By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17

By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17

By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17

By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17

By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17

By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17

By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17

By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17

By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17

worked as a volunteer withautistic children. Betsy plansto take time off before enter-ing graduate school to visitAlaska.

Kiley Briggs, a junior in theUniversity of Vermont’sRubenstein School of NaturalResources, has establishedan impressive track record ofenvironmental stewardship.The Shoreham, Vt. producthas assisted The NatureConservancy with invasivespecies control, volunteeredat the ECHO Lake andAquarium Center inBurlington and has estab-lished his own interactive on-line field guide to the reptilesand amphibians of Vermont.In addition, in the summer of2004 he spent time studyingherpetology in China and iscurrently working on map-ping amphibian populationsin northern Vermont.

He has been a contributorto the “Atlas of the Reptilesand Amphibians of Vermont.”He plans to eventually attend

graduate school after obtain-ing his degree in wildlife biol-ogy in the spring of 2008.

Long time active memberemeritus and past presidentStu Bristol was awarded theDick Cronin Sportsman ofthe Year Award. This past fallStu Bristol of Lyman, Maine,was faced with a choice: havea serious medical operationor take his grandson onMaine’s youth deer hunt.After thinking it over, hepostponed the operation andspent time outdoors with hisgrandson.

As an outdoor writer, Stuhas a long track record ofsharing his skills and knowl-edge with others. He also con-ducts outdoor schools anddonates his time to a varietyof nonprofit organizationsand events. One group, theNew England ParalyzedVeterans Association, con-ducts a bass tournamentwhere Stu helps the volun-teers take anglers in wheel-chairs on their boats.

In a column titled,“Becoming an Outdoor

Mentor,” Stu wrote: “Eachyear, just after the Christmasholiday, I wonder which, ifany, of the gifts we receivedwill endure the test of time.What was under the tree thisyear that might be cherishedfor years to come? Is thereanything that might bepassed down to the next gen-eration or will most of thosegifts just add to the prolifera-tion of yard-sale goods?”

Stu’s stated philosophy ofthe outdoors was, “Our tangi-ble gift may be a new shotgunor snowshoes or binoculars,but the underlying gift that issure to stand the test of timeis the sharing of appreciationfor our environment. It is theunderstanding of the specialrelationship we have with allthe other living creatures ofthe world, from black flies tokiller whales, that allows thisgift to stand the measure oftime.”

Richard “Dick” Turner washonored with the Joe Yerka ofthe Year (Non-Member)Award. Working for theMassachusetts Division ofFisheries and Wildlife hasbeen a lifelong commitmentfor Richard “Dick” Turner ofLakeville. “He’s a treasureand a wealth of information,”

said Wayne MacCallum,director of Mass Wildlife.“Dick is our ‘living history’and I’ve never seen anyonemore passionate about hiswork.”

“Back in the 1940s Dickstarted working for theDivision as a wildlife techni-cian and was stationed in theBerkshires. When the stateestablished regional wildlifeoffices, Dick and a few col-leagues built the Bourneoffice themselves where Dickstill works to this day.

His work with the Mass.Wildlife Division has includ-ed operating deer-check sta-tions in the fall; stockingtrout, salmon, wild turkeys,pheasants and snowshoehare; and investigating rare-animal sightings.

It really is a treat to shootthe breeze with the scholar-ship winners and other NewEngland outdoor writers atthis annual event. It isthrough the public recogni-tion of such individuals thatthose of us who love to partic-ipate in the outdoor arena ofhunting, fishing, hiking, andboating will continue to beable to do so. While thisweek’s column is not filledwith descriptions concerning

the pursuit of fish and game,it directly relates to thepreservation of those activi-ties. It was definitely a privi-lege to be at a gatheringwhere one of the main func-tions of the 250 outdoor NewEngland Outdoor writers andtheir guests was to honor

those that insure our rightsto enjoy the outdoors both forthe present and, even moreimportantly, for the future.

Captain Bill Brown, a regu-lar contributor to the LivingPage, can be reached atCaptBillB@aol.com

that it is in life’s challengesthat we find life’s meaning,says that the themes in hisbook, themes of hope andconfidence are built andstrengthened by Clarkieand reinforced by his auntand uncle.

“These themes are so veryvital to introduce and dis-cuss with our children atthe earliest possiblemoment,” he said. “‘Sandy’sVision’ also teaches childrenabout perseverance, andabout doing somethingthat’s really important,even when it’s not veryeasy.”

“A young man now standstaller, having learned aboutcompassion, perseverance,opportunity and the love of

his family,” he adds. “Andhis uncle and aunt smile,knowing that all of our livesare richer for this experi-ence. These themes aretimeless and ageless.”

“And we all wonder,” heasks, “was Sandy’s chancevisit to our home that dayreally just a coincidence?”

The Sun, Westerly, R.I., Sunday, March 4, 2007 17Entertainment / Living

262143

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Co-Main Event – 10 Round Welterweight Fight

Said “Prince”Ouali vs. Irving “Chuma”Garcia Miami, FL /20-2, 12 KOs / #22 WBC Vega Baja, Puerto Rico / 14-2-1, 7KOs

PLUS 5 OTHER EXCITING BOUTS

Friday / March 23 / 8PMTickets $75 • $50 • $35 / Call 1-800-200-2882 / 718-823-2000

or visit www.foxwoods.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH STAR BOXING, INC

LIVE BOXING 12-round USBA Welterweight

Championship Fight

LIVE BOXING 12-round USBA Welterweight

Championship Fight

DELVIN RODRIGUEZ Danbury, CT • 20-1-1,12KOs

VSJESSE “EL RAYO”

FELICIANOLas Vegas, NV • 14-5-3, 8KOs

260960

Adv. Tix on Sale 300 (R) - ID REQ'D ★ZODIAC (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1240 405) 745WILD HOGS (PG-13) DIG (1230 300 520) 740 1005THE NUMBER 23 (R) - ID REQ'D (110 425) 725 940RENO 911: MIAMI (R) - ID REQ'D (1245 250 510) 720

935THE ASTRONAUT FARMER (PG) (1250 410) 750 1015OC: GHOST RIDER (PG-13) DIG (100)BREACH (PG-13) (1255 415) 730 1000GHOST RIDER (PG-13) DIG (400) 715 945BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (PG) (1235 255 515) 735

955MUSIC AND LYRICS (PG-13) (115 430) 750 1010NORBIT (PG-13) (105 420) 710 950

©2007Times For 3/2/07

★Sandyfrom page 13

The cover of Sandy’s Vision, by Dr. Martin Bednar.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

★Brownfrom page 13

worked as a volunteer withautistic children. Betsy plansto take time off before enter-ing graduate school to visitAlaska.

Kiley Briggs, a junior in theUniversity of Vermont’sRubenstein School of NaturalResources, has establishedan impressive track record ofenvironmental stewardship.The Shoreham, Vt. producthas assisted The NatureConservancy with invasivespecies control, volunteeredat the ECHO Lake andAquarium Center inBurlington and has estab-lished his own interactive on-line field guide to the reptilesand amphibians of Vermont.In addition, in the summer of2004 he spent time studyingherpetology in China and iscurrently working on map-ping amphibian populationsin northern Vermont.

He has been a contributorto the “Atlas of the Reptilesand Amphibians of Vermont.”He plans to eventually attend

graduate school after obtain-ing his degree in wildlife biol-ogy in the spring of 2008.

Long time active memberemeritus and past presidentStu Bristol was awarded theDick Cronin Sportsman ofthe Year Award. This past fallStu Bristol of Lyman, Maine,was faced with a choice: havea serious medical operationor take his grandson onMaine’s youth deer hunt.After thinking it over, hepostponed the operation andspent time outdoors with hisgrandson.

As an outdoor writer, Stuhas a long track record ofsharing his skills and knowl-edge with others. He also con-ducts outdoor schools anddonates his time to a varietyof nonprofit organizationsand events. One group, theNew England ParalyzedVeterans Association, con-ducts a bass tournamentwhere Stu helps the volun-teers take anglers in wheel-chairs on their boats.

In a column titled,“Becoming an Outdoor

Mentor,” Stu wrote: “Eachyear, just after the Christmasholiday, I wonder which, ifany, of the gifts we receivedwill endure the test of time.What was under the tree thisyear that might be cherishedfor years to come? Is thereanything that might bepassed down to the next gen-eration or will most of thosegifts just add to the prolifera-tion of yard-sale goods?”

Stu’s stated philosophy ofthe outdoors was, “Our tangi-ble gift may be a new shotgunor snowshoes or binoculars,but the underlying gift that issure to stand the test of timeis the sharing of appreciationfor our environment. It is theunderstanding of the specialrelationship we have with allthe other living creatures ofthe world, from black flies tokiller whales, that allows thisgift to stand the measure oftime.”

Richard “Dick” Turner washonored with the Joe Yerka ofthe Year (Non-Member)Award. Working for theMassachusetts Division ofFisheries and Wildlife hasbeen a lifelong commitmentfor Richard “Dick” Turner ofLakeville. “He’s a treasureand a wealth of information,”

said Wayne MacCallum,director of Mass Wildlife.“Dick is our ‘living history’and I’ve never seen anyonemore passionate about hiswork.”

“Back in the 1940s Dickstarted working for theDivision as a wildlife techni-cian and was stationed in theBerkshires. When the stateestablished regional wildlifeoffices, Dick and a few col-leagues built the Bourneoffice themselves where Dickstill works to this day.

His work with the Mass.Wildlife Division has includ-ed operating deer-check sta-tions in the fall; stockingtrout, salmon, wild turkeys,pheasants and snowshoehare; and investigating rare-animal sightings.

It really is a treat to shootthe breeze with the scholar-ship winners and other NewEngland outdoor writers atthis annual event. It isthrough the public recogni-tion of such individuals thatthose of us who love to partic-ipate in the outdoor arena ofhunting, fishing, hiking, andboating will continue to beable to do so. While thisweek’s column is not filledwith descriptions concerning

the pursuit of fish and game,it directly relates to thepreservation of those activi-ties. It was definitely a privi-lege to be at a gatheringwhere one of the main func-tions of the 250 outdoor NewEngland Outdoor writers andtheir guests was to honor

those that insure our rightsto enjoy the outdoors both forthe present and, even moreimportantly, for the future.

Captain Bill Brown, a regu-lar contributor to the LivingPage, can be reached atCaptBillB@aol.com

that it is in life’s challengesthat we find life’s meaning,says that the themes in hisbook, themes of hope andconfidence are built andstrengthened by Clarkieand reinforced by his auntand uncle.

“These themes are so veryvital to introduce and dis-cuss with our children atthe earliest possiblemoment,” he said. “‘Sandy’sVision’ also teaches childrenabout perseverance, andabout doing somethingthat’s really important,even when it’s not veryeasy.”

“A young man now standstaller, having learned aboutcompassion, perseverance,opportunity and the love of

his family,” he adds. “Andhis uncle and aunt smile,knowing that all of our livesare richer for this experi-ence. These themes aretimeless and ageless.”

“And we all wonder,” heasks, “was Sandy’s chancevisit to our home that dayreally just a coincidence?”

The Sun, Westerly, R.I., Sunday, March 4, 2007 17Entertainment / Living

262143

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Co-Main Event – 10 Round Welterweight Fight

Said “Prince”Ouali vs. Irving “Chuma”Garcia Miami, FL /20-2, 12 KOs / #22 WBC Vega Baja, Puerto Rico / 14-2-1, 7KOs

PLUS 5 OTHER EXCITING BOUTS

Friday / March 23 / 8PMTickets $75 • $50 • $35 / Call 1-800-200-2882 / 718-823-2000

or visit www.foxwoods.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH STAR BOXING, INC

LIVE BOXING 12-round USBA Welterweight

Championship Fight

LIVE BOXING 12-round USBA Welterweight

Championship Fight

DELVIN RODRIGUEZ Danbury, CT • 20-1-1,12KOs

VSJESSE “EL RAYO”

FELICIANOLas Vegas, NV • 14-5-3, 8KOs

260960

Adv. Tix on Sale 300 (R) - ID REQ'D ★ZODIAC (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1240 405) 745WILD HOGS (PG-13) DIG (1230 300 520) 740 1005THE NUMBER 23 (R) - ID REQ'D (110 425) 725 940RENO 911: MIAMI (R) - ID REQ'D (1245 250 510) 720

935THE ASTRONAUT FARMER (PG) (1250 410) 750 1015OC: GHOST RIDER (PG-13) DIG (100)BREACH (PG-13) (1255 415) 730 1000GHOST RIDER (PG-13) DIG (400) 715 945BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (PG) (1235 255 515) 735

955MUSIC AND LYRICS (PG-13) (115 430) 750 1010NORBIT (PG-13) (105 420) 710 950

©2007Times For 3/2/07

★Sandyfrom page 13

The cover of Sandy’s Vision, by Dr. Martin Bednar.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

★Brownfrom page 13

worked as a volunteer withautistic children. Betsy plansto take time off before enter-ing graduate school to visitAlaska.

Kiley Briggs, a junior in theUniversity of Vermont’sRubenstein School of NaturalResources, has establishedan impressive track record ofenvironmental stewardship.The Shoreham, Vt. producthas assisted The NatureConservancy with invasivespecies control, volunteeredat the ECHO Lake andAquarium Center inBurlington and has estab-lished his own interactive on-line field guide to the reptilesand amphibians of Vermont.In addition, in the summer of2004 he spent time studyingherpetology in China and iscurrently working on map-ping amphibian populationsin northern Vermont.

He has been a contributorto the “Atlas of the Reptilesand Amphibians of Vermont.”He plans to eventually attend

graduate school after obtain-ing his degree in wildlife biol-ogy in the spring of 2008.

Long time active memberemeritus and past presidentStu Bristol was awarded theDick Cronin Sportsman ofthe Year Award. This past fallStu Bristol of Lyman, Maine,was faced with a choice: havea serious medical operationor take his grandson onMaine’s youth deer hunt.After thinking it over, hepostponed the operation andspent time outdoors with hisgrandson.

As an outdoor writer, Stuhas a long track record ofsharing his skills and knowl-edge with others. He also con-ducts outdoor schools anddonates his time to a varietyof nonprofit organizationsand events. One group, theNew England ParalyzedVeterans Association, con-ducts a bass tournamentwhere Stu helps the volun-teers take anglers in wheel-chairs on their boats.

In a column titled,“Becoming an Outdoor

Mentor,” Stu wrote: “Eachyear, just after the Christmasholiday, I wonder which, ifany, of the gifts we receivedwill endure the test of time.What was under the tree thisyear that might be cherishedfor years to come? Is thereanything that might bepassed down to the next gen-eration or will most of thosegifts just add to the prolifera-tion of yard-sale goods?”

Stu’s stated philosophy ofthe outdoors was, “Our tangi-ble gift may be a new shotgunor snowshoes or binoculars,but the underlying gift that issure to stand the test of timeis the sharing of appreciationfor our environment. It is theunderstanding of the specialrelationship we have with allthe other living creatures ofthe world, from black flies tokiller whales, that allows thisgift to stand the measure oftime.”

Richard “Dick” Turner washonored with the Joe Yerka ofthe Year (Non-Member)Award. Working for theMassachusetts Division ofFisheries and Wildlife hasbeen a lifelong commitmentfor Richard “Dick” Turner ofLakeville. “He’s a treasureand a wealth of information,”

said Wayne MacCallum,director of Mass Wildlife.“Dick is our ‘living history’and I’ve never seen anyonemore passionate about hiswork.”

“Back in the 1940s Dickstarted working for theDivision as a wildlife techni-cian and was stationed in theBerkshires. When the stateestablished regional wildlifeoffices, Dick and a few col-leagues built the Bourneoffice themselves where Dickstill works to this day.

His work with the Mass.Wildlife Division has includ-ed operating deer-check sta-tions in the fall; stockingtrout, salmon, wild turkeys,pheasants and snowshoehare; and investigating rare-animal sightings.

It really is a treat to shootthe breeze with the scholar-ship winners and other NewEngland outdoor writers atthis annual event. It isthrough the public recogni-tion of such individuals thatthose of us who love to partic-ipate in the outdoor arena ofhunting, fishing, hiking, andboating will continue to beable to do so. While thisweek’s column is not filledwith descriptions concerning

the pursuit of fish and game,it directly relates to thepreservation of those activi-ties. It was definitely a privi-lege to be at a gatheringwhere one of the main func-tions of the 250 outdoor NewEngland Outdoor writers andtheir guests was to honor

those that insure our rightsto enjoy the outdoors both forthe present and, even moreimportantly, for the future.

Captain Bill Brown, a regu-lar contributor to the LivingPage, can be reached atCaptBillB@aol.com

that it is in life’s challengesthat we find life’s meaning,says that the themes in hisbook, themes of hope andconfidence are built andstrengthened by Clarkieand reinforced by his auntand uncle.

“These themes are so veryvital to introduce and dis-cuss with our children atthe earliest possiblemoment,” he said. “‘Sandy’sVision’ also teaches childrenabout perseverance, andabout doing somethingthat’s really important,even when it’s not veryeasy.”

“A young man now standstaller, having learned aboutcompassion, perseverance,opportunity and the love of

his family,” he adds. “Andhis uncle and aunt smile,knowing that all of our livesare richer for this experi-ence. These themes aretimeless and ageless.”

“And we all wonder,” heasks, “was Sandy’s chancevisit to our home that dayreally just a coincidence?”

The Sun, Westerly, R.I., Sunday, March 4, 2007 17Entertainment / Living

262143

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Co-Main Event – 10 Round Welterweight Fight

Said “Prince”Ouali vs. Irving “Chuma”Garcia Miami, FL /20-2, 12 KOs / #22 WBC Vega Baja, Puerto Rico / 14-2-1, 7KOs

PLUS 5 OTHER EXCITING BOUTS

Friday / March 23 / 8PMTickets $75 • $50 • $35 / Call 1-800-200-2882 / 718-823-2000

or visit www.foxwoods.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH STAR BOXING, INC

LIVE BOXING 12-round USBA Welterweight

Championship Fight

LIVE BOXING 12-round USBA Welterweight

Championship Fight

DELVIN RODRIGUEZ Danbury, CT • 20-1-1,12KOs

VSJESSE “EL RAYO”

FELICIANOLas Vegas, NV • 14-5-3, 8KOs

260960

Adv. Tix on Sale 300 (R) - ID REQ'D ★ZODIAC (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1240 405) 745WILD HOGS (PG-13) DIG (1230 300 520) 740 1005THE NUMBER 23 (R) - ID REQ'D (110 425) 725 940RENO 911: MIAMI (R) - ID REQ'D (1245 250 510) 720

935THE ASTRONAUT FARMER (PG) (1250 410) 750 1015OC: GHOST RIDER (PG-13) DIG (100)BREACH (PG-13) (1255 415) 730 1000GHOST RIDER (PG-13) DIG (400) 715 945BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (PG) (1235 255 515) 735

955MUSIC AND LYRICS (PG-13) (115 430) 750 1010NORBIT (PG-13) (105 420) 710 950

©2007Times For 3/2/07

★Sandyfrom page 13

The cover of Sandy’s Vision, by Dr. Martin Bednar.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

★Brownfrom page 13

By Nancy Burns-FusaroThe Sun Staff

It’s 10 p.m. and NorthStonington resident MartinBednar – an M.D, Ph.D., boardcertified neurosurgeon,researcher and senior director atPfizer – is preparing for a week-long trip to Japan.

Bednar, who develops drugtherapies for the treatment ofsuch brain disorders as stroke andAlzheimer’s disease, is headed toJapan to meet with Japan’s keyleaders in brain disease researchto discuss possible collaboration.He is excited about the trip andabout the extraordinary possibili-ties going on in his field thesedays.

As a researcher activelyengaged in the production of newbrain cells lost after injuries suchas stroke, he has seen some amaz-ing results – results that havechanged lives. He is passionateabout those results and about thepossibilities to improve the quali-ty of life of stroke victims.

This night however, he is talk-ing about another of his passions,the children’s book he recentlycompleted, “Sandy’s Vision.” Thebook weaves together all ofBednar’s passions – his faith, hisfamily, his research – and his loveof children’s literature.

“Sandy’s Vision” is a story aboutchanging life’s inevitable disap-pointments into opportunities forgrowth, says Bednar. It’s a lesson,he says, not only for children butfor us all.

After all, he asks, “How many ofus view a disappointing outcomeor an unpredicted result in ourlives as a real opportunity forgrowth?”

“That unpredicted result, theunexpected outcome,” he says, “isit a sad, hopeless situation or anopportunity for learning andgrowth?”

The answer to these questionsis embedded in the theme of“Sandy’s Vision,” he said.

The neurosurgeon says healways wanted to write a chil-dren’s book, but the “right” sub-ject never appeared. Until Sandy,the stray cat arrived on hisdoorstep. It was about two yearsago, he recalls, when his 8-year-old nephew, Clarkie, was visiting.Bednar and his wife, Arlean, asenior director for the “PamperedChef,” have 16 nieces andnephews, who are frequent visi-tors to their home. They oftencome for extended visits, especial-ly during the summer. It was dur-ing Clarkie’s summer visit thatSandy made his appearance.

Aunt, uncle and nephew imme-diately warmed up to the stray catsoon after he arrived on thedoorstep and named him Sandy.Sandy was older, very friendlyand rather emaciated, weighingonly half of what an adult catshould normally weigh. Andalthough Sandy certainlyappeared to be hungry, he wouldrun away – seemingly in pain –after attempting to eat only one ortwo bites of food.

After a few days, the three took

Sandy to the veterinarian whodiagnosed the problem as a seri-ous and life-threatening mouthinfection, curable only with a sur-gery. During the procedure the catsuffered a major stroke that lefthim blind and unable to walk.

It was in trying to find the wayto best explain Sandy’s conditionto Clarkie that Bednar realized hehad a valuable life lesson to teachhis nephew. It was then that“Sandy’s Vision” began to take

shape.Because life always presents us

with obstacles, said Bednar,“some pleasant and some not sopleasant, it’s important to figureout how we’re going to deal withthem.”

“When faced with an obstacle orlife challenge,” he posed “will weview an unexpected outcome asfutile and give up? Or should welook deeper and determine if thereis a greater value that might not

be so obvious?” Life will always present us with

challenges. How we react to themis a critical part of our develop-ment and why it is important tobegin to introduce this topic tochildren.

“Sandy’s Vision” attempts toteach an 8-year-old boy how toreact to this situation.

It is essential to learn how tomake appropriate decisions andthen learn how to deal with the

outcome, says Bednar, a devoutRoman Catholic. After all, hesays, they could have decided tohave Sandy put to sleep.

In his quest to understand hisfaith more deeply, Bednar, whoattends St. Pius X Church inWesterly, says he has learnedquite a bit about transforming dif-ficulties into joys.

It’s a lesson he has learned withthe help of his pastor, the Rev.Ray Suriani, he says.

“You can’t be a passive partici-pant in anything you do,” saidBednar. “You have to be passion-ate. The more you put into some-thing, the more you get out.”

“Sandy provided me with a clearexample to discuss these funda-mental yet difficult issues,” saysthe surgeon. “In the story, Clarkieneeded to reconcile Sandy’s pooroutcome – the stroke – following aseemingly good decision, to pro-ceed with life-saving surgery.”

In Sandy’s case, however, theoutcome was rather miraculous.

In an effort to help Sandyrecover from the stroke, Bednarused drugs to stimulate thegrowth of Sandy’s brain cells,making Sandy the first animal inthe world to receive the drugs.Sandy recovered and is now ableto walk and see.

“‘Sandy’s Vision’ tells the real-life story about Sandy, and how heaffected the lives of many,” saysBednar. “It provides this opportu-nity for learning about disap-pointment and about compassionand for sharing that learning.”

The book is dedicated to hisentire extended family – his par-ents and 16 nephews and nieces –but “most especially to my wife,Arlean.”

Its his wife, he says, that wasthe initial inspiration for writinga children’s book. As a childBednar was heavily influenced bychildren’s literature. Once, in aconversation with his wife, hereferred to a “Br’er Rabbit” tale.When Arlean said she had neverread the Uncle Remus tales, herealized that not all children hadbeen as heavily influenced as hehad been by the books from hischildhood.

“I immediately went out andbought her a picture book,” saysthe researcher. “She has been col-lecting children’s books eversince.”

Mrs. Bednar has at least 50children’s picture books he says.

Last Christmas Eve, after near-ly two years of writing andresearching, connecting with hisillustrator Thomas McAteer, andlearning about copyrighting andtrademarks, Bednar surprised hiswife with the first copy of “Sandy’sVision.”

“I was really, really surprised,”said Arlean Bednar. “He handedme a big, big box and insisted Iopen it early, before we went visit-ing the rest of the family.”

She was astonished. It was amazing, she said, to

think about how much time, ener-gy and thought went into thebook’s creation.

Bednar, who strongly believes

LivingThe Sun, Westerly, R.I. Sunday, March 4, 2007 13

BLACK PLATE FPO

The New England OutdoorWriters Association recently met atthe Crowne Plaza Hotel inWorcester to honor its own withawards for their outdoor writingand photographic efforts. In addi-tion, six awards were presented tostudents from the six New Englandstate universities for scholasticexcellence; along with another twoother individuals who were recog-nized for their efforts in regards tothe preservation of outdoor activi-ties in the New England Region.

The local N.E.O.W.A. contingentincluded Bob Sampson, MikeRoberts, Bob Gregorski, Ed Parkerof the CT DEP, and me. NEOWAhad a right to be proud of its contri-bution to both those undergraduateand graduate student who garneredthe gold for his scholastic achieve-ment in regards to their fields ofoutdoor and wildlife studies.

Kristopher Winiarski graduatedMagnum Cum Laude from theUniversity of Rhode Island in 2005with a Bachelor’s of Science degreein wildlife biology and conservation.He is presently a first-year environ-mental science graduate student at

URI. In 2005, he was the only URIstudent selected to do 80 days ofwildlife research at La Perouse BayField Station, a remote site in theArctic.

His research experience includesfinding an insect herbivore thatfeeds on the cursed phragmites,tracking snow geese dispersal andhabitat use, evaluating mosquitobarriers (repellants), surveyingRhode Island deer ticks for Lymedisease, trapping white-footed micefor Babesiosis rates, and looking forWest Nile Virus in birds at RogerWilliams Park Zoo. He has pub-lished several scientific articles.Kris enjoys striped bass fly-fishing,waterfowl hunting and bird watch-ing.

Brad Turmbo is a senior at theUniversity of Connecticut’s School ofNatural Resources, majoring in

fisheries science. His field ex-perience ranges from the VirginiaDepartment of Game and InlandFisheries, to an education programfor the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand out west at the University ofOregon. Most recently he collectedlargemouth bass for mercury con-tamination studies with theConnecticut DEP. Brad is founderand president of the UConnChapter of the American FisheriesSociety (AFS).

He is recipient of the StudentTravel Award from AFS and theKlinck Award at UConn. Brad isalso treasurer of the Forestry Cluband member of the UConn ArcheryClub. He enjoys all aspects of theoutdoors and is also interested inwriting, with a recent publication inthe AFS Journal. His goal is to workon brook trout for a state agency.

Katherine Foley will graduatefrom the University ofMassachusetts this spring with abachelor’s degree in wildlife andfisheries conservation. “Kat” ispresently serving as Vice Presidentof Projects for the University ofMassachusetts at Amherst Student

Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Forthe past three years, she has been aresearch assistant at the Universityof Massachusetts Research Stationat Wareham, where she has leadresearch projects, maintained thelab, worked in the field collectingsamples, processed samples andpropagated plants.

She has worked as a volunteer onthe “Save the Bay” Eel GrassRestoration Project in 2002 and atthe Capron Park and Zoo. She alsoserved a summer internship a theRodger Williams Zoo in 2004. Herfuture plans include graduateschool to prepare for a career in nat-ural resource management.

Jacob Borgeson will graduatefrom the University of NewHampshire in 2008 with a Bachelorof Science degree in wildlife man-agement. Jacob is anUndergraduate Research Op-portunity recipient, where he hasbeen evaluating the protocol andconditions associated with genetictagging of bears in northern NewHampshire. In 2005, Jacob workedwith New Hampshire Fish andGame biologists in locating and

observing neonatal cow and calfmoose.

Jacob has been a Maine guide,leading fly fishing trips to remoteregions of Rangley and westernmountains of Maine. Besides guid-ing and fly fishing, Jacob hunts,hikes and snowboards. He is anactive member of the BelknapSportsmen’s Association. Upongraduation, Jacob hopes to work fora fish and wildlife agency.

Elizabeth Dionne is a juniormajoring in wildlife ecology at theUniversity of Maine in Orono. Anative Mainer, “Betsy” grew up inthe small town of Wales. Since child-hood she has been interested inwildlife and conservation issues.Her career goal is to teach the pub-lic about conservation. Betsy hasconsiderable field work experienceincluding data collection in Maine’sNorth Woods on American marten,owls, and a variety of small mam-mals. She is a member of TheSociety for Conservation Biologyand the Student Chapter of TheWildlife Society. A member of theAutism Society of Maine, she has

Honoring the past and future stars of outdoor livingDocksides

Capt.Bill Brown

See Brown, Page 17

Sandy’s real-life miracle

Dr. Martin Bednar holds Sandy in the office at his North Stonington home. When Sandy had a stroke, Bednargave him an experimental treatment. His book, Sandy’s Vision, explains the difficult situation Sandy faced forchildren, since his own 8-year-old nephew had to ride the ups and downs of the cat’s progress.

SUSANNAH H. SNOWDEN / The Sun

Dr. Bednar saved his cat’s life, and wrote about the experience – for kids

See Sandy, Page 17