Events and Activities for January 2007
Meeting of Parent Support Group in the Naugatuck Valley Region for parents who have out-of-control adolescent and adult children.Tough LoveSt. Anthony's ChurchRoutes 68 and 69Prospect, CTWedensday evenings from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Epilepsy Support Group
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut will hold a support group for adults living with epilepsy the third Tuesday of every month at the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut?s office in Middletown, CT.
For more information please call 800-899-3745 or visit www.epilepsyct.net
Epilepsy Parent Support Group
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut will hold a support group for parents of children with epilepsy the monthly at the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut?s office in Middletown, CT. Please call for monthly meeting date.
For more information please call 800-899-3745 or visit www.epilepsyct.net
Cheshire Community Chorus Plans Beer-Tasting Party
The Cheshire Community Chorus will be holding a Beer-Tasting Party on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Bridget’s Church Hall, 171 Main Street, Cheshire.
For a donation of $20.00, which will benefit the chorus, guests will be able to taste a variety of imported and domestic beers provided by Cheshire Wine & Spirits of 581 Highland Avenue, Cheshire. Appetizers and German-style finger food, apple strudel and other German-style desserts, and coffee and tea are included. Guests may also participate in a raffle.
To register and reserve tickets call Fran Liedke at (272-7164) or e-mail cheshirechorus@aol.com. Tickets will also be available from chorus members.
Community events on Turtles and Animal Rehabilitation
The Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society will have Gina D'Alessio, a wildlife rehabilitator from CT DEP. She will present an slide porgram and lecture on the basics of wildlife rehabilitation on Jan 17th 7:00 at Gaylord's Brooker Hall in Wallingford. The program includes how we can better co-exist with wildlife and help resolve distressed and nuisance wildlife problems. Please call Loretta Victor at 203-634-1991 for more information.
The North Haven Garden Club will have Mary Mushinsky, executive director of Quinnipiac River Watershed Association, will present 'Connecticut Turtles of Special Concern' at the First Congregational Church in North Haven 7:00 on Jan 11th. Learn the 3 major causes of turtle decline in Connecticut, identifying box and wood turtles, learn how to monitor and collect data to protect their habitats.
The Southwest Conservation District will have the Annual Plant and Shrub Sale this April. The Newsletter and Plant Pre Order form will be available from the District Office. Please contact Ellie Tessmer for your copy: Southwest Conservation District, 900 Northrop Rd. Suite A, Wallingford CT 06492. 203-269-7509 x710 or by email: swcd43emt@sbcglobal.net.
CHORALE CONNECTICUT LOOKING FOR NEW SINGERS!
Chorale Connecticut will begin rehearsals on Monday, January 22nd, at the First United Methodist Church, 159 East Main Street, Meriden. The Chorale rehearses each Monday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. “Open Rehearsals” will be held on Monday, January 22nd, and Monday, January 29th. All voice parts are welcome. Please come and meet the Chorale members and experience the chorus before deciding to join. The Chorale will present its spring concert, “Love Is In The Air,” on Saturday, May 5th. For further information, please call (860)621-1653.
GALLERY 53 WINTER CLASSES
Gallery 53 of the Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden is holding painting and drawing classes starting the second week of January. The Gallery has added several new classes (two in the evening), one for beginners in oil painting taught by Chris Ivers; another in multi-media for young adults (11-16 years), taught by Rose Cignatta; and a Saturday morning class for figure drawing/painting with a clothed model (open studio without instructor), and a Monday morning class in knitting, taught by Denise Edson. Other classes include pastel, oil and acrylic painting, and portraiture. For prices and further information call 203-235-5347. The Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 12-4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. The Gallery is located at 53 Colony Street, with free and ample parking space across the street.
"Snow Gods"
Meriden Ski Club will be holding a special movie presentation at the AOH hall on Melville Ave.On January 25, 2007, at 7:30 PM the Meriden Ski Club will be showing a FREE ski movie. The movie is "Snow Gods" and is about skiing in the East. If you want to see more info. on the film visit, www.meatheadfilms.com.
Admission will be free and we will have a lot of giveaways to those who attend. If you have any questions, or need additional information you may contact me. My phone is 203-235-0142 or by E-mail at HIKERGRAMPIE@aol.com.
Thank you, Bob Fowler, VP. Meriden Ski Club
BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Rockdove/Greta Gertler/Jen Clapp
Saturday, Jan. 20Jitters Coffeehouse1273 Queen St.Southington, CThttp://www.jittersclub.com8:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Three acts with stellar voices have joined forces for this special night at Shirley Bloethe's newly expanded Jitters Coffeehouse. Jen Clapp, Greta Gertler and Rockdove are dedicated to beautiful songs and beautiful singing. Come and share a warm night with them at what promises to be the first of many appearances in the Hartford area.
8:30 pm - JEN CLAPPJen Clapp has a voice that is both warm and clear, inviting and soulful. She plays an old Harmony Sovereign acoustic guitar in open tunings or using odd chord phrasings which resonate and ring beneath the vocals. Her songs distill moments in time, and speak of love and loneliness, insects and trees, trust and loss. (http://www.jenclapp.com)
9:30 pm - GRETA GERTLERGreta Gertler hails from Australia and performs regularly around NYC. She has opened for Martha Wainwright, Amy Correia and Jolie Holland and has won a variety of songwriting prizes. With a "spacious voice and a welcome weakness of lushly orchestrated 70s-style pop" (The New Yorker), she is an intriguing and ultra-talented musician on the rise, possessing a "sweetly lyrical voice, an arrestingly quirky sensibility, and a chamber-pop band that fits no pigeonholes." - Wall Street Journal (http://www.gretagertler.net)
10:30 pm - ROCKDOVERockdove is all about gorgeous vocal harmonies and gentle grooves, great songwriting and great musicians. Close your eyes, and take in the otherworldy sounds of rockdove. You’ll hear Patsy, and Loretta, and the Band, and Aretha and Tom Petty and Nick Drake too. But mostly you’ll hear music sung with the soul of a gospel choir, because they BELIEVE in this music. "Rockdove dispenses spoonfuls of healing tonic to their listeners. Their songs are golden and plain, like any great poem you've memorized and carry with you."- Eric Metzgar, filmmaker (http://www.rockdovemusic.com)
Family Shabbat Services and The Rabbi’s Toy Box at Temple B’nai Abraham
At Temple B’nai Abraham at 127 East Main Street in Meriden, families are always welcome to attend Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat (Sabbath) services. The Rabbi's Toy Box is available to help entertain little ones. On Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:30 a.m. Children can help carry the Torah silver and march with the Torah. Special Family Shabbat evening services will be held on January 19th and February 9th beginning at 6:30 p.m. On other Friday evenings services begin at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call (203) 235-2581.
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 Abraham
Temple 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.
WalkConnecticut’s Family Guided Hikes
Introductory Volunteer Training
Saturday, January 13, 9 a.m. – noon
Middlefield - Share your enthusiasm for the outdoors with others! Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is offering a training program for adults interested in connecting children and their families to the natural wonders of our world. Become a trained Family Hike Leader and share your enjoyment of the trails and the outdoors. Family Hike Leaders enjoy flexible schedules and are encouraged to lead just a few hikes a year in their neighborhoods. These hikes are part of Connecticut Forest & Park Assocation’s WalkConnecticut inititiative, an adventure in fostering lifelong health and connection to the land through a network of outdoor trails and programs. The first hour will be an overview of the program including expecations, commitment and general information. From 10 – noon we’ll explore the trail in the John R. Camp Outdoor Classroom and Demonstration Forest with CFPA’s Education Coordinator for tips and techniques in bringing families on a guided hike. Dress comfortably for outdoor conditions. Pre-registration is required by contacting CFPA at 860-346-2372 or info@ctwoodlands.org.
ALSO:
Family Guided Hike
East Hampton/Hebron - Bring the kids! Feel the fresh air and enjoy quality time outdoors together. Guided family hikes, led by trained Family Hike Leaders are part of Connecticut Forest & Park Assocation’s WalkConnecticut inititiative, an adventure in fostering lifelong health and connection to the land through a network of outdoor trails and programs. Join us for adventure along the trails, held throughout Connecticut the last weekend of every month. Free as a public service to the children and families of Connecticut. Pre-registration required for all hikes. Locations are subject to change; please register ahead of time to learn the correct meeting place and ease or difficulty of trail. Call CFPA at (860) 346-2372 or info@ctwoodlands.org. Visit www.ctwoodlands.org for additional family guided hikes.
Saturday, 1/27/07 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Air Line Trail, East Hampton/Hebron
Watch for interesting ice formations, explore fascinating rocks, learn trail history and hike through a cut of ledges on this 3 mile hike. Bring water & snack, dress in layers, including hat and gloves and wear sturdy shoes. Ages 9+
Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA), founded in 1895, is a non-profit organization working to conserve the lands and natural resources of Connecticut through education, advocacy and stewardship. CFPA maintains the 800-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail system. Creating healthier communities, connecting people to the land, providing accessible trails and promoting Connecticut tourism arises through the WalkConnecticut initiative. www.ctwoodlands.org
Six weeks to change your life “We Are What We Eat”
Have you tried every diet?
Do you lose weight; gain it back, plus ten pounds more?
Are you on your way to diabetes, cancer, obesity, or heart attack?
Make a New Year’s Resolution you can keep.
Lose Weight – Gain Health
Improve your quality of life by changing your relationship with food.
Find out how your body works, food as fuel, habits vs. heredity, weight loss myths and management, reading labels, must have foods, whole food nutrition vs. vitamins, food facts and fiction, mind over mousse, brainy breakfasts, exercise, and much more…
Sample foods, share recipes, and have lots of fun learning techniques that really work. This is a program for real people who live in the real world and want to be healthier. The information is simple and sensible. Whether you are a wonderful cook or someone who hates to shop and only has 3 minutes in the kitchen before work or school – this program is for you!
Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is sponsoring this program with meetings facilitated by Nancy Freyberg, M.A. Guest speakers include a naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and fitness trainer. Participants will be able to join our gym and pool at reduced rates. Cost for the six week program beginning in January is $75.00*** including all materials. One morning and one evening session are available. Each session is limited to 12 participants. For more information or to register, call 284-8299.
A New Year. A New You. It is never too late to become the person you have always wanted to be. Now is your time!
***All proceeds benefit the Wallingford teachers and students trip to help rebuild homes for Hurricane Katrina victims.
For info or to register: 203-284-8299 or lavendermoon47@yahoo.com
American Cancer Society AnnouncesThe Year in Review: Major 2006 Victories in the Fight Against Cancer
This year has been characterized by progress, milestones, and great victories in the fight against cancer. New reports show we are steadily gaining ground against this disease to landmark national and global events that brought public awareness to an all-time high. 2006 was a year that inspired hope for all people touched by cancer.The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2003, released this summer, showed that Americans' risk of dying from cancer continued to drop, maintaining a long-term decline in overall cancer death rates that began in the early 1990s. Cancer deaths decreased for all races and both sexes combined, although the number of cancer diagnoses remained stable. The declines were greater among men (1.6 percent per year from 1993 through 2003) than women (0.8 percent per year from 1992 through 2003). The data reflect continuing progress in prevention, early detection, and treatment.
That progress was possible thanks in part to the groundbreaking work of American Cancer Society-funded researchers across the nation. Right here in Connecticut, the Society has funded more than $8.5 million dollars towards the work of 21 cancer research projects at Yale and UCONN. Dr. Demetrious Braddock, a current research grantee, recognizes the importance of funding from the Society. "The American Cancer Society has made it possible for me to continue studying the structures of proteins which cause cancer. I hope that these structures will aid the design of targeted, directed chemotherapy for cancers which today are incurable."
This year, the Society's renowned research program celebrated its 60th anniversary. Since 1946, the Society has led the nation in successful, innovative approaches to solving the cancer problem, investing nearly $3 billion in cancer research. The Society can claim a direct role in most of the groundbreaking cancer advances of the 20th and 21st centuries and celebrates the 40th researcher previously funded by the Society who went on to receive a Nobel prize.Coupled with milestones in cancer research this year were many successes in cancer advocacy. The Society's sister advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM (ACS CAN), hosted its second unique Celebration on the Hill(TM) event in Washington DC this past Fall. 43 volunteers from Connecticut served as Ambassadors, campaigning for public policies that supported the fight against cancer. They joined more than 10,000 cancer survivors and their caregivers at this one-of-a-kind cancer awareness event.
This year also marked several historic global events to fight cancer, as the Society hosted the first-ever back-to-back occurrence of the UICC World Cancer Congress and the 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health. It was a series of firsts, with 400 speakers per conference and more than 430 fellows and scholars from low- and middle-income countries attending the events, making these the most representative cancer and tobacco control conferences ever. Both conferences were the largest in history, with more than 8,000 attendees combined.
For more information on these and other milestones in the fight against cancer, or for information on how you can get involved, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 anytime, day or night, or visit www.cancer.org.
Nurturing Connections Program
The Nurturing Connections Program helps first time parents by offering a mentor program, education, community referrals and support. We are recruiting volunteers to mentor soon to-be first time mothers. This program is free to first time parents and it is voluntary. If you are interested in volunteering please call Grace Sepulveda at (203)-237-2229 ext. 6035.
WINTER BRINGS AVIAN RARITIEShttp://www.sunrisebirding.com/walks.htm
December brought a spectacular array of avian vagrants to Connecticut including Calliope Hummingbird, Ross's Goose, Western Tanager, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Painted Bunting, and Yellow Rail. Most of these birds are from the South and western US and their presence in Connecticut is a rare event. Winter birding in New England is full of surprises as eagles, owls, alcids, sea ducks, bay ducks, buntings, and longspurs leave the frozen north and move south. For land as well as seabirds, the Long Island Sound acts as a barrier to movement and concentrates birds on the coast.
Sunrise Birding offers guided Bird Walks through the winter months to search for avian visitors along the central Connecticut coast. The schedule is as follows: Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 9 AM, Hammonasset State Park, Madison Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 8 AM, New Haven Harbor Tour, New Haven Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 9 AM, Hammonasset State Park, Madison Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 9 AM, Secret Shorebird Spot, Westbrook Saturday, January 27, 2007 - 8 AM, Milford/Stratford Area 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/walks.htm 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. A complete schedule of Sunrise Birding events is online at http://www.sunrisebirding.com/calendar.htm Gina NicholSunrise Birding, LLC203.453.6724Email: gina@sunrisebirding.comWeb site: http://www.sunrisebirding.com/
More info on the recent rarities in Connecticut:The bird that received the most attention was the Calliope Hummingbird, a high mountain bird of the South and west that spent several days at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. In Westport, a Ross's Goose was spotted for several days with a group of Canada Geese. This bird winters primarily in central California and in smaller numbers from Colorado to central Mexico and the Texas coast. Western Tanager and Ash-throated Flycatcher, two open, scrub habitat birds of the western US were sighted this week. In Hamden, a Painted Bunting continues at Lockwood Farm. This bird usually winters in south Florida and the Bahamas. Its population has been steadily declining and it is currently listed on the Audubon WatchList. A Yellow Rail was spotted in eastern Connecticut. Because it their secretive nature, rails are infrequently encountered.
For more information on Connecticut's bird life, go to http://www.ctbirding.org/
Epilepsy Support Group
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut will hold a support group for adults living with epilepsy the third Tuesday of every month at the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut?s office in Middletown, CT.
For more information please call 800-899-3745 or visit www.epilepsyct.net
Epilepsy Parent Support Group
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut will hold a support group for parents of children with epilepsy the monthly at the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut?s office in Middletown, CT. Please call for monthly meeting date.
For more information please call 800-899-3745 or visit www.epilepsyct.net
Cheshire Community Chorus Plans Beer-Tasting Party
The Cheshire Community Chorus will be holding a Beer-Tasting Party on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Bridget’s Church Hall, 171 Main Street, Cheshire.
For a donation of $20.00, which will benefit the chorus, guests will be able to taste a variety of imported and domestic beers provided by Cheshire Wine & Spirits of 581 Highland Avenue, Cheshire. Appetizers and German-style finger food, apple strudel and other German-style desserts, and coffee and tea are included. Guests may also participate in a raffle.
To register and reserve tickets call Fran Liedke at (272-7164) or e-mail cheshirechorus@aol.com. Tickets will also be available from chorus members.
Community events on Turtles and Animal Rehabilitation
The Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society will have Gina D'Alessio, a wildlife rehabilitator from CT DEP. She will present an slide porgram and lecture on the basics of wildlife rehabilitation on Jan 17th 7:00 at Gaylord's Brooker Hall in Wallingford. The program includes how we can better co-exist with wildlife and help resolve distressed and nuisance wildlife problems. Please call Loretta Victor at 203-634-1991 for more information.
The North Haven Garden Club will have Mary Mushinsky, executive director of Quinnipiac River Watershed Association, will present 'Connecticut Turtles of Special Concern' at the First Congregational Church in North Haven 7:00 on Jan 11th. Learn the 3 major causes of turtle decline in Connecticut, identifying box and wood turtles, learn how to monitor and collect data to protect their habitats.
The Southwest Conservation District will have the Annual Plant and Shrub Sale this April. The Newsletter and Plant Pre Order form will be available from the District Office. Please contact Ellie Tessmer for your copy: Southwest Conservation District, 900 Northrop Rd. Suite A, Wallingford CT 06492. 203-269-7509 x710 or by email: swcd43emt@sbcglobal.net.
CHORALE CONNECTICUT LOOKING FOR NEW SINGERS!
Chorale Connecticut will begin rehearsals on Monday, January 22nd, at the First United Methodist Church, 159 East Main Street, Meriden. The Chorale rehearses each Monday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. “Open Rehearsals” will be held on Monday, January 22nd, and Monday, January 29th. All voice parts are welcome. Please come and meet the Chorale members and experience the chorus before deciding to join. The Chorale will present its spring concert, “Love Is In The Air,” on Saturday, May 5th. For further information, please call (860)621-1653.
GALLERY 53 WINTER CLASSES
Gallery 53 of the Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden is holding painting and drawing classes starting the second week of January. The Gallery has added several new classes (two in the evening), one for beginners in oil painting taught by Chris Ivers; another in multi-media for young adults (11-16 years), taught by Rose Cignatta; and a Saturday morning class for figure drawing/painting with a clothed model (open studio without instructor), and a Monday morning class in knitting, taught by Denise Edson. Other classes include pastel, oil and acrylic painting, and portraiture. For prices and further information call 203-235-5347. The Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 12-4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. The Gallery is located at 53 Colony Street, with free and ample parking space across the street.
"Snow Gods"
Meriden Ski Club will be holding a special movie presentation at the AOH hall on Melville Ave.On January 25, 2007, at 7:30 PM the Meriden Ski Club will be showing a FREE ski movie. The movie is "Snow Gods" and is about skiing in the East. If you want to see more info. on the film visit, www.meatheadfilms.com.
Admission will be free and we will have a lot of giveaways to those who attend. If you have any questions, or need additional information you may contact me. My phone is 203-235-0142 or by E-mail at HIKERGRAMPIE@aol.com.
Thank you, Bob Fowler, VP. Meriden Ski Club
BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Rockdove/Greta Gertler/Jen Clapp
Saturday, Jan. 20Jitters Coffeehouse1273 Queen St.Southington, CThttp://www.jittersclub.com8:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Three acts with stellar voices have joined forces for this special night at Shirley Bloethe's newly expanded Jitters Coffeehouse. Jen Clapp, Greta Gertler and Rockdove are dedicated to beautiful songs and beautiful singing. Come and share a warm night with them at what promises to be the first of many appearances in the Hartford area.
8:30 pm - JEN CLAPPJen Clapp has a voice that is both warm and clear, inviting and soulful. She plays an old Harmony Sovereign acoustic guitar in open tunings or using odd chord phrasings which resonate and ring beneath the vocals. Her songs distill moments in time, and speak of love and loneliness, insects and trees, trust and loss. (http://www.jenclapp.com)
9:30 pm - GRETA GERTLERGreta Gertler hails from Australia and performs regularly around NYC. She has opened for Martha Wainwright, Amy Correia and Jolie Holland and has won a variety of songwriting prizes. With a "spacious voice and a welcome weakness of lushly orchestrated 70s-style pop" (The New Yorker), she is an intriguing and ultra-talented musician on the rise, possessing a "sweetly lyrical voice, an arrestingly quirky sensibility, and a chamber-pop band that fits no pigeonholes." - Wall Street Journal (http://www.gretagertler.net)
10:30 pm - ROCKDOVERockdove is all about gorgeous vocal harmonies and gentle grooves, great songwriting and great musicians. Close your eyes, and take in the otherworldy sounds of rockdove. You’ll hear Patsy, and Loretta, and the Band, and Aretha and Tom Petty and Nick Drake too. But mostly you’ll hear music sung with the soul of a gospel choir, because they BELIEVE in this music. "Rockdove dispenses spoonfuls of healing tonic to their listeners. Their songs are golden and plain, like any great poem you've memorized and carry with you."- Eric Metzgar, filmmaker (http://www.rockdovemusic.com)
Family Shabbat Services and The Rabbi’s Toy Box at Temple B’nai Abraham
At Temple B’nai Abraham at 127 East Main Street in Meriden, families are always welcome to attend Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat (Sabbath) services. The Rabbi's Toy Box is available to help entertain little ones. On Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:30 a.m. Children can help carry the Torah silver and march with the Torah. Special Family Shabbat evening services will be held on January 19th and February 9th beginning at 6:30 p.m. On other Friday evenings services begin at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please call (203) 235-2581.
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 Abraham
Temple 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.
WalkConnecticut’s Family Guided Hikes
Introductory Volunteer Training
Saturday, January 13, 9 a.m. – noon
Middlefield - Share your enthusiasm for the outdoors with others! Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is offering a training program for adults interested in connecting children and their families to the natural wonders of our world. Become a trained Family Hike Leader and share your enjoyment of the trails and the outdoors. Family Hike Leaders enjoy flexible schedules and are encouraged to lead just a few hikes a year in their neighborhoods. These hikes are part of Connecticut Forest & Park Assocation’s WalkConnecticut inititiative, an adventure in fostering lifelong health and connection to the land through a network of outdoor trails and programs. The first hour will be an overview of the program including expecations, commitment and general information. From 10 – noon we’ll explore the trail in the John R. Camp Outdoor Classroom and Demonstration Forest with CFPA’s Education Coordinator for tips and techniques in bringing families on a guided hike. Dress comfortably for outdoor conditions. Pre-registration is required by contacting CFPA at 860-346-2372 or info@ctwoodlands.org.
ALSO:
Family Guided Hike
East Hampton/Hebron - Bring the kids! Feel the fresh air and enjoy quality time outdoors together. Guided family hikes, led by trained Family Hike Leaders are part of Connecticut Forest & Park Assocation’s WalkConnecticut inititiative, an adventure in fostering lifelong health and connection to the land through a network of outdoor trails and programs. Join us for adventure along the trails, held throughout Connecticut the last weekend of every month. Free as a public service to the children and families of Connecticut. Pre-registration required for all hikes. Locations are subject to change; please register ahead of time to learn the correct meeting place and ease or difficulty of trail. Call CFPA at (860) 346-2372 or info@ctwoodlands.org. Visit www.ctwoodlands.org for additional family guided hikes.
Saturday, 1/27/07 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Air Line Trail, East Hampton/Hebron
Watch for interesting ice formations, explore fascinating rocks, learn trail history and hike through a cut of ledges on this 3 mile hike. Bring water & snack, dress in layers, including hat and gloves and wear sturdy shoes. Ages 9+
Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA), founded in 1895, is a non-profit organization working to conserve the lands and natural resources of Connecticut through education, advocacy and stewardship. CFPA maintains the 800-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail system. Creating healthier communities, connecting people to the land, providing accessible trails and promoting Connecticut tourism arises through the WalkConnecticut initiative. www.ctwoodlands.org
Six weeks to change your life “We Are What We Eat”
Have you tried every diet?
Do you lose weight; gain it back, plus ten pounds more?
Are you on your way to diabetes, cancer, obesity, or heart attack?
Make a New Year’s Resolution you can keep.
Lose Weight – Gain Health
Improve your quality of life by changing your relationship with food.
Find out how your body works, food as fuel, habits vs. heredity, weight loss myths and management, reading labels, must have foods, whole food nutrition vs. vitamins, food facts and fiction, mind over mousse, brainy breakfasts, exercise, and much more…
Sample foods, share recipes, and have lots of fun learning techniques that really work. This is a program for real people who live in the real world and want to be healthier. The information is simple and sensible. Whether you are a wonderful cook or someone who hates to shop and only has 3 minutes in the kitchen before work or school – this program is for you!
Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is sponsoring this program with meetings facilitated by Nancy Freyberg, M.A. Guest speakers include a naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and fitness trainer. Participants will be able to join our gym and pool at reduced rates. Cost for the six week program beginning in January is $75.00*** including all materials. One morning and one evening session are available. Each session is limited to 12 participants. For more information or to register, call 284-8299.
A New Year. A New You. It is never too late to become the person you have always wanted to be. Now is your time!
***All proceeds benefit the Wallingford teachers and students trip to help rebuild homes for Hurricane Katrina victims.
For info or to register: 203-284-8299 or lavendermoon47@yahoo.com
American Cancer Society AnnouncesThe Year in Review: Major 2006 Victories in the Fight Against Cancer
This year has been characterized by progress, milestones, and great victories in the fight against cancer. New reports show we are steadily gaining ground against this disease to landmark national and global events that brought public awareness to an all-time high. 2006 was a year that inspired hope for all people touched by cancer.The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2003, released this summer, showed that Americans' risk of dying from cancer continued to drop, maintaining a long-term decline in overall cancer death rates that began in the early 1990s. Cancer deaths decreased for all races and both sexes combined, although the number of cancer diagnoses remained stable. The declines were greater among men (1.6 percent per year from 1993 through 2003) than women (0.8 percent per year from 1992 through 2003). The data reflect continuing progress in prevention, early detection, and treatment.
That progress was possible thanks in part to the groundbreaking work of American Cancer Society-funded researchers across the nation. Right here in Connecticut, the Society has funded more than $8.5 million dollars towards the work of 21 cancer research projects at Yale and UCONN. Dr. Demetrious Braddock, a current research grantee, recognizes the importance of funding from the Society. "The American Cancer Society has made it possible for me to continue studying the structures of proteins which cause cancer. I hope that these structures will aid the design of targeted, directed chemotherapy for cancers which today are incurable."
This year, the Society's renowned research program celebrated its 60th anniversary. Since 1946, the Society has led the nation in successful, innovative approaches to solving the cancer problem, investing nearly $3 billion in cancer research. The Society can claim a direct role in most of the groundbreaking cancer advances of the 20th and 21st centuries and celebrates the 40th researcher previously funded by the Society who went on to receive a Nobel prize.Coupled with milestones in cancer research this year were many successes in cancer advocacy. The Society's sister advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM (ACS CAN), hosted its second unique Celebration on the Hill(TM) event in Washington DC this past Fall. 43 volunteers from Connecticut served as Ambassadors, campaigning for public policies that supported the fight against cancer. They joined more than 10,000 cancer survivors and their caregivers at this one-of-a-kind cancer awareness event.
This year also marked several historic global events to fight cancer, as the Society hosted the first-ever back-to-back occurrence of the UICC World Cancer Congress and the 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health. It was a series of firsts, with 400 speakers per conference and more than 430 fellows and scholars from low- and middle-income countries attending the events, making these the most representative cancer and tobacco control conferences ever. Both conferences were the largest in history, with more than 8,000 attendees combined.
For more information on these and other milestones in the fight against cancer, or for information on how you can get involved, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 anytime, day or night, or visit www.cancer.org.
Nurturing Connections Program
The Nurturing Connections Program helps first time parents by offering a mentor program, education, community referrals and support. We are recruiting volunteers to mentor soon to-be first time mothers. This program is free to first time parents and it is voluntary. If you are interested in volunteering please call Grace Sepulveda at (203)-237-2229 ext. 6035.
WINTER BRINGS AVIAN RARITIEShttp://www.sunrisebirding.com/walks.htm
December brought a spectacular array of avian vagrants to Connecticut including Calliope Hummingbird, Ross's Goose, Western Tanager, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Painted Bunting, and Yellow Rail. Most of these birds are from the South and western US and their presence in Connecticut is a rare event. Winter birding in New England is full of surprises as eagles, owls, alcids, sea ducks, bay ducks, buntings, and longspurs leave the frozen north and move south. For land as well as seabirds, the Long Island Sound acts as a barrier to movement and concentrates birds on the coast.
Sunrise Birding offers guided Bird Walks through the winter months to search for avian visitors along the central Connecticut coast. The schedule is as follows: Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 9 AM, Hammonasset State Park, Madison Saturday, January 13, 2007 - 8 AM, New Haven Harbor Tour, New Haven Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 9 AM, Hammonasset State Park, Madison Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 9 AM, Secret Shorebird Spot, Westbrook Saturday, January 27, 2007 - 8 AM, Milford/Stratford Area 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/walks.htm 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. A complete schedule of Sunrise Birding events is online at http://www.sunrisebirding.com/calendar.htm Gina NicholSunrise Birding, LLC203.453.6724Email: gina@sunrisebirding.comWeb site: http://www.sunrisebirding.com/
More info on the recent rarities in Connecticut:The bird that received the most attention was the Calliope Hummingbird, a high mountain bird of the South and west that spent several days at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. In Westport, a Ross's Goose was spotted for several days with a group of Canada Geese. This bird winters primarily in central California and in smaller numbers from Colorado to central Mexico and the Texas coast. Western Tanager and Ash-throated Flycatcher, two open, scrub habitat birds of the western US were sighted this week. In Hamden, a Painted Bunting continues at Lockwood Farm. This bird usually winters in south Florida and the Bahamas. Its population has been steadily declining and it is currently listed on the Audubon WatchList. A Yellow Rail was spotted in eastern Connecticut. Because it their secretive nature, rails are infrequently encountered.
For more information on Connecticut's bird life, go to http://www.ctbirding.org/
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7:02 PM
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