000 feet, the

ment of commercial service at Tweed could dim

preferred length for commercial service, is unlikely

the prospects of revived f lights at other regional

since it would require extensive work, including the

airf ields. However, advocates in southeastern

relocation of an active rail line and filling in portions

Connecticut argue that there could still be enough

of Baker Cove or the Poquonnock River.

local demand to support commercial air travel from Groton-New London Airport.

However, the airport’s master plan notes that the ber of challenges. Most notably, the airport’s 5,000-

For now, the expansion of service at Tweed puts it on more competitive footing for travelers from

The last commercia l f lig ht depa r ted f rom

southeastern Connecticut. It takes about as long

Groton in September 2003 after demand dwindled.

to get to East Haven from New London as it does

According to Groton-New London Airport’s master

to travel to T.F. Green Airport, and further options

plan, nearly 97,000 people flew out of Groton in 1980

from Tweed are likely to debut.

while just under 6,000 did so in its final year of commercial service.

“We have several new routes on the back burner waiting to announce,” says Goff. “We are still grow-

Groton-New London Airport continues to hold a

ing and adding new planes to our fleet and new jobs;

certification allowing for commercial flights, and

once we get more planes in our fleet, we’ll be able to

the airfield still receives considerable business traf-

offer some new destinations.”

fic to support operations at the submarine base, Electric Boat, Pfizer and the casinos. Advocates for

Dirk Langeveld has written for newspapers and magazines since

expanded service in Groton say the growth of the

2007, and is the author of The Artful Dodger, a nonfiction

offshore wind sector and increased hiring at EB also

biography. He is a former marketing editor at The Day and now

drive a need for restored commercial service.

works at Miranda Creative.

photo courtesy of avelo airlines

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explorations

BUCKET LIST

e c e •Gre CRUISING THE CRADLE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION WAS A LIFELONG DREAM FULFILLED

story and photos By Mary Ellen Fillo

y fascination with Greece began when I was 11. The short version … 1961 sixth-

Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade. One of the line’s

grade school project on ancestry, Cold

smaller ships with a capacity of about 2,500 passen-

War with Russia, my Russian heritage,

gers, the ship features all the expected cruise ame-

politically not so cool, so thanks to a sur-

nities: a casino, pools, entertainment and spa, night-

name that could pass, I temporarily redirected my

clubs, plenty of dining options and assorted activities.

ancestral roots to Greece.

The refurbished ship was clean, safe, comfort-

That ancestry research project whetted my appe-

able and well-staffed, given the challenges in the

tite as I began reading more about this ancient coun-

post-COVID world. We took advantage of one of

try’s past and present. Thanks to a junior-high his-

Nor wegian’s cruise deals, w ith a package that

tory teacher, Mr. Manning, the deep dig into the

included the cruise, airfare, discounts, room perks

mythology, the architecture, the arts and more con-

and more, making it within reasonable financial

tinued. Even in college, I treated myself to classes that

reach.

gave me even more insight into Greece’s beginnings,

While not without some challenges along the way,

its politics, its religion and mythology, and its worldly

the plans worked; but be prepared, because some-

influences. Time marched on and as I got older, a visit

times you just can’t control what will happen as part

there became part of the proverbial “bucket list.”

of these cruise packages, and on a more personal

Sixty years later, I finally booked the trip.

note, age has a sneaky way of creeping up on you

The twice-delayed cruise (thanks COVID) finally

The trip was a combination of some “on land” time

and an eight-day, eight-island cruise on Norwegian

when it comes to having the stamina to see it all.

came to fruition a few months ago and from bustling

Our group opted for two days in Athens before

Athens to a picture-perfect stay on the charming, far

boarding the ship, two days that were breathtak-

less touristy island of Aegina, it was all I had hoped it

ing in so many ways. Our hotel, the Adrian, was in

would be and more.

the busy, but conveniently located downtown Plaka

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Old Town on the island of Corfu, off the western coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea.

january 2023 87

explorations

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area. A complimentary breakfast was served on its rooftop and in addition to a substantial buffet, breakfast included an amazing view of the citadel Acropolis and its temple Parthenon, perched like an architectural guardian above the city. We hit the ground running, almost literally, with a daylong tour of Athens and the outlying areas. First up, the Acropolis of course, that ancient citadel that includes the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea and more historic ruins. Photographs I viewed over the years didn’t do the site justice. While jaw-droppingly magnificent when looking up at the site from the land below it, the downside is that you must hike uphill to get there— climbing on uneven stone steps and cobblestones—walks that became de rigueur during the entire trip. Just a side note here, four-fifths of Greece is mountainous. If you are going to tour Greece, get some exercise to build your stamina before you go, and wear proper shoes and anything else you might need to walk comfortably. The views are well worth the miles you will put on the pedometer every day, but the hikes can be strenuous. But I digress. I was reaching historical overload as the daylong excursion continued with a whirlwind tour of the city and more informa-

OPPOSITE TOP The Church of St. George in Oia, Santorini, with the iconic blue dome often decorating Santorini churches. OPPOSITE BOTTOM The “Porch of the Maidens,” at the Erechtheion temple on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens. ABOVE A relief of Nike, the winged goddess of victory at the Roman ruins of Ephesus in Kusadasi, Turkey. BELOW The Turkish resort town of Kusadasi on the Aegean coast.

tion than I could hold in my head. We saw the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held, and the white marble monument known as Hadrian’s Arch; ate a traditional Greek lunch before traveling out to the beaches of Glyfada and Varkiza; and then went on to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. Blending ancient with modern, the new Acropolis Museum is a contemporary depositary for more than 3,000 artifacts from the Athenian Acropolis. I found myself enthralled by how Grecian history had affected so many cultures in so many ways and so many times. What little down time we had before boarding the ship included a trip for the changing of

january 2023 89

explorations

ABOVE The view from above of the port in Oia, Santorini, packed with ships. LEFT Melissani Cave on the island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece. OPPOSITE TOP The columns of the Parthenon at the Acropolis of Athens. RIGHT A view from a balcony at the Rastoni Hotel on the island of Aegina in Greece’s Saronic Gulf.

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the guard at Parliament, downtown sightseeing, shopping for honey, olives, olive oil, Greek wines, saffron, leather goods, meals at the plethora of downtown cafes with a side of people-watching, and cocktails of course. If you go nowhere else to sit and relax at the end of the day, go to the Terrace Bar at the top of the Central Athens Hotel. Gaze out at the lighted Acropolis site and accompanying mountain scene as the sun sets, and you’d swear you can feel the spirits of the gods and goddesses of Greek lore. Next, we boarded the ship for our first stop, Santorini. Admittedly it was the mov ie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants that hooked me on this island, best known from pictures that feature the bright blue-domed, pristine white buildings there. Because of a last-minute cruise itinerary change, there were five cruise ships there at one time, making getting to town one of the worst challenges of the trip. Choices to get up into town were riding in a cable car, walking up 600 treacherous stone steps, or taking a donkey ride. It was hot, crowded and stressful, but we finally got to the top via cable car, grabbed a cab and headed to the town of Oia. Winding our way along the picture-perfect coastline to the picturesque town, we knew it was worth the drive and the hassle. We visited the Greek Orthodox Chiesa di Panagia and Agios Georgios churches, and then rambled about the Oia Central Plaza with its small shops, cafes and boutique hotels, accompanied by the South Aegean Sea at our side. A stop a day made it one exciting, but busy trip. The next day we headed to the island of Corfu, where we visited Prince Philip’s birthplace, Mon Repos, and the Old Fortress, dating back to the sixth century. Another day and it was on to the island of Kefalonia. There, in Argostoli, we took a boat trip to the Melissani Cave, and made stops at Myrtos Beach and Melissani Lake. On cruise day five, we were at Mykonos, where we visited the tranquil Kalafatis Beach and then traveled on to the quaint village of Ano Mera and its Monastery Panagia Tourliani.

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explorations Kusadasi, Turkey, was next. We spent hours at the impressive city of ruins of Ephesus, one of the oldest Greek settlements on Turkey’s western Aegean coast and once the second-largest city of the R om a n E mpi r e. Then , we headed to the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic shrine at Mount Koressos, believed to be where she spent the last years of her life. Rhodes was next, where in Lindos we visited the archaeolog ic a l site, Acropol i s of Lindos, perched 381 feet on a cliff above the sea. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the fortress was built during the ninth century BC. We were happy to see that it is in the midst of a restoration. While hectic, we did agree the cruise was the best way to see all we could while enjoying the comfort of unpacking once and knowing exactly where we were staying each night. Our ship was about twothirds full, and as the COVID outbreak wanes, Norwegian Cruise Line’s staff were happy to welcome passengers back to their ships. “It ’s b e en c h a l len g i n g ,” explained Mirsad Bucuk, the Jade’s general manager. Noting that Greece is one of the line’s most popular cruises, Bucuk said the company is prepared for the traveling “comeback,” and is extra focused on passenger service, including following

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ABOVE A sunset view of the famed Parthenon in the Acropolis, the ancient citadel high above the city of Athens. OPPOSITE TOP A view from below of the Acropolis of Lindos about 400 feet above on the island of Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands. RIGHT Colorful umbrellas decorate and create shade in downtown Aegina, in the Saronic Gulf in Greece. BELOW Downtown Argostoli on the island of Kefalonia, one of the busiest ports in Greece.

the most stringent guidelines possible to keep passengers safe and healthy. “We do our best to make every trip a special one as people return to traveling,” said Bucuk, noting new safety precautions and country restrictions have made trip-planning and execution more challenging. “Overall, people are so happy to be out again, and we are happy to see them.” We chose to add on a couple days after the cruise was over and spent the time in a sweet boutique hotel called the Rastoni on the island of Aegina. We meandered around t ow n , s ipp e d g r e at Gr e ek wines purchased at roadside vendors, and treasured the few hours left before returning home. “We are all Greeks,” said English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. “Our laws, our literature, our religion, our arts have their roots in Greece.” I agree. No matter what your last name might be. Mary Ellen Fillo is an award-winning reporter who worked for the Hartford Courant since 1971 before retiring as its popular Java columnist in 2016. Since then she has continued feature, food, travel and trend writing for a variety of publications, as well as restaurant public relations and social media work along the East Coast. A Connecticut native, she attended Hartford College for Women and Central Connecticut State University.

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interview INFLUENCERS

Jordan Cove, Waterford. Photo by Deborah Roberts

Q&A

get to know Cherie Poirier

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interview

Cherie Poirier

E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R O F T H E E P I L E P S Y F O U N D AT I O N O F C O N N E C T I C U T

By Cris Cadiz

n 1999, 27-year-old Cherie Poirier had surgery to remove an egg-sized chunk of her brain with the hope of easing the epileptic seizures she had suffered since childhood. Despite being an honors student, her frequent seizures prohibited her from driving and she eventually dropped out of college. Medication was not working well to control the disease, so she chose to have brain surgery de-

spite potentially serious risks. Thankfully, surgery was a success and stopped her seizures. After several months of recuperation, Poirier went on to finish college, earn an MBA, and work her way up to leadership positions at several nonprofits.

Photo by Carole Drong

This past summer, she was hired as executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, a nonprofit that provides information, education, recreation, advocacy and support for the estimated 60,000 people in Connecticut who have epilepsy. The brain surgery she had over 20 years ago allowed her to rise above the limitations of her disease to fill the top spot in an organization that offers people with epilepsy support, resources and hope.

TDM: What was it like living with epilepsy before your

I was stealing something or slacking on the job. I lived

brain surgery?

with family members in complete denial of the disease

CP: Frustrating and scary… especially before I was

once I was diagnosed.

diagnosed. I would have both partial and generalized what was happening to me, but we couldn’t figure it

TDM: When did things start to change for you? CP: After a myoclonic seizure [characterized by brief

out. I would black out completely, and teachers or fam-

jolting muscle spasms and complete unawareness of

ily members thought I was daydreaming.

surroundings] resulted in a major concussion, split chin,

seizures on a regular basis and tried so hard to explain

I experienced seizures and not being able to get

and a trip to the ER, I was finally diagnosed.

help because I had no idea what I had. I was a teen-

Then it was monthly visits to neurologists, adjust-

ager when diagnosed. At 15, I signed up for driver’s ed

ing to the side effects of many medications that never

courses and was denied the ability to drive when they

worked. I always had to rely on rides from family mem-

found out about my disease—in front of the class. I was

bers, co-workers and friends. Embarrassment after

so different from all the other teenagers around me. I

coming out of a seizure and being stared at. Irritation

experienced the constant need to base my life on what

at having to calm people down after they witnessed

was available to me, not what I hoped to have. I felt

me have one. After another myoclonic seizure at home

the side effects of many different drugs that did noth-

from which I “awoke” with a bookshelf on top of me,

ing beneficial for me. When coming out of seizures, I

I decided it was time for surgery. Doctors had been

witnessed people yelling at me because they thought

pushing it for years. I gave in.

january 2023 95

interview TDM: How did brain surgery help? CP: One year following the surgery, I was able to get

employment. Our foundation provides resources to

my driver’s license. I was able to get a job that I could

Fund, which offers financial assistance to cover the

drive myself to. I gained a freedom I never thought I

cost of epilepsy treatment and care services. Our

would have. I was able to make decisions on where I

foundation is a resource and place of connection for

wanted to be and when I wanted to get there. I didn’t

those diagnosed with epilepsy and the family mem-

have to rely on my brother to take me to UConn for

bers that are also seeing the world through a new lens.

help, including The Haley Murtha Family Assistance

classes that fit his schedule—no more sitting around for hours waiting for a ride after my 90-minute class. I was

TDM: How does it feel to be hired as executive director

lucky. Many others with seizures undergo numerous

of the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut?

surgeries and experience side effects from meds that

CP: Because of all that I went through, I feel I have

immobilize them. We need to cure epilepsy.

much to offer in helping others who experience simi-

And it was scary—this whole new world I did not

lar circumstances. I believe everything happened for

think I would gain access to. I finished my degree. I was

a reason so I can connect with them. There are many

able to join many community initiatives that I loved

who do not have the resources I had when having sei-

and learned from. And now, I find myself representing

zures: a supportive family, transportation, under-

others with epilepsy who are not as lucky as I am.

standing employers, medical and prescription insurance coverage. A home. As executive director, I want to

TDM: What do you want people to know about this

enhance and expand our resources, to provide a place

disease?

for epileptics to feel connected and comfortable.

CP: There are many forms of epilepsy and many different types of seizures. As each of our brains are so

TDM: What does your organization offer in support of

different, everyone diagnosed with it will face the dis-

people with epilepsy?

ease differently. The Epilepsy Foundation website has

CP: The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut’s mission

descriptions at epilepsyct.com. When you are diag-

is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of liv-

nosed, you have to make significant changes in your

ing with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop

lifestyle.

seizures, find cures and save lives. We provide free services such as HOBSCOTCH, a self-management

TDM: What are some challenges that people with

and cognitive training behavioral program designed

epilepsy face?

to address memory and attention problems, Project

CP: Transportation and housing are some of the

UPLIFT, a program to improve mental health, and

biggest issues they face. It often also affects their

other Managing Epilepsy Well programs. We offer free training in things like seizure first aid, treatment options

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magazine

and psychosocial issues for professionals, community groups, families and individuals. We offer webinars presented by experts in the field. We have support groups for adults, parents and teens; student advocacy for school

planning and placement team (PPT) meetings; and

I want people with epilepsy to know we will do what-

the Halyn Murtha Family Assistance Fund in memory

ever we can for support, referral, legal representation

of the beautiful little Halyn, taken away far too soon

and simply to listen as much as we possibly can. None

by epilepsy.

of this will happen without partnerships, volunteers, collaboration, donors and funders. I ask people to visit

TDM: What do you hope to accomplish with

our website and learn more about what they can do to

your leadership role at the Epilepsy Foundation of

support our efforts to aid people living with epilepsy

Connecticut?

and their families. epilepsyct.com.

CP: In addition to what we already offer, I see us providing future services such as using art and storytell-

Freelance writer Cris Cadiz is curious about nearly everything,

ing as a means of communication for those living with

learning appreciatively with every story. She enjoys sharing jour-

epilepsy. I want to provide transportation for people

neys and dreams of people she meets and places she treasures,

with epilepsy and possibly special housing facilities for

near and abroad. As a tourism writer, she cheerleads for note-

adults with epilepsy who cannot live alone and need

worthy people, organizations and small businesses throughout

trained staff to assist them. Many aging parents want

New England. An avid traveler and outdoor activity enthusiast,

to know that there is someone to care for their children

she’s always planning her next adventure. Read more work at

when they can no longer do so.

chanticleermedia.com/journalism.

I want to train more educators in seizure first aid and offer specific training for PPTs. I want to build awareness of Halyn’s Law in Connecticut, legislation passed in 2021 that requires the state medical examiner to receive training on sudden unexpected deaths in patients with epilepsy. I want to connect with organiza-

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tions such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury support groups and networks. Many times, these conditions lead to seizures and epilepsy. I want to begin endowments to support our clients and allow us to continue providing resources for free to everyone and to provide scholarships for those entering neurology, epileptology and other fields. I want our foundation and its board to better support underserved communities.

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