Your Stories Part 3
Your Stories Part 3 sponsored by Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC
"Family First"
by Sharon Agli-Pageau
Adam, Hunter and I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, and share this message with you: nothing is impossible that is born of love, faith, hope, determination and trust. We all make our choices as to where we place those elements, whether it be in God, ourselves, our family, our friends or our community. As a family with an infant who has been diagnosed with a rare terminal condition in 2006, we have been challenged daily in regards to living these "success elements" on all levels, in order for our first born son to both survive and thrive as best he can.
In that our son, Hunter, has required care from hospitals out of state for the last 10 months, we have found ourselves as a family separated, in a profound way, from our extended family, friends, community, and oftentimes each other as a husband, wife, and son. My husband and I place our best, most positive foot forward each and every day, traveling back and forth oftentimes 5 hours between our home here in CT and the hospital we reside in with Hunter in New Jersey. Our circumstances have forced us into a life that most would consider undesirable, as we have sacrificed "life as we once knew it" in order to commit our all to Hunter, as he requires it to advance.
There is nothing more important to Adam and I than our son's wellbeing, as we, like you, have heard throughout our lives the motto of "family first," and now, more than ever, we live that truth deeply and daily for survival purposes. My intention here today, sharing all of this with you, is to be a message of hope, gratitude and inspiration, in honor of Hunter and all he has endured, with the demeanor of a child who truly exemplifies "bliss on fire."
Our son's success is possible, thanks not only to our steadfast commitment to him as parents, but to the "success elements" shared with us by our extended family, friends, and community, and above all, by the grace of God. We are here with the reminder that each of you can make a difference in someone's life, and to never underestimate the power of compassion. The wonderment of this is in the unending variety in which this can be expressed, of which we are all capable to some capacity. It is our choice whether to participate or not. Most of us realize that in everyone's life, there will be times of struggle, pain, and adversity. No one can escape that reality. It is unrealistic to expect a pristine life of perpetual joy, however, we can all step forward and do our best to help others when it is "their turn" to bear their burdens.
A most gracious and loving thank you to all of you have stepped forward towards our family so that Hunter may be in the presence of his parents, as he absolutely requires it and has benefited deeply from our nonstop care for him throughout his ordeal. The contributions have been recognized and appreciated, and the range of gifts offered has touched our hearts and souls in different ways. For all of you who have shared your smiles, hugs, time, efforts, donations, communications, willingness to care for our hardships and participate on any level at all, we send our gratitude. We recognize that 2006 was just the beginning of the challenging journey we have embarked upon, and highlight that the love of others has been a necessary ingredient in the recipe for success for our family. We hope to be able to bring Hunter home to CT soon, and are still very much open to any ideas/offerings anyone may have to assist us, as we know it has been with the kindness of others that we have come this far. For anyone wishing to participate in our efforts to assist Hunter, I can be reached at: Sharon Agli-Pageau, 665 North Colony Road, Wallingford, CT 06492 & fitforlifesja@hotmail.com. Have a blessed year!
Remembering a Hero to the People
This month the nation takes time to honor the memory of a humanitarian and civil rights legend. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stirred a generation of people to speak up for their rights, solidifying his standing as one of the most notable and influential activists of the modern age.
Dr. King was born at his family's Georgia home to parents Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta King on January 15, 1929. At a young age, King was identified as a scholar and would go on to become a highly educated and awarded individual. He skipped both the 9th and 12th grades of high school and entered Morehouse College at age 15 with very high college entrance exam grades.
He subsequently graduated Morehouse with a B.A. in Sociology and enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, following in the theological footsteps of his father and maternal grandfather who were also men of God. King was awarded a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer in 1951. He later earned a Ph.D. from Boston University and studied at Harvard University during his schooling. He holds several honorary degrees from notable schools across the country.
Apart from his extensive educational background, King took pride in his theological work. He was ordained in February 1948 and became assistant pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and later pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama. From 1960 until his assassination, he was co-pastor with his father at Ebenezer Baptist Church and President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Dr. King was an influential part of the civil rights movement, participating in many rallies and non-violent protests. He was actually arrested more than 30 times in conjunction with his activist work.
The life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was cut short when he was shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968. He had been in the area to lead sanitation workers in a protest against low wages and poor conditions. His shooter was James Earl Ray, who was arrested in London, England on June 8, 1968 and returned to Memphis, Tennessee to stand trial for the assassination.
King's wife, Coretta Scott King, passed away in 2006 and both are survived by four children. Despite his passing nearly 40 years ago, his words and memory live on.
5 Ways to Safeguard Pets This Winter
Winter can be a challenging time for people, but pets are also at risk when the weather is frosty. Special safety precautions should be taken to safeguard them against common winter weather hazards.
1. Antifreeze - This substance is very toxic to animals, particularly the ethylene glycol variety. Because it has a sweet smell and taste, pets are naturally attracted to it. To prevent accidental ingestion, consider using the safe propylene glycol varieties of antifreeze, which cost just a little more.
2. Inadequate shelter - Many companion animals spend the majority of their time outdoors. For those animals that reside outside, it is essential to ensure they have adequate shelter against the elements. This includes a well-insulated floor of a safe material, such as straw, and a roof and walls to keep out the wind. Do not use electric heaters or pads to heat a dog house, etc. This can lead to fires.
3. Aches and pains - Just as cold weather can cause joint pain to flare up in people, so, too, do older or frail pets suffer. Make sure the pet is well insulated from the cold and limit time outdoors when the weather is particularly brutal. Massaging and petting the animal and applying warm compresses can help soothe achy limbs. Never medicate an animal with pain relievers you may take yourself. Just one TylenolTM can prove deadly to cats.
4. Snow-melting salt - The chemicals in snow-melt products can be caustic and irritating to animal paws, which may be extra sensitive from walking on snowy ground. Consider pet-safe alternatives or invest in booties that are placed on the pet's paws to shield against the elements.
5. Drafts - Tropical birds and other pets that are used to warm, moist weather should not be exposed to drafts. Keep them away from cold windows and doors.
New Year's Customs
Every January 1 people are greeted with the salutation of "Happy New Year." In fact, many stay up to wait for the clock to strike midnight to be the first to utter the phrase. But according to ancient Babylonian tradition, the New Year wasn't always celebrated in the middle of winter. It was, rather, celebrated when the first visible new moon crescent was present after the vernal equinox - at the start of spring. The New Year may have been wisely celebrated then because spring is the season most associated with the rebirth of life. Through the years, the calendar became out of sync with the sun through the result of tampering by Roman emperors. Eventually it was sorted out and the Julian calendar, under the authority of Julius Caesar, designated that January 1 was the official start of the new calendar year, and has been ever since. Other New Year's traditions include a symbolic baby image, which some believe also signals rebirth, and the making of resolutions for the year to come.
FUNDRAISER CONCERT IN YALESVILLE - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 AT 7pm
YALESVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Growing up, Sarah Rooney was always singing and entertaining her family and friends. Mom and Dad, known to us in the Wallingford area as Dotty and Bob Rooney, encouraged her endeavors. Finally, at the age of 9, she was in her first real production playing the role of Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown at the Corpus Christi School in nearby Wethersfield. This fueled her passion for being on stage and so she began taking music lessons with the school music teacher. Later, when in eighth grade, she began advanced lessons with Nancy Anderson of the Hartt School of Music.
At Wethersfield High School she became even more involved in the musical arts as a member of the select Choraliers singing and later managing. Sarah also found time for the Wethersfield Teen Theatre Company as actor and a director on the Board as well as being Director of the production of The Sound of Music - quite an accomplishment for a high school teen.
She left Wethersfield for Syracuse University where she received a BFA in Musical Theater. While at Syracuse, Sarah sang with the Syracuse Oratorio Society, performed with the Syracuse Symphony, played the Witch in Hansel and Gretel and expanded her interest in performing recitals. She spent one semester studying voice and theater in London. That ignited another passion - that of travel.
Following her return to the US and graduation from Syracuse, Sarah moved to Portland, Oregon where her professional career started to grow. Her talent led to jobs including: Music Director of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Senior Teacher/Director at Northwest Children’s Theater and School, Ariel in a production of The Tempest as well as continuing recitals at various venues in the Portland area.
The lure of travel still beckoned and she got a work visa and headed to Australia and New Zealand to renew friendships she made in London with several “Aussies and Kiwis” .
In Sydney, she studied dance for several months and then moved on to Wellington, New Zealand where she soloed with the Vector City Orchestra and sang with the Orpheus Choir. In Wellington she sang at the 2005 International Arts Festival, continued her recital work, did some musical production and also teaches singing and acting at the Performing Arts Center. Just before Sarah left for her 2 month visit back to the US, she learned that she will be making her debut with the New Zealand Opera for the 2007 season and will also tour with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society in their production of Tales of Hoffman.
If that doesn’t impress you, Sarah has spent some of her short visit back “home” not vacationing, but performing in Portland before heading back to the East coast. We are indeed fortunate to have her “in concert” at the Yalesville United Methodist Church on January 20 at 7 p.m. This is a fundraiser and tickets are $10. All proceeds will go to current expenses. For information about tickets, call 269 9521 or stop by the church Mon., Wed., or Friday mornings.
Sarah’s concert will have an eclectic offering - a bit of something for all tastes from opera (Handel, Gonoud) to Broadway (My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls) as well as some pieces from modern New Zealand composers.
Please plan on joining us that evening and bring your family and friends along. It’s a rare opportunity to hear this very talented young woman, so do not miss out. Refreshments and a reception will follow.
"Family First"
by Sharon Agli-Pageau
Adam, Hunter and I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, and share this message with you: nothing is impossible that is born of love, faith, hope, determination and trust. We all make our choices as to where we place those elements, whether it be in God, ourselves, our family, our friends or our community. As a family with an infant who has been diagnosed with a rare terminal condition in 2006, we have been challenged daily in regards to living these "success elements" on all levels, in order for our first born son to both survive and thrive as best he can.
In that our son, Hunter, has required care from hospitals out of state for the last 10 months, we have found ourselves as a family separated, in a profound way, from our extended family, friends, community, and oftentimes each other as a husband, wife, and son. My husband and I place our best, most positive foot forward each and every day, traveling back and forth oftentimes 5 hours between our home here in CT and the hospital we reside in with Hunter in New Jersey. Our circumstances have forced us into a life that most would consider undesirable, as we have sacrificed "life as we once knew it" in order to commit our all to Hunter, as he requires it to advance.
There is nothing more important to Adam and I than our son's wellbeing, as we, like you, have heard throughout our lives the motto of "family first," and now, more than ever, we live that truth deeply and daily for survival purposes. My intention here today, sharing all of this with you, is to be a message of hope, gratitude and inspiration, in honor of Hunter and all he has endured, with the demeanor of a child who truly exemplifies "bliss on fire."
Our son's success is possible, thanks not only to our steadfast commitment to him as parents, but to the "success elements" shared with us by our extended family, friends, and community, and above all, by the grace of God. We are here with the reminder that each of you can make a difference in someone's life, and to never underestimate the power of compassion. The wonderment of this is in the unending variety in which this can be expressed, of which we are all capable to some capacity. It is our choice whether to participate or not. Most of us realize that in everyone's life, there will be times of struggle, pain, and adversity. No one can escape that reality. It is unrealistic to expect a pristine life of perpetual joy, however, we can all step forward and do our best to help others when it is "their turn" to bear their burdens.
A most gracious and loving thank you to all of you have stepped forward towards our family so that Hunter may be in the presence of his parents, as he absolutely requires it and has benefited deeply from our nonstop care for him throughout his ordeal. The contributions have been recognized and appreciated, and the range of gifts offered has touched our hearts and souls in different ways. For all of you who have shared your smiles, hugs, time, efforts, donations, communications, willingness to care for our hardships and participate on any level at all, we send our gratitude. We recognize that 2006 was just the beginning of the challenging journey we have embarked upon, and highlight that the love of others has been a necessary ingredient in the recipe for success for our family. We hope to be able to bring Hunter home to CT soon, and are still very much open to any ideas/offerings anyone may have to assist us, as we know it has been with the kindness of others that we have come this far. For anyone wishing to participate in our efforts to assist Hunter, I can be reached at: Sharon Agli-Pageau, 665 North Colony Road, Wallingford, CT 06492 & fitforlifesja@hotmail.com. Have a blessed year!
Remembering a Hero to the People
This month the nation takes time to honor the memory of a humanitarian and civil rights legend. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stirred a generation of people to speak up for their rights, solidifying his standing as one of the most notable and influential activists of the modern age.
Dr. King was born at his family's Georgia home to parents Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta King on January 15, 1929. At a young age, King was identified as a scholar and would go on to become a highly educated and awarded individual. He skipped both the 9th and 12th grades of high school and entered Morehouse College at age 15 with very high college entrance exam grades.
He subsequently graduated Morehouse with a B.A. in Sociology and enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, following in the theological footsteps of his father and maternal grandfather who were also men of God. King was awarded a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer in 1951. He later earned a Ph.D. from Boston University and studied at Harvard University during his schooling. He holds several honorary degrees from notable schools across the country.
Apart from his extensive educational background, King took pride in his theological work. He was ordained in February 1948 and became assistant pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and later pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama. From 1960 until his assassination, he was co-pastor with his father at Ebenezer Baptist Church and President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Dr. King was an influential part of the civil rights movement, participating in many rallies and non-violent protests. He was actually arrested more than 30 times in conjunction with his activist work.
The life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was cut short when he was shot while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968. He had been in the area to lead sanitation workers in a protest against low wages and poor conditions. His shooter was James Earl Ray, who was arrested in London, England on June 8, 1968 and returned to Memphis, Tennessee to stand trial for the assassination.
King's wife, Coretta Scott King, passed away in 2006 and both are survived by four children. Despite his passing nearly 40 years ago, his words and memory live on.
5 Ways to Safeguard Pets This Winter
Winter can be a challenging time for people, but pets are also at risk when the weather is frosty. Special safety precautions should be taken to safeguard them against common winter weather hazards.
1. Antifreeze - This substance is very toxic to animals, particularly the ethylene glycol variety. Because it has a sweet smell and taste, pets are naturally attracted to it. To prevent accidental ingestion, consider using the safe propylene glycol varieties of antifreeze, which cost just a little more.
2. Inadequate shelter - Many companion animals spend the majority of their time outdoors. For those animals that reside outside, it is essential to ensure they have adequate shelter against the elements. This includes a well-insulated floor of a safe material, such as straw, and a roof and walls to keep out the wind. Do not use electric heaters or pads to heat a dog house, etc. This can lead to fires.
3. Aches and pains - Just as cold weather can cause joint pain to flare up in people, so, too, do older or frail pets suffer. Make sure the pet is well insulated from the cold and limit time outdoors when the weather is particularly brutal. Massaging and petting the animal and applying warm compresses can help soothe achy limbs. Never medicate an animal with pain relievers you may take yourself. Just one TylenolTM can prove deadly to cats.
4. Snow-melting salt - The chemicals in snow-melt products can be caustic and irritating to animal paws, which may be extra sensitive from walking on snowy ground. Consider pet-safe alternatives or invest in booties that are placed on the pet's paws to shield against the elements.
5. Drafts - Tropical birds and other pets that are used to warm, moist weather should not be exposed to drafts. Keep them away from cold windows and doors.
New Year's Customs
Every January 1 people are greeted with the salutation of "Happy New Year." In fact, many stay up to wait for the clock to strike midnight to be the first to utter the phrase. But according to ancient Babylonian tradition, the New Year wasn't always celebrated in the middle of winter. It was, rather, celebrated when the first visible new moon crescent was present after the vernal equinox - at the start of spring. The New Year may have been wisely celebrated then because spring is the season most associated with the rebirth of life. Through the years, the calendar became out of sync with the sun through the result of tampering by Roman emperors. Eventually it was sorted out and the Julian calendar, under the authority of Julius Caesar, designated that January 1 was the official start of the new calendar year, and has been ever since. Other New Year's traditions include a symbolic baby image, which some believe also signals rebirth, and the making of resolutions for the year to come.
FUNDRAISER CONCERT IN YALESVILLE - SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 AT 7pm
YALESVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Growing up, Sarah Rooney was always singing and entertaining her family and friends. Mom and Dad, known to us in the Wallingford area as Dotty and Bob Rooney, encouraged her endeavors. Finally, at the age of 9, she was in her first real production playing the role of Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown at the Corpus Christi School in nearby Wethersfield. This fueled her passion for being on stage and so she began taking music lessons with the school music teacher. Later, when in eighth grade, she began advanced lessons with Nancy Anderson of the Hartt School of Music.
At Wethersfield High School she became even more involved in the musical arts as a member of the select Choraliers singing and later managing. Sarah also found time for the Wethersfield Teen Theatre Company as actor and a director on the Board as well as being Director of the production of The Sound of Music - quite an accomplishment for a high school teen.
She left Wethersfield for Syracuse University where she received a BFA in Musical Theater. While at Syracuse, Sarah sang with the Syracuse Oratorio Society, performed with the Syracuse Symphony, played the Witch in Hansel and Gretel and expanded her interest in performing recitals. She spent one semester studying voice and theater in London. That ignited another passion - that of travel.
Following her return to the US and graduation from Syracuse, Sarah moved to Portland, Oregon where her professional career started to grow. Her talent led to jobs including: Music Director of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Senior Teacher/Director at Northwest Children’s Theater and School, Ariel in a production of The Tempest as well as continuing recitals at various venues in the Portland area.
The lure of travel still beckoned and she got a work visa and headed to Australia and New Zealand to renew friendships she made in London with several “Aussies and Kiwis” .
In Sydney, she studied dance for several months and then moved on to Wellington, New Zealand where she soloed with the Vector City Orchestra and sang with the Orpheus Choir. In Wellington she sang at the 2005 International Arts Festival, continued her recital work, did some musical production and also teaches singing and acting at the Performing Arts Center. Just before Sarah left for her 2 month visit back to the US, she learned that she will be making her debut with the New Zealand Opera for the 2007 season and will also tour with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society in their production of Tales of Hoffman.
If that doesn’t impress you, Sarah has spent some of her short visit back “home” not vacationing, but performing in Portland before heading back to the East coast. We are indeed fortunate to have her “in concert” at the Yalesville United Methodist Church on January 20 at 7 p.m. This is a fundraiser and tickets are $10. All proceeds will go to current expenses. For information about tickets, call 269 9521 or stop by the church Mon., Wed., or Friday mornings.
Sarah’s concert will have an eclectic offering - a bit of something for all tastes from opera (Handel, Gonoud) to Broadway (My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls) as well as some pieces from modern New Zealand composers.
Please plan on joining us that evening and bring your family and friends along. It’s a rare opportunity to hear this very talented young woman, so do not miss out. Refreshments and a reception will follow.
posted by The People's Press at
7:11 PM
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