The People's Press December 2011

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December A 2011 • Vol. 12, Issue 143

The ONLY Local Paper that’s Positive-ly Yours!

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The Hosers just decorated for the holidays! I have never seen a gumdrop roof before!

It's Sheyenne Sgambati on her Senior Night at Maloney! She is being looked at by several colleges for volleyball! We are all so excited. Love, The Fam!

7 52 E a s t M a i n S t r e e t i n M e r i d e n (203) 440-1880

Page 2 December A 2011

Page 3 December A 2011

The Christmas Spirit

By Dorothy Gonick Long ago and far away in a small village, the local priest Father Nicholas, sat watching the last rays of sunlight fade and then saw the first star glitter in the darkened sky. This star reminded him of that glorious star that shone many years before as it hovered over the stable where the Christ child was born.

How he wished he could have been there to welcome and worship Jesus, he began wondering what gift he would have chosen for that honor?

The time for celebrating the Christ mass was approaching and a longing formed in his heart to give a special gift to Jesus for His coming birthday. As he mulled over this question, he recalled the scripture verse stating that 'Whatsoever ye do to the least of these, ye do unto Me.'. There were many 'least persons' in his flock who were struggling with life's problems; who would he choose? In the days following, a decision was made to toss gold coins into the home of a certain poor family who couldn't afford the dowry for the daughters who wished to marry.

Venturing out into that silent Christmas Eve while the villagers slept soundly, he gave a skillful toss to the coins and watched as they dropped into the yawning chimney. With a happy heart, Father Nicholas returned to his hearth silently singing a thankful greeting to Jesus, asking for His blessing to be on all his parishioners.

Unbeknownst to Father Nicholas, the gold coins fell into one of the maiden's stockings that had been hung by the hearth to dry. Her surprise was great as she showed the treasure to her family. They made haste to attend the Christmas mass and give thanks for this Christmas miracle that morning. The wonderful news spread throughout the village and was often spoken about through the year. Each Christmas Eve, Father Nicholas chose wisely the Christ Child gift, and soon the parishioners began surmising that he was the secretive giver. The little children loved his cheery smile and friendly greeting whenever they met him. Some were audacious enough to call him Father Christmas - a name that children in far parts of the world still call him.

As the years passed, his long beard and hair became snowy white and he became plumper in shape. When Father Nicholas left the little village to become the Bishop of Myra, the children became dismayed once again, believing there would be no more Christ-Child gifts on Christmas Eve. The parents were unhappy to see how downcast the children were and told them not to give up faith, all the while quietly anticipating the miracle they knew awaited. That next Christmas morn there was much excitement and rejoicing as the surprised children found gifts tucked in their shoe or stocking and they joyfully thanked the spirit of Father Nicholas. And so it went, year after year with the custom spreading throughout the countryside. When the time came for the beloved Bishop's spirit to leave his body, there was much sorrow, as he was loved throughout the country. Again the children were downcast, without hope of Christmas surprises. Yet, miracle of miracles, they awoke to find treasures awaiting on Christmas morn: The Spirit of Christmas lived! Ever since that day, children over the world look forward eagerly to the visit of Saint Nicholas each Christmas Eve. P.S. Try saying 'Saint Nicholas' 3 times as fast as you can-whose name do you hear? And now you know his nickname-Santa Claus! Merry Christmas!

Dorothy Gonick

DON'T FORGET SO SEND A FREE HOLIDAY GREETING! Email your Photo/Message to andy@peoplespressnews.com It's FREE to share and send a smile someone's way in The People's Press. The deadline for Holiday Greetings is December 21st.

A Christmas Tree Adventure

by George A. The day was blustery cold, but I didn't care…my dad and I were on our way to cut down that perfect Christmas tree.

Frosty snowflakes clung to my snowsuit as we trudged along. Hey, it was December, and we were facing Old Man Winter's frigid welcome.

Dad had to help me out several times with my clumsy efforts to overcome the grueling escapade. He would take my hand, and with a grin as big as a mountain, ease me up over some huge snow bank. The going was rough, but I was determined to show dad that I was a big kid now…I was seven years old and tough. I wasn't going to let a little bit of cold and snow get in my way.

The wintry wind was being nasty as could be. Dad had to hug me up close a couple of times to shelter me from the wind gusts that would spring up, without warning, as we trampled through the snow. I was happy when he decided we should take a break. We paused beneath a huge pine tree that must have been a thousand feet tall. Dad slowly took out a thermos bottle that he had hidden inside his coat, and gently twisted off the lid. "Wow…hot chocolate" He handed me the little cup that comes with the thing. I breathed in the steam that drifted up into the chilled air. Then, with a big smile, I sipped the hot contents. After dad had finished his cup, we were back to our adventure.

Then suddenly, right in the middle of a clearing, there appeared a magnificent evergreen tree. It stood there proudly, and oblivious to these two determined tree hunters.

"That's it, dad." Dad nodded his head, and then without hesitating, walked right up to that noble-looking pine tree.

With dad's first swing of the axe against the trunk of that awesome standing timber, a starling flitted out from its snowy roost. Clumps of fluffy snow fell from the outstretched boughs as dad continued to chop away with the axe. In no time dad had that tree down. With the rope I had been carrying, we tied up the branches snugly so as to make it easy to drag back home.

We whistled and sang as we each tugged on the ends of the rope holding our bounty. In no time at all, we were back home. Mom and my sisters came out onto the front porch to welcome dad and me home from our tree hunt. After untying the tree, dad stood it up for all to see how it would look. Everybody clapped and said what a great Christmas tree it would be. I was really proud that I had been dad's little helper that day.

The Christmas Carol That Baffled Me There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge that won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

This week, I found out: From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maid's a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lord's a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

New Years at the Meriden Turner Society The Meriden Turner Society will celebrate New Year’s Eve on Saturday, December 31st at the Turner Halle, 800 Old Colony Road, Rte. 71, Meriden. The festivities will begin at 7 PM with a catered buffet dinner and the music of Tech Haus five-minus 4 and Gemini 2. Included also are party favors, sparkling wine, coffee and sandwiches after midnight at $25 per person. Reservations are made by calling Leo at 203-440-0028 by Wednesday, December 28th.

We Bake Your Holiday Special!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all your friends at ADVANCED ORDERS STRONGLY SUGGESTED

Marianna’s Belltop Bakery 212 West Main Street in Meriden 203-238-0159

Open till 4pm Christmas Eve!

Page 4 December A 2011

Meriden Health Department - Keeping You Healthy in December Did you get your flu shot yet?

The Meriden Health Department offers seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine to Meriden residents. Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months. Any persons allergic to eggs or any part of the flu vaccine are not eligible for the vaccination. Getting the flu vaccine is the best protection against getting sick from the flu!

The cost of the vaccine is $25.00 (cash only please). Medicare and Connecticare Medicare HMO are the only insurances accepted at this time. The vaccine will be given at the Health Department, 165 Miller Street, Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm. No appointment is necessary. Please call the Meriden Health Department Clinic office at (203) 630-4234 with any questions.

Please call our Clinic office at (203) 630-4234 for more information on the services listed above. The Meriden Health Department is located at 165 Miller Street, and is open Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.

Getting someone a bike for the holidays? Don't forget the helmet!

The Meriden Health Department wants everyone to be safe - we are selling Bell brand bicycle helmets for $7.50 each.

Both adult and child sizes are available, and there are many different styles and colors to choose from. The helmets are available for purchase Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Please call the Clinic office at 203-630-4234 if you have any questions. Be safe - always wear a helmet when riding a bike, no matter where you are or how short the ride!

Workplace Wellness Offerings The Meriden Health Department offers the following low/no cost services to any Meriden business or organization that either currently has or is thinking of starting a workplace wellness program: Know Your Numbers Health Screening - a great first event for any workplace wellness program! Our public health nurses can come to your place of business and screen height, weight, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol and blood glucose levels. The cost of the screening is $10.00 per person. Informational handouts are given to all participants.

Let up fill up your empty bulletin board! We are offering free monthly bulletin board packages with workplace wellness themes such as "Rethink Your Drink", "Stress Management", and "Walking for Health". Each package comes with handouts for employees and all the supplies you need for your board. Transforming empty bulletin boards is cost-effective environmental change for any workplace.

Start-up support and "lunch time learning" programs - we can come to your workplace wellness committee meetings and offer health education programs for your employees.

If you would like to learn more about how the Meriden Health Department can help you develop/support your workplace wellness program, or if you are interested in scheduling any of the above activities, please call Lea Crown, Community Health Educator, at (203) 630-4238.

Updated Power Cost Adjustment Will Result in Lower Winter Bills for WED Customers

From the Wallingford Electric Division ("WED") At a special meeting on November 3, the Wallingford Public Utilities Commissioners ("PUC'') approved the updated Power Cost Adjustment Factor ("PCA'') that will apply for the period of November 2011 through April 2012. The PCA is the charge per kWh that the WED applies to all customers' bills to reflect changes in the WED's cost for wholesale power

Wallingford Linear Trail Promotes Brick Campaign The Quinnipiac River Linear Trail Advisory Committee of Wallingford Corp., a registered 501c3 non-profit organization, has initiated its engraved brick program, “Own a Piece of the Trail”. There is now an opportunity to support the Trail by purchasing an engraved brick. The bricks are being placed at the walkway to its Labyrinth. The bricks can be used as a remembrance, to mark a special life event, or make a great Holiday gift. For more information call Cathy Granucci 203 265-9452.

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Email andy@peoplespressnews.com or celebrations@peoplespressnews.com with your photo and message! Don’t forget the deadline for our Holiday Magic Issue is December 15th!

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Mayor's Corner - Wallingford Dear Friends: Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everyone! If I were to say that this time of year has a certain "Je Ne Sais Quoi" quality, some might be uncertain of what I mean, though we all have heard that phrase used. Some may think it means, it being French, a certain pleasing but formal sophisticated quality.

Actually, I think most people find December to have a fairly informal, friendly, welcoming quality. The cold crisp air helps to encourage an alert expectation of excitement and good feelings. The exuberance of children as they see decorations and holiday lights warms every heart and reminds us that thrills and wonder are good feelings to express.

December holy days bestow the blessings of faith, prayer and renewal that the teachings and creeds of so many religions celebrate.

Music fills the air, delicious food is served, families and friends gather together in a time of smiles and camaraderie.

"Je Ne Sais Quoi" means "I know not what". I think we do know what makes December so special. It is a month during which we undoubtedly spend more time thinking about how we can please the people around us, if only for a moment, than any other time of the year.

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS Come Celebrate The Holidays with Us At The Tomie dePaola Meriden Children's Library.

Wednesday- December 28 at 10:30 am.Join us for a morning of fun as Jonathan performs his award winning dove and rabbit illusions along with many other tricks.

Thursday- December 29th at 10:30 am.- Movie Family Fun Bring a blanket, sleeping bag and a clear. Stretch out and enjoy a movie our suround sound theater. FREE popcorn will be available. FREE tickets will be available beginning December 5th. For more information call us 203 6306347.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Make a difference and have fun!

Senior Buddy Readers, an award-winning intergenerational literacy/ mentoring program for 1st and 2nd graders in the Meriden's elementary schools is seeking volunteers for one-two hours a week during the 2011-2012 school year at Nathan Hale, Thomas Hooker, Hanover and Ben Franklin schools For more information call Cathy at 203-599-8085 or 203-808-1672 Senior Buddy Readers is sponsored by Meriden Children First Initiative www.meridenchildrenfirst.org Never give in... never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.

Never yield to force... never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. ~Winston Churchill

Page 5 December A 2011

BOBBIES BEVY OF BEAUTIES

Wallingford Eagle Toastmasters

This is my second and last article for the year 2011. Actually, the first never got to be published. It was written in June, but due to unexpected circumstances, my article, as well as everyone else's, were unable to be published.

However, everything has been squared away.

In November of 2010, I went into my usual hibernation. I had mentioned that I was having some medical problems.

Kneed, back and arthritis, but was very surprised when I had to return to the 'real world', because of my left hip. The pain became unbearable and unfortunately, I had an almost six week waiting period, until I went into surgery at MidState Medical Center. March 16th was the big day. After having a complete hip replacement, which was a success, I was sent to Southington Care for therapy. Finally, I returned home in April. Then I had to have home therapy for a whole month and after that outside therapy for another whole month. I could not put full pressure on that leg for at least eight weeks and wait for a while, until I could climb stairs.

Being an active person normally, it drove me crazy sitting in a chair, just looking out the window watching the weeds growing taller than my flowers. So, I hired my great lawn man, Carl and his two adult sons to weed and clean out my flower bed. They did an excellent job. Even my walks with LitlBit, normally four times per day had to be reduced to a few times per week. However, by May, I was able to start his somewhat normal daily routine. Poor thing, because of the fewer walks, LitlBit gained a pound or two. When I was in rehab, he came to visit now and then and became quite popular with the staff and patients.

In that month, I was once again able to start my favorite pastime. The trees, shrubs and flowers had an excellent blooming this year. Because of the longer warm weather, the annuals remained in bloom much longer than usual.

Then that surprise snow storm had to mess things up. Our Lilacs were hit pretty hard. Some had to be trimmed and others cut down completely. Considering the many problems some people had, ours weren't as severe. I am sure everyone hopes something like that will never ever happen again.

November was too nice to begin my hibernation. Now we're in December and I'm under the park bench in the yard once again, sharing my living quarters with those crawling little creatures. After a while, they become a usual part of your life. I almost forgot to mention my love for Turkey Hill Coffee ice cream, tomato sandwiches and watching the UConn girls play. Some people had a bad year with their tomatoes, but Jimmy did pretty well, even though they were a little smaller this year.

Emmy "Meo", a senior and Abby a sophomore, at Platt High School are both hold a straight "A" record for the whole year so far. IzzyBella, a 3rd grader at Ben Franklin Elementary is also an excellent student. All three of my granddaughters received many academic awards. I am so very proud of them all.

In February, my brother, Walt, passed away unexpectedly and I miss and love him very much. B and J Also, a newly found and very dear friend, Jane, is no longer with us. Her long haired dachshund, Ruby, and our long haired dachshund, LitlBit, became friends. Jane was a super person and her Ruby is a very sweet and beautiful dog.

I will say good-bye for now. Hope nothing will end my hibernation, until Jimmy and LitlBit ent it because of the return of the warm weather in the new year of 2012.

Flowercerely Yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien P.S. Special thanks to our families, relatives, neighbors and friends, before, during and after my medical episode. We love you ALL! B & J

W e meet on the First and Third Mondays of each month from 7:15 - 8:45pm at the Wallingford Park and Rec at 6 Fairfield Boulevard Toastmasters International is the World's Largest Non-Profit Educational Organization, members work to develop improved communication and leadership skills More Information: Visit www.eagletoastmasters.com or contact Ian Brooks (203-284-2022) or ianbrooks@sbcglobal.net.

GUESTS ARE WELCOME!

Christmas: Is It Only One Day? Does it seem as though there are not as many decorations outside of homes this year for Christmas? Did it seem that way for Halloween as well? It seems that way to me. Is it the economy? I don't know, but I have a friend who repeatedly says to me, "It's only one day." She is talking about Christmas specifically being only one day and why do we do all that we do for only one day. She calls it stupid, in fact. Why go crazy buying gifts and getting all stressed out for this one day, and then it's over? She tells me she would rather get a card in the mail than a gift. She thinks I am kind of crazy for going to eight different places (yes, eight) to find a real live tree to set up, but I finally found a tree this afternoon (December 11th) at Sam's on Route 5 in Wallingford, and after a significant struggle with lights and ornaments, it is fully decorated and looks fabulous. My tree last year I determined was named Nathaniel. You might remember the story from last year, "My Christmas Tree, Nathaniel" (December Holiday Magic issue, page 3, http://www.peoplespressnews.com/peoplespress/newspaper/article.cfm?img=page3.gif&issue=213).

This year I clearly heard the name Jonathan, so Jonathan he is. He's a beautiful Fraser fir, and the aroma he sends forth is amazing, possibly the strongest I have ever smelled that emanated from a tree before this. It's heavenly. Even drifts out into the outside hall and staircase.

So is it just one day? No, I don't think so. Here is where my friend and I differ. I think the Christmas season goes beyond a day. I have been preparing since before Thanksgiving. All of my sister's gifts were wrapped weeks ago (she lives in Tucson, Arizona), and are ready to be shipped at any time. Other friends' gifts are already wrapped and now under Jonathan, including my friend's gifts who believes Christmas is just one day. I believe Christmas is not just one day where we all rush out and buy gifts for people in preparation thereof.

I passed Walmart today in Wallingford, and the HUGE parking lot was FILLED. I could hardly believe my eyes! I was happy to be passing the parking lot, actually, and not going into that store. Ooops. Tells me a little bit about the economy though: Go shopping where it does not cost as much. But you won't find me there, and I barely get by on my self-employment income. I would rather go to Goodwill if need be.

Christmas is just not one day, I don't think. It encompasses a whole season. We light advent candles for the season, not just one day. We look forward to December 25th, the day of Christ's birth. And then the season extends beyond that to the Epiphany and the wise men and their coming to the stable of His birth.

Every year I tape Christmas cards to the inside of my apartment door, which is where Jonathan is located; my "front room," I call it. My Steinway console piano is there, along with several rocking chairs, including one from when I was very young. I have photos of me sitting in that chair posing for Christmas card photos my parents took. My twin sister had a different rocking chair, which I don't have, but we were sitting in front of a fireplace, each to one side of it. When you opened the Christmas card, there was another photo of us both out of our chairs and looking up the chimney. "Will Santa make it down the chimney?"

Anyway, late last December, when I normally take down all the Christmas cards from the door, I said to myself, "No, I am leaving them up." And since then, all of those cards have remained on the door. I wanted to try to retain a part of the Christmas spirit for another 12 months. And now I have begun getting cards for this Christmas, so I am taping them to the outside of my apartment door. (I live on a second floor, so this is a hallway door. Not like it's outside or something.)

Is Christmas only one day? I hope not sincerely. As songwriters have said, and many other people throughout the years, "I wish it could be Christmas every day of the year." Is that wishing too much? Possibly. But I will keep wishing that every day could indeed be Christmas and everyone would keep that joyous feeling in their hearts all yearlong.

I wish everyone a very blessed Christmas season! Let us all be merry despite whatever problems we have, and I do not need to make a list. We know it already. We are truly blessed in this United States of America no matter how difficult times seem to be. We have it the best here, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I send blessings to our troops who are overseas, and I hope you can have as good a Christmas as possible away from your home and family and friends. We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts, truly! God bless you, troops, and all the readers of The People's Press, and to the publisher, Andy Reynolds, and his family as well. Merry Christmas!!!

Barbara Sherburne barndt49@yahoo.com

There are people who have an appetite for grief; pleasure is not strong enough and they crave pain.

They have mithridatic stomachs which must be fed on poisoned bread, natures so doomed that no prosperity can sooth their ragged and disheveled desolation. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

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“Come visit and enjoy one of our finely prepared meals in the comfort of our new dining and lounge areas”

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Page 6 December A 2011

MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER News and Events!

You're invited to the Red Hat Production of "A Christmas Carol" on Monday, December 19 at 1:00 PM in Willene's Place. Directed by Liz Fast, the classic Dickens story about Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit is always a favorite for the Holiday Season so be sure not to miss this free production right here at the Senior Center!

The next AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center will be on Wednesday, January 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The one day course fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members and completion of the classroom refresher training course entitles you to a discount on your automobile insurance premiums. People can sign-up in the front office or by calling us at 203.237.0066. The program will be limited to the first 30 people who register so sign-up today!

Special thanks to the Meriden Kiwanis Club who generously donated 100 free tickets to us for this year's Kiwanis Kapers Show at Maloney High School on November 11 & 12. We distributed the tickets to Senior Center members and, on their behalf, I would like to thank the Meriden Kiwanis Club for this outstanding donation - we appreciate your support!

I want to acknowledge the great job done by our Senior Center staff in running the Emergency Shelter here during Storm Alfred. We were open 24 hours a day for a week, providing shelter each night for 15 to 30 people without power in their homes. I am very proud of the excellent job the staff did to make people feel welcome, safe and comfortable during a very difficult time for everyone in the City of Meriden. If it happens again, and we certainly hope it's not soon, please remember to call the Senior Center at 203.237.0066 or the Emergency Operations Center at 203.634.4600 for information about warming centers and emergency shelters serving Meriden residents.

Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year!

Sincerely, John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director

$ CASH PAID FOR $ Toyotas, Hondas, Nissan, Suzukis, Subarus, Geo - Any Condition. Running or not crashed and burned. Other makes and models. Motorcycles, ATVs and more.

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Word Find

The Imperfect Storm

By Ernie Larsen I'm not sure if it was just me - did you notice that the buildup by the media for Winter Storm Albert was not as panicked or intense as it was for the Hurricane Irene in August? I remember the Friday night weather person saying the possibility of so and so inches in this area and about so many inches inland - but not with the usual doom and dread that these folks use to get the general public to get out and buy bread and milk and just jam up the grocery stores. And not a constant presence broadcasting constantly; boy, they really dropped the ball on this one, eh?

I was a Boy Scout and always remember one of my Scoutmasters drilling the notion of 'Being Prepared' into our heads at every meeting - this was during the Cold War, 'duck and cover' and all that. When we went on a weekend hike my knapsack was maybe 5/8 pounds heavier than my fellow scouts, being prepared was not taken lightly by me; I really took it to heart and someone mentioned to me years ago I should change my name to Ernie, BP, Larsen. The BP having nothing to do with oil or cats!

I'm writing this piece just two weeks or so after the Saturday - 29 October freak snowstorm. I just heard a newscast that in Connecticut there are still folks who have just been reconnected to electric power; then to add insult to injury the winds of Friday, past, 11/11, were strong enough to knock out power to those who were just hooked back up, man what a drag; however I was lead to believe due to the proliferation of power company crews in the area this little hiccup would be just that. It's just the timing - I know I'd be blowing a fuse, as it were.

On Saturday the 29th I had a few errands, actually had to get some milk, I used the last pint for brekky. Then over to STAPLES; needed ink for the printer and had a coupon that was expiring that day - if you know what printer ink sells for, and if you're like me you'll take any discount you can get. Met up with one of my Daffodil Festival committee members in the parking lot and talked quite a while about this, that and the other. As we were talking it started snowing - we both mentioned something about the snow but not with the worry or concern, I did say there was not too much said about it on the TV weather and just passed it off as an early introduction to winter. The fellow who plows my drive called a couple of days before and he was on board for another year; OK for me. saw my neighbor the day before and he said his snow blower was ready to go; his drive is about a fifth the length of mine. Just going on with a routine weekend.

Back at STAPLES the snow was getting a bit more intense and my DF buddy and I went on our separate ways.

When I got home and settled in, I noticed the snow was piling p on the tree branches and went out to check this out - it also was adhering to the electric/cable/phone lines coming into the house - although after several gusts of wind they were cleared. But this was not just regular old snow, it was heavy, wet, almost cement like in its consistency.

Sticking to branches, never a good thing; well it did produce some interesting photographs; however after watching the latest forecasts, I knew we were in for trouble. The talking hairdo's were in more of a panic/worried mode when I switched on the TV - calling for precipitation in feet, great. This was a precursor to power outages at least - around 3 PM someone called, one of the children and said they had lost power - then others checked in, relatives, and friends.

And we kept up a commo system so we could account for each other. Fortunately, and by design, one of our phones does not rely on electricity, it's an old ATT wall phone (when phones were phones) - so we had phone service and also hot water and our gas stove for cooking. We also have a gas fireplace (fake logs) that just takes the edge off the cold in the house - does not throw much heat but it is just enough. Maybe it's just psychological; Gramma thinks it is - hey I have to have some fantasies. And also, we have a portable all-band battery operated radio almost as essential as flashlights and candles of which we had plenty. As for flashlights - no worries - we own 6 or more along with book lights for reading. And from my days in the photography racket - I always keep plenty of batteries for all the various units.

So, it snowed and it snowed and it snowed - limbs were coming down all over town and throughout the State and interrupting electric power- yet we still had ours. I was sitting by the gas fireplace reading and decided to watch the weather at 11 PM - got to the TV room, settled in - POOF! Out goes our power. I went around and turned off all the lights etc. that were on, unplugged the computer and TV so they would not suffer any power surge when it was restored. By this time of night it was time for bed, anyway. Ahh! A long winters' sleep.

The next day with almost as 100% of the State without power we did a 'welfare' check with friends and family to make sure everyone had everything they needed. The messages we received; 'so far so good' but this was only the second day of no power. Our son, his wife and daughter opted to rent a room at the Sheraton Hotel on the East side of Meriden; they had guaranteed emergency power. With their 20 month old they wanted assurances she would not have to sleep in a cold environment. They invited us to dinner and the hotel restaurant, with its unusually large occupancy, had a long wait; so we called Lido's, a popular family place just adjacent and they were offering almost immediate seating. Well, gotta tell you, I think our group was the last that got right in - the place was jam-packed. We saw quite a few people we knew and after a bit of socializing sat down. We could see the kitchen area from our table and the crew in there was "hustling" to say the least; as you may imagine the wait was somewhat longer than nor for food to be delivered and every time the waitress walked by she was apologetic for this. My retort "we've no power anyway - take your time". And I think most of those dining realized this everyone seemed very patient. When the food arrived, it was lovely; tasty, hot and well presented - you'd never know how busy the kitchen was - they handled a tough situation admirably. One of the biggest troopers was our granddaughter who sat for 3 plus hours with only a couple of 'squiggles' that really went unnoticed. We parted ways, us to a dark house and the kids' to their hotel room. It was an early night because the next day was Halloween! I heard some folks and there was talk on the radio if they were going to cancel Halloween. I reckon "they" would be some municipal authority - I think I remember the Governor mention if children did go Trick or Treating they should go with an adult due to the situation. They should do that as a matter of routine anyway, no? As for canceling? Never really heard anything 'official' who would do this? The Halloween Police?

My granddaughter and her father went to a few houses in our 'hood and we had just two little ones in costume. Halloween 2011 - a real disappointment for sure; we enjoy seeing all the children in their costumes Those with generators were luxuriating in the fact they had lights - but TV service was out for the most part - not sure about satellite. We had the radio on and checked the news on the hour - otherwise listening to music. We did get some reverse 911 calls announcing availability of shelters and other information (this is an excellent way to get out the word - as long as you have a phone that does not rely on AC power).

Then night settled: candles and the fireplace were lit flashlights deployed.

After everyone left, we got out our books, magazines and of course book lights and read until we started to nod off. End day #2 w/o power.

Continued on Page 7

Page 7 December A 2011

The Imperfect Storm Continued From Page 6 Tuesday dawned - my daughter-in- law did not have class so Gramma was off duty at home and we went about our day -- Gramma decided to empty the freezers and take food to my daughter's who had a generator and working freezer and while she was here back came the power around 3:15 PM. So we invited the family for dinner and when they left back to our regular nightly routine.

The next day, Wednesday, my daughter took a road trip to the Ct shore and picked up food at one her fav places and we again had the family for dinner, courtesy of Catie . Kevin, Sarah and Emily were going to stay o'night but their power had been restored and they went back home.

On Thursday I got a much needed haircut and went over to friends house in Cheshire who were throwing food away - I took a bunch and froze it here and as they still had no power so I invited them for dinner. It was great.; cooked out on the grill. And you've got to hear this; the day of the storm their housing development planned a progressive dinner and theirs was the only house that had heat - really efficient gas log fireplace - so instead of everyone traveling to a few houses they hosted the entire event- imagine 42 people for dinner with no electricity! Talk about being real troopers.

After our power was restored we made sure everyone was doing OK - during the outage times we were invited to several friend's/relatives homes to stay - a gesture that we were very grateful for - however we opted to tough it out and were not out that long - some had it so much worse and we empathized with them, I guess we learned a lesson - keep in touch with friends, have basic emergency supplies - nothing elaborate - a couple of flashlights and portable radio (essential). Phones that can be used w/o electricity - basic non-perishable food and bottled water. When I go to the grocery store before an expected power outage storm with people buying milk, meats and other items to refrigerate…….think about it folks.

Most of all keep tabs on family and friends - in these times of social and economic uncertainty - you've got to rely on each other.

Peace, love and Happy Holidays!

[I] put the question directly to myself: "Suppose that all your objects in life were realized; that all the changes in institutions and opinions which you are looking forward to, could be completely effected at this very instant: would this be a great joy and happiness to you?" And an irrepressible self-consciousness distinctly answered, "No!" ~John Stuart Mill, Autobiography, 1909

Happy Times!

POSTSCRIPT: To 'The Imperfect Storm" - Halloween

By Ernie Larsen I mentioned that there was "talk" going around to cancel Halloween - and I guess it was just that, talk. Never heard anything official - and never had any Trick or Treaters ring the doorbell as attested by the leftover candy by the front hall.

For our two kiddos - my daughter in law suggested a pizza party on the one week anniversary of the storm. We invited the family, some friends, the girls dressed up in their Princess Leah and Cowgirl outfits - it was a good time.

I'd like to meet up with the Grinch who suggested canceling Halloween - what were they thinking? See you soon!

Wallingford Electronics Recycling Program Electronics Recycling Program for Residents - 2nd Saturday For: Wallingford Households ONLY Where: Recycling Center, 157 John Street When: 2nd Saturday of every month Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What is Accepted: Computers; computer monitors; laptops, printers; keyboards and mice; TVs; fax machines; VCR, DVD and CD players; iPods; Walkmen; PDAs; stereos; modems; routers; cables and wiring; and telephones.

Is there a Limit?: Each household will be limited to seven (7) items per visit.

Is there a Charge?: No, this program is FREE. From the Wallingford Health Department

Jeremy and his dad Mike - hanging out and just enjoying life! That’s the way it should be eh?

Healthy Dining Guide of Wallingford, Connecticut - First Edition

Page 8 December A 2011

Two Season's of Beauty

You can see trees all in a row, lined up along the roadside and on hilltops to look as far as the eye can see. A scenic view with the sun beaming on the leaves of the trees. Glistening with beautiful shades of reds and yellows. This beauty is so breathe taking. You hate to see it all end, but soon the leaves dry up and fall off their branches and leaving them bare.

In a short time, you will feel the crisp chill in the air and smell the scent of wood burning in the fire places to keep warm. This is a sign of autumn leaving and winter coming.

You can see hundreds of birds in flight, flying south for the winter. The few birds that stay are sparrows, blue jays and cardinals. They stay and withstand the cold, snowy weather. They gather food on the snow covered ground and search for a safe and warm place to live.

Kids with warm coats and mittens are having fun with snowball fights and having sled rides, sliding down the highest hill. The trees are covered with white snow that looks like white puffs of cotton on their bare branches.

Truly a Winter Wonderland. Jo-Ann Buccetti

In Loving Memory

Dear Dino, 5 years ago you passed and I have moved on, but still miss you as my brother.

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CT Cookie Platoon

By JoAnne Grabinski In November there was a notice in the bulletin of my sister's church, the First United Methodist, about the CT Cookie Platoon. We had participated last year, so I convinced my sister we just had to do it again this year, it wasn't that hard to do. "Wanna bake cookies for the soldiers? I whispered during the service. "Yeah, sure", she replied. "Ok, I'll take care of the rest". And I did.

I began by taking stock of hers and my current supply in baking ingredients. Sure we had flour and sugar, but what about baking chips and nuts and stuff? Then I started searching for five to six recipes that would be easy to make and bake, from classics to newer favorites, recipes that would produce volume, since we were going to make a bunch of batches.

At some point in all this planning my mother mentions that if we are baking cookies can we make some cookies for her Red Hat luncheon next week. Sure, what's another three dozen cookies?

So armed with my list I went to the grocery store and got the essentials: 5 pounds of flour and sugar, a dozen eggs, 2 pounds of butter (note to self, get more butter) brown sugar, oatmeal, walnuts, vanilla and peanut butter chips since they were on sale, all for about twenty five dollars.

Essentially all these recipes were cream (mix) the wet ingredients (usually butter, sugar, eggs and flavorings) together and then add in the dry (flour, oatmeal, baking soda/powder and salt) then finally, carefully mix in the specialty stuff (chips, dried fruit or nuts). Then I dump the batter onto wax paper, wrap it up and put it in the fridge until the baking begins.

Ok, so this is where you reap the rewards with planning and organization. First I filled the sink with warm, sudsy water for easier cleaning, then I put a grocery in the pantry on a hook for garbage, I arranged all my necessary ingredients on the pantry counter along with the needed measuring spoons, tacked up all the recipes where I could easily see them and finally, tucked a dish towel at my waist for my hands. I was ready to go. With some minor variation, it was essentially the same routine: mix the dry in a big bowl, cream the wet in the stand mixer, add dry to wet, mix and chips, etc. and mix again. Then it was dump, refrigerate, wash and do it again, repeat, repeat, repeat, (repeat, repeat!)

I think it took me about two hours to make all the batters: white chocolate chip, Russian tea cakes, oatmeal peanut butter, snicker doodles, and chocolate peanut butter chip. Thank goodness I have a stand mixer, one of the best Christmas presents I ever received. It's worth its weight in gold during times like these, and believe me, it's not a light 'kitchen electric'. The first step was complete.

We had an agreement that we would bake the cookies and watch the UConn women's basketball game at my sisters' house. So I packed up my baking sheets, wire racks, spatula and all important cookie scoop along with the recipes and a box of zip bags for packing the cookies. I swear all the cookie dough felt like it weighed twenty-five pounds! But I was good to go so I went.

Again, the preparation paid off. We set up a small extra table for the cooling and packaging. The racks were set along with the bags and paper and maker for labeling the cookies, which was my sister's responsibility. I was the scooper; I had my stack of nine sheets and wasted no time in getting started. The baking began a 6 pm, starting with the cookies that required the hottest oven, which were the snicker doodles. They also required rolling the ball of batter in a cinnamon sugar before baking, another reason to get them done first. We did two sheets at a time, switching them halfway through the baking. I must admit we did have our moments of trying to determine if the cookies were halfway done or all the way done. I scooped and scooped and scooped. I had a bit of dinner, and scooped some more, I had some salad and scooped yet again. I sipped tea and scooped and watched mere minutes of the basketball game.

I was able to hear snippets of the play-by-play (both from the TV and the peanut gallery) from the kitchen.

My young niece so wanted to be a part of this. Her mom explained that we were making the cookies for the soldiers who were far, far from home. "Like when brudder was far away?" she asked. "Yes, like when he was in Afghanistan," her mom replied, glad to know that she understood. "I want to help," she stated very adamantly. "Well, you can make the signs for the cookies, how's that?" her mom asked. "Ok, but I still want to make the cookies with Auntie." So needless to say, there are some cookies that were scooped by a five year old, and it showed, but a quick touch up by Auntie and into the oven they went. She got tired of the task after only one sheet, but she did a great job with the signs, as we spelled out the cookie names for her, she wrote them on a sheet of paper and mom put them into the bags.

Did I mention that we started baking at 6 pm? And we finished at 9:30, just as the UConn game was ending.

Coincidence? Perhaps, but the timing couldn't have been better. By then we were both done, as we had worked nonstop for three and a half hours, baking and packing the cookies.

I quickly packed up my still warm cookie sheets, equipment and my bag of six leftover cookies and headed towards the car. I took the box of cookies with me and the next day made the final count. Together my sister and I, with a little help from my niece, made thirty-seven dozen cookies for the CT Cookie Platoon. Whew! Quite an achievement as we might have done about half that last time.

A call to Nancy Tracy, who is part of this fabulous effort, resulted in her picking up the box of cookies. Thank you for that little bit of kindness. From what I understand these cookies will be joined with others on Saturday, November 19th in Chester where they'll be packaged with other treats, notes of appreciation and hot drink mixes, and candy.

They'll be shipped overseas where it can take one to three weeks to be delivered.

Many thanks to my sister for her help with this, just one of our many adventures. Thank you to Nancy Tracy and the United Methodist Church for getting the word out about this great organization. But that you to the CT Cookie Platoon, for taking a small idea and making big things happen. This really shows what people can do when they work together. But thank you most of all to our servicemen and women who are on the front lines every hour of every day.

Making a bunch of cookies seems like a very small thing to do for what they do for us. For more information please visit www.cookieplatoon.com.

By the way, I had my mom's cookies already to give to her and while I was out, my dog Snip got into the sealed container and helped himself to the delicious treats!

Some Sharing From Jo-Ann Bucetti Dear Readers I've always been blessed coming from a large Polish-Italian family. Our house was always filled with a lot of chatter, laughter and food. This Holiday Season I want to welcome as my family, the staff on 2 Ramage and the rest of Masonicare Health employees. They were so wonderful to me during my rehab. I'm still on cloud nine, because of them, they are my angels. Happy Holidays to All! Love Jo-Ann Buccetti To The Editor: I would like to thank all the staff of nurses and aides on 2 Ramage at Masonicare in Wallingford, for the wonderful care they have shown me, while in rehab. Including others such as Betty Naylor, Michelle Rios, Jackie, Holly, Gwen and Richie Rich. They all made healing easier. All are Angels!

Love Jo-Ann Buccetti Happy Holidays to Andy and his family, especially his children ages 13, 10 and 8. You're the best. We have to get you some Italian food and cookies soon. Have a Wonderful Holiday. You do a wonderful job.

Love Jo-Ann Buccetti The People's Press Upcoming Deadlines December 21st for our Holiday Magic Issue and December 31st for our January 2012 issue! It's always FREE to share all of your news, events, photos, stories and more. Join the LocalMotion by posting on our Facebook wall at The People's Press or by emailing andy@peoplespressnews.com with your submissions.

Page 9 December A 2011

A Christmas Miracle I am a pet skunk and my name is Thor as given to me by my mommy and daddy here in southern Florida. Last year was a special Christmas around here. Decorations filled the house and a sweetness of fresh baked skunkie treats filled the air. A Christmas tree stood tall in the corner of the living room with ornaments and glittering lights. It was certainly a time to remember by all of us.

Well kids,,, have any of you heard of the little skunkie who asked for the totally impossible for her Christmas present? Her name is Holly. Mommy and Daddy brought her into our home as a rescue. I kinda know that feeling having come here under similar circumstances. Holly was from the north, in a land where everything glitters of beautiful whiteness at Christmas time. As a baby, Holly had looked out her window at the beautiful snow. It was sooo pretty and from her window she could see children playing and making snow angels. One day she thought, she would make a skunkie snow angel of her very own. As a baby she had heard her mommy say that she was too young to go outside but surely next year she would be big enough. Her little heart was broken but she knew that one day she would play in the mysterious glittering powder.

Then, as it all too often happens, Holly had to leave her mommy and daddy. She came here with a heavy heart and it took many months for her to adjust. We both love our new mommy and daddy more than anything on earth and are happy now. We are in our forever home. We have many other brothers and sisters and we all share everything,,,well,,,most of us are ok at sharing. There is one among us, Skippy, who separates himself somewhat and doesn't join in much. His bed is alone in the living room a few feet away from the Christmas tree. We may never know of his previous life before he came here to be with us. He can be a real Scrooge at Christmas time.

It was a week before Christmas and Daddy picked each of us up and set us on his knee. He had dressed himself in red with white fuzz around the belly and somehow he had grown a long white beard in just a few minutes. Mommy was taking pictures as he held each of us in his arms. As each of us were picked up mommy told us to tell Santa what we wanted for Christmas, but we just told daddy instead. I told Santa that I wanted a big batch of grapes but I really don't ever expect to get all of them at one time. Skippy was next. He kinda shrugged the whole idea and squirmed in daddy's arms. Just before being put down he blurted out that he wanted a big stuffed skunkie to have as a companion.

Of course our feelings were hurt as he seemed to once again brush us all aside. Next up to daddy's lap was Holly. She snuggled daddy real close and crawled to his shoulder. Daddy's cheeks glowed red and for a minute I actually thought he might be the real Santa Clause. Then, we heard Holly whisper in his ear. Holly asked for,,,a white Christmas. We all heard her when she said it. Our hearts sank knowing that it was impossible, sepecially living in Southern Florida where it never snows. That's when the Scrooge,,,Skippy, began laughing out loud. He squawked loudly and said that Holly was foolish if she were to ever have come up with such a Christmas wish. Skippy said that she was crazy to use her Christmas wish on such a ridiculous idea. I glanced up at Holly and saw the tears begin to flow. Her tail drooped as she left daddy's arms and made it to the floor. A few seconds later she was in her bed and I knew her heart was broken and maybe even embarrassed for asking such a thing. What a Scrooge Skippy is making her feel this way.

A few days later Mommy and daddy gave us our evening meals and left us to go Christmas shopping. We were all now feeling the Christmas spirit for sure,,,well, all except for you know who,,,Skippy. Later that evening I heard mommy and daddy come home. From my bed I could see many bags being brought through the door and placed on the kitchen table. I watched as they kissed under the mistletoe and they headed off for bed.

All got very quiet as it always does each night but then, all of a sudden, I heard a noise. It was coming from the kitchen. I crept from my bed and headed to the kitchen to investigate. Then I saw him. It was Skippy. He was up on the kitchen chair. His paws were on the table's edge and he was trying to pull himself up. I squawked at him and almost scared him out of his fur. He fell from the chair to the floor but was only deterred from his task for a moment. He sneered at me and headed back towards the packages on the table. I told him to get down as he reached the top of the table. He stomped me twice with an absolute defiance. Skippy crawled into several bags as I watched him. This was terrible to watch. I was disgusted watching him search through the bags. He then came down from the table and onto the floor. Skippy snarled at me as he walked past me headed back towards his bed. Up on the table I noticed one item that caught my eye. It was a large stuffed skunkie,,,the exact same kind that Skippy had asked Santa (daddy) for. He had seen his gift. I guess he's happy now. Bah Humbug to Skippy.

Christmas Eve finally came and there were many packages under the tree. Each of us had checked out the ones with our names on them. We were soooo excited! We all got special red and green skunkie treats on this night and played for hours, even missing naptime, with Christmas spirit filling the air. Mommy and daddy sure spent allot of time drinking egg stuff and visiting the mistletoe. We were all having lots of fun. Well, we even tried a wee bit to have Skippy join us but he never came out of his carrier bed. We all wanted to wait up and see Santa and Rudolph but daddy somehow managed to heard us off to our nite nite spots. My own eyes were getting very heavy anyway. As I lay in my bed a tear came to my eye. I remembered about Holly's Christmas wish. I had looked outside earlier and knew that it was much too warm to snow. Besides, it never snows in south Florida. Poor Holly. I only hope that Skippy doesn't make her feel any worse. Only a Christmas miracle could make this a happy one. I snuggled up next to Holly and several of my brothers and sisters and my eyes slowly closed.

Then I woke up,,,it had to be morning already,,,but nobody else was awake. Was it Christmas morning? All was quiet.

I decided to quietly make my way towards to living room and the Christmas tree. I gently pulled my tail from underneath Holly as I eased out of my carrier bed. I decided that no matter what it took, I would try to make this a special day for Holly. I rounded the corner of the hallway and my eyes stared into the living room. I stomped the floor three times!!! Am I seeing things?? The brightness of the room was almost blinding. The Christmas lights on the tree were reflecting off of the most beautiful thing I've ever laid my little eyes upon. The room was glittering,,, almost glowing,,, the most heavenly purest color of white that I could ever imagined. Was it snow that was covering the entire room? It looked like snow. What does snow feel like? This must be it!!!!! Beautiful!!!!!

I squawked at the top of my lungs. I ran through the house like a squirrel that had lost his nuts hollering for all of the skunks to get out of bed and come see. I grabbed Holly by the paw and literally drug her into the living room before her eyes could open. Her eyes opened and she squawked unlike any sound that I had ever heard. Myself, along with all of my brothers and sisters stood in awe of this magnificent winter wonderland. Holly jumped right into the middle of the snow and you know what she did? She made a perfect snow skunkie angel. Of course we all then jumped in beside her and began making angels of our own. Snow now was floating throughout the room,,,beautiful!! Ummm, that's when mommy and daddy entered the room. They both looked as shocked to see all of the snow as we did. I'm not really sure what they were thinking but within seconds they were both playing in the snow with the rest of us. Fun!!!! It came time for us to open our gifts and yes,,,I did get my grapes,,,thank you very much Santa. One skunkie didn't seem to have a gift to open. In all of the excitement I am embarrassed to say that I didn't notice that Skippy had been still laying in his bed. He was awake, with his head peaking from his bed watching all of us. Slowly, I eased my way towards him. My mouth opened to wish him a Merry Christmas but no words came out. I could see inside his bed that he had a new blanket. If I didn't know better I would think that it was the same color as the stuffed skunk that Skippy and I had seen on the kitchen table a few nights ago,,,almost the same except maybe missing the insides. Then, all of a sudden a skunk flew past me and into Skippy's bed. Who would have the nerve to rush into his bed? Skippy was smothered. His head finally appeared from underneath, of all skunks, Holly. Together, all of us pulled Skippy from his bed into the snowy living room. A smile crept upon the face of Skippy and it still remains there to this very day.

Skippy was the hit of the entire day of festivities and somehow even managed to make a skunkie snowman. Oh, but it didn't stop there,,,heavens no. Skippy has moved in with the rest of us in our beds and seems to carry that Christmas spirit every day.

Well, as for me personally, it's been a Christmas to remember. Do I think Christmas miracles can happen? What do you think? God bless us,,,every skunk.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Thor Ok now,,,who got up on the table and stole some of my grapes???!!!

Not to be born at all would be the best thing for man, never to behold the sun's scorching rays; but if one is born, then one is to press as quickly as possible to the portals of Hades, and rest there under the earth. ~Thiognis I hate to be near the sea, and to hear it raging and roaring like a wild beast in its den. It puts me in mind of the everlasting efforts of the human mind, struggling to be free and ending just where it began. ~William Hazlitt

It’s what’s for dinner! A little bit odd but that’s ok!

Decorating and Photo by Evelyn Grey Lefebvre

Beatles For Christmas Anyone? Photo By Tom Dorio

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Page 10 December A 2011

Dearest Stephen, that shirt should have 50 on it right?

Well, if it makes you feel better go ahead but really 20???

Hi my name is Kylie and I am almost three now.

Peanut is my big sister and we love to travel together.

Our Mom Christelle Aube takes takes us everywhere!

Evelyn Grey Lefebvre took her daughter Riley on right and her friend Haley to the Katy Perry Concert!

Doesn’t MOM RULE!!!

Another Amazing Photo by Mr. Ernie Larsen

This is when you were just a little one but now Jason Tyler Mintich, you are turing one. Happy Birthay!

Grandma Diane loves you so much and she loves your Dad Joe and Mom Jen too!

Page 11 December A 2011

MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY DECEMBER EVENTS Meriden Public Library will be CLOSED on the following days during the holidays: Saturday, December 24 Monday, December 26 Saturday, December 31 Monday, January 2 The library's normal hours are: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sunday Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions about the library's schedule.

FOOD FOR FINES Through December 30 - Meriden Public Library will hold its annual "Food for Fines" month beginning Friday, November 25 through Friday, December 30. You may "pay" for your overdue fines by contributing one non-perishable food item for each dollar you owe in fines. For example, if you owe $3.00 in overdues, you must bring in 3 items. Food donations do not cover lost or damaged library materials. Bring in those long overdue DVD's cd's, books, etc. and clear up those fines. Borrowers must visit the Circulation Desk in person to take advantage of this opportunity. Please do not donate out-dated food items. All food collected will be delivered to local food pantries. Food items most needed are tuna and other canned meat, dry milk, canned vegetables and fruit, rice, dry and canned beans, canned soups and stews, boxed pasta products, tomato items, juices and cereals. Contact the Meriden Public Library at (203) 238-2344 or (203) 630-6349 if you have questions.

WRITER'S NETWORK December 28 - The Writer's Network will meet on Wednesday, December 28 at 7:00 pm in Griffin Room A at the Meriden Public Library. The Writer's Network invites anyone who is serious about writing fiction or nonfiction, wants to learn the process of getting published, or needs support for writing a book proposal or query letter is welcome to attend. If you are interested in joining the Writer's Network, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email us comsvc@hotmail.com.

LEGO CLUB December 27 - Meriden Public Library will have its next Lego Club event on Tuesday, December 27th from 1:00 to 2:30 in the Griffin Room. Children ages 6 through 12 are invited to bring their imagination and create something unique using the library's Legos. Completed projects will be put on display in the library. The library will provide Legos for all children who attend. Sign up is not required for this program and late arrivals are always welcome. If you have any questions contact Melissa at (203) 630-6347 or mmurphy@ci.meriden.ct.us.

Just After The Rain! A wonderful picture by Joann Provenzano

Candle Flames

By Sara E. Booker Aunt Victoria's mouth dropped open as she stared at me, while fumbling to pick up a long silver candle snuffer. "Tell me child, where do you intend to go tonight in that dress? To be perfectly candid it does not look natural on you." She snuffed the flame emanating from an egg plant colored spiraled candle on a sconce which hung above an ornate bronze fire place mantel.My cousin of the same age had offered to let me wear the dress in question. "What do you mean it doesn't look natural on me? It's my size." I said.

"Well, it is just that it's… well, how do I put this delicately. It's very high society. It's haute couture, you know.

From Paris."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I said, furrowing my brow so much that I worried that a wrinkle might develop there in the near future. I really didn't know what haute couture meant.

"Well, my dear niece, you aren't exactly adept at, shall we say, general etiquette. That dress and your manners- it's a mismatch." Aunt Victoria sipped from a wine glass that was supposedly filled to the brim with Concord grape juice.

I'm sure I rolled my eyes. "I'm going to the ball with Gretchen if you must know." Gretchen was my Aunt Victoria's daughter. The one who had let me wear the dress. I was staying with them for the spring. The dress was peacock blue taffeta with puffed sleeves, and layers and layers of fabric draped around the bustle. It rustled when I walked and had a train with so many frills and tiers that I worried about knocking things over. As a country girl from Virginia I had never worn such a frock. I did feel a little out of sorts, standing here in this very ornate parlor in London, in this very ostentatious dress, but I was confident that I could imagine how a girl in such a gown should carry herself and act out the part with aplomb. I was dying to go to my very first ball. Being an exemplary exhibitor of propriety in front of passively abrasive Aunt Victory would be a challenge, however.

"I don't find your tone becoming," she said. "I hope that at the very least Gretchen has given you a crash course on table manners. Yours are atrocious."

"Well, how many utensils does one need to eat dinner?" I asked.

"Dear, dear me. More than one of course." Aunt Victoria put down her wine glass, and adjusted the coiled grayish brown hair on her head.

"Well, next time just serve dinner in a trough and we won't have that problem," I said. I couldn't help myself. Aunt Victoria was now wearing an expression of revulsion.

"Vulgar, simply, vulgar," she said. "While in London you need to act like a lady."

Just then Gretchen floated gracefully down the stairs, while sweeping her oriental fan along the balusters. Her wheat colored ringlets bounced under a magenta bonnet which matched her silk poplin gown. She caught a glance at herself in the beveled glass mirror adorned with mahogany acanthus leaves which hung mid staircase over the eucalyptus colored Iris Frieze patterned wallpaper.

"Mother, are you being hypercritical again?" she asked while pulling on her long white silk gloves. "Cordelia makes a valid point. There are far too many utensils at the formal dinner table. Thirteen forks is indeed excessive. I don't even remember the purpose of every single fork half the time. Not to mention that a twelve course meal is maybe nine courses too many. These corsets are uncomfortable enough as it is. Thankfully our generation doesn't concern itself with such trivialities as much as yours does. It's the 1880's for goodness sake."

"Yes, and that's precisely why society shall be going straight to the dogs in the near future," Aunt Victoria lashed.

Gretchen giggled. "Mother is such a ham. I assure you Mother, there will be no gentlemen keeping score on proper fork usage tonight. Not when your clever niece has such charming stories about the country to tell. And certainly not when she's wearing my favorite dress. It matches her eyes. I think she looks absolutely stunning. Don't you?"

"I suppose you could say I was stunned when I saw her," said Aunt Victoria, not bothering to take a second look. She sipped her grape juice. "And even more stunned when she opened her mouth."

"It's Cousin Cordelia's very first night out and I could not be more excited for her. She is sure to experience exquisite thrills this evening. I am honored to accompany her on this milestone occasion and live vicariously through her."

"You sound a little too excited, as usual," said Aunt Victoria.

"Cordelia's never even rode in a horse and carriage after dark before. A handsome man may even sign her dance card. Can you imagine Cordelia may have her very first waltz in the arms of a mysterious stranger tonight? Oh, I'm so delirious with possibility that I could burst."

"Contain yourself my dear Gretchen. That unchecked vivacity could prove to be your undoing. Enthusiasm of that magnitude could carry you away. You need to snuff that like a candle flame."

"Oh how terribly unromantic Mother," Gretchen laughed. "Snuffing enthusiasm? Nonsense! I want it to carry me away. Let it carry me away and sweep me off my feet. Is life not to be enjoyed?"

"No. Life is to be suffered with dignity."

Gretchen laughed hysterically. "Oh, Mother you are priceless with your old fashioned notions. Were you born middle aged? Surely you were never young if these are your true feelings."

"If I was young once, I don't remember. The fanciful romance of youth is of no service to me now. You on the other hand, your flame burns too bright." She walked to the mantle and picked up the candle snuffer. She rested it on Gretchen's head. This was as close to a sense of humor that I had ever seen Aunt Victoria exhibit. It almost made her likable.

"Oh, but try to remember being our age Mother and going out on the town. It will give you goose bumps."

"Nonsense. What need have I for the flesh of a goose? And if I ever went out on the town for any reason other than to buy a pound of flour I certainly do not remember."

"Mother, please try to remember just once the way it felt to have wonder about what the future could have in store."

"I don't need to wonder about what the future will bring. The Ladies' Book Club Calendar tells me exactly what the future has in store."

"May I never grow old," said Gretchen, sighing. "When I'm ninety I want to look out on the evening with as much fascination as I do now. This shall be a night of utter fascination!"

Aunt Victoria rolled her eyes. "You need to get your head out of the clouds, get the stars out of your eyes, and plant your feet firmly on the ground, dear girl. How did a practical woman like me raise such a whimsical dreamer? Must be all those Jane Austen novels she reads."

Continued on Page 12

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Page 12 December A 2011

Continued on Page 11

"Those books are from your day mother. But perhaps you were so focused on living a life devoid of fascination that you thought reading fiction was too frivolous. Besides, Jane Austen was not impractical. She was very much into realism." said Gretchen.

"Well, I've really enjoyed this evening so far," I said to Gretchen. "And we haven't even gotten to the ball yet."

"I have another surprise for you Cordelia. Something that will make the evening even more enchanting." Gretchen walked to the closet and pulled out a hat that matched my dress. "This is from a chapeau shop in Paris," she said putting it on my head. "It's only been worn once."

"It's beautiful," I exclaimed, touching the linen brim. "Thank you for letting me wear it tonight. You are too generous."

"Well if my generation is concerned with triviality, yours is certainly concerned with frivolity. You girls are as vain as peacocks."

"Oh mother. Anything remotely interesting is somehow bad, wicked or vulgar in your eyes. It is my firm belief that I was not put on this earth to be humdrum. Now let us go, while the night, Cordelia and I are still young." Gretchen grabbed my wrist and tugged me gently toward the front door.

"Girls, wait a minute‌" "Goodbye Mother. Don't worry, we will try and snuff our enthusiasm on the way to the ball." Gretchen and I giggled. We made our way to the driveway. Aunt Victoria was staring at us through the front door window as we climbed into the carriage.

The carriage began to roll and I relished the light reflecting on the window. I looked into the dimly lit windows of the stately mansions and imagined ballroom dancing behind each one.

"I wish Mother could allow herself a tantalizing memory every now and again. I think it would do her good. I can't imagine living such an unimaginative existence."

"Why does she not like me?" I asked.

"That is not so. Mother presents herself in a manner that is easily misunderstood. You must not take it personally.

Mother is just extremely bored and therefore thinks that everything and everyone around her should be boring. She equates boredom with goodness. Wholesomeness."

"I think I like Aunt Victoria even though she doesn't like me. I find her to be an unwitting comedic treasure trove."

"Mother has a heart of gold. It's just contained inside a fortress because she doesn't know what to do with it.

Emotions aren't practical, you know. Now stop saying she doesn't like you. We are going to have a great night so banish such thoughts from your mind."

An hour later Gretchen and I were riding home in the horse and carriage. The ball had not lived up to our expectations. There had been no waltzes for me, no handsome strangers and no fascination. We had gone to the ballroom on the wrong night.

"I cannot believe this happened. I lost the invitation but I was so confident that I had memorized the date. Maybe my mind is so stuck in the clouds that I can't even focus on reality. I am so sorry Cordelia. I will make it up to you."

"Don't be sorry. The carriage ride was amazing. I just love looking at the glowing street lamps."

"Well, I am disappointed. I guess Mother was right. Sometimes life is meant to be suffered with dignity. All dressed up and nowhere to go."

When we arrived at Aunt Victoria's we opened the parlor door. There were candles everywhere, the phonograph was blasting waltz music and Aunt Victoria was waltzing with an imaginary dance partner. She was humming aloud. She screamed when she twirled around and saw us.

"Aha!" said Gretchen. "Looks like somebody has been caught enjoying life. Grab the candle snuffer Cordelia." I grabbed the candle snuffer and rested it on Aunt Victoria's head. She laughed.

"Oh, I am just completely mortified," said Aunt Victoria. "What are you girls doing here so early?"

"Don't be mortified Mother. We went to the wrong place. Apparently the ball is being held here in this parlor.

Tonight. We did get the right date after all, Cordelia, just the wrong location.

Gretchen and I began to waltz together to the sound of Jugendträume, also known as Youthful Dreams by Johann Strauss II. "This is ridiculous," said Aunt Victoria as she sat down on a chair. "The grape juice must have went to my head.

All that sweetness."

"Yes, this is ridiculous," said Gretchen. "And not the least bit boring." Gretchen and I were laughing as we counted "one, two, three, one two three", trying not to step on each other's toes.

Aunt Victoria sat there, watching us for several minutes. "You're right," she said. "Just for tonight, you girls are right about everything." She got up from the chair and put on another Strauss II waltz, Freuet Euch des Lebensthen, also known as Enjoy Life, and returned to dancing with her phantom partner.

"I never thought I'd see this in a million years," whispered Gretchen.

"No ball could have been more amazing then this," I whispered to Gretchen as I nodded at a dancing, smiling, laughing, and youthful Aunt Victoria who appeared absolutely incandescent.

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Page 13 December A 2011

Special Family, Special Gifts

By Annie Bergman, World Ark senior writer for http://www.heifer.org/ His favorite animal may be the elephant, but this year all Ryan Bell wants for Christmas is a camel.

It's what his sister, Meghan, wants, too. For two years the siblings from Wallingford, Conn., have raised money to buy animals through Heifer International, and if things this year go as well as they have in the past, the pair just might end up with a menagerie.

Ten years ago parents Laura and Ted Bell began a tradition to give to others in need during the holiday season. The inspiration came from the kindness they received from friends and family after the birth of Ryan, who was diagnosed with a cranio-facial disorder called Treacher Collins Syndrome.

Treacher Collins Syndrome, or TCS, affects the bone and soft tissue formation of the face. Ryan has slightly malformed eye, cheek, jaw and ear bones, and his small jaw requires him to use a tracheotomy. The malformation of his ears causes significant hearing loss and requires Ryan to wear special hearing aids.

"Despite our medical obstacles with Ryan, we were blessed with extremely supportive family and friends, we live in an area rich with medical expertise, and we had a child that, despite his challenges, had every potential to live a strong, happy and independent life. We felt the need to share that blessing with others," Laura Bell said in an email to World Ark. The family has given to others in need through a variety of channels over the past 10 years. One year they "adopted" a family who had lost everything in a natural disaster through The Box Project. In other years they hosted a penny auction, in which each person wrapped a gift to auction off after Thanksgiving dinner, and donated the proceeds to various charities.

In 2009, the Bells received Heifer's gift catalog in the mail. It was then that Laura realized her two children were old enough to grasp the importance of giving back.

"When the first Heifer International magazine arrived in the mail, it dawned on us that the kids were old enough to become part of this process. Could there be a better Thanksgiving lesson than for them to recognize all they had to be thankful for in their lives and to give to others that were less fortunate?" Laura said. "Since both of our kids are animal lovers, Heifer fit perfectly. They sat there glued to the magazine devouring every bit of information on how Heifer animals are used, how the gift is passed on and how lives are changed as a result of the gifts."

Ryan began lobbying to send the proceeds from the penny auction to Heifer. That first year they donated $30 for a trio of rabbits, and the other half of their money went to a local charity.

The children quickly became determined to do better the next year. For Christmas 2010, they wanted to raise $250enough for a water buffalo.

"My first impression was, "They are nuts! Our penny auction could not possibly fund this type of gift,'" Laura said.

But then Ryan and Meghan came up with "Stocking Stuffers for Charity." The pair sold hot chocolate packets and candy canes to kick-start their quest for the water buffalo.

When family friend Charlene Handel heard about their efforts, she wanted to help. Ryan's "Auntie Charlene" asked him to join her at her booth at a local craft fair, and donated her profits to the brother and sister's fund.

Another woman, Robyn Koons, met the kids for the first time at the craft fair where they were selling their goods.

She was so inspired by Ryan that she shared with co-workers about his project. During the week of Christmas, the Bells received an unexpected phone call from Robyn that she wanted to deliver donations from her colleagues to add to Ryan's fundraising efforts.

All told, Ryan and Meghan raised nearly three times their goal: $740.

The project helped Ryan, typically shy around new people because of his TCS, grow and develop his social skills.

Laura said she saw her son become a leader and a salesman.

"Ryan does look different and speaks less clearly than other kids because of his Treacher Collins Syndrome. Being accepted by others is a natural human desire, but it's not often easy for any children with facial differences like Ryan.

Ryan has struggled-more than he even realizes-to be accepted by others," Laura said.

"Ryan's knowledge base and interest in expanding what he has learned about animals, a desire to teach others what he has learned, and a passion to help other people have all combined in his Heifer work. It provides him his own little "project world' where he does feel accepted, appreciated and approved of by others-not "despite his differences', but because of the difference he is making in the world. Because of his heart."

Ryan said it was a daunting task to speak to people about Heifer at first, but the number of people who seemed interested encouraged him.

"I had to talk to a lot of people and explain about Heifer. Some people even came back to hear more or have us explain it to their friends or family," Ryan said. "I get nervous speaking to new people because I'm not sure they will understand me. This project made me really work on this. It was hard, but watching the results of the fundraising was worth it."

Their success has Ryan and Meghan inspired to learn more about Heifer, and to expand their fundraising efforts.

In August Laura took Ryan and Meghan to Overlook Farm in Rutland, Mass. The family got to meet Abu, the camel, tour the Global Village and even help out on the farm.

"It completely kicked in the kids desire to start their fundraising plans for this year," Laura said. "They sat in the backseat on the way home making new plans and bigger goals."

For this holiday season, the siblings have set their sights on the camel, which will get them $850 closer to their ultimate goal: donating the $5,000 needed to for an entire Ark full of animals for struggling families in countries around the world.

Meghan has declared herself the "money person" this year, a job which Laura supports as she thinks it will bolster the 7-year-old's math skills. Ryan will again steer the campaign.

"Meghan and I want to raise enough money to donate a camel this year. I really want to raise enough money to send an Ark, but that might take a while. We thought about waiting to send in the money until we could purchase two of

each animal gift all at once, but sending along the animals as we go along means that people can start using them right away," Ryan said.

While they formulate this year's plan, Ryan dreams of going to Africa to see his beloved elephants. And his mother is enjoying watching her children discover their natural sense of generosity.

"Both of our children grabbed this opportunity by the horns and dragged us along for the ride," Laura said. "Ryan's determination, positive outlook and ability to persevere through obstacles have always been an inspiration to those fortunate enough to get to know him.

When we look into those eyes, we see a little hero that touches our life every day."

If you wish to donate to Ryan's Ark, you may do so by visiting his Team Heifer Page.

Re-published by permission of World Ark magazine, © 2011

The People's Press Upcoming Deadlines December 21st for our Holiday Magic Issue and December 31st for our January 2012 issue! It's always FREE to share all of your news, events, photos, stories and more. Join the LocalMotion or by emailing andy@peoplespressnews.com with your submissions.

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Page 14 December A 2011

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER News and Events

Celebrate by expressing yourself and showing the world the inner YOU!

Fantasy Faces by Ruth brings fun and excitement to any special occasion, both private and public. Full face art is a great way to add to the celebration of birthdays, bar-mitvahs and bat-mitvahs, holidays, fairs, festivals, store promotions, fund raisers, school events and more.

Have fun and make a statement.

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Wallingford Senior Center Holiday Schedule: (Christmas & New Year's fall on Sunday this year) Friday, December 23, Close at 1:00 PM - Monday, December 26, Christmas Day Holiday Friday, December 30, Close at 1:00 PM - Monday, January 2, New Year's Day Holiday Christmas Party with the LHHS Chorus Thursday, December 22, 10:00 AM - Celebrate the season in a very special way at our annual Christmas Party with the Lyman Hall High School Chorus on December 22. The students will perform selections from their winter concert and lead us in a carol-sing. Our own Vintage Voices Chorus will also perform, and other special treats (and guests) will add to the festivities!

Lake View Café Christmas Luncheon Thursday, December 22, 12:00 PM - Following the Christmas Party on December 22, enjoy a delicious luncheon. Lake View Café will serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce, Rice Pilaf, Vegetable, Carrot Cake, Decaf Coffee and Holiday Punch. Tickets, which are $6.00 are on sale December 1 - 19, or until sold out. Please note: Lake View Café counter service will close at 11:00 A.M. on December 22.

SOCIAL SERVICES Memory Lane Senior Day Program - Is your parent or loved one alone during the day? Do you need some time to yourself? Memory Lane is a senior day program located within the Wallingford Senior Center. Group activities designed around the abilities and interests of the participants are offered daily. Our hours of operation are 9:15 AM.2:15 PM, Monday through Friday. Eligibility is based on an interview, assessment, and medical clearance.

Handicapped-accessible transportation is available to all Wallingford residents at no extra charge. Memory Lane provides an affordable, fun, and stimulating way to keep your loved one safe and independent during the day. Please contact Melinda Welch, Program Coordinator, at 203.265.7753 Ext. 205 for more information.

Social Worker - Appointments: In order to serve you better, please call to schedule an appointment with the Social Worker, Eileen Flynn, at 203-265-7753. Walk-In Schedule: The Social Worker takes walk-ins on a first come basis for one-half hour sessions ONLY (30 minutes) on Tuesdays. Sessions are on the half-hour from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. No regular appointments will be scheduled on Tuesdays.

Low Vision Support Group - No meeting in December and January.

What Kind of Life Insurance Do I Have? - Wednesday, December 21 1:00 - 3:15 PM - Do you have life insurance policies and you do not know exactly what they are? You may question if they are Term, Whole Life or Accidental Life. You may be paying for what you believe to be life Insurance but have special clauses limiting their coverage. If you have any of these questions, Laurie Shields, FSR, MetLife Financial Group will be available for 45 minute appointments. To schedule a forty-five (45) minute appointment, please call (203) 265 7753.

Veterans Services - Tuesday, December 27 1:30 - 3:00 PM - Wallingford Veterans Services Officer George Messier will be available to answer questions and assist with benefit information. Call 203-265-7753 to schedule appointment.

Benefits Screening - Am I Eligible for Any Programs? Tuesday, December 20 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for any State or Federal Programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for eligibility. Supporting documents are not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Registration required, call 203-265-7753 now to schedule an appointment. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!! BEFORE PUTTING YOUR SIGNATURE ON THE "DOTTED LINE" CONSIDER REVIEWING A CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER PAPERWORK WHICH REQUESTS YOUR SIGNATURE WITH A FAMILY MEMBER OR SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST. YOUR SIGNATURE IS A BINDING CONTRACT AND OFTEN WE MAY GET LETTERS IN THE MAIL, VENDORS AT OUR FRONT DOOR, OR TELEPHONE CALLS WHICH CAN PUT US AT RISK. PLEASE REVIEW INFORMATION CAREFULLY PRIOR TO SIGNING ANYTHING. CT Energy Assistance Program - 2011-2012 Season - The WSC is an intake site for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. This program provides financial assistance to income-eligible households to pay for a portion of their heating costs. Income limits are presently $31,864 for a single person and $41,668 for a couple. Asset limits apply.

Applicants MUST bring TWO (2) COPIES of the following checklist documents (failure to bring TWO (2) COPIES of original will result in re-scheduling of appointment): TWO (2) COPIES of most recent bank statement showing Social Security deposit amount or of a 2011 Social Security check or Social Security "Your New Benefit Amount" letter for 2011; Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents TWO (2) COPIES; 2011 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income TWO (2) COPIES; Four most recent pay stubs, if employed TWO (2) COPIES. Rental Income - rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account TWO (2) COPIES; Most recent heat utility bill TWO (2) COPIES; And, electric bill TWO (2) COPIES. Applications are by appointment only. Call 203-265-7753 to schedule an appointment.

Home Country

By Slim Randles These days we don't think much about axes. They're kinda old fashioned and they are too closely associated with manual labor for them to be very popular. It's a shame, because there is lore to an ax. There are proper and improper ways to sharpen one, for instance.

There are proper and improper ways to fell a tree with an ax, to limb a fallen tree with an ax, to split firewood with an ax. Replacing the handle on an ax could be the subject of a very interesting small book, even.

Marvin always puts a coating of fiberglass around the handle just below the head to keep firewood from chewing up the handle, for instance. Ol' Jasper Blankenship, up at the diggin's, has been known to soak an ax handle in kerosene before using it to give it longer life.

In fact, Jasper has made ax work into something of an art form. If you need your ax sharpened, he's the guy to see. He has an old-fashioned grindstone with a water drip. He'll tell you it's important not to get the steel too hot and therefore take the temper out of it. And when he finishes sharpening your ax, you can shave with it. If you really want to.

If they gave doctor's degrees in ax use, Jasper would get the first one in the valley. He built his cabin with just an ax.

The whole thing. It was while Jasper was showing his new cabin to some tourist ladies, in fact, that his ax became legendary around here.

"You see that ax?" he asked them. "That was George Washington's ax. Yep, the same one he used to chop down the cherry tree. 'Course it's been through 42 handles and six heads since then."

Brought to you by Slim and Catherine Randles and this newspaper, who ask you to remember those who have less this Christmas and enrich your holiday fun with new friends.

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Page 15 December A 2011

Connecticut Outdoors By: Paul Narducci This summer Joe and I fished our first tournament together. It was a beautiful Thursday morning as we launched the boat; the excitement was clearly on Joes face. There were 15 boats that entered this tournament and there was money on the line.

This tournament was on the Ct River and we were prepared and our fish were biting. As the boats were lining up for take off you could see the excitement and fear as Joe was ready to start his first professional tournament. I prepared Joe for how the day would go and reminded him to relax and just fish. He has become a very good fisherman.

Although he has alot to learn he can catch fish and truly loves the sport. As the day started he was struggling to catch a keeper fish and you could see this was upsetting him. It was then that I had to remind him to slow down and relax.

He was catching fish but they were not over 12 inches which is the legal size for tournament fishing. Joe and I filled the live well with an impressive 12 pounds of fish which typically the Ct River Joseph on Dias means you have either won or placed in the money. This is based on your five best fish. Just a reminder a couple of years ago Frank and I placed second in a Championship Tournament and won 2,600 dollars with a little over 10 pounds.

So with this in mind we were both very hopeful and excited that this may happen again. We caught our fish on Stanley spinnerbaits, cavitron buzzbaits, yum dingers and crawpapis as well as LunkerCitys own Ozmo. This was a great day I spent fishing with Joe and a wonderful lesson for both of us. We ended up in fourth place and had a great day on a very difficult body of water for even some of the best fisherman in the state.

Although he didn't catch a keeper fish it was a great lesson for him to understand that this was a team tournament and we won fourth place together as a team. I look forward to fishing more tournaments with him as he continues to work on his skills and me on mind.

If you read our last article you were surely intrigued buy it and the tournament of the year. I am talking about the tournament featuring Joe and Jenna against Ryan, Jonathan and myself. This was a very difficult day of fishing which ended with the Champions being…wait for it, wait for it… Ladies and Gentleman your 2011 Tournament of Champions are the team of Jonathan and Ryan!!!!!! The final score was four to three.

Everyone had a great time and all the kids were awarded with a hefty check of 20 dollars each. Its fun being a wonderful Uncle and Dad. This time of year lure companies come out with new lures for 2012. Here is a sneak peak of some of our sponsor's new stuff and as always take a look at the oldies but goodies. Lunker City has a new lure called the Ribster which is specific for dropshotting. They are also coming out with a 3.75 inch Swimfish. They are a wonderful company that is local with a wonderful array of lures that catch fish.

Another company that has some new lures and new looks is Stanley Jigs. They have a new spinnerbait that I can't wait to use. This spinnerbait comes with painted blades. We all know I love spinnerbaits and I love using something different. They also have a new line of jigs worth looking into it.

Just a reminder as the water gets colder is sure to wear your life jackets. To many times this summer I would see kids not wearing them and this just doesn't make sense to me. As always the crew of Connecticut Outdoors wishes everyone the best of luck and good fishing.

Frugal Living in America

By Gina Juliano Recognized by Media over North America as the source for SAVINGS! You can now listen to Gina on WDRC AM every Friday at 5:30 for the grocery deals of the week!

When I teach couponing classes, I talk about how important it is to build up a stockpile of items you use regularly so you never need to pay full price for those items. Foods like tuna, pasta, and beans will keep for a very long time without spoiling. But what about foods you use regularly that do spoil such as meats, butter, cold cuts, and cheese? That's where having a freezer is really important to building a "fresh foods" stockpile.

Using a freezer effectively also means wrapping the food effectively. One of the best accoutrements to a freezer is a Food Saver machine. These suck all the air out of whatever items you are freezing so they last longer. If you can't afford one of these right now, you can always double wrap your food in zip top bags. (And you can reuse zip top bags as long as they don't come in direct contact with food or you wash them out.) Just remember to squeeze as much air as possible out of the bags before placing food into the freezer. The more air frozen with your food, the more quickly items will get "freezer burnt" and go bad. I personally use a combination of both methods when I freeze food; it just depends on what I freeze.

Butter, for example, can just be frozen in zip top bags. It's pretty well wrapped in its packaging to begin with and will last for months as is. By "double wrapping" it in a zip top bag, you ensure it will keep for MANY months in the freezer.

Deli meats and cheeses are another thing you can keep for a long time in the freezer when wrapped in zip top bags.

When cold cuts and cheese go on sale, I buy them in bulk at the grocery store. I have the deli counter person wrap the meats into 1/2 pound packages and store several packages in zip top bags labeled by meat and cheese type. When we run out of deli meat or cheese, I just grab one of the frozen packages from a zip top bag and let it thaw in the refrigerator. By using this method, I save money on deli meats by buying them when on sale. I'm also not at the mercy of what happens to be on sale in a given week or, *gasp*, have to pay full price for what I want. In addition, freezing deli meats and cheeses alleviates the need to run to the grocery store every week for these items, also saving time and gas.

When freezing meat, I prefer to use my Food Saver machine. I like it because I can make the correct size bag for whatever I am freezing. Plus, it does get almost all of the air out of the food, which is much better than using the zip top bags.

As with most things, meat is cheaper when you buy it in bulk. Many grocery stores and butcher shops will sell meats at lower costs per pound when you buy it in larger packages. It only makes sense to buy the larger packages and freeze them in smaller, meal-sized packages to save money. For example, I recently purchased 40 pounds of natural, antibiotic free boneless breast of chicken at $1.49 lb. Since regular sale price on most chicken is $1.99 lb, this was a deal I couldn't pass up. (It's still available!)

Although using your freezer is a great way to save money, there can also be few pitfalls if you aren't careful. First, you really should make a list of what is in the freezer and keep it taped to the door. When something is removed to be

used, cross it off the list. This may seem a bit silly, but how many times have you found something in the back of your freezer you had no idea was there, the item in question now unidentifiable? This is especially true with chest freezers! You won't save money with a freezer if you freeze food, forget about it, and then have to throw it out because it didn't get used in time.

Second, just because you have a huge freezer doesn't mean you have to fill it to bursting. Just like with any stockpile, moderation is the key. The people on the Extreme Couponing show would have us believe that more is better. (I really hate that show, but that's for another article!) However, always be mindful of how much you are actually going to use. Again, throwing out food is not cost effective.

Third, it is a good idea to label your food with what it is and the date it was frozen. Food is not always identifiable after it is frozen so labeling saves you from taking out chicken for dinner and then having pork to cook. (Er . . . yeah, I learned that one from experience.) Putting the date on packages also ensures you use the oldest items first. Just like a non perishable stockpile, you always want to rotate your stock.

Although not everyone has the space or funds to have a stand alone freezer, the tips above can be used with your regular freezer as well. Just remember to think beyond your weekly grocery needs when you do your shopping and plan your meals around what is on sale and what you have in your stockpile.

Have a freezer tip? Email me at ginaskokopelli@yahoo.com Gina Juliano writes daily about "Everything coupon, free, and cheap" on her blog, Gina's Kokopelli (www.ginaskokopelli.com). Gina also teaches couponing classes and would love to be invited to your school, library, or organization. Please contact her at ginaskokopelli@yahoo.com.

"Why Mooreland Hill School?"

From the desk of the Headmaster…Michael D. Dooman I am often asked by friends who do not have children in an independent school, "Why Mooreland?" It seems so self-evident to me that I scarcely know where to begin. I talk about the high ideals of education for education's sake and how all children have the ability to succeed to their fullest if given the chance. It is then that I realize that I have lost my audience. Their inquisitive, interested attention gives way to the beginnings of a far away gaze.

I have learned to change gears rather quickly in dealing with this type of question. Now when confronted with the "why?" I answer with the concretes first. Here it is: 1. Class Size: Our classes are small. On average, our class sizes are eight or nine students. Our largest class is fifteen and our smallest is a tutorial in accelerated Latin. Why is class size important? Every student is engaged in every minute of the class period. They are actively involved in the learning process from the moment they step in to the class until they leave.

2. Accountability: Our faculty members are expected to know each student academically, athletically, and socially with his or her peers. This holistic view of the individual helps us to understand how a student thinks, works, and interacts with the outside world. It is important to know this to engage students in the learning process. If there are difficulties, we can learn why and redirect our efforts to reach each student.

Our advisor system provides each student with a faculty mentor who becomes the expert on that student. They become the point person for the transmission of information to the home and from the home to the school. In the first few weeks of school, we get to know each of our students as individuals.

3. Learning Community: It is no accident that our school is a community of learners. We have a well-established mission statement to guide us. Beyond this, the Headmaster, faculty and staff work together to create an environment where safety is paramount, and learning in and out of the classroom is the norm. The adults and children work together in a variety of ways to build this community. Ask us about our chore program, the 8th grade kitchen crew, landscaping, team sports, Fine Arts Night, and Morning Meetings.

4. Strong Academics: Our faculty provides a strong and balanced academic preparation. As an independent school, we do not have to subject our students to the testing necessary in public schools. Consequently, we have time to focus on the essentials of good preparation in all disciplines. Our students engage in active learning, as they develop critical thinking skills essential for 21st century learners.

Our students have access to two modern languages and Latin, high levels of math ranging from arithmetic to Geometry and beyond, a laboratory science curriculum beginning in the fourth grade and culminating in Conceptual Physics for our ninth graders. This is in addition to a strong English and history program. Our students are consistently placed in high-level courses at the secondary school level.

5. Secondary School Placement: As students prepare to move on from Mooreland, we help families make placement decisions for their children.

With over 80 years of experience in middle school education, we know the secondary school environment quite well. At the core of our placement process is the belief that each child is different and success in secondary school is based on a good fit for the student. We explore all local options including public and parochial schools in addition to independent day/boarding schools. We use our wealth of knowledge to find the best school for each child.

I believe parents new to independent schools intuitively know what the advantages are. Experience allows them the certainty that the decision they have made to send their children to one was a good one. With this experience solidly in mind, the high ideals I spoke of earlier become selfevident. What a student leaves with is far more than a shopping cart filled with certificates of completion. They graduate with a sense of purpose and direction, ready to take on the challenges of secondary school and beyond.

www.mooreland.org

Page 16 December A 2011

2011 Meriden Public Library Ornament

Local Toastmasters' Club Increases Membership through Facebook, YouTube, Meetup, and LinkedIn

By Rachel Mele

This year's Meriden holiday ornament features the armory building on East Main Street. As usual, the pewter ornament is available at the Information Desk of the Meriden Public Library at 105 Miller Street. The former Connecticut State Armory, located at 241 East Main Street, was constructed in 1908 to house two military units. Charles Scranton Palmer (1879-1954) was the architect for the 34,500-square-foot building which was built by the H. Wales Lines Company using rock-faced ashlar for the raised foundation, and brick for the main part of the building, with limestone accents. The architectural style has been described as castellated Italian Gothic. Construction cost $100,000. One thousand people attended the Dec. 15, 1908 gala military ball and review that marked its dedication. Early postcard views picture rooftop crenellations and a decorative tower on the west tower which have since been removed.

At various times the building housed Company B, 1st Battalion, 102 Infantry of the Connecticut Army National Guard, C Company 143rd Forward Support Battalion and HHC, 238th Supply and Service Battalion. In addition to housing military units, over the years the building has been the scene of many civic events and entertainments, including basketball games, boxing matches, banquets, balls, and even dog shows and poultry shows. In 1923 the silent screen movie star Rudolph Valentino performed there for a crowd of 700.

There were extensive renovations to the structure in 1983, but toward the end of the century the building again needed repair. In 1998 the only remaining military unit, Company C, 143rd Forward Support Battalion, vacated the armory and moved to the then newly remodeled Waterbury armory. The building has been in private hands since 2000 and is now for sale.

Word Search Answers

People are talking online fifty-seven percent more than they do in real life1. Social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, Meetup, and LinkedIn are being utilized at the local, district and international levels to help promote and increase membership in organizations including Wallingford's public speaking and leadership building organization, Eagle Toastmasters.

According to Pew Internet, of those using social media sites, ninety-two percent are on Facebook, twenty-nine percent use MySpace, eighteen percent use LinkedIn and thirteen percent use Twitter. Facebook is estimated to have seven hundred and fifty million users2 spending over four and half hours each month on the site3. Toastmasters around the globe use Facebook in their daily lives. More than five hundred and fifty local Toastmasters clubs and some districts have developed Facebook Business Pages. The number is not surprising considering it takes just a few minutes to establish a page.

Simply visit facebook.com/pages/create.php and follow the instructions.

Creating a Facebook Page is the first step. Developing a page for members and prospective members to truly engage requires more effort. Facebook users who "Like" a page can then see posts from that page within their Facebook wall, keeping them truly connected. Once a page has twenty-five "Likes" a vanity URL (facebook.com/clubname) can be established by visiting facebook.com/username. Organizations can establish more "Likes" by posting a link on their personal Facebook wall, sending an email to the organizations members and including links on the organizations business cards, for example. Eagle Toastmasters Club in Wallingford, Connecticut (facebook.com/eagletoastmasters) promotes its Facebook Page with a Quick Response Code (QR- Code) on flyers posted throughout the community. QR-Codes are barcodes that can be scanned by smart phones which provide user's direct access to a URL. With mobile Internet browsing expected to exceed desktop browsing by the end of this year4 and thirty-three percent of Facebook users updating their statuses via mobile devices5; QR-Codes are the next generation of marketing.

ECC Toastmasters Club in Dubai (facebook.com/ecctm) keeps Facebook fresh and interesting by posting regular updates about their member's progress within the club, "TM Muzammil completed ABL. Congratulations," for example.

Florida City Toastmasters in Homestead (facebook.com/floridacitytoastmasters) listed their 2011-2012 club officers on their Facebook page. Clubs are posting videos of their speakers, pictures with captions from special events, meeting information and so much more.

Meetup.com is another social network used by approximately three hundred and thirty Toastmasters clubs.

Meetup.com has seven point two million members in forty-five thousand cities across the world. For one hundred and forty-four dollars, an organization can setup an account and gain visibility to hundreds of locals almost instantly. Three days after the Meetup group is created an announcement goes out via email to Meetup members interested in the group's topics. Daniel Cossack, from The Tustin Wine Tasting Toastmasters in Irvine, California says, "Meetup.com has been indispensable for us." Daniel's Toastmasters club started just a year ago and they found immediate success through Meetup. "If you didn't RSVP via Meetup.com you probably weren't going to get a seat," Daniel continued. Penelope Boehm and Lt. Governor Education and Training of District Forty-Six in New York, NY says, "we get about three visitors a week from Meetup.com." She credits the success of their club to Meetup.com.

Resources from Meetup.com provide tips to support better results including adding videos, photos and reviews to the Meetup page. Setting a limit to the number of members who can RSVP makes the event appear more exclusive.

Administrators can always increase the cap as needed. Many clubs use Meetup.com to announce contest dates and locations, district meetings and even Toastmasters' International conference. For more tips on creating a Meetup group visit, meetup.com/help.

LinkedIn is the world's largest professional social network with over one hundred million members and two million company pages7. Nearly forty-eight thousands LinkedIn members mention Toastmasters in their online profiles. Many have their local and district level positions highlighted in the experience section of their profiles. Michelle Eggers from Toast of the Town Toastmasters in Seattle, WA uses LinkedIn to connect with her professional network providing information about her local club. "Like me, many of my business associates are working on improving their public speaking skills. It's helpful to remind them of the power of Toastmasters," said Michelle. Michelle is among the more than three thousands LinkedIn members following the Toastmasters International LinkedIn profile. The association with Toastmasters promotes public awareness to Michelle's LinkedIn connections; employees, associates and potential employers.

With three billion YouTube videos watched daily8 and users spending an average of fifteen to twenty-six minutes a day or two point nine billion hours a month9; YouTube is a leading social networking site. Searching "Toastmasters" on YouTube will generate more than fifty-five thousand videos including an interview with David Henderson, 2010 Toastmasters World Champion. There are videos on overcoming shyness, improving confidence and hundreds of local club speeches. Creating a YouTube channel is as easy as filling out a short form at YouTube.com and clicking the upload button to add a video. YouTube provides a section for the video title, description and tags which help optimize the video to show up on search engines. YouTube allows videos as long as fifteen minutes to be uploaded, more than enough time for the average Toastmasters speech.

Eagle Toastmasters of Wallingford meets on the first and third Monday of each month at the Wallingford Park and Recreation at 6 Fairfield, Blvd from 7:15pm-8:45. For additional information visit www.eagletoastmasters.com or contact Ian Brooks at (203) 265-5149 or via email at ianbrooks@sbcglobal.net.

Citations: 1. Blogging, April 2011, B2B Social Media Guide 2. Techcruch 3. Nielsen 4. Nielsen 5. Hubspot 6. meetup.com/about 7. press.linkedin.com 8. http://www.youtube.com/t/press_statistics 9. Mashable.com Author Biography: Rachel Mele, CC is the VP of Public Relations for Eagle Toastmasters in Wallingford, Connecticut. She is the Director of Business Development and a professional speaker for Sesame Communications, an Inc. 500|5000 and a Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ SaaS (Software as a Service) company connecting dentists with patients through social media and more.

Reach her at rachel@sesamecommunications.com

Wallingford Family YMCA Dolphins On Saturday December 3 the Wallingford Family YMCA Dolphin swim team had its second home meet against the Makos of Western CT. For many of the youngest swimmers on the beginners Dolphin squad, this was their first opportunity to compete. Over 150 swimmers total participated in 81 events. Five seasoned swimmers stood out from the rest by winning all three individual events in which they raced: Ali Tyler (8 & Under), Maya Naumenko (9-10) Tess DiDomenico (11-12), Linus Koepfer (11-12) and Shannon Blakeslee (1112). The Dolphins swim at home next on January 7, 2012.

Volunteers NEEDED! Volunteers are needed to visit elderly people, to shop with or for an elder, to drive an elder to and from their medical appointment, and to provide respite care to family members caring for a loved one who needs constant care. All that is required is a warm, loving heart and one or two hours of your time each week. A two hour training session will provide you with information and basic skills to make a difference in someone's life. Please call IVCG for the next training date at 203-230-8994 or email carenh@snet.net for more information

Page 17 December A 2011

Wallingford Rotary Makes a Difference

Pictured are representatives of organizations that were recipients of the Wallingford Rotary Club Thanksgiving Dinner fundraiser, in conjunction with Liberty Bank. A total of $12,100 was raised and distributed to these organizations.

L to R (front Row) Harvey Bray - Holiday for Giving Nancy Freyberg - Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner John Stevens - Holiday for Giving John Bruce - Wallingford Emergency Shelter Mary Lynn Nieves - Wallingford Community Day Care Sharlene Kerelezja - Chrysalis Jim Ieronimo - United Way of Meriden and Wallingford Roz Gallagher - Rotary Club Sam Sargeant - Rotary Club President L to R (back row) John O'Brien - Liberty Bank Rich Figlewski - Dry Dock Lori Cooke-Marra - Rotary Club Missing from picture, Rotary photographer Pat Coppola Thank you, Patricia Coppola of the Wallingford Rotary Club

Congratulations to the YMCA Dolphins The Wallingford YMCA Dolphins had a meet against the Tsunamis of Farmington Valley on Saturday November 19. Many swimmers had enormous improvements in their times. In the female 11 & over 200 IM Maddie Severson cut 28.88 seconds off her best time and Lindsey Fitzgerald improved her time by 10.97 seconds. Olivia Dubuc improved her 100 IM time by 22.07 seconds and Stephen Iovanna cut his 100 Freestyle time by 12.53 seconds. In the 9-10 year old boys 100 yard backstroke, Vincenzo DiNatale improved his time by 17.26 seconds and Adam Shoshani shaved 19.53 seconds off of his time while in the 11-12 boys 100 back Christopher Ryan improved his best time by 10.22 seconds. 9 year old Emma Gilhuly cut 10.65 seconds in her 50 yard freestyle and Ryan Cosgrove bested his time in the 100 breaststroke by 12.59 seconds. In a sport where milliseconds make the difference between first and second, or first and tenth, these improvements should be celebrated.

THANK YOU 3M from the QRWA Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) president Ginny Chirsky takes a moment to express the organization's heartfelt thanks for a recent delivery of products from 3M. QRWA was submitted to 3M's 'Gift in Kind' program where we had the fun, fun, fun opportunity to select a variety of 3M products including Post-it notesŠ, tapes and even a projector and accompanying stand! Squeals of delight could be heard all along Hanover Pond as the boxes of notes, flags and tabs were opened! The boxes were sorted and organized by function and then stored by frequency of use. Hey, would you expect anything less from a Professional Organizer? Many, many thanks to 3M and Joe Struble for all their support of our recent Rapid Bioassessment grant, we look forward to a long and fun partnership! PS - please note that Ginny's feet don't even touch the floor, she may be petite in stature but her drive and spirit HUGE!

Meeting of the Wallingford Garden Club The Wallingford Garden Club got a head start on Christmas with a "Deck the Halls" presentation at the November 8 meeting.

Floral designer, Rose Marano, of Blossoming Blessings composed a variety of holiday designs and shared many tricks of the trade. Marano likes to spray her floral designs with Hawaiian Floral Mist to keep them fresh throughout the holiday season. The talented designer brought several arrangements to the meeting and explained how she assembled the different wreaths, swags, and centerpieces on display. In addition, she made a boxwood tree using several varieties of greenery.

Marano assembled a striking rose and douglas fir arrangement on a pedestal and an equally clever display of three clear vases using greenery and roses interspersed with votive candles..

The club members were appreciative of Marano's skill and insights on holiday decorations. The Wallingford Garden Club is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT and the National Garden Clubs Inc. Photo of Rose Marano of Blossoming Blessings

Page 18 December A 2011

2012 LUXURY BUS TRIPS SPONSORED BY THE WALLINGFORD Y Please contact Lisa Hoover at lhoover@wallingfordymca.org or (203) 269-4497 x20 for any of the following 2012 trips: Atlantic City, UCONN Men's and Women's Basketball, Baltimore Weekend, Boston Duck Tour/Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox, Boston Flower Show, Bar Harbor and Arcadia, Bronx Zoo, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Garlic Festival, Yankee Stadium, Lobsterbake Gloucester, Macy's Fireworks and Statue of Liberty, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nascar, Niagara Falls, Quebec, Washington DC and Whale Watch.

Many available pick up sites, including Stratford, North Haven, Meriden, Newington!

BECOME CERTIFIED AS A LIFEGUARD! The Wallingford Family YMCA is conducting the Red Cross Lifeguard Training Program. This certification course prepares those 15 years of age and older for employment as a lifeguard. This class will cover professionalism, surveillance, victim recognition, equipment based rescues, spinal injury management and post rescue care. In addition, CPR/FPR, First Aid, AED and Administering Oxygen certifications complete this Lifeguard Training Package.

Class dates & times: December 23: 3:30-5:00PM and December 26-30: 9:00-4:00PM Pre-registration is required. Participants are required to attend all classes. For more information, please contact Lisa Hoover at lhoover@wallingfordymca.org or (203) 269-4497 x20

NOTICE TO WATER & SEWER CUSTOMERS OF MERIDEN From the Department of Public Utilities Starting March 1, 2012, you will receive your first quarterly bill. Quarterly bills will be sent out March 1st, June1st, September1st and December 1st.

The December 1, 2011, water and sewer bills will be the last semi-annual billing. To transition into the quarterly billing the December 2011 billing period (normally180days+/-) and the March 1, 2012 and June 1, 2012 billing periods (normally90days+/-) will have between fifteen (15) thirty (30) extra days on the billing cycle.

Quarterly billing will be an advantage to both the City and you the customer. For the City it will help with cash flow, and for you, the customers, we will not be billing in the arrears for along period once we go/change to quarterly billing. This will allow you to find any problems (leaks) faster and prevent high bills.

If you have any questions concerning this matter please contact our office at 203-630-4256.

Thank you again for you patience and cooperation.

Meriden Public Utilities Department

Wallingford Electric Division Offering Customers Free Home Energy Assessment In an effort to continue to keep energy bills more affordable and to help prepare for the cold winter months, the Wallingford Electric Division (WED) is offering its residential customers a free home energy assessment this fall through its Home Energy Savings (HES) program.

"A HES visit should reduce the total energy use of most customers by at least 10 percent, and many customers will realize energy savings of up to 20 percent or more," explains Rick Hendershot, WED general manager.

Competitive Resources Inc. (CRI), a Wallingford-based energy efficiency contractor, is conducting the energy assessments for WED. Customers, who heat with electric, oil or gas and qualify for the program, will receive more than $700 in services and installed products that will help make their homes more energy efficient and lower their energy bills by an average of $200 annually.

During the energy assessment, CRI's certified technicians will make energy saving improvements that include identifying and sealing air leaks and drafts, installing improved lighting and water-saving devices, identifying inefficient appliances, insulation, and heating/cooling systems, and providing information on available rebates.

WED customers can schedule a free home energy assessment by calling CRI at (888) 403-3500 or by going to www.hesmuni.com. CRI is the authorized HES provider for members of the Connecticut Municipal Electrical Energy Cooperative, including WED.

Don’t Let It Happen Again! Call Haberli Electric Today!

MERIDEN HALL OF FAME The Meriden Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for individuals to be considered for induction to the Hall of Fame in 2012. Nomination forms are available at the City Clerk's Office at Meriden City Hall, at the reference desk at the Meriden Public Library, at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center or by contacting the Meriden Hall of Fame at PO Box 1852, Meriden, CT 06450.

The Meriden Hall of Fame will consider the following criteria in the selection process: · Recognition as outstanding in that person's field; · The person has lived and/or worked in Meriden at some time; · Preferably the person is known nationally or internationally in his/her field of endeavor; · The person must be of good character and have performed in a manner as to be a credit to and/or a benefactor to the City of Meriden.

Nominations must be received no later than January 31, 2012. The Meriden Hall of Fame was established in 1975 and since that time 123 prominent individuals have been inducted. For further information pick up a Nomination Form at the locations listed or contact John Hogarth, President of the Meriden Hall of Fame, at 203.237.0066.

Sincerely, John F. Hogarth, President - Meriden Hall of Fame

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Page 19 December A 2011

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Page 20 December A 2011

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WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 1/04/12

$9.99

$39.99 California Natural Lamb & Rice 30lb

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 1/04/12

$39.99 Innova Adult 30lb WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 1/04/12

$11.99 HEATH SUET CAKES CASE OF 12EA - (D4,15,14&18) WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 1/04/12

$45.99 Taste of the Wild 30lb - Any Flavor

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 1/04/12

$10.99 $39.99

Thistle Seed, 10lb

Aspen Value Blend Bird Seed, 30lb

Canidae - ALS 35lb

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 1/04/12

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 1/04/12

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 1/04/12

846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden 203-237-4414

The Wallingford Family YMCA Board of Directors and staff wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to our YMCA Family and to all of the communities we serve!