August 2019
Finding the Perfect Mentor And How They Will Help You Succeed
Everyone needs to have an important person to mentor them at least once in their lifetime.These role models offer essential advice or guidance to someone who may have less experience and is actively looking to learn and grow. Over the course of my career, many mentors have helped me get to where I am now, which is amazing.These guides advised me not only in my dental practice but also in many of the activities I’m associated with, including several Boy Scouts programs. In these groups, I’ve both been a participant and worked as someone who helps serve the young men and adults in attendance, encouraging growth and learning in every activity we do.
wet, I found Becker to be an imposing figure and someone I heartily looked up to. What made the biggest impression on me was that he didn’t treat me like I was a dummy, even though I didn’t have near the same level experience he had. Becker was the kind of person who saw my potential, viewing me as a piece of clay that could be molded into something better.This made me feel more confident. When I had the chance to talk with him, I didn’t feel inferior, and he never once treated me that way.Through Becker, I learned that this type of support and communication makes a great mentor, and it’s a good basis for what anyone should look for in an advisor.There needs to be a level playing field for the communication between the novice and mentor, so they are on equal footing. A mentor should never talk down to or penalize someone for not knowing a thing they were never taught.They should encourage, guide, and respect the person who is learning from them. Being comfortable with each other is essential when it comes to a mentorship relationship. If you’re trying to learn from someone who is very intimidating to you, you aren’t going to feel comfortable asking silly questions — which, by the way, there are no silly questions. A true mentor will acknowledge this and encourage their student to inquire about anything they may not completely comprehend. Good mentors will ensure you’re going in the right direction or help open you up to options you haven’t considered or to those you ought to revisit. Whenever I have the opportunity to work with dental students, I always make sure to use the lessons I learned from Becker. I encourage my students to ask questions, using information as a guide to put them back on track without making them feel less about themselves.
This is similar to the work I do through my dental practice, although to a slightly different degree. I’ve had many mentors who helped me
learn about the different areas of dentistry that I now specialize in. I assure you that having the help of multiple mentors in many aspects of your life is hugely beneficial. These inspirational people can help you learn and understand more about whatever specific field you find yourself in, as well as many other activities you’re involved in outside of work.
One mentor in particular comes to mind when I think about all the coaches I’ve had: Irwin Becker. When I first met him, Becker was an elderly gentleman — and I mean a real gentleman — at The Pankey Institute. He was a superb technician and dentist, having worked in the dental field for about 12–15 years at that time. As someone who was just starting to get their feet
Finding the perfect mentor might be a little tricky at first, but once you discover the right person, you’ll be set for life.
–Dr. Kevin Norige
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The Art of Stargazing HELPING HUMANS SLOW DOWN AND LOOK UP
happy 2. EXTRA SET OF EYES While novice stargazers often want to immediately throw their money at a new telescope, astronomy experts recommend starting with binoculars instead.You’ll need to identify several anchor planets or constellations to help you navigate the sky before using a telescope. Modern humans are stuck in a routine of expected and constant industriousness. But with all this rushing, people often drag themselves home at night with no energy left to enjoy the most splendid show nature has to offer: the wondrous night sky. Most people go through life looking straight ahead, but if they would stop and peer skyward, they’d bear witness to a massive, unexplored frontier made up of the moon in all its phases, burning stars sailing through the sky, constellations with epic origin stories, and meteor showers bright enough to warrant sunglasses. If you’re looking for a hobby to help you slow down and appreciate the world around you, stargazing is a great option. Here are some tips to get you started. 1. THE HIGHER,THE BETTER If you’re a city dweller, meander a little way out of town or try to find a tall building to keep the light pollution to a minimum.
3. UTILIZE ASSETS Put your phone to good use by downloading apps like Stellarium, Starwalk, and Google Sky Map. Each of these apps offers a unique benefit for aspiring stargazers. For example, Starwalk lets you point your phone at the sky to see stars, constellations, and planets in real time based on your location. 4. MARKYOUR CALENDAR In 1972, beloved singer- songwriter John Denver wrote about a meteor shower he witnessed during a camping trip in Colorado. He describes the scene by singing, “I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky.”The “fire” he recounted was actually the Perseids meteor shower, the most recognized shower on Earth.This astrological wonder takes place every year from July 17 to Aug. 24. During this time, viewers should be able to see shooting stars associated with the
Perseids, but the shower reaches its maximum rate of activity on Aug. 12–13 this year. Grab some friends and family, and head outdoors to put your newfound stargazing knowledge to work. Patients Patien greeted me with a nice smile and took me to the room. She is always cheerful, professional, and helpful and listens to any dental concerns I may have. I always look forward to seeing her again. I have no complaints with any of the staff and have complete confidence in all. I would definitely recommend SouthWindsor Smiles to anyone looking for dental work.” –Dave B.
“My biannual dental cleaning went smoothly despite my dread of it. Wendy, my hygienist, remembers me and asks what’s new. I finally started using aWaterpik at her suggestion. My cleaning was so professionally done; I couldn’t ask for better. Dr. Norige is so friendly and picked right up on the conversation topic as he checked my teeth. I left feeling motivated to take great care of my teeth.” –Theresa J. “Wonderful staff!! Kind and friendly.They were very gentle. I definitely will recommend them to others.” –CelenaW. “My experiences with Dr. Norige and his staff are always positive ones.When I walk through the door, I’m always greeted with an office of smiles eager to take care of me.This visit was so on time I didn’t even get a chance to sit down in the waiting room before my dental hygienist
he reviewed the work performed by his staff. I would highly recommend this dental practice to anyone in need of dental work.” –Harry S. “This is an aptly named practice.The staff and dentist are the nicest people I have encountered anywhere. Always upbeat, they provide highly professional care that goes beyond your teeth. For example, they check your blood pressure, your mouth and neck for lumps, and your ability to swallow — things that are not always done, even by your doctor. Since switching to this dentist over two years ago, I find I leave the office with cleaner teeth, which seem to remain clean longer than before. So glad my husband and I found Dr. Norige and his staff. It has made a trip to the dentist a much more pleasant experience, and we have better cared for teeth, as well! Can’t beat that combination. Highly recommend!” –Cynthia S. www . southwindsorsmiles . com
“This was my first visit to SouthWindsor Smiles, and I have to say, I was impressed. Starting with my phone call to set up the appointment and continuing through my departure from the office, the staff was pleasant, compassionate, and professional.The hygienist who spent most of the appointment with me was truly outstanding, explaining what she was doing every step of the way and taking great care to perform her tasks with no discomfort whatsoever. Dr Norige was exceptionally personable and compassionate as
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From Dr. Kevin Norige “John Adams” was published in 2001 and later received the Pulitzer Prize. McCullough received a second Pulitzer Prize for his book “Truman,” which was published over 10 years earlier. McCullough also received the National Book Award for “The Path Between the Seas” and “Mornings on Horseback.” A few of his other acclaimed works include “TheWright Brothers,” “The American Spirit,” “1776,” and “The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris.” A few years ago, I had the chance to meet McCullough at a book signing. When it was my turn, I walked up to him and said, “If you could just sign your name that’d be great, Mr. McCullough.You don’t need to write anything else.” And I remember he looked up at me and said, “Thank you.” All I really wanted in that meeting was to be in his company. His books increased my desire to learn more about people, especially historical figures. I was very proud to have met the man who inspired me to read more. I’ve bought several copies of his books and have given them to family and friends to read, as they’re too good not to share and enjoy with another person. If you’re looking for a good read this month, I highly recommend one (or all) of McCullough’s works. Why I Love and Recommend the Works of David McCullough
My favorite author of all time is the biographer David Gaub McCullough.Typically, I’m not a huge book reader, but McCullough has this way of writing that pulls me in like no other author. The first book of his I picked up was the biography he wrote on John Adams, the second president of the United States.Typically, you don’t hear a lot about Adams; instead, most people talk about George Washington and then skip toThomas Jefferson. In addition to being a writer, McCullough is also a public speaker, and, around 20 years ago, I heard him talking about his book over the radio. I was interested. Although it took me about six months to get through it, I finished “John Adams” and was completely fascinated. Once I finished this book, I looked for and read everything else he’d ever published.
Puzzle Your Brain
Salsa ROASTED CORN
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
i ngred i ents
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1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
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2 medium ears of corn, shucked
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1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
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1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced
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Juice of 1 lime
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1/2 red onion, diced
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Kosher salt, to taste
d i rect i ons
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.
5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
P ublished by T he newsletter P ro | www .T he N ewsletter P ro . com
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
112 Deming St. SouthWindsor, CT 06074
860-787-5832
Inside
www.southwindsorsmiles.com
th i s i ssue
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Mentors Who Help You Learn and Grow
The Art of Stargazing
Testimonials
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Biographer, David McCullough
Roasted Corn Salsa
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A Biking Adventure
Ride Into the Sunset
4 Tips to Maintain Your Bicycle
Hopping on your bicycle for a family bike ride through the neighborhood is a great activity for beautiful summer weather, but nothing spoils a fun day of riding more than a flat tire or dislodged chain.That’s why it’s important to keep up with bike maintenance, even if you typically stay close to home. By following these four tips, you and your family can enjoy a smooth ride all summer long. GIVEYOUR BIKE A ONCE-OVER. The best way to avoid any problems with your bike while riding is to inspect it thoroughly before you head out. Check each component and make sure everything is in working order. If you notice your handlebars are loose or your brake pads are worn, you’ll be able to make adjustments or repairs before hopping on. FILLYOURTIRES PROPERLY. Proper bike tire pressure can seem ambiguous; many people just inflate the tires until they seem plump enough to ride on. But a bike tire will typically have the recommended air pressure in psi (pound-force per square inch) stamped into the side of the tire. For example, your tire might say Min. 85–Max. 135 psi.
This may seem like a broad range, but it all depends on what you’re looking for: A higher psi will increase speed, while a lower psi will give you a smoother ride. KEEP IT CLEAN. Cleaning your bike regularly is essential in preventing premature wear and tear. When cleaning the body of the bike, use a damp rag with window cleaner or diluted dish soap to wipe it down, and take extra care not to get any of it on the chain. If the chain is dry to the touch, remove any debris that may be caught in it with a small brush or old toothbrush before applying a good bicycle chain lube. INVOLVEYOUR KIDS. Encouraging your kids to maintain their own bikes will help them understand the importance of taking care of their possessions.Teach them to inspect their bike, clean and lubricate their chains, and regularly check their tire pressure.
This summer, set yourself up for cycling success and make bike maintenance a priority.
www . southwindsorsmiles . com
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