Wallingford and Meriden Community Stories June 2007

Wallingford and Meriden Community Stories June 2007 Sponsored by Meriden Feed and Grain My Years with The Silver Company By Francis W. Lappert It was back in 1937 while working at the Ford Agency in Wallingford that I found out International Silver Company was hiring new workers at their Factory “H” plant in Meriden. My brother Ernie who was already working there told me to go see the employment manager as soon as possible. I did the next day and was hired for the night shift that was starting the following Monday. I was to start in the trimming room and my job was called Tipping. It called for grinding the tips of spoons and forks that had burrs on them. There was two men already doing that procedure on the day shift. One of them was told by the boss to show me how to set up the grind wheel with pumice and hot glue. It took me a few days to get the knack of it so as not to burn my fingers. My starting rate was forty cents an hour to begin with. It was a piece work job and you could make more by producing more than the standard amount of forks and spoons required above the forty cents an hour. After several months working in this building we were moved into the new building that was on Cooper Street. Factory “J” of Waterbury was transferred to Meriden and moved in with us. They had been making the 1847 Roger Brothers brand silverware. By this time I was fast enough to be making around ninety cents an hour. I was informed by my boss it took one hundred operations from start to finish producing the silver plated spoon or fork. Our division received the sheets of nickel from the casting shop that belonged to the company called the rolling mill factory “R”. The sheets were sent to the making room where the blanks were punched out. Some were for spoons other for forks. After processing they went to the “Drop Room” where the blanks were struck, first on the handles then on the bowls or tines for forks. This decided which design was on the handles. There was a great many dies to accomplish this. After finishing with the drop room the spoons and forks came to our “Trimming Room” to be worked on to remove the burrs if any, before going to the buffing room to be polished. All of the spoons and forks then went through the inspection room before going to be silver plated in the plating department. When finished they were again inspected and sent to the wrapping dept., where they were boxed and made into sets for shipping. Some sets were for forty eight pieces service for eight. Larger sets had 104 pcs. Service for twelve. I spent the first twenty seven years in the trimming room, then was transferred to the shipping room. At my twenty fifth year I was given a set of silverware that was called “First Love” 1847 Roger Brothers, a forty eight piece set. After several years in the shipping room I was transferred to the plating room, to take overt the gold plating division which was being started. I reported to my new boss and he had me scrubbing out the tanks that were to hold the gold solution and he was very fussy about it. It took about a week before we were ready to plate. I had two women to rack up the forks or spoons and I took them through the plating process, then they put them in trays to be inspected by others. They were then sent to factory “C” to be boxed and shipped out to the buyers all over the country. I spent three years gold plating at factory “H” before the company shut down this division. Most of the work force went to factory “C” on research parkway. My gold plating job went to factory “E” on South Broad Street to be incorporated with the hollowware division. My job was separated from the silver plating section of which had a long section of tanks which were automated. My plating tanks were separated from them. I was plating by myself. I did this for several more years until I reached sixty two years old. I I talked it over with my wife and decided to retire in June of 1978. I was happy I did because the company sent the job to factory “C” and shut down factory ‘E’ altogether. Shortly after the company went out of business, I spent forty one years with this company and do not regret retiring when I did Kvellin’ Like Magellan Katrina S. Axelrod This month my son Philip graduates from Platt High School. He has garnered honors and awards along the way, and he is a wonderful, responsible and good-humored fellow. My son Benjamin has achieved in his first year at Platt, and has racked up some very nice honors, including a stellar class rank. So what to do about this? Well, I could brag. But no, these are teenagers and they would be embarrassed. During the year I have heard scathing remarks bout PDA’s, Public Displays of Affection. A No-No. I really have no way of expressing my all-out joy that my sons have had such a wonderful academic year. I could say that my happiness extends to all of my family members- my husband and even to our family pet. They too have given me naches (happiness). Oops, it spilled out. OK, maybe there is a way I can express my way out of this while keeping everyone’s dignity. Yiddish. Now, I am an adult convert to Judaism, so I didn’t grow up with a Yiddisha-Bubby or Zaydi (Yiddish-speaking Grandma or Grandpa). I have two wonderful in-laws who have taught me some expressively-wonderful Yiddish. Ferklempt. Ferblunget. (Please pardon my spelling- I am doing this by phonetics). The opposites of kvelling, in their won way. They are to be extremely frustrated and disoriented, driven to distraction, or perhaps spechless. All in one word. Such a descriptive world, Yiddish. (As I am typing this the wiggly-red lines on my computer program are filling the screen! Oh, well, I’ll have to add the words to our personal dictionary when I am done writing. You should too, they are wonderful tools to have.) I am kvelling about my boys (and my family in general). I am so proud that I could burst, but I won’t. I’ll kvell. I’m kvellin’, like Magellan, as the Dr. Schol’s people would have it. Kvelling is a verb that is used when mere words just won’t do. It is comparable to swooning, but without the accompanying dizziness. Kvelling is a socially-acceptable form of bragging at the Synagogue. It is an expected response to good news, good fortune, good feelings, well, anything about which one can be justifiably proud. OOOH, it is fun, too. One can abandon all of the usual social humility and kvell at a wedding, a Bar Mitzvah; where kvelling dwells, there dwells a happy occasion and a very proud and happy Mama, Papa, or other personnel. One can spill tears as one kvells. Or one can have a big grin on one’s face. You know the kind- the illuminatingly-bright smile that comes with immense happiness, regardless of the whiteness of one’s teeth. There is a responsibility of the people around you to congratulate you and shake your hand or give you a hug, maybe holding on a bit too long, coming back and shaking your hand, too. If tears happen, it is because you don’t have anywhere else to put them, other than your cheeks. Yup, I’m kvelling. Wholesale, all-our K-v-e-l-l-i-n-g. Like Magellan. Such naches. Full of loveAlways lending a helping handTender words that teach teamworkHigh-spirited individual, who is my heroExcellent dart playerRadiates kindness and is caring to allKimberley Linstruth-BeckomFounder of Writers With Chronic DiseaseWriterswithchronicdisease-owner@yahoogroups.comAuthor and Publisher Kimberley Linstruth-Beckomwww.kimberleylinstruth-beckom.com “My Dad is: Always helpful at hard times Always encouraging people to do stuff Always trying to teach good things” By: Alexander S. Grade 2 Cook Hill School “My Dad is special because he plays Gutter Hero and goes NUTS when he plays.” By Ben N. Age 8 Cook Hill School “My Dad is special because he does a good job coaching my baseball team. He is special because he makes my favorite dinner. YOU ARE THE BEST DAD EVER.” By: Matthew N. Age 8 Cook Hill School F riendly, he is nice A wesome, he is cool T ogether, we stay together H elps me every day E very day together R iding quads with me! By Nicholas I.- Cook Hill School “One thing I love to do with my dad is go fishing. My Dad is sooo nice. Happy Father’s Day! I LOVE You.” By Sammi C. 3rd Grade Cook Hill School “What my Dad does best is work, help us make money and take care of us. He can make me smile when I’m sad and takes me to his work. I love my Dad the way he is and I’ll never ever forget him.” Happy Father’s Day, Love Natalie V. 3rd Grade Cook Hill School “Dear Dad, Did you know… I’ve always liked your writing? Did you also know…. I was impressed that you were good at Hockey? Did you know I love you? Keep up the work at Middletown Toyota!! You always take me places.” By Shannon B. – Cook Hill School “Dear Daddy, You are the best father because you always make my birthday party real fun. You are fun to play video games with. You teach me hoe to play board games. You’re the best father in the world! I Love You! “ By: Nolan S. 2nd Grade Cook Hill School “My Dad” My Dad is very Cool He’s as strong as a mule My Dad is my best friend On him I can depend My Dad is lots of fun I’m so glad that I’m his son! By Michael T. 5th Grade Cook Hill School “About My Dad” “He is funny, smart and attractive. He likes to do math and other science stuff. Also, he works really hard at his job. He is a coach on a hockey team and plays hockey on his own team. HE is a lot of fun to play games with and has great jokes. I think I have his personality. My Dad never makes a mistake on his work. He is a good Dad because he takes care of me.” By: Kylie G. Cook Hill School “Why My Dad is Special” “My Dad is nice because he brings me to swimming lessons. He will take us to an ice cream store. He plays outside with us. He picks flowers for us.” By: Julia M. K- Cook Hill School “What My Daddy Does Best” He plays games with me He helps me ride my bike. He plays outside with me. He gives the BEST piggyback rides. He cuddles with on the couch and we watch Zoom. “I Love you Daddy” By Julia H. Cook Hill School “My Dad is funny, nice and awesome. My Dad cooks better than Emeril” Love Brenna D. –Cook Hill School “My Dad loves to golf, play basketball, baseball and football. He is nice, sweet, hardworking and athletic. He will always be the world’s greatest Dad.” By Eric T. 4th Grade Cook Hill School “My Dad is very special to me. He brings me to DQ and snuggles with me on the couch. Sometimes I sleep with him, when my Mom is away on business.” By: Shannon G. 3rd Grade Cook Hill School Special Thoughts about My Dad… By: Ryann K. 6 years old My dad is a god man. He spends time hiking with me at Sleeping Giant. He has a nice mom, Grandma He goes to work to make money for me and Jaime I love him. EARTH TALK From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Are my kids breathing in dangerous exhaust fumes by riding the school bus? -- Molly Schink, Winnetka, IL Over 24 million children ride the bus to school every day and as a result are regularly exposed to harmful diesel exhaust emissions. Major components of diesel exhaust include carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, formaldehyde and tiny soot particles that carry substances called polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies diesel emissions as a “likely carcinogen.” Diesel emissions are estimated to be responsible for 70 percent of the cancer risk arising from air pollution, according to the California Air Resources Board. Dangers from diesel exhaust can range from respiratory illnesses including asthma and bronchitis to lung cancer and heart disease. Children are more vulnerable to the effects of diesel exhaust than adults because they breathe more quickly and take more air into their developing lungs. And on average, school children who ride the bus spend an average of 90 minutes each weekday in transit. The EPA estimates that approximately 390,000 diesel school buses are on the road in the U.S. today. A third of these were made before 1990 when stricter emissions guidelines were first enforced. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a child riding inside a school bus may be exposed to as much as four times the amount of toxic diesel fumes as someone riding in a car directly ahead of it. Recently, the EPA pledged more than $1 million to a partnership called the Northeast Diesel Collaborative, which is comprised of eight different public and private entities working together to improve emissions on thousands of school buses throughout the northeastern U.S. Recipient groups are using the money primarily to reduce emissions on older buses by installing advanced pollution controls. Retrofitting old buses with such controls involves installing emissions reducing filters. Diesel particulate filters, which cost around $700 each, can cut tailpipe emissions by a whopping 85 percent. And “closed crankcase filtration systems,” which are installed under the hood and filter the discharges that come directly from the engine’s crankcase vent, can cut engine soot by nearly 90 percent at a cost of around $7,500 each. Buses can be retrofitted with one or both filters. Nationwide a number of school bus emission-reduction programs are underway with the help of the EPA’s Clean School Bus USA program. In addition to retrofit projects the program seeks to replace older buses with new less polluting buses and encourage unnecessary school bus idling. Concerned parents can help reduce their children’s expose to diesel emissions from school buses by advocating at town and boards of education meetings for the use of new or retrofitted school buses. Also, bus windows should remain open when weather allows, and children are safer sitting nearer the front of the bus, as exhaust tends to accumulate in the back. CONTACTS: EPA Clean School Bus USA, www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus; Northeast Diesel Collaborative, www.northeastdiesel.org; NRDC, www.nrdc.org/air/transportation/qbus.asp. Dear EarthTalk: What is “light pollution?” Is it really a factor in breast cancer? -- Gudrun Smythe, Madison, Wisconsin The glow of city lights blotting out stars in the night sky has frustrated many a stargazer, but recent studies have shown that “light pollution”--defined as excess or obtrusive light at night--can actually have serious health effects. Researchers have found that exposure to bright nocturnal light can decrease the human body’s production of melatonin, a hormone secreted at night that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. And decreased melatonin production has in turn been linked to higher rates of breast cancer in women. “Light at night is now clearly a risk factor for breast cancer,” says David Blask, a researcher at the Cooperstown, New York-based Mary Imogene Bassett Research Institute. “Breast tumors are awake during the day, and melatonin puts them to sleep at night,” he adds. Epidemiologist Richard Stevens of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory first discovered the link between breast cancer and light pollution in the late 1980s. Stevens found that breast cancer rates were significantly higher in industrialized countries, where nighttime lighting is prevalent, than in developing regions. Lending credence to Stevens’ research are the findings of another researcher, William Hrushesky of the South Carolina-based Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, who discovered that female night shift workers have a 50 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer than other working women. He also found that blind women have high melatonin concentrations and unusually low rates of breast cancer. To reduce breast cancer risks from light pollution, Prevention magazine recommends nine hours of sleep nightly in a dark room devoid of both interior (computer screens) and exterior (street lamps) light sources. A study of 12,000 Finnish women found that those who slept nine hours nightly had less than one-third the risk of developing a breast tumor than those who slept only seven or eight hours. Even bright light from a trip to the bathroom can have an affect, so dim nightlights are recommended for night lighting. Light pollution causes other problems besides increased cancer risks. According to the Sierra Club, birds and animals can be confused by artificial lighting, leading them away from familiar foraging areas and disrupting their breeding cycles. And the photosynthetic cycles of deciduous trees (those that shed their leaves in the fall) have been shown to be disrupted due to the preponderance of artificial nighttime lights. Another environmental impact of excessive use of artificial light is, of course, energy waste. The International Dark-Sky Association computes that unnecessary nighttime lighting wastes upwards of $1.5 billion in electricity costs around the world each year while accounting for the release of more than 12 million tons of carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Individuals can do their part by keeping lights dim or off at home at night—and convincing their employers and local government offices to do the same. CONTACTS: International Dark-Sky Association, www.darksky.org; Sierra Club, http://newyork.sierraclub.org/longisland/lightpollution.html. GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php Dear Housewives – Central Connecticut’s Know it all Gals! Dear Readers, Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue. June and Flora Dear Housewives, What do you ladies think about the movie "The Illusionist"? - The Movie Watcher JUNE: I thought this movie was excellent. I like Ed Norton, who played The Illusionist. I think Jessica Beil played his love interest. I liked the story of how he came to love the girl he loved many years ago. The ending was a nice twist even though we saw it coming. I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it highly. FLORA: Dear Movie Watcher, I just could not get myself to rent it. Forgive me and if and when I do rant and watch The Illusionist, I will write a review dedicated to you. Dear Housewives,If a friend invites you to a confirmation and you cannot go do you still send a gift? If so, should it be monetary?- Gift Giver of Wallingford JUNE: Yes, I think a gift would be nice. If it is someone you don't know and you were invited randomly because you are a friend of a friend than you probably don't have to give a gift. Then again, you can be stingy like my sister-in-law. She cancelled the morning of our third child's confirmation and never sent anything. Not even a Hallmark. Thanks a lot. FLORA: Giving a gift is not necessary but if you are very close to the child you may want to give money for college or a piece of jewelry or a religious memento such as a book or bible. JUNE: By the way, forget the "religious memento" unless it is with a "real gift". Although it is a nice gesture to get something religious to mark the day, a savings bond or some monetary gift (even if not large) is really the most appropriate way to go. It is something that can be put to use in the future for a car or college. You can get a $50 gift bond for $25. FLORA: I still vote for the religious mementos as some of these events can become fundraisers. Dear Housewives: I saw a mother parking in a handicapped spot at the park the other day. She had no handicapped sticker and was not in anyway struggling to walk. She simply didn't want to park far away. I was very bothered by this, should I have confronted her? - Parking patrol in Berlin JUNE: No! First of all, she is a jerk. That is a pretty low thing to take a spot designated for handicapped people. The reason I say not to confront someone is because she knows she parked there. You saying something is not going to make her see the error of her ways. You can call the police department and report her car. Furthermore, if you have a sticker in your car and you yourself are not impaired from walking, you should park somewhere else. Just because you have a pass for someone who may be in your car it does not give you the right to take the spot if you don't need it. FLORA: Report it. Confronting citizens that disrespect the law can turn messy. A $500.00 fine might change her tune... However Parking Patrol, there are some people who have chronic pain and do not appear to be handicapped and forget to hang the blue handicapped emblem. MOVIE REVIEW FLORA: The Secret DVD. Not Rated. This documentary film shares the secret that what we think about becomes our reality. We attract and create our lives by the thoughts we think. For example, if we think (dwell) on people who park in handicapped spaces that aren't supposed to be there; we will come across that type of situation over and over again. We may become annoyed and look at all the cars in the handicapped spots, looking for the blue emblem. We take some joy away form our lives by focusing on the negative. This film shares The Law of Attraction. Just like The Law of Gravity, this is a proven law of science. What we think about, we attract into our lives. The friends, the relationships, the finances and the health. I thought there were some parts of the film that were materialistic but the overall message is good. From a biblical perspective, if we focus on God and the forgiveness of others, we will bring greater joy to our lives and to the lives of all who cross our paths. When we give of our time or money to others we end up having more than enough. The secret is one of those simple ideas that we know already, but is easier said than done. Try it for one day. Forgive others; imagine having good physical health, the energy you need, having healthy loving relationships and see who calls, what you read of how you feel. What have you to loose? JUNE: We rented Borat. Rated R. This is the movie where Sasha Cohen pretends to be from Kasatzstan (have no idea how to spell) doing a documentary of life in America. What a piece of garbage this movie was. Now, I am not saying that because some people were tricked or felt betrayed by having their words make them look bad. I say that because parts were so raunchy and obscene that I didn't enjoy the actual funny parts. One part in particular was so gross I was all done. I sent it back the next day. Shop, Dine, Visit! It’s all here, in downtown Wallingford! On a brisk Sunday morning in April, more than twenty five local artists and artisans were seen busily erecting tents and setting up displays of unique works of art on the green at the railway station, better know to residents as Fishbein Park. The park was abuzz with activity as the gazebo was being staged for performances by local musicians. The event was the first annual “Everything’s Coming Up Spring” art festival, created by the collaborative efforts of Wallingford Center, Inc., Easel Works and Keys & Strings Music Studio. With the backdrop of the historic railway station, ornamental pear trees in full bloom and the gazebo as a focal point, more than five hundred residents and visitors strolled the avenues of art with their families and friends. Many couples brought their children in strollers while others felt it was a wonderful opportunity to take a leisurely walk with their canine in tow. Downtown! It is the central core of any community! Quaint shops, award winning restaurants, bustling offices, stately churches, gracious homes and tree lined streets, Wallingford Center, Inc. is proud of the vitality in our downtown and dedicated to its continued success. Shopping in the downtown is truly a destination point for the couple soon to be joined in matrimony. Take advantage of our free parking and stroll the romantic tree lined streets while shopping for that special day. Enjoy the array of shops specializing in fine jewelry, gowns for the bride, tuxedos for the groom, flowers, decorations, speak with a caterer, book your honeymoon, order your specialty cake and keepsake invitations. It’s all here, in downtown Wallingford! Wine, dine, lunch, brunch and mingle! Enjoy the tantalizing tastes offered by more than twenty downtown eateries, specializing in menus that are diversified in international and American cuisines that promise to please the palate. The downtown offers intimate dining for those special occasions, sports on the wide screen and European alfresco dining for your pleasure. Whether its burgers and beer with the boys or tapas and Taittinger’s with the girls, it’s all here, in downtown Wallingford! Manicure, pedicure, cut, color, spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahs! Indulge yourself. Downtown hosts salons, spas and barber shops with professionally trained staff that are knowledgeable of the latest techniques and trends for today’s men and women. Our spas pamper you with rejuvenating treatments in facials, body treatments, therapeutic massage, reflexology and more. It’s all here, in downtown Wallingford! From books to banks, antiques to architects and lamps to land, it’s all here, in downtown Wallingford! For more information, go to www.wallingfordcenterinc.com, or phone 284-1807. BEING HUMANE By: Lori Peck - MHS Senior Volunteer As I was making my morning commute to work one Wednesday morning, headed down Swain Ave. towards the Miller Ave. intersection, I noticed something in the road ahead of me. As I approached it, I noticed that it was an animal, barely walking, facing me, in my lane. I slowed down to look at it and it was a small cat. I pulled over to check on her and she just stayed still for me to come over to her. She had four wet paws and was so thin and helpless. I retrieved a towel from my truck and scooped her up and headed to the Vet. She never moved a muscle on the way, just sitting on my lap, wrapped up and hopefully feeling safe. The Vet’s office told me they would check her out and would call me. As I drove to work, I couldn’t help thinking, how many people must have driven passed this poor cat or swerved around her. A short time later I was called, and the Vet. said she was an older cat and probably had a medical condition and that I should put an add in the paper. I did, and I picked her up after work and brought her to the Meriden Humane Society, where I volunteer. We tried to feed her and make her feel comfortable. At 6:15 p.m. I asked Marlena DiBianco, the shelter manager, if she could come look at her. I felt she couldn’t see, she was extremely thin and she was stepping in her food and water and just standing there. Marlena checked her, held her and told her that she loved her and then made a call to Doc. He knew when he saw her that she wasn’t well at all. He said she was emaciated and explained to us that her brain had already started shutting down. She didn’t have the will to eat or drink and couldn’t see. This little cat we named “Swain”, had to be humanely euthanized, so she wouldn’t suffer anymore. A few months ago, driving on E. Main St. near Victoria Towers, I saw a dead cat on the side of the road. It was probably hit by a car, but now had sticks stuck into it. Accidents do happen, but deliberately putting sticks into it. Imagine if that was your family pet, that you were looking for. Who are the Animals? Why is it that some people can only feel for themselves. These are only a few stories of things that happen daily. Remember, “It’s their (the animals) World Too.” Please help by educating your children on animal cruelty. They follow your lead. “Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective” by Gregory M. Simpson Connecticut has some catching up to do. The state generally ranks 1st in per capita income amongst all fifty states. However, it ranks 19th in donations per person in support of animal shelters, according to statistics compiled by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) in their November/December 2006 issue of Animal Sheltering magazine. In this category, Connecticut is surpassed by four of its New England neighbors – Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire – and 14 other states, as well. Massachusetts leads the country with $9.06 per person in shelter giving, compared to Connecticut’s $3.82 per person. Connecticut is only slightly above the national average of $3.48 per person. Connecticut’s rate of giving is calculated by dividing the total donations to animal shelters by the state’s population which is over three and a half million. Described another way, a Connecticut city with a population of 50,000 would see its residents contributing, on average, $191,000 to animal shelters. Connecticut ranks incrementally better – in 16th place – in the number of shelters per 100,000 residents. Ranked 2nd in shelter giving, Vermont also ranks 1st in the number of shelters per residents, with 7.54 shelters per 100,000 residents. Maine ranks third with 3.86 shelters per 100,000 residents, while Connecticut has 1.79 shelters for the same number of residents. Again, Connecticut ranks just above the national average of 1.13. Connecticut has what HSUS terms 208 “entities,” including non-sheltered groups. The estimate of 63 shelters with buildings includes 48 municipal shelters and 15 private shelters. In a year, all 208 Connecticut entities took in $13,392,685, according to the HSUS study. Compare that to the combined total of $252,072,483 in revenues generated in 2004 by the following twelve national organizations: American Humane Association, American Anti-Vivisection Society, ASPCA, Best Friends, Foundation for Animal Protection, Friends of Animals, HSUS, International Fund for Animal Welfare, National Humane Education Society, North Shore Animal League, PETA, and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. The total revenue averaged amongst these twelve charities would be over $21,000,000 each, approaching double the 13.3 million donated to all 208 direct care Connecticut groups combined. Readers can draw their own conclusions from the above numbers, but what is clear is that there is a dire need for additional revenue in Connecticut to provide direct services to animals. Connecticut is hovering just above the average for the 50 states in both money donated to shelters per person and shelters per 100,000 residents. Personal experience dictates that the need for helping feral cats, as well as stray and abandoned cats and dogs, is greater than the available financial resources. Yes, the financial needs for helping animals are great. Yet The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports that of the wealthiest grant-making U.S. foundations, only one has even an indirect connection to animals – The Nature Conservancy. My colleague Mary Huhndorf, DVM, is President of MEOW, Inc. in Litchfield, a group that works exclusively with cats living on their own that often have extraordinary physical and/or social needs. It is estimated that there are as many as 700,000 feral cats in Connecticut. “There is only a small minority that is not blind to the suffering all around them,” says Dr. Huhndorf of the people reaching out to help these cats. Do not be blind to the suffering all around you. Please donate to the animal shelters of your choice. It is a small gift to make considering the unconditional love that animals provide in return. Speaking for the animals, I thank you in advance for your generosity. For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson Gregory Simpson’s animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S., he is also a member of the Cat Writers’ Association. Get the Dirt on Cleaning House ... From a Pro Is your home a little messier than you would like? Are dust bunnies taking over, or is an unidentifiable object lurking in the back of the refrigerator? Don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. In this current climate of multi-tasking households where people are pressed for time, it is common that a few of the household chores may fall by the wayside. Many people simply do not have the desire or enough hours in the day to get their homes in top shape. Others have far less tolerance for dirt and grime and will never supplant Mike Rowe as host of The Discovery Channel’s, “Dirty Jobs.” But one woman is just tickled about tackling cleaning projects. Her name is Cindy Inman, a cleaning expert who provides advice to people across the country in “Ask Cindy,” a monthly column and collection of seminars aimed at helping the cleaning-impaired. Inman says that while time is certainly a factor in regard to cleaning apprehension, others run and hide from the task because they simply don’t know how to get the job done right. She hopes that by uncovering the “mysteries” between some relatively easy cleaning tasks, she can gain more followers with a passion for cleaning. Well, at least help them to keep a neater home. “I found that people really don’t know what to do and what to use when I’ve toured homes and apartments for cleaning consultations,” says Cindy. “No one has ever offered these people a blueprint: ‘This is how you polish a table.’ ‘This is how you get stainless steel appliances to shine like new.’” Cindy grew up in the Bronx and didn’t initially have aspirations to gain celebrity as a cleaning guru. However, under the tutelage and watchful eyes of her grandmother, Sadie Whitting, an upscale domestic whom Cindy affectionately called Me-Me, she acquired a sense of pride in keeping things spic-and-span. “I never ‘enjoyed’ cleaning as a kid, but I wasn’t a sloppy child; I wanted to keep things pleasant around me,” says Cindy. Today, through her successful business, and her light-hearted but informative cleaning seminars, Cindy makes things pleasant for more people than she ever could have imagined. Cindy Helps You Keep it Clean Considering Cindy Inman has been intimate with cleaning for more than 15 years, she’s developed some tried-and-true strategies for tackling common — and uncommon — projects. And the majority of her favorite products are everyday items you probably already have in your cupboards. Here’s a list of some of her top tips: 1. Clean your stainless steel appliance surfaces with a soap-and-water solution prior to using a stainless-steel cleaner and polisher. 2. Wipe out the inside of your newly cleaned oven with a vinegar-and-water solution to remove any remaining oven-spray residue. 3. When cleaning floors, avoid mopping the edges and corners. After sweeping and vacuuming well, wipe out corners and edges by hand. This prevents developing edge and dirt buildup that is so unsightly. 4. Check your vacuum-cleaner bag prior to turning on your unit. A bag that is more than 3&Mac218; 4-full of dirt and dust mites challenges any vacuuming system. 5. Always work from the top down when doing a complete room clean. Assess what is needed to complete the cleaning task at hand, gather the appropriate tools and detergents, and execute your plan. For additional cleaning tips and information, log on to www.askcindyhow.com. Number 9 – The Beatle’s Tribute Band that has no match. THE MUSIC The Beatles, the most successful rock group in history and arguably the greatest band of all time, officially got their start in 1962 when they released their first single "Love Me Do". They then went on to write more number one hits than any other band in history. In the relatively brief amount of time they were together, these four lads from Liverpool managed to compile a library of songs so rich with tonal complexities and range of emotion, it's almost incomprehensible how innovative and unique they really were. Even after 40 years, their songs are still considered timeless classics and there's no doubt they will continue to live on and endure the test of time. And if one were to delve a little deeper, they would come to realize that the Beatles were also pioneers on a number of other fronts, from their unique writing, to their vocal arrangements, to their style and delivery, to their look, to their sound and approach, to instrumentation, and even to their recording methods. They did it all. Needless to say, their story is a long and wonderful one and we could go on and on. Let's just say the Beatles helped to shape a time and change the world. How could one not be drawn to their music? OUR FORMATION Hence, this leads us to the story of Number Nine. Many have asked why we formed and what our goal is as a band. We originally came together as part of a mission to help children and our community. More specifically, we decided to form and perform as part of a charity event we organized on behalf of a local elementary school's music program. We chose to embark on that endeavor of good will because music is near and dear to all our hearts and music has had a profound impact on each of our lives. And there's no denying that music offers our youth a unique vehicle to exploring & unlocking their creative side and the potential benefits cannot be underestimated. All too often, the music programs are among the first programs to be diminished and even cut when a school is faced with budgetary constraints. Limiting these vital programs does a disservice to our teachers and doing so could be detrimental to our youth and the future of our society. Our formation was in large part dedicated to sending the message that we must do everything in our power to preserve the arts and our efforts pay homage to the fine men and women dedicated to teaching our youth. Another big reason we came together was that we simply love the music of the Beatles and we also really enjoy playing it. So much so, as a matter of fact, that we're finding it very hard to stop learning and mastering their songs. There's a seemingly endless well of great songs to choose from and we're finding that the more we learn, the more inspired we become to learn more. We're now well beyond 100 songs in our performing repertoire and to our amazement there are still dozens more gems that we're working on. The Beatles catalog of material is truly mind boggling. UPCOMING SHOWS 06/30/07 10th Annual Southington Family Festival Southington High School - Southington, CT 07/27/07 Hubbard Park Summer Series (7:00-8:30pm) Hubbard Park Band Shell - Meriden, CT 08/19/07 Westbrook Summer Festival (5-7pm) Westbrook, CT 08/25/07 Performing at the Brooklyn Fair - center stage - 7:30-10:30pm) Brooklyn, CT OUR MISSION We like to think that our mission is to pick up where the Beatles left off in August 29, 1966. This is when they played their last live concert in San Francisco's Candlestick Park. At the time, many thought it was the end of an era. What they didn't know was that the Beatles were hard at work creating an album that would forever change music. An album that was so intricate and deeply layered with sound and instrumentation, it would go beyond anything done previously. It was also an album that contained music so deep and involved, it would be virtually impossible to recreate live with only 4 people. On June 1, 1967, the album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," was released in the U.K and it topped the charts all over the world, holding the number one slot in Britain for 27 weeks and for 19 in America. This was the turning point for the Beatles and for music as we knew it. OUR NUMBERS As the Beatles evolved over time, so did their music. More and more instrumentation was being used on their recordings, vocal arrangements became more complex, and their use of studio and recording techniques grew in unimaginable ways. It didn't take us long to figure out that trying to recreate their recorded material live with only four people would be virtually impossible and we quickly found our numbers growing well beyond four. But we also found that having many players could be a great asset because it allows us the ability to perform any of their songs, from any era, from the simplest to the most complex. Virtually no song is out of reach. And we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that we often like to explore sounds and arrangements beyond the recorded versions when the mood for improvisation hits us. We like to keep things fresh and exciting, not only for us but our audiences as well. YESTERDAY...TODAY...AND TOMORROW From that original benefit concert in early 2006, things have grown and evolved at an incredible rate. We're now performing on a regular basis and each and every show brings with it memorable experiences and a feeling that we're part of something special. Performing the music of the Beatles is indeed a great challenge but well worth the effort in our eyes. Our hope is that we can do justice to their great music and that we can move you. We're proud to say that we cover a very wide range of material from the fresh and exciting early years to the mesmerizing psychedelic period to the beautifully crafted and seasoned material of the later years. There's virtually no song out of reach. These are timeless classics that are sure to evoke powerful memories and we strive to make the music and our show an experience you'll never forget. MUSICIANS Ken Sullivan - vocals Ted Andrzejczuk - vocals & accordion Geo Filippides - lead electric & acoustic guitar, backup vocals Bob Glick - rhythm electric & acoustic guitar Chip Hulten - bass guitar Ralph Bushnell - drums Chris Griffin - horns Dave Zerio - keyboards * Note, performances often include special guest appearances from a wide variety of talented and gifted musicians! CONTACT INFO For booking info or questions, contact Geo. J. Filippides @ 203-715-4621. For additional info on the band and upcoming performances, visit us at our website at www.number9info.com The Snowdrop By Phyllis Head Appearing through the wintry soil She comes with resolute constancy, The prelude of an early Spring: Bows her head ingenuously, To hide a translucent beauty in a down turned face to endear us all. Carlos, 1982 You won’t feel Old… Submitted by Donna Mahon Just in case you weren't feeling too old today, this will certainly change things. The people who are starting college this fall across the nation were born in 1989 . They were not born when the space shuttle blew up. Their lifetime has always included AIDS. The CD was introduced 2 years before they were born. They have always had an answering machine They have always had cable. Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show. Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave. They never took a swim and thought about Jaws. They don't know who Mork was or where he was from. They never heard: "Where's the Beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a Camel", or "de plane Boss, de plane". McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers. They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter Do you feel old yet? (Sorry) Notice the larger type, that's for those of you who have trouble reading. Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate Sleeping In Class Little Mary Margaret was not the best student in Catholic School. Usually she slept through the classes. One day her teacher, a Nun, called on her while she was sleeping. "Tell me, Mary Margaret, who created the universe?" When Mary Margaret didn't stir, little Johnny who sat behind her, took his pencil and jabbed her in the rear. "God Almighty!" shouted Mary Margaret. The Nun said, "Very good," and continued teaching her class. A little later the Nun asked Mary Margaret, "Who is our Lord and Savior?" But again Mary Margaret didn't stir from her slumber. Once again, little Johnny came to her rescue and stuck Mary Margaret in the butt with his pencil. "Jesus Christ!" shouted Mary Margaret. The Nun once again said, "Very good," and Mary Margaret soon fell back to sleep. The Nun soon asked Mary Margaret a third question: "What did Eve say to Adam after she had her twenty-thirdchild?” Again little Johnny came to the rescue. This time Mary Margaret jumped up and shouted, "If you stick that damn xxxxx xx xx xxx xxxx xxxx xx xx xxx xxxx xxxx xx, I'll break it in half!" The Nun fainted. "It Takes A Village..."by Sharon Agli-Pageau Many of you have heard this expression numerous times in your life in regards to raising a child, and like me, most of you probably felt it didn't apply to you. You felt strong and confident in your abilities to meet the parenting requirements you anticipated. Consequently, I still feel both strong and confident that I have met the parenting requirements that I had "anticipated." It's the non-anticipated events and circumstances that have really shaken my previous lifelong foundation of what I believed parenting to be and how I once imagined it. I am sure I do not stand alone in this very category. Life has a way of taking you by complete surprise when you least expect it, and redirecting you in ways you never imagined. The biggest life shift for me was when my 20 month old son, Hunter Christian Pageau, was born and diagnosed with SMARD1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress), which is an extremely rare terminal condition, leaving him unable to both breath and eat without machinery. Despite these truths, Hunter is an extremely blissful baby, who meets each day with a bright smile and surpasses everyone’s expectations in regards to his abilities. I am extremely proud and thankful to be his Mommy. While Hunter's hospitalization had taken us as a family out of state for almost an entire year, causing us to lose our business, our home, and our life savings, we are still positive people, thankful for the blessing that is our son. Acknowledging our limitations as two parents amidst this life crisis, we have come to accept that yes, it very often does "take a village to raise a child." This concept permeates our consciousness fully, and we embrace it. Due to our Journey with Hunter thus far, we have and will continue to, reach out to the community in different ways, share our lives and open ourselves increasingly to receive the varying forms of assistance offered. All with the same common goal of helping Hunter continue to thrive and live the best life possible, despite his diagnosis. Hunter is a Gift, not merely a diagnosis. I want to extend my warmest thanks to each and every one of you who helped make the Cold Stone Creamery Fundraiser on May 30th a success! To those who allowed me to put up fliers in their area business, who handed out/emailed out fliers to their contacts, who encouraged me throughout those extra-exhausting days of posting fliers for 8 hours straight each day/non-stop, I appreciate you! To those of you who took the time to smile at me, to offer a hug of encouragement, to share kind words of support and concern, I honor you. To those of you who told me that they would brainstorm ideas for future fundraisers, who would support the ideas I already have in process and those who considerately offered information they felt may help Hunter, I am grateful for you. Together we are HUNTER'S HOPE, which makes his daily success possible. I acknowledge each and every one of you in both my mind and in my heart, and want you all to remember what a profound difference you join together in making in the quality of Hunter's Life. I look forward to seeing many of you at the "Race For Wheels" Fundraiser at Willy D's Indoor Kart Racing, 25 North Plains Industrial Highway, Wallingford on June 23rd and June 24th, in an effort to raise much needed donations for both a Power Chair and a Wheel Chair Accessible Van for Hunter. For anyone wishing to make a contribution who cannot attend this fundraiser, donations may be sent to Hunter Pageau Trust, 34-3 #116, Shunpike Road, Cromwell, CT 06416. Any other ideas may be forwarded to Sharon Agli-Pageau: fitforlifesja@hotmail.com. The “Hands” of Tennis With father’s day just ahead of us on June 17th, I think it’s certainly apropos to talk about my dad, Wint Filipek Sr. for a moment. Actually, the Wallingford Family YMCA / Winton Filipek Sr. Memorial Tournament runs from June 9th through June 17th, finishing up as always on FATHER’S DAY! Hi Dad! This is the 3rd year that my family, especially my brother Wint who masterminds the entire process, has tried to honor our dad who passed away unexpectedly 3 years ago January. I know you’ve heard the term “in good hands” before but in tennis “good hands” means that the player has excellent style, and touch whenever he/she is playing the net. If you’ve ever watched or played a tennis match and someone had a fantastic reaction at the net and got the ball over for a winner, you almost always hear “GOOD HANDS!” as a compliment to that move. It’s a term that isn’t used too often in general because even though it is probably a talent that you could be taught, in most cases, you are BORN with it, just as my dad, Winton Sr. was. Winton Sr. was a terrific athlete, golfer, baseball player, but whenever anyone talked about his tennis prowess, they always said no one had “hands” like him. Even our mom, Helen, used to constantly praise his abilities at the net. He was fun to watch, those sneaky little moves that no one expected and anyone on the other side of the net dreaded. They were winners almost all the time and the audience, but especially dad, got a big kick out of them. So, when you’re watching a tennis match and see some “good hands” at the net, remember this and think about our dad, Wint Sr. I know that we do. Also, please visit us at the tournament being held at Choate Rosemary Hall school in Wallingford and take a moment to visit the website: www.ymcafilipektennis.com. Lots of wonderful things, including Free Kid’s Fun day…take a look! Nature as a Mirror By Dorothy Gonick DANDELIONS Early in the spring amid wreaths of serrated leaves, bloom bright yellow flowers like drops of golden sunshine. Delighted children gather handfuls of the blossoms and bring the cheer indoors. The plants’ deep root supplies the nourishment to the plant and also helps resist repeated attempts to eradicate it from our lawns. Children await the formation of the downy puffballs of seed and send them aloft with hearty puffs of breath. The seeds sail on the breeze to settle on fertile ground to germinate, producing new plants. Both novice and the experienced gardener are ever looking for a perfect plant: one that is hardy, easy to grow, and lovely. If you ask a child “What is your favorite spring flower?” don’t be surprised if the answer is “Dandelions!” They magically appear early in spring, are hardy, easy to grow, and lovely to behold. We consider a weed to be any plant that grows where it is not wanted. Dandelions are most often thought of as weeds and as we try to eradicate them from our lawns, we can admire their tenaciousness as we note the deep roots that anchor them firmly in the soil. The pungent flavor of steamed dandelion greens was a welcome addition to the winter diet of our forefathers, and perhaps of you, also. The happiest people are often those content with everyday life rather than striving for the glamour of high society and excessive wealth. They enjoy the beauties of God’s creation: family, health, nature, laughter, and all that give life meaning and purpose as they persevere with daily toil to provide for family needs. These people are the backbone of our country and I’m sure they bring great joy to our Creator. They remind me of the motto: ‘Bloom where you are planted.’ Just as the dandelion blossom wilts after being plucked from its source of nourishment, so do we ‘wilt’ when life deals us a cutting blow. We can pull much of the dandelion plant from our lawn, but then to our dismay, its deep root will allow it to sprout again. Eradication of an annoying habit can be as difficult as destroying a pesky dandelion plant. Hopefully when disaster comes to our life, we find our roots of faith deep enough to provide the sustenance needed for our renewal to a happy, productive life. Just as a child sees beauty in the dandelion that is unappreciated by most adults, we can look for the beauty in the commonplace. We may ‘sow seeds’ that benefit mankind and the world with our friendships, hopes, faith, understanding and love. Questions to ponder: Are we rooted deep enough in our beliefs to withstand the discouragements of life? Are we of benefit to others through our cheerful outlook on life? Throughout our lives we ‘plant our seeds.’ What will grow? Flowers or weeds? Bobbie’s Bevy of Beauties Finally made my long awaited visits to the nurseries. As to some people who have an addiction to drugs and alcohol mine is in these buildings called greenhouses. The beauty that reigns in them is unbelievable. To me anyway. Then when you think you’ve seen it all the next year has new varieties and where else can one find to many vibrant beautiful colors. After gardening all these years I still am in awe. And as I have stated before Westfort on Allen Ave. in Meriden and Dietrich Gardens on Route 10 in Cheshire are two of my favorites. All the nurseries are great but my addiction began with these two. Getting to know the owners and long time employees for all these many years I think of them as friends because of the manner in which you are trusted. And just love their flowers, too. What a wonderful gift to have the lilacs in bloom on Mothers Day. The forsythias and azaleas which survived the harsh winds of winter had a wonderful showing. Now the rhodos will have their turn. It’s still too early for most of the perennials; my columbine and bachelor button and one single rose are in flower. Just about all the annuals I have purchased will be planted within the next few days. Think we will be safe with the weather? I hope so. And I still have to get to the calla lilies. They are beginning to sprout up in their beds of peat moss in the cellar. Our mini long-haired dachshund LitlBit is such a joy. Of course he does get into everything. And I believe he is 100 percent housebroken. Although I don’t want to make that statement too loudly. And in all my 39 plus years I haven’t known a dog as loveable as him. There isn’t an adult, child or animal that he doesn’t go bananas over. Will say goodbye for now. Contemplating all those many trays of beauties waiting to be emptied. Flowercerely yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien s