The People's Press February 2007 Issue

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February 2007 Stories Part 1

February 2007 Stories Part 1 sponsored by:

VALENTINE MEMORIES FROM LONG AGO

By Phyllis S. Donovan

As Valentine Day approaches each year, we read about collections of old-fashion valentines being put on display at libraries or other public places. Some of the more valuable ones date back to the turn of the past century. I always marvel at the fantastic foresight (or perhaps simple sentimentality) of those individuals who long ago were prompted to save those mushy missives.

If we had been valentine savers, we would undoubtedly have our own collection of antique, lacy valentines to show off by now. But alas, Valentines Days have come and gone and we have merely memories to share.

Looking back, I remember a time when valentines did rate considerable attention in our young lives. (And I’m talking about ancient history here.)

During our early school years, a Valentines Box, fancily decorated by our more artistic classmates, was set up in each classroom. During the week preceding the big day, valentines were deposited in the box for distribution at our Valentine’s party on the big day. As the box got fuller, our anticipation grew as we wondered eagerly how many valentines in there were for us.

We considered it an obligation to give a valentine to every single one of our classmates whether we liked them or not. Sometimes, if we liked someone especially well, we’d favor him with more than one card (if there were any left over in the package deal we’d bought). One’s popularity, after all, was judged in those young days by the number of valentines received.

In our youthful opinion, commercially made valentines were better than handmade ones and cards that came in envelopes were nicer than those that did not. But the very best kind were the ones with a lollipop attached (remember those?) and these were passed out only to special favorites.

As we grew older, we became more selective in deciding who to favor with our valentines. By then we were picking out valentines individually and paying up to a dime apiece for them. (I told you this was in the dim long ago past.)

In our small Berkshire village, valentines were sold in only two places – the drugstore and a tiny jewelry store run by a dignified old gentleman who was always repairing watches. Somehow, we felt that valentines purchased at the jewelry store had more class than the drugstore variety. Besides, we were intrigued by the magnifying eye piece the old man used while working on the watches.

We’d watch the old man and he’d watch us and eventually we’d select a too-expensive valentine for a favorite friend.

It was over a mile’s walk home from the downtown jewelry shop (all uphill, of course) and the snow in our mountain village was often knee deep at that time. But the February sun had a bit of warmth to it and our spirits would be high as we trudged up the hill and home with our prize.

Like as not, our carefully selected valentine would be unappreciated by the current object of our affection, but it didn’t matter as long as we didn’t receive in return on of those comic horrors calculated to insult.

Do you remember those abominable things? Usually printed on a single sheet of that cheap pulpy paper used for comic books, they cost a penny apiece and weren’t worth that. Still, I suppose they were the early forerunners of today’s humorous cards which capitalize on the sophisticated putdown. Judging from their price, these days it’s just as costly to insult your lady-love as to lavish her with hearts and flowers.

When our children were young, they always made certain that their absent-minded father didn’t let Valentine’s Day pass unheralded. They would start reminding him a week in advance because they knew that at the last minute he’d go out and buy the ubiquitous heart-shaped box of chocolates that they’d get a chance to help polish off. (It was partly my fault because he knew I didn’t want cut flowers that would die before I got my money’s worth out of them. And, in those days, with five kids to support, we were certainly weren’t in the market for expensive jewelry.)

Now that our children are off, married and have kids of their own, I have to admit, I actually do have a collection of old Valentines. They can’t be classified as antique and the craftsmanship isn’t anything to brag about. Still, they rank among my more valued possessions. Most of them run to red construction paper hearts carefully cut out and pasted on white paper lace doilies with “I Love You” painstakingly printed across the top. Some date back to when my own children were in grade school; the newer ones are from our grandchildren. And every single one of them is cherished.

Family Time is GREAT!

By Sarah Rain

Having recently moved into a new place, my family and I have discovered that we need to spend time together as a family! We all lead very busy lives, but taking time to get together once a week just for fun is the best thing we have ever done. I suggest that everyone do this. It’s not that hard.

Rent a movie, use one you have ….get a board game (you know the ones in the top of the closet covered with dust) a deck of cards, order food (defiantly mom’s don’t cook - suggestions are the 40-slice pizza from big y its only 10 bucks for a cheese one on Fri.!!) Call everyone together... Yell if you have too…I have found that if you mention food they all come running (dad‘s will too). Pizza does it best. Tell them that from this time to this time will be family time no phone calls, no friends, no nothing! Just you, your partner and the kids.

Now I have a 13 year old and a 5 year old (getting them in one place can be close to impossible) all I have to do is make sure the game/movie works for both. It’s not that hard to find something both will watch. You don’t have to spend a million dollars to have some fun. The cost of the movies is over 8 dollars a ticket not including the popcorn or food or the running around to get everyone there. And most of the movies aren’t good for everyone.

I know that having just one night of this has made a huge difference in how I see the family and how the kids see it too. They know that Friday is movie night at least twice a month. And I even get “mom are we going to do the movie pizza thing this Friday?” They look forward to just chilling out. And it gives us parents a chance to talk to and maybe even reconnect with the family. So it’s not all dishes and diapers and home work and dinner and bed. If you are having a hard time finding a movie there are tons out now for kids that are good for adults and those in between.

Cars, Over the Hedge, Charlie and the chocolate factory, Superman Returns. We have a habit of watching a lot of Disney movies or ones that we have seen on TV. Some times we let the kids choose. Barbie movies are common and so are action movies like Walking Tall and Batman Returns. We even get the classics like Robin Hood men in tights or space balls. I know the language in movies isn’t the best in some of these but put in place a rule that what you see in the movies is not something you do in life.

I know that it have allowed my 13 year old to watch older movies because I think he will learn form them... And if the language isn’t something that is ok but is needed then he knows not to repeat it. We have come to discover that we all have a lot in common and that we can spend time together with out drama, with out friends and with out distractions. I feel that is has become an important thing to have you r family around and to enjoy time with them. Life gets too crazy sometimes and just stopping for those few hours can re-center and relax a family.

So take a few hours and sit down with the kids... Watch a movie, play aboard game teach them to play your favorite card game!! It will last you for years to come!


595 Days

Michelle Averitt

If you are struggling with losing weight, the kind of weight that makes you cringe when you have to go out in public; the kind of weight that makes you stay at your desk at work because you're to embarrassed to walk around; the kind of weight that makes you cringe when you go out to a restaurant with friends and they pick a booth and you know you’ll have to squeeze into the booth; the kind of weight that makes you cringe when you have to get on an airplane and buckle up; the kind of weight that makes you cringe when have to use a turnstiles at the movie theater or a museum; the kind of weight that makes you hide behind your child, another person or an object when you are getting your photograph taken, and then when you see the photographs you want to die of embarrassment; the kind of weight that makes you avoid cameras altogether; the kind of weight that when you walk up a flight of stairs you are winded; the kind of weight that makes you just plain tired; the kind of weight that makes your knees ache or back ache just because you've been standing for more than 10 minutes; the kind of weight that keeps you sitting and watching your child or children play instead of playing with them; the kind of weight that keeps you from going on hikes or bowling or cycling or iceskating or volleyball or swimming or running or you name whatever it is you long to do but don't because you are embarrassed or to tired to move; the kind of weight that makes you cringe when you think about buying new clothes and having to try them on; the kind of weight that makes you avoid mirrors so you don't have to look at yourself because you hate who you are and how you look; the kind of weight that steals time; the kind of weight that keeps you from living life...from all that is beautiful...from your family...from your children...from you.

Yeah...that kind of weight. All that...described me for 13 years. All of it. And more.

Do you know what my biggest regret is in this life? That my son did not have the person I am today as a mom. That my son grew up with the person I described above. He was three when I started to gain weight. He was 16 when I lost weight. I can't get that time back. Ever. There are no do over's with children, it's kind of a one time shot. It's not that it was all bad, I am a pretty cool mom, we did do stuff, we had fun. But man, had I been the me I am today...I know it would have been so much better. I cheated myself and I cheated my son.

I am no different than you are. Not one little bit. I don't have any magical powers. I don't have super will power. The only difference is that I started...and I didn't quit. What happened in the middle of that process wasn't easy, for the first 3 months I wasn't very happy and I only lost 11 pounds, but I kept going, kept getting on the scale, I averaged a 1 - 1 1/2 pound weight loss a week, slow going for someone that had 80 pounds to lose, but 3 months turned into 6 months, 11 pounds turned into a 20 pound weight loss, to 30 pounds, 40 pounds; from size 22 to size 20 to size 18 to size 16 all the way down to size 8. The more success, the easier it got. It took 595 days to lose my weight, a little over 18 months, but that time would have gone by no matter what and time isn't something you can get back.

I think the hardest part was when I could not see the results, but if you start and you keep doing what has proven to work, you will lose the weight. It's when you stop doing what you need to do, that's when it stops working. It's really that simple. I know...it isn’t easy...but the concept is simple.

It's the same thing with my running, when I started running in May I thought I'd die when I ran on the track for 2 minutes. But I had a training plan and it said if I followed it that in 9 weeks I would be able to run 3 miles. I really didn't believe that I’d ever run 3 miles. I just couldn't see the possibility of running 30 minutes without wanting to die, but the plan I had said it was possible, so I followed the plan. I wasn’t perfect, I missed some days, but even without following the plan exactly, within 9 weeks I was able to run 3 miles. It worked because I followed a proven plan. It’s the same thing with losing weight, when I first started, it seemed insurmountable. Me lose 80 pounds? Yeah right. But I followed the plan, not exactly, but enough that it worked.

I wanted to share my regret hoping that it will motivate you to get started. I can't ever get that time back with my son. I missed out on 13 years of life because of my weight.
So if you are struggling with the kind of weight that I mentioned above, whether it's 15 pounds or 80 or more, it's possible to lose the weight, I did it and I'm really a very ordinary sort of woman who use to look like this: and today I look like this:

And life is much better without that kind of weight.


Nobody Ever Got Fat from Eating a Banana

By Lisa Zola

As a nutritionist, it never ceases to amaze me when I hear that someone won’t eat a banana because they think they’re fattening, or that they’re not allowed on their diet because they have too many carbs or have a higher glycemic index. I mean, c’mon! Nobody ever got fat from eating a banana! In fact, bananas have numerous health benefits and help to prevent a number of illnesses and conditions, making them a must have in our daily diet.

For instance, bananas contain vitamins including B6 and B12, as well as have iron, potassium and magnesium. The Vitamin B6 a banana has helps to regulate blood glucose levels, and the iron they have helps to stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood. A banana is also high in potassium yet low in salt, therefore, making it an excellent choice in the treatment of high blood pressure. According to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can help reduce the risk of death from strokes by as much as 40%! In fact, the U.S Food and Drug Administration has given the banana industry the thumbs up to make official claims that the banana has the ability to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Bananas are also good for the treatment of heartburn providing a natural antacid effect in the body and they are good for the treatment of morning sickness due to their soothing effect. They are also high in fiber, which helps restore normal bowel function and also help to prevent constipation without resorting to laxatives.

Did you know that in a study that involved 200 students, those who ate a banana at breakfast did better on their exams? Research has also shown that bananas can improve learning by making students more alert. And for those who may be suffering from a hangover, a banana milkshake sweetened with honey, helps to calm the stomach, replete blood sugar levels and re-hydrate the body.

Finally, bananas contain tryptophan, a natural enhancer that can help aid in the relief of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Surely, bananas must be the reason why monkeys are so happy all of the time.

Perhaps then, given all of the benefits of a banana, the expression ought to be, “A banana a day keeps the doctor away!” Not to suggest that apples are not healthy or have their own health benefits. In fact I could write another article just on the benefits of an apple. I think I will. I guess what this really all comes down to is that we need to be getting more fruit in our diet in order to help the body deal with the stressors of daily life and so that we may reap the health benefits that can be obtained from our food. So, here’s to bananas. Eat and enjoy!!

February 2007 Stories Part 2

February 2007 Stories Part 2 sponsored by:

Online Learning has Integrity

Charles M. Shultz, the award-winning cartoonist responsible for warming our hearts with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, took only one formal art education course—and it was a correspondence course by mail.

Correspondence courses have come a long way since the days of Charles Schultz.

This fall, more than 29,000 students in the state of Connecticut have taken online courses—the modern incarnation of distance learning.

Higher education is now offering a great product called online education. Students must still commit to signing onto the class two to three times a week, doing the work, and meeting the deadlines, but there’s now incredible flexibility. You choose the time to sign onto the online course, take your exam, or submit your assignment.

As a distance learning professional, I receive numerous questions about the merits of online learning. The prevailing belief is that an online course where students and teachers never meet cannot be of the same quality as a traditional “brick and mortar” or lecture-driven class.

Learning in an online environment is active, as students are responsible for reading, researching, analyzing, and evaluating material. In education theory, these activities are referred to as higher-order thinking. Instead of learning that Hartford is the capital of Connecticut (lower-order thinking), students are taught to think about why Hartford is the state’s capital.

When questioned about the merits of online learning, I think of large university classes where hundreds gather in lecture halls to learn statistics, history, or astronomy. The professor does not know each student, does not take attendance, and cannot determine who—out of scores of students—understands the material, needs more attention, or is using instructional time for a power nap. Feedback comes only from a midterm and a final, a few quizzes, and arrives weeks after the test has been taken. Lectures prevail. Isn’t this the true “distance learning?”

In our online classes, the average class size is 22. Professors can tell immediately, based on weekly discussions, assignments, and quizzes who is “getting it” and who is not. Professors can work with each student individually, through online communication and collaboration, and provide encouragement that cannot be given during the middle of a lecture.

Education is great, and everyone could use a little more of it. Educators dictate what courses you needed to take and when to take them. Educational institutions are only open at certain times, and only offer certain classes a few times a week, on certain days.

People are used to adjusting work schedules, family, community, social, and spiritual activities, around taking classes. Maybe that’s feasible for some, but not so easy for others.

Online education is portable, academically sound, interactive, and provides instant feedback so you’ll always know how you’re doing in the class. In addition, you won’t have to find a babysitter, put more gas in your tank and—even better—you can incorporate education into your life instead of having to rearrange your life around taking classes.

Think about it. It worked for Charles M. Schultz.
Erin Mason
Educational Technology Specialist
Middlesex Community College

Finding a Loving Home
By Diana Lewis

“Cajoling up stories isn’t going to work with me, young man” said Amanda Jordan to her twelve year old son, Michael. “It seems to me that both you and your new friend, Jason has been getting into a lot of mischief lately.”
“It’s only minor stuff, Mom,” he answered defensively.
“That may be but this “minor stuff” can be lead to stronger stuff down the line. I’d hate to see that happen.” Jason lowered his eyes. “What is going on with you, Michael? This isn’t like you” she stammered. She knew the last few months had been hard for him since his father died, but it had been hard on her too. She was left with raising a very ambiguous twelve year old who was easily intimidated by the other children around him. What was she to do? She had been praying about this for weeks now and somehow God wasn’t giving her an answer. “Help me to stay the right things.” she prayed inwardly.
“Michael, I’m not sure what to do about this. I haven’t figured it all out yet, but for now you are not to hang around with Jason. Is that understood?”
“Yes, ma’am, “he answered. He wasn’t too happy about this decision but he had enough respect for his mother to respect her wishes.
“No, go do your chores,”
“Yes, ma’am,” he answered as he headed out the door for the barn. He wasn’t expecting Jason to be there when he went out the door.
“What’d your Ma say?” he asked.
“I can’t hang around with you for a while, so please go so I don’t get into trouble.” said Michael.
“You going to let her dictate your life?” he asked. “Mother’s don’t mean a thing, ya know”
“That’s not a nice thing to say,” said Michael. “Now leave before I go in and tell her you are here to influence me. I have to do what my mother says whether you like it or not.”
“Boy, you got it bad.”
“Michael is someone out there with you?” hollered his mother.
“Now go, Jason, before I get into any more trouble.” he whispered and Jason sauntered off grumbling something under his breath. He was gone through the woods before his mother got to him.” Was that Jason?” she asked.
“Yes, and I told him I couldn’t hang around him anymore.” she smiled inwardly at her son. She knew she was going to have to go have a talk with Jason’s parents, but she wasn’t going alone. She would take Parson Fredericks with her.
The next day, Amanda went to see Parson Fredericks and told him what had been going on and he agreed to accompany her to see Jason’s father. Parson Fredericks knew a little about the family. Jason was an only child. His mother had died during childbirth so Jason had no sense of having a mother. His father worked at the Larson’s Sawmill. They headed over to see Mr. McMahanus.
Mr. Paul McManus was a tall stocky man. His beard was gruffly looking and he walked around like he didn’t have a care in the world. He scowled when Amanda and Parson Fredericks approached him. The parson introduced himself and Amanda.
“Yah, what do you want with me?” Mr. McManus asked gruffly.
“We’d like to talk to you about your son,” answered Amanda.
“Yah, what’d he do now? Murder someone?”
“No, nothing that extreme but he is a bad influence on my twelve year old son.”
“Oh, that puny kid who doesn’t know his own mind? He’s got a lot to learn about life. He’s never going to get anywhere the way he’s going and you are no help for him. He needs to learn to respect the world and how bad it is and .....”
“Children should learn to cherish this world we live in,” said Amanda, barely containing her anger and she walked away. Parson Fredericks followed her.
“Looks like the only thing we can do is go see the sheriff,” said Amanda and they headed for the sheriff’s office. When they arrived the sheriff wasn’t there and the deputy was headed out the door.
“If you want to see the sheriff, he’s at the schoolhouse,” he said quickly and headed in that direction himself.
On the way to school, Michael found Jason waiting for him at the edge of town.
“What did you do with our horses and cow?” he asked Jason.
“What makes you think I did anything with them?” he asked sarcastically.
“I think I know you a little better than that, Jason.”
“I think they’re around somewhere. I’m not sure exactly where though.” Jason answered.
“What possessed you to do that?” asked Michael.
“Women don’t tell me what to do!”
“Mom had a right to, you were on our property.”
“Well, she paid the price.”
“That wasn’t right,” said Michael, walking off.
“Where are you going?”
“To school.”
“Come on, let’s go have some fun.”
“I can’t hang around with you.”
“Come on, your mother is nobody. Let’s go,” tugging Michael’s sleeve. Michael jerked away.
“I’m not going anywhere with you. You cause too much trouble,” said Michael and headed off toward school, leaving Jason standing there. After a few minutes, Jason followed Michael to the schoolyard.
When they arrive, he noticed Molly Jenkins heading into the outhouse. Michael watched Jason walk over and tie the door shut with a piece of rope. Molly was screaming to get out. Jason ran to the edge of the woods and grabbed some old dried grass and set it on the ground behind the outhouse. Michael didn’t really pay attention to what he was doing until he saw the smoke. He ran over.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Playing a joke. Come on, let’s get out of here.” he started to run and turned around noticing Michael not following him. “Come one,” he yelled.
“No” said Michael as he reached into his pocket and took out his father’s jack knife and cut the rope that tied the door. Jason decided he better run, because he heard the children hollering for the Miss Miller, the teacher. Molly was out of the outhouse by the time Miss Miller came out. Michael told her what happened. Jack Thompson was the oldest in the class. She sent him to get the sheriff and told some of the others to get the water pail from inside the school and go to the well for some water. When the sheriff arrived, he took over putting the fire out and Miss Miller told the children to go inside, all except Michael.
Michael had just finished telling the sheriff what had happened when Amanda and Parson Fredericks arrived. Amanda was in a panic when she saw Michael talking to the sheriff. They walked over to them. The sheriff saw them coming and turned to them.
“Your son is a mighty big hero today, Amanda. You should be proud of him.” She looked at him with questions in her eyes. She saw the remains of the outhouse.
What happened? Was it Jason?” she asked.
“Yes,” answered Sheriff Connolly. “And Michael told me about your cow and horses. We’ll start looking for them as we are looking for Jason.” He turned back to Michael, “Do you know any places he might be?”
“I know of a couple, I can take you there.” he answered.
“If it’s okay with your mother,” answered the sheriff. Michael looked at his mother.
“I don’t know she said. This could be dangerous.” she said.
If I may,” said Parson Fredericks. “If I went along, Amanda, would that help?”
“That would be alright,” said the sheriff.
“You can stay with Anna while we’re gone,” said Parson Fredericks. Amanda agreed to stay with his wife while they went looking for Jason.
“Meet me at the sheriff’s office in half and hour.” He turned to his deputy, “Have four horses saddled and ready to go when I get back. I have to go see Mr. MaManus about this too. He may want to go but he may not either. He’s a very unpredictable man.” He headed toward the sawmill.
Sheriff Connolly came back alone. He looked very angry but he knew he couldn’t take it out on them. It had not gone well with Mr. McManus. It was clear that he cared nothing for the things his son did. In fact, he tried to laugh it off with the sheriff. But to the sheriff it wasn’t a laughing matter.
“Let’s go,” he said mounting his horse.
“I take it that it did not go well with Jason’s father?” asked Rev Fredericks.
“No, it didn’t and when and if we find Jason, he won’t be going back home with him. He threatened that if he came back home, he was going to blister his behind till he couldn’t breathe.” answered the sheriff angrily. “I will find him a better place to go. Good thing the judge is in town for another couple of days.” He clucked his horse and steered him to get ready to go. “Lead the way, Michael,” he said. Everyone followed Michael but the sheriff and the parson were staying close to him. They rode for a while out of town.
“One of the places is just around that bend. There’s an old shack there.” said Michael.
“Okay, you and the parson stay here. Do you have a gun?” the sheriff asked the parson.
“Yes,” he answered taking it out of his coat pocket.
“Keep it ready in case he comes around.” The sheriff and his deputy road slowly around the bend. There got in there and there was no sign of Jason. They checked the shack and it looked someone had been there but he wasn’t now. They mounted their horses back to where they left Michael and the parson.
“It looks like he might have been there but he’s not now.” They continued on to two other places when Michael had been with Jason, but he wasn’t there.
“I know of one other place, but I’m not sure exactly where it is. He never took me there but he told me about it.” said Michael.
An approximate location would be helpful,” answered the sheriff.
“Well it’s near a river and he said there was two shacks there and oh, a windmill.”
“Windmill? Hmm,” said the deputy, “that must be the Carlson place just north of town.”
“Let’s go” said the sheriff. They followed him this time since he knew the way. They came to a grove of trees. The place was just on the other side of those trees.
“Parson, you and Michael stay here.” The parson nodded and took his gun out from his coat pocket again. The sheriff and the sheriff dismounted and left the horse tethered by the trees, and walked around the trees slowly
Michael heard a twig snap and jumped. Both the parson and Michael turned to where they heard the noise. They didn’t see him at first, but then they saw him and Jason had a gun.
“Drop the gun, Parson,” he ordered. “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
“Jason, we want to help you,” said the parson.

“Help me,” he laughed, “With the sheriff looking for me now and I imagine my pa is too. If my pa gets me I won’t live to see tomorrow. If the sheriff gets me I will probably spend the rest of my life in jail.”
“The sheriff wasn’t talking about taking you to jail, he was talking about finding another place for you to go, other than your father’s” said Michael. “Maybe I can talk my Mom into taking you”
“You’re Mom! Ha! She hates me”
“She doesn’t hate you, Jason; she just doesn’t like the things you do.”
“Really?”
“Really”
“I don’t think I’d mind having you as a big brother.” Jason is eleven years old, with curly brown hair, which he worn slicked back.
The parson had silently walked around the trees and signaled for the sheriff to come. When they got there, they heard part of the conversation.
“You’ll have to follow my Mom’s rules,” said Michael. Jason scowled a little bit and then he smile.
“Are they that hard to follow?” he asked.
“No, the ones you have problems with, I’ll help you.”
“Really, Do you think your Mom will let me live with you?”
“I’m not sure but we can go ask her.”
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Michael looked up at the sheriff. He was smiling and he shook his head affirmative and all mounted their horses. The Parson helped Jason on his horse and he got on behind him, and they headed back to town to the parsonage. Amanda and Anna were sitting on the porch drinking tea when they saw them approaching. As they were approaching, the sheriff whispered something to his deputy and he road off into another direction.
Amanda was standing on the ground next to the steps when they pulled up in front of the parsonage. Anna had hurried in the house. She came out with four large glasses of iced tea and gave each one of them one and they all sat on the porch.
“Mom, Can Jason come to live with us?” She looked very surprised and shocked.
“Well, I don’t know, honey. I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” she answered.
“I promise I’ll be good, Mrs. Jordan,” pleaded Jason. “I don’t want to go back with my pa, he will.........” He stopped his sentence there.
“I know all about what your father said, Jason,” said Amanda, “but the circumstances and the things you’ve done, I don’t know if this is a good idea.”
“I’ll change my ways, please Mrs. Jordan,” he pleaded. Just then they all heard the roar of Jason’s father coming up to the parsonage steps.
“There you are,” roared Mr. McManus. “Come here so I can give you your whipping. I told you if you got into trouble again, I’d whip till you were dead.” He was taking his belt out of his pants as he approached. Jason hid behind Amanda.
“I said, come here, boy,” he ordered loudly, too loudly. Amanda cringed at the sound of his voice.
“Lord, help me to decide what to do. I cannot see this boy be punished like this.” She squeezed Jason’s hand, as if to say, ‘don’t worry” but there was worry in his eyes. She got up and walked down the few steps to a few inches of Mr. McManus.
“I cannot allow you to do that,” she said quietly.
“Get out of the way, Woman. This is between my son and me. It’s none of your concern. He’s my son and I will treat him the way I want to treat him.”
“You’ll not abuse him in my presence.”
“Abuse? A whipping isn’t abuse.”
“The way you plan to do it, it is.” she said quietly. “I want Jason to come live with me and Michael.”
“You?! Ha! You’ll never get my son!”
“I think she will,” said some one from behind him. He turned around and there was the judge. Judge Matherson stood there for a moment.
“Jason, come here,” said the judge. Jason slowly walked down the steps and over near the judge but away from his father. His father tried to grab him but Parson Fredericks was quicker than he was. He stood between Mr. MaManus and Jason so he couldn’t get him.
“Jason, how many times has your father given you severe beatings?” asked the judge.
“Now wait a minute, demanded Mr. McManus, “that is none of your business. Don’t answer him Jason,” he ordered.
“I am a judge in the United States court and if I make it my business then it is my business.” He turned back to Jason, “How many?”
“I’m not sure how many?”
“Has it been more than 5 or 10?”
“More than 10,” he answered.
“That’s enough for me, said the judge. “Arrest him,” he ordered the sheriff. The sheriff went over to Mr. McManus and tried to put handcuffs on him but he resisted.
“You can’t do this, I am a citizen, and you can’t treat me like this.” Finally with the deputy’s help they were able to get him cuffed.
“Mrs. Jordan, I hear you are interested in taking the boy in, is that correct?”
Amanda stepped forward, “Yes, I am, your honor.”
“Then come by the courthouse tomorrow and sign the temporary custodian papers. He can move in today and you can have the papers tomorrow.” Said the judge and he turned back to Mr. McManus. “As of right now you are to have nothing to do with your son. You are to leave him alone and depending on how your hearing goes, if I am lenient with you, you will have to leave town and never return.”
“Mom, can we go to Jason’s house to get his things?” asked Michael.
“Yes, and Jason, when we get home we will go over some rules you will have to live by, is that okay?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” he answered and they were gone. Amanda turned to the sheriff and Parson Fredericks and his wife, Anna.
“Thank you so much for your help. Did you happen to see my horses and cow anywhere?”
Before anyone could answer that question, Max Caldwell from the Caldwell Stables just north of Amanda’s farm,
“I’ve been looking for you everywhere, Sheriff Conolly,” he said, “Baxter told me that he saw you head this way. A hand of mine, found 2 horses and a cow road roaming around the edge of my property. Has anyone told you they lost them?”
“Yes, they belong to Amanda, here.” the sheriff answered.
“Good I’ll have one of my hands bring them back to your farm.”
“Thank you, Mr. Caldwell,” said Amanda. He tipped his hat and he headed back to where he left his horse in front of the Baxter’s General Store.
Six months later............
“Mom, can we go down by the creek and do some fishing?” asked Jason.
“Are your chores done?” asked Amanda.
“Yes, Ma’am,” he answered.
“How about your reading that you are reading through the summer. Have you read your three chapters today yet?”
“Can’t I do that later?” he pleaded.
Since Amanda had taken Jason into her home, Jason did an about face on his actions. She grew to love him as much as she loved Michael. The three of them became a family. They did everything together. They worked the wheat field together, they cleaned the barn together, and they played games together. Jason became to be a normal child. Even the teacher and the parson were amazed by Jason’s turn around. He helped anyone who needed help, and he’d refuse to take any money for doing it.
He started going to church with Amanda and Michael and he even listened to Parson Fredericks sermons and if he didn’t understand something, he would ask Amanda and if Amanda couldn’t answer the question, he would go to Parson Fredericks for the answer.
Amanda secretly thanked God for Jason’s attitude change, because she knew that only He could do this miraculous change in him. Jason had finally found a loving home.

February 2007 Stories Part 3

February 2007 Stories Part 3 sponsored by:

“Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective”

by Gregory M. Simpson

Whenever I visit Manhattan in the summer and see horse drawn carriages, I think of the inherent cruelty to the horses that are known to drop to the ground from heat exhaustion. I reflect on the absurdity of horses sharing the asphalt with fume spraying buses, taxis and automobiles careening amongst canyons formed by towering skyscrapers. But that’s another article in and of itself. Today, I want to write about another bad idea involving removing animals from their natural habitats – keeping exotic wildlife as pets.

Only 19 states have full or partial bans on the private ownership of large exotic animals, so there are thousands of tigers, lions and other big cats captive in the U.S. The federal government requires no quarantine, no inspection and no tracking of movement of these animals.

By the age of six months, a wild cat can tear your house apart – or much worse. There have been dozens of attacks on humans in the last number of years, including the killing of a boy by his grandfather’s tiger, a lion that killed several dogs and trapped a child in his room and another wild cat that tore off the arm of a four year old boy. Tigers are the most purchased cat followed by cougars, bobcats and lions. The number of individual captive tigers living in the U.S. is estimated to be between 5000 and 7000. Only about 10% of tigers are kept in professionally run zoos and sanctuaries. The rest live in a variety of settings, including backyards where people keep them as pets.

If you’re looking for a large and beautiful cat, visit an animal shelter and adopt a house cat. Maine Coon cats are big and good with children. Mackerel tabbies resemble little tigers. There is also a spotted tabby which resembles a tiny ocelot. If your favorite wild cat is the Black Panther, there are a variety of black cats from which to choose. House cats are much easier to care for and much less expensive than wild cats. More importantly, they won’t look at your house guest as a potential meal.

An exotic pet is any animal not commonly recognized as a household pet, where specialist and often difficult information is required to properly care for them. They include lizards, crocodilians, snakes, tortoises, primates, sugar gliders, chipmunks, hedgehogs, pot bellied pigs, and birds such as parrots and toucans.

Let’s examine one group - the reptiles. The majority of reptiles destined to be sold as pets are caught in the wild, using nooses, nets and dogs. Injuries during capture and transportation include paralysis, claws wrenched from toes by sacking material, bites and scratches. Many are dehydrated, starving, emaciated and diseased. Survivors are put into poorly regulated cargo holds for shipping that often lasts up to 80 hours, resulting in a mortality rate that is matched by a similar number that die soon after arrival.

Those reptiles that do survive are particularly poor at adapting to artificial environments and routines because their biology is hard-wired for life in the wild. This results in abnormal behavior such as spending long periods patrolling cage boundaries or climbing the glass walls of the tank. Most people are unaware of how large some reptiles like iguanas can become or how long they live. They can live to be 14 years old, with males potentially becoming very aggressive. Reflect on this statistic: each year, 90,000 people are treated for salmonella infection contracted from reptiles.

If all of the above does not cause enough concern, then consider these other public health and safety issues. Zoonotic diseases, i.e., those that jump from animals to humans account for three quarters of all emerging infectious threats, according to the Centers for Disease Control. For instance, the monkey pox outbreak started with a shipment of imported African rodents which then spread to American prairie dogs – all in the pet trade. Twenty thousand prairie dogs are yanked from their homes in Texas every year and shipped to pet stores. Wild animals are notorious as reservoirs for disease and parasites. SARS has evidently been traced back to wild animals in food markets in China. The doors are wide open legally for the import of the majority of wild animals destined for the pet trade, including African ball pythons and hedgehogs.

The business of exotic and wild animals as pets in the U.S. is conservatively estimated to be worth $15 billion annually. It is the biggest black market money makers after drugs and weapons. The exotic pet trade is rampant with animal cruelty, as depicted in the book Animal Underworld: Inside America’s Black Market for Rare and Exotic Species by Alan Green and The Center for Public Integrity.

Don’t contribute to the cruelty by obtaining exotic and wild animals as pets. As a wise man from Senegal said,

In the end - We will conserve - Only what we love - We will love only - What we understand - And we will understand
Only what we are taught

Gregory Simpson is Vice-President of the Meriden Humane Society, a no-kill shelter, and member of the Cat Writers’ Association. Formerly a state advisor to Friends of Animals, he was also named one of the 40 Ultimate Cat Lovers by CAT FANCY magazine.


NATURE AS A MIRROR

By Dorothy Gonick

PIGS
“Gung Hay Fat Choy!”
It’s time to celebrate
Chinese New Year Day!

“Gung Hay Fat Choy!” meaning “Wishing You Good Fortune and Happiness!” This is the greeting heard throughout the Orient during the Chinese New Year celebrations. These celebrations start this February 4th, on Start of Spring day, and continue until New Moon Day, February 18th, also called New Year Day. The Chinese use the Lunar calendar that is based on the phases of the moon, with New Year Day celebrated on the first new moon of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This year is 4704.

Many, many years ago, an emperor prepared a feast and invited all the animals to come, but only 12 attended. He honored them by naming a year for each one, so every year one of the animals will be honored. The year 2007 or 4704 is the Year of the Pig. Some Chinese consider the pig lucky because they see that pigs eat food all the time, enjoy sleeping all day long and worry about nothing during their entire lives. Therefore, the pig is a lucky animal.

Each family member joins in preparing for the New Year. The house is scrubbed, scrolls are hung, flowers and special fruits gathered, and foods prepared. Gifts are made ready for exchanging with visitors. New clothes are readied, especially red ones and much visiting is done. There are special activities through the two weeks of celebrations, such as the three-day lantern festival where lanterns are carried through the streets. On New Years Eve, a special meal is shared with the family and children receive red packets of money for the New Year. The festivities are completed when the fanciful bamboo dragon weaves through the streets amid strings of firecrackers.

Pigs have been around for a few million years and are believed to have been tamed by Stone Age people. There are still wild hogs that are strong fierce animals living in forests and jungles in many parts of the world. Razorbacks living in southeastern U.S. and West Indies are descended from tame hogs that escaped and became wild again.

Pigs have no sweat glands and find wallowing in the mud a cooling activity. They have poor eyesight, but a keen sense of smell. The pig will use his snout to dig up roots and fungi that tempt him. Besides food for our pleasure, the pig also supplies leather for gloves, jackets, belts, and footballs; the bristles for brushes; and fat made into lard, soap, candles, salves, and shaving lotions. Although the pig is considered a lazy animal, it does contribute to man’s welfare in many ways.


Hope Marches On For Connecticut Family

The freshly laundered bath towels barely provided a cushion as the young mother fell to a crumpled heap on her bathroom floor. Her legs, strong and sturdy for most of her life, seemed to have betrayed her. And it was clear: she was not getting up without help. Her husband, Jeff, wasn’t due home for another two hours, and the last thing she wanted to do was scare her two young sons, Shane and Jamie.

Setting aside the physical pain from the fall and the related bruise to her ego, Mary acted quickly. She called the boys to fetch her paints and the three spent the rest of the afternoon on the bathroom floor painting blue, purple and green-stemmed irises on the wall.

Shane, now 15, recalls that afternoon. “I was too young to know what really happened, but now that I’m older, I understand how my Mom was trying to protect me that day.”

Mary Smith, 45, a resident of South Windsor, Conn., was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1998 after a similar incident involving a fall.

“Initially, I wanted to protect my children from the diagnosis and the effects of my disease,” Mary said. “However, as time went on, I realized the importance of educating my sons about MS and its symptoms.”

The effects of multiple sclerosis quickly became more debilitating for Mary, and, as Shane and Jamie grew older, the boys oftentimes took on the role of caregivers. “I could only protect them for a brief time,” Mary said. “There was really no way to hide the fact that I couldn’t walk anymore.”

When Jamie left for college last fall, much of Mary’s daily care became Shane’s responsibility. Along with his classes and extracurricular activities as a sophomore at East Catholic High School in Manchester, Conn., Shane helps Mary with her medications, prepares meals and takes on extra chores, including laundry, gardening and caring for his dog, Spanky.

“It’s difficult for me now,” he said, as he lowered his gaze momentarily and looked toward his folded hands. “I feel like I have to be home more often to keep an eye on my Mom. I always have lots to do.”

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and the United Hospital Fund, Shane is among the 1.4 million children aged 8 to 18 who provide care for an adult relative, of which 72 percent are caring for a parent or grandparent.

The Smith family turned to the National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter shortly after her diagnosis for information, resources and helpful programs. The Smiths began building a network of friends who share a common life experience.

“As a family, we realized we needed to get more involved in helping to find a cure,” said Mary. “After everything the chapter did for us, it didn’t take long for us to become activists in the fight against MS.”

In 2000, the Smith family formed Team Mary, a five-person MS Walk team that is now a group of more than 200. Shane and Jamie are captains of Team Mary at the Manchester, Conn. walk site at Manchester Community College, alternating roles as captain for each year’s MS Walk. Over the past six years, Team Mary has raised more than $69,440 and is one of the top 10 walk teams in the state. In 2006, with Shane as captain, Team Mary raised $11,085 of which Shane raised $4,590 himself, placing him as the fourteenth top fundraiser in the state for the 2006 MS Walk.

To rally support, Shane and Jamie write letters to friends and family sharing their experiences over the past year.

“MS has really taken everything out of Mom,” read last year’s letter from Shane. “She spends most of her day in bed or in the wheelchair. She hates the loss of independence. I can’t blame her.”

“’Hope’ is our family motto,” Mary said, as she proudly pointed to the photos, paintings and pillows around her room that display the word. “All that we really have is hope. Hope for the strength to fight MS each day, and hope for a cure. Team Mary is an extension of that hope.”

The message of hope was clearly spelled out for the family soon after Jamie graduated from high school.

Jamie arrived home after spending an afternoon with his basketball teammates, and, to the shock of his parents, he lifted his shirt to display the word “hope” emblazoned in the form of a tattoo across his back. Mary laughs as she recalls Jamie’s excuse: “I thought you’d like it, Mom. I designed it myself!”

“I was surprised that Jamie got a tattoo,” Mary said. “But he could have chosen to get any tattoo he wanted. Instead, he immortalized my fight with MS on his body. His children and his grandchildren will know my story and the hope that he will always carry with him. Now, how could I be angry at him for that?”

Courage and hope in the face of adversity have propelled the Smiths to step forward since her fall nine years ago. Their friends and family continue to hold out hope for a cure and usher Team Mary into its seventh year.

The day Mary fell to her bathroom floor; she painted irises with her two sons. According to lore, the iris flower symbolizes faith and hope. It’s no surprise that the iris is a constant reminder of that bittersweet afternoon.

The Greater Connecticut Chapter will host its annual 2007 Travelers MS Walk on Sunday, April 22, at eight walk site locations across the state, including Cheshire, Clinton, Enfield, New London, Manchester, New London, Simsbury, West Hartford and West Haven. A ninth site, Woodstock, will host the MS Walk on Sunday, April 30.

Pre-registration for the 2007 Travelers MS Walk is FREE and preferred. To learn more about the Travelers MS Walk, please tune to WTNH News Channel 8/MY TV 9, Comcast Communications and 97.7 WCTY Country Favorites. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Subway and Coca Cola. WTNH News Channel 8 morning news anchor Darren Kramer will serve as grand marshal. To register online for the 2007 Travelers MS Walk, please go to http://www.ctnmss.org/ or call (860) 714.2300.

February 2007 Stories Part 4

February 2007 Stories Part 4 sponsored by:

The Good Wife’s Guide Then and Now

By Priscilla Reynolds

THE GOOD WIFE'S GUIDE believed to be published in "Housekeeping Monthly” circa 1955

Written under these original excerpts are Sil’s comments.

OK WHEN YOU GUYS STOP LAUGHING LONG ENOUGH TO PICK YOURSELF OFF THE FLOOR, Read THIS TO ALL THE WOMEN YOU KNOW SO THEY CAN HAVE A GOOD LAUGH TOO.

"Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed."

Sil's comment: Such wonderful nostalgia! It would be a saving grace in marriages today if the man or the woman thought of the other's favorite meal (perhaps two times a week) instead of gulping down left overs or fast food en route to their children's activities.

"Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people!"

Sil's comment: I can remember my Mother, back in the 1940's, retreating to her bedroom to change into a flattering dress before Dad arrived. The role of the female is much more in the workplace these days. It never hurts to remember the past and attempt to be considerate and clean when welcoming the person home, male or female.

"Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it."

Sil's comment: Again, this goes both ways. Love and intimacy are a two person obligation in marriage. Being optimistic is more important than trying always to please.

"Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives."
Sil's comment: Teach the children to help. Either husband or wife needs the same consideration.
"Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc. and then run a dust cloth over the tables."

Sil's comment: Everyone enjoys a neat home but this is not always possible. In many families both parents work outside the home. Clearing up the clutter means there is cooperation in the family. Learning to forgive the harrassed person at home creates harmony and respect.

"Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction."

Sil's comment: Times have changed. Many homes today have no fireplaces or wood stoves. Couples find ways to provide comfort, each for the other. Often each person lets the other know his or her good intentions and there is mutual satisfaction.

"Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet."

Sil's comment: Wouldn't this be wonderful for the homecoming of either man or woman? These are rules that could bring peace of mind to anyone's dinner table.

"Be happy to see him."

Sil's comment: Try to be happy. In some cases, it's necessary to forgive each other. Don't let the sun go down without attempting to right the wrong.

"Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him."

Sil's comment: This is a repeat of "Be happy to see him," and sounds phony. Often our spouses are scape goats for the calamities throughout the day. Wipe the slate clean. Show genuine love.

"Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first-remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours."

Sil's comments: The female is no longer subservient to the male. However, both parties need to listen more than complain.

"Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax."

Sil's comments: WOW! The female would not be human if she followed the above,--and thus, the male missed out in the end.

"Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit."

Sil's comments: Wouldn't it make more sense to make ourselves more peaceful and tranquil, each for the other?

"Don't greet him with complaints and problems."

Sil's comments: This is a repeat of "Listen to him." Please listen to each other and try to cease complaining.

"Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day."

Sil's comments: RIDICULOUS! There are exceptions for being ridiculous, such as, having a tour of duty in Iraq.

"Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him."

Sil's comments: Jobs can be difficult. Each person needs a warm welcome and genuine kindness from the people he or she loves.

"Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice."

Sil's comments: Let's hope every couple has moments like this.

"Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him."

Sil's comments: When was this written--1955? I can't remember having any of the above thoughts. This must have been written by a male chauvinist.

"A good wife always knows her place."

Sil: SO SHOULD A GOOD HUSBAND!



Did You Know?

Groundhogs belong to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. While most marmots live in the mountains, groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are actually lowland creatures, hence the reason many people have seen or can recognize a groundhog at first glance. Another reason for that is the groundhog's prevalence in popular culture, particularly that of North America. Each year, in both the United States and Canada, Groundhog Day is celebrated. Traditionally the day serves to determine how long winter will last. If the groundhog sees his shadow, that means there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, that means winter will end shortly. Different regions of the country boast different local prognosticating groundhogs, the most notable of which is Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil. While the earliest American reference to Groundhog Day dates back to the mid-nineteenth century, the holiday actually extends back several centuries into German and French folklore. Perhaps the holiday's ability to withstand the test of time is a testament to the physical strength of the groundhog. Known for its cute and cuddly appearance, the groundhog is actually quite strong. Exceptional burrowers, groundhogs are said to move 700 pounds of dirt when digging a burrow.


Did You Know?

Abraham Lincoln has no extended lineage to carry on his great name. He and his wife Mary Todd had four children. However, only the eldest, Robert Todd Lincoln, lived until adulthood and to marry. Robert had three children: Mary, Abraham and Jessie. Mary's only child, Lincoln Isham, had no children. Abraham lived from 1873 to 1890 and had no children. Jessie had two children, Mary Beckwith and Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, neither of whom had any children.



There are so many things to love about Wallingford. Here are two.

The Mayor as a person.

I have been organizing the Wallingford Holiday Community Dinners for 26 years. It is not my main job, although sometimes I think so. Late in the evening on the day before Thanksgiving, Bill Dickinson, Mr. Mayor, always finds his way to my door. He asks if I have everything I need for the dinners. He takes out his check book and gives me a donation.

Then we sit down and talk about things that have happened to us during the year, the good and bad and hard and sad. The phones don’t ring. People don’t find us. We just sit and talk and laugh and sometimes cry. He asks what I think about some things and I tell him the truth, even when it isn’t always what he wants to hear. He does the same thing for me. The main thing that we have in common is that we both love what we do, and know we have been called to do it. We might not love everything that goes along with it, but we love what we do. He can’t imagine cooking all these turkeys and I can’t imagine being Mayor. I really look forward to his visit the night before Thanksgiving. We have a joke now about which one of us will retire first. As our talk winds down, and we give each other a hug goodbye, one of us always says, “you thinking about retiring anytime soon?” And the night ends with a wink and a smile.

The People of Wallingford

I don’t think I have ever known a more generous people than those in Wallingford. Miracles often appear at my office door, sometimes before I even know I will need them! In the 26 years of organizing the Wallingford Holiday Community Dinners, we have never run short of food. As the dinners have expanded to include, adopting families, delivering meals to the homebound; the volunteers and the food and monetary gifts always come through. I have been blessed by the generosity of spirits I have seen in everyone who participates. When I need more money, your purses open. When I need more hands, yours are always there. We serve more than 2500 people annually! One person doesn’t do that. A community does. The hearts and hands of Wallingford make it happen. Thank you.

Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc.
Nancy Freyberg, Executive Cheerleader – Master Dreamer
101 No. Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford, Ct. 06492 203-284-8299
http://www.jpnancy.com/ lavendermoon47@yahoo.com

February 2007 Stories Part 5

February 2007 Stories Part 5 sponsored by:

Thirty Days into 2007

Well almost; here it is Monday morning, back to work! It’s the last full week of January, where has the time gone? And still no snow, I’m not complaining like some others because when we get it, it’ll be another story, if you know what I mean! This has been a winter to write home about, no precipitation, moderate temperatures, in fact I a few weeks ago I had to rush out to get my fishing license; remember back to the 6th of the month, I do, 65-70° weather, I spent 5 hours trout fishing in the Trout Management area on the Salmon River in Colchester; I had a few good nibbles, didn’t land anything, it was a joy to get out so early in the year for a relaxing afternoon.

Last weekend had Monday off so my wife and I planned a ‘theatrical’ weekend in NYC. The real incentive was an offer from a hotel we’ve stayed in previously offering some decent rates for a two-day stay. Plus they offered a discount for AARP members which made it really attractive. We did a Saturday to Monday trip. I had previously booked two shows, BUTLEY with Nathan Lane and REGRETS ONLY with Christine Baranski. We did some shopping, went to a new store, the M&M store, yes a store dedicated to this icon of ‘sweetoothers’ worldwide. We did buy some of the delectable discs in colors that matched the theme for our granddaughter’s upcoming birthday party. Pale blue and white for her Wizard of Oz theme. We also moseyed over to Tiffany’s, a bit late for breakfast but found plenty of foreign tourists there, I guess the strong Euro and Pound etc. with the weak dollar make their wares attractive to the Euro traveler. Didn’t do any typical tourist stuff, had lunch at a couple of different pubs, dinner at a ‘fav’ place and found a new eatery in Chelsea, recommended by a NYC native. We did our usual Metro-North thing, parking in New Haven. Saw the skeleton of the NH Coliseum, bid it farewell. All in all, we had a very nice time, relaxing and fun.

So, now after the NFL playoffs I guess we’ll bombarded with adverts for the Super Bowl, nowadays it seems that the ancillary events leading up to and during the ‘game’ (I hope it is a good one) are of more interest than the scrimmage itself. Look at the money spent on the commercials; I have to admit I do enjoy some of the creative offerings but the hype prior to the game, in my opinion, is a bit much. I don’t think just because I disagree with the saturation ads they’re going to change on my account, but venting is somewhat Well, New England lost, Chicago won, I guess I’ll root for Chicago, have a good friend, my Army roommate, who lives there, one of the few people I know who actually has a Chicago address.

Although, I’m also a fan of Peyton Manning; appears I’m in a bit of a conundrum, but I’m pretty flexible so no big deal. My major loyalty will be with Chicago, and like I stated earlier, I hope the game is as good as the Pats and Colts contest.

As the month winds down, looking forward to my granddaughter’s 4th birthday party; can’t believe how time flies. A lot of ‘stuff’ has transpired since before she was born up until now. As the saying goes, ‘that’s life’; I guess we should just be thankful we have what we have and make the most of each day. In a few days the end of the month is upon us and February roars in, hopefully with not too much negative weather. There’s lots of activity for me coming up; and so it goes. Until next time, I bid you peace.
Ernie Larsen - 1/22/07


Never underestimate the hi-tech knowledge of a child and their talents

TOMMY GRIFFIN, 6TH GRADE OF DAG MIDDLE SCHOOL WALLINGFORD...THE NEXT GENERATION OF ANIMATED FILM PRODUCERS

Since nursery school, everyday Tommy would come home and the first thing he would want to play with was his legos, building and creating new objects with imagination, talent and patience.

Building blocks were always a fun thing for him. In later years, he was able to build pretty much anything with lego building blocks. But now that Tommy is in middle school, his building techniques went into animation talent, simply by using a program on the home computer, a program I never thought existed.

He combined his love for building blocks into animated, short films. My rule is no computer, but Tommy was up to something one day and I went to see what it was. He took his love and talent with legos, and combined that with his knowledge of technology, making short, two minute, animated lego films.

Thinking he was in trouble for being on the computer, I asked him to show me what he was doing on the computer. The look in his face was "Oh no, I'm in trouble now". But when he showed me, I was in complete amazement. I watched a short clip movie he created and animated with legos that he built, moving, second by second, with voice background and color animation. Then it was more amazing seeing how he wrote his own credits, like watching one of those short clips you usually see before you watch a feature film at the movies. I couldn't believe my eyes and I was more then proud of discovering a talent my son has.

In end, Tommy didn't get in trouble, but was encouraged to exercise his talent more. At 11 1/2 years old, 6th grade student, I am amazed at how much a child really knows about technology, especially my child. More so as a parent, I am more amazed of what my son can do on the computer, without accessing the intranet, making short animated films with legos.

I want to tell Tommy that we VERY impressed, proud and if when he gets older, if animation film making is what you want to do, GO FOR IT!!


A Journey to London

By Beth Vumbaco

This past December a friend of mine, Kate Poniatowski, invited me to her daughter, Heather Williams’ graduation at Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in London, England. I have always been interested in that part of the world, especially the royal heritage, the amazing architecture, and the rich and long history. So about ten seconds after Kate’s invitation I said, “Yes, I’ll go” and we were on our way. While my trip included plenty of sightseeing, I was blessed with new friendships I did not anticipate.

We left JFK at 7:30 p.m. for the 6-hour flight. Neither of us slept a wink (more from excitement than fear of flying). It was my first trip to Europe and the plane was huge. Over 400 people of all nationalities were on board. It was still dark when we landed at 6:30 a.m. We cleared customs in 10 minutes, only to wait over an hour for luggage. Our taxi driver, Paul, was generous in sharing information about Great Britain (though I was so terrified of the taxi driving on the opposite side of the highway, I can barely recall a thing he said)!

Ed and Ann Carr (formerly from Meriden) were our hosts for the week. Ann is Kate’s sister and the Carr’s have a lovely home in Leatherhead, south of London. The Carrs previously lived in Dubai, on the Persian Gulf in the Middle East, and their home is filled with memories of the culture they deeply enjoyed.

Ann teaches in a private school and is a positive mentor to both parents and students. She is an open, heartwarming woman who loves life and puts everyone around her at ease. We have an instant kinship through humor and compassion. By the end of my visit I realize that while the trip was great, the Carr family is wonderful – my papers for them to adopt me are in the mail.

Captain Ed Carr graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He loved being a ship captain and he thrives in every new challenge in his shipping career. He is a brilliant man of high achievement. I thoroughly enjoyed the many stimulating conversations we shared.

The Carr’s children, Ed and Helen, attend college in Connecticut and Massachusetts. I feel like I know them and look forward to meeting them.

We decided the best way to handle jet lag was to stay up. Once we settled in at the Carr residence, we took the train to London. An all day train fare is $19 American. The ride from Leatherhead to London was delightful! It was fascinating to see the countryside vanish as the urban city approached. Looking down on all the chimneys, we expected to see Mary Poppins around the next bend. Commuting and touristing is serious business. You have to stay focused on where you are going, lest the crowd push you in the wrong direction. Anyone who has ever been in London’s subways have the phase “mind the gap” ringing in their ears. Some of the gaps between the subway doors and station floors are scary!

The first thing you notice wherever you go in England is that the British are thin. If you see someone heavy, it is most likely an American tourist. People in London walk a lot! Ironically, the second thing you notice is that many British smoke. Many pubs have a cloud of smoke by noon, and it was concerning seeing infants in strollers and small children exposed to thick second hand smoke at mealtimes.

The goal of our first day in London was to get a feel for the city itself – so we walked and walked and walked starting from the Piccadilly Square area to St. James Park to Buckingham Palace. The British people were friendly and patient in responding to tourists questions. If mentioning the U.S., the British are quick to offer their strong distaste for President Bush and the British Prime Minister Blair.

The days were crisp and grey, usually 45-50º F, but over our entire week it never rained! One evening we were drawn to a store where “papaparatzi” with cameras had to wait at the door. Kate and I toured the store not for its pricey fashion, but to discover its star shopper. We concluded it was London’s top fashion model that was hiding her size 4 statuesque figure in a fur coat that made her appear to be a linebacker. Every red-blooded American woman has to experience Harrods where we browsed seven floors of unique gifts and clothing that so few can afford! We also ventured into Christie’s Auction House and a live auction. It was amazing to see people casually bidding tens of thousands of dollars on furniture and home decorations.

We were awake a full 33 hours by the time we enjoyed dinner at the Carr home and promptly fell asleep shortly after.

On Wednesday, we experienced the Double Decker Sightseeing Buses. The view from the top open seating section was wonderful! The bus gave our feet a chance to rest and the chilly wind put pink in our cheeks. Traffic in London can only be described as horrific so we quickly learned that walking and the subway were far more efficient.

Madam Tussauds Wax Museum did not disappoint. The wax figure of Queen Elizabeth was perfect; you expect her to breathe at any moment. After sitting with George Clooney, we signed up as Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew. “Chamber Live” was an unforgettable experience as people dressed as goblins scared us at each turn, and we clung to each other for courage as well as protection.

Parliament is both a building as well as a political institution. Politically, there are two distinct houses – Commons and Lords, which balance power between the monarchy and Parliament. Security is very tight and we were frisked several times before enjoying Parliament in session. As a building, Parliament is still officially a royal palace, although Henry VIII was the last resident.

The clock tower, known as Big Ben began telling time in 1859. The name Big Ben actually refers to the bell housed within the clock tower. We adored the beauty of the clock tower and have many photos to prove it. Our favorite photo was taken at night.

Westminster Abby is both a house of God and a house of kings. It holds a thousand years of history. We are in awe of every nook and cranny; we could easily spend the entire week there. The Abbey was founded in 960 AD as a Benedictine Monastery. William the Conqueror was crowned here in 1066. King Edward I had an oak coronation chair built in 1301 that has been used at every coronation since. It is here that Queen Elizabeth was crowned on June 2, 1953. Over 3300 people are buried in the church and cloisters including writers Chaucer, Dickens, Browning, Kipling, Tennyson, and also actor Laurence Olivier.

A catamaran cruise provided us a leisurely cruise on the Thames River. This helped us recognize bridges and popular tourist locations. Most surprising was the recently built London City Hall, a huge oval entirely of glass which appears oblivious to the historical buildings around it.

On Sunday, we arrived at St. Paul’s Cathedral just in time for the service. The Cathedral took 35 years to build and is 300 years old. It is very humbling and spiritual to participate in a service under the same 364-foot dome where Charles and Diana were married. While the Cathedral was crowded, we were amazed to be seated in the front row near the Men’s Choir.

After the service, we walked to the Tower of London which is over 900 years old! This is one of the most popular attractions for who can resist tales of torture, murder and beheadings! Guides dressed as Beefeaters provide tales of the many people found guilty of treason, as well as other royal gossip. The Tower of London actually has 20 towers in total and served as a palace and armory. The chapel on the grounds still has weekly services. The Medieval Palace of the Tower was residence to many kings and queens, as well as being a fortress.

The Jewel House of the Tower of London protects an amazing collection of gem-studded crowns, orbs and scepters. Pieces from the 14th century until today are breathtaking, especially the 530 carat Cullinan 1 diamond which sits on a monarch’s scepter.

While women enjoy the gem collection, men are drawn to the equally impressive collection of weapons and armor housed in the White Tower. This is the original Tower of London, protecting William the Conqueror around 1080. Ravens roam free and several have permanent residence at the Tower of London because of the belief “if the ravens leave, the tower will fall.”

We easily walked 8-10 miles per day and particularly enjoyed walking along the bank of the Thames River, day and night. The Millennium Mile was our favorite walk, and takes less than 30 minutes. The walk begins at the Big Ben clock tower adjacent to the House of Parliament. Crossing the Westminster Bridge, you find yourself looking in all directions at the amazing views. Following the South Bank, we were dwarfed by the London Eye, a 450-foot Ferris wheel that promises an unforgettable view of London. We experienced the British Airways London Eye at night. The line was huge but each spoke “room” holds 40 people easily. As the world’s tallest observation wheel, the slow moving ride takes a full hour to go full circle. It is breathtaking! Further down the walk are the Tate Modern Art Museum and the Millennium Bridge which opened in 2000. It was a surprise to learn that London Bridge now resides in Arizona!

On Saturday we visited Hampton Court Palace, the most magnificent Tudor building in Britain. Henry VIII was the first king to own the palace and he embellished it in honor of his second wife, Anne Boleyn before she lost his favor and was beheaded. Costumed guides help relive history as tours are given. It is awesome to view the magnificent tapestries and furnishings.

The palace gardens cover 60 acres of magnificent greenery including a maze. Of particular note is the conservation of over 400 “yew” trees planted by Queen Anne in 1703 which are 300 years old. On a daily basis, gardeners collect the yew tree bark and observe the trees for signs of disease or damage. Yew tree bark contains the chemical component that makes Tamoxifin. This medication is used to reduce the chance of breast cancer in women at risk.

It was interesting to learn from a guard that an endangered species of spider lives in the top floor of the palace apartments. Staff follows the guidelines of the National Wildlife Protection Agency to ensure the safety of these spiders who feast on mites and dust.

December is not the time of year to enjoy the splendor of London’s gardens, yet it is easy to see why these open green spaces with water fountains and statues are a great pride to England. Some flowers were also still in bloom.

We strolled through Kensington Gardens which cover 275 acres. It is a magnificent setting for gardens, fountains, statues and memorials. A seven-mile memorial walk includes Kensington and passes through Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James Park. Just west of Kensington Gardens is a street called Kensington Palace Gardens. In the heart of embassy land, this street is a half mile long and is referred to as “Billionaires Row” because many very rich people live there.

Kensington Palace has elegant gardens and was home to Queens from Mary to Victoria. From 1981 until her death, Diana, Princess of Wales and her sons, Prince William and Prince Henry lived in apartments 8 and 9 of Kensington Palace.

Our last night in London was at the very posh Four Seasons for the graduation dinner beginning with a champagne cocktail hour, leading to more food than we eat at Thanksgiving, and meeting graduates from various parts of the world.

The highlight of the trip actually occurred at Heather’s graduation when Kate’s eyes filled with tears of pride as Heather was awarded her diploma. Heather had worked hard during the past nine months and gained many friends in addition to her cooking skills. Thank you Kate for the opportunity to visit England and share your family!

February 2007 Stories Part 6

February 2007 Stories Part 6 sponsored by:

ANGEL WINGS
By Cathy Short

Wings as soft as down
The angelic being brings forth
a beam of light,
As I suddenly feel
a gentle brush on my cheek
and light and beauty
surround me.

All the colors of a rainbow
glistening around the angel,
feeling safe and secure
with her presence.

No fear enters here,
only love, peace and joy
realizing the reign of angels
is closer than I thought.

The angel spoke softly in a singing voice
"Claim your freedom
Love one another
The soul never dies
There is nothing to fear
Feel the love, open your heart
Seek truth. Be true."
And then she vanished
along with the light.

I feel a flutter in my heart
and wonder if the angel left one
of her feathers in my open heart.

As I walk away to start a
newly ressurected life
I feel light with joy
over-flowing around me
to give away
to share the joy with others
who are lost and heavy hearted

And so the story never ends
and Love is eternal.


POLICE ARE HUMAN BEINGS TOO

Why I rate the Wallingford Police #1 In Community Relations

Have you seen the paper lately? The headlines are filled with scandal in the police departments, from the State Police down to the individual municipalities. Eureka! Police are people too, subject to the same human frailties, character flaws and weaknesses as the rest of us. The uniform doesn’t exempt them from misconduct; criminally or otherwise abusing their power. Even I have had my own unpleasant experiences with these badge-wielding authority figures playing god.

And who should be blamed for these officers’ indiscretions? Is it the officers themselves, or something greater that carries with it the responsibility to keep them in line? In my experience, it’s the culture of the employer that is to blame. Nine out of ten times, in the context of the police departments, the Chief is responsible for the culture his department emits. Some police departments are very unprofessional and rude and downright obnoxious – not just one officer, but most of them; whereas, other police departments have a policy of community policing and service. Perhaps the answer is better screening procedures. I have an example:

When I worked at a major retail chain, we had a personality screening procedure. Not just a test, but something more obscure. I was a clerk at the returns desk, a cashier. At the store, the applicant first encountered me, the lowest person on the totem pole; a cashier. Yet they didn’t get to the next stage unless they could carry on a conversation with me and my co-workers. We looked for people who were energetic, happy and comfortable talking to people. If you didn’t like people, you didn’t get to the next stage. In addition, we had constant monitoring while working there. Secret shoppers, tests and training; three strikes in a period of three months and you were out!

Another example: I once interviewed for a position of investigator for the Public Defender’s Office. At that interview a question was posed: "If after a thorough investigation of a case, I found evidence that was unfavorable to my client’s case, what would I do with that information?" My answer: "I am an investigator, not a story teller. I would report the facts I received to the lawyer that employed me and let the lawyer chose what to do with it." I mention this because that is the job of the police department. They are investigators; they should have no stake in the case other than to report what they saw or heard. But rarely do we find this attitude.

What happened to the idea that, "the police are your friends?" That’s the image I grew up with. I generally don’t feel that way anymore, although I always give EVERYONE the benefit of the doubt. Prejudice is not the answer. In fact, good cops are still in existence, at least in Wallingford, Connecticut:

The other day I called the Wallingford Police Department in order to rectify something a client did. I first spoke to Sargent Davis who greeted me with an easygoing, friendly and professional attitude. He even engaged me in conversation about unrelated things. I really felt not only comfortable, but I trusted him. Then he transferred me to the arresting officer, Officer Barangie. (I hope I spelled his name right). For a moment I felt panic, I was afraid of the personality I would encounter. But Officer Barangie couldn’t have been nicer. Not only was he easygoing, friendly and professional, but he kept his word in regard to my client. I trusted him, and it paid off. He not only treated me well, but he was equally easygoing, friendly and professional with my client. In-fact, the thing that impressed me the most was the fact that while meeting with us, he stated: "I have no personal stake in this case, I am just doing my job." Hats off to Officer Barangie and Sergeant Davis for showing that they are not only human, but that they are representatives of a police department that I suspect truly practices "Community Based Policing."

Tina Sypek D’Amato, Esq.


Our Taxes and the Man behind the Tree
By David Radcliffe

We are a grumpy lot, we taxpayers. A recent false-Spring gave us false-hope that we’d somehow avoid winter. The war in Iraq is an ever-gloomy thing. Fuel prices remain helplessly and hopelessly high. Even the UCONN men’s basketball team is playing poorly. And more significantly, homeowners are looking at a potential tax increase. Yes, in dark days like these, we wonder if the sun will ever shine again.

No one wants to pay taxes. Russell B. Long, a long-time United States Senator from Louisiana a generation ago, captured the challenge facing our Council with his famous line, "Tax reform means, 'Don't tax me, don't tax thee, tax that fellow behind the tree!'

Over the past five years, Meriden household incomes have remained largely the same. Costs – of everything – have risen significantly. Higher levels of government mandate that locals provide a range of services, but are providing less cash to offset costs. This is a messy recipe. No matter what our Mayor and Council do with regard to setting a budget and tax rate, some will still be unhappy.

There are those among us who are absolute in their aversion to taxes. A tax of any amount is unacceptable. Others have a higher threshold for tax support. The acceptability of a tax, argue UCONN public policy professors Bill Simonsen and Mark Robbins, is based on some standard of reasonableness. Citizens compare taxes and the services they support with other payments they routinely make. If a tax is within our spending patterns or expectations for a service, we support it. If we are startled by how large a tax is, we don’t support it, like walking out of a car showroom due to sticker shock.

I confess that my left eye twitches when I look at the new assessment of our family’s home (103% increase!). Still, I believe our Mayor and City Council are up to the daunting task before them. I’ve been to many of Finance and City Council meetings over the years. On the whole, our Council is thoughtful and sensitive on how they are spending our money. Sure, I shake my head at the occasional bone-headed decision, but the services I come to expect are quietly and effectively delivered at a price comparable to other towns like ours.

To craft a sustainable budget, the Council must continue to consider and act on items such as reorganization and consolidation of services and new approaches to getting work done. Beyond taxes, think about other ways to generate revenue, including new and increased user fees and business partnerships. And who doesn’t want a more efficient government, where we get more service for less money. Business- and neighborhood-friendly development, especially in the downtown and HUB area is key to growing our tax base. Finally, the State has been good to Meriden but will be especially important partners this Spring.

As citizens, we need not be passive consumers of our public leaders’ decisions. We can and should be informed and active during and after budget season. Ask questions of our officials, hold them accountable, and recognize them for good works. There are plenty of ways to make a difference above and beyond our duties to vote and pay taxes.

This tax-setting process is much more than pleasing a grumpy public or just an exercise in math. And it’s more than just getting through this current year. Setting a budget and tax is about protecting our community and putting it in a position for future success, not just defending short-term or selfish interests. Sure, I’d rather pay fewer taxes, but I also understand that we want and need an appropriately-funded senior center and health department and planning department and so on – services that reasonable people agree add value to the Meriden experience.

Our family could choose to live anywhere. We’ll stick it out and pay our fair share here in Meriden, along with that man behind the tree. I hope you will too.

David Radcliffe, for better and worse, has a degree in Consumer Economics and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in public policy at the University of Connecticut.

February 2007 Wallingford and Meriden Town News and Events

February 2007 Meriden and Wallingford Town News and Events sponsored by:

Mayor’s Corner - Meriden

Dear Friends,

We finally had our first snowflake, but it didn’t last long. I am not complaining though. I would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day, especially my beautiful wife and daughter, Amy and Bria. Valentine’s Day is not just about flowers and fancy candies; it is about taking the time to thank those special people in our lives. Those individuals who bring a smile to our face when we are having a tough day. The people we know we can always count on.

On February 8th, Meriden and Wallingford will once again compete in Literacy Volunteers’ Scrabble Tournament. So get a team together and help raise funds for this worthy cause. Preparations are also underway for Meriden and Wallingford’s Annual Relay for Life fundraiser. The kickoff celebration will take place on January 25th at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn. This is a great opportunity for Meriden and Wallingford residents to work together to fight cancer. This has been a special event in large part due to the great volunteers and generosity of so many citizens. We will also celebrate President’s Day as we honor those who led our great nation.

Hopefully the groundhog will soon deliver a positive message that we are having a short winter season. I still have my hat and gloves ready and the sled is in the garage. Thanks for all your support.

Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni


A New Year Message from Meriden’s Mayor Mark!

Happy New Year! Let me start by thanking our citizens and city staff for all their support.

As we begin 2007, I would like to reflect on some of our accomplishments in 2006. New businesses like Webster Insurance, Aplicare, CDG Call Center, J&J Tristate, and National Cabinetry brought hundreds of jobs to our city and new revenue for our grand list. We have also seen significant retail growth, many new quality single family homes, and the addition of Newbury Village, a high end 180 unit apartment complex. Important infrastructure improvements like the Coe Avenue and Bradley Avenue bridges, the Hanover Dam, and the capping of the landfill were successfully completed. In addition to the new developments, we improved our bond rating and received an award for our annual audit. This is a credit to our improved financial standing and honest budgeting and accounting procedures. The Boys & Girls Club and Girls Inc. both added new pavilions to improve their facilities and increase their offerings for our children. Last, but certainly not least, we celebrated our 200th birthday with pride and honor.

As we look ahead, I am excited with our ever increasing development opportunities. Castleview Plaza on West Main Street and Centennial Avenue will add a bank, EyeCenter, and a new Napoli’s Restaurant to current tenants Dunkin Donuts and Aarons. Silver Commons on Broad Street will open with a Starbucks, Coldstone Creamery, and Japanese restaurant.

The new Burger King is open and soon Walgreens will join the new plaza on East Main Street and Paddock Avenue. Further up the road, Lowe’s will anchor a new plaza at the former Ames site. This plaza has been vacant for over 10 years and soon will receive a much needed face lift. When these plazas are renovated their value increases significantly, thus increasing revenue for the city. The City also benefits from the aesthetic improvements to the area.

Meriden will welcome our first 55 and over housing development on Baldwin Avenue and new single family homes will continue to balance our housing stock. In the next couple months, the HUB demolition will highlight our efforts to clean up downtown. Café Dolce, Middlesex, state agencies, and new businesses continue to join long standing businesses like Fischer’s and Butler Paint in downtown Meriden.

As we continue our flood control efforts, we will put the finishing touches on Phase 1 of our linear trail and begin preparations for Phase 2. The trail is magnificent and a great asset to our city. The views along the Quinnipiac River make Meriden’s linear trail second to none.

One of the most exciting additions coming to our city in 2007 is a privately funded, handicap accessible playscape for Hubbard Park. The playscape committee headed by Dawn Nierenburg-Reynolds and the Bourdon family has done a remarkable job raising funds and planning for this playscape. This will give our citizens one more reason to visit the state’s most beautiful park, Hubbard Park. I look forward to seeing you at city events throughout the year and I wish you a safe and prosperous New Year.

I am excited about our future and inspired by the commitment of our citizens.
Thanks for all your support,
Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni

Wallingford Senior Center FEBRUARY Edition

HOW DO I GET THERE? TRANSPORTATION FAIR FOR DRIVERS AND NON-DRIVERS

Friday, February 23, 10:15 a.m.
Your doctor’s appointment is next Thursday at 1:00 p.m. How will you get to the doctor’s office? If you don’t drive, do you know what your transportation options are? If you do drive, do you know what resources are available to help ensure your safe trip behind the wheel? Join us on Friday, February 23, at 10:15 a.m. to get information to answer all your transportation questions. Presenters and exhibitors include: AAA, AARP, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Greater New Haven Transit District, Wallingford Police Department, and the Wallingford Senior Center. Free handouts and refreshments. This program is open to the public. Please call 265-7753 to register.

WINTER BAKE SALE

on Tuesday, February 20
We are planning a delicious event to raise funds to help our “adopted” classrooms at Moses Y. Beach School (see separate article on our partnership with MYB on page 5). We need bakers and buyers! Please call 265-7753 to sign up to bake for this event. The goodies will be on sale on February 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or until supplies run out! Thanks in advance for supporting this special project.

READERS’ THEATRE GROUP
A Readers’ Theatre Group (a popular art form for those who enjoy performing in a play by sitting and reading a part) is being organized for any interested members! No experience necessary! Please sign up during February and we’ll convene the group in March.

DANCE PARTY with VINNIE CARR
Wednesday, February 28, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
It’s a Sweethearts Dance! Join us for an afternoon of dancing, music and fun. Invite your friends!

SENIOR CENTER PARTNERS WITH LOCAL SCHOOL
The Wallingford Senior Center has been designated the official community partner of Moses Y. Beach School. Our relationship with the school began with our joint pen pal program in 1999. We are now planning ways to help enrich the students’ educational experiences. One aspect of our partnership will involve assisting the teachers with classroom materials such as special books and arts and crafts supplies. (Our February Bake Sale will raise funds for this effort.) Our pen pal program (see separate article below) is another important part of our relationship. Also, we will be planning special events at the Senior Center to which our MYB students will be invited. Finally, the teachers have expressed a need for classroom volunteers. Adults are needed to work one-on-one with students; to participate in reading buddies programs; to share their musical talents; or to assist with special projects in the classroom. Obviously this partnership needs lots of participation by senior center members. The time commitment is small but the rewards will be huge!

Please sign up if you want to be part of this exciting new outreach program.

LITERARY COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Literary Committee has begun work on the spring issue of Mirrors of Life, our Senior Center literary magazine. Anyone who wishes to submit an original poem, essay or story is asked to bring it to the reception desk. Please be sure you put your name on everything you submit. Also, new committee members are always welcome. We need your ideas and hope you will join us. Sign up and we will contact you regarding meeting dates and times.

SOCIAL SERVICES
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY APPOINTMENTS
Available Wednesday, February 7
Appointments are available for the afternoon of Wednesday, February 7 to get free legal advice from Attorney Daniel Tully. Please call 265-7753 today to reserve your appointment.
HOMEOWNER TAX RELIEF PROGRAM
February 1 through May 15, 2007

Who should apply? People sixty-five years of age, or Totally Disabled as of December 31 preceding the application period. Applicants must own and reside, or hold Life-Use of property. Annual income (including Social Security) cannot exceed $28,800 in 2006 for a single individual or $35,300 in 2006 for married couples. Please call the Assessor’s office at 294-2001 for more information.

Property Tax Deferral for the Elderly
February 1 through May 15, 2007
How does Property Tax Deferral Work? The tax on your property is postponed, to be collected at a future date.

Who qualifies for Property Tax Deferral? Any homeowner who is presently receiving benefits under the Elderly Homeowners Program qualifies for tax deferral. Please apply at the Assessor’s Office, or call 294-2001 for more information.

HAVE YOU APPLIED YET FOR THE CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
The Senior Center takes applications for energy assistance for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. Income limits are $27,867.32 for a single person and $36,441.88 for two people. There are asset limits. Applications are by appointment only. To find out more information or to schedule an appointment, call 265-7753.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE NEWS FLASH !
March 15, 2007 is the deadline for fuel authorizations or deliveries from Basic Benefits, Crisis Assistance or Safety Net Assistance. To request a fuel delivery, follow directions on the guideline notice you received when you made your application. Phone 235-0278 or 237-6957 Ext. 21 or 22 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP - EASY TO USE TALKING BOOK MACHINES
Announcing more portable and “user friendly” talking book machines ready to be delivered to you free of charge through the Connecticut State Library for the Blind. This is a terrific service. See a demonstration and find out how easy it is hear books on tape! All are invited—Friday, February 16 at 10:15 a.m. Please call 265-7753 to register.

ATTENTION ENERGY ASSISTANCE ELECTRIC HEAT CUSTOMERS EXCITING NEWS FROM WALLINGFORD ELECTRIC
The Wallingford Electric Division is evaluating a new method of the way it recognizes Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) awards. In the past, if you received an award, the Division would credit your account upon the actual receipt of the check from the State for the CEAP award. As you may know, the award checks do not come in until the end of the winter or early spring. This winter, the Division will recognize your CEAP award as a credit to your account at the time the Division receives notice of the award. Larry Elliott of New Opportunities has agreed to have his staff provide the Division with a monthly report of awards. In addition, the Division can still receive award letters directly from you, the customer, as the Division has in the past. Upon receipt of the monthly reports or your individual award letter, the Division will post a credit adjustment to your account in the amount of the award. This credit will serve to offset any existing open items on your account or to offset upcoming bills. The quickest way to get the award posted to your account is for you to forward a copy of your award letter to the Wallingford Electric Division customer service staff at 100 John Street. If you have any questions, please contact Electric Division Customer Service at 294–2020.

DRIVING REWARD
Remember when you were 16 and newly licensed? Was there anything more thrilling than the grown up feeling of driving? Driving, no doubt, has lost some of that thrill factor over time, but there are still good feelings to be had. Being a volunteer driver with Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers (even if you only do it once or twice a month) will give you the unmistakable satisfaction of really helping a neighbor. Our drivers give rides to medical appointments and take people grocery shopping or just out for a change of scenery. Gas mileage reimbursement is available to our volunteers. Please call Social Worker Marie Cunha at 265-7753 for details.

AARP SAFE DRIVER CLASS
February 5 & 7 or March 5 & 7
The AARP Driver Safety Course will be offered in February and in March, on Monday and Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The fee for the eight-hour classroom course is $10.00 per person which must be paid at the time of registration.
Check payable to “AARP.” Cash cannot be accepted.



CITY OF MERIDEN FEBRUARY EVENTS

VALENTINE’S DAY CARD CONTEST
Grades K-5 students are invited to enter the 2007 Valentine’s Day Card Contest. Original, hand-produced cards can be brought or mailed to the Parks & Recreation office between February 1st – 12th. Winners will receive a special prize package. All entries must include the child’s name, phone number, school, & grade.

WINTER VACATION WEEK CAMP
The Recreation Division’s “Winter Vacation Week Camp” will meet from 9:15AM-3:00PM at Hanover School from February 20th-23rd. It features games, puzzles, educational sessions, arts & crafts, and videos in addition to hiking, swimming, movies, & arcade field trips. Boys & girls currently in grades K-6 are eligible to attend. Beginning February 5th, interested participants can register at the Parks & Recreation office. The cost is $40.00 for the week. Please register soon, as there are only 40 openings available for the program.

MASA REGISTRATION
Rules & roster forms for the 2007 Meriden Amateur Softball Association season will be available at the Parks & Recreation office beginning Wednesday, February 14th. The league registration meeting will be held Monday, March 5th.

2006-2007 CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM
Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 & older take place every Tuesday night at Holy Angels Center in South Meriden from 6:00-9:00PM. The program runs through March 27th. A one-time $25.00 registration fee can be paid onsite any night the program is in session.

INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM
The 2006-2007 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS pool on the following dates & times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM.
All interested participants must possess a valid 2007 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office, passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office in-person and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.

20TH ANNUAL “DAFFODILS ON PARADE”
The 20th Annual “Daffodils on Parade” will take place on Saturday, April 28th. Groups, clubs, schools, businesses, or individuals wishing to march in Meriden’s largest parade are asked to call the Recreation Division office at 630-4259 for an entry form. Creative participation is always welcome!


MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER

The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!

City Clerk Irene Masse will speak at the Senior Center before lunch on Wednesday, February 14 at 11:15 AM about the new passport requirements for U.S. travelers. Beginning January 23, all U.S. citizens traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport. This will also apply to land and sea travel as early as January 1, 2008. Please note that the passport requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or directly from a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico. The City Clerk will explain the new regulations and how to apply for a passport for those interested. Also that day, a special Valentine’s Day lunch of oven roasted chicken with gravy, roasted potatoes, and green and wax beans with cherry pie for dessert will be served. For a lunch reservation call 235-8052. Entertainment will be provided by singer George Gandy.

A Valentine Dinner Dance will be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, February 15 with music provided by Vinnie Carr. Dinner of top round of beef, baked potato, green beans almondine, dessert and coffee will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 with dancing from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets are available now for

Meriden residents at a cost $6 per person and may be purchased at the Senior Center.

The “Move and Soothe” gentle movement class taught by Susan Sandel, Dance/Movement Therapist, will resume on Tuesday afternoons in March from 12:30 to 1:30 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center, starting on Tuesday, March 6. The class will feature gentle movement set to music to stretch, relax and strengthen your body and, most of all, to have fun! Participants should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and sneakers or rubber-soled shoes. Ms. Sandel is an accomplished dance therapist and we are glad to welcome her back to the Senior Center in March for “Move & Soothe” classes each week at the Senior Center.

The 17th annual “Walk for Warmth” will be held in downtown Meriden on Saturday, March 3 at 10:00 AM. This two-mile walk raises money to provide energy assistance to people in need who would otherwise not qualify for help. Last year’s walk raised $16,000 which helped more than 110 households with their winter energy bills. I will be walking in the 2007 “Walk for Warmth” and ask that concerned people consider donating to this worthwhile cause or walking themselves in this community event. To make a pledge, please contact me at the Senior Center at 237-0066 or call New Opportunities of Greater Meriden at 235-0278.

AARP’s trained volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are once again ready to help local seniors with income tax advice and actual preparation of their 2006 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Max Muravnick Senior Center each Wednesday, from Wednesday, February 7 until Wednesday, April 11. This free service is offered by appointment which may be made by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066.

On a related topic, the Senior Center also has IRS forms to claim a refund of the federal telephone excise taxes you paid with your phone bill for many years. This refund will be included on your income tax return if you file a tax return for 2006. However, if you do not have to file an income tax return you can submit IRS Form 1040EZ-T to claim this refund. For a single person who paid taxes on long distance calling, the standard refund is $30. For further information or to pick up a copy of the form please inquire in the Senior Center office.

The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center will be on Wednesday, April 25 and Friday, April 27 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Class participants will learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and much more in this 8-hour course. Successful completion of the classroom course also entitles you to a discount on your automobile insurance premiums. The course fee is $10 and reservations for the class are now being accepted by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066. Additional AARP Driver Safety Classes this year at the Senior Center will be held on July 25 & 27 and November 7 & 9, 2007.

The Elderly and Disabled Homeowners’ Tax Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut has now started. Any elderly or disabled Meriden homeowner can apply for a credit to their local property taxes at the Meriden Tax Assessor’s Office at City Hall between February 1 and May 15, 2007. To be eligible applicants or their spouse must have been 65 or older by December 31, 2006 or be on Social Security Disability. You must own and live in the house for which you claim a tax credit and the income limits are $28,800 for a single person and $35,300 for a married couple. Applications for tax relief are also available for qualified veterans. For more information contact the Tax Assessor’s Office at 630-4065.

For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.

John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director



Mayor’s Corner – Wallingford

Dear Friends,

February is upon us with crisp cold weather and gradually lengthening daylight hours. The name is derived from the Latin word Februa, a time of festival of purification celebrated in ancient Rome. When the 10 month Roman calendar became 12 months, at first January was added to start the calendar and February was added as the last month of the year. In 452 BC February was moved to second place in the calendar.

It is said that we as humans are creatures of habit. That becomes very clear when the calendar we use to mark the passage of time is considered. It is amazing how people who lived thousands of years ago still directly influence how we act and think today. Our contribution to February is President’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Both are worthy entrants deserving of attention. Of course Valentine’s Day is also of Roman origin and identifies the day St. Valentine became a martyr. I guess we should have a Presidential purpose when we propose to our Valentines in purity of spirit. Most of all, keep a sense of humor.

Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson, Jr.

Mayor of Wallingford

February 2007 Local News, Events and Activities Part 1

February 2007 Local News, Events and Activities Part 1 are sponsored by:

The CT Yankee Chorus Valentines

The Ct Yankee Chorus has been part of the Barbershop Harmony Society since 1947. We have been based in Wallingford for two years. The chorus rehearses in the music room at the Wallingford Parks and Rec building every Wednesday evening from 7PM until 10PM. Guests are always welcome. We teach our members how to sing four part barbershop harmony. We sing throughout central CT. The Wallingford Senior Center sponsors a show each October and we sing regularly at Elim Park in Cheshire and Essex Meadows in Essex. We offer singing Valentines each year from Meriden and Wallingford to the shore.

Call 203.675.9284 for more information or to send a singing Valentine. Check us out at ctyankeechorus.org.


Special Thanks from the Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. of Wallingford

Nancy Freyberg, M.A., Executive Director – Master Dreamer
101 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford, Ct.06492 203-284-8299
lavendermoon47@yahoo.com

Dear Friends,

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Every year I am asked, “How many turkeys will you cook? How many people will you feed? How many families will you adopt? How many hats, coats, boots and mittens, soap, dishes, blankets and towels will you share? How much help will you need? The answer is always the same, “I don’t know, but God does.” We do our part and God does His. We have never run out of food, although our faith has been tested a few times! And we have never run out of hands and hearts to prepare it, although many of us have cooked a few more turkeys than we ever imagined. And we have always had the perfect gift for every family’s needs.

I often arrive at my office, or the church kitchen, to find boxes and bags full of everything imaginable (and sometimes unimaginable). The new volunteers helping that day will say “what are you ever going to do with all this?” The experienced volunteers say, “just watch!” By the end of the day, it has all gone exactly where it was needed. I wish you all could see the faces of all those you touch through your acts of kindness and generosity.

Twenty- six years ago we fed 35 people a Thanksgiving Dinner. This year it was 350 people. We did the same at Christmas and Easter. We sent more than 300 meals and visits to the home bound during the year, with gifts and flowers and love. We cook and share food with two other entire communities of people who would not have a holiday dinner if we didn’t help. We provide families with food baskets and gifts, and many children with school supplies and clothes in the Fall. We sent clothes to an orphanage in Mexico and are now helping raise money for the “Wallingford Teachers and Students Katrina Rebuild” program.

Twenty-six years ago we fed 35 people a Thanksgiving Dinner. Look what we do today! The goodness just keeps growing. All of you are part of a small group of thoughtful committed citizens who make the world softer and kinder for all of us. I received a thank you from a 91-year-old homebound recipient who started by saying, “You remembered me again…”

Thank you all for remembering and for being part of this group of ordinary people who, in faith, achieve extraordinary things by caring and sharing.
God’s peace and my heartfelt thanks, Nancy


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 69 Prospect, 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


WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSE
INCLUDES FIRST AID & CPR/FPR/AED
CLASS WILL BE HELD AT THE CHOATE POOL
REQUIRED PRE-TEST – MARCH 22 5:30PM
(COME PREPARED TO SWIM 500 YARDS…)
CLASS DATES: TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 5:30-9PM MARCH 27, 29, APRIL 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 AND SUNDAYS 4-7PM APRIL 1, 15, 22.
YMCA & CHOATE MEMBERS $230
PROGRAM MEMBERS $255
COURSE FEE INCLUDES TEXT & POCKET MASK
REGISTRATION AT THE WALLINGFORD YMCA OR BY PHONE AT 203 269 4497



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 AbrahamHave 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.


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.


GALLERY 53 UPDATE

Notes from the President

With the New Year come new concepts. These are some of the strategic changes in operation that will be implemented by consensus of the board.

Much time and deliberation has been devoted to escalating the activity level of the gallery. We will add lectures, demonstrations, workshops, critiques and other interesting art related functions on Sunday afternoons. By popular demand, live music will again be featured at our receptions.

The December Holiday Sale/Show will be eliminated due to cost and competition. Several smaller sales will be featured during other holidays throughout the year. This will allow us higher profits with less work towards making each sale unique. Janet Gawlak, who has performed well as store manager, will no longer be needed on a daily basis. She is willing to assist us at the times when we have our special store sales for which we are most appreciative.

The Director’s duties will have a closer focus on being visible in the community by attending local meetings and speaking to groups to inform them about the gallery.

Volunteers will be utilized to greater advantage by being given specific assignments monitored by the Director.

Our Museum must be publicized on a regular basis. A Chairperson will be elected to further promote visitors to view the museum. We will establish specific hours for it to be open.

The library under RoseMarie Stocking is being updated presently. She is doing a great job, but is in need of volunteers to help her with many tasks.

There is so much members can do to help expand our objectives and mission goals. Please volunteer a few hours to help us reach our goals.

Reminder: In the last six years, we have ventured into heights unseen before. What we visulize will demand visionaries to put them into action. Please take some responsibility so we can be proud of who we are, what we have done and what we are now doing.

Remember we renovated the building, added air-conditioning, a basement art room with a kiln, outside fire escape, new lighting, offices, refrigerator and a new designated library area was also established.

We have an outstanding Art Museum featuring a fine “distinctive” art collection of fifty years has been established. This museum is the first of its kind in the City of Meriden and is open free to the public.

We have extended our services in classes, workshops, school joint ventures, promoting programs with many community associations and schools.

Scholarships are available for art students in our high schools. We sponsor and provide instructors for the schools after school programs. Also, preschool children’s classes are provided free to city daycares. We offer classes to troubled youth at Youth Court in Meriden.

There is so much we are doing in the community that requires our attention.
We support the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center and the Friends of the Library with their programs.

We hire the “ARC” as employees of the Gallery.

It is quite evident that the Gallery promotes activities and actions that backs up our mission. In order to promote the Arts, we must support the “whole” person. The methods we apply to seek the purpose for the human good!

At a time of “war” we must use our skills to promote a sense of peace, solace and a place for humanity healing.

Please contribute towards this end result by helping us achieve this together. Thank you.
Rose Cignatta, President

NEXT BOARD MEETING will be Tuesday, February 13th at 12:00 p.m. All board members are urged to attend. Coffee will be provided. All Members are welcome to attend.

MEMBER NEWS
Heather Whitehouse recently won one of five prizes for her photography at the West Hartford Art Show Exposure 2007.
Pat Walton was recently voted into membership of the Connecticut Woman Artists. She had one photograph juried into the current show at Slater Museum in Norwich.
Pat’s photo “Sail Away” was published into Best Photos of 2005 by the International Library of Photography.
Doll Barnes will star on HGTV show in January at a date and time to be announced. In the filmed segment, Doll will be reproducing a piece that depicts a duck sitting on the beach with a sand castle.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - For third floor clean-up in FEBRUARY, please call Rita at the gallery to sign up to help. We will have a dumpster available here.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE GALLERY 53 - 2007
FEBRUARY 3-23, 2007 Theme Exhibit – “FIRE AND ICE.” This is a open juried exhibition of area artists.
RECEIVING: Friday, January 26th, 12-4 p.m. and Saturday, January 27th, 10-2 p.m.
JUDGE: Jean Dalton
RECEPTION & AWARDS: Saturday, February 3rd 2-4 p.m.


New Year Brings New Additions to the Central Park Zoo’s Tisch Children’s Zoo
Winter may be dull and dreary, but the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo is anything but! New residents to the Tisch Children’s Zoo are brightening up the dullest of winter days.

Perhaps the most spectacular of the Zoo’s newcomers is a pair of male peacocks. Fifth Avenue is known for its beauty and elegance, and the newest residents to the posh street can strut their stuff with the best of them. Better, actually, since they have glorious tail feathers to display! Hailing from the Bronx Zoo, the proud peacocks are already quite at home in their new digs. They meander through the Aviary like they own the place and ensure that visitors get a great “birds-eye-view” of their magnificent plumage.

The Tisch Children’s Zoo is well-known for its storybook appeal, and what bird is better associated with children and storybooks then a stork? The Zoo proudly welcomes a pair of black storks, a widespread but rare large European bird. The storks stand about three feet tall and have a wingspan of about six feet – certainly an impressive sight to behold wading in the pond.
Rounding out the new additions is a pair of endangered Cabot’s tragopans. Tragopans are among the most colorful of pheasants and are native to India and southeastern China. Visitors can tell the male from the female by a colorful bib which expands during display, and two fleshly expandable horns on its head.

Don’t let the winter doldrums get you down – head on over to the Zoo and check out the bright new birds as they roam freely throughout the Aviary. Keep your eyes peeled when you stroll through the Zoo, you never know when one might cross your path.

The Central Park Zoo, a Wildlife Conservation Society park, is located at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children 3 to 12, and free for children under 3. Admission includes entry into the main Zoo and the Tisch Children’s Zoo. Zoo hours are 10 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. daily. Tickets are sold until one half-hour before closing. For further information, please call 212-439-6500 or visit www.centralparkzoo.com


New Director Takes Her Baton
The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, (CCCYO), announces that Ms. Veronica Germain is the new Music Director and Conductor of the Orchestra.

Ms. Germain succeeds Mr. John McDonald, who served for almost all of the CCCYO’s first year, until other professional commitments created a scheduling conflict. Ms. Germain, on assuming the position, thanked her predecessor for his fine work and said that she is very impressed with the group. “They have been well prepared for a new Conductor; John will be missed by the musicians and parents. We wish him all the best”.

When asked about her plans for the CCCYO, Ms. Germain, a Meriden resident, said that she is excited to bring the Orchestra to new music students throughout the region.
“While any one town may not have enough young musicians to fill an orchestra, we are sure that between our service area towns and cities there will be enough- we just need to get the word out.” While the CCCYO serves the cities and towns of Berlin, Cheshire, Durham, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, Southington and Wallingford, musicians from other towns are welcome.

The group seeks young musicians in grades 6-12 with two years of experience on his or her instrument. “I’m confident once the young musicians and their parents see and hear the group that more musicians will join in. We have dedicated kids in the group and their musicianship is the most important thing I can foster. I enjoy every minute of it. The more the merrier.”
Ms. Germain is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University with her Bachelor’s degree in music and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Suzuki method certification from Ithaca College. She teaches music in Farmington and conducts the Irving Robbins Middle School orchestra and teaches Strings at East Farms Elementary School there. She is also the Chairperson for the Connecticut Music Educator’s Association Regional Festival Orchestra. She currently plays violin with the CCCSU Orchestra, and is active in the Girl Scouts of America.

Katrina Axelrod, Administrator of the Meriden Arts Trust, which sponsors the CCCYO, says “We have been twice blessed with two wonderful Conductors. Veronica is a warm and lively person, and that comes shining through in both her teaching and in her own musicianship. She is well-liked by our young musicians and their parents and she is a joy to work with.”
The CCCYO meets weekly on Thursday afternoons from 4:30-6:30 at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street in Meriden, across from the City Hall. For membership information please contact Mrs. Axelrod at (203) 235-7445 or e-mail to meridenarstrtust@yahoo.com, and see their website at www.meridenartstrust.googlepages.com.

February 2007 Local News, Events and Activities Part 2

February 2007 Local News, Events and Activities Part 2 are brought to you by:

Harvard Law Professor Lani Guinier to Speak at Trinity Honoring Black History and Women’s History Months

Harvard law professor Lani Guinier, who made headlines in 1993 as the first black woman to be nominated as a justice by President Bill Clinton to lead the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, will speak at Trinity College on February 5, 2007, 7:00 p.m., in the Washington Room, Mather Hall. During this free public lecture in honor of Black History and Women’s History months, Guinier will discuss the issues of race, gender, and power in the United States in 2007.

Before joining the Harvard Law School faculty, Guinier was a tenured professor at the University of Pennsylvania for 10 years. At Harvard, Guinier teaches courses on professional responsibility for public lawyers, law and the political process, and critical perspectives on race, gender, class, and social change. Guinier has been recognized for her achievements with many awards and accolades, including the Champion of Democracy Award from the National Women’s Political Caucus; the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award from the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession; the Rosa Parks Award from the American Association of Affirmative Action; the Big Sisters Award; the Sacks-Freund Award for Teaching Excellence from Harvard Law School; and the Harvey Levin Teaching Award, given to her by her students at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Guinier has written extensively in law review articles, books (The Tyranny of the Majority, 1994; Becoming Gentlemen: Women, Law Schools and Institutional Change, 1995), and op-ed pieces about new ways of approaching old problems, including issues of affirmative action, the “testocracy,” gender equity, and race-conscious political districting. She also authored a personal and political memoir, Lift Every Voice: Turning a Civil Rights Setback into a New Vision of Social Justice (Simon and Schuster, 1998), in which she uses the nomination debacle as a window on the civil rights movement past, present, and future. In 2002, she and University of Texas colleague Gerald Torres wrote, The Miner’s Canary: Rethinking Race and Power, published by Harvard University Press.

Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Women and Gender Resource Action Center, and the Trinity College Black Women’s Organization. For more information, please call (860) 297-2408.



PLAYTIVITY Comes to Wallingford - Feb 24, 2007

Families with preschool children are invited to a special musical program being sponsored by

WE CARE [Wallingford Early Childhood Alliance Resources Education]. The West Hartford performers known as PLAYTIVITY will present a program of music through a drum circle on Saturday, February 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Wallingford Senior Center at 238 Washington Ave; Wallingford. The program is free and open to children accompanied by an adult. So gather sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends for a good old-fashioned community music event. For more information call WE CARE at Youth and Social Services: 294-2175. PLAYTIVITY can be checked out at their website: www.jestplaytivity.com.



Shakesperience to Perform “Complete History” at Palace Theater
Proceeds to Benefit Educational Theatre Programs
Need to fill a night out with fun and laughter? Then The Complete History of America (Abridged) is a must see! Three Shakespearians actors present 600 Years of History in 6000 seconds! Performance will be held at 8 PM at the Palace Theater on April 21, 2007 with a Wine and Cheese Reception beginning at 7:00 pm. The proceeds will benefit the continuous development of educational theatre programs at Shakesperience Productions, Inc.

The Complete History of America (Abridged), by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, is an irreverent romp through American History. The Boston Herald describes it as "What the ‘Daily Show’ might be like if it were hosted by the Marx Brothers."

Tickets may be purchased, beginning February 1st, by calling the Palace Theater at 203-755-4700 or by visiting www.palacetheaterct.org. Tickets are $35, $75 and $125, with admission into the post show reception included with the two upper price levels.


Alumni Artists Exhibit at Paier

Paier College of Art in Hamden, CT will be presenting their Alumni Art Show on Friday, February 9th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Paier College of Art is located at 20 Gorham Avenue in Hamden, CT.

Professional Artists with many different styles and techniques will exhibit works in a variety of mediums. Artists will be present to discuss their work and share their experiences and their heritage as Paier Alumni. A reception with the artists including refreshments will begin at 6.p.m. in the Paier Auditorium.

The Paier College of Art in Hamden, CT is a small, fully accredited art college offering art students a unique learning experience driven by seasoned, working professionals. Paier offers certificate, diploma and BFA degree programs. For more information, call 203-287-3031.


CUNO FOUNDATION AWARDS $36,000 IN GRANTS

Kevin Curry was elected Chairman of the Distribution Committee of The Cuno Foundation at the Annual Meeting held on January 17th. Curry replaces outgoing Chairman, Clark Robison. Natalie Cheerman was elected Vice-Chairman for the 2007 year. Trudy Magnolia was elected Secretary. Other members include Elizabeth Canavan, Kenneth Mango and Eliot White. John Stanton was appointed by the Judge of Probate, Brian Mahon, to fill the vacancy created by John Stankevich. Members are appointed for a seven year term.

Nine grants were awarded to non-profit organizations totaling over $35,000. Recipients include The Cove, Chorale Connecticut, Greater Meriden AAUW, Rushford Center, Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Child Guidance Clinic, Women & Families Center, Meriden Junior Football League and the Meriden Soap Box Derby. The Distribution Committee also voted to award $50,000 in scholarships to high school seniors planning to further their education. Applications will be sent to Meriden, Wallingford and Cheshire high schools where students can pick up an application from their Guidance Department. Applications can also be obtained by calling 203-238-7991 or by email to www.cunofoundation@cox.net. The deadline date for accepting applications is March 2, 2007.

The Cuno Foundation is again accepting grant applications for public, charitable or educational uses. Grants are usually made for specific, tangible items or capital expense requests that directly benefit the recipient. The Cuno Foundation does not grant funds for salaries. Applications are reviewed three times a year. The next deadline date to submit applications is April 15, 2007. Awards will be announced in May. Preference is given to proposals submitted by tax-exempt, not for profit organizations located in the Meriden area.

For additional information or to obtain guidelines and an application form, call 238-7991 or write to: Secretary, The Distribution Committee; The Cuno Foundation; 144 Curtis Street; Meriden, CT 06450 or send an email to: cunofoundation@cox.net.



“COUNT FOR THE RECORD” AND HELP THE BIRDS DURING THE GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT – Has Photo

What mid-winter activity is fun, easy, free, and helps bird conservation? What can parents and teachers do with children that opens their eyes to a whole new world of natural wonders? During February 16–19, 2007, the tenth annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, will give everyone a chance to discover the birds in their neighborhood and “Count for the Record.”

People of all ages, and of all levels of experience, are invited to join this event which spans all of the United States and Canada. Participants can take part wherever they are. They simply count the highest number of each species they see during an outing or a sitting, and enter their tally on the Great Backyard Bird Count web site at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the GBBC, and Cornell and Audubon are challenging people everywhere to participate in greater numbers than ever before.

“We are encouraging people who have never done so before to go outside and count birds,” said Paul Green, Audubon’s director of Citizen Science. “By submitting their counts online, bird watchers can quickly see how the dots they put on the map form patterns that tell new stories about the birds that share the world in which we live, including our own backyards and parks.”
“The Great Backyard Bird Count is a community celebration of birds, birding, and nature,” said Janis Dickinson, director of Citizen Science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “We often fail to notice how rich our surroundings are, but counting birds, even for just 15 minutes, is not only educational it can provide a lasting source of enjoyment, turning a daily walk into a treasure hunt.”

Last year, participants submitted more than 60,000 checklists and reported 7.5 million birds overall and 623 different species. Together, the counts offer a real-time snapshot of the numbers and kinds of birds that people are finding, from Boreal Chickadees in Alaska to Anhingas in Florida. The information is used to track bird populations and to better inform conservation efforts.

Participants who want to hone their bird watching skills can learn more from the Great Backyard Bird Count web site, which offers identification tips and a multimedia guide to 500 bird species. People can also submit photos to an online gallery showcasing the dazzling array of winter birds found during the GBBC. Competitions add another element of fun, including a prize drawing for everyone who submits a checklist, a photo contest, and the coveted “checklist champ” title for towns, states, and provinces with the highest participation.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is sponsored in part by Wild Birds Unlimited. For more information, visit www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a nonprofit membership institution interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds.

Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.


Smart Moves 2-ball Tournament
Event to be held on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club of Wallingford.
Event starts at 3:00p.m.
Team practices will be held on Monday’s January 22nd and 29 th, and also on February 5 th, from 6 – 7p.m.

On February 10, 2007 the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will be hosting a Smart Moves 2-ball Tournament. 2-ball is a contest that our members look forward to all year. This event is a lot of fun for kids as well as parents. It is a game played with two-player teams. Each team has one minute to shoot from different spots on the basketball court. Each shooting spot is worth a different point value based on difficulty. The winners of each age bracket ( 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15) will receive a trophy.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Susan Golden at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club (203) 269-7535.


Power Hour Prize Club” & “NEW Evening Programs” for the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club of Wallingford.

Power Hour Prize Club – Every member who enters the Club between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. is required to put aside ½ hour of their time for homework. This program offers individual guidance for those who are struggling in certain subject areas. Power hour is a great way to get homework done, and there is always help available. Circuit City has donated the Boys & Girls Club tons of prizes, such as ipods, mp3 players, stereos, etc. All members who participate in our Power Hour Prize Club earn points based on their performance and behavior. At the end of the year, members will be able to bid on these prizes in an auction. We also give out monthly prizes such as gift cards, boys & girls club attire, etc.

The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will start our evening programs in February 2007.
Here is a breakdown of our evening programs schedule:
Monday from: 6 – 7:45p.m. Sports Night/Bailamos
Tuesday from: 6 – 7:45p.m. Cooking / Arts & Crafts/Latino Club Night
Wednesday from: 6 – 7:45p.m. Torch Club
Thursday from: 6 – 8:45p.m. Teen Night
Friday from: 6 – 8:45p.m. Friday Night Frenzy
Saturday from: 10 – 5p.m.
10 – 12p.m. Soccer
12 – 5 p.m. Free Play
3 – 4 p.m. Hip Hop Dance

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Susan Golden at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club (203) 269-7535.


SHORT TERM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S DAFFODIL DAYS
Celebrate the arrival of spring and bring hope to cancer patients in YOUR community! The American Cancer Society is seeking volunteers for several hours during the months of February and March to help organize and plan the annual Daffodil Days campaign in their communities. Individuals are needed to identify local sites throughout the state to market the daffodils bouquets in February and deliver flowers when they arrive the week of March 20th.
If you can only give one day to volunteer for the American Cancer Society, mark your calendar for the week of March 20th. Help is needed to sort flowers in and around Meriden, and then to deliver them to area businesses and cancer treatment centers.

The annual campaign supports the Society's program of research, education and local patient services. For more information or to volunteer, please call 800-ACS-2345 or via email contact Kathy Maguda at Kathy.maguda@cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.



Meriden Elk’s to Hold Polish Night

The Meriden Elks will hold Its Annual Polish Night on March 1st at the Elks Lodge at 120 E. Main St.

The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails, Polish and songs and music.

At 6:30 p.m., the Elks will put out their Famous “Warsaw Table” of authentic Polish Hors d’oeuvres followed by a Full course served Polish dinner.

During the event, the Elks will honor the Polish Elk of the year Mike Dwyer.

The event is open to the public. Tickets cost $22 per person and can be purchased at the lodge. For further information, call 235-0398.

February 2007 Local News, Events and Activities Part 3

February 2007 Local News, Events and Activities Part 3 are brought to you by:

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.

February 2007 Local News, Events and Activities Part 4

Local News, Events and Activities Part 4 February 2007 are sponsored by:





Attention Working Women

You are cordially invited to attend a Woman in Business Networking Meeting. Come and learn how to promote yourself and/or your business. You don't have to own your own business to attend our networking meeting. We are a non-profit women's networking meeting. There are no membership dues.

When: February 20, 2007
Where: IL Monticello, 577 South Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $15/person (Checks made payable to: WIB Networking and mailed to 102 Dogwood Lane, Meriden, CT 06450 no later than February 17th PLEASE!!!!!!


WALK CONNECTICUT
Family Guided Hikes Program
February 23, 2007 4 PM - 5:30 PM Leader: Ralph Riello
Quinnipiac Gorge Trail South Meriden, CT New Haven County
Rain or Snow cancels

Description:
Join me on this “all ages” walk along the new Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail.
Strollers to seniors are welcome as the greenway is paved, with no hills. We’ll stop at “Red Bridge”, one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in the United States, refurbished thanks to the Meriden Lion’s Club. Be sure to bring your nature detective hat as we look for special features along the way. We’ll be on the lookout for the foundation of an old dam that provided water for a mill. Locate the start and end point of “an island in the stream”. Listen to the song of the weeping ledges; locate a railroad bed and the structure that once carried it over the river. Find interesting natural formations like the “H-Tree”, the “Tuning Fork Tree”, and a vernal pool complete with downed tree. Enjoy the rapids that mark this section of the Quinnipiac River as it winds its way to New Haven Harbor. If we’re lucky, the Mallard Family will be feeding in the rapids at their favorite outdoor café!

Directions to Meeting Place: Meet at 4 PM Sharp!
We’ll meet at the Parking Lot Adjacent to the new QRWA Headquarters building (Formerly the Meriden Humane Society Headquarters), located on Oregon Road.
There is limited handicapped Parking at the Trailhead just south of the lot.

From South/East: Take RT 68 from either I-91 in Wallingford west toward Cheshire. Follow signs to “Meriden-Markham Airport”. Cross over Rt 5 (Duchess on your right) and thru intersection for Rt 150 (Mobil Station on your left, Westbrook Lobster House on right). The next light on your right is Hanover Ave. Take a right and head North. You will pass a stop sign, the airport, two more stop signs, then hit the “T” intersection of Main Street, South Meriden. (Elementary school on your left). Go left on Main to next light. Turn right onto River Road (Hanover Pond appears on your right), next right onto Oregon Road. Trailhead on your left. Continue straight to Q-Trail Parking on right, just past QRWA HQ.

From North via I-691: Westbound, take Exit 5 “West Main Street” and turn right off exit or from Eastbound Exit 5 “Rt. 322 Southington” and take a left at the light at end of ramp. Take West Main Street east past Hubbard Park. After the big “s” curve follow to third traffic light (pass Exxon & Citgo on Right, Stop&Shop plaza on right). Turn right at third light (CVS on right) onto Centennial Ave. At next light, Centennial Ave. Turns to Oregon Road. Continue straight past Platt High School and Wilcox Technical School on your left. Parking is approximately a quarter mile past Wilcox on the left.

From Merritt Pkwy: Take exit 66 and get on Rt. 5 south. At end of shopping plaza with Movie theater (before overpass) make a left to Rt 68 on ramp. Right on Rt 68 and follow directions from South/East.


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT MIDSTATE MEDICAL CENTER
Submitted by Diamond Belejack
The Volunteer Department at Midstate is looking to increase volunteer staffing in several key areas of the medical center. The Tremaine Resource Center is expanding and in need of additional volunteers who assist the public needing to access health information. Basic computer skills are needed.

There is also high demand for volunteers in our Emergency Department reception area. These volunteers provide customer service to all visitors and patients by providing friendly visits and ensuring individuals are comfortable and kept well-informed during their stay.

If you enjoy meeting and greeting the public, and have excellent customer service skills, please contact Diamond Belejack, Manager of Volunteer Services at 694-8572 or e-mail dbeleja@midstatemedical.org.




Artists & Artisans Wanted For Spring Arts Festival
Come join the fun and festivities as we welcome spring on the Train Station Green in Wallingford on Sunday, April 29th, 2007 at the "Everything’s Coming up Spring Arts Festival". Applications are now available to artists and artisans for table spaces on the Green. We are also looking for artists/artisans willing to do demonstrations during this event. Festival hours are 11am to 5pm. For an application/questions please call Brenda/Easel Works at 203-294-1548 or 860-343-8425.

"All About Town" Art Exhibits
Take a walk, enjoy a cup of coffee, some friendly smiles and visit our displays of art work created by local and area artists. From professional to student paintings each piece has a message of its own. Stop by for a visit at Half Moon Cafe, Craig Jewelers, Wallingford Center Inc., Stella Deli, and Easel Works Creative Art Studio and Gallery. If you are a business or area artist interested in participating in "All About Town" please call Easel Works at 294-1548.

North Haven Garden Club Meeting on “Attracting Bees to Your Garden”
The North Haven Garden Club will meet on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 7:00 pm at the North Haven Congregational Church Hall on 28 Church Street. This is an open meeting. The public is invited with a $4.00 donation at the door. The program will be “Attracting Bees to Your Garden” with Rollin Hannan, Jr. Topics discussed will be common myths and truths about bees and the importance of attracting bees to your garden.
Refreshments will be served by host and hostesses: Roz Gambardella and DollyChagnon. The table arrangement will be by Gerri Giordano, North Haven Garden Club is a member of The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc and National Garden Clubs, Inc.


WLT Annual Meeting: Wingmasters

The Wallingford Land Trust will have the annual meeting held Wednesday, March 21st 7:00 pm at the Wallingford Senior Center on 238 Washington Street. The program will feature Julie Collier and live North American Birds of Prey from Wingmasters of Springfield, Mass. The live raptors will include eagle, hawk, falcon and owl.
Check out their website for more information: www.wingmasters.net.

For more information about the meeting, please call Joe Palazzi at 284-2394. For more information about Wallingford Land Trust, please check out the website at : wallingfordlandtrust.org.

Tom Guerin: Connecticut Wildlife

The Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society, the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, will sponsor Tom Guerin, Master Wildlife Conservationist “Wildlife and Connecticut’s Changing Landscape; on Feb 17th 7:00 pm at Gaylord’s Brooker Hall in Wallingford. The program is a combination of hands on discovery and interactive discussion with all age groups. The program is free, however, donations are accepted. Call Loretta Victor at 203-634-1911 after 6 pm.

10th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 16-19, 2007

The Backyard Bird Count for 2007 is hosted by the National Audubon Society and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. See how your local birds fit into the landscape of North America. Feb 16-10, 2007 are the dates. Go to www.birdsource.org/gbbc for easy to follow instruction and local checklists. Then count the birds in you backyard, park, or favorite birding place. Go back online and report your siting. You can see lists and maps online throughout the count to see how your town fits into the big picture. This event is open to all, no need to register and no fee is required. The Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society is the local chapter of National Audubon. Loretta Victor is the president.

Wallingford Garden Club Activities for 2007

Meeting 11:30 at First Congregational Church Hall, Center and South Main Sts Mini luncheon, business meeting, program $5.00 donation for guests
2/13/07
Meet Your Environmental Planner
Erin O’Hare IWO to discuss Farmland Lease Program, Wetland Regulations, Trails, Water Quality. Focus on protecting wetlands.
3/13/07
Yellow Fever: Daffodil Affliction
Jennifer Brown to discuss/slide program on care and culture of daffodil varieties.
4/10/07
Xeriscape
Marie Lipski to discuss plantings for dry areas and how to conserve water.
5/5/07
Annual Plant Sale 9:00-12:00 at the Railroad Station Quinnipiac St and Hall Ave. Plants available from members’ gardens.
5/8/07
Container Design Kathie Felice, Gardener’s Market vendor to discuss how to plan and make a container garden.


Annual Plant Sale and Conservation Newsletter

The Southwest Conservation District will be having the Annual Shrub and Perennial Plant Sale April 27th and 28th at Lockwood Farm in Hamden and Bethel Fairgrounds Barn in Bethel. Available are: Evergreen bare root seedlings, Native as well as ornamental shrubs and trees, perennials. Plants to be featured are: variegated, fragrant, compact and/or suitable for bird and butterfly gardens. Volunteer UCONN Certified Master Gardeners as well as North Haven and Wallingford Garden Club members will be on hand to assist the customers on site. Pre order forms are available from SWCD office at 900 Northrop Rd Suite A in Wallingford CT 06492. Call for a Newsletter and order form. Email address: swcd43emt@sbcglobal.net If you live outside of New Haven or Fairfield County check the other Conservation. Districts for their annual plant sales by checking the website www.conservect.org


About the Connecticut Forest & Park Association

Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is the oldest private, nonprofit conservation organization in the state. Since 1895, the Connecticut Forest & Park Association has worked to conserve the lands, natural resources and trails of Connecticut through education, advocacy and stewardship.

Through our legislative program, we have proven to be a strong and respected advocate for conservation and environmental legislation in Connecticut. We have established and maintained the 800 miles (and growing!) of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System through our trails program. As stewards of Connecticut's lands, CFPA established many of our state parks & forest, including Bluff Point, Rocky Neck, Sleeping Giant, Sherwood Island Gillette Castle, People's and Mohawk State Forest. CFPA's leadership over the years has set a national example for successful forest conservation and reversed the damage to Connecticut's natural resources. When the organization began its work, Connecticut was 20% forested: today it is 60% forested. CFPA maintains a vigilant role in the sound management and protection of our land, water and wildlife resources.

Our education program

CFPA offers professional development workshops for formal and informal educators, student programs, scout badge workshops as well as adult & family activities for the public.
CFPA is proud to be the co-sponsor of the nationally acclaimed Project Learning Tree (PLT) Program. CFPA offers hands-on professional development workshops for teachers and other educators on ftrees, forests and related natural resources topics. CFPA has developed an Outdoor Classroom and Demonstration Forest on the land of the late John R. Camp adjacent to CFPA Headquarters in Middlefield. Mr. Camp left the use of over 200 acres of this forested property, known as the Highlawn Tree Farm, to the Association for education and research. The Outdoor Classroom & Demonstration Forest incorporates the principles of the PLT program, demonstrates sound forestry and wildlife stewardship practices, and promotes hands-on learning about forest ecosystems, as well as applied research and field study. It accommodates CFPA members and their families, school groups, educators, resource professionals, scouts and others. Workshops and activities take place on the PLT Loop Trail, part of the Outdoor Classroom & Demonstration Forest. CFPA is the Connecticut affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the nation's largest member supported conservation organization. As such, CFPA makes available NWF materials and programs, including the Backyard Wildlife Habitat TM and Schoolyard HabitatR programs. We will offer a "Gardening with Native Plants for Wildlife" workshop in April. CFPA also benefits from the nationwide representation, which NWF provides on a host of important resource issues.

CFPA strongly believes in outdoor opportunities for all of Connecticut's citizens. In this vein, we have launched our newest initiative, WalkConnecticut: the trail to health and happiness. Through WalkConnecticut, CFPA has begun to train adult volunteers to lead Family Guided Hikes the last weekend of every month. These hikes are held throughout the state and locations change each month. These WalkConnecticut Family Guided Hikes are free as a public service to Connecticut.

CFPA has recently announced its new financial assistance program for teachers and students. The Paul F. Pikula Education Fund was created in 2006 in loving memory of Paul by his family. Mr. Pikula, a Connecticut native, was a volunteer for Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) for twenty-nine years. As a Trail Manager for the Naugatuck Trail, he was often found on the trail with his backpack and tools, ready to keep the trail safe and clear for fellow hikers. Mr. Pikula’s love of the land inspired him to travel around the world to hike and see places of natural beauty. This fund will assist children, teachers, educators and students of all ages become engaged in learning about Connecticut’s land and natural resources. It has been created to provide assistance in getting outdoors and experiencing the natural beauty of Connecticut to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Applicants from disadvantaged economic backgrounds and communities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Paul F. Pikula Education Fund will lower CFPA program rates for those demonstrating need and interest in attending CFPA Education Programs.

Connecticut Forest & Park Association can be reached at info@ctwoodlands.org or by calling 860-346-2372.

WalkConnecticut Family Guided Hikes

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 Association's WalkConnecticut initiative, 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.

FEBRUARY
Saturday, 2/24 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Middlebury Greenway, Middlebury
Our imaginations will lead us back into the early 1900’s when this old trolley line was active. Imagine the excitement and chatter of the families aboard the trolley as they headed to the amusement park alongside Lake Quassepaug. We’ll fill the brisk winter air with our excited voices as we bundle up for this easy walk. Ages 5+

Friday, 2/ 23, 4-5:30 p.m. Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail, South Meriden
Join this “all ages” walk along this new trail. Strollers to seniors are welcome as the greenway is paved, with no hills. We’ll stop at “Red Bridge”, one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in the United States, refurbished thanks to the Meriden Lion’s Club. Be sure to bring your nature detective hat as we look for special features along the way. We’ll be on the lookout for the foundation of an old dam that provided water for a mill. Locate the start and end point of “an island in the stream”. Listen to the song of the weeping ledges; locate a railroad bed and the structure that once carried it over the river. Find interesting natural formations like the “H-Tree”, the “Tuning Fork Tree”, and a vernal pool complete with downed tree. Enjoy the rapids that mark this section of the Quinnipiac River as it winds its way to New Haven Harbor. If we’re lucky, the Mallard Family will be feeding in the rapids at their favorite outdoor café!


Say Goodbye to Wallingford Public Library’s Sue Smayda

The Public is invited to a farewell reception for Sue Smayda on Thursday, February 15th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Join the Library staff and board to say good-bye to Sue and wish her well as she embarks on her new adventure as Director of Southington Library & Museum. Refreshments will be served.

Wallingford Public Library200 North Main StreetWallingford, Connecticut 06492



Y*PRO*Q
The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce will hold a Y*PRO*Q networking group for young professionals 40 and under at Mickey's Restaurant, 2323 Whitney Ave., Hamden, Wednesday Feb. 7th, at 5:30pm. Please RSVP to the Chamber at 269-9891 or email Maribel@quinncham.com.


February Events at Temple B’nai Abraham in Meriden

February 2nd at 6:00 p.m. - Peanut Butter, Prayers, and Pajamas
A special interactive children’s service featuring stories, prayers, and peanut butter sandwiches will be held at Temple B’nai Abraham (127 E. Main Street in Meriden) on Friday, February 2nd at 6:00p.m, for children ages 4 to 8 and their siblings. Children are welcome to come in their favorite pajamas, and bring their special blanket and stuffed animal. Early evening services for adults and children follow at 6:30 p.m.

February 6th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Anti-Semitism in Europe to be discussed at Tuesday Study Group
A discussion of Anti-Semitism in Europe will be held on February 6th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. during the Tuesday Study Group at Temple B’nai Abraham.

February 9th at 6:30 p.m. - Family Shabbat Services and The Rabbi’s Toy Box
At Temple B’nai Abraham 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 February 9th beginning at 6:30 p.m. On other Friday evenings services begin at 6:00 p.m.

February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th at 7:00 p.m. - Synagogue Skills Class At Temple B’nai Abraham
Please join us on Tuesday evenings for a Synagogue Skills Class at Temple B’nai Abraham at 127 East Main Street in Meriden. In the first class, from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.Rabbi Gloria S. Rubin teaches how to read the Torah. In the second class from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. the Rabbi shows how to polish your prayer book Hebrew, and understand the content and meaning of our prayers. Participants may come to either or both classes. Pre-requisite: a basic knowledge of Hebrew reading (ability to decode words - even slowly).

February 27th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Discussion of What does Judaism Say about Privacy? At Tuesday Study Group
A discussion of "What Judaism Says about Privacy?" will be held on February 27th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. during the Tuesday Study Group at Temple B’nai Abraham.

About Temple B’nai Abraham
Temple B'nai Abraham, located at 127 East Main Street in Meriden, 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. For more information, please call (203) 235-2581.


World Famous CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE DINNER
We will also be serving homemade pies. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 10th 5 to 7pm Westwood Court # 5 O. of A. Meriden Masonic Temple - 112 East Main Street, Meriden {enter rear entrance} Come out & join us ! Adult’s $10.00 Children 5 to12, $5.00. Children under 5 are Free.

February 2007 Wallingford and Meriden Library News and Events

The February Wallingford and Meriden Library News and Events are sponsored by Marianna's Bakery.

MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY SATELLITE BRANCHES TO HOLD STORYTIMES
The Meriden Public Library Satellite branches will be holding drop-in story times starting in January. Children in kindergarten through second grade and their caregivers are encouraged to visit a branch to hear stories and participate in a craft. The story times will begin at 5:00 PM and will be held in the media centers at Nathan Hale, Hanover, and John Barry Elementary schools. The schedule is as follows:
John Barry School Branch – Wednesdays at 5:00 PM
February 7, 2007
February 28, 2007
March 21, 2007
April 11, 2007
May 2, 2007
Hanover School Branch – Tuesdays at 5:00 PM
February 13, 2007
March 6, 2007
March 27, 2007
April 24, 2007
May 15, 2007
Nathan Hale Branch – Mondays at 5:00 PM
February 26, 2007
March 12, 2007
April 2, 2007
April 30, 2007
May 21, 2007
The storytimes are free and open to the public. For more information about the library branches or questions about the storytimes, please contact the Community Affairs Department at (203) 630-6349 or comsvc@hotmail.com.

MERIDEN LIBRARY BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE
The Bookmobile, or Library on Wheels, will be visiting Meriden communities according to the following schedule for February:
Monday, Feb. 5 - Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 AM; Women and
Families Center 10:15 to 11:30 AM; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:15 PM;
Tuesday, Feb. 6 - Catholic Charities Nursery School 9:15 to 10:00 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:30 AM; Connecticut Baptist Homes, 3:00 to 3:45 PM;
Wednesday, Feb. 7 - Easter Seals (Broad St) 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Bradley Home 10:15 to 11:30 AM;
Thursday, Feb. 8 – Children’s Discovery Center 9:30 to 10:30 AM; The Right Place (Salvation Army) 10:45 to 11:15 AM;
Friday, Feb. 9 – Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 AM, Miller Memorial 10:45 to 11:30 AM;
Monday, Feb. 12 - First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM; St. John’s Nursery School 10:00 to 11:00 AM; First Congregational Nursery School 1:00 to 1:30 PM;
Tuesday, Feb. 13 – First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Meriden Child Care Center 10:15 to 11:30 AM;
Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Head Start (Lourdes Ct.) 9:45 to 10:15 AM; Carriage House Day Care Center 10:30 to 11:00 AM; Chamberlain Heights/Lourdes Ct. 3:30 to 4:15 PM;
Thursday, Feb. 15 - Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 AM; St. John’s Nursery School 10:15 to 10:30 AM; St. John’s Nursery School 1:00 to 1:30 PM; Home deliveries 2:30 to 3:00 PM;
Tuesday, Feb. 20- Catholic Charities Child Development Center 9:15 to 9:45 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:00 to 11:00 AM;
Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:15 PM;
Wednesday, Feb. 21 - Easter Seals (Broad St) 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Women and Families Center 10:15 to 11:30 AM; Bradley Home 1:00 to 2:00 PM;
Thursday, Feb. 22 – Children’s Discovery Center 9:30 to 10:30 AM; The Right Place (Salvation Army) 10:45 to 11:15 AM;
Friday, Feb. 23 – Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 AM; Miller Memorial 10:45 to 11:30 AM;
Monday, Feb. 26 – Head Start (Liberty St.) 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM;
Tuesday, Feb. 27 –– YMCA - Kids Campus 10:00 to 11:30 AM and 1:00 to 1:30 PM.
Wednesday, Feb. 28 – Head Start (Lourdes Ct.) 9:45 to 10:15 AM; Carriage House Day Care Center 10:30 to 11:00 AM.

Meriden Public Library News and Events
MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STARTING FEBRUARY 3
Meriden Public Library will host the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program beginning Saturday, February 3. The library is located at 105 Miller Street. V.I.T.A., which is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, provides free help to taxpayers who cannot afford professional assistance or who have tax questions. Assistance in preparing Connecticut state tax forms will also be available.

The sessions will all take place in Meriden Public Library’s Friends Room, located at the side of the building every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. starting February 3 and every Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. starting February 7. The last session will take place on Saturday, April 14.

V.I.T.A. volunteers alert taxpayers to special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible. People interested in attending the V.I.T.A. program should bring this year’s tax package, wage and earnings statements (W2), interest statements from their banks, and a copy of their previous year’s tax return. In addition, people must also bring a photo I.D. showing their current address and a social security card or number. If a joint return is desired, both taxpayers must be present. For an appointment or information, call (203) 630-6331; on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. or Saturdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. only.
CHUCK OAKES TO SIGN COPIES OF “MAKING YOUR HOME SENIOR-FRIENDLY” FEBRUARY 7
Meriden Public Library will host a special appearance by Chuck Oakes, author of MAKING YOUR HOME SENIOR-FRIENDLY on Wednesday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. Oakes will autograph copies of his book after a presentation.

In 1995, there were 33 million Americans over the age of 65. In 2020, there will be almost 70 million! (doubling in less than 25 years!) As a baby-boomer with parents in their 80’s, Oakes is doing all he can to support and assist his folks as they continue to reside in “The Oakes Homestead”. His mother’s broken hip and continuing recovery really opened his eyes as to the challenge of aging to families, employers and individuals today. He summarized some of his thoughts and tips in his book, MAKING YOUR HOME SENIOR-FRIENDLY. The book is a great introduction to the aging process and how we, as family members, can better support our aging parents. Many of the ideas and devices mentioned can be beneficial to persons with limited abilities.

Universal design and adaptive technology are terms that are quickly becoming integrated into the design and development of communities, rehab and other residences.

Chuck Oakes has his roots in Long Island, New York. His family moved to the outskirts of Los Angeles, above the smog, when he was seven. After being inspired by the Kingston Trio at a local concert, he immediately took up the guitar and formed his own performing trio, aptly called “The Princeton Trio”. At the age of eight, his group was signed to appear on the Steve Allen Show. After three impressionable years in L.A., his family moved to West Hartford where he sang his way through grade school! Local modeling, singing and acting began while in school. Upon graduating with a B.S. degree in business administration, he began performing in the hotel circuit. His career expanded to include television commercials, appearing on the Kate & Allie television series, opening for the Kingston Trio and modeling as “The Stetson Man” for Coty Cosmetics.

After years of the non-corporate world, Chuck transferred his stage and “stand up” skills to the corporate realm as an executive coach and corporate trainer. He began writing for various publications and websites including those of: USA Today, the Wall St. Journal, The American Management Association, USA Disabled, the Progressive Grocer, RV West and others. His research and writing on matters pertaining to individuals with disabilities prompted him to be an Advisor to President Reagan’s COUNCIL ON HIRING THE DISABLED. As a result of his recent writing and research in aging at home, he is now a member of the COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATION COUNCIL OF THE UNITED NATIONS. The booksigning is free and the public is invited to attend. Since seating is limited, free registration is requested by calling 203 630-6349, by sending an email to: comsvc@hotmail.com or by signing up at the online calendar at http://www.meridenlibrary.org/

KEVIN MATSIL TO DEMONSTRATE LIGHT GREEK COOKING FEBRUARY 11
Meriden Public Library will host a demonstration of light Greek cooking on Sunday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. Washington Middle School science teacher Kevin Matsil will be the guest speaker.

Kevin has always had a passion for cooking, which has led him to have an extensive collection of cookbooks. He enjoys sharing his love of cooking with family and friends. He specializes in baking various breads, but after visiting the Greek Islands and reconnecting with his Greek heritage, Kevin began experimenting with Mediterranean cuisine. He has recreated many local dishes from various regions of Greece.

You are invited to see Kevin demonstrate how easy it is to recreate some of his favorite recipes, which will be distributed at the end of the program. The audience will have the opportunity to taste samples of each recipe made.

Kevin is active in his community, volunteering with the Masons, the Friends of Meriden Public Library and the First United Methodist Church.

The program is free but registration is required. Please call the library at 203 630-6349 or send an email to: comsvc@hotmail.com or sign up online at the library’s calendar located at http://www.meridenlibrary.org/.

FISHER TO PRESENT “SENIOR CITIZEN AWARENESS WORKSHOP”
FEBRUARY 13
Meriden Public Library will host a special “Senior Citizen Awareness” workshop on health insurance on Tuesday, February 13 at 4:00 p.m. Licensed, independent life and health insurance agent Lance Fisher will be the guest speaker.


Fisher, a senior market specialist, will discuss the latest news of interest to senior citizens in the field of health insurance and financial planning.
Attendees will learn:
*How to avoid Medicare seizure of assets for nursing home costs
* How to protect your assets from the expense and delays of probate
*Why variable annuities might be dangerous
*Do you know how much you are actually paying in fees on your investments!
Fisher will also discuss recent changes in Medicare plans available to seniors.

Fisher, who is affiliated with Horizon Financial Planning, is the former business owner of Day Star Corp. He has been active in the insurance industry for 3 years and is currently licensed in Connecticut and Florida; he expects to receive his certified financial planner credential in January 2007.

The program is free and the public is invited to attend. Free registration is requested by calling (203) 630-6349 or by sending an email to: comsvc@hotmail.com or by signing up at the library’s calendar located at http://www.meridenlibrary.org/
MT. HEBRON BAPTIST CHOIR TO PRESENT CONCERT FEBRUARY 26
The Mount Hebron Baptist Choir from Mount Hebron Baptist Church in Meriden will present a concert of gospel music at Meriden Public Library on Monday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.

The choir is led by president Marie Preston and directress Marcia Cooper. DeWayne Lewis serves as organist and pianist. Organized in 1992 by Pastor Willie Young, the choir performs during the first Sunday service of the month as well as at the Communion Service. The choir also supports Pastor Young when he preaches at other churches throughout the state.

The concert is free and the public is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served. For further information, call 203 630-6349.

MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST -PART DISCUSSION SERIES ON "TERRORISM & TAKEOVERS" Continues on February 21stMeriden Public Library will host a four-part book discussion series called "Terrorism & Takeovers" starting February 21st at 4:00 p.m. The series is co-sponsored by the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center and the Connecticut Humanities Council and will be moderated by Lynn Faria, Director of Community Relations and Community Wellness at MidState Medical Center. The schedule of discussions is as follows: Wednesday, February 21 BEL CANTO, 7:00 p.m. by Ann PatchettTuesday, March 6 THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA, 4:00 p.m. by Philip RothWednesday, March 21 THE HANDMAID'S TALE, 7:00 p.m. by Margaret Atwood
These contemporary novels focus on actual or attempted political or religious/ political takeovers of an existing, comfortable complacent society: Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale (1985); Philip Roth, The Plot Against America (2004); Ann Patchett, Bel Canto (2001); and Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2005). These books are disconcerting, disquieting; they force readers to contemplate what it would be like to live with takeover. Atwood and Roth show how insidious takeovers can be, how subtle, sure, swift, total and totalitarian, though not permanent. There is hope, however transient or temporary it may be. Patchett offers an alternative, a utopian scenario of love emerging from the surprising union of terrorists and international hostages, mesmerized by the gorgeous singing of the world-class soprano. However, by definition utopias cannot last. The quest of Foer's hero, a wildly imaginative, endearing nine-year-old child, to find the secret of his father, who died in the World Trade Center on 9-11, is in itself as endearing as it is complicated, and quixotic.The series is free and the public is invited to register by calling 203 630-6349 or send an email to: comsvc@hotmail.com or sign up at the online calendar at http://www.meridenlibrary.org/

MERIDEN-MOVIES! MOVIES! MOVIES!Don't be bored during vacation week; come watch movies on our big screen with surround sound!Wednesday, February 21st at 1:00 PM. For ages 10 and older.Thursday, February 22nd at 11:00 PM. For ages 3 and up. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Children may bring a sleeping bag or something to cuddle with. We'll even make the popcorn! Just bring a clear drink. Call to sign-up at (203) 630-6348 or find out more about our movies.


Wallingford Public Library News and Events
Mother-Daughter Reading Group

The Wallingford Library Mother-Daughter group will meet on the following dates. All interested teens and their mothers or female friend are welcome to attend:
Mon., Feb. 12th: Miracle’s Boys by Jacquelyn Woodson
Twelve-year-old Lafayette's close relationship with his older brother Charlie changes after Charlie is released from a detention home and blames Lafayette for the death of their mother.

Wed., Mar. 7th: Magic Lessons by Justine Larbalestier
When fifteen-year-old Reason is pulled through the magical door connecting New York City with her grandmother’s home in Sydney, Australia, she encounters an impossibly ancient man who seems to have some purpose in mind for her.

Copies of the books are available through the Library or may be purchased from a book store. Please register at the adult Information Desk in person or by phone (265-6754). This group provides a friendly, comfortable forum for girls and mothers to share interesting books and important ideas as well as to encourage self-confidence and strengthen bonds—all while having lots of fun! Refreshments will be served.

Great Books Discussion Series
This winter the Library is co-sponsoring a Great Books Discussion Series with Ashlar Village. This series is based on the idea that by reading from the greats books of our civilization and discussing them with other readers we can reach a fuller understanding of these works.Each participant will be loaned an anthology of readings as well as a Reader’s Aid with suggestions on how to prepare for the discussion. The schedule for discussions is:* February 6 - Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud* February 13 - The Social Contract by Jean-Jacque Rousseau
These discussions will be held at Ashlar Village on Wednesday afternoons at 1:30. Participants may sign up by calling Kerry Hatch at Ashlar Village (203) 679-6874 or Sue Smayda at the Library (203) 265-6754.

Homework Help is Back! Homework help for kids every Tuesday and Thursday 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. in the Children’s Room will resume beginning Thursday, January 4th and continue through Thursday, February 22nd . Students from Choate Rosemary Hall will be available to help students with their assignments. No need to register, just stop by!

February 2007 Health News and Events

The February Health news and events is sponsored by MidState Medical Center

Meriden Health Department News and Events

Open Wide and Say Cheese!
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

When Should I Start Caring for My Child’s Teeth?

Dental care should start before a baby’s first tooth appears. Just because you cannot see the teeth doesn’t mean they are not there. Running a damp washcloth (or gauze pad) over your baby’s gums following feeding can prevent buildup of damaging bacteria. Once your child has a few teeth showing, you can brush them with a soft child’s toothbrush (but with no toothpaste) or rub them with gauze at the end of the day.

What Kind of Dentist Should My Child See?

You may want to take your child to a dentist who specializes in treating children. These dentists are called “pediatric dentists.” Pediatric dentists are trained to handle the wide range of issues associated with your child’s dental health.

How Can I Prevent Cavities?

It is recommended that your child’s first visit to the dentist take place by his or her first birthday. Here are some things to ask your child’s dentist to prevent cavities:
Ask about the use of topical fluoride when all of your child’s first teeth have come in (usually around age 2 ½ ). Fluoride hardens the tooth enamel, helping to prevent cavities.
If your water supply is not fluoridated, ask your dentist if you should use supplements.
Ask about the use of sealants as your child’s permanent teeth grow in.

Also, follow these tips:

Brush at least twice a day and floss routinely (this goes for kids and adults!). Children as young as age 2 or 3 can begin to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste, as long as they are supervised. Your dentist can recommend when to start using toothpaste.

If your baby needs a bottle to sleep, do not put anything in it but water. Sugar from juice or milk can stay on the baby’s teeth for hours and harm your baby’s teeth.

Your child will be saying “cheese” in no time!

Submitted by the Meriden Health Department * Source of information: www.kidshealth.org


Celebrating American Heart Month - February 2007

Are you concerned with how healthy your heart is? Do you have any of these common health concerns that you would like to change?

Diet High in Fatty Foods – Did you know that a diet high in fatty foods (saturated fats) may contribute to overweight or obesity and put one at risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure? Incorporating in-season fresh fruits and veggies, oat bran or legumes into your diet would be good start to reducing your cholesterol.

Being Overweight or Obese –Having excess body fat is a contributor to diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure. If you decide that losing weight is something you should do, then remember to introduce changes gradually over several weeks. The slower you make changes the more likely you are to keep those extra pounds off and stick with your program. Remember that even modest changes, like adding an extra serving of veggies or walking the dog one more time, will make a difference.

A Sedentary Lifestyle –Regular, sustained exercise that raises your heart rate for 15 to 30 minutes without stopping, several times per week is a great way to improve your cardiovascular system. Another good way to have success is to incorporate healthy changes into your daily routine. An example of this may be taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work., or taking a quick walk on your lunch break.

Too Much Stress in Your Life – Learning stress- reduction/relaxation techniques such as stretching, meditation, yoga and deep breathing may be helpful. Don’t get caught with too much stress; it affects your blood pressure, how often you exercise, how much you eat and how well you control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Are You Still Smoking? – Did you know that smoking increases your risk for heart disease 3-4 times more than that of a non-smoker? Other risks of smoking to consider include asthma, chronic bronchitis and poor circulation, which are also stressful for your body. Contact Debbie Roman at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4104, for information on free smoking cessation classes.

Information on heart health is available at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street, or by calling Lea Crown, Health Educator, at 630-4238.

? This Valentines Day: Save your heart, quit smoking! ?

The Meriden Health Department will be starting a free women’s social group for those who have quit smoking during pregnancy and want to stay smoke free or are trying to quit. The group will be held on Tuesday mornings, and will start in the spring.

Activities will include Tai Chi, low fat cooking demonstrations, jewelry making, and learning how to start an exercise program. Light, healthy snacks will be served at each meeting. Babysitting will be provided.

Women are encouraged to bring a buddy to the group. For more information, please call Debbie at 630-4104.


Midstate News and Events
CANCER CARE
For more information on Cancer Care programs,
please call 203-694-8353, unless otherwise noted.

Focus on Healing
Tuesdays , February 6, 13, 20, 27
5:30 to 6:45pm
An effective therapeutic program of exercise and movement to music for anyone who has experienced breast cancer.
Designed to help women experience total body movement and ease adjustment to a new body image. The Village at Kensington Place, 511 Kensington Ave., Meriden.
Registration required.
There is no cost for the program.
Dance Therapy
Facilitated by Susan L. Sandel, Ph.D., ADTR, CLM
203-457-1656

Afternoon Breast Cancer Support Group "Bosom Buddies"
Wednesdays, February 7, 2007
3:30-4:30pm
Join this group for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Cancer Care Conference Room
Katherine Clements, RN, OCN
203-694-8631

“LOOK GOOD…FEEL BETTER”®
Mondays, February 12, 2007
2:00-4:00pm
"A program for women undergoing cancer treatment, featuring a licensed
cosmetologist to provide supportive techniques on skin, makeup, and hair
care. This is a free, non-medical, product-neutral program offered in
partnership with the American Cancer Society"
Cancer Care Conference Room
Registration required.
Sharon Jackson, RN

Leukemia/Lymphoma Support Group
Wednesdays, February 14, 2007
5:30-7:00pm
Join other patients who have been diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease, and Multiple Myeloma. Caregivers are welcome.
Radiation Oncology Waiting Area
Diane Lafferty, LCSW

Hispanic Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursdays, February 15, 2007
6:30-8:00pm
"Spanish-speaking women with a diagnosis of breast cancer are invited to join group leader Virginia Aviles
Cancer Care Conference Room
Diane Lafferty, LCSW
203-694-8669

Black History Month Women’s Health Fair
Saturday, February 17, 2007
10:00am – 2:00pm
Screening for Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment, Good Health practices, Q & A with African American Physician. Interactive Demonstration of Focus on Healing
Lunch will be provided.
Katherine Clements, RN, OCN

Women's Cancer Support Group
Mondays, February 19, 2007
6:00-7:30pm
Join Diane Lafferty, LCSW and Kathy Clements, RN for discussion in this group for women diagnosed with cancer.
Radiation Oncology Waiting Area
Diane Lafferty, LCSW

Art Therapy
Wednesdays, February 21; 2007
5:30-8:00pm
A program to help people touched by cancer find strength and hope through creative expression.
Cancer Care Conference Room
Registration required.
Patricia Corsetti,
Finding Strength & Hope
Katherine Clements, RN, OCN
203-694-8463

FAMILY BIRTHING CENTER
For more information on Family Birthing Center Programs, please call 203-694-8450 (unless otherwise noted). Registration Required for ALL classes.

Sibling Class
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
5:30 - 6:30pm
Sibling class is an interactive presentation for children 2 ½ years of age and older. This class includes discussion on what a new baby looks like, what a new baby does, and what a sibling can do with their new brother or sister. The class also includes listening to a story, watching a video on being a big brother or big sister,and practicing things like changing diapers and holding and burping a pretend baby. The class concludes with a tour of the Family Birthing Center and when permissible, the siblings get to see a newborn infant.
Rear of cafeteria at MidState Medical Center
Cost is $15.00 for the entire family

Breast Feeding
Thursdays, February 1, 2007
7:00 - 9:00pm
Thinking about breastfeeding your baby? This 2-hour class is designed for any mother exploring the option of breastfeeding. Various topics reviewed to promote a successful experience. Class format is open for questions and discussion. Partner or support person welcome.
Rear of cafeteria at MidState Medical Center
Free if delivering at MidState,
$10 for others

Weekly Breast Feeding Support Group
February 6, 13, 20, 27
10:00 - 11:30am
Come join new or experienced mothers and their babies in a relaxed atmosphere to discuss the adjustments and successes of breastfeeding for the 0-6 month age group. Group discussion is open format and facilitated by a Lactation Consultant or Nurse.
Family Lounge in Pavilion D at MidState Medical Center
No Registration Required
Cost: Free
Dawn Flohr, RN, BSN, IBCLC

Infant Massage
Tuesdays, February 6, 13,
11:30 – 12:30pm
For Infants up to 6 months. Designed to help you and your baby grow closer to each other, build muscle tone, coordination and brain function. Massage helps to establish a pattern of relaxation at an early age that your child can follow into adulthood.
Bring a Mat or Blanket
Family Lounge in Pavilion D at MidState Medical Center
Registration Required

Childbirth Refresher Class
Thursday , February 8, 2007
7:00 - 9:00pm
For those who just need a refresher in child birthing, this one-day, 2-hour class will meet their needs.
Rear cafeteria at MidState Medical Center
$25.00


LaPLANCHE CLINIC
All Programs will be held at LaPlanche Clinic – Meriden Senior Center lower level, 22-26 West Main St, Meriden
Please contact Jackie Hackbarth at 237-0300 (Mon-Tues-Wed)


Young at Heart
Tuesdays
10:30-11:30am
The “Young at Heart” group meets every Tuesday from 10:30–11:30am. Activities include lectures, discussions, field trips, luncheons, sing-a-longs and more. Open to area seniors aged 60 and over.

“Diet Watch” 8 week Series:
Wednesday, January 17, 2007 through February 23, 2007
10:00 – 10:45am
A weekly series addressing issues regarding weight loss and good nutrition. Topics will include “mood & food”, reading labels, meal planning, dining out, and “supermarket survival”

MIDSTATE VNA & HOSPICE

Blood Pressure Clinics
First Friday of each month
2:00 - 4:00pm
These clinics are open to the community. For more information regarding these programs, please call
VNA & Hospice Community Health Program at 203-235-5714.
One Research Parkway, Meriden, CT

Flu Clinics
These clinics are open to the community and are being offered through February at LaPlanche Clinic in Meriden. For more information regarding these programs, please call the VNA & Hospice to make an appointment.(203) 630-7109

Womens’ Health Symposium & Dinner
Thursday, February 8, 2007
6:00 – 8:00pm
The Heart Center at MidState Medical Center will present a panel discussion with Dr. Bugliari, Cardiology; Dr. Peccerillo,
OB/GYN; K. Clements, RN, Breast Care Coordinator/Oncology; A. Young, Dietitican.
What are your risks factors?
Question and answer session following program.
Registration Required
George’s II, Wallingford


BARIATRICS (Weight Loss Program) Please call to register
Bariatric Program Seminar
Tuesdays, February 13; March 13
6:30 – 8:00pm
This informational seminar is an opportunity for individuals considering bariatric surgery to meet with our Bariatric Team and learn about the option of weight loss surgery. Dr. Benbrahim will cover the medical/surgical aspects of obesity and the benefits of weight loss surgery; Our dietician will talk about nutritional issues with a focus on post-op diet; Our pharmacist will briefly discuss medication issues and there will be a discussion on behavioral/emotional aspects of the surgery.
MidState Medical Center
Cornerstone Building, 1st Fl
Conference Room V
Registration Required
203-694-8343

The People's Press January 2007 Text Issue

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Your Stories Part 1

Your Stories Part 1 sponsored by South Meriden Car Wash

Online Learning has Integrity

Charles M. Shultz, the award-winning cartoonist responsible for warming our hearts with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, took only one formal art education course—and it was a correspondence course by mail.

Correspondence courses have come a long way since the days of Charles Schultz.

This fall, more than 29,000 students in the state of Connecticut have taken online courses—the modern incarnation of distance learning.

Higher education is now offering a great product called online education. Students must still commit to signing onto the class two to three times a week, doing the work, and meeting the deadlines, but there’s now incredible flexibility. You choose the time to sign onto the online course, take your exam, or submit your assignment.

As a distance learning professional, I receive numerous questions about the merits of online learning. The prevailing belief is that an online course where students and teachers never meet cannot be of the same quality as a traditional “brick and mortar” or lecture-driven class.

Learning in an online environment is active, as students are responsible for reading, researching, analyzing, and evaluating material. In education theory, these activities are referred to as higher-order thinking. Instead of learning that Hartford is the capital of Connecticut (lower-order thinking), students are taught to think about why Hartford is the state’s capital.

When questioned about the merits of online learning, I think of large university classes where hundreds gather in lecture halls to learn statistics, history, or astronomy. The professor does not know each student, does not take attendance, and cannot determine who—out of scores of students—understands the material, needs more attention, or is using instructional time for a power nap. Feedback comes only from a midterm and a final, a few quizzes, and arrives weeks after the test has been taken. Lectures prevail. Isn’t this the true “distance learning?”

In our online classes, the average class size is 22. Professors can tell immediately, based on weekly discussions, assignments, and quizzes who is “getting it” and who is not. Professors can work with each student individually, through online communication and collaboration, and provide encouragement that cannot be given during the middle of a lecture.

Education is great, and everyone could use a little more of it. Educators dictate what courses you needed to take and when to take them. Educational institutions are only open at certain times, and only offer certain classes a few times a week, on certain days.

People are used to adjusting work schedules, family, community, social, and spiritual activities, around taking classes. Maybe that’s feasible for some, but not so easy for others.

Online education is portable, academically sound, interactive, and provides instant feedback so you’ll always know how you’re doing in the class. In addition, you won’t have to find a babysitter, put more gas in your tank and—even better—you can incorporate education into your life instead of having to rearrange your life around taking classes.

Think about it. It worked for Charles M. Schultz.

Erin Mason
Educational Technology Specialist
Middlesex Community College



A pre and post holiday musing-by Ernie Larsen

The year 2006 is slowly waning as I write this. I remarked to my 2 workmates this morning that between my home address and place of work I encountered only 3 other cars this morning, Friday December 29th 2006. I guess more people than I thought take off the week between Christmas and the New Year.

Speaking of Christmas, I was reading an article in the newspaper a couple of days before Christmas about a young fellow who changed ‘careers’ from working in a home improvement store to becoming a ‘cart herder’ at a discount department store. The fact that really got to me was the impatience and rudeness of people in the parking lot when he was wrangling a line of carts back into the store which briefly inconvenienced some who were trying to leave or get into their parking places. The ‘cart guy’ says he received verbal insults, hand gestures and just plain threats. Imagine the 15 or 20 seconds it takes for the kid to pass by your car with the carts, come on!

This isn’t what the holiday is supposed to be all about, to me, the Christmas holiday season is to reconnect with family, not only those who you see very often, but especially those who you may only see once a year or so. And not to forget the real meaning of a Christian Christmas; to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth– I bet if you poll 10 people they couldn’t tell you the ‘real meaning’ of Christmas, much less where Nazareth is located, no it’s not a town with NASCAR track in Pennsylvania!

Yes, Christians celebrate the 25th of December as the birth date of Jesus Christ; the non-secular holiday that has evolved, with the gift giving, partying, general hoopla etc. stems from the story of the 3 wise men that brought gifts to Joseph and Mary’s baby. Their (the wise men) simple act of respect has had so much influence on the public, more so it seems in the past few years, it has triggered a buying and giving frenzy. At times it seems ridiculous.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy receiving gifts as much as anyone else, but it does get somewhat overblown at times. With all the hype to buy early, heck, Christmas decorations appear in some retail outlets before Halloween! And this year the sales and incentives made it hard to resist not to buy. How about those newly minted video games which were in short supply and fights over who had their hands on an item first with assaults, muggings and virtual riots associated to the greed that people develop for a piece of electronic equipment. Oh yeah, remember those news stories?

And now, here it is a few days after Christmas, people are returning certain gifts to stores, I did myself, a duplicate book and a CD, and many, myself included, are scarfing up some of the 50-75% off bargains that the stores promote to make room for the next holiday, I did see a display of Valentine’s Day M&M’s in one store. My wife admonishes me not to buy too much after Christmas items, ‘deals’ I call them; we had a lot of wrapping paper left over so I just bought a portfolio of gift bags, I like these better than wrapping, just plop the gift into the bag, stuff a piece of tissue paper on top and fill out the gift tag.

And now we’re into the weekend, we’ve got a family get-together on the 30th and have been invited to a New Years’ Eve party on the 31st – YIKES! After my experience last NYE I’d planned to wrap myself in foil and bubble wrap and wear a garland of garlic to ward off any evil spirits that might be lurking. For those of you who aren’t familiar on how I spent last NYE I’ll make it short, slipped on some newly fallen snow, ruptured muscle over kneecap, had surgery, therapy, now walk a lot more gingerly and have ended my career(s) in anything that requires use of two good legs. Today a friend asked me, jokingly, if I was going to be ice-skating again this NYE. I hope not!

My son, who lives in Capitol City (Hartford), just a few minutes from my wife’s friend who we are partying with on NYE, is having some people over to celebrate the New Year asked us to stop by; so for people who usually don’t go out on NYE, we now have two places to visit. So, about this other NYE party, a colleague of my spouse decided to throw a bit of a bash, cocktail attire, with formal optional. We are planning to attend, the old wedding suit will have to do, I met the wife’s friend just once, I’ll probably not know anyone else there, but I’m pretty outgoing and can talk to a wall and have a good experience and conversation, if you know what I mean.

As this is sort of a daily journal piece, it’s now New Years’ Day – both NYE parties we visited were fine, saw some of my son’s friends, met some of his new friends and acquaintances and had a very pleasant time at both events, as it were.

We didn’t stay out until midnight, got back to the homestead just before 12 and watched Dick Clark announce the ball drop from Times Square. Slept in late on Monday and decided to go shopping. A few of the stores are now advertising 75%+ off on holiday goods and me being the consummate bargain hunter bought a couple of items. Now it’s back to the grind, enjoying some unseasonably warm weather, fine with me, snow is nice, but somewhere else for now is OK with me.

On that note I’d like to wish anyone reading this a Happy New Year and pass along my hope that in all nations and peoples presently in conflict are fortunate enough to enjoy the gift of peace in the coming year.

Happy New Year.

By the way, Nazareth (the Middle East one) is part of Israel. Widely regarded as home of Joseph and Mary and where Jesus grew up.



ON PUTTING MY HOUSE IN ORDER
By Phyllis S. Donovan

A New Year dawns and right away everybody’s talking about fresh starts.

For most people, it’s the ideal time to kick bad habits and improve their health and general well being. They make serious resolutions to go on a diet, stop smoking or get more exercise, and in a matter of a few weeks fall right back into their pre-New Year’s lifestyle.

I’m not one for making resolutions because I know I won’t keep them, but the New Year does prompt me to channel my energies in another direction.

It may be just a byproduct of the “time to put your life in order” syndrome or a primal urge to take stock of my life as the world moves into a new phase. But every time January rolls around I am obsessed with the feeling that I have to clean house.

If you’re like me, you have drawers and closets, nooks and crannies, or even whole corners of rooms where you stash all the projects that need completing, paperwork that needs sorting and filing away and things, in general, that must be dealt with…eventually.

Procrastination is a big part of putting things aside to deal with another day. A lack of personal time is another major contributing factor.

Whatever the cause, things are set aside, ignored and forgotten. As the pile grows, the time and urge to deal with it lessens to the point where I just try not to think about it…for the time being at least.

Then comes the first of the year and I’m a woman possessed. I tackle those cubbyholes and closets with a vengeance, tossing out junk that’s been hanging around for the past year awaiting my undivided attention, much of it now not warranting more than a glance. It’s amazing how tough you can get in tossing away missives with a 2005 postmark.

When it’s that old, I just don’t care anymore.

And so it goes.

Moving from room to room, I ruffle through reams of material, deep-sixing 90 percent of the detritus we’ve been saving.

There’s a theory rampant that the very day after you throw out something you’ve been hanging onto for years, you’ll need it. My theory is “if you haven’t used it or looked for it in over a year, you’ll probably never miss it.” Besides, if I was ever looking for a specific thing in all that mess, I’d never know where to find it anyway.

So I usually spend the first week or so of the New Year neating up my life. Of course, whenever I do this, I have to make sure my husband isn’t home. He’s a worse packrat than I am and many of the things I deem disposable, he’ll grab up and set aside with the idea that he might someday need them.

So I toss things while he's gone, figuring if he looks for them, too late! Chances are, though, he'll never even know they're gone.

“What is it with you?” he asks querulously as I zip through the living room straightening up the books on the end table and whisking away the two-week old New York Times book section he’d been saving.

“I’m getting rid of all this clutter, I tell him, “We're going to stop hanging onto all this stuff. I want this house to be orderly and uncluttered from now on. No more junk piles. Everything’s going to be put away neatly."

He groans, pointing out that once I straighten up the place, he won't be able to find anything for weeks...or possibly ever. But he lets me have my way, knowing it’s just my usual first of the year phase and in a couple of weeks he can start saving things again, knowing they’ll remain safe and undisturbed at least until next January.



“Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective”
by Gregory M. Simpson

Whenever I visit Manhattan in the summer and see horse drawn carriages, I think of the inherent cruelty to the horses that are known to drop to the ground from heat exhaustion. I reflect on the absurdity of horses sharing the asphalt with fume spraying buses, taxis and automobiles careening amongst canyons formed by towering skyscrapers. But that’s another article in and of itself. Today, I want to write about another bad idea involving removing animals from their natural habitats – keeping exotic wildlife as pets.

Only 19 states have full or partial bans on the private ownership of large exotic animals, so there are thousands of tigers, lions and other big cats captive in the U.S. The federal government requires no quarantine, no inspection and no tracking of movement of these animals.

By the age of six months, a wild cat can tear your house apart – or much worse. There have been dozens of attacks on humans in the last number of years, including the killing of a boy by his grandfather’s tiger, a lion that killed several dogs and trapped a child in his room and another wild cat that tore off the arm of a four year old boy. Tigers are the most purchased cat followed by cougars, bobcats and lions. The number of individual captive tigers living in the U.S. is estimated to be between 5000 and 7000. Only about 10% of tigers are kept in professionally run zoos and sanctuaries. The rest live in a variety of settings, including backyards where people keep them as pets.

If you’re looking for a large and beautiful cat, visit an animal shelter and adopt a house cat. Maine Coon cats are big and good with children. Mackerel tabbies resemble little tigers. There is also a spotted tabby which resembles a tiny ocelot. If your favorite wild cat is the Black Panther, there are a variety of black cats from which to choose. House cats are much easier to care for and much less expensive than wild cats. More importantly, they won’t look at your house guest as a potential meal.

An exotic pet is any animal not commonly recognized as a household pet, where specialist and often difficult information is required to properly care for them. They include lizards, crocodilians, snakes, tortoises, primates, sugar gliders, chipmunks, hedgehogs, pot bellied pigs, and birds such as parrots and toucans.

Let’s examine one group - the reptiles. The majority of reptiles destined to be sold as pets are caught in the wild, using nooses, nets and dogs. Injuries during capture and transportation include paralysis, claws wrenched from toes by sacking material, bites and scratches. Many are dehydrated, starving, emaciated and diseased. Survivors are put into poorly regulated cargo holds for shipping that often lasts up to 80 hours, resulting in a mortality rate that is matched by a similar number that die soon after arrival.

Those reptiles that do survive are particularly poor at adapting to artificial environments and routines because their biology is hard-wired for life in the wild. This results in abnormal behavior such as spending long periods patrolling cage boundaries or climbing the glass walls of the tank. Most people are unaware of how large some reptiles like iguanas can become or how long they live. They can live to be 14 years old, with males potentially becoming very aggressive. Reflect on this statistic: each year, 90,000 people are treated for salmonella infection contracted from reptiles.

If all of the above does not cause enough concern, then consider these other public health and safety issues. Zoonotic diseases, i.e., those that jump from animals to humans account for three quarters of all emerging infectious threats, according to the Centers for Disease Control. For instance, the monkey pox outbreak started with a shipment of imported African rodents which then spread to American prairie dogs – all in the pet trade. Twenty thousand prairie dogs are yanked from their homes in Texas every year and shipped to pet stores. Wild animals are notorious as reservoirs for disease and parasites. SARS has evidently been traced back to wild animals in food markets in China. The doors are wide open legally for the import of the majority of wild animals destined for the pet trade, including African ball pythons and hedgehogs.

The business of exotic and wild animals as pets in the U.S. is conservatively estimated to be worth $15 billion annually. It is the biggest black market money makers after drugs and weapons. The exotic pet trade is rampant with animal cruelty, as depicted in the book Animal Underworld: Inside America’s Black Market for Rare and Exotic Species by Alan Green and The Center for Public Integrity.

Don’t contribute to the cruelty by obtaining exotic and wild animals as pets. As a wise man from Senegal said,

In the end

We will conserve

Only what we love

We will love only

What we understand

And we will understand

Only what we are taught

Gregory Simpson is Vice-President of the Meriden Humane Society, a no-kill shelter, and member of the Cat Writers’ Association. Formerly a state advisor to Friends of Animals, he was also named one of the 40 Ultimate Cat Lovers by CAT FANCY magazine.

Your Stories Part 2

Your Stories Part 2 sponsored by Rose Flowers and Gifts



Great Sledding Spots in Central Connecticut and other Winter fun for kids!
It’s that time of year again when the winter craziness hit’s the kids! If you are looking for things to do to keep your little one’s (and old one’s too ) busy don’t look any further! Central Connecticut has a ton of things to offer. If you are into any of the winter sports and we get snow there are several different locations available for you enjoyment.

For Sledding
Hunter’s golf course Meriden
Sheehan High School Wallingford
Moran Middle School Wallingford
Highland School Wallingford
Hubbard Park Meriden

For Ice Skating
There are several ponds in central Connecticut area that are open for ice skating at your own risk.

The main one that I know of is new and located off parker farms road going toward Cheshire Rd. It is part of Wallingford Free space. There are also several trails availed thru out Wallingford for hiking and walking including the Quinine trail starting at community lake. The best thing I have found to get a good idea of what is open for skating in your area is to call your local Rec. Dept. or contact your town hall.

For your skiing and snowboarding enjoyment
Ski Sundown
126 Ratlum Road
New Hartford, CT
There are 15 trails, two terrain parks and four lifts at the 625 foot vertical drop area.
Mount Southington
396 Mount Vernon Road
Plantsville, CT
There are 14 trails, a terrain park and 7 lifts at this 425 vertical drop area
For Cross Country Skiing
Wadsworth Falls State Park
Route 157
Middlefield, CT
One hundred-acre nature preserve, with several gardens featuring ferns and wildflowers. Of particular note is the butterfly and hummingbird garden. Natural exhibits and programs are scheduled throughout the year. Over two miles of trails run through the preserve for hiking and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also enjoy a fishing pond, picnic areas and a gift shop. Hours: Sunup to sundown. Office and interpretive center open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except holidays. Free admission.

If the weather isn’t cooperating then how about these things to keep them busy?
What about heading to the local park and tossing a Frisbee, playing a game of kick ball or tag …or even getting a game of football or wiffle ball going. Doolittle park in Wallingford, Community Lake park in Wallingford, Hubbard park in Meriden these are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head. You could always head down to the shore and enjoy a drive along the west have beach line. Head to lighthouse Park and enjoy the Carousel and the views of the sound.
Sarah Rain



South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department News and Events

South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is its 98 year of service to the Village of South Meriden and the City of Meriden. Last year the department responded to 677 calls of service to the community. Approximately 61 % of the calls responded to were medicals and Motor Vehicle Accidents.

Now its time for a several safety tips for our neighbors. We hope you all have working smoke detectors in your home. Working Smoke detectors save lives. Please make sure that you changed your batteries in the detectors. The best time to remember to change the batteries is when day light saving time comes. When you change your clocks back or forth change the batteries for safety.

Also if you do not have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home please purchase them. CO is a colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas that is produced by inefficient burning and incomplete combustion of fuel products in heating appliances, furnace, hot water heaters, and stoves. If you do not have efficient burning appliances in the home, over a period of time CO could be building up in the home which if unchecked could lead to medical conditions and even Death. Having your furnace cleaned and serviced each year will help keep the units running more efficiently. CO is the silent killer, please protect your family and yourself and purchase CO detectors for your home. CO is also produced by normal operation of your vehicles and comes out of the vehicles exhaust systems. Running your vehicle in the garage could cause CO to seep directly into the home.

With winter right around the corner we are asking for your assistance with a little maintenance item. If you have a fire hydrant near the front of your property we need your help. When it snows it would be helpful; if you could clear the snow and ice away from the hydrant. In a fire emergency it is very important that we can hook our hoses to the hydrant as quickly as possible in case we need additional water to extinguish a fire. During and after snow storms we do try to get out and clear hydrants, but we do not always have time to get to them all. It would be very beneficial to all our neighbor to have clean and clear fire hydrants. If you can help us out with this maintenance item we would appreciate your assistance.

Another health Tip. We urge all our residence to be careful during the winter months with shoveling snow. (That’s If we ever get any) Take it easy do not over do it. Use a good shovel and do not over load it when you lift it. Also for those of you that have snow blowers please be extremely careful not to put your hands near the blades of the blower unit while it is running. You might say who would do that, but each year Meriden's emergency service responders respond to several of these calls each year and it isn't a pretty sight so please take precautions.

If you can and have the time and the energy may be you can help a neighbor who is a little older or might be ill, give them a hand clearing away the snow from their walkways or driveway. It feels real good to be able to help them out during the winter months. Each year we lose friends and neighbors to heart attacks during the winter months from over exerting themselves shoveling snow.

We also want to thank all of our friends that have been helping clearing snow and ice a way from fire hydrants during storms. This allows the fire department during fire emergencies to hook up to fire hydrants quicker to gain access to a water supply if the fire is one of a substantial size.

And one more health tip. If you are under a doctor’s care and take certain medications keep a list of these medications handy just in case you have the need to call 911 for during a medical emergency. Also with this list you might want to give a little history of any medical conditions that you also might have. These are important things for emergency responders to have just in case you are unable to respond to our questions when we arrive at your home. A good place to keep this information is in an envelope on you refrigerator and note that it is Medical Info.
Information about our application process:

We are currently accepting applications for membership for individuals who live in Meriden over the age of 18 in good health and have a clean police records and can pass the application process.

We are also accepting application for those individuals who might all ready be certified as a State of CT Firefighter/EMT and do not live in Meriden but are willing to fill night crew positions at our station. These individuals will need to meet our by-law requirements for drills, weekly night crew and duty crew assignments.

We are one of the only Volunteer fire stations in the State that have sleep-in crews at our fire station we presently cover 6 out of 7 nights. Our nightly in-house status allows us to service our customers you our neighbors quicker.

Being a volunteer fire fighter takes a lot of commitment and time.

Our members make a lot of personal sacrifices to belong to our department, but they get great satisfaction of being part of terrific tradition of saving lives and property. We train and work hard but we love serving and protecting our friends and visitors.

Applications can be picked up at our station at 31 Camp Street, South Meriden in the evenings. We are a DRUG FREE Department and we TEST all applicants.

Good-bye for now, talk to you soon

Keep Safe, Stay Healthy and Happy New Year
Keith Gordon, South Meriden Fire


Dear Housewives – Central Connecticut’s Know it All Gals
Dear Readers,Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue. We wish all of our readers a safe and Happy New Year! June and Flora

Dear Housewives,
The thought that some people do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom really creeps me out. I think I may be developing some sort of anxiety about it. I feel like the sanitary police when I am in public. I find myself looking to see if they wash their hands and how well. I have thought about counseling. What do you think? Germaphobic in Meriden

FLORA: What timing. After seeing "Charlotte's Web" on New Year's Day, my young daughter and I went to the rest room and encountered a hand washing faux paux. This woman and her maybe 11 year old daughter left the stalls (sounds so animal -like) the daughter stood there by the sink while the Mom pretended to wash her hands. She quickly ran her hands under water and rubbed them together for literally two seconds, grabbed a towel and hurried out. I explained to my daughter that what she just witnessed did not qualify as hand washing, just pretending.

While we are at it, can young and old cough and sneeze on the elbow please; not on their hands.

You may want to talk with a councilor about your feelings as they may escalate and cause you unnecessary fears.

JUNE: Can someone say, "control freak? Do you peek under the stalls to be sure they are peeing and wiping correctly too? Front to back, front to back..... Well the fact that you are worried about what other people do and how well they do it tells me you are more of a control freak than a germophobe. A germophobe worries about what germs they are touching not so much what other people are doing. While it is true, everyone should wash for 60 seconds with warm water and soap, the reality is that they don't.

One thing you can do is to carry around single hand wipes which they sell in any store. You can use a paper towel to open the bathroom door. You don't need to watch everyone and pick out what they are doing and not doing, you just need to worry about yourself. By the way, skin is pretty much made to protect us from everything. You usually won't melt or die by touching germs. Get over it and worry about yourself and use the money you would spend on therapy on antibacterial wipes.

And, Flora, halleluiah to coughing and sneezing in their elbow, especially in church before the hand shaking.

Dear Housewives: My friend's child does not write thank you notes for gifts he receives and it drives me crazy. I think it is a huge disservice to her son that she does not teach him this etiquette. Should I stop giving him gifts? I say yes but my husband thinks that is mean. What do you think? Thank you, in Wallingford

JUNE: Well the short answer is no, don't stop giving him gifts.
That being said it is too bad that the mom doesn't teach him the art of saying thank you. I know Flora will say, if you say thank you in person, you don't have to BUT....I think there is nothing wrong with writing one even if you said thank you face to face. For example, if your child has ten kids at his birthday party and says a half hearted thanks to each child as he opens their gift, it doesn't seem good enough to me. The child should sit down and write a thank you, tell why they like it or how they will use it, sign their name and put it in an envelope. If too young, the parent can write it and have the child just write what the gift was on a blank like or if even younger just have them color in it a bit. My kids participate in this at age two. Don't punish the kids for the mother's bad example.

FLORA: We were raised to always write a Thank You note. As we get older, it is interesting to look back and see all the good things our parents instilled in us; instead of the not-so-good. I believe by sending a thank you from a young age, one learns to appreciate more. Growing up, I can't tell you how many crocheted scarf and hat sets I received all the way up through high school. I will tell you that I always and I mean always appreciated the gift.

Starting young as June shared, is a terrific way to instill gratitude in children.

(Miss Manners and Peggy Post do side with the fact that if the gift is given in person and the giver is thanked, that it is sufficient but sending a note after is a fine touch.)

That said, keep giving the gifts. The problem I have with not receiving a Thank You is when you mail a gift be it a check, gift card or a gift to someone and they don't even call and say Thank You. That may warrant not sending any more gifts. How awkward is that when you don't even know that they received it?

My children received gift cards to a book store for Christmas and we called the givers and shared with them what the children picked out. They seemed happy to hear that!

MOVIE REVIEWS

JUNE: Well Flora, we were able to watch a few movies over the holiday break. Click, which stars Adam Sandler, is about a man who manages his life with a magical remote control given to him by Christopher Walkins character. Of course, at the end, (SPOILER ALERT) he realizes he loved his life the way it was. Reminds me of: "Clarence, I want to live, I want to live, please let me live". While this example is from one of the best movies ever, It's a Wonderful Life, Click stunk. It had the usual stupid jokes and crude humor and just didn't work for me.
Lucky # Slevin was neat, a bit strange but had a great twist at the end.

FLORA: On New Year’s Eve we rented Old Yeller. (Rated G) This time tested film about relationships, growing up and responsibility and family life is a gem.

Another older (just a few years June) film that was good is The Italian Job (Rated PG-13). this action packed suspense film was terrific!

Oh!! We also saw The Devil Wears Prada. That for those long time Dear Housewives Readers, was predicted years ago from one of my book reviews to someday become a film. It was and Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep do a fine job as the main characters in this light comedy of a young recent college graduate that comes to work in Manhattan under the 'heel' of a powerful bossy boss.


595 Days
Michelle Averitt

If you are struggling with losing weight, the kind of weight that makes you cringe when you have to go out in public; the kind of weight that makes you stay at your desk at work because you're to embarrassed to walk around; the kind of weight that makes you cringe when you go out to a restaurant with friends and they pick a booth and you know you’ll have to squeeze into the booth; the kind of weight that makes you cringe when you have to get on an airplane and buckle up; the kind of weight that makes you cringe when have to use a turnstiles at the movie theater or a museum; the kind of weight that makes you hide behind your child, another person or an object when you are getting your photograph taken, and then when you see the photographs you want to die of embarrassment; the kind of weight that makes you avoid cameras altogether; the kind of weight that when you walk up a flight of stairs you are winded; the kind of weight that makes you just plain tired; the kind of weight that makes your knees ache or back ache just because you've been standing for more than 10 minutes; the kind of weight that keeps you sitting and watching your child or children play instead of playing with them; the kind of weight that keeps you from going on hikes or bowling or cycling or iceskating or volleyball or swimming or running or you name whatever it is you long to do but don't because you are embarrassed or to tired to move; the kind of weight that makes you cringe when you think about buying new clothes and having to try them on; the kind of weight that makes you avoid mirrors so you don't have to look at yourself because you hate who you are and how you look; the kind of weight that steals time; the kind of weight that keeps you from living life...from all that is beautiful...from your family...from your children...from you.
Yeah...that kind of weight. All that...described me for 13 years. All of it. And more.

Do you know what my biggest regret is in this life? That my son did not have the person I am today as a mom. That my son grew up with the person I described above. He was three when I started to gain weight. He was 16 when I lost weight. I can't get that time back. Ever. There are no do over's with children, it's kind of a one time shot. It's not that it was all bad, I am a pretty cool mom, we did do stuff, we had fun. But man, had I been the me I am today...I know it would have been so much better. I cheated myself and I cheated my son.

I am no different than you are. Not one little bit. I don't have any magical powers. I don't have super will power. The only difference is that I started...and I didn't quit. What happened in the middle of that process wasn't easy, for the first 3 months I wasn't very happy and I only lost 11 pounds, but I kept going, kept getting on the scale, I averaged a 1 - 1 1/2 pound weight loss a week, slow going for someone that had 80 pounds to lose, but 3 months turned into 6 months, 11 pounds turned into a 20 pound weight loss, to 30 pounds, 40 pounds; from size 22 to size 20 to size 18 to size 16 all the way down to size 8. The more success, the easier it got. It took 595 days to lose my weight, a little over 18 months, but that time would have gone by no matter what and time isn't something you can get back.

I think the hardest part was when I could not see the results, but if you start and you keep doing what has proven to work, you will lose the weight. It's when you stop doing what you need to do, that's when it stops working. It's really that simple. I know...it isn’t easy...but the concept is simple.

It's the same thing with my running, when I started running in May I thought I'd die when I ran on the track for 2 minutes. But I had a training plan and it said if I followed it that in 9 weeks I would be able to run 3 miles. I really didn't believe that I’d ever run 3 miles. I just couldn't see the possibility of running 30 minutes without wanting to die, but the plan I had said it was possible, so I followed the plan. I wasn’t perfect, I missed some days, but even without following the plan exactly, within 9 weeks I was able to run 3 miles. It worked because I followed a proven plan. It’s the same thing with losing weight, when I first started, it seemed insurmountable. Me lose 80 pounds? Yeah right. But I followed the plan, not exactly, but enough that it worked.

I wanted to share my regret hoping that it will motivate you to get started. I can't ever get that time back with my son. I missed out on 13 years of life because of my weight.
So if you are struggling with the kind of weight that I mentioned above, whether it's 15 pounds or 80 or more, it's possible to lose the weight, I did it and I'm really a very ordinary sort of woman who use to look like this: and today I look like this:

And life is much better without that kind of weight.


8TH Annual Christmas in the Village – The Biggest Ever!
By Ralph Riello

Since 1998, the village of South Meriden has proudly ushered in the Christmas season on what is now traditionally the first Saturday in December. The dedicated committee members, volunteers who give time, money, energy, and their spirit of giving to this community, have remained mostly anonymous in their efforts. This has been a conscious choice, as they believe that the event format – everything offered free of charge, no vending of any kind – and the annual charitable beneficiary, are the most important aspects of the event and its focus on community. This selfless effort is commendable and noble, yet as in all good things, provides a target for those who would cast aspersions rather than lend a hand. As a thank you to those who have sacrificed so much, I will blow the horn for the committee members, while at the same time, clear up some misconceptions about Christmas In The Village.

First, a little event history…

The idea for Christmas in the Village (CITV) cannot be attributed to one person at one particular moment. Some have tried, but the truth is this; the idea for CITV was born at the lunch counter of Tom’s Place, in the Republic of South Meriden, over numerous egg sandwiches, bowls of soup, cups of coffee, and daily specials consumed by a number of regulars and transients who never hesitate to make their thoughts known, in the true spirit of Tom’s Place.

What I can tell you is this; those thoughts flowed through a hard working and caring group of individuals who were willing to work to make South Meriden a better place to live. They spread the word to their friends and loved ones, who in turn came to Tom’s with their ideas. Like the swirling mass of cosmic dust that formed our solar system, this swirling mass of ideas formed CITV. Be wary of any individual who tries to take sole credit for this event…their ego is getting ahead of their heart. As a matter of fact, initial discussions weren’t even specifically about Christmas. It just turned out to be the universal time settled on by various interested parties that made the most sense. The spirit of the season, people out and about already, all made for a better chance at a successful event. To that, I’d say mission accomplished eight times over.

Like every community or organization, the event is made possible by a soup worthy of Tom’s menu; there are a small number of talkers, doers, and followers that make up “the committee” and another group not on the committee, but there every year to help on event day. They are “the volunteers”. CITV is a testament to the generosity of these people. Beginning in August, and ending sometime after Valentines day, the committee and many of the volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that everything needed for the event, including funding, is taken care of. They represent the best of this community, and this community is better for it.

An important fact regarding CITV must be made known, especially as folks are up in arms about perceived fiscal largesse in the city of Meriden. CITV is not, I repeat, IS NOT a City of Meriden event. The meetings are held in a private business. The wreaths, lights, soldiers guarding the entry to the village, the costumes, the committee hats, the storage facility, the chafing dishes, apple corers, aluminum foil, PA system, horse drawn wagons, popcorn, chestnuts, hot chocolate, coffee, entertainment, Christmas tree, bonfire fuel, and anything else you can think of are either purchased by the committee with funds raised, donated by local sponsors, or donated by private individuals and/or local businesses. Safety for the event is ensured by the Meriden Police Explorers and the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department. All decorations in the Village of South Meriden are put up and taken down by local residents who volunteer their time, tools, and energy. Some of these folks don’t even make it to the event. They are simply there when needed.

We’re not saying that the city does not provide anything. We are grateful to the Parks and Recreation department for their involvement every year. They provide the stage (weather permitting), trash barrels, radios, a golf cart, some tables and chairs, and staff to help set up and remove those items. These are provided on the day of the event.
The city is like one of our participating sponsors. We are grateful for their support, but they are only a small part of the total effort required to put on this event.

Speaking of sponsors, we are fortunate to have a large and generous group, many that have been with us since the first year. Each year we distribute a tri-fold event flyer with event information and a listing of our sponsors. It is a small way to say thank you, along with frequent mentions on stage by our Master of Ceremonies. Yet many would rather not be mentioned at all. Some of these sponsors provide cash, which along with our Valentines dance proceeds, are the only sources of capital for the event. Most provide in-kind services, or coupons for prizes and stage giveaways. Our stage and firehouse entertainment, always a big draw and a memorable part of CITV each year, receive no pay for their services. When one thinks of sponsors, they usually think of a business or patrons who provide money, goods or services. Don’t forget that entertainers are providing their services as well. Kelly and Sean Moore have been at the firehouse since the first event. On stage, this year, our Master of Ceremonies, The Central Connecticut Yankee Chorus of Barbershoppers, Top of the Keys, Meriden Community Choir and Turner Singing Society, Pentangle Players and Hanover School Chorus returned, along with fantastic newcomers from the Pulaski School Chorus. Doc Scrubbs Shows provided much needed help with sound and microphones in their first visit to our event. The petting zoo lady, Ruth Gordon’s face painting, our local village churches, Todd’s “Karate Kids” demonstration, and my apologies to anyone else I have forgotten. We hope to have them all back again.

One of the components that make this event so special is the Christmas Parade. Every year at 2pm many of our participants; Local schools, community groups, and a variety of local athletes and businesses take part in the route that brings Santa to the Firehouse. This year we were honored to have the United States Marine Corps color guard join the parade. As always, Santa was carried through the village in his fine Red Chevy to the delight of hundreds of children. This year the parade and the crowd that lined the streets was the largest by far since we started.

Each year, it seems the event grows a little, and 2006 was no exception other than that this year we grew a lot! For example, twelve hundred baked apples were gone in under one and a half hours. As much as we love the growth, managing that growth is not easy. Every year, we are under pressure to allow vendors to sell either food items or souvenirs. Yet each year, the committee has remained steadfast in its desire to deny entry to those who want to make a buck on Christmas in the Village. We agonized over the idea of selling Christmas ornaments as a fundraiser for the event. (There are still plenty available, by the way!) This year, for the first time ever, someone actually set up a stand to sell products claiming that they were told it was okay by a sponsor. They were quickly and quietly told to leave. With the exception of flu shots, which we must pay twenty dollars for each shot, everything is provided free of charge. If anybody tries to sell you anything at the event, contact the nearest committee member or explorer and we will take care of it. Vending is not allowed, and hopefully it will remain that way.

Once again, on behalf of the committee, we want to thank the volunteers, entertainers, sponsors, city workers, safety personnel, and of course the residents who come out very year and make this event so special. Thanks also to Mountainside for providing prizes for the House Decorating contest. Thanks to Cheryl and Stacey at Tom’s place for lunch, and Jose at Sebastien’s for the pizza. Thanks to Mayor Mark for having us on the show again, and thanks to Tom Gaj and crew for your yearly efforts. Thanks to Mike Roberts who said such nice things about our committee and the event. Thanks to Dawn Nierenburg-Reynolds, Chris and Sarah Bourdon for your work on behalf of Noah’s Ark, our charity for 2006. Most importantly, I would like to thank the committee for a wonderful event.

In keeping with our goal of being in the background, I won’t name names, because invariably I will forget somebody. The committee did provide this picture of most of the 2006 group. So if you see one of them on the street, in the store, or at Tom’s, say thanks, or just say hi. And of course let them know that you’ll be there in 2007.

If you would like to find out more about Christmas in the Village, you can visit our new web site (Thanks to Ben Brosious for the design!) at www.southmeridenevents.org

Please consider supporting CITV by purchasing a ticket to our “Lover’s in the Village” Valentine’s Day dance on February 10, 2007. You can meet a lot of the volunteers and committee members there, eat some good food, and maybe even win a raffle prize.

Happy New Year and thanks from the 2006 Christmas in the Village Committee

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.

January 2007 Town News and Events

Sponsored by The New England Fireplace, Inc. - Factory Outlet Store


Wallingford Park and Recreation News and Events
OUTDOOR PUBLIC ICE SKATING AT TOWN OPEN SPACE AT CHESHIRE ROAD Public Works in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Department will be offering free public skate at the Town Open Space at Cheshire Road this winter. Ice will be monitored by the public works department – however skating will be at your own risk. Skating will be open weekdays and weekends during the day, no night skating at this time.

LOOK FOR FLYERS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOLS FOR A FAMILY SPECIAL EVENT TO BE HELD IN FEBRUARY... WE NEED TO BE ASSURED WE’RE GOING TO HAVE ICE.... Town Open Space at Cheshire Road is located onthe corner of Schoolhouse and Cheshire Road. For more information please call 294-2120

ICE SKATING AT CHOATE ROSEMARY This year skating tags will go on sale Wednesday November 15, 2006.at 9:00am at the Recreation Dept. At the time of this printing session days and times have not been determined. A complete schedule will be available at registration.


2006 MERIDEN HOLIDAY HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST RESULTS

MOST TRADITIONAL
1. 198 Curtis Street
2. 165 Elmwood Drive
3. 51 Lori Lane

BEST DISPLAY OF ELECTRICITY
1. 334 Spring Street
2. 25 South Meadow Lane
3. 142 Schwink Drive

MOST CREATIVE
1. 13 Baldwin Avenue
2. 77 Avery Avenue
3. 53 Horton Avenue

BEST DISPLAY OF FIGURES
1. 1 Brownstone Ridge
2. 228 Glen Hills Road
3. 231 Glen Hills Road

BEST DISPLAY OF HOLIDAY SPIRIT
1. 100 Sandy Lane
2. 478 Brownstone Ridge
3. 50 North Meadow Lane

JUDGES’CHOICE
1. 46 Fairmount Avenue
2. 879 Murdock Avenue
3. 522 East Main Street


BEST OVERALL
1. 70 Collindale Drive
2. 40 Timberlea Drive
3. 115 Old Stagecoach Road

The Meriden Recreation Division would like to thank all entrants in this year’s contest for their effort & enthusiasm, special thanks to The People’s Press for sponsoring the event.

CITY OF MERIDEN JANUARY EVENTS

CRPA “HOT SHOT” CONTEST
The City of Meriden and the Meriden Boys & Girls Club invite children ages 9-15 to participate in the local contest of the statewide CRPA “Hot Shot” Competition on Saturday, January 13th at the Boys & Girls Club. The following indicates age group registration and contest start times:
Age Registration Competition
9-10 2:30PM 2:45PM
11-12 3:15PM 3:30PM
13-15 4:00PM 4:15PM
Contestants score points by making baskets from different spots on the gym floor in a set amount of time. Winners will advance to the county championship in February. There is no cost to participate.

38TH ANNUAL BERNIE JURALE MEMORIAL TRADITION RUN
The 38th Annual Bernie Jurale Memorial Tradition Run will take place at Hubbard Park on Sunday, January 21st. Registration begins at 9:30AM in the Parks Division maintenance facility. The walkers’ start is at 10:00AM, while the joggers & runners begin at 10:30AM. Walkers, hikers, joggers, & runners of all ages and abilities are invited to test their skills against a 5K course that begins in the park proper and climbs an elevation of approximately 700 feet to its finish at Castle Craig. All persons finishing the course will receive a certificate and special gift. There is no entry fee, and refreshments will be available throughout the morning. Come enjoy Meriden’s premier running event!

WASHINGTON PARK JUNIOR DRUM CORPS
The Washington Park Junior Drum Corps is looking for new members ages 10 & older. No experience is necessary and instruments are provided. There are openings for fifes, bells, trumpets, baritones, colorguard, and drums. Members learn to play an instrument, read music, march in parades, and take part in competitions. Meetings are at John Barry School on Wednesday nights from 6:30-9:00PM during the school year and at the SMVFD during the summer. All recruits, experienced or not, are welcome. Stop in Wednesday night or call 294-1430.

2006-2007 CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM
Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 & older take place every Tuesday night at Holy Angels Center in South Meriden from 6:00-9:00PM. The program runs through March 27th. A one-time $25.00 registration fee can be paid onsite any night the program is in session.

INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM
The 2006-2007 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS pool on the following dates & times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM. All interested participants must possess a valid pool pass, which cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the Parks & Recreation office in-person and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.



Mayor’s Corner - Meriden
Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to you and your family.

We are fortunate to have had such a mild winter. I’m still wondering if it will ever snow at all. I know it will certainly help our snow budget.

On Monday January 15th we will observe the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Rhudean Raye and the Scholarship committee have once again planned an exciting morning in the City of Meriden. At 8 a.m. at Maloney High School, the city will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with our annual scholarship breakfast. I’m pleased to see our children take part in the essay contest and our business community support this worthy cause. A special thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who make this breakfast a wonderful success. Tickets are still available at the door.

Scholarships are available to all Meriden students. Throughout the years, over sixty thousand dollars has been given to deserving Meriden award winners. As we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday, I am reminded of the special qualities of our great city. We are fortunate to live in a diverse community where people truly care about one another. This breakfast also gives us an opportunity to honor a former Meriden resident and civil rights leader, Albert Owens. Albert Owens was instrumental in organizing the first Meriden-Wallingford branch of the NAACP and the Local 230 of the United Electrical Machine Workers of America.

Sheraton Four Points has transformed the former Brady’s Pub into Yogi’s All- American Grill and Sports Bar just in time for the NFL playoff action. Stop by and have a sandwich as you view the action on the new large screen plasma televisions. Soon, the former Ames Plaza will also undergo a major transformation. With the addition of Lowe’s and a new Ocean State Job Lot, the plaza will bring new business, jobs and energy to our City.

I hope to see you at the breakfast and Yogi’s for some football action.

Thanks for your support!
Sincerely,
Mark D. Benigni


Mayor’s Corner – Wallingford

Dear Friends:

It’s hard to believe that the weather we are enjoying is in the month of January. We can use the nice weather to inspire commitment to our 2007 New Year resolutions!

If your resolution is to get involved in something new, you should consider some programs offered by the Park and Recreation Department. Ice skating tags are still available for Sundays at the Choate rink from January 7th-February 25th. Speaking of ice, there is a “Hook a Kid” on ice fishing workshop on January 24th at the Recreation Department.

Arts and crafts can be loads of fun. There is an after school program at Parker Farms, Stevens, Pond Hill and Highland Elementary Schools which offers instruction and development of fine arts and crafts talent. For high school students, the Tritons Club is looking for new members. For those students not in high school yet, the Recreation Department is encouraging interested people to contact the department regarding a youth program to complement the high school Triton Club.

Finally, if you want to know more about Lacrosse, Choate Rosemary Hall Head Coach Mike King will host a workshop on February 2nd. Of course there are many programs being offered and we hope you will choose from them to make the New Year a special one. Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson Jr. – Mayor of Wallingford

Health News and Events January

Health News and Events sponsored by MidState Medical Center

MidState Hospital News, Programs and Events
CANCER CARE
For more information on Cancer Care programs, please call 203-694-8353, unless otherwise noted.

Leukemia/Lymphoma Support Group
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
5:30-7:00pm
Join other patients who have been diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease, and Multiple Myeloma. Caregivers are welcome.
Radiation Oncology Waiting Area
Diane Lafferty, LCSW

Prostate Support Group
Monday, January 15, 2007
6:00-7:30pm
"Prostate Support Group general meeting
A forum for cancer patients and their families."
Horwitz Conference Center - Southington/Cheshire Room
Registration preferred.
Sharon Jackson, RN

Focus on Healing
Tuesdays , January 16, 23, 30
5:30 to 6:45pm
An effective therapeutic program of exercise and movement to music for anyone who has experienced breast cancer.
Designed to help women experience total body movement and ease adjustment to a new body image. The Village at Kensington Place, 511 Kensington Ave., Meriden.
Registration required.
There is no cost for the program.
Dance Therapy
Facilitated by Susan L. Sandel, Ph.D., ADTR, CLM
203-457-1656

Hispanic Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, January 18, 2007
6:30-8:00pm
"Spanish-speaking women with a diagnosis of breast cancer are invited to join group leader Virginia Aviles
Cancer Care Conference Room
Diane Lafferty, LCSW
203-694-8669

Lymphodema Symposium
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
5:30 – 7:30pm
Village at Kensington Place, Meriden
Registration Preferred – No Cost
For more information, call Kathy Clements (203) 694-8353

FAMILY BIRTHING CENTER
For more information on Family Birthing Center Programs, please call 203-694-8450 (unless otherwise noted). Registration Required for ALL classes.

Weekly Breast Feeding Support Group
January 9, 16, 2007
10:00 - 11:30am
Come join new or experienced mothers and their babies in a relaxed atmosphere to discuss the adjustments and successes of breastfeeding for the 0-6 month age group. Group discussion is open format and facilitated by a Lactation Consultant or Nurse.
Family Lounge in Pavilion D at MidState Medical Center
No Registration Required
Cost: Free
Dawn Flohr, RN, BSN, IBCLC

Infant Massage
Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 2007
11:30 – 12:30pm
For Infants up to 6 months. Designed to help you and your baby grow closer to each other, build muscle tone, coordination and brain function. Massage helps to establish a pattern of relaxation at an early age that your child can follow into adulthood.
Bring a Mat or Blanket
Family Lounge in Pavilion D at MidState Medical Center
Registration Required

Child Birth Education Classes -SAT
Saturday, January 13, 2007
8:00 - 4:30pm
For those who cannot attend the six-week series, Family Birthing Center offers a one-day, 8-hour class. It is an abridged version of the six-week in-depth classes.
Horwitz Conference Center at MidState Medical Center
$80.00

LaPLANCHE CLINIC
All Programs will be held at LaPlanche Clinic – Meriden Senior Center lower level, 22-26 West Main St, Meriden
Please contact Jackie Hackbarth at 237-0300 (Mon-Tues-Wed)

Young at Heart
Tuesdays
10:30-11:30am
The “Young at Heart” group meets every Tuesday from 10:30–11:30am. Activities include lectures, discussions, field trips, luncheons, sing-a-longs and more. Open to area seniors aged 60 and over.

“Diet Watch” 8 week Series:
Wednesday, January 17, 2007 through February 23, 2007
10:00 – 10:45am
A weekly series addressing issues regarding weight loss and good nutrition. Topics will include “mood & food”, reading labels, meal planning, dining out, and “supermarket survival”

THE HEART CENTER
For more information on Heart Center Programs below, please call 203-694-8541. There is no cost for these programs All Programs will be held in the Horwitz Conference Center , 2nd FL, Wallingford Room 1 at MidState Medical Center unless otherwise stated.

Nutrition – Part 1
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
9:00-10:00am

Nutrition – Part 2
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
9:00-10:00am

Medication Education
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
9:00-10:00am

Stress Management
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
9:00-10:00am


In honor of EMT-B David Matthews’ daughter Rebecca
Hunter’s Ambulance Service is proud to sponsor our first American Red Cross blood drive.

Monday, January 15, 2007. 10am to 3pm. Base 1, Building 3.
At the present time in the state of Connecticut, the blood banks only have 1 days worth of Type O blood--the most common and “universal” type of blood!

The Red Cross serves as the bridge for millions of patients in need each year. Please give the greatest gift of all this season to the Matthews family and so many more.
Every two seconds someone in America needs blood.
Just one pint of blood can save up to 3 lives.
Nationally, less than 5% of the population gives blood, supporting the other 95%.
Blood is perishable. Red blood cells must be used within 42 days. Other blood products must be used within 5 days.
Holiday weekends show a drastic increase in emergency patients treated at area hospitals. Trauma and burn victims often require large quantities of plasma, which can deplete the blood supply. Other winter holidays increase traffic on our roads and patients in the emergency rooms. At these times, while the need for blood increases, our ability to collect blood decreases disproportionately.

During the winter, people become busy with vacations, outdoor activities and family gatherings.
It only takes about one hour total for the entire blood donation process. Only 7-10 minutes of actual donation time!!!

Call or email Sloane Peterson at 514-5128 or sloanep@huntersamb.com to schedule a time for donation or to answer any questions you may have.Snacks & Beverages will be served.


Meriden Health Department News and Events

January – A Perfect Month to Test Your Home for Radon

You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it. Yet it could be in your home. It’s radon!

Radon is a naturally occurring colorless and odorless radioactive gas. Radon can enter your home through small cracks and other openings in the basement or foundation. Radon can also enter your home through your water supply. Radon in your home’s water is not usually a problem when the source is surface water. A radon in water problem is more likely when its source is ground water, such as a private well or a public water supply system that uses ground water.

At elevated levels, radon exposure can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Your chances of getting lung cancer from radon depend mostly on how much radon is in your home and the amount of time you spend in your home. Smoking combined with radon exposure is an especially serious health risk.

Any home can have a radon problem. Radon levels tend to increase inside the home during the heating season when homes are closed. This makes January a perfect month to test for radon. Testing is easy to do and should only take a few minutes of your time. Kits can be found at your local hardware store, or by calling the American Lung Association. They offer radon test kits for $12.00. To purchase a kit call 1-800-LUNG USA or order online at www.alact.org.

For more information on radon, please call the Meriden Health Department, Environmental Health Division, at 630-4226.
Source of information: A Citizen’s Guide to Radon published by the EPA, available at the Meriden Health Department.


The Meriden Health Department invites you to “Women: The Heart of the Matter” Lunch and Learn Event

Ladies (and gentlemen)! Pack a bag lunch and enjoy a special “lunch and learn” event on women’s heart health. The event will be held on February 2, 2007, from 12:00-1:00pm in the Griffin Meeting Room at the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street.

Speakers will present information on healthy eating and exercise, as well as tips on reducing risk factors including smoking cessation, weight maintenance, blood pressure control and blood cholesterol management. Many women fail to realize the seriousness of heart disease - it is the number one killer of women! It is never too early – or too late – to take action to prevent and control risk factors for heart disease.

February 2 is National Wear Red Day, a nationwide day to wear red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness. Wear red to the lunch and learn to show your support!

This event is free and open to the public; however seats are limited to the first 50 people. Light, healthy snacks will be available to munch on in addition to your bag lunch, and give-aways will be provided. To RSVP or for more information, please call Lea Crown at the Meriden Health Department at 630-4238.



MidState Medical Center's Medication Management Program

MidState Medical Center's Patient Safety Committee announced that it has developed a free, wallet-sized medication card to assist consumers in maintaining an accurate record of the medicines they take.

MidState Medical Center is actively working with the Connecticut Hospital Association, Department of Public Health, Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) 100,000 Lives Campaign and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations to promote awareness of patient safety strategies and empower patients to be more active partners in their care. As a key step in this national effort to engage patients in their safety, MidState is actively distributing medication cards to primary care physicians for their patients as well as to all patients at time of discharge.

The wallet card gives consumers a way to have a complete medication history and accurately reconcile medications during a hospital admission and across the continuum of care. The card is organized with space to note drug name, dosage, frequency, the purpose for taking it as well as information on recent immunizations for pneumonia, tetanus, hepatitis, and flu. It also has instructions that note types of medications to be recorded, included prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal remedies.

The wallet medication cards offer a simple way for patients to track their health information. "Medication reconciliation" is the process of comparing a patient's medication orders to all of the medications he/she has been taking at home. This reconciliation is done to avoid medication errors such as omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or drug interactions. It should be done at every transition of care in which new medications are ordered or existing orders are rewritten.

Additional cards are available at http://www.midstatemedical.org/ (under the "Healthy Community" heading) in two formats. The first format (PDF) is for consumers who will print the card and complete it by hand. The second format (Word) is for consumers who would like to download the card as a Microsoft Word document and save it to their own computer for filling out electronically before printing.

Lynn Faria - Director, Community Relations & Community Wellness
MidState Medical Center 203-694-8731

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/

January Wallingford and Meriden Library News and Events

Sponsored by Colony Opticians

Meriden and Wallingford Library News and Events

Meriden Public Library News and Events
MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY SATELLITE BRANCHES TO HOLD STORYTIMES

MERIDEN – The Meriden Public Library Satellite branches will be holding drop-in storytimes starting in January. Children in kindergarten through second grade and their caregivers are encouraged to visit a branch to hear stories and participate in a craft. The storytimes will begin at 5:00 PM and will be held in the media centers at Nathan Hale, Hanover, and John Barry Elementary schools. The schedule is as follows:

John Barry School Branch – Wednesdays at 5:00 PM
January 17, 2007
February 7, 2007
February 28, 2007
March 21, 2007
April 11, 2007
May 2, 2007

Hanover School Branch – Tuesdays at 5:00 PM
January 23, 2007
February 13, 2007
March 6, 2007
March 27, 2007
April 24, 2007
May 15, 2007

Nathan Hale Branch – Mondays at 5:00 PM
January 29, 2007
February 26, 2007
March 12, 2007
April 2, 2007
April 30, 2007
May 21, 2007

The storytimes are free and open to the public. For more information about the library branches or questions about the storytimes, please contact the Community Affairs Department at (203) 630-6349 or comsvc@hotmail.com.


FITNESS EXPERT PATTY KONDUB TO SIGN COPIES OF "ABC's OF HYDRATION AND BREATHING" JANUARY 23
Meriden Public Library will host a special appearance by fitness expert Patty Kondub on Tuesday, January 23 at 4:00 p.m. Kondub will autograph copies of her book on CD, THE ABCs OF HYDRATION AND BREATHING. Everyone is invited to attend.
Tips, techniques and facts to breathe correctly and drink water for your better health are the subject of THE ABCs of HYDRATION AND BREATHING.
Patty Kondub is the aqua fitness and spinning coordinator at the Westport/Western YMCA. She is a multi-certified fitness instructor with over 13 years experience. She is also a contributing author to the AKWA Letter, the official publication of the Aquatic Exercise Association.
The program is free, and the public is invited to attend. Since seating is limited, free registration is requested by calling (203) 630-6349, by sending an email to: comsvc@hotmail.com or by signing up online at the library's calendar located at www.meridenlibrary.org

"BEYOND FINANCIAL LEGACY" PLANNING THE ENVIRONMENT WE WILL LEAVE OUR GRANDCHILDREN" SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 28
Meriden Public Library will host a special appearance by author Brendan Hanrahan on Sunday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. His topic will be "Beyond Financial Legacy: Planning the Environment We Will Leave Our Grandchildren".
He will also sign copies of his books after the program. Everyone is invited to attend.
All around Connecticut people are having similar sorts of conversations. The talk is about deciding their legacy, not merely in financial terms, but also in terms of decisions that will determine the nature and character of the state their children and grandchildren will inherit. From Greenwich to Thompson, Stonington to Salisbury, there is a sense that local places which have enriched peoples' lives for centuries are increasingly threatened by patterns of growth in recent years - and that consideration should be given to preserving what people value most about the quality of life in Connecticut and its "spirit of place." In this program, author Brendan Hanrahan describes how decisions local communities make over the next ten years - about issues such as land use, smart growth, resource and habitat protection and environmental justice - will do more to influence quality of life in Connecticut than those of any previous generation.
The program will discuss a tradition of citizen conservation and environmental science that has thrived in Connecticut for centuries and how this latest chapter remains to be written. Those who still recall combing freshly plowed farm field for arrowheads, turning rocks in search of salamanders, or catching snapper blues along the shore may one day be remembered for what was done to see that the state remain a place where future generations can grow up to have similar experiences. Hanrahan will describe the primary changes now apparent across the local landscape and their potential impacts on local culture and the quality of life in Connecticut. He will discuss efforts of state government and community - based groups to manage a vision for smart growth for the state and the roles each might play in bringing about positive change. Join your neighbors at the Meriden Public Library for a program about planning the local environment we will leave to our grandchildren or to learn more about opportunities to participate in preserving the way of life currently entrusted to us.

MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST 4-PART BOOK DISCUSSION SERIES ON "TERRORISM & TAKEOVERS" JANUARY 30
Meriden Public Library will host a four-part book discussion series called "Terrorism & Takeovers" starting Tuesday, January 30 at 4:00 p.m. The series is co-sponsored by the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center and the Connecticut Humanities Council and will be moderated by Lynn Faria, Director of Community Relations and Community Wellness at MidState Medical Center.The schedule of discussions is as follows:
Tuesday, January 30 EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE, 4:00 p.m. by Jonathan Safran Foer
Wednesday, February 21 BEL CANTO, 7:00 p.m. by Ann Patchett
Tuesday, March 6 THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA, 4:00 p.m. by Philip Roth
Wednesday, March 21 THE HANDMAID'S TALE, 7:00 p.m. by Margaret Atwood
These contemporary novels focus on actual or attempted political or religious/ political takeovers of an existing, comfortable complacent society: Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale (1985); Philip Roth, The Plot Against America (2004); Ann Patchett, Bel Canto (2001); and Jonathan Safran Foer, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2005). These books are disconcerting, disquieting; they force readers to contemplate what it would be like to live with takeover. Atwood and Roth show how insidious takeovers can be, how subtle, sure, swift, total and totalitarian, though not permanent. There is hope, however transient or temporary it may be. Patchett offers an alternative, a utopian scenario of love emerging from the surprising union of terrorists and international hostages, mesmerized by the gorgeous singing of the world-class soprano. However, by definition utopias cannot last. The quest of Foer's hero, a wildly imaginative, endearing nine-year-old child, to find the secret of his father, who died in the World Trade Center on 9-11, is in itself as endearing as it is complicated, and quixotic.The series is free and the public is invited to register by calling 203 630-6349 or send an email to: comsvc@hotmail.com or sign up at the online calendar at www.meridenlibrary.org


Wallingford Public Library News and Events

Mother-Daughter Reading Group

The Wallingford Library Mother-Daughter group will meet on the following dates. All interested teens and their mothers or female friend are welcome to attend:

Wed., Jan. 17th: Letter’s from the Inside by John Marsden
The relationship between two teenage girls who become acquainted through letters intensifies as their correspondence reveals some of the terrible problems of their lives.

Mon., Feb. 12th: Miracle’s Boys by Jacquelyn Woodson
Twelve-year-old Lafayette's close relationship with his older brother Charlie changes after Charlie is released from a detention home and blames Lafayette for the death of their mother.

Wed., Mar. 7th: Magic Lessons by Justine Larbalestier
When fifteen-year-old Reason is pulled through the magical door connecting New York City with her grandmother’s home in Sydney, Australia, she encounters an impossibly ancient man who seems to have some purpose in mind for her.

Copies of the books are available through the Library or may be purchased from a book store. Please register at the adult Information Desk in person or by phone (265-6754). This group provides a friendly, comfortable forum for girls and mothers to share interesting books and important ideas as well as to encourage self-confidence and strengthen bonds—all while having lots of fun! Refreshments will be served.

Great Books Discussion Series

This winter the Library is co-sponsoring a Great Books Discussion Series with Ashlar Village. This series is based on the idea that by reading from the greats books of our civilization and discussing them with other readers we can reach a fuller understanding of these works.
Each participant will be loaned an anthology of readings as well as a Reader’s Aid with suggestions on how to prepare for the discussion.
The schedule for discussions is:
* January 16 - Rothschild’s Fiddle by Anton Chekhov
* January 23 - On Happiness by Aristotle
* January 30 - Genesis from the Bible
* February 6 - Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud
* February 13 - The Social Contract by Jean-Jacque Rousseau
These discussions will be held at Ashlar Village on Wednesday afternoons at 1:30. Participants may sign up by calling Kerry Hatch at Ashlar Village (203) 679-6874 or Sue Smayda at the Library (203) 265-6754.

Homework Help is Back!
Homework help for kids every Tuesday and Thursday
3:30 to 5:15 p.m. in the Children’s Room will resume beginning Thursday, January 4th and continue through Thursday, February 22nd . Students from Choate Rosemary Hall will be available to help students with their assignments. No need to register, just stop by!

Meriden and Wallingford Senior Center News & Events January 2007

Sponsored by Easel Works Creative Art Studio and Gallery

Wallingford Senior Center Newsletter Info for JANUARY Edition

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT DAY on January 18, 11:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
The Visiting Nurse Association, Rite Aid Pharmacy and Abbots Diabetes Care are sponsoring three opportunities for us to gain important information (and free giveaways) on our Medication Management Day.
1. THE NURSE’S CORNER on January 18, 11:00 a.m.: The Visiting Nurse Association of Wallingford will provide an important program regarding the safe and effective way to store and take your medications. Please sign up if you plan to attend.
2. ASK A PHARMACIST on Thursday, January 18: Call the Senior Center at 265-7753 to schedule a confidential appointment with a registered pharmacist. Bring a list of your current medications or the actual bottles and consult the pharmacist about your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins and supplements. The pharmacist can review your medications and offer advice about the best time during the day to take them; about possible drug interactions; and other related matters. This free service will be provided by a Rite-Aid pharmacist on January 18, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Schedule your appointment today!
3. DIABETES DEMO on Thursday, January 18, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Abbott Diabetes Care will sponsor a Diabetes Demo Day from noon to 4:00 p.m. in the Great Room. Stop by to learn about new technological advances in home blood glucose monitoring and get answers to your questions about blood glucose meters.Free giveaways!

PLEASE, GIVE ME YOUR KEYS on Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 p.m.
As we age, we often are faced with the issue of safe driving. When is it appropriate to “give up the keys” or to take the keys away from a loved one? Mary Underwood, Area Director of Alzheimer Services for Benchmark Assisted Living, will address this issue on January 24, at 7:00 p.m. (Snow date: January 31). Ms. Underwood will describe the physical changes that affect our driving; services provided to assess our individual needs; and strategies to know when it’s time to get involved and how to discuss this difficult issue with loved ones. Also, “How Do I Get There” a transportation guide for Wallingford residents will be available. The public is invited. Please call the Senior Center at 265-7753 to register to attend.

HYPNOSIS PROGRAM on Friday, January 26, 10:30 a.m.
Elee Zammarieh, hypnotherapist and lecturer will present a program on self-improvement through neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotherapy. Do you want to stop negative habits like smoking? . . . eliminate fears or phobias? . . . overcome obstacles and create solutions? Join us on January 26 to discover how hypnotherapy is used to help people enjoy a more fulfilling life. Please call 265-7753 to register to attend. (One lucky attendee will receive a $50 certificate for a personalized coaching session!)

ADVANCED DIRECTIVES SIMPLIFIED on Monday, January 29, 1:00 p.m.
Recent Changes in CT Law Information Session
If one of your New Year’s resolutions includes completing a Living Will to communicate your wishes concerning life support systems, come to this session and cross that Living Will resolution off your list! Attorney Kate McEvoy, who helped draft the new and simplified changes in CT law, will help you understand how the recent changes make it simpler to express your wishes concerning end-of-life medical care. Copies of the required forms will be distributed and she will explain how to complete the forms. Please call 265-7753 to sign-up.

CATARACTS & CATARACT SURGERY Wednesday, January 24, 10:30 a.m.
Dr. Andrew J. Epstein, Ophthalmologist, will present an informative program entitled “Bringing Your Vision into Focus: The Benefits of Advanced Cataract Surgery” on January 24. This program, which is sponsored by MidState Medical Center, is designed to help you understand what cataracts are and how they are treated. Dr. Epstein is associated with Dr. John Redmond and practices general ophthalmology in Wallingford. Please call 265-7753 to register to attend this program.

NEW SELF DEFENSE CLASS Free Demonstration Tuesday, January 16, 11:00 a.m.
Don’t be a victim! Learn how to defend yourself with very simple techniques that anyone can learn. If you can walk, you can defend yourself – no super strength needed! The 6-week class, which consists of stretching, conditioning and defense techniques, will feature: pre-conflict and avoidance strategies; how to escape when being held; and takedown and control techniques. The class, led by certified instructor Elee Zammarieh, will be held Tuesdays, 11:00—11:45 a.m. beginning January 23. The fee for the 6-week course is $20.00 for Senior Center members and $25.00 for non-members. Sign up to attend the free demonstration Tuesday, January 16, at 11:00 a.m.

LOOKING GOOD PRESENTATION Friday, January 19, 10:15 a.m.
Talking about the challenges of vision loss is helpful. Our Low Vision Support Group is energized to begin another active year of learning, resource sharing, and self-advocacy. Our first program in 2007 will be presented by Michele Tarantino, Occupational Therapist at Masonicare. Michele will give us tips on matching, labeling, and organizing items of clothing.

STAY WARM THIS WINTER! CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Wallingford Senior Center takes applications for energy assistance for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. Income limits are $27,867.32 for a single person and $36,441.88 for two people. There are asset limits.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following documents:
· Year 2006 Social Security check amount (copy of recent check, or most recent bank
· statement showing deposited amount, or Social Security “2006 New Benefit” letter.)
· Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents.
· 2006 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income.
· Four most recent pay stubs, if employed.
· Rental Income—rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account.
· Driver’s license or birth certificate.
· Most recent heat utility bill.
· Electric bill.
Applications are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 265-7753.

WAL-MART LAUNCHES $4 GENERIC PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM
Wal-Mart is bringing more affordable medicines to seniors. Three-hundred and thirty-one (331) commonly prescribed generic prescription drugs are now available at the Wallingford Wal-Mart pharmacy for a cost of $4 for up to a 30-day supply. For further information on the program, customers can call 1-800-WAL-MART, or go to www.walmart.com. Visit a Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club store to discuss the program with the pharmacist, or pick up a brochure explaining program details. Please see the Social Services Bulletin Board in the Senior Center for the list of $4 generic drugs.
INTERFAITH Volunteer Care Givers VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN WALLINGFORD
“Caring and Sharing is what Volunteering is all about.”
The following are two recent requests received:
· Elderly woman needs help with grocery shopping.
· Ride needed on a regular basis to MidState Medical Center.
Gas mileage reimbursement is available to our volunteers. Please call S.W. Marie Cunha for details.

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE
In the event of inclement weather, we urge you to watch WVIT-Ch. 30, WTNH-Ch. 8 or WFSB-TV Ch. 3 for information on any opening delays or closings of the Senior Center due to weather.



MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER

The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!

Reverse Mortgage Specialist Jessica Penfield from BCI Financial Mortgage Corporation in Cheshire will offer a Reverse Mortgage presentation at the Senior Center on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 10:30 AM. Topics to be discussed include learning the basics of a reverse mortgage, how a reverse mortgage works, uses for a reverse mortgage, common misconceptions and some case examples of how BCI Financial customers have benefited from having a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage can be a good way for a homeowner to tap into the equity they have built up in their home, to pay for repairs, vacations, medical expenses, a new car or any number of other expenses requiring some extra income. This no cost or obligation program will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center and refreshments will be served. We ask that people planning to attend this program please sign-up in the main office or call us at 237-0066 so that we will know how many people to expect for this program. To learn more about how a reverse mortgage may be able to enhance your retirement income plan to attend this program on Wednesday, January 31 at 10:30 AM.

AARP’s trained volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are once again ready to help you with income tax advice and actual preparation of your 2006 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Senior Center each Wednesday, starting Wednesday, February 7 and continuing until Wednesday, April 11. This free service is offered by appointment on the mezzanine level of the Senior Center. Appointments will be taken starting on Monday, January 8 and can be made by calling the Senior Center at (203) 237-0066. Times are available from 9:00 am until 1:45 pm each Wednesday. At the time of your appointment you must bring a copy of last year’s 2005 tax returns.

For your 2006 return you must bring all1099 forms. These are issued to you for Social Security, pensions, annuities, IRA’s, interest, dividends, brokerage and mutual fund sales and miscellaneous other items. Many times tax returns cannot be completed because all 1099 forms were not brought in. Look carefully at all paperwork you receive for 1099; sometimes it is in small print! If you are still working you will have a W-2 form and, occasionally, seniors may have unemployment compensation, gambling winnings or a State tax refund. All of these forms must be brought to your appointment. Also, to receive a credit on your State tax return you must bring the receipt from the Meriden Tax Collector for car and real estate taxes paid to the City of Meriden. Please note that Tax-Aide counselors are trained to assist with basic tax returns of typical seniors. Individuals involved with partnerships, rental property, trusts, estates, etc. will be referred to professional tax preparers. AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation service offered to all taxpayers with middle- to low-income, with special attention to those 60+. Those with incomes less than or equal to the approximate median household income in Connecticut of $70,000 are eligible to use this service. If your income is greater than this amount and your return is complex we ask that you consult a professional tax preparation service.

The State of Connecticut has announced the new income limits for the ConnPACE Program effective January 1, 2007. For a single person the new income limit will be $23,100 and for a married couple the new income limit will be $31,100. Income includes your adjusted gross income from an income tax return, if filed, Social Security minus the Medicare Part B premium, pensions, interest, dividends and any other income. ConnPACE helps seniors age 65 and over, and people on Social Security Disability, pay for the cost of their prescription drugs, insulin and insulin syringes. There is a $30 registration fee and co-pay of $16.25 for each prescription. For further information, or to pick up an application, please ask in the Senior Center office. Applications and instructions can also be downloaded from the ConnPACE web site at www.connpace.com.

For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.
John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director