Monday, May 7, 2007

News, Events and Activities Part 2

This section of The People's Press - Wallingford, Meriden and Central Connecticut's Number 1 Single Copy Newspaper is sponsored by:


8th Annual, Strong, Smart, and Bold Benefit Celebration

Each year Girls Incorporated of Meriden recognizes a strong female leader in the Meriden community that exemplifies our mission of being Strong, Smart, and Bold. We are pleased to announce that this year’s recipient is Lynn Faria, M.A. Director of Community Relations and Community Wellness for MidState Medical Center.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, she has lived and worked in Meriden for 37 years. Prior to her position with MidState Medical Center, Faria operated a consulting business and also served as executive director of the Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center of Central CT. She has a bachelor’s degree in English, a Master’s degree in Social Policy, and a Doctorate in Holistic Health.

In her capacity with MidState Medical Center, she directs the hospital’s public relations and marketing activities. She has served as a coordinator and director for various community health initiatives, such as Healthy Meriden 2010 and Health Ministry Partnership, and designed and implemented projects to address health and quality of life issues.

She has served in a variety of volunteer capacities including vice chair of board of the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council; board member for Children First Initiative; chair of the Rushford Foundation; chair for the Public Relations group of the Connecticut Hospital Association; Past President, Meriden Rotary Club; Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary International); public relations chair for the National Health Ministries Association; member, Healthy Aging Network, American Society on Aging; Independent Scholar for the Connecticut Humanities Council; past chairman of the Cuno Foundation; adjunct faculty member Quinnipiac University; and past chairman of the board for the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce.

Lynn will be recognized on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at the Hawthorne Inn with a dinner. Tickets may be purchased for $55.00 a piece. Contact Michelle at 235-7146 or mab_girlsinc@snet.net for more information. Join us in celebrating the great things Lynn has done in this community and to recognize the great work Girls Inc. does to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold.


"Attention Ice Cream Trucks! We would love for you to visit us on Lonsdale Ave in Meriden. We have children here that get so excited when they hear your music but are so disappointed when you drive by our street and don’t come up!"

ASK ME 3 - Good Questions for Your Good Health

DO YOU have trouble understanding or remembering your doctor’s instructions?
WOULD YOU LIKE help understanding the answers your doctor, nurse or pharmacist give you? You are not alone if you find medical information confusing at times. Learn three simple key questions to ask at your next medical visit. Sign up for the ASK ME 3 Workshop planned for Tuesday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wallingford Senior Center. Call in you reservation to 265-7753.


St. Vincent’s College Professor to Participate in Genetic Testing Seminar

Geneticist and biology professor Susan Capasso, of Wallingford, will participate in a roundtable discussion on the latest advancements in genetics testing next month at the invitation of the State Department of Public Health Virtual Office of Genomics.

Capasso, a member of the DPH’s Expert Genomics Advisory Panel and that panel’s Education and Workforce Development subcommittee, has accepted an invitation to serve as a panelist for the roundtable, titled “Genetic Testing: From Family History to Complex Genetic Testing,” on May 10 at the UCONN School of Social Work.

The seminar will feature a presentation by Sharon Terry, president and CEO of the Genetic Alliance, after which the panel will convene to answer questions on the topic.

Capasso said the roundtable is an opportunity to educate people about advancements and ongoing research in the field of genetics because the topic is no longer confined to medical institutions, college classrooms and practitioners’ offices.

“Genetics is a part of our everyday life. Our drugs are now being made in this way, healthcare is being provided in this manner,” said Capasso, who has been a part of the St. Vincent’s College staff since 1998. She serves as a professor of biology and the chair of general studies.

“The whole field is expanding as we learn more and more about specific genes that pre-dispose us to different diseases,” she said. Lack of knowledge can lead to fear, which is why it is important even for the general public to be educated, at least fundamentally, about the genetics field, said Capasso, who has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Vermont and Master’s Degree in Genetics from Georgetown University. She received her Ed.D. from the University of Hartford. She is a charter member of the American Board of Genetic Counseling and a certified genetics counselor.

Dr. Joanne R. Wolfertz, Vice-President and Dean of St. Vincent’s College, believes that “the inclusion of Dr. Capasso within the panel and programming assists in bringing the College to a higher level of credibility and viability as a provider of health care education.”

The roundtable, titled “Genetic Testing: From Family History to Complex Genetic Testing” is free and open to the public on May 10, 1-4 p.m., at the UCONN School of Social Work, 1798 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford.

CFPA’s WalkConnecticut Family Hikes and a workshop for educators:

WalkConnecticut – the trails to health and happiness! Join the adventure with Connecticut Forest & Park Association as we explore the trails and parks the last weekend of each month. Family Hikes are free as a public service to Connecticut’s children and families. 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.

MAY
Saturday, 5/26, Castle Craig & Metacomet Trail, Meriden; 12 noon - 3 p.m., ages 9+
A hiking adventure! We’ll climb steadily up a moderately tricky trail of loose rock and boulders. The trail switches through rocky outcroppings and lead us to ledges looking south and east, overlooking the reservoir. A stop at the Castle, explore the amazing boulders and watch for turkey vultures and hawks. We’ll have a snack and enjoy the views around Castle Craig before hiking back down the trail.

Saturday, 5/26, People’s State Forest, Litchfield County; 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Ages 8+
Hike the upper portion of the Jesse Gerard Trail. We’ll follow the gentile hills past the Veeder Boulders and on to spectacular views at the overlook. Follow clues to find a Letterbox. Bring a small rubber stamp and join in the fun! This is a moderate to easy 1.5 mile hike with one very steep downhill section.

A Natural Path to Summer Camp Training
Professional Development Workshop for Youth Leaders
Wednesday, May 30/9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
In this fun and lively hands-on workshop, youth group leaders can:
Receive help in planning nature programs relevant to group’s own site;
Learn age-appropriate, environmental activities geared towards forests, nature, energy and more and their connection to our everyday lives;
Become part of a network that offers follow-up resources and opportunities;
Acquire background information and materials about environmental education; and
Involve young people in the natural world them.
Participants will receive the Project Learning Tree Environmental Education Activity Guide and the PLT Greenworks Guide (Connecting Community Action and Service Learning). CEU’s offered. $35.00/participant. Funding, including reimbursement for substitute teachers, is available from the Project Learning Tree/Environmental Education Training and Partnership Initiative for educators of disadvantaged students and children.

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 its WalkConnecticut initiative. www.ctwoodlands.org


Irish Pub To Kick Up Heels & Raise A Pint For “These Boots”

The Old Dublin Pub and its guests will once again kick up their heels, sing a few authentic Irish ditties and raise a pint in support of longtime friend Karin Gould and her MS walk team, These Boots – this year on Sunday, May 20.

Gould, 37, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1998, and her team of 23 raised more than $20,500 at last year’s National Multiple Sclerosis, Greater Connecticut Chapter MS Walk event. Gould herself raised almost $6,000 ranking her among the top 10 fundraisers statewide.

“My family, friends and I became involved soon after my diagnosis,” said Gould, a New Haven resident. “The Old Dublin has been especially supportive – providing a festive atmosphere for raising awareness and funds. Since it was established two years ago, The Old Dublin event has raised more than $11,000 – all of which helps move us closer to a cure.”

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Gould, are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown, and there currently is no cure. Funds raised through chapter events, such as the MS Walk, provide for vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents diagnosed with MS. These funds also ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cause, new treatments and a cure for MS.

The Old Dublin annual MS fundraiser will be held Sunday, May 20, from 2 to 8 p.m. and is open to the public. Admission is $20 and includes a lunch buffet and several musicians, including Paul Pender, host Pierce Campbell, Mark James and the bands Rope and Hilton Valentine. The event features drawings for prizes, including gift certificates to local eateries, jewelry, gift baskets and more.

“Multiple sclerosis is oftentimes debilitating,” said owner and operator Paul Pender, who left Ireland 14 years ago to live in the United States. “Years ago, we pledged to join the movement. The Old Dublin is pleased to open its doors to help raise awareness and critically-needed funds to fight this unpredictable disease. We invite our community to come out in support of the movement to find a cure.”

The Old Dublin is located at 171 Quinnipiac Str., in Wallingford, Conn. For more information on the pub, the fundraiser or directions, please got to www.TheOldDublin.com. The 2007 Travelers MS Walk, presented by UnitedHealth Group, was held at eight sites across Connecticut on Sunday, April 22. These Boots walk annually at the West Haven site. Participants have until May 31 to collect pledges and to continue fundraising efforts. The chapter hopes to raise $1.1 million. To learn more about supporting These Boots or pledging to the 2007 Travelers MS Walk, please contact Michelle Zimnoch, development director, at (860) 714-2300, ext. 234. To learn more about the effects of MS and the many ways to Join The Movement, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.


Special Thanks

Thanks to all who came out for the first annual Meriden Humane Society fund raiser dinner dance. It was a sellout crowd with 200 people, and we raised $4600 for the animals to keep and improve their home. A full table of donated cleaning items was collected. Thank you to the Four Points by Sheraton for providing the food at cost, and thank you to Connecticut based band De Novo (www.denovoband.com) for providing fabulous music.


VIBe - Vibrational Experience
PRESENTS COMMUNITY OUTREACH

To assist and guide CHILDREN through adaptive, supportive, educational, spiritual and creative endeavors so they may fully awaken to the joy of their authentic selves.
ADULTS AND CHILDREN ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
Thursday, May 17, 2007 7:00 p.m.
Holistic Therapies Classroom
15 South Elm St. Wallingford, Ct. 06492
Guest Speaker:
SUSAN D. MCLAUGHLIN
“WORKING WITH ANIMAL TOTEMS”
“THERE ARE MANY LESSONS FROM THE NATURAL WORLD THAT HELP BRING US INTO BALANCE AND CLARITY, AND WORKING WITH ANIMALS CAN ASSIST US IN LIVING IN HARMONY WITHIN OURSELVES AND IN OUR ENVIRONMENT.”
For more information & RSVP - please contact:
Shirley Pagano 203-715-3732/Paganoheart@aol.com or Natalie Villar 860-295-0880/Tacehttan@aol.com


Tradition Ladies 18 Hole League

The 18 hole women's league at Tradition Golf Club opened their season April 21st. The results of the low gross/low net tournament are as follows:
Low gross: Mary Bachinsky - 89; Traci Canavan - 91; Coralee Reichelt - 92; and Carol Welch - 94. Low net: Joan Ciasulli - 64; Brandy Pelliccio - 67; Mary Lou Calamita - 72; and Lynn Fiore - 75.
Applications are still being accepted for membership in the league. A guaranteed tee time every Saturday, meet fellow women golfers of all levels, fresh air and a great course to play on! Contact Jill Philips at 860-349-1472 or Cindy Semrau@ 269-9891.


NALC FOOD DRIVE:

On Saturday, May 12th the National Association of Letter Carriers, in conjunction with Meriden Merged Branch 20 and Wallingford Branch 19, will be collecting food for local food pantries. Please leave non-perishable food items at your mailbox in the morning on this day for pick up. All food items are then transported to a designated food pantry. Remember - expired food items cannot be distributed.

The food will be delivered to local food pantries, which include Meriden Soup Kitchen, Salvation Army, Community Action Agency, Shelter NOW, Catholic Charities and the American Red Cross.

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