News

News of interest to us East of the River. Where available links are provided to source publications for full story.

In Memory is a new page to remember those who worked with us and have passed on to a plane of new experiences.

Coventry Farmers' Market To Stay At Nathan Hale Homestead

It's been touch and go the last few months as to whether the Coventry Farmers' Market would be able to remain at its current site at the Nathan Hale Homestead. The Market is very pleased to announce that a deal has been struck that will allow the market to remain at the Hale Homestead for at least two more summers. The agreement includes the Town of Coventry contributing site work and Connecticut Landmarks, who owns and operates Hale, giving the market a rental fee discounted nearly 90% off the going rate. The market will need to find $2,500 per year for rent, which is a substantial amount, but they believe it’s within reach. The location is a win-win-win for the town, the Market and the Homestead so everyone is delighted it worked out.

» Go to Coventry Farmers' Market website.

Garden Of Light Closing Glastonbury Market

MICHAEL SMULDERS, owner of the Garden of Light Natural Foods Market in Glastonbury, has announced that the store will close at the end of July. The store has been serving the health food market in Glastonbury since 1992 and in 2000 a second store was opened in Avon. At its height Garden of Light employed 25 full and part time workers. The store is a victim of the economic downturn, but was also hurt by the opening of a nearby Whole Foods in 2008. Also hurting small independents is the trend to carrying healthier foods in most of the large chain supermarkets. The small stores have found it difficult to survive. The Avon store will remain open.

» Go to Hartford Courant story.

Passings: Nancy Caffyn

NANCY CAFFYN, 75, passed away May 26, 2010. She was the mayor and then selectman of South Windsor in the 1970's before moving to Cape Cod where she became Head Selectman of Mashpee and then their State Representative. In 2000 she was named the Legislator of the Year in her last year at the State House. She was a very tough politician, but worked tirelessly against special interests and for her communities.

Nancy was also a strong believer in holistic medicine. She was a lifelong practitioner of meditation and yoga, even bringing her children and grandchildren to practice. When she was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 she sought out alternative treatments. Working with Dr. Hulda Clark, a controversial naturopath, she traveled to Mexico for treatments and the cancer went into remission, such that a scheduled operation was unnecessary. She is featured in Clark's book and DVD "The Cure". Her oncologist said, "It's a miracle -- continue whatever you have done -- keep the treatment going."

Nancy is quoted as saying, "I hope to encourage alternative medicine in the State of Massachusetts. I have also worked very hard to get other women legislators to support this and sponsor it and I think we are going to make great strides because what we need to do is give people an alternative choice prior to surgery, prior to radiation or chemotherapy because I have seen people have all of those and yet have tumors come back."

» Go to Boston Globe obituary.
» Go to Hartford Courant columnist Kevin Rennie tribute.

Spike Lee To Film Book By Local Author

UConn Physics professor DR. RONALD MALLETT published a memoir about his life and work titled "Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission To Make Time Travel A Reality." His father died suddenly when he was ten which got Mallett interested in finding a way to go back in time and save his father. Based on Einstein's equations, gravitational effects and twisting light from lasers he developed equations showing the possibility of moving back and forth in time.

Film producer and director SPIKE LEE has taken an interest in the story and acquired the film rights. Lee says: "I'm elated to have acquired the rights to a fantastic story on many levels, but also a father-and-son saga of loss and love." Lee will co-write and direct the film himself. A release date has not been announced.

» Go to Time Traveler website.

Wickham Park Opens Sensory Garden

Wickham Park on the Manchester-East Hartford line has formally opened its Sensory Garden. Since its inception four years ago and groundbreaking in June, 2008, three quarters of an acre have been transformed into a Sensory Garden. This innovative site has been divided into six areas, each of which corresponds to one of the five basic senses as well as a “sixth sense” of imagination. The plantings and other features in each garden “room” are closely matched to that specific sense.

The garden is the largest of its kind in New England and one of the largest in the United States. Extensive research combined with cooperation from a variety of agencies that advocate for persons with disabilities, and input from potential guests led to a plan to integrate unique garden features that accommodates their senses and maximizes their experience.

» Go to Wickham Park's Sensory Garden.

ECHN Introduces New Integrative Medicine Services

ECHN has introduced Integrative Medicine at their new John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center, located next to Manchester Memorial Hospital. An Open House for the Cancer Center was held on June 15. Modalities will include Healing Hands/Touching Hearts, Reiki, Massage, and Acupuncture. The program is chaired by DONNA CAMERON, RN, who also manages Obstetrical Services and is a Reiki Master/Teacher.

Over time, they hope to expand to include other Integrative Services. The Integrative Medicine Services currently offered at the Women’s Center for Wellness in South Windsor will continue. The goal is to spread these services to other ECHN sites as needed. The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has awarded ECHN $10,000 from the H. Louise Ruddell Fund to benefit ECHN’s Integrative Medicine Cancer Fund.

Passings: Lisa Randall

LISA RANDALL, 41, of Glastonbury passed unexpectedly on May 24, 2010. Lisa was a massage therapist and owned and operated Heavenly Hands Massage Therapy in East Hartford. Formerly of Manchester, she was the beloved daughter of Marcie E. (Lavallee) Greene of Hopedale, MA and Elliott L. "Roy" Randall Jr. of Manchester. She is survived by her son, Scott R. Randall of Hendersonville, NC, and her life partner, James McCarthy of Glastonbury.

She was born in Manchester December 6, 1968, was raised in Manchester, and graduated from Bay Path Vocational School. She then attended Johnson & Wales College in Rhode Island and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts. In 2003 Lisa became a certified massage therapist at CCMT.

» Go to Hartford Courant obituary and guest book.

Two Area Authors Move On To Round 2 Of The Next Top Author

Round 1 of the Next Top Author competition is over and REBECCA ANNE LOCICERO and BARBARA HARDIE are two of the 250 authors out of over 3,000 entrants to move to Round 2. In Round 1 authors rallied the support of those they know and learned the art of promoting their message and book. This provided the authors with a real life experience of publishing and promoting a book. The votes they got from their efforts, random votes from people who visit the site, and peer vote from another author helped generate the final score at the end of the first round.

The top 250 authors have advanced to Round 2 of four rounds where they write and submit a book proposal to a panel of judges that will make up the majority vote for 25 authors to advance to Round 3. The proposals and first chapter of the books are now available to read. You can also vote now for both authors in Round 2.

» Go to Rebecca's page.
» Go to Barbara's page.

Divine Treasures Chocolate Shop

One of the good news discoveries of the past few years is that dark chocolate is actually healthy - in moderation, of course. There is a store in Manchester, located at the Parkade that uses organic natural sweeteners; no refined sugars, corn syrup, gluten-free and dairy-free. Owner DIANE BLANCHETTE-WAGEMANN converted her Canadian grandmother's chocolate recipes to meet her health standards and is sharing them with the community. Divine Treasures in located at the Manchester Parkade, 404 Middle Turnpike West. Phone (860)643-2552. You can see a sampling of her fare on her website. Enjoy with less guilt.

Vote For The Next Top Author

Over 3000 authors from around the world are ready to share their inspiring messages with the world, and to ask for your vote. The first Round of this competition started on March 29 and runs through April 24. Each author will share their book idea through either an audio or video "pitch" (a brief explanation of their project). Visitors are invited to come to the site by a perspective author, to register and cast a vote for the author and book they would like to see published. Authors who qualify will advance through four rounds until one grand prize winner is rewarded a publishing contract with Hampton Roads Publishing, as well as a promotional package worth $50,000 to help market that book when it is released. Author James Twyman is involved in the project.

There are two authors from Conscious CT competing in the contest - REBECCA ANNE LOCICERO and JOCELYNE COLOMBE. Fortunately you can vote for more than one author in Round 1.

Rebecca released her first book, "Living With Messages From Heaven" last October. The book describes what a psychic medium is in this new age as lived and understood by this active Vernon medium. The book she is entering in the competition is "Acknowledging Soul" and is about your soul connection to God and the intuition that comes through the connection.

Jocelyne's book is "Spiritual Wreckage - Losing Safety and Winning Freedom." How to navigate the realms of fear and doubt in uncertain, chaotic times.

View the introductory videos online. Rebecca's ID is 701 and Jocelyne's is 1214.

» To register and vote go to Next Top Author.

Land Trust Acquires 580 Acres In Ellington

The Northern Connecticut Land Trust recently acquired the 580 acre Moseley property in Ellington. Abutting the Nye-Holman State Forest, and sharing a boundary line with the town of Stafford, the forested site will remain as Open Space. A management plan will be drafted after observing the land for 12 months. NCLT now protects and preserves 1,250 acres in the towns of Somers, Stafford, Ellington, East Windsor, Enfield, Vernon and Tolland.

The Conduit Center Opens In East Hartford

We're delighted to see a new store open in the area. OWEN JAMES and friends recently opened The Conduit Center at 1227 Burnside Avenue, Suite 1 in East Hartford, near Wickham Park and opposite the Marco Polo restaurant.

Several years ago Owen and his friends GUY DOUGLAS and J. WENZEL became intrigued with the healing and calming power of gongs and Tibetan bowls. They formed the group called The Conduit and have taken their gongs to fairs and events both in Connecticut and around the country spreading the message of the gongs. Their goal it to literally Gong The Planet.

In January 2010 they took the endeavor to the next step by opening a store and center. There they not only have related products for sale such as bowls, tingshas and CD's; but host regular gong and meditation sessions and teach students to use Tibetan bowls and gongs. As they settle in more classes are being added, including Tai Chi and Breath-Work Meditation.

Rockville's Magik Intent Closes

J.J. LANCEY has closed her Rockville new age boutique Magik Intent. Located on Union Street, it was previously in Coventry center. J.J. continues to be available for readings and can be reached at (860) 871-0000.

The Beyond Center Opens in Vernon

The Beyond Center,LLC opened last December in Vernon. A joint effort by psychic mediums REBECCA LOCICERO and JANINE BARZYA-LY, the center will host their regular classes in psychic development and mediumship as well as other programs and practitioners. The center is located in the Professional Building at 281 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30) just off I-84 Exit 65.

» Go to The Beyond Center website

Medium Publishes New Book

Psychic-medium REBECCA ANNE LOCICERO recently released her first book, "Living With Messages From Heaven." The book describes what a psychic medium is in this new age as lived and understood by this active Vernon medium.

Rebecca covers prophecy, what it means to be open to spirit, responsibility, and the dead who talk to her. There are some intuitive's that you can go to for a reading, some you shouldn't and signs to know the difference. Who should go for a reading and why?

In addition to the new book and her online radio show, Rebecca will soon be hosting a new on-air radio show, doing workshops and readings on a Caribbean cruise in February and may be opening a new Vernon center early next year.

» Learn more about Rebecca.

The Graduate Institute Now Offering Classes in Hartford

The Graduate Institute is a ten year old Fairfield County based school offering Masters of Arts Degrees in Conscious Evolution, Experiential Health and Healing, Holistic Thinking, Peace Studies, Oral Traditions and Organizational Leadership. Many adults with an interest in holistic health or spirituality have found the institute's programs a good way to pursue their own growth.

All of The Graduate Institute's offerings are conducted within cohort learning communities. Students come together as "colleagues" to form a cooperative and collaborative environment. The learning community protects learners from isolation and improves retention rates. The cohort design connects coursework within programs and integrates curriculum content to provide continuity and understanding.

Until recently classes were offered only in Southern CT, but with the Fall semester they are also being offered in Hartford. For more information on the school and area programs visit their website.

» Go to The Graduate Institute

Ghosthunters Investigate Connecticut Landmarks

Connecticut Landmarks owns and operates ten historic properties and is the state's largest heritage museum organization. Properties include the Butler-McCook House in Hartford, the Buttolph-Williams House in Wethersfield and the Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry. The properties offer insights into the daily lives of Connecticut’s citizens, both ordinary and extraordinary, spanning more than three centuries.

For decades, the museum staff collected ghost stories and numerous reports of unexplained paranormal phenomena. During tours visitors frequently ask the question, "Is this place haunted?" Guides often respond with chilling tales of ghost sightings, strange noises and objects moving on their own. However, nothing has ever been substantiated - until now.

Over the Summer the East Haven based Connecticut Paranormal Research Investigators (CT-PRI) conducted investigations at four of the properties with EMF meters, infrared cameras and audio recorders. The results of the paranormal investigations are being revealed through a series of public programs scheduled for this fall. The Nathan Hale Homestead presentation will be made on Sunday, October 25 at 1 p.m.

» For more information and tickets.

Congressman Visits Compounding Pharmacy

The Pioneer Health Compounding Pharmacy on Hartford Turnpike in Vernon promotes nutrition and wellness and was an exhibitor at our 2009 Vernon Healthfest. The science of compounding is a method of preparing medications to meet the unique needs of the prescribers and their patients. Compounding pharmacists play a major role in health care because of their ability to help solve some of the most challenging patient problems. Among their products are bio-identical hormones and nutritional supplements. The pharmacy was started by GENE GRESH, RON SYLVAIN and PETER CASINGHINO in January 2002.

On September 3 the pharmacy was visited by U.S. REP. JOE COURTNEY (D, 2nd District) who is from Vernon and represented Vernon for many years in Hartford as Chairman of the Health Committee. He was supportive of our effort to repeal the Fortunetelling Law 15 years ago and played a big role in our effort to prevent the American Dietetic Asso. from limiting practitioners ability to counsel clients on basic nutrition. He is as knowledgable about the healthcare issue as anyone in Washington. It's good to see him exposed to small businesses providing independent services and to understand their problems with insurance.

IHAS Closing

After 17 years of guiding students through their own personal growth and transformation while providing professional credentials for those who wanted to become practitioners, DR. DOROTHY MARTIN-NEVILLE is closing the Institute of Healing Arts and Sciences (IHAS) in Bloomfield. The school started as a series of workshops and over time developed into a four year program with medical internships in almost 50 hospitals and medical facilities across the country. IHAS was a pioneer in the field of energy medicine and its acceptance into the main stream.

There are a number of reasons for closing the school at this time. The economy played a role as it has with so many other businesses - large and small. Consequently, the state's requirements for maintaining accreditation became more difficult to meet. Simultaneously, Dorothy realized she had become nearly a full time administrator, no longer able to do the teaching and guiding of students that she most enjoys. It came time for her to reassess what she really wanted to do with her life.

Her work which she loves will remain the same, only the form will change. The school will close but Dorothy's work will simply continue in a different form. She will continue coaching business leaders who have achieved their dreams yet lost themselves along the way; as well as practice psychotherapy and support others in finding their connection to their soul through the use of body-centered psychotherapy, coaching and energy medicine. She will also continue with group workshops by taking those who are truly ready to grow into who they are to the next level of their journey through combining all these approaches.

Dorothy has a new personal website with a page for her personal growth and transformation programs, her coaching, psychotherapy practice, and some of the articles she has written. Visit it at DorothyMartinNeville.com.

In The News: Manchester Leading The Way To Clean Energy

A July 6 article in the Journal Inquirer reviews the Connecticut Clean Energy Program and the progress being made towards the state goal of meeting 20% of our energy needs from clean sources by 2010. Some towns have taken the pledge and are encouraging residents to sign up for clean energy with their electric companies while they make changes at the town level. An additional benefit for towns is that for every 100 people that sign up the town receives a free solar panel.

The article notes that Manchester is leading the way locally. They also received a $500,000 block grant to help them. For the full Conscious CT region Glastonbury seems to be leading. To see how your town is doing visit the Conscious CT Scorecard.

You can help the environment and your town by signing up for clean energy with CL&P. For more information on the program see our blog entry One Easy Choice Toward Living Green.

» Go to full Journal Inquirer story.

Naturopathic Physician Opens Offices in South Windsor & Vernon

After years of practice and study, DR. LAUREN GOUIN brings naturopathic medicine to her community, opening Connecticut Natural Health Specialists, a family practice with both South Windsor and Vernon locations. Working side by side other physicians, Dr. Gouin uses science based natural medicine to treat the origins of disease and promote overall whole body health.

Dr. Gouin studied health psychology at the University of Connecticut and was involved in research on cardiovascular health at UCONN Medical Center. She received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from the University of Bridgeport. Dr. Gouin has studied in many integrative settings, from acupuncture for detoxification at Lincoln Memorial Hospital to naturopathic care at Yale affiliated Griffin Hospital and Hartford Hospital Avon Wellness Center. Dr. Gouin is a licensed naturopathic physician in the state of Connecticut, lectures extensively throughout Connecticut and writes a monthly article for the Natural Nutmeg. She uses her expertise in nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture along with conventional diagnostic skills and laboratory tests to offer individualized treatments for patients of all ages.

Dr. Gouin is located at 1330 Sullivan Avenue in South Windsor and 460 Hartford Turnpike Ste. B in Vernon. She is accepting new patients and is in network with most insurance plans. For appointments call (860) 644-2437.

Saint Francis Names New Integrative Medicine Director

Kathleen N. Mueller, M.D., of Windsor, has been named Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Mueller received her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and served as a resident in the University of Connecticut/Saint Francis Family Medicine Residency Program.

A diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Mueller is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She holds an appointment as an Clinical Instructor in Family Medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Dr. Mueller has completed training in hypnosis with the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis and has trained in acupuncture at Harvard Medical School and the American Academy of Pain Research.

At Saint Francis, Dr. Mueller will direct the medical aspects of the Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Program, which embraces a wide range of complementary therapies. In addition to her duties at Saint Francis, Dr. Mueller also practices as a member of Holistic Health Partnering, LLC, Windsor.

» Go to Saint Francis announcement.

Unity Church Selects New Minister

Unity of Greater Hartford has completed a year long selection process for a new full time minister with the arrival of Rev. Ed Townley on July 5.

Before his call to the ministry in 1991, Townley had earlier careers as an actor, director and playwright in New York City, Chicago and elsewhere. His twin passions for the creative process and for empowering ministry resulted in the founding of Spirit Expressing, an alternative ministry in Dallas, Texas, which recognizes that the creative arts are meant to be the cutting edge of spiritual exploration. He is known as one of the best Bible teachers in the Unity movement and until coming to Connecticut was the host of "The Bible Alive!", a weekly Unity radio show.

» Hear Rev. Ed on "The Bible Alive!"

Enlightened Professionals Relocating

ROBIN CLARE's Enlightened Professional Center moved out of its Bloomfield location at the end of June. Most events are currently being held at the West Hartford Senior Center, 15 Starkel Road, near Bishop's Corner. Robin is currently looking for a new location in the Greater Hartford area and welcomes ideas. New events will continue to be scheduled during the transition. Robin can be reached at info@epllc.org or (860) 232-3331.

Vernon Practitioner Breakfast In The News

On the first Friday of each month for the past seven years area practitioners and friends have gathered at Charlie's in Vernon for networking and socializing. The event was covered in the May 19 issue of the Vernon edition of Reminder News. Written by SARAH SIMMONS, the article talks about the variety of modalities represented and some of the benefits of their use.

» Go to Reminder News story.

Children's Intuitive Awareness Classes

Children are very open to exploring new skills and easily learn and accept their intuitive abilities. There should be more programs where they can get involved. One opportunity is a series of Intuitive Awareness Classes for ages 10-18 led by psychic medium REBECCA ANNE LOCICERO, who is herself the mother of gifted children.

Please let Conscious CT know of other activities planned for children.

» Go to for more information.

New Glastonbury Healing Center

PRISCILLA BENGTSON has moved her healing center simply fitness for the spirit, mind and body to a new home in Glastonbury. The center is now located at 122A Naubuc Avenue, Suite 210. You may have met Priscilla at one of Connecticut's fairs or expos where she is a regular speaker and exhibitor. At her new location there is space to hold large or small events as well as a retail area offering books, CDs, DVDs, guidance card decks, artwork and unique gifts. In addition, the space will accommodate all of Priscilla's services including Intuitive, Mediumship and Angel readings, Reiki, Thai Yoga, Hypnotherapy, Cupping, Health Coaching and Fitness Counseling.

Services are available beginning May 4 with the Grand Opening event scheduled for Saturday, May 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Whole Foods Glastonbury's Fuel Cell A Success

The Whole Foods supermarket in Glastonbury was the first supermarket in the world to generate most of its power with a fuel cell, which was installed in March 2008. It currently generates 50 percent of its electricity and heat and nearly 100 percent of the hot water needed to operate the store using the fuel cell, built by South Windsor based UTC Power. With the success in Glastonbury Whole Foods has now ordered a second, larger UTC unit for a new store being built in Dedham, MA. Installing the fuel cell in Glastonbury also resulted in a grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, which promotes, develops and invests in clean energy sources for sustainable energy.

» Go to full story.

Dairy & Gluten Free Bakery In Glastonbury

Dee's One Smart Cookie, LLC is a dedicated gluten, dairy, soy and peanut free bakery. Owner DIANE KITTLE has listened to the needs of not only her community, but her body as well. Diagnosed with celiac’s disease, Diane knew this is what her culinary training was leading up to. Dee’s has a wide range of products, from cookies to cupcakes and breads to muffins. They also offer several products 'sugar free', sweetened with organic agave nectar. It is located at 98 Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury. You can reach Dee's at (860) 633-8000.

Ghost Hunters Busy In Area

Cheney Homestead

The Cheney Homestead in Manchester was built by Timothy Cheney in 1785. It is now a museum, but apparently its not empty. Paranormal investigators MICHAEL KRAUSE of Vernon and CINDY KABEL of Stafford and Eastern Connecticut Paranormal spent several months investigating the site using video cameras, tape recorders, an electromagnetic field detector and infrared night vision equipment. They are convinced there are spirits present. They found evidence of moving lights, photos of light beams and a voice on their recorder.

» Go to Reminder News full story.

» Go to Ghost Hunters Guild investigation.

Energy Efficient Lighting & Recycling Business In Ellington

Earthlight Technologies is a relatively new store on Route 83 that specializes in helping you save energy, save the Earth and save money. They have an extensive line of specialty energy efficient lighting, but also carry many other lighting products and energy saving technologies. Building supply stores carry some specialty lighting, but Earthlight has a much larger variety that includes compact florescent light bulbs for all sorts of lamps, recessed cans, surface fixtures, and exterior locations; they even have lights that work with dimmers.

In addition, for a minimal fee, they will recycle your old toxic products such as florescent light bulbs, batteries, ballasts, mercury devices, computers and monitors. Earthlight Technologies is owned by SAM SCHNEIDER and is located at 92 West Road, across from Pastori's Restaurant. See website or call (860) 871-9700.

CT Environmental Headlines

CT Environmental Headlines is an online information service that provides synopses of statewide environmental news stories and links to web sites containing those stories, as well as events listings, both local and regional. The web sites are those of daily and weekly newspaper web sites, as well as the major radio outlets in Connecticut and beyond. The service focuses on providing the environmental community and the public at large with today's environmental headlines.

By providing your email you can receive a daily review of environmental stories in our area as well as the whole state. This service has been provided since December 2007 by CHRISTOPHER ZURCHER who is located in New Haven.

Community Colleges To Train Students For Alternative Energy Fields

The state's 12 community colleges have been awarded a $2 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to fund educational programs in sustainable operations and renewable and alternative energy. The grant will be used to train students for jobs in such fields as environmental technology, alternative energy, automotive technology, building performance, clean water and energy-efficient operations. Courses will be modified or developed with input from business leaders, and a sustainable operations certificate program will be offered. Industry leaders will serve as mentors and guest speakers, and students will receive academic and career counseling and financial aid under the program. (The Hartford Courant)

Organic Lawn Care Business Serves Our Region

JOHN TYCZ operates an organic lawn and land care business, Go Organic LLC, that services our region of the state. Organic land care respects the land and its inhabitants, working with the natural systems of nature to enhance and assist plants to grow to their full potential in the landscape, without the use of synthetic chemicals or pesticides. There are very few businesses dedicated to these principles. John's mission is to provide 100% organic products and services that follow the principles developed by the NOFA Organic Land Care Standards. He is accredited by NOFA and an Ecological Landscaping Association Member. Visit his website for information on organic lawn care. He can be reached at (860) 935-5235 or info@goorganicllc.com.

Electricity at Co-op

In November we put up a blog post about Citizen’s Oil Co-op, a cooperative offering members lower oil costs. Recently we learned that they have added electricity to their services by partnering with Public Power & Utility, Inc. They will be offering all green energy sources in the very near future. Visit their website to learn more.

'Ghost Hunters' In Springfield

The television show "Ghost Hunters" filmed at Theodores' Booze, Blues & BBQ in Springfield, MA over the summer and aired the show in October. Theodore's is a 5 story, 110 year old building on Worthington Street with the oldest pool hall in the country on its third floor. The business is owned by Keith Makarowski of Enfield (Jon Roe's nephew) and Keith Weppler. The show was attracted to the location by a number of otherworldly happenings including footsteps when no one is there, shadowy figures, apparitions, cold spots, the sound of bowling in a long gone alley, etc. The television crew brought all their paranormal detection equipment and were convinced there was something there. Area papers have done several articles on the filming. The episode, titled 'Hometown Haunts' can be viewed at the SciFi channel's website and old shows are reshown on the SciFi channel on Wednesday nights. At this writing 'Hometown Haunts' was one of the four complete episodes they were currently showing on their website.

» View the episode.

Clean Energy In South Windsor

The Hartford Business Journal recently published a list of the 23 Largest Clean Energy-Powered Buildings in Connecticut. The only building in our area is the South Windsor High School listed as Number 6 in terms of kilowatts generated. South Windsor uses United Technology's fuel cells for space heating and to preheat boiler return water, while producing less than an ounce of pollutants. They were installed in 2002 and funded by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.

» Read more about South Windsor's fuel cells.

Windham Hospital Increases Integrative Activities

Windham Hospital, near Willimantic, is one of the few hospitals in the state with Family Centered Care, Integrative Health Services and now a Community Health Resource Center. The resource center provides a comfortable space for families to gather, talk and research health information both online and in print. Located nearby are two new rooms for massage, Reiki and other integrative health treatments providing a dedicated place for practitioners to see clients. Acupuncture treatments from DEBORAH PACIK were added recently as a new modality, and a monthly education series, 'For the Health of It', is offered to provide information and open dialogue about various integrative health topics, such as Healing Touch. The hospital has also installed a new Stairwell to Health with photographs by local photographers, inspirational sayings and music.