Get Happy With It!

By the People . . . For the People Serving Central Connecticut www.peoplespressnews.com

Wallingford Flower & Gift Shoppe

190 Center Street. 203.265.1514 November 2008 • Volume 9, Issue 108

Get Your Good News Here!

There is one thing other papers and media have that The People's Press doesn't - bad news. You'll always find the brighter side of life in our pages. When we started eight years ago, we made a commitment to share only good news and stories about your communities, families and orgranizations. Now more than ever, we are glad to continue our mission. Who shares the good news and stories? You do. So do your family, friends, and neighbors. The best part? It is free to share and free to read. So share a happy memory with your community. Surprise a loved one with a photo and message. See your favorite recipe in print. Express your emotion in poetry. We love what you have to say - and so does your community. As your monthly newspaper, The People's Press is happy to be your go-to place to find upcoming community events for people of all ages. Non-profit Organizations, Libraries, Senior Centers, Park and Recreation Departments, and other organizations offer a

plethora of fun and interesting things to do each month. Another commitment we made eight years ago - support the Locally Owned Business ONLY. You won't find chain or mall ads here. We understand the importance of locally owned businesses in a community. They help support you, your town and your local organizations. They add flavor and stability to our main streets. So we offer them a valuable way to reach their community; a place where they don't have to compete with large, national or international operations. Inside this issue, we have a holiday greeting photo form so you can send a free holiday wish to a family member, friend or someone who has made a difference in your life. Holiday greetings will be printed in the December issue. The People's Press is proud to help bring the community together in a unique and uplifting way. Grab a copy and put a little happy in your day. Remember you can also read every paper from 2000 on at www.peoplespressnews.com.

WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA

Page 2 November 2008

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! YTeen Programs Healthy Balance

Youth & Government This program is for teens in grades 9-12 who show an interest in law and politics. Teens act as delegates and write and propose legislation. After a series of meetings, Youth and Government delegates from across the state will present their legislations to the mock government at the State Capital in Hartford. Experience first hand what the government is all about. A weekend trip to the state capital in March and a hotel stay at the Farmington Marriott makes this program a lot of fun! Contact Tim Baker at 2847448 for more information. Meetings start in November.

Parents Night Out Night on the Town This program is designed especially for children in grades K-6. The program will take place every other A wellness program that addresses the health of the Friday night from 6:30 - 9:30 PM. Kids will enjoy mind, body, and spirit. This is a wellness program that addresses the health of the mind, pizza, games in the gymnasium, and swimming in the body, and spirit. It is an 8-week session that includes 8 weekly group pool, while you spend some quality time together, classes and 3 individual appointments. You will receive: without the kids! Registration is Required! *A personalized exercise program designed to help you meet your Members: $15.00 Program Members: $25.00 fitness goals! * A text book with menu plans and recipes plus a lifestyle journal (a Dates: November 7th $50 value!) December 5th and 19th * Computerized diet analysis software to analyze your eating patterns (a $20 value!) * A better understanding of the impact of stress on health and ways to control or eliminate stress * A total lifestyle management plan that comes with a permanent partner in your quest for health - your Wallingford Family YMCA!

Health and Wellness!

Tai Chi is returning to the YMCA Starting Tuesday Nov. 4 and Friday Nov. 7th. Increase balance, coordination, and lower blood pressure and stress in a comfortable, gentle setting. Contact Fitness Dept for more info * Lunchtime Barbell Pump classes Monday-Thursday, and Saturday 12:30-1:15pm *Active Older Adult Fitness Tuesday and Friday 9:30-10:15am

Check out our website for a FREE trial pass www.wallingfordymca.org (Coupon in the Health/Wellness area of the site). Come see how much fun getting in your best shape can be! Lifeguard class being held in December around Christmas vacation. Contact the YMCA for more information and dates

Wallyball Come and play a new and fun gameWallyball- Its like volleyball but walls are in play. Call the Y for details

Y Child Care Early Learning Center- on the grounds of Gaylord Hospital Full time toddler spaces available Part time availability for 2, 3, and 4 year olds. Contact Karen Wu at 284-5920

Friday Night Family Fit Club November 14th - Family Water Aerobics

Friday Night Family Float Night 7:00 - 9:00PM *Movies to be determined* Dates: November 21st

bble ble, Go b o G , e will Gobbl e games d ey Tim e k r m e u h T hy ay t It's a healt iving D d g s n a k n m a y Th eg ed in th be play l be served. il h snack w ovember 16t rs: Membe ,N Sunday Free Program rs: Membe ily $10/fam

SCUBA SANTA December 7th 1:00-4:00 p.m. Members: Free Program Members:$10

81 So. Elm Street, Wallingford 203-269-4497 www.wallingfordymca.org

Page 3 November 2008

Family Night -Wallingford Public Library

Polymer Clay Turkey Pin Program

Friday, November 3rd 7:00p.m. Costello brings his background in theater to the stage in a one-man variety show. Join us for a stomping good time with stories, rhymes and activities about dinosaurs. This program is for families with children ages 3 to 8 but younger, interested siblings are welcome. Wallingford residents may register beginning Thursday, October 23. Non-residents are welcome to call the day before the program to see if there is space available. For further information, or to register for this program, stop by or call the Children's Library at 284-6436.

Saturday, November 8th 2:00p.m. Kids, ages 8-12, will create a cute turkey pin out of polymer clay to wear on Thanksgiving-or any time of year you want to celebrate the turkey. Wallingford residents may register beginning Saturday, October 25. Non-residents may register beginning Friday, November 7. To register, stop by or call the library at: 284-6436. For further information, or to register for this program, stop by or call the Children's Library at 284-6436.

Page 4 November 2008

SUPPORT THE ARTS!

With the holidays coming, what better way to honor the spirit of the season than to support the Arts and Crafts Association and its artists, by giving a unique, hand crafted, gift to all the special people in your life! Don't miss out on the fabulous hand crafted holiday items including original oil paintings, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, accessories and more! The Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden/Gallery 53 invites you to share the joy of the season at their ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR, Dec 6 thru Dec 24. The reception is Dec. 6th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and open to the public. Come share the fun and enjoy the hors d'oeuvres! Gallery 53/The Arts and Crafts Association has been serving the community for over 100 years, is a non-profit organization committed to promoting and encouraging the arts through educational programs, exhibits, workshops and lectures. Gallery hours are from 12:00 to 4:00PM, Tuesday - Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00PM. Free parking is available across the street and there is easy access from I84 and I91. For more information visit their website: www.gallery53.org or call 203-235-5347.

Upcoming Events at The Augustis Curtis Cultural Center! "Seniors Art Show" Seniors Have Dreams Too! Thursday, November 13, 2008 5:00pm to 8:00pm Seniors Have Dreams Too Inc. will present its first Seniors Art Exhibit and Sale. Admission is $20 and $10 for Seniors and students. Food and Beverages will be provided and door prizes will be awarded. - For more info call Sally Smith @203-265-5801 or Betty Berger @ 203-631-9286. Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc. is seeking artists and craftspeople who would like to exhibit and/or sell their work at the event. Anyone interested in exhibiting must be over 55. Annual Augusta Auction Saturday, November 15, 2008 Dear Friends, Neighbors and Supporters, The Augusta Auction 2008 arrives this year on Saturday night, November 15th, and we hope you will be able to join us. The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center is an independent, self-supporting non-profit organization dedicated to fostering art, science, history, sports and social interaction for people of all ages, races, religions and beliefs in the greater Meriden area. Each year we must raise upwards of $80,000 to keep it running smoothly. We raise this money through the contributions of hundreds of individuals and organizations in the form of annual memberships, building rentals, out-right donations and participation in our fund-raisers. We hold the Augusta Auction annually. This gives us the opportunity to gather rare, unusual, and desirable items. This results in bargains for the public and generates vital funds for the center. Items generally sell between $20 and $2,500, and run the gamut from antiques to construction services, thematic gift baskets to get-aways in Martha’s Vineyard or Nova Scotia. The Augusta Auction 2008 Catalog, containing advance descriptions of auction items and their donors, will be distributed in our area around November 1st. The catalog will also showcase paid advertisements from area businesses. A private preview party will be held 6:00 to 7:00pm on the night of the auction. Guests will enjoy coffee and desserts in the Rotunda, and may peruse auction items at their leisure, as well as choose seats for the auction. Tickets are $15, or 2 for $25. Doors will then open to the general public at 7:00 and the auction will begin at 7:30. Once again the professional staff of Nest Egg Auctions have volunteered to conduct the auction on our behalf, assisted by some of our dazzling local community leaders. We hope you’ll join us for the auction on November 15th and get some of your Christmas shopping done! We’re also hoping to enjoy your company at the private preview party. If you would like to donate an item or service to the auction, or want to run an ad in our highprofile catalog, we have attached the forms for your convenience. As always, we thank you for your interest and support. Live Auction featuring Nest Egg Auctions. - Live auctions items available.....Trips, Furniture, Celebrity Memorabilia, art, antiques,and so much more.........Save the date to support the Arts & Cultural Center of Meriden. Holiday Tree & Item Display Silent Auction Saturday, November 15, 2008 through Monday, December 15, 2008

Trees will be on display at all Events @ The Center There is no admission fee to view the trees.....Viewing times to be announced. - Come out and see this beautiful display of trees, wreaths, and centerpieces donated by local businesses and non-profit organizations all over the City of Meriden. Bid on your favorite item for yourself or a special gift for the Holidays, if you have the winning bid items from the Holiday Auction can be picked up on Dec. 15th & 16th.... Come and view the display just to get into the Holiday spirit and bring some friends!!! Support your local non-profit by bidding on their tree, wreath or centerpiece. They get half of the proceeds that there item brings in... Tree display open daily Nov. 28th through Dec.3rd , 11am to 7pm...........All other days call for times. 90th Anniversary of Rosa Ponselle's Debut at the Met Sunday, November 16, 2008 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Valerie Bubon will be presenting program. Fundraiser for ACCC Admission $5.00 - Valerie Bubon, well-known lecturer and opera teacher, will present a program to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Meriden-born diva Rosa Ponselle’s Metropolitan Opera debut through a visual and audio presentation of Verdi’s Opera "La Forza del Destino". Ponselle debuted with the great tenor, Enrico Caruso on November 15th, 1918 at the age of 21 in the role of Leonora. In addition to hearing Ponselle in song and interview, an excerpt from the Met broadcast of March 24, 1984 of the opera will be shown. There will be a $5.00 admission charge to benefit the Augusta fundraiser for the upcoming 2008-2009 season. For information and directions to the Augusta, call 203-639-2856 or visit our website at: www.curtisculturalcenter.org

Thanksgiving By Anna Sampson It seems to me that we're reminded of blessings every day, but too often we choose to ignore them. Sure, we are thankful that we have a wonderful son, but how often do we reflect on that as we are rushing to get to work each morning? Granted, we have a full refrigerator, but what am I going to fix for dinner tonight? Americans use the Thanksgiving holiday as a yearly reminder to take stock in all that we are thankful for, but too often it is a time to double check our groceries, fuss about cooking, and worry about who we should invite to the celebration. I propose that we take a more aggressive approach to our good fortune by using a technique my mother taught me when I was very young. Although our family was not big on church and prayer, we had a firm belief in God. In holding true to that belief, my mother told me to take time to think of all the things that I had, both material and not, as I went to bed each night. This was not a prayer, but a silent way of taking stock of the benefits I reaped each day as a member of a loving, middle class family in the United States. (And, as I found out later with my own kids, a great way to calm them down for sleep.) I must admit there were the nights when I would brood. "All I want is a new kitten; " I would internally lament. "I never get anything." But then, it's easy to be complacent when you are absolutely sure there will be something for breakfast in the morning, and you will always get a cake for your birthday. This is why the exercise seemed futile at times. When crisis hit, reverting to the technique always seemed to comfort a depressed mind. Yes, I am in the hospital. The stress level is high and I feel like crap, but my husband loves me, I got flowers from my friends and when I get home I am sure to be hugged by at least three wonderful children. This year, forget about the turkey. Or at the very least, give it less importance than you did last year. Worry not about the relative taste value of the meal, but marvel at the fact that you have all this food available and at your disposal in the nearest supermarket. There are many, many people who do not. In the same vein, if a hardship comes about, look at it as a loss that will eventually bring about a gain. The world runs on cycles. People are part of the world and our lives will have hills and valleys. But we go on. Every day. Until we don't. That is good enough for me. The rest, said my mom, is just gravy.

Celebrations of Life and Home

DAR "Plaque Discussion" Friday, November 21, 2008 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm The Daughters of the American Revolution will be doing a talk about the "Susan Carrington Clark Chapter of the DAR" Plaque located on the wall of the Center. The public is invited and admission is free. - Mary Johnson will be leading the discussion on the history of the plaque and light refreshments will be served. For more information call Lois at 203-2357778 Arts,Crafts, & Baked Goods Fair Saturday, November 22, 2008 10:00am to 3:00pm Enjoy this artistic extravaganza of arts, crafts & baked goods all for sale......Enjoy our Holiday Display after you shop for those special items! - If you would like to participate as a vendor at this event tables ar $25 per table and they will be round tables. Call Lisa at 203-238-1510 to reserve. Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra "Thanksgiving Concert & Open House" CCCYO & ACCC Sunday, November 23, 2008 2pm to 6pm Youth Orchestra ages 10 to 18 perform Holiday Concert....More Details to follow....Save the Date!! For more infor call Katrina at 203-235-7445.

Meriden's Israel Putnam Elementary School Cub Scout Pack 29 enjoyed a Family Fall Day at Norton Farms in Cheshire. It was a beautiful, crisp sunny autumn day to take a hay ride throughout the farm's 11,000 apple trees. The Scouts learned all that goes into growing and caring for apple trees. The tour included the apple sorting and packing area followed by cider and apple donut holes - yum yum.

Celebrations

CT National Speakers Association Speaker Program Monday, November 24, 2008 6:00pm to 9:00pm Speaker to be announced

To my beautiful sons: I was born to be your Mommy. You are the loves of my Life! You are my greatest gifts every day, not just on my birthday. All my love, Mommy

Helping Hands Thrift Store Holiday Savings! Why spend alot elsewhere when you can get more savings on winter clothing, appliances both large and small, electronics, housewares, vhs movies, games, books, gift items, glassware, t.v.s, furniture,toys, jewelry, cameras, collectibles, lamps, pictures, shoes, linens, knicknacks and more and help support the Chrysalis Center for Women and Children which are victims of domestic violence at the same time! Starting in November we will be placing many new items out for sale to give as gifts for the holidays. The store is reducing our current inventory with great clearance prices to make room for your Christmas items which will also include decorations and artificial Christmas trees for sale! Stop in, don't see what you are looking for just ask as we may have it in storage. Don't forget every Wednesday you can fill a plastic grocery bag of clothing for only $1.50 with no limit on how many bags you can fill, this sale does not include outerwear, shoes, suits, gowns or holiday wear sorry. We also have many name brand clothing everyday offered at our low prices and can be included in Bag Day.. Need jeans? We have them $1.00 a pr. regular price everyday, baby clothes 25 cents each and up, winter coats (including some real fur coats) $5.00- $25.00! Wallets and purses 50 cents- $3.00 with some famous name brand purses selling for $20.00! Couches, recliners, bureaus, hutches, bed frames and head boards, hospital beds, freezers, refrigerators, t.v.s, baby cribs, baby playpens and other furniture all under $70.00 as well as FREE odd and end furniture as available. We would like to thank everyone who helped make our Halloween bake sale a success with the proceeds donated to the Chrysalis Center and for your donations to help keep the store being able to offer great savings. With the Holidays approaching donating is a wonderful way of helping others in need and is greatly appreciated. The store is in need of a neon open sign if anyone has one for sale or would like to donate it please call the store at (203) 284-0300. Our store hours are Tues, Wed., Fri. and Sat. 9a.m.- 5p.m., Thursday we are open till 6p.m. Starting November 9th we will be open on Sundays from 10a.m.- 3p.m. until December 21st for all your Holiday shopping needs! Watch for our Christmas events with a special contest for children and a special visit from Santa, details will be announced in December. The store is located at 22 North Turnpike Road in Wallingford and is a proud supporter of the Chrysalis Center. We gladly accept donations at the store or pick ups will be available again starting Nov. 23rd for furniture, appliances which are in good, clean working condition, sorry we are not able to accept anymore clothing until further notice. Please call the store if you have any questions at (203) 284- 0300

Page 5 November 2008

The pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts …nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. --H. W. Westermayer

Once you try our delicious seafood dishes you will be hooked for life!

CATERING NOW AVAILABLE!

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9pm 133 Hanover Street, Meriden 203-630-2928

The Passion Play at Oberammergau

AT THE HEART OF IT ALL!! It is hard to believe that the Holidays are upon us and we are hoping to see you at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center (ACCC) located on 175 East Main Street in Meriden this Holiday season. We are hosting our Annual Augusta Auction, our largest fundraiser of the year, on Saturday, November 15th at 7:30pm. We could use all the support we can get for this event. If you would like to donate and item or place an ad in the program give us a call. Most people do not know that we are primarily funded from donations, memberships, and rentals. The City of Meriden gives us $8800 a year and pays the utilities for the building, the Center and its board generate all other funding. So as you can understand we need all the support we can get to continue offering our programs & events. Starting November 15th will be our beautiful Holiday Display that anyone can participate in and/or bid on an item through December 15th. Many nonprofit agencies participate in this event as a fundraiser for their group. Non-profits decorate trees, wreath, centerpieces that are displayed for a month at the Center. Throughout the month anyone is welcome to view the display and bid on an item. Half the proceeds from the items goes to the non-profit and the other half is a fundraiser for the Center. The Center has so many opportunities to get involved that we hope you would want to somehow be a part of this magnificent facility. The Holiday Tree Display is open daily from Nov. 28th through Dec. 3rd, 11am to 7pm, please call regarding times for all other days. For the first time the ACCC will be holding a Holiday arts, crafts, and baked goods fair on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10am to 3pm. To be a vendor give us a call and tables are $25. Our Augusta Curtis Concert Band will be performing their Holiday Concert on Monday, Dec. 8th at 7pm, and The Hartt School of Music will be performing on Tuesday, Dec. 9th at 7pm. We are hosting many Holiday Parties for Businesses and non-profits in the area, are you one of them and if not why not consider the Center for your next party or event? Exciting news our new Polyvision Tablet, Projector, and DVD/VCR have arrived and are now available for use by businesses, classes, and non-profits that rent our facility. This new equipment was made possible by a Technology grant from AT&T. The Polyvision Tablet will enable us to provide a new arena for teaching our arts classes and to enhance any conference or business meeting. Once again, we are here for the community and have many events coming up over the Holiday Season that we would enjoy having you attend. You can get our calendar of events at www.curtisculturalcenter.org and our e-mail address is accc@ci.meriden.ct.us. If you would like to participate in our Auction or Holiday fair please call Staci at 203-639-2856. We need the community to keep the ACCC in the heart of it all and our hearts in the arts!

May 18 - 28 , 2010 This only happens every 10 years, so you must book now to hold a place at this stirring and beautiful production. Fly into Milan - travel to the Italian Lake District, to Stresa on Lago Maggiore and to Lugano. From there into Switzerland to the alpine town of Zermatt, located under the majestic Matterhorn. From there board the spectacular Glacier Express for a full day train ride over the top of the alps to the town of St.Moritz. Travel into Austria to Innsbruck and Salzburg, then onto Bavaria to the city of Munich. The grand finale is the village of Oberammergau which hosts this magnificent Passion Play. Book now as seats are limited. You can protect your deposit with trip cancellation insurance. 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com

Many Annuity Owners Lose Money

Local Youth Athletes Seeking Area Assistance

Dear Friends, Every year the Wallingford Vikings Football and Cheer works towards helping the youth of Wallingford and by being a part of the American Youth Football (AYF) league we are compelled to do so. The main mission of the AYF is a commitment to helping others, community service, and volunteerism - which is the foundation of the AYF, the largest football and cheer organization in the country. From the many local volunteers who give selfless hours of their time, to the youth who give back to their community via AYF projects, the dedication to enrich the lives of others is our mission. When we see these traits in individuals who share in our vision, gives cause for us to fight to make it possible for them to succeed and continue to grow. But the fight is only made possible by the generous support of people like you and / or your business. Every year, the Wallingford Vikings Football and Cheer League have grown stronger. Even with other fall sports becoming more or just as popular, we continue to grow. We have purchased new uniforms for both the football and cheer squads in the past and have even sent some of the players onto competitions. With the continued success of our program we hope to continue to help raise these local children by providing a safe harbor to teach leadership, teamwork, trust, and to be their best at something they enjoy; while instilling that hard work and determination make your dreams an endless possibility. Due to the increasing costs and the talent that has grown within these children we find ourselves with the possibility of having multiply squads move onto Regional competitions and possibly National competitions. In the past we were able to not have to extend the airfare, hotel, travel expenses to the families but during these times, we fear that this will not be the case this year. This year, we hope to be able to send any and all squads that qualify for any competition to that competition without causing any undue hardships to the families. We're asking you, today, to take a stand and assist us in making these children's dreams come true by making a simple donation. Your donation will help pay for any expenses that any of our squads will incur this year and in the upcoming years. Each individual or business will receive a special thank you, an update during our competitions, and your name posted on our web site showing that you have helped our worthy cause up till next season. To send your generous donation, please make checks payable to the Wallingford Junior Football League (WJFL), PO Box 4173, Wallingford, CT 06492. Should you have any questions please feel free to email our Cheer Coordinator at dianewjflcheer@comcast.net. The Wallingford Vikings Football and Cheer League thanks you for your time and generosity. Sincerely, John Calatayud Diane Chadderton WJFL President WJFL Cheer Coordinator

Christopher W. Porter Porter Financial Strategies

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Page 6 November 2008

Enter to win a

$500.00 Prize from

Moran’s TV & Appliance just in time for the Holidays. There are 3 ways to enter this contest. 1. Fill out this contest form 2. Send in a story/submission 3. Send in a Celebrations Photo Wish.

Find this in 10 ads this issue and be entered to win! Fill out the Form completely and send it to: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459 Yalesville, CT 06492 Attention: Holiday Contest

If your entry is correct you will be entered into our drawing! This is a 3 issue contest. You may enter 1x per issue. Deadline for all entries is December 15, 2008. All subscribers to www.peoplespressnews.com are automatically entered when making a submission. Sign up today!

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Phone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ AD #1: __________________AD #2:_________________ AD #3:___________________AD #4:_________________ AD #5:___________________AD #6:_________________ AD #7: __________________AD #8:_________________ AD #9: _________________AD #10:_________________ Limit One Entry Per Person Per Issue.. Members of DNA, LLC and Relations are not eligible to play. Drawing will be held December 20, 2008. Winner will be notified by phone and agrees to have photo and name published. Winner must pick up prizes from participating businesses.

Page 7 November 2008

By Dorothy Gonick

Nature as a Mirror

Franciscan Christmas Fair

TURKEYS Proud strutting turkey Soon to grace Thanksgiving table Feast of brotherly love. Crisp November days bring the symbol for Thanksgiving, since the first Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrims and Indians shared a feast of turkey and deer with gratefulness for the harvest and the friendship they enjoyed. Thanksgiving connects us to our beginnings as a nation and through the years as we have grown into a land of plenty. There are numerous instances of the openhearted sharing of our good fortune in this bountiful land. Today we share the feast with family, friends, community and those less fortunate, as a way of commemorating the bounty and gratefulness of life's blessings. During World War II, a tradition of serving our troops with turkey and trimmings on each Thanksgiving Day was begun. This gave a sense of unity with those far from home, giving some comfort and connection with the families on the home front. Benjamin Franklin suggested the humble turkey for our national symbol of democracy, but the Bald Eagle was chosen because of its majesty, keen eyesight, and protective demeanor as symbolic of our high ideals and defender of freedom. Yet, the turkey has long been ridiculed as having less admirable traits. It is not an aggressive or cunning bird and, therefore, rather easily caught, which benefited the struggling pilgrims. It is not a great flier, just a rather mundane bird that sticks to the task of finding food and caring for its brood of offspring. I became very aware of the idiosyncrasies and charm of turkeys we raised on our farm. Their fear of sudden, loud noises often led them into danger when they ran into fences or piled up in suffocating heaps. Their innate sense of curiosity was a rather charming trait, but also frustrating for us as we tried to keep them penned. There was no shortage of Indian headdress feathers for all the young visitors, which led to wild playtime for both boys and girls. The turkey is a useful, beneficial bird; a real benefactor of mankind who gives its all for our Thanksgiving feast. There are other birds that fill the air with songs and color. They, too, are fulfilling their purpose in being. They consume a myriad of insects and weed seeds while adding cheerfulness to our world. Likewise, we can appreciate and relish the companions in our lives who journey with us and share our joys and sorrows. God, in His wisdom, did not make us carbon copies of one another. We respect the wisdom of our elders and trust their leading, also the "common" man whose goals are to further the well-being and growth of the community. Yet those who are considered unlearned often speak true wisdom and must also be acknowledged as worthy. Children's observations quite often surprise us with a depth of truth that may cause us to become more compassionate and thoughtful of others. The hearts and minds of all of us have worth regardless of age or station in life. Each of us has our own unique value and place of importance. As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, may our thoughts and prayers be for all mankind, acknowledging our commonalities and the unity that will bring peace and brotherhood to all. We can also pray there will be no more need to ship turkeys and trimmings overseas to armed forces, that they will no longer be necessary to police any nation.

Thankful for Animals Lori Peck, Dedicated Volunteer First and foremost, I am thankful for my family, friends and the People's Press who let us share our wonderful stories with all of you. I am also extremely thankful for the unconditional love of animals and how they have helped me through some difficult times. I've always been an animal lover, having grown up with dogs, rabbits, fish, turtles and gerbils. When I was younger, having animals also meant learning responsibility. Feeding, grooming and cleaning up after them was part of our everyday routine. Although at times it seemed like a lot of work, in turn we were rewarded with love and affection from our wonderful pets. As I've gotten older and raised my own family, animals have been an even bigger part of our lives. We have always adopted from the Meriden Humane Society or Animal Control, except for the few strays we've taken in, but had never thought of volunteering before. It was after a back and neck injury almost three years ago that brought me to the M.H.S. I wasn't getting around very well, on lots of medicine and started to get depressed. My daughter Chelsea had wanted to start volunteering with the animals. I took her there one day and we haven't stopped going since. We were escorted to the main cat room, where we were surrounded by felines of all personalities. I couldn't believe it! So many of them and they were so happy to just be pet or talked to. I seemed to have forgotten about all my aches and pains, for a little while anyway. So, I figured while my daughter started volunteering, I would go with her and sit with the cats. I can't guarantee it will take all your aches and pains away, but it sure makes you feel better when you know that you've helped the animals feel better. So, at Thanksgiving I give thanks to all of you who have supported us, volunteered with us and helped to keep our homeless pets safe and fed. Remember, we can't do it without your support. We are solely run on public donations of food and money. The next time your shopping, won't you please pick up a few cans of dog/cat food or a bag of Cat Chow or Pedigree. There are many, many little mouths that would be very thankful for it. As always, thank you so much to the woman who donates $5.00 a week to us. It all makes a difference! God Bless and hope to see you at the shelter.

Wallingford Junior Woman's Club BAKE OFF CONTEST WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB IS LOOKING FOR BAKERS FOR BEST OF WALLINGFORD BAKE OFF CONTEST Calling all bakers - you are needed for the Wallingford Junior Woman's Club Holiday Shopping Fair and Best of Wallingford Bake Off Contest to be held November 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lyman Hall High School, 70 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford. There will be three baking contests: cakes and pies created by adults, cookies created by children under 12, and a decorated cake contest for adults. A panel of judges of Wallingford celebrities will judge the baking contests, and the winner of the decorated cake contest will be decided by popular vote. There is a $5 registration fee for each entry. Winners will receive a Shop-Rite gift certificate, award certificates, and ribbons. For more information, a registration form, and list of rules, please contact Mimi LaFrance at 284-8544 or mimi.l@snet.net.

Thanksgiving 8000 Calorie Poem May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey plump, May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious and your pies take the prize, and may your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs! -Unknown An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. --Irv Kupcinet

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The 17th Annual Franciscan Christmas Fair to benefit the programs of the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, will be held Saturday, November 22, 2008, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Life Center, 271 Finch Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451. This joy-filled day is designed for the entire family. Crafts for children, Christmas booths of pottery; hand-made items; hand-decorated wreaths; fresh cut Christmas trees; "Chestnuts Roasting on and Open Fire," and Franciscan breads, jams, pickles and more. There are Christmas carols and a Living Creche. Eight raffle prizes including two hand-made quilts and hand-painted furniture. Come, join in the Christmas spirit. Admission is free. For more information visit www.flcenter.org or call 203 237-8084.

Wallingford Junior Woman's Club WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY SHOPPING FAIR and BEST OF WALLINGFORD BAKE OFF CONTEST Start your holiday shopping off right at the Wallingford Junior Woman's Club Holiday Shopping Fair and Best of Wallingford Bake Off Contest to be held November 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lyman Hall High School, 70 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford. Admission is free. Several vendors, including Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Dove Chocolate, Lia Sophia, Tupperware, and juried crafters will have items for sale. You'll be sure to find something special for everyone on your gift-giving list. In addition, come view the Best of Wallingford Bake Off. Pies and cakes created by adults and cookies created by children under 12 will be judged by some of Wallingford's most well-known celebrities. A decorated cake contest for adults will be decided by your votes! Coffee, tea, water, and baked goods will be on sale.

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Page 8 November 2008

South Meriden Christmas In The Village

MAYOR'S CORNER WALLINGFORD

The 10th annual Christmas In The Village celebration is quickly approaching. On Saturday December 6th 2008 the Village of South Meriden will bring our community together free of charge to celebrate this holiday season. This year look up into the sky just before 2:00pm and you may see Santa flying high in the sky above South Meriden. A Santa Parade with local marching bands and organizations will start at 2:00pm. From the festival's opening parade down Main Street with its two horse drawn carriages and the sight of Santa, Rudolph, Frosty and Santa's Elves our 2008 event promises to be the best gathering yet. We will serve over 1200 baked cinnamon apples, pounds of roasted chestnuts, tons of popcorn and gallons of hot chocolate. We ask that all in attendance bring at least one canned food item to be donated to the Meriden YMCA. Show your holiday spirit by helping out those in need in your community. Every person that brings a non perishable food donation will be entered into a raffle to win prizes throughout the day. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be located at the South Meriden fire house. Also at the fire house there will be live entertainment, face painting, and hot chocolate. The Meriden Police department will register children and take pictures for the Amber Alert program at the fire house. The Main Street Stage will be filled all day with great entertainment for all ages. Pulaski School Chorus will perform at 2:30 to start the festivities on stage followed by The Bell Ringers, Sliver City Tree -O, and the Hanover School Chorus will close the stage activities with a procession to Village Park for the tree lighting. A student from Hanover School will light the tree while seasonal songs are sung with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and the community. While you are in the park enjoy the warmth of the Bon Fire controlled by the South Meriden Vol. Fire Fighters. As you walk down Main Street local businesses will be handing out giveaways. In the heated tent children can make ornaments and crafts to take home with them. Children games and CLC Petting Zoo will also be on Main ST. The Meriden Public Library Bookmobile and the Meriden Police department mobile command center will be set up for viewing. Flu shots will be available at Data Link. Hanover School and the South Meriden United Trinity Methodist church will have baked goods, crafts, food and children activities. New Life Church always does the holiday season proud with special events and goodies to munch on. Luminaries will be sold this year by the new South Meriden Lions Club with proceeds to benefit the Food Bank of Meriden. You can purchase these bags during the event or before hand at Tom's Place or through any South Meriden Lions Club member. As the evening draws near these bags will be lit and placed along Main Street for all to view.

Dear Resident: Along with Thanksgiving and other pleasurable occasions in November, we experience the annual fall of leaves. The crowning glory of summer becomes the crinkled brown litter of the fall. The good news is that the Town Public Works Department picks up leaves. For them to assist residents and dispose of the leaves, it is necessary to obey certain rules. If there were not standardized rules, the Department would never be able to complete the work of leaf pick up given the 240 miles of local roads and homes. Please put leaves in paper yard waste bags and use masking tape to seal them. Only leaves should be placed inside the bags. Sticks and other trash will not allow the successful mulching of the leaves. Our effort is based on the goal of recycling the leaves. Please place your bagged leaves at the curb on November 23rd. Public Works will pick up the bags starting Monday, November 24th. Bagged leaves can also be taken to the Compost Center on John Street at no charge. The leaf pickup is an important part of our effort to comply with State of Connecticut recycling guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing the buds of spring reappear. Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. Mayor

Celebrations of Life and Home

Our annual House Decorating contest is open to all houses in the greater South Meriden area. Prizes will be awarded to the top three houses. Houses will be judged on Friday December 5th between 5 - 9pm. Winners will be announce Saturday around 4:30pm on the Main Street stage. You may register your house at Tom's Place 203-238-9029 or by calling 203-634-8173 or online at www.southmeridenevents.org you must register to win. Good luck and have fun. Volunteers are needed and welcome to help out this growing event. The committee is always looking for new ideas and help to keep this event growing. On Sunday November 23rd the committee and volunteers will be hanging 49 Christmas wreaths on the lamp posts down Main Street. These wreaths and the American Flags for the summer have been purchased and maintained by the Christmas In The Village committee. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and the funds that are collected from our annual Lovers in the Village Dance we are able to celebrate this holiday season with our friends, neighbors and family. Without our wonderful sponsors and volunteers all of this would not be possible. If you would like to volunteer you may call Shannon at 203-440-2527 or become a sponsor call Ed at 203-235-5653 or visit our web site at www.southmeridenevents.org Christmas In The Village Committee

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Page 9 November 2008

Wallingford Park and Recreation Special Events Register at our office located at 6 Fairfield Boulevard 203.294.2120 For more information and a complete listing of programs check us out at www.town.wallingford.ct.us Double Feature Friday o Ages 6-11 Movie night just got a whole lot better. Grab your favorite chair, bean bag or pillow and come on down to the Recreation Department on Friday night, 6pm-10pm and enjoy two feature films on the big screen, popcorn, pizza and drinks. Relax, sit back and enjoy the film. When: Friday November 7th 6:30pm - 9:30pm Location: Gymnasium Fee: $12 Movies: Happy Feet & T.B.D. SKI BUMS MT. SOUTHINGTON Whether you're a skier or a boarder, this is five nights of fun on the slopes that you do not want to miss. Registration for all Ski Bum programs will begin on Wednesday, October 29th and will end November 14th at the recreation department. Each program will be limited to 100 participants. Complete fee schedule is not available as of this printing. Please call the recreation department in October for a complete listing of program options and fees. Any parent that is interested in becoming a chaperone should contact Kenny at the recreation department (chaperones taken on first come first serve basis). Chaperones will have the opportunity to ski/snowboard at no cost. Please note that registration will only be held for two weeks during the dates provided above. Program breakdown: 4th & 5th grades Wednesdays 4pm-8pm 6th, 7th & 8th grades Wednesdays 4pm-8pm 9th & 10th grades Wednesdays 4pm-8pm 9 and A Chicken This year's hunt will be one for the ages. Participants will be required to go to the Recreation Department to pick up a packet of CERTIFIED clues. (We want to make sure that all participants start from the Recreation Department so everyone has a fair shot) These clues will lead you to 9 cardboard turkeys and the bonus chicken. All cardboard turkeys and chicken will be hidden on Wallingford town property. The object is to locate a turkey and return it to the Parks and Recreation for the gift certificate. Awards: To be awarded to the first three families. Clues must be handed in at time of redemption. When: Friday November 14, 2008 Time: 7:00p.m. Where: Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department Fee: Free 4168.400 11th Annual Shoot for Success Pre-Season Basketball Tune Up Learn the mechanics and techniques required for basketball and take yourself to the next level! Clinic includes: form & drill, defensive techniques, contests and games. Clinic is for Boys and Girls grades 2 9.Friday and Saturday Nov. 28 and 29 2 days 9:00am-12:00pm Fee: $50 (includes clinic t-shirt) Instructor: Joe Gaetano and Greg Morrone and Hoop Mountain Basketball Staff NEW PROGRAMS AT THE WALLINGFORD PARKS AND REC. THIS FALL Investment Strategies in Uncertain Times This presentation will explain the keys to "Investment Success" during market fluctuations and uncertainty. Learn how to take advantage of the markets ups and downs through dollar cost average. You will also learn ideas on how to manage your personal finances in times of rapidly rising costs. When: Monday December 1st for one night 7:00pm - 8:30pm Fee: Free Location: Exit 4.5 Instructor: Laura Palumbo, CFP and C. Gary Drake

Library Expands Baby Educational Toys Through the generous donation of "The Friends of the Meriden Public Library" several educational toys have be added to the Children's Library. An activity cube and activity circle table offers various manipulative panels and sections to challenge and help develop eyehand coordination, logical thinking, visual tracking and perception skills. We have also implemented the use of "Look and See Crawl Thru" and "Slide-in and Play Yard" for our baby program "Start On Stories". These two new additions help to develop gross motor skills, creative play and sensory integration. Our next program for babies will be October 30 at 10:30. Please feel to call the library for m ore information.

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Old Timers Night at the South Meriden Vol. Fire Department featuring Chiefs Front row: Lee Stevens 51-56, Jack Haines 63-70, Back Row: Bill Coutermash 71-77, Jim Cournoyer 98-07, Keith Gordon 08-on.

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Festival of Silver Lights Lighting Ceremony Hubbard Parks Official Holiday Lighting will take place Tuesday November 25 - 6:00 PM

CELEBRATING THE POLISH COMMUNITY IN MERIDEN The Meriden Public Library will be celebrating the Polish culture and community in Meriden as we participate in the World of Words program in May 2009. The purpose of the program is to learn about our community's cultural roots and explore our ethnic similarities and differences. Residents who would like to participate in the activities or have ideas for activities are invited to a meeting at the Library in the Griffin Room on Friday, November 14 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Please contact the Community Services Department at 630-6349 if you would like to participate but are unable to make the meeting.

Who does not thank for little will not thank for much. - Estonian proverb

November 25, 2008. All will appear in our Holiday Magic Issue!

Page 10 November 2008

"Only One of Ten" Recognizing Meriden's Own

an elite group of young Americans who have made a positive difference in the lives of others. As both Mayor of the City of Meiden and now Principal of Cromwell High School, Mark Benigni, 36 has blended the two biggest interests in his life: education and government. He has used his influence in both of his offices to institute creative new policies and programs. As Assistant Principal, Benigni helped launch a mentoring program, in-school suspension program, and work-study initiatives. As Mayor, Benigni created a Mayor's Youth Summit, established the "Mayor's Corner," (a local television program) and created a "Councilor for a Night" program where children participated in mock council meetings. These programs aimed to help children and young adults appreciate local politics and news. He also led the charge to make Meiden the first community in the state to pass a resolution supporting healthcare for all. Additionally Benigni has instituted three creative policing programs: The Crime Suppression Unit, Neighborhood Initiatives and the School Resource Officers. Each of these programs helps to reduce crime and efficiently distribute police officers. The TOYA selection process begins in the spring of each year. Following the submission deadline, all nominations are forwarded to a panel of screening judges who, working independently, select and rank their top twenty choices. From here the finalists are submitted to another panel of judges who decide the final winners-an arduous process. The awards night was spectacular. All winners were introduced by a three minute video who each followed with a five minute speech to the 350 people in attendance. Benigni's speech focused on the "real joys of life," highlighted by this quote; "As a young American, this is what I have come to know; where there is great need, there is considerable opportunity; when there are difficult challenges, we find abundant resources; where there is sometimes "great want," there is always consistent loving support. And thank God, we live in a country where we are free‌..to make independent choices, where enthusiastic effort is encouraged, and where achievement is recognized and celebrated."

Recently, Mark Benigni was named one of the nation's Top Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA Award) by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, at a black-tie affair in San Diego, California. The recipient class of 2008, includes scientists, medical doctors, military personnel, Miss America, and other talented adults, all under the age of forty. Erin Gruwell, the author of the national best seller, Freedom Writers, was also a 2008 TOYA award winner. This prestigious honor has been given out every year since 1938. Past TOYA award winners includes; Presidents Kennedy, Clinton and Ford, Vice Presidents Cheney and Gore, and music legend Elvis Pressley. Our former mayor joins

Mark proudly represented the city of Meiden, the state of CT, and all of New England. He was one of only ten across this whole great nation to be so honored. We too are proud of his accomplishment and extend an entire region's worth of congratulations! To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at andy@ peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power of positive for the readers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment. Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com!

Page 11 November 2008

"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective" by Gregory M. Simpson I am at the stage in life where I read obituaries. Was it Mark Twain who said that he was just checking to make sure that his name was not there? One learns a great deal from reading obituaries, most notably how rich a life can be whether one lives to be 13, 33, or 103. The loved ones left behind are sad, of course, including the companion animals. Many obituaries show just how loved and cherished a member of the family a companion animal can be. In some cases, one can inadvertently sacrifice his or her own life while trying to save a companion animal. Recently an obituary described a 42-year-old woman who died off a California beach attempting to rescue her beloved old dog who was swept away by extreme surf. Donations in her memory were for two charities, one of which was a dog rescue group, undoubtedly in honor of her dog and the love she had for him. In a memorial to note the anniversary of the death of one man, another inscription read, "We can't believe it's been one year since we lost you. It still feels like yesterday, we miss you so much. Your 20 feline babies are fine and really miss you also, but show us in many ways, your love and presence. You will be in our hearts forever." The above two memorials reflect what the French writer, Colette, had in mind when she wrote, "Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet." For as Anatole France wrote, "Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Echoing those sentiments, here is a tale that came by e-mail with author unknown: A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he had died. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

"This is Heaven, sir", the man answered. "Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked. "Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The man gestured, and the gate began to open. "Can my friend", gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked. "I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets." The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it never closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book. "Excuse me!" he called to the man. "Do you have any water?" "Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in." "How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog. "There should be a bowl by the pump," the man offered. They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, and then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree. "What do you call this place?" the traveler asked. "This is Heaven," he answered. "Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too." "Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell." "Doesn't it make you mad that they use your name like that?" "No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind." For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

Gregory Simpson's animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S. He is also a member of the Cat Writers' Association.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at andy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power of positive for the readers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment. Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com!

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Nobody is stronger, nobody is weaker than someone who came back. There is nothing you can do to such a person because whatever you could do is less than what has already been done to him. We have already paid the price. - Elie Wiesel

Page 12 Novemberr 2008

MAYOR'S CORNER MERIDEN Lots of positive things are happening in the Meriden Community. We just hosted the Mayor's 6th Annual Cleanup day with over 300 helpers and lots of smiles and enthusiasm while cleaning up our city's streets. It was very heartening to see so many eager volunteers showing pride in their community. After the cleanup, the city hosted a picnic in Hubbard Park to thank all our volunteers. Over 300 hot dogs were distributed. A job well done! Kudos to Mayor's office staffer, Jackie Fordiani, ajnd the cleanup committee for their excellent organization and coordination for this successful day.

What You Need To Know!

Our Meriden Soup kitchen, generously hosted by St. John's First Baptist Church on Broad St. is a marvel to see in operation. Volunteers from seven Meriden faith communities, come together every weekday to prepare and serve over 150 meals a day to needy residents. The numbers are growing and we are seeing more working families coming for meals. One volunteer recounted the story of a man who approached her after his meal and said that he had visited soup kitchens all over the country and this was the best meal he has had. This story made her day! Hats off to the wonderful volunteers who make this possible. Another awesome volunteer effort is the BABES of Meriden (Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies) sponsored by the Meriden/Wallingford Substance Abuse Council. The BABES program teaches positive life skills using puppets to 1st and 2nd graders in Meriden's public and parochial schools. The puppet shows are interactive with the children and address issues of bullying, self esteem, self image, decision making, peer pressure, and alcohol and drug abuse. The seven BABES volunteers (five of whom are Meriden Kiwanis Club member), show up at schools on Monday mornings from September to June to perform the puppet shows. The kids thoroughly enjoy the BABES and their puppets and they gain valuable life skills in a fun environment. What a way to have a positive impact on our future! BABES, you rock! With Thanksgiving approaching, we do well to take stock of our blessings and to reach out to others with a helping hand. We are so fortunate to have community volunteers like those I have touched upon who give of themselves to enrich Meriden in countless ways. I thank each and every one of you and have a happy Thanksgiving. Michael S. Rohde - Mayor of Meriden

Auxiliary Holiday Craft Bazaar MidState Medical Center

CHESHIRE GARDEN CLUB TO HOST HOLIDAY LUNCHEON The Holiday Season is rapidly approaching. One of New England’s favorite and leading professional floral designers from the Boston area, Tony Todesco, will be the featured program speaker at the Cheshire Garden Club’s Holiday Luncheon on Wednesday, December 2, 2008 at Aqua Turf. His refreshing program of “Home Decorations for the Holidays” will provide many ideas for us to incorporate into our own homes for this season. Reservations for $35. per person may be made with Tony Fay, 518 Woodhill Road, Cheshire, CT 06410, phone (203) 272-4173. Luncheon choices are baked salmon, Chicken a la Kathryn, NY strip steak and vegetable lasagna. Doors open at 9:30 am. You can shop at the Boutique, where a large variety of crafts are on sale including fresh green wreaths, swags and table top arrangements; also, cement planters and decorated leaves, diverse holiday gift items and the always popular gourmet and baked goods items. Try your luck at the general raffle to win a most exquisite quilt and other gorgeous gift items. Order your tickets soon. First come, first serve. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser will be applied toward scholarships and civic and youth projects.

A Piece Of History.

Horwitz Conference Rooms Saturday, November 22, 20089 a.m. - 4 p.m. All items handmade by employees and volunteers: jewelry, purses, scarves, belts, lotions, accessories for the home. Twenty percent of all sales will benefit the MidState Auxiliary, which supports the hospital through volunteering and fundraising activities.

What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving? --Erma Bombeck

Your Eyes Matter To Us!

Wallingford Optical

Diane Mintich Licensed Optician, A.B.O. & N.C.L.E. Certified

James Comeau Licensed Optician, A.B.O. & N.C.L.E. Certified

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends & customers Eye exams provided by an Independent Doctor of Optometry

(203) 265-1541 58 Center St., Wallingford wallingfordoptical.com

The 15th annual Meriden Christmas Ornament is now available at the Meriden Public Library’s information desk. Every year since 1994 the Local History Department of the Meriden Public Library has designed a pewter ornament featuring an historic building or landmark. They have become quite popular and people are always curious about what will be on the next ornament. The proceeds enable the library’s local history room to purchase preservation materials such as acidfree cases and folders, books and genealogy periodicals. This year’s ornament is obtainable for a donation of $8.00. Ornaments from prior years are $10.00. The 2008 ornament depicts the old Central Tavern which once stood on the northwest corner of Broad and East Main Streets. In the early 1700s the building was erected as a farmhouse on land originally granted to William Jones. In 1739 Rev. Theophilus Hall purchased the farm. The next owner was Dr. Insign Hough, who by 1782 had converted the house into an inn known first as Hough’s Tavern, and later as the Central Tavern or Hotel. His son, Dr. Isaac I. Hough, continued both his medical practice and the running of the hotel. The hotel was a stopping point for stagecoaches. Isaac Hough became well-known throughout Connecticut, both for his hospitality and his corpulent figure. A verse described him: “Dr. Hough, he keeps good stuff, And lives just under the steeple; By hook or by crook, he keeps his good looks And takes the cash from the people.” In 1826 Partrick Lewis bought the tavern and opened a store there. After the railroad made stage travel obsolete, the center of town moved to the west. The tavern went into gradual decline and was razed about 1890. Other fine houses that stood on the spot were also demolished. By the 1990s a gasstation had been built. Now there is only a commemorative monument on the empty lot.

Page 13 November 2008

MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER NEWS AND EVENTS The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM by presenting a driver's license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center! The Senior Center will sponsor a free seven week Creative Writing Class starting on Wednesday, November 5 at 1:00 PM. Susan Sandel, Ph.D. will again lead the group in weekly sessions designed to help you put your thoughts and ideas on paper and express yourself effectively using the written word. No prior writing experience necessary, for those who do write the class will provide tips for becoming more spontaneous. Classes will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center from Wednesday, November 5 to Wednesday, December 17 from 1:00 to 2:15 PM. People interested in taking this Creative Writing Class are asked to sign-up in the Senior Center Office or by calling 237-0066. A special Veterans Day Salute will be held in Willene's Place on Monday, November 10 at 11:00 AM. Our own Meriden Antique Veterans, World Post #1, will appear in uniform for a Flag Ceremony and then join us all for lunch in honor of Veterans Day. Please plan to attend as we recognize the Meriden Antique Veterans! A Financial Consultant from Johnson Brunetti will hold a Financial Planning Seminar here on Wednesday, November 12 at 10:30 AM. He will speak in the first floor meeting room covering such topics as the seven tips you need to know for a secure retirement, avoiding unnecessary taxes and protecting your retirement income. This no cost or obligation seminar will be an opportunity to get a free financial tune-up to double check your retirement income situation. The program is open to the public and interested people are asked to sign-up at the Senior Center or by calling 237-0066. The program will be informative and in only 30-40 minutes people can learn some helpful and valuable retirement tips! On Wednesday, November 12 at 11:15 AM Jessica Sirella from the Agency on Aging will speak before lunch in Willene's Place about the Home Share Program. This program offers a practical housing alternative for compatible people who choose to share a residence based on common needs, interests and preferences. Homeowners receive extra income, security and possible assistance with chores and housing seekers get a reasonable rent in a homelike environment. To learn more plan to attend this program! The Senior Center has again received funding from the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut to provide medical transportation services for Meriden residents aged 60 and over to their in-town medical appointments. The service is provided by the Senior Center Mini-Bus and appointments must be scheduled several days in advance by calling 237-3338. The grant also covers out-of-town rides, which are provided by the Wallingford -Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross. To schedule the out-of-town rides, call the Red Cross at least one week in advance at 265-6721. For further information on transportation to your medical appointments, please see Transportation Coordinator Becky Racine in her office at the Senior Center or give her a call at 237-3338. On November 19 at 11:15 Jeff Sederquist, physical therapist, will speak before lunch in Willene's Place about "Arthritis and the Benefits of Exercise". He is an educational speaker for the Arthritis Foundation and his presentation here is sponsored by Westfield Care & Rehab Center in Meriden. The Thanksgiving Special Luncheon in our Senior Community Café will be held on Thursday, November 20. The menu will feature roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mixed vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll and pumpkin pie with topping for dessert. Musical entertainment will be provided by Eric Buggie, keyboardist, guitarist, singer and songwriter starting at 10:30. Please sign-up for the special Thanksgiving luncheon at the Senior Center or by calling 235-8052 one week in advance. There are still several openings for the trip on Friday, November 21 at 10:00 to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Wethersfield for people who are interested in obtaining a Non-Drivers License Photo ID. The cost of the ID card is $15 and you must bring a certified birth certificate or valid passport plus one additional form of identification like a Social Security card. Triad members Sgt. Darrin McKay and Sgt. Glen Milslagle will accompany the mini-bus and provide assistance at the DMV. For further information or to sign-up contact the Mini-Bus Office at 237-3338. The Meriden Health Department administered more than 200 flu shots at the Senior Center at a Flu Shot Clinic in October. Plenty of vaccine still remains at this time and the staff at the Health Department encourages local citizens to call 630-4234 to schedule an appointment for this important annual inoculation. The $30 cost is covered by Medicare and certain Medicare managed care plans or payable by cash at the time of the flu shot. For further information contact the Meriden Health Department at 630-4234. The 2008 Senior Center Holiday Fair and Bake Sale will be on Wednesday, December 10 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Handmade items will be sold by the Knitting and Ceramic classes and bake sales and raffles will also be held. Senior Center members willing to bake for the Bake Sale are asked to sign-up in the main office - we appreciate your help! All proceeds will benefit the Meriden Senior Citizens' Award Scholarship. For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby. John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director

MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY! Then, put us on the top of your list of fairs to visit on Saturday, Nov. 22nd! The Ladies of St. Anne annual Holiday Fair is on Saturday, Nov. 22nd (9AM - 3PM) and Sunday, Nov. 23rd (8:30 10:30AM) at St. Laurent Church, 121 Camp St., Meriden, CT. Coffee & donuts available for purchase at our Candy Cane Café. Come on Saturday to get the best selection of cookies at our ever-popular Cookie Walk. (Purchase our decorated coffee can and then you choose from a variety of cookies baked by our members to fill it!) Browse the St. Anne's Pantry and Attic tables where you can purchase homemade green tomato relish, cranberry relish, jigsaw puzzles, holiday ornaments, hand-sewn gifts and much more. We also sell holiday decorated cemetery boxes and artificial Christmas wreaths. Check out the craft, jewelry and white elephant tables and take chances to win a theme gift basket at the tea-cup auction. (Winners will be drawn on Sunday morning after the 9:00 AM Mass.) By then you'll have worked up an appetite, so stay for lunch at the Candy Cane Café - lunch offered Saturday only. The menu includes homemade soups and sandwiches, hotdogs and a slice of our traditional French-Canadian Meat Pie. (Order forms for whole meat pies - for pick up in December - will be available at the Candy Cane Café.) Plenty of off-street parking in the back of the church - Just follow the signs!

What You Need To Know!

Wallingford Land Trust 2009 Calendars The Wallingford Land Trust has available 2009 calendars featuring pictures from the various Land Trust properties, including scenes, wildlife, wildflowers. To purchase your calendar please contact the WLT through the PO Box 611. The new calendars are $15.00. For more information, please call President David Ellis at 269-9779. Picture by Mary Heffernon, board member of fungi on tree

EY L D BRA

EAT ERY

cooking Open for: Breakfast Lunch And Dinner

376 West Main Street in Meriden

203-634-3679

$2.00 Off $4.00 Off Any Single

With This Coupon at The Bradley Eatery Expires 11/30/08

Any Double

With This Coupon at The Bradley Eatery Expires 11/30/08

Order Your Holiday Pies Now!

Public Invited to Participate in 'How Schools Work' Workshop Wednesday, November 12

For taxpayers and parents of children in the Meriden school system, how schools work can sometimes be a mystery. Who makes the decisions that influence school spending? What do our local budget-setters consider in creating the city & school budget? What role can parents play with key decision makers in support of their child's school experience? What impact will the economy have on funding for Meriden schools? Answers to these and other questions will be discussed at a special workshop on Wednesday, November 12, 6:00 p.m. at the Board of Education (22 Liberty Street, 3rd Floor). Special guests include: Mayor Mike Rohde City Manager Larry Kendzior City Councilors David Salafia, George McGoldrick, Hilda Santiago, Brian Daniels and Dante' Bartolomeo Board of Education President Mark Hughes and member Tom Bruenn Childcare available upon request. To reserve a spot call David at Children First, 630-3566, by November 10. This workshop is sponsored by the Family Resource Centers, Children First, the Meriden Federation of Teachers, the Meriden-Wallingford NAACP and the City-Wide PTO.

Strength for the Latina's Support Group

No one makes them like Marianna’s with Mama’s Secret Recipes!!! Pumpkin Apple Blueberry Cherry Pineapple Chocolate Cream Banana Cream Mince Cranberry Nut Lemon Meringue Key Lime Also Dinner Rolls, Hard Rolls, and Breads. Open Thanksgiving Day 7am-1pm!

Women and Families Center Sexual Assault Crisis Service provides short term supportive counseling services to residents of Meriden, Wallingford and Cheshire, Middlesex County and Greater New Haven County. A Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group for Latina Women will be held early November 2008 in the Meriden area. Survivors, who attend and participate in these groups, will have the opportunity to talk and express their experiences with peers and knowledgeable, caring facilitators to assist their healing. You don't have to go through this alone! Call Melissa @ (203) 235-9297 ext. 114 to register and for more information. All services are free and confidential.

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. --WT Purkiser We give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. - ritual chant

Hours: Mon-Tues.- 7-6; Saturday 7-4; Sun. 7-2

Page 14 November 2008

Send in a Story! Send in a Picture! Send in a Poem! Send in a Drawing!

The Kids Press!

Kids Coloring Contest Send in yours for your chance to win a great book collection from Storey Publishing!

Name:________________________________ Address_____________________________________Age:______ The deadline for entries is Nov. 28th. Please be aware that this is a random drawing. We believe that as long as you try you are a winner and that you have a chance to win. Send your entry to: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492

Send to: The People’s Press Kids Press P.O. Box 4459 Yalesville CT 06492 sierra@peoplespressnews.com

Hey Kids! Don’t forget to send a holiday wish to someone you love for our next issue!

Is Proud to Sponsor The Kids Press

11/30/08

11/30/08

11/30/08

Page 15 November 2008

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY LOVING DAD

A NEW TRADITION...... by Ernie Larsen Every year my wife and I host our family's Thanksgiving dinner. We don't have any special traditions as such; except for the family gathering together which is tradition itself, always good to see each other and reminisce. For the holiday meal we look forward to everyone's contribution of a different food item to complement the traditional turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables etc. And speaking of tradition, this year I may skip the creamed onions and am thinking of roasted Brussels sprouts, possibly just as not popular as the onions, but hey, if they can't take a joke, oh well. I've also thought of doing a home made bread selection. But from now until Thanksgiving Day, I'll be changing my contribution to the menu a few times and as they say, time will tell. While thinking about traditions, I reckoned a new one might be in order; I put on my thinking cap and came up with the idea to have everyone bring recent photos they had taken during the year and maybe some classics from the past usually these end up in albums, more likely just in the envelopes they came in from the processing lab. And sadly, no one really gets to see photos others have recently taken. I know this year - owing to our sons wedding - there are a lot more photos to be shared so it is a good time year to start what hopefully will become something that the family will look forward to in the future. A new tradition for sure, I'm looking forward to the holiday. Now, getting back to the food of the aspect of the holiday - my granddaughter and I have a little scenario that we play out when we do some baking/cooking together. She actually coined the two of us 'Big Chef and Little Chef"; this year I told her that we will make a special dessert for Thanksgiving. She is pretty adept in the kitchen and already has attended two cooking seminars and her mother being a 'foodie' herself has given Riley a good grasp of kitchen basics; all this and she is all of five and a half years old. This year we are going to prepare what I call Rustic Apple Pie; it is a variation of a recipe I saved from a KRAFT® Food & Family magazine. There are a minimal amount of ingredients, six to be exact; making it a very simple recipe to organize. Great for children, they can do most of the prep work. Rustic Apple Tart Ingredients 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, sliced (3 cups or so) 1 Tbs flour ½ cup sugar, more or less to taste 1 Tbs cinnamon 1 9" refrigerated pie crust, half of a package 4 oz cream cheese, ½ of a brick - softened to room temperature Method Preheat oven to 450F 1. Place pie crust in 9" pie plate and spread the softened cream cheese in a 6" circle on the crust. 2. Mix apples with sugar, cinnamon and flour 3. Pour apples onto crust, mound up 4. Pull up crust around and over the apples, center will not be covered by crust 5. Bake @450F for 30 minutes, for the last 10 minutes cover with a sheet of foil to avoid burning crust 6. Let cool on wire rack for 30 minutes, serve warm with ice cream or in the traditional New England style with a wedge of sharp cheddar cheese! Enjoy! And please let your children help in the kitchen it's lots of fun and may become a tradition itself, you never know.

Robert "Bob"Davis November 30, 194- to October 21, 2005

The Gift Eyes fearful, paws worn A sorrowful sight So forlorn Love they said would be the cure For the suffering You had endured Slowly, gently the bond it grew Faithful, loyal Loving, true Looking back it's so un-clear How we get by Without you here Trusted companion Devoted father, grandfather and friend You give and give It never ends They said we're a gift to you But now we know Who rescued who We miss you so very much. You're always in our hearts, you're with us always and forever. You were the greatest Dad, Grandfather (PAPA), husband and friend to all. Keep your handsome and loving smile always so we know you're shining down on us to be with us always. Love your favorite daughter, Kim

CHORALE CONNECTICUT FUNDRAISER

Join Chorale Connecticut on Friday, November 21st, at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center on East Main Street in Meriden from 7-9 PM for "CABERNET & CABARET," an evening of wine-tasting, hors d'oeuvres and some very special entertainment to be provided by Chorale members. Come and support the Chorale and enjoy an evening of wine and song! Tickets may be obtained from Chorale members or at the door. Suggested donation is $25.00 per person. For more information, call (203)237-5684.

Celebrations of Life and Home

WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB IS LOOKING FOR VENDORS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING FAIR Vendors are needed for the Wallingford Junior Woman's Club Holiday Shopping Fair and Best of Wallingford Bake Off Contest to be held November 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lyman Hall High School, 70 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford. Vendors and juried crafters are welcome to participate. A space with a table is $30. There are a limited number of spaces with electricity available for $40. A donation of an item valued at $30 is required from all participants. For more information and a registration form, please contact Kathryn Speeg at 284-5826 or kathryn@sweetpeapic.com.

Total Cholesterol Screening Do you know what your cholesterol numbers is? If not, the Meriden Health Department will be holding total cholesterol screenings on November 6, 2008, from 9:00-11:30am, and November 17, from 1:00-3:00pm. Screenings are held at 165 Miller Street. The cost is $10.00 (cash only), and includes the screening and cholesterol tracking card. Call 6304234 to make your appointment.

CRAFT FAIR The Fatima Women's Club will be sponsoring a CRAFT FAIR on Saturday, November 8, at our Lady of Fatima Church, 382 Hope Hill Road in Yalesville, from 9:00am to 3:00pm in the Parish Hall. Over 20 tables of crafters, vendors, bake sale, kid's table and kitchen open for lunch purchases. Parish Hall is handicapped accessible.

God gave us our relatives; thank God we can choose our friends. - Ethel Watts Mumford We are proud to be celebrating our 104th year in the fruit growing business! 1904-2 2008 Find out why by stopping by!

Honeycrisp and Macoun Apples are here!

Blue Hills Orchard would like to thank your for allowing us to serve your needs this year. The Country Store will be closing for the season on Sun. Nov. 23rd! Happy Thanksgiving!

Remember

Also Frozen Pies, Jams, Pickles, Jellies,

for the Holidays! We have the best.

New Hours Fri, Sat from 10-5 Sunday from 11-4

PIES

141 Blue Hills Rd., Wallingford

Now in the Store Pears Bosc Apples Gala McIntosh Cortland Honeycrisp Macoun Opalescent Empire Red Delicious Mutsu Cameo Fuji Granny Smith Local Honey and Maple Syrup. Taste the difference!

2 Country blocks west of the Oakdale Theater

(203) 269-3189

Israel Putnam Elementary School's Girl Scout Troop 66070 of Meriden went to see the premier of High School Musical 3! After working hard at school all day, they met at Wallingford Holiday Cinema 10 for pizza, popcorn and fun followed by the movie. They enjoyed the film and the time together with their friends. Girl Scouting is a lot of fun!

Handcrafted Holiday Craft Fair Sunday, Nov. 23rd from 9am-3pm Handcrafted Treasures such as Candles, Jewelry, Stunning Photos, Wooden Keepsakes, Paintings, Dried Floral Creations, Belts & Accessories AND SO MUCH MORE! This is an event not to be missed! 30% OFF Stormy Mountain Candles In Stock! Refreshments will be served! Enter our Drawing to benefit the Ct Food Bank. Event will take place at

438 Broad Street in Meriden

203.235.3166 www.jhhair.com

Page 16 November 2008

Cold Weather Safety for Seniors Submitted by Carol Carbutti - Comfort Keepers of Wallingford Not all seniors are lucky enough to spend their long cold winters in sunny locals such as Florida or Arizona. If you're part of the group who is spending this winter at home, and home is in an area that's prone to harsh winters, you might find that getting through the cold is a bit more challenging than it used to be. If so, then you'll appreciate these tips for staying happy and healthy until the first flowers of spring emerge. Safety First Independent living doesn't mean that you have to "go at it alone" so don't be afraid to ask children, relatives and neighbors for help. Most will be more than willing to lend a hand and you should arrange for someone to look in on you often. If you find that lifting bags of salt or shovelfuls of snow is something you're struggling with, don't attempt it. Keeping your sidewalks free of snow and ice is hard work and can be dangerous. If you can't find anyone who can help, make sure to take your time on these tasks to avoid overexerting your heart. Or hire someone. Start asking neighborhood teen-agers if they're looking to make some extra money and you'll likely find a few takers. If not, look in the classified sections of local papers and on bulletin boards around town for the names of people you can hire. Or consider a home companion. Keeping warm By now you're probably well aware that dressing in layers offers protection from the harsh climate. Just be sure to cover all exposed skin including the head, face, earlobes, hands and feet, to limit your time outdoors, and to keep dry. Water repellant outer layers and boots will help. . Even better would be to stay inside all winter long. But that's neither practical nor healthy. When inside, take extra care when using fireplaces, wood stoves, candles, and space heaters as they can cause fires and fill interiors with smoke or carbon monoxide. It's a good idea to place fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at the onset of cold weather. You can conserve interior heat by keeping windows and doors to rooms you aren't using closed. You can also cover windows with draperies, place towels along cracks at bottom of doors. And always have plenty of dry wood inside in case you can't get out. Eating Right It's tempting to load up on high-carb foods, but with a bit of planning and effort, you can keep eating right throughout winter. Vegetable-laden stews and soups made with reduced sodium broths and warm sweetened beverages can warm you on a cold day and provide your body with beneficial nutrients. Limit alcohol, caffeine and cigarette smoking as they decrease the body's ability to conserve heat. Staying active You probably won't be doing many outdoor activities during this time of year but it is important to try and maintain some social contact. As often as possible, continue going to church, volunteering, and getting together with friends and family. Also consider signing up for any of the activities that interest you that you see posted at community centers, health centers, the YMCA and other locations offering senior services Rosanne P. Ford

What I'm Thankful For

I am thankful for waking each day, for my health, for my wonderful husband, Darren and for my family, and friends. Lately there have been so many reminders of how fleeting life is and how unpredictable it is: Today is a gift, that's why it's called the "present". Live as if each day were your last… I am thankful that I am in good health and for my positive outlook on life in general - and hope to stay that way for a long time… My husband is the most supportive person in my life, and always can make me smile if I've had a tough day. I am thankful that we've known each other since high school and have grown together and have been there for each other in good times and bad… My family and friends, immediate and extended are important. While we all have our quirks, I am so thankful that we are close and get together with each other on a regular basis. Life is too short to hold a grudge or not speak to someone. Live, Laugh, Love.

No Room For Visiting Relatives This Holiday Season?

Let us give them comfort and pleasure at an affordable price!

Early Birds Drink Champagne at the Four Points by Sheraton Meriden! Book your holiday party before November 30, 2008 and your entire party will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast to celebrate the holidays!

THANKFUL

By Carol Carbutti Thankful and happy for the wonders in life that have come my way As an insider subjectively looking at my picture, I see success Successful in marriage, co-habitating with my mate for 43 years Successful in bringing up four wonderful, productive and loving sons Successful in relating to my beautiful grandchildren who live near me Successful in a career of education and advocacy for children Successful in pursuing knowledge and implementing what I learn Successful in deciding to take control of my health through difficult surgery Successful in finding and developing a new avocation in my senior years Successful in persistent planning of good times and promoting them Successful in recognizing and spreading my good fortune Successful in living the life of a cockeyed optimist Who will always search for the good that will come out of the bad

Meriden's Project Graduation Needs Your Help!

Parents and guardians of all Platt, Maloney, and Wilcox students are invited to share their thoughts and ideas for upcoming Project Graduation meetings. Project Graduation is the all-night drug and alcohol free party held for over 600 Meriden graduates each year in June. It is never too early to start planning this safe event for our graduates. Community and parent support is key for its success. If you are artsy, a great organizer, or just like to volunteer some time, please attend our next meeting on Wednesday, November 5, at 7:00pm at Platt High School. Please join us whether you are from Maloney, Platt, or Wilcox. There will be no meeting in December; January 7, 2009 at Maloney is the first one for 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Ray Moncevicius at 235-4256 or Ginnie Patsos at 235-1514.

E S TAT E S A L E

55 Hill Ave., Wallingford Estate items, collectibles, antiques for sale. Clearing estate; house hold and collectible items at bargain prices. 9:00-a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 14th, 15th, 16th, everything must go. Antique collectors and dealers are welcome.

Springtime Tulip River Cruise April 18-26 featuring the Dutch & Belgian Waterways This is the glorious season when the tulip fields are in full bloom Unpack only once on this 7 night all inclusive cruise on the beautiful river vessel MS AMADEUS PRINCESS. From Amsterdam to Volendam, Arnheim, Middleburg, Gent, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk, and Utrecht. Price includes flights from New York to Amsterdam. 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com

Page 17 November 2008

Meriden Public Library News and Events

The Complete Optical Experience!

Let’s Talk Turkey!

Colony Opticians

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM NOVEMBER 19 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY "The Stranger You Know…" a child sexual abuse prevention program for parents sponsored by The Children's Trust Fund, will be presented at the Meriden Public Library on Wednesday, November 19 at 6:00 pm. The speaker will be Commander Robert F. Kenary (Ret.). This program gives parents precise and up to date information on how child molesters successfully offend against children. Knowing how they think, act and operate is the best protection we have against sexual offenders. Commander Kenary is the recipient of the Martin A. Burnham Award for child abuse prevention and two official citations from the Connecticut General Assembly for child sexual abuse prevention (2006, 2007). He spent 33 years with the East Hartford Police Department, 30 of those years in the detective division. He was assigned to the FBI for three years investigating sexual offenses against children. Commander Kenary is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Among his many professional affiliations are the Institute of Living and the Department of Psychiatry at UCONN School of Medicine. This program is free but seating is limited. Contact the Meriden Public Library Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit our website at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat. COOKING PROGRAM NOVEMBER 22 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY You are cordially invited to the Meriden Public Library on Saturday, November 22 at 2:00 pm to see Chef Kashia Cave prepare an "Italian Holiday Fare." The menu will be Pumpkin Soup, Pizzette with Tomato and Basil, Penne Pasta with Veggie and Chicken, and Stuffed Cannoli with Ricotta Cheese. The recipes and samples of the menu items will be available at the end of the program. Chef Kashia Cave is a native of the island of Trinidad and Tobago, a graduate from the Connecticut Culinary Institute and an American Culinary Federation Award winner. Ms. Cave recently returned from Italy where she completed an extensive Italian Culinary program at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners and worked at the Mistral Restaurant in the G.H. Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, Italy. The program is free but seating is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit our website at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat. PLAYAWAYS ARE AT THE MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Playaways have arrived! Playaways are small, portable, self-playing talking books. You can check out a Playaway just like any other audio book. It's very simple to use. The book is pre-loaded on the device. There's nothing to download - simply plug in your favorite earphones and start listening. You can even use an FM transmitter or cassette tape adaptor with a standard headphone plug to use the Playaways in your car. The Library will provide a preloaded complimentary battery for use in the Playaways. However, you will need to provide your own earphones. Ear-buds are available for purchase at the library in our vending machine. Playaways are borrowed for 21 days with your library card. The overdue fine is ten cents per day. There is a limit of one per person and they cannot be renewed nor are you able to place a hold on them. If you have any questions about Playaways, contact the Library at (203) 238-2347. UPDATING COMMUNITY INFORMATION DATABASE AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Calling all local non-profit organizations, clubs, and service organizations: the Meriden Public Library is compiling information which will be entered into the "Community Information" file found on our online catalog. This free database is accessible through the Meriden Public Library's online catalog located at www.meridenlibrary.org. It allows the public easy access to locating agencies that provide help with issues such as health, housing, legal aid, or genealogy along with service clubs and organizations in Meriden. Local non-profit agencies, clubs, and organizations are invited to participate by listing their agency on this database. Each agency record will include the agency's name and address, contact information, a description of the organization, services offered, and a link to their website. Fill out the form found on the library's website located in the Room Booking information and send it to the Meriden Public Library, Attn: Community Services Dept., 105 Miller St., P.O. Box 868, Meriden, CT 06450 or contact the Community Services Dept. at 630-6349 if you would like form mailed to you. HISTORY OF THE MERIDEN SCHUETZEN (SHOOTING) CLUB NOVEMBER 12 The Meriden Historical Society and Meriden Public Library invite the public to "The History of the Meriden Schuetzen (Shooting) Club" presented by Max (Robert) Scheller on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:30 pm in the Griffin Room at the Library. Mr. Scheller will discuss the who, what, when, where, and why of the traditions of German target shooting which came to Meriden and other towns in Connecticut and the U.S. beginning in the 1800s. He will have some interesting memorabilia for the public to view.

Nobody Cares More About Your Vision Than Colony!

Mr. Scheller has been collecting antique firearms since he was a teen. He joined the Army National Guard at 17 and began to participate in the National Rifle Matches on Lake Erie. In 1969 the Army National Guard asked him to be on their All Guard Team which consisted of the top shooters from all over the country and by the 1970s he was on the CT National Guard Team winning matches all over the country. Mr. Scheller won a National Match called the Presidents Hundred at Camp Perry in 1979 and has earned the coveted Distinguished Rifle Medal while in the National Guard. Mr. Scheller belongs to many clubs that honor the shooting sport. These include the Hartford Schuetzen Verein, the Brooklyn Schuetzen Corps, The New York Schuetzen Corps where he became the Shooting King in 2006, the Massachusetts Schuetzen Verein, the East Windsor Sportsmens Club where he is Range Manager, the Oerlinghausen Schuetzen in Germany where he has family, the German Gun Collectors Association, The National Rifle Association, the Hartford Saegerbund, the Hartford Liederkranz, and the Student Prince Gruppe of Stein Collectors International. He and his wife Ginny were schuplattler and folk dancers. The program is free but seating is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit our homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat. CELEBRATING THE POLISH COMMUNITY IN MERIDEN The Meriden Public Library will be celebrating the Polish culture and community in Meriden as we participate in the World of Words program in May 2009. The purpose of the program is to learn about our community's cultural roots and explore our ethnic similarities and differences. Residents who would like to participate in the activities or have ideas for activities are invited to a meeting at the Library in the Griffin Room on Friday, November 14 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Please contact the Community Services Department at 630-6349 if you would like to participate but are unable to make the meeting. CALLING ALL CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS… Calling all local non-profit organizations, clubs, and service organizations: the Meriden Public Library is compiling information which will be entered into the "Community Information" file found on our online catalog. This free database is accessible through the Meriden Public Library's online catalog located at www.meridenlibrary.org. It allows the public easy access to locating agencies that provide help with issues such as health, housing, legal aid, or genealogy along with service clubs and organizations in Meriden. Local non-profit agencies, clubs, and organizations are invited to participate by listing their agency on this database. Each agency record will include the agency's name and address, contact information, a description of the organization, services offered, and a link to their website. Fill out the form found on the library's website located in the Room Booking information and send it to the Meriden Public Library, Attn: Community Services Dept., 105 Miller St., P.O. Box 868, Meriden, CT 06450 or contact the Community Services Dept. at 630-6349 if you would like a form mailed to you.

DUBAI!!! March 27 - April 3, 2009 For a truly incredible adventure in the metropolis of tomorrow; Dubai welcomes the world to the land of Arabian nights. Year round sunshine, a friendly, safe environment, and cosmopolitan life-style. It has it all - the world's tallest tower, the world's largest shopping mall, pristine beaches, golf, horse-racing, skiing, sailing, diving. Contrast this with old world charm, shopping bazaars, desert safaris, camel riding, Call for more info!

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Page 18 November 2008

By Nancy Freyberg

Thanksgiving

Every year I am always asked this one question by a first time reporter to the holiday community dinners, "Why do you give up your holidays to do this?" For 27 years I have given the same answer. "Look around. Pull up a chair. Stay awhile. Then ask me again." They never do. On Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, I get to enjoy the world exactly the way I think God intended it to be. We come together in friendship to be with, and to serve one another. We have created a huge family that loves to come home year after year. That is the goal of the dinners, to make people feel like they are coming "home." Twenty-seven years ago I was out for a walk. I heard a voice say, "find a place and cook. No one should be alone for the holidays". I don't want you to worry that I often hear voices, but that one was pretty clear! We started at the Advent Christian church on Whittlesey Avenue. About 35 people attended that first dinner. We added Christmas the next year and began serving Easter Dinner about 15 years ago. As the dinners grew and needed more space, we moved to St. Paul's Episcopal church for many wonderful years and now enjoy a tremendous partnership with the First Congregational Church. People from every church in town and every walk of life support the community dinners, which have grown in every direction. Although Thanksgiving is the largest dinner, with 250 - 400 people eating in the fellowship hall, Christmas and Easter are close behind. We also send about 250 meals and visits out to the home bound each holiday, and provide food for two other communities so that they might enjoy the holidays too. Baskets with turkeys and all the trimmings are given to families at Thanksgiving who want to cook at home, and we "adopt" individuals and families at Christmas, providing them with food baskets, gifts, and whatever is needed. The Christmas Adopt - A - Family Program has extended to a school supplies program in the Fall that sends many kids back to school well equipped with clothes, back packs, lunch boxes, note books, pens, pencils, and so much of what they need to be successful in school. As the dinners and everything attached to them has grown, we have affectionately renamed it "God's Dinner". It really takes a miracle of faith and spirit to bring it all together. This is all done with volunteers who share their time, talent, energy, and great kindness to make these holidays wonderful for so many. The food is all donated. Even though the dinners are so large, all the food is home made, hand made, heart made and healthy! We want every participant to feel like they are coming home for the holidays.

It’s time to celebrate the good tastes of the Holiday Season!

Individuals bring in pies and other home made desserts while Brownies, CCD and high school cooking classes bring over pans of the best cookies ever! Dennis Bonito brings his guitar and keyboards and plays and sings all afternoon. It is simply amazing and heart warming to be part of this effort. Every one who works on the "dinners" is blessed by it. It is the best example I have ever seen of people joining together to make our world a little safer, softer, and with such kindness. I give up nothing and gain everything to be part of this! The blessings are too many to name. Here is what I need as we move in to this wonderful season. There is a place for everyone who wants to help. We need volunteers on the actual holidays to help set up, serve, deliver meals to the home bound, and clean up. We need help ahead of time in the kitchen doing prep work and cooking turkeys. We also need donations of time, talent, food and money. Anyone who wants to volunteer, make a financial contribution, or donation of food should call the office at 203-2848299. We are happy to tell you what we need. Dinner is served noon - 2pm Thanksgiving and Christmas day. The meal is free and transportation will be provided as needed. The meal is for anyone who wants to spend the day with others and have a great time. One of the thanks I received after Christmas last year was from a 91-year-old woman who had received a meal and visit. Her note simply said, "In 25 years, you have never forgotten me. Thank you." My thanks to all of you who never forget to share yourselves with others. It makes us all better. This time like all times is a very good one if we but know what to do with it - Ralph Waldo Emerson Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things. - Frank A. Clark

Celebrations of Life and Home

Rosa’s offers the best pies and treats for Thanksgiving! Call now to place your order! Pumpkin, Apple, Apple Crumb, Cherry, Blueberry, Peach, Pecan, Lemon Merangue,Pumpkin Cheese Cake, Cheese Cake with your choice of toppings!Also Italian Pastries & Cookie and Tiramisu.

WALLINGFORD GARDENERS MARKET Thanks to all who participated in the 2008 Wallingford Gardeners Market sponsored by The Wallingford Garden Club and Wallingford Center Inc. Members of both groups Provided volunteers that assisted the public and vendors throughout the summer season. We had many vendors with fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants, crafts, as well as music by The Wallingford Brass Quintet and food provided by Bob and Carole Golitko. The Rail Road Station Green provided a festive scene each Saturday morning for the customers And visitors alike. Thanks for making this year a successful one. See you next July 11th Check the Wallingford Gardeners Market website at www.wallingfordgardenersmarket.com. for information on The Wallingford Garden Club Photo by Ellie Tessmer of vendors Beverly Keener, Nancy Eddy and Doll Barnes.

Visit www.rosasdeli.com Please visit our website for all of the services Rosa’s can now offer you including our expanded Catering Menu, Full Daily Menu and so much more! It’s easy to see, why so many people enjoy the taste and service at Rosa’s

NOW is the time to call Rosa’s for your Company or Family Holiday Party!!! Rosa’s Italian Deli, LLC imported and domestic foods party platters • hot and cold subs to go

Open Monday-Saturday 830-6 closed Sunday Tel: 265-1487 • 57 North Colony Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 •

PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly seek you from the bottom of my heart to secure me in my necessity. (Make your request). There are none that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you. Grateful Thanks. B.A.G.K.

PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly seek you from the bottom of my heart to secure me in my necessity. (Make your request). There are none that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you. Grateful Thanks. S.E.B.

Page 19 November 2008

Bobbie's Bevy of Beauties Unless there's a change in plans this will be my last article until next spring. And I hope it arrives quick, quick and very QUICK. Still have to remove the Impatien plants from under the park bench and prepare my bed there for my hibernation. Usually don't go into a deep sleep for a couple of days. Since we have a few tomatoes left I will make up some of those great sandwiches and take them along with me. After consuming this favorite of mine I should be ready for my deep slumber. And I also love Turkey Hill Coffee ice cream. Guess I'll have to wait until next year for that tasty treat. We'll be leaving the house chores, snow shoveling and cat care to Jimmy and LitlBit. Good luck to them both. The few gardening chores I have left to do are: remove whatever annuals remain, put peat moss around the roses, dig up the dahlia bulbs and cut back the chrysanthemums. These beautiful orchid plants finally came into bloom. Gave away about twelve big bouquets of them. And remember to leave your butterfly bushes alone until next March or April. The same goes for the grass plant. A special thanks to all of you who read and enjoy my articles and have told me so. It's a great feeling to hear that. And I also hope some of my hints have helped with your gardening. So until 2009. Flowercerly yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien P.S. Since I will be in hibernation - I want to include two very special early P.S.'s. The first to our oldest daughter Jaime who lives in New Hampshire and will turn 50 on December 4th. Happy Birthday! Love always, Mom and Dad. The second to our son in laws parents Joan and Fred Schmidt whose 50th wedding anniversary is on December 6th. Love and best wishes, Bobbie and Jimmy And a big thank you to our dear friend Jeff's grandmother Helen who lives in Mass. For the delicious desserts that she sends down to us. Also including the latest photo of our long-haired dachshund LitlBit.

LitlBit

Annual Holiday Parranda The wildly popular Annual Holiday Parranda will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008 at the John Barry School Cafeteria, 124 Columbia Street in Meriden from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Diversion Familiar - Disfrute la Musica Hispana/Latina. A Parranda is the Spanish version of Christmas caroling that is popular in Puerto Rico. Traditionally, it entails a musical troupe traveling from house to house, serenading family and neighbors with songs of the season. At each home, the carolers are provided with food and drinks. The Meriden area Parranda will celebrate the season with the alcohol and tobacco free event, but with plenty of food and music! Hector Cardona, a Meriden police officer, his family band and the Voices of Christmas will entertain with traditional holiday songs at this family oriented evening. Some of the songs include "El Coqui" (Island Frog), "La Luz" (The Light), and "La Vida Campesina" (The Country Life). Traditional foods will be served. The event is free and open to the public. The Parranda is sponsored by the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council (MAWSAC), and supported by the Meriden Police Department, Family Resource Center at John Barry School, and Mid State Medical Center. For more information, please call MAWSAC at 203-294-3591.

Celebrations

Whenever I see an old lady slip and fall on a wet sidewalk, my first instinct is to laugh. But then I think, what if I was an ant, and she fell on me. Then it wouldn't seem quite so funny. - Jack Handey Once you get people laughing, they're listening and you can tell them almost anything. - Herbert Gardner

The loves of our lives, we are so very grateful for you both. Happy Thanksgiving, Hunter and Cole! All our love, Mommy and Daddy

PAWS UP for SAFETY Now that autmn is here and the evenings are darker sooner Linda Houle of Wallingford and her two Shetland ShepdogsGidget (12 years) and Sassy (8 years) vest up before their walk for exercise. Make no bones about it-walking your canine friend/s during the evening hours can be dangerous. Take precautions and be pawsitive drivers can see you and your best friend/s. A safety vest for you and Fido will help make you visible to road traffic, especially in neighborhoods that do not have sidewalks. You can never be too cautious to protect and save a life. So vest up, stay safe, keep fit for health and don’t forget to take along a proper scooper/bag to help keep our roadways and neighborhoods clean as well.

Page 20 November 2008

"Thanks, Mom"

by George Arndt Some days are sunny, and some days are even sunnier because of the happiness they create.Thanksgiving Day is one of those sunnier days. A day when we will gather around the dinner table, and share and enjoy, a delicious meal with our family. Mom, of course, will be everyone's hero on this special day of family get-togethers. She begins her day with a smile. A song on her lips can be heard by just watching her as she dices up the vegetables that will be part of the stuffing. Hubbies, like me, will be there to help Mom out. We will point out things that she has to do, and things that need to be done in a certain order. Inevitably, she will gently say, "Take your help into the living room and watch TV. Outside there may be a chilling frost in the air, but inside there will be an enticing aroma of baking and cooking emanating from the warm, cheerful kitchen. Aromas that will fill the atmosphere---tingling the senses of many happy folks in homes across this great country of ours on this day of giving thanks. Soon the table will be overflowing with tureens of plump green beans, savory cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes simmering in buttery-brown sugar, hot buttermilk biscuits---still steaming from the oven, tempting ears of corn piled high--their glistening yellow kernels awaiting the crunching bites from all, fluffy white mashed potatoes sitting next to the gravy bowl filled with Mom's special turkey gravy…and of course, the golden-browned turkey resting on its bejeweled decorative platter. Grace is said…and then… "Dad, I want a drumstick," resounds from the four corners of the dinning room table. Each accepting the fact that they will have to settle for a portion of a leg, and then move on to the other items of culinary specialties set before them---which had been prepared ever so lovingly by Mom. The hmmms and ahhhhs will echo from the table, and resonate through the cozy little home, as mothers and fathers; sisters and brothers; grandchildren and even some great-grandchildren overstuff their tummies. And all will be ever so grateful for the offerings that God has provided us with to share and to be thankful for. George Arndt

Who was this woman, what were her dreams All scattered pieces, more than she seems.

Happy Birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday Austin! Love, Grandma Barbara

What You Need To Know!

HOUSE PROUD My sister is a compulsive housekeeper. Her windows shine, her floor gleams and her house and garden show the attention that she gives everything. I did not inherit this gene. I told my friend that they would never put on my tombstone, "She was a wonderful housekeeper". She quickly replied "Did you want them to?" I thought about that and decided no, definitely no. I now tell people "If you're coming to see me, come any time, if you're coming to see my house, make an appointment". My door is always open and I am always glad to see you. Please ignore the dust. There is a Polish saying "Gosch w dom, Bog w dom". Roughly translated it says, guests in the house, God is in the house. I told that saying to heart. It confirmed my conclusion that it was more important to welcome someone, listen to them, laugh with them, and cry with them. I could always polish that floor. Joan Lewis Charlottesville, VA

Ronzoni for Rene

Join us in supporting "Rene Forcier" in his fight against colon cancer. All proceeds will be donated to the family to help defray costs associated with treatment. "Sponsored by the CUREchief Foundation" Please Contact Debbie Greco bigsister06019@yahoo.com 860-693-4468 Therese Kennett kennett18@comcast.net 203-888-9709 for tickets or to donate an item for the auction Also on sale at: The Southford Deli located at 1514 Southford Rd, Southbury, CT Phone:203-264-3354 The Lake House Restaurant located at 337 Roosevelt Dr, Seymour, CT Phone: 203-734-5252 Event Details: This is a family friendly event and we welcome kids! There will be a pasta dinner, cash bar, live Jazz band, card making, balloons, face painting, 50/50 raffle and silent auction/raffle. Place: Colonial Tavern - Oxford Date: Saturday, November 22nd Time: Dinner Seating's 5:00 & 7:00PM Cost: Adults $20.00 Children under the age of (12) $10.00

The Augusta Auction 2008 Saturday, November 15, 2008 We hold the Augusta Auction annually. This gives us the opportunity to gather rare, unusual, and desirable items. This results in bargains for the public and generates vital funds for the center. Items generally sell between $20 and $2,500, and run the gamut from antiques to construction services, thematic gift baskets to get-aways in Martha’s Vineyard or Nova Scotia. The Augusta Auction 2008 Catalog, containing advance descriptions of auction items and their donors, will be distributed in our area around November 1st. A private preview party will be held 6:00 to 7:00pm on the night of the auction. Guests will enjoy coffee and desserts in the Rotunda, and may peruse auction items at their leisure, as well as choose seats for the auction. Tickets are $15, or 2 for $25. Doors will then open to the general public at 7:00 and the auction will begin at 7:30. Once again the professional staff of Nest Egg Auctions have volunteered to conduct the auction on our behalf, assisted by some of our dazzling local community leaders. We hope you’ll join us for the auction on November 15th and get some of your Christmas shopping done! We’re also hoping to enjoy your company at the private preview party. If you would like to donate an item or service to the auction, or want to run an ad in our high-profile catalog, we have attached the forms for your convenience Live auctions items available.....Trips, Furniture, Celebrity Memorabilia, art, antiques,and so much more.........Save the date to support the Arts & Cultural Center of Meriden.. Live Auction featuring Nest Egg Auctions.

Bouquet Makers The Wallingford Garden Club had a floral design workshop at the First Baptist Church recently for their Womens Group. Materials were supplied by Wallingford Garden Club members and Wade Elmer, vendor of Mollies Flowers from the Wallingford Gardeners Market. Barbara Bruce demonstrated 5 different floral designs and bouquet packets were distributed to each participant. Assisting Barbara Bruce were Clare Clark, Carole Golitko, Ellie Tessmer, Marilyn Ollayos, and President Lillian Weaver. The Wallingford Garden Club is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT and National Garden Clubs, Inc. Photo: Carole Golitko handing out bouquet packets to participants.

Yalesville United Methodist Women Present the annual

Christmas in November

November 22 from 9am-2 2pm Homemade Breakfast and Lunch will be served Homemade Breakfast, Homemade Soups, Sandwiches and Desserts at Lunchtime Handcrafted Gifts, Wreaths and Other Decorations Christmas Decorations, Ornaments, Quilts, Blankets and Pillows Table of Treasures Jewelry, Trinkets, Glassware, Linens Antiques and Cards Bake Table

See you at the fair!

Yalesville United Methodist Church Corner of New Place St. & Church St. (Rt. 68) COME ONE, COME ALL Proceeds go those in need!

Page 21 November 2008

People’s Press Crossword by Ruth Gordon Look for the answers in this issue. ACROSS 1. Buffalo 5. Picnic pests 9. American inventor of the telephone. 12. Fish eggs 13. Coded 16. Nocturnal bird of prey 17. Famous Civil War general 18. Uncooked 19. Breakfast food cooked in an "iron" 21. An organism living in, with, or on another organism 24. National women's organization for descendants of people who aided the 13 Colonies in their rebellion from 1775 to 1783 26. Person expected to take over; a beneficiary or successor 27. To grow weary. 30. The egg or young of a louse. 32. A direction. 33. Founder of CNN and TNT; also former husband of Jane Fonda (initials) 34. American holiday celebrated on July 4. 37. An American slave and leader of the Southampton Insurrection in 1831. (initials) 38. Captain Ahab hunted these large marine mammals. 39. A port city in northwestern Algeria and the country's 2nd largest city. 40. One of the Three Stooges. 41. Back, astern, (nautical) 42. Mealtime apparel accessory worn by babies and small children. 44. "Thank your lucky _______." 46. The 13th letter of the Greek alphabet. 47. Lipton, Celestial Seasoning, Snapple, e.g. 49. NBC - "Late Night with ______ " (initials). 50. A kind of basketwork wear in a river, for catching fish. 53. A woman's undergarment. 54. Crazy, deranged, psychopathic, 57. Any of various one-celled aquatic or parasitic protozoans, having no definite form with one or more nuclei with a flexible outer membrane. 59. Imitate 60. Nostrils. 62. Strikes with an open hand. 64. Irony, sarcasm, or caustic with used to attack or expose folly, vice, or stupidity. 67. TV's talking horse, Mr. _____". 69. International organization concerned with the treatment of animals. (acronym) 70. Doctor with a drill, (initials). 71. Opposite of yes. DOWN 1. Foreheads. 2. Midwestern state with Des

Moines as it's capital. 3. "Enjoy your_____, it's later than you think."" 4. 1994 movie starring Jodie Foster, Liam Neeson & Natasha Richardson. 5. An expert. 6. First Lady of USA from 1981 to 1989. (initials) 7. Model and CBS talk show hostess _________ Banks. 8. Bowling term. 9. "To ___ or not to___, that is the question." 10. Name of the dog on the TV sitcom "Fraiser". 11. "Give me _________ or give me death". 14. Necessity, shortage, insufficiency. 15. Airline purchased by Howard Hughes in 1939. (Initials) 20. Aerial displays often seen on the 4th of July. 21. Arrogant, disdainful. 22. Thin, fine, and transparent. 23. British Liner that sank in April 1912 after crashing into an iceberg. 25. Pseudonym of Abigail Van Buren's sister. 27. A yellow crystalline compound, used mainly as a high explosive. 28. A photo __ is required before you can board a commercial airliner. 29. One of the books of the Bible in the New Testament, written by Paul. 31. Examine or quiz. 32. A large display found in almost every sports stadium or arena. 34. Hotels or lodges which provide overnight accommodations for travelers. 35. Every one of a group considered individually. (abr.) 36. To strike or hit lightly. 40. First African-American singer to perform at New York's Metropolitan Opera. (Initials) 43. Singer, Bruce Springsteen, is also known as "The ______". 45. A three base hit in baseball. 48. Form of the verb "to be". 51. Acronym for the nucleic acid is found in cells and that carries genetic information. 52. Actor, James Dean, starred in the 1955 movie, "_______ of Eden". 54. An abdominal muscle. (Slang) 56. Clean and tidy. 58. An ending of a prayer. 59. Snake associated with Cleopatra. 61. Corn container. 63. Ma and ___ Kettle. 65. A photo ___ is required before you can board a commercial airliner. 66. Long time 81 year old stage and screen actress, recently played 2005 "Gertrude" in the movie, "Monsterin-Law" and currently filming "Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age". (Initials) 68. To perform or execute

Wallingford Viking's D-Squad Cheerleaders Some Words From The Coaches My name is Kasey Cocchiaro and I am the head coach for the Wallingford Viking's D-Squad Cheerleaders. This is my first year coaching and I am enjoying every minute of it. I am a proud mom of 4 living children. The holiday season is hard for me since December 2006 is when we lost our unborn daughter (38 wks), however, this year although unhappy memories come up and the smallest things make me cry - I have something else to look forward to and that is my new found family within the Vikings. The Vikings as a whole is one of the most friendliest and child orientated leagues I have had the fortune of being a part of. My 6 girls have given me so much young life back, they practice hard, make me laugh, share their lives with me, ask me for advice and make me so very proud. Because of their hard work they competed at the Local Competitions on October 25th and placed 2nd in their age and division bracket. Now that they have accomplished this, they move on to Regionals in Rhode Island same as the C-Squad. I am so very thankful for having the opportunity to coach such a fine group of young ladies, to be able to become another mentor for them, someone they can ALWAYS turn to if they need me. Plus, I have found such wonderful knew friends with all of their parents. So much so that at times they have become a sounding board for me, s omeone to just talk to, and sometimes to bounce ideas off of. I am thankful they trust me enough to coach their daughters, to pick them up when they are at work, and to sometimes bring them home to feed them. As a family, we all do what we can to help each other out - you know that old saying about it taking a village to raise a child - well with the Vikings we are all willing to do our part to help encourage, praise, direct, and mentor the youth in our town. Lastly, I am thankful for my own family for supporting me in my efforts with the Wallingford Vikings. I have a daughter, Savannah, who is a cheerleader and is on the Mitey Mites (who did an awesome job on their exhibition at the competitions); my son Vincent who is too young to participate; my youngest Dayton who is just walking; my oldest Nick who is in year one of college; my husband Ian who has stayed home numerous nights taking care of all the kids so I could concentrate on the cheer squad; and last but not least my in-laws who on numerous occasions came to our home to help out. Without all these villagers, my children wouldn't have gotten the care they so deserve; I wouldn't have had the opportunity to coach the squad; and the girls wouldn't have had the experience of cheering and going to competition. Thank you to everyone for all your hard work, determination, and support. Happy Holidays. I would include a picture of all the girls holding their trophy, but they were all so excited that they ran to their parents after the competition and well, that's how it goes. Maybe I can get one once they place 1st or 2nd at Regionals. Sincerely, Coach Kasey Cocchiaro My name is Judy Greco and I am the head coach for the Wallingford Viking C-Squad Cheerleaders. I have been coaching for four years now. My daughter McKenzie's passion for the sport is what has inspired me to s tart c oaching. I now share in her passion. I am thankful for all the girls on my squad that share in this drive. Their commitment and success can not be expressed to you in words. On October 25th, 2008 our squad took 1st place in the Locals Competition in Waterbury. I could not be more proud of them. By placing first in this competition, they now advance to Regional Competition in Providence, Rhode Island on November 29th, 2008. If the girls place 1st or 2nd in this competition, they will be headed for National Competition on December 12th, 2008 in Orlando, Florida. Please wish them luck! They have worked so hard to get here. I am thankful to the league, my staff of coaches and the cheerleaders parents because without them, we would not be so sincerely grateful for what we have accomplished and what we have yet to learn and be successful for. I am especially thankful to all 10 of my girls and my coaching staff for working very <BR>hard while I was away tending to my oldest son Ricky who had major surgery during our 1st competition. My son Ricky's surgery was a success and I am thankful to say he is doing well. Thank you girls and staff for being there for me when I needed you the most! Sincerely, Coach Judy Greco

Give Thanks

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Page 22 November 2008

The deadline for the next issue of The Dear Housewives - Central Connecticuts Know It All Gals Readers, People’s Press is November 28th. Email Dear Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise your stories, news, and photos to from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with dawn@peoplespressnews.com. Don’t your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue. Let's remember what we are thankful for! June and Flora forget to send your holiday greeting! Dear Housewives, I am a big thank you note writer. How do you send proper baby thank Look for the form in this issue or just you's? I know I can write it for him but I feel that is so impersonal. How email your photo and message. can I make it more like from baby? Polite mom in Meriden Celebrations of Life & Home A message from Sienna and the Meriden Health Department The flu season is here, so remember… Cover your cough, cover your sneeze!!!

Stop in for Great Prices and to see old friends!

JUNE: Dear Polite, I am happy to hear your question because not enough people make their kids write thank you notes anymore. I do but I can't tell you how many parties we have been to where we don't ever get a thank you from the child. Shameful. You can print out a nice card or write one out but include a picture of the baby enjoying the gift or just a nice smiling picture. If the child can hold crayons you can have them "scribble" a little something on the card. It shows you gave it an effort to get the child interested. Keep up the good work. FLORA: Writing thank you notes is a lost art in some circles. Starting when your child as a baby is brilliant! I encourage you to keep up the tradition until your child can write them. You may receive many gifts over the years from people who took the time to select something special for your child; taking the time to thank them is the right thing to do. But....to answer your question. I really like the idea of a photo of your child enjoying the gift along with a brief note thanking them. If it is a monetary gift, you can write the note. Thank you for being Thankful! JUNE: I like the photo idea Flora. I make my own on the computer many times and one year I had my son hold up a sign that was written in crayon that said thank you. He had all his toys around him. Since we didn't open them when people were there it was a great way for all to see what he had gotten. Dear Housewives, I need to have your perspective on people who buy doggie strollers for their dogs.Perplexed, completely perplexed. FLORA: There is no good reason I can think of why a responsible dog owner would not exercise their dog and parade them in a foo-foo stroller. It seems to be 'all about the owner' and not about the dog. Stick with the leash people. JUNE: I know someone who does this with their cat. I agree (surprise!) with Flora, there is no reason an animal (who people domesticated) should not feel the ground and the grass on their feet. Animals are not people, they are made with tough paws and fur. They can withstand hot and cold temps and can walk on rough terrain. Get a grip. Don't get a pet if you want to be that dainty get a picture of a pet. Dear Housewives, I was having a conversation, a serious one at that, with someone in their 20's and twice she checked her cell phone. It did not ring, but a signal must have went off letting her know there was a text message. It was quick but quite rude. What do my Dear Housewives think of this common behavior? PS I think you both are fabulous. You should put a book together of all your columns and have a book signing. I would like to meet you both! Signed A Big Fan in Meriden JUNE: First let me say thanks for the kudos. Not sure everyone would like to meet us but you never say never. A book would be nice, right Flora? Now, the cell phone generation is one of the rudest generations of our times. People use them to check times, get messages, take pictures and text. When having a conversation with someone or checking out in line at the store, put the phone down. People lived for thousands of years without being in touch every second of every day. People put the phone down, you will be okay. FLORA: Thank you so much for being a fan. We enjoy the questions we receive each month; we never know what to expect!! A compilation of Dear Housewives Letters in book form would be a fun project. As for the cell phone issue, I think unless there is an emergency, (and that would be mentioned before hand) keep the cell phone tucked away. Stop looking at the time, stop texting and do not answer during time together with someone. Cell phones and the computer seem to be habit forming. But, if no one brings it to their attention, they think nothing of it. It reminds me of the telephone: "Can you hold on? I have someone on the other line..." but that is another question for another column. *A note to drivers: Driving around with a cell phone to your ear when you have children in the car is neglectful. Engage in meaningful conversation with your children. Toddlers in need of dialogue are strapped in their car seat staring out the window while the driver is yapping on the phone. Kids will communicate better, read better and treat others better when they have a good head start. Thanks!*

169 North Plains Industrial Road in Wallingford 203.626.0423

Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. & Saturday 10am-5pm Thurs. 10am-6pm Closed Sun.

At Rousseaus’s, we get to the bottom of Car Troubles!

Book Nook/Movie Corner FLORA: I am so backed-up with my reading. I am currently catching up on some magazine piles (Oprah and Kiplinger's) and reading my Bible. I just finished making a large quilt that was appliquéd, embroidered, done by hand and some machine work. Making that was fun! I plan on starting a new one next week. June, I still need to come by and look at you quilts! JUNE: Flora and her Bible studies. Aren't you done with that book yet? What in the world is Kiplinger's? I just read The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. This was a quick read and a nice little book about a professor facing the end of his life with cancer. Very sad subject so I am following it up with Barbara Walters' book Audition. I will let you know how it is as I have just finished about half so far. FLORA: Kiplinger's in a personal finance magazine. I read The Last Lecture in bits and pieces in the deli line over a few weeks. I plan on seeing the 1980 movie Airplane this week. June must be thinking: Shirley, she can't be serious... JUNE: Ahh, Airplane? What century are you from Flora? Oh, hey, I have a great movie for you it is called The Wizard of Oz. You probably haven't heard of it yet. After that maybe a little ditty about a man named George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. Flora, you need to get with the program. JUNE: Attention people. Here is an idea for something different to do with your husband or family. I took Mr. June and two out of three little Junes' on a helicopter ride a couple of weeks ago. The foliage was beautiful and it was really fun. I am afraid of heights badly but managed to go and do it. It started as an anniversary gift for my husband but turned into an adventure for him, our kids and me. The pilot was very good and we had a great experience. There is a heliport right in Wallingford. Check it out--your men would love it.

Children First Awards Children's Champions

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On September 24, more than 100 people joined in celebrating this year's Meriden Children First 'Children's Champions. A Champion is one who goes 'above and beyond' to make a difference in the lives of young children. This year's Champs are Cliff Comerford and the memory of Frank Olschefski. Cliff is a lawyer in the Waterbury area and lives in Newtown. He has been volunteering three nights a week at the Beat the Street Community Center for seven years and has traveled with the program's boxing team throughout New England. He started by bringing a young man named Terry to train in boxing. Terry wanted to learn how to box. Cliff committed himself to be his trainer at the center. But he didn't just train Terry in boxing. He gave Terry life skills that have carried him into being a fine young man. When Cliff helped Terry become Western New England Golden Glove Champ in 2000, he fought and beat Jay don Carrington - a finalist on the recent network TV show the "Contender". Cliff also helped get Terry into college where he received a degree in culinary arts. Terry joined the US Army and became a Sergeant in the Military Police. Cliff has even volunteered to represent members in court cases to help them get back on the right track. Cliff has turned around many lives at Beat the Street. The other Children's Champion award was given to his family in memory of Frank Olschefski. Mr. Olschefski passed away before his time earlier this year. Frank, in the words of John Malek, Cub Scout Pack 22 leader at Hanover School:'was a big, burly man with a soft and kind heart. He always offered a helping hand, wanted to contribute during every activity and thought of others first. And he always tried to instill these ideals in the Scouts of his den. This man rarely missed a committee meeting; he always wanted to give our Scouts something. He attended fundraising events, parades, hikes and sporting events all in support of the Scouts in the program. He was proud to wear his uniform and knew what it meant to be a Scouting Leader. He was wholeheartedly dedicated to his family, friends and Scouts. Others noted about Frank that, "You never saw him without his family by his side, they were always together. He was a very proud and involved parent." And another: "He made each child feel important and cared for." Children First applauds the many 1000s of us who make a difference in the lives of children every day. And for those like Cliff and Frank who give a little more, we are honored to call you this year's Children's Champions. Children First is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Meriden children become ready, willing and able to succeed. For more information about Children First, contact 630-3566 or visit www.meridenchildrenfirst.org

Page 23 November 2008

The True Meaning of Thanks Giving By: Maggie Griffin - for all Adults and Kids to read. To begin, I want to wish Andy and Dawn the happiest of Thanks Giving and for years to come. They have made a difference to our community by publishing Good News, Advertising Businesses in the paper that is also viewed online as well. Through their work, they encourage people to reach out and make a difference. Setting an example is the best way of being thankful. Let's look back on how Thanks Giving became established. The history of Thanks Giving started with the harvest celebration of the pilgrims and the Indians. It took place in the autumn of 1621. Although they did have a three-day feast in celebration, and the local Indians did participate, this "first Thanksgiving" was not a holiday, simply a gathering.This simple gathering led directly to our modern Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving can, however, be traced back to 1863 when Pres. Lincoln became the first president to proclaim Thanksgiving Day. The holiday has been a fixture of late November ever since. Prior to that, however, the Pilgrims and Indians did not get along. Like in our era of today, one bullied the other, fought over what should have been shared and the Indians did not welcome the Pilgrims to their land. But it took generosity, care and sincerity to make both realize what was happening. They wanted their friction to end by celebrating their peace making. In today's society, it is unfortunate that kids get bullied, adults get mocked, people fight and families hold grudges. But stop and think for one moment about this. Where does this anger get you? Then ask yourself why the holidays don't feel the same as they did in the past. I see so much happening both in the business world, schools and in families. But, as Isaac Newton once discovered, for every action there is a reaction, think about what you do today, good or bad, does effect the life of someone else. Coming from a family of 6 children, I am thankful to my siblings. I have a sister who recently had a heart attack. This is the sister I mentioned in my Summer Memories Article about the Barbie dolls and how I would cut the hair off all her Barbie dolls when we were kids. Here is the good news in all of this. To make up for what I did, I started a collection, searching for Barbie Dolls from the era of the 60's and 70's. I finally collected enough to give to her as a surprise. She was more then surprised, but then I though to myself, "did she have a heart attack because I gave her Barbie Dolls from our era when we grew up?" Something she never expected. The truth is, no, she did not have a heart attacked being shocked over receiving a collection of Barbie's from me. But, as she is my sister, I am thankful she made it to the Emergency Room in time to save her. Then surgery took place two days following and she is still recovering. Then there is this girl, a Junior in a school who is against drugs and drinking. She became an advocate to stop kids her age from doing the worse. In speaking to her, she told me she found two Freshman girls in the bathroom smoking the bad stuff. She approached them, asked their names and told them to give what they are smoking to her. From there, she reported it to the school authorities. Now these two girls may not like this junior, however, later on in life I feel confident that they will be thankful she did that for them. A lesson was taught and this junior did the right thing for the two freshman girls. She saved their lives, even though these freshman's may not see that now, but they will see it later. They should be thankful. Then there is a boy in middle school, he takes the blame for what other kids do so he can keep his friends. It's sad, I know. These "friends" also tease him and know they can provoke him with knowledge that this boy will not tell and will take the blame to protect them so he can keep peace. yet the other kids provoke him because they know it hurts his feelings and make him react out of this hurt. How much hurt can this boy take? And he still will take the blame for another students actions, even if they provoked him first by teasing him, pushing him, poking him, etc. The School, they don't listen, yet they know that this boy takes the blame for others. All I can say is, kids, be honest with yourself, don't do this to a fellow student so you can stay out of trouble. Most of all, rather then protecting your friends and yourself so you don't get suspended, why do you think it is ok for you to do this to a fellow student and let this fellow student take the blame for your actions and continue to provoke this student, after the fact, who thinks you are his friend? How would you feel if a fellow student did that to you. This is called Bullying and it must stop. I'll tell you why. In future years to come, this child who takes the blame to protect you, you may need him in your adult life to help you in a serious situation. You see, there is no such thing as "popularity", I learned that the hard way when I walked up to receive my diploma for High School over 20 years ago. I teased my fellow students, but today, I called on a few for help in things like Cancer treatments, legal help, and it just so happens one of those kids I teased back in my day took care of my Father prior to his passing away. I know this young lady in her 20's that I have help when she first became a mother when she was a teenager. I have not seen this person in over 3 years. The last time I saw her was at my Dad's funeral. She keeps her two kids from seeing their grand mother and great-grand mother. How shameful is that? What she does not realize, and maybe won't realize it until 10 years from now, she is actually hurting her children by using them as a tool against her mother (their grand mother). All I can say is patience is a virtue when raising kids and I think she is starting to realize that now since she is a mother of 2 now. But, she is pure selfish, unforgiving, hurtful and was quick to have her hand out to take. Unfortunately, when I said life is a circle, and a cycle, what you do today and how you act will repeat the circle of the cycle and done onto you later in life. When you teach your kids the "no talking method", ask yourself when they grow up and have kids of their own why they don't talk to you. I don't want to be there to witness when her children grow up and not want to talk to her. Take my advice, young lady, make peace with your mother and let her see her grand children, I am telling you this for reasons and the reasons is several. We all know how to get up in the morning, get ready for work or school, go about our days in our jobs, education and back home to who we live with. But, ask yourself this one question, if you know how to do a daily routine, even if it means you like what you do and who you are with, but do you really like yourself when you live a selfish way? The most valuable thing everyone has is a soul. Close your eyes, plug your ears and listen only with your heart. Your heart gives you the right answer. Believe me, I am not preaching, I am just teaching. And I am just go to say it because it's my story and it is factual. Funny - I always tease my husband by telling my kids Daddy was on the Mayflower. But the truth is, think of the Pilgrims and the Indians and their reason to hold a Feast of Celebration in late Fall, a Feast that lasted three days. It became known as the Feast of Peace, giving thanks to each other with sincerity because both, in history, realized, they cannot live on the same land and fight, bully, steel, take and hurt, most of all, what was most important to them was Family and Friends and turning right where it was wrong. Peace Making is the Best Thankful Gift to celebrate on This Thanks Giving Day and Thanks Giving years to come. Be kind to your fellow student, think about how you would feel if you were teased, picked on or bullied. Children, talk to your parents and don't use your children as tools against them because some day, you will be the Grand Parent waiting and hoping your child visits and lets you see your grand children. The cycle will repeat itself when your kids are older, whether you want to believe that or not, if you do not change. And don't drink or do drugs, it will and can hurt you in more ways then one, whether you realize it or not. Damaging your bodies is not "being cool". And adults, just be thankful you have friends and family. Drivers on the road, I have to tell you, flipping the finger at me, I am honored you tell me I am #1. But I have to admit, Road Safety rather then Road Rage will prevent an accident and a possible fatality, so. if you are behind me, still expect me to go the speed limit, wear my seat belt and not talk on my cell phone, this too sets an example to my kids when they get their driver's license. Kids, follow the new licensing laws. Those laws are enforced to save your life when you are behind the wheel and the lives of others. Be thankful our State Government changed the licensing laws to protect you. At your age, driving is a privilege. Then there is always the city bus stop if you keep complaining. Follow the rules and the laws. It takes one person and others to see what they see, feel what they feel and more to make a difference. I am one of many who see these things, all of them and more I am writing in this special article. On Thanks Giving Day, don't ask who took the bacon off the Turkey, just be Thankful your Dog didn't eat the Turkey before it was cut. Happy Thanks Giving to Everyone. Remember, we only have one life to live, you cannot change someone, you can only change yourself. Think of the Pilgrims and Indians. If it wasn't for them to set examples, Thanks Giving would have not continued for 100's of years, we wouldn't be having the Holiday of Thanks Giving at all. As a Realtor, I always say to everyone "Home Is Where The Heart Is", remember that no matter where you are.

Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he isn't. A sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is. - Horace Walpole A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your step as you walk the tightrope of life William Arthur Ward What You Need To Know!

Meriden's First Walk to School Day a Success The Meriden Kids Walk Safe Coalition, a Safe Routes to School Initiative, would like to thank the parents, guardians, and children that participated in Meriden's first annual Walk to School Day on October 8, 2008. Over 25 families from Benjamin Franklin, Israel Putnam, Roger Sherman, and Lincoln and Washington middle schools walked to school. Walking to school is important for many reasons: * It teaches children safe walking skills, such as how to cross streets and how to select safe routes to schools. * It encourages healthy habits. Adults and children spend healthy, active time together doing the worlds' simplest exercise - walking. Many parents discovered that walking to school actually takes less time than driving. * It helps communities take specific steps to create more walkable neighborhoods, such as advocating for more crosswalks, sidewalks, crossing guards and better driver behavior. This is not only good for the community but for the environment as well. Meriden Kids Walk Safe Coalition could not have had a successful Walk to School Day without the help of many community partners. A special thanks to the Graustein Memorial Fund, our co-sponsor, and the following individuals: City of Meriden Mayor Mike Rohde, Lea Crown of the Meriden Health Department, Dave Swedock of the Council of Neighborhoods, Lt. Sal Nesci of the Meriden Police Department, Amy Filippides CT Parent Power, Meriden Children's First Initiative, Sharon Okoye, Safe Routes to School Coordinator for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, State Trooper Vance and State Trooper Johnson of the Connecticut State Police. Thank you to our elected officials Congressman Christopher Murphy, Majority Leader Christopher Donovan, Senator Thomas Gaffey, and State Representative Cathy Abercrombie, for welcoming the walkers once they got to school and sharing encouraging words about the importance of walking for personal health and the health of our environment. For more information on the Meriden Kids Walk Safe Coalition, please contact Gwen Samuel at 203-886-7684 or email: meridenkidsafe@aol.com.

Roll on Down to Mariannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Find Everything You Need For Thanksgiving from rolls to pies to cookies to pastries and more. Open Thanksgiving Day 7am-1pm!

Family Shabbat Services at Temple B'nai Abraham At Temple B'nai Abraham at 127 East Main Street in Meriden, families are always welcome to attend Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat (Sabbath) services. On Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:30 a.m. Children can help carry the Torah silver and march with the Torah. Special Family Shabbat evening services will be held on Friday November 21st beginning at 6:30 p.m. On other Friday evenings services begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please call (203) 235-2581.

Hours: Mon-Tues.- 7-6; Saturday 7-4; Sun. 7-2

Page 24 November 2008

Thankful Thoughts on Our World of Nature

East Haven $249,900. Exc. Starter. 6 rms, 3 BRs, HW Floors, new furnace & roof. 2 car gar. Chuck X302

East Haven

$364,900. Spacious Multi. Great for owner, occupant or Investor. Over 3,650 SF. Carol X310

By Dorothy Gonick Do we often play the game of "Animal, Vegetable, Mineral" without thinking? God has created and filled the Earth with all things needful for our existence and pleasure. He has given man a mind to use for transforming these into the food, shelter, clothing, and other useful items for our daily life. To our discredit we have disrupted nature's inherent growth and goodness in our quest for a 'bigger and better' lifestyle, leaving a staggering amount of refuse to mar the earth's beauty. We are presently thankful that we've become aware of the past misuse of these treasures of the earth and are beginning to halt and reverse the damage done to nature's bounty. What a joy to see the rebirth of nature's beauty. One of the very many daily pleasures we enjoy is our wide variety of food. We're thankful for those who have planted, cared for, and harvested this abundance. We're also thankful for those who have prepared and served the meals that nourish us. As we thoughtfully live each day, it is easy to be aware of the many facets of our life that are made possible by the thoughtfulness of others-and to offer our thanks. We take so many things for granted. I'll use chocolate as an example. Long ago the natives of South America took cacao bean pods and discovered their hidden qualities and chocolate became known. Today cacao and chocolate have become a source of that country's livelihood, and of our enjoyment because we consume chocolate in various yummy ways and glad for it. I've written a poem about Chocolate from the beans' viewpoint as it traces its life and undergoes transformation. Chocolate In the quiet of the afternoon, I heard a vague chatter Coming from the shopping bag On the kitchen counter. 'Hey, gang, what's next? Did you hear her say We were just right for the party. What's a party?

New Haven

$155,000. Enjoy beautiful water views from this one bedroom condo with C/A, security system. Jean X306

'We've been through a lot, What more can they do? I'll make a scrapbook Of all we've been through. 'My delicate blossom Withered and dropped, Then surprise of surprises, Became golden pod. 'Was hacked from my tree And broken in two. My many small beans Into baskets were scooped. 'Then miserable days Piled under leaves of banana. Sweated, fermented, I thought we would rot.

West Haven

$309,900. Lovely 7Rm RR nestled on a cul-de-sac. 3 BRs, 2 Bths, LR, DR w/sliders to deck, 2 Fps, FR & more. Carol X310

'Then spread out to dry Under hot rays of the sun. Basked in the freedom From cramped quarters-'twas fun. 'Men came againWith shovels and bags Scooped all of us up And bagged us up tight. 'Bag upon bag We were packed in a truck Sent on our way With hopes for good luck. 'Dumped into a bin Tumbled till clean.

North Haven $299,900. Spacious cape with newly remodeled kit. & bath, tile, Trek decking, 4 BRs, 2 full Bths, hot tub, 2-car gar. On less than a half acre of land. Prime location. Maggie X307

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Hot fire roasted To inch of our lives. 'Lost our thick hulls And put in a grinder. Broken and crushed Torn apart, not kinder. 'Grinding and grinding Till we became liquid. Then cooled to a paste And sent off again. 'Dumped into a vat With sugar and such Melted and stirred Sweet smells sent aloft. 'Squeezed from a tube Drop by drop, row by row. Looking like marchers With nowhere to go. 'Bright shiny wrappers Wrapped snuggly around us My how we glimmered Admiring the new 'us'. 'We rested awhile on a grocery shelf. Now we're featured along with Balloons, presents and ribbons, Happy to be part of birthday party. 'Fingers have grabbed me, Ripped off my gown, Held me aloft to face a wide smile. Close to the mouth and menacing teeth'Oh no! Oooowww!!!!' October 8, 2008

Dorothy Gonick

Prologue to the Present My heritage is an ever-burning flame in a chalice in which the fuel is not multiple homes, high finances, high academic achievement or high positions. My heritage is alive with the courage and loneliness of a German grandfather who left his family behind and came to America for a new beginning. It is alive with the courage of his pregnant wife who, with three children under age four, came to America after a home was found for them. My heritage is alive with the austerity of their raising seven children on a factory worker's pay. It is alive with my father giving his father money he earned from delivering newspapers. My heritage is alive with my father's conviction that his children, two sons, would have the college education he never had. It is alive with the courage and loneliness of my mother who, after losing her mother at age seven, was placed in a sometimes unloving orphanage. My heritage is alive with the love my brother and I received from our parents. It is an ever-burning flame within my spirit.

Alfred W. Mueller

Wallingford

Share a piece of your life for our December “Holiday Magic 2008” issue. Send a photo, a story, a poem, some good news and more. The deadline is November 28th. Email your submissions to dawn@peoplepsressnews.com If you are interested in advertising in The People’s Press feel free to call 203.235.9333 or email: andy@peoplepsressnews.com

MERIDEN CHILDREN FIRST RECEIVES GRANT FOR PARENT LEADERSHIP TRAINING A grant of $26,000 from the Parents Trust Fund will make it possible for the Meriden Children First Initiative to offer leadership development training to Meriden parents. Two training programs will be offered. The first program, the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), targets civic involvement more broadly and helps parents develop skills and knowledge for leadership in their communities will commence in January. The second program, Parents Supporting Educational Excellence (Parents SEE), will begin in February and will focus on understanding how the educational system works in Connecticut and how parents can partner with schools to bring about positive change. "These two programs provide an incredible opportunity for Meriden's families, children and the community at large," says David Radcliffe, Director of Meriden Children First. "We are planting seeds that will provide both shortterm and long-term benefits of increased involvement, collaboration, support and future leadership for our community." Parents SEE will begin with a retreat on Saturday, January 31, 2009 which will be followed by a series of 12 workshops on Tuesday evenings. The meetings will be held at Lincoln Middle School, and dinner and child care will be provided. The three-hour workshops will cover topics such as: * What do effective schools look like? * What makes an effective leader? * How do schools function? * How and why do schools change? * What is a parent's role in children's learning and school improvement? * How do parents lead in schools? The workshops are open to parents, grandparents and others who are raising children and are limited to 20 participants. Community members who are interested in participating can obtain additional information and an application form by calling Noemi Gonzalez, 203-630-3566. The deadline for applications is November 30th, and follow-up interviews will be scheduled between December and January. The Parents Trust Fund is a program of the Children's Trust Fund administered in collaboration with the Connecticut Commission on Children and the Connecticut Center for School Change. The Parents Trust Fund is a statewide initiative to support parent engagement and parent leadership across Connecticut. The Meriden Children First Initiative is supported by the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund.

Page 25 November 2008

If you haven’t come to see us at

Yo u a i n ’ t s e e n n o t h i n g y e t ! Our fireplace products are sold by the thousands across the World but they are designed & created in Wallingford & sold right at our outlet store!

Meriden Arts Council Reception

The Meriden Arts Council, a regional arts agency serving Meriden, Wallingford and Southington, is holding a reception on 11/20/08 from 6-9 pm in the Rotunda Room at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 E Main St, Meriden. Come meet our board of directors and officers, network with other artists and arts organizations, learn where to find out about arts events and opportunities in our region, how to get free promotion of your events, and see what we're up to! There will be a brief presentation, refreshments, and plenty of opportunity to relax and meet people. The Meriden Arts Council is supported by the Ct Commission on Culture and Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts. For information e-mail info@meridenartscouncil.org or call Lynn Fisher at 203 235-6270.

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HI HO COME TO THE FAIR Center Congregational Church E. Main and Broad St Meriden, Ct. Mary Zysk has been knitting mittens, hats, scarves and sweaters since last November. She and other members of Center Congregational Church on Broad Street are getting ready for the church Fair. Holiday fairs are more than fund raisers, they are a New England tradition. Only a small number of churches still have fairs that are entirely member driven, with congregants knitting or gathering in small groups. Center Church has NO VENDORS! The crafters have been creating home made specialties every Monday night or Tuesday morning since July, under the expert supervision of Pauline Blakeslee. The kitchen crew headed by Ardene Courchesne and Ginny Forman have been trying new coffee cake recipes all summer, and have finally found an excellent one to offer from the Kitchen. Yes, the apple peelers are ready to work to insure the aromas from the kitchen Fair day are delightful. Pat Kenney and Pauline Blakeslee have been co chairs of the fair for many years. Their enthusiasm has bought this New England tradition to a true art form. Our church fair allows our community a chance to know our congregants and to experience our warm fellowship. The proceeds from the fair help to fund activities and restoration of the church. Stop by and share the comfy atmosphere of a true old-fashioned New England Church Fair: Tables of baked goods, crafts, a teacup auction, unique basket raffle, Vermont cheese, pecans, caramel corn and our famous Cookie Walk will fill the main room. Down stairs you'll find the ever popular tag sale and used books. Face painting and tattoos are among the favorite children's events.

Factory Outlet Prices await you at our store that offers you Glass Doors, Screens, Toolsets and Fireplace Accessories, Gas Logs, and new innovative products to save you money like our Folding Panel to save you heat when you are not using your fireplace. No matter what you need for your fireplace..you’ll find it! Feel free to stop by and browse. You’ll discover elegance and affordablity!

Page 26 November 2008

Optimism and humor are the grease and glue of life. Without both of them we would never have survived our captivity.- Philip Butler, Vietnam POW

You are what you think. You are what you go for. You are what you do! Celebrations

Happy Turkey Day to Momma, Papa, the Grandmas & Grandpas and everyone! Hugs and kisses, Hunter and Cole

Country Harvest At harvest time in the country, ripe stalks of golden wheat wave in the fields, and wildflowers peek up here and there. This glorious candle centerpiece features fresh flowers, natural wheat and fall leaves and is a lovely choice for Thanksgiving.

Crystal Bed Therapy

Advertorial by Lisa Zola I recently had the opportunity to go to Brasil to see a Healer by the name of John of God, or Medium Joao, as he is known as in Brasil. What was supposed to be a 3 week visit, ended up turning into 3 months…the things I saw happening there were just utterly amazing. In Truth, the things I saw happening there were no less than Miracles. One of the things Medium Joao would prescribe for many people who came to see him, was a Crystal Bed treatment. Often times this was done to help prepare a person for an "Intervention" since it was considered to be instrumental in the cleansing of someone's energy or help to re-balance a person's energy field. During my stay in Abadiania I experienced several Crystal Bed treatments for myself. It was such an incredible feeling that I began to think about having a Crystal Bed in my Practice for other people to experience. With the Blessings of Medium Joao, I am now privileged and honored to have a Crystal Bed in my Nutrition Center. Crystal bed therapy is a safe, non-invasive healing modality that helps to cleanse, open, balance, and recharge the seven major chakra energy centers of the body. The use of quartz crystals to enhance physical, mental and spiritual healing is based on the premise that crystals possess powerful energy that can positively affect imbalances in the human energy field and thus promote health and well being. A person lies fully clothed on a massage table with his/her eyes covered as seven colored lights pulsate through quartz crystals which are directed at the chakras. Energy is channeled through the crystals to each of the chakras, cleansing and re-balancing them during a session. Having a crystal bed session serves to act as a catalyst to jump start one's own natural healing potential and desire to achieve a state of equanimity. Each experience is unique and specific to an individual's own condition, needs and level of self awareness. Some of the results people have expressed include: An increased sense of serenity, inner peace and harmony A feeling of more energy, sense of health and well being An increase in mental clarity A greater insight into their circumstances and life path A deeper spiritual understanding of themselves An emotional release A reduction of stress and pain A greater understanding of the causes of their illnesses or dis-ease In order to have a better understanding of how and why Crystal Therapy works it is important to know a little more about what the chakras are. Chakras are spinning vortexes of energy in our body that transform universal life energy into various frequencies our subtle energy system uses to keep us healthy. The body has seven major chakras which are aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is connected with a specific color as well as to specific organs and glands and is thought to vitalize the energy fields of the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. Chakra System 1 ~ Red ~ Root Security and stability, survival, courage, self confidence, physical body support, ability to provide for life's necessities 2 ~ Orange ~ Sacrum Creativity, sexuality, emotion, power and control 3 ~ Yellow ~ Solar Plexus Self power and esteem, energy, assimilation and digestion 4 ~ Green ~ Heart Forgiveness, compassion, equilibrium and well-being, hope, love 5 ~ Blue ~ Throat Truth, honesty, communication and growth, ability to choose, strength of will 6 ~ Indigo ~ Third Eye Intuition, openness to self-evaluation, emotional intelligence, new ideas 7 ~ Violet ~ Crown Master Chakra, seat of consciousness, divine connection "I Am" Spirit, ability to trust life, ethics and courage About Quartz Crystals Quartz crystals are known for their healing effects. Experiments have been conducted in order to examine their healing properties and have shown that a precisely cut quartz crystal produces a constant vibration equal to the same frequency as water in its purest state. In addition, moving water will pick up the vibration from the crystal through resonant interaction and this transferred charge will restructure the water. Furthermore, the molecular patterns of water can be modified with the immersion of quartz crystals. Since the human body is composed of approximately 70% water, this may help to explain the healing capacity of quartz crystals. The well organized vibration resonating from the crystals helps to organize the water in our tissues and cells producing a healthy state. A quartz crystal is known as the "Stone of Power" and is frequently referred to as the "Master Healer." It is the most versatile healing stone among the crystals and is said to help amplify energy or intention, protect against negativity, attune to your higher Self, and relieve pain. Come try a Crystal Bed session and feel for yourself how amazing it is! Crystal Bed Therapy

30 minute session…………$25 60 minute session…………$50

For more information please contact Lisa at (203) 269-2TLC (2852) or visit www.tlclisazola.com Crystal Bed Therapy is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment.

LGBTQI Survivors of Sexual Violence

Rose Flowers and Gifts Gifts, Gourmet Baskets and of course our famous Flowers

232 West Main Street in Meriden 203-235-5759 www.roseflowersgifts.com Delivery to all of Central Connecticut

Women and Families Center Sexual Assault Crisis Service provides short term supportive counseling services to residents of Meriden, Wallingford and Cheshire, Middlesex County and Greater New Haven County. Support groups for individuals who identify as LGBTQI and have been effected by sexual violence will begin late fall 2008 at the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Survivors, who attend and participate in these groups, will have the opportunity to talk about their experiences with peers and knowledgeable, caring facilitators to assist their healing. You don't have to go through this alone. Call Kim @ (203) 389 5010 for more information. All services are free and confidential.

Military Whist Card Party at Temple B'nai Abraham! Come and learn the easy game of Military Whist and enjoy a night out with friends at Temple B'nai Abraham's Military Whist Card Party on Saturday November 15th at 7:00 p.m. Play cards, win prizes, and enjoy refreshments. Bring a partner or a group (4 people to a table.) Temple B'nai Abraham is located at 127 East Main Street in Meriden. Admission is $10 per person. A raffle will be held. Please call 235-2581 by November 12th to reserve a table.

Page 27 November 2008

Wallingford Middle School Students Win Statewide Connecticut Veterans Day Parade Essay Contest Special Ceremony at Conn. State Capitol on Monday, October 27 at 4 p.m. First Place Student Essay Contest Why Should We Honor Veterans? Lexie Farkash, 8th grade Holy Trinity School CCD Dag Hammarskjold Middle School "Nooo!" "Bam!" "Boom!" The moans of the dying and shrieks of snipers pollutes the air. Thousands, nay, millions have given up their lives, or perhaps their families, houses, and sometimes their sanity. We, as a country, have those men & women to thank for the free country we live in today. So very many people have given up everything. They don't have their comfy, soft beds from Sleepy'sÂŽ the privilege of being able to get up in the night to check on their sleeping newborn, or go & stop at McDonalds on the way home from work. These people are so selfless that they would willingly give up their lives in order for the rest of the USA to live our lives. Vietnam, WW II, the Civil War, etc. If we didn't have men & women willing to sacrifice their lives for us, where would our country, maybe even the rest of the world, be today? WW I, the Revolutionary War, Iraq. All of these have been terrible, bloody & devastating. All the people who have died in these deserve to be mentioned. Their lives, family, sanity. Shouldn't we give one day, ONE day out of 365 to them? A day honoring them isn't much compared to the crippling pain - physical, mental, or both - that all these millions of men & women went through? Why should we honor veterans on Veterans' Day? Perhaps the fact that we owe our lives to them will convince you. Runner Up Student Essay Contest "Why Should We Honor Veterans?" Cora Mandy, 8th grade Holy Trinity School CCD Dag Hammarskjold Middle School Wallingford, Conn. "Extra, extra! Read all about it! Seventeen killed and fifteen wounded in a street bombing!" Everyday we hear stories similar to this on the news. Who are these people? They are veterans of war. Every day as Americans, we take for granted rights that were given to us; rights that veterans have fought for. How brave and unselfish are those who risk their lives to keep millions of others free? I know I would not be able to commit to such an honorable act. These veterans lose their lives for me, for you, and for everyone in this room. On top of all that, they do it willingly. Many veterans left the country for months or years at a time to fight. Most were only able to communicate to family members through letters. Some veterans couldn't even tell their families where they were stationed. Can you imagine that? What if you couldn't see your mom, dad, son or daughter and not know if they were ok? Veterans of war often have a price to pay. Whether it be a scar or a lost arm, it is something they have to live with for the rest of their lives. However, they are the ones who brought honor and peace to this country. America has a lot to be thankful for. These veterans have fought tirelessly to 'let freedom ring.' They have risked their lives for you and for me which is more than I'll ever be able to do. They left their homes; their families to go abroad and fight. These veterans have risked so much for our country. The absolute least we could do is give them the honor and gratification they deserve. For these reasons and many more, our veterans should forever be honored.

Just a line to say I'm living, That I'm not among the dead, Though I'm getting more forgetful, And more mixed up in the head. For, sometimes I can't remember, When I stand at the foot of stairs, If I must go up for something, Or I've just come down from there. And before the frig. so often, My poor mind is filled with doubt, Have I just put food away or, Have I come to take some out? And there's times when it is dark out, With my night cap on my head, I don't know if I'm retiring, Or just getting out of bed. So, if it's my turn to write you, There's no need in getting sore, I may think that I have written, And don't want to be a bore So remember ---- I do love you, And I wish that you were here, But now, it's nearly mail time So I must say "good-bye", dear. There I stood beside the mail box, With a face so very red, Instead of mailing you my letter, I had opened it instead. Submitted by Donna Salvato, Written by Myron Zillman of Meriden at age 99, who has since passed away.

MidState's "Family Night"

MidState's "Family Night" teaches the whole family how to talk about cancer MidState Medical Center invites you to attend its annual "Family Night." Through fun games and creative activities, the whole family will have a chance to talk about cancer in a safe, supportive setting. Each specially designed workshop gently encourages children to disclose how cancer has affected their lives, while learning coping strategies. Parents can have their questions answered and learn skills for talking with their children. This free workshop is open to parents or caregivers with cancer, their partners, and their children, ages 5-12. Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2008 Time: 6-8 p.m. (Pizza dinner provided) Location: MidState Medical Center, Horwitz Conference Center 435 Lewis Avenue Meriden, CT Pre-registration is required by calling 203-694-8669. This program is made possible with cooperation from the Harold Leever

Regional Cancer Center and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

National Adoption Month Celebration November 16th The Most Holy Trinity Church will be celebrating National Adoption Month at their 9:00am Mass. Families are invited to celebrate the mass with the Options For Adoption Support Group. Special mention will be made to celebrate the families touched by adoption.

We know nothing about motivation. All we can do is write books about it. - Peter F. Drucker

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Holiday Tree & Item Display Silent Auction Saturday, November 15, through Monday, December 15, 2008 Trees will be on display at all Events at the Center

Come out and see this beautiful display of trees, wreaths, and centerpieces donated by local businesses and non-profit organizations all over the City of Meriden. Bid on your favorite item for yourself or a special gift for the Holidays, if you have the winning bid items from the Holiday Auction can be picked up on Dec. 15th & 16th. Come and view the display just to get into the Holiday spirit and bring some friends!!! Support your local non-profit by bidding on their tree, wreath or centerpiece. They get half of the proceeds that there item brings in... There is no admission fee to view the trees.....Center will be open daily Viewing times are Nov. 28th through Dec. 3rd 11am to 7pm for viewing. All other days please call for times.

175 East Main Street in Meriden 203.639.2856 www.curtisculturalcenter.org

Page 28 November 2008

Wallingford Public Library: Our Shelves are Full of Thanksgiving Traditions Beth Devlin - Wallingford Public Library Director Jalapeno-cranberry relish anyone? If you are finding the giblet gravy and stuffing, green bean casserole and candied sweet potatoes are lacking inspiration this year, why not head over to the stacks at the Wallingford Public Library and see what's cooking. Head to 641.5 and start browsing. If you are a first time turkey roaster, or just need to refresh you turkey culinary skills, you might want to check out 641.6659Butterball and take a look at "The Butterball Turkey Cookbook," expert advice from the experts! Our huge collection of cookbooks is extensive and inspirational for chefs of every skill level. In addition to cookbooks, ask a librarian where you can find information on Thanksgiving stories, poems, history, and crafts. Celebrate your holiday traditions and make some new memories this year. Vintage Wallingford There is still time to purchase your tickets to the library's annual fundraiser, Vintage Wallingford! Please join us November 5th at Gouveia Vineyards from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Appetizers, wine-tasting, beautiful Book Baskets, and friendly conversation await you. Tickets are $25.00 each and all proceeds benefit the Wallingford Public Library Association's Development Fund. Bring your friends and have an enjoyable evening with the library's board members, president, patrons and supporters. Programs Galore From authors to organizers and from itty bitty babies to seniors, the Wallingford Public Library has a variety of programs and services to be enjoyed by all. This month the library welcomes two authors for your enjoyment. First, best selling author, Lisa Lelas will present "Simple Steps to Getting Organized" on November 6th at 6:30 p.m. In addition to being an author, Lisa is a professional organizer who will share her techniques for tackling everyday clutter challenges as well as organizing for the upcoming holiday season. Be sure to stop by the library and see our display of books on this subject. The following week, mystery author, Karen E. Olson will be speaking about her latest book in the Annie Seymour mystery series, "Shot Girl." Using New Haven as the setting Ms. Olson features local restaurants and neighborhoods throughout all the Annie Seymour books. Readers will enjoy the local flavor and sense of place evident in the many scrapes Annie gets into as a police reporter. Join us on November 13th at 7:00 p.m. for this special author event. Also on November 13th, a special offering for parents, teachers and childcare providers, will feature Best Books for Kids, sponsored by the library and WECARE. Join the library's children's librarians for a discussion of why certain books are best for kids at different ages and stages. Registration is required. Price of movies got you down? The library offers two free movie events each month: Cinema Club and Family Movie Night. Cinema Club features classic films geared for mature audiences who are interested in viewing and discussing a film. This month Gallipoli will be shown on November 6th at 6:30 p.m. Family Movie Night is scheduled for November 20th at 6:30 p.m. and will feature the film Wall-E. (Rated G). Please call the library for more information. Calling all Teens: the results are in! This year's Top Ten Favorite Books are: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson City of Bones by Cassandra Clare The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray Extras by Scott Westerfeld Before I Die by Jenny Downham Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson Thank you to all Wallingford Teens who participated in the Teen's Top 10 voting this year. More than 8,000 teens voted around the country. More for Teens: it's time to dance! November 12th at 6:00 p.m., the library will be hosting a Nintendo Wii Dance Dance Revolution Tournament. All teens are welcome to come and strut their stuff and possibly win a prize. Be sure to wear your dancing socks! Love Anime and /or Manga? Come to the library's Anime/Manga Swap on Tuesday, November 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. All teens welcome. The Mother-Daughter Book Nobody is stronger, nobody is weaker than someone who came back. There is nothing you can do to such a person because whatever you could do is less than what has already been done to him. We have already paid the price. - Elie Wiesel

J o h n A LW AY S O F F E R S t h e b e s t i n S e r v i c e & I S A LW AY S H o n e s t !

Club will meet on November 12th at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the novel Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier. The club will meet again on December 3rd to discuss Meg Cabot's book Jinx. The Mother Daughter Book Club is a group composed of teen girls and their mothers or other adult female friends who meet monthly to discuss young adult books. Storytimes, Chess Club, Family Night, and Homework Help are a few of the ongoing programs featured by our Children's Department. This month additional children's programming includes a Thanksgiving Craft. Create a cute turkey pin out of polymer clay to wear on Thanksgiving or any time of the year you want to celebrate the turkey! This free program will take place November 8th at 2:00 p.m. and is open to children 8 to 12 years of age. Advance registration is required. More Computer Help! The library is excited to announce an expansion in our computer tutoring program. Free one-on-one basic computer instruction will continue on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. through November 20th. Additionally, one-hour sessions will be available on Thursday nights, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday mornings, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Computer novices are encouraged to sign up to learn keyboard or mouse skills, word processing, internet searching, online job applications, or e-mail. Instruction is free and open to the public, however due to high demand, sessions fill up quickly. Call the library to sign up! Learn to Search Online Databases Learn how to use powerful online databases at our November computer class. Topics include census and auction records, automobile repair procedures, business directories, encyclopedia entries, and newspaper, magazine, and journal articles. The class will run from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 20th in the Board Room of the Main Library. Seating is limited and advance registration is required. Your Library Card: don't leave home without it. Most of us carry our up-to-date library cards in our wallets and can whip it out at a moments' notice to borrow books, magazines, museum passes, cds, dvds and other materials at any public library in the state. Your library card will enable you to access databases from the library's website and use public access computers too. This is a timely reminder that your card is required for the above applications. Periodically you should check the status of your card to be sure it has not expired. It takes only a few minutes to renew it at the library's circulation desk. Be sure you are aware of any fines you might have on your account. You can view your account information by logging onto www.wallingford.lioninc.org. Always feel free to ask a staff member for help on any of the above or other aspects of our library technology. Library Notes The grand opening of the library expansion project was five months ago, but the work of the Building Committee goes on. New office furniture for the staff, additional tabletop outlets for laptop computers and a new public access catalog table have appeared in the last month. One of the last phases of any project is signage, and the library is no exception. In September the Committee awarded the bid for interior and exterior signs to Lauratano Signs of Terryville, CT. Delivery is expected this month. The other major construction activity will be the upgrade of the 1982 elevator to meet 2008 sprinkler and emergency standards. These improvements will unfortunately mean that the elevator will be out of service for several days, probably in late November or early December. During those days, handicapped access will be through the front door only. The mission of the Wallingford Public Library is to acquire, organize and make available books and other resources for the educational, informational, recreational, and inspirational needs of the entire Wallingford Community. Library locations and hours are as follows: Main Library, 200 North Main Street, Monday through Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Yalesville Branch located at 400 Church Street, is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please note the libraries will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day and Thursday and Friday, November 27th and 28th in observance of Thanksgiving. For more information on any of the above information and/or events, please call the library at 203-265-6754 or email bdevlin@lioninc.org.

We will speed the day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing ...Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Holiday Magic

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Message: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Due to space - messages are limited to the 2 lines above. Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ If you would like the photo returned to you, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope! We do not publish the last names of any photo submissions. Send to:The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492

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Page 29 November 2008

Time to Keep Turkey Tradition Join Lyman Hall High School's Food Service FCCLA in supporting C.R.E.W., the United Way and alumni soldiers Come join us for a Traditional Family Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 6th, at Lyman Hall High School from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The proceeds from this event will benefit the United Way, C.R.E.W. (Community Revitalization Efforts of Wallingford) and the Lyman Hall Alumni Soldier Project. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is donating their time and spirit to these organizations. While helping others, this fundraiser will also provide a fun experience for those who donate and choose to participate. We will be serving a Thanksgiving meal including turkey, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, stuffing, cornbread, cranberry sauce and apple crisp. For the children attending the event there will be numerous stations set up such as face painting, pumpkin decorating, and a craft area. The children are also encouraged to dress up in traditional thanksgiving costumes to celebrate the holiday festivities. Please join us if you or your business would like to support FCCLA's efforts. The event will be held at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford, CT on Thursday November 6th from 5 to 7 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets you can contact: Project Manager: Jenn Sperlazza 203-294- 5369 in the Lyman Hall Culinary Classroom Or e-mail sdrossopoulos@wallingford.k12.ct.us

To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at andy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power of positive for the readers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment. Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com!

Gallery 53

Kiwanis Club of Wallingford & Ulbrich Boy's & Girls Club

Annual Turkey Trot Road Race Mark the date! Sunday, November 23rd the Turkey Trot Annual 5 Mile Road Race. This year's race begins at Stevens Elementary School, 18 Kondracki Lane, Wallingford. Registration begins at 11:00 and race begins at 1:00 pm. Cost is $15 per runner (pre-registered)and includes long sleeved t- shirt. $20 day of race - does not include a t-shirt. Pick up an entry form at Boys & Girls Club or the QChamber of Commerce office, 100 South Turnpike Rd or online at www.bgcawallingford.org. For more information call 269-7535.

Flag Ceremony and Pasta Dinner Wallingford Emblem Club #289 will host a Flag Ceremony and Pasta Dinner on Thursday November 13th at the Wallingford Lodge of Elks-148 South Main St., Wallingford. The Flag Ceremony consists of a presentation of "Flags with Narration" offered by Natalie Yasensky and a Bicentennial Flag History Team. Included, also, will be the meaning of each fold made as the flag is retired. Dinner will be served, starting at 6:PM for a donation of $5.00. Tickets may be obtained at the Lodge or at the door. The Flag Ceremony will follow dinner. Should you have questions or concerns, I may be reached by phone at (203)467-5247 (East Haven, CT) or by e-mail at pjvalente@snet.net. My sincere thanks for any assistance that you are able to render.

Gallery 53 in open and available for events and celebrations. Space is suitable for lectures, meetings, parties etc. Our beautiful environment with its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bacground is inspiring for special occasions. Visit us on the web at www.gallery53.org or call us at 203.235.5347. Our director is Rita Sarris.

Top Producers

Helping Hands Thrift Store is THANKFUL for all the wonderful people who help support our cause which is offering support to the Chrysalis Center for Women and Children of Domestic Violence as our main concern as well as other organizations which the store offers assistance to. Without the donations and purchases made by the public at the store we would not be able to assist all that are in need of help. The store will not turn anyone away if they have proof of need at little or no cost to them. We have assisted the New Opportunities Organization, the Red Cross, Childhood Dreams Organization, Masters Manor, even the Meriden Humane Society as well as individuals sent to us due to unfortunate circumstances. The store does not receive any outside funding which is why we greatly appreciate your donations so we can continue to remain open to help others. Please remember every time you donate items (please in good working condition as it is an extra expense for the store to dispose of unuseable items) or make a purchase you are helping someone else in need. Please tell your family and friends about our store, if you have not visited Helping Hands Thrift Store which has 2 floors of merchandise we are located at 22 No. Turnpike Road in Wallingford. Call (203) 284-0300 if more information is needed. Sorry we are not a consignment store and do not purchase items from the public. Please have a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving from the Helping Hands Thrift Store workers! Once, when my feet were bare, and I had not the means of obtaining shoes I came to the chief of Kufah in a state of much dejection, and saw there a man who had no feet. I returned thanks to God and acknowledged his mercies, and endured my want of shoes with patience - Sadi, The Gulistan

and take your pick from the apples, pears and more at our farm store.

John Guerra, CEO of Guerra Realtors, is proud to announce the Top Producing Real Estate Professionals for the Third Quarter of 2008. Top Seller's Agent is Carol Gargano. Top Buyer's Agent is Jean Lake. Top Sales Agents, that tied, are Laura Forcinelli, Carol Gargano and Maggie Griffin. Top Relocation Producer is Paula Senna.

Registration Now Taking Place!! Adult, Young Artist And Kinderartist Classes. Gift Certificates Available

EASEL WORKS Open Tuesday-Friday 12pm-6pm Sat-Sun 10am-5pm Closed Mon.

Creative Art Studio & Gallery

294-1548

2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford

Page 30 November 2008

Wallingford Senior Center News and Events What You Need To Know!

Bouquet Makers The Wallingford Garden Club had a floral design workshop at the First Baptist Church recently for their Womens Group. Materials were supplied by Wallingford Garden Club members and Wade Elmer, vendor of Mollies Flowers from the Wallingford Gardeners Market. Barbara Bruce demonstrated 5 different floral designs and bouquet packets were distributed to each participant. Assisting Barbara Bruce were Clare Clark, Carole Golitko, Ellie Tessmer, Marilyn Ollayos, and President Lillian Weaver. The Wallingford Garden Club is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT and National Garden Clubs, Inc. Photo: Carole Golitko handing out bouquet packets to participants.

Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Press Crossword November 2008 Answers. Puzzle by Ruth Gordon.

Our monthly newsletter can be read in its entirety the first of each month on our website at www.wlfdseniorctr.com VETERANS DAY PROGRAM on Monday, November 10, 11:00 AM Join us as we salute our veterans on November 10, at 11:00 AM. The program will feature a keynote address, patriotic music by the Vintage Voices and participation by local veterans groups. Come help us honor those who have served our nation. WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP: ARTHRITIS & EXERCISE on Wednesday, November 12, 10:30 AM Physical therapist Jeff Sederquist, a speaker for the Arthritis Foundation, will present a program on November 12, on the benefits of exercise for persons coping with arthritis. Find out what kind of exercise can help minimize the effects of arthritis. Please sign up in advance to attend this program which is sponsored by Westfield Care & Rehab Center. Open to the public. WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP: WHAT IS A HOSPITALIST? - AND WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW! Wednesday, November 19, 10:00 AM - If you ever require hospitalization, you need to know what a hospitalist is. MidState Medical Center introduced its Hospitalist Service in 2003, yet many people do not understand how the program works. Join us on November 19, to hear Dr. Howard Dubin explain MidState's Hospitalist Program and why it is important for you to know about it. Please sign up if you plan to attend. Open to the public. GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE- Bring in your holiday gifts and let us gift wrap them for you! This service includes a gift box, tissue, wrapping paper, bow and gift tag for just 50¢ for small and medium items, $1.00 for large items, and $2.00 for extra large packages. Gift bags will also be available. This service will be offered November 19-21, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and then Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, November 24 through December 10. All proceeds from this service will benefit the senior center's program account. STATE Wii BOWLING TOURNAMENT - Friday, November 14, 10:00 AM HealthNet is sponsoring the statewide Wii bowling tournament at the Wallingford Senior Center on November 14. Join us to watch the state's top virtual bowlers in action! Refreshments will be served. Open to the public. MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY VAN - Monday, November 24 A mammogram is a vital step in a woman's overall preventive health care. Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer. The Yale New Haven Digital Mobile Mammography Van will be at the Wallingford Senior Center on November 24 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. If you have not had your annual mammogram, call 688-6800 to schedule your appointment. SOCIAL SERVICES CONNECTICUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) 2008-2009 HEATING SEASON Appointments for assistance with Oil, Kerosene and Wood heat continue to be scheduled at the Wallingford Senior Center. Anyone 60 years of age and over is encouraged to apply. Income limits for a single person is $29,272.36 and for a couple is $38,279.24. Asset limits also apply. Applicants MUST bring two (2) photocopies of the following to the appointment: 1. Most recent checking, savings, CD, Annuity, IRA, stocks or bonds statements or any other financial information. 2. Verification of Social Security benefits, Pension, dividend and/or interest income. 3. Four most recent pay stubs, if employed. 4. Rental Income: rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account 5. Most recent utility bill. 6. Electric bill. APPLICATIONS ARE TAKEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY To schedule an appointment, please call 265 7753. ENERGY ASSISTANCE DATES WALLINGFORD SENIOR HOUSING - Applications will be completed on the following dates and times. Please see your Community Room bulletin board for information on documents needed to complete the application. Wednesday, December 3 McKenna Court 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Southside Terrace 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Friday, December 5 John Savage Commons 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Eastside Terrace 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 9 McGuire Court 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. BENEFITS SCREENING Tuesday, November 18, 10-12 noon Only a few individuals age 60 and older have called for Benefits QuickLINK, a private, free and confidential program which quickly screens your eligibility for these available state and federal programs: . Medicare: Savings, Prescription Drug coverage, & Rx Extra Help . State Prescription Drug Assistance Programs . Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) . State Property Tax Relief/Rebates . Supplemental Security Income (SSI) . Telephone Assistance (Link-up and Lifeline) Supporting documents not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: l. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses note covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Pre-registration required. Call now 265 7753 to schedule an appointment. MEDICARE PROGRAMS and SOCIAL SECURITY Tuesday, DECEMBER 9, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. It's that time of year again when decisions need to be made regarding next year's Medicare. The Medicare RX Express will be at the Wallingford Senior Center to answer your questions and assist you. If you have any questions, such as: Should I have traditional Medicare with a Supplemental or Medigap policy? If so, which Medigap policy is right for me? Is a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO) right for me? Am I on the right Prescription Drug Program? Does the formulary list all of my medications? Am I eligible for ConnPACE Prescription Drug Program? Am I eligible for the Medicare Savings Program which pays part or all of my Medicare premium? If you have any of these questions or others, please call to schedule and appointment. Please call 265-7753 to schedule. Appointments are required and limited. SOCIAL SECURITY: On the same day, someone will also be available to answer any questions you may have about your Social Security. No Appointment is necessary. DIABETES SUPPORT Wednesday, November 12, 1:00 p.m. LOW VISION SUPPORT Friday, November 21, 10:15 a.m. PARKINSON'S DISEASE SUPPORT Friday, November 21, 10:15 a.m. AARP TAX AIDE: JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM! The Connecticut AARP Tax-Aide program is seeking volunteers to provide one-on-one help in the preparation of CT & Federal income tax returns. Computer literate volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome; training begins in December. Tax counseling for the elderly is a free, confidential service offered to low and middle income people of all ages, with special attention to those age 60 and over. Volunteers do not need to be an AARP member or retiree. Interested persons should e-mail ctvoltaxaide@juno.com. Provide your name, address, and telephone number. INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE In the event of inclement weather, we urge you to watch WVIT-Channel 30, WTNH-Channel 8, or WFSB-TV Channel 3 for information on the cancellation of activities at the Wallingford Senior Center. If the Center should remain open in questionable weather and you are unsure as to whether you should venture out, we urge you to consider your own safety and well being and remain at home. We will make every effort to reschedule to a later date any event or activity that may have to be postponed. THINKING ABOUT . . . a donation or bequest? The Wallingford Senior Center (Wallingford Committee on Aging, Inc.) is recognized by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) and all donations are both greatly appreciated and fully tax deductible.

Page 31 November 2008

Desperately Seeking Susan… or At Least People Like Her!

By: Heather L. Stilson

In a time when our economy is faltering, our 401K's are plummeting, and our brains are continuously being battered by political smear campaigns, it seems that everyone we encounter is feeling some sort of strain. I have noticed an increase in short tempers, poor manners and rude conduct virtually everywhere I go. It's enough to make one want to hibernate in their own homes until we rise above this difficult time in our history. Unfortunately for most, this is not an option. And, why miss out on all of the good things happening in this world? My grandmother's primary goal for her children and grandchildren was always, "Be a good person." That's it. Simple, right? Well, okay, let's admit it; this isn't always easy, but I try to take it day by day. I woke up this morning and as usual set a personal goal for myself. Today, I was going to recognize one person willing to rise above the now seemingly acceptable standards of society, and let them know I appreciated them. Sounds hokey, I know, but as I grow older, I realize that some of the hokiest things make life fun. Admittedly, though, I dragged myself out of bed with an "Eeyore" type outlook, believing that my goal for the day may be somewhat overly-optimistic. I rushed my children off to school and prepared for a hasty trip to the bank. Ugh. This task is no where near the top of my list of things I consider "fun". I bit the bullet and made my way to the TD Banknorth located at 7 North Turnpike Road in Wallingford. Rushing into the bank, I was met by the branch manager, welcoming me with a smile. Huh? Not my usual experience in any public establishment, I can assure you! I was promptly called to the teller's window with - you guessed it - another friendly bank employee. I finished my transaction, and was calmly interrupted in the middle of my whirlwind retreat by the bank manager. She explained that she had just made a pot of coffee and would be more than happy to get me a fresh cup for my ride to work. Again, HUH???? I felt like I had been transported back to Mayberry, USA. (Admit it folks, wouldn't that be great, at least for a little while?) I thanked her and dazedly, made my way to my car. If anyone has ever tried to pull into traffic, heading northbound from the parking lot of this bank, you know how impossible it is to cross into two lanes of traffic. I waited patiently for the morning rush hour traffic, feeling fortified by my pleasant bank experience, when not one - but TWO drivers attempted to let me out of the parking lot so that I could merge with traffic. I know this sounds silly, and frankly a little pathetic that I would take notice of such small acts, but how many of us are affected by drivers we will probably never see again? I don't know who these people were, but if you are reading this, kudos to you for taking the time to be thoughtful! I drove northbound and just before I got to work, I passed a vehicle in a passing zone. It should be noted that I wasn't following too closely to her; I just wanted to pass her as she turned into the gas station. As I drove by, I realized that she was graciously giving me the single-finger salute. I brushed it off - I wasn't going to let something so small ruin my day. If this person might be you, I hope your day got better! Once I got to work, I called TD Banknorth to speak to the manager, who identified herself as Susan Dommu. Susan has worked for TD Banknorth for 5 years and has been at this branch for a little over a year and a half. I wanted to let Susan know how much I appreciated her Customer Service earlier that morning. It didn't take long before we struck up a conversation, Susan being forthcoming with her philosophy on Customer Service and her goals for this particular bank branch. She chuckled good-naturedly when I told her how much her offer of coffee meant to me, saying "Well, Heather, my goal is to provide that level of customer interaction to everyone, everyday." Now, I can tell you that I tend to be a little cynical, but I assure you that Susan's approach is not something she learned in a management seminar and it is obviously sincere. She commented further to say that the key to a successful business team is in the hiring. "You can teach the job to anyone, but you just can't teach niceness," states Susan. I ended the conversation by telling her that I wanted to put the spotlight on people who make a difference in this world by simply being respectful, good-natured and NICE. So, I'm writing this article in hopes that everyone who reads it will know that you can make a difference in this world. No, offering a cup of coffee to someone or allowing someone to merge into traffic in front of you won't cure cancer or solve the oil crisis. In the end, though, what matters most is that we all aspire to my Grandmother's advice: Be a Good Person. My new goal in life is to do my best to recognize all of the good people out there. If you are one of them, know that you are appreciated even if your kindness is not always formally recognized. As I write this, I am amazed that my goal for the day was so quickly and easily realized. I've been in a pleasant mood ever since - and maybe just a bit less cynical! I am going to continue looking for my everyday heroes and doing my best to recognize them. Until next month, then…Be Good.

CRAFT FAIR

HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTO 200 HIGHLAND AVENUE WALLINGFORD, CT. 25TH ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2008 9 AM TO 3 PM FEATURING OVER 65 CRAFTERS REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE INFORMATION CALL 203 (235-0195) _____________________________________________________________________________________

CRAFT FAIR

The Nathan Hale School PTO will present it's 5th Annual Craft Fair on Friday, November 21st from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the school. Bring your family out for a great night of fun including dinner and shopping with our 25+ crafters! The kids will love to visit with Santa, win prizes in the raffle, and end the night with a bag of goodies from our Cookie Walk. A few spaces are still open! Interested crafters can contact Jennifer Day at 203-237-4775 ext 2 or by email cricket0302@yahoo.com

PASTA SUPPER

The Civitan Club of Meriden/Wallingford will hold their 14th annual pasta supper to benefit the physically and mentally challenged youth and adults in the area on Thursday, November 13th from 4:30 P.M. To 7:30 P.M. at St. Joseph Church, West Main St. Meriden. Donation will be $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6 to 12, and children 5 PASTA SUPPER The Civitan Club of Meriden/Wallingford will hold their 14th annual pasta supper to benefit the physically and mentally challenged youth and adults in the area on Thursday, November 13th from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at St. Joseph Church ,West Main St. Meriden. Donation will be $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6 to 12, and children 5 years and younger free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from Elain Cariati Drauss at 630-9805.

Winner of 10 Awards.

Wallingford Garden Club Wins Ten Awards. The Wallingford Garden Club won ten awards at the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc. Awards Luncheon at the Aqua Turf in Cheshire on October 22nd. Five awards were presented to the club itself and five to individual members. The lub received and Award of Excellence and a silver tray for maintaining and improving three memorial gardens in Wallingford - the Town Green Gazebo, an herb garden at the Historical Society and one at the Wallingford Day Care Center. It also rec. a second place award for its Publicity Press Book, which contains articles on the many activities of the club clipped from four area papers. The club also was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for a brochure on the summer Farmer’s Market and rec. tow certificates of appreciation for participating in the National Garden Club Awards Program this year. Barbara Bruce, vice-president of the Wallingford club, rec. a 3rd place award for a Halloween floral design. Carol Golitko received a Certificate of Achievement for Garden Therapy. Carol also was the recipient of a Penny Jarvis Scholarship. Sandy Parsons and Barabara Bruce redc. Lovely Garden Awards after visits to their gardens by members of the Federated Garden Clubs. In the photo above Lillian Weaver - president of the club, second from left holds a silver tray awarded to the club by the Federated Garden club o Connecticut for its maintenance of three civic gardens. With her, left to right are some of the women who help maintain the gardens: Eileen Eccles, Marilyn Ulizio, Helen Daney, Chris Walsh and Carolyn Heine.

Filipek’s Kielbasa You Can Taste The Difference! This Month’s Special Below!

S A V E .50 P E R l b . o n o u r famous Kielbasa S A V E $1.00 P E R l b . FOR 10 lbs. OR MORE! With this ad - Expires 11/30/08 262 Elm St., Meriden 237-3488

Page 32 November 2008

Waist Management - A Community Challenge

Calling all Meriden residents and businesses! The Meriden Health Department has a mission for you, if you choose to accept it. It's called "Waist Management" - we challenge you to not gain more than 5 pounds over the upcoming holiday season. Think you can do it? Know others that you can team up with? A kick-off meeting for this program will be held on Wednesday, November 5, from 6-7:30pm, at the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street. Gather your team or "waist management buddy" and join us to learn tips on how to keep the pounds off over the holidays. You'll be able to pick up your team packet, which includes a tape measure and nutrition and exercise tips, the night of the meeting. Packets will also be available up until Thanksgiving. For more information on this program please call the Health Department's Community Health Education office at 630-4238.

We deliver to schools, churches, institutions, clubs, businesses and offices for FREE!

By Ernie Larsen

A Musing

As I'm sitting here, trying to figure out my new laptop, a signal tone goes off and a pop-up proclaims there is a news bulletin coming in. I just yesterday figured out how to set the computer to signal me when my homepage news provider, MSNBC, publishes a piece in which I have indicated an interest; in this instance, a bulletin from the entertainment world, the passing of the actor and philanthropist and as I knew him, the race car driver, P.L. Newman or Paul Newman as he was most widely known. Not that we were on a first name basis by any means, my acquaintance with him was through a friend and fellow driver of his on the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) circuit. In fact I think P.L. was friendlier with my buddy's father than anyone, there were somewhat closer in age…..he preferred to be called P.L. at the race course and the name painted on the door of his race car reflected that, P.L. Newman in silver lettering. I first met P.L. when I was 'pitting' (helping him get ready for the race, sort of a glorified 'gofer') for my friend who drove in the Formula Ford division of the SCCA, it was at Thompson Raceway, in Northeastern Connecticut; the car was an open wheel model, with a 1600cc Ford Pinto engine We were sitting around, after prepping the race car and in drives this Chevy Suburban trailing a Datsun 510. The fellow driving was P.L.'s crew, sort of what I was to my friend, however I did find out he was a mechanical engineer and could take apart an engine with his eyes closed, so to speak. He and Art, my buddy, exchanged pleasantries and we pitched in to get the race car off the trailer. I had no idea whose car it was, everyone helped everyone else in the garage area - it wasn't until they got onto the track that it was every man to himself. About a half hour later in drives Paul Newman - there was a definite murmuring from those outside the pits which my friend told me happened every time he showed up. There were a bunch of women who regularly came to the track with the express purpose to see P.L. The cameras were out and clicking. Newman walked over, exchanged pleasantries and sat down with Art's father and had a bit of a conversation while his guy prepped his car. All this while the gaggle of fans took what must have been hundreds of photos. He then got up and spoke with Art and myself while the film ran through the cameras…he said all these people will get their photos back next week and wonder who the other guys are hanging with Paul Newman….so the races began and neither P.L. or my driver Art placed, i.e. Finishing in the first 3 positions in their respective divisions. As they both remarked there was always next week. Well, the next time I was in P.L.'s company was three weeks later at Lime Rock race track in Sharon, CT - in the Northwest corner of the state - P.L.'s back yard, well a lot closer to his home than Thompson. Which meant a lot more fans - many whom had purchased passes giving them access to the pits. Again, it was a banner day for Kodak, the film was burning up the cameras and once again my buddy, his father and Newman were in lots of photos. In fact a few people had brought prints for Newman to sign which he willingly did until he had to prep for the race. He remembered me from Thompson and later that season I was in his company a couple of more times. He spoke very quietly, never seemed to get flustered and had a good word for everyone in his presence. I thought then that his real love was auto racing and this turned out to be true, he bought into an Indy team and also raced in the CanAm series which was somewhat similar to SCCA on a much more sophisticated level. Whatever he did in racing he certainly immersed himself with all genres of the sport and teaming up with Carl Haas produced more Indy league champions that he ever thought was possible. Along with his racing, which was a very lucrative financially, plus the monies he earned during his Oscar winning acting career Newman decided to share his wealth with the less fortunate and focused his philanthropy on children. He founded the Hole in the Wall Camp for seriously ill children. The first camp was located in Ashford, CT and since its inception in 1988 12 more camps have sprung up all over the US and in several foreign locations. In that time over 140,000 children have taken part in the camps which children with illnesses which would normally restrict them from a summer camp type atmosphere. P.L. was extremely proud of this accomplishment and visited the camps regularly. And then there was Newman's Own. A line of food products he and his daughter Nell originated and from which all the profits are donated to charity; as most entrepreneurial enterprises he started out small with a line of salad dressings, which he touted as being made with natural materials, organic, over the years the sales of Newman's Own Organics have generated enough profit for the company to donate over $180,000,000 (one hundred eighty million dollars) to charity. Newman was that type of guy - one to share his monetary and mental wealth with others, he often counseled young drivers and gave invaluable tips on the finite details of the sport and as a founder of the Westport Playhouse provided a platform for young thespians to fine tune their craft. And to continue his philanthropy he took it upon himself to provide for children of all ages contributing to many charities with his Hole in the Wall Gang taking a leading role in his generosity. With his passing, Paul Newman leaves a legacy that will not be duplicated in our lifetime - the unselfish generosity of a true gentleman who was approachable, genuine and a regular guy. I'll never forget my 'knowing' him as I did. The theme of this issue was to talk about what we are thankful for this time of year - I think we all should be thankful for the unselfish largesse of Paul P.L. Newman - so long P.L you were one of a kind.

What I’m Thankful For...

The deadline for our Dec. issue is Nov. 28th for all Stories, Events, Photos and MORE! If you have an upcoming event in December send it in - it would be our honor to help you AND we will send out each week’s events in our weekly email newsletter to our on-line subscribers to give you even more exposure. Sign up - it’s free! Go to www.peoplespressnews.com and click subsribe! There are several ways to submit: Email: andy@peoplespressnews.com Web: www.peoplespressnews.com Fax to: 203.294.8808 Mail: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492

For Advertising call 203.235.9333

The People’s Press is now available to download in PDF form. Save it, Read it and Print it. We are always finding new ways to serve your needs because YOU matter most to us!

By Carol Golitko I have always felt Thankful for what ever I have.My wonderful family,husband children & grandchildren.But Sometimes someone comes along in your life that makes you a differant person.I met someone like that about 5 years ago.She`s the sister I lost to cancer over 15years ago.She`s my girlfriend(how important is that!)My mentor way too much to mention.She`s made me more aware of my surroundings & this earth & what it has to offer,I always believed in it but now I practice more of being it`s stewart.Best of all she`s my friend accepts me for who I am.I love Her> Thanks Ellie.

Upcoming Events from Revitalized Beth Israel Community Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford is delighted to present its Fall events. Nov. 7th will be a special service designed to help members of our congregation and the community who are not completely comfortable with a Friday night service. Our Rabbinical Intern, Bruce Alpert will take this opportunity to explain the "whys" of the service: why we say a particular prayer and why we say it when we do. This will be a very informative service. A small, historic, unaffiliated conservative congregation, Beth Israel, founded in 1901, is undergoing a renaissance. A dedicated team of congregation members has been involved for over two years with the national STAR Synagogue initiative, injecting new energy and focus into the congregation. Programming highlights the direction the Congregation is moving towards, encompassing all the elements of Judaism - prayer, learning and gathering - into fun filled events. Beth Israel warmly welcomes all Jewish individuals and families, interfaith and non-traditional. For more information, please contact Alida Cella at 949-8656, or alidacella@hotmail.com. Beth Israel has also launched a brand new website - www.bethisraelwallingford.org.

Holiday Community Dinner: “GENEROSITY Makes It Happen” A traditional holiday dinner will be enjoyed be everyone at the 27th annual holiday dinners, noon to 2:00 PM Thanksgiving and Christmas Day at the First Congregational Church, 23 South Main St., Wallingford. The dinner, sponsored by Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. and the church, is free and open to all who want to spend the day with others. Transportation will be provided to those needing rides. Meals and visits will also be delivered to the homebound. Food baskets are sent out ahead of time. These dinners happen every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and are fully dependent on donations of food, time and money to be successful. In addition to the dinner at the church, baskets will be sent out ahead of time to families in Wallingford, Meriden and Cheshire. Meals and visits are also delivered to the homebound who are unable to participate in the dinners at the church. At Christmas, we "adopt" many children and adults, some who are differently abled, those who are alone, nursing home residents without family and other entire families as we learn of their particular circumstances. We provide them with food, clothes and gifts. We write cards and send letters to cheer people. It is incredible to be part of this effort and to see all the good that comes when people give and share. As this effort has become so large, it is necessary for us to collect food and other items as early as possible. We start cooking three days before Thanksgiving and need folks who can offer their time and help with that as well. We are in need of everything! Individuals and businesses that would like to volunteer their time, talents, food, gifts, money or services are encouraged to call Nancy Freyberg at Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc., 284-8299. There will be

an organizational meeting Saturday 10-11:30am at the First Congregational Church kitchen area. Come and find out how you can be involved. Together we can do so much for so many.

Page 33 November 2008

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month/Great American Smoke-Out Did you know: " November 20th is designated as "Smoke Free" day. Set your calendar and prepare to smell the roses! " Smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths. " Over 80% of adult smokers started smoking before they were 18. " 25% of high school students reported that they had their first cigarette by age 13. " Each year about 3,000 nonsmoking adults die of lung cancer as a result of secondhand smoke. " If you smoke 1 pack of cigarettes a day for 1 year, it cost over $2,500! " Within 20 minutes of quitting your blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal; within 24 hours your risk of a heart attack starts to drop; within 2 days your sense of smell and taste improve; and immediately upon quitting you'll start to save money. Millions of baby boomers are approaching retirement age. Make a choice today to enjoy your retirement, pledge to live a healthier life, quit smoking. For information: Wallingford Health Dept. at 294-2065 or the American Cancer Society at 1800-ACS-2345 or CT Quit Line at 1-866-363-4224; American Lung Association 1-800LUNG-USA

Tanzania Trails

We can’t pass up another African safari this winter, and have designed our 2009 TANZANIAN TREASURE TROVE. Visit Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, Lake Ndutu and Lake Manyara. If this is a first, you owe it to yourself. It is a MUST! Call for brochure! January 31 - February 11, 2009 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com

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"I've fallen and I can't get up!"

by Barbara Sherburne barndt49@yahoo.com Remember that ad from 1989 with Mrs. Fletcher? I do. We all thought it was kind of funny when it came out on TV. Lots of people made fun of Mrs. Fletcher, and we all laughed. The phrase stuck around for years in various permutations. It was on lots of TV shows. We are now approaching yet another Thanksgiving Day in November, November 27th actually. I think many of us, I'll include myself here, think we have fallen and are having a rather hard time getting up. It is not a laughing matter at this point. I am only 58 (59 in another month), so I am fortunate that I did not experience the time of the Great Depression, as my mother did. I have a great deal to be thankful for, but some days are tough. We all have them, and some worse than others, to be sure. I think I have gone through the roughest times people go through, losing my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and close friends. Thankfully, I have never lost a child. That is a travesty. I thank God I did not go through that. I have lost a lot of pets I cared for dearly, and all the animal lovers who are reading this will understand what a tremendous loss a pet's life can be. I have experienced this kind of sorrow many times. I may not have used these precise words, "I've fallen and I can't get up," but I have used similar phrases. I have said things like, "I don't know how I can go on." "I don't know why I am here." "I don't know what the purpose of life is anymore." Life is tough, and there is no getting around that. But life is also good. Where would I be if I were not here in the United States of America, a country I hold dearly to my heart? I am very grateful to be a citizen here, and I played no part in it. My forefathers did, thankfully. They came from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, and I am extremely grateful for that. God knows where I would be if they had not come to this great land! The irony of this phrase that was used in a commercial almost 20 years ago is that we can get up. We can stand up and do wonderful things. We have so much to be thankful for in this country, and we oftentimes take it for granted. We worry about things like the price at the gas pump, and yet Europe was ahead of our gas prices years and years ago. How much, really, has a gallon of milk gone up in 30 years compared to a gallon of gasoline? Not much. Not really. What about the price of a dozen eggs? Not much. Not really. I am thankful for Thanksgiving, which began in 1621 with the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians in Massachusetts. It was celebrated many times over the ensuing years, but it was not until 1941 when President Roosevelt signed a bill on the 26th of November (my birthday) that it became an official yearly celebration on the fourth Thursday of November. We need to put a positive spin on this phrase "I've fallen and I can't get up," and instead say something like, "I may have fallen, but I will get up, and I will be better for it." I am thankful for this country and this land. On this Thanksgiving Day I will say a prayer to God and express my thanks for the gift of living here. There is no better place on earth. There is no place like home.

Holiday Meal Food Safety Tips Holidays are here! And with the holidays comes food, lots of food. High protein, high moisture foods such as turkey present the potential for a foodborne illness. Follow the "turkey basics" for a safe holiday. 1. Keep all refrigerated foods cold; thaw frozen food in the refrigerator not on the kitchen counter. Generally, it takes 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. If you don't have enough time, thaw under running water for about 30 minutes per pound. 2. Cook a fresh turkey within 2 days of purchase. 3. If you are cooking a stuffed turkey, mix the ingredients just before it goes in the turkey and stuff loosely, about 3/4 cup per pound of turkey. 4. Always use a thermometer when cooking, do not rely on time alone to know when your meal is ready. The bird is done when it reaches 180 degrees F in the innermost thigh and a stuffed bird should reach 165 degrees in the center of the stuffing. Remember that a stuffed bird takes longer to cook. 5. Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 degrees F. What about all those leftovers? Always reheat to 165 degrees F. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly in small shallow containers and wrap tightly. How long should you keep your leftovers? Refrigerator: Frozen: Cooked turkey 3-4 days Turkey slices/pieces 4 mos Stuffing and gravy 1-2 days Turkey with gray 6 mos. other dishes 3-4 days Stuffing 1 mo. You should also have plenty of fresh cut vegetables on hand for those in-between meal munchies. Try to incorporate some holiday spirit that doesn't focus on food. Why not take a walk after the meal before the pie. You can have a safe and healthy holiday! Put a gift certificate to a local gym on your Christmas wish list or a new pair of sneakers. For more information contact the Wallingford Health Dept at 294-2065 or the toll free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. We also have FREE magnets with Safe Food Temperatures so you won't forget. Stop by Wallingford Town hall, rm. 215 today.

A message from the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce: Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don't fight them. Just find a different way to stand. -Oprah Winfrey

networking

Now is the time to book Ruth for all of your Holiday and New Year’s Parties & Events.

promotion

education

leadership

While these current times are challenging for many of us both personally and professionally, let us help each other find a different way to stand - whether it be attending a networking event for the first time, or promoting your business using vehicles offered through the Greater Meriden Chamber, or by educating you and/or your staff by attending a workshop or SCORE session. We are leading businesses to use the resources available through membership in our professional organization. The four principles of networking, promotion, education, and leadership are the basis of the plan of work for the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce. We will continue to highlight one each month so that readers may become more aware of what the Greater Meriden Chamber is doing for its members and the communities that it serves. Let's begin with education… The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce understands the importance of lifelong learning. Our Chamber supports the educational initiatives that run the spectrum from pre-K through 12th grade; college; professional development opportunities; adult education and more. We are involved in the education of our members and the education of younger students in our community…they are our future! We have an Education Committee that meets monthly and members include representatives from Platt, Maloney & Wilcox in addition to Middlesex Community College & Post University along with several individuals representing the business community. We help to make and sustain connections between schools and businesses, whether it be suggesting speakers for classes, participating in career fairs or supporting education initiatives. And, we offer educational programming for members to help members make better business decisions. As an added value to our members, the close to 700 businesses that make up the Greater Meriden Chamber, we are partnering with SCORE and are offering free business counseling at the Chamber offices every 2nd Thursday of the month beginning November 13th - call for an appointment. Any small business can participate. If you are considering starting your own business, have a small business, are ready to expand, need advice or resources, we can help you. Start-ups are encouraged to attend SCORE's Pre-Business Workshop prior to scheduling a counseling session. And, on Tuesday, Nov. 18th, we will be holding a "Sun-Up Seminar": Building a Winning Business in a Tough Economy, from 7:30-8:45 a.m. at the Chamber: The fee is $5 per person and will include continental fare and the presentation by Action Coach, Bob Kademian. To strengthen your current educational programs for employees in your organization, or to help develop the minds of students in our communities, the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is here. We have the connections to make our communities better places to live, work, learn and play! Call us at 203.235.7901 or visit www.meridenchamber.com

Stuffed Cabbage and home style KOLBASZ Hungarian Community Club of Wallingford is accepting orders till November 16, 2008 for Stuffed Cabbage and home style KOLBASZ (sausage). Please bring your own container. Pick up your orders on November 22, Noon till 2PM For more info: Please call Linda 203 634 0602 Kathy 203 213-3775

Page 34 November 2008

What You Need To Know!

North Haven Garden Club Meeting: Holiday Table The North Haven Garden Club will have a special meeting on Holiday Decorations Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 7:00 at North Haven First Congregational Church on 28 Church St. This meeting is open to the public. The program will be Louis Lista of Pond House Café at Elizabeth Park. He will present a program on entertaining and decorating for the holidays using fresh fruits and vegetables as part of the table arrangements. The public is invited. Hostesses are chair: Marie Tiberio with Joan Longobardi and Cathy Parent assisting. Table Arrangement will be by Rita Gangi North Haven Garden Club is a member of The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc and National Garden Clubs, Inc. Photo by Ellie Tessmer Holiday Design by Tony Todesco

SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS COLLECTIBLES

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(203) 235-7634

This edition of “The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your Views” serves the needs of the communities of Wallingford and Meriden, Connecticut. For safety reasons we do not publish the last name of artists/writers under the age of 15. 5% of all annual net proceeds are donated in kind or in financial donation to local charities and organizations. This newspaper is not affiliated with any other newspaper.

Publishers:

Andrew& Dawn Reynolds peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com Managing Editor Dawn A. N.-Reynolds dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com Copy Editor Dawn A. N.-Reynolds dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com Advertising Andy Reynolds andy@peoplespressnews.com Web Site Web Solutions, LLC Writers YOU WRITE IT....WE PRINT IT!!!

“The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your Views” publications are published by: DNA, LLC P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492 peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com www.peoplespressnews.com • Phone (203) 235-9333 Advertising (203) 235-9333 • Fax Number (203) 294.8808 The People's Press,Your Town, Your News, Your Views and all versions or portions of said name are ©Copyright DNA,LLC. 1999-2008 All Text, Logos, Images and other content in print, web or in any way or form are ©Copyright DNA, LLC 1999-2008 All Rights Reserved The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher and DNA, LLC. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements or submissions. All items contained herein, including advertisements or portions thereof, may not be reproduced in any way, shape or form without the written consent of the publisher. All submissions whether by mail, fax, email or any other means become the property of The People’s Press and DNA, LLC and may be used in any media it so chooses. By submitting to this paper you agree to these terms and release The People’s Press and DNA, LLC from any financial obligations or notifications for any future use of any of said submissions. The People’s Press will make every effort to see that all advertising copy is correctly printed. The publisher assumes no responsibility for typographical errors in advertising, advertising inadvertently left out; but will gladly reprint, without charge, that part of an advertisement is which any error may have occurred, provided that a claim is made within five days of publication. The publisher takes no responsibility for statements or claims made in any advertisement. Any copy or images designed or developed by The People’s Press are ©Copyright DNA,LLC and may not be used in any other medium. All Rights Reserved By advertising within The People’s Press, you agree to these terms.

Seasonal Home Safety Tips From Your Community Life Line

South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department Serving for over 100 years Some timely safety tips in advance of the upcoming winter season. With the cooling temperatures comes the increased risk of fire deaths. In 2007, 2,800 Americans unintentionally lost their lives to fires, flames, and smoke, according to National Safety Council. To help protect you & your families SMVFD is offering the following safety tips: Smoke Detectors One is definitely not enough! Every home should be equipped with smoke detectors on every level, particularly outside sleeping areas. Ensure that your smoke detectors are tested monthly and batteries are replaced twice a year. Change batteries when you change your clocks. Encourage children to help test the smoke detectors. Familiarize them with the sounds of the alarm(s). Fire Extinguishers Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher in your kitchen (one rated for grease fires and electrical fires.) It's a good idea to keep fire extinguishers near the furnace, garage, and anywhere else a fire may start. These extinguishers are affordable, life-saving equipment for your home. Make sure every able-bodied member of the family is trained and familiar with the proper way to use the fire extinguishers. If you must use an extinguisher, make sure you have a clear way out in the event you can't put out the fire. Remember to call (911) in case of a fire. Even though you might be trained in the use of a fire extinguisher it does not mean the fire will be put out. Hesitation on calling the fire department could be costly to life and property. Flammables Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of reach and out of sight of children! Smoking is dangerous! No one should ever smoke in bed. Make sure that cigarettes/cigars are extinguished properly before dumping ashes. Avoid grease build-up in the kitchen and on appliances. Cooking fires are common. Don't leave food cooking on stovetops unattended. If a fire should occur, suffocate it with a pot/pan lid or a cookie sheet, or close the oven door. And remember to call (911) if fire can not be immediately controlled. Around the holidays, Christmas trees are a primary concern. Consider using an artificial tree that is labeled "flame resistant." If you do use an evergreen, water it daily to keep it from drying out. Make sure to inspect stringed lights and window ornaments annually for deterioration. Dispose of materials from fireplaces and grills in non-flammable containers. Never put children to sleep in "day" clothes. Fire-retardant sleepwear can make a difference in burn outcomes. Electrical Safety and Heat Sources Make sure your electrical system is not being over-taxed. This can cause a fire. Do your lights dim or flicker when extra appliances are plugged in? If you have questions or concerns, consult a certified electrician. Inspect wires. If you find any worn or exposed wiring from appliances, discontinue their use immediately! A fire is imminent! Space heaters can be dangerous if not used correctly. Make sure yours will automatically shut off if tipped over. Consult the operating instructions to make sure you are using space heaters, gas fireplaces, and other heat sources as intended by the manufacturer. Keep all flammable materials away from heat sources! If there are young children in the house, make sure space heaters and hot water heaters are inaccessible. Chimney fires are common. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually. Keep appliances unplugged when not in use. Escaping a Fire Keep bedroom doors shut while sleeping. If you think there is a fire, feel the door and knob for heat before opening. Have an escape route for each area of the home and a designated meeting place outside. Draw a map--one that's easy for all members of the family and visitors to understand. When planning for a family with young children, be sure to teach them not to hide from fire or smoke and to go to firefighters who are there to help them. All children should be familiar with the ideas of "crawling underneath the smoke" to escape a fire. "Stop, drop, and roll" is another safety principle that must be ingrained into children's minds. Multi-storied buildings are of special concern. Ensure that everyone is familiar with how to use an escape ladder if necessary. Make sure every sleeping room has two means of escape in the event of a fire. Windows provide a secondary means of escape. Ensure they are in proper working order, are not painted shut, and guards are able to be disengaged in case of fire and escape is necessary through that window. Everyone must understand that once you escape, you must never reenter a burning building--no matter what you might have left behind. Call emergency responders (911) from a neighbor's house. Make sure to practice your escape plan periodically. It will be easier to remember in case of an emergency. Young children should know their street address and last name and, of course, how to dial (911). After you've planned for the family, don't forget the pets. Alert firefighters about your pets. Don't rely on window or door decals to alert firefighters--such decals are often found to be outdated. In the event your pet suffers from smoke inhalation, rush the animal to the vet. Our Officers and Members wish good health to you and the family the above information should help keep us all safe. Chief Keith Gordon

Meriden earns HEARTSafe Community designation

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), in collaboration with the American Heart Association, announces that the City of Meriden has been designated a HEARTSafe Community. Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde states "We are pleased to be designated as a heart safe community by the Department of Public Health. We take pride in our efforts to proactively address the risks of heart attack amongst our residents." "Meriden has demonstrated its commitment toward ensuring that its residents and visitors receive the early lifesaving response proven to increase the chances of survival for heart attack victims," said DPH Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, M.D., M.P.H. DPH began the HEARTSafe Communities program to foster community environments that improve the survival odds for people suffering sudden cardiac events, such as cardiac arrests or heart attacks. The key to the program has been dubbed by the American Heart Association as the Chain of Survival. The Chain of Survival has four vital links: early access to emergency care; early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); early defibrillation and early advanced care. A HEARTSafe Community promotes and supports: CPR training in the community; public access to defibrillation through strategic placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for use by public safety professionals and other trained community members; and early advanced care. Meriden met the program requirements for public placement of AEDs, trained community residents, and equipped, staffed and trained emergency responders. In addition, Meriden is planning on continuing to provide community CPR training programs and expand the availability of AEDs in public locations. The Meriden Health Department has many programs and resources available to keep your heart healthy. For more information on the HEARTSafe program and heart health in general, please contact the Meriden Health Department at 630-4238.

Page 35 November 2008

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! - Henry Ward Beecher

To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at andy@peoplespressnews.com.

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Malvina, Get better Soon! Sorry you broke your foot! Love, Mommy and Sissy

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Page 36 November 2008

G E T R E A D Y F O R T H E H O L I D AY S E A S O N E A R LY A T

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