Two new businesses have opened up in the city and I have had the chance to sample both. Not to my surprise, I have been left with more than just happy taste buds. I now have a small sense of fulfillment.

Why should I feel fulfilled? I had nothing to do with these new businesses, The Coffee Connection, 30 S. Broad St., and Ives Cream Parlor and Gourmet Coffee Shop, 10 S. Broad St. But I feel a sense of pride for the local entrepreneurs who stuck their necks out to follow their dreams in Norwich.

A while back I had written about how sad I was that downtown Norwich seemed to be diminishing. Local businesses were closing doors or moving out to the town where more is going on. I live in the city, and I love to walk out of my apartment and have options, and now I have a few more. And all because a few people wanted to take a chance.