Lifeguard Re-Certification Course
Wallingford Family YMCA is offering an American Red Cross lifeguard RECERTIFICATION COURSE on Oct. 5th at 11AM. Must hold current certs to attend. On October 24th the YMCA is offering a CPR/FPR/AED RECERTIFICATION course at 6PM. Must call to pre-register. 203 269 4497 x 20. Fee will be charged.
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Dance Classes
The Wallingford Family YMCA is now offering Dance classes for children ages 3-6 and 6-12 on Saturday mornings. Tap, Jazz & Ballet. Program designed to introduce your child to the joys of dancing and to have fun learning. Trained Dance teacher. Call 203 269 4497 to register or for more information
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Wallingford Historical Society
Join the Wallingford Historical Society for its annual meeting and dinner to be held on Wed. Oct. 15 at the First Baptist Church in Wallingford.
“The Music Squeezer”, aka Mary Morse, has a collection of instruments including concertinas, button accordions and piano accordions. She will talk about the “squeeze boxes” and play a selection of tunes from yesteryear.
Dinner is at 6:30 pm. Cost is $10.00pp. RSVP Ray or Pat Chappell 203-265-0313Entertainment at 8pm. (free to all)
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Meriden Health Department
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when every person should consider what she or he can do to help raise awareness to promote the end of domestic violence in Meriden, the state of Connecticut, and our nation as a whole.
All Meriden residents are invited to attend a Domestic Violence Prevention Ceremony to be held on Thursday, October 16, from 6:00-7:30pm. The event will be on the front steps of Meriden City Hall, 142 East Main Street. This event is being sponsored by the Meriden/Wallingford Chrysalis, which provides a variety of services to anyone who experiences domestic violence. Chrysalis also operates a 24-hour toll free hotline, 1-888-774-2900. Victims of domestic violence are urged to call the number for help.
Domestic violence is one of the most critical public health issues facing women and children today; every member of our society feels its impact. Domestic violence does not discriminate; it affects people of all races, religions and cultures, regardless of where they live or their economic status. Victims can include male, female, opposite sex and same-sex relationships. Let’s all work together to take a stand to end domestic violence and educate our friends and family on the importance of this issue.
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20th Class Reunion HC Wilcox Technical Highschool Class of 1988
Date: November 8, 2008 Time: Social Hour 6pm to & 7pm Buffet dinner served at 7pm 50.00 per person
Place: Wallingford Country Club 195 Long Hill Road Wallingford CT 06492
Contact Hazel Uliase ( Mickens) for information in regards to payment at
hazyhazy01@hotmail.com or classmates.com
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CRAFT FAIR
The Nathan Hale School PTO will present it's 5th Annual Craft Fair on Friday, November 21st from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the school. Interested crafters can contact Jennifer Day at 203-237-4775 ext 2 or by email
Cricket0302@yahoo.com
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CRAFT FAIR
The Fatima Women’s Club will be sponsoring a CRAFT FAIR on Saturday, November 8, at our Lady of Fatima Church, 382 Hope Hill Road in Yalesville, from 9:00am to 3:00pm in the Parish Hall. Over 20 tables of crafters, vendors, bake sale, kid’s table and kitchen open for lunch purchases. Parish Hall is handicapped accessible.
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MERIDEN KIDS WALK SAFE on Walk to School Day
Meriden school children and their parents are invited to join hundreds of children across Connecticut in Meriden’s First Annual Walk to School Day on October 8, 2008. The event is being sponsored by Meriden Kids Walk Safe – Safe Routes to School Initiative to promote child pedestrian safety and support more active lifestyles for children.
Parents, educators and community leaders are encouraged to organize walking events in their neighborhood for children and their families to walk together to school. Meriden Kids Walk Safe can help you organize and give you ideas for your event. They will supply the first 50 participants to register with a walk to school goodie bag which includes tee shirts, reflectors, a pedometer for parents and a certificate of participation that organizers can use to recognize children who take part in the walk to school event.
When families and neighborhoods walk together to school it raises awareness about:
The importance of teaching children safe walking skills, such as how to cross streets and how to select safe routes to schools.
How easy and enjoyable walking is! Adults and children spend healthy, active time together doing the worlds’ simplest exercise – walking.
Taking specific steps to create more walkable communities such as advocating for more crosswalks, sidewalks, crossing guards and better driver behavior. This is not only good for the community but for the environment as well.
Meriden’s Walk to School Day is supported by the Meriden Health Department, The Meriden Police Department, The City of Meriden, The State Department of Transportation-Safe Routes To School, Meriden Board of Education, Council of Neighborhoods, Graustein Memorial Fund and many more .For more information or to register your Walk to School Day event, please contact Gwen Samuel, Meriden Kids Walk Safe Coordinator, at 203-886-7684 or email:
meridenkidsafe@aol.com.
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Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford to Host Flu Clinic November 2, 2008
Congregation Beth Israel is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a flu clinic to help protect our congregation and community against influenza this fall. The clinic will be open to anyone in the Wallingford area.
The clinic, to be held on Sunday, November 2nd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm., will be run by Preventa Health staff, who will be offering influenza and pneumococcal immunizations.
The cost of each immunization is FREE for those with Medicare Part B (must present card), and for all others a flu shot is $25 and the pneumonia shot is $45. CASH or CHECK. No private insurance will be accepted but a receipt will be provided for filing.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that anyone over four years of age get a flu shot every year. If you have any additional questions about the flu shot please contact Preventa Health at 203.274.7896.
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Survivors of Sexual Violence
Women and Families Center, Sexual Assault Crisis Services provides short term supportive counseling services to residents of Middlesex County, Meriden, Wallingford Cheshire, and Greater New Haven County. A Women’s Group will begin on Tuesday, October 7th, 2008 at 100 Riverview Center, Suite 274, Middletown, CT. Women that attend and participate in these groups will have the opportunity to talk about their experiences with peers and knowledgeable, caring facilitators to assist their healing. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call Marion @ (860) 344-1474 ext. 111 for more information. All services are free and confidential.
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The Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department’s
12th Annual Turkey Shoot Golf Classic 2008
The 12th Annual Turkey Shoot Golf Classic, held at the Tradition Golf Club, is an 18 hole, 4person team scramble co-ed tournament with special skills holes and a putting contest. Included in the fee are greens and cart fees, breakfast, lunch and prizes. The shotgun start is at 10AM. Maximum limit of players is 60. Date for the event is Sat., Oct. 25th, rain-date is Sat., Nov. 1st. If question of frost delay, call the Tradition Golf Club that morning at 203.269.6023.
Fee: $75 – resident, $80 – nonresident, $48 – Tradition Golf Club members and $40 – Tradition members who own a cart
For more information p lease call: Elaine Doherty, Tournament Director at 203.265.7349
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Mazowsze
Mazowsze, the Polish folk group of Polish National Alliance Lodge 513, has started meeting on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children and teenagers are welcome. The group, which started in 1970, will welcome new and returning members on September 23 and 30 and October 7 and 14. Meetings take place at the P.N.A. Hall, 15 Prince Street, Wallingford. The group practices Polish folk dances and includes songs, crafts and culture. Call Vicki at 203-949-1578 for more information.
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IS JOINING A SKI CLUB FOR YOU?
Most folks who ski or board know that there are ski clubs in the area. They have also wondered, from time to time, if they should join one or at least look into what they offer their members.
The Meriden Ski Club has been around for 47 years, open to all, offering an organization that ski and snowboard enthusiast can join and enjoy the many benefits that a ski club offers. Close to 1,000 skiers and boarders coming from all walks of life and of all ages are members. By becoming a member you can pick and choose what activities of benefits you want to partake in. It could be the comradeship of other skiers and boarders. Have others to ski and board with by joining us on our various ski trips. You may not want to drive long distances to a ski area. The club offers bus trips that take you. No more driving home after a long day on the slopes and no more spending money for expensive gasoline. You may want to go on a week long ski vacation. For members who choose this avenue we offer trips out west or to Europe. The club makes all the arrangements. All you have to do is become a member, sign up, pay the fee and go.
If you have children, they are welcome. Any child under 18 years old automatically becomes a member when a parent joins. We offer ski or snowboard instruction for our members and children are welcome to join in.
We offer social events for the whole family. A Christmas party, miniature golf outing, racing and other events when children are welcome with an adult parent.
All of us who ski or board know how escalating coast have put a damper on our activities. We try to make skiing more affordable by offering discount tickets. We buy tickets at a bulk rate from Mt. Southington and discount them to our members. We have teamed up with the Connecticut Ski Council to purchase discounted tickets to areas like Stratton, Mt. Snow, Sugarbush, Okemo, Ascutney, Bromley and Stow at savings up to 60%. The cost of skiing at these major areas is now well within our financial means.
If you are into ski racing we also offer a program for that. Each year we have an inter club race. We have classes for both kids and adult members. Winners are awarded trophies at our annual club banquet. We have a club sponsored race team that races with other teams from the Connecticut Ski Council. This program is open to all adult skiers who race against others of the same age and gender. We meet at Mt. Southington on Monday nights. Those who race have the race cost reimbursed to them at the end of the season. As a member of the Meriden Ski Club you can also partake in races conducted by the CSC.
For those of you along with skiing are looking for social events we also offer them. We meet weekly at the AOH hall in south Meriden. We have member nights when we offer refreshments and a time to meet other members. We have a ski movie night, holiday party, spaghetti dinner, annual banquet, golf tournament, summer picnic and other summer outings.
I’ll ask the question again; “Is joining a ski club for you?” There is only one way to find out. Stop by our Open House on Oct. 30 at 7 PM at the AOH hall, 71 Melville Ave., South Meriden. Speak to our members and discover what joining the Meriden Ski Club has to offer you and your family. Than decide if joining a ski club is for you.
For more information visit
http://www.meridenski.com/ or contact Bob Fowler (203) 2350142
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MERIDEN SKI CLUB OPEN HOUSE OCT. 30, 2008, 7 PM AOH HALL, 71 MELVILLE AVE. SOUTH MERIDEN
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___ Location. Location. Location.
http://www.meridenchamber.com/ is where it’s ALL at! This site is a fantastic resource for businesses AND for the community. People new to the area can get connected to organizations, or find businesses that they want to do business with. The site is home to close to 700 member businesses and it houses a calendar of events for business related functions in addition to a separate calendar for current community affairs.
Are you starting a business and need information on where to begin? Perhaps you want to contact one of our local, state or federal political representatives. If you are relocating and want to find utility information such as phone, cable, electric, etc.
http://www.meridenchamber.com/ is the site to visit. The resources section of the site provides the web user with links out to the above information
and more.
The site also describes what the Greater Meriden Chamber is and what we do. While we are not a department of the city, we do work on many initiatives to improve our community. We are not funded through state, federal or local taxes – we are funded through membership dues and non-dues revenue. Area businesses make a voluntary decision to join this professional organization. Our staff of 4 along with a solid volunteer base support close to 700 members and work to deliver on the four principles that are the foundation of the Greater Meriden Chamber:
Leadership. Networking. Promotion. Education.
In the issues to follow, we will continue to share this information on Central Connecticut’s best kept secret – The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce – a valuable resource for business and our community.
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"
HALLOWEEN SPECIAL EVENT"
HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE IS HAVING A "HALLOWEEN SPECIAL EVENT" OCTOBER 25TH!COME TO 22 NORTH TURNPIKE ROAD IN WALLINGFORD. WE ARE OPEN TUES., WED., FRI., SAT., FROM 9A.M.-5 P.M. & THURSDAYS FROM 9A.M.- 6P.M..THE STORE WILL BE HAVING A BAKE SALE TO BENEFIT THE CHRYSALIS CENTER FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WHICH WE PROUDLY SUPPORT.
THERE WILL BE "TREATS" FOR ANY CHILD THAT COMES TO THE STORE DRESSED IN THEIR HALLOWEEN COSTUME! WE ARE ALSO HAVING 2 OTHER CONTESTS HAPPENING STARTING OCT. 10TH. A GUESS THE AMOUNT OF CANDY IN A JAR AND WIN IT CONTEST JUST FOR 12 YEARS OLD AND UNDER. NEXT IS A COLORING CONTEST STARTING OCT. 10TH SO STOP BY THE STORE AND PICK UP YOUR COLORING PAGE, CONTEST HAS 3 AGE CATOGORIES 0-4 YEARS OF AGE ,AGES 5-7 YEARS OF AGE & AGES 8-10 YEARS OF AGE. THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER FROM EACH AGE GROUP GIVEN A PRIZE. WINNERS OF BOTH CONTESTS WILL BE POSTED AT THE STORE ON SAT. OCT. 25TH (WINNER DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN)
A SPECIAL GUEST CREATURE FROM THE TRAIL OF TERROR WILL BE AT THE STORE SO BRING YOUR CAMERA IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PICTURE WITH HIM (MAY BE TOO FRIGHTENING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN). WE ARE ALSO ANTICIPATING A T.V. CREW THERE FOR AWHILE TO RECORD THE EVENT. THE TIME THE "SPECIAL GUEST" AND T.V. CREW WILL BE THERE WILL BE POSTED AT THE STORE AS THE TIME GETS CLOSER.
WE WILL BE GIVING OUT A FREE TOY TO EVERY CHILD ATTENDING WITH AN ADULT, SORRY ADULTS TOYS ARE JUST FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE THERE.
THE STORE WILL BE HAVING SALES ON FURNITURE, HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS, REDUCED TABLES & CLEARANCE ITEMS THIS ONE DAY ONLY! HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE HAS UNBEATABLE PRICES & DIFFERENT ITEMS ARE ADDED FOR SALE DAILY SO STOP BY AND SHOP OUR 2 FLOORS OF MERCHANDISE. WE HAVE FURN., APPLIANCES, T.V.S, LINENS, CLOTHING, SHOES, TOYS, BOOKS, GIFTWARE, KNICK KNACKS, DVDS, CDS, COMPUTER GAMES, VHS TAPES, HOUSEWARES, JEWELRY, PICTURES, LAMPS & SO MUCH MORE! WE ACCEPT CASH, M.C., DEBIT & VISA FOR YOUR CONVIENENCE. WE ACCEPT DONATIONS AT THE STORE DURING STORE HOURS, WE OFFER FREE PICK UPS OF FURN., APPLIANCES OR OTHER LARGE ITEMS THAT ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION & WORKING ON 1ST & 2ND FLOORS ONLY LOCALLY IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE THEM.SORRY WE CAN NOT ACCEPT USED MATTRESSES, FLOOR MODEL T.V.S OR OTHER T.V.S THAT ARE NOT CABLE READY, OLD FLOOR MODEL STEREOS. THE STORE DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY
FINANCIAL HELP FROM ANY PROGRAMS OR AGENCIES SO PLEASE DO NOT DONATE ITEMS THAT DON'T WORK OR NOT SOMETHING WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO DISPOSE OF AS WE HAVE TO TRY TO KEEP OUR EXPENSES AS LOW AS POSSIBLE TO REMAIN OPEN.
HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE DOES NOT TURN ANYONE AWAY WITHOUT HELP AS LONG AS THERE IS A DOCUMENTED PAPER FROM AN AGENCY REQUESTING OUR HELP FOR SOMEONE IN NEED. WE HAVE HELPED THE CHILDHOOD DREAMS ORGANIZATION, RUSHFORD, NEW OPPORTUNITIES, MERIDEN HUMANE SOCIETY AS WELL SINCE WE OPENED MARCH 11TH OF THIS YEAR. SINCE WE OPENED WE HAVE CONTINUED TO ASSIST THE CHRYSALIS CENTER WOMEN & CHILDREN OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITH CLOTHING TO FURNITURE & OTHER ITEMS NEEDED TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES FREE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AS THEY WILL ALWAYS BE OUR NUMBER 1CONCERN. WE ALSO HAVE A DONATION CAN AT THE STORE THAT GETS TURNED OVER TO THE CHRYSALIS CENTER AS ANOTHER WAY OF SUPPORT. HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT FOR OUR CAUSE BY DONATING OR WHO HAVE MADE PURCHASES AS WELL AS OFFERING THEIR SERVICES TO BOTH THE STORE AND THE CHRYSALIS CENTER . ALSO FOR THE WONDERFUL WORDS EXPRESSING WHAT A WONDERFUL THING WE ARE DOING AND HOW NICE OUR STORE IS TO COME TO SHOP. IT HAS REALLY SHOWN US JUST HOW MUCH OUR PURPOSE MEANS TO THE COMMUNITY WHICH HAS MADE US FEEL VERY WELCOMED & WE WILL KEEP TRYING TO STRIVE TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE HELPING OTHERS WITH YOUR HELP. THE STORE COULD GREATLY USE A NEON OPEN SIGN, LARGE ROLL UP WINDOW SHADES & A OUTSIDE STORAGE SHED IF SOMEONE HAS ANY OF THESE THINGS THEY COULD DONATE OR AT A LOW PRICE PLEASE CONTACT THE STORE AT 284-0300. REMEMBER YOUR DONATIONS CAN BE A TAX DEDUCTION , ALTHOUGH CURRENTLY WAITING FOR OUR STATUS TO ALLOW US TO HAND OUT THESE FORMS YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO FILE DONATIONS ON YOUR TAX RETURNS WITHOUT IT UP TO A CERTAIN AMOUNT. HOPEFULLY SOON WE WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER THESE TO YOU.REMEMBER TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS EVENT!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT 203 284-0300 OR MY CELL PHONE 203 379-7270 IF THIS CAN NOT BE PLACED IN YOUR PAPER FREE OF CHARGE
SINCERELY
LINDA NORDGREN @ HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE
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Help the Wallingford Vikings Football and Cheerleading Squads
To ALL of our loyal fans, neighbors, alumni, and members:
I am a very proud parent of 4 children. One just went to college (thank god!), 2 are in elementary school and one is just learning to walk. I have always had my children in one activity or another, the more I could handle the better for them. One activity that my oldest took part in for many years and now my daughter is the Wallingford Vikings Football and Cheerleading Squads. Even when my son played football I had always heard of the Cheerleaders having practice space issues when it started to get cold out. For those who are not aware, not only do these kids partake in a regular season of football, but they also compete to try to place in Local, State, Regional and then National Competitions.
Now, being a mom of a cheerleader, AND a Coach of another Cheer Squad - I see how easy it is to have such high hopes and then see it slowly unravel because of the practice space issue. These Cheerleaders have so much potential to travel to Rhode Island for the Regional Competition and with the proper space and time for practices have a chance at going to Nationals. Each squad, 3 or more, practice 3 or more nights per week for two and a half hours. And each year, through the support of our local elementary schools, we are able to practice in the gyms of these schools. However, come the middle of October we loose these practice gyms to other school based activities such as basketball. Our competitions don’t even start until October 25, then the Saturday after Thanksgiving and then the second week of December.
In the past as well as this year, we have been given a few nights to use the Park and Recreation department, however, the ceilings are not high enough for the squads to have a full practice. I have personally contacted Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club (to which I support all their efforts) and they can not give up their gym do to other functions. I have personally contacted a privately owned gymnastics facility here in Wallingford that has the space available but only for a rental fee. I tried to explain to this company that there are special circumstances and hardships more so this year than ever before for many of us, and that asking for more money from these families is just not right. We as a league have let quite a few fees slide to assist these kids to be able to have these activities to better themselves. We as coaches stress the importance of school, building relationships, what team work is all about, being able to rely on others, without charging them for it. I tried to explain the situation to this particular gym facility, and was told in return that they have to run a business and are in it to make money. I was shocked - since they just lost out on supporting some worth while kids, free advertising to say the least, and the potential to have these kids appreciate the timely gym donation and possible future patrons.
I would like this letter to be put in the October addition, in the hopes that someone would see this letter and be willing to allow us to use their facility to let these girls practice, several nights per week and even on the weekends. Due to working families, most can't get there until 5:30pm, but can practice till 8:30pm. Obviously with at least 3 squads needing this room the more nights we can use the facility the better, but we will work with the individual to make it work for them and us as well. As a league we carry our own insurance policies and can provide proof of this.
Should anyone have any suggestions, please send an email to our Cheer Coordinator -
dianewjflcheer@comcast.net.
Sincerely,
Kasey (mom and coach) / PROUD MOM AND COACH
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Volunteers Needed for Regional Mental Health Board/CACS
There are opportunities for interested residents of Meriden and Wallingford to be appointed to the area Catchment Area Council (CAC #9).
What is the CAC? It is a local part of the Regional Mental Health Board (RMHB). These are statutorily mandated volunteer citizen advisory groups. They advise the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). They channel information about mental health and addiction needs up to the Regional Board and DMHAS and likewise channel information from DMHAS to the community. They plan for new services and programs and conduct evaluations of the existing local mental health services. Each RMHB is divided into local CACs, which represent geographic areas that share services. CAC #9 represents Meriden and Wallingford .
Members are town appointed interested citizens, and/or mental health service users, and/or family members. They are called “consumers” and serve two-year terms. Each CAC also has members who are “providers” who are persons who work at a mental health agency in the area.
Representatives should be able to attend most of the monthly meetings. Members should have an interest in public welfare. Ideally, a member would have an interest in legislative and governmental advocacy, because this is an important CAC function. Another function of the CAC is public education. Some of the goals are decreasing the stigma of mental illness, increasing awareness of prevention and early detection, and making people aware of the many resources available.
There is hope and people recover!
For information call the Executive Director, Pat Settembrino at 860-262-5029 or email him at
southcentral@rmhb2.org
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Connecticut Renaissance Faire Returns for Its 10th Season
The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is pleased to announce its schedule for its 10th anniversary edition of New England’s premier medieval-themed event.
The Faire, originally billed as the "Old World Renaissance Festival,” ran for a single weekend behind the King’s Inn in Putnam, Connecticut. Despite passing showers and the ever-looming threat of rain, two small stages and less than twenty merchants found themselves extremely busy once the gates were opened.
A full parking lot and a long line of parked cars down the street were a clear indication this humble festival had already outgrown its initial home. In 2000 The Festival found a new home on the Brooklyn Fairgrounds in Brooklyn, Connecticut where it doubled in size and more than tripled in attendance over a two-weekend run.
It was this rapid growth that prompted the Festival owners to change the name of the festival to “The Connecticut Renaissance Faire” in 2001. It was this year the Faire moved to the camping area of the Woodstock Fairgrounds where it continued to grow at a rapid rate each year in both size and attendance despite experiencing considerable rain.
In 2006 the Faire moved to its current home at the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds in Hebron, Connecticut.
Advance tickets and additional information is available online at
http://www.ctfaire.com/ or by calling Eric Tertreault at (860) 351-5758.
WHAT: Connecticut Renaissance Faire – A re-creation of a 400-year-old agricultural festival as it would have been back in the Renaissance. It comes complete with jousting knights, fire eaters, sword swallowers, interactive games and over 40 hours of live entertainment daily. The Faire also features a free “Kids Court” where children can play a variety of games and earn the honor of being “knighted’ by King Arthur or a member of his court.
The Renaissance Fair is New England’s LARGEST Medieval Marketplace including a bazaar with over a hundred artisans and crafters selling thousands of unique treasures.
There is also a large king’s feast where one can experience a plethora of exotic foods and traditional favorites; including, turkey legs, bread bowl stews, delectable desserts and more.
WHEN:
Saturday September 27th and Sunday, September 28th 10am-6pm
Saturday October 4th and Sunday, October 5th 10am-6pm
Saturday October 11th, Sunday, October 12th, and Monday October 13th 10am-6pm
Saturday October 18th and Sunday October 19th 10am-6pm
WHERE: Located on the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds on 347 Gilead St. (Route 85) in Hebron, CT.
ADMISSION: $16 for adults and $7 for children ages 5 to 12 with free admission to children ages four and under.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS: On the 27th there is a “Buy One Get One Free” promotion on general admission with a charitable donation of two canned goods. With the donation you receive a special “Buy One General admission Get One Free" discount. This is followed by a Free Kids Day September 28th which provides free admission for children ages 5-12 with a donation of a canned good on our opening Sunday.
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SAINT ROSE HOLIDAY FAIR
Preparations are underway for the Saint Rose of Lima Holiday Fair. The fair will be held on Friday evening October 24 between 5:00 and 8:00 and on Saturday October 25 between 9:00 and 3:00 at the Saint Rose Community Center on Center Street. Chairpersons are busy working with many parishioners on the many aspects of this fair, including the Major Raffle and mini raffles. Traditional booths featuring arts and crafts, gift baskets, country kitchen, popular homemade apple pies, wreaths, bakery, afghans and new booths: costume jewelry and books will appeal to a wide range of fair goers. The fair is being held
in time for shoppers to get into the holiday spirit for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. E
veryone is invited -- mark your calendars.
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7th Annual Soy Unica! Soy Latina! Mother-Daughter Community Celebration
October 18, 2008 at Washington Middle School The 7th Annual Soy Unica! Soy Latina! Community celebration hosted by the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council and sponsored by Cox Communications is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Washington Middle School in Meriden from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This year this exciting event will bring keynote speaker Elizabeth Torres: 20 year-old poet, painter and motivational speaker from Roselle Park, New Jersey. Elizabeth has been writing poetry since the age of five. She has six published books and three audio recordings. Elizabeth has experienced a lifetime's worth of international travel, speaking engagements, and art showings all highlighting her abilities to speak, create, and develop new motivational concepts.
This Mother/Daughter event is for girls ages 9-14 and offers workshops, prizes, and food all free of charge. The program helps girls and their mothers/caregivers to communicate and have a healthy relationship. We are also looking for financial support of this wonderful program. If you as a business or individual would like to support this important event, please contact Christelle Aube at the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council203-294-3591. Every little bit helps!
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Adoption: How to get Started!
Sponsored by: Child Adoption Resource Association A non-profit full service adoption agency
Located in New Londonserving all of Connecticut
Wednesday October 1, 2008 and Wednesday November 5, 2008 7:00 p.m.
Free Informational Sessions for People Interested in Finding Out more about Adoption
Borders Books and Music Seattle's Best Café 470 Lewis Ave. Meriden, CT 06451 Phone: 203-237-5510
A CARA worker will explain different types of adoption and offer a step-by-step outline to adopting a child. Project Connecticut's Child, a grant funded program seeking to find families to adopt children from CT state foster care at no or minimum cost, will be presented. Participants will leave with a folder of resources to help guide families, couples, or individuals wishing to adopt domestically through private or foster care adoption. Families especially needed to adopt African American or part African American children of all ages through private adoption.
http://www.adoptacarakid.org/ 860-444-0553
Community needs assessment—we still need your feedback!
The United Way of Meriden and Wallingford and MidState Medical Center are teaming up to better understand the needs in the communities of Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire. Those who live or work in the preceding towns will have the opportunity to complete a brief survey that asks how that individual’s town fares with such issues as affordable housing, financial assistance, accessible preschool programs, available health services and much more. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.
In addition to offering the web-based survey, print copes will also be made available through various local agencies, including the Meriden Health Department and Meriden’s Children First initiative. Participants who complete a print version should mail their survey to Community Relations at MidState Medical Center; 435 Lewis Avenue, Meriden, CT, 06451.
Please take a few minutes to take the survey. The goal is to make our towns a better place to live, work, and prosper. To take the survey online, visit www.midstatemedical.org/survey.
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“Favorite Perennials”
Pamela Weil will give a talk on “Favorite Perennials” at the Wallingford Garden Club’s October meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14 in the First Congregational Church meeting room.
Weil is a Master Gardener and served as the President of the Connecticut Master Gardener Association in the 1990’s. She also started the publication “Connecticut Gardener” in 1995, which has 2000 subscribers, and lectures at garden clubs in Connecticut and New York on a variety of topics. In over 15 years of gardening, she has grown hundreds of plants, some of which died and some which she didn’t like and dug out. Her lecture is about the survivors which provide her garden with color and structure throughout the year.
Weil currently serves on the board of directors of the Experiment Station Associates, a group formed to promote the work of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. She is a part co-chair of the Westport Tree Board and was a member of the Westport Conservation Commission for seven years.
The program will be preceded by a mini-luncheon and business meeting and is open to the public for a fee of $5.
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Lifeguard Re-Certification Course
Wallingford Family YMCA is offering an American Red Cross lifeguard RECERTIFICATION COURSE on Oct. 5th at 11AM. Must hold current certs to attend. On October 24th the YMCA is offering a CPR/FPR/AED RECERTIFICATION course at 6PM. Must call to pre-register. 203 269 4497 x 20. Fee will be charged.
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Dance Classes
The Wallingford Family YMCA is now offering Dance classes for children ages 3-6 and 6-12 on Saturday mornings. Tap, Jazz & Ballet. Program designed to introduce your child to the joys of dancing and to have fun learning. Trained Dance teacher. Call 203 269 4497 to register or for more information
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Wallingford Historical Society
Join the Wallingford Historical Society for its annual meeting and dinner to be held on Wed. Oct. 15 at the First Baptist Church in Wallingford.
“The Music Squeezer”, aka Mary Morse, has a collection of instruments including concertinas, button accordions and piano accordions. She will talk about the “squeeze boxes” and play a selection of tunes from yesteryear.
Dinner is at 6:30 pm. Cost is $10.00pp. RSVP Ray or Pat Chappell 203-265-0313Entertainment at 8pm. (free to all)
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Meriden Health Department
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when every person should consider what she or he can do to help raise awareness to promote the end of domestic violence in Meriden, the state of Connecticut, and our nation as a whole.
All Meriden residents are invited to attend a Domestic Violence Prevention Ceremony to be held on Thursday, October 16, from 6:00-7:30pm. The event will be on the front steps of Meriden City Hall, 142 East Main Street. This event is being sponsored by the Meriden/Wallingford Chrysalis, which provides a variety of services to anyone who experiences domestic violence. Chrysalis also operates a 24-hour toll free hotline, 1-888-774-2900. Victims of domestic violence are urged to call the number for help.
Domestic violence is one of the most critical public health issues facing women and children today; every member of our society feels its impact. Domestic violence does not discriminate; it affects people of all races, religions and cultures, regardless of where they live or their economic status. Victims can include male, female, opposite sex and same-sex relationships. Let’s all work together to take a stand to end domestic violence and educate our friends and family on the importance of this issue.
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20th Class Reunion HC Wilcox Technical Highschool Class of 1988
Date: November 8, 2008 Time: Social Hour 6pm to & 7pm Buffet dinner served at 7pm 50.00 per person
Place: Wallingford Country Club 195 Long Hill Road Wallingford CT 06492
Contact Hazel Uliase ( Mickens) for information in regards to payment at hazyhazy01@hotmail.com or classmates.com
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CRAFT FAIR
The Nathan Hale School PTO will present it's 5th Annual Craft Fair on Friday, November 21st from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the school. Interested crafters can contact Jennifer Day at 203-237-4775 ext 2 or by email Cricket0302@yahoo.com
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CRAFT FAIR
The Fatima Women’s Club will be sponsoring a CRAFT FAIR on Saturday, November 8, at our Lady of Fatima Church, 382 Hope Hill Road in Yalesville, from 9:00am to 3:00pm in the Parish Hall. Over 20 tables of crafters, vendors, bake sale, kid’s table and kitchen open for lunch purchases. Parish Hall is handicapped accessible.
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MERIDEN KIDS WALK SAFE on Walk to School Day
Meriden school children and their parents are invited to join hundreds of children across Connecticut in Meriden’s First Annual Walk to School Day on October 8, 2008. The event is being sponsored by Meriden Kids Walk Safe – Safe Routes to School Initiative to promote child pedestrian safety and support more active lifestyles for children.
Parents, educators and community leaders are encouraged to organize walking events in their neighborhood for children and their families to walk together to school. Meriden Kids Walk Safe can help you organize and give you ideas for your event. They will supply the first 50 participants to register with a walk to school goodie bag which includes tee shirts, reflectors, a pedometer for parents and a certificate of participation that organizers can use to recognize children who take part in the walk to school event.
When families and neighborhoods walk together to school it raises awareness about:
The importance of teaching children safe walking skills, such as how to cross streets and how to select safe routes to schools.
How easy and enjoyable walking is! Adults and children spend healthy, active time together doing the worlds’ simplest exercise – walking.
Taking specific steps to create more walkable communities such as advocating for more crosswalks, sidewalks, crossing guards and better driver behavior. This is not only good for the community but for the environment as well.
Meriden’s Walk to School Day is supported by the Meriden Health Department, The Meriden Police Department, The City of Meriden, The State Department of Transportation-Safe Routes To School, Meriden Board of Education, Council of Neighborhoods, Graustein Memorial Fund and many more .For more information or to register your Walk to School Day event, please contact Gwen Samuel, Meriden Kids Walk Safe Coordinator, at 203-886-7684 or email: meridenkidsafe@aol.com.
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Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford to Host Flu Clinic November 2, 2008
Congregation Beth Israel is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a flu clinic to help protect our congregation and community against influenza this fall. The clinic will be open to anyone in the Wallingford area.
The clinic, to be held on Sunday, November 2nd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm., will be run by Preventa Health staff, who will be offering influenza and pneumococcal immunizations.
The cost of each immunization is FREE for those with Medicare Part B (must present card), and for all others a flu shot is $25 and the pneumonia shot is $45. CASH or CHECK. No private insurance will be accepted but a receipt will be provided for filing.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that anyone over four years of age get a flu shot every year. If you have any additional questions about the flu shot please contact Preventa Health at 203.274.7896.
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Survivors of Sexual Violence
Women and Families Center, Sexual Assault Crisis Services provides short term supportive counseling services to residents of Middlesex County, Meriden, Wallingford Cheshire, and Greater New Haven County. A Women’s Group will begin on Tuesday, October 7th, 2008 at 100 Riverview Center, Suite 274, Middletown, CT. Women that attend and participate in these groups will have the opportunity to talk about their experiences with peers and knowledgeable, caring facilitators to assist their healing. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call Marion @ (860) 344-1474 ext. 111 for more information. All services are free and confidential.
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The Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department’s
12th Annual Turkey Shoot Golf Classic 2008
The 12th Annual Turkey Shoot Golf Classic, held at the Tradition Golf Club, is an 18 hole, 4person team scramble co-ed tournament with special skills holes and a putting contest. Included in the fee are greens and cart fees, breakfast, lunch and prizes. The shotgun start is at 10AM. Maximum limit of players is 60. Date for the event is Sat., Oct. 25th, rain-date is Sat., Nov. 1st. If question of frost delay, call the Tradition Golf Club that morning at 203.269.6023.
Fee: $75 – resident, $80 – nonresident, $48 – Tradition Golf Club members and $40 – Tradition members who own a cart
For more information p lease call: Elaine Doherty, Tournament Director at 203.265.7349
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Mazowsze
Mazowsze, the Polish folk group of Polish National Alliance Lodge 513, has started meeting on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children and teenagers are welcome. The group, which started in 1970, will welcome new and returning members on September 23 and 30 and October 7 and 14. Meetings take place at the P.N.A. Hall, 15 Prince Street, Wallingford. The group practices Polish folk dances and includes songs, crafts and culture. Call Vicki at 203-949-1578 for more information.
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IS JOINING A SKI CLUB FOR YOU?
Most folks who ski or board know that there are ski clubs in the area. They have also wondered, from time to time, if they should join one or at least look into what they offer their members.
The Meriden Ski Club has been around for 47 years, open to all, offering an organization that ski and snowboard enthusiast can join and enjoy the many benefits that a ski club offers. Close to 1,000 skiers and boarders coming from all walks of life and of all ages are members. By becoming a member you can pick and choose what activities of benefits you want to partake in. It could be the comradeship of other skiers and boarders. Have others to ski and board with by joining us on our various ski trips. You may not want to drive long distances to a ski area. The club offers bus trips that take you. No more driving home after a long day on the slopes and no more spending money for expensive gasoline. You may want to go on a week long ski vacation. For members who choose this avenue we offer trips out west or to Europe. The club makes all the arrangements. All you have to do is become a member, sign up, pay the fee and go.
If you have children, they are welcome. Any child under 18 years old automatically becomes a member when a parent joins. We offer ski or snowboard instruction for our members and children are welcome to join in.
We offer social events for the whole family. A Christmas party, miniature golf outing, racing and other events when children are welcome with an adult parent.
All of us who ski or board know how escalating coast have put a damper on our activities. We try to make skiing more affordable by offering discount tickets. We buy tickets at a bulk rate from Mt. Southington and discount them to our members. We have teamed up with the Connecticut Ski Council to purchase discounted tickets to areas like Stratton, Mt. Snow, Sugarbush, Okemo, Ascutney, Bromley and Stow at savings up to 60%. The cost of skiing at these major areas is now well within our financial means.
If you are into ski racing we also offer a program for that. Each year we have an inter club race. We have classes for both kids and adult members. Winners are awarded trophies at our annual club banquet. We have a club sponsored race team that races with other teams from the Connecticut Ski Council. This program is open to all adult skiers who race against others of the same age and gender. We meet at Mt. Southington on Monday nights. Those who race have the race cost reimbursed to them at the end of the season. As a member of the Meriden Ski Club you can also partake in races conducted by the CSC.
For those of you along with skiing are looking for social events we also offer them. We meet weekly at the AOH hall in south Meriden. We have member nights when we offer refreshments and a time to meet other members. We have a ski movie night, holiday party, spaghetti dinner, annual banquet, golf tournament, summer picnic and other summer outings.
I’ll ask the question again; “Is joining a ski club for you?” There is only one way to find out. Stop by our Open House on Oct. 30 at 7 PM at the AOH hall, 71 Melville Ave., South Meriden. Speak to our members and discover what joining the Meriden Ski Club has to offer you and your family. Than decide if joining a ski club is for you.
For more information visit http://www.meridenski.com/ or contact Bob Fowler (203) 2350142
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MERIDEN SKI CLUB OPEN HOUSE OCT. 30, 2008, 7 PM AOH HALL, 71 MELVILLE AVE. SOUTH MERIDEN
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___ Location. Location. Location.
http://www.meridenchamber.com/ is where it’s ALL at! This site is a fantastic resource for businesses AND for the community. People new to the area can get connected to organizations, or find businesses that they want to do business with. The site is home to close to 700 member businesses and it houses a calendar of events for business related functions in addition to a separate calendar for current community affairs.
Are you starting a business and need information on where to begin? Perhaps you want to contact one of our local, state or federal political representatives. If you are relocating and want to find utility information such as phone, cable, electric, etc. http://www.meridenchamber.com/ is the site to visit. The resources section of the site provides the web user with links out to the above information and more.
The site also describes what the Greater Meriden Chamber is and what we do. While we are not a department of the city, we do work on many initiatives to improve our community. We are not funded through state, federal or local taxes – we are funded through membership dues and non-dues revenue. Area businesses make a voluntary decision to join this professional organization. Our staff of 4 along with a solid volunteer base support close to 700 members and work to deliver on the four principles that are the foundation of the Greater Meriden Chamber:
Leadership. Networking. Promotion. Education.
In the issues to follow, we will continue to share this information on Central Connecticut’s best kept secret – The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce – a valuable resource for business and our community.
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"HALLOWEEN SPECIAL EVENT"
HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE IS HAVING A "HALLOWEEN SPECIAL EVENT" OCTOBER 25TH!COME TO 22 NORTH TURNPIKE ROAD IN WALLINGFORD. WE ARE OPEN TUES., WED., FRI., SAT., FROM 9A.M.-5 P.M. & THURSDAYS FROM 9A.M.- 6P.M..THE STORE WILL BE HAVING A BAKE SALE TO BENEFIT THE CHRYSALIS CENTER FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WHICH WE PROUDLY SUPPORT.
THERE WILL BE "TREATS" FOR ANY CHILD THAT COMES TO THE STORE DRESSED IN THEIR HALLOWEEN COSTUME! WE ARE ALSO HAVING 2 OTHER CONTESTS HAPPENING STARTING OCT. 10TH. A GUESS THE AMOUNT OF CANDY IN A JAR AND WIN IT CONTEST JUST FOR 12 YEARS OLD AND UNDER. NEXT IS A COLORING CONTEST STARTING OCT. 10TH SO STOP BY THE STORE AND PICK UP YOUR COLORING PAGE, CONTEST HAS 3 AGE CATOGORIES 0-4 YEARS OF AGE ,AGES 5-7 YEARS OF AGE & AGES 8-10 YEARS OF AGE. THERE WILL BE ONE WINNER FROM EACH AGE GROUP GIVEN A PRIZE. WINNERS OF BOTH CONTESTS WILL BE POSTED AT THE STORE ON SAT. OCT. 25TH (WINNER DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN)
A SPECIAL GUEST CREATURE FROM THE TRAIL OF TERROR WILL BE AT THE STORE SO BRING YOUR CAMERA IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PICTURE WITH HIM (MAY BE TOO FRIGHTENING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN). WE ARE ALSO ANTICIPATING A T.V. CREW THERE FOR AWHILE TO RECORD THE EVENT. THE TIME THE "SPECIAL GUEST" AND T.V. CREW WILL BE THERE WILL BE POSTED AT THE STORE AS THE TIME GETS CLOSER.
WE WILL BE GIVING OUT A FREE TOY TO EVERY CHILD ATTENDING WITH AN ADULT, SORRY ADULTS TOYS ARE JUST FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE THERE.
THE STORE WILL BE HAVING SALES ON FURNITURE, HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS, REDUCED TABLES & CLEARANCE ITEMS THIS ONE DAY ONLY! HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE HAS UNBEATABLE PRICES & DIFFERENT ITEMS ARE ADDED FOR SALE DAILY SO STOP BY AND SHOP OUR 2 FLOORS OF MERCHANDISE. WE HAVE FURN., APPLIANCES, T.V.S, LINENS, CLOTHING, SHOES, TOYS, BOOKS, GIFTWARE, KNICK KNACKS, DVDS, CDS, COMPUTER GAMES, VHS TAPES, HOUSEWARES, JEWELRY, PICTURES, LAMPS & SO MUCH MORE! WE ACCEPT CASH, M.C., DEBIT & VISA FOR YOUR CONVIENENCE. WE ACCEPT DONATIONS AT THE STORE DURING STORE HOURS, WE OFFER FREE PICK UPS OF FURN., APPLIANCES OR OTHER LARGE ITEMS THAT ARE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION & WORKING ON 1ST & 2ND FLOORS ONLY LOCALLY IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE THEM.SORRY WE CAN NOT ACCEPT USED MATTRESSES, FLOOR MODEL T.V.S OR OTHER T.V.S THAT ARE NOT CABLE READY, OLD FLOOR MODEL STEREOS. THE STORE DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY
FINANCIAL HELP FROM ANY PROGRAMS OR AGENCIES SO PLEASE DO NOT DONATE ITEMS THAT DON'T WORK OR NOT SOMETHING WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO DISPOSE OF AS WE HAVE TO TRY TO KEEP OUR EXPENSES AS LOW AS POSSIBLE TO REMAIN OPEN.
HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE DOES NOT TURN ANYONE AWAY WITHOUT HELP AS LONG AS THERE IS A DOCUMENTED PAPER FROM AN AGENCY REQUESTING OUR HELP FOR SOMEONE IN NEED. WE HAVE HELPED THE CHILDHOOD DREAMS ORGANIZATION, RUSHFORD, NEW OPPORTUNITIES, MERIDEN HUMANE SOCIETY AS WELL SINCE WE OPENED MARCH 11TH OF THIS YEAR. SINCE WE OPENED WE HAVE CONTINUED TO ASSIST THE CHRYSALIS CENTER WOMEN & CHILDREN OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITH CLOTHING TO FURNITURE & OTHER ITEMS NEEDED TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES FREE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AS THEY WILL ALWAYS BE OUR NUMBER 1CONCERN. WE ALSO HAVE A DONATION CAN AT THE STORE THAT GETS TURNED OVER TO THE CHRYSALIS CENTER AS ANOTHER WAY OF SUPPORT. HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT FOR OUR CAUSE BY DONATING OR WHO HAVE MADE PURCHASES AS WELL AS OFFERING THEIR SERVICES TO BOTH THE STORE AND THE CHRYSALIS CENTER . ALSO FOR THE WONDERFUL WORDS EXPRESSING WHAT A WONDERFUL THING WE ARE DOING AND HOW NICE OUR STORE IS TO COME TO SHOP. IT HAS REALLY SHOWN US JUST HOW MUCH OUR PURPOSE MEANS TO THE COMMUNITY WHICH HAS MADE US FEEL VERY WELCOMED & WE WILL KEEP TRYING TO STRIVE TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE HELPING OTHERS WITH YOUR HELP. THE STORE COULD GREATLY USE A NEON OPEN SIGN, LARGE ROLL UP WINDOW SHADES & A OUTSIDE STORAGE SHED IF SOMEONE HAS ANY OF THESE THINGS THEY COULD DONATE OR AT A LOW PRICE PLEASE CONTACT THE STORE AT 284-0300. REMEMBER YOUR DONATIONS CAN BE A TAX DEDUCTION , ALTHOUGH CURRENTLY WAITING FOR OUR STATUS TO ALLOW US TO HAND OUT THESE FORMS YOU ARE STILL ABLE TO FILE DONATIONS ON YOUR TAX RETURNS WITHOUT IT UP TO A CERTAIN AMOUNT. HOPEFULLY SOON WE WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER THESE TO YOU.REMEMBER TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS EVENT!
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT 203 284-0300 OR MY CELL PHONE 203 379-7270 IF THIS CAN NOT BE PLACED IN YOUR PAPER FREE OF CHARGE
SINCERELY
LINDA NORDGREN @ HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE
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Help the Wallingford Vikings Football and Cheerleading Squads
To ALL of our loyal fans, neighbors, alumni, and members:
I am a very proud parent of 4 children. One just went to college (thank god!), 2 are in elementary school and one is just learning to walk. I have always had my children in one activity or another, the more I could handle the better for them. One activity that my oldest took part in for many years and now my daughter is the Wallingford Vikings Football and Cheerleading Squads. Even when my son played football I had always heard of the Cheerleaders having practice space issues when it started to get cold out. For those who are not aware, not only do these kids partake in a regular season of football, but they also compete to try to place in Local, State, Regional and then National Competitions.
Now, being a mom of a cheerleader, AND a Coach of another Cheer Squad - I see how easy it is to have such high hopes and then see it slowly unravel because of the practice space issue. These Cheerleaders have so much potential to travel to Rhode Island for the Regional Competition and with the proper space and time for practices have a chance at going to Nationals. Each squad, 3 or more, practice 3 or more nights per week for two and a half hours. And each year, through the support of our local elementary schools, we are able to practice in the gyms of these schools. However, come the middle of October we loose these practice gyms to other school based activities such as basketball. Our competitions don’t even start until October 25, then the Saturday after Thanksgiving and then the second week of December.
In the past as well as this year, we have been given a few nights to use the Park and Recreation department, however, the ceilings are not high enough for the squads to have a full practice. I have personally contacted Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club (to which I support all their efforts) and they can not give up their gym do to other functions. I have personally contacted a privately owned gymnastics facility here in Wallingford that has the space available but only for a rental fee. I tried to explain to this company that there are special circumstances and hardships more so this year than ever before for many of us, and that asking for more money from these families is just not right. We as a league have let quite a few fees slide to assist these kids to be able to have these activities to better themselves. We as coaches stress the importance of school, building relationships, what team work is all about, being able to rely on others, without charging them for it. I tried to explain the situation to this particular gym facility, and was told in return that they have to run a business and are in it to make money. I was shocked - since they just lost out on supporting some worth while kids, free advertising to say the least, and the potential to have these kids appreciate the timely gym donation and possible future patrons.
I would like this letter to be put in the October addition, in the hopes that someone would see this letter and be willing to allow us to use their facility to let these girls practice, several nights per week and even on the weekends. Due to working families, most can't get there until 5:30pm, but can practice till 8:30pm. Obviously with at least 3 squads needing this room the more nights we can use the facility the better, but we will work with the individual to make it work for them and us as well. As a league we carry our own insurance policies and can provide proof of this.
Should anyone have any suggestions, please send an email to our Cheer Coordinator - dianewjflcheer@comcast.net.
Sincerely,
Kasey (mom and coach) / PROUD MOM AND COACH
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Volunteers Needed for Regional Mental Health Board/CACS
There are opportunities for interested residents of Meriden and Wallingford to be appointed to the area Catchment Area Council (CAC #9).
What is the CAC? It is a local part of the Regional Mental Health Board (RMHB). These are statutorily mandated volunteer citizen advisory groups. They advise the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). They channel information about mental health and addiction needs up to the Regional Board and DMHAS and likewise channel information from DMHAS to the community. They plan for new services and programs and conduct evaluations of the existing local mental health services. Each RMHB is divided into local CACs, which represent geographic areas that share services. CAC #9 represents Meriden and Wallingford .
Members are town appointed interested citizens, and/or mental health service users, and/or family members. They are called “consumers” and serve two-year terms. Each CAC also has members who are “providers” who are persons who work at a mental health agency in the area.
Representatives should be able to attend most of the monthly meetings. Members should have an interest in public welfare. Ideally, a member would have an interest in legislative and governmental advocacy, because this is an important CAC function. Another function of the CAC is public education. Some of the goals are decreasing the stigma of mental illness, increasing awareness of prevention and early detection, and making people aware of the many resources available.
There is hope and people recover!
For information call the Executive Director, Pat Settembrino at 860-262-5029 or email him at southcentral@rmhb2.org
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Connecticut Renaissance Faire Returns for Its 10th Season
The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is pleased to announce its schedule for its 10th anniversary edition of New England’s premier medieval-themed event.
The Faire, originally billed as the "Old World Renaissance Festival,” ran for a single weekend behind the King’s Inn in Putnam, Connecticut. Despite passing showers and the ever-looming threat of rain, two small stages and less than twenty merchants found themselves extremely busy once the gates were opened.
A full parking lot and a long line of parked cars down the street were a clear indication this humble festival had already outgrown its initial home. In 2000 The Festival found a new home on the Brooklyn Fairgrounds in Brooklyn, Connecticut where it doubled in size and more than tripled in attendance over a two-weekend run.
It was this rapid growth that prompted the Festival owners to change the name of the festival to “The Connecticut Renaissance Faire” in 2001. It was this year the Faire moved to the camping area of the Woodstock Fairgrounds where it continued to grow at a rapid rate each year in both size and attendance despite experiencing considerable rain.
In 2006 the Faire moved to its current home at the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds in Hebron, Connecticut.
Advance tickets and additional information is available online at http://www.ctfaire.com/ or by calling Eric Tertreault at (860) 351-5758.
WHAT: Connecticut Renaissance Faire – A re-creation of a 400-year-old agricultural festival as it would have been back in the Renaissance. It comes complete with jousting knights, fire eaters, sword swallowers, interactive games and over 40 hours of live entertainment daily. The Faire also features a free “Kids Court” where children can play a variety of games and earn the honor of being “knighted’ by King Arthur or a member of his court.
The Renaissance Fair is New England’s LARGEST Medieval Marketplace including a bazaar with over a hundred artisans and crafters selling thousands of unique treasures.
There is also a large king’s feast where one can experience a plethora of exotic foods and traditional favorites; including, turkey legs, bread bowl stews, delectable desserts and more.
WHEN:
Saturday September 27th and Sunday, September 28th 10am-6pm
Saturday October 4th and Sunday, October 5th 10am-6pm
Saturday October 11th, Sunday, October 12th, and Monday October 13th 10am-6pm
Saturday October 18th and Sunday October 19th 10am-6pm
WHERE: Located on the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds on 347 Gilead St. (Route 85) in Hebron, CT.
ADMISSION: $16 for adults and $7 for children ages 5 to 12 with free admission to children ages four and under.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONS: On the 27th there is a “Buy One Get One Free” promotion on general admission with a charitable donation of two canned goods. With the donation you receive a special “Buy One General admission Get One Free" discount. This is followed by a Free Kids Day September 28th which provides free admission for children ages 5-12 with a donation of a canned good on our opening Sunday.
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SAINT ROSE HOLIDAY FAIR
Preparations are underway for the Saint Rose of Lima Holiday Fair. The fair will be held on Friday evening October 24 between 5:00 and 8:00 and on Saturday October 25 between 9:00 and 3:00 at the Saint Rose Community Center on Center Street. Chairpersons are busy working with many parishioners on the many aspects of this fair, including the Major Raffle and mini raffles. Traditional booths featuring arts and crafts, gift baskets, country kitchen, popular homemade apple pies, wreaths, bakery, afghans and new booths: costume jewelry and books will appeal to a wide range of fair goers. The fair is being held
in time for shoppers to get into the holiday spirit for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. E
veryone is invited -- mark your calendars.
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7th Annual Soy Unica! Soy Latina! Mother-Daughter Community Celebration
October 18, 2008 at Washington Middle School The 7th Annual Soy Unica! Soy Latina! Community celebration hosted by the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council and sponsored by Cox Communications is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Washington Middle School in Meriden from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This year this exciting event will bring keynote speaker Elizabeth Torres: 20 year-old poet, painter and motivational speaker from Roselle Park, New Jersey. Elizabeth has been writing poetry since the age of five. She has six published books and three audio recordings. Elizabeth has experienced a lifetime's worth of international travel, speaking engagements, and art showings all highlighting her abilities to speak, create, and develop new motivational concepts.
This Mother/Daughter event is for girls ages 9-14 and offers workshops, prizes, and food all free of charge. The program helps girls and their mothers/caregivers to communicate and have a healthy relationship. We are also looking for financial support of this wonderful program. If you as a business or individual would like to support this important event, please contact Christelle Aube at the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council203-294-3591. Every little bit helps!
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Adoption: How to get Started!
Sponsored by: Child Adoption Resource Association A non-profit full service adoption agency
Located in New Londonserving all of Connecticut
Wednesday October 1, 2008 and Wednesday November 5, 2008 7:00 p.m.
Free Informational Sessions for People Interested in Finding Out more about Adoption
Borders Books and Music Seattle's Best Café 470 Lewis Ave. Meriden, CT 06451 Phone: 203-237-5510
A CARA worker will explain different types of adoption and offer a step-by-step outline to adopting a child. Project Connecticut's Child, a grant funded program seeking to find families to adopt children from CT state foster care at no or minimum cost, will be presented. Participants will leave with a folder of resources to help guide families, couples, or individuals wishing to adopt domestically through private or foster care adoption. Families especially needed to adopt African American or part African American children of all ages through private adoption.http://www.adoptacarakid.org/ 860-444-0553
Community needs assessment—we still need your feedback!
The United Way of Meriden and Wallingford and MidState Medical Center are teaming up to better understand the needs in the communities of Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire. Those who live or work in the preceding towns will have the opportunity to complete a brief survey that asks how that individual’s town fares with such issues as affordable housing, financial assistance, accessible preschool programs, available health services and much more. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.
In addition to offering the web-based survey, print copes will also be made available through various local agencies, including the Meriden Health Department and Meriden’s Children First initiative. Participants who complete a print version should mail their survey to Community Relations at MidState Medical Center; 435 Lewis Avenue, Meriden, CT, 06451.
Please take a few minutes to take the survey. The goal is to make our towns a better place to live, work, and prosper. To take the survey online, visit www.midstatemedical.org/survey.
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“Favorite Perennials”
Pamela Weil will give a talk on “Favorite Perennials” at the Wallingford Garden Club’s October meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14 in the First Congregational Church meeting room.
Weil is a Master Gardener and served as the President of the Connecticut Master Gardener Association in the 1990’s. She also started the publication “Connecticut Gardener” in 1995, which has 2000 subscribers, and lectures at garden clubs in Connecticut and New York on a variety of topics. In over 15 years of gardening, she has grown hundreds of plants, some of which died and some which she didn’t like and dug out. Her lecture is about the survivors which provide her garden with color and structure throughout the year.
Weil currently serves on the board of directors of the Experiment Station Associates, a group formed to promote the work of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. She is a part co-chair of the Westport Tree Board and was a member of the Westport Conservation Commission for seven years.
The program will be preceded by a mini-luncheon and business meeting and is open to the public for a fee of $5.
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