February 2007 Local News, Events and Activities Part 3
Heat Things Up at the Central Park Zoo this Valentine's Day during "Jungle Love" - A Wild After-Hours Event!Looking for an interesting way to spend Valentine's Day? The Central Park Zoo invites you to go wild at the adults' only, steamy Valentine's after-hours event, Jungle Love. Talk wooing, relationship woes and the wild ways of amour with "love expert" and Zoo Director, Dr. Dan Wharton, and then mingle with adorable monkeys, tropical birds, and Matilda - the Zoo's new sloth - while enjoying scrumptious cocktails and tropical hors d'oeuvres in the beautiful Rain Forest.
Dr. Dan Wharton, a.k.a. "Dr. Love," has been responsible for helping to coordinate the sex lives of gorillas and snow leopards all over the United States. Full of helpful animal analogies that make perfect sense out of what appears to be bizarre behavior, Dr. Wharton is rarely stumped when it comes to deciphering amorous actions. He will answer any and all human relationships by explaining them in amusingly simple, animal terms, making humans feel like they aren't the only one facing life's love challenges. Participation in the talk is encouraged, but not mandatory.
The Central Park Zoo is located at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue. Jungle Love takes place on Valentine's Day, Wednesday, February 14th at the Central Park Zoo. "Dr. Love" takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the Zoo Gallery, and is immediately followed by tropical cocktails and scrumptious hors d'oeuvres in the Zoo's Rain Forest. The event will be over by 9 P.M. Tickets are $50 and registration is required. Please call 212-439-6527 to reserve seats. Space is limited!
WINTER BIRD WALKS ON THE SHORELINE - Schedule additions and changeshttp://www.sunrisebirding.com/walks.htm
Sunrise Birding offers guided Bird Walks through the winter months to search for avian visitors along the central Connecticut coast. Please note the schedule has changed and is as follows: •Saturday, February 3, 2007 - 8 AM, Hammonasset State Park, Madison •Wednesday, February 7, 2007 - 8 AM, Secret Shorebird Spot, Westbrook •Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 8 AM, Hammonasset State Park, Madison •Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 8 AM, Secret Shorebird Spot, Westbrook
The fee for each walk is $5 per person and pre-registration 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.
New England Wild Flower Society LECTURE LISTINGS:
Thursday, February 1, 7-8:30 p.m. New England Wild Flower Society presents Sydney Eddison, “Gardens to Go: Creating a Container Garden” lecture at MassBay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA. Preregister at registrar@newfs.org or 508-877-7630 x 3303 or sign up at the door. $20 members; $25 non-members. Renowned author transforms spaces with container gardens creating a new look each year. Visit www.newfs.org for a complete listing. Co-sponsored by the Arnold Arboretum, Mass Horticultural Society, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, and Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture. 508-877-7630.
Thursday, February 15, 7-8:30 p.m. New England Wild Flower Society presents Fergus Garrett, Head Gardener at Great Dixter in England, “Good Planting” lecture at MassBay Community College, Wellesley Hills, MA. Preregister at registrar@newfs.org or 508-877-7630 x 3303 or sign up at the door. $20 members; $25 non-members. Learn planting and design principles from the head of one of the world’s “must-see” gardens, created by legendary Christopher Lloyd. Visit www.newfs.org for a complete listing. Co-sponsored by the Arnold Arboretum, Mass Horticultural Society, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, and Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture. 508-877-7630.
AMERICAN RED CROSS TO HONOR COMMUNITY HEROES
The South Central Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross will recognize ten area residents on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 for their extraordinary and altruistic deeds on behalf of others and their communities at the 7th Annual Heroes of New Haven County Awards Breakfast at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale, 155 Temple Street from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
“It is really important to recognize individuals in our community who go above and beyond to help others. The individuals and organizations being honored at this event exemplify the true spirit of heroism and we are proud to salute their efforts,” said Jane Wasyliw, Executive Director of the South Central Connecticut Chapter.
Awards will be presented as follows:
Youth Good Samaritan: Matthew McPhail of Hamden
Adult Good Samaritans: Brenda Eldridge of Branford and Bill Graham of Meriden
Firefighter: Robert Huebner of Wallingford
Law Enforcement: In memory of Officer Dan Picagli of New Haven Police Department
Animal Humanitarian: Yvette Chambers of Branford
Medical: Hospital of St. Raphael intensive rehabilitation nurse Angela Milani, R.N. of Wallingford
Military: Operation Music Aid, co-founded by George Hauer and Clark Kniceley of Madison
The event is presented by Bayer Healthcare with media support from WTNH-News Channel 8, The New Haven Register, WELI Talk Radio 960, and Citizens Television, Inc. Sonia Baghdady, co-anchor of Good Morning Connecticut and News Channel 8 at Noon will host the program.
To purchase tickets to the breakfast or for more information please contact Charles Frey at (203) 787-6721 or visit www.arcsct.org.
MERIDEN CHAMBER OFFERS EDUCATION AWARDS
The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that they will again offer the Sanford S. Shorr Education Awards to area residents in pursuit of higher education. Awards are given to Meriden residents graduating from area high schools. Another award is available for a student returning to college for another year.
We are pleased to add an additional award from the Chamber’s Hispanic Member Outreach Committee that was formed in October 2005. Applicants must be Hispanic Meriden students graduating from high school or returning to college. Proceeds for this award are generated through the golf tournament and additional fund-raisers through the Hispanic Member Outreach Committee.
The Sanford S. Shorr Chamber of Commerce Education Awards are made annually by the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce to students who are residents of Meriden. They are in honor of Sanford S. Shorr who served as an Executive Vice President of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce for 29 years. The winners exemplify the high values, outstanding character and dedication to the community that have epitomized the life of Mr. Shorr. Thus, the essential criteria consist of high character, service to school, community and others, and scholastic achievement.
Applications have been distributed to the area high school Guidance Offices. They are also available by contacting the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce at 203-235-7901, or may be downloaded from the Chamber web site: www.meridenchamber.com The completed applications must be returned to the Chamber by February 28, 2007.
The recipients will be presented with certificates at the 111th Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Dinner on April 12, 2007.
Rosanne P. Ford - Vice President, Membership Services
The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Many Events for Parents and Kids by the Wallingford Discovery Program
WE CARE is the Wallingford Discovery program. Discovery is an early childhood initiative funded by the William Casper Graustein Memorial Fund of Hamden, CT. The goal of the Discovery program is to focus attention on families with children birth-8yrs and to encourage families to become advocates for the needs of their children. In Meriden the program is called Children First and is run by David Radcliffe at the Meriden Public Library site. WE CARE offers playgroups for infant/toddlers and parents. That program is called The Playful Cruisers. Our playgroup series will begin again in March 2007. WE CARE also offers an educational series for parents and child care professionals in the evenings. All of our programs are listed on the Discovery website at www.wcgmf.org under the Community link.
The Wallingford Discovery team is offering playgroups and a series of parent/teacher workshops for the Spring 2007. Certificates of Attendance will be provided to early child care professionals. Any questions call: Roberta Clouet 203-949-0100/ or email: clouet103@comcast.net or Wallingford Youth and Social Services at 203-294-2175.
SPRING 2007
PLAYFUL CRUISERS I [AM session]
This parent run play group is open to parents or care givers with children ages birth through four years old. The eight (8) week Tuesday series will begin on March 13, 2007 and run to May 8, 2007.The sessions begin at 9:30 am and run to 11:00 am. There will be no class on 4/17. During the program the participants will join in play time, story telling, songs and snacks. Adults and children stay together and enjoy the fun. Playful Cruisers is held at the Wallingford Community Day Care Center, 80 Wharton Brook Drive. Space is limited to 20 children, sign up is required. There is no fee for this program.
PLAYFUL CRUISERS II [PM session]
This parent run play group is open to parents or care givers with children ages birth through four years old. The eight (8) week Wednesday series will begin on March 14, 2007 and run to May 9, 2007.The sessions begin at 12:30 pm and run to 2:00 pm. There will be no class on 4/18. During the program the participants will join in play time, story telling, songs and snacks. Adults and children stay together and enjoy the fun. Playful Cruisers is held at the WE CARE Family Center, 6 Fairfield Blvd. Space is limited to 20 children, sign up is required. There is no fee for this program.
PLAYTIVITY-a great way to beat winter Craig Norton and Virginia Anderson return to Wallingford with their truck load of drums from around the world to entertain and engage us in their eclectic blend of music making, storytelling and creative arts. Come and join in the merriment that will surely chase away the winter blues. Playtivity is guaranteed to have parents and children connecting together through rhythm and music. The program will be geared to children under five years of age.
DATE: Saturday February 24, 2007
TIME: 11:00 am to 12 noon.
LOCATION: Wallingford Senior Center; 238 Washington Street
Help! MY CHILD IS STRUGGLING IN SCHOOL
This parent workshop will be offered by the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center. The program will offer parents assistance in determining how best to advocate for their children to achieve successful outcomes in their school experience.
LOCATION: Wallingford Community Day Care Center, Inc.; 80 Wharton Brook Drive
DATE: Tuesday, March 6, 2007
TIME: 5:45 pm supper; 6:15 pm program starts. Childcare is available for the program with reservations.
CONFIDENT DISCIPLINE
This program will offer upbeat techniques to discipline children in the home and classroom. Did you know there are other ways to correct inappropriate behavior other than using ‘time out’? The program will be presented by Linda Langan and Lisa Kleinberg who will explore the many effective methods to disciplining children. Parents and Caregivers will leave with a brighter outlook on dealing with children’s difficult behavior.
LOCATION: Park and Recreation; 6 Fairfield Blvd.
DATE: Thursday, March 15, 2007
TIME: 5:45 pm supper; 6:15 pm program starts. Child care is available in the babysitting room at Park and Recreation with reservations.
DIVERSITY: How to understand it with your children.
A panel of community members will discuss opportunities to introduce young children to the differences that they will recognize as they grow and learn in Wallingford. Robby Robinson and the Rev. John Carr from the Wallingford Council on Diversity will discuss the inquisitive challenges on why people seem different racially and physically but are playmates and neighbors in everyday life.
LOCATION: Park and Recreation; 6 Fairfield Blvd.
DATE: Wednesday, April 4, 2007
TIME: 5:45 pm supper; 6:15 pm program starts. Child care is available in the babysitting room at Park and Recreation with reservations
Lovers in The Village Dance
To Benefit Christmas In The Village
Saturday February 10, 2007
7:00 PM to Whenever
American Legion Hall
835 Hanover Road, South Meriden
DJ, Dancing, Buffet & Raffles
Cash Bar Tickets $15.00 each
City of Meriden Economic Development News
The City of Meriden's Economic Development office has accomplished a great deal over the past year. Just to name a few highlights that occurred in 2006:
We retained a growing Thompson Brands with the consolidation of their Fairfield California operation here. This shows that the City and State can partner to keep manufacturing in CT. Meriden jobs were saved and new people are being hired.
Webster Insurance's move to Preston Ave--bringing 125 jobs with a total of 200 planned. Post University's location into the same property. Good news for a soft regional office market.
On the retail end: Lowes coming to Ames Plaza will jump start other development along that section of East Main and add another large national retailer to our tax base. Castleview Plaza, the new retail plaza at 500 So Broad, the refurbished plaza at Paddock and East Main are all big pluses. Borders and other new stores are opening at Westfield ShoppingTown,
2006 successes downtown: Middlesex Community College's expansion downtown with 600 plus students and additional space. Free wifi downtown. The HUB demolition has begun and will be completed by spring. The City will soon transfer its West Main/Grove properties to Silver City Properties for future artist housing and retail--fulfilling a recommendation of our downtown arts study. Paul Edward's renovated 9--17 Colony and won approval for a liquor license for his up and coming restaurant. Autozone opened for business rescuing a Brownfield site and positively transforming that section of West Main and Cook. Ross Gulino's apartments on West Main are full, Outsource Solutions expanded in the retail area and Cafe Dolce has been successful. Some parking improvements were made--our Church Street lot was reopened. New parking signage was installed, and new spaces were added at the Butler Street lot. The new Post Office will be completed by spring.
Peggy Brennan and Trudy Magnolia are now working on a new list of accomplishments for 2007.
South Meriden’s Lovers in the Village Dance
You are invited to the Lovers in the Village Dinner Dance, to be held on Saturday February 10, 2007 at 7:00 PM at the American Legion Hall 835 Hanover Road, South Meriden. There will be a buffet dinner, D.J., Dancing and raffles. This is a fund raising event to help continue to raise funds for Christmas in the Village and other activities that promote South Meriden. Tickets are available at the door for $15.00 each or they can be purchased at 55 Main Street. (Tom’s Place) or contact April for tickets at 634-8173.
This year we will be offering several couples the opportunities to either get married or re-due their vows to each other. The ceremony will be performed by Jeffrey Hamelin Justice of the Peace. If you are interested in taking advantage of this free Valentine Special Ceremony compliments of Christmas in the Village, please contact him so that he may discuss with you any questions or special requirements you might have, as well as what documentation is necessary. Jeffrey can be reached via cell phone @ 203-687-0102.
Come see old friends and make new ones, enjoy the evening, dance to your hearts content, and if you wish even get married!
Eighth Annual Meriden Rotary Club Daffodil Festival Road Race
The Eighth Annual Meriden Rotary Club Daffodil Festival Road Race will be held on April 22nd, 2007 at 10:00am in Hubbard Park, Meriden, CT. The 5K Road Race Event is one of the kickoff events of the weeklong Daffodil Festival. The First 125 Pre-registered runners receive shirts. Entry fee is $18.00 pre registration, $20.00 Day of Race. There is also a children's fun run directly preceding the 5K Race. Walker's are welcome! Last years overall winners were Chris Chisholm in the Men’s' division from Farmington and Sandra Dalles in the women's division from Middlefield.
The course is an out and back run along scenic Merimere Reservoir. Mile markers and refreshments are provided. Carnival rides are open for everyone's enjoyment and restroom facilities are available. Participants may park in the park during this event.
All proceeds to benefit the Meriden Rotary Foundation Boys and Girls Club Scholarships in Memory of Fire Chief Bill Dunn and Beat the Street Community Center.
Any questions, registration forms for race or interest in sponsorship availability, please contact:
Cliff Carlson 203-514-5105, cliffc@huntersamb.com.

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