Voter Registration Deadlines Approach

Reaching Home would like to remind you that Connecticut voter registration deadlines are quickly approaching. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make your voice heard this election cycle, especially on the issues of housing and homelessness.

DEADLINES:

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 = Voter Registration forms must be post-marked.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 = Last day for walk-in registrations.

Call your town clerk or Registrar of Voters for more information. Let your voice be heard - VOTE!!

Topic Guides on ADA Transportation

The Topic Guides on ADA Transportation were developed by the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) (www.dredf.org) and TranSystems Corporation (www.transystems.com/).

The guides are available online at http://www.dredf.org/ADAtg/index.shtml.


Schedule: Second Tuesday of the month, beginning October 12, 2010 and ending April 12, 2011


Topics:

Equipment Maintenance (Topic Guide 1)

Stop Announcements and Route Identification (Topic Guide 2)

Eligibility for ADA Paratransit (Topic Guide 3)

Telephone Hold Time in ADA Paratransit (Topic Guide 4)

Origin to Destination Service in ADA Paratransit (Topic Guide 5)

On-Time Performance in ADA P aratransit (Topic Guide 6)

No-Shows in ADA Paratransit (Topic Guide 7)


Time: 2 pm to 3:30 pm Eastern Time (90 minutes)

Cost: Free

Presenter(s): Marilyn Golden, DREDF Policy Analyst and invited guests to be announced. (Bio sent under separate email)

Method of Delivery: Sessions will be presented via a fully accessible webinar platform. Instructions for connecting to the program will be provided to registrants in advance of the session.

Registration: Registration is available on-line at www.adaconferences.org

DDS North Region to Host Family Night

DDS North Region to Host Family Night


On Wednesday, October 20, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm
at the DDS office located at
255 Pitkin Street, East Hartford
Event will be located in the 3rd floor training room


The focus will be on what every parent, family member, care provider and teacher must know to successfully advocate for a student with a disability from age 14-21years with special emphasis on the transition process and employment.

All divisions within the North Region DDS will be represented at this meeting,
including:

Transition Coordinators
Fiscal Coordinator
Helpline Staff
Self Advocates
Self Determination Director
Regional Advisory Council members
and the Executive Management Team.

The Family Night is designed to provide an opportunity for families and community providers to interact with DDS staff and, most importantly,
answer the individual questions from each family member or care provider.

For more information contact Linda Angelica at 860-263-2448 in East Hartford.

Regional Transition Conference at the Mystic Marriott on October 14 - 16, 2010

The Division on Career Development and Transition will host its Regional Transition Conference at the Mystic Marriott on October 14 - 16, 2010.

The Family Support Network will be hosting a vendor table at the conference on Saturday, October 16th, which is "Family Day". We will be available to talk about information and existing resources in Connecticut for families whose children are approaching or going through the transition process.

We encourage families to look through the attached program to see all the valuable information that will be shared with families who attend that day.

The FSN has a minimum of 6 scholarships available for families to attend for free (an $80 value!) on October 16th. Scholarships will be given on a first come first served basis.

Please contact Tesha Imperati at scctfamilysupport@gmail.com or at 203-710-3041 if you are interested in attending the conference with a scholarship.

Please distribute to regional list-serves and to parent groups, advocacy organizations, etc.

Thank you,

Jennifer Carroll
Connecticut Family Support Network

Free Community Presentation

Free Community Presentation

deb@thebrainlady.com

September 21, 2010

A Holistic Approach to Successful Children with
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHDAre you a parent, grandparent, teacher, or therapist of a child with ADHD?Do you want to do everything possible to help your child succeed?Do you ever feel exhausted, alone, overwhelmed, frustrated, confused?Do you wonder where to start?Do you hope your child will reach his/her potential?Do you know of other possible causes of hyperactivity and poor concentration?Do you wonder about medications and alternatives to medication?Do you wonder how diet, exercise, sleep, TV, medications, and meditation impact your child's brain?Do you wish your child behaved better and had more friends?Do you wonder where to turn for help?If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, come learn about a proven 14 step system to unlock your child's potential. FREE!

When: Sunday Sept 26th at 4:00PM
Where: Noank Baptist Church, 18 Cathedral Heights Noank, CT
Info: 860 536-7129 Best Wishes for a Healthy Brain!

Deb Burdick, LCSW, BCIA-EEG, also known as The Brain Lady, is the owner and clinical director of Advanced Options, LLC in Groton. Deb combined the knowledge gained from her own healing journey, her professional studies, raising a child with ADHD, and helping hundreds of clients with ADHD to develop her holistic, step-by-step system to help parents of children with ADHD.

Visit http://www.thebrainlady.com/ to learn about her Home Study System for Parents.You may absolutely share this newsletter with people you think may enjoy it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. Thanks and enjoy! The Brain Lady Newsletter is written by Debra Burdick, LCSW, BCIA-EEG and Advanced Options, LLC. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: http://us.mc620.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=deb@TheBrainLady.com. © 2010 Advanced Options, LLC. All Rights Reserved. being given by one of my colleagues, Alicia Farrell, PhD who is an expert in cognitive fitness.

Debra E. Burdick,LCSW, BCIA
Advanced Options,LLC
Counseling and Neurofeedback Center
Suite 320 495 Gold Star Highway
Groton, CT 06340
(860) 445-0179

http://www.thebrainlady.com/

Brain Power System for Creating Outrageous Success

Article on NEW Verizon Accessible Cell Phone by Samsung

Verizon Customers, Welcome To Haven! by Walter Gramza It's finally here! An affordable, fully accessible phone from Verizon Wireless. As of July 29th, 2010, Verizon Wireless has available in its stores a phone for blind and visually impaired persons which is fully audible via Nuance speech. There is no extra charge for the speech package, as it is already installed in the phone and ready for use out of the box. It is important to note here that when you go to the store, please make sure that you tell the person assisting you to be sure to turn on the voices called read outs, located under settings, then sounds, and down to voices. The six items to be turned on are: . Menu read out . digit read out . alert read out . flip open and talk . text message read out . full read out In order for the phone to be audible these features need to be turned on. Placing a Call: You can enter the contact list by pushing the right soft key in the upper right hand corner of the phone and then arrow through the contacts or by pressing the letter of the contact you wish to call. For example, *v* for Verizon Wireless. Then you can hit ok to view the contact information and hit send to place a call. You can enter into your call list of choice which are: 1. Missed calls 2. Dialed calls 3. Answered calls 4. All calls After entering any one of the lists, you can edit the list and if desired, delete the specific name and number within the list. You can find out how much battery strength you have, signal strength, and how many messages, voice mails, and missed calls you have. You can use the alarm clock, set a time audibly, use the calculator, tip calculator, and send and read texts. In short, you are prompted through every one of the functions you are performing. You can even ask it to call someone provided that they are in the contact list. A Braille manual is available through Samsung. Remember, when you go to Verizon Wireless, you'll need to get the hex number, which they can give you. You then call Samsung at 888-987-4357 and provide them with this number along with your address and it will take about one month to receive the manual. You can also purchase an extended battery which lasts one and one half times longer than the standard battery. This is best as any phone with speech uses more battery power and shortens the life of the battery. By having the extended battery it should bring you through the day safely. I always make it a habit to charge the phone each night so that I begin a new day, the phone also begins a new day as well. When you put the phone into the base charger it says *charging.* When the phone is charged it says *charge complete.* If you are a Verizon Wireless customer and are eligible for an upgrade, you can get the phone for free. If you want to start a new contract with Verizon Wireless, you get the phone for $40.00 complete with speech software included. If anyone would like assistance in learning the functions of the phone, they may contact me via email at: http://us.mc620.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=wgramza1@verizon.net I hope that you will go and get this phone seeing that this is the only other phone outside of the 3gs iPhone by apple that is accessible with step by step prompts throughout the entire phone. Let's show Verizon how grateful we are for a well planned phone by taking advantage of such a great item. Article Source: Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind Click this link for a lengthy podcast demonstrating all the phone's features: http://www.sendspace.com/file/kckby2

NAMI News

The recent articles below cover issues relevant to Connecticut's mental health community:


Forty-three homeless people were killed in the US in 2009, which is the highest number of murders since 2000. Many of the people killed had mental illnesses. Congress is considering legislation to require the FBI to keep records of these murders.
Killings of Homeless at 43 in 2009, Highest Level in Decade
The New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com - August 18, 2010


Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine have found that ketamine, previously used as a prescription anesthetic and as a recreational drug, may be able to treat clinical depression. More research and development is needed before it is used on a prescription basis.
Yale Study Finds New Benefits from Old Drug
The Connecticut Mirror - http://www.ctmirror.org - August 20, 2010


September 1 marks the eighty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Bridgeport Mental Hygiene Clinic, now known as the Child and Family Guidance Center. The clinic was one of the first in the state, and its founders were innovators in the treatment of mental illnesses.
Mental Health Center Marks Historic Milestone
The Connecticut Post - http://www.ctpost.com - August 21, 2010


A growing number of psychiatrists, psychologists, parents, and teachers recognize that preschool-age children can be diagnosed with clinical depression. This in-depth piece in the New York Times Magazine explores this controversial issue through scientific and anecdotal evidence.
Can Preschoolers Be Depressed?
The New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com - August 29, 2010


Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.

Matt Salner
Public Policy Staff
NAMI-CT
policystaff@namict.org

Live Well: A Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

Chronic Disease Self –Management Program Fact Sheet

What is the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program?

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a workshop given two hours, once a week, for six weeks, in community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries and hospitals. People with different chronic health problems attend the program together. Workshops are facilitated from a highly-detailed manual by two trained leaders, one or both of whom may be peers with a chronic health conditions themselves. Subjects covered include: 1) techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation, 2) appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance, 3) appropriate use of medications, 4) communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, 5) nutrition, and, 6) making informed treatment decisions.

It is the process in which the CDSMP is taught that makes it effective. Sessions are highly participative, where mutual support and success builds the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

Does the Program replace existing programs and treatments?
The Self-Management Workshop will not conflict with existing programs or treatment. It is designed to enhance regular treatment and disease-specific education such as Better Breathers, cardiac rehabilitation, or diabetes instruction. In addition, many people have more than one chronic condition. The program is especially helpful for these people, as it gives them the skills to coordinate all the things needed to manage their health, as well as to help them keep active in their lives.

How was the Program developed?
The Division of Family and Community Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University received a five-year research grant from the federal Agency for Health Care Research and Policy and the State of California Tobacco-Related Research Project. The purpose of the research was to develop and evaluate, through a randomized controlled trial, a community-based self-management program that assists people with chronic illness. The study was completed in 1996.
The research project had several investigators: Halsted Holman, M.D., Stanford Professor of Medicine; Kate Lorig, Dr.P.H., Stanford Associate Research Professor of Medicine; David Sobel, M.D., Regional Director of Patient Education for the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program; Albert Bandura, Ph.D., Stanford Professor of Psychology; and Byron Brown, Jr., Ph.D., Stanford Professor of Health Research and Policy. The Program was written by Dr. Lorig, Virginia González, M.P.H., and Diana Laurent, M.P.H., all of the Stanford Patient Education Research Center. Ms. González and Ms. Laurent also served as integral members of the research team. The process of the CDSMP was based on the experience of the investigators and others with self-efficacy, the confidence one has that he or she can master a new skill or affect one’s own health. The content of the workshop was the result of focus groups with people with chronic health problems, in which the participants discussed which content areas were the most important for them.

How was the Program evaluated?
About 1,000 people with heart disease, lung disease, stroke or arthritis participated in a randomized, controlled test of the Program, and were followed for up to three years. We looked for changes in many areas: health status (disability, social/role limitations, pain and physical discomfort, energy/fatigue, shortness of breath, psychological well-being/distress, depression, health distress, self-rated general health), health care utilization (visits to physicians, visits to emergency department, hospital stays, and nights in hospital), self-efficacy (confidence to perform self-management behaviors, confidence to manage disease in general, confidence to achieve outcomes), and self-management behaviors (exercise, cognitive symptom management, mental stress management/relaxation, use of community resources, communication with physician, and advance directives).

What were the results?
Subjects who took the Program, when compared to those who did not, demonstrated significant improvements in exercise, cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, self-reported general health, health distress, fatigue, disability, and social/role activities limitations. They also spent fewer days in the hospital, and there was also a trend toward fewer outpatient visits and hospitalizations. These data yield a cost to savings ratio of approximately 1:10. Many of these results persist for as long as three years.

HOW CAN MY FACILITY OFFER THE PROGRAM?
Leaders' trainings are 4 days. Each trainee receives a detailed leader's manual, a copy of the textbook Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Condition and relaxation audio tape. This training is FREE!
(Tuition for this program at Stanford is $1,200 for health professionals and $600.00 for non-health professionals with chronic conditions.)

TRAINING INFORMATION
Free, but mandatory, Informational Session will be held on October 8, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Creamery Brook located at 36 Vina Lane, Brooklyn, CT. To register please call Laura Crews at Senior Resources – Agency on Aging 860-887-3561 x129 or 800-690-6998 (in CT only). Or by email: ljcrews@seniorresourcesec.org

4 Day Training Dates

November 15th, 16th 22nd and 23rd
from 8:30 a.m. – 4 pm.

NAMI - No Wrong Door - Conference

Please join us for the No Wrong Door conference!

The conference will be held on Thursday, October 7, 8:30am-4:00pm, at the Four Points Sheraton, 275 Research Parkway, Meriden.

About No Wrong Door:

The circles of HIV/AIDS, homelessness, interpersonal violence, substance use and mental/behavioral health issues all overlap. In that overlapping space are the hardest-to-serve clients that can only be served effectively if we begin to break down the service silos that have been created. This conference seeks to begin that dialogue with workshops and presentations addressing this dynamic.

The conference will include an opening panel discussion, workshops on a variety of topics, and a keynote address by Andrew Sperling, NAMI national Director of Federal Legislative Advocacy.

This conference has been made possible by the collaboration and hard work of the following organizations: AIDS Project Hartford (APH), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Connecticut AIDS Resource Coalition (CARC), Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV), Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH), Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services (CONNSACS), National Alliance on Mental Illness of Connecticut (NAMI-CT). This conference has been funded in part by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS).

For more information or to register, please click here.

We hope you will join us for this important conference.

Matt Salner
Public Policy Staff
NAMI-CT
policystaff@namict.org

Join us on Facebook - facebook.com/namict

Character and Characters - Otis Library Event

Character and Characters: The Disability Rights Movement in Eastern Connecticut, 1980-2000

Norwich …………… The Norwich Cultural Arts and History Project, in collaboration with the Otis Library, will be presenting the exhibit “Character and Characters: The Disability Rights Movement in Eastern Connecticut, 1980-2000” at the Otis Library in Norwich from October 1 through October 29, 2010. The Opening Reception will be Friday, October 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
The reception will include a poetry reading in the atrium by Sarah Rizzuto from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sarah will read deeply personal work reflective of her own experience as a young woman with a disability. Musical interludes will be played by guitarist Matthew Pirie. The reading will be sign language interpreted.

This documentary exhibit explores the unique and significant contributions to the State's disability rights movement by residents of eastern Connecticut, many living and/or working in the greater Norwich area. Guided by the principle that disability is as much a political and cultural status as a medical condition, these remarkable figures influenced the remaking of the built environment; the passage of significant legislation; the development of independent living strategies; and the transformation of popular attitudes toward disability.

This being eastern Connecticut, the State's flagship region of eccentricity, it is not surprising that many of these spirited individuals were as amusing as they were effective! From the one-man-show advocate whose group consisted of himself as President and entire membership, to the activist minister who defied every stereotype with tenacity and wit, these are people whose engagement with life was complete and indefatigable. Some have passed away; others are still at it, living rich and politically active lives that confound expectations.

If you would like to view the exhibit during the days following the reception, please contact the library at (860) 889-2365 to ensure that the room is free during your visit.

A descriptive tour of the exhibit for people with visual and reading disabilities will be offered on Saturday, October 9 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Advance registration is required! If interested, please contact Elanah Sherman by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6 at elanahs@gmail.com or (860) 383-2322.

The Norwich Cultural Arts and History Project is sponsored by the Norwich Arts Council and the Otis Library. The Otis Library is located at 261 Main Street in Norwich, CT.

For information about access and parking, please contact Elanah.

FREE Private Event at Aquarium for Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Pfizer Autism Research Unit will be sponsoring a private evening at the Mystic Aquarium for families affected by autism spectrum disorders. We thought you might be interested to hear about this event (this will also appear in The New London Day)! Please read on for more details… Below is more explicit information on the event: Schedule of events: 6:00pm Event Opens; Families Arrive to Aquarium 6:00-8:00pm: Indoor Exhibit Floor Open for Exploration & Discover Lab Touch Basins 6:30-8:00pm: Educational Activities in Classroom B 6:15-6:45pm Sea Lion Show at Marine Theatre 6:45-7:15pm Beluga Whale Training Demo at the Arctic Coast Exhibit 8:30pm: Event closes; Families Depart Do Loud Sounds Over-stimulate a Member of Your Party? The Sea Lion Show and the Beluga Whale Demonstration will utilize microphones/sound system. The indoor exhibit and classroom B will be open during both the sea lion show and the beluga training for those who would rather attend quieter exhibits.

FY 2009 Institution vs Community-Based Medicaid Services for Older and Younger...

FY 2009 Institution vs Community-Based Medicaid Services for Older and Younger Americans with Disabilities, Information Bulletin #321 (8/2010) Each State's FY 2009 Medicaid expenditures provide extremely helpful information to analyze your State's distribution of its Long Term Care expenditures between its Institutional versus Community-Based Services. Follow the Medicaid money and you'll see how committed your State really is to ending unnecessary institutionalization of older and younger Americans with disabilities. How your state allocates its expenditures demonstrates its commitment to provide the elderly and younger persons with disabilities a real choice between unnecessary institutionalization and living in the community. Let's repeat - "show us the money" and where your state spends it, and you can see how much your state respects both the ADA and the Olmstead decision. Remember that the Supreme Court in 1999 - more than ten years ago -told states to end unnecessary institutionalization! The FY 2009 data was just released by Thomson Reuters, an independent contractor which compiles the data submitted by each State to the federal funding agency. Thanks very much. How much progress has been made? Let's compare the past five years. In FY 2004, States spent 74.9% of their total Medicaid LTC funds for "Aged/Disabled" [i.e., older and younger Americans with disabilities] Services in nursing homes, and 25.1% in the community. In FY 2009, States spent 66.2% of their total Medicaid LTC funds for "Aged/Disabled" Services in nursing homes, and 33.8% in the community. In dollar terms, in FY 2004, States spent about $46 billion on institutional care and $15 billion in the community. In FY 2009, States spent about $50 billion on institutional care and $26 billion in the community The good news is that there was an 8% shift towards the community in those five years. The bad news is that ten years after the Olmstead decision, States are still spending nearly twice the amount of Medicaid LTC funds on nursing homes than on services in the community, despite the overwhelming survey data showing that people want to stay at home. There is nothing magical about where your State allocates its Medicaid money. Tomorrow States could turn the FY 2009 upside down and spend 66.2% in the community instead of in nursing homes - IF States wanted to do so. Congress and CMS has given States enormous flexibility during the past five years but most States have not taken advantage of the options. Why has the change been so slow? State legislatures and Governors seem to be very beholden to the nursing home industry, which definitely knows how to play the political process much better than elderly and disabled advocates. Until the political pressure from the people with disabilities - regardless of age- increases, the nursing home industry will prevail. Let's look at how your State did in FY 2009 with its Medicaid Long-Term Care expenditures for older and younger Americans with Disabilities: Some States have consistently done very poorly and have been consistently below the national average. Some States conversely been consistently above the national average. Some States seem ripe for class action Olmstead litigation. What sanctions are CMS and OCR planning for those States that have both lengthy waiting lists for community-based services and spend disproportionately on nursing homes? % nursing % community homes National .....................66.2% ............ 33.8% Alabama ......................85.1% ............14.9% Alaska ...................... 44.3% .............55.7% Arizona ..................... 78.6%..............21.4% * Arkansas..................... 71.0 ..............29.0 California................... 44.9 ..............55.1* Colorado..................... 56.4...............43.6 Connecticut...................75.7...............24.3 Delaware......................87.5...............12.5 D. C..........................54.4...............45.6 Florida.......................79.5...............20.5 Georgia.......................74.0...............26.0 Hawaii........................80.8...............19.2* Idaho.........................56.7...............43.3 Illinois......................80.2 ..............19.8 Indiana.......................83.8 ..............16.2 Iowa..........................70.4 ..............29.6 Kansas........................60.6...............39.4 Kentucky......................80.7 ..............19.3 Louisiana.....................67.5...............32.5 Maine.........................75.5 ..............24.5 Maryland..................... 85.1...............14.9 Massachus.................... 64.1...............35.9* Michigan......................78.5...............21.5 Minnesota.....................42.5...............57.5* Mississippi...................84.2...............15.8 Missouri......................66.3 ..............33.7 Montana.......................66.1...............33.9 Nebraska......................75.1...............24.9 Nevada........................65.9 ..............34.1 New Hampshire.................82.3...............17.7 New Jersey....................78.8...............21.2 New Mexico....................31.2...............68.8 New York .....................61.9...............38.1* North Carolina................57.2...............42.8 North Dakota................. 89.8...............10.2 Ohio..........................75.9 ..............24.1 Oklahoma..................... 67.6...............32.4 Oregon....................... 43.8...............56.2 Pennsylvania................. 82.1...............17.9 Rhode Island................. 95.6................4.4* South Carolina............... 72.1...............27.9 South Dakota................. 86.0...............14.0 Tennessee.................... 91.1................8.9* Texas.........................55.5...............44.5* Utah..........................80.4...............19.6 Vermont.......................67.5...............32.5* Virginia......................64.9...............35.1 Washington ...................38.0 ..............62.0 West Virginia................ 74.5...............25.5 Wisconsin ................... 74.0 ............. 26.0* Wyoming ......................76.6...............23.4 * Data may not include certain LTC expenditures with managed care or 115 waiver data not available. __._,_.___ . __,_._,___

Chamber Upcoming Events: September 2010

To view this email as a web page, go here.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tourism Jobs Forum Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, along with the state's other metro chambers and key players in the tourism industry are organizing a forum at the Connecticut Convention Center. Banded together as the Alliance for Culture and Tourism, the groups have invited the gubernatorial candidates from the state's major parties to address workers from the tourism industry. Tourism workers from throughout Connecticut will attend the Sept. 29 forum. Peter Pan Bus Lines is graciously providing transportation to and from this event. Buses will depart from the Sears Automotive parking lot at the Crystal Mall, located in Waterford, at 9:30 a.m. and will return to Waterford by 1:30 p.m. Space is limited. REGISTER NOW. Sponsored by: Chamber Upcoming Events 9/14/2010 Free SCORE Workshop- How to Survive Going Solo: What Does it take to Succeed? 9/15/2010 Business Education Series: The Art of the Pitch 9/15/2010 Grand Opening: Advanced Improvements 9/15/2010 QuickBooks Users Luncheon - AT CAPACITY 9/16/2010 Free SCORE Workshop - eCommerce: How to get Business to your Website? 9/21/2010 Free SCORE Workshop - Marketing in 2010: Smart, Savvy & Social 9/21/2010 Business After Hours - Hyatt Place, Uncasville 9/23/2010 Chamber Webinar Series: How to Generate More Business with Ease 9/23/2010 Free SCORE Workshop - Economic Challenges of the Down Market: Position Yourself for Coming out of the 2009 Recession 9/24/2010 Business Breakfast "Education & Industry-Partners in Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow" 9/26/2010 Niantic Bay 1/2 Marathon and 5K 9/29/2010 Tourism Jobs Forum 9/29/2010 Women's Business Network Luncheon-Rock Your Health 9/30/2010 Wine Tasting hosted by the Norwich Area Division 10/6/2010 Business After Hours - Holiday Inn of Norwich 10/13/2010 Grand Opening: CarePlus 10/15/2010 Save the Date: Business Breakfast 10/20/2010 QuickBooks Users Luncheon Photos of Chamber Past Events Click here to view photos from recent events. Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Business After Hours at Hyatt Place, Uncasville 2049 Norwich New London Turnpike, Uncasville Cost: Member $15 - Non-Member $25 - An additional $5 fee applied to walk-ins. Please join the Chamber staff and fellow members to mingle, eat and network. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and soft drinks will be served. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow business associates in a casual and interesting setting, so don't forget your business cards! REGISTER NOW Free SCORE Workshops Three Rivers Community College, 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m How to Survive Going Solo: What Does it take to Succeed? REGISTER NOW Thursday, September 16, 2010, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m How to get Business to your Website? REGISTER NOW Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m Marketing in 2010: Smart, Savvy & Social REGISTER NOW Thursday, September 23, 2010, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m Economic Challenges of the Down Market: Position Yourself for Coming out of the 2009 Recession REGISTER NOW Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Business Education Series: The Art of the Pitch with Julie Ruditzky, former reporter with ABC 6 News. United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, 283 Stoddards Wharf Road, Gales Ferry Cost: Member $35 - Non-Member $50 In this class, attendees will learn: -The essential steps to take prior to a meeting -The secret to delivering a persuasive presentation -How to handle tough client questions -How to keep an idea simmering after a meeting Continental breakfast will be provided. REGISTER NOW Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Grand Opening: Advanced Improvements A dvanced Improvements, LLC, 61 West Main Street, Mystic This event is free and open to the public. Please join us for Advanced Improvements Grand Opening Gala at their brand new showroom and headquarters in downtown Mystic. There will be a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. It will be a day of special promotions, offers and giveaways. Vendors will be on display. Food and drinks will be provided. Thursday, September 16, 2010 Eastern CT Association of Realtors Legislative Breakfast Holiday Inn, 10 Laura Boulevard, Norwich Register now for $9.95; after Sept. 11 for $12.00. Advanced reservations and payment are required. This event is co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and the Builders Association of Eastern Connecticut. Legislators from throughout Eastern Connecticut have been invited to offer brief remarks. For more information, or to register, click here. Friday, November 5, 2010 100th Anniversary Ball Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, 625 North Road (Route 117) Groton Cost: $80 per person This event will feature dinner, dancing, live music and live performances.The Ball will have a Ragtime theme and 1910-1920 era dress will be encouraged. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information contact the Chamber at 860-701-9113. Cancellation Policy: Notice must be given at least three business days prior to the event. No-shows or those unable to cancel in time will be billed. To cancel, please call the Chamber at 860-701-9113. Special Thank You to Our Regional Benefactors

This email was sent to: dnec@dnec.org This email was sent by: The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut 914 Hartford Turnpike Waterford, CT 06385 USA We respect your right to privacy - view our policy
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Deaf Focus Upcoming Meeting Schedule

Deaf Focus Group




Deaf Focus Group is a monthly meeting designed to discuss a variety of topics. Below is the schedule for the workshops. Each meeting will be at Disabilities Network of Eastern CT on 238 West Town Street Norwich, CT from 6:00pm – 8:00 pm. American Sign Language interpreters are provided at each meeting. If you need other accommodations please contact DNEC as soon as possible to make arrangements.




September 15, 2010 Blackberry phone training

Kathy Darby from Sprint

October 20, 2010 How to Cope with Stress

Maryann Dayton-Fitzgerald from CDHI

November 17, 2010 Computer Buying Tips

Kim Bond from DNEC

December 8, 2010 Holiday Party at Chen’s Buffet

2020 Norwich-New London Turnpike Uncasville (behind Chili’s)

January 19, 2011 Exercise and Fitness Planning

Pam Thompson




Please feel free to contact Brynn Hickey for more information at (860)823-1898(v), 860-237-4515 (VP) or email me at bhickey@dnec.org.



Directions to DNEC:

From the South: Take 395 north to exit 82. At the end of the ramp take a left. At the second set of lights take a left. “Sound One” store will be on the corner. Our office is next to Adelphia.

From the North: Take 395 South to exit 82. At the end of the ramp take a right. At the light take a left. The “Sound One” store is on the corner. Our office is in back next to Adelphia.

From Hartford: Take Route 2 East to exit 27. At the end of the ramp take a left. At the second light take a right. The “Sound One” store is on the corner. Our office is in back next to Adelphia.

CCADV 2010 Summer Newsletter

SUMMER 2010 CCADV Selling Domestic Violence Tie In an effort to engage men and boys in our Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) has designated Tuesday, October 26th as Purple Tie Tuesday. Purple Tie Tuesday is a call to action for all men who are dedicated to stopping domestic violence. CCADV is asking men and boys across Connecticut to wear a purple tie on this day to demonstrate their support and commitment to ending domestic violence. A high quality and well known men's clothier is supporting us and taking a stand against domestic violence by creating a tie specifically for this day. By purchasing these unique silk ties, you will support CCADV and its eighteen member programs while raising awareness within your community and across the state. To order your tie(s), simply go to http://www.ctcadv.org/ and click on the "click here to order your purple tie." To receive them in time for October 26th, all orders must be received by September 9, 2010. Even if it's as simple as wearing a tie, it is crucial to engage men in this work. Studies have shown a small percentage of men are actually violent. However, they continuously perpetrate violence against women and other men. Engaging men plays an important role in ending the violence to which they bear witness. By taking a stand, men can show their family members, co-workers, and friends that they have the power to be positive role models. They have the power to intervene when they witness violence. Men can work as allies with women to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. "I believe men want to do something about the problem of domestic violence," says Erika Tindill, executive director of CCADV. "Unless we engage communities as a whole, and ask for everyone's support, the cycle of violence will continue across generations." Governor M. Jodi Rell Holds Bill Signing Ceremony In a legislative session defined by Connecticut's budget crisis, CCADV achieved a tremendous victory by enhancing state funding for domestic violence services. This and many other accomplishments were the result of months of advocacy by Coalition members and the dedicated work of the Speaker's Task Force on Domestic Violence. On July 8, 2010, Governor M. Jodi Rell held a bill signing ceremony at CCADV to enact House Bill No. 5246, House Bill No. 5315, and House Bill No. 5497 into law. The Governor was joined by CCADV executive director Erika Tindill and Mr. Alvin Notice, who each remarked on the successful passage of legislation designed to support victims of domestic violence and create greater accountability for domestic violence perpetrators. Public Act 10-91 (formerly House Bill No. 5315) requires local or regional boards of education to provide in-service training to teachers, administrators and pupil personnel on variety of subjects, including teen dating violence and domestic violence. Public Act 10-137 (formerly House Bill No. 5246) provides additional rental protections for victims of domestic violence and it defines the distribution of Marriage License Surcharge funds. Public Act 10-144 (formerly House Bill No. 5497) allows the Family Unit of the Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch to communicate with other service providers and state agencies to provide for the effective treatment of domestic violence perpetrators; it eliminates the look back period for persistent offenders; it allows for the development of three new docket courts and a electronic monitoring pilot program and; it provides additional employment protections for victims. Governor Rell is joined by state legislators, Alvin Notice and CCADV director Erika Tindill as she signs copies of the new domestic violence laws. CCADV Working with Local Author Allan G. Johnson Recently, executive director Erika Tindill was approached by Connecticut author Allan G. Johnson to discuss his latest book, The First Thing and the Last. This is a touching story that explores the tragic yet prevalent issue of domestic violence. In the book, main character, Katherine Stuart, barely escapes being murdered in her Boston home by her abusive husband. She kindly gets an offer to stay with a women she has never met, Lucy, at her Vermont family farm. Lucy reads Katherine's story and reaches out to her because it rekindles memories of her own hidden past. Not wanting to face her family, Katherine accepts the offer. The two women develop an extraordinary bond in the hopes of overcoming the trauma they have both experienced. In a seven year period the book was rejected by almost 60 commercial publisher's because of their fear of opening the public's eyes to the increasingly existent problem of domestic violence. The novel's "taboo" theme of domestic violence seemed too risky. In the end, independent literary publisher Plain View Press, was brave enough to take on the book. With the support of CCADV, Allan G. Johnson will be continuing his book tour throughout the fall at various libraries, universities and booksellers throughout the state. If you are interested in listening to him speak about his novel you can find a calendar of scheduled dates by visiting his website at www.agjohnson.us. "The First Thing and the Last is a must-read for anyone working to end domestic and sexual violence and for those interested in educating themselves about the issue. Allan Johnson has deftly woven the issues of intimate-partner violence, trauma, and healing into a compelling novel that challenges the reader to question their own beliefs and assumptions about family violence. The First Thing and the Last firmly establishes Johnson as ally in the fight to end violence against women." Erika Tindill Executive Director Lilith Fair Supports CCADV It's been more than ten years since Sarah McLachlan and Lilith Fair toured the country but when they arrived in Hartford on August 1, 2010, fans were there in full force. Each year that Lilith Fair has been on tour, they have chosen a local charity to be the recipient of one dollar for every ticket they sell. "I have a moral and social responsibility as a human being to give back what I can," says Sarah McLachlan, who co-founded the tour with Terry McBride, Marty Diamond and Dan Fraser. This year, CCADV was chosen as the local charity. In the past, Interval House, the Prudence Crandall Center and the Network Against Domestic Violence have benefitted from Lilith Fair. Linda Blozie and Sara McLachlan at check presentation press conference. Voces Unidas Voces Unidas is a project of CCADV that hopes to spread the word about domestic violence within the Latino community. Dedicated Latina advocates from around the state come together once a month to discuss and develop programs that educate and demonstrate the impact of domestic violence within the Latino community. Their latest creation "La Voz" is the stories of Latina women who have experienced violence in their relationships. Similar to the Silent Witness Project, La Voz is a display of fifteen three foot silhouettes of women, each with their own personal story. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, you can see La Voz at the University of Bridgeport. The members of Voces Unidas are also available to provide training on working with Latinos. Please check out their Facebook page at Voces Unidas. Upcoming Events September 11-12: Visit CCADV at the Women's Expo October 1: Walk In Our Footsteps New Haven Green 11:00am-2:00pm October 26: Purple Tie Tuesday Volume 10 Issue 3 In This Issue Gov. Rell Signs DV Bills The First Thing and the Last Lilith Fair Men Can Teach Boys about Domestic Violence Men can help boys learn not to be violent by: Teaching them early: It's never too soon to talk to boys about violence. Talk with them about what it means to be fair, share and treat others with respect. Teach them ways to express their anger without using violence. When they get mad, tell them they can walk it off, talk it out, or take a time out. Give them examples of what you might say or do in situations that could turn violent. Listening to them: What are they saying? Listen to how they talk about girls. Ask them if they have ever seen abusive behavior in their friends. Are they worried about any of their friends who are being hurt in their relationships? Are any of theirs friends hurting anyone else? Being there for them: If it comes down to one thing you can do, this is it. Just being with boys is crucial. The time doesn't have to be spent in activities, but they want a male presence around them, even if few words are exchanged. Being a role model: Any man who spends time with boys will have the greatest impact when they "walk the walk." Boys will learn what respect means by observing how you treat other people. They are watching what you say and do and they will take their cues from you, both good and bad. Let them know how you define a healthy relationship. IF YOU BELIEVE IN OUR CAUSE... DONATE The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) is working to create a Connecticut where domestic violence no longer exists. If you share this vision, please consider making a donation to CCADV. Your support will help us continue our efforts to raise awareness about this pervasive problem and provide resources to domestic violence advocates across your community. Make a tax deductible contribution to CCADV by check to: Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence 90 Pitkin Street East Hartford, CT 06108 Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) 90 Pitkin Street East Hartford, CT 06108 (860) 282-7899 http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=vil56jcab&et=1103655821787&s=288&e=001ujIQIXqeqe5Eti4rp_Wc4-z1tWiA7-ZdEsLcVSU7Bz1KXJBj6IZPepkiGT0w2v8-hMOFvudLtU2tPtDvgHbkXoDWt7MosHrkyiXenhgYYps=