The Eclectic Poetry Lab

The Eclectic Poetry Lab-Poetry Open Mic-Friday, January 30th from 7-9 p.m.at the Sandman Cafe and Gallery39 West Main Street, Meriden*Read your poetry or prose*Spoken word welcome*Acoustic music and acapella encouraged

January 2009 Issue On-Line

You can read the January 2009 issue of The People's Press by clicking on one of the links below! Don't forget to send a FREE Valentine Photo Greeting to someone you love. The deadline for all submissions for the February 2009 issue is January 27th. Have a great month! Read the January 2009 Issue in image form! To download and print the January 2009 PDF - Click Here! Search/Read Our Latest Issue In Text To Read our Archives from 2000 till Now! For Local Links and more! Featured Coupons January 2009 Send a FREE Valentine's Day Photo Wish

Walingford and Meriden YOUR STORIES January 2009

To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ . We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper. Do Dogs Go To Heaven? "We met our friends at Lufberry Park." That is Chelsea and Chipper talking. Chelsea got high on her speed runs in the Lufberry woods. She was a beautiful but temperamental Springer Spaniel who got so excited she would turn on other animals or people. After four years of attempting to change her our veterinarian put her to sleep. Chipper came to us by chance. My son, Paul, worked as a surveyor in New Britain and discovered a bony shakey puppy on a pile of wood chips and brought him home to join Chelsea in her fenced in yard. Chipper is a mixed breed of some German Shepard, some hound. Despite Chelsea's agitated nature, the two dogs adapted very well to one another. How they loved joining their friends at Lufberry, five other dogs and their owners. Inside the woods when they were separated from everyone except their friends, they ran free. Their owners were delighted over the friskiness of their pets. I heard one of the women say, "This place is like dog Heaven." It could be beautiful there. One winter night I wrote, "The trees all line up symmetrically with the same coating of snow on their trunks as the wind whips through. The fir trees, the hollies and the pines are the exception as snow nests on their branches and glorifies their profiles against the sky. From the summit of Lufberry Park, there is the beauty of contrasting black and white shadows of the trees below us and in the distance, the mountains capped with snow." Five out of the seven dogs in this group have passed. Chipper and Rocco live on. Perhaps there is another heaven for them but the park is a close second. Pictured: Chelsea, our Springer Spaniel: Chipper, our beloved mutt: Tessa, an Hungarian Viszla: Susie, part Boston Terrier, part Beagle Hound; Freddie, a Basset Hound; Rocco, part Golden Retriever, part Malamute; and Murphy, a Labrador Retriever. . Growing Up In Oxford During Depression Days By Audrey Cable Linke I was 6 years old in 1929, the year my family moved to Great Hill Road in Oxford, Connecticut. That was when my father got a job working for Stephen B. Church, an area farmer who had developed a large well-drilling business. A four-bedroom house came with the job, and the boss paid for electricity. My parents had owned a lovely home a few miles away on West Church Street in Seymour which they rented to people who were ultimately unable to pay the rent. It was a very sad day when the bank had to foreclose on that beautiful property. At the farm in Oxford, besides paying for the electricity, Mr. Church also provided wood for heating. Dad did the work but the wood was free. There was a big wood-burning furnace in the cellar and a wood-burning stove in the kitchen. Dad took care of his boss’ cow so we had all the fresh milk we could drink. With eight people in the household, that was considerable. Mom also made cottage cheese with the extra milk, so nothing would go to waste. There was fresh fruit in season; every imaginable kind of grape, several kinds of raspberries and gooseberries for jam. On Mr. Chruch’s lawn there were four mulberry trees shaped like umbrellas where we could stand inside and pick berries to our hearts’ content. There were walnuts, hazelnuts, and butternuts. We could pick all we wanted. My mother incorporated these into some wonderful baking. I used to pick wild strawberries in places where Dad had just cut the tall grass with a scythe. Apples, peaches and pears were available from the near-by Hale’s Orchard. We lived a mile or so from Hale’s Orchard and during those depression years, my brother worked there, as did my Uncle Henry who lived with our family at the time. During the months when fruit needed picking, many out-of-work men would come by our house and ask directions to the Orchard. Many asked for a meal or accepted one my mother offered. She never turned anyone away without a good meal, served outdoors at the picnic table. She was always gracious and respectful; these men were not derelicts, just good men down on their luck. In later years, many of these men came back, wearing expensive clothes and driving fancy cars. They came to thank my mother again and offer money for the good meal she had served them. She never accepted, but was always pleased they had remembered her gratitude. Dad had a prolific garden, every vegetable you could think of, and in season, fresh strawberries. My mother made the best strawberry shortcake in the world, every day! Mom also canned the vegetables, fruits and pickles. Her aim was to have 100 jars preserved by Labor Day, and she did many more after Labor Day. We kept the canned goods in a root cellar – a cold room off the cellar with a dirt floor. This was where we kept cabbages, Turnips, parsnips, carrots and potatoes. When my brother shot a deer, the meat was salted down and stored in a wooden box in the root cellar. He provided other game for our table, too, rabbits, squirrels and sever kinds of birds. (Recently we ate at the Inn On Lake Waramaug with friends. They were surprised that I didn’t order the house specialties of venison or pheasant as they did. “I said, “I had to eat that stuff during the Depression, but I don’t have to eat it now!” Frankly I never liked the taste of game.” Dad kept chickens so we had all the eggs we could eat. The chickens were given some of the excess milk so the eggs were especially good. Sunday dinner was almost always roast chicken. Mom made bread every few days and raised donuts every week. Nothing tastes better than fresh, warm bread and butter, but these donuts were a great favorite too. We used to snitch the raw dough and eat it that way, amazed that there was always plenty to deep-fry for real donuts. Dad always brought bananas because they were cheap. We ate them daily. I had one for breakfast every day on the school bus. Before we owned a real refrigerator, we had an old-fashioned ice box. Dad brought home great chunks of ice from the ice house owned by his boss. I know Dad harvested the ice, but I never saw him do it, nor do I recall him talking about it. There were probably many who helped – I just don’t know. My mother could sew and made us all presentable. She even made Halloween costumes for me, a real luxury for poor people. We may have been poor but, then, most people were. As I look back, I think we lived very well. There was always plenty to eat. Dad always owned a car so were able to get into town to buy groceries, and we could visit cousins, which I loved to do. There were no country clubs in those days, but we had the Grange and the Church. Each sponsored a variety of social activities in which my family too part. We had the use of two ponds to swim in – which we did on a daily basis from May to October. My mother made baked beans every Saturday. If they were a way to save money, we never knew it: we thought beans were the biggest treat there was. Our New York aunts and uncles looked forward to Ma’s Saturday night special and came up as often as they could. Yes, we were blessed with many good things during the Depression, before and after, as well. We had good health and a lot of love. No one could ask for more and we didn’t. Memories of my Dad By his daughter Ruth Miglierina Petrucci My Dad, Leo Miglierina was born on November 24, 1904. He was one of four children; he was the baby of the family and had three older sisters. His father passed away when he was two years old and his mother eventually re-married and had two more children a boy and a girl. I never met my Aunt Valentina, I’be been told she was very talented and very pretty, she died at a young age, also my Aunt Rosalie was born in December and she died in May that same year. I do remember Aunt Eva, Aunt Lil and Uncle Eddie. My dad outlived them all. He passed away on March 7, 1981 at 76 years old. Dad had a special love for animals, something I’ve inherited from him. Before he went to school each morning he had to get up early and take care of the animals on the farm. He never complained and enjoyed his duties. He began working at Wallace Silversmith in Wallingford as a teenager and worked hi way up to becoming head of the Chrome Plating Department. This is where he met my mother. He attended night classes at Yale to get his degree in Chemistry and worked during the day. After all the years working there, he lost his pension when Wallace Silversmith closed down before he had a chance to retire. He attended the Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford where he was in charge of the ushers, took care of all collections, put on the lights for each Mass, sanded the stairs on stormy days when Mass was being celebrated, took care of anyone getting sick in church and performed many other tasks. He also came in every Saturday afternoon at 12:30PM to put out the parish bulletins, distribute envelopes and even put pencils in the pews when necessary. All of this, and much more, was done out of dedication and charity for his parish, the parishioners and the parish priests. He was sadly missed when he passed away. Dad was a quiet man, didn’t smoke, drink or swear. He never said much but you could tell his feelings by the look on his face. He loved working in his yard, mowing the grass, cutting and trimming flowers and shrubbery. His dod Donka was his faithful companion. He followed Dad around everywhere and loved to go for a ride in the car. They spent many afternoons sitting on the screened porch listening to the baseball games, Dad was a Red Sock fan and I am happy to say we did get to see a game at Fenway Park together. Every Sunday afternoon when I was growing up Dad and I went to the Dixwell Movie Theater. We saw many nice movies and some that gave me nightmares for many nights. It was a treat to visit Savin Rock, some of the rides we enjoyed were the bumper cars, tilt-a-whirl and whip, but our favorite ride was the Sky Blazer. We would sit in the front seat laughing while Mom looked on from the ground horrified. If you wanted delicious ice cream Knudsen’s Dairy was the place to go. We lived in North Haven where farmlands and woods surrouned our house. My cousins and I would walk through the woods and go to Knudsen’s for ice cream quite often. We had family all around us, Aunts, Uncles, cousins. My Uncle Eddie, Aunt Edith and cousin Anita lived downstairs in our two family house. Mom, Dad, my brother Bob and I lived upstairs. My Dads sister Aunt Lillian known as Aunt Lil and her husband Uncle Guido and my three cousins Elaine, Rosalie and Dolores lived next door. Next to them was my Uncle Julie, and his three sons, Julius, Warren and Joey and a daughter, Annie. He was the husband of Dads sister Aunt Rosalie who passed away the year I was born. We had many holidays together, cookouts and birthday parties. I have many wonderful memories growing up on State Street. Dad made a scrap book for me that I cherish and look at carefully since the pages are starting to crumble with age. I have pictures of the 1938 hurricane, snow storms and anything of interest that was in the newspapers at the time. The sights and sounds that I remember are the smell of his aftershave, the wax smell when he simonized his car, kerosene for the kitchen and living room stove, the smell of newly mowed grass, his chair in the living room where he read his newspaper each night. The bureau that held the statues he prayed to each evening after his meal, the sound of the rooster crowing in the early morn, the train whistle as it approached the railroad crossing, the smell of orange peels on the burner on the kitchen stove, Dads footsteps coming up the stairs when he arrived home from work, chicken soup cooking, homemade pastries and chocolate and jelly rolls. Moms starched crocheted doilies, the kitchen table with the utensil drawer, the living room radio. Everyone sat around the living room radio, I remember listening to Elsie the Borden Cow who would moo at the end of a radio program, then I had to go to bed. I also sat by the radio eating cheerios listening to the lone ranger, while Dad read the paper and Mom did her needle work. I am the last surviving member of my family. My brother Sgt. Robert L. Miglierina was killed in Vietnam on October 10, 1968, when his jeep hit a hostile land mine. Mom passed away on June 1, 2003. All I have left are the wonderful memories and my faith to sustain me until we meet again. 10 Eating Tips For A Healthy New Year Contributed by Lisa Zola Now that the holidays and festivities are over and the New Year has arrived, it seems a good a time as any to start eating healthier. I am not talking about going on a diet, or that infamous New Year’s resolution to lose weight, but rather incorporating some changes into your current lifestyle. Even if you practice just one or two of the following tips, you will benefit. Here’s to a happy and healthier New Year! 1) Be a SMART planner. Do not let a hectic work and/or family schedule force you to eat junk food or fast food. Prepare and freeze several quick and healthy meals and/or snacks ahead of time. Keeping fresh fruit and nuts available is great and is a quick and easy way to get a healthy snack. Combine with a glass of low fat milk, soy milk or rice milk and you have made it even more nutritious. 2) Keep an EYE on the size. We often overeat more than we really need to. In addition, we tend to eat most of what is on our plate, no matter what the size of the plate. Portions are often super-sized and enough for two, three or even four people to share. Try choosing a smaller size plate and set it up so there is space between all of the food to keep the portions reasonable. Check in with yourself and ask yourself if you are full. Remember, your stomach is only the size of your closed fist. 3) Become a TASTER. When eating out at a buffet, survey the entire buffet first and pick out only those foods that appeal to you the most. Also, savor your food and if you do not like what you are eating or are not enjoying it, do not feel you have to finish eating it - just leave it on your plate. Remember, you control what you eat. 4) Do NOT go shopping hungry! We have all heard this before yet it is so true. Instead, try having a small salad or other healthy snack before going shopping and you will be less likely to end up with several things in your cart that you hadn’t intended to buy. Also, make out a grocery list and stick to it. 5) Choose COLOR. Look at your plate. How many colors do you see? Are all of the colors of the rainbow there? I am not talking about rainbow colored shots or frosted and decorated desserts here, but rather color that comes from fruits and vegetables. In case you have forgotten, the primary colors of the rainbow are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This is something you can do with your children as well. 6) AVOID fried foods and other high fat foods. Fried foods of any kind are laden with unhealthy, artery clogging fats. Opt for steamed, baked or broiled instead. Make dips and dressings with low fat or fat free yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream and for those who like to bake, cut unhealthy fats by substituting unsweetened applesauce and egg whites for some of the butter. You can also substitute chicken broth and canned, evaporated skimmed milk in the mashed potatoes and skip the butter altogether and no one will even notice! 7) LIMIT your sugar intake. Try to limit the “special” foods to once or twice per week. Keep bowls of fresh fruit available instead which are a great alternative to candy and cookies, not to mention healthier too! If you do decide to indulge in some dessert, choose one thing and have a small piece. Eat it real slow and appreciate it. 8) If you drink ALCOHOL, do so with or after meals, not before. Alcohol increases your hunger and lowers your will power. Also keep in mind that it is packed with calories and contains virtually no nutrients. Remember, if you do drink, do so in moderation and please be responsible. 9) COMMIT to maintaining your physical activity routine. Exercise not only helps to keep off unwanted pounds also helps to reduce stress in addition to a full list of other health benefits. You need at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day to maintain your weight, though more is needed to help burn up extra calories and fat. After dinner, go for a nice walk and enjoy the crispness of the air. Of course, if you are just starting a physical activity routine, please check with your health care provider first. 10) Give THANKS…..Remember, the food we have before us did not just appear there miraculously. Many hands had a part in bringing our food to the table. Honor your food and give a sincere “thank you” for all that you have. Ask, that the food you eat, be used to nourish your body and bring it good health. May your New Year be filled with peace and joy. Yours in Health, Lisa Lisa Zola is a Nutritionist and the owner of Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes LLC, a nutrition center located in Wallingford, CT. For questions or comments, she may be reached at (203) 269-2TLC or you can visit her website at www.tlclisazola.com DON’T FORGET TO SAVE THE DATE: OPEN FORUM Ask The NutritionistWednesday ~ January 14, 2009 Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes LLC 7:00pm ~ 9:00pm 187 North Main Street, Suite 1 (203) 269-2TLC Wallingford ~ directly across from the library. Plus: Free bi-weekly Meditation Group at Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes on Sundays from 7:00pm-8:30pm beginning January 4, 2009. The Group will begin with a discussion of technique followed by a guided or silent meditation. No experience is needed. Please call 269-2TLC to register. Nature as a Mirror Transitions to the New Year By Dorothy Gonick The old year ends with An explosion of color. The New Year arrives Wrapped in pristine white. As each year nears its close, streets and homes become vibrant with color and décor as we celebrate the coming of Christmas: the celebration of Christ’s birth and His promise of new life for all. Evergreens are cut, brought inside and decorated with lights, garlands and fancy ornaments, a fitting end to the passing year and Christmas celebrations. Within weeks the glitter and glow begin to dim and the luster fades. Soon we begin to remove the decorations, storing the memories in our hearts as we pack the colorful ornaments and shiny trims. Our homes and hearts become ready for the anticipated New Year. Nature has already put itself in slumber mode. Bright green leaves have turned brown and littered the earth; colorful flowers have withered and become rich compost where they fell. Fresh smooth snow now is spread beneath the gaunt bare trees. A blanket of snow covers and protects dormant seeds and bulbs hidden in the frozen earth through the dark stillness of winter. Bright sunbeams stream down onto the snowy whiteness like a blank slate for us to write upon. A fitting symbol of the New Year that has just arrived, and of all the unwritten stories we will live throughout the coming year. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 _______________________________________________________________________ Angels Angels surround us every day, whether we realize it or not, to help us get through trouble timesand listen to when we pray. When they hear us praying, they send a message to others to that are near, giving the answer through others that arrives faster then a phone call, just by hearing simple prayer. - Maggie Griffin ______________________________________________________________________ A New Direction, A New Set of Standards, A Re-emergence for 2009 Katrina S. Axelrod Every week I write a Weekly Newsletter to our Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra (CCCYO), participants. I include a quote that I find inspirational or amusing. I include the quotes to remind our participants- both student musicians and parents, that the world is full of Music and of musicians; that is, to give them a larger prospective on what they are doing locally and ever-so personally. I put the quotes first in the Newsletter, to help participants identify with our sages in Music from the past. Those quotes and the students themselves have inspired me to start playing the cello. With my intrepid cello teacher, Juliana, at JC Music in Meriden, I am soon going to ‘own’ “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, it is just a matter of time. I make light of it, but actually this is very serious business to me. Robbed of my soprano voice by Fibromyalgia (that is not all it has taken away from me), I long to be a music participant again. I loved concretizing. I loved the camaraderie, the art of thinking both of my own performance and that of the others on stage, the blending of minds, hearts and voices and, I must admit, the thunderous applause. The New Haven Chorale, the Redeemer Oratorio Choir, the occasional Gilbert and Sullivan productions, I loved them all. Southern Connecticut State University Choir and Glee Club and the Drama department were my home in my first year at SCSU. So, after all of this time, and the disappointments that life has handed me, why on Earth would I put myself through the rigors of practicing again? It hurts to move my hands, for heaven’s sake-why am I doing this? Ah, because it is my personal K2 or Mount Everest. A new purpose, a new direction and a new set of standards to meet. I keep myself busy otherwise; I am the Administrator of the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra. I am President of the parent non-profit for the CCCYO, the Meriden ArtsTrust, Inc. I am Co-President of the Platt Music Boosters, I assist the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center. Surely that is enough to do. No, it isn’t, because I am a musician. A rusty one, but I choose to identify with those intrepid souls who bring beauty and happiness to the world through their own souls, fingers, and voices. I am, after years of hiding in fear, re-emerging into that fray that I hold so dear. 2008 was a rough year for just about everyone I know. 2009 will be better. It just will. A new chance to put my foot forward, a new way to express myself, and new way to experience what I need to recapture. It is more than a New Year’s Resolution (this year my big resolution is to have my back yard full of flowers), it is a change in how I do things in my life. I am taking more control over those things in which I have control. I am challenging what ‘control’ really means to me. I think the world can use one more cellist. There is always room for cello. A Happy and Healthy New Year 2009 to us all! ____________________________________________________________ Greater Meriden Chamber News and Events Begin the New Year with a membership in the Greater Meriden Chamber – who is eligible to be a member? Any and all businesses are welcome to join: any business that does business or is looking to do business in the Greater Meriden Area is encouraged to join the area’s leading business association. Being a member means that you are invested in your business and in the community – it’s a “seal of approval” for businesses and we make YOUR business OUR business. We PROMOTE our MEMBERS, offer EDUCATION for our MEMBERS, provide LEADERSHIP to our MEMBERS and COMMUNITY and offer tremendous NETWORKING for our MEMBERS. Add your business to our roster – call 203.235.7901 – it’s the best business decision you will make. Below are many events that the Greater Meriden Chamber has slated for January: All are welcome to attend – For more information and to RSVP, call the Chamber at (203) 235-7901, fax us at (203) 686-0172, or email us at info@meridenchamber.com. Jan. 8, Thu. SCORE at the Chamber. FREE Business Counseling from 9 a.m. – noon. Appointment required – please call 203.235.7901. Jan. 8, Thu. Business After Hours hosted by Innovation Software Group. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at 65 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford, CT. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to promote and make new contacts for your business! Refreshments, raffles, and door prizes will be provided. Business After Hours events are co-sponsored by the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce along with member companies to provide professional and social opportunities for members and members-to be. Jan. 20, Tue. Super Networking “Sun Up Seminar” from 7:30 – 8:45 a.m. at the Chamber: 3 Colony Street, Suite 301, Meriden, CT. The workshop is for those who want to get more out of your networking efforts. Presenter Bob Kademian, Action Coach Business Coaching will teach attendees: What networking can do for you; What networking actually is; The principles of networking; The keys to success in networking; Characteristics of great networkers; And More! There is $5 charge for this workshop which includes a Continental Fare. Please make us aware of any special dietary concerns. Jan. 22, Thu. Business After Hours hosted by USI Connecticut. The event will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at 530 Preston Ave., 3rd Fl., Meriden, CT. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to promote and make new contacts for your business! Refreshments, raffles, and door prizes will be provided. Business After Hours events are co-sponsored by the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce along with member companies to provide professional and social opportunities for members and members-to be. Jan. 23, Fri. Eye-Opener Breakfast Features Attorney General Richard Blumenthal. The event will be held from 7:45 – 9:00 a.m. at Four Points By Sheraton, 275 Research Parkway, Meriden. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal was first elected in 1990 and is currently serving his unprecedented 5th term as Attorney General for the State of Connecticut. His aggressive law enforcement for consumer protection, environmental stewardship, labor right, and personal privacy has helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars for Connecticut taxpayers and consumers each year. The agenda includes morning networking, a full breakfast buffet, Chamber news, awards, and announcements, followed by the presentation with Q&A. The cost is $18 for Meriden Chamber members; $28 for members-to-be. Jan. 26, Mon. Pizza, Pasta & Politics. The event will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. sponsored by at&t and held at Hunter’s Ambulance Service Training Center, 450-478 W. Main St., Meriden, CT. One of the many charges of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce includes providing access and forums to meet one on one and in groups with our elected officials. This event brings our diverse membership base and legislators together to discuss issues important to the business community. Invited guests include Speaker of the House Chris Donovan, State of CT Delegates, Mayor Mike Rohde, and Meriden City Councilors. Doors open 5:00, Refreshments (salad, pasta, pizza, beverages) at 5:30, Program begins at 6:00 including Q & A, and ends at 7:30. This event cost $15 per person. Jan. 28, Wed. “Lunch with a Leader” Features Bud Sielaff, Director of Sales & Marketing at Canberra at Il Monticello, 577 South Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450. The special luncheon features Bud Sielaff, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Canberra and will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Mr. Sielaff will share his experiences in the path to becoming VP, Sales & Marketing for Canberra, a Meriden based company and worldwide leader in nuclear measurements. What challenges did he face? How did he get where he is today? The program schedule is as follows: 11:30 - 11:45 a.m.: Registration; 11:45 - 12:00 p.m.: Welcome / Remarks; Noon: Lunch is Served; 12:30 p.m.: Presentation including Q&A. The cost ($23. for Greater Meriden Chamber Members; $30 for not yet members) includes complete lunch buffet, tax, gratuity & presentation. Jan. 30, Fri. Health & Wellness Council Breakfast at 7:45 a.m. at Four Points Sheraton, 275 Research Parkway, Meriden. The event is free to attend, sponsored by Universal Healthcare Foundation, and will highlight the introduction of the Chamber’s New Health & Wellness Council and a panel discussion on the State of Healthcare in CT! ____________________________________________________________________________________ TIME TO MAKE A RESOLUTION WE CAN KEEP AND HELP OTHERS IN THE PROCESS By Phyllis S. Donovan Every year as the New Year inexorably approaches, I feel compelled to make the same old resolution I do every year, to get back to my most healthy weight. I know it’s most likely due to the fact that I’ve been scarfing up every holiday goody that has passed under my nose since Thanksgiving. I also know that I’ll be doing well if I drop just those last few “holiday” pounds and never even start on the excess weight I was carrying around before the holidays. It doesn’t help that friends always say, “You’re tall, nobody would ever know how much you weigh.” But I know and still I am compelled to make the same dead-end resolution year after year. I rarely last much over one month. This year, it’s going to be different. Sure, I’ll watch what I eat for awhile, but what good is a resolution that only benefits me? In church, lately, the gospels have dwelt on emulating God and passing along love and good deeds to your neighbor and making a positive difference in the lives of others. It set me to thinking that too often we are caught up in our own single-minded activities and pursuits, especially in the throes of buying and preparing for the holidays. Even though so many of us have a lot less money these days, we continued to expend our energies and spend our dollars to make our own life and the lives of those close to us easier and more enjoyable. Of course, that’s only natural. But what have we done lately for others outside of our family circle. Have we done anything “extra” to enhance the lives of people in the community and those less fortunate than we are? I was impressed recently to hear first-hand from a friend involved in the wonderful “Dan M. Hunter Spirit of Giving” event. Local families with special needs or those who have suffered tragedy in their lives during the past year were identified and a whole caravan of Santa’s helpers descended on their households just prior to Christmas to sing carols and bestow them with previously wrapped gifts from toys to warm pajamas. I was amazed when I realized the extent of this project and the number of anonymous “good deed doers” this involved. My mother was one of those people who constantly gave of herself in her small Berkshire community. She was always working on projects to help others. People like her and my friend’s group who give so much of their time and effort to help others never expect anything in return, except for maybe a grateful “Thank You!” My mother always explained this penchant for helping others as “a way to earn stars in your crown in heaven.” She passed away a few years ago and I’m sure, at the time, heaven lit up with the many stars she had earned for her heavenly crown. Every one of us has special talents or interests and ways we can reach out a hand to help others. Some folks show up regularly to work at the local soup kitchen, others spend hours of their time volunteering at the hospital. We never go there without seeing someone we know. Most of these people are retired now and have some time to spare, unlike the younger generation who must spend the bulk of their time earning a living and raising their family. But that generation too, as busy as they are, finds time to help others. One of our sons is a Little League coach, another spends his time as a Boy Scout chaperone on camping overnights. Our daughter was involved with Girl Scouts for years when her daughter was a Brownie and later a Girl Scout. I like to think that they inherited their interest in volunteering from my mother who passed it down to me and thence to them. For years, when they were growing up, I was one of those people who couldn’t say “No!” when asked to help out on anything they were involved in. Once they were grown up and off volunteering on their own, I thought my interest would wane. But no, I had barely retired from work when I started getting involved in volunteer projects. Of course, as anyone who knows me is aware, the Friends of the Library Bookstore has consumed most of my volunteer energies over the past several years. Nothing pleases me more than getting reasonably priced books into the hands of people who don’t have a lot of money to spend on the luxury of reading…especially children. June Hadley, one of our most resourceful volunteers, spearheaded this year’s project to distribute colorful free book flyers with the backpacks which were given out free to youngsters in the Back To School Expo in the fall. Library Director Karen Roesler arranged to have a Spanish translation included on the back of the flyers which offered a free book to any child bringing the flyer in to the bookstore. This project alone brought throngs of children, with their parents, into the store to check out our books. Thanks again to June, most of the candy bags sold at this year’s Kiwanis Kapers included a certificate for a free book to be redeemed at the bookstore. As a result, many folks who had never been to our new store at 35 West Main Street came in and discovered for themselves the many wonderful books we have to share. In a time when antiquarian bookstores and those handling new, even discounted, books are, sadly, closing their doors, the all-volunteer staff at the Friends of the Library Bookstore is determined to keep the store up and running. By providing good quality books at low, buyer-friendly prices to people who love to read or want to learn from the printed word, I’m convinced that by our hard work maintaining this store whose profits go back to the library, we are doing God’s work and, incidentally, fulfilling our resolution to benefit others in our small way. Think about what you can do to help others or make a positive difference…and Happy New Year! ### _________________________________________________________ 2008 – My Journey My journey through this 2008 year has been one of new beginnings and steadfast efforts to keep the status quo. I’ve launched the new business of Comfort Keepers , a caregiver staffing agency with heart. My response to anyone who asks about my progress is that we are growing very slowly but steadily forward. My task has been to educate the community and prospective employees on what and how we do our services and I’m happy to say that people are beginning to recognize our efforts. Our caregivers are in clients homes and in assisted living facilities and our clients and their family are very happy with our service . That acceptance fuels my energy to move and continue the business’s growth. I have had so many wonderful, caring and capable people come through my doors looking for jobs in this difficult economy and after an extensive hiring process I’ve been able to bring many employees on board. My efforts in marketing my company has immersed me in the elder community and I continue to learn everyday about the different services available to that population. This knowledge is helping me prepare for my future as well as giving me resources for others. I find myself on many committees and becoming more involved than I ever thought I would be. However, this new journey has been very rewarding. Not only am I able to respond to my clients needs but the needs of the community and the state. Although I’m very busy, I’m happy to help and I really enjoy relationships I’ve developed in this committee work. I did not see myself in this place in 2007, yet I feel that my life’s experience has directed me to my 2008 epiphany. The encouragement of my family, my employees, my fellow committee members, and business associates motivates me to participate in the success of 2009. So I’ve set my goals and my action plan and my journey begins again. Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers _________________________________________________________________________________ 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. Housewives will return to the Pineapple Review format for Books and Movies!!! Happy New Year. Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2009! May God bless the U.S.A., President Barack Obama and all those in leadership. June and Flora Dear Housewives, I can't keep organized at home. I have a few piles of papers and am afraid to toss some of them. My bills are opened the day they arrive and filed with my bills, it's all the rest that troubles me. Between mail and the paper from my children's school, I am overwhelmed. - Drowning in paper in Meriden FLORA: In 2009, I will look at my paper excess as I do clothes. If it lays around for X amount of time with no use, (if clothes and they are not worn for a year----time to donate) toss it. I have a pile of paper that I thought was important, but I have not read or needed them for a year or more. I need to just toss them. I will be more diligent in 2009. will you Dear Reader? JUNE: I have the same issue. There is so much stuff around. One thing you can do is get rid of junk mail immediately. You can throw out all kids work that is not a test or important and the stuff to keep you can organize in a file or file organizer. As soon as you pay a bill you can shred the bill. Most you do not need to keep. Get some large file boxes and store the things you need to keep for taxes or general important papers. You can mark and label it and put it in storage. Dear Housewives, My daughter is 8 and refuses to wear her eye glasses. She is squinting all the time. What can you suggest to help me deal with this serious matter. - Blurry in Meriden JUNE: Maybe you should tell her that her eyes will fall out if she keeps squinting. I think you need to tell her point blank that she needs them and has to wear them just as if she needed antibiotics she would have to take them. Get her a nice eyeglass string to hang on her and maybe she will remember. Tell her she has to use the string unless she keeps them on. Maybe she will remember that way. FLORA: You can reward her for wearing them to school and at home. If she does not comply, take away her, Nintendo (if she has that gadget), computer or TV time and stick to your guns. You don't want her to loose vision because of this lack of discipline. JUNE: "Gadget" Flora? Really? What year are you from? Your are no spring chicken you are a crazy whipper snapper. Review Time FLORA: Movies: I really enjoyed watching the Christmas classic, "Christmas in Connecticut". This 1945 romantic comedy stars, Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan and others. Elizabeth Lane has a Smart Housekeeping column (kind of reminds me of Dear Housewives....) that shares delicious recipes, talks about her country Connecticut Farm, the crackling fireplace and her dear children. In actuality, she is single and lives in an apartment in NYC. To make matters worse, her boss want to invite a WWII sailor to her farm house for the holidays. This funny movie is a keeper. If you have not seen it before, catch it soon or wait until next Christmas. ****4 Pineapples I also enjoyed "Click" Rated R with Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Henry Winkler and others. This 2006 (not too shabby June...) comedy was far better than I thought possible. It was layered with family, fantasy and comedy. This film tells the story of an overworked architect that gets a hold of a universal remote that he can use to pause, fast forward his life. You won't believe the depth of this film. ****4 Pineapples JUNE: Wow, Flora you have been busy. Two whole movies this month. Both released over 10 years ago too. You are up on the times. Did you play them on your movie "gadget"? Books: I read "The Purpose of Christmas" by Rick Warren. (I read it before he was chosen to do the invocation for President Obama.) This little red book was filled with a general but clear explanation of why we do what we do from the day after Thanksgiving to December 25th. In all the scurrying around, getting wiped out, over spending, (did I mention over spending and going into debt...) we slowly move away from what the celebration is about.By reading this, it really got to me as to why we celebrate Christmas. I always knew it was Jesus' birthday but I think I needed to be remained. We need to have the Sheppard hook every now and again, this book did it for me. *** * 3.5 Pineapples JUNE: I just read "Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff. It is about his son who became addicted to crystal meth. It was a heartbreaking read but very well written. I think it should be required reading for all kids starting in eighth grade. ****4 pineapples FLORA: I read that last year when it came out. It was at the library and said "read me". I did and enjoyed it. ________________________________________________________________________________ Home Country Slim Randles Annette George, owner of the Soup ‘R Market, picked up the list of her New Year’s resolutions: 1. Replace cracked glass on the meat cooler. 2. Walk two miles each morning before work. 3. Lose 15 pounds by summer. 4. Take a class in Spanish. She thought about the kind of person she’d be at this time next year with all those things done, and it made her smile. Then she looked out the window at the snow and crossed off number two. “Each morning” was just too … too, inflexible. It’s always best, she thought to make promises you can keep. Annette tapped her teeth with the pencil. The Spanish class was in the city, and with gas prices being what they are … well, she could always pick up a Spanish grammar book at the Read Me Now bookstore. Number 4 reluctantly had a line drawn through it. You know, that glass has been cracked on the meat cooler for six years now, and it has never caused any kind of health threat. So the line up the glass causes a slight distortion as a shopper looks at a pork chop. So what? And have you seen what they get to replace that glass? The pencil drew again, slowly but deliberately. This left number three: lose 15 pounds by summer. This is one she will not scratch off. She remembers sitting by the swimming hole on Lewis Creek last summer watching the kids swimming. Next summer, she’ll swim with them. She will lose those 15 pounds. How? Well, by … eating better. Sure. Maybe one of those chocolate milkshake supplements each morning. Well, better not say each morning, but … whenever, you know. And walking. How much? Who knows? But walking. Yes. Walking. Losing 15 pounds. By summer. She smiled and decided to celebrate with a candy bar. Only one, of course. Life is good. --------------- Brought to you by 3Rivers Archery, the traditional folks. Visit them at 3RiversArchery.com. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Submitted by Carole Golitko This is as good a time as any to Thank Those Wonderful People At The WAllingford Animal Shelter.They do a service no one wants and they do it so well.Especially with the economy so bad they are seeing an abundance of Pets given up by families that can`t afford them or they are loosing their homes.Keep them in mind. pick up an extra bag of food(dog or cat) blankets ,you don`t want, old towels, donate to them.Can you imagine sleeping on a cold floor.Many of these animals were someones pet,now they are in strange surroundings.These people at the Wallingford Shelter are the kindest & most considerate I have ever met.They do the best to find the RIGHT home so they find the forever home not a temporary.Volunteer your time if you can,take dogs for walks,or just help out with food paper towels detergent,whatever they are very happy to know you support what they do.We are all Gods Creatures.Thanks Carole ______________________________________________________________________________ “Maggie’s Corner” Make A Difference! By: Maggie Griffin What is Make A Difference? Make A Difference is reaching out to several people, giving and showing why a little of their time will only cost less than a dime. The message is to get all people of all walks of life to “Make A Difference” just by their dedicated humanitarian efforts to help those in desperate needs. It doesn’t matter where you are from, where you work or where you live. The important thing that matters, is helping people giving back to our communities. Many people are living a life of struggle for many reasons. In today’s economy, it makes it more difficult for these people to survive. There are people who lost their homes, jobs, have children with special needs or illnesses, hungry, homeless and more. These people just don’t know where to turn, how to make that turn and how to get that extra help. Can you imagine that if all the people we come across in our society, people that can take a minute of their time that costs no less than a dime, how much of a difference it will make? Having that been said, it is called the humanitarian efforts in all of us to help several in desperate need. We are one union of citizens in Connecticut and The United States of America. It’s not what our State can do for us, it’s what can we do for the citizens in our State. If you took a day and walked in the shoes of people in desperate needs for any reason, then you will understand how important it is to Make A Difference. An example is, recently, Middle School Students in a local community reached out to the public to help them help their school feed the hungry. By sending this message through their sincere dedication and humanitarian efforts, they tripled the amount of collections for Food to feed the Hungry this year than they did in the previous year. Then there are families who lost their homes, not just because of the real estate market, but also because of unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances beyond anyone’s control. How would it feel for you to lose your home due to any circumstance, try to raise children and worry about how you are going to feed your children, shoe their feet or even buy a jacket to keep them warm in the cold? We are facing difficult times in this economy. And although there are non-profit and government programs out there to help, we need to help them as citizens to keep these programs running in this economy. Before anyone spends a dollar on a lotto ticket, put a dollar a side and give it to a charity to help people. Before anyone buys something that is not a necessity to have, buy a pair of shoes for a child to wear. Look into your closets; see what you can give to the shelters out there for the homeless. Reach into your pockets and find a dollar to buy a can of soup for the hungry. When you get your hair done, think of the people of all ages who lost their hair to cancer. If Middle School Students can accomplish collecting over 9,000 food items to feed the hungry, can you imagine if everyone in the State can contribute a to feed the hungry, support the shelters and all other non-profit organizations that are there to help people in desperate needs? What a difference a small contribution can make for the sake of humanity. We all have to live in a budget that fits within our living means in this economy. But to keep these non-profit and government programs running, we should be able to take a little bit out of our budget, our closets and our wallets as Citizens Of Humanity to assist the people in desperate needs. If we can do that, all non-profit organizations and programs will grow stronger for all people in this economy, people that are truly struggling for any reason. I don’t want to hear the excuse or complaints “That’s what I pay taxes for”. Taxes started in the beginning of the birth of the United States of America. Without all of us paying taxes, our government would not have the money to plow or fix our streets, pay our educators to teach our children and run our schools, pay our police and fire departments and most of all, pay the supplies our military need, military people who sacrifice their lives to keep our Freedom. “Make A Difference” means just that, humanitarian efforts. What is it that you can do to help others as a person? What is it that we can do to help people in all walks of life that are struggling to survive? Before you get in your car, stop and think for one second about the person who does not have even $1.00 to take a city bus as means of transportation to a job. Not your problem you say? Well it may become your problem when you lose your job and cannot pay for your car, insurance and gas! It may become your problem if you or your child suddenly takes ill and you need every help and assistance you can get for the sake of treatments and medical needs. Suddenly your thinking will become different if this, or any other unexpected situation may happen to you. What about your places of worship? You go there to seek peace and guidance in your soul, but if your place of worship needs a new furnace to keep you warm while you seek peace, and don’t have the money to replace a furnace, then what? And believe this or not, all places of worship collect and donate to those people in desperate needs on your behalf because you are a member of that place of worship. I believe that life it a circle and a cycle. What you can do for others will not benefit a profit gain, popularity as a business in the paper or tax write off. What you will gain is humanitarian efforts in your heart that will remain in your heart for a life time. By doing this, it will make our State and our Country a better place to live. Give back to your communities by getting a message across to your colleagues, friends, neighbors, relatives and business associates about “Make A Difference”. You will find that not only your involvement from your heart for others may not mean as much to you, but will mean the world to others. Small contributions to help all causes will make a difference, but the message you convey will help several people in need; people you see every day that you may or may not know. You should help for your own humanitarian efforts. Your help will help any and all non-profit programs and organizations. It does not matter who you are, where you work, where you live for you to Make A Difference. Take your shoes off and walk on the wet or snowy pavement without a shelter above you. I bet you will run fast in your home. Can you live 4 hours without eating? Think of the people that go days without eating because they cannot afford food or are homeless. How about the people who lose sleep due to worry about losing a home due to an unforeseen circumstance? Think about the ones who live in a shelter because they already lost their homes for similar reasons. We all have to survive, but we all can help in a small way to help others survive too. A small piece of your heart will run miles for thousands of people in desperate need, especially in this economy. Getting the message out to others, making a plea for them to help you with a cause that is more worthy then the car you drive, cloths you where or the status if your employment , is worth a million in the hearts of those you help. All it takes is a moment of your time. And a moment of your time will put a smile on someone else’s face, a face that is in desperate need. If Middle School Students can clearly get this message across, so can adults and senior citizens. The true reward will remain in your heart forever. John Lennon, a very well known and remembered music composer who sung in the Group, The Beatles, wrote a song about humanity. It’s called “Imagine”, a song which is what “Make A Difference” is about. The lyrics go like this: Imagine there's no Heaven It's easy if you try No Hell below us Above us only sky. Imagine all the people Living for today ... Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people Living life in peace ... You, you may say I am a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one. Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world ...You, you may say I am a dreamer But I'm not the only one I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one. Congratulations to all of our CCCYO Musicians from your Families, Friends, Mrs. Germain & Mrs. Axelrod!Autumn, 2008 CCCYO RosterMelanie Blain - ViolinLindsey L. Caton - ViolinBonnie Daley - ViolinTina Dutra - ViolinBrianna Harwood - ViolinDaniel Jackson - ViolinHannah Rose Jackson - ViolinRebecca Jackson - ViolinRobert Clements - ViolinKelli Johnson - ViolinKasey Moriarty – ViolinStephanie Napierkowski - ViolinDaniel Neville - ViolinJennifer Phipps - ViolinRaymond F. Simmon II - ViolinHeather Chelsea Kent - ViolaChris Massa-Pelletier - Viola, Violin, Clarinet & Music CoachConnor Filkins - CelloLaura Kinkead - CelloEthan Min - CelloJordan Brint - Double BassElisha Bettencourt - HarpElizabeth Jackson - Classical GuitarMichaela Blain - FluteJasmine Carvalho - FluteJessica Neville - FluteRachel Sczurek - FluteColette Dahl - Clarinet, PianoKevin Ellis - ClarinetAmanda Grace Kent - ClarinetLauren Porsch - ClarinetJoe Leno - BassoonKyle Brazauski - French Horn, Trumpet, PianoJoshua Neville - TrumpetDan Miller - TrumpetJames Wronski - TrumpetMatthew Kinkead - TromboneHarrison J. Caton - PercussionMatthew Porsch - Percussion _________________________________________________________________ Days Long Gone By Lois Anderson McBride, lifetime resident of Wallingford, CT I have a story I wish to record about long-ago times when I was a most happy youngster. I was born in an old house still standing on 34 Fair Street, Wallingford. I joined a family of Mom, Dad, Brother, David, and Sister Miriam. Our maternal grandparents lived upstairs. My mom and Dad moved into that house when they were married –Sept., 25th 1920. In the very pretty yard was a huge pear tree that played a very great role in our childhood. It was a huge tree with beautiful fragrant white blossoms every spring and very sweet small, brown pears every summer. We daily munched on the fruit as did hundreds of honey bees. The thing I truly admired about this tree was an enormous swing that my Dad hung. Sturdy, heavy rope that probably was 20 feet up and down with a 2” x 4” board fitted just right was our amazing swing. When I was just a tike, my Dad held us on and we swung high in the air. Soon we were going on by ourselves, “pumping up” higher and higher every day. Sometimes 2 or 3 friends would swing along with us at the same time. Before long we were “pumping up” so high, we thought we might be joining the angels on high! We had never been higher except in the summer when we vacationed in Washington, D.C. and went to the top of the Washington Monument! When I was 3, our Dad built us a beautiful playhouse that we ate and slept in (we could even stand up in it!) and the next thing we tried was to climb up on the roof of our playhouse and merrily swing off into the wild blue yonder! My sister and I became almost the most popular kids in the neighborhood - the swing and the playhouse - such an attraction! Then we all decided we could climb the crabapple tree and swing even higher. Oh what fun we had. To add to our love of that old tree, our Mom yearly made homemade root beer. After we had it all bottled, out it went under that pear tree on a flannel blanket for a few days to “work.” We could see bubbles forming and the prospect of the delicious taste became so tempting. Oh, sometimes we could hear a semi-explosion, and upon examination, we saw that too many bubbles had formed, and a bottle had exploded! Another tree delight was that big trunk was always our “home free” when we played games. Sometimes, we even hid in back of that vast trunk and felt sure on one could ever discover us there. Then we often played “spin the bottle,” (doubt if that is a game played today!) and we would disappear behind our faithful tree to experience that kiss. Another delight was playing marbles in the free dirt that accumulated under our swing. I actually became quite a “pro” at marble playing and I still have a huge mattress ticking bag that then carried my vast collection of now-rare marbles! Oh such a happy childhood! The story I wanted to tell mostly is that last week my husband and I discovered that wonderful old tree was lying forlornly on the ground having met the chopper man. I nearly cried, but was thankful when I saw that the tree was dreadfully rotted in the middle and had not come crashing down perhaps on our old home, which we had to sell when my mother became confined to a health care center! My husband knew what that tree had meant to me, and we went over to take a photo and measure its size. Almost unbelievable was his measurements - 2ft. and 11inches in diameter, and 9 feet in circumference!!! I feel it must have been well over 100 years old as it was huge when I was a kid and I am 75 years old. I once wrote a note to describe that huge tree to the Arboretum Society, but I had insufficient information to arouse their interest. I hope I have written a story that will interest some tree admirers. Certainly many of our childhood friends will remember that noble, old pear tree! The *Magic* of Faith and Divine Inspiration By Jennifer Jenkins The *Magic* of Faith and Divine Inspiration begins with that famous yet small “mustard seed,” that seed of ripple effect proportions that we create when we connect with our true Divine selves by letting go of our false selves and coming to the realization that there is no separation between ourselves and the Divine Universe. When we speak, think and act from the heart of our true essence by focusing on our Divine qualities – Life, Love, Peace, Joy, Wisdom, Intelligence, Beauty and Creativity, we become, in essence, co-creators of a truly *magical* world, a world of unlimited potential and wonder. With faith, there are no limits, except those we create with our thoughts. That is relevant to one very important spiritual law, the Law of Attraction. According to Einstein, “everything in the universe is composed of energy which cannot be destroyed; energy can only be transformed.” Utilizing modern day metaphysical philosophy, this “everything” includes the energy of one’s thoughts, good, neutral, or bad; it makes no difference. ALL thoughts consist of energy. What we focus upon, we attract. As we transform our thoughts from negative to positive, we elevate our consciousness to a higher spiritual level. By doing this, we create a positive outcome for ourselves and ultimately all of humanity, because of this inevitable and dynamic ripple effect of energy. Already, I see people’s consciousness evolving. Yes, there is still fear and worry in the world. However, it will subside, and eventually end, as more and more people learn there is no separation between themselves and the Divine Universe with all that it encompasses, and that it will be their faith in the Divine coupled with their highly evolved thoughts which will ultimately create a reality of positive unlimited potential. How *magic* is that? Some might say, only a child would think this way. Well, have you ever heard the expression, “He had the faith like that of a child”? Young children can teach us so much, if we would only listen and observe. It is young children who generally keep their hearts open to the wonder of *magic* and their minds to unlimited possibilities. After all, the reality of Disneyland and subsequent Disney creations began with the dreams of a small child named Walt Disney. During his early childhood years, Disney doodled endlessly and later transformed his visionary work into the Disney creations, including that of “Magic Kingdom,” which society has enjoyed for years. Disney kept his heart open; his thoughts elevated, and ultimately transformed not only himself into a creative genius but the World as well. He had faith in his dreams, but most importantly he had faith in the Divine and the power of prayer for inspiration and guidance. The life of Walt Disney is a true example of the *magical* power of faith and all the good it can create in one’s life and the lives of others. What will you create for yourself and others? What are you creating now in your life? You don’t have to be famous to leave an impressionable mark on this world. Just think of all the innovative technologies, health cures, humanitarian organizations, works of art and literature, as well as new jobs, new companies, and new economic, political and social systems that have yet to be Divinely inspired and, as a result, brought into “physical form” to prosper all. It starts with that small yet *magical* mustard seed. So, why not enter the portal of faith and Divine inspiration to plant your *magical* mustard seed. The portal is open year round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is always surrounded by the Angels of Light and Love. Blessings to all who enter it. To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ . We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper.

Walingford and Meriden Town News and Events January 2009

To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ . We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper. MAYOR’S CORNER MERIDEN As we say goodbye to the old year and ring in 2009, we can look back over many positive happenings and events in Meriden and look forward to exciting and challenging initiatives ahead. Some of the major highlights in our community include the tax freeze this past year that was the result of the mayor, council and city manager working together to approve a break even budget. One of the greatest ongoing accomplishments has been our neighborhood associations working in concert with our Meriden police department to ensure an effective community policing program. This partnership has resulted in a safer Meriden. The grand opening of Falcon Field has heralded a new era of athletics on one of the finest artificial turf surfaces in the New England area. The Falcon Field Building Committee and Friends of Falcon Field ensured a timely and successful completion of this ambitious project. The official opening of the Gorge Linear Trail has begun the ongoing, phased linear trails project that will last over a decade and result in a city wide linear trail system from west to east throughout Meriden. The Hubbard Park Playground Committee along with Noah's Ark of Hope, Inc. and both groups' many generous sponsors successfully conceived and implemented the spectacular new Adventure Hollow Playground at Hubbard Park. This is a wonderful addition that adds immensely to the children's enjoyment and also is accessible by handicapped children. The Republic of South Meriden (as it is affectionately called) celebrated their annual Christmas in the Village with large and enthusiastic crowds, caroling, horse rides, and holiday treats. Finally, the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department reached their milestone 100 years of service to the community. They continue to be a positive community force in South Meriden. To top it all off, this year, The Daffodil Festival set new records for attendance and fundraising for non profit organizations. On the economic front, some of the notable accomplishments include two new hotels - The Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express, who held their grand openings. Season's Credit Union opened in the first "Green Plaza" in Meriden. Our own local Castle Bank also had a grand opening in their new headquarters on Research Parkway. Meriden has been experiencing increased interest in economic activity due in part to our central location in Connecticut and our affordable housing market. The new Meriden Conservation and Land Use Plan envision unique economic development districts to expand Meriden's commercial tax base. Looking ahead to the coming year, I established the Meriden High Schools Committee to research the best approach to addressing the upgrades of the two high schools. This will be one of the largest construction projects in Meriden. Also, the Meriden downtown area will be getting increased attention as the Center City Initiative, flood control, and the intermodal transportation hub will see continued progress. We will also increase our efforts to control blight and increase the aesthetics throughout our community. 2009 will present some very difficult economic and fiscal challenges due to the state and national recession we are experiencing. But our community is well poised to meet these challenges and I am confident that we will continue the strong positive trend we have enjoyed over the past several years. Happy New Year to all our residents! Michael S. Rohde - Mayor of Meriden MAYOR’S CORNER WALLINGFORD Dear Friends: Being thankful! As one year ends and another begins, that is a very important emotion to feel. During the holiday season, I was out driving in rain and sleet. The cold temperature froze water on the windshield wiper resulting in only two 3 inch wide slits being cleared of water and ice. It was like driving a military vehicle in blackout conditions. Who invented the windshield wiper? A woman by the name of Mary Anderson is given credit. She travelled to New York City from Alabama in 1903. Her purpose was sightseeing and sketching the big city life. She was surprised at how cold New York weather was as compared to Alabama in the winter. Using the city streetcars, she noticed how the drivers had to constantly stop the streetcar, go out in the cold, then clear the windshield if ice and snow. Mary had an idea. She sketched a mechanism she thought would help the drivers in the cold weather. It was a spring-loaded arm with a rubber blade attached which could be moved back and forth from inside the cab by a hand lever. She patented the invention in 1904 and by 1913 it was standard equipment on vehicles. We can all be thankful for Mary Anderson and welcome the New Year by looking for ways to keep each other safe. Happy New Year, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER News and Events The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center! On Wednesday, January 14 at 10:30 AM meteorologist Art Horn, Connecticut’s weather expert, will present his latest weather show at the Senior Center in the first floor meeting room. “Weatherwise: Myths and Misconceptions of Weather” will explore the many sayings, folklore and myths of weather and climate. Sayings such as when the leaves of a tree turn over rain will fall soon, rubber shoes and rubber automobile tires protect people from lightning and sometimes it’s too cold to snow! Art will examine and demystify these and other sayings in this very entertaining and educational program. You may even learn if lightning can strike twice in the same place so be sure not to miss Art Horn’s latest show! The State of Connecticut has increased the income limits for the ConnPACE Program to $25,100 for a single person and $33,800 for a married couple effective January 1, 2009. ConnPACE helps seniors age 65 and over, and people on Social Security Disability, pay for the cost of their prescription drugs, insulin and insulin syringes. There is a $30 registration fee and co-pay of $16.25 for each prescription. For further information, please inquire in the Senior Center office or give us a call at 237-0066. Are your televisions ready for the digital conversion? Effective February 17, 2009 old TV sets using antennas or rabbit ears will not receive the new digital-only TV signals. If you have an older TV not connected to cable in your home and not equipped with a digital tuner you will need to get cable TV, purchase a digital to analog converter or buy a new digital television. If you already have cable TV no action is necessary. Coupons are available from the government for $40 off on the price of the converter, call 1-888-388-2009 to receive up to two coupons per household. For further information, visit http://www.dtvtransition.org/. AARP members affiliated with the national Tax-Aide Program will again be offering free income tax assistance at the Senior Center starting on Wednesday, February 4. Trained volunteers will prepare your federal and state tax returns for 2008. Appointments can be made by calling 237-0066 beginning Monday, January 5. MidState Medical Center will sponsor a program for seniors on The Loss of Balance: When Dizziness Becomes a Problem on Friday, January 23 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at the Horwitz Conference Center on Lewis Avenue. More than 50 percent of adults will suffer from dizziness or balance problems during their lifetime. Renowned medical expert Dr. Arvind Kumar will discuss the signs and symptoms of balance problems with a special focus on the tests used to diagnose a balance condition and the current treatments available. Free balance screenings will be offered following the program. Light refreshments will be served, to register call 694-8733. Special thanks to all of the local businesses who donated prizes for our holiday luncheon on December 23 including Barry’s Wine Shop, Pies Ons, Walgreen’s West Side, Valencia Liquor Store, Checkered Flag Auto, Brown Jug Liquor Store, Thompson’s Candy, Kaye’s Pharmacy, G.T. Tire Company, CVS Pharmacy East Side, Marianna’s Bakery, Northeast Utilities, Bob’s Wine Shop, Stop & Shop West Side, CVS Pharmacy West Side, Stop & Shop East Side, Walgreen’s East Side, Sans-Souci Restaurant, Fashion Plus, Sal’s Pizza, and Jacoby’s Restaurant. Thank you all for your generous support and for your concern for Meriden’s seniors! Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year from the members and staff of the Max E. Muravnick Senior Citizens’ Center! John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director SPORTS SHORTS Great news! There are a few spots open for young swimmers interested in competitive swimming. The Wallingford Family YMCA Dolphin Squad is for children ages 5-8 who can swim 1 length of the pool- 25 yards. They practice one time a week for an hour, and will get the chance to compete in 1 swim meet. Call 203 269 4497 x 30 for more information. Practice begins Jan. 9th Wallingford Senior Center News and Events Our monthly newsletter can be read in its entirety the first of each month on our website at http://www.wlfdseniorctr.com/ BRAIN POWER! How to Live a Brain Healthy Lifestyle Tuesday, January 27, 10:00 AM Join us for a fun and interactive presentation on strategies to make the most of your memory and train your brain to stay fit. “Brain Power” will be presented by Maria Tomasetti, Family Services Coordinator of the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter. Please sign up to attend. A CURE FOR STRESS & ANXIETY Wednesday, January 21, 10:00 AM Learn fast and lasting strategies to help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Elee Zammarieh, author, life coach and speaker, will show you how to use your body language and your thoughts to change your life! Be sure to sign up if you plan to attend this uplifting program. DR. LOPEZ TO SPEAK ON DIABETES on Wednesday, January 14, 1:00 PM Dr. Antonio Lopez, a diabetes specialist, will speak about this chronic disease. Emphasis will be on management and getting your diabetes under control. Dr. Lopez will offer blood sugar testing for those interested and will answer all your questions. A variety of informational handouts will be distributed. Please sign up if you plan to attend. BEAT THE WINTER BLUES PARTY Thursday, January 29, 1:00 PM It may be cold and dreary outside, but inside it will be snug and warm as you enjoy refreshments and listen to the “Great American Classics” as sung by Bob Mel. There is no fee for this program, compliments of HealthNet, but pre-registration is required by January 27. CELL PHONE TRAINING Thursday, January 15, 10:00 AM Here is another chance to learn all about cell phones. Representatives from the local AT&T Mobility Store will teach you the basics of using a cell phone (any make or model). Topics will include: making and receiving calls; voice mail; storing numbers in the address book; speed dial; and more. There will be hands-on demonstrations and one-on-one instructional support. Bring your own cell phone or use one of the practice phones. Come with your questions! Please sign up to attend. SOCIAL SERVICES: CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) 2008-2009 HEATING SEASON Appointments for all forms of heating continue to be scheduled at the Wallingford Senior Center. Anyone 60 years of age and over is encouraged to apply. Income limits for a single person is $29,272.36 and for a couple is $38,279.24. Asset limits also apply. Applicants MUST bring two (2) photocopies of the following to the appointment: 1. Most recent checking, savings, CD, Annuity, IRA, stocks or bonds statements or any other financial information. 2. Verification of Social Security benefits, Pension, dividend and/or interest income. 3. Four most recent pay stubs, if employed. 4. Rental Income: rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account 5. Most recent utility bill. 6. Electric bill. APPLICATIONS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY To schedule an appointment, please call 265 7753. HELP WITH SNOW REMOVAL Need assistance with snow removal? The YOUTH JOB BANK of Wallingford’s Youth and Social Service Department can help. They will find a student from Wallingford to shovel snow for a fee you negotiate directly with the student. Please call 294-2175 for more details. INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE In the event of inclement weather, we urge you to watch WVIT-Channel 30, WTNH-Channel 8, or WFSB-TV Channel 3 for information on the cancellation of activities at the Wallingford Senior Center. If the Center should remain open in questionable weather and you are unsure as to whether you should venture out, we urge you to consider your own safety and well being and remain at home. We will make every effort to reschedule to a later date any event or activity that may have to be postponed. CONNPACE ConnPACE is a state-funded prescription drug program. Each year the income limit guidelines are adjusted. In January 2009, the changes are as follows: $25,100 for a single person, $33,800 for a couple. Beneficiaries who have ConnPACE must select a Medicare Part D plan. ConnPACE will still allow beneficiaries to select the Medicare D plan of their choice. There are no asset limits. For an appointment or additional information, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker, at 265 7753. LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP January 16, 10:15 a.m. Tracy Andrews from Vision Dynamics will talk about some of the newest equipment for those with vision loss as well as how she copes with being legally blind and what devices and techniques she finds helpful. Join us! BENEFITS SCREENING Only a few individuals age 60 and older have called for Benefits QuickLINK, a private, free and confidential program which quickly screens your eligibility for these available state and federal programs: · Medicare: Savings, Prescription Drug coverage, & Rx Extra Help · State Prescription Drug Assistance Programs · Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) · State Property Tax Relief/Rebates · Supplemental Security Income (SSI) · Telephone Assistance (Link-up and Lifeline) Supporting Documents not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: l. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses note covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Pre-registration required. Call now 265 7753 to schedule an appointment. FREE HELP WITH YOUR TAX RETURN AARP Tax-Aide, a free program, provides income tax preparation assistance for low and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and older. To schedule an appointment at the Senior Center in February or March with a certified Tax-Aide counselor or to obtain information, call 265-7753. If married, both husband and wife should be present during an income tax counseling session. Taxpayers must bring all the documents that have been received that apply to their 2008 income taxes including: Copies of 2007 income tax forms Total amount of the non-taxable Economic Stimulus Payments received during 2008 Social Security or Individual Taxpayer ID numbers for all household members and personal identification A checkbook so that any refund due can be direct deposited All documents that relate to deductible expenses. All 2008 income report forms that have been received, including: ¨ SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit ¨ Statement and RRB-1099-R, US ¨ Railroad Retirement Board Forms ¨ All 1099 forms ¨ W-2 Wage and Tax Statement forms ¨ W-2G, Certain Gambling Winnings forms ¨ Original cost of assets sold during 2008. [AARP Tax-Aide is a program of the AARP Foundation, offered in conjunction with the IRS.] THINKING ABOUT . . . a donation or bequest? The Wallingford Senior Center (Wallingford Committee on Aging, Inc.) is recognized by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) and all donations are both greatly appreciated and fully tax deductible. To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ . We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper.

Walingford and Meriden Local News and Events January 2009

To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ . We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper. Local News and Events – January 2009 Canned Food Drive To Benefit The Meriden Soup Kitchen On Sunday, January 25, between the hours of 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the AOH Hall, located at 71 Melville Ave, in South Meriden, CT. The Meriden Soup Kitchen services between 200 and 250 residences daily. We strongly encourage everyone to stop by and donate a canned item. We can also make arrangements to come by your office or home to pick up any non perishable food items, at no cost. For additional information or to arrange p/u of canned food items please Contact Bob Williams at; 203 641-4622 Author Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom has been awarded Top Health Blogger by Wellsphere.com for her assistance in helping Fibromyalgia sufferers live healthier lives with Fibro And Fabulous.Author Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom has been awarded Top Health Blogger by Wellsphere.com as recognition for her assistance in helping people who suffer from Fibromyalgia. Her blog, entitled Fibro And Fabulous, was just recently launched last month in honor of National Invisible Illness Awareness Week . “I’m very honored that Wellsphere has given me this award. I made it a goal in my life to help others with my writing, and this recognition will make it possible to reach out to more people with an audience of millions of Wellsphere users.” said Kimberley. Wellsphere has built a high quality network of over 1400 leading health and healthy living bloggers. Kimberley is now one of their featured bloggers for their Fibromyalgia community.Dr. Geoff Rutledge, the Chief Medical Information Officer of Wellsphere.com has practiced Internal and Emergency Medicine for over 25 years at Harvard and Stanford medical schools. “Wellsphere is a fast growing, next generation online platform that is revolutionizing the way people find and share health and healthy living information and services. Our platform connects millions of users each month with the valuable insights and knowledge from health leaders and knowledgeable writers.”About the Author Kimberly Linstruth-Beckom started her writing career in 1982 at the age of nine when her first poem, “My Favorite Color Is Pink”, was published in a local Connecticut newspaper. She has received many awards for her achievements in poetry, including a nomination for Best Poet of the 90’s. She has also been recently named as on of Lulu’s top creators for her books on Fibromyalgia and is the founder of Writers With Chronic Disease. Please visit her website http://www.kimberleylinstruth-beckom.com/ for more information.About Wellsphere.comWellsphere has built the largest and highest quality network of over 1400 of the leading health and healthy living bloggers on the net. Please visit http://www.wellsphere.com/ for more information. ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2009 is the Year of Creativity in the Silver City! City of Meriden Photo Contest Sponsors: Junior Girl Scout Troop 66070 of Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden, CT to benefit the Meriden Humane Society and the Solomon Goffe House. This project will help earn the Junior Girl Scouts their Bronze Award. Entry Period: January 1, 2009 – March 14, 2009 Entry Fee: $20 per entry. If you are entering a Photo Series up to 6 photographs, each photo is one entry. How to enter: Colored Photograph must be taken in the City of Meriden and is open to anyone. Entry form along with Benefit Contest Rules can be mailed to you or emailed as a Word Doc. Attachment. Photographs must be 4X6. Any photo larger than 4X6 up to 8X10 must be mounted. Categories: City Buildings & Landmarks, Nature, People, Animals and Sports Who may enter: Both amateur and professional photographers are able to enter the Benefit Photo Contest. Judging will be divided into three divisions. Judging: Winners will be selected on or about March 27, 2009 and notified by email or regular mail on or about April 3, 2009. Junior Girl Scouts along with their Leaders will evaluate the photographs and judge each category separately. Round one will evaluate all entries, and then selected entries will proceed to Round 2 on the basis of creativity. Winners: All entries will be part of a traveling exhibit, including, but not limited to: Sandman Gallery, 39 West Main Street, Meriden, CT, Gallery 53 Colony Street, Meriden, CT. All winning entries will have their work marked with a winners seal and will be invited to a Photographer’s Reception - date to be determined. Contact: Junior Girl Scout Leader, Maryann Santos (203) 630-0046 or email msantos3@cox.net for entry form and rules. Thank you for your interest and support. ______________________________________________________________ HOLY JOE’S CAFÉ A CHAIN OF CAFES HAS SERVED OVER 75,000,000 CUPS OF COFFEE WITHOUT CHARGING A PENNY. BAD BUSINESS? NO – GREAT MINISTRY! HOLY JOE’S CAFÉ BEGAN NOT AS A BUSINESS BUT AS AN OUTREACH OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WALLINGFORD. THE CHURCH DECIDED TO COLLECT AND SHIP COFFEE TO MILITARY CHAPLAINS SERVING IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN SO THAT THEY COULD PROVIDE A SIMPLE COFFEE HOUSE MINISTRY TO TROOPS IN THOSE AREAS. IN MORE THAN TWO YEARS, THE PROJECT HAS GROWN TO WHERE IT SUPPORTS OVER 95 LOCATIONS. “IT HAS REALLY TAKEN OFF”, SAYS THOMAS JASTERMSKY, A DEACON AT THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN WALLINGFORD, WHO DEVELOPED THE INITIATIVE AND SET IT INTO MOTION TWO YEARS AGO. THROUGH THE COFFEE HOUSES, THE CHAPLAINS PROVIDE A QUIET PLACE TO TALK WITH FRIENDS, CONVERSE WITH CHAPLAINS OR WRITE A LETTER HOME. THE OUTREACH OF HOLY JOE’S CAFÉ EXTENDS TO COMBAT HOSPITALS, COFFEE HOUSES SET UP IN SPARE ROOMS. A THIRD SYSTEM IS TO GO OUT TO THE FOBs [ FORWARD OPERATING BASES], WHICH ARE SMALLER LOCATIONS OF 35 OR 40 PEOPLE. IT’S ABOUT HELPING INDIVIDUALS GET THROUGH A LOT OF TOUGH SITUATIONS. THE INTERNET, FOR ALL IT’S MODERN-DAY ADVANTAGES, IS NOT ALWAYS HELPFUL. IT FORGES AN UNPRECEDENTED LINK BETWEEN ACTIVE-DUTE TROOPS AND LOVED ONES FAR AWAY. BUT A CLICK OF A MOUSE IS JUST AS APT TO BRING NEWS OF HARDSHIPS AT HOME-ILLNESS, JOB LOSS, AND FINANCIAL SQUEEZE. “ CHAPLAINS ARE OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE, ESPECIALLY FOR OUR YOUNGER TROOPS, WHO ARE DEALING WITH A LOT INTERNALLY. INTERESTED IN MAKING A DONATION OF GROUND COFFEE OR A MONETARY DONATION? THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH’S OFFICE IS OPEN 9-5 PM, MONDAY – FRIDAY. THE ADDRESS IS 23 SOUTH MAIN ST, WALLINGFORD, CT 06492. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOLY JOE’S CAFÉ, PLEASE CALL CONTACT THOMAS JASTERMSKY AT 888/970-7994 OR E-MAIL holyjoescafe@aol.com. ____________________________________________________________________ The Travelers Choral Club The Travelers Choral Club performed a Holiday Concert on December 17th at the Bushnell with the Hockanum Valley Ringers and the Travelers Sprites (children’s choir). The requested concert admission was a food donation to go to local food pantries. The concert was very successful in terms of the gift of music and the donations that were collected at the door. I thought the attached message from a local retirement community was particularly moving. Dawn Curtain, the Social Director for Juniper Hill Village, was happy to have her message shared…. the idea of a good news “news” story was fitting of the season. For more information on our mission, upcoming concerts and past performances please go to http://travelerschoralclub.org/. Happy New Year! __________________________________________________________________________________ CT TITANS SOFTBALL TRYOUTS The CT Titans Girl's Travel Softball organization is continuing to grow and we have a few openings for the 2009 summer season. We are looking to add some players to our 12u and 18u teams. If you are in middle school or high school and wanting to play summer travel softball, please visit our website (http://www.titanssoftball.us/) or email us (mailto:info@titanssoftball.us?subject=2008%20CT%20Titans%20Tryouts) and make an appointment to come down any night or weekend to see our new indoor training facility and meet our coaches. Come be a part of our growing organization. We are a non-profit 501c3 group dedicated to the young athletes who play hard with their hearts and minds as well as their bodies. The objective of Connecticut Titans Softball is to prepare each young girl to compete at the highest level of the sport as well as in life. Our players play beyond their limits while learning the meaning of true competition. __________________________________________________________________ CHESHIRE GARDEN CLUB WINS NATIONAL AND STATE AWARDS Cheshire Garden Club members sharing the awards the Club received from The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, from left to right: Inge Venus, Margaret Boland, Dotty Trond, Jo Korten, Sharon Perry, Carla Burritt, Sue D'Agostino, Victoria Brady, Nettie Polito, Dorothy Edwards, Charlotte Bisson, Nancy Bauer, Rebecca Simpson, and Patricia Pfurr. CHESHIRE GARDEN CLUB WINS NATIONAL AND STATE AWARDS At the recent Awards Luncheon sponsored by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, the Cheshire Garden Club was presented with one National award and eight State awards, which included the following: *The Award of Honor, the highest award given to a Club, for having maintained a record of exceptional achievement over a period of five years. *An Award of Excellence, for the highest scoring 2007-2008 program yearbook, compiled and edited Inge Venus. *A first place State Award and a second place National Award for the Club's publicity press book, chaired by Inge Venus, who was in charge of writing and compiling newspaper accounts about the Club's activities and projects during the last year. *A third place for the Club's Newsletter written and compiled by Lucy Fazio. *A Certificate of Achievement for Civic Development, in recognition of the Club's memorial, butterfly and public gardens; maintaining the plants and exhibiting floral designs in the Public Library, planting a Stewartia tree at the Public Library and a Kousa Dogwood at the High School, awarding the Garden Beauty Spots of the Month from April through October, and conducting the annual Holiday Door Decorating Contest. *A Certificate of Achievement for Historic, Public and Memorial Gardens, in recognition of the care and maintenance of the Club's butterfly and memorial gardens. *A Certificate of Excellence in Environmental concerns for the Federation President's Project: "It's Easy Being Green", in recognition of the Club's Program "Greenward Hoe", co-chaired by Rebecca Simpson and Ophelia Frazier, monthly environmental quotations and reports by Susan D'Agostino, and the Club's emphasis on natural gardening via horticulture reports by Marvin Carley, as well as in members gardens' and in memorial and butterfly gardens the Club maintains. *A Certificate of Individual Achievement for Conservation Chair Susan D'Agostino for her monthly reports on environmental issues of concern. The Cheshire Garden Club is a charter member of the The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc. and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Members of the Cheshire Garden Clubs are Inge Venus, who serves on the State Board as Parliamentarian and Nominating Chair; also Charlotte Bisson, Brenda Connor and Patricia Pfurr, who serve as Flower Show judges. Please run in your Peoples Press. Thank you, Sue D'Agostino, Publicity, Cheshire Garden Club, 631-9340. __________________________________________________________________ FESTIVE DRINKS FOR EVERYONE With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to entertain. Are you looking for a special drink that everyone can enjoy? The Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council has their annual MOCKTAILS booklet ready with all new recipes to add to your holiday parties. All of the recipes for drinks and snacks are alcohol free and have been contributed by local friends and colleagues of the Council. For a free copy of the booklet you can call 203-294-3591 or email mawsac@aol.com. The recipes are on the MAWSAC website at http://www.mawsac.org/. The Council reminds our friends that if you drink this holiday season, drink responsibly and make this a healthy and safe time for everyone._____________________________________________________________________________ Meriden Raiders We are proud to announce that our Meriden Raiders 13 & Under Cheer Squad brought home a National Championship after earning first place in their division at the AYF/AYC 2008 NATIONAL Cheerleading Competition. The girls, under the direction of Head Coach Sharon Cruz and Assistants Bethany Karantonis and Lynne Johnson, did a SPECTACULAR job at Nationals and represented our City well. Go Raiders!!!!!!! Mayra Dawkins & MJFL 2008 Board Members ________________________________________________________________ SOUTHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1984 25TH REUNION 11/28/2009 AQUA TURF (Please contact Gina Ferracci-Pellegrino') please contact ginapellegrino@sbcglobal.net with your current address or email it. _______________________________________________________________________________ Grant Matching for Non-Profits Looking to double your donations The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is doing its 3rd annual matching gifts program for nonprofits that provide basic needs services (food, shelter, clothes and utility assistance). We increased the amount available from $75,000 to $225,000 this year because of the tough times. Donations are matched dollar for dollar to participating nonprofits (up to just over $8,000 per agency) Nonprofits applied to be accepted into the program – Master’s Manna of Wallingford was accepted for the second year in a row as well as 24 others that serve Greater New Haven. Details are on our web site at http://www.cfgnh.org/. OPEN FORUM Ask The Nutritionist Wednesday ~ January 14, 2009 at Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes LLC 7:00pm ~ 9:00pm 187 North Main Street Wallingford (directly across from the library) For more information please call (203) 269-2TLC or visit http://www.tlclisazola.com/ BOOK CLUB 7:00pm-8:30pm ~ Last Monday of every month The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham By Esther and Jerry Hicks Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes LLC in Wallingford is pleased to announce a Book Club beginning in January. Space is limited so call (203) 269-2TLC to reserve your seat or visit http://www.tlclisazola.com/ for more information. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Disco Ducks Glow Bowling with Temple B’nai Abraham Join us for an evening of fun on Saturday January 10th at the Disco Ducks Glow Bowling Party sponsored Temple B’nai Abraham’s Auxiliary Club. (Snow date is January 28th) The party is for adults only and will be at Highland Bowl at 1211 Highland Ave. (Rt.10) in Cheshire. The cost is $10.00 per person which includes: an unlimited number of games from 7 to 9 p.m. and dessert. Coffee and dessert will follow. Please RSVP by calling 235-2581 by Monday January 5th. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Family Bowling with Temple B’nai Abraham Join us for an afternoon of family fun on Sunday, February 1st at 1:00 p.m. at Colony Lanes in Wallingford. The cost is $11.00 per person which includes: 2 slices of cheese pizza, soda, shoe rental, and 2 hours of bowling. Please call 235-2581 to RSVP. Snow date is February 8th. Adult Education Classes At Temple B’nai Abraham Have you always wanted to learn more about the Jewish prayer service? Why is it structured the way it is? What do the prayers mean? What is the history of the prayers? Please join us at Temple B’nai Abraham in Meriden as Rabbi Michael G. Kohn teaches a new adult education series on The Jewish Prayer Service on alternate Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., beginning December 3rd. Hebrew fluency is not required. Rabbi Kohn will also teach a Service Leadership class for those who would like to learn to lead the Torah service. Please join our adult Bar/Bar Mitzvah students on alternate Wednesday evenings beginning December 10th at 7:30 p.m. This class will cover Torah and haftorah trope, leading the Torah service, and how to give a D’var Torah. For those interested in learning about the weekly Torah portion, join us for a lunch and learn session on Thursdays at noon beginning December 4th to review the weekly Torah portion in English and discuss how it may relate to our lives today. Please bring a dairy lunch. A one hour special lecture and discussion on the Jewish View on Organ Donation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday December 14th. For more information and to register for these programs, please call (203) 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. Services are egalitarian, and feature congregational singing. All are welcome. _____________________________________________________________________ Emilio’s Italian Restaurant Agrees to Honor Gift Cards from Previous Ownership Following its review and discussions with Ales Cirikovic and Danela Gjetani, the new owners of Emilio’s Italian Ristorante, located at 181 Main Street, Southington, the Department of Consumer Protection has today entered into a written agreement with Cirikovic and Gjetani whereby consumer gift cards that had been issued by the prior owner, Emilio Gutic, will be honored. “We were notified of this situation and subsequently reached out to the new restaurant owners, who have agreed to honor customers’ gift cards that were issued prior to taking over the restaurant last spring,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said. “This is a positive development for those customers who bought or received these cards prior to the former owner’s sale of the business, and I thank Cirikovic and Gjetani for entering into this written agreement and bringing a quick resolution to the problem.” MICRO ENTERPRISE RESOURCE GROUP (MERG) meets Jan 6, 3pm in Meriden, CT.MERG was originally established by CEDF and other local partners in the fall of 2004, in response to a need for advocacy on behalf of micro business owners throughout the state of Connecticut. What is micro enterprise? o A locally owned business o A business with fewer than 10 employees o A business capitalized with less than $50K MERG leadership is comprised of micro entrepreneurs and is proud to be the combined voice of micro enterprise in Connecticut. In carrying out its mission to advocate for and promote the interests of micro enterprises the organization achieved many of its goals in 2008, including the participation in various tradeshows, including two Connecticut Small and Minority Business Showcases, the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, the Hartford Business Expo and our own three-day exhibit on the concourse at the Legislature Office Building.If you would like the opportunity to unite with other entrepreneurs and business owners, helping to make a difference in the business economy in Connecticut, please visit www.mergct.org to find out more information. For more information, contact: Shirley Bloethe, Head of Advertising 860.989.0033 orMERGMicro Enterprise Resource Group965 East Main StreetMeriden, CT 06450Phone: (203) 235-2333E-Mail: info@mergct.orgWebsite: www.mergct.org To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ . We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper. _