News and Events from Late October 2006 issue of The People's Press

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WALLINGFORD COMMUNITY DINNERS
Come celebrate the holiday with us! Enjoy turkey and all the trimmings – with music, laughter, and a good time for all!
WHEN: THANKSGIVING DAY & CHRISTMAS DAY NOON – 2:00 PMWHERE: FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WALLINGFORD 23 S. MAIN ST. TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED MEALS WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE HOMEBOUND DON’T SPEND THE HOLIDAY ALONE!! FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: Nancy Freyberg at 284-8299
Sponsored by: Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. and First Congregational Church of Wallingford
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Michael Edward Fanning, 51, Topeka, KS passed away Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2006.
Michael was born February 17, 1955 in Meriden-Wallingford, CT, the son of Edward and Louise Segaline Fanning. He married Tammy Tomlinson on May 10, 1980. Michael graduated from Horris-Wilcox Technical School and worked as an electrician for BNSF railway for 15 years. He was a member of ABATE. He served eight years in Army. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Tammy, son, Paul and his wife, Candace Fanning, daughters, Allison and Ashley Fanning, grandchildren, Neaveh and Brooklyn Fanning, all of Topeka, sisters, Karen Fanning, Clairmont, VT, Maureen Dugette-Fanning, Springfield, VT, and Linda Roukey, Tuscon, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Julius James Harvey. A celebration of Michael’s life was held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka, KS. Services in Vermont will be announced at a later date.
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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.)
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Exhibit Opens At Easel Works
Ghosts - Goblins - Ghouls....And A Pumpkin Or Two
The Exhibit .....Ghosts - Goblins - Ghouls.....And A Pumpkin Or Two, will open on Saturday, September 30th at Easel Works Creative Art Studio & Gallery. The imagination gone wild.... ......Ghosts....Goblins......Ghouls.....Pumpkins....come together in this unusual and unique display of creative art celebrating Halloween done by adult and young artists. The public is invited to stop by during "Art On The Wall." The Exhibit will be on display throughout the month of October.
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Meriden Humane Society has opened a thrift store, also at 311 Murdock Avenue, Meriden. If you have any items you would like to donate, it would be most appreciative to receive them to bring over to the shelter. Thanks in advance for whatever help you can provide. It is a challenge raising over $200,000 yearly to support the stray and abandoned animals we serve at this no-kill shelter, so any help you can give would be wonderful. Thanks again. **
CT VNA Hospice: Volunteer
Do you want to make a difference in your life and the life of someone else?
Have you ever considered becoming a hospice volunteer? Hospice is about living life to its fullest, and we need your help to make this possible for our patients and their families. There are many volunteer opportunities available.... companionship, respite for weary caregivers, visiting patients with your pet, sharing your musical or artistic talents, or helping with clerical projects.
Training to become a volunteer with Connecticut VNA's hospice will be beginning soon. For an enriching and meaningful experience, please call today.
For more information, please call Jolan Szollosi, Volunteer Coordinator at 203-679-5342
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Lyman Hall Plans 25-year reunion
The Lyman Hall High School class of 1981 will sponsor a 25-year reunion from 7:00 p.m. to midnight Nov. 24th at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn on Route 5. The cost is $50 per person and will include open bar, buffet dinner and a disc jockey. For information, call Joe or Debi (Fusco) Mrozowski at (203) 269-3106.
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HOLY ANGELS CHURCH SEEKS CRAFTERS FOR HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Holy Angels Church, 585 Main Street in South Meriden is seeking Vendors and Craftspeople for its annual holiday bazaar “Christmas on the Hill” to be held on Saturday, November 18. The Bazaar will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Holy Angels Parish Center. The bazaar will feature crafts, food, baked goods and raffle prizes. There is a per-table charge. For further information (203) 235-3822.
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Meriden Supporters Wanted to Achieve Universal Healthcare in Connecticut
Do you want quality, affordable healthcare? Do you know someone who is struggling to get the healthcare they deserve? Does your business have trouble affording insurance for your employees? If so, you will be interested in attending Meriden’s Public Forum on “Achieving Universal Healthcare Together.” The healthcare4every1 campaign through Meriden Children First Initiative will be sponsoring this public event. This campaign is committed to organizing a network of diverse Connecticut residents in order to build public and political support to achieve Universal Healthcare in Connecticut. There are more than 356,000 Connecticut residents who have no health insurance coverage and more than 4,500 Meriden residents who are uninsured. This public forum will be one to generate discussion on what would be an ideal health insurance plan and how we can promote this initiative in order to achieve Universal Healthcare throughout the state of Connecticut. Together we can achieve Universal Healthcare in Connecticut. Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire have achieved Universal Healthcare. Let’s be the next! Please make your voice be heard and show your support on Wednesday, October 25th from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at John Barry School cafeteria. Day care can be provided at your request. State Representative Senator Christopher Donovan and State Senator Thomas Gaffey will be the keynote speakers as they are avid supporters of this campaign. Juan Figueroa, President of the Universal Health Care Foundation, and Mayor Mark Benigni will be presenting at the forum. Please invite your family, friends and colleagues to show your support. There will be a translator available for Spanish speaking families. Please contact Marissa Cardona at (203) 815-5680 or Dante Bartolomeo at (203) 815-5758 by October 20th to confirm your attendance or for any information on this important initiative. Remember: Healthcare is a right!
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Enter Essay Contest to Win New Playground for Hubbard Park
Please help win a new barrier-free handicapped accessible playground for Hubbard Park! Hasbro is sponsoring an essay contest offering a $300,000 Boundless Playground for one grand prize winner's community, and online gift cards valued at $125 each for 20 finalist prize winners. Submit an original 500- to 750-word essay by November 30th, along with the completed entry form. One entry per family. Go to www.hasbro.com/playskool, click on In the Community/ Boundless Playground for contest rules and to download the entry form. The entry form is also available at www.noahsarkofhope.com .
For more information about the playground project send an email to hubbardParkPlayground@peoplespressnews.com
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CRAFTERS NEEDED FOR CRAFT FAIR
A craft fair is being sponsored by the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department, Meriden/Wallingford Relay for Life Team, and crafters are needed. It will be held on Saturday, November 11th, at the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department, 143 Hope Hill Road in Yalesville. The fair will run from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Anyone interested in having a space, and would like more information and a registration form, please call Diane at 265-5576.
YALESVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CRAFT FAIR
Craft fair November 11, 2006, Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department, 143 Hope Hill Road, Yalesville. Sponsored by The Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department, American Cancer Society, Relay for Life Team
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HALLOWEEN HAPPENING
When: Friday, October 27, 2006, at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 28, 2006, at 8:00 p.m.
What: The silent film "Nosferatu," 1922, with live organ accompaniment by Shari Lucas. The film is based almost entirely on Bram Strokers "Dracula." Many people not only consider it the best Dracula film ever made, but the best horror film ever made.
Where: The First Church of Christ, 190 Court Street, Middletown, CT. Exit 15 off Route 9, take first left onto Main Street, then first left onto Court Street.
Fee: Suggested donation of $5.00 per person and $10.00 per family
Info: 860-346-6657
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Volunteers Wanted For Meriden Public Schools
The Meriden Public Schools Volunteer Program is currently seeking media help at two elementary schools. This opportunity would consist of helping the library/media teacher check out books with elementary students and other related media tasks. If you would like to help out and have some fun, please call, Nan L Despres, Coordinator of Volunteers at 634-7985. Other volunteer opportunities in the Meriden Public Schools also exist. One half-hour a week is all that is required. Training is provided. We will work around your schedule. All are encouraged to volunteer. Retirees and bilingual are very welcome.
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St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Meriden will hold a Holiday Fair on Saturday, November 4th, 2006, from 9:00 - 3:00. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland.” Tables for outside crafters are available. For information/application please call Pat @238-4227, Jen at 238-2283 or the Church at 237-7451. The fair will feature a basket raffle, bake sale, outside crafters, and a Cafe'.
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Pratt and Whitney Cancer Meeting I would like to update you on some information on the Brain Cancer study at Pratt and Whitney. This is a long hard research study that has been going on for some time now. There will be an informational session meeting on Wednesday October 18, 2006, at 7:00 p.m at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Cromwell, Connecticut. I would like to encourage all people who are employed at P&W, worked or are retired from Pratt & Whitney or anybody who is interested in the study to attend this worthwhile meeting. Get the information firsthand from the scientists and researchers themselves. There will also be a time where you can sit down with the researchers and discuss your concerns and your issues. We are also still in need of employees who can help us describe processes from years ago. This is one of the largest studies in the world that has ever been conducted. We want to make this a most accurate and effective study. The researchers who are entrusted to this project are very highly qualified.
Dr. Gary Marsh, Ph.D -- In charge of epidemiology. He is the principal investigator , from the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr.Nurtan Esmen, Ph.D -- In charge of exposure assessment. He is the principal investigator from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Frank Lieberman, M.D. -- In charge of genetics. He is from the University of Pittsburgh.
All of these researchers have teams put in place to handle the heavy volume of work. This is also a joint initiative between the International Association of Machinists District 26, The Department of Public Health, and Pratt & Whitney.
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Connecticut VNA Announces Grand Opening of “The Art of Hospice Care” at NOMA Gallery in Middletown
Connecticut VNA’s Hospice has planned a grand opening celebration for the debut of their traveling art exhibit entitled, “Continuing the Journey - The Art of Hospice Care.” The public is invited to attend the opening of the exhibit on Friday, October 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the NOMA Gallery, 648 Main Street, Middletown. The exhibit is an extraordinary and powerful multimedia display depicting the use of the arts in hospice care. It is a collection of paintings, drawings, photography, poetry, shadow boxes and more that have been done with, for and about ordinary people at the end of their lives. The exhibit highlights the unique gifts patients and their loved ones have received through Connecticut VNA’s compassionate and supportive Hospice team. Susan Rosano, an Expressive Arts Therapist with Connecticut VNA’s Hospice team and an organizer of the exhibit, said the group wanted to show the public the incredible work that is being done with people at the end of their lives and how it can contribute to the process of emotional healing for family members and friends. “The poems we write with our patients -- the collages and drawings we help them make -- their hand castings -- all have become lasting memorials to them.” Marion Donahue, President of Connecticut VNA, said the exhibit will help people understand the major role art and art therapy can play in helping them cope with a terminal illness. “The strength and intensity of the arts and complementary services in end of life care are tangible through this dramatic collection. Our complementary therapies team put a great deal of time and energy into developing this exceptional exhibit and we are very proud of what they’ve accomplished.” “Completing the Journey: The Art of Hospice Care” will be on display at the NOMA Gallery through November 17, and will then be exhibited through various venues around the state. For additional information or to learn how you can showcase this traveling exhibit, please contact Susan Rosano at 203-679-5300.
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Meeting of Parent Support Group in the Naugatuck Valley Region for parents who have out-of-control adolescent and adult children. Tough Love St. Anthony's Church Routes 68 and 69 Prospect, CT Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
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THE MERIDEN SKI CLUB
The Meriden Ski Club was established in 1963 to provide its members with skiing opportunities and skiing values. The club sponsors a wide variety of activities, which include day bus trips to ski areas in Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Weekend and weeklong trips are also sponsored. This year they include weekend trips to Stow, Vermont; Burke Mountain, Vermont; Sugarbush, Vermont; and Sunapee, New Hampshire. This year’s weeklong trips will be to Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada; Banff, Canada; and to Andorra, Spain. Each year’s trips are to different areas. In the past our trips have been to France, Italy, and Austria. The club also has a staff of ASIA trained ski instructors who provide ski and snow board lessons to our members and their children. Club instructors often offer instruction on ski trips that they may attend. For members who are interested in ski racing, the club participates in the Connecticut Ski Council Monday night race program at Mt. Southington. Many members also race in various race programs and in the annual Club Race. We also sponsor race training programs where members can learn to race. We offer various ways to save on skiing costs. The Connecticut Ski Council offers close to 100 ski days when lift tickets, to various ski areas, can be purchased from $20 to $30. The club also purchases discounted bulk tickets that are sold to club members at reduced rates. The Meriden Ski Club offers a wide variety of social events for members, their children and guests to participate in. These events are held throughout the year. These events consist of a semiformal dance, Christmas party, members’ nights and an annual season awards banquet. In the past we have held outings to Block Island, picnics, bike rides, golf tournaments, baseball games and tubing. The club offers a listing of club members along with addresses and phone numbers. This information is furnished for the benefit of members who may want to contact other members to plan skiing or other activities. On October 26, 2006, we will be having an Open House. At our open house we have representatives from different club trips and activities on hand to answer any questions a prospective member may have. Various ski shops and ski areas will also have representatives in attendance. Refreshments will be served and we will have door prizes, which will include ski equipment and area lift tickets. This night will give prospective members a chance to talk to our members, ask questions and find out what the Meriden Ski Club has to offer.
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Crafters Wanted
The Fatima Women's Club of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Yalesville is sponsoring a craft fair on Saturday November 11, 2006, in the parish hall from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and crafters are needed. Please call Sandy P. at 235-2639 or Sandy C. at 269-6498 for more details.
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CRAFTERS WANTED
The North Italian Home Club on 43 Thorpe Avenue in Meriden will be having its annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday December 9, 2006, from 9:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Crafters interested in renting space may call MaryAnn at 203-238-4143 for more information.
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EXHIBITIONS AND PROGRAMS: NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2006
The Gallery's main building, designed by American architect Louis Kahn, reopens to the public on December 10. The reopening will feature masterworks from the African, Asian, early European, and modern and contemporary collections, including important new acquisitions. Information about special events for the reopening will be sent out in October. In the meantime, exhibitions, gallery talks, and master classes continue in the Gallery's Swartwout wing; please see link to PDF for complete schedule.
The Gallery's Kahn building reopens to the public on December 10, 2006.The new exhibition "Jasper Johns: From Plate to Print" opens December 10.The new exhibition "Making a Mark: Four Contemporary Artists in Print" opens December 10. The new exhibition "Responding to Kahn: A Sculptural Conversation" opens December 10.
Complete calendar of events (PDF) is available at:
http://artgallery.yale.edu/pages/info/press.html
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Volunteers Needed for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Sunday, October 15
Volunteers are needed for the 12th annual American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday, October 15, 2006, at Bushnell Park in Hartford, CT. More than 250 volunteers are needed to help the Society make strides against breast cancer. Opportunities to help include greeting walkers, registration, distributing snacks and drinks, directing traffic and parking, setup and clean up. Individuals and groups are encouraged to become involved. If you have one or more hours to help anytime from 7:00 a.m. through the afternoon, please contact Kathy Maguda at 203.379.4875, via email at Kathy.maguda@cancer.org or in person at the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Avenue, Meriden. Making Strides is the oldest and largest one-day walk in the nation to fight breast cancer. Funds raised support the American Cancer Society's breast cancer research, education, advocacy and patient support programs. For more information about Making Strides, visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline, call 1.800.ACS.2345.
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“A Night for Noah” Cocktail Party
Friday, November 3, 2006
Triple Crown Room, Colts Neck, New Jersey, 7:00 p.m.
For more information contact Allyson Zenkert at noahsarkofhope@yahoo.com
“A Night for Noah” Dance featuring Riverstreet
Saturday, November 18, 2006, Mountainside Outing Club, 8:00 p.m.
Ticket Info:
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the following locations in Meriden:
JC Music
529 West Main Street
Fishers Fine Foods
21 South Colony Street
Katz Sports Shop
519 West Main Street
Valencia Liquors
1231 East Main Street
If you are interested in purchasing tickets or would like to volunteer for this event, please call Kathy Showerda at 203/235-4508 or Nancy Crispino at 203/237-7908.
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Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Fall Family Night
Hayride, pumpkin carving, snacks, and late night at the book fair on October 26th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
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Are you ready for some fun? Kiwanis Kapers is coming November 3 & 4th!
Kiwanis Kapers presents “Those Were The Days.” Celebrating Meriden's Bicentennial and 55 years of Kapers. Join us for this highly entertaining variety show reflecting back on some of the more memorable moments of our past. This year’s show brings back some of our alumni performers and is filled with humor and a variety of acts sure to please first-timers as well as seasoned Kaper-goers. George says he's been warming up his vocals all summer long! Where? Maloney High School. When? November 3 & 4. Time? 8:00 PM. All proceeds directly support Kiwanis sponsored community activities .
Tickets call Dave at 537-6175.
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Old Saybrook Fire Department is pleased to announce the 9th Annual Haunted Hayride, 2006. All year long we put out the fires, but during Halloween, we ignite a blaze of scary for all to enjoy.
A possessed tractor-drawn hay wagon leads you into the deep, dark, demented woods of Middlesex County. For more than 50 minutes you will venture into the ghastly world of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls. In the fog, you'll be frightened by the eerie sounds of nature versus creature. Which are in front, which are behind, and witch are beyond?
Where: CLARK MEMORIAL FIELD, 210 ELM STREET & INGHAM HILL ROAD (Across from Pasta Vita), OLD SAYBROOK, CT.
When: FRIDAY OCT. 27th, SATURDAY, OCT. 28th, & SUNDAY OCT. 29th.
TRAILER RIDES START AT DUSK 7:00 p.m.
$10.00* ADULTS, CHILDREN UNDER 12 - $5.00*
*Bring a can of food to donate for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & receive $1.00 off admission
*ADVANCE GROUP SALES OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT: www.oldsaybrookfire.com (http://www.oldsaybrookfire.com/hayride.html) /hayride.html
*Groups of 20 or more, includes express admission.
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INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVERS WALLINGFORD WANTED!
Volunteers to help frail, elderly neighbors shop, get to medical appointments, provide respite to a family member.
QUALIFICATIONS: People with a warm, loving heart and one or two hours of time each week. No hands-on care!
BENEFITS: Feel great about yourself! Have fun! Plan you own hours! Meet new people!
Become an Interfaith Volunteer Care Giver! Find out more by calling Marie Cunha, Social Worker, Wallingford Senior Center at 265-7753.
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Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield
New Medicare Advantage HMO Plan
Information Session
Wallingford Senior Center, Friday, October 27, 2006, 10:15 a.m.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have rolled out a new HMO Plan. Medicare beneficiaries can receive their Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan. Learn about premium costs, co-payments and extra benefits of Anthem's new HMO plan. Then you can compare costs and benefits of this new HMO plan with traditional Medicare Part A&B coverage and a Medigap insurance policy. Please call 265-7753 to sign up; open to the public.
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MEDICARE PART D OPEN ENROLLMENT INFORMATION SESSION
Wallingford Senior Center, Thursday, October 26, 2006, 10:15 a.m.
The next opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan is November 15 through December 31, 2006. Even if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan please come learn about:
a. Medicare drug plan coverage for 2007b. How to switch from one drug plan to anotherc. Who gets "Extra Help"d. How does the "Coverage Gap" worke. How to delay or avoid reaching the "Coverage Gap"
Please register for this program by calling 265-7753; open to the public.
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COURSE FOCUSES ON FALL MIGRATION OF BIRDS
By popular demand, Guilford-based Sunrise Birding is offering another Fall Migration Bird Watching Course in October and November. Taught by instructor Gina Nichol, this course offers beginner and experienced bird watchers the chance to practice bird watching, gain experience, and improve bird identification skills with fall migrants, including shorebirds, raptors, sparrows, and more. Participants will learn how to use field marks, habitat, behavior, and sound as aids in identification. Through field observation, bird watchers will learn how to identify birds with confidence and gain knowledge of where and when to look for birds. The series of three outdoor sessions is offered on Tuesday mornings beginning October 31st and continuing on November 7th & 14th, 2006, from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven. Lighthouse Point Park is a hotspot for bird migration through November. Many migrant birds including cave swallow, brant, long-tailed duck, red-breasted merganser, common loon and other waterfowl pass through the park on their southward journey. Other species possible can include rough-legged hawk, great-horned owl, and shorebirds, including yellowlegs and dunlin. The fee for the course is $69 per person. Discounts are available to supporters of local conservation organizations. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, go to http://www.sunrisebirding.com/fall_migration_courseII.htm.
Sunrise Birding offers personalized, authentic, affordable travel adventures and learning opportunities intended to reveal the splendor and diversity of the natural world.
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You can HELP!!!
Australia's island state of Tasmania is home to unique ecosystems that contain some of the Earth's most incredible plants and animals. Yet one lumber company, Gunns Limited, is rapidly destroying its 400-year-old trees, polluting its streams, and killing off its wildlife, including protected or threatened species. Tell Gunns Ltd. to stop its destruction of Tasmanian forests and wildlife! Despite global protests, Gunns Ltd. is clear-cutting the world's tallest hardwood trees and ancient old-growth forests in the most despicable ways imaginable. This company is responsible for:
Clear-cutting roughly 44 football fields of pristine forests every day Destroying 400-year-old trees Firebombing the clear-cut land with napalm, incinerating wildlife habitat Poisoning hundreds of thousands of the surviving wildlife with 1080, a toxin banned in many countries
No corporation has the right to destroy our natural resources in this way! Please join the fight to save this precious ecosystem by taking action at: http://go.care2.com/e/M_Q/rq/CFtJ In the words of singer Olivia Newton-John, “Where once awesome trees formed pillars of a dense and vibrant forest ecosystem, what remains are barren landscapes reminiscent of a devastated battlefield. And there’s much more to come if we don’t put a stop to it.” ”What Tasmania has now is a natural wonder. And what we’ve already lost to unmitigated corporate greed cannot be replaced in our lifetime ... or our children’s. Please, help put an end to Gunns’ profit-driven destruction of our natural wonders, our natural legacy.”
Publisher's Note: It is one of our missions to help save our world and all species from extermination. If you know any local, national or global issues that we can help with - please let us know.
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RESIDENTIAL ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT November 4, 2006, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at North Haven High School , 221 Elm Street, North Haven
ITEMS ACCEPTED: computers, monitors, phones, TVs, VCRs, copiers, fax machines, printers, radios, stereos, camcorders, microwave ovens.
ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: electronics containing mercury, refrigerants or radioactive substances.
Available to residents of Cheshire, Hamden, Meriden, North Haven and Wallingford.
NO COMMERCIAL ELECTRONICS ACCEPTED
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL: Wallingford Project Coordinator at 294-2061.
Directions
From I-91 New Haven area: I-91 NORTH - Exit 9 (Montowese Avenue). Turn left at the end of the exit ramp. Follow and bear right on to Universal Drive. Continue through four traffic lights. At the fifth light, turn right on to Sackett Point Road. At the first light turn left on to Elm Street. North Haven High School is on the right-hand side.
From I-91 Meriden area: I-91 SOUTH -Exit 12 (Washington Avenue). Turn left at the end of the exit ramp on to Washington Avenue. Follow Washington Avenue through the center of North Haven. Turn right on to Broadway. Follow to the next traffic light. Turn left on to Elm Street. Follow Elm Street through one traffic light. North Haven High School is on the left.
From Wilbur Cross Pkwy New Haven area: ROUTE 15 - Exit 63 (Bishop Street). Turn right at the end of the exit ramp on to Bishop Street. Follow straight through the first traffic light. At the second traffic light turn right on to Washington Avenue. Continue on Washington Avenue until you come to the Town Green on the left. Turn right on to Broadway. Follow to the next traffic light. Turn left on to Elm Street. Follow Elm Street through one traffic light. North Haven High School is on the left.
From Wilbur Cross Pkwy Meriden area: ROUTE 15 - Exit 63 (Bishop Street). Turn left on to Hartford Turnpike. At the traffic light, turn left on to Bishop Street. Follow straight through first traffic light. At the second traffic light turn right on to Washington Avenue. Continue on Washington Avenue until you come to the Town Green on the left. Turn right on to Broadway. Follow to the next traffic light. Turn left on to Elm Street. Follow Elm Street through one traffic light. North Haven High School is on the left.
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MOHEGAN SUN CASINO
The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will be hosting a bus trip to Mohegan Sun Casino, on Saturday, November 4, 2006. The bus will leave the commuter’s parking lot next to Vinny’s Garden Center on RT 5 in Wallingford at 5:00 p.m. and will leave the Casino at 12:30 a.m. The cost of tickets is $40/pp. Each ticket includes bus ride to Casino, two $10 bets, and one $10 buffet coupon. You can purchase tickets at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club, 72 Grand Street, Wallingford, CT. Call for information at 203-269-7525.
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GALLERY 5353 Colony Street, Meriden. (203) 235-5347
Tues. – Fri., 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., Sat 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Oct. 7 – Nov. 3, 2006
82nd ANNUAL OPEN JURIED EXHIBITION
PUBLIC INVITED. ADMISSION FREE. FREE PARKING
The exhibition features approximately 100 artworks, including oils, watercolors, pastels, sculpture, photography, graphics and crafts. Prizes totaling more than $2,000 will be awarded.
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Emotions Anonymous meeting 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Mallard Mill Activities room in Elim Park; 140 Cook Hill Road; Cheshire, CT. The program uses the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholic Anonymous adapted for working on emotional issues. Contact persons: David 203-271-2268 or Michael 203-729-2880.
Emotions Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, feelings, strengths, weaknesses and hopes with one another in order to solve their emotional problems and discover a way to live at peace with unsolved problems. The program uses the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous adapted for working on emotional issues.
The symptoms which lead us to participate in this program are diverse and include depression, anxiety, relationship or work problems, inability to cope with reality and psychosomatic ailments. EA is an anonymous, spiritual program with no affiliation with any specific religious program. People of many different religions as well as those with no religious affiliation are members of EA. There is no fee charged at our meetings; donations are accepted to cover meeting costs and to support the parent organization, Emotions Anonymous International. Our meetings are not run by doctors, therapists, social workers or other professionals; although, it is not rare for people in these professions to attend Emotions Anonymous meetings for their personal recovery like everyone else.
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The Southington Genealogical Society
Next meeting will be Tuesday, October 24th at 7:30 p.m. in the Old Milldale Firehouse. Swedish Genealogy will be the topic. Beth Bunko will present the program. Find out what you'll need to know about patronymic naming in order to trace your family's origins. Learn about parish, emigration, and military records that will help you in your search as well as some of the mailing lists that are full of helpful Swedish researchers. Discover what resources are available in the form of free and paid sites on the Internet, and familiarize yourself with the wealth of information you can find locally at such places as the Family History Center and the Connecticut State Library.
As always, no strings are attached, no reservations are required, and the meeting is free of charge. Mrs. Bunko has been doing genealogy for about nine years. Beth's life-long curiosity about family history turned serious when her daughter had to prepare a family tree for a third-grade class. A specialist in Swedish and French-Canadian genealogy, Mrs. Bunko has also studied the family trees of some of the Mayflower Descendants and the Descendants of the Founders of Hartford. This work enabled her to become familiar with several sources for researching English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh land holders.
Beth grew up in Southington and lives in town with her husband and two children. The Southington Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization located in central Connecticut that promotes the accurate recording, research, and preservation of family history. The society regularly meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month, except December, at the Old Milldale Firehouse, 91 Norton Street, Plantsville, Connecticut.
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Dear Business Owner:
As President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the North Italian Home Club of Meriden, I ask you to consider becoming a part of a memory. Our auxiliary is currently designing a game board devoted to celebrating our fine city and its 200-year history. The game is called SilverCityOpoly, and we are honored to be granted the right to make this game our City’s Bicentennial Edition.
You are invited to claim your spot, your square, your place on the 2006 Bicentennial SilverCityOpoly game board. There are numerous levels of participation. All property sales on the board will be sold strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a list of the varied levels of sponsorship attached. All proceeds from the game sales will go to a building fund, which the Ladies have established in hopes of making improvement to our club’s grounds located on Thorpe Avenue, right here in Meriden.
Be one of the lucky folks who recognize what an incredible opportunity this is. For just a few cents per game board, you are placing a permanent advertisement to commemorate your business, your family name, the memory of a loved one or whatever you choose onto the board. That permanent part of our game board will be talked about, laughed about, played with and distributed to hundreds and hundreds of homes both within our city limits and beyond. Folks are bound to want to send our bicentennial edition to former city residents across the globe! With it will go your little piece of history?
Please place your order today. Time is of the essence. Be part of a very unique game board and be seen and heard from for years to come. Get in the game today by calling Sandy at 203-530-0236.
May you, your family and friends continue to thrive in Meriden as we all work to make our city a great place to live, work and play in. I thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Cynthia D’Agostino, President, Ladies Auxiliary
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Platt High School Sports Card & Coin Show
Dates:November 4, 2006December 2, 2006January 6, 2007February 3, 2007March 3, 2007April 7, 2007May 5, 2007June 2, 2007
Table info 203-634-0069 Ernie203-235-7962 x 139 Athletic office
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PLTI: A Building Block to A Better MeridenBy: Kristen Myers
It was a freezing cold January morning in 2005 when I ventured over to the Head Start building on Liberty Street in Meriden. Being a newer resident of the city, I wasn’t sure where I was headed, so through the fog of my windows I thoroughly read over the directions again and again. I think it was maybe my nerves driving me to re-read the directions, or maybe the excitement of meeting new people. I was headed to my orientation for the Parent Leadership Training Institute. I was going to begin a 20-week course on parent leadership. PLTI of Meriden is an ever-growing group of empowered parents and caregivers who together have decided to commit to becoming stronger leaders and better advocates for their children and their communities. You can only imagine why I would be nervous. One of the most unbelievable things to me about PLTI was the description and commitment it gave to me. “PLTI is a 20-week course designed to assist in giving people some of the tools necessary to be stronger advocates for their children and their community.” They provide a 10-week session in which they teach about the structure of PLTI and the tools we each already bring with us. The second 10 weeks is a semi-crash course in civics (my favorite), in which we were taught how our state government, city and school systems work. We visited council chambers. We had city and state officials like Mayor Bengini, Chris Donovon, and PLTI grad Cathy Abercrombie come and discuss their roles, as well as some “issues” with us. We were given much helpful information to guide us through any problems we may face with our children. The thing that I found most fascinating about this entire program was the desire for the individuals to succeed. In addition to a both educating and enriching human experience, you are given free catered dinner on the evening of your class, free child-care during class time, and assistance with transportation. This is a community project in Meriden that is geared toward creating stronger advocates for Meriden. This is community program that is set up to get us in the fight to get Meriden where it should be. More importantly, this community project gives us, the citizens; the tools reclaim the things we think we might have lost, and the plans to build something new for our community. As I walked in and sat down at orientation, I found myself comforted by the people who surrounded me. Most seemed quiet and a bit nervous; some were still coming in dragging children behind them. There were small candy bowls filled to the brim scattered across the tables. Two women began the class and introduced themselves. Katherine was small and soft-spoken. Her eyes were kind, and she sat still much of the time. Shirley was a force, loud at times, and yet her softness was always present. Shirley seemed almost placed there as a way to show us the differences we may see among ourselves. And it didn’t take long before we did. The class progressed and what happened that day was something that was surprising and necessary. Voices came together and the city was represented and differences were heard, and we HAD TO hold hands and LOOK into each other’s eyes, and I just left there thinking…wow. If every parent with a student in school had to take this course, things in this city would change. I wish I could sugarcoat this for you and say that the 20 weeks was a cakewalk for me. It wasn’t. I was settling into the latter part of my third trimester by the time it was over, and nearly missed my graduation. I can remember quite a few of us leaving some the civics nights frustrated and loving every minute of it later. This is after all our government, right? “By the people, for the people, of the people.” Therefore, if we don’t like something…make a change. You can only imagine the heated discussion and impassioned debate. The different races and nationalities in a room all bring their own piece of the pie. Some nights it was Thanksgiving, some nights Animal House. By and by, worth every Monday evening just to learn what I did. Over the course of 20 weeks I met and knew some truly amazing people. I still get to call many of them friends. I still care about what is happening, and, better yet, I still know I CAN do something that can make a change. The small list of things we can do as parents in our community is too long for me to list. The one thing I will suggest, if you can, find your way to this program and get the tools so many of us did. You will not regret the 20 weeks of time well spent, people well met, or food well eaten. It’s a building block to a better community that only you can bring.
Please contact David Radcliffe or Noami Gonzalez at Meriden’s Children First Initiative for more information. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2007 PLTI class and will be continued to be accepted until October 31, 2006. You can contact Noami or David by calling 203-630-3566 or by picking up an application in person at CFI, located inside the Meriden Public Library, Miller Street.

Halloween Dance, Saturday, October 28, 2006 Dear Good Folks that come to the dances, Well, it's that time of year again for our fundraising Halloween dance. We are staying at the North Italian Home Club for the LAST dances. North Italian Home Club, 43 Thorpe Avenue, Meriden, CT. I’m always a little late getting these notices out to you, for you to get a jump on ticket sales and setting up reservations. BBBBButtttt, I'm earlier or on schedule with last year! I hope there’s still time enough to get your MONSTER, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Saddam with a spear in his heart or SUPERMAN outfits (OPTIONAL) ready for the 28th. Any questions, call me. Home 237-7132, Work 238-8979, leave voice mail or email rpcouture@mmm.com or call Brian McDonald at 235-0671. Sincerely, Rich Couture North Italian Home Club (203) 235-2421
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Colonial Tymes Christmas Fair Saturday, November 4, 2006 Relax for the holidays. Center Congregational Church, Meriden has been working hard to make life easier for you this holiday season. Come and shop for your decorations, gifts, and baked goods. We have created beautiful handmade crafts to decorate your home. We have been sewing, gluing, twisting, stuffing, and painting all summer to fill the tables of our next fair, coming soon. We will have homemade baked goods, and there will be apple pies baking all day, just for you. Have a sample, or take home a whole pie for your freezer, to heat and serve on your special holiday. Your company will think you worked in the kitchen all day. You will find handmade items, including Christmas ornaments, house decorations, and special gifts as you wander around to the different booths. Join us for a mid-morning snack of coffee and our famous sticky buns, or relax and enjoy a cup of our homemade soup with a sandwich for lunch. Then take the “Cookie Walk” where you can gather up your favorite cookies to fill your freezer and make the holidays deliciously easy. We will have pecans fresh from Georgia and cheese direct from Vermont. It doesn't get any fresher than this. With giant specialty theme baskets, a tea cup auction, craft tables, and a tag sale which includes baby clothes, we have something for everyone. There will also be unique activities to occupy the children, and our book sale is always an event. Proceeds from the Fair will be used to help maintain our historic church building, contribute to activities for our youth, and to further local and worldwide ministries. Come join us for this fun day. Center Congregational Church is located at the corner of Broad and East Main Streets, Meriden. Park in the back and come in the side door. The Fair will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 4, 2006.
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Giuffrida Park – Meriden, 800 Westfield Road
Giuffrida Park was originally part of an area farmed in the late 1600s and early 1700s by Jonathan Gilbert and later Captain Andrew Belcher. This farm, the first white settlement in this region, became know as the “Meriden Farm,” and from which the whole area eventually took its name.
Mount Lamentation was named in 1636 when a member of Wethersfield Colony became lost and was found by a search party three days later on this ridge, twelve miles from home. There is some controversy whether the Lamentation refers to his behavior or that of those looking for him.
In 1735 a group of local men leased land on the western edge of this mountain in an attempt to find gold, as quartz formations there seemed promising. None was ever found. The reservoir was built by the Bradley and Hubbard Manufacturing Company for its use in the late 1800s. The dam was raised three feet in 1927. Eventually International Silver acquired the property, because it guaranteed the company a reliable source of water, which it used in great quantities in its manufacturing processes. After International Silver built its new factory on South Broad Street, it no longer needed the reservoir. As there was a shortage of water at the time, International Silver gave the city special permission to pipe into their now-unused reservoir.
The property was offered for sale, and the Connecticut Light and Power Co. (CL&P) purchased it in order to provide itself with the land to cross high voltage lines into the Westfield section of Middletown and beyond. CL&P then sold the rest of the land to the city, which bought it under the open spaces program.
The reservoir remains a backup water source today.
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Wallingford Rotary Club
The Wallingford Rotary Club meets Wednesdays, 12:10 p.m. at Brothers Restaurant, 33 North Cherry Street. We welcome guests to come, share lunch and enjoy our weekly speaker program. The cost is $12 per person. Rotarians are dedicated to “Service above Self” in our community, La Romana in the Dominican Republic, in the worldwide battle of Polio Plus, and the family of all. Come discover how Rotarians make a difference, every day. At our October 18th meeting we are privileged to have Mayor William Dickinson of Wallingford as our speaker.
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Students at Wilcox Technical High School To Conduct Advanced Bioscience ExperimentsStudents in Leslie Czerwinski's class at the H. C. Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden will conduct advanced bioscience experiments in their own classroom for two weeks in October, using equipment and materials supplied by Connecticut's BioConnection Program. Under the BioConnection Program, which is free of charge, schools are lent laboratory equipment, and teachers are trained to conduct in their own classrooms experiments from the curriculum of Connecticut's BioBus, the highly successful mobile laboratory program. The Wilcox students will be participating in “The Mystery of the Crooked Cell,” an experiment that explores the genetic basis of disease by identifying samples with sickle cell anemia, and “Cold Stone Caper,” which uses DNA fingerprinting to solve a fictitious crime. “I enjoy leading these experiments,” Ms. Czerwinski said. “They introduce laboratory research tools and techniques beyond the scope of most classrooms.” In order to participate in the BioConnection Program, teachers must attend a one-day training workshop for which they receive CEUs (Continuing Education Units), required of Connecticut teachers to maintain their certification. Over a period of up to two weeks, teachers use the BioConnection unit lent them to teach their students the lessons chosen from the BioBus curriculum. The unit is then replenished and lent to another school. The BioBus curriculum includes several experiments aimed at students in grades 4 through 12 as well as an adult experiment aimed at a general audience. The BioBus and BioConnection Programs were inaugurated by CURE, the state bioscience organization, and rely primarily on CURE members and other Connecticut businesses and organizations for funding. Since its inception, the Programs have trained more than 500 teachers through professional development workshops and reached more than 23,000 students at over 230 schools. Connecticut's bioscience industry currently employs more than 17,000 persons and is expected to grow.

Halloween Dance Saturday October 28, 2006 Dear Good Folks that come to the dances. Well, it's that time of year again for our fundraising Halloween dance. We are staying at the North Italian Home Club for the LAST dances. North Italian Home Club, 43 Thorpe Avenue Meriden 203-235-2421
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News From Your Village Community Lifeline
South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is the village community lifeline and is celebrating 98 years of service. The department was established back in 1908. It is the only volunteer fire station today in the City of Meriden. It is manned completely by Volunteer professionals. We presently have 28 active members ranging from 18 years old to 60. Our firefighters are certified by the State of Connecticut Fire Academies. Their certification levels depend on the amount of time that each member has spent schooling themselves in the Fire Service. We continue to push our members to continue their education in the fire service and EMS. The more they learn, the more they can improve their chance to advance in life’s everyday adventures. Our active firefighters must achieve the level of Firefighter I, which is approximately 140 hours within their first 12 months in our department. They also must achieve the level of Medical Response Technician (MRT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) within their first 18 months. The certification process then continues. There is Firefighter II, which is approximately 160 hours, Fire Instructor I, approximately 100 hours, Fire Officer I, approximately 100 hours, and this list can and sometimes does continue further. Our members and their families are dedicated to serving not only South Meriden but also the whole City of Meriden when there are citywide emergencies. We are one of the only fully volunteer fire stations in the state that has overnight duty crews. We have personnel that presently man our fire station six nights a week. This has been going on for over five years now. This allows us to respond quicker to emergencies in our area. We believe in providing good customer service to our customers, you, our neighbors. South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department works hand in hand with the Meriden Career Fire Department. Meriden Fire Department has five career stations based throughout the City. The two main stations that also cover the South Meriden area are Station 1, which houses Engine 1 located on Chamberlain Highway, and Station 2, which houses Engine 2 and Truck Company 1 (The Ladder Truck). We usually get dispatched at the same time for calls in the South Meriden area. The incident can be handled by both of the departments or separately. When our station is manned either day or night, depending on the severity of the incident, we usually handle the incident ourselves. This frees the Meriden Engine Company up to handle other emergency incidents that might occur. I believe that Meriden has the best career firefighters in the State. We work with them every day, and I think we all learn from each other each day. Our call volume has been increasing each year. Our station will be doing over 700 calls this year. We are funded with approximately $69,000 a year from the City of Meriden. We also run our own fundraiser each year to help us buy extra equipment and supplies that we cannot afford to purchase with the City funds. In the past several years we have been able to purchase Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) Units. AEDs, as they are known, are used during cardiac emergencies. Our Chief Officers also carry AED Units along with other emergency equipment in their cars so we can also service our neighbors quicker in medical emergency incidents. We also purchased Hazardous Material Multi Gas Reading Meters for our fire apparatus. With your generous donations these meters allow us to identify hazardous gas in the atmosphere while responding to Haz-Mat Incidents. This year we are looking to purchase an all-terrain vehicle equipped for patient care and care for the new liner trails being built in South Meriden, this vehicle will be used to access individuals who might get ill or injured while using the trails. We not only recruit from within Meriden for Volunteers firefighters, but we also do recruitment for certified firefighters who live outside of Meriden as long as they can meet our bylaw requirements to do minimum one-duty overnight crew a week plus meet our drill, meeting and squad duty requirements. Certified Firefighters can apply on Monday evenings at our fire station, which is located at 31 Camp Street, South Meriden. Well, that is all this month. I will visit with you again hopefully next month, God willing.
Stay safe, Keith Gordon Deputy-Chief of Operations
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Quinnipiac Chamber Calls for Nominations! The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations for its 7th Annual ATHENA Award luncheon slated for November 3, 2006 at Fantasia, 404 Washington Avenue, North Haven. Governor M. Jodi Rell is this year's Honorary Chair. This prestigious award honors a person who has demonstrated the highest level of professional excellence in his/her business or profession; devoted time and energy to improving the quality of life in the community; and assisted women in attaining their full leadership and personal potential. Past recipients include: Marjorie Dorr, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield; Dorsey Kendrick, Gateway Community College; Lesley Mills, Griswold Special Care; Simone Mason, A Different Perspective; Anita Silvestro, Girl Scouts, CT Trails Council, Inc.; and Maureen Campbell, H. Pearce Real Estate Co., Inc. Any individual can nominate someone. For a nomination form, please call 269-9891 or 234-0332 or download one from the chamber's website at www.quinncham.com. Submit completed nomination papers to: Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, 100 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford, CT 06492. The deadline for nominations is October 13, 2006. Register for the event online at www.quinncham.com or by calling 269-9891 or 234-0332 The Quinnipiac Chamber gratefully acknowledges event presenter Robert's Chrysler Dodge, Inc; corporate sponsor New Alliance Bank, and sponsor ConnectiCare. Media Support includes Business New Haven and Comcast Spotlight. The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce, winner of the NAMD Award of Excellence, represents more than 850 businesses and 26,000 employees in the Wallingford & North Haven area.
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Paradise Found at the Central Park Zoo! New Birds of Paradise are a Welcome Addition to the Zoo’s Rain Forest New York, NY, October 4, 2006. The island of Manhattan meets the islands of Indonesia now that the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo is home to four red birds of paradise. These beautiful and exotic creatures are native to Southeast Asia, but hail from the Bronx Zoo, a Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) park. The new additions come in pairs, two males and two females. Similar to many bird species, the males are more ornate, but take seven years to mature into their adult plumage. When fully mature, the males boast long waxy tail wires, red flank plumes, golden shoulders and neck, and a metallic green throat and spectacles. The male red bird of paradise is known for exhibiting a very complex courtship display. When he is attempting to gain the attention of a female, he performs a butterfly dance, which involves spreading and vibrating his wings like a giant butterfly. Curator of Central Park Zoo, Jeff Sailer, studied birds of paradise in their native islands in Indonesia and is especially happy to bring them here. “Birds of paradise are incredibly dynamic and personable birds,” he says. “The Central Park Zoo’s Rain Forest exhibit is a great place to highlight this specie’s natural behavior and allow the general public an opportunity to see them in as natural a setting as possible.” Check out the Central Park Zoo this fall and visit the beautiful new birds. They are already quite at home in the Zoo's Rain Forest and the males are performing their elaborate courtship rituals. This bodes well for the Central Park Zoo animal staff as they hope that one day, the birds will successfully breed. 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. Summer hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, and to 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Tickets are sold until one half-hour before closing. For further information, please call 212-439-6500 or visit www.centralparkzoo.com The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild lands. We do so through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together, these activities change individual attitudes toward nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in sustainable interaction on both a local and a global scale. WCS is committed to this work because we believe it essential to the integrity of life on Earth. To learn more about WCS, visit www.wcs.org

Volunteers Wanted
The Meriden Public Schools Volunteer Program is currently seeking media help at two elementary schools. This opportunity would consist of helping the library/media teacher check out books with elementary students and other related media tasks. If you would like to help out and have some fun, please call, Nan L Despres, Coordinator of Volunteers at 634-7985. Other volunteer opportunities in the Meriden Public Schools also exist. One half-hour a week is all that is required. Training is provided. We will work around your schedule. All are encouraged to volunteer. Retirees and Bilingual are very welcome.
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Quilt Show and Bake Sale
The Northford Congregational Church is holding a Quilt Show and Bake Sale, November 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. View over 30 handmade quilts on loan from area quilters and quilt owners. Many antique and modern quilts will be on exhibit. The quality and craftsmanship are a must see! Tickets are $5. After the exhibit, enjoy a complimentary dessert, coffee/tea in the social hall while you peruse the homemade desserts from the Bake Sale table and stock up for Thanksgiving! There will also be Quilting materials from Quadrille Quilting, LLC, on sale in the social hall. Raffle tickets for our homemade quilt, weekend in Vermont and other prizes can also be purchased. For Quilt Show tickets, you can call the church office at 484-0795 or you can purchase them at the door.
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Fun Events at the Wallingford Family YMCA
Friday Night Family Fit Club Come join us on the following Friday Nights to enjoy a family fitness activity. Each activity will also include a healthy snack. This is a great time for children and parents to stay fit together while having fun! See the most recent brochure for current schedules and fees. Parent's Night Out - Night on the Town This program is designed especially for children in grades K - 6. The program will take place every other Friday night from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Kids will enjoy pizza and juice, games in the gymnasium, and swimming in the pool, while you spend some quality time together, without the kids! See the most recent brochure for current schedules and fees. Ghouls & Goblins of all ages, join us for a fun-filled Halloween afternoon adventure! Arrive in costume for a trick-or-treat parade, costume contest, creepy crafts, ghoulish games, a healthy snack and ghostly storytelling. **
Halloween at the YMCA: Halloween Overnight - A Night of Howling Fun Saturday, October 28 Members: $45 Program Members: $53 Youth and Teens- Join us for a ghoulishly fun Halloween overnight adventure! The fun begins at 7:00 pm on Saturday evening and doesn't stop until 9:00 am on Sunday morning. Arrive in costume and enjoy a ghostly scavenger hunt, creatively cool costume show, splashingly fun swim adventure (bring your swimsuit) and fall asleep listening to ghastly ghostly storytelling. Take a journey through our spook house, if you DARE! Breakfast will be provided. **
Child Care Fun Fair - Saturday, November 18th, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. Come one, come all to our Child Care Fun Fair! There will be a variety of activities for your family including our fintastic fishing game, pin the feather on the turkey, and our famous YMCA turkey trot. Register at the Welcome Center between October 1st and November 1st. Upon registration, your family's name will be put in our raffle for our YMCA Child Care "Basket of Fun". **
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Saturday, December 9th, 2:00 p.m.Limit 40. Place: Paul Melon Arts Center, Choate Rosemary Hall Appropriate for grades 1 - 7 This musical is based on C.S. Lewis' story about four children who enter the land of Narnia by mistake. Scuba Santa is Coming to Town Sunday, December 10th, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Come enjoy a holiday craft and listen to the story “A Night Before Christmas.” Then go into our pool and help Scuba Santa decorate an underwater Christmas Tree

News from Children First Initiative
Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra Thursday, October 26th at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. First rehearsal! Find out more at meridenarststrust@yahoo.com.
Health Care for Everyone! Wednesday, October 25, 6:30 p.m. at John Barry Elementary There will be a "Health Care For All" Public Forum to discuss Connecticut's Health Care Crisis on October 25th. The forum is hosted by Meriden Children First Initiative and the Healthcare4every1 Campaign. Guest speakers include State Representative Christopher Donovan, State Senator Thomas Gaffey, Juan Figueroa - President of the Universal Health Care Foundation of CT, and Mayor Mark Benigni. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of the speakers, get educated on the issue, and participate in influencing future legislation. RSVPs and questions may be directed to Danté Bartolomeo at 203-518-5758 or dbartolomeo1@cox.net or Marissa Cardona at 815-5680. Childcare available on request. Spanish translation also available.
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Candidate Forum Monday, October 30, 6:00 p.m. at Lincoln Middle School. Where do candidates for the Connecticut General Assembly stand on issues important to you? Housing? Taxes? Safety? Redevelopment? Education? How will they represent your interests in Hartford? Candidates from the 13th Senate, 82nd House, 83rd House, and 84th House will be there. If you have a question you'd like posed to the candidates, send it to President@meridenchamber.com Forum is cosponsored by Meriden Children First, Meriden Federation of Teachers, Record-Journal, Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce, and Meriden Wallingford NAACP.
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Stone Soup Early Learning Conference Tuesday, October 24, 9-3 p.m., Farmington Marriott, Farmington The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund invites you to the Discovery Conference 2006, Stone Soup: The Heat is On. Please click on this link https://www.regonline.com/StoneSoup to get up-to-date information and to register on line for the conference. Printed copies of the brochure will be mailed out next week, but we prefer that you use the online registration form if possible. You can view a copy of the brochure at the online registration link above. Additional questions or comments can be forwarded to Elaine Pace at 203-230-33330, ext. 13, or email at epace@wcgmf.org or to David at Children First, 630-3566.
The CCCYO
The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra (CCCYO) Music Director and Conductor John McDonald announces that the Orchestra's first rehearsal and registration of new members will be held on Thursday, October 26th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center. The CCCYO had a very successful Spring season, and seeks to increase its membership numbers by 100%. String and woodwind players who have at least a year and a half of experience on his or her instrument are especially encouraged to come to the October 26th rehearsal. For more information please send e-mail to meridenartstrust@yahoo.com or call Katrina S. Axelrod, Administrator, during the day or early evening at (203) 235-7445.
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NEWS ITEMS FROM Wallingford Early Childhood Alliance Resources Education = WE CARE Fall Workshops for WE CARE October 24, 2006: 6:15 p.m. at WE CARE Family Center/6 Fairfield Blvd. BEHAVIOR STRATEGIES FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD presented by Linda Grimm, director of Benhaven Learning Network, will help parents and early childhood teachers learn how to say “No” to children as part of the learning experience for both parent and child. November 2, 2006: 6:15 pm at WE CARE Family Center/6 Fairfield Blvd. BEST NEW BOOKS FOR KIDS presented by Ruth Gaffey/staff of the Wallingford Public Library, Children’s Dept, offers help to parents and teachers looking to find new and interesting material for children. Whether it is for home use or a special gift there are hundreds of new books waiting for a “good home.” Book lists will be provided and some raffle prizes for lucky families. For more information on both of these upcoming programs please call the WE CARE Family Center at 284-4019 or 294-2175. Programs are free but registration is required.
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Highland School 23rd Annual Craft Fair Highland School PTO will sponsor its 23rd annual Craft Fair on Saturday, December 2, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the school on Highland Avenue in Wallingford. There will be over 65 vendors selling items, such as jewelry, paintings, florals, holiday ornaments, woodworking, quilts, gift baskets, candy,knitting, sweatshirts, centerpieces, photography, animal treats, et cetera. Refreshments will be available including homemade apple crisp. Admission is free. For additional information contact the school or call 203-314-3413.
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DVD/VHS Drive and Game Drive The Meriden Jaycees will be sponsoring a Children's DVD/VHS Drive and Toy Drive from October 1st through the 31st. Additionally, DVDs will be collected for the mothers to watch. All items collected will be donated to a local domestic violence shelter. Some of the requested items include: board games, card games, easy puzzles, Legos, et cetera. Items can be new or gently used. Boxes will be located at Meriden fire stations. The fire stations are located at 168 Capitol Avenue (South Meriden), 61 Pratt Street, 561 Broad Street, 260 Sherman Ave., and 1075 East Main Street. Any donations will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Sara at 464-7939 with any questions or for more information about this project. The Meriden Jaycees is an organization that offers members the best opportunities for community action, leadership development, and career advancement to men and women 21-40 years of age. New members welcomed.
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Maloney Band News
It's competition time again! Maloney High School Band performed in their first competition this year at Lyman Hall this past Saturday. All the students were very nervous and excited to be performing their show to the music of Tower of Power. They did a spectacular job in competition by placing 3rd in their division and 3rd overall. Following their performance the kids felt exhilarated and very proud of themselves, as was every parent and supporter in the stands. Special thanks to the Director, Brian Cyr, Colorguard Instructor - Caralyn Vicino, Colin Mason , Percussion Instructor Caption Head, Don Fortin, Percussion Instructor, and Irene Sheades , Pit Instructor. Without their dedication and support the band would not have been able to perform beyond their expectations.
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Hugs not Drugs at St. Joseph School
The students, faculty and staff of Saint Joseph School, 159 West Main Street, Meriden, will form a human chain around the outside of the school building on Thursday, October 26th, to block out drugs and illegal substances from our school and to show that we are united and take a visible stand against drugs. Wednesday, October 25th, is “Hugs Not Drugs Day,” when students are invited to bring in their favorite stuffed animal to school. The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered Kiki Camarena, a DEA agent, in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs.
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WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA MEN'S BASKETBALL LEAGUE Registration going on now. Season to start end of October through Feb. 2007. Playing on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Call for more information 203 269 4497
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Meriden Public Library Children's Library Announcing two New FREE passes to Museums!! We are pleased to announce we have just received two new passes for museums at the Meriden Public Library in the Children's Room - Imagine Nation Museum in Bristol, CT. The place to spark your imagination! This museum has ESPN Play Your Way, Greenhouse, Jungle Playscape and Climbing Wall, Otis Teaching Elevator, Kid Construction Zone, Cook Nook, Water Room, Creative Arts Center, Cyber Lab, 1940's Soda Fountain, and much more. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sundays 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and open until 8:00 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Our other pass is for Earthplace, the nature discovery center in Westport, CT. Earthplace maintains a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary with trails, live wildlife for public viewing, and it hosts many public nature program and events. It also has an explorer clubhouse, tiny tree house, nature lab, backyard resource center, nature theater, and wildlife dioramas. Explore the ecology lab, Animal Hall, Trails & Gardens. The grounds are open 7:00 AM. until dusk. Building open 9:00 AM.- 5:00 PM. Monday-Saturday. 1:00 PM.-4:00 PM. on Sundays. These passes can be taken out for two days with a library card and driver’s license. For more information call the Children's Library at (203) 630-6347.


Are you ready for some fun?
Kiwanis Kapers is coming November 3rd and 4th. Kiwanis Kapers presents “Those Were The Days,” celebrating Meriden's Bicentennial and 55 years of Kapers. Join us for this highly entertaining variety show reflecting back on some of the more memorable moments of our past. This year’s show brings back some of our alumni performers and is filled with humor and a variety of acts sure to please first-timers as well as seasoned Kaper-goers. George says he's been warming up his vocals all summer long! Where? Maloney High School. When? November 3rd and 4th. Time? 8:00 p.m. All proceeds directly support Kiwanis-sponsored community activities. Tickets call Dave@ 537-6175.


9th Annual Haunted Hayride
Old Saybrook Fire Department is pleased to announce the 9th annual Haunted Hayride, 2006. All year long we put out the fires, but during Halloween, we ignite a blaze of scary for all to enjoy. A possessed tractor-drawn hay wagon leads you into the deep, dark, demented woods of Middlesex County. For more than 50 minutes, you will venture into the ghastly world of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls. In the fog, you'll be frightened by the eerie sounds of nature versus creature. Which are in front, which are behind, and witch are beyond? Where: CLARK MEMORIAL FIELD 210 ELM STREET & INGHAM HILL RD (Across from Pasta Vita), OLD SAYBROOK, CT When: THURSDAY OCT 19, FRIDAY OCT 20 & SATURDAY OCT 21 FRIDAY OCT 27, SATURDAY OCT 28 & SUNDAY OCT 29 TRAILER RIDES START AT DUSK 7:00 p.m. $10* ADULTS, CHILDREN UNDER 12 - $5*, *Bring a can of food to donate for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & receive $1.00 off admission ADVANCE GROUP SALES OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT: www.oldsaybrookfire.com_ (http://www.oldsaybrookfire.com/) *Groups of 20 or more, includes express admission. Thank you for supporting The Old Saybrook Fire Department, 310 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475 - An all volunteer non-profit organization.
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Meriden Children's Library Specials! FREE PROGRAMS! SIGN-UP! October 30th - HALLOWEEN PARTY-6:30 p.m. Come to our Halloween Party. Wear your costume and join in on the fun. Great stories, fun games, exciting crafts, delicious snacks, contests and lots more... For ages 3 & up. Sign-up in the Children's Library or by calling (203) 630-6347. November 13th - SCRAPBOOKING-6:30 p.m. Come to the Meriden Public Library and learn all about scrapbooking. For children in grades 2 and older, with adults welcome. Leticia Harduby, our staff professional scrapbooker, will be teaching children the art involved in scrapbooking. Bring your own personal items, such as recipes, pictures, or other items you would want to learn how to display with class. Sign up in the Children's Library, or call us at (203) 630-6347.
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Bradley Home Residents Big Winners! Congratulations to those Bradley Home Residents who won numerous ribbons at the Meriden Grange Fair and at the Durham Fair. The Bradley Home is a non-profit residential care home located in Meriden, CT.The residents showcased their talents by entering items made in weaving, crafts (scrapbooking and quilting), hand work (which included crocheting, knitting, counted cross stitch and embroidery). The residents brought home 22 ribbons out of 41 entries from the Meriden Grange Fai,r and 43 out of 41 entries from the Durham Fair. Special ribbons were awarded to Esther Fowler for her counted cross stitch sampler (Best of Show at the Meriden Grange Fair and Special Award at the Durham Fair); and to Maryann Bates for her scrapbook entry (Judges Special Award at the Durham Fair). Residents who entered items are: Esther Fowler, Maryann Bates, Fran Daly, Gert DeWitt, Charlotte Garvey, Marvis Kumm, Peggy Long, Barbara O'Brien, Addie Ozycz, Betty Wieland, Shirley Berardino, Eleanore Coughlan, Dorothy Davison, Kay Janiga, Phyllis Maynes, Bea Mulcahy, Marion Dossin, Selma McDonnell, Addie Mulquin, Edna Schuler, Al Westermeyer, Norm Landsberg and Dorothy Steele. The staff and other residents could not be any prouder of these talented individuals. Congratulations again, on being ribbon winners! Everyone did a fantastic job!
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Understanding Diabetes
The Village at Kensington Place and MidState’s Community Wellness Department will present a program entitled “Understanding Diabetes” on Monday November 13, 2006 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Village at Kensington Place. Jackie Hackbarth, RNC, BS, Clinical Coordinator at The LaPlanche Clinic will be the guest speaker. The program is free and open to the public. For further information, please call 237-0300.
PASTA SUPPER
The Civitan Club of Meriden/Wallingford will hold their 12th annual pasta supper to benefit the physically and mentally challenged youth and adults in the area on Wednesday, November 8th from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, Rosary Hall, W. Main St. Meriden. Donation will be $7 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 12, and children 5 years and younger free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from Norman Willmott at 634-0176.
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It's back! And it's bigger and better than ever! North Haven's #1 Haunted House! The 21st Annual Haunted House at Faith United Methodist Church will take place on Friday, October 27th and Saturday, October 28th at 81 Clintonville Road (Rte 22), North Haven, CT. Please note that on Friday, it will run from 6:30 - 10:00 and on Saturday it will run from 6:30 - 9:30 with doors opening at 6:00 on both nights. The cost of admission for the Haunted House is $5. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit the North Haven Food Pantry.
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MERIDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESS RELEASE
2 NEW EXHIBITS - 3 WEEKENDS ONLY - OPENING OCTOBER 29, 2006
THE MERIDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS 2 EXHIBITS:
1. Meriden Personalities2. Halloween
The doors of the Andrews Homestead, the showcase of the Meriden Historical Society, will once again be open to the public with two new exhibits:
1. Meriden Personalities, depicting art and artifacts of randomly-selected famous Meriden personalities. They may have not all been born here – but Meriden is where they made their name, or Meriden was were they started out. People on display range from craftsmen and women, designers, writers, musicians, and people in sports.
2. Halloween exhibits Halloween artifacts, toys, etc. from the collection of members and friends of the Meriden Historical Society.
The two exhibits at the Andrews Homestead, will be open for a limited time only, between the hours of 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm:Sunday October 29, 2006Sunday November 5, 2006Sunday November 12, 2006Or by appointment. The Andrews Homestead, 424 West Main St. Meriden, is the little red building located between McDonald's and Ben Franklin School.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Ms. Chris Ruel – Exhibit co-curator - 860-349-1046Submitted by Ruth Borsuk – President – 203-237-8042
******THIS MIGHT BE TOO LATE, OCT. 24****
LEARN TO SAVE A LIFE AT THE MERIDEN YMCA!
The Meriden YMCA is offering an American Red Cross Infant/Child CPR class. This is a one-year certification. This course focuses on the special application of emergency cardiac and breathing skills for infants and children. This program will take place on Tuesday, October 24th from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Meriden YMCA. Pre-registration is required. To register; please contact the Meriden YMCA at 235-6386.
** THE DATES ON THIS DON’T MAKE ANY SENSE AND TOO LATE****
MERIDEN YMCA BEGINS REGISTRATION FOR LIFEGUARD COURSE
The Meriden YMCA is conducting registration for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. Classes will be held and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 –9:00 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21st from 10:00-4:00p.m. from Oct. 17- Nov. 14th.
No classes on Oct. 31 or Nov. 9th. Ellen Dubuc will be the instructor.
This course will include the following certifications: CPR/FPR, First Aid and Safety and AED. Telephone registrations are being taken with a major credit card or one can register in person at the Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Street. Pre-registration is required for this class. For further information or to register; Please call (203)235-6386 ext. 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.co
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MERIDEN YMCA OFFERS AMERICAN RED CROSS BABY-SITTING CERTIFICATION COURSE
This certification program is designed for today’s 11- to 15-year-olds. This training course gives participants the knowledge, skills, and confidence to care for infants through school-aged children. This program addresses safety issues, preventing injuries and illnesses, basic child care, first aid, decision-making skills, and age appropriate behavior and play. Participants learn by doing and are required to demonstrate several first aid skills including rescue breathing and dealing with a choking victim. Class will take place on Saturday, December 9th from 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Please contact the Meriden YMCA at 235-6386 to register today!
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COME JOIN MERIDEN YMCA’S MASTERS ADULT SWIM PROGRAM
This program is designed for those adults 19 years of age and older who wish to work out with other adults accompanied by a certified swim coach. The purpose of this program is to promote fun, fitness, safety and possibly competition for all participants of whatever level of ability and interest. This program will run three days a week; Monday and Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:45p.m and Thursdays from 8:00 to 9:00p.m. through December 14th. Participants can start at any time. For further information or to register; please contact Lisa Hoover at (203)235-6386; ext 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com
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Brian David Doenig of Wallingford has been Awarded the 2006 Milton Fisher Scholarship due to his Designing of a Memorial Garden
The 2006 Milton Fisher Scholarships for Innovation and Creativity have been awarded to Brian David Doenig, along with seven other Connecticut students in recognition of their successful efforts to solve problems in innovative ways or to encourage creativity in their communities. From a strong applicant pool, the selection committee chose eight scholarship award winners this year. Winners receive grants from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on financial need (although the winners are selected without regard to need, the amount of each grant depends on financial need). Five honorable mentions earned grants of $1,000 each. The scholarship was open to high school juniors and seniors and college freshmen from Connecticut. To be eligible, a student had to either attend high school in Connecticut or plan to attend college in Connecticut (or both). The winners were all students who showed unusual initiative and creativity. Their innovations were in fields that included the arts, public affairs, humanitarian crises, health, and sports. The scholarship program welcomes applicants who demonstrate creativity in any field. Doenig innovatively and creatively designed and remolded an abandoned lot into a memorial garden. These original ideas thus qualified him as one of the eight awardees of the Milton Fisher scholarship The Renee B. Fisher Foundation established this scholarship in memory of Milton Fisher, whose life was marked by a passion for innovative and creative problem solving that extended across a broad range of fields of endeavor. Milton Fisher was also passionate about encouraging others to take the initiative in finding innovative and creative solutions to the problems around them, in their personal and professional lives and in the lives of their families and communities. The scholarship is administered by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.
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Holiday Bazaar
“A Village Christmas,” South Meriden Trinity Methodist Church, 145 Main Street, South Meriden
November 18th, 9:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Handmade Grafts - Luncheon Café, Baked Goods - Jewelry
Contact: Edie Marcantonio ,235-4810 Nite – 235-5759 Daytime
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Join us at St. Andrew’s, 20 Catlin Street, Meriden, Ct. Winter Wonderland Holiday Fair!
Saturday, November 4th, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Featuring local crafters, basket and tabletop tree raffle, bake table and café featuring sandwiches, hot dogs, soup, chili, and homemade “Trinity” Apple Crisp.
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La Leche League of Meriden/Wallingford
If you are nursing or planning to breastfeed your baby, please join La Leche League of Meriden/Wallingford at our next meeting.
Meeting Topics Include:
Advantages of Breastfeeding to Mother and Baby Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby
The Art of Breastfeeding and overcoming difficulties
Nutrition and Weaning
Meeting Location: New Life Church, 92 Main St. South Meriden,CT
Meeting Dates: Third Wednesday Of each month at 9:45a.m.
Leaders: Jaime: 203-284-9735 Laura: 860-583-8996 Maryann: 203-630-0046
(Leaders are also available to answer breastfeeding questions over the phone. Please call for more information or directions)
La Leche League groups also meet in Cheshire, Hamden, Middletown, Rocky Hill and Southington. Call for more information or go online at www.lalecheleague.org
BABIES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETINGS
North Haven Garden Club Holiday Luncheon
The North Haven Garden Club presents the 2006 Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, November 30th at 11:00 at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave. with a Boutique, Raffle and Gourmet Table. The Program will be “The Little Black Dress” with Bill Graham, floral designer and lecturer. Donations are $35.00. For reservations, please call 203-239-3656 by Nov 21st.
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PARENTS & KIDS FOUNDATION, INC. Of Wallingford
Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is a humanitarian and educational organization guided by the principles of faith and social responsibility, or “caring and sharing.” We serve people in the following ways: Counseling: is provided for individuals, families, women, couples, and children. A variety of support groups on various topics are offered. Call for appointments and schedule/description of activities. Recent groups: “Fun On Friday,” (art and conversation) “ Painting, Poetry, Pottery and Pizza” (women’s night out) “My Time” (nutrition, health, weight loss, exercise) Parenting / Family Education: “Raising Kids For Fun and Profit” is our trademark parenting program which focuses on communication and cooperation, discipline and decision making, rights and responsibilities, choices and consequences, and what it means to be “family.” Delivered with lots of humor and anecdotes. “We Are What We Eat or I Am A Chocolate Chip” is Nancy’s newest addition to the presentation developed because so many of our children and families are nutritionally deficient and in ill health. Chronic disease is out of control and most of it is nutritionally related and easily rectified. French fries are not vegetables. Broccoli is not a town in Italy. Fast Food on a plate is not a home cooked meal. An apple a day really will keep the doctor away and other truths I learned from my mother. Holiday Community Dinners: served Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, provide more than 500 meals each holiday. The meals are free. Transportation is provided as needed. Volunteers deliver meals and visits to the homebound, wrap presents, and write notes of encouragement. We strive to make everyone feel like they are “coming home” for the holidays. Much of the food is donated and completely prepared by volunteers. Come and join us. Adopt -A -Family grew from the holiday dinners. We have “adopted” individuals, families, nursing home residents without family, homeless shelter residents, and 100 children with AIDS. We sent holiday meals to residents in a home for the mentally retarded and gift baskets to their families. We provided materials and an instructor to a group of women learning to sew, and an artist to teach painting classes. As a need arises, we try to meet it. School Supplies Program: From paper, pens, pencils and notebooks, to backpacks, lunch boxes, sneakers, hats, gloves, jackets and more. Many children are provided the opportunity to begin their school year well supplied. Motivational Speaking: on Leadership, Communication, Positive Parenting, Nutrition and Health, and more. Guaranteed to send every audience out empowered. Focused and funny! Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is a private non-profit organization that believes children grow best in nurturing families. Nurturing families make nurturing communities. We are committed to strengthening people in all that we do. For more information on how you can become involved in any of our programs, please call. Together we can make such a wonderful difference! God’s peace and every blessing!
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Southwest Conservation District 60th Annual Meeting
Where: City Hall Building, 110When: Monday, October 30, 2006, at 7:00 p.m.
Meet: “Atka” The WCC’s Arctic
Gray Wolf!
The Conservation District services our 43 Townships in Southwest Connecticut with information, education and technical assistance to our municipalities and their private landowners regarding natural resource conservation, preservation and protection. Please join us and meet the Directors and Staff of your Conservation District. If you’re not familiar with the District, there will be plenty of information, displays to demonstrate who we are and an opportunity to discuss issues regarding our efforts to promote and preserve natural resource conservation and protection throughout our region and the state. The annual Meeting agenda will be comprised of brief District business topics, Nomination & Election of Directors, a presentation of Regional Conservation District Awards followed by a presentation on “Wolf Conservation” by the Wolf Conservation center’s Director of Education, Maggie Howell. For more Information on this program please call (203) 269-7509 or email to SWCD43@sbcglobal.net Conservation District Website: www.conservet.org
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Annual Holiday Festival
St. John Lutheran Church and Preschool proudly presents out Annual Holiday Fair Saturday, November 11, 2006, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. We will have all new crafters and vendors, PLUS plenty of free, off-street parking, so come early for the great special. Come for lunch. Come for the homemade pies for sale, but please come and check out our newly expanded fair. St. John Lutheran Church & Preschool, 520 Paddock Avenue, Meriden, Ct.
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WINE TASTING
The Wallingford Junior Woman’s Club and the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra will present a Wine Tasting on Friday, October 27, 2006, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Bristol Myers Squibb Company, 5 Research Parkway, Wallingford. Wine distributors will showcase over 30 wines as well as samplings of micro brews. The tasting is coordinated by Wallingford Wine and spirits. Appetizers will be served, and each guest will receive a complimentary wine glass. The event is open to the public. This charity event will benefit both non-profit organizations. The evening’s proceeds will be returned to the community through their many service projects. Advance tickets, $25 per person, are available from members of each organization. At the door, tickets will be $30. Tickets are also available from the Wallingford Juniors by calling Kathy Schave (203-949-1638) or from the Wallingford Symphony by calling Ann Whitman (203-284-2376). Wine offerings coordinated by Wallingford Wine and Spirits
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To The Editor:
With many moments in our lives, take one moment to say a kind word or do a good deed. Life is too short, and a little bit of kindness goes a long way. Whatever you do, it’s a smile you give someone or an ear to listen to what they have to say that means so much. Showing a little compassion doesn’t cost anything, but the outcome is worth millions. I wish every day would be that one moment in life. Jo-Ann Buccetti Wallingford
This is another true, funny story to add to my journal. My friend’s niece has a friend whose dog had died. She wanted to have it cremated, and read that there was a place in New York that charged only $30. She put the dead dog in a suitcase, took a train to New York. While she was on the train a young guy asked her what was in the suitcase. She told him it was a computer. As they came to their stop in New York and were getting off the train, the man turned around punched the girl in the face and ran off with the suitcase. I would love to have seen the look on his face when he opened the suitcase. Written by Jo-Ann Buccetti
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The Polish League of American Vets Chapter 189 Ladies Auxiliary Coming Events
November 13th,2006, we are going to see an afternoon of Divine Comedy, Father Aloysius and a superb lunch at John J. Sullivans Restaurant, full meal and dessert and tip included. Cost is only $64. Payment and signup is due two weeks prior to the trip at the Club 193 East Main St. Meriden. The bus leaves at 10:30 from Bee St. commuter parking lot, and returning around 3:30. See ya there!
December 2nd, 2006, come join us for the Festival of Lights and Father Pat and lunch at Morins. Visit the Shrine in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and then the Festival of Lights. See the Holiday Concert, enjoy Mass, the Nativity Set, gift shops, and a delicious lunch with the works at Morins Restaurant. We leave at 10:00 a.m. from Bee Street commuter parking lot and return about 9:00 pm. Tip and everything included. Cost is $53 and must sign up and pay two weeks prior to the trip at the Club on 193 East Main St. Meriden, Ct.
March 11th, 2007. We leave from the Bee Street commuter parking lot for Mohegan Sun Casino. The cost is $20. Includes free bet, free buffet. We leave at 8:00 a.m. and return about 5:30. Trip must be signed up and paid two weeks prior to the date at 193 East Main St. Meriden.
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We Are What We Eat
Cancer kills more children than any other disease. One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Heart disease kills more women than cancer. One in two men will have cancer in his lifetime. Americans spend $330 billion per year on heart disease. One in four children is obese. Most kids think French fries are vegetables. Some kids think broccoli is a town in Italy. This is the bad news. The good news is that most of these statistics will change if we simply change the way we eat. Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is sponsoring a six-week information and education series that will support people who want to improve the quality of their lives by changing the way we look at food. The program will be led by Nancy Freyberg, MA. Whether you are overweight and undernourished, tired of being sick and tired, thick or thin, trying to raise healthy kids in a junk food world, and feel like you are losing the battle, this program is for you. We will learn the difference between habits and heredity, treatment vs. prevention, how your body works when it takes food in, how to read labels, foods to always eat and those to never eat, truth and lies of advertising and how and where to shop. The best exercise and diet is the one you will do, so a personal program for your body type and personality will be designed. This is a program for real people who live in the real world and have to make real choices with the time, money and schedules they live with. Guest speakers will include a naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and fitness trainer. We will sample foods, share recipes, ask and answer all your questions and have lots of fun learning new ideas that really work. This program is for young people, senior citizens, and everyone in between. Two groups, limited to 10 participants in each, will meet 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, or 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Saturdays. The cost is $75. Please call Nancy Freyberg at 284-8299 to register for the class An apple a day really can keep the doctor away!