Mid December 2006 News, Events and Activities

Is there a new Computer for the kids? Tips for Kids on the World Wide Web!!!U.S. Department of Justice's Guide to Internet Do's and Don'ts
*Do not give out personal information such as your full name, email address, address, and location of your school without your parents' permission.
*Tell your parents right away if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
*Never agree to get together with someone you "meet" online without first checking with your parents. If your parents agree to the meeting, be sure that it is in a public place and bring your mother or father along.
*Never send a person your picture or anything else without first checking with your parents.
*Do not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. It is not your fault if you get a message like that. If you do, tell your parents right away so that they can contact the Internet service provider.
*Do not give out your Internet password to anyone (even your best friends) other than your parents.
*Be a good on-line citizen and do not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.


A Christmas Card to Send.
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include a card to:
A Recovering American Soldierc/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center6900 Georgia Avenue, NWWashington D.C. 20307-5001


Quinnipiac River Fund Provides an Opportunity for a Cleaner Environment
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven announces that the 2007 Quinnipiac River Fund grant applications are now available. Grants will be awarded to applicants with a preference to proposals that address the following: effects of the oyster industry and how it can help reduce or remediate pollution on the organisms of the River; research methods of reducing pollution, or otherwise improving the River’s environmental health; researching the permitting process and looking at the permits themselves; environmental advocacy, except litigation; studying the ecology of the Quinnipaic River and the New Haven Harbor; providing public education about the Quinnipaic River and it’s watershed; purchasing land on the Quinnipac River for conservation purposes, or to reduce pollution and improve public access to the River. The Quinnipiac River Fund was established in 1990 by a court settlement of litigation between the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Natural Resource Defense Council and the Upjohn Company concerning wastewater discharges from Upjohn’s plant in North Haven. The settling parties agreed that the net income, and in extenuating circumstances, principal of the fund was to be used to, “improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and the New Haven Harbor and the watersheds of these water bodies, and otherwise to benefit the environment of these resources.” Applications are due to The Community Foundation at 70 Audubon Street, New Haven, CT 06510 no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2007; applications are available online at http://www.cfgnh.org/. Questions regarding the application preparation process should be directed to Kim Sanders-Croom, associate philanthropic officer, at ksanderscroom@cfgnh.org or 203-777-2386x218. Since 1928, donors to The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven have built the community’s endowment currently valued at approximately $250 million. In 2005, The Foundation Board of Directors distributed over $14 million in grants from over 600 different named charitable funds supporting a wide range of programs and projects. The Foundation’s service area encompasses: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven and Woodbridge. For more information about The Community Foundation visit www.cfgnh.org.


Meriden YMCA Christmas Dinner Story
Meriden YMCA Christmas dinner is strong tradition 26 years in the making. Your Meriden YMCA will once again hold its Annual Christmas Dinner at the Downtown YMCA on Christmas Day. YMCA staff and volunteers are prepared to meet hundreds of folks who congregate together in the gymnasium where a complete Roast Beef dinner with all the trimmings will be served.
The dinner is served at noon, but the work of preparing the dinners begins in the wee hours of the morning. Volunteers can be found hovering over the ovens at Fishers deli and carefully preparing as assortment of vegetables and desserts that will be served later. Several of the volunteer cooks have offered their services for 11 years now. They look forward each year to preparing the feast.
The success of the dinner really does rely almost entirely on volunteer effort. Under the direction of Tom Trevethan, YMCA facilities manager, the 50 or so volunteers cook, set up, deliver food to the homebound and when the meal is over, clean up.
One of the best features of the day is the arrival of Santa Claus who brings a huge sack filled with toys. The guests will make request for presents based on children’s ages as volunteers sift through to find the surprise gifts. For some, these will be the only gifts they receive this Christmas. The toys are provided through the generosity of individual donation each year.
Many individuals contribute generously to provide the makings of the dinner. The Y is grateful for these and the corporate sponsors who help make the dinner possible. Donations of any size are always welcomed. Anyone interested in attending the dinner or who is homebound and would like to receive a dinner, please call the YMCA at 235-6386 to make reservations.
PLEASE, PLEASE Help us to serve so many by making a financial donation or a food donation. Call Tom at 203-235-6386.

Martin Luther King—Albert Owens Scholarship, Inc.
Meriden, CT. 06450-1019
P.O. Box 2672
1-203-235-5571
The Martin Luther King/Albert Owens Scholarship Fund, Inc. (The Fund) is a non-profit organization. The fund’s goal is to assist exemplary young people to achieve their educational goals. It is for this reason that I again approach you. Your past support is deeply appreciated and I thank you for it. The fund faces daily, the need to meet increasing costs of financial assistance with limited resources. Your continued support is critical to meet the demand. We will be compiling a souvenir journal and would like to request your support. You may purchase an ad in the journal for the following rates:
Full Page---$100.00
½ Page---$50.00
¼ Page---$25.00
Person Patron Space---$10.00
Donation---
Please supply camera-ready art for your ad. Make checks payable to MLK/AO Scholarship Fund. Mail checks and art to The Martin Luther King/Albert Owens Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2672, Meriden CT. 06450-1019. Deadline for your tax-deductible ad is no later than 01/05/2007. The journals will be distributed at our annual scholarship breakfast, which will be held at Francis T. Maloney High School on 121 Gravel Street in Meriden, CT. on January 15, 2007. Join us in our effort to help a young person attain his or her dream of continuing education. Please consider advertising your business and join us at the breakfast. Thank you for your support in keeping the dream alive.
Sincerely,
Rhudean S. Raye
Founder/Chairperson

A Meriden YMCA Tradition….
Christmas Dinner
With all the fixings.
Roast Beef, Potatoes, Vegetables, Breads,
Desserts, Beverages, etc…
Monday, December 25, 2006
12:00-1:30 p.m.
Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Street, Meriden CT. 06451
The Meriden YMCA is able to deliver meals for the housebound who cannot attend.
Call to make reservations @ 203-235-6386
Special visit anticipated by Santa Claus.

Wallingford Junior Woman’s Club Holiday Social
The WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB will hold their Monthly Meeting and Holiday Social on Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 7:00 PM, at the home of Marion Grabowy, 25 Winding Brook Road, Wallingford. Members are reminded to bring their donation for the Red Cross Adopt-a-Family and Grab Bag.
The Wallingford Junior Woman’s Club is a non-profit, civic organization, open to women ages 18 and up, that promotes educational, philanthropic and community service work for 52 years.
Any woman interested in learning more about this service organization, may Contact Mimi La France, Membership Chairwoman (203-284-8544) or Kathy Schave, President (203-949-1638).

Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce News and Events
Season’s Greetings, Happy Holidays & all that Jazz! We thank those members who attended our Holiday Business After Hours Event on December 5th at Il Monticello. Our sponsors for the evening were Executive Auto Group; A.R. Mazzotta Employment Specialists; New England Enterprises; Residential Home Funding Corp.; Suzio York Hill Companies; Silver City Sound and Video Productions; CT Academy of Ballet & Performing Arts. Close to 200 people enjoyed holiday networking at the festive affair and bidding on the silent auction items that benefited the Meriden YMCA! A tremendous number of toys were collected and were distributed the following day to the following members: Fischer’s (they are collecting for Chrysalis); Catholic Charities; and Women & Families Center. Thanks again for sharing in this great event! We hope you will join us at some of these upcoming events – remember, these events are open to all members and their employees – get out and promote your business and have some fun, too!
Final Bicentennial Event of the Year – the Bicentennial Reception: Thursday, December 14th from 5-8 p.m. at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center. All are invited to the wrap up celebration for the Bicentennial Year! The event is sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee. Refreshments will be served and there will be an awards presentation for trees and this will be the last night to bid on trees. A brief closing program will outline the culmination of the 2006 Bicentennial year events. Bicentennial commemorative merchandise will be for sale. For details call 203-639-2856.
Business BEFORE Hours at Café Dolce! Friday, December 15th from 8-9:30 a.m. at 33 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451. Join us for some fantastic a.m. holiday networking in Meriden's newest downtown café! Bring plenty of business cards! Meet Sara Owen & her staff while enjoying Café Dolce refreshments – it’s a GREAT way to start your day! RSVP: mailto:membership@meridenchamber.com?subject=BBH-DEC
Holiday Friend & Fundraiser hosted by the Chamber’s Hispanic Member Outreach Committee – Tuesday, December 19th from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Club Impulz, Colony Street, Meriden. All are invited (open to the public) to this special event to raise funds for education awards for Hispanic Meriden students! Monetary donation of choice will be accepted. There will be a basket raffle and 50-50 raffle in addition to fantastic food, cash bar, great entertainment & more! RSVP: mailto:membership@meridenchamber.com?subject=HMOC-Holiday
Meriden Night at Bridgeport Sound Tigers! Friday, December 29th, 600 Main St - Bridgeport, CT 06604. Celebrate the New Year with a great game: Bridgeport Sound Tigers vs. Hartford Wolfpack. This special event includes: Meet and Greet session 1 hour before game, exclusively on the 3rd floor Tiger’s Den club lounge (Arena Doors Open at 6:30pm); Fully catered event with cash bar PRE-GAME ONLY from 6:30pm-7:30pm; Tickets are just $20.00 each (which includes ticket to game + food); The Chamber will be greeted over the P.A. system and on digital display boards; All Meriden Chamber attendees will be seated together; and attendees are invited to our complimentary post game autograph session! Meet local professionals eager to help grow your business; Expand your sales team by being part of a dynamic group; Have fun and develop camaraderie with your peers... Please make checks payable to Bridgeport Sound Tigers - no later than Thursday December 28th 2pm to: Gwen Pointer - Bridgeport Sound Tigers, 600 Main St - Bridgeport, Ct 06604, Also you can email your order to anthony@soundtigers.com.**TICKET SPECIAL IS VALID FOR PRE-SALE ONLY: NOT AVAILABLE AT BOX OFFICE** Tickets will be mailed to you upon receipt of order. Contact: Gwen Pointer, Manager, Corporate Partnership with the Sound Tigers at 203-334-4625 ext. 329

Movie Review
By Barbara Sherburne
The Nativity Story is just unbelievable. The detail of the life back in those days was amazing. The costumes were amazing. I did not know a single actor, and they were all fantastic and perfect for their parts. The gal who portrayed Mary reminded me of the gal in Romeo and Juliet, Olivia Hussey. (That actress later, Olivia, portrayed a Biblical figure, and I can't remember what that film was right now.) The actors were from Israel, Italy, France, and America, according to the casting credits. It was just an incredible film, and it was tear-jerking in that it invoked such emotions from me regarding the birth of Christ and what it meant for the future. The movie only went so far as His birth, and brought the wise men too soon, but I had no problem with that at all. I noticed that a woman directed the film and was also a producer. Whatever scenes involved bloodshed were very minimal and showed little, for which I was thankful. I looked on my video cassette to see when Titanic was produced, which was 1997, the last film I saw in a theater. I had forgotten how large the movie theater screens are and how loud everything is, but I adjusted to it in time. Being the only person in the theater at the time of the showing had a special feeling for me. It was as if the movie were being shown just for me. I would have sobbed much more than I did at the end, but I knew I had to go to work shortly thereafter, and I controlled my feelings. However, it touched me deeply. I am hoping the woman who directed this movie will do another one, going on with Christ's life. I was left wanting a great deal more. No matter what the critics have written about this movie, believe them not. The three wise men, Herod, Herod's son, Joseph, Mary, Mary's parents and relatives, they are all phenomenal actors. The scenery and depiction of Christ's time were breath-taking. I would recommend this to anyone, even those of Jewish faith. I recognized many Hebrew phrases spoken because of my years of singing with the Cantica Hebraica in New York City, but there were no subtitles. I don't think it matters for those who do not speak Hebrew, but I would recommend this movie to people of all faiths. It truly has a great message to offer. And the music was beautiful. Go see it.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class At Temple B’nai Abraham
Have you always wanted to celebrate your bar or bat mitzvah (coming of age/ reaffirmation of commitment to Judaism)? Please join us on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at Temple B’nai Abraham at 127 East Main Street in Meriden as Rabbi Gloria S. Rubin teaches how to lead a service, polish your prayer book Hebrew, learn to read Torah, and understand the content and meaning of our prayers. Pre-requisite: a basic knowledge of Hebrew reading (ability to decode words - even slowly). For more information, please call (203) 235-2581.About Temple B’nai AbrahamTemple B'nai Abraham is a Conservative synagogue which provides religious, educational and social programming for all age groups in a warm, extended family atmosphere. Shabbat services are egalitarian, and feature congregational singing. All are welcome.
Meriden YMCA Swimming News and Events
MERIDEN YMCA BEGINS REGISTRATION FOR LIFEGUARD COURSE
The Meriden YMCA is conducting registration for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. Participants are required to attend the following 9 Classes: Saturday(12-6p.m.): Jan. 27; Sundays(12-6p.m.): Jan. 28 & Feb 4; Tuesdays(7-9p.m.): Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, and Thursdays(7-9p.m.): Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & Feb. 8.
Jamie Tennyson will be the instructor. This course will include the following certifications: CPR/FPR, First Aid and Safety and AED. Telephone registrations are being taken with a major credit card or one can register in person at the Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Street. Pre-registration is required for this class. For further information or to register; Please call (203)235-6386 ext. 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com
MERIDEN YMCA OFFERSAMERICAN RED CROSS BABYSITTING CERTIFICATION COURSE
This certification program is designed for today’s 11-15 year olds. This training course gives participants the knowledge, skills and confidence to care for infants through school-aged children. This program addresses safety issues, preventing injuries and illnesses, basic child care, first aid, decision making skills and age appropriate behavior and play. Participants learn by doing and are required to demonstrate several first aid skills including rescue breathing and dealing with a choking victim.
Class will take place on Mon, February 19th & Wed, Feb. 21st From 6:00-9:00p.m. Participants must attend both evenings. Pre-registration is required. Please contact the Meriden YMCA at 235-6386 to register today!
COME JOIN MERIDEN YMCA’S MASTERS ADULT SWIM PROGRAM
This program is designed for those adults 19 years of age and older who wish to workout with other adults accompanied by a certified swim coach. The purpose of this program is to promote fun, fitness, safety and possibly competition for all participants of whatever level of ability and interest.
The Winter Program will run from Jan. 3 – March 22. Practice Sessions are Mon & Wed> 7:30-8:45p.m and Thursdays> 8:00-9:00p.m. For further information or to register; please contact Lisa Hoover at (203)235-6386; ext 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com
MERIDEN YMCA YOUTH SWIM TEAM IS INVITING NEW PARTICIPANTS!
The Meriden YMCA has begun it’s registration for the youth swim team. 4 levels of participation are available ranging from the Beginner Swimmer(Bronze) to the Intermediate Swimmer(Silver) to Advanced Swimmer(Gold); Most Advanced Swimmer(Sr. Gold). Participants can choose the days they attend their practice sessions. Bronze swimmers practice from 6-7p.m. Silver swimmers practice from 5:30-7:00p.m. and the Sr.Gold/ Gold swimmers practice from 4-6p.m. Certified Coaches are available 5 days a week. 2 Certified Lifeguards are also on duty.
A USS swimming division is also available for those swimmers who wish to compete on a more often basis with other organizations in addition to the YMCA League.
Pro-rated fees apply for those athletes who wish to start later on in the season due to outside conflicts.
For further information; please contact Lisa Hoover: (203)235-6386; ext. 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com

2007 MERIDEN PROJECT GRADUATION
needs parents of all Platt, Maloney and Wilcox students to share your thoughts and ideas for the all night drug and alcohol free party that is thrown for our graduates at the end of the school year. This event is supported by the entire community but cannot go on without parental support! Mark your calendars for the following upcoming meetings and plan to join us. All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.
January 3, 2007 @ Maloney
February 7, 2007 @ Wilcox
March 7, 2007 @ Platt
April 11, 2007 @ Maloney
May 2, 2007 @ Wilcox
Any questions, please contact the following Project Graduation Committee members: Ray Moncevicius 235-4256 romaldasm@aol.com or Ginnie Patsos 235-1514 ginnie211@cox.net.
Thank you for your continued support in making our yearly Project Graduation party a success!

Children First Initiative Announces Grant SupportMeriden Children First Initiative is proud to announce that its 'Senior Buddy Readers' program was recently awarded grants of support from The Napier Foundation for $5,500 and The Verizon Foundation for $2,500(Verizon Wireless New England). Grant funding from these donors exemplify Meriden's business and community commitment toward Children First's early literacy efforts and will allow for the continued expansion of the SeniorBuddy Readers program well into 2007. Senior Buddy Readers is an intergenerational literacy and mentoring program, designed to boost the reading skills and self-esteem of at-risk 1st and 2nd graders. The program is currently in its fifth year of operation, taking place at five of Meriden's elementary schools. To date, 87 volunteers are helping over 200 children improve their reading skills.For more information about Senior Buddy Readers or to find out how you can make a tax-deducible donation, please contact David Radcliffe, Director of non-profit Meriden Children First Initiative, at 630-3566, orvisit http://www.meridenchildrenfirst.org/.






JUMP RIGHT IN!
AMERICAN RED CROSS
GUARD START- LIFEGUARDING TOMORROW
FOR 6TH-9TH GRADERS is coming to the Wallingford Family YMCA.

This is a program designed to guide youth interested in lifeguarding by building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills for future lifeguards. This foundation consists of 5 categories: Prevention, Fitness, Response, Leadership, and Professionalism. This program does not certify participants as lifeguards. It is an effective transition from upper-level swim lessons, as well as swim team, to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program when 15 years of age.
Participants must be at the Minnow level of swim lessons or above.
HOLIDAY CLASS T-W-TH-F DEC. 26-29
3-4:30PM
SESSION 1 CLASS: BEGINS JAN. 8, 2007
MONDAYS 3:30-4:45PM

MEMBERS: $75 Includes participant workbook and shirt!
PROGRAM MEMBERS: $100



http://www.wallingfordymca.org/ 203 269 4497



Give the gift of PRESENCE
Bring joy to someone's life this holiday season and beyond. The greatest gift you can give is the gift of presence. Being a volunteer means becoming a member of a caring and compassionate hospice team. Hospice is about living every day to its fullest...it's all about quality not quantity of life. There are many volunteer opportunities available.... companionship, respite for weary caregivers, visiting patients with your pet, sharing your musical or artistic talents, or helping in the office. You choose what's best for you! Training to become a hospice volunteer with Connecticut VNA's hospice will be starting soon in our Wallingford office. We offer a Medicare approved volunteer training as well as continuing education and support. Make it your new year's resolution to begin the hospice volunteer journey today - call Jolan Szollosi, Volunteer Coordinator at 203-679-5342.

Looking for moms to join a new local mom's group. It's my pleasure to establish a new group called Mothers and Children or MAC for short. It is my intention is to design this group with mothers wants and needs in mind. Where as moms (or dad's too) we can get together and discuss topics that are important to us and our children. To incorporate time to regenerate us as well as the kids. Although we will have playgroups, activities and outings for children. I hope to initiate things like Mom's Night Out, Babysitting Co-Ops, Family Days, Crafts Clubs or anything else that our other mom's might like. If you are interested please go t0 mothersandchildrengroup.com or email me at jfoley@mothersandchildrengroup.com



Wallingford YMCA News and Events
JUMP RIGHT IN! AMERICAN RED CROSS GUARD START- LIFEGUARDING TOMORROW
FOR 6TH-9TH GRADERS is coming to the Wallingford Family YMCA.
This is a program designed to guide youth interested in lifeguarding by building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills for future lifeguards. This foundation consists of 5 categories: Prevention, Fitness, Response, Leadership, and Professionalism. This program does not certify participants as lifeguards. It is an effective transition from upper-level swim lessons, as well as swim team, to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program when 15 years of age.
Participants must be at the Minnow level of swim lessons or above.
HOLIDAY CLASS T-W-TH-F DEC. 26-29 3-4:30PM
SESSION 1 CLASS: BEGINS JAN. 8, 2007 MONDAYS 3:30-4:45PM
MEMBERS: $75 Includes participant workbook and shirt!
PROGRAM MEMBERS: $100
http://www.wallingfordymca.org/ 203 269 4497

The Holiday for Giving program Giving Trees
The Holiday for Giving program Giving Trees are located at the following businesses: Academy DiCapelli, Adamo’s Garage, Amy’s Artistry, Anthony & Associates, Bre-elle Salon, Calatayud Chiropractic Center, Curves for Women, Davis & Mascola, CPA, Faulkner Physical Therapy Group, First CT Credit Union, M Salon & Spa, Wallingford Park & Rec Department, Renee’s School of Dance, SAFT Auto Center, Simply Special Gift Shop, TD Banknorth – all branches, The Book Vault, and Unique Fitness. New unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any of the locations above. Also, new unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department during their Fill a Fire Truck with Toys Campaign on Friday, Dec. 1st through Sunday Dec. 3rd. All toys will be given to those children in need in the Wallingford Community. For more information please call 269-9542.

The Holiday for Giving program is in full swing.
Our elves our ready to assist those in the Wallingford Community who need a little extra help to make their holiday a special one. The Holiday for Giving program is a community organization run by volunteers; it functions solely on your donations. All donations are given directly back to those in the Wallingford Community.
What do we do? We spread magic by providing over 550 children with 3 new toys and a book to read. We provide each family with a box of food and a gift certificate to a local grocery store.
How can you help us create some magic? You can donate food items, new toys, books, personal hygiene items or money.
Our hours of operation: Mon. Dec. 4th – Thurs. Dec. 7th – 9:00 – 3:00; Friday, Dec. 8th – 9 – 7:30; Saturday, Dec. 9th – 9:00 – 3:00; Monday, Dec. 11th - 9:00 – 6:00.
Donations can be dropped at the Wallingford Grange, 586 Center St., Wallingford during the above hours. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off during the above hours or mailed to: Holiday for Giving, P.O. Box 1612, Wlfd, CT 06492.
For more information on ways to help or to refer those who need help during the holidays please call 294-2175.
We thank you in advance for your continued support and for helping parents put food on their table and smiles on the faces of their children.



HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS FOR CHARITIESLocal sports store and coffeehouse has an thirteenth annual holiday collections for 3 local charities, (Plainville Food Pantry, Prudence Crandall & Friendship Center). PASS-IT-ON- Sports and Jitter¹s Coffeehouse will accept donations thru December 20 for the charities during store and coffeehouse hours. Donations will be accepted for Prudence Crandall Shelter, The Friendship Center in New Britain and the Plainville Food Pantry. Items needed include non-perishable foods, toiletries, cleaning products, paper goods, baby foods, diapers, clean bedding, small & large furniture, and small working appliances. Advance notice requested for larger donations.PASS-IT-ON SPORTS & Jitter¹s Coffeehouse 1273 QUEEN STREET (RT10) SOUTHINGTON / PLAINVILLE LINE

Meriden Youths Take Center Stage
Three young people from Meriden will take center stage at the Hartford Civic Center on December 9 as the Greater Hartford Arts Council presents the 27th annual United Technologies Symphony on Ice®. Alyson Miksitz, age 18; Kieu-my Kim Nguyen, age 9; and Kori Sheades, age 12, will perform as members of “The Symphony Skaters,” who are annual favorites at the event.
Along with The Symphony Skaters, the Symphony on Ice skating and music spectacular features the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Edward Cumming, the Symphony Youth Choir, Spectrum in Motion Dance Theatre Ensemble and special guests Jennifer Wester and Daniil Barantsev, 2005 Midwestern Champions.
A capacity crowd of 14,000 people is expected to attend the event, which is the largest single-day toy-raiser in Connecticut, and one of the largest in the country. Admission to Symphony on Ice is a free ticket and a new, unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.
The Symphony Skaters are from “Group with No Name,” a Connecticut-based theater club that has as its mission “making the world brighter with charity performances.” The group has skated at Symphony on Ice each year since 1980. This year’s group of 74 skaters come from 32 area towns and range in age from 3 to 35, with the average age being 14.
The Meriden youths will perform to live music played by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra in such numbers as “Ruldoph the Red-nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks and Victor Herbert’s “March of the Toys.”
“Group with No Name” has a long history of performing in high-visibility charitable events, including those at New York City’s Rockefeller Center, the Mohegan Sun Arena and the International Skating Center of Connecticut. They have helped to raise money for Special Olympics and Easter Seals, as well as hundreds of thousands of toys for Toys for Tots. In fact, in addition to performing at Symphony on Ice, each of the skaters also donates a toy for the event.
All of the students in the group are devoted not just to skating and charitable work, but to academics as well. Despite a demanding rehearsal schedule, most of the students are on the honor roll in their schools. Some go on to compete at regional and even national skating competitions.
The Symphony Skaters and Group with No Name are directed by Susan Mastroni Dee, with assistance from Sandra Miksitz.
The event is the largest single-day toy-raiser in Connecticut, and one of the largest in the country. Symphony on Ice will be held at the Hartford Civic Center on Saturday, December 9, at noon.
More than 15,000 toys are collected through the event each year. The toys are distributed to underprivileged children throughout the Greater Hartford region by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Information about the show and ticket availability may be found on the Greater Hartford Arts Council web site, www.ConnectTheDots.org.
The Greater Hartford Arts Council presents the event, which has been sponsored each year by United Technologies. Additional support is provided this year by Prudential Financial. Media sponsors are Hartford Advocate, The River 105.9 FM, Country 92.5 FM, Power 104.1 FM and Kidtivity.com.
The Greater Hartford Arts Council enlivens the spirit and economy of Connecticut’s Capital Region by planning, promoting and raising funds for cultural programs that are building one of our nation’s most vibrant communities. It is the largest independent arts council in New England, runs the 9th largest United Arts fund in the country and is a national leader in diversified services and cultural promotions. The Greater Hartford Arts Council has raised and invested nearly $46 million for the arts over 35 years, helping to rank Greater Hartford in the top 6 percent of metropolitan areas in North America for its arts and culture. More information about the Greater Hartford Arts Council may be found at http://www.connectthedots.org/.


“Christmas Community Dinner: GENEROSITY Makes It Happen”
Turkey and all the trimmings will be enjoyed be everyone at the 26th annual holiday Christmas dinner, noon to 2:00 PM Christmas Day at the First Congregational Church, 23 South Main St., Wallingford. The dinner, sponsored by Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. and the church, is free and open to all who want to spend the day with others. Transportation will be provided to those needing rides. Meals and visits will also be delivered to the homebound. Food baskets are sent out ahead of time.
These dinners happen every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and are fully dependent on donations of food, time and money to be successful. In addition to the dinner at the church, baskets will be sent out ahead of time to families in Wallingford, Meriden and Cheshire. Meals and visits are also delivered to the homebound who are unable to participate in the dinners at the church.
At Christmas, we “adopt” children and adults with AIDS, some folks who are differently abled, those who are alone, nursing home residents without family and other entire families as we learn of their particular circumstances. We provide them with food, clothes and gifts. We write cards and send letters to cheer people. It is incredible to be part of this effort and to see all the good that comes when people give and share. This year we will be collecting donations for a group of Wallingford school teachers and students who will be making a trip to New Orleans to help rebuild homes for the Hurricane Katrina families who lost everything.
As this effort has become so large, it is necessary for us to collect food and other items as early as possible. We are in need of everything! Individuals and businesses that would like to volunteer their time, talents, food, gifts, money or services are encouraged to call Nancy Freyberg at Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc., 284-8299. Together we make it better for everyone!


Audubon Christmas Counts
Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society, the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, needs birders to cover different pieces of our Christmas Count circle, checking fields, wooded areas, ponds, marshes, swamps, parks, cemeteries, rivers, thickets and backyards for birds. The center of the QVAS count is the intersection of Route 68 and Route 157 in Durham. The circle extends out 7.5 miles in all directions. Territory within our circle includes Meriden, Wallingford, Middlefield, Durham, Guilford, and Northford. This year the CBC will take place on Sunday, December 17. This is a fun, important annual survey, with time in the field that brings together birders of all abilities.
History
On Christmas Day 1900, the group initiated an alternative to the traditional holiday 'side hunt,' in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds. Instead of hunting, the group counted the birds they saw, thus founding one of the most significant citizen-based conservation efforts and a century-old institution.
Today, almost 55,000 volunteers from all 50 states, every Canadian province, parts of Central and South America, Bermuda, the West Indies, and Pacific islands will count and record every individual bird and bird species seen during one 24-hour calendar day. About 1,800 individual counts will be held during a two-and-a-half week period.
Purpose
Apart from its attraction as a social, sporting, and competitive event, CBC reveals scientific information on the winter distributions of various bird species as well as the over-all health of the environment. CBC is the longest running ornithological database and continues to grow in importance as a monitor of the status of resident and migratory birds across the western hemisphere. The data, 100% volunteer generated, has become a crucial part of the U. S. Government's natural history monitoring database.
There is a $5 donation for each field participant to cover the cost of generating materials for compilers, producing an annual CBC summary issue, and maintaining the CBC website and database. Feeder watchers are also needed to tally the birds and are not required to make a donation.
Please consider joining us this year. Remember it is not necessary to spend the entire day. Please call Loretta Victor at 203 634-1911 if you have questions or would like to participate.


Al-Anon News Story Alcoholism, The Storm Within a Family. Alcoholism in a family is like a tornado. It can leave a life in ruins. For 55 years, Al-Anon family groups, which include Alateen for younger members, have helped to restore and enhance the strengths of people who have been swept into the storm of alcoholism. Many members share that the foundation for this restoration begins in the rooms of Al-Anon and Alateen meetings when they hear the three C¹s...you didn¹t cause it, you can¹t control it and you can¹t cure it. Simple sharing such as this can often introduce a window of opportunity for new thinking. A common bond and commitment to shared values are the Al-Anon building blocks for changed attitudes and personal renewal. Members practice anonymity at the level of press, radio, TV and film as an example of their support to the newcomer, who may be anxious about the lingering stigma associated with the disease of alcoholism. The holiday¹s are a particularly difficult times for family members of those who drink. Meetings are held weekly, year round, including major holidays. For further information, or to find out where meetings are held, call 1-888-8AL-ANON or contact the Connecticut Web site at http://www.ct-al-anon.org/. Does someone¹s drinking bother you? There is help for you. Meetings held in most towns weekly, daytime and evenings. Al-Anon Meeting: For anyone affected by someone else¹s drinking.http://www.ct-al-anon.org/ 1-888-8AL-ANON (825-2666).





Meriden YMCA News and Events
MERIDEN YMCA BEGINS REGISTRATION FOR LIFEGUARD COURSE
The Meriden YMCA is conducting registration for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. Participants are required to attend the following 9 Classes: Saturday(12-6p.m.): Jan. 27; Sundays(12-6p.m.): Jan. 28 & Feb 4; Tuesdays(7-9p.m.): Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, and Thursdays(7-9p.m.): Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & Feb. 8. Jamie Tennyson will be the instructor. This course will include the following certifications: CPR/FPR, First Aid and Safety and AED. Telephone registrations are being taken with a major credit card or one can register in person at the Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Street. Pre-registration is required for this class. For further information or to register; Please call (203)235-6386 ext. 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com
COME JOIN MERIDEN YMCA’S MASTERS ADULT SWIM PROGRAM
This program is designed for those adults 19 years of age and older who wish to workout with other adults accompanied by a certified swim coach. The purpose of this program is to promote fun, fitness, safety and possibly competition for all participants of whatever level of ability and interest.
The Winter Program will run from Jan. 3 – March 22. Practice Sessions are Mon & Wed> 7:30-8:45p.m and Thursdays> 8:00-9:00p.m.
For further information or to register; please contact Lisa Hoover at (203)235-6386; ext 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com
MERIDEN YMCA YOUTH SWIM TEAM IS INVITING NEW PARTICIPANTS!
The Meriden YMCA has begun it’s registration for the youth swim team. 4 levels of participation are available ranging from the Beginner Swimmer(Bronze) to the Intermediate Swimmer(Silver) to Advanced Swimmer(Gold); Most Advanced Swimmer(Sr. Gold). Participants can choose the days they attend their practice sessions. Bronze swimmers practice from 6-7p.m. Silver swimmers practice from 5:30-7:00p.m. and the Sr.Gold/ Gold swimmers practice from 4-6p.m. Certified Coaches are available 5 days a week. 2 Certified Lifeguards are also on duty. A USS swimming division is also available for those swimmers who wish to compete on a more often basis with other organizations in addition to the YMCA League.
Pro-rated fees apply for those athletes who wish to start later on in the season due to outside conflicts.
For further information; please contact Lisa Hoover: (203)235-6386; ext. 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com


Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert.
What: Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert. Holiday music and readings by the Senior Choir, Heart in Hand Bell Choir, the Celebration Singers, the Charlie's Angels Bell Choir and the African Drumming Ensemble of First Church.When: Sunday, December 10, 2006 4:00 pmWhere: First Church of Christ, Congregational, 190 Court Street, Middletown, CT Exit 15 off Route 9. Left onto Main Street and first left onto Court Street. Fee: Free Information: 860-346-6657

Come Join the Fun at Girls Inc. Winter Registration is Here.Girls Incorporated of Meriden, located at 130 Lincoln Street, will begin registration for its winter classes Monday, December 4th at 9:00 A.M. Winter classes will begin on January 2nd and will be offered for eleven weeks. Girls Inc. is offering a number of programs so be sure to check our brochure. Some of the classes being offered are Cooking, Scrap booking, Quilting, Economic Literacy, Media Literacy, Wacky and Funky Crafts, and much more. If everything sounds like way too much fun and you don't knowwhat to take come join our House Sampler and try a little bit of each program. This program allows you to sample all of the above for two days over a ten week period. Girls Inc. also has Gymnastics, Dance, Yoga, and Cheerleading. Girls Inc. has a number of exciting National Programs that will provide hands on interactive fun learning in the areas of Science, Math and Relevant Technology, Sports and Health Fitness. The National Programs really allow the girls to get involved in subject matters that are geared just for girls. Girls Inc. is also launching Saturday classes! If you are a working parent and can't get here during the week come and sign up for our Saturday dance or gymnastic classes!

Girls Inc is now offering Saturday ClassesAre you a working parent and can't make it to Girls Inc during the week? Is your daughter interested in gymnastics or dance? Well then this is for you. Girls Inc. is now offering beginner dance and gymnastic classes on Saturdays! We are also launching a mommy and me class for girls ages 2-3 years olds on Saturdays as well for both gymnastics and dance. Drop by or request a brochure listing class days, times, descriptions, and fees call 235-7146. Girls Incorporated of Meriden, located at 130 Lincoln Street winter classes will begin on January 2nd and will be offered for eleven weeks.



One-stop holiday shopping at Friends of Library BookstoreThe Friends of the Library Bookstore, located at 1 Colony Street in downtown Meriden, offers a treasure trove of reasonably priced gifts for holiday shoppers. Tops on anyone's Christmas shopping list are the thousands of gently used, like new, books. Everything from novels and mysteries to cookbooks, how-to, health and home-making to large coffee table books are available from $1 to $5. Brand new autographed books by local authors including Laura Van Wormer, Eddie Siebert, Lori Avocato, Beth Bruno, Bernice Shelberg and Nancy Boynton are also sold here as is the Friends own poetry book, "Well Versed Friends." The bookstore's gift shop shelves are now stocked with items created by local craftspeople including Crafty Lady soaps, lotions and holiday gift packages by Edna Roberts, Silver City Candles in holiday scents and Chilyn handmade jewelry. Puzzles and library mugs, backpacks and t-shirts are also for sale here. Bicentennial gift items including afghans, mugs, plates, wine glasses, teddy bears and golf shirts are now available exclusively at the bookstore as are Meriden t-shirts and sweatshirts, in all sizes. The Friends bookstore and gift shop are now open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Meriden Public Library and Friends of the Library projects.


HOLIDAY WISHES FOR OUR TROOPS
By Alice Mary Scott
I just received this web site address from a friend over the Internet and wanted to share it with everyone. It’s a site sponsored by Xerox.
www.LetsSayThanks.com
At this site, anyone can send a message of THANKS to our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other far away places. You simply pick a design, select a message already written or write your own, more personal sentiment. Type in your name and your home town and click SEND. The Xerox Company will print the card and forward your message to a lonely soldier overseas.
Even if you don’t support the war, we should all support the soldiers who fight for us. They serve our country in sometimes terrible conditions, leaving behind family, friends and special loved ones. They are lonely and sometimes frightened young people who deserve our deepest thanks for doing their jobs. Let them know you hope that we can bring them home safely and soon.

MADD’s “Tie One On For Safety” Holiday Campaign Asks Motorists to Pledge to Drive Safe, Sober and Buckled Up Awareness Project Celebrates 20th Anniversary
[North Haven, CT] – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Connecticut reminds drivers this holiday season to drive safe, sober and buckled up as part of their annual Tie One On For Safety campaign. The popular holiday red ribbon program urges motorists to tie the MADD ribbon to their vehicles as a pledge to be safe on the roadways, and to especially buckle up since a seat belt is the best defense against a drunk driver.
The MADD Tie One On For Safety campaign comes at a critical time in the year when road travel and traffic fatalities traditionally increase between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. In 2005, 120 people were killed in Connecticut in alcohol-related crashes. Each year in the United States, nearly 13,000 people are killed in drunk driving crashes and more than half a million people are injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes. Additionally, seat belts save lives. From 1975 through 2005, it is estimated that safety belts saved 211,128 lives, including 15,632 lives saved in 2005.
“Tie One On For Safety empowers the public to make a statement: don’t drive drunk and buckle up,” said Janice Heggie Margolis, Executive Director of MADD Connecticut. We want everyone to have a good time this holiday season and that is exactly the point of the project. If you aren’t responsible, danger may soon follow and that includes death or injury if you are driving drunk.” More than 6 million red ribbons are expected to be distributed and are available by calling the MADD Connecticut Office at 203-234-6521.
In addition to raising public awareness about the crime of drunk driving, MADD supports high-visibility enforcement such as sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols as well as the use of alcohol ignition interlocks on the vehicles of drunk drivers. Both ultimately deter and stop drunk driving.
Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 330,000 lives since its founding. MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. The organization and has approximately 600 MADD affiliates and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.madd.org/ or call the MADD Connecticut State Office at 203-234-6521. Twenty-four hour victim assistance is available by calling 1-877-MADD-HELP.



How to make a submission to The People's Press
It's easy to make a submission to The People's Press. Although we cover local events from Central Connecticut in our newspaper, we certainly will accept stories, poems, photos and more from all over the world. Remember every public-submitted item is FREE!!!! You can make a submission by emailing http://us.f509.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=andy@peoplespressnews.com . Mailing to: The People's Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492 or going to our website http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ and press the submit button. No matter where you are from you may submit a story, poem, photo, recipe and more. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Andrew P. Reynolds at 203.235.9333. Remember every public-submitted item is FREE!!!!

The Senior Buddy Readers Program
Seeks Volunteers
The Senior Buddy Readers intergenerational mentoring & literacy program is currently seeking volunteers for the 2006-2007 school year. Active retirees are needed to help first- and second-grade students improve their reading skills. The program runs from October through the end of May and takes place in six of Meriden’s elementary schools: Ben Franklin, Casimir Pulaski, Hanover, Israel Putnam, Nathan Hale and Thomas Hooker schools. Anyone interested in sharing one hour a week mentoring a child is invited to call the office of Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566. Make a difference in the life of a child…become a Senior Buddy Reader volunteer! (The Senior Buddy Readers program is sponsored by nonprofit Meriden Children First Initiative and is supported financially through foundation grants and local business donations.)
**
**
Meriden Humane Society has opened a thrift store, also at 311 Murdock Avenue, Meriden. If you have any items you would like to donate, it would be most appreciative to receive them to bring over to the shelter. Thanks in advance for whatever help you can provide. It is a challenge raising over $200,000 yearly to support the stray and abandoned animals we serve at this no-kill shelter, so any help you can give would be wonderful. Thanks again. **
CT VNA Hospice: Volunteer
Do you want to make a difference in your life and the life of someone else?
Have you ever considered becoming a hospice volunteer? Hospice is about living life to its fullest, and we need your help to make this possible for our patients and their families. There are many volunteer opportunities available.... companionship, respite for weary caregivers, visiting patients with your pet, sharing your musical or artistic talents, or helping with clerical projects.
Training to become a volunteer with Connecticut VNA's hospice will be beginning soon. For an enriching and meaningful experience, please call today.
For more information, please call Jolan Szollosi, Volunteer Coordinator at 203-679-5342
**
**
**
Volunteers Wanted For Meriden Public Schools
The Meriden Public Schools Volunteer Program is currently seeking media help at two elementary schools. This opportunity would consist of helping the library/media teacher check out books with elementary students and other related media tasks. If you would like to help out and have some fun, please call, Nan L Despres, Coordinator of Volunteers at 634-7985. Other volunteer opportunities in the Meriden Public Schools also exist. One half-hour a week is all that is required. Training is provided. We will work around your schedule. All are encouraged to volunteer. Retirees and bilingual are very welcome.
**
**
Connecticut VNA Announces Grand Opening of “The Art of Hospice Care” at NOMA Gallery in Middletown
Connecticut VNA’s Hospice has planned a grand opening celebration for the debut of their traveling art exhibit entitled, “Continuing the Journey - The Art of Hospice Care.” The public is invited to attend the opening of the exhibit on Friday, October 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the NOMA Gallery, 648 Main Street, Middletown. The exhibit is an extraordinary and powerful multimedia display depicting the use of the arts in hospice care. It is a collection of paintings, drawings, photography, poetry, shadow boxes and more that have been done with, for and about ordinary people at the end of their lives. The exhibit highlights the unique gifts patients and their loved ones have received through Connecticut VNA’s compassionate and supportive Hospice team. Susan Rosano, an Expressive Arts Therapist with Connecticut VNA’s Hospice team and an organizer of the exhibit, said the group wanted to show the public the incredible work that is being done with people at the end of their lives and how it can contribute to the process of emotional healing for family members and friends. “The poems we write with our patients -- the collages and drawings we help them make -- their hand castings -- all have become lasting memorials to them.” Marion Donahue, President of Connecticut VNA, said the exhibit will help people understand the major role art and art therapy can play in helping them cope with a terminal illness. “The strength and intensity of the arts and complementary services in end of life care are tangible through this dramatic collection. Our complementary therapies team put a great deal of time and energy into developing this exceptional exhibit and we are very proud of what they’ve accomplished.” “Completing the Journey: The Art of Hospice Care” will be on display at the NOMA Gallery through November 17, and will then be exhibited through various venues around the state. For additional information or to learn how you can showcase this traveling exhibit, please contact Susan Rosano at 203-679-5300.
***
Meeting of Parent Support Group in the Naugatuck Valley Region for parents who have out-of-control adolescent and adult children. Tough Love St. Anthony's Church Routes 68 and 69 Prospect, CT Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
**
**
EXHIBITIONS AND PROGRAMS: NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2006
The Gallery's main building, designed by American architect Louis Kahn, reopens to the public on December 10. The reopening will feature masterworks from the African, Asian, early European, and modern and contemporary collections, including important new acquisitions. Information about special events for the reopening will be sent out in October. In the meantime, exhibitions, gallery talks, and master classes continue in the Gallery's Swartwout wing; please see link to PDF for complete schedule.
The Gallery's Kahn building reopens to the public on December 10, 2006.The new exhibition "Jasper Johns: From Plate to Print" opens December 10.The new exhibition "Making a Mark: Four Contemporary Artists in Print" opens December 10. The new exhibition "Responding to Kahn: A Sculptural Conversation" opens December 10.
Complete calendar of events (PDF) is available at:
http://artgallery.yale.edu/pages/info/press.html
**
INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVERS WALLINGFORD WANTED!
Volunteers to help frail, elderly neighbors shop, get to medical appointments, provide respite to a family member.
QUALIFICATIONS: People with a warm, loving heart and one or two hours of time each week. No hands-on care!
BENEFITS: Feel great about yourself! Have fun! Plan you own hours! Meet new people!
Become an Interfaith Volunteer Care Giver! Find out more by calling Marie Cunha, Social Worker, Wallingford Senior Center at 265-7753.
**
* *
Platt High School Sports Card & Coin Show
Dates:January 6, 2007February 3, 2007March 3, 2007April 7, 2007May 5, 2007June 2, 2007
Table info 203-634-0069 Ernie203-235-7962 x 139 Athletic office
**
**
Wallingford Rotary Club
The Wallingford Rotary Club meets Wednesdays, 12:10 p.m. at Brothers Restaurant, 33 North Cherry Street. We welcome guests to come, share lunch and enjoy our weekly speaker program. The cost is $12 per person. Rotarians are dedicated to “Service above Self” in our community, La Romana in the Dominican Republic, in the worldwide battle of Polio Plus, and the family of all. Come discover how Rotarians make a difference, every day.
**

**
**
Fun Events at the Wallingford Family YMCA
Friday Night Family Fit Club Come join us on the following Friday Nights to enjoy a family fitness activity. Each activity will also include a healthy snack. This is a great time for children and parents to stay fit together while having fun! See the most recent brochure for current schedules and fees. Parent's Night Out - Night on the Town This program is designed especially for children in grades K - 6. The program will take place every other Friday night from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Kids will enjoy pizza and juice, games in the gymnasium, and swimming in the pool, while you spend some quality time together, without the kids! See the most recent brochure for current schedules and fees. Ghouls & Goblins of all ages, join us for a fun-filled Halloween afternoon adventure! Arrive in costume for a trick-or-treat parade, costume contest, creepy crafts, ghoulish games, a healthy snack and ghostly storytelling.
Meriden Public Library Children's Library Announcing two New FREE passes to Museums!! We are pleased to announce we have just received two new passes for museums at the Meriden Public Library in the Children's Room - Imagine Nation Museum in Bristol, CT. The place to spark your imagination! This museum has ESPN Play Your Way, Greenhouse, Jungle Playscape and Climbing Wall, Otis Teaching Elevator, Kid Construction Zone, Cook Nook, Water Room, Creative Arts Center, Cyber Lab, 1940's Soda Fountain, and much more. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sundays 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and open until 8:00 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Our other pass is for Earthplace, the nature discovery center in Westport, CT. Earthplace maintains a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary with trails, live wildlife for public viewing, and it hosts many public nature program and events. It also has an explorer clubhouse, tiny tree house, nature lab, backyard resource center, nature theater, and wildlife dioramas. Explore the ecology lab, Animal Hall, Trails & Gardens. The grounds are open 7:00 AM. until dusk. Building open 9:00 AM.- 5:00 PM. Monday-Saturday. 1:00 PM.-4:00 PM. on Sundays. These passes can be taken out for two days with a library card and driver’s license. For more information call the Children's Library at (203) 630-6347.


**
La Leche League of Meriden/Wallingford
If you are nursing or planning to breastfeed your baby, please join La Leche League of Meriden/Wallingford at our next meeting.
Meeting Topics Include:
Advantages of Breastfeeding to Mother and Baby Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby
The Art of Breastfeeding and overcoming difficulties
Nutrition and Weaning
Meeting Location: New Life Church, 92 Main St. South Meriden,CT
Meeting Dates: Third Wednesday Of each month at 9:45a.m.
Leaders: Jaime: 203-284-9735 Laura: 860-583-8996 Maryann: 203-630-0046
(Leaders are also available to answer breastfeeding questions over the phone. Please call for more information or directions)
La Leche League groups also meet in Cheshire, Hamden, Middletown, Rocky Hill and Southington. Call for more information or go online at www.lalecheleague.org
BABIES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETINGS
North Haven Garden Club Holiday Luncheon
The North Haven Garden Club presents the 2006 Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, November 30th at 11:00 at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave. with a Boutique, Raffle and Gourmet Table. The Program will be “The Little Black Dress” with Bill Graham, floral designer and lecturer. Donations are $35.00. For reservations, please call 203-239-3656 by Nov 21st.
**
PARENTS & KIDS FOUNDATION, INC. Of Wallingford
Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is a humanitarian and educational organization guided by the principles of faith and social responsibility, or “caring and sharing.” We serve people in the following ways: Counseling: is provided for individuals, families, women, couples, and children. A variety of support groups on various topics are offered. Call for appointments and schedule/description of activities. Recent groups: “Fun On Friday,” (art and conversation) “ Painting, Poetry, Pottery and Pizza” (women’s night out) “My Time” (nutrition, health, weight loss, exercise) Parenting / Family Education: “Raising Kids For Fun and Profit” is our trademark parenting program which focuses on communication and cooperation, discipline and decision making, rights and responsibilities, choices and consequences, and what it means to be “family.” Delivered with lots of humor and anecdotes. “We Are What We Eat or I Am A Chocolate Chip” is Nancy’s newest addition to the presentation developed because so many of our children and families are nutritionally deficient and in ill health. Chronic disease is out of control and most of it is nutritionally related and easily rectified. French fries are not vegetables. Broccoli is not a town in Italy. Fast Food on a plate is not a home cooked meal. An apple a day really will keep the doctor away and other truths I learned from my mother. Holiday Community Dinners: served Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, provide more than 500 meals each holiday. The meals are free. Transportation is provided as needed. Volunteers deliver meals and visits to the homebound, wrap presents, and write notes of encouragement. We strive to make everyone feel like they are “coming home” for the holidays. Much of the food is donated and completely prepared by volunteers. Come and join us. Adopt -A -Family grew from the holiday dinners. We have “adopted” individuals, families, nursing home residents without family, homeless shelter residents, and 100 children with AIDS. We sent holiday meals to residents in a home for the mentally retarded and gift baskets to their families. We provided materials and an instructor to a group of women learning to sew, and an artist to teach painting classes. As a need arises, we try to meet it. School Supplies Program: From paper, pens, pencils and notebooks, to backpacks, lunch boxes, sneakers, hats, gloves, jackets and more. Many children are provided the opportunity to begin their school year well supplied. Motivational Speaking: on Leadership, Communication, Positive Parenting, Nutrition and Health, and more. Guaranteed to send every audience out empowered. Focused and funny! Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is a private non-profit organization that believes children grow best in nurturing families. Nurturing families make nurturing communities. We are committed to strengthening people in all that we do. For more information on how you can become involved in any of our programs, please call. Together we can make such a wonderful difference! God’s peace and every blessing!
**
We Are What We Eat
Cancer kills more children than any other disease. One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Heart disease kills more women than cancer. One in two men will have cancer in his lifetime. Americans spend $330 billion per year on heart disease. One in four children is obese. Most kids think French fries are vegetables. Some kids think broccoli is a town in Italy. This is the bad news. The good news is that most of these statistics will change if we simply change the way we eat. Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is sponsoring a six-week information and education series that will support people who want to improve the quality of their lives by changing the way we look at food. The program will be led by Nancy Freyberg, MA. Whether you are overweight and undernourished, tired of being sick and tired, thick or thin, trying to raise healthy kids in a junk food world, and feel like you are losing the battle, this program is for you. We will learn the difference between habits and heredity, treatment vs. prevention, how your body works when it takes food in, how to read labels, foods to always eat and those to never eat, truth and lies of advertising and how and where to shop. The best exercise and diet is the one you will do, so a personal program for your body type and personality will be designed. This is a program for real people who live in the real world and have to make real choices with the time, money and schedules they live with. Guest speakers will include a naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and fitness trainer. We will sample foods, share recipes, ask and answer all your questions and have lots of fun learning new ideas that really work. This program is for young people, senior citizens, and everyone in between. Two groups, limited to 10 participants in each, will meet 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, or 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Saturdays. The cost is $75. Please call Nancy Freyberg at 284-8299 to register for the class An apple a day really can keep the doctor away!



Tulip Tour of Homes
The Wallingford Education Foundation has recently announced that they have begun working on their "Tulip Tour of Homes" to be held on Saturday, May 5, 2007. This tour has become a significant fundraiser for the Wallingford Education Foundation and is well attended by the Wallingford community and friends. It will again feature five to six homes to tour, and will include lunch at the Gouveia Vineyards on Whirlwind Hill. Anyone interested in offering their home for a tour, whether it be big or small, old or new, please contact Judi Gallagher at 203-715-1805 or Dave Baker at 203-269-5912.
SEARCH FOR OWLS, EAGLES, AND WINTERING WATERFOWL ON THE CONNECTICUT SHORELINEhttp://www.sunrisebirding.com/walks.htmGuilford, CT -- Guilford-based Sunrise Birding will offer a series of Bird Walks in the coming months to witness the southbound journeys of raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds and learn about the avian winter residents of the central Connecticut coast. Join professional guide Gina Nichol to search for the bird life in varied habitats along the Connecticut shoreline. The Bird Walk schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, December 19 - 3 PM, Sunset Walk at Hammonasset State Park, Madison
Thursday, December 21, 2006 - 8 AM, Hammonasset State Park, MadisonThursday, December 28, 2006 - 8 AM, Hammonasset State Park, Madison The schedule includes explorations of top birding sites in Connecticut. In November, birders will be treated to a "secret" spot in Westbrook that attracts many species of migrating and wintering shorebirds. There will also be an exploration of the Lower Connecticut River in Old Saybrook, where wintering Bald Eagles and sea ducks can be seen. In December, the walks will focus on the varied habitats of Hammonasset State Park in Madison which can play host to many late fall migrants such as Northern Gannet and winter residents such as Purple Sandpiper, Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, Surf Scoter, Sanderling, and Red-throated Loon. There is also a special Sunset Bird Walk at Silver Sands State Park in Milford to look for wintering Short-eared Owls. The fee for each walk is $5 per person, and preregistration is required. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring binoculars, water, and spotting scopes (if available). Bird checklists will be provided free to participants. Register online at http://www.sunrisebirding.com/ or by calling 203.453.6724. Sunrise Birding offers personalized, authentic, affordable travel adventures and learning opportunities intended to reveal the splendor and diversity of the natural world.




AREA CHURCHES AND ORGANIZATIONS PLAN HOLIDAY FAIRS
As always, The Peoples' Press supports YOU! If you have an event for the Holiday Season – email it to us at andy@peoplespressnews.com.
Church, Synagogue - Worship Times and Services
To add your Church or Synagogue to this free service – please email andy@peoplespressnews.com
MERIDEN – Center Congregational Church, 474 Broad St., Sunday – 10 a.m. service, 8:30 a.m.. chapel service (except first Sunday of month). (203) 235-1389.
MERIDEN – First Baptist Church, 460 Broad St., Sunday – 8 and 11 a.m. service; Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. (203) 237-5529
MERIDEN – First Congregational Church, 62 Colony St., Sunday – 10 a.m. service, sanctuary; Taiwanese Christian Church, 10 a.m., chapel; 1 p.m., worship with Casa De Gozo Church, Smith Hall (203) 235-5704 or http://www.fccmeriden.org/.
MERIDEN – First United Methodist Church. 159 E Main St., Sunday – 10 a.m. service; 11 a.m., fellowship hour. (203) 235-9620
MERIDEN – Grace Fellowship Christian Center, 131 Windsor Ave., Sunday – 11 a.m., service; Sunday school, 10 a.m. (203) 235-5325.
MERIDEN – Holy Angels Parish, 585 Main St., South Meriden, Sunday – 8:30 and 11 a.m. Mass; Saturday – 5 p.m. vigil Mass (203) 235-3822.
MERIDEN – Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 164 Hanover St., Sunday – 9:45 a.m. service; 8:30 a.m., Sunday school. (203) 238-1248.
MERIDEN –Life of Faith Ministries, 78 E. Main St., services: 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Call (203) 440-4258.
MERIDEN –New Life Church, 92 Main St., South Meriden, West Campus, Saturday: 6 p.m. service; 262 Bee St., East Campus. Sunday: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. services (203) 238-1114.
MERIDEN – Olive Tree Fellowship, YMCA, 110 W. Main St., Sunday – 10 to 10:45 a.m. Sunday school; 10:45 a.m. to noon, worship service. Call (860) 827-1895.
MERIDEN – Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Laurent parishes; Saturday vigil – Mount Carmel, 4 p.m.; St Laurent, 5:15 p.m.; Sunday – 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. Mount Carmel; 9 a.m., St Laurent.
MERIDEN – St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 20 Catlin St, Sunday – 8 and 10 a.m. service; 9:30 a.m., Sunday School.
MERIDEN –St John Lutheran Church, 520 Paddock Ave., Saturday – 5 p.m. service; Sunday – 10 a.m. service; 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., Sunday School and adult Bible study (203) 238-2331.
MERIDEN –SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 54 Park Ave., Saturday, 5 p.m. vespers; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. (203) 237-4539 or http://www.sspeterpaul.org/.
MERIDEN – St. Rose of Lima Church, 35 Center St., Saturday – 4:30 p.m. vigil Mass; Sunday – 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. English Mass; 9 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Spanish Mass. Call (203) 235-1644.
MERIDEN – South Meriden Trinity United Methodist Church, 145 Main St., South Meriden; Sunday – 10 a.m. service; 11:10 a.m., Sunday School. (203) 235-6002.
MERIDEN – Temple B’nai Abraham, 127 E. Main St. Friday – call for time (203) 235-2581; Saturday – 9:30 a.m.; Sunday – 9:30 a.m. (when religious school is in session); Thursday – 8 a.m.
MERIDEN – Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Paddock Ave. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. service; Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. Call (203) 237-9297.
WALLINGFORD – Church of the Nazarene, 26 Parker Farms Road, Sunday – 10:45 a.m. service; 9:30 a.m., Sunday School (203) 269-9313.
WALLINGFORD – Congregation Beth Israel, 22 N. Orchard St., Friday, 6:45 p.m. services, Oneg to follow. Call (203) 949-8656.
WALLINGFORD – Door of Hope Community Church, 120 Church St., Yalesville, Sunday – 9 and 10:45 a.m. service; nursery, pre-school, children’s and student classes at each service. (203) 741-1001.
WALLINGFORD – E and R United Church of Christ, 105 S. Cherry St., Sunday, 10 a.m. service. (203) 269-4827.
WALLINGFORD – First Baptist Church, 114 N. Main St., Sunday – 10 a.m. service; Sunday School, 8:50 a.m. (203) 269-4796.
WALLINGFORD – First Congregational Church, 23 S. Main St. Sunday – 8 a.m., communion service; 10 a.m. service; 10 a.m. church school. (203) 265-1691.
WALLINGFORD – First United Methodist Church, 941 Old Rock Hill Road, Sunday – 8:30 a.m. communion service; 10:30 a.m. service; 9:15 a.m. Sunday School (203) 269-9100.
WALLINGFORD – Good News Christian Church, 46 John St., Sunday – 9 and 11 a.m. service; 7 p.m. Wednesday (203) 284-9383.
WALLINGFORD – St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 360 Church St., Yalesville, Sunday – 9:30 a.m. service. (203) 269-9526.
WALLINGFORD – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 65 N. Main St. Sunday -8 a.m. English Mass and 10 a.m. service; 9 a.m. Sunday School. (203) 269-5050 or http://www.stpaulswallingford.org/.
WALLINGFORD – SS Peter and Paul Church, 127 N. Orchard St. Sunday – 8 a.m. English Mass and 10 a.m. English/Polish Mass. Saturday – 4 p.m. English Vigil Mass. (203) 269-4617.
WALLINGFORD – White Oak Baptist Church, 20 N. Whittlesey, Sunday – 9:15 a.m. worship; 11 a.m. Sunday school. (203) 265-3548.
WALLINGFORD – Zion Lutheran Church, 235 Pond Hill Road, Saturday – 5 p.m. service, Sunday – 10:30 a.m. service, 9:15 a.m., Sunday school and Bible studies. (203) 269-6847.
SOUTHINGTON – Faith Baptist Church, 243 Laning St., Sunday – 11 a.m. service; 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., Sunday School. (860) 628-8147.
SOUTHINGTON – First Baptist Church, 581 Meriden Ave., Sunday – 10 a.m. service
SOUTHINGTON – First Congregational Church. 37 Main St., Sunday – 8:00 a.m. chapel communion; 9:30 a.m. service; 11:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. contemporary service; Tuesday – Taize worship, 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. (860) 628 -6958.
SOUTHINGTON – First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 232 Bristol St., Sunday – 9:30 a.m. service; Sunday School, 9:15 a.m. (860) 628-9001.
SOUTHINGTON – Grace United Methodist Church, 121 Pleasant St., Sunday – 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. services: 10:15 a.m., Sunday School. (860) 628-6996.
SOUTHINGTON – Plantsville Congregational Church, 109 Church St., Sunday – 10:00 a.m. service, 8:30 a.m. Taize service. (860) 628-5595.
SOUTHINGTON – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 145 Main St., Sunday – 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. service; 9:00 a.m., Sunday School.
CHESHIRE – Cheshire Lutheran Church, 660 W. Main St., Sunday – 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services; 9:10 to 10:10 a.m. education hour. (203) 272-5106.
CHESHIRE – Cheshire United Methodist Church, 205 Academy Road, Sunday – 10:45 a.m. worship service; 9:30 a.m. Sunday school. (203) 272-4626.
CHESHIRE – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 59 Main St., Sunday – 8 a.m. Rite I; 10 a.m. Rite II. Call (203) 272-4041.
CHESHIRE – Temple Beth David, 3 Main St., 7:30 p.m. service Friday, except first Friday of month when family services are at 7 p.m. Call (203) 272-0037.



Come Join the Fun at Girls Inc. - Winter Registration is Here.Girls Incorporated of Meriden, located at 130 Lincoln Street, will begin registration for its winter classes Monday, December 4th at 9:00 a.m. Winter classes will begin on January 2nd and will be offered for 11 weeks. Girls Inc. is offering a number of programs, so be sure to check our brochure. Some of the classes being offered are Cooking, Scrapbooking, Quilting, Economic Literacy, Media Literacy, Wacky and Funky Crafts, and much more. If everything sounds like way too much fun and you don't know what to take, come join our House Sampler and try a little bit of each program. This program allows you to sample all of the above for two days over a 10-week period. Girls Inc. also has Gymnastics, Dance, Yoga, and Cheerleading. Girls Inc. has a number of exciting National Programs that will provide hands-on interactive fun learning in the areas of Science, Math and Relevant Technology, Sports and Health Fitness. The National Programs really allow the girls to get involved in subject matters that are geared just for girls. Girls Inc. is also launching Saturday classes! If you are a working parent and can't get here during the week, come and sign up for our Saturday dance or gymnastic classes! A 2006-2007 Girls Incorporated membership ($30 nonrefundable) is required to be current at time of registration. Membership and class fees are due at time of registration. Girls Inc. accepts cash, checks, MasterCard and VISA.
Girls Incorporated is a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc. is a premier organization that inspires girls to work to their full potential and exercise their rights through program-based curriculum. Girls Incorporated of Meriden is a United Way member agency.






Square dance lessons offered
Wallingford – The Cheshire Cats Square Dance Club will offer square dance lessons from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 360 Church St., Yalesville. For information or to register, call Barbara Brown at (203) 237-9599 or Bernice Montefusco at 269-2569.


Antique Veterans of Meriden World Post No. 1
All honorably discharged veterans from all branches of military service are invited to come join us and take part in our activities. Coffee and pastries are provided for a small donation. There are no membership dues. Please feel free to come and visit us every Thursday morning at the Muravnick Senior Center 22-26 West Main St. Meriden at 9:30 a.m. We are open to all veterans worldwide regardless of where you reside.
For more info contact Richard Egan (203) 634-0474 or Kenneth Dow (203) 235-2120.




Wallingford Public Library News and Events
Due to reconstruction, the WPL Children’s Room will not be able to offer any events. While we are not able to provide the programs we normally have, we can assure patrons that they will still be able to choose from an ever-expanding collection of books, CDs, DVDs and other materials. They will find brand-new titles as well as their old favorites and, of course, the holiday books and music. Many free booklists are available, and staff members are always happy to help find what is needed. Speaking of the approaching holiday season, the Wallingford Public Library, throughout the month of November, will be collecting new children's books for Wallingford's Holiday for Giving Program.Sincerely, Bonnie Strickland-Naczi, Children's Librarian



“Monkey bars, castles, and rainbow slides”
Hubbard Park Playground Ideas on Display at Meriden Public Library
Come see the wonderful playground ideas dreamed up by Meriden’s school children for the New Hubbard Park Playground, in a new exhibit in the Children’s Department at the Meriden Public Library, on display until the end of November. The artwork was created at the Kids Playground Design Party at Meriden’s Autumn Fest, and captures wishes ranging from traditional playground items, such as swings, slides (straight, twisty, squiggly, rainbow, and humongous), monkey bars, seesaws, and sandboxes, to creative additions such as Ferris wheels, water slides, castles, “twisty pole ride,” and a giant starfish to climb on.
For more information about the new playground email Dawn at hubbardparkplayground@peoplespressnews.com,

About the Hubbard Park Playground Committee
Mayor Mark Benigni appointed the Hubbard Park Playground Committee in June 2004. Working as volunteers under the Meriden YMCA, the committee’s mission is to build a barrier-free playground for children of all abilities to play side by side. The Hubbard Park Playground Committee works hand in hand with Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. to make the dream of a barrier-free playground at Hubbard Park a reality.

The Connecticut ASA Hall of Fame honors Ellen Biercevicz-Piazza of Wallingford
The Connecticut ASA Hall of Fame has announced its honorees for its 2006 class of inductees for the Fast Pitch wing of the newly merged softball Hall of Fame. The Slow Pitch and Fast Pitch committees announced the merger in August.
Both the Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch honorees will be recognized at the annual Hall of Fame awards dinner on Sunday, November 19th at 4:00 p.m. at Costa Azzurra Restaurant in Milford. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling Ed Austin at 203-878-4036 or Jim Consiglio at 203-996-5206.
The Fast Pitch inductees for 2006 are Anthony Candido of Milford, Pat Dufficy of Trumbull, Ellen Biercevicz Piazza of Wallingford, and Bobby Quinn. Hank Koritkoski of Middletown will receive the Joseph T. Barber Distinguished Service Award.
Piazza has been a pioneer in girls’ sports as a softball player, an initiator of girls’ sports, a high school and college coach, and an athletic director. She played for the Raybestos Brakettes from 1966-1970, and was the catcher for a quartet of pitchers that may have been the best of all time: Joan Joyce, Bertha Ragan Tickey, Donna Lopiano and Donna Hebert. During her five years with the Brakettes, she competed in the National Championship finals five times, winning two national titles.
Starting her softball coaching career at Seymour High School in 1970, Piazza later became the first softball coach at Albertus Magnus College. She also coached her daughter’s 12 & under team to State & New England Championships. Piazza has been the A.D. at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford since 1994. She is a Shelton native.