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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

Wallingford and Meriden Community News, Events and Activities June 2007

Wallingford and Meriden Community News, Events and Activities June 2007 Sponsored by Quassy Amusement Park Wallingford and Meriden News, Events and Activities for June 2007 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BEGINS JUNE 28 AT MASONIC HEALTHCARE CENTER IN WALLINGFORD Masonicare is once again sponsoring its free Summer Concert Series on the grounds of Masonic Healthcare Center, 22 Masonic Avenue, Wallingford. Beginning on Thursday evening, June 28, and on every Thursday evening through August, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted*), area residents are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy wonderful musical performances given by many of the area’s most popular bands. In addition to free parking on site, the grounds will be available for picnics from 5 to 6:30 p.m. In the event of rain, or if it appears rain is imminent, concerts may be cancelled. In those instances, CALL 203-679-5900 for information. Schedule June 28 Season Opener: Vinnie Carr and the Party Band July 5 Clam Diggers (The sounds of Dixie) July 12 Eddie Foreman Band (For Polish Music Lovers) July 19 The British Beat (Sounds of the 60’s) July 26* T-Bone – America’s Pied Piper *Begins at 6 pm (Children’s Fun Night) August 2 Frank Porto Band (Golden Oldies) August 9 Deanna Mitchell Country Band (Direct from Mohegan Sun) August 16 Night Moves – Music from the 30’s to the present August 23 Wallingford Symphony Orchestra Quartet (First time appearance) August 30 The Big Beat (Music of the 50s and 60s) 2nd Annual Spring Concert The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra (CCCYO), will have its 2nd Annual Spring Concert on Sunday, June 10th at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, from 2-4pm. The 2-3 hour is for prospective members who would like to come and meet our Music Director and Conductor, Mrs. Veronica Germain, ask questions and perhaps sign up for an audition. The concert will start at 3:00. A reception for all attendees will follow. The CCCYO is for young classical musicians in grades 6-12, with at least two years of experience on his or her instrument. Membership is by successful audition with our Music Director. For more information, please send e-mail to meridenarstrust@yahoo.com . Admission is $5, which will go to the CCCYO Lessons and Instrument Repair Fund. ANNUAL PICNIC OF THE E & R UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST A little taste of Hungary: Pecsenye, Gulyas, Kolbasz, Langos, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Coffee, Soda, Dessert, Raffle. June 17, 2007 noon till 3 p.m. 105 So. Cherry St. Wallingford, Ct. 06492. Come one…Come all, rain or shine. Fun and Adventure For Kids Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum 1188 Highland Ave., Cheshire Age Group: All Ages Cost: FREE Contact: 203-699-3822 http://www.barkermuseum.com/page.asp?PGNM=151 A unique museum dedicated to comic strips, cartoons, westerns, TV. and advertising memorabilia. Over 80,000 items on display. A neat place to visit. CT Children's Museum 22 Wall St, New Haven Age Group: 3-10 years Cost: $5 per person/ cash or check only Contact: (203) 562-5437 http://www.childrensbuilding.org/ This museum has 8 themed rooms to explore. Kids learn about science, art, community and more, through hands on exhibits. Also offers community programs, see website for more info. A great place to visit! Shore Line Trolley Museum 17 River Street, East Haven Age Group: All Ages Cost: Fares: Children 2-15 $4, Adults $8, Seniors $6. Family Fares (2 adults and unlimited children from the same household) $24. Under 2 Free. Contact: (203) 467-6927 http://www.bera.org Spend a day riding a vintage trolley, and see some of the wonderful trolley era artifacts the museum has in it's collection. With over 100 vintage transportation vehicles, numerous photographs, and items such as punch tickets, hats, and more, the museum does a wonderful job preserving the lost era of the trolley car. Admission includes all day streetcar rides. Ride once or ride 50 times! The Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden Age Group: 4 and up Cost: Adults: $3, Children: $2 Contact: (203) 777-1833 http://www.eliwhitney.org A museum at the site of a factory complex founded by Eli Whitney. It shows a bit of the Whitney legacy through fun hands-on exhibits. A Water Learning Lab, an outdoor learning environment, and historic 1816 barn are all on site. Yale Peabody Museum Whitney Avenue and Sachem Street Yale Campus, New Haven Age Group: All Ages Cost: Adults: $7.00, Seniors $6.00, Kids 3-18 and college students with id: $5. 2 and under FREE. Contact: (203) 432-5050 http://www.peabody.yale.edu It is easy to enjoy a day at the Peabody Museum of Natural History. It is a museum dedicated to the understanding of the earth's history, life, and cultures. The exhibits are wonderful, and cover everything from dinosaurs, Earth science, to Native American culture, and more. They also offer a variety of community programs and events. Check the website for more info. Town of Wallingford Renters Rebate Program Wallingford Assessor, Shelby P. Jackson III, announced that the assessor’s office will be accepting applications for the Renters Rebate Program between May 15th and September 17th 2007. To qualify for the program a person must be 65 years of age or older or totally disabled if under the age of 65 and renting an apartment or land on which their residence is situated (mobile home). Applicants must meet income limits to qualify for this program. Income limits are based on the 2006 calendar year. To qualify, a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $35,300 (including Social Security). Single applicants income must not exceed $28,800 (including Social Security). Applicants must provide proof of all income for the 2006 calendar year. Proof of income would be a copy of their 2006 income tax return along with their Social Security Benefit Statement (SSA-1099) must be provided. Applicants must provide rent receipts for the entire year along with receipts for electric, gas, fuel, and water payments if applicable. Applications will be accepted May 15th through September 17th at the Wallingford Assessor’s Office, Room 101, in the Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, excluding holidays. To find out if you qualify for this program, contact the Assessor’s Office at 203-294-2001. The Tenth annual Town of Wallingford Doherty Cup Golf Championship 2007 The Tenth Annual Town of Wallingford Golf Championship will be held Monday, July 9, at the Wallingford Country Club. The David J. Doherty Scholarship Fund is the sponsor of this event. All proceeds from the tournament will fund the scholarship established in memory of the late David J. Doherty, a popular Sheehan High School teacher and prominent town councilor who died in June of 1997. The medal play tournament will include a Men’s, Women’s and Senior’s Division. Eligibility to win prizes is open to everyone, but to win the town championship “Doherty Cup”, you must be a town resident. The golf-package includes a brunch buffet, commemorative gift, golf with cart, dinner and prizes for $170; and a golf clinic will also be featured at the tournament. The shotgun start is at noon and is limited to the first 128 participants. The ‘reception &dinner-only’ is available for $39 and will commence at 5PM, with dinner served at 6:30PM. The deadline for registration for the golf package and ‘reception& dinner-only’ is Tuesday, July 2. Registration brochures are available at the David J. Doherty Municipal Building (Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department), Wallingford YMCA, Wallingford Country Club and Tradition Golf Club at Wallingford. For more information call John and Elaine Doherty at (203) 265-7349. ULBRICH BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SUMMER FUN CLUB Summer time is almost here! We are looking forward to another great summer filled with great laughs and exciting activities. Our summer camp is eight weeks long starting on July 2nd and ending on August 24th. Our staff will be planning a theme for each week such as water week, survivor week, super sloppy week, diversity week, and x-games week. Most of our activities are based off of the theme of that week. Here is the basic information of our summer camp. FEES: $30.00 Membership fee (up to date) (non-refundable) $75.00 per session with a $30.00 per session non-refundable deposit for each session. Care 4 Kids - Club must receive approval letter from Care 4 Kids before the beginning of camp. Early Sign-Up Special: $400.00 ($50.00 per session for 8 weeks) Paid in full by June 15, 2007 or $50.00 per session for all sessions paid in full by June 15, 2007 Session 1 – July 2nd – July 6th Session 5 – July 30th – August 3rd Session 2 – July 9th – July 13th Session 6 – August 6th – August 10th Session 3 – July 16th – July 20th Session 7 – August 13th – August 17th Session 4 – July 23rd – July 27th Session 8 – August 20th t – August 24th 8:00 AM – 5 PM If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Susan Golden at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club (203) 269-7535. P.S. Please send out weekly until the date of the Event. Arts Education Awards The Meriden Arts Council has announced their annual Arts Education Awards. Three awards are being given this year, a direct result of increased membership and fundraising efforts. The selection was very difficult as all of the applicants are particularly talented. The winners are: Yesenia Carrero, who is planning on attending Savannah College of Art and Design majoring in graphic design, Hannah Fraser, who is planning on attending The University of Delaware majoring in music education, and Samuel Corey, who is planning on attending Columbia College / Chicago s majoring in fashion design. The Meriden Arts Council congratulates all three winners! This year the Meriden Arts Councill is honoring Rose Cignatta as ARTIST OF THE YEAR. Rose's outstanding and long term contributions to our community are being recognized, not only as an artist, but as an arts advocate, arts teacher and president of the Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden. The Arts Education Awards and Artist of the Year Award will be presented to the recipients on Tuesday, June 5th at 6:30 P.M. at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center. MAC members who attend are asked to bring finger foods. For more information, contact the Meriden Arts Council at www.meridenartscouncil.org FOXWOODS CASINO The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will be hosting a bus trip to Foxwoods Casino, on Saturday, June 30, 2007. The bus will leave the Commuters Parking Lot by Vinny’s on RT 5 at 10 a.m. and will leave the Casino at 5 p.m. Cost of tickets is $35.00 which includes bus ride to Casino, one (1) $10.00 bets and $10.00 Food Coupon. You can purchase tickets at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club, 72 Grand Street, Wallingford, CT. Call for information at 203-269-7525. Yale University Art Gallery Exhibitions and Programs: July-August 2007 This summer, visit the Gallery for special exhibitions as well as an outstanding permanent collection of African, American, ancient, Asian, early European, modern, and contemporary art. A free audio guide is available to visitors and features over 100 stops. As always, during the summer the Gallery is open to the public six days a week and free of charge. (+) Continuing exhibitions "What Is a Line? Drawings from the Collection," "Made for Love: Selections from the Jane Katcher Collection of Americana," and "Responding to Kahn: A Sculptural Conversation" (+) Free lunchtime gallery talks in July(+) Listen to the Gallery's first Art Podcast at artgallery.yale.edu/podcast(+) Save the date for the Gallery's Open House on Thursday, September 6 A complete calendar of events (PDF) is available at: http://artgallery.yale.edu/pages/info/press.html For more information please contact Amy Jean Porter at amy.porter@yale.edu or 203.432.0611. A Word document of events is also available. Spirit of CJ Foundation Date Change I am sorry to report that we have had to postpone the golf tournament & dinner to Tuesday, June 26, 2007. All times, etc. will be the same on the new date. The weather forecast for tomorrow does not look promising at all and after considering many options, a new date is certainly the best way to go. Hopefully the change of date will allow all of you to be able to adjust your schedules to be able to participate on the new date. We know the sacrifice you all make so that you can support the CJ Foundation. We look forward to seeing you all at that time and we look forward to seeing those of you who could not make it for tomorrow. Please check the website for additional details about the new tournament and dinner date. Thank you, and please call or email me with any questions, Chris..... Please visit the Spirit of CJ Foundation website at http://www.spiritofcj.org. We are also looking for donations of RAFFLE prizes of all types for the tournament Raffle folllowing golf. World’s rowers to focus on the Connecticut this July This July 22, seventy-five scullers from seventeen countries will begin gliding down the Connecticut River at Bellows Falls, Vermont. Their destination--after seven days and 131 miles of pulling: New York, New York. This is Day One on the 2007 FISA World Rowing Tour—a Connecticut River Watershed Council and Masters Rowing Association sponsored event sending international crews on a laid-back barnstorm along New England’s great river. Crews from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the United States make up this FISA Tour. They’ll make river stops at Putney, Brattleboro, Barton Cove, Hartford, Middletown and Essex, before a jog along Long Island’s eastern shore and then a final victory lap around Manhattan. “The Tour brings together people from all over the world to enjoy the Connecticut River,” says Connecticut River Watershed Council Executive Director Chelsea Gwyther, “It‘s a great opportunity to share our American Heritage River and to let others see what makes the Connecticut unique.” Gwyther is hoping the eye-catching spectacle of five-person crews gliding along their shores will inspire watershed residents too. People in the four-state watershed are being asked to make pledges and sponsor a boat—each of which will be flagged with one of the countries on the tour. Those pledges will help build a community water quality monitoring program and testing lab at CRWC’s Greenfield headquarters. “We hope people pledge at www.ctriver.org and then follow their FISA tour-boat’s downstream progress online,” Gwyther says, “And it would be wonderful if they stopped by to greet their crew at one of the put-ins or take-outs.” In turn the CRWC Director hopes each rower has some defining Connecticut River experience to carry home--be it the sighting of a bald eagle, the camaraderie of the crews and their hosts, or simply the peace of the Connecticut itself. “We think the FISA Tour is a spectacular tribute to our waterway,” she says, “Come take part in it.” Tour Organizer Marilyn Shapiro calls the Connecticut “spectacular.” Shapiro has rowed it twice. "A great tour river is one with flat water and a slight current with beautiful sites around each bend...the Connecticut River definitely meets those requirements.” She wants her international crews to experience the serenity of the Connecticut, and also meet its denizens, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for rowers to experience the hospitality and warmth of this unique and historic region of the United States." One of the core values of FISA is for rowers to respect and safeguard the water and its surroundings, “Our rowers are excited about the fundraising aspect of the tour. We hope people sign-on to the web site and support the new water quality lab.” Both FISA’s Marilyn Shapiro and CRWC Director Chelsea Gwyther say they’ve received enthusiastic responses to the Tour from towns, cities and rowing clubs along the waterway. Shapiro is inspired by both the positive energy and Connecticut River focus, “The organizing committee and I feel rowers will have the chance to experience the kindness and fellowship for which Americans are known,” she says, adding, “New Englanders are lucky to have an organization like the CRWC to monitor and defend their river.” About CRWC: The Connecticut River Watershed Council has been a non-profit advocate for the 11,000 square-mile watershed of the Connecticut River emphasizing fisheries restoration, erosion prevention, land conservation, and water quality since 1952. For more information go to www.ctriver.org. About FISA: FISA, “Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron” in French, or the English equivalent International Federation of Rowing Associations is the governing body of the sport of rowing. It is empowered by its 126 member National Rowing Federations, the National Olympic Committees and the International Olympic Committee to govern the sport of rowing. FISA was founded on June 25, 1892 and is the oldest international sports federation in the Olympic movement. Tradition Golf Club - Ladies 18 hole league - Tournament Results The results for the May 5th Nassau tournament were: Low Gross: Traci Canavan -88; Mara Dunleavy - 92; Cheryl Mrazik -96. Low Net scores were: Murphy Tymosko - 67; Lois Sweeney -74 & Jean Cerino -78. The results for the May 12th ONES (count holes beginning with the letters o,n,e,s and 1/2 handicap) tournament were: Low Gross: Mary Bachinsky - 42; Traci Canavan -50; Thea Gambardella -52; Cheryl Mrazik -53. Low net winners were: Cindy Semrau - 34; Sandy Duffy -37.5; Claire Brunetti - 39.5 and Nora Roche -43.5. Interested in a guaranteed tee time every Saturday morning? Want to meet fellow lady golfers and enjoy the outdoors and camaraderie? Contact Jill Philips at 860-349-1472 or Cindy Semrau @ 269-9891. Fun for All Ages At Grand Masters Day Annual Community Event at Masonic Healthcare Center June 9 The community is cordially invited to attend Masonicare’s Grand Masters Day, an annual tradition that features an array of wholesome activities and fun for the entire family. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the grounds of Masonic Healthcare Center, 22 Masonic Avenue in Wallingford. A lively and colorful parade, featuring Shrine clowns and motor units, the Sphinx Highlanders and Chanters, the Gaelic Highland Pipe Band, the Yalesville Sr. Ancient Fife and Drum Corps and more, steps off at 10:30 a.m. Jerry Kristafer and crew of WELI 960 News/Talk Radio will be on site and will be broadcasting live throughout the morning. The Connecticut Freemasons Child Identification Program (CHIP), designed to help facilitate a quick and effective recovery should a child be reported lost or missing, will be available that day. This free program includes four proven identification methods -- a brief videotaped interview with the child to show mannerisms and speech patterns, fingerprinting, tooth print impressions, and a digital photograph of the child. All material is given to the child's parent or guardian for safekeeping in the event of an emergency. A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Masonic Healthcare Center. Please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to schedule an appointment. A comprehensive health fair for adults will offer free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings, and important information to help you and your family maintain a healthy lifestyle will be available. A variety of exciting outdoor activities for the young and the young-at-heart will include “touch a truck,” a petting zoo, a bubble pool, noodle necklaces, and more. The model railroad room will be open and is always of special interest to enthusiasts of every age. Enjoy the horse and carriage rides, great book sale, the always-popular silent auction, tours, and a wonderful assortment of handmade crafts and ceramics that will available for purchase. Admission and all activities are free, and delicious summertime food and drink can be purchased, including hotdogs and hamburgers, stuffed baked potatoes, made-to-order waffles, delicious chocolate covered strawberries, old-fashioned cotton candy, and thirst-quenching lemonade from Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Parking and continuous free shuttle bus service will be available from the Chevrolet (formerly Oakdale) Theatre in Wallingford. For additional information, call 203-679-5900. Masonic Healthcare Center is an affiliate of Wallingford-based Masonicare, the state’s leading not-for-profit provider of senior healthcare and retirement living. Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce Wins National Award for Communications Excellence The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is a recipient of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 22nd Annual Award for Communications Excellence (ACE). The chamber’s entry received an award of honorable mention for their submission in the website category. Entries receiving the ACE Honorable Mention Award meet the fundamental standards and criteria for communications excellence. The Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE) is an annual competition that recognizes excellence in all areas of chamber of commerce communications. ACE continues to be the vehicle for the chamber community to promote effective chamber communications as well as highlight initiatives, introduce events and inform members. “Chambers of commerce frequently conduct the broadest, most far-reaching and comprehensive communications programs in their city, county or region,” said Allen Hester, chair of the ACE Awards and president of the Dyersburg/ Dyer County (TN) Chamber of Commerce, “and they do it often times with fewer resources and smaller staffs than many other organizations. The ACE Awards are designed and structured to recognize the skill sets needed to create, plan, budget and execute quality communications programs in this unique task environment that we call ‘Chamber work.’ Every winning chamber, large or small, can take pride in the fact that they can compete at the national level with the “best of the best’ who do this important work.” “We are excited to have been recognized with this national achievement,” said Rosanne P. Ford, Vice President of Membership Services for the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce. “To be honored amongst Chambers throughout the nation is a great feat and we look forward to submitting more materials in the future. As our very first submission ever to ACCE, we were excited to place in one of the two categories for which we submitted entries.” “ACCE is proud to honor, reward and celebrate the achievements of outstanding communications programs, campaign and projects in the chamber profession,” added ACCE President Mick Fleming. This year's ACE competition drew 280 entries from over 125 chambers throughout the country. Forty judges spent over 400 hours judging and providing comprehensive feedback for each participant. Judges backgrounds included experience in the fields of public relations, printing and design, special events planning, fundraising, journalism, economic development, web design and public policy. Winners will be recognized during the 2006 ACCE Annual Convention August 17-19 in Cleveland, Ohio. For more information about the ACE awards, contact Marjorie Morgan, Program Logistics Manger for ACCE at 703-998-3546. More information about the ACE Awards can be found at www.acce.org. Established in 1914, ACCE is the only national association uniquely serving the professional development needs of individuals managing chambers of commerce throughout the United States and Canada. Representing more than 7,300 chamber professionals, ACCE enhances the knowledge, leadership skills, and management effectiveness of chamber executives and their staffs through education, trend analysis, benchmarking, and best practices. ACCE promotes the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity within the chamber profession. Meeting of Parent Support Group in the Naugatuck Valley Region for parents who have out-of-control adolescent and adult children.Tough LoveSt. Anthony's ChurchRoutes 68 and 69Prospect, CTWedensday evenings from 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Epilepsy Support Group The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut will hold a support group for adults living with epilepsy the third Tuesday of every month at the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticutʼs office in Middletown, CT. For more information please call 800-899-3745 or visit www.epilepsyct.net Epilepsy Parent Support Group The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut will hold a support group for parents of children with epilepsy the monthly at the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticutʼs office in Middletown, CT. Please call for monthly meeting date. For more information please call 800-899-3745 or visit www.epilepsyct.net VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT MIDSTATE MEDICAL CENTER Submitted by Diamond Belejack The Volunteer Department at Midstate is looking to increase volunteer staffing in several key areas of the medical center. The Tremaine Resource Center is expanding and in need of additional volunteers who assist the public needing to access health information. Basic computer skills are needed. There is also high demand for volunteers in our Emergency Department reception area. These volunteers provide customer service to all visitors and patients by providing friendly visits and ensuring individuals are comfortable and kept well-informed during their stay. If you enjoy meeting and greeting the public, and have excellent customer service skills, please contact Diamond Belejack, Manager of Volunteer Services at 694-8572 or e-mail dbeleja@midstatemedical.org. These are entries to a Washington Post competition asking for a two-line rhyme with the most romantic first line, but the least romantic second line: My darling, my lover, my beautiful wife: Marrying you screwed up my life. I see your face when I am dreaming. That's why I always wake up screaming. Kind, intelligent, loving and hot;This describes everything you're not. I thought that I could love no other --that is until I met your brother. Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you. But the roses are wilting, the violets aredead, the sugar bowl's empty and so is your head. I want to feel your sweet embrace;But don't take that paper bag off your face. I love your smile, your face, and your eyes --Damn, I'm good at telling lies! My love, you take my breath away.What have you stepped in to smell this way? My feelings for you no words can tell, Except for maybe "Go to hxxx." Visit The Children’s Museum For Free On the First Sunday of Each Month, a Public Service Sponsored by AETNA The Children’s Museum (formerly Science Center of Connecticut) will be open free of charge to the general public on the first Sunday of every month for one year, as a result of a $25,000 grant provided to the museum by Aetna. “We feel that this program will be an educational asset to the greater Hartford community. It gives us great pleasure to provide this opportunity to families and children so they can take advantage of all the exciting things The Children’s Museum has to offer, without worrying about the cost,” said Marilda Gándara, President of the Aetna Foundation. “How wonderful it is that Aetna is enabling the museum to open it doors free of charge to the community we serve. The first Sunday of the month for free program will make it possible for more children and families than ever to experience the wonders of science and nature through our exhibits, live animals, and floor programs,” said President and CEO Edward J. Forand Jr. The next free exhibit admission day will be Sunday, April 1. The program will continue through February of next year. The Children’s Museum is committed to igniting the curiosity of young people through science and nature. In addition to the museum and the Gengras Planetarium, the organization includes the United Technologies Wildlife Sanctuary, Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton, and The Children’s Museum Preschool, one of the oldest preschools in the country. The Children’s Museum serves close to 200,000 people annually, and is the fifth oldest children’s museum in the country, and Connecticut’s largest museum. Located at 950 Trout Brook Drive in West Hartford, the museum is accessible from I-84 Exit 43 and offers free parking. For more information, visit the website at www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org . Wanted: WLT Board Members The Wallingford Land Trust is looking for a Wallingford resident interested in the outdoors, walking, hiking, birding, building and maintaining trails. The WLT board meets 7:00 pm on the 3rd Thursday at the Southwest Conservation District. If interested please contact WLT President Joe Palazzi at 284-0116. For more information on the Land Trust, please check out the website at www.wallingfordlandtrust.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 LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MOMS Ever wish it was just easier to get together with other moms and their kids for a little reprieve from the monotony. Well I do!! That’s why I’m looking for other moms to join my group. It’s my pleasure to establish a new group called Mothers and Children or MAC for short. It is my intention is to design this group with mothers wants and needs in mind. Where as moms we can get together to socialize and incorporate time to regenerate us as well as the kids. Although we will have playgroups, activities and outings for children. I hope to initiate things like Mom’s Night Out, Babysitting Co-Ops, Family Days, Crafts Clubs or anything else that our other mom’s might like. For information www.mothersandchildrengroup.com or Jennifer @ 203-238-7810 Wallingford Rotary Club to Host benefit Golf Tournament JUNE 22 at Traditions golf club Harrison Road, Wallingford Tee time- 1 pm, registration 11:30 AM The Wallingford Rotary Club will be hosting the 18th Annual Jim Backes Golf Classic Tournament for the benefit of the Wallingford Foundation, on JUNE 22, 2006 at the TRADITIONS GOLF Club Check-ins will begin at about 11:30a.m., followed by lunch, and an 18-hole "shamble" tournament. The event culminates with a New England Clambake Dinner including grilled steaks, steamed clams and boiled lobsters. Entry fee is $175.00 per golfer. Dinner only $ 60.00 Sponsorships are available.: and all individuals and large businesses are welcome to sponsor tees, greens, and the like. Please contact the Chairmen for details For additional information, please contact Craig Fishbein (203)265-2895 / ccf@fishbeinlaw.com or Dan Sullivan (203)949-9455 / dsully@logoitup.com . Early signup for players and sponsors encouraged MERIDEN LANDFILL EVANSVILLE AVE. SOUTH MERIDEN, CT. 06451 203-630-4254 Items Accepted: Brush – Brush no longer than 2’ long, 6” in diameter Leaves (in bio-degradable bags) – Leaves in plastic bags must be emptied Bulky Waste: Furniture, bedding, bureaus, tables, chairs, sofas, and carpeting White Metals: Appliances, bicycles, propane tanks – with valves removed Tires Lawnmowers – with fluids removed Items not accepted: Household garbage Commercial vehicles Explosives, ammunition Hazardous waste, paints Clothing Construction debris, roofing materials Wood Tree stumps, bush stumps, roots, root balls Grass clippings Gasses, oils, anti-freeze Excavation materials (asphalt, stone, etc.) Oil tanks Items for recycling, fill, auto and truck parts Cardboard Car oil may be brought to United Oil Recovery, Gracey Ave. , Meriden, 238-6745 Construction Debris – C.W.P.M., 475 Christian Lane, Berlin, Ct. 860-828-1162 - $20.00 minimum or $85.00 per ton. Landfill hours: Monday – 7:30am – 11:30am Wednesday – 10:30a. – 2:30pm 1st and 3rd Saturday – 7:30am – 12:00pm Giant Monthly Flea Market Notre Dame Church, 272 Main Street (Route 17), Durham, CT will have a Giant Monthly Flea Market and Tag Sate on the first Saturday of the month from June to October (July 7th, August 4th, September 1st, and October 6th) from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This is a huge Tag Sale and Flea Market covering a wide area in the church hall, church garage, parking lot and on the lawn. Household goods, pots and pans, dishes craft supplies, sewing supplies, furniture, clothing ($2.50 a bag), antiques, collectibles, thousands and thousands of books and anything and everything you might need or want. Our kitchen is open all day serving breakfast and lunch in the church hall. New items coming in continuously. 40 vendors in the parking lot. Vendor Space Available: $20.00 – Call Bob Smith (860) 349-0356. This is a well attended Tag Sale and has a following of both vendors and buyers. Quinnipiac River Fund distributes 10 grants Funds used to promote environmental awareness, create a policy guide for public access, conduct habitat research, river clean-ups and more The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven announces that 10 grants totaling $118,939 were awarded from The Quinnipiac River Fund to improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River, the New Haven Harbor, and the watersheds of these waterbodies. Grants range from $500 to $23,123 for the 2007 season. Requests for support from the Quinnipiac River Fund are assessed by the Fund’s Advisory Committee. Applications are available in the beginning of each year and are due in early Spring. Current advisory committee members are: Nancy Alderman, a member of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment; Gordan Geballe, the Assistant Dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies; and Margaret Miner, Director of Rivers Alliance. This committee meets once a year to make recommendations for distribution of grants from the Quinnipiac River Fund to The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. The committee considered the following funding priorities in their decision making this year: Purchase of land in the Quinnipiac River watershed for conservation purposes and to reduce pollution and improve public access. Aiding in restoring the habitat of the watershed. Research on methods of reducing pollution, or otherwise improving the environmental health of the Quinnipiac River. Studying the ecology of the Quinnipiac River and the New Haven Harbor. Supporting environmental advocacy, except for litigation. The Quinnipiac River Fund was established in 1990 by a court settlement of litigation between the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Natural Resource Defense Council and the Upjohn Company concerning wastewater discharges from Upjohn’s plant in North Haven, CT. The settling parties agreed that the net income, and in extenuating circumstances, principal of the fund was to be used to, “improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and the New Haven Harbor and the watersheds of these waterbodies, and otherwise to benefit the environment of these resources.” The Fund has grown from its initial balance of $1,225,000 million to its value of just under $2.7 million as of 31 December 2006. The Quinnipiac River spans 38 square miles in Connecticut and is named for the American Indian Algonquian phrase “long water land”. It flows through the towns of Plainville, Southington, Meriden, Cheshire, Wallingford, Yalesville, and North Haven into New Haven Harbor. Pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists run along the River; a grant from the Quinnipiac River Fund in 2001 to the Friends of the Linear Trail, Inc. helped to further the acquisition of land for the trail right of way in Wallingford, construction of bridges, boardwalks, and observation platform. The paths are free and open to the public. Quinnipiac River Fund Grants Awarded 2007 Catalyst Studios, Inc. - $8,500 To support the organization and implementation of a "Consider the Quinnipiac" photo-based awareness campaign" motivating people to consider the consequences of poor stewardship and participate in public action to aid in restoring the viability of Quinnipiac River. Plainville Conservation Commission $2,000 To support implementation of informational and educational efforts and activities advocating for pesticide use reduction. These efforts will focus on the 80 property owners whose properties abut the Quinnipiac River in Plainville, CT. The activities will include 2 river clean-ups, coordination of a fishing derby, Earth Day Extravaganza, promotion and advocacy of Freedom Lawn Initiative, and a Tomasso Nature Park clean-up. Quinnipiac River Group $8,500 To support a collaborative effort (in partnership with Elm City Parks Conservancy) of developing a resource and policy guide for the Quinnipiac River edge for public access permits, best management practices, stabilization practices, liability, and ecology. Quinnipiac River Watershed Association $16,500 To support the organization and implementation of outreach and advocacy for the Quinnipiac Watershed Stream Buffer Initiative (Phase II) and regular grassroots events. Regional Growth Partnership $500 To support continued efforts to develop and adopt an inter-municipal tax revenue sharing agreement and shared land use plan among the region's five municipalities bordering the Quinnipiac River. University of New Haven $23,135 To support an environmental study assessing relationships among habitat structure, marsh topography, ecological dynamics and potential conservation initiatives in the Lower Quinnipiac River marshes. Watershed Partnership, Inc. $19,000 To support the continuation and extension of the successful Safe Grounds Campaign in efforts to reduce non-point source pollution from lawn pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Yale University - Grant & Contract Admin. $8,064 To support the offering of a short course in river processes to local members of conservation/inland wetland commissions and environmental activists. The course will cover the basic hydrologic, geomorphic, chemical, and biological processes that govern stream ecosystems, and how they are perturbed by human activities. Participants will receive the scientific tools that they need in order to understand and critically evaluate environmental data on the Quinnipiac River. Yale University - Grant & Contract Admin. $14,294 To support the continuation of measuring elevation change and water levels in the Quinnipiac River marshes in efforts to understand the rate and causes of marsh drowning (conversion to mudflat) that has been observed there. Yale University - Grant & Contract Admin. $18,446 To conduct mercury contamination research at Wharton Brook in Quinnipiac River system. Research activities include measuring mercury in water, benthic macro invertebrates, and fish along the length of the Wharton Brook and its tributaries. Since 1928, donors to The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven have built the community's endowment currently valued at approximately $279 million. In 2006, The Foundation Board of Directors distributed over $11.5 million in grants from over 600 different named charitable funds supporting a wide range of programs and projects. The Foundation’s service area encompasses: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven and Woodbridge. For more information about The Community Foundation visit www.cfgnh.org. Tricia Caldwell Communications Officer The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Main: 203.777.2386 Direct: 203.777.7090 Fax: 203.787.6584 Web: www.cfgnh.org Our mission is to create positive and sustainable change in Greater New Haven by increasing the amount of and enhancing the impact of community philanthropy. Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations Community Impact: The Foundation has a disciplined spending and investment policy that ensures a steady stream of charitable revenue for the community. For the past ten years, its investment performance has exceeded the market-based benchmark. Sow Only Seeds of Love You can start a new journey with your very next breath So many roads you can take, you determine the path. The time to change if you need is now Keeping in touch with your soul will teach you how. You're the one who decides on the life you live You have such a big heart and so much to give. Think of the love in the world you can spread By saying kind words that need to be said. The gifts you can give are inside your heart With so many hurting people, it’s a good time to start. Look for the best in everyone Let all your intentions be genuine. There is such untold beauty inside of you Who are you planning on showing it to? Open it up to everyone. Take that next breath….. Your new journey’s begun. Bob Votruba Founder SowOnlySeedsOfLove.com 1st Annual “Prize Club Auction & Award Dinner” to be held on Wednesday, June 13th at 6:00 P.M. All members who participated in our After School Power Hour Prize Club are invited to our 1st annual Prize Club Auction & Award Dinner. Each member who participated in this program during the year has received points based on good behavior, test scores, and report cards. Those point values will be transferred into Ulbrich dollars in which members can use to bid on the prizes at our auction. The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club has received donations from local businesses such as Circuit City, Wal-Mart, Prime Climb, etc. These donations have included Ipods, mp3 players, video game chairs, games...etc. There will be a prize for every member who has participated in our Power Hour Prize Club. There will be additional awards for all members who received “Student of the Month” this year. We will also be naming our “Student of the Year!” Any publicity your newspaper or agency can offer to assist us in promoting this Boys & Girls Club event will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Susan Golden at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club (203) 269-7535. AT THE 9TH ANNUAL FATTY GOLF TOURNAMENT, BIG BUSINESS MEETS BIG BOYS HAVING BIG FUN…………. Wednesday, June 14, 2006, the Tradition Golf Club of Wallingford, Connecticut will host an earth-shaking event GUARANTEED to give new meaning to EXTREME SPORTS. The 9th annual Fatty Golf Tournament returns to Connecticut promising BIGGER FUN and BIGGER EXPOSURE for all concerned. Fatty Golf is not just something for a slow news day. This is a BIG CONTENT that flies in the face of political correctness, and does it for good cause. A portion of tournament proceeds will benefit local children’s charities. Fatty Golf, featured in national publications such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, Senior Golf, and Golf World Magazine is not just another day on the (Sausage) Links. No Sir. This is truly the BIGGEST day of golf ever created. This year the four over-sized champion athletes (a combined 1,520 pounds) defend their title against a field that comprises athletes of all dimensions. David Margolis, Director of Marketing for Fatty Golf, and spokesman for the champion foursome, has offered an additional $500.00 bonus to any foursome that outweighs last year’s champs. David Horton added this challenge from the champs, “On behalf of extreme athletes everywhere, we challenge traditional athletes, large and small, to come out to Fatty Golf on June 14th and try to take our title. We will smash you like a piece of garlic.” Go to www.fattygolf.com, and you will see that they are capable. The day starts with a weigh-in, blood pressure check, and of course, breakfast, the 1st and most important meal of the day. Several food and spirit stations will be lined up throughout the course, intermingled with sponsor product displays. In addition to a great day of golf in this beautiful Championship 18-hole course, the day includes all the food and alcohol you can consume, FATTY’S FAMOUS PIG ROAST, the FATTY FOXES, and a HUGE buffet dinner complete with raffles, auction and a PREMIUM BRAND open bar. Competitors will also have a chance at great prizes including a Harley Davidson “FAT BOY’ motorcycle provided by Bridgeport Harley Davidson. Fatty Golf invites men and women to join us for the day, but let’s face it; this is a boy’s day out. Every year, a contingent of local press descends upon the Traditions Golf Club to witness this most extreme sports event. Best of all, there won’t be any annoying skateboarders! For more information on the Fatty Golf Tournament, or to obtain media passes, please contact David Margolis at (203) 359-0865 or David Horton at (203) 641-4254. WILL YOU HELP ? ? ? ? ? Jordan’s Den is a Relay For Life team in memory of Jordan Davila. Jordan sadly lost his battle with leukemia at the tender age of nine. Family members and friends have created this Relay team in his memory because it was Jordan’s wish that one day there would be a cure for this horrible disease. We are hoping thru our efforts that we can help Jordan’s wish come true. The Relay For \Life is a signature fundraising event held by The American Cancer Society. It is a 24 hour team walk-a-thon. Teams get sponsors or do fundraisers to raise money. Some examples of where the money goes are to programs that offer services to patients and their families and Cancer research. Through out the year our team, Jordan's Den, collects returnable cans and bottles, used cell phones and empty ink cartridges and receive money for them through a recycling company. We are a Relay team that is not sponsored by a business or a corporation. We are open to new fundraising ideas or talking to someone who is interested in being a sponsor. If you wish to help our team in any way, you can contact: Paula Charlton (team captain) 203-238-9636 Jessica Barnard (team co-captain) 203-440-1976 This years Relay For Life is on June 8 & 9 at Lyman Hall High School In Wallingford Letters to the Editor The rules – you can’t attack any individual or group. You must provide your full name, address and phone number with verification of all information stated in your comments. Letters are accepted by email to andy@peoplespressnews.com only. Letter to the Editor From: Ellie Tessmer - Wallingford Thanks to all who participated in the Wallingford Garden Club Plant Sale recently at the Railroad Station. Great variety of plants from members’ gardens was appreciated by all. Special thanks to Betty Jobbagy as well as Agnes and Marty Beichner for sharing the plants from their gardens. The Children’s Table was a big hit and Carole Golitko as Mother Earth had special Earth Day items for the children as well as their own sunflower plant to take home. There was always something to find on the Gardener’s Treasures Table. Vendors from the Gardener’s Market were on the Green to give a preview of what’s to come in July. George Wooster with his Engraved Garden Stones, Liz and Joe Caprio with their cement garden ornaments, Linda Houle with her new cards and crafts, Larry and Diane Bradley with homemade garden crafts, Deneen Thompson with The Garden Party items, Roberta Whalen with Gourmet Cupboard and Donna Passaro with her special coffees. Check out her new Coffee Shop on Center and South Whittlesey Ave. You will see the Garden Club ladies out and about on Tuesday mornings working in the town gardens by the Gazebo, Crescent Garden across the street, Police Station, Pond Hill Gardens and Wallingford Community Day Care Center. Stop by and say hello. Letter to the Editor Each year, as part of Meriden’s traditions, Hubbard Park holds the Daffodil Festival. This is convenient for our family as we live on a street directly across from the paper. Since second grade, my sister and I have been holding bake sales to benefit organizations that help to better the world. Last year, we selected the Meriden Humane Society and American Cancer Society. With the help of my friends and a second bake sale at another location, we raised $150.00 for each. This year, my sister and I had only one location and beat the $155.00 we made at our house from last year. With the assistance of some hungry customers and some generous donors such as friends, family and just people walking down the street, we raised a total of $170.00. We donated this money to Out to Pasture Farm and Rescue. This organization is owned and operated by Carrie Haggart. She takes in abused and disabled animals that were abandoned or to be put down. She nurtures these creatures and despite all of the work she must put in, she takes special care of each and every one. As we have visited Out to Pasture, we know what a success it is. We would like to give a special thanks to those whom stopped by and helped us out. A big thanks also to Sarah Cousino, Carly Ritchie, Elizabeth Crane, Alyssa Sola and Daniel Picone, and of course my sister Abigail. Thanks to you guys, you are really changing lives. Want to check out the Out to Pasture website and find out how to help? Go to www.outtopasture.org for more information. Sincerely, Emily Schmidt – Meriden – 8 years young "Attention Ice Cream Trucks! We would love for you to visit us on Lonsdale Ave in Meriden. We have children here that get so excited when they hear your music but are so disappointed when you drive by our street and don’t come up!" Trip to New York City and Ellis Island The Southington Genealogical Society will be sponsoring a bus trip to New York City and Ellis Island on Saturday June 30, 2007. The cost is $58.00 per adult and includes round trip by bus to Battery Park and round trip ferry service to Ellis Island. We will depart Southington at 8 am and leave NYC at 6 pm. Those interested in making reservations should contact Ray Thomas at 860-628-7831. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis. 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 pm on the fourth Tuesday of every month, except December, at the Old Milldale Firehouse, 91 Norton Street, Plantsville, Connecticut. Local Volunteers needed for Guiding Eyes for the Blind Guiding Eyes for the Blind is looking for local volunteers to open their hearts and homes to a future guide dog puppy. All training, support and veterinary expenses are provided free of charge. Pre-Placement Puppy Classes for those interested in this incredible opportunity will be held at various locations. This class will be held on Saturday, August 18th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church in Wallingford. Please call our Region Leader, Barbara at 1-860-526-9864 for location details and additional information. Jim Backes Golf Classic Tournament WALLINGFORD - The Wallingford Rotary Club will be hosting the 18th Annual Jim Backes Golf Classic Tournament for the benefit of the Wallingford Foundation, on JUNE 22, 2007 at the TRADITIONS GOLF Club, Wallingford. Check-ins will begin at about 11:30a.m., followed by lunch, and an 18-hole "shamble" tournament. The event culminates with a New England Clambake Dinner including grilled steaks, steamed clams and boiled lobsters. Entry fee is $175.00 per golfer. Dinner only $60.00 Sponsorships are available.: and all individuals and large businesses are welcome to sponsor tees, greens, and the like. Please contact the Chairmen for details SPONSORS- PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEES. GREENS. PROGRAM ADS NOW For additional information, please contact: Craig Fishbein (203)265-2895 / ccf@fishbeinlaw.com or Dan Sullivan (203)949-9455 / dsully@logoitup.com . Early signup for players and sponsors encouraged Tag Sale - 3 Family (1 moving) 30 Maple AVENUE, Meriden Sunday, June 17th 9AM--3PM Lunch for the Bunch Retirees from the North Haven Board of Education are having the late spring meeting on Monday, June 11th 2007 at the 95 Gathering on Route 5 (865 North Colony Street) in Wallingford starting with a 11:45 social and then a buffet at 12:30. The group raises scholarship monies for graduating seniors from North Haven High School whose relatives have or had worked for the North Haven Board of Education. Congrats to the 2007 awardees. Call in reservation by June 4th to Vi Bornemann, Ann Mahoney or Mary Reardon. Pre registration is essential to secure seating. Scholarship Breakfast Saint Joseph School, Meriden, will hold its annual Whalon Scholarship Awards Breakfast on July 19, 2007 at the Sheraton Four Points, located on Research Parkway in Meriden. The guest speaker is Sister Mary McCarthy, RSM, Principal of Mercy High School in Middletown. Tickets to the breakfast may be obtained by contacting the school office at (203) 237-6800. Scholarships have been awarded to 18 students over the past four years. The Whalon Scholarship is available to graduates of Saint Joseph School, Meriden, who are continuing their education at the undergraduate or graduate school level, and is renewable. Marion and Dorothy Whalon were graduates of Saint Joseph School, and lifelong parishioners of Saint Joseph Parish. They greatly appreciated the education they received at Saint Joseph School and, through a bequest, endowed this scholarship in acknowledgment of the efforts of the Sisters of Mercy who have taught at Saint Joseph School since it opened in 1915. For further information, contact: Reverend Shawn T. Daly, Pastor - Saint Joseph School at (203) 237-6800 Barbara Dingfelder Honored as State of Connecticut Nurse of the Year Wallingford Resident a Leader in Public Health Nursing The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) proudly announces that Barbara Dingfelder, APRN, BSN, MPH, CHES has been named the 2007 State of Connecticut administrator Nurse of the Year. Ms. Dingfelder, a Wallingford resident, works as a nurse consultant in the DPH Local Health Administration Branch, which serves as the primary interface between the department and Connecticut’s local health departments. She was selected by her peers as the DPH nominee for the state Nurse of the Year Award, and was named State of Connecticut Nurse of the Year in the administrator category today at a ceremony at the State Capitol. “State of Connecticut nurses serve Connecticut residents in many different ways, but all with caring, passion and a strong commitment to the health of Connecticut residents,” stated Governor M. Jodi Rell. “Barbara was selected this year as a shining example of the fine caliber of the state’s nurses, and the exceptional service they provide to the people of Connecticut.” “Barbara is a leader in public health nursing, and we are very proud of her outstanding achievement as Nurse of the Year,” stated DPH Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, M.D., M.P.H. “Barbara has been instrumental in standardizing training to local boards of health, and has taken a leadership role in creating the DPH virtual Office of Public Health Nursing. She also advocates for people with special needs through her work on the Universal Sheltering Committee, which is working on a plan to assist residents in a natural or manmade disaster.” Ms. Dingfelder joined DPH in 2002, and has worked in the department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer and Early Detection program as well as the Local Health Administration Branch. She also played an instrumental role in the department’s response to the 2004 influenza vaccine shortage as an ombudsman, providing timely and important information about the vaccine supply situation to the public and health care community. Ms. Dingfelder is a clinical nurse specialist with broad experience in several fields of nursing, including rehabilitation, home health, ambulatory surgery, and others. She is a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and a certified advanced Health Educator Specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, and a Masters of Public Health degree from the University of Connecticut. 3rd annual Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament The 3rd annual Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament is scheduled for June 9th - 17th. The venue will again be the beautiful Hunt Tennis Center located on the Choate-Rosemary Hall campus in Wallingford. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit Wallingford Family YMCA youth programs and the Winton S. Filipek Sr. scholarship fund. In 2006, the event drew 292 players and this year we expect the number of players to exceed 300. All players receive: tournament T-shirt, players handbook, players gift bag, ticket to “Breakfast at Wimbledon”, tennis balls & water for every match. Prizes will be awarded to 1st & 2nd place in every division. The 9 day event in 2007 will feature: 15 divisions for all levels, a Kids’, High School Players’ & Adults’ Free Clinic & Fun Day on Sunday June 10th, Thorlo Sock Day on Wednesday June 13th (100 pair to spectators, players) and the Pilot Pen professional tennis booth on the premises. Please direct any questions to The Wallingford Family YMCA at 203-269-4497 or Wint Filipek Jr. at 860-621-5655/ wrfilipek@hotmail.com. Or visit our tournament website at: www.ymcafilipektennis.com for applications. Project Graduation Needs Your Help!!! On graduation night each year, Project Graduation sponsors an all night substance free party for all graduating high school students from Platt, Maloney and Wilcox High Schools. Our mission is to encourage students to celebrate with all of their classmates in a safe and substance free environment. It is a free event for all graduates! The all volunteer Project Graduation Committee works year round to obtain donations from individuals and area businesses. We receive donations of prizes, gift baskets, food and cash. This year our funding is running short. This celebration cannot happen without the support of the entire Meriden community. Please consider making a donation of your choice and sending it in care of “Project Graduation”, 251 Williams Street, Meriden, CT 06450. Our next meeting is at 7:00 p.m. on June 13th at Holy Angels Church. Please join us to find out more ways that you can help and get involved. Call 235-1514 if you have any questions or need more information. Watch for us on Mayor’s Corner! Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce Presents 65th Annual Meeting and LuncheonEvent Presenter: Executive Auto Group - Sponsor: ConnectiCare The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce will hold its 65th Annual Meeting and Luncheon with special guest speaker Al Terzi, News Anchor Channel 3 Eyewitness News, from 11:30am to 2pm on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at Fantasia, 404 Washington Avenue, North Haven. The program includes the election of the new Board of Directors, recognition of the outgoing directors, Special Awards and Scholarships. The Quinnipiac Chamber will be announcing the small and large business "Shining Stars" for 2007 - Participation is $30 per person. Tables for eight are available. Please make your reservation on or before June 11. Register online at www.quinncham.com or by email to Maribel@quinncham.com or Dee@quinncham.com or call 234-0332 or 269-9891. MS Support Group The Meriden MS Support Group meets at Platt High School located at 220 Coe Ave., in Meriden, Conn., at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month from September to May. Participants are directed to use the Oregon Road entrance. There are more than 6,000 Connecticut residents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an oftentimes debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter offers more than 20 support groups throughout Hartford, Tolland, Windham, New London, Middlesex and New Haven counties. These groups bring together people who share a common life experience as it relates to MS and its effects. For more information, please contact Allison at (203) 230-8672. For more information on multiple sclerosis and the many ways you can help make a difference, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org or call the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter at (800) Fight-MS. Masonicare of Wallingford hosts the Connecticut Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Course Free, Four-part Course to be Held at Pond Ridge at Ashlar Village Masonicare of Wallingford is sponsoring the Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Course, a free, four-part series for caregiver education. The course is designed to help caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias meet the increasing physical and emotional demands placed on them. There are presently more than 100,000 people in Connecticut who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and 75% of them are being cared for at home. The Caregiver Course will be held at Pond Ridge at Ashlar Village, Cheshire Road, Wallingford, on the following Tuesday evenings: June 12, July 10, August 14 and September 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Caregivers may be either spouses, family members or other caregivers who want to learn more about the disease process, what action should be taken, and when and how to do so. Topics to be covered by professionals in the geriatric field include an overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, caregiver stress, maintaining a safe environment, legal issues, communication and behavioral interventions, and family dynamics. June 12 “An Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia” - Dr. Javier Salabarria, psychiatrist and Medical Director of the Geriatric Medical/Psychiatric Program at Masonic Healthcare Center in Wallingford July 10 “Communication Techniques/Identifying Behavioral Changes – Strategies that Work” - Jennifer Thomas, OTR/L, an Occupational Therapist with Masonic Healthcare Center’s Rehabilitation Department “Maintaining a Safe and Secure Environment” – Jennifer Thomas August 14 “Keeping the Caregiver Healthy/Community Resources” – Beverly Bryda, ACSW Director of Social Services, Masonic Healthcare Center “Family Dynamics” – Marjorie Haas, LCSW, with advanced certification in geriatrics September 11 “Legal and Monetary Issues” – Speaker to be determined Please note that pre-registration for the course is required. For additional information about the program or to make your reservation, please call the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-866-3MEMORY (1-866-363-6679). June Events at Temple B’nai Abraham 1. June 10th at 10:30 a.m. - Temple B’nai Abraham’s Annual Meeting and Brunch - Please join us for the annual meeting to learn about what happened over the year, discuss our future plans, see the installation of the Board of Directors, and celebrate with the Person of the Year. RSVP by June 6th by calling 235-2581. 2. June 12th at 7:00 p.m. - Synagogue Skills Classes - The Rabbi’s Tuesday night Torah Trope class takes place from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. A second class on Synagogue Skills follows from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. including how to polish your prayer book Hebrew, and understand the content and meaning or our prayers. Participants may attend either or both classes. Pre-requisite: a basic knowledge of Hebrew reading (ability to decode words - even slowly). To register, please call (203) 235-2581. 3. June 22nd - Shabbat Under the Stars - Friday evening services will be held outdoors under the stars. Please RSVP by June 20th by calling 235-2581. About Temple B’nai Abraham Temple B'nai Abraham is a Conservative synagogue which provides religious, educational and social programming for all age groups in a warm, extended family atmosphere. Shabbat services are egalitarian, and feature congregational singing. All are welcome. Temple B’nai Abraham is located at 127 East Main Street in Meriden. For more information about any of these events, please call (203) 235-2581. Governor’s Foot Guard Band Slated for Flag Day Concert The Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard Band will perform on Flag Day, Thursday June 14 at the Northford Congregational Church at 7:00 pm. The public is invited to come early, enjoy light refreshments available beginning at 5:30 pm, and then enjoy the musical tribute to Flag Day offered by the Foot Guard Band. The concert will take place on the church lawn adjacent to the church. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and set up early for best seating. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the church sanctuary. The Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard Band is the musical arm of one of the oldest continually active military units in the United States. It was chartered in 1775 and its first commandant was Revolutionary War General Benedict Arnold. The Northford Congregational Church is very pleased to be able to offer this special concert to the general public as a community outreach project. Audiences across the state have been delighted by the Foot Guard band’s music which includes stirring marches, familiar medleys, polkas and Dixieland. The focus of this concert will be slanted, of course, toward music appropriate for the celebration of Flag Day. A free will offering to benefit the church and its various benevolences will be gratefully accepted. The Northford Congregational Church is located on Old Post Road at the intersection of rtes 22 and 17. For information, please call the church office at 484-0795. Lost Dog-STILL MISSING! "Hopey", 6 yr old female Golden Retriever. Reddish w/grey face. Sadly missed. Call 203-272-3395 Wentworth Institute of Technology Inducts Class of ’57 into ‘Black and Gold’ Society Wentworth Institute of Technology recently inducted the class of ’57 graduates into the ‘Black and Gold’ Society. Thomas E. Zagorski of Meriden recently celebrated his 50th class reunion at Wentworth’s “Black and Gold” weekend, an annual event hosted at the Institute which recognizes alumni celebrating their 50th class reunion. Many events on and around campus were scheduled for the alumni, giving them a chance to reconnect and reminisce with old friends and classmates and share personal and professional highlights from the past 50 years. Augustis Curtis Cultural Center Upcoming Events Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra “Open House & Concert” Hosted by ACCC & CCCYO 175 East Main Street Sunday, June 10th, 20072:00 pm to 4:00 pm The first hour will be an open house for potential members to see what CCCYO is all about and the second hour will be a concert by the current student musicians. Come enjoy an afternoon with our Youth Orchestra....$5.00 admission. If young musicians schedule an audition for the orchestra the $5.00 admission fee is returned. - For more information go to meridenartstrust@yahoo.com or call Katrina at 203-235-7445. Augusta Curtis Concert Band plays Hubbard Park West Main Street Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007 5:00pm to 7:00pm Join our intergenerational concert band perform this free concert before Meriden’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks. JC Music Recitals Hosted by ACCC Main Level 175 East Main Street 2:00pm to 4:00pm each Sunday Recitals will be held on the following dates: Sunday, July 8th, 2007 Student Showcase (Variety of Music Instrumental & Vocal) Sunday, July 15th, 2007 Student Showcase (Variety of Music Instrumental & Vocal) Sunday, July 22nd, 2007 Student Showcase (Variety of Music Instrumental & Vocal) Sunday, July 29th, 2007 Faculty Showcase (Variety of Music Instrumental & Vocal) Recitals will be showcasing our area Youth and Instructors of JC Music..............Admission $5.00 Red Cross Blood Drive Hosted by ACCC 175 East Main Street Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 1:00pm to 6:00pm American Red Cross Blood Drive to be held on Main Level of the Center......Call 800-448-3543 to schedule and appointment to give blood. The Book Vault welcomes Alex Kava Please join us in welcoming Alex Kava as she returns to The Book Vault in Wallingford for her exclusive Connecticut appearance. Kava, author of Whitewash (and the popular Maggie O’Dell series) will be at The Book Vault, 9 North Main Street in Wallingford, Wednesday June 13th at 7:00 P.M. The event will be catered by Vinny’s Deli of Wallingford. Alex Kava is quickly becoming a master of the psychological thriller. Her works led readers on suspenseful journeys into the depths of the human psyche and into the minds of some serious cold blooded killers. ABOUT WhitewashThe cover-up was only the beginning…then came the nightmare. A Perfect Evil left you looking over your shoulder...The sequel, A Necessary Evil, grabbed you by the throat...Now New York Times bestselling author ALEX KAVA lures you into the deadly and labyrinthine world of corporate corruption, greed and government conspiracy. Alex Kava reaches a whole new level of storytelling with Whitewash, a stand-alone thriller. Fans of her Maggie O’Dell series will be swept up by the suspense and powerful pacing of this timely novel. Sabrina Galloway is one of the top scientists at EchoEnergy—a company that has made a successful breakthrough in the quest for an alternative fuel. There is the promise of a cleaner tomorrow. But Sabrina makes a startling discovery: someone has tampered with the production process, and an eco-disaster of equally staggering proportions is imminent. Toxic waste is leaking into the Florida waterways and the Gulf of Mexico, and Sabrina becomes entangled in a sinister plot that places corporate greed and corruption above human life. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Alex Kava has a bachelor’s degree in art and English and over 15 years of experience in advertising, marketing and graphic design. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. Her first book, A Perfect Evil, was published by MIRA in hardcover August 2000. Kava lives in Omaha, Nebraska. Alex Kava will visit The Book Vault 9 North Main Street, Wallingford Wednesday June 13th, 7 P.M. for her exclusive Connecticut appearance. This event is free and open to the public. Reservations recommended: space is limited. This event will be catered by Vinny’s Deli. Call 203-269-7323 for information, reservations, or pre-orders or visit www.thebookvault.net Traditions Women’s Golf League The 18 hole women's league of Traditions Golf Club at Wallingford held an AB best ball tournament on May 26th. In the first flight, the gross winners were the team of Mary Bachinsky and Mara Dunleavy with a score of 76, followed by Mary and Nora Roche with a 79, and Coralee Reichelt and Lois Sweeney with an 82. Net winners were Jeanne Danielson and Lynn Fiore with a 62, Traci Canavan and Kate Kelly with a 63 and Nancy McNeil and Mary Lou Calamita with a 68. Second fllight gross winners were Lori Panzo and Cindy Semrau with a 90 followed by Tricia Crowley and Joan Ciasulli with a 97. Net winners were Thea Gambardella and Murphy Tymosko with a 62 followed by Cindy Jackson and Brandy Pelliccio with a 70. For more information call Cindy Semrau - 203-269-9891 Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce Presents 65th Annual Meeting and Luncheon The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce will hold its 65th Annual Meeting and Luncheon with special guest speaker Al Terzi, News Anchor Channel 3 Eyewitness News, from 11:30am to 2pm on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at Fantasia, 404 Washington Avenue, North Haven. The program includes the election of the new Board of Directors, recognition of the outgoing directors, Special Awards and Scholarships. The Quinnipiac Chamber will be announcing the small and large business "Shining Stars" for 2007 - Participation is $30 per person. Tables for eight are available. Please make your reservation on or before June 11. Register online at www.quinncham.com or by email to Maribel@quinncham.com or Dee@quinncham.com or call 234-0332 or 269-9891. Wallingford Rotary Club Hosts 18th annual Backes benefit Golf Tournament JUNE 22 Traditions golf club - Harrison road, Wallingford, Ct Tee time- 1 pm, Registration 11:30 AM- lunch 12 noon The Wallingford Rotary Club will be hosting the 18th Annual Jim Backes Golf Classic Tournament for the benefit of the Wallingford Foundation, on JUNE 22, 2007 at the TRADITIONS GOLF Club, Wallingford. Check-ins will begin at about 11:30a.m., followed by lunch, and an 18-hole "shamble" tournament. The event culminates with a New England Clambake Dinner including grilled steaks, steamed clams and boiled lobsters. Entry fee is $175.00 per golfer. Dinner only $60.00 Sponsorships are available.: and all individuals and large businesses are welcome to sponsor tees, greens, and the like. Please contact the Chairmen for details SPONSORS- PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEES . GREENS. PROGRAM ADS NOW For additional information, please contact Craig Fishbein (203)265-2895 / ccf@fishbeinlaw.com or Dan Sullivan (203)949-9455 / dsully@logoitup.com . Early signup for players and sponsors encouraged Wallingford Gardener’s Market The Wallingford Garden Club and Wallingford Center Inc presents the 2007 Gardener's Market Saturday mornings 9:00 to 12:00 from July 14th to Sept 15th at the Railroad Station Green, routes 5 and 150. Offered will be plants, flowers, produce, unique crafts and a cooking demo at 11:00. Gardening advice and plant clinic are available. If you wish to be a vendor, please contact Ellie Tessmer, Market Manager at 203-269-2653 or email at swcd43emt@sbcglobal.net. We are looking for backyard gardeners to share their produce with their own booth, consignment or donations to the Wallingford Garden Club. AMERICAN RED CROSS OFFERS TRAINING COURSES WALLINGFORD, CT (JUNE 1, 2007) – The South Central Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently accepting registrations for upcoming Health & Safety courses. The American Red Cross Community First Aid and Safety courses are designed to help responders feel more confident in their ability to act appropriately in the event of an emergency. The program includes information on topics such as First Aid, CPR, and preventing disease transmission. The program is comprised of courses for adult, child, and infant care. All training courses will be held at the Wallingford/Meriden Branch office of the American Red Cross located at 144 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Details for each course are listed below: Please pre pay by calling (203) 265-6721 or register on-line at www.arcsct.org. Standard First Aid with CPR - Adult - to be held on June 13 & 14, 2007, from 6:00pm to10:00pm (both nights). Learn to overcome any reluctance to act in emergency situations and to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults. Provide the lay responder with the knowledge and skills necessary in an emergency to help sustain life and to minimize pain and the consequences of injury or sudden illness until professional medical help arrives. CPR – Adult certificate valid for 1 year/Standard First Aid certificate valid for 3 years. 7 HOURS. Standard First Aid with CPR - Adult, Child and Infant - to be held on June 18 & 19, 2007, from 5:30pm – 10:00pm (both nights). Learn to overcome any reluctance to act in emergency situations and to recognize and care for life-threatening respiratory or cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants. Provide the lay responder with the knowledge and skills necessary in an emergency to help sustain life and to minimize pain and the consequences of injury or sudden illness until professional medical help arrives. Two certifications include CPR - Adult, Child & Infant valid one year and Standard First Aid valid three years. When class is held in two sessions, attendance is required at both sessions to receive certification. No prerequisites. 9 HOURS Church Planters Louis and Janet Faccinto, appointed WCBA church planters, are planning a variety of activities through the summer for the North Meriden/Berlin area. On June 13,14th a “Getting to Know You Table Talk” will be held in the conference room of Best Western Hotel, 2253 Berlin Turnpike. A Family Fun Day is planned for June 22nd and July 29th as well as a FREE camp, “Building Kid’s Character” from July 30th – Aug. 3rd. Watch for the times and locations of the Family Fun Days. All who are interested in being a part of our newly forming “Life Answers” SuperCells, please meet us at the Best Western Hotel. To pre-register your child for camp, call 860-485-8692 or 860-485-3227. All activities are free of charge. MS Support Group Platt High School 220 Coe Ave. Meriden, Conn. The Meriden MS Support Group meets at the Meriden Public Library located at 105 Miller St., in Meriden, Conn., at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month from June to August. There are more than 6,000 Connecticut residents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an oftentimes debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter offers more than 20 support groups throughout Hartford, Tolland, Windham, New London, Middlesex and New Haven counties. These groups bring together people who share a common life experience as it relates to MS and its effects. For more information, please contact Allison at (203) 230-8672. For more information on multiple sclerosis and the many ways you can help make a difference, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org or call the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter at (800) Fight-MS. 37th Bazaar Holy Trinity Parish will sponsor their 37th Bazaar beginning Monday, June 4 through Saturday, June 9 in the church parking lot at 84 North Colony Street, Route #5. Monday – Thursday the bazaar will open at 7:00 pm and close at 10:00 pm; Friday 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. On Saturday a “Kiddie’s Matinee”, with entertainment for the children, will take place from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Saturday evening, hours will be 5:00 to 10:00 pm, closing with a five-prize raffle. Rides, games of chance and skill, food, arts & crafts, will be featured throughout the week. Fun for the entire family!!!! KITTY CAT DESPURRATELY NEEDS YOUR HELP! I am an elderly spayed female cat who needs a nice place to live. My time is coming to an end because my current owner can't take care of me anymore. By the end of the this month (May) I will be stuffed in a box and put to sleep. I had a full blood screening and I am healthy. I did loose almost all my teeth years ago due to gum disease, but I am happy to eat soft food and drink water. I have a chronic tear duct in my right eye but it's not a concern. I don't have any fleas because I use Frontline every month. I'd like a nice cozy spot inside where I can feel safe and sleep my day away. I do have a bit of a spark left in me in that I love to rub against your legs and get a loving pat on my head. If you're a responsible adult with a quiet home, I'd like you to consider taking me in. I am about 16 years old so I won't be a pest for too long. My name is Kitty Cat but I like to go by KC. If you think you're a good person who would like a new friend, contact Ellen Paiva. Ellen can send you my picture too! Ellen's cell 203/415-1163. PS: Ellen is very good friend of mine and is very concerned. She will be checking up on me when I'm in my new home to make sure all is well. Wallingford Garden Club to Hold Annual Meeting The Wallingford Garden Club will hold its annual luncheon meeting on Tuesday, June 12, at noon in Ashlar Village dining room. Officers for the coming year will be installed. Members are asked to bring small new items they do not want to the meeting to be used for a tag sale at the Gardeners Market, which is held on Saturday mornings during the summer. Since parking is limited because of construction at Ashlar Village, members are asked to meet at the Senior Center and carpool.