Free Trainings for Local Faith Organizations
The Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council (MAWSAC) will hold a series of three free trainings for teams from local churches who want to learn more about how to help their own congregation members who may be experiencing alcohol, drug abuse and mental illness issues. This non-denominational training will provide participants with useful skills to enhance their outreach and ministry to their faith members. The Congregational Assistance Program will begin on the evening of March 6, 2007 and includes free dinner and all program materials. The CAP program is appropriate for all clergy, lay leaders and faith-based outreach workers. Participants will be able to attend the First Annual Congregation Assistance Conference being held at the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden on April 21. The full day conference will bring together teams from congregations across the state to network with others and enhance the skills learned in their initial CAP training. For more information or to register call MAWSAC at 203-294-3591 or email mawsac@aol.com.
MONEY MATTER$ WORKSHOPWednesday March 21 - 10:15 a.m.Wallingford Senior Center
We all know about bills and budgeting to pay monthly bills. This process can be tedious, worrisome and sometimes overwhelming, especially if the postman delivers more bills than there is money in the bank to cover the payments! MONEY MATTER$ workshop will review the basics of how to budget money andgive you some tips on how to approach paying those ever-present bills. Learn how to make your money stretch further and conserve energy too! This workshop is sponsored by Yankee Gas. All participants will receive a free notebook filled with helpful worksheets to take home and use! Please register by calling 265-7753.
Wallingford Native’s Life Can Change At Any Moment
By Melissa A. Saranitzky, Communications Coordinator
Doris Dubra knew her daughter’s life would never be the same. After witnessing several days of Alexandra Brown’s struggle to lift her legs and inability to use her right arm, it was impossible to deny what she already knew in her heart.
“I had no doubts Alex had multiple sclerosis,” said Dubra, who had watched her own mother battle the effects of the disease. “I couldn’t help but picture my daughter’s life and the struggles that awaited her.”
Dubra’s mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the mid-1940’s when very little was known about the disease.
“My mother was diagnosed with MS soon after I was born,” recalled Dubra, now 61. “I always felt it was my fault she was ill. I’d come home from school and she’d be on the floor, having fallen out of a chair because the MS caused her to lose her sight. Doctors would say her illness was due to ‘hysteria’ and she was causing her own symptoms. My mother was even prescribed ‘oxygen therapy,’ where she’d breathe from tanks of pure oxygen for hours on end.”
Brown, now 32, who was an oncology nurse at the time, recalled that week when she first experienced symptoms.
“When I wrote a phone number during that first exacerbation, my handwriting was the same as my grandmother’s,” said Brown. “I was hoping it was a brain tumor because it was at least curable. My son, Joshua, wasn’t even a year old. I had a lot of life before me. It wasn’t long before I knew I was in my grandmother’s shoes.”
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Brown, battle multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. Symptoms can include numbness in the limbs, a debilitating sensitivity to heat, extreme fatigue, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted and there currently is no cure for multiple sclerosis.
“Losing my life to MS wasn’t an option,” Brown said. “I turned to the National MS Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter for support and guidance.”
Dubra remembered when she first saw the materials from the chapter. “I was impressed by the wealth of available information,” she said. “There were many treatment options, which gave Alex the ability to make choices. It was a relief to know the disease that affected my mother is now being conquered with awareness, research and treatments.”
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society was established when Dubra was still a child. When society founder, Sylvia Lawry, learned her brother was diagnosed with MS in 1946, she realized how little information was available about the disease. Lawry’s efforts to unite those affected by MS began a worldwide effort to battle the disease.
To date, the society has invested $500 million on research-related programs since its founding, which has contributed toward significant progress to find treatments and better diagnosis, rehabilitation and symptomatic therapy for people with all forms of MS.
“My mother’s MS took a huge toll on our family,” Dubra added. “My siblings and I didn’t know how MS affected her moods. After all these years, we’ve just begun to discuss what our childhood was like. I’m grateful that nowadays people can talk about MS and how it affects every family member involved.”
Brown learned of several treatment options and learned more about her diagnosis, relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis, which is one of four types of MS.
“My grandmother had secondary progressive MS, and I thought there was only one type of MS,” said Brown. “I was actually relieved to learn how my MS differed from my grandmother’s.”
Almost five years after her diagnosis, Brown’s daily life has turned out better than she or her mother first imagined. “Alex can do everything she used to do,” said Dubra with pride.
Brown’s drug therapy, thus far, has proven successful. “I’m lucky to have had only minor symptoms since my initial diagnosis,” she recalls. “I know my life could change at any time. I couldn’t do it without my husband, Eric, my son, Joshua, and my mother. They are my support every day.”
Brown has continued to work as a nurse at William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich, Conn., and is very open about the affects of the disease with her son, Joshua, who is almost 6 years old.
“I’ve been honest with him (Joshua) since he was old enough to understand that Mommy could end up in a wheelchair,” said Brown. “He’s been involved with chapter events since he was a toddler and is empathic toward people with disabilities.”
In 2004, Brown and Dubra became involved with the Greater Connecticut Chapter’s MS Walk site in Woodstock, Conn. Brown formed a walk team, My Support, and both mother and daughter joined the walk site planning committee.
“The Greater Connecticut Chapter was a huge source of support and guidance, and we wanted to do more to battle multiple sclerosis,” Brown said. “The MS Walk event was the perfect place to start.”
Their hard work has paid off. The 2006 Woodstock MS Walk attracted more than 280 individuals from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. The Woodstock walk site raised more than $30,000 to support the efforts to find a cause, new treatments and a cure for multiple sclerosis. To date, team My Support has raised more than $1,800.
“I had never done any fundraising or volunteer work before the Woodstock MS Walk,” Dubra said. “Becoming a member of the committee and walk team has been both fun and rewarding every year.”
Dubra and Brown will usher My Support into its third year at the 2007 Travelers MS Walk, this year presented by UnitedHealth Group, on Sunday, April 29. Eight communities across Connecticut will host the 2007 Travelers MS Walk the week prior on Sunday, April 22, including Cheshire, Clinton, Enfield, Manchester, New London, Simsbury, West Hartford and West Haven. Lunch will be provided compliments of Subway and Coca-Cola. The event takes place rain or shine. To learn more about the walk event, tune to WTNH News Channel 8, My TV 9, 97.7 WCTY, 96.5 TIC and 100.5 WRCH for the 2007 Travelers MS Walk, visit www.ctfightsMS.org or call (860) 714-WALK.
Yale University Exhibitions and Programs: March-April 2007This spring, the Gallery welcomes numerous artists for talks, symposia, and discussions -- including Lynda Benglis, Enrique Chagoya, Chuck Close, Carroll Dunham, and Kiki Smith, among others. The Gallery also hosts family programs, afternoon gallery talks, and student tours. (+) Continuing exhibitions "Made for Love: Selections from the Jane Katcher Collection of Americana" and "Responding to Kahn: A Sculptural Conversation"(+) Last chance to see prints by Jasper Johns and contemporary artists(+) Conversation between artist Chuck Close and Gallery director Jock Reynolds (March 1)(+) Symposium on the contemporary print with artists Enrique Chagoya, Carroll Dunham, and Kiki Smith (March 3)(+) Symposium related to "Made for Love" considers collecting, curating, and creating American folk art (March 31)(+) Art-making programs for kids take place on March 3 and 31(+) Weekly gallery talks by curators and students explore the collection and are free and open to the public For more information please contact Amy Jean Porter at 203.432.0611.
Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club of Wallingford News and Events
The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will be hosting an “Oldies Dance” and dinner on April 21st, starting at 6:00 pm at the Elk’s Lodge in Wallingford. All the proceeds from the Dinner Dance will benefit programs at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club.
The dance will include a cash bar, a buffet dinner prepared by the “Wishing Well” and dancing with music provide by “Local Motion”. Featuring music from the 50’s and 60’s and door prizes given out throughout the evening.
Tickets are $20.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. There are a limited number of tickets, so do not wait until the last moment to buy yours. For information or reservations, call the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club at (203) 269-7535
“March Madness 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament” Event to be held on March 31st, 2007
Elementary School students - Registration starts at 10:00a.m. Event starts at 10:30a.m.
Middle School students - Registration starts at 12:30p.m. Event starts at 1:00p.m.
On Saturday March 31, 2007 the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will be hosting a “March Madness 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament.” It is open to all students in Wallingford. Our tournament style will be based upon the number of teams that sign-up. Pre-registration is appreciated. If teams pre-register before March 29, 07 then the cost will be $10, if teams register the day of the tournament, the cost will be $15. Winners will receive a trophy. For more information contact the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club (203) 269-7535.
MARCH WORKSHOPS FOCUS ON IDENTIFYING BIRDS BY THEIR SONGShttp://www.sunrisebirding.com/workshops_BBE_earlyspring07.htm
As of this week, Song Sparrows, Wrens, Cardinals, and Chickadees have begun singing! By mid-March, the spring chorus is well underway with phoebes, robins, sparrows, woodpeckers, blackbirds and other birds proclaiming territories. Knowing how to identify bird vocalizations is a rewarding aspect of bird watching and adds a new level of awareness of wild birds. In fact, many birders use bird song both to locate birds and identify birds. Guilford based Sunrise Birding is pleased to announce two field seminars focused on distinguishing the songs and calls of birds in different habitats. Learn techniques for recognizing and remembering bird songs and advance your birding skills during these one and a half to two hour field sessions.
MARCH BIRDING BY EAR WORKSHOPSSaturday, March 17, 2007 - 8 AM - Chatfield Hollow State Park, KillingworthSaturday, March 31, 2007 - 8 AM - Branford Supply Ponds, Branford
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee for each session is $20.00 per person and participants may register for both sessions for $35.00 per person. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Specific location information and directions will be emailed to participants upon receipt of registration and payment. For more information and a registration form, go to http://www.sunrisebirding.com/
Family Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser on March 17th
Proceeds to benefit Shakespeare in Library Park
March 17, 2007 Shakesperience Productions will be having the 2nd annual family friendly St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser at the John Bale Book Company, 2:00pm-4:00pm. The proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit Shakespeare in Library Park.
Please join us for festive music, food, raffle, children’s activities and games. The games will include “Leprechaun Idol”, a limerick competition for adults, and “Who Wants to Win a Pot of Gold”, an Irish trivia quiz show. Remember to wear your green, as there will be a Best Irish Outfit Contest as well. Prizes will be awarded to the most outrageous and most traditional outfits.
Shakespeare in Library Park
Shakespeare in Library Park is an open arts event that aims to foster a sense of community, fellowship, and pride within the greater Waterbury Area. This year, Shakesperience Productions, Inc. is presenting free performances of Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love, action and family feud. Performances will be held on the last two weekends of June.
Admission to the St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser is $5 for kids, $10 for adults and $20 for families. The John Bale Book Company is located at 136 Grand Street, Waterbury. For information please call Shakesperience Productions at 203-754-2531 or visit www.shakesperienceproductions.org.
Shakesperience Productions, a professional theater company, is headquartered in Waterbury.
Camp for Kids with Cancer Reunion Weekend in MarchChildren who have faced a diagnosis of cancer are invited to attend Camp Rising Sun's Reunion Weekend on March 24-25, 2007 at Camp Jewell YMCA in Colebrook, CT. First-time campers will have the opportunity to see the Camp and to meet camp counselors and fellow campers. "It's a great way to have fun and learn more about Camp Rising Sun," says Tina Saunders of the American Cancer Society.For more than two decades, the American Cancer Society's Camp Rising Sun, where children from ages 6 - 18 who have ever been diagnosed with cancer go and see they are not alone in their struggle, while providing support, camaraderie, and lifelong friendships for everyone involved. The weekend activities are dependant on the weather, but may include tubing, snowshoeing, arts and crafts, and sports. Summer activities include swimming, photography, a Ropes Course, campfires, hiking, horseback riding, and boating. "The kids do everything that any other camp would do," said Saunders. If you're the parent of a child who is currently receiving treatment with cancer you may, understandably, have concerns about medical care. At Camp Rising Sun, campers can participate with the approval of their doctors. A pediatric oncologist, Dr. Joseph McNamara, of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Associates in Guilford, and four nurses remain on site throughout the week, allowing those still in treatment to attend camp. Children in remission are also invited to attend.Applications are available now by contacting the American Cancer Society at tina.saunders@cancer.org or call 1.203-379-4762. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. For more information on cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.cancer.org.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
The Stanley Budleske V.F.W. Post 9965 and the Ladies Auxiliary, Yalesville has mailed 181 care packages to our troops in Iraq, Afganistan and South Korea.
The Post is running short on items for this program.
We are looking for donations of hygiene products both for men and women. Tube socks (black, green, brown), popcorn, any kind of nuts, baby wipes, dry wipes, paper back books, CD’s, small games, hard candy, oatmeal, cookies, can fruit. All items can be left off at the Post Canteen everyday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 424 Church St (Rt. 68) across from the Yalesville school. Also items may be left at the Yalesville Post Office.
Thank you in advance, Rod Fulton (203) 269-9851
TRIPS AND TOURS
AARP Castle Craig Meriden Chapter has planned two trips. On Thursday March 15th we will be going to Chez Josef in Agawam, MA for a St Patrick’s Day Show and Luncheon. Menu will consist of homemade vegetable soup, corned beef & cabbage, boiled potatoes and cabbage. Cost is $62.00 per person. There are few seats remaining. Call Eleanore Barnes at (203) 235-7302 or Judy Costa at (203) 237-2515 for questions and reservations.
We will be heading to Chicago on June 17th for a 7 days, 6 night trip. The trip includes: transportation, lodging, 10 meals a guided tour of Chicago and a cruise on Lake Michigan and much more. The cost is $570.00 per person (double occupancy). Sign up now so you don’t miss this great trip at such an incredible price. Contact Eleanore Barnes at (203) 235-7302 or Judy Costa (203) 237-2515 for reservations and questions.
Please contact Judy Costa if you have any questions regarding this article.
Victorian Tea
Join Us For our 6th Victorian Tea & Whist On Sunday March 11th, 07 at 12:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, corner of Liberty and East Main Streets, Meriden. Public invited. Purchase or reserve your tables of 4 through the church office by calling 237-7451 starting 2/4/07. (less than 4 we will fill your table) $12.00 per person. Join us for an afternoon filled with fun, food, entertainment, prizes, raffle, and much more……
Wallingford Brief
The Wallingford Assessor’s office is now taking applications for tax credits for Elderly & Totally Disabled Homeowner’s February 1st – May 15th 2007
To qualify for this program applicants must be:
1). 65 years of age by December 31, 2006, the widow/widower age 50 or over of a previously approved
applicant, or totally disabled and receiving benefits under a federal, state, or local retirement program
(e.g. Social Security Disability).
2). Individual must have lived in Connecticut for one year.
3). Income not to exceed:
$28,800 – single
$35,300 – married
Documents needed for applications:
1). All sources of income for 2006. For example: Social Security Form 1099, wages, commissions,
pensions, interest, dividends, proceeds from sales of property, veteran’s pension, etc.
2). 2006 Income Tax Form (if filed).
3). If you received an application and have any questions, or need help filling out your application, our
office can assist you at the Town Hall (Room 101).
For more information, call (203) 294-2001.
Wallingford YMCA News and Events
Look! Learn to Save a Life!
Our American Red Cross CPR Classes will be taught by certified instructors here at the Wallingford Family YMCA.
In order to receive certification card, participants must be able to pass both the written and the hands- on test with 80% or better.
Open to teens. Recommended for Scout leaders, youth coaches, parents. Class sizes are limited –early registration is recommended.
INFANT/CHILD CPR
Sat. April 7 10am-2pm
Sat. June 2 10am-2pm
CPR/FPR/AED RECERTIFICATION CLASS
(Primarily aimed at lifeguards. Must have current certification to attend. Must bring card and pocket mask to class)
APRIL 12, 4PM
YMCA MEMBERS $20
PROGRAM MEMBERS $30 (community and non- YMCA members)
Call to register: 203 269 4497
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSE
INCLUDES FIRST AID & CPR/FPR/AED
CLASS WILL BE HELD AT THE CHOATE POOL
REQUIRED PRE-TEST – MARCH 22 5:30PM
(COME PREPARED TO SWIM 500 YARDS…)
CLASS DATES: TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
5:30-9PM MARCH 27, 29, APRIL 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 AND SUNDAYS 4-7PM APRIL 1, 15, 22.
YMCA & CHOATE MEMBERS $230
PROGRAM MEMBERS $255
COURSE FEE INCLUDES TEXT & POCKET MASK
REGISTRATION AT THE WALLINGFORD YMCA OR BY PHONE AT 203 269 4497
Card and Coin Show
PLATT HIGH SCHOOL, 220 Coe Ave., Meriden, Ct. 06451. Card & Coin Show Dates: April 7, 2007; May 5, 2007; June 9, 2007. Best Show in Connecticut. Contact Platt Athletic Department 203-235-7962 ext. 139 or Ernie 203-634-0069
Lenten Program
The Meriden Council of Catholic Women will hold their annual Lenten program on Sunday, March 25, at 2:00 p.m.
Guest speaker, Deacon George W. Frederick, Deacon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and St. Laurent Church in Meriden will speak on THE LAST WORDS OF CHRIST.
The Lenten program will be held at the St. Rose Community Center, 35 Center Street, Meriden.
A reception to meet Deacon Frederick will follow the program.
Bring a relative or friend to attend.
Join us.
Wallingford Historical Society Meeting
The next meeting of the Wallingford Historical Society will be held on Wednesday March 21, 2007 at 7:30 pm. at the First Baptist Church, 114 North Main St. A slide show and talk about the Oyster Barons in East Haven will be presented by Bill Conway. Everyone welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Gem, Mineral, Jewelry and Fossil Show
The Lapidary and Mineral Club of Central Connecticut announces the 2007 gem, mineral, jewelry and fossil show and sale. This event will be held March 10-11 at Maloney High School, Gravel Street, Meriden, CT from 9:30-5:00 on Saturday and 10:00-4:00 on Sunday.
Many children’s activities are planned throughout both days. There will also be speakers who will present programs about finding dinosaur fossils and about mining and minerals in Connecticut.
Mineral specimens, crystals, beads, custom-made jewelry, meteorites, fossils and gemstones will be offered for sale. There will also be exhibits. Refreshments will be available.
There is a small admission charge for adults.
Gravel Street is off East Main Street, which is easily accessible from I-95, I-691 and Route 15 (follow the Gem Show signs).
The LMSCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the mineral-related hobbies.
Visit our website, www.Imscc.org for more information.
SUMMER IS COMING
By
Ralph O Cuomo
The summer is coming so don’t despair
Soon the chill of winters cold air
Will soon cease to be
So look around and you may see
The crocus coming thru
They seem to tell you summer is due
And soon the warm breeze fill the air
As blossoms start to bloom so fair
And so the chill of winter will be
Just a chilly memory
A SUMMER MORN
By
Ralph Cuomo
A summer morn with air so cool
The yellow sun with golden hue
The flower wake in morning mist
To lift their blossoms in a sun drenched kiss
The meadows seem to come alive
With creatures teaming to survive
Amidst the fields so lush and green
A meadow warmed by summers gleam
The birds and animals seem to thrive
Like the honey bees that fly
From blossom to blossom to have their drink
For only in summers of days gone by
We seem to ponder the reasons why
Of natures wonderful reply
To lead these creatures to survive
So not to be forlorn
Is why she brings this glorious summer morn
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