fc woman sept / october 2010

Carolyn Thanasoulis

The Importance ofPlanning Ahead

Marie Diaz

Considerations in Se-lecting a Non-Medical

In-Home Care Provider and Specific Caregiver for

Your Parent

Fiore J. Capparelle, Jr.

Imagine the SameContractor for Life

September/October 2010

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Amanda Root & Seamus Warakomski of Tri-City Heating, Cooling, Appliance & Plumbing, see page 28

page: 17 page: 16page: 27

Table of Contents

Fairfield County Woman2 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Training & DevelopmentWhat a Time to be Leading a Team! ..............................................................................3

MedicalWhat Thousands of Americans are Now Doing to Eliminate Their Allergies and Asthma Without Medications or Injections ............................ 6-7Excellence in Plastic Surgery with a Caring Touch .................................................... 8-9Signature Concierge Physicians, LLC ...........................................................................10

Health & WellnessThere’s a Science to How We Move .............................................................................11The Acu-Thin Program ...................................................................................................11Jin Shin Jyutsu: Ancient Wisdom for Today ................................................................ 12Why Don’t I Make the Right Choices ........................................................................... 12Why Drink Purified Water? ........................................................................................... 13

Dental WellnessDental Implants...An Amazing Answer to Restoring Missing Teeth ......................14-15

Quality In Home CompanionsConsiderations in Selecting a Non-Medical In-Home Care Provider and Specific Caregiver for Your Parent .....................................................................16The Importance of Planning Ahead............................................................................. 17

Financing for the ElderlyThe Lifetime Gift ...........................................................................................................18

LegalKnow Your Child’s Educational and Juvenile Rights ...................................................19

Healthy & BeautyIntrigue Salon .............................................................................................................. 20

Women in Profile ............................................................................................... 21-25

CommunityFriends in Africa ........................................................................................................... 26

Contractors With IntegrityTime to Remodel? .........................................................................................................27When a Woman Speaks, He Has Learned to Listen ................................................... 28Veteran’s Window Washing ........................................................................................ 29

Automotive3 Smart Reasons to ‘Detail’ This Fall........................................................................... 30

More Than Just A Meeting PlaceSports Center of Connecticut ...................................................................................... 31

Pampered PetsGrooming to Go, LLC ....................................................................................................32

Business to BusinessLinkedIn for Business ...................................................................................................33Connecting Customers to Conversations .................................................................. 34Purging the Past to Make Room for the Present and Future ................................... 34Is It Time for a Website Re-Design? .............................................................................35

Business StyleDoes Size Really Matter? ............................................................................................. 36

Women’s GroupsSpirit of Woman Connect .............................................................................................37

Your MoneyDaniel R. Kaufman, CPA .............................................................................................. 38

Merchant ServicesA Little Bit About Eagle Point Financial, LLC .............................................................. 39

EducationSuccess Tutoring, LLC ................................................................................................. 40Bay Path College ...........................................................................................................41

More Than Just a Meeting PlaceA Night at the Museum ................................................................................................42The Fairfield Museum and History Center Shop is a Treasure Quickly Being Discovered ......................................................................................... 43

Writers CornerRadio Talk Show Host Talks About Her New Book .................................................... 44Mike Lauterborn, Seasoned Marketer ....................................................................... 45Green Gourmet Gallops into Black Rock .................................................................... 45

JewelryMidas Makes it All Better ............................................................................................ 46

PhotographyMatthew C. Abourezk, Family Photographer ............................................................ 47

Arts & EntertainmentThinking Out Loud ....................................................................................................... 48

Be a part of our next issue!

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Be a part of our next issue!

Join our growing listof contributors / advertisers.

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or 877-812-8693

Training & Development

Fairfield County Woman 3SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

By Ed SchultekPresident, Sandler Training, LLC.574 Heritage Road, Suite 200Southbury, CT 06488Office: 203-264-1197Cell: [email protected]://www.PeakSalesPerform.Sandler.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/edschultek

If you ever wondered whether managing or leading a team during a tough business envi-ronment is your calling, you probably have your answer now. So many things out of our control take our attention from the things that actually CAN be controlled by you or me. You might have thought a year or so ago that you couldn’t wait for 2010 to arrive – who wanted to repeat 2009 anyway? Now you find that 2010 is a re-peat of 2009, and can’t wait for 2011 to get here. Well…what if it’s the same? Spot a trend here? One thing is for sure…this is no time to just manage your team. Those “managers” will fail. If there was ever a time to lead your team for 2011 and beyond, it is now.

You may ask yourself, “What’s the difference between managing and leading?” Aren’t they the same anyway? Not really. Managing a team is more like staying on top of the activity your team is generating…the “to do’s” during the week to complete a job or task. That’s not lead-ing. It’s not that the job of a manager shouldn’t be done. A good manager stays on task them-selves, and they hold their people accountable to deliver. That’s important…has to be done. It’s very important moving through this current business trend to manage the business.

But…managing isn’t leading. When those people who work with you walk into that office of yours, or mine, on Monday morning, they’re “hitching their wagon” to us. They’re betting you are taking the right road…that you/me know what we’re doing…that we will hang through this business storm together. Some-how… you have binoculars stronger than any-

one else’s… that see out further, and clearer. They’re dependent on it, and their families are dependent on it.

Leading is simple, but it’s not easy. In a book by Jim Kouzes on The Leadership Challenge , he interviewed 75,000 people from around the globe on the question, “What Do People Ex-pect in a Leader?” The four top answers ranked this way :

1) Honesty2) Forward Thinking3) Competency4) Inspiration

Other things were important too…Integrity…Fairness..Consistency…but these four ranked the highest. See anything in there about…”Did you do the report for Friday’s Meeting?” Not really. It’s not that a report for Friday’s meet-ing isn’t important, but that’s not leading. Wise leaders understand that the biggest obstacle of whether followers own the vision of the com-pany, is directly tied to the belief that those fol-lowers have that the leader actually owns it – believes it. Would you get in a car with a driver who, upon being asked where are we going, replies…I don’t know, but sit there and shut-up, and fasten that seat belt of yours. Who of us would want to BE in that car at that moment ? My guess is both you and I are not signing up for that ride.

So, why do we expect our Team to do so? Well…sometimes we think it’s about US ! Not really though…it’s about them. The real chal-lenge is to win not just their hands…not just their heads…but their hearts as well. You and I actually need all three (head, heart and hands) to win in this business climate today. And man-agers typically get just one of those…some-times two. But, the heart takes the longest to win, and that only comes through leading them .

Who knows why these four attributes stacked the highest out of all the answers these 75,000 people gave. Maybe these four attributes have always been at the top of the list. Or, maybe with what we’ve all seen in the political sector and business world these past few years, it’s

driving us back to basic values of honesty and integrity in our business dealings with others – not a bad idea anyway if that is the case.

2011 is right around the corner. Shortly you and I will conclude our planning process for next year, and we will tie those goals to some kind of “to do’s” for our Team to execute. We’ll ap-proach 2011 with the boundless optimism we need to get past a difficult couple years. But, how many of us will decide it’s time to lead…not just manage going forward. Maybe you and I can’t win with just their hands. Maybe even winning their hands and their heads will not be enough. I, for one, choose to win their hearts. We need all three to win in 2011, and it will take leadership on our part to earn that from them . I’m OK with them “hitching their

wagon” to mine for 2011 and beyond– I’ll just pass around the binoculars .

Sandler Training is an international franchise and world leader in innovative sales and sales management training. For more than 40 years, Sandler has taught its distinctive, non-tradition-al selling system and highly effective sales train-ing methodology. Sandler has been awarded the #1 ranking for training programs in Entre-preneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500” nine times since 1994, the most recent being for 2010

Ed Schultek is the President of Sandler Training / PEAK Sales Performance…his BIO and other relevant information can be found on peak-salesperform.sandler.com (203-264-1197)

What a time to be leading a team !Sandler Training is an international training and consulting organization with more than 200 training centers worldwide. Sandler utilizes dis-tinctive, non-traditional sales and management methodologies, supported by continual reinforcement through ongoing training and individual coaching sessions.

After (30) years in the corporate world, Ed Schultek opened PEAK Sales Performance LLC, an authorized Sandler TrainingSM center, to focus on helping individuals and/or teams build their sales development and competency. Ed started in sales with Johnson & Johnson, and in 1983 moved to PepsiCo International. He was responsible for leading several key company-owned and franchised markets in North America as Area Vice President. He transitioned to Frito-Lay/North America, another division of PepsiCo, as Western VP of Sales & Field Marketing. In 1995 he transitioned to his third division of PepsiCo, where he built and led the first International Sales Function for PepsiCo International, as Senior Vice President of Sales.

In 2004, Ed left PepsiCo International to start his own firm, PEAK Sales Performance, LLC. He works with local business owners, corporations, managers, consultants and individuals. A major portion of his clientele include those clients who don’t see themselves as salespeople—archi-tects, accountants, bankers, lawyers, engineers, decorators, and the like. Every one of us is positioning a service or a product during the day to someone else. The only difference is that some of us have been trained to sell well, while others have had to learn it along the way.

You shouldn’t have to settle for a lemon when you can have lemonade. Sandler Training utilizes continual reinforcement through ongoing training and individual coaching sessions not only to help you learn but also to ensure your success. With over 200 training centers worldwide to provide support, you won’t fail…because we won’t let you.

Sandler Selling System and S Sandler Training Finding Power In Reinforcement (with design) are registered service marks of Sandler Systems, Inc. © 2008 Sandler Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sales Training Programs. The Sandler Selling System.®

Ed Schultek | 203-264-1197

On the Cover

The County Woman’s Newspaper™ is published bi-monthly and is available free of charge at display stands in approved private and public estab-lishments and authorized distributors only, or by paid subscription. Trademark and U.S. Copyright Laws protect The County Woman’s Newspa-per.™ No part of this paper may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The County Woman’s Newspaper™ is not respon-sible for any editorial comment (other than its own), typographical errors from advertisements submitted as camera ready or any reproductions of advertisements submitted as camera ready. If an advertisement does not meet our standards of acceptance, we may revise or cancel it at any time, whether or not it has been already acknowledged and/or previously published. The advertiser assumes sole responsibility for all state-ments contained in submitted copy and will protect and indemnify the Woman’s Newspaper,™ its owners, publishers, and employees, against any and all liability loss or expense arising out of claims for libel, unfair trade names, patents, copyrights and propriety rights, and all violations of the right of privacy or other violations resulting from the publication of this newspaper or its advertising copy. The publisher shall be under no liability for failure to insert an advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable by reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement. The publisher will not be liable for delay or failure in performance in publication and/or distribution if all or any portion of an issue is delayed or suspended for any reason. The publisher will exercise reasonable judgment in these instances and will make adjustments for the advertiser where and when appropriate. The Woman’s Newspaper™ assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or reproductions made by advertisers. This newspaper will be published by the 15th of every other month. Representations by The County Woman’s Newspaper, Inc COPYRIGHT 1995.

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Publisher’s Note


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Remember to check out these articles:• Jin shin Jyutsu: Pricilla Jones If you’re tired of being tired then you really need to try this it restarts your energy I have tried

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Let Me Introduce You to the #1 NationallySyndicated Women’s Newspaper in the U.S.

Allow me to introduce you to The Fair-field County W o m a n ’ s Newspaper. Each of our

Woman’s Newspapers is an infor-mative and enlightening resource for the community.

Published six times a year, we serve readers with valued information in a wide variety of special columns and features. Written by local experts in their respective fields, from Health and Medicine to personal Finance and Travel. The Fairfield County Woman’s Newspaper provides the best in local contacts and the latest information available. We offer edi-torial coverage, a low advertising rate and most importantly, targeted marketing to women.

Read on to find out what we can of-fer you as a contributing writer...

Target AudienceAre you aware that women make 80% of all the consumer and health

care decisions? The FCW will become a primary resource for the women of Connecticut. Furthermore, the FCW has found our readership to be 2.46 per copy with an average lifespan of 6 weeks. This above average read-ership is due to current information being referred to friends and family which directly benefit from our con-tributing articles and editorials.

ExclusivityEliminate your competition by be-ing the only professional in your specialty anywhere in our news-paper. Why divide the response of the readership amongst your com-petition? Distinguish yourself as the authority in your field by taking the information you discuss with each client and making it available to more than 40,000 readers in the comfort of their homes.

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Join our family of over 18,000 pro-fessionals nationally and educate the women of Fairfield County.

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Medical


What Thousands of Americans are Now Doing to Eliminate Their Allergies and Asthma Without Medications or Injections

Testimonials

I have developed eczema 4 or 5 years ago that got worse and worse each year. Af-ter BioSET my skin has returned to normal. Last year, my mold allergy turned into sinus colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. After Bio-SET, my sinuses have improved and I have not had a problem in a long time. I manage my migraine headaches by taking magne-sium every day-for the last 6 or 7 years-I am more confident that I can avoid migraines after BioSET. My tree allergies were becom-ing a problem in the Spring, particularly for black birch. Yesterday I cut down 3 black birch trees, chipped the limbs and buds, un-loaded a chip track with a shovel, cleaned up the chips and pollen with a blower and had no allergic reaction. I build houses, boats, kitchens, floors and siding for a living and no longer suffer in my sinuses and lungs from the sawdust. I should have done this years ago!!!

- Mark R.

My daughter, Nicole, suffered terribly from allergies. She had allergic reactions in the form of hives to dairy, wheat, rice, soy and egg. She also tested positive to peanut al-lergies on skin tests. I suffered with severe eczema with dry, cracked and bleeding skin on my hands and I had a lifetime of eczema in various locations all over my body. With Dr. Joachim’s BioSET treatments both of our lives have been changed forever! My daughter can now eat whatever she wants, she has gained weight and she now sleeps through the night. The changes were imme-diately apparent following the specific Bio-SET treatments for those foods. My hands are now back to normal. My rings fit my fin-gers again and I no longer scratch my hands to bleed. I have no eczema outbreaks any-where on my body since the BioSET treat-ments! Thanks Dr. J.!

- Susan N.

My 6 month old suddenly stopped sleeping through the night and he was waking up earlier and earlier each day usually having an explosive bowel movement. During the day his bowel movements were loose and irritated his skin. He was noticeably fussy and hard to soothe, especially at bedtime. After his second BioSET treatment, my son returned to sleeping through the night and his bowel functions were restored to nor-mal. All symptoms were either gone or so vastly improved as to be effectively gone. As a side note: prior to BioSET, we had been under the care of our pediatrician for this complaint with zero improvement de-spite blood tests and stool cultures which were both normal. We have been long term patients for BioSET ever since and have witnessed many other “miraculous” cures through treatment. I tell everyone I now about it!

- Jennifer B.

“My daughter had ear infections constantly from the time she was an infant. She had taken over 30 antibiotics in 3 years and failed her hearing test. Since I took her to Dr. Sloves, she has not had another ear in-fection or taken another antibiotic and her hearing is completely normal”.

-Heather G.

By Dr. Risa Sloves

Did you realize that more than 50 million people in the United States-yes, that is 1 in 5 people- suffer from allergies and many millions more suffer from allergy related disorders? Asthma, sinusitis, hives, headaches, depression, chronic pain, bronchitis, fi-bromyalgia, chronic fatigue, candida, bloating and gastric symptoms, colitis, PMS, infertility, meno-pausal symptoms, ear infections, ADD/ADHD, au-tism, eczema...The list seems never ending when one thinks about the many ways that food, envi-ronmental and chemical allergies and sensitivities can manifest themselves in our bodies.

What is an Allergy? An allergy is an abnormal, adverse physical reaction of one’s body to certain substances known as an-tigens.

Virtually any substance can cause an allergic reaction and the most com-mon allergic substances include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, insect venom, certain chemi-cals, medication (such as penicillin) and foods. The most common food offenders are dairy, peanuts and other nuts, fish and shellfish, eggs, wheat, and soy. Allergens can affect any part of the body by way of ingestion, inhalation, contact on the skin, or injection.

Allergies can arise suddenly and create acute symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylactic shock or they can be chron-ic and persist with a runny nose, cough, and “bags” under the eyes. Even more ominous are the allergies that are actually “hidden or undiagnosed” and often create chronic health condi-tions that can range from mi-graines to eczema to gastric reflux to depression. It has been stated that if one par-ent has allergies, there is a 75% chance of their children having allergies, and if both parents have allergies there is close to a 100% chance for their children to develop al-lergies.

Allergies can be classified as “acute’ or “immediate” in which symptoms appear within seconds after expo-sure to an allergen or they can be “delayed”. “Delayed” reactions are very common with foods and can occur

hours or even days after exposure to an allergen because the allergen is not necessarily the food itself, but it can be a by-product of the digestive process.

Asthma and eczema are commonly classified with allergies as “Atopic Disorders”. Atopic disorders account for a majority of the chronic diseases af-fecting millions of Americans today, especially children, and billions of dollars are spent on treat-ment annually. Many people who develop asthma often begin with eczema during infancy or early childhood. Other conditions associated with asth-ma are chronic bronchitis, chronic sinusitis, chron-ic allergic rhinitis, and chronic ear infections.

Advances in Health CareEven with all of the “advances” in modern medi-cine and technology, it seems as if our present health-care system is continuing to break down. Health care costs are on a continual rise, insurance

coverage is declining, and patients are not feeling well. In fact, most of us are getting frustrated as we witness an increase in chronic health problems like allergies and asthma, cancer, chronic fatigue, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, etc. Now, more than ever, Americans are searching for answers that are not found in a drug or with a surgical pro-cedure.

“Alternative health-care” is what many Americans are turning to and according to recent statistical research, they are willing to pay more for it “out of pocket” than for traditional medical care. These alternatives to medicine include chiropractic, acu-puncture, naturopathy, homeopathy, herbal med-icine, massage therapy, nutritional therapy, and enzyme therapy just to name a few. The common denominator with all of these approaches is that they try to get to the cause of “dis-ease” in an in-dividual’s body, rather than just treat the obvious symptoms. For example, rather than give an indi-

vidual with a food allergy that presents itself on the skin as hives an “anti-itch cream” and tell them not to eat that food anymore, why not try to find out how to naturally desensi-tize their system to that food and “cure the allergy” so they can continue to eat it without getting hives?

Allergy Elimination is Possible (without relying on medica-tions or injections)!BioSET (Bioenergetic Sensi-tivity and Enzyme Therapy) can do just that! BioSET was developed by Dr. Ellen Cut-ler, who is a medical doctor, chiropractic physician, and naturopathic physician. Bio-SET is a revolutionary process of healing that assists in build-ing bodily strength and vitality by incorporating 21st century technology with the essential practices of acupressure, kine-siology/muscle testing, energy medicine, applied immunol-ogy, detoxification, chiroprac-tic, nutrition, and enzyme therapy.

Dr. Risa Sloves practices with her husband, Dr. Mark Joachim at their office Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, P.C. located at 156 East Ave. in Norwalk, CT. Dr. Sloves has been helping infants, children and adults obtain optimal health through natural chiropractic and wellness care for over 20years and she is 1 of only 10 Chiropractic Physicians in Con-necticut who is Board Certified in Pediatric and Maternity Care. Dr. Joachim is the first and only physician in CT with Advanced Certification in The BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique, a non-invasive, drug-free and shot-free health care method that can permanently eliminate food and environmental aller-gies. They also are trained in Spinal Decompression with the DRX9000 and acupuncture. Should you have further questions please contact the doctors at (203) 838-1555. More information is available at www.ctchiropractic.com, www.eliminate-my-allergies.com, or www.ctspinalpaincenter.com.

Medical


With BioSET patients can permanently eliminate allergies and sensitivities as well as many chronic health problems and provide the necessary tools for obtaining and maintaining optimal health, without medication.

BioSET consists of four branches of healing. The first branch is organ detoxification to enable true drainage and purification of toxins from specific organ systems. The second branch is bioenerget-ic testing which involves the use of muscle testing and/or electromagnetic testing with a state-of-the-art computerized machine for sensitivity and meridian evaluation. The third branch involves enzyme therapy which incorporates proper di-gestion, metabolic and nutritional analysis and the use of plant enzymes to improve digestion and dietary deficiencies. Lastly, the fourth branch involves the use of an allergy elimination tech-nique that can permanently remove any allergy or sensitivity.

To understand how BioSET works, it is helpful to think of the body as an electromagnetic organism in which energy flows along invisible pathways called meridians, or channels. Essentially, an aller-gic response is caused when these pathways are blocked by the immune response to an allergen. BioSET actually unblocks these pathways, thus stopping the body’s violent immune response.

Dr. Joachim, a Norwalk Chiropractic Physician for more than 20 years, is the only physician in Con-necticut with advanced certification in BioSET. Dr. Joachim’s experience with BioSET’s amazing results began when he was in search of a cure for eczema that was affecting Alana, a 15 month-old patient. This little girl is a beautiful redhead whose skin in the areas of her abdomen and dia-per region was often so irritated from eczema that it was often redder than her hair. Dr. Joachim realized that when Alana (or her mother who was

nursing) ate certain foods, such as strawberries, her eczema immediately flared up. Dr. Joachim did 5 BioSET treatments on Alana and added a di-gestive enzyme to her juice twice a day for one month and Alana’s eczema was gone! Alana is now 11 ½ years old, has never had another spot of eczema on her body, and she has never been lim-ited in the foods she eats. Dr. Joachim was thrilled because this little girl is his youngest daughter! His success with Alana inspired Dr. Joachim to dedicate a large part of his chiropractic practice to helping other children and individuals benefit from the BioSET Total Health Care System.

The Benefits of Chiro-practic CareWe all know that tra-ditional medical treat-ment for allergies, asthma and eczema includes the use of medications such as bronchodilators, ste-roids, anti-histamines and allergy shots. It is without question that medications can save lives; however, as with all medications, there are always adverse effects. In fact, according to Dr. Michael Kaliner, Head of Allergic Disease Sec-tion, National Institute of Mental Health, “a focus on bronchodilators as the only therapy (for asth-ma) is inappropriate. It is symptomatic therapy that has nothing to do with the healing process.” Thus, the focus of medical science is beginning to shift away from attempts to contain symptoms of asthma and allergies to exploring the controlling mechanism as a means of solving and preventing asthma and related respiratory conditions.

Chiropractic care is another non-invasive health

care treatment for allergies and asthma and there is mounting clinical evidence that it may offer significant relief. The science of chiropractic is founded on the premise that a proper nerve sup-ply is essential in controlling and regulating bodily function. The nervous system is protected by the spine, consisting of 24 movable vertebrae. When the spine is in its proper position, it protects the nerve pathways. But when vertebrae become misaligned, interference to the nerve impulses occurs which reduces the overall functioning of the nervous system and of the particular organ to which it is assigned. These misalignments are known as “vertebral subluxations.” Doctors of Chiropractic detect and correct vertebral sublux-ations (misalignment in the spinal bones) by phys-ically adjusting the spine. This restores the ner-vous system to an optimal level of function, which maximizes the body’s inherent healing ability.

According to Dr. Risa Sloves, 1 of 10 Chiropractic Physicians in CT who is Board Certified in Pediatric and Maternity Care, a properly functioning ner-vous system should be among the first priorities in solving many health conditions such as asthma and allergies since it is the nervous system which controls all of our bodily functions. In 1997, The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research pub-lished a study on children with asthma, and 90% of the subjects reported significant improvement in symptoms following two months of chiropractic care. Additionally, 30% of the subjects chose to vol-untarily decrease their medication by an average of 66% while under chiropractic care. This study con-cluded that chiropractic care, for the correction of vertebral subluxation “is a safe non-pharmacologic health care approach which may also be associ-ated with significant decreases in asthma related impairment...” And further studies in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research have found that “significant positive changes” in breathing capacity and lung function occur under chiropractic care.

156 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 • (203) 838-1555 • www.ctchiropractic.com • www.eliminate-my-allergies.com • www.ctspinalpaincenter.com

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NATURAL HEALTHCARESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR FAMILY?

BE ALLERGY FREE, PERHAPS EVEN FOR LIFE!

Family based chiropractic care specializing ininfants, children & pre and post-natal women

For children research showschiropractic helps:• Ear infections• Asthma and allergies• Scoliosis• Colic• Reflux• ADHA• Sports injuries• Torticollis

During pregnancy researchshows chiropractic helps:• Eliminate back & pelvic pain• Sciatica• Headaches• Carpal tunnel syndrome• Help babies who are breech

turn into a better position for delivery

ASSOCIATES IN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC AND NATURAL HEALTH CARE, P.C.

CALL DR. RISA M. SLOVES• 1 of only 10 chiropractic physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in

Pediatric and Maternity Care• 1 of 100 Chiropractic Physicians in the U.S. and Canada with a 3 year post-doctor-

ate degree in pediatric and maternity care and she is certified in acupuncture

Conditions like eczema, gastric reflux, IBS, sinus conditions and digestiveproblems are often due to food & chemical allergies.

A revolutionary, noninvasive acupressure technique is available to eliminate food, environmental and other sensitivities. It is used together with:• Computerized allergy testing & elimination without medication or shots• Enzyme therapy, including nutrition and proper diet• It enhances immune system function & assists the body in the natural healing

process.• Child Friendly• No Medications or Injections

CALL DR. MARK JOACHIM for a complimentary consultation.• Dr. Mark Joachim is the first and only Doctor in Connecticut with advanced certification

in BioSET, a new revolutionary technique for the permanent elimination of food and envi-ronmental allergies. He is a fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

• Over 10 years experience as an Advanced BioSET Practitioner.

Why suffer any longer?Seasonal, food & environmental allergies CAN be eliminated:

Medical


By: Anya Kishinevsky, M.D.

How can plastic surgery help me feel more confident and look younger for today’s competitive job market?

Depending on a person’s individual needs, an eyelid lift, face or neck lift can go a long way towards softening the effects of aging. As the eyes are of-ten described as “the windows to the soul,” removing a bit of excess, droop-ing skin and the loose fat that makes up the ‘bags”, whether above or be-low the eyes, often takes years off a man or woman’s appearance. Dark discoloration can be removed as well, all without leaving a visible scar. A face and neck lift is designed to clean up the jowls and excess around the neck, recreating a clean, tight jaw line. The scars are hidden within the hairline, so only your hairdresser will know. The result is a natural, rested appearance, without looking fake or “done.” The results often last for more than ten years without a touch-up. There are also minimally invasive approaches to a younger appearance with Botox, in-jectable fillers, or laser resurfacing.

What is a “Mommy Makeover?”

In many cases, pregnancy and nurs-ing take their toll on a woman’s body. Often, the skin of the abdomen los-es elasticity, continues to sag after the pregnancy is over, and develops stretch marks that don’t go away. The skin of the breasts may lose its elas-ticity as well, wit permanent stretch marks and drooping of the breasts. The nipples and areolae can become large and displaced. A “mommy make-over” is a popular procedure that com-bines a tummy tuck with a breast lift to restore the tight contours of the pre-pregnancy body. A tummy tuck re-moves excess abdominal skin, stretch marks, and fat. It tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall and results in a flatter abdominal profile. A breast lift removes excess skin and stretch marks to recreate a more youthful, round, and perky breast. Not all stretch marks can be removed - those below the bel-ly button and closest to the nipple are taken away consistently.

How long do the results last?

Surgery is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet and exercise. The results are technically permanent but may be significantly diminished with major fluctuations in weight. Women who are planning a substantial weight loss or future preg-nancies are advised to postpone sur-gery. Women who smoke should quit all nicotine products for two months before surgery to reduce the risks of surgery.

What if I Would Prefer Fuller or Smaller Breasts?

A breast lift can be performed at the same time as a breast reduction or augmentation with an implant with no additional scarring. In the

past, breast reduction or lift sur-gery could only be preformed with a large “anchor” scar consisting of vertical and horizontal incisions. Dr. Kishinevsky performs these surger-ies with a small vertical incision, also known as a “lollipop” scar, result-ing in rounder, perkier breasts with fuller cleavage. Breast reduction surgery relieves long-standing back and shoulder pain by removing ex-cess breast tissue but still achieving a beautifully-shaped, lifted breast. Augmentation can be safely pre-formed with saline or silicone im-plants to increase the volume of the breasts with the most natural tex-ture and shape. During your consul-tation, you will have the chance to examine and fell both silicone and saline implants and to choose the style, size, and shape you feel the most comfortable with.

What are my options for recon-struction if I will be having a mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer?

In this day and age, there are so many options for women undergoing treat-ment for breast cancer to look and feel their best. There is no reason that any woman should be left with a defect or asymmetry. If a woman prefers re-construction with her own tissues, the fat from the abdomen can be used to make a new breast with a TRAM flap. If a woman prefers a quicker recovery or a larger breast size, reconstruction with a saline or silicone implant may be a good option. A new technique that has been receiving a lot of attention lately is fat transfer for breast recon-struction. Liposuction is performed on the abdomen or thighs and the fat is saved and used to make a new breast or to fill a lumpectomy defect. Fat transfer is simpler and has a quicker recovery time than traditional breast

reconstruction and can be done sev-eral times to achieve a larger breast size. Also, if you have been considering breast reduction or breast lift surgery and you will be undergoing lumpec-tomy; your breast surgeon can work with your plastic surgeon to perform these procedures together. Our office will let you know if your insurance will cover breast reduction surgery.

What should I expect from my consultation?

When you make an appointment to see Dr. Kishinevsky, you will be greeted by a friendly, caring staff. Your wait time will be short, in a pleasant, supportive environment. Dr. Kishinevsky will per-form a thorough history and physical, then recommend the procedures that would best suit your needs. She will take the time to explain the surgery in detail and to answer all your ques-tions. You will be able to view before-and after pictures of different surger-ies and to examine a sample of any implant to be used. For patients who are concerned with their privacy, we have a fully accredited operating suite, to ensure your safety and comfort. You will be able to speak with patients who have had the same procedures done. You will be able to relax and rest easy, knowing that your treatment will be in well-trained, caring, and experienced hands.

Excellence in Plastic Surgery with a Caring Touch

Call UsToday

for a FreeConsultation

203.656.9999

Medical


Call us today for a free consultation:

203.656.9999

V : .AKMD.

P R • D, CT

W D • F, CT

Plastic Surgery with a Personal Touch

• Short Scar Breast Reduction

• Short Scar Breast Lift • Rhinoplasty • Eyelid Surgery – no visible scar for lower lid

• Facelift• Liposculpture• Tummy Tuck • Full Body Lift • Full Line of Injectables

AnyaFfldChamberAd6.indd 1 8/11/08 11:39:19 AM

WHITE BUSINESS CARD TEXT: NAVY

DIGITAL PRINTING

Sarah Mildred Gamble, DO

Internal Medicine Physician

Greenwich, Connecticut

203.962.1009 o/ 888.349.0478 f

[email protected]

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WHITE BUSINESS CARD TEXT: NAVY

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Sarah Mildred Gamble, DO

Internal Medicine Physician

Greenwich, Connecticut

203.962.1009 o / 888.349.0478 f

[email protected]

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Medical

Fairfield County WomanSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER10

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Sarah Mildred Gamble, DO, Internal Medicine PhysicianGreenwich, Connecticut

[email protected]

Fairfield County Woman is pleased to introduce Dr. Sarah Mildred Gamble,a board certified internal medicine physician with a retainer based practice in Greenwich, CT.

Dr. Gamble is an exceptional direct care physician. Otherwise known as a concierge doctor,she provides comprehensive proactive preventative medical care to her small panel of patients.

We consider her an exceptional addition to our long list of high quality contributors.Dr. Gamble’s highly anticipated wellness focused articles will begin this November.

In today’s economic uncertainty so many people are putting their health on the back burner. Often it is the first thing that

people stop doing for themselves when money and time are strained. We need to continually take care of ourselves, throughout our entire life. It should be in the top 3 of everyone’s list. To have and enjoy a better quality of life, our health and overall well-being must be priority. This is vitally more important in times of stress and uncertainty.

Many of my clients are concerned with their overall health and are often frus-trated by medical doctors pushing pre-scriptions, with little or no interest or attention to what has led up to the symp-toms or what is occurring in their lives. I like to get to know my clients. I want to understand them and what has brought them to their current situation. Connect-ing with each client is an important part of the process so I can help them with their immediate situation and ultimately, where they want to go.

No matter what you want in life or what you all ready have, your health and well-being are essential to everything else in life. It is a reflection of your inner world;

your thoughts, prayers, beliefs, attitudes, actions and deeds. How can we accom-plish and fulfill our goals, dreams, pur-pose and passions if we are not healthy on all levels; physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually? In life there is always the ebb and flow and we need to be able to navigate our way successfully, whether we know our destination or are still finding our way.

Without good health we can not fully enjoy anything else in life. We must be proactive, and take responsibility for our overall health and well-being. Jin Shin Jyutsu allows us to do so. Whether it is relaxing and quieting the mind and body, getting better sleep, increasing focus, concentration and productivity, enhanc-ing athletic performance, improving digestive issues, speeding up recovery

from surgeries and injuries and more, Jin Shin Jyutsu will help in so many ways. See the July/August edition of Fairfield County Woman for more benefits.

The first step is to make a commitment to you. Connect with your mind, body and spirit. For those who are always put-ting others first and yourself last, some-where down the road your body will let you know you’ve neglected it. Pains, dis-comforts, illnesses, diseases can appear causing more stress and complications. Give yourself time and permission to be and stay healthy.

To learn more about this beautiful inheri-tance and its history, go to www.jsjinc.net

Jin Shin Jyutsu: Ancient Wisdom for Today

To experience and learn some self help contact

Priscilla Jones at 203-921-6437to schedule an appointment.

By Fern Tausig, CH We always have a choice…but why do we choose one thing and do another? Some people choose to stop smoking but they continue to smoke. Some choose to go on a diet, and still reach for the ice cream. They then feel like they failures and continue to be victims of their habits, fears, desires and feelings. Does this vicious cycle sound familiar? Here is how this happens. We

all have a lifetime of programming that is stored in our subconscious minds. This programming begins with our parents, for better or worse. This programming is a compilation of all our life experiences. Our parents teach us to adopt their beliefs, feel their fears and embrace their values. Some of our programming is designed to keep us safe, like learning to look both ways when you cross the street, and some is designed to help us succeed and function appropriately in society. Unfortunately, some of it accidentally leads to anxiety, fear, self-doubt, and limitations...like when you hear your Mother say “Men don’t like chubby women.” As a result of this comment, we can become programmed to believe… “If I am chubby, I am not worthy of a man’s love”, and “Women need to be acceptable to men to have value.” These are just learned beliefs and obviously misguided opinions. The good news is that opinions and beliefs can also be unlearned! Another part of our programming is that we feel comforted and loved around food. Holidays, birthdays and special events all include lots of unlimited fattening foods and drinks. This is just a small sample of the conflicting beliefs and values

that make up our subconscious mind. Our negative feelings and self-doubt are merely the result of our subconscious programming. The interesting part is that we reinforce these beliefs with continued negative self-talk…also known as self-hypnosis. Every time you look in the mirror and see yourself as fat, and tell yourself you’re fat, you subconsciously continue the cycle to stay fat. You can’t help yourself because, although you don’t realize it, you’re programming your mind to keep you fat. When you tell yourself ‘smoking relaxes me and that the pain of quitting is worse than the pain of smoking,’ that is self-hypnosis. What if you are mistaken? You always have a choice!

So, how do we choose to change our programming and beliefs? The easiest, quickest and most effective way is with hypnosis. You can learn how to program yourself to do, be, or have anything you want. As a Consulting Hypnotist I teach clients how to choose the way they want to live. Through simple, gentle, natural techniques, clients learn how to use their mind to live happier, healthier, more productive lives. Weight loss is one of the areas that I have helped clients

because it is often not what you eat, but what’s eating you that creates over eating. Hypnosis has also been used successfully to eliminate fears, insomnia, bad habits and endless limiting beliefs.

You are what you believe and you become what you imagine. Hypnosis is an awesome tool to help you to change your mind, which will change your life. Hypnosis allows you to reprogram those old, useless, negative beliefs. Hypnosis is not magic, but it sure feels like magic when it works! When you are ready to choose to change your life, you can reach me at (203) 283-4567. Please call for a free phone consultation if you have any questions about hypnosis can help change your life.

Why Don’t I Make The Right Choices?

Health & Wellness

Fairfield County Woman SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 11

Dr. Patrick J. Guerin D.C., F.I.A.M.A256 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880203-227-4474 • www.acuthin.com

The ACU-THIN program is a system of weight loss based on the principle of auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) used to decrease the desire for food. It is done with needles or done without needles. This program has been shown to be effective for several years in our office without increasing exercise or by involving extreme changes in diet. Results are usually noticed quickly and loss

of appetite can be immediate.

For Complimentary Consultationcall and ask for Jess or Jolly

TheACU-THIN program

Dr. Guerin introduces...

Weight loss without diet drugs or exercise

By Debbie Brooksof Fitness Solutions

In order to evaluate human movement as a fitness professional one must first un-derstand the inner workings of the body. For this reason it is important to under-stand that science plays a pivotal role in developing a training program. Without the application of science a program de-sign can lose focus, and actually hinder clients from reaching their goals and can

lead the client right into an injured state.

Now let’s talk about the actual applica-tion of science to a training program. Stating with the kinetic chain. Kinetic means force(s). Chain refers to a system that is linked together or connected. The Kinetic chain is made up of the Nervous, Muscular and Skeletal systems.

Nervous system uses its sensory ability to sense changes in both internal and exter-nal environments. It uses integrative abil-ity to analyze and interpret that sensory information to produce the appropriate response. The motor response is the neuromuscular response to the sensory information

The muscular system--Made up of individ-ual muscle fibers that attach to bones by way of the tendons.

The Skeletal System is the framework for structure and movement in our bodies.

It is the resting ground for the muscles. Our bones are connected by muscles and joints (connective tissue).

All these components work together to manipulate human movement. Without the proper function of all components of the Kinetic chain, the desired movement is affected.

The kinetic chain, also known as The “human movement system” controls every single movement from walking to Running to sprinting and all things in between. Movement is a virtue when it comes to the quality of human life. There-fore when developing a training program it is imperative to understand the proper functions of all the systems that make up the kinetic chain in order to develop an ef-fective and efficient comprehensive pro-gram specific to the individuals needs.

A 180 pound woman is structured differ-ently then a 130 pound woman and vise

versa. Without understanding the intrica-cies involved in human movement it is vir-tually impossible as a fitness professional to assist either of the above differing women with their weight loss/health and fitness goals successfully. Understanding proper function also allows the fitness professional to provide optimal program designs for rehabilitation and injury pre-vention.

There a science to how we move. There-fore when developing a comprehensive, Integrated effective and efficient training program the fitness professional must take into consideration the proper bio-mechanical functions within all of the systems of the kinetic chain. The days of grouping together a series of exercises that lack in function will soon be null and void. We are entering an era of the opti-mization of training Methods. And we have our work cut out for us.

There’s a science to how we move.

Health & Wellness


Health & Wellness


Americans are thinking greener now than ever before. Consumers are demanding earth-friendly prod-ucts. Retailers and manufacturers have responded to those demands by investing in environmentally-con-scious initiatives. The groundswell is building.

According to a recent study, more than 84 percent of Americans be-lieve it is a “moral obligation” to care for the environment, and 86 percent already participate in at least one green activity such as con-serving energy in the home, recy-cling, driving a fuel-efficient car or buying recycled products (the study was conducted by Insight Research Group in partnership with HGTV and the Natural Resources Defense Council).

Green topics aren’t a fad, they’re here to stay. Americans aren’t just paying lip service to the eco move-ment, they’re committed to it. When asked what motivated them to go green, respondents in the same study said “it’s good for the environ-ment” (82 percent), “it helps future generations” (78 percent), “it’s the right thing to do” (78 percent) and “it fits with my morals or beliefs” (73 percent).

And yet, despite the fact that Ameri-cans are committed to ‘being green’ and recycling, plastic bottles are be-ginning to pile up as mountains of waste. “Bottle water is the single largest growth area among all bev-erages, that includes alcohol, juices and soft drinks. Per capita consump-tion has double over the last de-cade” according to the Beverage

Marketing Corporation. Unfortu-nately most bottled water is con-sumed away from home, usually at a park or in an office, places where there usually no means of recycling.

PCS Pure Water, based out of Crom-well, CT offers a hydration solution that not only has a lower carbon footprint than bottled water, it is also a healthier alternative than bot-tled or tap water. Utilizing Stainless Steel Tanks and a Self Sanitizing Sys-tem the Wellsys Hydration Systems remove Bacteria from your drinking water. With easy installation, this system is simply a no-brainer.

The 5 Filter ( 9 Stage) Purification Process offers the purest water without the hassle of a water cooler. The first step in a Wellsys system is to remove particles such as dirt, soil,

rust and pipe residue, also known as sediment. The filter then moves to the second step and removes all chlorine, chemicals and pesticides from the water. Step three is to re-move all metal, solids, arsenic, lead copper and mercury steel. Step four involves balancing all PH levels in the water while eliminating bacte-ria and adding Oxidants, Calcium and Magnesium. Lastly, the filter as-sures the cleanest, freshest, healthi-est, best tasting water possible....all from your own water line.

So why wait and spend more mon-ey, creating a giant waste with wa-ter bottles, when you can call PCS Pure Water? They guarantee you can Save Time, Save Energy, Save Mon-ey. Lower your Carbon Footprint. Increase Sanitation, while boosting your Immunization. Call today.

Why Drink Purified Water?

[email protected] (860) 759-3060Serving Connecticut and Southern New England

WHY HYDRATE YOUR OFFICE?

Proper HydrationThe average adult loses around two quarts of water or approxi-mately one percent of their body weight everyday. If you are ac-tive you’ll lose even more.

Optimum Health75% of Americans and 90% of the World’s population are chroni-cally dehydrated leading to a host of potentially preventable ailments.

Ideal ProductivityDrinking sufficient water is criti-cal for our health and maintain-ing good performance on the job.

Dental Wellness


Dental Implants ... An amazing answer to restoring missing teethBy: Ann E. Hogan, DDS

Oral wellness as we see itIt is my strong belief that Oral Wellness is an experi-ence which makes life enjoyable and interestingly col-orful. It is a feeling which has tenets of oral health, harmony and esthetique appeal. I feel committed to bring this experience to my patients. I am here to share the Esthetique Dentistry philosophy of Oral Wellness in these series of articles. In this article I will be discussing the role of dental implants as pillars of oral wellness when someone is missing teeth.

Understanding Facial structuresIt is a marvel of nature that our body maintains its structural viability because of the functions it per-forms. Dr Melvin Moss one of the famous anatomists theorized that ‘Form and function go hand in hand’ If function is lost - form is lost. This, we see in everyday changes in our body. If someone has a fracture, and a cast is placed - inability to function makes the bone, the muscles and the joint weak and small. When func-tion is restored the form of bone is regained. Our

jaws and our face are analogous to this. If someone is missing teeth from childhood, there is loss of masti-cation or function and jaw fails to form or grow.

In a child, first the facial bones develop, and then the teeth develop. Eruption of teeth bring growth of the jaws and in essence give our face the architectural form – the well defined chin, the high cheek bones with well supported lips. If teeth are lost due to dis-ease or trauma the scaffolding is lost and obviously function is lost as well.

This loss of function leads to loss of form – the face becomes smaller in height, sunken at the cheeks and the robustness of chin is no more there. Anatomi-cally speaking the soft tissue or skin that forms the drape around the bony structure becomes lax and sallow. Nevertheless, if bony structure is preserved, or function is restored the general architecture is re-gained.

Loss of teeth and the implications Teeth are there for much more than just having a pretty smile. The loss of teeth compromises ones ability to eat fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods, which are such an important part of one’s diet. This loss of function causes further bone loss and eventual deterioration of the jaw structure. This not only causes immediate problems with eating, but has serious effects on speech, facial muscle support,

and other basic facial activities like smiling. Further, because each tooth is supported by those around it, missing teeth can weaken the overall structure of the mouth, causing additional tooth loss or in-jury that may worsen with time. Eventually, the remaining teeth in the jaw shift in an attempt to fill in the gap left by a missing tooth. The resulting crooked teeth can cause serious bite problems, gum disease, periodontal loss - in affect changing the total harmony and balance of the face.

Restoring missing teeth - the optionsThere are many options available to replace miss-

ing teeth, including fixed bridges on natural teeth, full and partial removable dentures, and im-

plant supported teeth. Dentures have progressed a long way since ivory pros-

thetics but many people with missing teeth are still looking for a better

solution. The most beneficial and most permanent treatments are dental implants that support a

replacement tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant is an

artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone. It is made of titanium which

is highly biocompatible. Most of hip and knee

replacements are made of this metal. The dental implants acts like a post to which a tooth or a

bridge work is at-tached or anchored to. While high-tech

in nature, dental im-plants are actually more

tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

Dental implants are so natural-looking and feeling, that you may forget you ever lost a tooth. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and pro-fessionally. Perhaps you hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Maybe your dentures don’t feel secure. Perhaps you have difficulty chew-ing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news! Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own! Under proper conditions and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime. Long-term studies con-tinue to show improving success rates for implants.

Why dental implants are being considered the stan-dard of care for missing teethDental implants have become the modern day stan-dard of care for the replacement of teeth because dental implants allow a missing tooth (or teeth) to be restored to optimum function and appearance without invading, damaging , or taking undue sup-port from any other natural teeth or tissues. If you are missing teeth, you want a solution that is as close to your natural teeth as possible. That is why dental implants are the best alternative to dentures and bridges. Rather than resting on the gum line and causing constant irritation like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that we surgically place in the jawbone.

When a tooth is lost, the bone in the area naturally resorbs in that area causing problems in the future. With today’s technology the patient is ideally treated by crowns, bridges or dentures that are supported by dental implants, avoiding any compromise to the oth-er teeth and providing optimum long-term strength and stability to support your bone and facial muscles. On top of this, placing implants in areas where there are no teeth, the bone area is stimulated again and this prevents long term bone loss in that area. This technique is so effective that many patients who choose an implant dentistry option report that their replacement teeth are indistinguishable in both ap-pearance and function from their natural teeth.

What factors should be considered before dental implant placementIn most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be con-sidered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Heavy smokers, people suf-fering from uncontrolled chronic disorders - such as diabetes or heart disease - or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis.

Is bone grafting always needed for dental implants – why CT scan can be helpful Not always, but sometimes when a dental implant is placed, it is necessary to build up the bone in the area to insure success. The procedure of building up the bone is known as bone grafting. Bone grafting is a very common procedure in dentistry and it is used quite a bit for dental implants and in periodontal pro-cedures around natural teeth. When the amount or quality of bone is in question, a CT scan (computed tomography); also called cone beam computed to-mography or CBCT is used preoperatively to accu-

rately determine the bone quality, quantity and to pinpoint vital structures of the patient’s anatomy. CBCT allows us to create a surgical guide, which al-lows our surgeon to accurately angle the implant into the ideal space, increasing success rates and decreas-ing post-operative healing time,.

Can missing teeth be replaced in a day with dental implantsIn today’s time, many times this is possible. When the original dental implant was developed in 1968 it was erroneously thought that implants needed to be covered over by gum tissue during the healing phase necessitating two surgical procedures. It was also believed that the teeth for the implants could not be fabricated until it was in place for a minimum of 4 to 8 months following placement. This allowed for the bone to heal for a sufficient time, in order for it to support the teeth. The inconvenience of this technique, especially in esthetic areas of the mouth was that it necessitated the wearing of removable dentures during this prolonged period of time, many times for as long as a year.

It was found after extensive research that in many situations this waiting period for tooth fabrication was an unnecessary inconvenience for the patient, not to mention the emotional trauma associated with the wearing of removable dentures over a pro-longed period of time.

The concept of immediate use of dental implants (immediate loading) for fabrication of teeth not only eliminates this emotional stigma, but also eliminates the need for a second surgical procedure. The suc-cess rate when in the appropriate situation is the same as conventional two surgery implant therapy. In some instances, it is still indicated to leave the implants untouched until complete osseointegra-tion; however immediate loading is becoming more widely accepted.

Can all missing teeth be replaced with fixed teeth? If you someone is missing all teeth, an implant-sup-ported full bridge or full denture can replace them. Dental implants will replace both the lost natural teeth and some of the roots. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, implant-supported full bridges or dentures are designed to be long last-ing. Implant-supported full bridges and dentures also are more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, allowing one to retain a more natural biting and chewing capacity. The teeth are fabricated with-out any coverage of the roof of the mouth, which ev-ery patient likes as this gives a better ability to taste food. Further there are procedures which could be carried out in a day. Like full set of teeth in a day.

In the long term, implants can be more esthetic and easier to maintain than conventional dentures. The loss of bone that accompanies conventional den-tures leads to recession of the jawbone and a col-lapsed, unattractive smile. Conventional dentures make it difficult to eat certain foods. Dental implants prevent this further loss of bone.

Do dental implants help in maintaining harmony of the facial structuresAbsolutely. Implant-supported full bridges and den-tures will replace some of tooth roots and thereby better preserve the bone. Conventional dentures ob-tain retention by friction, or by coverage of gums.

At Esthetique Dentistry we practice the old fashioned art of caring for our patients in a state of the art environment … Ann E. Hogan, DDS

Dental Wellness


There are no anchors available. The forces of mas-tication are detrimental since they just produce tortional forces which lead to bone loss. In com-parison, dental implants integrate with jaw bone, form anchors, and transmit forces of mastica-tion to bone. This force is compressive in nature and leads to bone stimulation and many times to growth of new bone and thereby maintaining the harmony of facial structures.

Is Pain and discomfort associated with dental implants? The actual procedure to surgically place a dental implant can be done under local anesthesia and is generally not at all painful. When the anes-thesia wears off about three or four hours later, you might expect some discomfort. The level of discomfort is quite different from patient to pa-tient, but most patients do not have significant problems.

What is the Success rate of dental implants? Dental implant success is related to operator skill, quality and quantity of the bone available at the site, underlying health issues and the patient’s oral health. . The consensus is that implants carry a success rate of around 95%. Smoking, uncon-trolled diabetes, use of bisphosphonate medica-tions and many other diseases affect the overall success of implants.

How do dental implants form future anchors for total dental reconstruction?As we grow older, there is always the chance of things not going the way we would have wanted them to, especially if someone is prone to loos-ing natural teeth because of disease or trauma. It is advisable for such individuals to weigh their options at the time of restoring the first missing tooth. Options could be to get a bridge or an implant. A bridge will take support from adjacent teeth. If something was to happen to that adjacent tooth the whole bride is rendered useless. Then a longer bridge has to be made after extraction of the second tooth and this process could go on for next many years as more teeth are lost. On the other hand if an implant was placed in the first place, it will prove to be useful to support future prosthesis if adjacent teeth were to be lost. In an extreme case, if someone had lost all teeth over period of time and had 4 – 8 successful implant restorations, will have enough support from these im-plants to fabricate a full fixed or remov-able prosthesis. All the time and money spent over the period of time will turn out to be synergistic at that time rather than a wasted effort, as it could turn out with bridges constructed and supported on teeth. Further the bony architecture would have been saved which is lost with fabrication of teeth retained bridges or with dentures.

Financial implicationsFinances involved or the cost depends on number of teeth involved, location of in-

volved teeth as well as any additional work the dentist must do. For example bone grafting or other special procedures would incur more ex-pense. Nevertheless, it is prudent to see the long term financial implications when replacing miss-ing teeth. While the total cost for a single-tooth implant isn’t much more than that for a small fixed bridge. In a bridge, if the supporting teeth were to be lost, the bridge becomes useless and all the monies invested are wasted. On the other hand the implant restoration will remain there as sup-porting components for future prosthesis and act like an investment, which can build upon.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?Dental insurance coverage depends on the individ-ual policy. As implants are increasingly accepted as standard of care to replace missing teeth, more and more dental insurances are covering implant surgery and restorations.

Does Medical insurance cover dental implants?Coverage under your medical plan may be pos-sible, depending on the insurance plan and/or cause of tooth loss. Loss of teeth due to trauma, or due to underlying medical problems can some-times be covered by medical insurances. In some cases, if tooth loss and inability to function with dentures is resulting in malnutrition or contribut-ing to other medical complications, it is possible for medical insurances to cover dental implant reconstructions.

What should I expect from my consultation at Esthetique Dentistry? Whether it’s replacing one or multiple teeth, we here at Esthetique Dentistry are here to give you all of your options to help you make a well-informed decision that works best for you. When you make an appointment at Esthetique Dentist-ry, you will be greeted by a friendly, compassion-

ate staff. You wait time will be short, in a pleas-ant, supportive environment. We are a team of dedicated and competent general dentists and dental specialists devoted to empowering you on a journey to oral and dental wellness and overall health. We offer a full range of services, including several typically not offered in dental practices in-cluding Cosmetic dentistry, Implant dentistry, and orthodontics. And, you can relax knowing that your treatment will be in well-trained, caring and experienced hands.

We believe that the first consultation appoint-ment is the basis of achieving and maintaining oral health. At this appointment, once you have been acquainted with our office and with our team, we will first take a thorough medical his-tory, complete series of radiographs and photo-graphs of your face and the mouth. Once these diagnostics are completed, a detailed head, neck and oral examination will lay the foundation for your optimized oral health. We will take however much time is needed to explain in detail our find-ings, and will be very happy to answer all of your questions.

If after your thorough exam it is determined that implant restorations are best to meet your needs, we will make further appointments to carry out the steps to reconstructing your missing teeth which we feel will be the pillars to experience the Oral wellness.

Contact Us Today to Schedule your Appointment26 Strawberry Hill Avenue • Suite 2F • Stamford, CT 06902

203.348.9338 • www.EsthetiqueDentistry.com

Testimonials“I can’t find words to express my deepest appreciation for my implants. After years of bridges to longer bridges and eventual dentures, my bone was deteriorating and my dentures were continually rocking and giving me problems. After I was told that I couldn’t have implants done because my bone had resorbed too much, I felt so hopeless. Thank you for making what I was told impossible, POSSIBLE. “ EJH- Lake George

“The two things I remember most about my dental implants are how fast and painless the procedure was, and how completely normal I felt the next morning. Now that the crown has been attached to my implant, it feels and looks like my original tooth.” JP- Stamford

“I was tired of my dentures always slipping. It was embarrassing and I was uncomfortable talking and eating with others. Adhesives were difficult to use and they never seemed to work. Dr. Hogan suggested dental implants to stabilize my denture two years ago when she first met me, and this year I finally went through with it. The surgeon at Esthetique Dentistry had a wonderful personality that matched his skill and competence. The procedure was easy and now my dentures stay in place no matter where I am or what I eat. Thank you so much.” EE- Stamford

Quality In Home Companions


Article 2 of 3

By Marie Diaz (Co-owner, Senior Helpers Lower and Upper Coastal Fairfield County)

Most of Us Will Face the ChallengeCaring for an elderly family member is a reality most us will face. As of April, 2009, six out of ten U.S. families have a relative or friend needing long term care. That year there were 36 million seniors living in the U.S. with the senior population expected to double. “Aging in Place in America,” a commis-sioned survey conducted by independent research company Prince Market Research, indicated that seniors fear moving into a nursing home and losing their independence more than they fear death. An overwhelming majority, 89%, wants to age without having to move from their homes, and yet more than half are concerned about their ability to do so.

Today you and your parent have more options avail-able than ever before. When physical capabilities diminish, many seniors opt to be cared for in the comfort of their own home by a personal caregiver. Home care is considered by many to be one of the most desirable options because it allows senior to maintain their independence while remaining in the one place where they feel most comfortable.

There is nothing easy about assisting elderly par-ents in aging-in-place, but in-home care can help make this process much easier for all parties.

A personal caregiver can provide non-medical help with daily living tasks including meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, and companionship. Many providers also offer additional non-medical services including personal hygiene assistance, pet and plant care, transportation, weekend or holiday care, live-in or live-out, temporary or long-term care, and respite for family caregivers.

Choosing Amongst a Wide Variety of ProvidersOnce you have determined you would like to use an in-home care provider, establish how you will select the one right for you.

In-home care providers can be individuals you find and hire directly, supplied by a home care Registry/Staffing firm, or employees of an Agency you select. In the employee based Agency option, there are li-censed firms able to accept Medicare, when appli-cable, and/or Medicaid reimbursement plus other types of payment, in addition to private pay. There are employee based agencies which are registered, versus licensed, with the Department of Consumer

Protection. The registered firms are usually private pay agencies although long-term care insurance of-ten covers registered agencies.

The right course depends on your family’s ability to pay, tolerance for financial risk, and how much personnel management you want to and are able to undertake.

When engaging an individual directly or through a Registry, you or your parent become the care-giver’s employer with all that entails. Social Secu-rity taxes, income tax withholdings, work-related injuries, and unemployment benefits become your responsibility. The hourly or live-in rate will usually be lower with an individual or Registry than with an Agency. But, understand the other financial consid-erations listed.

Additionally, scheduling, handling call-outs by the caregiver due to illness or emergencies and care-giver vacation planning become your responsibility to some degree. An individual caregiver may have a network of other caregivers. A Registry may pro-vide you with assistance. Be sure to understand and have researched the caregiver’s/Registry’s ap-proach to these situations.

An employee based Agency should be accountable for a strong track record of providing caregivers to cover call-outs and vacations. It should provide you with someone who is bonded and insured in the event theft does occur or other inappropriate action occurs. It should handle all the tax related issues and have Worker’s Compensation coverage for work related injuries sustained in assisting your parents, falls, back strains, cuts while cooking … etc.

In privately hiring an individual, determine what level of background and reference checking you will undertake. An employee based Agency should have performed a thorough criminal background screening and performed personal and work relat-ed reference checks. Some will have had the care-giver undergo drug screening. An emerging trend is for pre-employment psychological screening to also have been performed. Psychological screen-ing is a tool to detect an individual’s tendencies towards unwanted/criminal actions while the crimi-nal background screening determines if it has been proved that an individual has committed a criminal act. Be sure to have a good screening approach if hiring directly. Give any Registry or Agency a thor-ough “grilling” in this area to assure you they have taken a responsible approach to providing a care-giver worthy of coming into your or your parent’s home.

How About the Individual Caregiver?Once the source of the caregiver has been selected, it is time to give consideration to the perfect indi-vidual caregiver. If you are going to hire directly, then determine what skills at what level of profi-ciency the caregiver needs to have and how you will verify the skills. If you use an Agency, they should conduct an assessment with you and your parent and lead the determination of the skills and skills proficiency required.

After skills, think about all the things which will impact the ability to care for parent and affect the

ability of your parent to bond with the caregiver. Is caregiver who drives, not all do, essential? Do you need someone who can and will speak loudly given a parent’s decline in hearing? What were/are your parent’s hobbies? It may be nice to have a care-giver who also enjoys some of the same activities for companionship. Is a talkative person or active listener best for your parents? Should the caregiver be proactive in asking for things to do beyond list-ed tasks or would this be irritating to your parent? Would your parent want an energetic caregiver or would this adversely impact their desire to relax? Should the caregiver be a blunt yet respectful per-son or have a more indirect approach? Do you want a detailed person for reporting and note taking? Should they be an excellent cook or is simple meals satisfactory?

Have this knowledge ready should you choose to hire a caregiver directly. With the benefit of the in-home assessment, a proficient agency should be able to make a good match. However, the more you can convey about the right personality type for your parent the further along everyone will be creating a fast start to a good in-home care experi-ence.

SummaryWhen in comes to in-home care, you and your par-ent have more options than ever before. You may choose from direct hires, Registries/Staffing Agen-cies, Licensed Agencies, and Registered Agencies. Within each category of provider the number of entities is growing exponentially.

If in-home care tailored to your needs is the path your parent wants to undertake, the time to priori-tize the alternatives is before the need arises. De-termine your ability to pay, source of payment, risk tolerance profile, and level of caregiver selection/supervision you or your parent want to undertake.

With that knowledge, one can select the right type of provider for your family. Once you have estab-lished the right provider type, have your selection criteria and questions ready to go to expertly choose the right entity. If you are going with some type of Agency, then speak with a few well before the need arises. Having a well vetted short list could avert sub-optimal under stress decisions. Know yourself and your parent in order to develop a clear picture of the right personality for your family.

Taking the time now to establish the right provider type, having a vetted short list of specific providers, and knowing the right caregiver personality, can enable a smooth start to your family’s home care experience. It can help ensure you and your par-ent’s are delighted with the care and service you receive.

For a Complimentary in-home care consultationcontact Marie Diaz, Co-owner, and Director

of Operations Senior Helpers

[email protected]

www.seniorhelpers.com/location/0909

Considerations in Selecting a Non-Medical In-Home CareProvider and Specific Caregiver for Your Parent

Testimonials:

A note to express my sincere appreciation and thanks for the outstanding efforts that Senior Helpers provided in meeting our needs. My husband required 24 hour in-home care as-sistance. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our need was urgent! Senior Helpers, within two or three days, was able to provide just the right individual to assist my husband and bring order to a household that was in panic. The courtesy, respect, compassion, and under-standing of the situation and your gracious-ness in follow-up conversations will always be remembered. I would not hesitate to recom-mend Senior Helpers to any household which was in need of an in-home care provider. Elizabeth A.

My parents have been using the services of Senior Helpers for a few months now. I want to let you know how pleased they are and I am with the quality of the people that you have provided to assist them. All of the people you sent were well qualified, and also very friendly and sensitive to the needs of my parents. In particular, Jessica and Anna were exceptional. They were not only very good Caretakers; they genuinely cared about my parents and treated them like family. My parents grew very fond of both of them and referred to them as “saints”! I also appreciate the responsiveness and flexibility that you personally have shown when we had special requests, sometimes on very short notice. You always came through when we needed your help. Richard C.

I’d like to express my sincere thanks to “Senior Helpers” for their help in my time of need. Jes-sica, my health aide, provided care & concern for my every need. She was prompt in arriving each day and always greeted me with a warm “good morning.” She performed her duties with pride & care. She is a wonderful & dedi-cated person. Thank God you have her. Marie, your Director of Operations, is also an asset to your group. She has a way about her that I felt relaxed at our first meeting, frequent visits & a small “food sharing” welcome as a family member. Ed B.

Senior Helpers Serving Lower and Upper Coastal Fairfield County

Quality In Home Companions


By Carolyn Thanasoulis, OwnerSenior HelpersUpper Fairfield, Litchfield,and New Haven Counties(203) [email protected]

The time to plan with your parents for their future is:

a) Any time after they retire ( what-ever age that might be)

b) The day after their 75th birthdayc) TODAYd) When they start showing signs of

memory impairment or have taken a few falls

The answer is: c) TODAY, of course! You wouldn’t prepare an emergency kit for a hurricane AFTER it hit, would you? Why would you postpone plan-

ning for the safety and well being of an aging loved one until there is a problem? Seems obvious, but so many people wait until they are in crisis mode to begin educating them-selves about the options available to themselves and their parents. There are so many variables (changing medications, finances, living wills, long term care insurance, declin-ing short-term memory, nutritional needs, living arrangements, etc.), all of which can change on little or no notice.

We are all guilty of becoming com-fortable, if not complacent, with the way things are. You live in your own home halfway across the state. You and your spouse work full time, the kids are in school all day followed by a myriad of sports and extracurricu-lar activities. Likewise, your parents live in their own home, slowing down some, but managing their own af-fairs. You know in your heart it can’t stay this way forever. Unfortunately, one fall, one medication error, hos-pitalization, or a small kitchen fire, and you will begin to experience an unexpected level of discomfort. The domino effect has begun. Clearly, en-gaging your aging loved ones in the topics of wills, finances, and future living arrangements can be uncom-fortable at best. However, knowl-edge is power!

If you are in your mid forties, it is more than likely that you have been planning for your children’s college education and maybe have even looked into a plan for your own re-tirement. You owe it to yourself and your parents to start the process of thinking through some of those plan-ning options with them for THEIR fu-ture as well. Equally as important is to be sure you have the best profes-sional people and reputable services to help guide you through this pro-cess.

• Do you have a good Elder Care At-torney?

• Do your parents have access to a Geriatrician who knows their med-ical concerns?

• Do they have a Living Will? Power of Attorney?

• Are they financially prepared for their future?

• Are you familiar with alternative living options in your area (assist-ed living, skilled nursing, memory impairment, etc.)?

• Do they have Long Term Care In-surance?

• Have you screened Home Care agencies for future needs?

A reputable Home Care agency, such as Senior Helpers, will provide you with Care Coordination utilizing a Geriatric Care Manager to assess and

guide you in your unique process. Se-nior Helpers will set out a blueprint for you should any of the variables change. Our Geriatric Care Manag-ers are a wealth of information on the services that you may need. We can refer you to caring professional attorneys, doctors, pharmacists, etc. in your area. Senior Helpers also of-fers both Companions and Certified Nurses’ Aides on an hourly or live-in basis. There are no long term con-tracts. We also offer a state-of-the-art emergency alert device called My Halo®, for those not quite ready for home care, but who need to be mon-itored by family for their activity level and automatically notified in case of any accidental falls. Lastly, Senior Helpers can also help you should the need for relocation arise. We are fa-miliar with the facilities in your area, and can help you learn which will best suit your loved one’s situation.

Do your homework now. Become fa-miliar with the choices you and your parents have. Know what they want their future to look like, AND START PLANNING FOR IT! You cannot (nor should you) make such important de-cisions when you are in crisis mode. Plan ahead. You’ll both be glad you did.

www.seniorhelpers.com • www.seniorhelpersnavigator.com(203) 304-1634

Senior Helpers. Delivering confidencethrough personalized solutions you can trust.

Let us navigate a course just for you!

Call us today for a FREE,no obligation in-home assessment.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

Financing for the Elderly


This material was prepared to support the promotion and marketing of variable annuity products. Lincoln Financial Group® affiliates, their distributors, and their respective employees, representatives, and/or insurance agents do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Any tax statements contained herein were not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding U.S. federal, state, or local tax penalties. Please consult your own independent advisor as to any tax, accounting, or legal statements made herein. Variable annuities are long-term investment products designed for retirement purposes and are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk, and possible loss of principal. Variable annuities contain both investment and insurance components, and have fees and charges, including mortality and expense, administrative, and advisory fees. Optional features are available for an additional charge. The annuity’s value fluctuates with the market value of the underlying investment options, and all assets accumulate tax-deferred. Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and cash surrender value. Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the variable annuity and its underlying investment options carefully before investing. The applicable variable annuity prospectus contains this and other important information about the variable annuity and its underlying investment options. Please call 888 868-2583 for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before investing or sending money. Products and features are subject to state availability. Lincoln ChoicePlus Assurance SM variable annuities (contract form 30070-B and state variations) are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so. Contractual obligations are backed by the claims-paying ability of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Contracts sold in New York (contract forms 30070BNYA, 30070BNYC, 30070BNYAL, and 30070BNYN) are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. Contractual obligations are backed by the claims-paying ability of Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York. There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan. Not a deposit Not FDIC-insured Not insured by any federalgovernment agency Not guaranteed by any bank or savings association, May go down in value. ©2009 Lincoln National Corporation www.LincolnFinancial.com. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations. LCN0906-2031410. VA-CP-08-0593. CP- APTLG-BRC364_Z02. POD 12/09 Z02. Order code: CP-APTLG-BRC364. 09-5217

If you have assets to spare, possibly in an annuity already, and are looking for a tax-efficient way to pass them on to a beneficiary, we have a possible solution. By electing i4LIFE® Advantage, an Income4Life® innovation available with Lincoln ChoicePlus AssuranceSM variable annuities for an additional charge, you can provide a guaranteed lifetime income for a loved one and see them enjoy it.

Maggie and Rob AndersonMaggie Anderson is an 80-year-old with a variable annuity worth $200,000, half of which is earnings. She has enough saved that she doesn’t need all of the assets for income, so she wants to give a portion of it to her son, Rob, who does need it. She also wants to ensure that her gift can be used to create a tax-efficient income for the rest of Rob’s life.

An annuity can be used to generate the lifetime income that Maggie wants for Rob. However, when an annuity is gifted while in the accumulation phase, all gain in the contract is immediately taxable to the grantor. So, with the help of her financial advisor, Maggie transferred her old annuity to a Lincoln ChoicePlus AssuranceSM variable annuity, elected i4LIFE® Advantage with Rob as the annuitant, and then gave the annuity to Rob. This way, Maggie would not owe income taxes on the gain in her old contract, and because i4LIFE® Advantage qualifies as an annuity payout option, Rob could receive the annuity as a gift and pay regular income taxes

only as payments were received rather than in a lump sum. And, since part of each i4LIFE® Advantage payment represents a return of the cost basis, a portion of each payment Rob received was nontaxable.

1. Maggie used the $200,000 from her old annuity to establish a Lincoln ChoicePlus AssuranceSM variable annuity and elected i4LIFE® Advantage.

2. Maggie gifts her annuity to her son, Rob.3. Maggie pays no income taxes on the

$100,000 earnings in her old annuity, and Rob pays regular income taxes only as payments are received rather than in a lump sum.

4. Payments will continue for the rest of Rob’s life, and they will have the potential to grow based on his investment results.

Following is one scenario where an investor used i4LIFE to provide a tax-efficient lifetime income for a child.

T h i s scenario works because Maggie elected i4LIFE with the Guaranteed Income Benefit (GIB) before her death, thereby moving her contract from the accumulation phase to the payout phase before it was given to Rob.

With the GIB, Rob’s payments will never go below the guaranteed minimum amount, and they will automatically increase every year for 15 years if his i4LIFE ® Advantage payment increases. He also has the ability to make additional withdrawals during the Access Period.*

Keep in mind that depending on the amount of your gift, federal gift taxes may be due as a result of implementing an annuity gifting strategy. See your tax advisor for guidance

about your specific tax situation.

i4LIFE with the GIB is available for an additional annual charge of 0.90% above standard contract expenses (maximum annual charge of 1.50%). After the Access Period ends, payments will continue on a lifetime basis, but contractowners will no longer have access to their assets or a death benefit. The tax-exclusion amount varies by age and only applies until the original cost basis in the contract has been recovered. Guarantees, including optional benefits, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the appropriate issuing company.

Before transferring to a new annuity, investors should consider factors relating to liquidity and costs (such as new fees and sales charges, longer holding periods, surrender charges, and other early withdrawal penalties), potential loss of vested benefits, and new contract terms that could result in reduced contract values and death benefits.

* Additional withdrawals reduce the account value and income payments proportionately

and are subject to ordinary income tax

to the extent of the gain. At certain broker/dealers for nonqualified and standalone qualified contracts, annuitization must occur by the annuitant’s age 95.

Lincoln ChoicePlus AssuranceSM variable annuities are long-term investment products designed for retirement savings and offer:

Tax-deferred growth — Earnings aren’t taxed until withdrawals are made, allowing for greater growth potential.

Lifetime income — There are several options for receiving an income stream for life.

Death benefits — Your savings can be transferred to beneficiaries.

Optional protection features — For an additional charge, you can elect optional features that protect your minimum future income and ensure growth.

Flexibility — You can meet your individual needs by customizing your contract through investment allocation, withdrawal options, and adding or canceling optional features.

The Lifetime Gift The gift of a lifetime

For more information about how to turn a portionof your retirement savings into a lifetime gift,

contact your financial advisor.

Welcome t Financial Benefits Unlimited, LLC.For over 40 years, we have been helping investors to

establish and maintain their personal and financial goals.

Financial Benefits Unlimited, LLC helps you simplify the complexity ofmanaging your wealth, so that you have more quality time for yourfamily, hobbies and most important your dreams. We organize your

assets, asset allocation strategy, and insurances along with yourfinancial and estate plans to help simplify and consolidate every

aspect of your financial wellness. As independent financialplanners we help clients grow, protect, and transfer

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PRESENTED BY ADELE R. JACOBS, ESQ. AND PIPER A. PAUL, ESQ.

Educational RightsHave you been told by the school your child is not doing well because they sim-ply are not trying? Have you been asked “what is going on at home”? Did your child perform poorly on the CMTs? Does your child often feel sick before going to school or visit the nurse frequently while at school? Does your child frequently get into trouble? Has your child been sus-pended or expelled? These are all red flags and as a parent or legal guardian you need to take immediate action to protect your child to ensure your child receives an appropriate education.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Ed-ucation Act (IDEA) children with learning, neurological, behavioral and medical dif-ferences are protected, and services must be in place so your child can have access to the education to which they are en-titled. All states must follow this federal law. States can provide more protection than granted under the federal law, but not less.

In Connecticut, a child has a right to an ed-ucation, and there are many procedures and safeguards to protect children with disabilities. Parents or legal guardians also have rights, and there are many procedur-al and substantive rules that must be fol-lowed by the school system.

The mission of IDEA is to “ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public educa-tion, that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and inde-pendent living.” Schools are responsible for educating students until they either graduate from high school, or turn 21.

Parents or legal guardians must follow their instincts when they sense that some-thing is wrong. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to learn what needs to be done to protect your child and how to navigate the complex world of special education law. Many par-ents are reluctant to initiate anything that could be perceived as making waves. Your child’s education is the greatest gift you give them. Fear should not guide you.

The law requires that students be main-streamed to the maximum extent pos-sible. The days of locking or segregating students into separate rooms are gone and parents need to be aware of this. Appropriate testing is required by law to determine if a child has any specific learn-ing difference that need to be addressed. The law requires that scientifically based research programs be used to address students’ different learning styles and that progress be carefully monitored and that there are many protections in the law which parents or legal guardians need to learn so that they can effectively advocate for their child.

Teachers and staff members are often hard working, and genuinely want what’s best for your children, however, their hands are often tied by administrators. You should learn your rights, and the rights of your child, so you can effectively insure your child can access their education.

Know Your Rights When Your Child is BulliedConnecticut law requires boards of edu-cation to publish bullying policies for the students. Boards must create and imple-ment policies to address bullying in their schools. Connecticut law defines bullying as “any overt act by a student or a group of students directed against another stu-dent with the intent to ridicule, harass, humiliate or intimidate the other student while on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity.” Boards must inform all students annually of their right to file complaints, and schools must report these incidents to the State De-partment of Education. Recent statis-tics on bullying indicate that over 80% of children are bullied during their school careers, and that at least 10% of children are subjected to repetitive bullying and/or harassment throughout their schooling. There are things that can be done to help protect your child, and you should not hesitate to seek legal counsel in bullying situations. Juvenile and Disciplinary RightsChildren who frequently get into trouble, and receive in school and out of school suspensions, have rights. When your child is frequently in trouble, it is a red flag. Children are not inherently bad, and children do not want to get into trouble.

Getting into trouble is a warning sign that your child needs help, and that interven-tion is needed immediately. The law re-quires positive behavior reinforcements, not punitive.

Often schools have resource officers in schools that are frequently in touch with the local police, leading to arrests in school. Arrests out of school are often re-ported to the Superintendent of Schools which can trigger a suspension or expul-sion hearing. Suspensions can turn into expulsion hearings, and before you know it, your child is no longer allowed in the public school they were attending. Your child has rights that must be protected.

It is strongly advised that you be repre-sented by counsel at expulsion hearings, and that your counsel be very familiar with educational law, expulsion/suspen-sion law, and criminal law. There are many concerns if your child is arrested at school, and has a pending juvenile case. Our firm

handles educational, juvenile, and crimi-nal matters. Your child’s 5th amendment rights must be protected. Children and parents /legal guardians have many rights, and you should not agree to an expulsion, or a transfer to another school, without first consulting with an experienced at-torney.

If you have a child who you suspect may have educational issues, is be-ing bullied, or is being brought to an expulsion or suspension hearing, the attorneys at Jacobs & Quiles, LLC stand ready to assist you. Attorney Piper Paul, of counsel to our office, is an experienced special education attorney, and will be happy to meet with you and discuss your case. Feel free to contact us at: 203-332-7700 for an appointment.

Know Your Child’s Educational and Juvenile Rights

Fairfi eld County Woman NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009 19

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MEDICAL MALPRACTICEWrongful Death

Brain DamageSpinal Cord Injuries

Birth InjuryMisdiagnosis

Nursing Home NeglectSurgical Misconduct

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

“Personal Attention, Integrity, Expertise, and Dedication…”

www.adelerjacobsesq.comwww.adelerjacobsesq.com

BridgeportBridgeport

203.502.7330NorwalkNorwalk

203.803.2584

Adele R.Jacobs

Attorney At Law

No Legal Fee On Personal InjuryUnless We Win

Se Habla Español

All Calls Returned


No Legal Fee On Personal InjuryUnless We Win

Se Habla Español

All Calls Returned


TRIAL ATTORNEYADMITTED TO

PRACTICE IN CT & NY

TRIAL ATTORNEYADMITTED TO

PRACTICE IN CT & NY

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

AdId: R 2000901 - 01CustId: 1200081896Dir/Iss: FFMCT YP1 08/2008UDAC: DT - PCWATTUID: md5295Date: 06/17/2008 08:48:AM

YPH: 100263AttorneysYPSH:

Rep: 14564 - ag4716GAUDIO ANTHONY

AdId: R 2000901 - 01CustId: 1200081896Dir/Iss: FFMCT YP1 08/2008UDAC: DT - PCWATTUID: md5295Date: 06/17/2008 08:48:AM

YPH: 100263AttorneysYPSH:

Rep: 14564 - ag4716GAUDIO ANTHONY

www.adelerjacobsesq.comwww.adelerjacobsesq.com

Legal


Intrigue Salon is celebrating8 years in the Brick Walk!

What has kept their clients coming back? Owners Sally Goldstein and Carolyn Pease, say it’s the tal-ented stylist and their ability to deliver outstanding results. Many clients who come through our doors are looking for quality work in an un-pretentious atmosphere. Some are seek-ing change that they could not get at their previous salon. We sincerely thank all who have come and extend a warm wel-come to those who would like to make Intrigue their new salon.

Intrigue Salon offers the La-Brasiliana Keratin treatment with collagen. This revolu-tionary process transforms the hair and is keratin based. Keratin is the primary protein of hair, skin, and nails. This natural substance gives hair the ability to return to its origi-nal healthy, shiny, smooth state while collagen improves the elasticity of the hair and can be used for all hair types. Unlike other products available on the market, La-Brasiliana Keratin treatments replenish the condition of the hair without damaging or changing the molecular structure.

All these services are great for any time of the year and budget!Call Intrigue Salon at 203-254-1015 to schedule your appointment.

Visit our website at www.intriguehair.com or email us at: [email protected] to receive coupons and to be on our mailing list.

Intrigue Salon offers four types of La-Brasiliana Keratin treatments:

Domani Keratin Treatment with Collagen

Results: smoothes, shines, softens, eliminates frizz, instant manage-ability

Approx time to do service: 2- 3 hours + 60 minute lock in period, rinsed, sealed with product, then blow dried

Lasts: 2 to 4 months

Able to wash the hair the next day

Would choose this service if: want the same effects as the Original Keratin Treatment with Collagen but able to wash the hair the next day

Original Keratin Treatment with Collagen


Approx time to do service: 2-3 hours

Lasts: 2 to 4 months

Able to wash the hair on the 4th day

Would choose this service if: want the effects of La-Brasilian Keratin Treatment to last longer while look-ing for greater manageability

Spruzzi CompleteKeratin with Collagen

Treatment Service


Approx time to do service: 60 to 90 minutes

Lasts: 2 months

Able to wash the hair the next dayWould choose this service if: want the effects of the Express service to last longer and a smoother result with decreased volume

Spruzzi ExpressBlowout Service


Approx time to do service: 45 to 60 minutes

Lasts: 2 to 4 weeks

Able to wash the hair the next day

Affordable

Lighter treatment for the hair while leaving the hair with body and vol-ume

The Brick Walk • 1275 Post RoadFairfield, CT 06824

Intrigue Salon

Health & Beauty


Anya Kishinevsky, M.D.

Plastic surgeon Anya Kishine-vsky`s high level of training and experience has helped her develop a reputation for excellence in cosmetic and re-constructive surgery. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology after graduating with honors from Johns Hopkins University in 1996. She received her residency training in general surgery at the Montefiore Medical Center at New York`s Al-bert Einstein College of Medicine in 2000, and her training in plastic sur-gery at the Yale New Haven Hospital in 2003.

Dr. Anya Kishinevsky stays commit-ted to continuing her education and training to provide her patients with plastic surgery services of the highest quality. In 2005 she received intense thinoplasty training in Texas under world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Jack P. Gunter. She also received intense training in facial aesthetic surgery at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital.

Dr. Kishinevsky believes in giving back to the community and frequently participates in charitable missions abroad, to provide free reconstructive surgery for children in need around the world. She is fluent in Russian, French, and Hebrew, and conversational in Spanish.

www.anyakishinevskymd.com, 203–656-9999

Adele R. Jacobs, Esq.

Adele R. Jacobs has over 25 years of experience in the personal injury arena in Connecticut and New York. Prior to opening her own practice to represent the rights of injured plaintiffs in Connecticut, Ms. Jacobs had more than 10 years of experi-ence as an insurance defense attor-ney in New York City. As one of the premier solo female litigators in the area, her goal has been to give the personal touch needed by injured people, or those who have lost a loved one, while using her exper-tise and tough mindedness to guide them through our challenging legal

system. Her warm and friendly style with clients sets them at ease from the moment they enter her doors, and her experience and expertise, as well as her willingness to go the extra mile, make those clients certain they have come to the right place. With the recent addition of two associates, the ability to provide personal attention has grown even further. Ms. Jacobs has always been involved in community activities by serving on local and statewide community boards, and supporting many philanthropic causes. Ms. Jacobs has been recognized by her peers in Connecticut Magazine as one of Connecticut’s top attorneys for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, as well as New England Top Attorneys for 2009 and 2010.

Priscilla Jones

Priscilla Jones has been studying and practicing Jin Shin Jyutsu since 1996. In 2003 she became a certified Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner. Her primary focus and specialty is in changing and trans-forming her life. As a practitioner she offers her experience and expertise in helping others who are committed to making changes and transform their own lives.

Priscilla graduated from Wingate Uni-versity with a B.S. in Psychology in 1981 and completed her Masters and 6th Year degrees in Individual and Couples Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University in 1985. After spend-ing two years as a therapist, she left the

psychotherapy field and moved into the corporate arena until 1995.

From 1985 through 1995 Priscilla held several positions for various corporations, including Bloomingdales, Nestle and Cadbury Beverages. When Cadbury Bever-ages went through a major restructuring, she decided to take a year off and went through intensive, in-depth soul searching to find her mission and purpose.

In 1996, she was introduced to Jin Shin Jyutsu. For several years, Priscilla continued in her search to finding and fulfilling her spiritual path. Once she learned and began to fully understand how Jin Shin Jyutsu could be utilized for her life, she realized she could fulfill not only her mission, but help others who have the same needs and aspirations.

Gina Brillon

Actress Comedian and writ-er Gina was born and raised in Bronx New York. She at-tended Mary Mount Manhat-tan College studying creative writing and communication. Gina’s first taste of comedy was at a very young age when she was entered in a comedy contest with her twin sister Debbie they won the competi-tion and Gina continued on to aspire to great achievements. She has been featured in Car-olines Comedy Club, Laugh

Factory in NY and LA, Gotham Comedy club in NY. Has been in production such as Consequences, Went to Coney Island, and The Cyclist.

Gina is branching out to live radio where she has stared “Think out Loud” her featured article.

You can catch Gina on live radio at www.ustream.tv/channel/thinkoutloud.

Women in Profile


Amy DeLardiFounder and Creative Director of Infinite Web Designs, LLC (IWD), Amy DeLardi leads a team of skilled professionals in designing custom search engine optimized websites and creating innovative graphic design campaigns.

Services provided by the Infinite Web Designs team include:

• Custom Website Design• Website Redesign• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)• Affordable Website Hosting• Copy Writing / Content Editing• Print Media Design• Logo Design• Brand Identity

With over 16 years of web and graphic design experience, Amy has a deep understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to help her clients obtain higher website search

engine rankings by Google, Yahoo, Bing and AOL. Amy and her team also understand that a web-site is a valuable marketing tool that can drive sales, increase business and position companies above the competition.

Although websites and graphic design campaigns for small to medium-sized businesses are the main focus of IWD, Amy is proud to give back to the community. She has donated websites to not-for-profit organizations including Fairfield’s TeamBrent.com, which raises money to combat childhood cancer. Amy also speaks to local business groups and organizations on the importance of high website search engine rankings and how a website is an invaluable marketing tool.

Based in Fairfield, Connecticut and founded in 2001, Infinite Web Designs, LLC serves all of Fair-field County, New Haven County, Westchester County, New York and New Jersey.

Please visit Infinite Web Designs on the web at www.infinitewebdesigns.com or call 203.510.3134 for more information.

Ann Elizabeth Hogan, DDS

Dr. Hogan knows that when you feel good about yourself and have a great smile to help open doors, it is easier to face life’s challeng-es. With her high level of education and train-ing, she has been able to help many patients achieve oral wellness and obtain smiles that can make others smile. In 2005, after intense didactic and clinical training, she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from New York University. After completing a one year general practice residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, she began practic-ing dentistry in Stamford in 2006

Dr. Hogan grew up the youngest of eleven children being the daughter of an internist and a nurse in a family of professionals. She was raised to work hard and to appreciate the value of a job, well done. She had good role models and was met with high expecta-

tions, and in turn, has high expectations of herself. One invaluable lesson she took from her father was to never stop learning. It is with this in mind that Dr. Hogan has stayed committed to continuing her education and training to provide her patients with dental services of the highest quality. She chose not to specialize in one area of dentistry, but rather to become skilled in several areas, including endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and both Invisalign and conventional orthodontics.

As a faithful follower of the “laughter is good medicine” philosophy, Dr. Hogan sets her pa-tients at ease with a pleasant demeanor and relaxed manner, allowing them to open up with their concerns. A good relationship is essential to a good outcome, as is listening to and un-derstanding the patient’s needs and expectations. It is with that ideal at Esthetique Dentistry that the office is able to offer full dental services, including all aspects of general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, implant dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics and endodon-tics within the confines of a single office.

Dr. Risa Sloves, D.C. , D. I C.C.P.Dr. Risa Sloves has been in private practice in Connecticut with her husband, Dr. Mark Joachim, for over 20 years. She is currently 1 of 10 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut to have a 3 year post-doctorate degree and Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care. Dr. Sloves focuses on providing excep-tional chiropractic treatment for all aspects of pre- and post-natal care and she is certified in both the Webster and Bagnell Breach Turning Techniques as well as acupuncture. In addi-tion to helping pregnant women with common painful conditions such as low back pain, sci-atica, pubic pain, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Sloves also provides pediatric chiropractic care including cranial sacral treat-ment for children of all ages and abilities. Some of the more common pediatric conditions that Dr. Sloves sees include colic, gastric reflux, tor-ticollis, plagiocephaly, ear infections, asthma, allergies, ADD/ADHD, autism and sensory in-

tegration issues, scoliosis, sports injuries, “growing pains” and wellness/preventative care. Dr. Sloves’ goal is to help all pregnant woman have an educated and empowering delivery and to encourage families to strive for a life of optimal wellness. Her husband, Dr. Joachim, is the first and only physician in Connecticut to have advanced certification in the BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique which is a non-invasive, drug-free and injection-free approach that can diagnose and eliminate food, environmental and chemical allergies. He also runs the Non-Surgical DRX 9000 True Spinal Decompression facility in their office for patients suffering with herniated/ bulging, or degenerated discs, sciatica, stenosis and failed low back surgery. Dr. Sloves has been the Fairfield County Leader of the Holistic Moms Network for many years and she is the founder of Women of Wellness, a network of prenatal and early family care, in Fairfield County. Dr. Risa Sloves, D.C. , D. I C.C.P., Chiropractic PhysicianBoard Certified in Pediatric and Maternity CareAssociates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care, P.C.156 East Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 838-1555, www.ctchiropractic.com www.ctspinalpain-center.com, www.eliminate-my-allergies.com

Amanda Root

Amanda Root is Vice President of Operations and co-owner of Tri-City, based in Milford, CT. She is the third generation of her family to oversee the day to day operations of the company, who has specialized in providing resi-dential appliance repair, heating and cooling installation and repair, plumb-ing installations and repairs, and home energy services since 1962. Amanda studied business at Sacred Heart Uni-versity in Fairfield and has completed various management courses with Nexstar Network. She also sits on the board of directors and is the record-ing secretary for the Milford Network of Executive Women. Amanda dedi-cates time to helping others, through

Thanks-4-Giving food drives with the local Boy Scouts of America groups, as well as helping to facilitate an annual scholarship drive focused on continuing educa-tion for women.

Working for Tri-City since the age of 14, Amanda has come to learn the ways of the business world, developing problem solving and customer service skills that are far beyond her age. When asked about Amanda’s influence on the business, owner Seamus Warakomski says, “Her competitive drive helps in building a suc-cessful and responsible team, and her out of the box thinking help implement processes and system to leverage her several responsibilities so she can take ac-countability for all actions. I am very proud of her many accomplishments.”

Women in Profile


Carolyn Thanasoulis

Carolyn has almost 30 years of experience in the field of healthcare. She has worked as a Clinician (BS in Speech Pathology/Audiol-ogy), Administrator (Director of Residential Services, Director of Program Development, etc.), as well as hands-on care (Patient Care Technician, Certified Nurses Aide).

Since 1980, she has worked with adults with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and a variety of men-tal and physical disabilities. In recent years, she has focused her energies on the chal-lenges faced by the senior population. Caro-lyn is the owner of the Senior Helpers office located in the Newtown area of Connecticut. This office services the Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven Counties.

Carolyn personally completes each in home assessment (at no charge). She takes the

time to listen and learn about each individual’s unique needs, and then offer a plan that will provide peace of mind for all involved.

Senior Helpers services include: • Care Coordination• Wellness Watch• Homecare• Relocation Services

Carolyn also participates in numerous speaking engagements relating to the Sandwich Gen-eration. She can teach you what you need to know… before you need to know it!

Senior Helpers, 75 Glen Road, Suite G-5, Sandy Hook, CT 06482. Tel: (203) 304-1634 www.seniorhelpersnavigator.com

Fern Tausig, CH

Fern Tausig, CH is owner of Healing Hypnosis . As consulting hypnotist she is certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists and the Internation-al Association of Counselors and Therapists. With a 6th year level of education in secondary health edu-cation, and 35 years of teaching ex-perience, she has a passion for both education and wellness. Fern gradu-ated from The University of Rhode Island with a BS and did her gradu-ate work at Southern Connecticut State University. Using a variety of modalities, including EFT, NLP, and Past Experience Regression, she

helps clients achieve a healthier, happier, and more productive life through her private and group hypnosis sessions. She has helped clients lose weight, quit smoking, eliminate bad habits, as well as fears, phobias and anxiety. Fern regularly presents workshops and seminars for corporations, associa-tions, and social clubs. She sees private clients and conducts group hypno-sis sessions by appointment in Norwalk, Orange and Middletown CT.

Call now for your free phone consultation. She may be reached at www.myHealingHypnosis.com, [email protected] 203-283-4567

Val J. Fields

Hi, my name is Val J. Fields, I am a facilitator of women’s events, an inspirational speaker and Founder of Spirit of Woman Un-limited and Spirit of WomanCon-nect. My passion to enrich the lives of women was born out of a recurring dream where I saw myself as a bridge uniting the common interests of women. I believe women are powerful be-ings and very significant to birth-ing much needed initiatives that will change our communities and our world. I like to regard myself as a “connector of women” be-

cause I understand the value of connections and the amazing op-portunities that are possible for every woman when we connect and share rather than compete and compare. If you are a business owner, a woman entrepreneur or someone who wants to discover what you are passionate about and give life to a dream you had to defer, I invite you to come and be a part of a dynamic networking experience that is focused on you and what you uniquely have to offer to others.

For more info, visit www.spiritofwomanconnect.org or feel free to contact me directly at 203.912.2756.

Marie DiazCo-owner and Director of Operations of Senior Help-ers, a provider of non-medical in-home care for the el-derly, serving Lower and Upper Coastal Fairfield County through a geographically dispersed staff of caregivers. Marie’s operation has consistently ranked in the top 10%, in revenue and the client retention required for achieving it, of all Senior Helpers in the U.S. Each Senior Helpers is independently owned and operated.

Marie has been lauded by her clients and their families for going “above and beyond” in providing service, “her insight, knowledge and human understanding of seniors’ physical and emotional needs”, and ” the abil-ity to provide the right caregiver for the right family”. Understanding the demanding schedules of families, Marie is very accessible day or night. Seniors and their families find her to be a caring individual, carrying out her responsibility with the senior’s needs given the highest priority.

Prior to Senior Helpers, Marie spent 30 years with IBM having held leadership positions in Finance, Administra-tion, and professional services Operations. Together with co-owner, Tim Daniels, a former IBM executive in professional services, they have successfully trans-ferred their ability to personalize services and expertise

in process management and quality control into a systematic approach to providing reliable and on-target home-care to their clients. This statement is substantiated by over 95% of her current and former clients being willing to recommend the services of her firm to others. The genera l services Senior Helpers provides range from errands, shopping, and transportation services to assist-ing individuals with walking, bathing, grooming, and other personal care needs.

Understanding that clients with Alzheimer’s/dementia, severe Arthritis, and Low-Vision often require specific care-giver skills/personalities and home-setup for proficient care, Marie has developed specializations in these areas within her operation. She takes pride in matching the skills and characteristics of her caregivers to the needs and personalities of her clients to deliver quality care and enjoyable client/caregiver relationships.

With Marie’s own experience in, at various times, caring for parents and four grandchildren while balancing a career comes her rare empathy for primary family caregivers. First-hand knowledge, superior business skills, and experi-ence in managing in-home care professionally combine to make Marie a valuable resource to families requiring non-medical in-home services.

For more information Marie can be reached at:Phone: 203-564-1591 • Email: [email protected] • www.seniorhelpers.com/location/0909

Women in Profile


Dr. Julie S. Gabriel, D.C., F.I.A.M.A.

Dr. Julie Gabriel has been in private practice at Westport Chiropractic and Acupuncture for 25 years with her husband Dr. Patrick J. Guerin, D.C., F.I.A.M.A.

Dr. Gabriel is certified in Acupuncture with the International Academy of Acupuncture since 1998. She is a member of the Ameri-can Chiropractic Association, International Chiropractic Association and Connecticut Chiropractic Association. Together with her husband, Dr. Guerin, the inventor and de-veloper of Acu-Thin ™, she has helped many patients lose weight without diet change and exercise. Acu-Thin ™ is a new approach to weight loss based on the principle of Au-riculotherapy (ear acupuncture), which de-creases the desire for food so weight is lost without hunger.

Dr. Gabriel and Dr. Guerin have also brought the DRX9000 to Westport and surrounding towns. The DRX9000 is the “state of the art” non-surgical spinal decompression treatment for disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, stenosis and sciatica.

Dr. Gabriel is available for consultation by appointment.

Dr. Julie Gabriel, D.C., F.I.A.M.A.Westport Chiropractic and Acupuncture256 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880(203) 227-4474 westportchiro@aol.comwww.westportchiropractic.comwww.westportspine.comwww.acuthin.com

Lisa Wexler

Lisa Wexler is the creator and host of the award-winning talk radio program The Lisa Wexler Show, broadcasting in the Fairfield County, CT/Metro NY areas from 4-6 PM weekdays on Coxradio’s AM 1400 WSTC/1350 WNLK. Lisa won the 2010 “Gra-cie” Award as Best News/Talk Show for her interview with Gloria Steinem and was awarded the title “Gold Coast Best Radio Personality” in 2009 and 2010 based on a reader survey. She is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University and the New York University School of Law, where she won the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Constitutional Law.The mission of the Lisa Wexler Show is to entertain and inform, with humor and em-pathy. Lisa is particularly interested in giv-ing voice to the voiceless, such as children, animals and oppressed women.

Lisa recently published her first book, Secrets of a Jewish Mother, co-authored with her mother, Gloria Kamen and sister, Jill Zarin. (Penguin/Dutton).

Lisa has served on the Board of Directors of two Jewish Community Centers as well as her synagogue. She currently serves on the Board of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation for Primary Immunodeficiency Research and the Advisory Board of Jane Doe No More. Lisa Wexler has been married for 28 years to the same guy, Bill Wexler, is the mother of two children and shares her pillow with her beloved bichon, Sugar.

For more information and to hear any show at any time, go to www.lisawexler.com.

Dianne Boras, MBA

Your image defines who you are. When your clothes look and fit great, you give an impres-sion of confidence and success. Vada Image Consulting can assist you in defining your personal style and teach you how to select the right fit and colors of clothing for you. Very simple, when you look great, you feel great!

Our client base consists of both professional women who need help in selecting the right business wardrobe and stay at home moms who are looking to turn their casual attire into more stylish causal attire. We also of-fer corporate seminars and collegiate work-shops.

Dianne loves to see the transformation from a client who is unhappy with her current wardrobe, to one that is excited about get-

ting dressed every day. The end result is about you looking comfortable and confident in the clothes that you wear.

Raised in New Jersey, Dianne attended Ramapo College, and received her MBA from Sacred Heart University. Dianne worked for General Electric or many years, ran a home based busi-ness while raising her children, and is currently the President of Vada Image Consulting. She is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International, and trained at the world renown Image Resource Center of New York. Her passion for people and desire to coach in-dividuals to their full potential is what attracted her to this dynamic and fascinating industry. Dianne lives in Connecticut with her husband and her three teenage daughters.

Vada Image ConsultingPO Box 516, Fairfield, CT 06824 • (203) 209-0887Vadaimage.com • [email protected]

Carol McManusExecutive Coach, Business Consultant, and Social Media Strategist

Carol McManus is the Founder and Presi-dent of Ywait4success, a coaching, con-sulting and training business targeted to meet the needs of real estate owners and managers. Carol is a certified Execu-tive Coach who personally works with en-trepreneurs and business owners in any industry using laser-focused techniques and fast-track solutions to solve business challenges.

Prior to launching her business in 2007, she was the Senior Vice President of Real Estate Operations for one of the world’s largest real estate franchises and prior to that, the Chief Operating Officer of the #1 affiliate for the company, growing her Ha-

waii franchise’s bottom line by over 4000% in 3 years!She is the author of “Ten Traits for Top Performers” and is currently working on her new-est book, “Reinvent Yourself at Any Age.”

After striking out on her own, it was essential to learn new marketing skills and to make a fast impact on a limited budget. Social media became her break-through secret weap-on to success. Carol speaks frequently on how entrepreneurs can develop a successful strategy devoting only 17 minutes a day to social media. Her advice to clients usually includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google Profile and Blogging, but her secret sauce is showing people how to use LinkedIn effectively to gain more sales leads, referrals, and new business without selling!

Carol can be reached by email at carol.mcmanus@ywait4success or you can call her directly at 203-286-8760.

Women in Profile


Josephine Posa

Josephine joined Eagle Point in 2008 to grow the business through her first hand knowl-edge of credit card processing which she developed during her time with First Data. Jo contin-ues her association with First Data through Eagle Point.

Josephine divides her time be-tween Long Island and NYC. Her interests include spending time with family, (she is now a proud

grandma), charity work, travel, music and sports.

Josephine can be reached at 212-207-3427, extension 116.

Carreen Kiely

Owner and Groomer of Grooming To Go, LLC, Carreen Kiely is Connecticut’s solu-tion to the hassles of pet grooming and the alternative to kenneling. After com-pleting school in 2004 to become certified in professional pet grooming and parasite control, Carreen started Grooming To Go.

Carreen is a lifetime member of Cambridge Who’s Who for Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs, and since 2007 a mem-ber of the Connecticut Better Business Bu-reau. While upholding a very professional business motto, through her compassion-ate demeanor Carreen has transformed many “difficult” stressed dogs into the calm, loving creatures their owners know them to be.

The passion for animals does not stop with her clients. Carreen volunteers with the Stratford Animal Rescue Society, and donates to “Last Chance for Animals”, and the “United States Human Society”. As well as being a long time member of the ASPCA.

Animals have always held a special place in my heart and that is why I try to make some-thing so simple as a hair cut as stress free as possible.

Carreen can be reached at 203-386-9648 or by e-mail at [email protected] To Go, LLCwww.groomingtogo.com

Franchising opportunities available soon. Call 203-394-1217

Amy L. Kaplan, B.A., M.A.

Amy L. Kaplan has been teaching all of her adult life. Her family says, “teaching is not what she does, but who she is.” As she holds two Bachelor’s and two Master’s degrees and is certified in Connecticut in six subject areas, Amy is educationally and experiential-ly able to tutor almost any subject.

Success Tutoring helps students who are:

• Gifted• Apathetic• Disorganized • School phobic• Learning disabled • Emotionally challenged • Average, yet need more academic guidance

than is being offered in the classroom.

Our students not only grow academically, but become more confident, self-directed learners. Success Tutoring helps students improve their grades, raise their scores and attend the col-leges of their dreams!

Start this school year off right!! One-on-one tutoring is the best way to help your child BEFORE s/he has academic challenges.

For further information please call 203-259-5202, Email [email protected], Or log onto www.SuccessTutoringLLC.com

Mention Fairfield County Woman and receive a 10% discount on the first five paid hours of tutoring.

Stefanie Sanchez, MBA

Stefanie Sanchez, MBA, is Director of Admissions for Bay Path College, a small, private, liberal arts college in Longmeadow, MA, offering career-focused, undergraduate programs for women, and graduate programs for men and women. Sanchez, who joined Bay Path in 2007, assists people to pur-sue and reach their personal and profes-sional goals. A member of the Bay Path College community for over 10 years, Sanchez holds a bachelor of science in business and a master of business ad-ministration from Bay Path.

Prior to Bay Path College, Sanchez worked with college-bound students and their families to secure off-campus

housing in apartments and homes throughout the country. From the college search and application to the financial aid process for both traditional and adult students, she understands the decisions that go into selecting the right college. She is com-mitted to going “above and beyond” the call of duty, which is a common trait at Bay Path’s three campuses in Longmeadow, Central Massachusetts, and the Great-er Boston area.

Sanchez is from Connecticut, and currently lives in the Western Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters.

For more information, contact Stefanie Sanchez at 413-565-1338 or [email protected] or visit www.baypath.edu.

Women in Profile


About the Mission: Friends in Africa is a charity that cares for the poor, sick and starving people of Senegal, Africa, through FREE medical and dental treat-ment, feeding programs and health education. Teams of volunteers from the U.S. working with Senegalese physi-cians, dentists, nurses and phar-macists conduct quarterly two-day medical clinics in the slums and re-mote villages surrounding Dakar. At each clinic hundreds of sick in-fants, children and adults are given medical and dental treatment and any needed prescriptions and sup-plies. As well, we provide meals for thousands of malnourished people who face a daily struggle against hunger. During each clinic, while patients wait for treatment, health seminars provide vital information about topics such as reproduction and nutrition. Why and How: In 2003 my father Stephen Gamble who is the director of the missions department at Harvest Time Church in Greenwich, CT received a visit from a minister of a small church in Dakar. He begged my father to come and see the devastation that is his county. So we gathered a small team of physicians and oth-er volunteers to conduct a “trial” medical clinic there. I was shocked by what I encountered. The con-ditions in Senegal were far worse than I had ever imagined. The pov-erty is widespread and health care, sanitation and education are non-existent. What truly broke my heart was that this already difficult life was made so much harder because of treatable illnesses and injuries. In-fections like conjunctivitis cause blindness because families can not spare $2 for medication. Cuts and

burns lead to fatal infections. In-fants starve to death because their mothers are too young, too old or too malnourished to produce milk and have no money to pay for for-mula. The children have intestinal worms, and almost every patient is suffering from overwhelming ma-

larial infection. I watched in hor-ror as child after child collapsed in front of me from temperatures over 105.0 degrees. It was simply not an option to leave these people and their needs be-hind. So Friends in Africa was cre-ated. A director and administration was established in Senegal, and

Senegalese medical professionals formed a coalition that has faith-fully held quarterly medical clinics since 2003. A board of directors was established in Greenwich, Con-necticut which I sit on, to provide ongoing organizational and finan-cial support.

Now: I travel over twice a year to help in the clinic and see patients, but my larger job has been what I like to call my “Doctors and Dollars” cam-paign. Neither of which these clin-ics can do without. Friends in Africa is a not for profit organization, and

all of the donated monies go direct-ly to the patients I treat. Wonderful physicians here have provided so much help already. Car-diology Associates of Fairfield faith-fully empties out his pharmaceuti-cal cabinet 4 times a year so we can hand carry over a 3 month supply of first line therapies for each pa-tient I treat. Local surgeons helped me prepare for our first “petite chirurgie”- a minimally invasive sur-gical tent to address the wounds, growths and deep infections which debilitate the Senegalese lives. High Ridge Family practice donates antibiotics, and cases of formula for the dying infants. Anmuth Surgical Supply generously outfitted the en-tire surgery clinic with hundreds of dollars in donated instruments. But we still need help. People still go blind from eye infections, die from overwhelming sepsis after a leg wound goes through to the bone, children still have seizures in front of me, and I still watch as a skeletal child nurses at an emp-ty breast. But now- I know I can help. My goal is to begin building a permanent free clinic there- and negotiations are already underway for the purchase of land. This way instead of just caring for people on a quarterly basis- there would be an established center for ongoing care and follow-ups. I am always looking for volunteers to help serve- whether it’s doing tri-age, seeing patients, working secu-rity, or just holding a child or two. If you would rather donate medicine, children’s vitamins, pre-natal vita-mins, medical supplies or money- I guarantee you we can use all of it! Visit the website for more infor-mation on our upcoming trips at www.friendsinafricasenegal.com . If interested or have any other questions feel free to email me at [email protected].

Community


FJCDesigns and Construction, LLC.

Fiore J. Capparelle, Jr.General Contractor203.629.3467 • cell: [email protected]. Lic. #0613718

Contractors With Integrity


We’ve been in business for over 25 years. During that time FJC Designs & Construction, LLC has always han-dled the big jobs along with the small. Everything from major additions to simple handyman repairs. In today’s tough economic climate some homeown-ers may feel it’s unwise to spend any extra money on remodeling their home. We’re here to tell you that, in fact, it’s a GREAT time to consider remodeling. Here are a few reasons why:

1. In Tough Times Only the Best SurviveWhen the home improvement industry was going full steam just a few years back, there was a plethora of con-tractors out there – for better or worse. Today’s tough times have really separated the wheat from the chaff – which is all to your advantage. What homeowners are left with are often the top tier contractors.

Businesses like FJC Designs and Construction, LLC have been around longer, are more professional, provide more accurate bids and are better at customer rela-tions.

Still, always be sure to check references – feedback from a contractor’s former and current clients can pro-vide you with the critical information you need to make a wise decision.

2. Improve Energy Efficiency & SafetyEnergy efficiency might not have crossed your mind if you’d done a home remodel a few years ago. But heating and electricity costs have all risen drastically over the last two years.

You can improve your home’s energy efficiency, low-er utility bills and earn tax breaks simply by installing

insulation in the attic and basement, putting in new or replacement windows (Energy Star Appliances), weath-er stripping, placing a fan in the attic (on a thermostat to cool off that part of the house), installing solar panels, water conserving shower heads or a high-efficiency fur-nace. You’ll recoup your costs in no time.

If you have elderly parents, installing ramps, grab bars and similar items can make their lives both easier and safer.

3. Up Your Resale ValueBy remodeling now you put yourself in a solid position to sell, vis-à-vis competing properties, if and when you do put your house on the market. Potential buyers will appreciate the upgrades you’ve made: a new kitchen, master bedroom suite, updated bathrooms, or new front steps with a canopy and shutters for added curb appeal.

Work done a few years back shows that you took care of the house, whereas more recent upgrades can look as if they were merely done to snag a quick sale. Mak-ing improvements now puts you in the best position to make your move as soon as the market picks up. While everyone else is calling contractors for those get-set-to-sell projects – your house will be ready.

4. Enjoy Your RenovationsAfter all the stress of remodeling, wouldn’t it be nice to just enjoy your newly laid out bathroom or brand new kitchen for a little bit?

Given the current real estate market, you’re probably not going to be selling for a few years to come. That means you and your family can truly enjoy any improve-ments you make now.

Testimonials

“Fred has been a great help over the years. We’ve done several projects at our home, like the master bath, replacing wood siding, putting in a new kitchen, new roof and basement windows and replacing windows and storm doors. Fred is always reliable and goes the extra mile to make sure I’m satisfied with the work.”- Carol Bukowski, Cos Cob, CT

“As a designer who’s been in the industry for over 25 years, I have found the quality of FJC Designs work not only to be above and beyond par, but at a level of service that makes me proud to bring Fred into any project.”- Sharon Zilich, Owner, Edgewood Design Concepts, LLC

“Jeff and I find Fred to be reliable and dependable. The quality of work he has done for us has been excellent and the guys that he has on the jobs are also good at what they do. They show up on time, are polite, and de-pendable as well. Fred keeps to his timelines and is up front when issues arise. He also offers different options and solutions and will go through each one with you to come up with the best answer. Over the years he has done a master bath, kids bath, kitchen, finished basement, and screened porch and deck for us.” - Tracey and Jeff Grills, Darien, CT

Time to Remodel?

Contact Fred at 203.629.3467 or 203.561.9977 or email [email protected] for a free quote and references.

By Amanda Root

There are many topics in which women are experts. We are go-getters as far as informa-tion is concerned. If we come across a topic we don’t have the skinny on, we go to one of our lifelines: phone a friend, ask Mom, or the almighty GOOGLE. And for most applications it’s a pretty effective system. We can find out what 46 out of 50 users think of the newest Dyson model with a few strokes of the key-board, and we can easily survey a group of our friends about the new restaurant in town by simply picking up the phone.

And then there are some of those topics. You know, the ones we know very little about, and care very little to know about. That is un-til something breaks. Like your car, furnace, toilet, garage door…you get the picture. And not only are these topics as foreign to us as what men do at “poker night,” but they also seem too complex and downright intimidat-ing. And most “professionals” in these trades don’t make it any easier on us. So, we end up calling someone to come over to our homes, and we trust them to tell us what’s wrong, and then we try to make an educated deci-sion, all while we second guess ourselves the whole time. “Does this guy even know what he’s doing? Am I getting ripped off? Am I go-ing to get a crazy bill at the end of this? Is this going to take up my whole day? “

The worst part is that our lifelines fail in most of these situations. Our girlfriends and moth-ers most likely feel the same way about these topics. And although you can GOOGLE “fur-nace smoking and black stuff everywhere” until you’re blue in the face, what you are go-ing to come up with isn’t going to be all that helpful.

Luckily we’ve got a real live professional here who is willing to crack the code. And, he’s not alone. He has an army of men and women who work for his company who un-derstand that women make a lot of decisions when it comes to repairs on their homes, and it’s time to educate them!

Meet Seamus Warakomski. Seamus has been working in customers’ homes all over Connecticut for over 30 years, and his fam-ily business, Tri-City, has been serving Fair-field County since 1962. They specialize in providing comfort to families just like yours, by offering services like heating repair and replacement, air conditioning repair and re-placement, plumbing repair work, home en-ergy solutions, and appliance repairs.

But that’s not what makes them special. It’s their culture and philosophy on customer ser-vice that makes using Tri-City such a unique experience. Seamus understands that wom-en have some serious clout when choosing who their family does business with. And his 30 years spent in customers’ homes com-bined with the time he’s spent talking to his wife, mother, daughter and their friends, has shown him that women want to know the answers to those questions before they have to ask them themselves. And Seamus has a system to deliver this information to us. And he has taken steps to ensure that his employees are trustworthy and make you feel at ease from the moment they step through your front door. They arrive in clean uniforms, they are clean shaven and always background checked. And they will show you what’s wrong when-ever possible, instead of you just having to take their word for it. And the best part…they ALWAYS give you the price before doing any work. It’s called their Upfront Pricing Promise. And you don’t have to take my word for it; if you take a minute to call into their office you will be pleasantly surprised by how the office personnel an-swer the phone.

So here are a few lit-tle known “secrets” Seamus wants to let you in on.

First, most heating re-pairs can be prevent-ed with a little bit of maintenance. That’s

right those things need to be cleaned and inspected once a year. Not only will clean-ing your furnace keep it running longer, but it will also help it run more efficiently, which will put some of those fuel dollars back in your bank account. Annual maintenance is relatively inexpensive, and can prevent your system from breaking down in the middle of the night when repair bills seem to soar.

Next, if your home’s heating or cooling sys-tem is climbing up in age, inefficient, or just not working well, NOW is the time to replace it. The state and federal governments have put together many different programs that offer financial benefits to buyers like never before. In fact, if you purchase a home com-fort system before December 31, 2010, you can save up to $3000 in combined rebates and tax credits.

Lastly, have a home energy audit per-formed on your home ASAP. It only costs you $75 bucks and it will save you hundreds. Seamus has partnered with local utilities to provide this service to his customers and will send over a team that will check for air leaks in your home and then seal them up. They will replace up to 25 of your

homes light bulbs with new more energy ef-ficient ones. All paid for by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund.

I know all of this because Seamus is my Dad, and for the past 12 years, I have been work-ing with him to bring better service to the families of Connecticut. And as his daughter and business partner, I am proud to say I was taught the importance of quality service and customer education at a young age. Call me sometime at the office and I would love to chat with you about those topics.



Appliance

Heating & Cooling

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www.tricityappliance.com (203) 874-8279 362 New Haven Avenue, Milford

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Seamus WarakomskiOwner and President

“When a Woman Speaks,He Has Learned to Listen”



By Joe De Vito

Wow, what a great summer we just had due, in large part, to our affilia-tion with the Fairfield County Wom-en’s Journal and all the new friends we’ve made through our work. For this issue, we thought we’d ad-dress some of our customers’ and friends’ most frequent concerns:

Q. What do you use to wash the windows?

A. My kids…no, seriously, we use an environmentally safe anionic soap and water solution. It is safe around pets, plants and people.

Q. What services do you pro-vide besides window washing?

A. We’ll do anything on a ladder that a homeowner doesn’t want to do. For instance, we clean chande-liers (an important detail before the fall and winter entertaining season begins). We’ve also been known to hang holiday decorations and change bulbs.

Q. Are your prices standard?

A. We don’t charge anyone a differ-ent price based on zip code. There are, however, differences in price based on window type and acces-sibility. You can check our prices on

our website: http//: www.veteran-swindowwashing.com.

Q. Are you a licensed contrac-tor?

A. Yes, our Connecticut Home Im-provement Contractor registration number is: HIC.0618719. Our insur-ance certificate is available upon request.

Q. Why do my windows seem foggy?

A. Most modern glass is composed of two panes of glass (also called double glazed) with a space be-tween that is filled with an inert gas (usually argon) and sealed to increase the energy efficiency of the window. There are times when the seal between the two panes become worn out or invaded and, essentially, the gas oxidizes (think of metal rusting) and leaves a fog-gy, streaky stain in between the glass panes. When this happens, it is best to replace the glass por-tion of the window (though there are some companies out there who claim they can repair this oxidation through a chemical process).

Q. Do you repair thermopane windows?

A. Generally, we need to bring these double glazed windows to a near-by glazier to be replaced (usually a ten-day to two week lead time); and, then reinstall the repaired sash when it’s ready.

Q. Do gutter guards work?

A. Some work better than others, but there is nothing as efficient as having your gutters manually cleaned. We recommend you do this twice a year (spring and fall).

Don’t forget we will also clean exte-rior brick and stone, provide power washing and perform small wood repairs.

Veteran’s Window Washing

Veteran’s Window Cleaning Co., LLC“Professional Service First...Your Satisfaction Always”

Joe De VitoOwner/Operator

Residential & Commercial Window Washing Power Washing • Gutter Cleaning

No Job too Small ! • Call for an Estimate

Phone: 203-313-2636 or 203-313-3320

Automotive


Topside Detailing, LLCwas founded in July 2007 by twostudents at the University of Connecticut: Parth Thaker and Jonathan Piazza-Harper. Today their company offers complete detailing, reconditioning and service for autos, boats, cycles and RVs. Topside services all of CT with ad-ditional clients in NY, MA and RI.

203.979.1369www.topsidedetailing.com

By Parth Thaker and Jonathan Piazza-Harper, Co-Owners, Topside Detailing, LLC

A car is a major purchase. If you’re like us, you depend on yours’ every day - for a million reasons – kids, work, school, trips and just getting around. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that yours’ is regularly receiving the best care pos-sible for safety, longevity and value?

Detailing is an effective, convenient way to take care of your car and pre-serve its value while keeping your loved ones safe.

Car Wash vs. DetailingA regular car wash involves simply washing the vehicle and then drying it. Auto detailing, in contrast, ensures that all the different parts of your ve-hicle are restored and protected. Car details range anywhere from 1-hour express to 3-hour complete, compared to the 2-minute automatic car wash.3 great reasons to consider a car de-tailing this fall:

1. Keep Your Ride a Safe One From steam cleaning interiors to head-light restoration and precision clean-ing of vital exterior surfaces, a detail-ing should be part of a regular safety maintenance program for your vehicle. Just as you change your oil every 3,000 miles, a regular detail is recommend for the longevity and optimum condi-tion of your car.

Dust and dirt accumulates in all the crevices and cracks inside a car (and out) and can prevent proper function-ing of windows, AC vents, doors, seats etc. If never deeply cleaned, debris and dirt can collect on places like the roof leading to condensation and rust.

90% of the cars on the road have dirty, scratched, discolored, or hazy head-lights lenses. Not only does this affect the appearance of a vehicle but its’ safety as well, because hazy or cloudy headlights can significantly reduce night vision. Detailing restores clarity, illumination, photometry and optical quality. Cleaning and waxing doorjambs pre-vents rust and ensures doors open and close properly. Cleaning drain holes also means no water leakage in car or faulty drainage.

Interior detailing entails deep extrac-tion of dirt, grim, debris and spots on fabric and carpets. This removes salt stains, pet hair, grease and rids the air of dust, bacteria and allergens – leav-

ing a cleaner breathing environment free of mildew, smells of children or pet accidents, smoke and water dam-age.

Detailing also involves cleaning wheels with brake dust remover to maintain optimum usage.

And let’s not forget the dirt, sand and stones that can get caught on the bot-tom of the car. A regular car wash will not take care of these potentially dam-aging items.

2. Preserve Value –Inside and Out! The chemicals used in regular car washes are typically either too con-centrated (causing harm to your paint if not rinsed thoroughly), or not con-centrated enough. Their brushes and sponges create a majority of the swirl marks and scratches that can be seen on a vehicle’s paint.

At Topside Detailing we use a unique waterless car wash formula consisting of soaps and palmers that, used in con-junction with a microfiber towel, actu-ally lifts the dirt off the car. Add pol-ish and waxing and you’re showroom ready!

At car washes your car will be quickly vacuumed and given a perfunctory in-terior wipe. With a detail your interior receives leather care and conditioning to prevent drying, cracking and fading, carpet and fabric protection to pro-tect fabric seats, floor mats and carpet from spills and spots and carpet, and fabric extraction and shampooing to remove deeply ingrained dirt, debris and grime. What a difference!

3. Save Precious TimeTopside customers are people on the go. Whether they’re professionals or active caretakers – they’re busy. No one wants to spend time in line wait-ing for a regular car wash (which isn’t going to give your car the professional care it needs anyway), when you could be at work, or out doing errands. Top-side’s mobility means that we take professional care of your car – at your place of business, commuter parking or at home – while you’re doing more important things. It’s the utmost in customer convenience.

Convenient, professional and environ-mentally safe – why not try Topside Detailing next time?

3 Smart Reasons to ‘Detail’ This Fall

Parth Thaker and Jonathan Piazza-Harper, Co-Owners, Topside Detailing, LLC

More Than Just A Meeting Place


Featuring:

• Weather-protected Golf Driving Range• 18-Hole Mini-Golf

course• Jungle-themed Lazer Tag arena• Fun Bowl Bowling• Game Zone arcade• Baseball/Softball Batting Cages• The world’s only double-decker ice-skating arena• Glitter, our new arts

and craft studio

Have your child’s birthday party, choose one of our 7 theme

parties or create a combo.

SportsCenter of Connecticut is located on 20 acres, in Shelton Ct.The facility is a unique affordable family entertainment experience!

Pampered Pets


The Total Dog Experience!!!Grooming your dog is about more than turning him/her into a fashionable version of his/her shaggier self. With regu-lar haircuts and teeth cleaning you can contribute to providing your dog with optimum health and wellness. Brushing the coat will provide an opportunity to check for lumps, blemishes, infections, fleas, and ticks as well as adding shine. Brushing you dogs teeth will help prevent dental disease that can lead to tooth decay, heart, liver and kidney problems. Grooming is not all fluff and bows.

Grooming is a team effort between your groomer and you. Introducing your dog to human touching from the nose to the tail will help desensitize your pet for grooming visits as well as vet visits. Grooming To Go brings the comfort level even closer with “In-Home” visits. Dogs (as well as people) are more comfortable in their own home. There are no strange smells, barking dogs, germs from other dogs, and your pet doesn’t have to leave your side.

Grooming To Go was started in 2004 in order to provide a safe and happy experience for your pet. The entire grooming service is performed in your home to make sure that you and your pet are comfortable with the entire process. A full grooming includes skin and coat condition observed and any problems noted to the owner, hair cut according to your preference, nail trim, surface ear cleaning (plucking if necessary), relaxing bath with all natural oatmeal shampoo and conditioner, and hand blow dry. Extra services provided are teeth brushing, teeth scaling, deep ear flush, nail filing, and bandanas.

I will develop an intimate and vested interest in your dog’s well-being, far beyond his/her looks.

“Carreen’s relationship building skills with our dog as well as her grooming capabilities are excellent.” Daisy D.

“The personal one-on-one care…how you spoke so kindly to my dog.” Dr. Jennifer E.

“Your calm and kind attitude while grooming Kia. I think he loves you too!” Joan M.

Testimonials

Grooming To Go, LLC

203-386-9648www.groomingtogo.com

VetRecommended

LinkedIn for Business – Part 3 of 3

By: Carol McManus

Publisher Interview

Veronica: How long have you been using LinkedIn?

Carol: I’ve been using LinkedIn for a little over two and a half years now.

Veronica: Our readers continue to tell me how confused they are about social networking and want to know how it can benefit their business.

Carol: That’s the number one question I get from my clients. The answer is that the use of social networking is a process. You must focus on building relationships first and then the business comes once interest and trust have been estab-lished.

Veronica: Doesn’t that take a long time?

Carol: Actually not. If you are consistent and sincere in how you use any social networking platform, people will be at-tracted to you and from there meaning-ful dialogue begins which can lead to business.

Veronica: I understand that you restrict the amount of time you spend every day on social networking. Can you tell me more about that?

Carol: I have a consistent pattern of spending 17 minutes a day building and

maintaining my social networking strat-egy. I view social networking as part of my marketing effort. I could spend those same 17 minutes calling or emailing, but I wouldn’t have the reach I do with social networking. It is very time efficient and extremely inexpensive if not free.

Veronica: So why LinkedIn? Do you use other platforms?

Carol: I absolutely do. I use Facebook and Twitter and I’m about to launch a new channel on YouTube. But LinkedIn is what I found to be the most lucrative in terms of new business.

Veronica: Why do you think that is true?

Carol: That’s simple. It’s where my po-tential clients are. I am in the coaching and consulting business. In marketing it’s referred to the B2B or Business to Business market. I am trying to reach ex-ecutives, business owners, and decision makers and they are using LinkedIn.

Veronica: But aren’t they using the site for job postings?

Carol: In part, that’s true. This is prob-ably the biggest misconception about LinkedIn. While it serves as a viable and highly effective site for job seekers and talent seekers, it is so much more than that. LinkedIn is where business people go to check out potential business part-ners, vendors, affiliates, and of course, employees.

Veronica: So how has your business changed as a result of using LinkedIn?

Carol: I have been able to reach hun-dreds of people that I never would have met through traditional live networking events. I am proud to say my connec-tions reside all over the world. Once those connections are established, I begin a dialogue through the groups I

belong to and through direct use of In-Mails. This strategy is no different than what happens using traditional meth-ods of follow-up with potential business connections.

Veronica: And how long did it take you to build your connections.

Carol: That’s a never-ending process. It began in the first few months with my closest personal contacts. From there it grew to include people I had lost contact with over the years. For the past year or so, it has continued to grow by connect-ing with people who share mutual back-grounds, interests, or geography.

Veronica: Doesn’t LinkedIn recommend that you only connect with people you know?

Carol: They do, but I find that advice to be as impractical as going to a social gathering and only speaking to the peo-ple you already have a relationship with and ignoring anyone you don’t know. Networking is about connecting with new people with whom you share some-thing in common and where the connec-tion might have mutual business benefit to the parties.

Veronica: So do you consider yourself an open-networker?

Carol: Absolutely not. Open network-ers accept invitations from anybody and everybody. I see as little value in that as I do refusing invitations from people you may not know. I’m a discretionary networker. There must be a reason for have then in my network.

Veronica: With that philosophy, how have you been able to develop so much success with new business and what ad-vice would you give our readers?

Carol: It’s all about relationships. If

anyone takes the skill they use in devel-oping relationships offline, it’s easy to transfer those same skills to the online world. Concentrate on building rapport, showing interest in others, add value to discussions, and be accessible. That will lead to people being interested in you first, then liking you, then trusting you, and ultimately that’s what leads to busi-ness.

If you would like to connect with Carol online, send her an invitation to connect at www.linkedin.com/in/carolmcmanus or call her direct at 203-286-8760

Testimonials:

“Thank you for your coaching today. I never really thought that LinkedIn was that important but now I see how it can really connect you with people, groups, etc. I also see the benefit of using my business email rather than personal. Thank you for that, too.” J. Cicalese – Fairfield County, CT

“I met Carol through LinkedIn and was very impressed with her professional-ism, insightfulness and her passion in making a difference in other people’s lives. I have the pleasure to partner with her on a new venture and she has made huge strides in a short period of time due to her ability to identify top talent and help others reach their full potential using her natural coaching abilities.” A. Borgardt – Oshkosh, WI

“Companies that work with Carol are in for a treat. She is a commensurate pro-fessional who can combine both strate-gic and tactical thinking into action that creates dynamic outcomes for compa-nies.” M. Ferrara – Boston, MA

“Carol delivers an enthusiastic, positive nature to her professional consulting en-deavors. Whether she is coaching her cli-ents through challenging management situations or guiding them through op-erational efficiencies, Carol’s leadership and enthusiasm is contagious and drives results for any organization, large or small.” R. Calanni – Parsippany, NJ

[email protected]

Business to Business


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By Steven Brillon, Professional organizer

We build memories all of our lives. With these memories, and as part of daily life, we accumulate a lot of material possessions that may not be so easy to part with or that we just don’t know what to do with after their usefulness has worn out. Some things are easier to let go of than others, but knowing that your possessions can be transformed by

donation might make you feel better about the purge. Letting go also paves the way to more things for us to buy and… purge in the future. All you need is a starting point.

In today’s world the electronics junkyard growing in our homes, all over the world, is where we most need a little more knowl-edge. If we don’t know what to do with things then we just hold on to them or throw them in the trash, neither option helps us or the environment. In July of 2007 an e-waste recycling law was enacted by the state of Connecticut and as a result of booming technologies many familiar chain electronic stores have implemented recycling pro-grams for the general consumer that makes things a little easier to manage when consid-ering how to discard items in our growing electronics junkyard. Old cell phones can go back to your carriers for refurbishment or for parts. Old ink cartridges can be recycled at most office supply stores, sometimes for rewards toward your next ink cartridge pur-chase. At Office Depot you can purchase an electronics recycling box for $5, $10 or $15

and fill it with your old electronics and bring it into a local store (check store details for acceptable items). Best Buy’s recycle pro-gram allows you to bring in your old elec-tronics for free or low cost recycling. Their policy in Connecticut allows you to recycle three items per household per day. Some larger items may require a small fee. Visit the Best Buy’s website for recycle policies before making your donation. Staples also has a recycle policy which allows you to bring in your old electronic waste for recycling at little or no cost. Don’t forget about your lo-cal schools which might benefit from your donation of electronics. These are just a few recycle options that you may not have been aware of.

Parting with our outdated wardrobe is a somewhat easier task as we’ve been doing it a lot longer than we’ve been recycling com-puters and cell phones. Eventually even the most cherished articles of clothing become worn, shrink and simply no longer compli-ment us in the way our bodies have changed over time. Let go of those clothes that no

longer fit or flatter and donate to a local women’s shelter or crisis center, thrift store, Salvation Army, Goodwill or church. Some of these organizations will even pick up your donations from your doorstep. When you purge a couple of those old outfits, remem-ber that you get to shop for new outfits to look great in.

With a little know-how on what to do with our material possessions who are past their use-fulness we can clear some of the clutter from our lives. The greater importance of this purg-ing is that when we clear some of the physical clutter in our lives it helps us clear some of the clutter and confusion in our thoughts and gives us a sense of control and order that can be reflected in other avenues of our being.

For more help finding out where you might donate some of your outdated material pos-sessions check out the Connecticut Recycling Center’s Directory at http://connecticut.usci-ty.net/Recycling_Centers/.

Purging the Past to Make Room for the Present and Future

By: Ilene Moyher, Marketing Specialist, 2010 ([email protected]).

Cool and Cost‐Effective Ways to PublicizeYour BusinessNow that people regularly connect online in ways not even imagined 10 years ago, effective new tools have emerged for businesses to reach more customers. These include blogging, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, all now consid-ered “tried & true” for successful marketing. Many of the tools are free or inexpensive, and they give precise moni-toring of stats to show when activities are eliciting a strong response.

Social media sites are for much more than sharing personal anecdotes; they are hugely important in attracting custom-ers and bringing in qualified leads. The conversations that take place on sites including Facebook and Twitter can be targeted and immediate, and drive business success by:

1. Building relationships – Open communication begets trust and loyalty. Social media tools allow you to share messages and engage in discussions with new and po-tential customers. Transparency and accessibility are hugely meaningful to today’s buyers. Messages may even be shared by readers – and ‘go viral’.

2. Reaching targeted audiences – It’s possible to connect with qualified leads: people who are specifically

interested in your company, products or services in gen-eral; and those who fit certain demographic criteria. This enables targeted messaging.

3. Addressing concerns and learning of missing products or services – Customers can share concerns and ideas in real-time, giving you the opportunity to provide solu-tions.

An example of using Facebook is to promote an event you’re hosting. It’s easy to announce the event, give it vis-ibility amongst your followers and their followers, have conversations about it, and use the email function for fol-low up.

Twitter has unique application for sharing news and engag-ing in some fun activities with your audience. It’s ideal for hosting a contest or announcing a discount. Also, by giving news updates on important industry or company happen-ings, you can become established as a leader and expert.

Planning Your Social Media StrategyFirst, evaluate which channels to join and start thinking about messaging. Take comfort in knowing that you can-not – and do not need to ‐ be everywhere. Much like tra-dition marketing, it’s best to follow a roadmap and make adjustments as needed.

1. Plan messaging – interweave serious information with basic human socializing (remember, the medium is called “Social Media” not “Share Facts Only Media”). Align with the overall corporate strategy and sales

goals. Some guidelines for being effective while follow-ing good “webiquette” is to keep messages helpful, not mundane, methodical, professional, and engaging.

2. Engage and build relationships – Find fans, followers and subscribers by following others and asking people to follow your company. In addition to sharing informa-tion with audiences, ask questions to engage them in discussions.

3. Be consistent – Determine the frequency of your activi-ties and keep on schedule. Keep on target with over-arching messaging while still responding to new hot topics that may arise.

4. Measure and modify – Regularly (but not obsessively) review the number of hits, visitors, fans and followers. Review when spikes occur, i.e., in response to particular information or promotions you shared. Then do more of what’s working and scale back on what’s not! The great thing is you can modify as needed and know quickly when activities are most effective.

5. Watch competitors – In addition to “googling” the com-petition, monitor industry blogs, become a follower and listen to the buzz. You’ll gain relevant insights in a timely fashion.

Social Media for Brick & Mortar BusinessesOnline businesses rely upon social media to grow. Brick & mortar businesses can also watch their following grow by building a strong presence. Here are some simple steps to get started:

1. Develop a blog and/or website. This will serve as the hub of information for visitors. Find your voice and develop content that readers will find valuable.2. Collect e-mails. Place an e-mail sign up on the company homepage or blog, and ask walk-in customers to provide their name, e-mail address, and birthday month (optional). Offer something in return, such as a coupon. Collecting e‐mails enables you to send regular promotions, provide a

special discount for theirbirthday, and send e-newsletters to keep your company visible.3. Create a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn is a professional social media site that allows people to connect with col-leagues and target audiences. Join some groups and con-tribute meaningful content to conversations. This will posi-tion you as knowledgeable and build your credibility.4. Create a Twitter page, gather followers, and tweet about timely special promotions you’re offering. People will feel like they are part of an exclusive circle.

Implementing Your Social Media Program – Professional Help Is AvailableNow it’s time to promote your products and/or services through social media. You may need help implementing the plan, which will include setting up all channels, adding content, monitoring results, and continually evolving.

For professional help pinpointing the most effective social media tools for your goals and carrying out activities, con-tact Cynthia Cavoto of Marketing That Works for You for a free consultation and customized plan. Cynthia will work with you one-on-one to evaluate what you need, incorpo-rating your other promotional activities, and will imple-ment the social media program on an ongoing basis.

Cynthia Cavoto:www.mymarketingthatworksforyou.com, 203.414.5509,[email protected].

Get ready to be pleasantly surprised at howeffective social media is for your business!



“



VadaImage

Consulting

Business Style


IMPROVE YOUR IMAGE, STYLE AND WARDROBE!

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Does size really matter???By Dianne Boras, Vada Image Consulting

When it comes to clothing, the answer is unequivocally NO! What does matter is the FIT!!

A great dress can look awful if it doesn’t FIT you. The same for that awesome pair of jeans or a skirt that you just purchased. If your clothing doesn’t FIT you, you will not feel or look good wearing it. Size doesn’t matter.... really! Pants that are too tight will show off your “muffin top”. Nobody looks good in a muffin top! Wearing too tight of anything will actually make you look heavier. The goal is straight lines… not bumps and bulges. I have seen dozens of clients who have brand new clothing hanging in their closets that they can’t wear because they are waiting to lose those five pounds. Don’t do this!!! Buy what fits now, so you can wear it now!! Isn’t that why you went shopping in the first place?

The same is true for those of you who are very thin. Many thin people will purchase clothing that is too big on them, in an attempt to bulk up a bit. This actually makes you look thinner, and gives the appearance of your clothes wearing you. Baggy is not flattering, unless the piece is styled to look as such.

How do you know what styles and fit to look for when shopping? Well, that’s where Vada Image Consulting comes in. Dianne Boras, the President of Vada takes the guess work out of finding the perfect colors and styles that best fit your body type. After working with Dianne, you will be able to shop with ease, and know exactly what to look for or avoid on your shopping excursions!

The process is easy and fun, as we determine your color palette, your body type to determine the best fit of clothing for you, your most flattering patterns and how to accentuate your positive features or camouflage those areas you wish to minimize. We offer wardrobe analysis in order to weed through your existing clothing, were we put together a shop-ping list of items needed to complete your wardrobe. Personal shopping is the next step where we shop together to find those perfect pieces! The overall goal is to save you time and money in only purchasing clothing that you will actually wear, and look fantastic in. Say goodbye to the days of buying items only to hang in your closet for years with the tags still on them, because something just wasn’t right about it.

So remember this season… size doesn’t matter! Buy what fits now, so you look great now. If you need direction, call Dianne for a complementary phone consultation. Dianne offers very personalized service, and her goal is to make you feel terrific about your clothing choices every day.

Visit Vada Image Consulting at vadaimage.com. • [email protected] • 203-209-0887

By Valerie J. Fields

Networking can be a really intimidat-ing experience, especially if you are just starting to do it. On the other hand however, it can also be a very inspiring one depending on how you approach your networking opportu-nities. There are some people who appear to be naturals at it, while others see networking as a colossal waste of their time, because they can’t see any tangible results. The dif-ference between these two types of networkers is that one sees network-ing as an art, while the other see it as a science. The truth is networking is an art - it is the art of communica-tion, of conversation and navigation; there is a system of rules or princi-ples that govern its activity. Savvy or successful networkers know and un-derstand this. Contrary to what may have been written by some, there are no real secrets to a successful or fruitful networking experience, but there are certain “acts of engage-ment” that can make a networking experience both satisfying and grati-fying. The act of knowing when to speak, and when to listen; the act of engaging in conversation, not domi-nating the conversation; and, how to navigate the process, for instance, how not to be intrusive or invasive, but rather intuitive - being able to sense when you are being invited into someone’s presence. Having a sense of these things can make or break a networking experience.

It’s a foregone conclusion that busi-ness networking is necessary if you want your business to succeed and grow. It is one of the few cost-effec-tive ways to market your business and inform others about the unique products and services you have to offer. It’s an effective way to meet people, to grow your network and expand your circle of influence with-in a group of other like-minded and

purposed individuals, who are there to do the same. But what ultimately sets apart a savvy networker from someone who is not, is that success-ful networkers get it. They under-stand that networking is not centered on their personal agenda; nor is it an opportunity to merely stockpile busi-ness cards and talk themselves up. The savvy networker understands

that networking is about creating au-thentic connections and establishing meaningful relationships. It’s about showing up and sharing.

You are responsible for creating your own experience. If you want a fruitful experience, you have to sow some seeds. Not just the seed of your time, but also the seed of your

actions. It does not matter how pro-ductive or unproductive you believe a particular event to be, ultimately if you left and went home with the feeling that you got nothing out of it - whose fault is that? The universal principle of reaping what you sow, dictates that you take full account-ability for your actions or inaction. I remember going to a particular net-working event, that I knew early on was not going to work for me, but I stayed anyway complaining about how exclusive it was and how nearly impossible I thought it would be to get any face time with certain people who were there. Truth is, I allowed my experience to be guided by my pre-conceived notions and as a result I had a pretty unfruitful experience. What I did not realize, was that net-working is not a line it’s a circle; that it’s not a once-and-for-all event, it’s a process. What I finally learned was that it’s all about reciprocity, a recip-rocal act - less about what you are there to get and more about what you are there to give. I learned it is unfruitful to approach a networking opportunity just to gain access to a resource; my intention now is to go inspired to be ONE! If there are any secrets to a fruitful networking ex-perience, I would say that would be one of them. Bottom line, if your net-working is not working, check your approach and your MOTIVES!

Valerie J. Fields is the founder of Spirit of Woman Unlimited - creator of signature empowerment events for women; and Spirit of Woman-Connect, a monthly networking ex-perience that connects the spirit of woman to the soul of empower-ment, networking the way women are naturally designed to connect. Valerie can be reached directly at 203.912.2756 or by visiting her web-sites www.spiritofwomanunlimited.org and www.spiritofwomancon-nect.org.

Spirit of WomanConneCt™ ~HoW to make netWorking a fruitful experienCe

Testimonial

“Valerie Fields is a powerful force and inspiration to all women. Her conferences and workshops offers to women healing, restoration and in-spiration to become a better woman. I am grateful for her work and her ability to con-nect women with themselves and to each other.”

De BooneCEO De Boone Consulting

For more info,visit www.spiritofwomanconnect.orgor feel free to contact me directly at

203.912.2756

Women’s Groups


Your Money


I, and my firm, provide a wide array of services to a diverse client base, includ-ing real estate professionals, attorney’s, doctors and dentists, chiropractors, in-surance agencies, and contractors.

Computerized Accounting Systems

I am fully expert in QuickBooks™ and Peachtree™ Accounting Software and can help you install, set-up and config-ure your new computerized bookkeep-ing system. In fact, in 2007 I became a Certified QuickBooks Pro-Advisor

Once we install your system. My firm can help you customize it to meet your specific needs and resolve any issues that arise in your day-to-day use of the system.

Bookkeeping Services

From periodic “write-up” services or “real-time” check writing and book-keeping, I can take the worry out of run-ning the accounting function or your small business. Today’s entrepreneur may not have the time or expertise to keep up with the minutiae of bookkeep-ing. Bank reconciliations, loans, credit cards, fixed assets, and depreciation

schedules, you could spend a significant portion of your time making sure that the information you need to make finan-cial decisions is in good order. When are you going to have time to do what you are good at, the reason you opened your business was not to be a bookkeeper.

Income taxes

Individual, business, estate, and gift tax, I have over a decade of experience helping people and small business meet tax compliance obligations. However, taxes are not limited to April 15th. The real goal; is not just filing your taxes, but also making sure that you only pay your fair share. Planning is a year-round pursuit, and if it is done well, you can sleep easy on April 14th knowing that you only paid what you were supposed to, and not one penny more.

Financial Statements

There are many reasons to have finan-cial statements prepared. You may need a loan from a bank, your vendors may require a financial statement to extend credit, or you may just want a periodic snap shot of how your business is doing. I can prepare financial statements for

internal, management use only, or can provide a compilation, review, or audit, if those types of statements are called for as well

Financial Analysis

Financial statements are a useful tool for running your business, a financial statement provides information that is critical in the decision making process, however financial statements of all types have severe limitations, the only see the past. In order to see where your business is going, how it compares with its peer group, how effectively the busi-ness coverts sales into profits, consider a more in-depth analysis using both fi-nancial and non-financial metrics.

Business Valuation

Are you buying or selling a business? Are you taking on a new partner, or working with a financial planner to make sure your family’s needs are cov-ered with life insurance? Consider the fact that your small business is an asset that may have a substantial value. How-ever, in most instances you cannot go to the Wall Street Journal and look up the stock price. How will you know if you

are overpaying for the business you are buying, or if you have enough life insur-ance to cover your assets when you pass away? Consider having Daniel R. Kauf-man, CPA prepare a business valuation so you know how much your business is worth.

By: Daniel R. Kaufman, CPAManaging Member of Daniel R.Kaufman, CPA, LLC

Technology has expanded the way we do business. Advances in technol-ogy have revolutionized all enhanced client contact, increased productiv-ity and the availability of information over the last ten years. While technol-ogy has improved all aspects of busi-ness, the one area that has lagged has been in the accounting department.

Technology has made your accounting function less time consuming. There are software packages that have re-duced the drudgery involved in the accounting process. At the end of the day, it is still the same task, just a little more automated.

Even with software, the small busi-ness owner needs to be at a desk with a computer in order to manage the ac-counting of the business. A CPU and a printer have replaced paper ledgers and handwritten checks, but the func-tionality has not changed, just the manner in which the task is accom-plished.

The internet offers many benefits to not only make accounting more func-tional, on-line banking, bill paying etc., it can change the way you work and can help reduce costs as well. Cloud computing is replacing desktop appli-cations. This allows for collaboration across the entire spectrum of your staff and external advisors. More-over, while the basics of accounting, paying bills, invoicing clients, receiv-

ing payments will never change, the way you perform these functions will change.

Imagine you are on vacation and you suddenly remember you needed to send an estimate to a customer. In the past, this would have to wait until you returned. Possibly delaying the sale or losing it all together to a competi-tor. With the right systems in place, you would be able to log in to your accounting system from anywhere in the world, prepare the document and email it to your customer, all without every moving from the pool. That is just one of many benefits that the in-ternet and online applications have to offer small business accounting.

Daniel R. Kaufman, CPA

Daniel R. KaufmanCPA, LLC

d/b/a Sterling Tax& Financial Associates

871-E Newfield Street Middletown,

Connecticut 06457

Phone 860-632-8780Fax 860-632-8797

[email protected]

Jo knows merchant processing is a matter of dollars and sense.

Hunter Lipton started Eagle Point Financial, a credit card processing company back in August 2008; by chance, Hunter had lunch with a good friend, in a similar business, who I had just met with to discuss some potential opportunities. Although Hunter had already started Eagle Point, it never occurred to this mutual acquaintance to put us together un-til that day and the rest is history. Hunter knows the world and I know credit card pro-cessing. It was a partnership made in credit card processing heaven.

Josephine was a stay-at-home Mom open-ing and managing several small business ventures; including home decorating and im-provement and another one designing and selling terrariums, all honing her entrepre-neurial skills. Jo re-entered the work force in 1985, beginning her career in financial op-eration at a Gulf & Western subsidiary, after which she worked for Showtime Networks, as Director of Financial Operations, and then at First Data Merchant Services as Director of Credit Accounting managing 30 employ-ees and a portfolio of $800MM. Jo splits her time between New York City and Long Island.

We have been in business for almost two years, growing while we continue to pursue our goal and promise to our clients which is to offer fair and transparent pricing for our credit card processing services, while provid-ing superior customer service.

Our hope is that this article will provide you with a little more knowledge and informa-tion then you currently have on the subject. Knowledge is power and what you do with it is up to you.

What are you paying for your Credit Card Processing? Do you really know what you are paying for your credit card processing services? While this is an important and essential service to bring in, maintain and keep your customer base growing, like all services, it is essential that you know what your cost is. Over my fourteen years in the industry I continue to hear this as a pet peeve, and a bone of con-tention and concern from many Merchants. Unlike other services and hard items that a merchant might consider a “cost of doing business expense” such as linens in a res-taurant, fixtures and shelves to a retail mer-chant to display their goods, or phone and internet services, credit card processing is generally viewed as a necessary evil, even though for most businesses in today’s mar-ketplace credit and debit card sales make up nearly 70% of their overall sales.

I am confident that after you read our article you will no longer feel this way. Our hope is that we will provide you with the informa-tion you need to have a better understand-ing and be more comfortable with the ins and outs of credit card processing and pric-ing. Our goal has always been to educate our Merchants. We believe that education and knowledge allows our customers to see the value in our service.

Your Credit Card ProcessingStatementEven with my extensive experience in the industry, it never ceases to amaze me how creative some of the credit card processing companies can be with their monthly state-ments. This is not to say that they are charg-ing unfairly or at an exorbitant rate, only that the credit card statement is often indecipher-able even to a trained eye like mine.

At the heart of the issue is that this indus-try is not currently regulated and a Proces-sor can charge the merchant whatever the market will bear. Often time the credit card pricing offered to the merchant is a result of the geographic and economic climate of the merchant’s location (inner city, rural, high end) as well as, the existence and level of competition or options for the merchant to choose from.

In addition to the multitude of pricing types, Tiered, Bundled, Enhanced Bill Back and In-terchange Plus, confusion can reign when it is

not clearly displayed on the monthly process-ing statement, or not outright explained to the merchant. For example, Tiered pricing is generally at three different pricing levels with a low Tier 1 or qualified rate, with much high-er pricing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 sales. Needless to say the majority of the sales will fall into the higher tiered categories, thereby costing the Merchant more for this service. Bundled pricing pretty much speaks for itself, in that all the fees are bundled into a few categories, and are not clearly stated, making it impos-sible to understand true cost.

I would like to explain to you how Eagle Point treats our customers and tell you a little bit about the competitive and transparent pric-ing structure we offer. What does that mean to our Merchant? Unlike some of our com-petitors, our monthly merchant processing statement is clear and concise with transpar-ent pricing. I’m sure you are wondering, what transparent pricing is, and how it differs from Tiered or Bundled. First, there are no hid-den or unexplained fees making our pricing structure transparent to our customers, this is also referred to as pass through pricing. With transparent pricing we pass through the hard cost of fees that Eagle Point pays to Visa, Mastercard and Discover. In addition to the hard cost we pass through to our mer-chant, Eagle Points charges a marginal mark up. In these current economic times, where business owners are watching every dollar, we need to make sure that we understand exactly what we are paying to our essential vendors to control costs and overhead. Ea-gle Point’s assurance to our customers is that without fail you will know exactly what your costs are for our service.

Eagle Point consistently shows our clients a savings of between forty and fifty percent over cost after we perform an analysis on their current credit card processing state-ment. The analysis is free and we are so con-fident in our pricing that if we cannot meet or beat your current price, we will give you a $500.00 Visa/MC debit card.

Eagle Point has a vast array of merchants using our services around the country, with our highest concentration of clients in New York City and the Connecticut area. Our cli-ent base extends from a 100 location parking garage in New York City to many luxury brand retailers, as well as, famous and well known restaurants nationwide. Of course my per-sonal favorite is the fabulous beauty salons we have in our client base. As a lady with a few years behind her, (and for you folks that are not in this category it’s when they start to call you wise or learned, or worse someone calls you Ma’am) it is always a wonderful ex-perience to go to the Valery Joseph Salon on

Madison Avenue and get a great hair cut and color experience. Revi Roman the owner of Valery Joseph has three other salons in the City, which I like to frequent as often as pos-sible, and one in Bridgehampton for the sum-mer months.

Our Sales Manager, Brian Feeley, has culti-vated and grown his relationship with many merchants in Fairfield County and neighbor-ing Connecticut areas. When we speak to his customers it is clear they love Brian’s home town style and how he supports their needs in a very personal way. They also know that he has the might and support of a large cor-poration behind the scenes to assist him and his customers whenever needed.

Eagle Point is growing our business one mer-chant at a time by building relationships with our local venders and long distance through our network of Sales Representatives. Eagle Point believes in supporting the growth of our merchant’s businesses by dining at their restaurants, parking in their garages and en-joying their salons.

We pride ourselves on superior customer ser-vice and added value products, to support most any need our client may have, thereby giving them the ability to grow and support their clients’ needs. In the next issue I would like to talk about our “added value products and services” and how they can help you to grow your business and client base.

After reading our article if you should have any questions regarding your credit card pro-cessing, or would like us to perform a free fi-nancial analysis, please do not hesitate to call us. We can be reached at 212-207-3427, my extension is 116.

A little bit about Eagle Point Financial LLC

Merchant Services


Owner, Director Amy L. Kaplan

Success Tutoring helps students im-prove their grades, raise their scores and attend the colleges of their dreams!

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As a certified, experienced teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in French and Spanish Education, a Master’s in Instructional Technology, a Bachelor’s equivalent in biology and chemistry and a Master’s equivalent in biochem-istry, I can also provide tutorial ses-sions in biology, chemistry, general math, algebra, geometry, pre-calcu-lus, calculus, French, Spanish, history, writing, and organization and study skills for students at all grade levels.

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Education


Education


More Than Just a Meeting Place


2009 Gala Raised Nearly $35,000

The Fairfield Museum and History Center, will hold its annual fundrais-ing gala, “A Night at the Museum” (http://fairfieldhs.org/anightatthemu-seum.php) 2010 on Saturday, Sep-tember 25th. Committee co-chairs and Fairfield residents, Parker Rogers II and Christopher Wm. Philip are op-timistic that the funds raised this year will exceed last year’s contributions of nearly $35,000.

“The cost of the Museum ‘s educa-tion programs are about $135,000 annually,” said Director of Develop-ment, Robin Valovich. “Support of these programs is critical and under-scores the cultural contributions this museum makes to the community.”

Because a limited number of tickets are available to A Night at the Mu-seum, guests should plan to reserve early, Valovich added. To acquire an invitation, please visit www.fair-fieldhs.org or call (203)259-1598. Ticket prices begin at $100 per per-son, which includes an invitation to a pre-party dinner in a private home or a local restaurant. Those guests who buy tickets beginning at $150 will also receive complementary tickets to a pre-gala reception at the Museum on September 22nd with Eric Burns, Emmy award-winning media critic and journalist, and admission to his Open VISIONS Forum lecture at Fairfield University immediately following.

This year’s event will, once again, feature a progressive dinner format, which proved to be extremely popu-lar, according to Rodgers and Philip. “The dinners, hosted by many friends of the Museum, create a feeling of hospitality and congeniality among the guests and really set the stage for the entire gala,” they said. “Guests al-ways arrive ready for a great party.”

Guests will be assigned to dinner loca-tions in groups of 10 – 12 and each din-

ner will be different. Some hosts will offer savory buffets and others will prepare elegant three course meals, while additional groups will enjoy the fine cuisine at select local restaurants. “ At 9 p.m., all guests are invited to The Fairfield Museum and History Center for a post-dinner soirée with a wide array of desserts, oysters, cham-pagne and dessert wines. While guests re-connect with friends and fellow dinner companions, they’ll have the opportunity to tour It’s A Hit! A Hometown View of Our Na-tional Pastime, the museum’s new baseball history exhibition, which will be on display through January 2, 2011. Music and dancing will enhance the festivities. Rogers and Philip ensured that there will also be a few surprises to heat things up, amidst the merri-ment.

A Night at the Museum would not be

possible without financial and in-kind donations from Ackley Photography, Norman Bloom & Son, Moffly Media, Morris Media, Minuteman News-

papers and Light Blue Studio. The Fairfield Museum and History Center gratefully acknowledges this gener-osity.

Fairfield Museum and History Center’s Annual Fundraising Gala, “A Night at the Museum”, Planned for Saturday, September 25

About Fairfield Museum and History Center

The Fairfield Museum and History Center was established in 2007 by the Fairfield Historical Society. The 13,000 square-foot museum presents en-gaging exhibition galleries, a special collection library and reading room, a family education center, an 80-seat theater overlooking Fairfield’s Town Green and a delightful museum shop. The Museum is dedicated to collect-ing, preserving and interpreting the history of Fairfield, Connecticut and surrounding regions for present and future generations. The Museum provides educational programs to schools in and around Fairfield County, and helps to enrich the cultural and social life of the area. The Museum has quickly become an integral part of Fairfield, serving thousands of visitors each year. Michael A. Jehle is the executive director of the museum.

Located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield, CT, the Museum is open seven days a week. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, members of the Museum and children age 5 and under are free of charge. For cur-rent program and exhibition information, visit www.fairfieldhs.org and for group tour reservations and information, please call 203-259-1598.

T B T

T F M H C

A Night at the MuseumA G H P

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A Night at the MuseumS, S ,

�The evening begins in the heart

of the community.

At p.m. Friends of the Museum willwelcome you for pre-party dinners in their

homes and at selected restaurants.

At p.m. guests gather together at the Museum for dessert, champagne, oysters,

entertainment and dancing.

R.S.V.P. with the enclosed card by September th.

Attire: Festive

Space is limited for the dinner portion of the event, so please reserve early.

More Than Just a Meeting Place


“It’s almost impossible not to find a gift which will be received with enthusiasm and delight in our gift shop,” says Lee Walther, manager and buyer for the Fairfield Museum and History Center gift shop, a won-derful treasure inside the museum. “Our visitors are always surprised at the wonderful and unique items displayed in the store and we con-sider our gift shop the ‘go-to-place’ when a buyer is looking for some-thing special and a great shopping experience.

Visitors will find a multitude of el-egant and stylish pieces for the home, personal use and for special occasions. The Fairfield Museum Shop features a collection of care-fully selected tabletop accessories for entertaining and home décor; as well as books, one-of-a-kind jewelry, stationery, blown glass, candles, women’s accessories and children’s merchandise. Shoppers will also discover original pieces by featured artists throughout the year.

Walther assures shoppers that they’ll be delighted with the shop and will want to visit again and again. Fairfield Museum and His-tory Center members save 10% on Museum Shop items over $10. All shop proceeds support the mu-seum’s exhibitions and education programs.

One of the things that makes the shop especially valuable to the mu-seum is that Walther is extremely

creative and astute about buying gifts that relate to major exhibits. For the current exhibit, It’s a Hit! A Hometown View of Our National Pastime, a retrospective on the his-tory of baseball in Connecticut, she found a wealth of baseball trea-sures, including baseball-related art, sculpture and photographs by nationally known artists, as well as baseball-related games and toys. Those items will be on sale over the next five months until the exhibit closes January 2ND, 2011.

“In one case I’ve discovered a won-derful supplier, who used bits and pieces of game-used baseballs and bats, crafted into necklaces, cuf-flinks wallets and bottle openers,” Walther says. “There is a hologram on the back of each item that shows in which memorable game the ball or bat was used. It’s fascinating.”

The gift shop hours are the same as the museum’s hours – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Museum members receive a 10 per-cent discount on their purchases. There is no admission for the gift shop and it is not restricted to mu-seum goers.

The Fairfield Museum and History Center Shop is a Treasure Quickly Being Discovered

Writers Corner


As written by Nancy Burton in The Westport Patch.

Lisa Wexler was interviewing Congressman Jim Himes live on her afternoon radio talk show recently when she demanded to know why the Obama Administration has not shut down all offshore oil rigs for safety audits in light of the ongoing BP catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico.

What followed was like a chapter out of her new book, Secrets of a Jewish Mother.

Wexler dismissed Himes’ response -- that the U.S. Government lacks the capability to go out and check every rig to determine its potential for leaks -- as unsatisfactory on the air. No sooner was the segment over than the telephone in Wexler’s studio at 1400 WSTC/1350 WNLK rang.

The caller was Wexler’s mother, Gloria Ka-men, her most devoted fan. Kamen had tuned in to listen to the radio show on her computer from her home in Boca Ratan, Flor-ida, as is her daily custom.

“Mommy says to me, ‘You didn’t see ‘60 Minutes’”? Wexler re-lated in an interview with

Patch.

Kamen, equally fired up over the BP calamity, fed Wexler the tip that the CBS program had just aired a piece with

new whistleblower revelations about BP, Wexler said.

Wexler took the cue from her mother, in-vestigated further, and pronounced Himes’ response even more unsatisfactory the next day on her radio show.

“I’m really agitated about this one,” Wexler said.

Wexler and her mother see eye-to-eye on ev-erything that matters - family love, values and loyalty - and almost everything else. They talk on the phone daily and Kamen has even been a guest on Wexler’s radio show.

“She’s a popular guest,” Wexler says affec-tionately. “It’s her energy, she’s very direct, very funny, very opinionated.”

In other words, an older version of herself.

And while Wexler’s new book’s title is Se-crets of a Jewish Mother, it’s a play on words because it’s really about three Jewish moth-ers - herself, Kamen and her sister Jill Zarin, a star of the Bravo cable TV series “The Real Housewives of New York” - and their unusu-

ally close-knit relationship.

(Lest Kamen be accused of inciting sibling rivalry, she has also appeared as Zarin’s guest on “Real House-wives” and was so popular she was asked to contribute an online ad-vice column.)

Wexler’s book is indeed full of se-crets.

Such as how Wexler came to skip her senior

year in high school to enroll at Johns

Hopkins Univer-sity (an unusu-

al telephone call to the

a d m i s -sions of-fice by

Kamen), w h i c h of them

had breast reduct ion

s u r g e r y (that would

be Jill), and how to keep a

man after you’re married (“Who said your husband has to know everything?”). It even has Wexler’s

secret recipe for chicken soup with matzoh balls (“Be warned: this takes two days”).

Wexler wrote the framework of the book, published by Dutton this year, but each chap-ter has personal, even intimate comments penned by Kamen and Zarin. There are chap-ters on friendship, dating, beauty and health, education, career, marriage, money and par-enting.

It is a recipe book for success and happiness for a woman who is Jewish, and it even has a glossary of the Yid-dish terms sprinkled throughout the book, but the lessons can ap-ply to everyone.

“As you now know,” she writes at page 126, “the Jewish mother is matchmaker, but not only for people. We are always making con-nections, and one of the most important is connecting someone’s natural talents with a career that would al-low those talents to flourish.”

Wexler is a co-founder of Women in Power, a group of local women who convene at the Women’s Club of West-port to network and lead panel discussions on women and careers and balancing careers with family obligations.

“We are really just trying to figure out how to keep our families in reasonably good shape while preventing our brains from dissolving into mush” is one of the book’s passages on balancing traditional roles of motherhood with career aspirations.

Wexler is a pro in the balancing act depart-ment. After practicing law for 20 years, dur-ing which she and her husband raised two children, Wexler had grown to resent the law.

“I started thinking to myself, Why should I spend my time solving your problems?” she writes. “You created them, you solve them.”As the children’s chauffeur, she found herself talking back to talk radio and thought she could be a better host than the ones she lis-tened to.

Taking time out to study at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, she soon landed po-sitions at the Yale University radio and moved

on to Cox’s 1400 WSTC/1350 WNLK, where the show airs live Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 in the afternoon.

She’s won the Gold Coast Best Radio Personality award in 2009 and she’s just returned from Los Angeles where she was a recipient of the American Women in Radio and Television 2010 “Gracie” award in the “outstanding talk show -news” category.

She interviewed Gov. M. Jodi Rell on her first show and ever since has been using the radio talk

platform to “try to counter the dumbing-down of America” and be an opinionated bridge between commercial radio and Na-tional Public Radio.

“As a child I was so listened to,” she said. “I was raised to believe everything I said had an impact.”

Talking to her Jewish mother gave Wexler the confidence to talk to an estimated 40-75,000 daily listeners, she says.

“I love it so much,” she says expressively. “I’m finally doing what I was born to do.”

RADIO TALK SHOW HOST TALKS ABOUT HER NEW BOOK

Photo by http://assets0.patch-assets.com/assets/photos/000/457/943/457943_collapsed.jpg?1275658197 Your photos, videos & PDFs

Writers Corner


Mike Lauterborn, Seasoned Marketer:Fairfield Beach Area Professional Offers Multi-Tier TalentsSweepstakes. Product sampling programs. Media campaigns. Consumer and trade events. Added value. Media kits. Public relations. Sales collateral. Direct mail. Newsletters. Viral marketing. Cause marketing. Sales incentives. If you are a business or service provider and need a seasoned marketing consultant (who can copywrite as well!), Mike Lauterborn can help.

Lauterborn, 45, a Fairfield Beach Area resident, has held senior and executive account management po-sitions in the publishing, entertainment, advertising and sales promotion worlds for the past 25 years. Copywriting has been a common thread and he has rolled up his sleeves to craft all types of print and promotional communications. Clients have ranged from small independent “mom and pop” businesses and non-profit organizations to major corporations and brands like HBO, NBC/Universal, Nabisco, SOBE, Bacardi and more.

“I like to learn all I can about a business, understand its particular marketing and communication chal-lenges and help its leaders develop the most effective and targeted programs and messaging to maintain existing business and attract new customers,” said Lauterborn. “And unlike other account management people, I’ve got a creative flair and will help craft and guide the production of all deliverables. My clients like this 2-in-1 capability.”

Midas Touch, a Fairfield-based jeweler and Fairfield County Woman advertiser, is a client (see article and display ad in this issue). So is Green Gourmet To Go, about which Lauterborn has written below and with which he is in the early stages of consulting on print advertising, email marketing and event strategies.

Tap him for a free initial consultation today. He will evaluate your needs and provide an immediate esti-mate for his services. For more information on Lauterborn’s capabilities and background, visit www.Mike-Lauterborn.com and/or call him to discuss your project at 203-243-7182. You can also reach him by email at [email protected].

By Mike Lauterborn© 2010. All Rights Reserved.8/11/10

Bridgeport, CT – “Food you can feel good about” is the tagline for GreenGourmetToGo, a new wom-an-owned business in the trendy heart of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport. It’s an apt summary for a unique shop that offers the local community inspired vegetarian, organic, locally sourced food for take-out.

Linda Soper-Kolton, a self-described “lifelong foodie”, married mother of two and Fairfield resident, is the proprietor and opened the busi-ness here back in March 2010. She was previously employed by Save the Children, handling Internet communications and fundraising for the most part over the past 11 years. In this new endeavor, the tall and lean blue-eyed blonde sought to relieve

accumulated work stress, pursue a passion and start a new trend in the area. Black Rock seemed the perfect setting, more intimate than Westport or Fairfield, allowing her to have a more personal connection with her clientele.

“I like this neighborhood because of its social consciousness and nice mix of people and ideas. As you move up this way, there are fewer healthy eating options… and people are looking for them. They tell me ‘Thank God you’re here.’”

The 425-square-foot shop was vacant when she found it and needed to be renovated and outfit-ted to meet her needs. “Just like cooking, I like to start from scratch,” joked the chef/owner. Now the space is inviting with light green pastel colored walls, paintings of flowers by a local artist, potted herbs and a stone-tiled floor. Behind these homey accents is the equipment of her trade: a stainless steel refrigerated display case for grab-and-go’s, a 32,000 BTU six-burner stove and 3-door stainless steel refrigerator.

While Soper has “always cooked and is fascinated by the possibilities of food,” she required more formal training to prepare for this undertaking. As such, she enrolled in a chef’s training program at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in Manhattan and achieved a chef’s diploma a year later.

“It’s been a healthy evolution. The more you learn, the more you incorporate it into what you do. School also helped expose me to some new areas.

And I always believed that people should be cook-ing their own food,” said Soper. While that would be ideal, she also realizes that they don’t necessar-ily have the time, so her to-go offerings are ideal.

While her menu changes weekly, some mainstays include wheatberry and quinoa salad, tofu and peanut salad, wraps, lots of vegan options, gluten-free choices and baked goods including muffins, cookies, blondies and granola made with health-supportive ingredients like coconut oil, apple-sauce, nuts and organic grains.

Soper believes that people should eat food grown as closely to the source as possible for several reasons: (1) It’s undoubtedly fresher, with more retained nutrients. (2) People should eat what’s in season in their area. (3) We should be support-ing local agricultural systems and move away from the industrial agricultural systems that are not sustainable. “Centralized food production is a scary thing,” she opines. “And dangerous. Did you notice how the recent E Coli breakout became a national issue. The food is distributed widely from a central point.”

Soper is also very “green” movement supportive as her business name suggests. This incorporation is about the environmental impact of eating a veg-etarian diet. “It’s better for people and the world. You can feed more people on the planet with a vegetarian-based diet than meat-based. The pack-aging products I use are made from sustainable resources. And I do my best to lessen the impact of my output.”

As to the “Gourmet” aspect of the business, this refers to the quality, preparation and planning of her food as well as a love of food and good ingredi-ents. She strives to create interesting and inspired ways to bring ingredients together.

Of course, the “To Go” element of the shop is all about giving people quick, healthy food options. But Soper offers much more than that to the di-verse segment she serves, who have varied needs. “I have the nicest customers in the world. A mix of working people, young couples, moms with kids… predominantly female. My customers range from people with very specific dietary issues to others that just want to eat a little more healthy.” Besides healthy food options, Soper encourages people to cook and loans them cookbooks and other re-sources to help educate them about healthy foods. She adds that she hopes to sell topical books and other items in the near future.

Soper is also introducing a “Kids Healthy Lunch Program” wherein she will design a healthy lunch program for school-aged children. Interested par-ents will pre-pay a weekly fee and Soper will have freshly prepared selections waiting for them for pick-up each school morning.

Get inspired about healthy eating options. Visit GreenGourmetToGo today!

GreenGourmetToGo is located at 2984 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. 203-873-0057. www.GreenGourmetToGo.com

Green Gourmet Gallops Into Black Rock

Jewelry


By Mike Lauterborn© 2010. All Rights Reserved.4/12/10

FAIRFIELD, CT -- Midas Touch Jewel-ers makes it all better when it comes to jewelry repairs and alterations.

“We are very prompt and happy to give quotes,” says floor sales repre-sentative Diane Hein, a staff member since October 2008. “We will never charge for a quote… estimates are completely free.”

Founded in 1976 by Roger Boroway, Midas Touch has been an anchor on the Post Road in Fairfield’s busy downtown. As the retailer has grown more successful, it has supported and contributed to local charitable orga-nizations and been an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce. It has also allowed Boroway to become an avid collector of fine art and a clas-sic car enthusiast.

While providing a full complement of jewelry services, Boroway says the shop’s repair work is a distinguish-ing element that makes Midas Touch stand apart from its competition.

“We’ll handle any type of repair work, from replacing a lost stone in a ring and repairing a chain or pendant, to ring sizing and rhodium plating yel-low gold to give it the appearance of white gold,” says Midas Touch owner Boroway. “Of course, we accommo-date any standard need as well, like replacing worn watch straps, provid-ing new watch batteries and shorten-ing watch bands.”

Adds Hein’s floor counterpart Lisa Rol-leri, who has been with Midas Touch for the past 3 ½ years, “Our repairs are done off-premise by an associate that has been with Midas Touch for the past 30+ years,” which is a true testament to the upstanding nature of the business.

Boroway also operates a barter ser-vice called ITEX, the leading trading community for cashless transactions across North America. More than $270 million in transactions were con-ducted last year by the group’s 24,000 member businesses. The advantage to members is increased sales, cash conservation and new distribution channels. Business owners interested in joining ITEX can visit www.itex.com for more information.

Salesperson Hein, who has been in re-tail for the past 20 years, says Midas Touch is the most exemplary business for which she has worked. “We try to be extremely helpful and listen to our customers’ needs and determine how we can assist them. We really bend over backwards to accommodate people.”

Rolleri echoes Hein’s sentiments. “Mi-

das Touch deals in fine, high-quality jewelry and is upscale. I worked for Tiffany’s and I think we compete with them as far as quality. I also worked on Jeweler’s Row in Philadelphia dealing with all sorts of jewelry. Midas Touch has a similar wide range and good se-lection. The shop definitely ranks up there. We provide consistently good service and competitive pricing, which is good for the public.”

Midas Makes It All Better

Midas Touch Jewelersis located at

1547 Post Road,Fairfield, CT 06824

next to Borders Book Store

203-259-4895Hours: Tue-Sat. 9-5

www.midastouchjewelers.com

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“While providing a full complement of jewelry services, Boroway says the shop’s gold buying services are a dis-tinguishing element that makes Midas Touch stand apart from its competi-tion. “

ADVERTISE WITH SUPERCOUPS (203) 445-8419 www.supercoupsct.com (?????) B/174/46/09/1S 2009 © COPYRIGHT

(203) 259-4895We Buy Platinum, Gold, Silver, Diamonds,

Old Jewelry, Estates & Watches

1547 Post Road (Fairfield Center)Next to Borders Book Store

HOURS: M-S 9-5

Roger BorowayOwner

Highest Prices Paid

EVERTrade In Your Old or Broken JewelryTrade-In For Store

Credit or Cash

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You should probably drop some weight, you’re not getting any younger, and you’re not that strong, these are just a few things people have said to me lately. It always amazes me how comfortable some people are with insulting others, like they don’t even know they’re doing it. I wonder sometimes if it’s really that they don’t know or don’t care. Having read every self help book possible, I have thankfully built up a pretty strong wall to defend my gentle psyche from, well, stupidity. If there’s one thing I can say about self help, or as I call it shelf help,

it has helped me develop my own very strong sense of shelf esteem.

When you think about it, no one re-ally creates words or phrases any-more. We all have been recycling words for so long, why should we even try? Well I love creating words and phrases, so Shelf Esteem is my gift to you all. Let me break it down for you, one day while wading around in the sea that is Barnes and Noble I wondered upon a section called “Self-Help” and I thought “Well if the idea is SELF HELP….what do I

need your book for? Shouldn’t I do it my SELF?” That’s the idea, SELF HELP. Life is sometimes so full of epiphatic (You’re welcome for that one as well) moments and this was one of them. Here in the middle of Barnes and Nobel “Shelf Help” and “Shelf Esteem” were born. Back to the stupid people, there is no short-age of people who will tell you that you are crap, or make you feel like you are; I learned that early on in life. I also learned that I don’t have to take that crap, not from anyone. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from shelf helping myself is that despite what others might say or feel about you, you are in control about how you feel about yourself.

Oh my, what an idea. It’s so easy to take on other peoples garbage it’s much harder to stand tall and except the fact that you are awe-some. Relish in your awesome-

ness. It doesn’t matter where you intend on going in life, you can’t get there riding the self hatred bus, because that bus doesn’t actually go anywhere. People are so willing to jump right along and hate them-selves. A lot of people need others to validate them, don’t feel bad, it’s natural, the trick is to get out of that mindset. How? Relax, I’ll tell you. All it takes is practice. Practice loving yourself on a daily basis and you’ll see a change. I’m not talking about egoism, I mean loving yourself not worshiping your self.

I recommend that all of you read-ing this take some time out of your day to concentrate on all your awe-someness, all the amazing things you can and have done and see if the quality of your day and your life for that matter, improve.

Thinking Out LoudBy Gina Brillon Shelf esteem

See Gina!

Sept 4th at 9pmLanza’s Resturaunt and Carpri Lounge

Ansonia CT 06401to make reservations, 203-736-3591

http://twitter.com/GinaBrillonFans Of Gina Brillon on Facebook

fc woman sept / october 2010

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