Ladies and gentlemen I would like to thank Patrick Hendricks. He and his attorneys stood their ground and filed a class-action lawsuit against StarKist Co. for under-filling certain 5 oz. Canned tuna products in violation of state and federal law between February 2009 and October 31, 2014.

Surprisingly, StarKist denied the underfilling of its products and denied it did anything wrong. But I am happy to say that in September 2019 all of the appeals have been resolved and the settlement is now final with the parties agreeing to a settlement to avoid the expense and risks of continuing the lawsuit.

Why should I care you ask? Well with a distribution of settlement proceedings occurring on September 20, 2019, I received a postcard in my snail mail on September 23, 2019 telling me to enjoy $5.03 towards the purchase of any StarKist can or pouch products but I must choose at least three products in any combination and size to qualify. It was by chance that I looked at the mail that day. Usually I just check the snail mail for bills and letters and toss everything else.

Thank you StarKist for being so prompt in providing the settlement.

According to what I could find on line “You are a Class Member if you are a resident of the United States of America who purchased from February 19, 2009 through October 31, 2014:

1. one or more 5 oz. can of Chunk Light Tuna in Water,
2. one or more 5 oz. can of Chunk Light Tuna in Oil,
3. one or more 5 oz. can of Solid White Tuna in Water, or
4. one or more 5 oz. can of Solid White Tuna in Oil (collectively, the “StarKist Products”)

To be honest, I do not even recall ever completing a questionnaire about how many five ounce cans of tuna I may have purchased between 2009 and 2014 but I can guarantee it was quite a few. I like tuna. Fresh and canned. I also choose to donate cans of tuna for food banks as its a protein and always in short supply. So I probably did complete a questionnaire without even thinking more about it.

Now, please excuse me while I search the ads for the best deal on StarKist tuna I can find. Its food bank time of the year and I can use all the help I can get to stock up for the donation promotions. What do you do with the buy one, get one free? The sample products? There is a Food Bank, Senior Center, Soup Kitchen and Animal Center near you that would greatly appreciate your donation.

Donate early. Donate Often. Thank you!

Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs .

A small article in the August 1, 1906 Norwich Bulletin reminded me that Norwich, CT has always been multi-cultural. In the early 1900’s it was not about being loud and proud with flowing alcohol and bouncy houses in the center of the street. It was about quiet education and explanation to build understanding. Understanding that all people are the same and different at the same time and it’s all ok.

The article was called Tisha Be Av Celebrated by Pious Jews.

“Tuesday pious Jews all over the world commemorated the anniversary of the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar 586 B.C., and 656 years later by the legions of Titus and Vespasian. This is the national day for fasting and mourning known as the nineth of Av or the gloomy Tisha Be Av. This double destruction of the Holy City is considered by the clergy as the chief background for this black day on the calendar.

On the eve of the fast day the people, in stockings or slippers, seat themselves on the floor of the synagogue or on little benches lower than their regular seats. The Holy Ark is deprived of its curtain, the cantor, recites the Lamentations of Jeremiah and a collection of plaintive songs are sung.

Business in general is not interrupted during the day, but in the houses of the pious the candles to honor the dead are kept burning. After evening service the fast is ended.”

Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs .

Lordy me do I love the internet! It must be fall as every morning my email is bombarded and bamboozled by all manner of requested and unasked for and sometimes completely unimagined bits of information. All of the information is brand new and available from the latest study completed ten to twenty years ago but only recently unearthed by this latest writer.

Healthline sent me an article (March 7, 2019) by Rachel Link, MS, RD on Parsley Tea having some impressive health benefits. Just steep some dried or fresh parsley leaves in some water and you are good to go for a healthy drink. Then she goes on to list some shockingly new information about parsley.

Seriously. Her listing of information confirms all that you learned in third grade science in slightly more adult terms.

1. Parsley is high in antioxidents. Those are the fighters against cell damagers and so may help in the fight against certain cancers.

1. Science can’t prove it, but parsley may help increase urination. So it’s not good to drink if you are already taking a diuretic.
2. Parsley is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin C helps the body to heal, build strong bones and immunity.
3. Parsley is a good source of vitamin K, helpful for blood clotting so not good for those taking a blood thinner.
4. It is possible but not confirmed (and not taught in most third grade science classes) parsley tea may help stimulate menstrual flow. So it may be a natural way to regulate a woman’s flow but pregnant women should be cautious of over stimulation leading to contractions.
5. Some animal studies demonstrate parsley helps control blood sugar levels (diabetes) but there is no human research studies.

So the bottom line is, all good things are fine in moderation. But more importantly, the article reminds us that as the temperature drops and we are looking to warm our insides with a hot drink that won’t jangle our nerves there are many, many alternatives to caffeine out there that do not come in fancy high-priced boxes and tins.

Many varieties of herbs can be grown indoors on your window sill and used fresh, dried or frozen. Read the label if you buy the dried as large manufacturers sometimes use preservatives, coloring agents and salt.

The article included easy to follow directions for making your own Parsley tea. My tea making directions are not as involved as hers and I use the stems and the leaves. I put water onto boil and went to my herb pot of parsley and cut three large stems. Rinsed and dried them. Then medium chopped them before crushing them and filling my tea strainer with as much as it would hold. I have assorted sizes of teapots from a single cup to a twelve cupper but for this a three cup pot will do well. I rinsed the pot with my hottest water and set it to rest with hot water while waiting for the kettle water to boil. Seeing bubbles in the kettle, I dump out the hot water and place my tea strainer in the pot and add the simmering water. Carefully placing the top on the teapot and draping it with a cover to keep it cozy and warm.

While its steeping is the perfect time to set out a snack plate of spreadable cheese on crackers as by the time you are done the tea is ready to be poured. You have to decide for yourself if you would like to add some lemon,sugar, or honey or hot pepper flakes. Sometimes a little chili powder. Tea can enjoy a little kick now and again.

This same method can be used teas of sage, mint, fresh ginger, lemon peels,orange peel, chamomile and more.

Directions from Healthline to make your own Parsley Tea.

Start by boiling one cup of water in a small pot or saucepan.

Prepare the parsley by rinsing off ¼ cup of fresh parsley and chopping it up or using two tablespoons of dried parsley.

Add the dried or fresh parsley to the bottom of your cup and pour water over it, allowing it to steep for five to ten minutes.

Use a fine mesh strainer to remove and discard the parsley leaves before enjoying your hot drink.

Parsley tea can be consumed as is or foavored with a bit of honey, lemon juice or sugar.

Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs .

On the subject of the more things change the more they stay the same was an article in the December 13, 1903 Norwich Bulletin titled “Cemetery Changes Go No Farther.”

Injunction stopped the narrowing of River Avenue in the Yantic Burying grounds and they will not be completed.

According to the present indications, the suit of Asa Backus against the City of Norwich will be settled. Mr. Backus brought an injunction against the city for work started towards narrowing of River Avenue in Yantic Cemetery, it being the intention of the Superintendent, acting under instructions from the committee having the work in charge in the common council, to narrow the avenue and allow a number of single graves to be laid out there.

River Avenue is one of the prettiest in the cemetery, and there are many large lots facing it which would be greatly damaged if the proposed plan was carried out. Among the owners of lots there was Mr. Backus, who, upon learning of the contemplated change, had an injunction issued against the city, which put a stop to the work.

Since that time the great harm which would have been done by the change has been realized by the city officials, and no more work will be done and the injunction will not be contested.

The avenue, will remain as it has always been, and the suit will end where it is.

Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs .

Always on the lookout for the unusual but yet familiar in the Norwich Bulletin issues of the past I present this Norwich and Vicinity Police Alert from the April 17, 1895 newspaper.

If anyone acts strangely the Officers waste no time in approaching him.

Report came to Chief Bowen on Tuesday that a man had been frightening children on the Plains, so he sent Officers Irish and Brown out, in citizens uniform, to find him. The officers traced the ma from place to place, through backyards and over lanes and Officer Brown finally caught him and lodged him in a cell. He gave the name of Orrin Ecclestone and he is charged with vagrancy.

Rumors that “Jack the Hugger” had established himself in Greeneville having been confirmed, Chief Bowen gave orders that the man be apprehended. The village police did some detective work, under charge of Sergeant Linton, and the name of the supposedly guilty party was learned. Michael Mathews is charged with the offense. He is but seventeen years old. Officer Stanley arrested him on Water Street on Tuesday morning.

The more things change the more they stay the same.

Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs .

In my email every morning is a “wake-Up Call” by Katie Couric. Mostly it’s light news and information that would not attract my attention in the regular newspaper. On September 9, 2019 she wrote about going flyfishing with some people from Orvis.

Orvis is a sporting company with a great new mission, to get more people out in nature and preserve the environment by attracting more women to the sport of fly fishing with a program called 50/50 On the Water. They even have an easy to follow website called Https://50/50onthewater.orvis.com Norwich, Ct has a population of women. Norwich, Ct has three rivers, multiple smaller bodies of moving water, fresh water lakes and ponds and many are recreational stocked fish areas. Does Norwich, CT already have similar programs already?

There are some really cool education and adventure programs being initiated across the country. Of course the leading programs are closer to their headquarters in New Hampshire and Maine but there is no reason why Norwich, CT should not be at least one of the leaders in Connecticut.

Once you go to the website there are all kinds of options worth at the very least a peek. The choices under menu are videos which range from instructional to funny, profiles of famous flyfisherpeople. Are you impressed I am using the politically correct term? A listing of some of the events that can give you an idea for events of your own. There is also a listing of resources which includes the contact information for Braided Fly Fish Northeast Chapter – Connecticut. Granted you can find them on Facebook and other social media sites but this website certainly makes it easier.

Then comes the more important section, at least to me its the most important section, planning. These kind people at Orvis give you great pointers on how to plan a single event or a course of events, from 101 to advanced, 1 day clinics and fishing outings.

The well done site gives tips for hosting speakers, incorporating conservation education, and how to deal with the intimidation of the sport, how to invite and include local vendors for equipment, gear and apparel. I never gave it a thought but the correct apparel should also fit correctly and while not a requirement in the beginning it can become a thing as you progress in the sport. So for me it’s a case of the more you know and can expect the better.

The article talks about raffles and swag and very importantly hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks, fingerfoods, and comfort to inspire people to linger and talk.

There is a recommendation to tie in to Costa’s Kick Plastic Effort. An effort to encourage reusable cups and glasses. Do I sense a marketing opportunity for local businesses?

Marketing tips that really push events with the least amount of effort. Yes there is still work involved, but its not as hard and complicated as it once was. Name the event, something catchy and easy to remember. Advertise on Social Media. Keep updates at the forefront fresh and alive. Announce the raffle prizes, activities, guest speakers and every other thing you can imagine. Even the menu can be the cause of an announcement.

Spread the word to local speakers, churches, clubs, radio, cable companies, gyms and schools.

Have signs leading to the event, have a check-in with greeters to welcome everyone, ask people to post on social media where they are and the hours of the event. If its possible have a ready made media photo-op in place.

Post to social media – its a great way to encourage youth attendance

Send thank you notes to your volunteers. You could not have done it without them and you’ll want to have a supply of ready and happy volunteers for your next event.

Send follow-up emails to your participants. Ask them for their input and advice. People want to have their voices heard and if they even suspect that their voices are being heard, they will be happy to volunteer.

What would I like to see in Norwich you ask? In the spring, I would like to see a fly-tying class in adult education. I would like to see the Norwich Department of Recreation hold a youth and adult fly fishing catch and release clinic. I would like to see multiple churches hold Family Fly Fishing Days. I would like to see some of the Diversity groups hold Fishing In the Old Country demonstrations. Some countries use nets, some use poles, some fish with their hands. How interesting and refreshingly new would that be? I know its not a bouncy house but an exercise for the mind unless there are a few demonstrations that allow audience participation and then its an exercise for the body. I mentioned fashion before and what initiative it would demonstrate if the local high schools and colleges fashion design courses would devote some of their skils to sport fashion and equipment design.

Imagine seeing a fashion show with just a specific sport in mind highlighting participants and observers. What new doors could be opened for an individual if their design became a highlight and was seen by company through the magic window of the internet? It could be a job or a scholarship that was never even imagined.

Some of you will point to me and say “Why don’t you do this?” Because I haven’t seriously gone fishing in close to 50 years. When I went with family and friends it was mostly off a boat in salt water, but there was lots of jetty fishing too. Fresh water fishing was limited but in at least one of the local lakes I have a clear memory of catching the fish as they would swim around our legs holding the fish up in the air and then releasing them. I don’ know if they were the same fish or different fish and I don’t know what kind they were. It was just kid fun and now a great memory. Kids today would be lucky to have such a memory and we have the opportunity to create one for them. I still have at least two of what I recognize as my feeble attempts at fly tying in a box. Another memory trigger but a class or a clinic should be by someone with experience.

I am willing to help. I can help an event sponsor with paperwork, ideas, planning, contacting and scheduling .What do you think? Do you think there is enough information here to start planning? How about investigating the possibilities before saying, “Nope, not a chance.” This can be another low cost promotional opportunity for our city and we shouldn’t let it pass by.

Come on Norwich, CT residents and organizations lets get together and lead instead of follow.

Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs .

“Slow”, is not the correct term for the project of bringing “disc golf” to Norwich, CT. “Painfully slow” is probably a better description of this project. A small but dedicated group has been approaching people, businesses and groups for donations to make this small budget activity a reality in Mohegan Park in Norwich, CT. But they need your help!

I am new to the sport, with no previous athletic prowess to boast of. In fact, I admit to more closely resembling a bowling ball than the individual human bowler. But none-the-less I have become a true admirer of the sport and I want to see it brought to Norwich as a fun recreation for everyone of any age.

Some of the following information I learned from a Professional Disc Golf Associaton (PDGA) brochure and some from my own attempts at playing a round or two. The experiences I have had in my attempts to play have been an introduction to some of the nicest, friendliest, and most helpful and playful people I have ever met.

Disc golf is played like traditional golf but with a small sized flying disc. Whoever completes a “hole” in the fewest “throws,” – wins! Not comfortable with keeping a score? Then don’t. That’s fine too.

The “hole” is a metal net (similar to a basket ball net) with another “catch net” beneath it on a pole about seven feet off the ground.

It really is best to have proper equipment for a sport and the cost for a quality, professional disc is around ten dollars. No special, hats, shoes, socks, pads, braces or other special equipment required. The disc does not take up a lot of storage space, or require a specialist to keep it in playing condition. No having to get a larger car just to haul around equipment and stuff. On a really hot day I wish I had brought a towel and a jacket when a strong breeze before a storm blew through but really that was it. I didn’t even need a wallet as the courses were open to the public at no charge.

For the average person a round of disc golf only takes one or two hours outside in the fresh air. The courses I played on were mostly shaded by trees which made it extra nice on the hot days. Very unlike regular golf played mostly on open fields and areas.

Disc golf is truly a lifetime fitness sport for the physically able, the specially-abled, the disabled and the like me want-to-be-abled. Most recreational activities need me to be able to do things I simply cannot do right now but I want to them and they are a part of a goal I have set for myself to improve my quality of life.

There are over 3,500 courses throughout the USA and Canada so its easy to find an available course while on vacation and , bonus, most courses are free and open to the public. Disc golf is a family friendly sport that everyone can enjoy together. No worries if you are a world traveler as there are courses in 36 countries worldwide. I am very impatiently waiting for the day when Norwich, CT has a course and there are discs with a local logo I can bring on my travels to trade.

Disc golf is a combination of upper and lower body conditioning, mental concentration, and manual dexterity. In other words, its reaching down to the ground (to pick up the disc or place a marker), its focusing on a target, planning how to get around a tree or a bush, gripping and releasing the disc and walking. No bending, leaping, jumping, running or twisting. It’s not about how fast you can get through the course. It’s about enjoying a couple of hours outside. This is a sport every health professional can easily support.

What should you know as a new or just curious player?

1. Learn to play with a “golf disc.” Don’t go crazy. All you need is one or two. The regular recreational discs are larger and not the same so it can be frustrating trying to direct its travel.
2. Bring a friend. It’s always good to have someone to laugh with.
3. Keep it real. Don’t expect to throw like a pro. Everything takes practice.
4. Ask for help and advice. Ask the local players for tips and advice. They’ll be flattered!
5. Have fun! That is the whole goal of the game. To relax and have fun in the fresh air and natural setting.

There is also The Educational Disc Golf Experience (E.D.G.E) which was developed to provide teachers and coaches a sound program for teaching disc golf fundamentals and the allied skills. Learn more at www.edgediscgolf.org.

Donations and sponsorships to be used to bring disc golf to Norwich are currently available and encouraged. Checks can be made payable to “City of Norwich”. Please indicate “Mohegan Park Disc Golf” on the memo line. Donations can be mailed to the Treasurer at: Comptroller – City of Norwich, 100 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360.

A $1,000 donation or more is a Founding Sponsor. Which will have your business, organization, or individual name or logo permanently affixed to the large welcoming board at the entrance to the course giving recognition and thanks for your generosity.

Be a gold sponsor for a $500 donation or more. Your donation will be matched with other gold sponsorships and be put towards the purchase of the material needed to construct a hole on the course. Your business, organization, or individual name will be displayed on a 12” X 8” aluminum sign and be affixed to a shared tee off post at a hole on the course for 5 years and your business, organization, or the individual name will be printed on the course scorecard for 5 years giving recognition and thanks for your generosity.

For a $250 donation or more your business, organization, or individual name will be displayed on a 12” X 4” aluminum sign and be affixed to a shared tee off post at a hole on the course

for 2 years. In addition, your business, organization, or individual name will be printed on the course scorecard for 2 years giving recognition and thanks for your generosity.

Donations of $249 or less are a bronze sponsorship and your donation will go towards any future maintenance or preservation needs of the course.

The City of Norwich, is a political subdivision of the State of Connecticut. As such, contributions used exclusively for public purposes are deductible under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Thank you for considering this project; any help you can give this project; and any for talking about this project.

Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs .

Some people are just born with grit and determination. No matter the day or the circumstances they greet each day with a smile and each challenge as an opportunity for achievement.

Betty L. Barath was one of those people. She passed away back in August of 1995 but her legacy of hope continues with the hundreds of lives she touched through her organization, Project Independence of Eastern Connecticut or through her writing, the “Little Lion Who Couldn’t Roar” and through her many friends and family.

I have no idea why thoughts of her sprang into my mind but the memories of her had me smiling and chuckling for most of the day.

Betty remembered me as a little girl and never failed to regale me with a new story whenever we met. It wasn’t all that often but I always had a smile when it did. Life for Betty and her family wasn’t easy and no one worked harder than she to make it better for herself and for others.

Her son John was born with many issues but she wanted the best possible education for him. She made clear what was needed to meet and exceed her expectations to the Norwich Public Schools and then she diligently worked with the staff and Superintendent John Moriarty to make them and more happen.

John’s classmates were not left out as they learned that physical challenges don’t necessarily mean a person can’t do something, only that it may have to be done differently and there is no excuse for not doing it at all.

Her commitment to learning never stopped and she took classes whenever possible. A writing assignment for a Connecticut College class became the book the “Little Lion Who Couldn’t Roar.” by Betty Barath, Author and Kyung-hun Koh, illustrator Published by Carlton Press, 1980.

Time was a precious commodity and everyone needs help at one time or another. Betty knew many families with a mentally or physically challenged member and having time to run an errand or have a quiet cup of tea had to be scheduled and scheduling was just one more thing that needed to be scheduled. It was all very hard and very frustrating. So using her connections, she began in her own tiny home, an even tinier organization called, Project Independence of Eastern Connecticut. It wasn’t much just a few friend volunteers willing to give their time so residents of Norwich and the surrounding area with mentally or physically challenged family or friends had a structured respite resource for help, information and safe recreation.

There are much larger and more structured organizations available today thanks to people like Betty, her staff and volunteers doing the same work. But she can rest easier knowing her organization may be gone but her work carries on.

After writing this all down I still have no idea why she sprang into my thoughts today but I am very honored and happy that she did. Rest in peace, Betty Barath with our gratitude for all you did.

Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs .