Active Family Magazine
As editor and co-creator of this 20-page family friendly regional magazine I wrote 85% of the content and managed production.

Each monthly issue featured heartwarming stories about people and places with a special connection to children. Articles inspired families to experience the area's best theater, historical sites, music, outdoor activities, books and more.

The Dennison Pequotsepos Nature Center
~ A Gift of Natural Wonders
Executive Director Maggie Jones has had a lifelong love for the Nature Center! Here she shares the Nature Center's mission to provide an amazing array of fun, educational outdoor programs for children and adults while teaching all to cherish the natural world.

Big Hearted Cyclist Outfits Kids with New Bike Helmets
H.A.B.S. (Helmet Awareness Bike Safety) founder and Executive Director Nancy McBride survived a near fatal bicycling accident because she wore a bike helmet. Shortly afterwards she understood the meaning for it: to share her story with children, inspire them to wear bike helmets and provide free helmets for all.

Nourishing Hearts and Minds at Terra Firma Farm
Yearning to live lightly on the planet while contributing to future generations--it’s why Executive Director Brie Casadei founded Terra Firma Farm on this circa 1700's homestead.

An educational center offering farm-based programs for kids 5 and up, Terra Firma instills value for the cycle of life and the importance of embracing and protecting our planet.

Georgette Labrèche ~ Encouraging Creative Expression
Professional singer and gifted teacher Georgette Labrèche moves her students to share their personalities and talents, and freely express their personal style through the art of song.

Musica Dolce Spring Concert, May 3, 2009
Kathy Monroe, beloved director of the Musica Dolce Youth String Ensemble, nourishes her students' self esteem and confidence, models responsibility and celebrates their achievements. These are gifts students treasure all their lives.

Susan Reed ~ Making Spirits Soar
Storyteller, composer, singer and performer--Susan Reed's exuberant, tender and humorous spirit brings joy to children of all ages.

The Pita Spot & Lou’s Computers
~ Serving up Terrific Energy
Vivian Torregrossa serves up a bounty of scrumptious, healthy Lebanese food along with her effervescent personality. Husband Lou is just two doors down, which thrills them both!

Anytime Fitness - East Lyme
~ Strengthening Your Well-being
Axel and Lynnea Mahlke's fitness club members improve their health and feel empowered by their increasing strength and fitness. Members return the favor with referrals--80% of new members join through word-of-mouth.

GumDrops & Lollipops Candy Shoppe
~ Creating Sweet Memories
Melinda Graus loves hearing folks "ooh" and "ahh" when they pop into her candy shop. A lifelong candy and ice cream lover plus fudge-maker extraordinaire, Melinda's shop promises the joy of simple childhood treats and pleasures.

Ayers Gap Preserve, Franklin, CT
A hike through the preserve's sun-dappled forest leads to Bailey Brook--tumbling, sparkling, murmuring over and around boulders--which offers surprises around each bend.

Beachdale Pond, North Stonington, CT
A quiet water kayak trip unexpectedly turns into a wild animal safari!

Pachaug State Forest Letter Box Hike
North Stonington, CT
The hunt is on! Combine the best of two activities: hiking and "treasure" seeking 135' atop High Ledge's grand cliff.

Great Heart, The History of a Labrador Adventure
A turn-of-the-century 550 mile canoe trip through Labrador's unexplored interior turns disastrous, but spirit trumps despair in this true account of the original Leonidas Hubble expedition. And that's only the beginning of the story.

An Irish Country Christmas
Herding heifers to a warm barn, collecting bundles of holly, playing new gramophone records, savoring muscatel raisins--here is a dear portrayal of rural country Christmas in Ireland as recalled by the author.

Papa's Wife
Bustle, fun, chores, schoolwork and a bit of mayhem: such was the life of the seven Franzon children, their stern but loving father, Pastor Franzon, and their adoring, determined and ebullient mother, Maria. Set in early 20th century Lapland, the author shares her childhood stories.

How Do I Letterbox?
Wanna go on a real treasure hunt? Check out letterboxing! Here's everything you need to get started: history to inspire you, tools of the trade, the lure of the clues and crowning moment etiquette.

How Do I Find the North Star?
Unlike your GPS, the trusty North Star will never fail you! R. M. “Max” Maxwell, lecturer at the Mystic Seaport Museum's Treworgy Planetarium, explains how to find the North Star, its many names, and all about "north stars" of the past and future.

How Do I Make Stained Glass Cookies?
Crafty and yummy, stained glass cookies are a blast to bake and eat, plus add cheery, twinkly sparkle to your holiday decorations!