News, Events and Activities Wallingford/Meriden February 2008
News, Events and Activities Wallingford/Meriden February 2008
MS Support Group Platt High School
220 Coe Ave. Meriden, Conn.
The Meriden MS Support Group meets at the Meriden Public Library located at 105 Miller St., in Meriden, Conn., at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month from June to August.
There are more than 6,000 Connecticut residents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an oftentimes debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter offers more than 20 support groups throughout Hartford, Tolland, Windham, New London, Middlesex and New Haven counties. These groups bring together people who share a common life experience as it relates to MS and its effects.
For more information, please contact Allison at (203) 230-8672.
For more information on multiple sclerosis and the many ways you can help make a difference, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org or call the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter at (800) Fight-MS.
YOUR GIFT OF TIME . . . . .
Your gift of time is a precious commodity to the frail elderly. Sharing your time, even if it’s only one hour here and there with a friendly visit, escort to a medical appointment or grocery shopping is mutually rewarding for the recipient of service and the volunteer. Please call Marie Cunha at the Wallingford Senior Center and say you want to be an Interfaith Volunteer Care Giver. The next time our telephone rings with a request from someone in desperate need of a ride to a medical appointment, we will be able to tell the caller we know a caring volunteer who can help. Cost of gasoline can be reimbursed. Waiting for your call at 265-7753.
The Senior Buddy Readers Program Seeks Volunteers
The Senior Buddy Readers intergenerational mentoring & literacy program is currently seeking volunteers for the 2006-2007 school year. Active retirees are needed to help first and second grade students improve their reading skills. The program runs from October through the end of May and takes place in six of Meriden’s elementary schools: Ben Franklin, Casimir Pulaski, Hanover, Israel Putnam, Nathan Hale and Thomas Hooker schools.
Anyone interested in sharing one hour a week mentoring a child is invited to call the office of Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566.
Make a difference in the life of a child…become a Senior Buddy Reader volunteer! (The Senior Buddy Readers program is sponsored by nonprofit Meriden Children First Initiative and is supported financially through foundation grants and local business donations.)
New Association Will Promote Connecticut Water Trails
For Immediate Release October 30, 2007 Contacts:
Nineteen enthusiasts of water-based recreation on rivers, lakes and Long Island Sound met on October 27th in Middlefield to take the initial steps in forming a Connecticut Water Trails Association. Mary Mushinsky, executive director of the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA), and Julie Griffin, Meriden paddler and QRWA member, attended the event at the CT Forest and Parks Association headquarters to learn about the proposed statewide organization. Other participants represented tourism bureaus, local paddling clubs, other watershed and trail associations, paddling outfitters and retailers, and local and national outdoor organizations from around the state.
John Monroe of the Rivers & Trails Division of the National Park Service presented the steps to creating a successful water trails association. Monroe explained that Rhode Island has already formed a similar organization that is highlighting water-based recreational trails in that state. In other states, water trails provide an important recreational resource and help people connect to that natural resource, Monroe said. Water trails also foster an understanding of the importance of clean water and are a valuable resource for recreation, education and stewardship. Monroe said established water trails encourage tourism and provide an economic benefit to the communities around them. The increases in economic benefits re-invigorate communities to complete restoration and conservation projects on water trails. Monroe recommended the group begin to create a statewide water trails map.
Attendees focused on the need for an organization which involved all the various stakeholders who used, worked with, or benefited from the state’s water trails. The new organization's goal will be to provide a unified voice for promoting and preserving access to Connecticut's recreational waters for future generations. Participants agreed there is a need for a statewide Connecticut Water Trails Association and unanimously voted to begin the basic ground work. The next meeting of the newly formed Connecticut Water Trails Association will be in March 2008. Anyone interested in getting more information can contact coordinator Sig Hepp at grassrts@hotmail.com.
Contacts:
Connecticut Water Trails Association, Sig Hepp (203) 482-1295 grassrts@hotmail.com
For local stakeholder information, contact Mary Mushinsky at QRWA at (203) 237-2237.
About The Connecticut Water Trails Association:
The Connecticut Water trails association was founded in October 2007 by members of watershed and water trail groups, paddlers, paddling clubs, outdoor retailers and outfitters, and concerned citizens in Connecticut. The basic mission of the Connecticut Water Trail Association is to establish access, recreation and educational opportunities in an environmentally sensitive manner for users of human powered water craft on the coastal and inland waterways of Connecticut. To establish a model of thoughtful use and volunteer stewardship for the Connecticut Water Trails that will assure their conservation in a natural state while providing an exceptional recreational asset that is maintained and cared for by the people who use it. In the end we hope that this mission will be fulfilled by promoting responsible stewardship of Connecticut Water Trails; by encouraging public ownership of sensitive areas; educating the public about the unique natural values of Connecticut Water Trails and the importance of preserving those values; and working with groups and individuals to accomplish mutual preservation goals
Central Connecticut Women’s Forum (www.CentralCtWomen.org) is an energetic and rapidly-growing group of professional and business women who meet (on the third Tuesday in Plainville and first Wednesday in East Windsor) of every month to network, share resources and offer support. Members represent every level of business and industry ranging from students to vitamin distributors to corporate attorneys and each member is a valued addition to the group. Members also receive group rate discounts on insurance through the organization.Meetings consists of an informal networking period, dinner and a speaker except during the summer months and in December when both chapters join together for a joint meeting of all members and prospective members and guests.
A Great Idea!!!
Help a soldier by send a letter or note to:
A Recovering American Soldier c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Avenue,NW Washington,D. C. 20307-5001
If you approve of the idea, please pass it on to your e-mail list
Meriden Family Resource Center Presents
Positive Parenting
Wednesdays 9:00-11:00 am January 30- March 26
Do you want practical, easy-to-implement strategies that really work? Then, you're in the right place! This 8-week program is designed to give you powerful, effective, practical techniques that you'll find easy to learn and even easier to use with your children ages infant to eight years old! There will be plenty of time for questions, discussions and idea sharing.
Childcare will be provided. Class size is limited to 15.
There is a $20.00 program fee To register call 237-4743.
Classes Held At Girls, Inc. 130 Lincoln Street
7th Annual Lovers In The Village Dance
South Meriden- The 7th annual “Lovers In The Village Dance” will be held Friday February 15,2008 from 7:00 P.M. till 12:00 P.M. at the A.O.H. Hall in South Meriden. The evening will feature a buffet dinner, dancing to the music of a D.J., and two raffles. The cost of the evening is $20.00 per person. The proceeds will benefit many projects undertaken by Christmas In The Village. Tickets are available at Tom’s Place in South Meriden, or by calling 634-8173
FLASHBACK 2008 DINNER DANCE SLATED FOR SATURDAY MARCH 1, 2008
WALLINGFORD –
Wallingford Center, Inc. has slated its 16th annual oldies dinner dance for Saturday March 1, 2008. The event is the annual fundraiser sponsored by the organization whose non profit purpose is the revitalization, preservation, beautification and promotion of Wallingford’s central business district.
The March 1st fundraiser will kick-off at 6:30PM with a cash bar, followed by a Tuscan buffet dinner and dancing till midnight to the sounds of the Flashback! band, featuring oldies from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. A “Silent Auction” will continue throughout the evening, featuring an extensive selection of donated items, including a $5,000.00 gift certificate for an individual or family portrait from Bradford Renaissance Portraits in White Plains, New York. www.bradfordportraits.com.
The fundraiser will be held in the grand ballroom at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, 1074 South Colony Road in Wallingford.
Tickets are $30.00 per person, and must be purchased in advance. For information or reservations, call Wallingford Center, Inc. at 203-284-1807. See us on the web at www.wallingfordcenterinc.com..
Dear Editor,
I would like to extend my congratulations to the Scouts and Scouters of Sleeping Giant District who have been been awarded Quality District for 2007 by Boy Scouts of America. The Sleeping Giant District is comprised of Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews in Southington, Meriden, Wallingford, North Haven and Hamden. The Scouting Quality program is designed to recognize districts in achieving excellance in providing a quality program to a growing youth populations at all levels of the Boy Scouts of America. This success is the result of the combined effort of every person in our District: ~ The members of our units who have selflessly given time to coordinate our events, membership, finance, training, advancement, service projects and the many other District level activities that make certain that our members find what they seek in Scouting.~ The professionals at the Connecticut Yankee Council headquarters in Milford who answer countless questions, handle reservations, print flyers and give advice regardless of the hour or day of the week.~ The unit leader and committee member volunteers who find that 'one hour a week' to make a difference in the life of a young person.~ The youth of Sleeping Giant who bring their enthusiasm, their dreams and their drive to this program. It is the happiness on their faces that makes all of this worth while.It is a privilege to share this achievement with you.On behalf of the District Commitee, proudly serving over 2,000 young people and their families in the Sleeping Giant District,Lynn Crisci, District Chairman
The Senior Buddy Readers Program Seeks Volunteers
The Senior Buddy Readers intergenerational mentoring & literacy program is currently seeking volunteers to help finish out the 2007-2008 school year. Active retirees are needed to help first and second grade students improve their reading skills. The program runs from the end of September through May and takes place in Meriden’s elementary schools. We are currently looking for volunteers in these following schools:
Nathan Hale Tuesday 9:30-10:30, Ben Franklin Wednesday 9:30-11:00 (retired teachers only), Casmir Pulaski Wednesday 9:30-10:30,Thomas Hooker Thursday 1:30-2:30,Hanover (recruiting for 2008-2009 school year)
Anyone interested in sharing one hour a week mentoring a child is invited to call the office of Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566. Make a difference in the life of a child…become a Senior Buddy Reader volunteer!
(The Senior Buddy Readers program is sponsored by nonprofit Meriden Children First Initiative and is supported financially through foundation grants and local business donations.)
February Events at Temple B’nai Abraham
1.Rabbi’s Tuesday Study Group - February 5thth and February 26thth at 2:00 p.m.
Rabbi Gloria S. Rubin, spiritual leader of Temple B’nai Abraham, continues her discussion series of contemporary Jewish issues this February with the topic "When Secular and Religious Law Conflict" on February 5th, and the subject "The Sunflower: is forgiveness always necessary/possible?" based in Simon Wiesenthal’s book The Sunflower on February 26thth.
2. Adult Synagogue Skills Class - Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Our Adult Synagogue Skills Class was so elated after learning Torah Trope and having our Torah reading debut, we decided to continue the class and learn additional skills. This new session focuses on the Saturday morning service, helping us to understand the content and meaning of our prayers. New class members are always welcome. Pre-requisite: a basic knowledge of Hebrew reading (ability to decode words - even slowly).
Call the synagogue at 235-2581 for the class schedule.
3. Family Shabbat Services and The Rabbi’s Toy Box at Temple B’nai Abraham - February 15th at 6:30 p.m.
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 Friday, February 15th beginning at 6:30 p.m. On other Friday evenings services begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call (203) 235-2581.
4. Family Bowling - February 17th at 1:00 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of family fun at Brunswick Colony Lanes at 600 S. Colony Road in Wallingford. The cost is $11.00 per person which includes: 2 slices of cheese pizza, soda, shoe rental, and 2 hours of cosmic bowling (music, lights, and bowling!) Please RSVP to Susan Massicott by calling 630-1947 by 10:00 a.m. on February 17th.
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. Temple B’nai Abraham is located at 127 East Main Street in Meriden. Please call (203) 235-2381 for more information.
Valentines Day will be celebrated at the Meriden Turner Society, 800 Old Colony Road, Rt. 71, Meriden, on Sunday, February 10th beginning with a roast beef dinner served promptly at 1PM. Listening and dancing music will be provided by John Prytko's "Good Times Band" until 6PM. For more information and reservations call Leo @ 203-440-0028 or call the Clubhouse on Thursday evening after 7 @ 203-440-9624
A meeting for all Parent Leadership Training Institute ( PLTI ) Graduates will be held on Monday, February 11th at 6:00 - 7:30 PM at Lincoln Middle School. Please call Geri at Meriden Children First at 630-3566 or go to www.meridenchildrenfirst.org to contact us & let us know if you plan to attend. More information on the meeting will soon be sent to you.
Join Eagles Toastmasters!
Dates: First and Third Mondays of the month Time: 7:15 p.m. Place: Wallingford Park and Rec at 6 Fairfield Boulevard Why: Toastmasters International is the World’s Largest Non-Profit Educational Organization, members work on communication and leadership skills More Information: See http://eagle.freetoasthost.com or contact Ian Brooks (203-284-2022). GUESTS ARE WELCOME! Come February 4 and February 18
GOT HEART?
by Sharon Agli-Pageau
Ahhh, the Month of Love is upon us. The time of year when all the red and pink hearts whimsically adorn around us, inviting fanciful daydreams individual to each of us. Whether it's a vision of Cupid, a dear memory of your first love, romantic thoughts of your loved one, adoration for your family/friends, Valentine's Day and all the surrounding palpable celebration thereof most often stirs our hearts. I have always been amazed at the dedication for the masses to devote this one day to proclaim/affirm their love for others. Shouldn't we share our love and gratitude each and every day, as best we can? After all, it's the love in our hearts and our lives that truly define us. It's what matters most, and our ability to share that love amongst one another is everything. Joe and Lucy Gouveia of Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford certainly have heart and live from that space daily. Their winery is "a labor of love and they have made their vision a reality." Being Hunter Christian Pageau's Mommy, I am very well acquainted with not only this concept, but the devotion/dedication it requires to pursue what is most meaningful and heartfelt to me. My vision is to provide the most quality/functional reality for my son, Hunter, who has SMARD1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress), leaving him Ventilator Dependent 24-7 and paralyzed from his hips down. I have devoted my all to this mission, positively, happily, passionately and gratefully. Our family is blessed to have come to know/feel the love from others whom have reached out to us to join us in offering Hunter his Dream: to secure his Freedom/Mobility/Independence. The major accomplishment on Halloween Eve of receiving Hunter's Power Wheelchair brought us half way to realizing Hunter's Dream. Hunter now has an appropriate medium in which to explore his surroundings independently, driving his wheelchair and making his own choices in this way. Step Two is now to guide this vital concept into a larger arena: the World! Hunter only leaves our apartment strapped to an ambulance stretcher to attend both Drs/Therapy appointments, and until a Wheelchair Accessible Van can be provided to transport his 300 lb Power Chair, his World remains terribly limited. The extended family at Gouveia Vineyards are dedicated to Help Hunter Ride, as they understand the need to expand Hunter's limited experienced environment. It was abundantly clear from the first moment of getting to know them that they indeed, have Heart! They are proud to announce that they are hosting a compassionate evening to help Hunter acquire the Wheelchair Accessible Van he so very much needs. This Fundraiser will take place on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at Gouveia Vineyards, 1339 Whirlwind Road, Wallingford. Catering will be done by Demirs Restaurant, entertainment provided by "The Wizard of Wallingford" and Rich DePalma. A live Auction and Door Prizes will conclude the evening! Tickets may either be purchased in advance at either Gouveia Vineyard (Wallingford) or Demirs Restaurant (North Haven), and ALSO at Gouveia's door that evening. Ticket prices are as follows: $70 per couple: includes a buffet dinner with your choice of a bottle of wine, $40 per single person: includes a buffet dinner with your choice of a bottle of wine, $10 per child: includes buffet dinner and choice of non-alcoholic beverages. Hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, along with dessert, will be provided for all! This event will be an evening of opportunity: for Hunter to move closer to living the life he so completely deserves, for our family to directly meet and share our appreciation for those who join us in compassion to Help Hunter Ride, for all of you to make a palpable difference in the life of an ill local child directly, to share and feel love, and I guarantee that experience for all who attend. For those who cannot attend this particular event, and still wish to help, donations can be sent to the Hunter Pageau Trust, 34-3 #116 Shunpike Road, Cromwell, CT 06416 and I may be reached at fitforlifesja@hotmail.com/203.627.3948. Thank you, with love, for your concern and support! Never underestimate the power of compassion...
Thank You Notes from the Field
The Wallingford and Meriden community have continued in their generous support of the Coffee House known as “Holy Joe’s Coffee for the Troops” ministry in Iraq. The coffee drive started locally in June 2006 with one coffee house at Sather AB, Iraq, supported by local soldiers and Chaplains to provide free coffee in a social atmosphere. Thanks to generous donations, including 500 lbs from Green Mountain Coffee in December, another 500 lbs from Walmart, and shipping by Cooper/Atkins, the Holy Joe’s Coffee for Troops now serves 57 different military camps in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait! We want to thank you all, especially our local supporters (we wish we could list you all!) for your continued support of our troops serving overseas. Please read some of the many “thank you” notes from the Chaplains because you are ones who deserve the recognition.
“We have received your shipment of coffee...what a blessing!” Chaplain Chris Barnes, Camp Buehring
“Because of your donations, we were able to open another coffee house at the motor pool....We were given an old worn out shack, but by God’s grace we will make it the most popular place in the area. Once again, we thank you and your ministry for your support”. Chaplain Jeff Smith, Iraq
“Thanks again for the coffee supplies, really a big hit with the troops. We just completed renovations to our new chapel annex tent and plan to start up a coffee house minister in conjunction with our “Movies with Morals” on Friday nights. Since I have a home in Hebron, CT, I hope to visit you later this year”. Chaplain Dennis Saucier, Kuwait
For more information or to make a donation, visit the website at
http://www.ucc.org/justice/coffee-project/holy-joes-cafe.html or contact Tom Jastermsky from First Congregational Church of Wallingford at 1-888-970-7994 or call the Church directly at 265-1691.
MS Support Group Platt High School
220 Coe Ave. Meriden, Conn.
The Meriden MS Support Group meets at the Meriden Public Library located at 105 Miller St., in Meriden, Conn., at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month from June to August.
There are more than 6,000 Connecticut residents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an oftentimes debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter offers more than 20 support groups throughout Hartford, Tolland, Windham, New London, Middlesex and New Haven counties. These groups bring together people who share a common life experience as it relates to MS and its effects.
For more information, please contact Allison at (203) 230-8672.
For more information on multiple sclerosis and the many ways you can help make a difference, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org or call the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter at (800) Fight-MS.
YOUR GIFT OF TIME . . . . .
Your gift of time is a precious commodity to the frail elderly. Sharing your time, even if it’s only one hour here and there with a friendly visit, escort to a medical appointment or grocery shopping is mutually rewarding for the recipient of service and the volunteer. Please call Marie Cunha at the Wallingford Senior Center and say you want to be an Interfaith Volunteer Care Giver. The next time our telephone rings with a request from someone in desperate need of a ride to a medical appointment, we will be able to tell the caller we know a caring volunteer who can help. Cost of gasoline can be reimbursed. Waiting for your call at 265-7753.
The Senior Buddy Readers Program Seeks Volunteers
The Senior Buddy Readers intergenerational mentoring & literacy program is currently seeking volunteers for the 2006-2007 school year. Active retirees are needed to help first and second grade students improve their reading skills. The program runs from October through the end of May and takes place in six of Meriden’s elementary schools: Ben Franklin, Casimir Pulaski, Hanover, Israel Putnam, Nathan Hale and Thomas Hooker schools.
Anyone interested in sharing one hour a week mentoring a child is invited to call the office of Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566.
Make a difference in the life of a child…become a Senior Buddy Reader volunteer! (The Senior Buddy Readers program is sponsored by nonprofit Meriden Children First Initiative and is supported financially through foundation grants and local business donations.)
New Association Will Promote Connecticut Water Trails
For Immediate Release October 30, 2007 Contacts:
Nineteen enthusiasts of water-based recreation on rivers, lakes and Long Island Sound met on October 27th in Middlefield to take the initial steps in forming a Connecticut Water Trails Association. Mary Mushinsky, executive director of the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA), and Julie Griffin, Meriden paddler and QRWA member, attended the event at the CT Forest and Parks Association headquarters to learn about the proposed statewide organization. Other participants represented tourism bureaus, local paddling clubs, other watershed and trail associations, paddling outfitters and retailers, and local and national outdoor organizations from around the state.
John Monroe of the Rivers & Trails Division of the National Park Service presented the steps to creating a successful water trails association. Monroe explained that Rhode Island has already formed a similar organization that is highlighting water-based recreational trails in that state. In other states, water trails provide an important recreational resource and help people connect to that natural resource, Monroe said. Water trails also foster an understanding of the importance of clean water and are a valuable resource for recreation, education and stewardship. Monroe said established water trails encourage tourism and provide an economic benefit to the communities around them. The increases in economic benefits re-invigorate communities to complete restoration and conservation projects on water trails. Monroe recommended the group begin to create a statewide water trails map.
Attendees focused on the need for an organization which involved all the various stakeholders who used, worked with, or benefited from the state’s water trails. The new organization's goal will be to provide a unified voice for promoting and preserving access to Connecticut's recreational waters for future generations. Participants agreed there is a need for a statewide Connecticut Water Trails Association and unanimously voted to begin the basic ground work. The next meeting of the newly formed Connecticut Water Trails Association will be in March 2008. Anyone interested in getting more information can contact coordinator Sig Hepp at grassrts@hotmail.com.
Contacts:
Connecticut Water Trails Association, Sig Hepp (203) 482-1295 grassrts@hotmail.com
For local stakeholder information, contact Mary Mushinsky at QRWA at (203) 237-2237.
About The Connecticut Water Trails Association:
The Connecticut Water trails association was founded in October 2007 by members of watershed and water trail groups, paddlers, paddling clubs, outdoor retailers and outfitters, and concerned citizens in Connecticut. The basic mission of the Connecticut Water Trail Association is to establish access, recreation and educational opportunities in an environmentally sensitive manner for users of human powered water craft on the coastal and inland waterways of Connecticut. To establish a model of thoughtful use and volunteer stewardship for the Connecticut Water Trails that will assure their conservation in a natural state while providing an exceptional recreational asset that is maintained and cared for by the people who use it. In the end we hope that this mission will be fulfilled by promoting responsible stewardship of Connecticut Water Trails; by encouraging public ownership of sensitive areas; educating the public about the unique natural values of Connecticut Water Trails and the importance of preserving those values; and working with groups and individuals to accomplish mutual preservation goals
Central Connecticut Women’s Forum (www.CentralCtWomen.org) is an energetic and rapidly-growing group of professional and business women who meet (on the third Tuesday in Plainville and first Wednesday in East Windsor) of every month to network, share resources and offer support. Members represent every level of business and industry ranging from students to vitamin distributors to corporate attorneys and each member is a valued addition to the group. Members also receive group rate discounts on insurance through the organization.Meetings consists of an informal networking period, dinner and a speaker except during the summer months and in December when both chapters join together for a joint meeting of all members and prospective members and guests.
A Great Idea!!!
Help a soldier by send a letter or note to:
A Recovering American Soldier c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center 6900 Georgia Avenue,NW Washington,D. C. 20307-5001
If you approve of the idea, please pass it on to your e-mail list
Meriden Family Resource Center Presents
Positive Parenting
Wednesdays 9:00-11:00 am January 30- March 26
Do you want practical, easy-to-implement strategies that really work? Then, you're in the right place! This 8-week program is designed to give you powerful, effective, practical techniques that you'll find easy to learn and even easier to use with your children ages infant to eight years old! There will be plenty of time for questions, discussions and idea sharing.
Childcare will be provided. Class size is limited to 15.
There is a $20.00 program fee To register call 237-4743.
Classes Held At Girls, Inc. 130 Lincoln Street
7th Annual Lovers In The Village Dance
South Meriden- The 7th annual “Lovers In The Village Dance” will be held Friday February 15,2008 from 7:00 P.M. till 12:00 P.M. at the A.O.H. Hall in South Meriden. The evening will feature a buffet dinner, dancing to the music of a D.J., and two raffles. The cost of the evening is $20.00 per person. The proceeds will benefit many projects undertaken by Christmas In The Village. Tickets are available at Tom’s Place in South Meriden, or by calling 634-8173
FLASHBACK 2008 DINNER DANCE SLATED FOR SATURDAY MARCH 1, 2008
WALLINGFORD –
Wallingford Center, Inc. has slated its 16th annual oldies dinner dance for Saturday March 1, 2008. The event is the annual fundraiser sponsored by the organization whose non profit purpose is the revitalization, preservation, beautification and promotion of Wallingford’s central business district.
The March 1st fundraiser will kick-off at 6:30PM with a cash bar, followed by a Tuscan buffet dinner and dancing till midnight to the sounds of the Flashback! band, featuring oldies from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. A “Silent Auction” will continue throughout the evening, featuring an extensive selection of donated items, including a $5,000.00 gift certificate for an individual or family portrait from Bradford Renaissance Portraits in White Plains, New York. www.bradfordportraits.com.
The fundraiser will be held in the grand ballroom at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, 1074 South Colony Road in Wallingford.
Tickets are $30.00 per person, and must be purchased in advance. For information or reservations, call Wallingford Center, Inc. at 203-284-1807. See us on the web at www.wallingfordcenterinc.com..
Dear Editor,
I would like to extend my congratulations to the Scouts and Scouters of Sleeping Giant District who have been been awarded Quality District for 2007 by Boy Scouts of America. The Sleeping Giant District is comprised of Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews in Southington, Meriden, Wallingford, North Haven and Hamden. The Scouting Quality program is designed to recognize districts in achieving excellance in providing a quality program to a growing youth populations at all levels of the Boy Scouts of America. This success is the result of the combined effort of every person in our District: ~ The members of our units who have selflessly given time to coordinate our events, membership, finance, training, advancement, service projects and the many other District level activities that make certain that our members find what they seek in Scouting.~ The professionals at the Connecticut Yankee Council headquarters in Milford who answer countless questions, handle reservations, print flyers and give advice regardless of the hour or day of the week.~ The unit leader and committee member volunteers who find that 'one hour a week' to make a difference in the life of a young person.~ The youth of Sleeping Giant who bring their enthusiasm, their dreams and their drive to this program. It is the happiness on their faces that makes all of this worth while.It is a privilege to share this achievement with you.On behalf of the District Commitee, proudly serving over 2,000 young people and their families in the Sleeping Giant District,Lynn Crisci, District Chairman
The Senior Buddy Readers Program Seeks Volunteers
The Senior Buddy Readers intergenerational mentoring & literacy program is currently seeking volunteers to help finish out the 2007-2008 school year. Active retirees are needed to help first and second grade students improve their reading skills. The program runs from the end of September through May and takes place in Meriden’s elementary schools. We are currently looking for volunteers in these following schools:
Nathan Hale Tuesday 9:30-10:30, Ben Franklin Wednesday 9:30-11:00 (retired teachers only), Casmir Pulaski Wednesday 9:30-10:30,Thomas Hooker Thursday 1:30-2:30,Hanover (recruiting for 2008-2009 school year)
Anyone interested in sharing one hour a week mentoring a child is invited to call the office of Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566. Make a difference in the life of a child…become a Senior Buddy Reader volunteer!
(The Senior Buddy Readers program is sponsored by nonprofit Meriden Children First Initiative and is supported financially through foundation grants and local business donations.)
February Events at Temple B’nai Abraham
1.Rabbi’s Tuesday Study Group - February 5thth and February 26thth at 2:00 p.m.
Rabbi Gloria S. Rubin, spiritual leader of Temple B’nai Abraham, continues her discussion series of contemporary Jewish issues this February with the topic "When Secular and Religious Law Conflict" on February 5th, and the subject "The Sunflower: is forgiveness always necessary/possible?" based in Simon Wiesenthal’s book The Sunflower on February 26thth.
2. Adult Synagogue Skills Class - Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Our Adult Synagogue Skills Class was so elated after learning Torah Trope and having our Torah reading debut, we decided to continue the class and learn additional skills. This new session focuses on the Saturday morning service, helping us to understand the content and meaning of our prayers. New class members are always welcome. Pre-requisite: a basic knowledge of Hebrew reading (ability to decode words - even slowly).
Call the synagogue at 235-2581 for the class schedule.
3. Family Shabbat Services and The Rabbi’s Toy Box at Temple B’nai Abraham - February 15th at 6:30 p.m.
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 Friday, February 15th beginning at 6:30 p.m. On other Friday evenings services begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call (203) 235-2581.
4. Family Bowling - February 17th at 1:00 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of family fun at Brunswick Colony Lanes at 600 S. Colony Road in Wallingford. The cost is $11.00 per person which includes: 2 slices of cheese pizza, soda, shoe rental, and 2 hours of cosmic bowling (music, lights, and bowling!) Please RSVP to Susan Massicott by calling 630-1947 by 10:00 a.m. on February 17th.
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. Temple B’nai Abraham is located at 127 East Main Street in Meriden. Please call (203) 235-2381 for more information.
Valentines Day will be celebrated at the Meriden Turner Society, 800 Old Colony Road, Rt. 71, Meriden, on Sunday, February 10th beginning with a roast beef dinner served promptly at 1PM. Listening and dancing music will be provided by John Prytko's "Good Times Band" until 6PM. For more information and reservations call Leo @ 203-440-0028 or call the Clubhouse on Thursday evening after 7 @ 203-440-9624
A meeting for all Parent Leadership Training Institute ( PLTI ) Graduates will be held on Monday, February 11th at 6:00 - 7:30 PM at Lincoln Middle School. Please call Geri at Meriden Children First at 630-3566 or go to www.meridenchildrenfirst.org to contact us & let us know if you plan to attend. More information on the meeting will soon be sent to you.
Join Eagles Toastmasters!
Dates: First and Third Mondays of the month Time: 7:15 p.m. Place: Wallingford Park and Rec at 6 Fairfield Boulevard Why: Toastmasters International is the World’s Largest Non-Profit Educational Organization, members work on communication and leadership skills More Information: See http://eagle.freetoasthost.com or contact Ian Brooks (203-284-2022). GUESTS ARE WELCOME! Come February 4 and February 18
GOT HEART?
by Sharon Agli-Pageau
Ahhh, the Month of Love is upon us. The time of year when all the red and pink hearts whimsically adorn around us, inviting fanciful daydreams individual to each of us. Whether it's a vision of Cupid, a dear memory of your first love, romantic thoughts of your loved one, adoration for your family/friends, Valentine's Day and all the surrounding palpable celebration thereof most often stirs our hearts. I have always been amazed at the dedication for the masses to devote this one day to proclaim/affirm their love for others. Shouldn't we share our love and gratitude each and every day, as best we can? After all, it's the love in our hearts and our lives that truly define us. It's what matters most, and our ability to share that love amongst one another is everything. Joe and Lucy Gouveia of Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford certainly have heart and live from that space daily. Their winery is "a labor of love and they have made their vision a reality." Being Hunter Christian Pageau's Mommy, I am very well acquainted with not only this concept, but the devotion/dedication it requires to pursue what is most meaningful and heartfelt to me. My vision is to provide the most quality/functional reality for my son, Hunter, who has SMARD1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress), leaving him Ventilator Dependent 24-7 and paralyzed from his hips down. I have devoted my all to this mission, positively, happily, passionately and gratefully. Our family is blessed to have come to know/feel the love from others whom have reached out to us to join us in offering Hunter his Dream: to secure his Freedom/Mobility/Independence. The major accomplishment on Halloween Eve of receiving Hunter's Power Wheelchair brought us half way to realizing Hunter's Dream. Hunter now has an appropriate medium in which to explore his surroundings independently, driving his wheelchair and making his own choices in this way. Step Two is now to guide this vital concept into a larger arena: the World! Hunter only leaves our apartment strapped to an ambulance stretcher to attend both Drs/Therapy appointments, and until a Wheelchair Accessible Van can be provided to transport his 300 lb Power Chair, his World remains terribly limited. The extended family at Gouveia Vineyards are dedicated to Help Hunter Ride, as they understand the need to expand Hunter's limited experienced environment. It was abundantly clear from the first moment of getting to know them that they indeed, have Heart! They are proud to announce that they are hosting a compassionate evening to help Hunter acquire the Wheelchair Accessible Van he so very much needs. This Fundraiser will take place on Thursday, February 28th, 2008 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at Gouveia Vineyards, 1339 Whirlwind Road, Wallingford. Catering will be done by Demirs Restaurant, entertainment provided by "The Wizard of Wallingford" and Rich DePalma. A live Auction and Door Prizes will conclude the evening! Tickets may either be purchased in advance at either Gouveia Vineyard (Wallingford) or Demirs Restaurant (North Haven), and ALSO at Gouveia's door that evening. Ticket prices are as follows: $70 per couple: includes a buffet dinner with your choice of a bottle of wine, $40 per single person: includes a buffet dinner with your choice of a bottle of wine, $10 per child: includes buffet dinner and choice of non-alcoholic beverages. Hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, along with dessert, will be provided for all! This event will be an evening of opportunity: for Hunter to move closer to living the life he so completely deserves, for our family to directly meet and share our appreciation for those who join us in compassion to Help Hunter Ride, for all of you to make a palpable difference in the life of an ill local child directly, to share and feel love, and I guarantee that experience for all who attend. For those who cannot attend this particular event, and still wish to help, donations can be sent to the Hunter Pageau Trust, 34-3 #116 Shunpike Road, Cromwell, CT 06416 and I may be reached at fitforlifesja@hotmail.com/203.627.3948. Thank you, with love, for your concern and support! Never underestimate the power of compassion...
Thank You Notes from the Field
The Wallingford and Meriden community have continued in their generous support of the Coffee House known as “Holy Joe’s Coffee for the Troops” ministry in Iraq. The coffee drive started locally in June 2006 with one coffee house at Sather AB, Iraq, supported by local soldiers and Chaplains to provide free coffee in a social atmosphere. Thanks to generous donations, including 500 lbs from Green Mountain Coffee in December, another 500 lbs from Walmart, and shipping by Cooper/Atkins, the Holy Joe’s Coffee for Troops now serves 57 different military camps in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait! We want to thank you all, especially our local supporters (we wish we could list you all!) for your continued support of our troops serving overseas. Please read some of the many “thank you” notes from the Chaplains because you are ones who deserve the recognition.
“We have received your shipment of coffee...what a blessing!” Chaplain Chris Barnes, Camp Buehring
“Because of your donations, we were able to open another coffee house at the motor pool....We were given an old worn out shack, but by God’s grace we will make it the most popular place in the area. Once again, we thank you and your ministry for your support”. Chaplain Jeff Smith, Iraq
“Thanks again for the coffee supplies, really a big hit with the troops. We just completed renovations to our new chapel annex tent and plan to start up a coffee house minister in conjunction with our “Movies with Morals” on Friday nights. Since I have a home in Hebron, CT, I hope to visit you later this year”. Chaplain Dennis Saucier, Kuwait
For more information or to make a donation, visit the website at
http://www.ucc.org/justice/coffee-project/holy-joes-cafe.html or contact Tom Jastermsky from First Congregational Church of Wallingford at 1-888-970-7994 or call the Church directly at 265-1691.
posted by The People's Press at
10:22 AM
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