Parkinson’s disease: An overview

Parkinson’s disease was first recognized in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson in England, however the symptoms of the condition were written about as early as 175 AD.  Previously referred to as the shaking palsy It was often simply assumed that a shaking voice or hand was part of aging. Dr. Parkinson saw similar characteristics in patients with tremor and specific decline in motor skills.  Today, as celebrities Michael J. Fox, Alan Alda, and the late Robin Williams and Muhammad Ali, acknowledge having Parkinson’s, it is now a familiar medical condition with one in 300 individuals diagnosed.

Foxfield F.A.R.M. hearing with vets committee

On Thursday, Feb. 14 Senator John Kissel and Susan Patricelli Regan presented Senate Bill 543 that states as its purpose “to require health insurance coverage for equine therapy for Veterans and the chapter 700c of the general statutes be amended to require health insurance coverage for equine therapy for Veterans.” This bill was previously submitted to the Committee on Insurance and Real Estate that approved it for process forward to the Veterans Committee.

Sharing the love

A little bit of love goes a long way. There was no better way to spend Valentine’s Day than at the Granby Library program Gotta Love Therapy Dogs.

Seniors Job Bank gets financial boost

The Seniors Job Bank has received a $1,500 grant from the Rotary Club of West Hartford. According to Sheila Diamond, its executive director, “This very welcome donation has been earmarked to support enhancements to our website.”

The Seniors Job Bank, now in its 40th year, is a volunteer-driven community service organization that connects men and women over age 50 seeking work with businesses, government agencies, non-profits and households that have work to be done.

Attorney expands practice to Connecticut

Regional law firm, Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, P.C., serving clients throughout western New England and New York as well as nationally and internationally, today announced that shareholder David K. Webber is now licensed to practice in the state of Connecticut, in addition to Massachusetts. “It comes down to customer service and convenience,” said Attorney Webber.

Chamber of Commerce installs new officers and board of directors

New Chamber of Commerce officers installed are (from l.): John Laudati, president; Mary Anne Guarco, past president; Todd Baily, director; Lindsay Allen, director; Annelise Hurley, director; Frank Schoenrock, treasurer; Kevin Riggott, director; Scott Riley, first vice president; Jamie Rice, second vice president, Brian Guarco, director; Bob Marx, director. Missing from photo are: Vicky Mosteanu, Meg Statile, Tim Baker, Kathy Ungerleider, and Tony Roda.

TAP, TAP, TAP

TAP (Transportation Action Program) is looking for a few good people to drive or serve as a coordinator—training will be provided. The total staff of TAP volunteers is down to less than half of the needed contingent.