The People's Press October 2010 Issue

LocalMotion!

10TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE Wallingford Flower & Gift Shoppe

www.peoplespressnews.com

LocalMotion - Your Town, Your News, Your Views!

October 2010 • Volume 11, Issue 132

Thank YOU!

190 Center Street. 203.265.1514

For Sharing TEN years of you, your family and your community!

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Page 2 October 2010

Page 3 October 2010

CELEBRATIONS

Happy 10th Birthday Lexi love from your FAVORITE AUNT

CELEBRATIONS

What Is A Hero?

There's Superman, and Batman but really those are just characters. An actual hero is someone who risks themselves, physically, mentally, or all of the above just for others. A hero doesn't do the things they do just for the title of "Hero", they do it for the wellbeing of others. My hero is my brother Nathan Gopoian. He has been stationed in Afghanistan for the past five months, and he only had another month to go and he would've been home safe and sound. But a few weeks ago all of that changed.

Nathan is my hero because with all of the choices he could've made, he chose to become one of the men in the big bomb suits that disarm the enemy's bombs. To be the type of person who wants to run into the "fire" while everyone else is running out, takes a lot of courage. His job in the military is to save the innocent lives of the citizens and his fellow soldiers by taking out the enemy's bombs before they can go off.

Usually a female drives the truck they ride in but that morning he offered to drive. The vehicle went over an IED (roadside bomb) and the 300 pounds of explosives broke the front axle of the truck and pinned my brother by the steering wheel. He now is in the worst pain of his life. Nathan has 3rd degree burns on his back, arms, and hands and those scars wont just go away. But with the attitude he has, it makes him strong enough to get through anything.

He is a hero in my eyes because he not only loves the dangerous job he does; he can honestly say he's happy the way things went. If my brother hadn't offered to drive, it could have been deadly. The female is a single mom and if she was in the driver's seat instead of walking behind the truck she could've been killed. And her kids would've been left without a mother.

All the pain my brother is going through will come to an end at some point, that point may not come for a while, but when it does come I know he will walk away from it all without regrets.

I love my brother so much. For him to still be able to tell me "Sarah I've been fine since day one" means the world to me. He's my hero now and forever and I'm going to be proud to call him my brother for the rest of my life.

-Sarah Gopoian

WALLINGFORD CHORUS The Wallingford Chorus seeks members of all voice types (especially tenors and basses) who wish to increase their knowledge and enjoyment of singing. Group singing experience and some ability to read music is helpful, but not required. Members must be willing to learn the music and commit to weekly rehearsals and a mandatory dress rehearsal. Bring your positive attitude, a spirit of camaraderie and come join the fun. An informal placement interview with our director, Ms. Theresa Diaz McGee, will determine your voice type and section. With a repertoire of ranges from Mozart to show tunes, the chorus presents two concerts a year in early December and in early May. The chorus also participates in the annual Wallingford Winter Parade.

The chorus is open to all persons high school age and over and particularly invites area high school students to join as interns. The Wallingford Chorus High School Intern Program is a great way to broaden a student's musical experience by providing a more professional venue, enhance a college application and earn community service credit.

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening, at 7:30pm-9:30pm at Lyman Hall High School on Pond Hill Road.

Members pay dues of $40 per semester or $75 annually. Students pay a $20 refundable deposit on music. Visit our website www.wallingfordchorus.org for further information.

Kayden Antonio Rodriguez was born 7/23/10 at 3:52 p.m. He was 7 lbs, 13 oz and 21 inches long. Parents are Nick and Tammy Rodriguez and he joins big brother, Nicky.

CELEBRATIONS

Art from the Heart! Wonderful Art by Sue Nalewajk

CELEBRATIONS

Congratulations to Airman Cindy Bruneau for successfully completing Basic Training - United States Air Force We are very proud of you. Love, Mom, Dad and Erika

LocalMotion - Local Website Getting the paper at home or picking it up at a local business? Get an Even Quicker Pick Me Upper at www.peoplespressnews.com where you can read the entire paper for free as always!

Page 4 October 2010

People’s Press Cover Cards

In celebration of our 10th Anniversary – we will now be offering “People’s Press Cover Cards.” What is that? We will take your celebration photo and create a front page card high quality pdf IN FULL COLOR delivered to you by email.

You can print it and send to your loved one, post it on your blog or website, email it out to your loved one and family or have it as a keepsake.

They’re FREE! All that we ask is that you make a donation to the non-profit or charity that we will feature each month. You do not send us the money or check. You will be sending directly to them. Please be as generous as you can, considering all the time and effort that we put into your “Cover Card.” In these hard times – the non-profits and charities that we choose are helping so many people and face limited funds to do so.

All you have to do is email us at celebrations@peoplespressnews.com and in the subject line write “Celebrations Cover Card.” Please make the image as large as possible! Do not embed in the email but send as an attachment. Remember to write your message or if you would like – we can come up with something to match the photo. Also please write your name, city and email address in your email. Not only will it appear inside the latest issue but your “Cover Card” will be delivered as soon as we are able.

You might think that this is overwhelming to us. Well, as you know, we have always been about helping others and this is another way for us to do so. LocalMotivated – Local Causes is not just a slogan – it’s a commitment to our communities. Remember also that in most cases your donation will be tax deductible. This month’s non-profit is the

35 Pleasant Street, Suite 1E Meriden, CT 06450

LocalMotivated To Help Local Causes www.peoplespressnews.com

*Thjs is for personal use only. No business allowed to utilize this program. Remember the cover card does not appear on the front of the print or web issue of The People’s Press. It’s personally designed for you and your needs only.

Page 5 October 2010

A letter of Sincere Gratitude:

Wallingford - A Goblin Gathering Annual Halloween Celebration Friday, October 29 from 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM Wallingford Town Hall - 45 South Main Street The Goblin Gathering will feature: Make-it, Take-it Craft Activity Scarecrow Kingdom Halloween Hay Stack Egg Hunt (Ages 5 and under) Pumpkin Illumination Circle Halloween Parade Music and Dance Bags of Candy, Donuts and Juice All participants are encouraged to attend in costume. Remember - safety first! Make sure that your child can walk with his/her costume and is able to see properly.

Participants are asked to park in the Town Hall lot or at the Wallingford Municipal Credit Union. Please do not park on the street. For more information, please call 203-294-2120. In the case of inclement weather, please call 203-294-2126.

Presented by Public Celebrations Committee and Department of Parks and Recreation.

Halloween Happenings at the Hub The Fall Fun continues on October 22nd at Halloween Happenings at the Hub from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Our Halloween Happenings event was so successful last year; we decided to do it again! We've teamed up with the City of Meriden and Record Journal to make it even bigger and better. There will be free hayrides, pumpkin decorating, children's Halloween movie, and music from our D. J. Check out a fire engine and the police mobile command unit. Enter your Jack-O-Lantern into our contest. There will be prizes for the top 3. We'll light and display them at dusk. Call the Meriden YMCA at 203-235-6386 to obtain an entry form.

We look forward to seeing you!

Halloween Party for Children At the Meriden Public Library - Halloween Party for ages 2 to 5 years old Tuesday, October 26 at 1:15 pm. Come in costume. Enjoy games and crafts.

Wallingford Veteran's Day In conjunction with forthcoming Veteran's Day observances on November 11th, the Wallingford Veteran's Day Committee is reaching out to families of service members currently serving on active duty.

Family members are invited to call George Messier at the Veterans' Service Center located in the Wallingford Town Hall. Please call 203-294-2165.

I am writing to everyone to express my sincere thanks for making the PNA Park Fundraiser held on Saturday 9/25/10 a fabulous success. I understand from the committee that this will become an annual event with the proceeds going to a different charity each year. It apparently started out as a way to reunite old friends and once the ball got rolling, the coordinator, Ms. Maria Polito informed me that this year they were donating the proceeds to me to defray my medical expenses.

I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia with the Philadelphia chromosome on 8/11/10 by my Primary Care Physician. Since that day, my whole world has changed. I left my doctor's office and ended up at Middlesex Hospital's ER for a CT scan with a fever of 101. From there, they found I needed a blood transfusion and sent me to Hartford Hospital where I was first hospitalized for 20 days and my diagnosis was confirmed through bone marrow biopsy.

I was without medical insurance for 8 months, and finally procured reasonable health insurance which took effect on 8/1/10, which allowed me necessary blood work because I wasn't feeling quite myself. I had gone through my whole annual allowance for pharmaceuticals in the first 12 days of hospitalization. There is also an annual cap on regular coverage which I'm dangerously approaching.

The fact that Ms. Polito came together with our community, family friends, acquaintances, schoolmates, past co-workers and her hard working committee to help me relieve the financial burden was so so emotionally overwhelming to me. You have all brought tears of happiness to me with your kind acts.

I was not able to attend the event due to the fact that my immunity is compromised. However, I was receiving messages and pictures of all the action throughout the event and I could feel the genuine happiness, fun, love, kindness and support from all who were involved in the planning and attending of this event.

Mere words cannot express how absolutely thankful I am to live in such a wonderful community filled with generous people surrounding me who came out to show their support, spend their hard earned money and give their sweat and hard work all to help me. Some of the folks involved I've never even been introduced to, but your kindness will never be forgotten or go unappreciated.

Special thanks to the members of the Wallingford Eagles Club who played a key role in the event's success and high number of people in attendance. I truly appreciate you all standing behind me with your undying hard work and support.

I hope that by the time next year's event planning begins, I can be in full remission and recovery from my illness so that I may partake in helping out and participating in "paying it forward".

Again, many thanks to everyone. You have all truly helped me and my family in so many ways and for this I'm grateful to all of you.

Sincerely, Sheila L. DeLancey-Hamelin

PUBLIC SWIM MALONEY HIGH SCHOOL 121 GRAVEL ST (rear of school) Hours Monday, Wednesday & Thursdays 6:30p - 7:45p Saturdays & Sundays 12:00p - 2:45p All swimmers must have a valid 2010 pool pass For further information call City of Meriden Parks & Recreation at 203 630-4259

Political Advertisement

Page 6 October 2010

Cut-A-Thon

On Sunday November 14, 2010 from 11AM-3PM Imagine Hair Studio 79 North Colony Rd in Wallingford will be hosting a benefit Cut-A-Thon "Cutting for a Cure" to Benefit the American Cancer Society.

Women/Men Haircuts are $20 Children 10 and under $10 All Stylists and volunteers will be donating 100% of their time and all proceeds will go directly to the American Cancer Society thru Relay for Life Greater Middletown.

For information please contact Jamie Hunter 860-347-3515 or jamie1023@sbcglobal.net

CELEBRATIONS

URGENT HEALTH ALERT Mouth Freeze on the rise! Grandchild is shocked!

Nature as a Mirror Beavers Dusk fell softly as a family of beavers surfaced on the placid moonlit pond. Their lodge had become crowded with the arrival of three newborn kits. The year-old kits frolicked in the pond with the older kits, but it was time for the two-year old twin beavers to find new homes.

After nuzzling each family member, one swam downstream. Within a few miles, she stopped to hungrily gnaw the bark from a young willow sapling that grew close to the stream. Looking around, she decided that this would be a fine place for her home, and busily gnawed at the willow until it fell across the stream with a splash.

Quickly she began gnawing another and soon it too splashed. She brought up rocks from the streambed, and piled them in front of the tree trunks to keep them from floating away.

The early morning rays of sun signaled it was time to burrow deep into the stream bank where she slept throughout the day. On wakening she breakfasted on the leaves of a willow branch as daylight faded. She gnawed more branches from the willow tree and with her strong legs and webbed feet shoved them between the tree trunks and scooped on more mud to anchor them. The stream slowed and spread puddles of water over the grassy area. Our beaver surveyed the new dam with pleasure and cut down nearby alders and birch trees to become part of her dam.

Night after night she toiled until the stream widened into a shallow pond. Claiming the pond as her own, she left her scent on mud piles along its boundary as a warning to others. She was ever watchful for predatory creatures such as bears, coyotes and bobcats, but was unafraid of smaller animals because beavers are the largest rodent and very muscular.

After cutting a tree, our beaver used her four sharp incisor teeth to carry the logs to the center of her pond where she began to build the lodge. The logs were anchored in the mud to keep them from floating. Each night she brought more logs and branches and plastered mud onto them until it reached the water's surface to form the base of the lodge and a platform for sleeping. Brush was piled on the platform and more sticks carefully piled above to form a thick dome that encased the lodge. Soon s he could abandon her den in the riverbank for the safety of the lodge.

One evening a strange beaver entered her pond and she gave a loud slap to the water with her broad tail to warn it away. The stranger soon returned with a log and placed it on the dam. Warily our beaver confronted the newcomer and together they finished building the lodge. Underwater tunnels were opened as entrances to the lodge. The extra brush was removed, leaving the sleeping area open. They stuck the butts of branches into the mud near a tunnel to form a food cache. Storing logs for winter food plus dam maintenance kept the two beavers busy all autumn.

Winter arrived and thick ice formed on the pond; however our two beavers had a snug lodge with ample food in their cache. They had grown fat from feasting on the cambium layers of trees, leaves and other vegetation. The beaver's large, flat sturdy tail served as a rudder when swimming and for temperature regulation all year, it also stored fat for the wintertime. A beaver's large lungs permitted them to remain underwater for up to fifteen minutes and be active in their pond throughout the winter. Their warm underfur was overlaid with coarse guard hairs and constantly kept oiled to keep the coat slick and waterproof. They were safe and snug in the lodge they'd built. ………… ……………………… …………..

How are beavers one of nature's mirrors?

Beavers fulfill the needs of others while they satisfy family needs.

They have created places of beauty in the wilderness, creating pleasant habitats for others. Just ask the birds, fish and small animals.

Creator of safe lodging.

Warn of impending danger.

Beavers are purposeful and dedicated, constantly inspecting the work done; mending and reinforcing the weak areas.

Andy, you have created a newspaper that meets the needs of your readers.

It is informative of area happenings, Makes us aware of commerce in our area, Highlights people and celebrations.

Is wholesome reading.

Encourages readers to use their talents of writing, art and photography.

Encourages our youth to submit items for our enjoyment.

And it is free! Happy tenth anniversary!!

CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes!!! - Dorothy Gonick Thank YOU Dorothy for being a part of The People’s Press for every issue since we started 10 years ago! Andy

Call Us Today So We Can Help You!

Page 7 October 2010

CELEBRATIONS

1st Annual ACTIVATE Wallingford Pioneering Healthier Communities, SUCCESS!

Lending a hand to a deer friend of his.

CELEBRATIONS

Happy xxth Birthday JEFF! Love from Joshua, Alessandro and Angela

Find A Friend At The Wallingford Animal Shelter!

KiKi a timid and sweet, small chow shepherd mix.

SAVE THE DATE Children First Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 6:00 p.m. at John Barry Elementary, 124 Columbia Street.

Meet the 2011 Children First Board of Directors, hear about plans for next year and find out who is the 2010 Meriden Children Champion!

This event also features a debate on education and other issues with candidates for Meriden's State Senate seat, Sen. Tom Gaffey and Len Suzio. The debate is co-sponsored by the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce and the Record-Journal.

Kids welcome - on-site professional childcare available on request.

To save a seat, call 203-630-3566 or dwradcliffe@juno.com For more information on Children First visit www.meridenchildrenfirst.org

Bella a friendly Staffordshire Bull terrier.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the First Annual ACTIVATE Wallingford Family Walk!! We had strollers, pets and positive people, we could not have asked for a better day to kick-off Celebrate Wallingford.

Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC) is a national campaign funded by the RWJ foundation to institute local policy that promotes increased exercise and better nutrition to reduce childhood obesity.

IF you walked, let us know how we can improve the ACTIVATE Wallingford Walk for next year (why do you think it's called an "Annual" walk). We have already heard from some who want to walk further and include the linear trail.

What would you change: distance, location both or neither? Let us know!

Keep the fitness spirit going, go get ACTIVATED! Please call the Wallingford Health Department 203-294-2065 or send us an email at wlfdhealth@sbcglobal.net.

Eloise Hazelwood Wallingford Director of Health

Gearing up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

October is an important time of year for Domestic Violence Service Agencies. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time when dedicated professionals in the field partner with survivors and community leaders to share the message of healing and hope in communities across the nation. It is also a time when we ask for a pause and a commitment to do what we can to eliminate domestic violence for the next generation.

To celebrate the lives of survivors of domestic violence, to remember the lives lost in the state of CT last year, and to call for an end to this insidious crime, Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis will host this year's Vigil on the City Hall Steps at 5:30pm on Tuesday, October 26th, 2010.

Chrysalis will also honor the extraordinary contributions of men in our community towards breaking the cycle of violence through the 1st ever "Purple Tie Awards". October 26th is also "Purple Tie Tuesday." Community members everywhere are asked to wear a purple tie to stand up against domestic violence.

Be sure to join us on the City Hall Steps!

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis provides crisis intervention, advocacy and support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and their loved ones. For help please call 888.774.2900.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

Happy 10th Anniversary People’s Press!

Luke a friendly young male Rotty.

Lacy a young female beagle/lab mix.

Maxwell, a young, gentle German Shepherd.

For more information on any of these wonderful animals or others we have, please contact the Wallingford Animal Shelter.

Lisa Seyler 203 294-2180.

You keep on delivering the best in positive news and we‘ll keep on delivering the best in flowers, arrangements and gourmet gift baskets!

Wallingford Flower and Gift Shoppe Wallingford’s Florist Since 1950

190 Center Street 203-265-1514

Page 8 October 2010

Ten Years Fly By Ruth Gordon Over the last ten years my job as Children's Librarian at the Wallingford Public Library has certainly been interesting!

The Library has undergone a major expansion project and created what has been called a "landmark library" thanks to the town's support and generous local donors. The economic downturn has led many people to discover what others have known all along. Their public library is tops on the list for both the frugal - and the intelligent. Attendance at programs and the number of materials circulated has skyrocketed.

The last ten years have been filled with efforts to introduce parents to the importance - and joys -of reading with their children. School readiness is a large part of all our storytime programs for birth through age 5; it is always amazing that so much fun can be so beneficial. Summer Reading programs, Fireside Storytelling series, Family Night and much more can be enjoyed at the Library. The Library's website which functions as a virtual library has been a great asset in the last 10 years and is easily reached at www.wallingford.lioninc.org Outreach through the town with a variety of agencies has helped in these efforts. A notable one would be the People's Press - Happy 10th Anniversary to everyone dedicated to this local source of information.

I am so thankful for the fact that I continue to work with an incredible team of dedicated professionals who never fail to offer their creative best on behalf of our children.

The best part of the last ten years though will always be the kids who continue to come through the Library's door filled with enthusiasm and curiosity. Each day brings someone with a new interest such as African Masks, caterpillars and monarch migration, or other topics that suddenly absorb a child.

As long as the kids continue to come into the Library with that spark of curiosity - I know that all is well with the world and the years will continue to fly by!

LocalMotion - Local Business! 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!

CELEBRATIONS

Mayor's Corner - Meriden Our community continues to experience positive activities and events as we head into the holiday season. Of note, the Maloney High School Music Program, under the able direction of Music Director Brian Cyr, hosted "Halftime All The Time" marching band competition at Falcon Field. Nine high school bands competed in a dazzling display of musicianship and precision. Plaudits to the organizers, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and attendees who made this an outstanding event for Meriden. We're looking forward to this becoming an annual event.

The Meriden Humane Society benefited from the combined Pet Fair, 5 K race, and fun walk held at Hubbard Park on October 2. Proceeds will help the Humane Society to carry out its mission of safeguarding animals and promoting their adoption.

Lincoln Middle School hosted a "Beatles Concert" bringing back the sounds of the Beatles' invasion many yeas ago. Both young and old attendees got caught up in the timeless music of the 60's.

Coming up, the Meriden Y will present a Halloween Happenings Party at the downtown Hub on Friday night, October 22 from 6 - 8:30 PM. This event is free and will feature hay rides, DJ, pumpkin decorating, entertainment, a movie, and more. Food and beverage will also be available. Come join us for fun at the Hub! The Pride in Meriden "Keep Meriden Clean and Green" Campaign kicks off this month. We are asking local businesses to join in pledging to keep their property "Clean and Green". We will also marshal city forces to assist this ongoing effort to combat litter and promote cleanliness throughout Meriden. Additionally, plans are underway to start a Meriden Garden Club to work on garden projects throughout the community. We are fortunate to many expert gardeners in town. Contact Staci Roy at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center if you have an interest in joining.

Finally, there will be ice skating at the Hub this winter. We will be installing a hockey sized ice rink on the Hub site in December to allow for community skating for children and families. Let's hope Mother Nature cooperates with cold temperatures for good ice conditions.

Enjoy all that Meriden has to offer!

Mike Rohde - Mayor of Meriden

CELEBRATIONS

No matter if it’s a birthday, holiday, anniversary, wedding and birth announcement or just to make someone happy It’s always FREE to share your Celebrations in The People’s Press!

Email to celebrations@peoplespressnews.com

Happy 4th Birthday Owen! We love you coo bear! We can’t wait to celebrate in the Outer Banks! Love, Mom, Dad, Connor, Toey & Alley Cat!

SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS COLLECTIBLES

STAMPS • COVERS • COINS • TOKENS PAPER MONEY • POSTCARDS • HOBBY SUPPLIES FIND OUT WHAT YOUR COLLECTION IS WORTH!

41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451

(203) 235-7634

It’s been so wonderful sharing the music of good news with you for so many years!

or use this form to mail it in!

CELEBRATIONS

Free Photo Form Send One to a loved one!

CELEBRATIONS Daddy, I love you with all of my heart and soul.

YOU are the best!

Love, Alyssa

Message: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ 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 People’s Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492

The deadline is by the 29th of each month.

Wishing you the very best symphony of joy in the future.

From all of your friends at

Our beautiful studio is located on the Wallingford Greenopposite the Gazebo and Train Station at 31 Hall Ave in Wallingford - 203.265.1500 www.musicboxwithsandie.com

Page 9 October 2010

ArleneWow! "This Is It" On June 25, 2009 the world suffered the misfortune of losing another one of music's ingenious talents. Michael Jackson passed away suddenly at the age of 50. His death left virtually everyone in a state of disbelief. "The King Of Pop" had been rehearsing for an incredible 50 date concert tour spanning the globe. Eighteen days prior to the show's opening, Jackson was found close to death at his Los Angeles California home. Resuscitation efforts were of no avail. Michael Jackson was pronounced dead at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center on June 25, 2009.

"This Is It" is a documentary depicting the rehearsals leading up to the eventual tour and Michael Jackson's death. Directed by Kenny Laguna, the film starts out with a dialogue with the dancers that had been hand selected

by Jackson to perform with him during his monumental tour. Each dancer was moved to tears about what a huge opportunity it was to work with Michael. Many were very emotional and almost beyond words. They expressed that their dreams had come true. Jackson had been their main influence to learn dance when they were children. It is incredibly moving to hear these young people share their joy because the viewer on the flipside knows that the show will not go on.

"This Is It" is Michael Jackson's swan song. He left us with an unsurpassed legacy of music, dance and entertainment. It comes to mind that perhaps Michael may have had the capacity to sense that perhaps he had fewer days to share with us. The song "This Is It" (co-written by Paul Anka) brought the surviving Jackson brothers together to record for the first time since 1989. Michael had not been in music's limelight since the release of "Invincible" in 2001.

He was consistently bombarded by the media circus between 2001 and 2009, but none of it concerned his musical talent. "This Is It " was planned to be one of Michael's greatest achievements since "Thriller". The budget was an estimated $60 million. After Jackson's passing, he became the best selling artist of 2009 in the United States and sold over 35 million albums worldwide. Michael already held the "Guiness World Book" record for most successful entertainer of all time.

Throughout the documentary, it is extremely evident that Michael was a very gentle creature. He was very devoted to the environment and cared for people in a very loving way. Over the years he supported 39 charities and in 1992 founded "Heal The World Foundation". He also drew attention to HIV/AIDS after the death of Ryan White. He cowrote "We Are The World" with Lionel Ritchie and launched a new awareness of help for those in need.

Michael Jackson did not leave this earth without giving us his gift of music and love. We should take this example and give of ourselves everyday because none of us know if we have a tomorrow. Please consider donating to those who need our help now. Whether it be time or money, the importance is in your heartfelt gratitude for having what others do not.

Thank you Michael, for making our world a better place.

Rest In Peace. August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009

CELEBRATIONS

Happy 6th Birthday Bella October 14 2004 - 7lbs 2.4 oz - 19 inches long Love you, Mommy and Daddy.

CELEBRATIONS

Annual Wallingford Historical Society Meeting Join the Wallingford Historical Society for its annual meeting and dinner to be held on Wed. Oct.20 at the First Baptist Church in Wallingford.

Come hear storyteller/musician Carolyn Stearns entertain with stories and songs of Connecticut. Carolyn lives on a dairy farm, she has walked the woods and trails of CT, she has sat by the fire in some of the oldest houses in the state and she has watched the last of the old ships go down to sea. Her stories will transport you to a time where life was slower and strength prevailed.

Dinner is at 6:30 pm. Cost is $10.00pp. RSVP Ray or Pat Chappell 203-265-0313

Happy Birthday, Paul. A little poem I made up to honor you on your special day...... When we were kids I wanted to hurt you......NOW I would never desert you!!!! Happy Birthday Brother!!! Love ya!!

Page 10 October 2010

Let's Talk"…..About Your Health Chris More, RN Public Health Educator, Wallingford Health Department Let's Talk……about Weather. There is an old saying "If you want to know what the weather is, get up in the morning, pull up your shades and look outside." That's fine if it is a nice quiet sunny day, but this morning the skies are dark, the wind is kicking up. What's going on? You need to turn on the T.V. or a radio and find out if there is some severe weather headed your way. Could there be a tornado watch or warning being posted? Yes, I said tornado! There have been more than a few tornados touching down in Connecticut in the last few years. What is a watch? What is a warning? A tornado watch means weather conditions may produce tornados or severe thunderstorms. Continue normal activities, have a safety plan in mind and be ready to implement if a warning is issued. A severe weather warning means severe weather or a tornado has been detected. The warning will tell you its location and movement. Implement your safety plan immediately.

Do I need to have a safety plan? Absolutely! Closely monitor commercial radio and T.V. Select a "safe room", a small interior room (bathroom or closet). A basement is the safest if you have one. If you have neither of these, tip over a couch or chair in the center of the house and get under. Mobile homeowners, go to a community center or a neighbor's home. Continue to monitor the weather. All schools should have an emergency plan for any disaster ready to be implemented at a moment's notice. If you are outdoors or in an automobile, try to find a ditch or culvert. Do not run! You cannot outrun the storm. If you are in a public building again, follow the same plan as if you were at home.

Signs of a Tornado: A greenish black colored sky, hail can be considered a danger sign unless it is a common occurrence in your area. A strange quiet is also a sign. Fast moving clouds, a roaring sound like a train or jet, debris from the sky, and obviously a "funnel shaped" cloud must alert you.

What to do after the storm passes? First make sure everyone in your family is safe and uninjured. If you're in a safe place . . . stay put until it is safe to move, call for help and try to get the latest emergency information from radio or T.V. (Let's hope all your batteries aren't dead in your child's toys). Help your neighbors if you can! All is quiet now, the sun is shining it is warm and there is no power. Now what?

If you own or manage a food service or restaurant and you start to worry about the safety of the food and water.

Did you know? . . . A notification to the town health department and town's electric division that your establishment has lost power is required. "That's right" Required. Why? Bacteria grow very quickly when food is not kept at the proper temperature. To "fight bac" here are some important facts. For the freezer section; a half full freezer, kept closed, holds food safely for up to 24 hours. A freezer full of food holds for about 48 hours. Remember; don't open that freezer door if you can avoid it. Use your refrigerator thermometer, know the Safe temperatures! Discard all food that comes in contact with water (YUK - it could be contaminated). Please don't taste food to check its safety.

Remember the rule: "When in doubt, throw it out." AND contact the Health Department.

Did you know the U.S.D.A. has a meat and poultry hotline (888-MP-HOTLINE) available 24/7? You could always call the Wallingford Health Department at 203-294-2065during normal work hours and get an actual live voice (image that, no automated system!).

As the saying goes, we live in New England. "If you blink twice the weather will change." Stay dry, stay safe - Let's Talk… again next month.

Hungarian Cooking Class The Hungarian Community Club of Wallingford will be conducting a pastry making class - to make those wonderful walnut and poppy seed rolls know as Dios and Makos Beigli!! This is a two day class, Friday Oct 22 at 6:30 and Saturday Oct 23 at 10 am. (at the club - 147 Ward St, Wallingford). Day 1 consists of making the dough, and Day 2 is completing the rolls. The cost of this class is $25, and you get to take home one roll of each to share (or not!) with others. Please bring a rolling pin!!!!! Class size is limited to the first 25 RSVPs. Call Barbara to RSVP - 203-2699768.

Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. ~Carol Bishop Hipps

Holiday Tree & Item Display Silent Auction Saturday, November 13, through Monday, December 13, 2010 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. 14th & 15th. 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. Please call for times!

175 East Main Street in Meriden 203.639.2856

www.curtisculturalcenter.org

Mayor's Corner - Wallingford Dear Citizens: The Town of Wallingford's Parks and Recreation Department has a number of great fall events scheduled. We begin with a bus trip to the Applefest in Wachuset Mountain, Massachusetts scheduled for Saturday, October 16th. The Applefest is an Oktoberfest Celebration with delicious German foods, entertainment and fun. The Festival includes farmers market, German Bands, Pie Eating Contest and more. The fee is $55.00 p.p. Please contact Parks and Recreation for further information.

On Friday, October 29th, in front of the Town Hall, the Public Celebrations Committee in conjunction with Parks and Recreation hosts our annual "Goblin Gathering". It is a time of celebration of all that is scary and frightening…The event begins at 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be a parade, craft activities, a Scarecrow Kingdom for children to build their own scarecrow and D.J. music by Lou Ferraro. Participants are encouraged to bring clothing to dress their scarecrow. Children 5 and under can join in the Halloween Haystack Egg Hunt. Bags of candy, donuts and juice will be available for all goblins.

There is a Hip House Halloween Havoc Dance also scheduled for October 29th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Recreation Department for Middle School students. Participants must purchase a dance pass at Parks and Recreation prior to October 29th. For more information call 203-294-2120.

October 29th will be an enjoyable evening for all to celebrate Halloween.

Come join in the fun!

Sincerely, Mayor Bill Dickinson

studioW studioW will begin as a venue and local television program encouraging artists with more than silly love songs to bring content to the open mic. The television show is set to begin Friday November 19th on WPAA-TV based on live public performances at studioW November 12th . It will be distributed after 10 pm to allow for mature content.

The opening performance at studioW of CRACKED (Upon a Time) by playwright Josiah Houston fits the mold. This thought provoking humorous 90 minute one-act with cast Brent Wellington Barker III and Matt Alspaugh was the 1st studioW event. If you were in Paris in the '50's or NYC in the 60's this avant-garde experience was a throw back. The 1st of many awesome nights out -- for those needing a new habit in 2011 and seeking something more from this small New England Town. Limited seating. Bring a folding chair to guarantee your seat. Off-street parking. Community parking lots 2 blocks away off center street or behind townhall.

Performers interested in being part of studioW should send contact info to otpg@comcast.net. This includes acoustic musicians, comedians, poets, playwrights with readers. Networking results on Nov. 12 will determine the plan for Friday's in 2011. Weekly, monthly or random. It is up to the performers.

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~George Eliot

Computer classes now forming at Wallingford Computer Center http://www.wallingfordcomputer.com

Your instructor - Jason Zandri 14 years of information technology experience 7 years as a Microsoft Certified Trainer http://www.zandri.net/aboutjason.html

Introduction to Office 2010 Class Saturday Oct 16th, 10:30AM to 3:00PM Security+ Certification Class - 40 hour class on Saturdays in November and December (11/13 and 11/20, and 12/4, 11th and 18th) For more information contact Ryan at 203 265 6479 or email him at Ryan@WallingfordComputer.com

Page 11 October 2010

About Kaisha Cave and My City Kitchen Inc. Kashia Cave is a former ACAP graduate of Lincoln Culinary Institute (LCI), formerly (Connecticut Culinary Institute). After completing her ACAP program Kashia had the privilege to work under renowned French Chef Jean Pierre Vuillermet Owner of Union League CafĂŠ in New Haven, CT. She returned to LCI to continue her studies in the Italian Program. Kashia Stated "it was the best decision I ever made career wise". She had the opportunity to travel to Italy, and studied at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners (ICIF) in Costigliole D'Asti Italy. She did her externship or (stage as it's called in Italian) at Mistral, a Michelin Starred Restaurant located in the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni Bellagio, Como-Italy. She worked under Executive Chef Danilo Giordani, where she learnt classic Italian cuisine and its culture.

"I am a wife, and mother of 2 teenage boys. I've always dreamt of attend culinary school, I chose LCI-ACAP program because it was convenient of me, local and the courses they offered was very extensive, the teachers were very supportive, patient and knowledgeable. Because of the training I received at LCI and ICIF it allowed me to be confident in my field and prepared me to not only work in the kitchen but to have a business mindset.

Kashia is the Founder and President of My City Kitchen Inc. www.mycitykitchen.org a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization that teaches children ages 6-17yrs about health & wellness, by using hands-on training to prepare healthy meals in a fun and stimulating kitchen environment.

Classes are conducted Monday Through Friday after school and begins 3:45-5:15pm also a second class 6:007:30pm She is also a native of the islands of Trinidad & Tobago, she grow up in a small fishing village on the western part of the island called Carenage, she also spent much time on her grandfather's 15 acre farm in South of the island in Point Fortin.

Kashia has established a very successful organization. Her Junior Chefs and organization has been featured in the Hartford Courant, and the Meriden Record Journal Newspaper. On television; WFSB/CBS channel 3 Better Connecticut with Scot Haney, NBC30 News, Fox61 News, Public Access Television and is a frequent guess on WTHN/ABC channel 8 Connecticut Style. She does countless of cooking demonstrations with her students in schools, libraries, churches, other community agencies and centers.

My City Kitchen students will be cooking live at the Annual NBC30 Health & Wellness Expo at the CT Convention Center October 16th and 17th from 10am-5:00pm. Also their 1st Breakfast Brunch Fundraiser will be at the kitchen on Saturday October 30th, 2010 from 8:00-11:00am. The Student will be putting on a breakfast feast that you don't want to miss.

For more information on Kashia Cave and her program contact the office at 203-630-2870. My City Kitchen is located at 384 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT 06450. Visit them on-line at www.mycitykitchen.org and become a fan on facebook: My City Kitchen, Inc.

The submission deadline for our November issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is the 30th. Email your stories, news and events to andy@peoplespressnews.com. Email your photos and celebrations to celebrations@peoplespressnews.com. If we can help in any way please call 203-235-9333.

CELEBRATIONS

Happy Sweet Sixteen Samantha October 27 - Love Mommy, Daddy and Rebekah Kimberly A. Vincent - Proud Mother Of 2 Girls

CELEBRATIONS

CONGRATULATIONS Ten years and still improving! Just having a place for amateur writers to practice in and hone their skills is something to be grateful for. Your paper has soul and is always capable of more! THANK YOU!

Take a Trip with the Wallingford Family YMCA! The Wallingford Family YMCA are offering the following Luxury coach bus trips: Mohegan Sun(Jan. 17, Jan. 22, Feb. 13 and March 17); New Hampshire(Fall Foliage-Oct. 2), Boston on your own(Oct. 16); Salem, MA(Oct. 23 or 30); Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Dec. 4, 5 or Dec. 12); and Radio City Christmas Show and Atlantic City(Dec. 5-6); UCONN Women's Basketball(Feb. 26-27). Pre-Registration is required. For more information; please contact Lisa Hoover at lhoover@wallingfordymca.org

LocalMotion - Local Business!

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.

Star t a family tradition...

PICK YOUR OWN APPLES!

Have a great time with the family and let your kids experience the freshness and tastes of fresh picked apples filled with nutrition!

and take your pick from the freshest veggies and more!

Come and Enjoy the Beautiful Foliage with our Hayrides available every weekend for your viewing pleasure.

Have lots of fun with family and friends!

OPEN EVERY WEEKEND IN OCTOBER!

Dear Paula, so it took you 12 years to get this - that doesn’t matter.

Congratulations!

Page 12 October 2010

A Message for the Superintendent of Meriden Public Schools Dear Friends, I cannot believe we have already completed a month of school. I guess time does fly by when you are having fun.

Our children and staff continue to amaze me.

At our last Board of Education meeting, we welcomed six new educational leaders to the "Meriden Team". We were fortunate to have a deep pool of candidates to choose from, and we are confident that we have brought on people who can help us improve student learning throughout our district. Our new Administrators are Amy Cipollone, Supervisor of Special Education; Barbara Haeffner, Supervisor of Instructional Technology; Mark Hedrick, Supervisor for the Venture Program; Susan Perrone, Supervisor of Language Arts; Dianne Vumback, Assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle School; and Ray Southland, Assistant Principal at Washington Middle School. We wish our departing administrators all the best in their future endeavors.

We also viewed Hanover's First Day of School Celebration with Principal Cardona, staff members, families, and students. It is great to see a school community come together to assure that all students had a great start to the new school year.

Dr. Larson shared CMT, CAPT, and SAT results with the Board of Education Members and the community at large.

We continue to see impressive individual student gains in all of our schools. Our CMT reading results represent significant student improvement over time. Writing and Science remain areas of need. The collapsing of levels at the high schools, along with Reading and Math Specialist support, has our secondary schools headed in the right direction.

As I tour our schools and visit our classrooms, I am most impressed with our students, teachers, and support staff.

Students are working hard, staff are creating engaging classrooms, and principals have fostered a positive school climate and culture. For us to make continued progress, it will take the efforts of our students, staff, and parents. Most recently, Mr. Thomas Moore, Special Education Teacher at Lincoln Middle School, has been selected as a 2010 Local Hero Award recipient by Ronald McDonald House Charities of CT and Western Massachusetts. This award recognizes teachers for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to area students. Help us by getting involved with your child's education. It makes a big difference.

Thank you for all your support!

All the Best, Mark D. Benigni, Ed.D.

Auditions for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

Castle Craig is holding open auditions for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". Seeking men, women, and children of various ages. Spread the word!

Auditions will be held at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse 59 Main Street, Meriden. Auditions are Sunday October 17th from 7:00 PM 9:00 PM, and Monday October 18th from 7:00 - 9:00. Performance dates are December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 & 12. Visit www.castlecraig.org for a synopsis of the show, as well as an Audition Form. For additional information, you may contact the director at mlaucella@comcast.net

CELEBRATIONS

My Best Hallo'ween Costume The month of October always makes me think of cancer. It isn't because of all the pink ribbons either, although they are ubiquitous. Back in October of 2004 I was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Cancer is full of surprises.

The biggest surprise for me was that I didn't know myself as well as I thought I did. But you never know how you will act in any situation until you find yourself in it.

Finding out you have cancer so terrifying it numbs you, until you can process what's happening in little pieces.

Finding out you will need chemo doubles the original terror. Forget sleep. Forget everything, including whether you had breakfast or not this morning. I never thought I'd be able to do chemo. And then I did it. That was a huge surprise.

Unfortunately, I was unable to sit still, let alone concentrate, long enough to read so much as a grocery list. (I was a school librarian.) Fear and fury also confiscated large portions of my vocabulary, leaving me with a combination of sarcasm and curse words. (A person never forgets her mother tongue.) So, unable to speak in polite company, and too restless to stand still, I hiked, for hours on end, and enjoyed all this beautiful New England weather, during my favorite month of the year As everyone knows, chemo makes you go bald. The first thing any chemo patient wants to know is: 'Am I going to go bald?' Perhaps it's because it is a visible public reminder that your really are a cancer patient. Finding out that you are NOT going to be the exception to that particular side effect is so awful that it (mercifully I think) eclipses the fear of cancer, at least until you get used to chemo and can go back to worrying about dying again. (By the way, it does NOT help a chemo patient at all to remind that person that hair grows back. Unless you've been there yourself, 'that stinks!' is the only appropriate response to 'AAAAAAAAAAAHHH! I'm gonna go BALD!') Since I've always had a lion's mane, I figured, planned actually, on climbing under the bed and howling for 6 months until it came back. Of course I didn't. But no-one was more surprised by that than I was.

I went out and bought 2 wigs. One was an insanely expensive and horribly itchy real hair wig that may have looked natural to Donald Trump or Texas cheerleaders. I was too embarrassed to wear it in front of anyone I knew. The other one was less embarrassing, short, and synthetic. Given those choices, I figured I'd be a punk rocker again and wore a bandanna. At least I was still a redhead! Months later, one of my students asked why I didn't wear a wig I told him that it just felt silly in front of my friends, who all knew I was bald anyway. And I found I didn't care what strangers thought. That was very surprising. What was most surprising, however, was that I was not embarrassed to take the scarf off my head in front of people. The first clue to me that I would get over it was during one of my many marathon hikes when I decided that I had the perfect, once-in-a-lifetime Hallo'ween costume opportunity. I went as Mr. Clean that year.

It has been 6 years now and I can go for a hike, or get a haircut, without automatically thinking about cancer.

However, I think the month of October, and Hallo'ween especially, will always remind me of a time when I thought I couldn't do something, and did it anyway.

Alexis Sulinski

The Kick For A Cause women's soccer tournament was held on July 31 and August 1, 2010 at Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Park in Wallingford.

Teams from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Long Island and Massachusetts participated in this two-day event. The tournament is held annually as a fund-raiser for local charities.

On Thursday, August 26, 2010, Sally Tremaine, Chair of the 2010 Kick For A Cause tournament committee, presented a check to MeridenWallingford Chrysalis Domestic Violence Services for $6,500 raised by the tournament. Chrysalis simply could not have been more honored.

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis provides emergency housing, counseling, advocacy and support for victims of physical and emotional abuse.

Chrysalis Board President Sandra Gerber stated, "We sincerely appreciate the generosity of Kick For A Cause. Many board members enjoyed volunteering at the event and spreading the word about domestic violence prevention."

Celebrating 25 Years of Baking Up the Goods!

Tasty Traditions at Marianna’s

10

Hours: Tuesday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2 Clsoed Mon.

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-6; Saturday 7-4; Sun. 7-2 238-0159 • 212 West Main Street, Meriden

Page 13 October 2010

Bobbie's Bevy of Beauties Congratulations to Dawn and Andy on the 10th Anniversary of "The People's Press." Everyone I know who reads your newspaper praises it. Here's wishing you many more successful years.

When Andy approached me to write about how I became such a gardening nut I though my article for the June 2002 issue was it. Here I am 8 years later. And as usual will finish off the year in the November issue.

The three granddaughters, as all the other kids are back in school. Izzy-Bella, 7, in second grade at Ben Franklin.

Abby, 14, in her first year at Platt. After being in school for a short time she and her mother Jodie, our daughter, took a ten day vacation to visit our son Keith. As I have mentioned before he owns and apartment in Paris, France which he shares with his 10 cats and also a place in Corsica which is off the coast of Italy. You can imagine what a wonderful time they had. Two years ago the whole family made the trip. Last year it was Jodie and Izzy-Bella. Emmy "MeO", 16, has begun her junior year at Platt. This summer she spent a few days in Amherst, Mass. at the University of Mass.

Studying to become one of the two drum majors for the Platt high school band. Am anxious to watch her direct the band musicians when they are performing. I'm sure she will do a great job.

When I had LitlBit out on one of his many walks this spring I did a double take. A woman who I never saw before was walking two dogs. One was a Boston terrier and the other a reddish brown long haired dachshund like LitlBit. She was just as surprised to see him as I was to see hers. The last time I saw this variety in the neighborhood was in the mid 70s. We met and became good friends. The dogs included. Jane lives a couple of streets over. The handsome male terrier, Donovan, is 9 and belongs to her daughter. The beautiful female doxie is 1 and named Ruby and belongs to Jane and her husband Jeff. She also has a white patch on her chest. Jane just retired and wanted to get into the gardening bit.

So of course I offered my help and gave her lots of extra perennials that I had. Including 2 butterfly bushes which were rather small, grew quickly and produced many blooms. Everything did well for her. Even though she's only a first year gardener, she has grown a good size green thumb. Jeff did a great job digging up some areas for her. As you know…that's a big help.

Now to the gardens. We sure are getting the rain. In the summer when we needed it many times the hoses had to be dragged out to fulfill the needs of the dry plants. Sometimes that can be a real pain in the you know what. Especially if your property has lots and lots of flowers. Which ours has. And the weeds. If gardening is a passion of yours you manage to make it through. Then you look around, see and smell the beauty of your hard work. To me it's worth it. Some of the annuals are holding their own. Still looking quite lovely. It's time for the many colorful and various varieties of chrysanthemums. Mine have just begun to bloom. Orchid in color and resemble the Shasta daisy. Will be able to make up many bouquets of them. Have started the cleanup detail. But still have a long way to go before I'm done. And don't forget to leave your butterfly bush alone until the warm weather returns next year.

Have to put aside a few tomatoes. Can't go into my hibernation without those sandwiches. My plans will be in November's issue. Also my last article, as stated, until next April.

Flowercerly Yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien P.S. Congratulations and best wishes to our across the street neighbors Polly and Danny on the birth of their son Bryce Daniel on September 20th.

P.S.S. Love and best wishes to our son Keith on his birthday - October 5th. Love and Miss you!

"Tricks for Treats" Lori Peck, Meriden Humane Society Hi, I'm Lilly! I'm a 2 1/2 yr. old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix. I'm a pretty small dog, about 40 lbs, but man am I solid. When you first meet me, you will never believe how badly I was treated by my first owner, because I will be wagging my tail and giving you lots of kisses.

I wasn't treated very well before I came here. I was locked in a crate for almost 2yrs. forced to be a breeder dog, when I was only a puppy myself. I had my last litter of puppies when I got to M.H.S. Since then I have been spayed and well cared for and have made a special friend.

My friend Maria takes me for walks, special outings and has worked with me through training in the "Training for a New Life Program. She cannot adopt me, but would love to tell you everything she knows about me. If you stop by, I would love to do a trick for a treat for you.

Although I recently made two new friends when I went to Hubbard Park, I don't always get along with other dogs.

So If I could, I would ask to be the only pet in your household and give you lots and lots of love. Because I was crated for most of my life, I would also only do well with older children, as I was never around younger ones.

Pretty pumpkin please, come visit me and you'll see it's no trick that I'm a sweet girl!

While your there you could visit some of my friends, like Pepper, Cookie, Bill or Justice. Their all waiting for their forever homes too! And by the way, there's only superstitions about black cats, not black dogs LOL! I'll be waiting for you, Lilly.

You can view our animals online at www.meridenhs.petfinder.com or visit the shelter at 311 Murdock Ave, in Meriden. As always donations of canned cat food (no fish please), Purina Cat & Kitten Chow, Pedigree dry dog food, Lysol wipes, paper towels, liquid laundry detergent, bleach, towels, blankets and sheets are always appreciated.

Remember if you can't adopt, consider sponsoring one of our pets online. Happy Halloween, Octoberfest and enjoy the leaf peeping. Stay warm with a rescue pet. Adopt! See you at the shelter.

The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

CELEBRATIONS

Happy 6th Birthday Joshy!

FOR RENT BY OWNER Large 1 Bedroom Condo offering heated garage, appliances and washer & dryer. Also included are pool, tennis courts all in a great, quiet location. Heat and Hot Water included.

Section 8 welcome! $1,100 per month

Call 203-600-4431

Catering for all occasions at Rosa’s Deli!

AUTHENTIC HAPPINESS - A Review of the Book

By Cathy Short The treatment for mental illness has been based on the knowledge about suffering, negative feelings and thoughts brought into the open in a therapist's office. I think a great deal more knowledge should be based on positive emotion, as well as about personal strengths and virtues.

Positive psychology is about the meaning of those happy and unhappy moments, the tapestry they weave and the strengths and virtues they display that make up the quality of your life.

People who take short-cuts to feeling good, like taking drugs or chocolate, having loveless sex, shopping and constant TV watching are examples of getting positive feelings quickly. The belief that we can rely on short cuts to happiness, joy, rapture and comfort, rather than be entitled to these feelings by the exercise of personal strengths and virtues leads to many people who in the middle of great wealth are starving spiritually. The positive feelings that arise from the exercise of strengths and virtues, rather than short cuts, are authentic happiness.

There have been studies of college students who wondered if happiness comes from the exercise of kindness more readily than it does from having fun. Each student undertook an assignment to see if the exercise of kindness brought happiness more readily than the fun activities such as hanging out with friends, having a hot fudge sundae or watching a movie. When the philanthropic acts were spontaneous and called upon personal strengths, the whole day went better.

The exercise of kindness is a gratification rather than a pleasure.

Kindness consists in total engagement and in the loss of self-consciousness. Time stops. One of the business students came to the college to learn how to make a lot of money in order to be happy, but was surprised to find that he liked helping other people rather than spending his money shopping.

Optimistic people tend to interpret their troubles as transient, controllable and specific to one situation. Pessimistic people believe that troubles last forever, undermine everything they do and are uncontrollable. Optimistic people live 19 percent longer than pessimistic people.

Humor is also very important as is future mindedness and the ability to postpone gratification. We need a society that rises to the occasion.

Six core virtues to authentic happiness are: Wisdom and knowledge Courage Love and humanity Justice Temperance Spirituality and transcendence The good life is using your signature strengths every day to produce authentic happiness and abundant gratification.

This is something you can do in many areas of your life, such as work, love and raising children. So in giving, helping others, loving, caring and an optimistic outlook on life in general, we are given authentic happiness.

For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.

For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad. ~Edwin Way Teale

Many choices of Pasta dishes, Meatballs, Sausage & Peppers, Chicken, Party Subs, Cold cut platters and so much more. Visit our website for even more selections.

Visit our website at

rosasdeli.com

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 •

Page 14 October 2010

Youth is like spring, an over praised season more remarkable for biting winds than genial breezes. Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits. ~Samuel Butler

CELEBRATIONS

Halloween night, 13 years ago I married my best friend...I love you always Fee

Happy 10th Anniversary!

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694 Old Colony Rd. 203-237-4379

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Meriden Health Department - Keeping You Healthy in October!

Seasonal Flu Vaccines The Meriden Health Department is now offering seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine to Meriden residents. This year's vaccine includes protection from the H1N1 flu virus. Getting the flu vaccine is the best protection against getting sick from influenza.

Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months. Any persons allergic to eggs or any part of the flu vaccine are not eligible for the vaccination.

The cost of the vaccine is $25.00. Medicare Part B will be accepted. The vaccine is given at the Health Department, 165 Miller Street, Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4:00pm. No appointment is necessary.

A special clinic for senior citizens and chronically ill residents will be held at the Meriden Senior Center, 22 West Main Street, on October 6 from 9am-12pm. Medicare Part B and HealthNet will be accepted. Appointments are recommended - call (203) 630-4234.

Tdap Vaccine Now Available The Meriden Health Department is asking all parents, grandparents, healthcare workers and day care providers - GOT TDAP? Tdap is the vaccine that protects against Pertussis, also known at whooping cough. Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe. It can be fatal in young children, especially babies less than 1 year of age.

Anyone under age 65 who has contact with children under 12 months old should get the Tdap vaccine. The vaccine is given for free at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street, Monday -Friday from 8:30am - 4:00pm. Call (203) 630-4234 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Do You Know Your Total Cholesterol Number?

The Meriden Health Department is still offering total cholesterol screenings to Meriden adults over the age of 18.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs. But, when you have too much in your blood, it can build up on the walls of your arteries. This can lead to heart disease and stroke. About 1 of every 6 adult Americans has high blood cholesterol. There are no symptoms of high cholesterol. Many people have never had their cholesterol checked, so they don't know they're at risk.

The cost of the screening is $5.00. Educational materials on how to lower high or maintain good cholesterol levels will be available to all participants. The screening is held at the Health Department, located at 165 Miller Street. Call Clinic Services at (203) 630-4234 for more information. Walk-ins are welcome.

Senior Center Event - Medicare Coverage Expansion to be Discussed Save the date! A program on Medicare coverage expansion will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 from 10:3011:30am at the Meriden Senior Center, 22 West Main Street. The speaker will be Kate McEvoy, Deputy Director of the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, Inc. She will discuss the expansion of Medicare coverage under federal health care reform, including: * Access to preventative health benefits * Assistance with out-of-pocket costs during the "coverage gap" in Medicare D prescription drug benefits Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Meriden Senior Center and the Meriden Health Department. For more information call 203- 630-4222.

Can You Hear Me Now? Auditory Services at Masonicare Health Center A program on hearing loss will be held on October 14, 2010 from 10:00-11:30am at the Meriden Senior Center, located at 22 West Main Street.

Hillary H. Lewis, Audiologist at Masonicare, will discuss how you can improve your hearing and choose a hearing aid device. Complimentary hearing screenings will be offered after the presentation.

This program is sponsored by the Meriden Senior Center and Masonicare. There is no charge to attend and the public is welcome. For more information call 203-630-4222 AIDS Candlelight Vigil The Meriden Health Department, Hispanos Unidos and the Community Health Center invite you to their annual AIDS candlelight vigil on October 21, 2010. The event will begin at 5:30 at the steps of City Hall in Meriden (142 East Main Street) with a proclamation and proceed to Center Congregational Church (474 Broad Street). The program will conclude at 7:30pm. Call 203-630-4176 or 203-630-4288 for more information. Confidential HIV testing and education is available at the Health Department - call 203-630-4176 to make an appointment.

Halloween Safety Tips for those Ghosts and Goblins With Halloween just around the corner, do you know what you can do to stay safe? By following these tips from the Meriden Health Department you and your children are sure to have a spooktasticly safe time trick-or-treating!

Parents: * Supervise the outing for children under age 12. Give older children a curfew for when they need to return home and know the trick-or-treating route they will take before they go out. * Only buy a costume for yourself or your child if it is labeled "flame retardant"- this means the material won't burn. * Pin a tag with your contact information to your child's costume, or make sure they know your phone number in case of emergency. * Make sure your child carries a flashlight or light stick so they can see, and add reflective tape to your child's costume so they can be seen in the dark. * Check all treats before your child samples them to make sure they are safely sealed and haven't been tampered with.

When in doubt, throw it out. * Make sure costume masks fit properly and that your child can see and breath easily. Or, instead of masks try nontoxic face paint. * Before heading out for the evening, serve a filling meal to your child so they aren't as tempted to eat too much candy before it is checked for safety. * Prepare homes for trick-or-treaters by clearing porches, lawns and sidewalks and place jack-o-lanterns away from doorways and landings. * Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or toys to small children.

Kids: * Don't go trick-or-treating alone! Make sure you have an adult with you. * Never go into a stranger's home or apartment for candy. Only trick-or-treat at homes with well-lit porches. * Let an adult check your candy before you eat it. * Avoid wearing long, baggy or loose costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping). * Don't walk on people's lawns- they can be dark and you don't want to fall. Walk on well lit streets, driveways and walkways. * Be careful when crossing the street. Cross streets at the corner and use crosswalks where available. Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street to make sure no cars are coming.

Have a fun -and safe - Halloween! For more information on Halloween safety please visit www.kidshealth.org.

FRIENDS $4-A-BAG BOOK SALE AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY The Friends of Meriden Public Library will hold its annual $4-a-bag book sale at the Friends Room at the library, 105 Miller Street, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the first time these books in all categories will be offered by the Friends straight from their sorting room upstairs at the library.

Popular fiction from romance and fantasy to mystery, espionage and science fiction will be displayed for purchase.

Other books for sale, both hard-cover and paperback, will include cookbooks gardening, crafts and needlework, sports, biography, history, health and psychology, classics, computer books and lots of children's books. Friend's volunteers will be on hand to offer advice and help with selections and to provide the bags to patrons.

Now is the time to stock up for fall and winter reading.

The Friends Bookstore at 35 West Main Street will also remain open during the sale. Weekday store hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays,, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, the $4-a-bag price does NOT apply to store purchases.

Crafters Wanted!

St. Joseph School's Christmas Carnival is scheduled for December 3rd and 4th, 2010. Crafter tables are $65 for the weekend. Interested parties please contact Mary at 203-235-0744 for an application. Thanks!

Page 15 October 2010

THE FABRIC OF OUR LIVES

By Sil Patterson Twenty five years ago I hung a quilt on the living room wall above a brown leather couch. The couch has been replaced two or three times but the quilt stays. Yes, it was washed, and yes, it is fading but the memories sewed into each of twelve squares are worth more than twelve golden rings.

No way would I have completed this quilt myself. I worked at Regional Visiting Nurses in North Haven, CT and every two months we, nurses, met after work to complete and sew together one quilt and distribute the parts of another quilt we hoped to finish at our next meeting. I spent many evenings quilting and embroidering gardens, animals, and multi design quilts.

Housework was neglected during these creative times of my life especially when I decided to design my own quilt. Large sheets of paper with ideas about each of my children lay on the table in the cellar. Upstairs, remnants of material and thread blew into the corners of the living room when the front door opened. I didn't care. I was happy!

The border is light blue with clothes lines embroidered in chain stitch and up and down the lines are embroidered pieces of our clothing including five pairs of pants from two to ten in size, an eight year old's dress, a nursing cap and a base ball cap. Two young women, Agnes and Betty, completed these borders.

I precut four houses to applique on the four corner squares. We moved in two weeks before Christmas in 1956.

David was three months old. The first house has hills of snow around it, a small tree, (a moraine locust) on the side of the kitchen and a snow man near the street. I remember blowing into our new home that cold wintry day.

The second house is still brown seven years later. It's springtime. Three more children have arrived. Our locust tree has increased in size also. Three rabbits are appliqued in the front yard, symbolic of our rapidly growing family. We also gifted our children with a menagerie of pets including rabbits, a cat, a dog, chameleons, guinea pigs, turtles, fish and snakes.

Summer arrives five years later to the house in the lower left hand corner. Two more children were born. It was necessary to enlarge our development home. Lenny, my brother in law, renovated our cellar into living space and changed the garage into a bedroom. He added a porch off the kitchen, nearly freezing his fingers finishing the work in mid-winter. We painted the house blue.

Autumn arrives; the family is older, making their own way in this world. The house remains the same, welcoming them, reviving past memories. The locust tree towers over the porch roof.

The eight remaining squares describe each family member: My husband, Lewis, lived 43 years in this house. He died in 1999. In the center of his square (and his life) is the Holy Bible. He showed great love for his family and his children revered him. His love of sports was inherited by his sons. He was an avid reader--his head often hidden behind a newspaper. As a boy he illustrated and wrote his own comic strip he called Bat Man prior to the copy- rited "Batman". He never went on with his artistic talent after our marriage. The pictures of Popeye and his nose turner are copies of his sketches. Other items appliqued are: an alarm clock (he tried to be prompt and used his time wisely), a mail box as he worked in the US Post Office after serving our country in the U S Navy during World War II and the Korean War. He always wore a baseball cap or a colorful hat.

Each of our five sons, David, Daniel, Matthew, Paul and Andrew, and our one daughter, Catherine had their own square. Some of the items embroidered or appliqued were taken from their own drawings, some were symbolic, and some were prophetic. The nurses spent many hours completing this treasured quilt. Our director came to me and said, "I have never put so much work into a quilting project before."

She had Cathy's square. There was no way I would correct her applique of a cat rather than Cathy's rabbit on a swing in the square. The rest is personal history which I plan to write for my grandchildren but not for everyone.

My square sits on the bottom of the quilt between the Summer and Fall houses and isn't fading as fast probably because it is blocked from sunlight by the couch. Betsey, our intake nurse, who started the group, approached me with, "You forgot to give me a draft or outline of your square." So, I made another. Her completed square was beautiful and could be a painting on its own. Now, when I look at it I think, "You must have thought a lot of yourself." The bouquet of golden wheat, which signifies abundance, the tall steepled white church which signifies spirituality, the clothesline with material cut-out clothing, a symbol of my love of my family, the swimming pool with a blonde head and a dark head bopping up and down, our youngest sons swimming, such a joy to watch and a lovely butterfly. Yes, I was happy, making this heritage quilt.

CABARET & CABERNET Chorale Connecticut will hold its annual fundraiser "Cabaret & Cabernet" on Friday, October 22nd, at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 E. Main Street in Meriden from 7-9 PM. The Chorale invites all to join in an evening of wine-tasting, hors d'oeuvres and music, provided by members of Chorale Connecticut. Mayor Mike Rohde will be the emcee for the evening. Tickets are $25.00 per person and may be obtained from Chorale members or by calling (860)621-1653. Information is also available on the Chorale website, www.choralect.org. Come and support the Chorale and enjoy an evening of wine and song.

The happiness of the domestic fireside is the first boon of Heaven; and it is well it is so, since it is that which is the lot of the mass of mankind.

ATTENTION SHEEHAN CLASS OF 85

Mark. T. Sheehan's graduating class of 1985 will host its 25th class reunion at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Meriden, CT on Friday, November 26, 2010 from 6:30-11:30 PM. If you are a member of Mark T. Sheehan's graduating class of 1985 and would like to attend the reunion, please visit www.mts85.info for more information and registration forms.

Celebrating 25 Years of Baking Up the Goods!

MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER NEWS AND EVENTS The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver's license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community CafĂŠ. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!

Deputy Director Kate McEvoy from the Agency on Aging of South Central CT will give a presentation on the new Health Care Reform Act on Wednesday, October 13 at 10:30 am. Learn from an expert how the new law will change Medicare, add preventive coverage, eventually eliminate the donut hole in Medicare Part D and make other positive changes to ensure the solvency of Medicare in the years ahead. This educational program will be held in the meeting room.

Creative Writing Classes with Susan Sandel, PhD, will be returning to the Senior Center for six weeks starting on Wednesday, October 13 from 1:00 to 2:15 pm. Learn to express yourself in writing, put your thoughts on paper and chronicle your important memories! Susan makes the classes educational and enjoyable so please sign-up in the office to participate in the next session of Creative Writing starting on October 13!

"Hear and Now: Auditory Services at Masonicare Health Center" will be held on Thursday, October 14 from 10:00 to 11:30 am in the meeting room. Audiologist Hilary Lewis will speak about hearing loss and hearing aid options.

Complimentary hearing screenings will be offered following the presentation which is free and open to the public.

The Meriden Triad and Meriden Police Department will offer free sign-ups in the meeting room for the Yellow Dot Program on Tuesday, October 19 at 10:00 am. This free automobile safety program will provide you with a packet of information to leave in your glove compartment in the event of an emergency while driving your car. Bring a list of your medications and other personal medical information and we will complete the forms, take your photo, give you a sticker for your back windshield and get you all signed up for the free Yellow Dot Program!

The 4th Annual Senior Fair at the Wallingford Senior Center will be held on Wednesday, October 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Sponsored by the Record-Journal, the Senior Fair features workshops, seminars, screenings and refreshments as well as displays from many companies providing services to seniors. A free mini-bus will leave here at 12:15 pm returning by 3:00 pm, to sign-up see Becky or call 203.237.3338.

Healthcare Information for Veterans will be provided in a presentation on Thursday, October 21 at 10:30 am in the meeting room. K. Robert Lewis from the VA Connecticut Healthcare System will speak on all that is available for the 300,000 veterans in Connecticut who have earned the right to VA Healthcare benefits and other programs. George Messier from the Veterans Service Center will also be here for this informational program. All veterans are encouraged to attend!

Electric Choice will be presented on Wednesday, October 27 at 10:30 am in the meeting room. Learn how you can save money on your electric bill by switching to an alternative electric supplier using the same CL&P service and getting the same CL&P bill. A no cost or obligation program to help you learn more about reducing your electric bill!

John F. Hogarth, Director

Make a wish for the perfect cake and it will come true for you at Marianna’s!

Voted #1 Bakery!

CRAFTERS WANTED Wallingford -Crafters needed for holiday fair to take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 13 at the First Baptist Church, 114 North Main Street.Space is $30 plus $5 for and 8' table. For more information or an application, call Liz Davis at 203-265-4187.

Hours: Tuesday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2 Clsoed Mon.

Page 16 October 2010

Free Homework Help in English and Spanish Free homework help will be available to elementary and middle school children in the Children's Room of the Wallingford Public Library on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., starting Monday, September 17.

Bilingual teacher, Gina Cabrera, will be available to work with students who need assistance. This program is being made available thanks to the Wallingford Board of Education.

The submission deadline for our November issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is the 30th. Email your stories, news and events to andy@peoplespressnews.com. Email your photos and celebrations to celebrations@peoplespressnews.com. If we can help in any way please call 203-235-9333

Now is the time to book Ruth for all of your Holiday Events and Parties.

Artistic Autumn!

Now Accepting Registrations for Autumn Classes, Kinderart & Young Artist Programs & Adult!

Try our Adult Art Classes at Easel Works & soothe the stress away. You’ll love it.

EASEL WORKS

Creative Art Studio & Gallery

294-1548

2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford

Ten Years When I was 1 and 50, A good friend said to me, "Your hair is turning gray, But you still look okay."

When I was 1 and 60, That same friend said to me, "Holy smokes, what happened?"

I don't know. Time passes.

So we've been reading and enjoying this paper for 10 years now. And how the time has flown, really. After the paper was first published in October of 2000, I met Andy shortly thereafter. I would have just turned 51. And Andy was in his 30s!!! Gosh.

In looking back, what happened during those years? I am a proofreader and a scopist, and in 2000 I worked for exactly one court reporter and had already worked two seasons part-time for Vinny's Home and Garden Showplace, a Christmas and a spring. I would continue there for another seven and a half years before going to Cheshire Nursery and then to Krauszer's in Wallingford. I now work for 10 court reporters, and barely have time to sleep, so my business has expanded greatly, which is a good thing. I was living on Simpson Avenue back then, and eventually wrote a story about my neighbors for the paper, "For All My Friends On Simpson Avenue -- This One's For You." In fact, all along those 10 years I found lots of things to write about, some sad, some happy, some historical in nature.

In 2003 I decided to go to school to study energy healing, and I did that for three years, got certified, and also got certified in hypnosis, and later was certified in Reiki I, II, and III. These experiences were great, and I tapped into my intuition that I never realized was there, and that has truly been an eye-opener.

I bought my first Internet-capable computer in 2000, and that definitely was the beginning of a new way of life, some good and some not as good. Early on my friend Paula and I attended a couple of computer classes and laughed our way through those as we couldn't even get the mouse to work properly. Had no idea what the teacher was talking about.

Paula never did buy a computer, and I told her it was probably just as well. It's a time-consuming venture, to say the least. However, it has its plus sides. I got to know various family members much better, most predominantly my twin sister, Nancy, who lives in Tucson. And I wrote a story about that for the paper, how the computer changed our lives.

Through Andy's urging, I reedited a story I wrote about finding my biological family back in 1982, and he published that story in 12 issues of the paper, which took a year to accomplish, obviously. Ha ha. Just checking to see if you're awake. But what a great thing that was for Andy to do.

The Internet also led me, quite unexpectedly, to getting into the proofreading field for court reporters. It started out as kind of a fun hobby with one gal from New York, and then it just blossomed, one reporter at a time. It took a while for the seriousness of this to sink in when I began making quite a bit of money doing this. At first it was small amounts, nothing to talk about, but then it began to grow and grow, and now it is practically a full-time job. In September I read and proofed almost 6,000 pages! I still get scoping work from my reporter in Hamden whom I have worked with for 24 years!! But I no longer have to rely on just his work, which is a blessing because he is now 74 and not working as much as he used to, which is totally understandable at that age.

Naturally, there have been passings, not to mention the ever-changing face of Wallingford on Center Street, Main Street, Quinnipiac, and Route 5. In 10 years, I couldn't begin to discuss what has taken place. I've seen a lot of old businesses go, ones that had been there forever, some not forever, but other stores almost always move in.

Personally the most difficult year for me was 2004. I lost many friends that year, most memorably Paula Cella on January 8th. Also Gil Jerzyk on January 4th, Regina Branin, a lifelong friend, on February 27th, a classmate in the energy healing school on April 1st, and my dear Kitten (female cat) died on September 9th at age 14.

Andy asked me to write a story about a shop owner in June of 2004 for a product I had no knowledge about, and I said, "How am I going to write this story?" But I went to the lady's store, which was also her home, and we almost instantly became friends. She was a very talented lady, bright, creative, and we became close friends in a very short time frame. I got to know her four parrots, and they even started calling me by name, and also her dog, Lady. I spent hours at her house. We celebrated special occasions; we blessed a house across the street from her when her son and others needed to paint it. I got her interested in energy healing, and she enrolled in the school I was attending. And when Kitten died in September, she wrote up a eulogy and had me come that evening, and she had candles and sage burning, and handed me the eulogy to read. I had photos spread out too. It was very emotional. She wrote a poem and asked me to put it to music, which I did, and then asked me to sing it for her, and she recorded it. She loved it. For reasons not totally understood by me, the friendship came to a halt in mid-October. Such a devastating year it had already been, and I never heard from her again. My door is always open, though, should she ever change her mind, but it's been six years now.

Where I was living on Simpson Avenue, the house went on the market in like June of 2004, and although many people came to look at it saying I could stay on as a tenant, suddenly I was informed at the end of October that I had to move in 30 days by the end of November, and I was attending school and had two jobs at the time. It was an extremely emotional year, and sometimes I don't know how I got through it. But we do, and we move on. And then I wrote a story about Paula, "You weren't supposed to go." I had written one about her shop already, my first story for the paper, "Paula's Place - A Hometown Shop," one about the dairy farm owned by the Cellas, "Where's the beef? Got milk?", and one about her miraculous kitten, Pip, "The True Story of an Amazing Kitten's Fight for Life," June 2002.

I guess if I could sum up these 10 years, I would call it a period of growth. The paper has been an important part of this for sure. I started writing for The People's Press pretty quickly after it was born, and write and write and write I did.

And I got to know things about Wallingford I had never known, and that came about by doing a number of stories about different things in Wallingford. I also delivered the paper for years, so I got to know most of the shopkeepers in town. I wrote about Mayor Dickinson and his performance at the Senior Center one year, so I got to interview him, which was a real delight. I wrote a very long story about Uptown, downtown, and all around the town. Wrote about the Rededication of Harrison Park, The Wallingford Historical Society, and my best story yet, she said humbly, "There's an elephant buried in Wallingford! What?" Oh, and I write my little garden column monthly when it is applicable. I'm still picking tomatoes, by the way, lots of them. I picked 30 green tomatoes today, the Jet Stars and Better Boys. The weather has me a bit concerned (Oct. 3rd).

I've been through a lot in 10 years with this paper. When I first met Andy, he and Dawn only had Sierra. I was like Auntie Barb to Sierra then. I proofread the paper for a number of years, delivered the paper for many years, and watched many changes occur. But the paper kept getting published, year one, year two, and on and on. There was a scary time when it seemed possibly the paper could not continue, and I sat back and thought about that. What would I do? I had become so accustomed to writing stories, where would I send my stories to? People have suggested, over the years, that I should submit stories to The Readers' Digest and other publications, but I have never done so. The reason is, The People's Press is a hometown newspaper covering news from our towns, Wallingford, Meriden, Cheshire, and many other places. This is my home. I love Wallingford. I've been here since 1982, and it feels like home to me.

Every now and then in the most unexpected place I will get a comment about something I wrote. "I read every article you write, and I love them all." I hear that every so often. It is uplifting and gratifying, and I hope people do like what I write. Andy always tells me, "The only time you hear from someone is when they don't like what you write. Trust me, if you hear nothing, they liked it." I hope that's true.

I guess one of the biggest compliments I ever got was when I attended the wake for my former landlady, Gracia Parete. She passed in November 2007, and I wrote the story about my neighbors on Simpson Avenue in March 2007, kind of a synchronicity. Her grandson Guy spotted me in the lobby and came right up to me and thanked me so much for writing that story. I asked him if someone had translated it and read it to Mrs. Parete, who pretty much only spoke Italian. "Of course, we did. She loved it." And then in the receiving line, Mrs. Parete's daughter Theresa extended her hands to me and said, "Barbara, my mother loved you," and was also so pleased about the story. In a receiving line at a wake! You just never know when your words might touch someone.

So it behooves you to write, and we have an extraordinary opportunity to do so with The People's Press. I have extreme gratitude for Andy and Dawn, who got the idea to start this paper and forged ahead. It hasn't been easy, as you must know. They rely on advertisers to pay for the costs, and no costs go to us. The paper is free! And I stay out of big box stores myself. Can't stand them. I support the small local businesses, and so does this paper. In this age of electronics and me-me thinking and cell phones and malls, what a welcome respite this paper offers all of us. Kindness, compassion, good news. We need this. Thank you, Andy and Dawn! - Barbara Sherburne

Page 17 October 2010

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY We've Got Great Programs!

Saturday Mornings with Poetry: Looking forward, ever changing, ever growing!

Saturday, October 16 - 10:00 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m. Board Room This month SMWP kicks off a new, 4-part series entitled: Getting the Poetic Story Told.

Schedule as follows: October 16 - Getting the Poetic Story Told: Vivid Details and Images November 6 - Getting the Poetic Story Told: Implied Emotion November 20 - Getting the Poetic Story Told: Conflict and Suspense Poets and would-be poets are invited to attend and share their poetry and writing experiences. SMWP meets semimonthly with the exception of July and August and is open to teenagers and adults.

Lunch & Learn* Tuesday, October 19 - 12:00 p.m. Community Room - Hillary Lewis, Audiologist, will present the causes of hearing loss, what to look for as signs of hearing loss and equipment that helps improve hearing.

All are welcome. Please register early! *NOTE NEW TIME: NOON! Wallingford Public Library Association Annual Meeting with special presentation of "Ladies First: A OneWoman Portrayal of First Ladies" by Robin Lane - Thursday, October 21 - 7:00 p.m. meeting Community Room The public is cordially invited to the 130th Annual Meeting of the Wallingford Public Library Association. A brief business meeting, including the election of Board members and officers, will be followed by a performance of "Ladies First" a one-woman dramatic presentation exploring the lives of six of America's First Ladies: Mary Lincoln, Rachel Jackson, Julia Tyler, Jacqueline Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Abigail Adams. Robin Lane, an actress and the creative spirit behind this production, gives an entertaining yet accurate portrayal of the first wives as they really were: thoughtful, caring human beings, whose lives were profoundly affected by their husbands' calling.

The public is invited to attend both the meeting and the program. Refreshments will be served following the program.

Afternoon Book Discussion Series Continues! Literature for a Lifetime: Once Banned, Now Classic Native Son by Richard Wright - Monday, October 25 - 3:30 p.m. Collins Room Presented in cooperation with the Connecticut Humanities Council, part 2 of this series moderated by Beth Levine will focus on Richard Wright's Native Son. A book, it is often said, reflects the society in which it was written. This may be especially true when the society denies the reflection and censures the book. The books in this series, all banned at the time of publication, are now accepted as classics of American literature. How can we explain this change in attitude? Does it reflect a change in actual morality or just a change in what we're willing to see in print? What factors led these authors to create works that defied the prevailing standards of their time? Participants will examine these and related questions about censorship, rights and creativity. Teenagers and adults are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served. Copies of the books are available from the Information Desk.

Series continues: November 22, "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin; December 20, "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger.

Dessert with a Doc: Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and you!

Wednesday, October 27 - 6:30 p.m. Community Room - Join Brett Volpe, MD for a look at sleep apnea and snoring and how these very common disorders can affect a person's quality of life, energy level, emotional state, job performance, and cardiovascular health. What can be done to treat these conditions? What are the signs you should be aware of to determine if you may have sleep apnea or problematic snoring?

All are welcome. A healthy dessert will be provided. This program is co-sponsored by MidState Medical Center. Please contact the library to register.

Wallingford Writers Community: a new forum for writers Saturday, October 30 - 3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Board Room - Introducing the Wallingford Writers Community: a forum for sharing your writing in an open and friendly environment. This informal gathering provides an opportunity to talk about your writing project, request feedback, and obtain resources for furthering your writing. For our first meeting, attendees are asked to read the short story Ransom of Red Chief by O. Henry. The story is available online at www.americanliterature.com and from our catalog. It will serve as a jumping-off point for our discussion of character development, voice, plot, and theme. Additionally, if you would like to bring a 2-page (double-spaced) sample of your writing, there will be opportunity for you to share it with the group. Dr. Karen Laugel will moderate the meeting. The group will meet monthly, and class size is limited, so please register early.

Computers/Technology Intermediate Word Workshop - Tuesday, October 19 - 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Board Room Take your word processing skills to the next level at our Intermediate Word 2007 class. You will learn how to insert images and tables, as well as work with headers and footers. Seating is limited to 6, so please sign up early. You may register in person, online, or by phone at 203-265-6754.

Computer Tutoring - One-on-one computer tutoring sessions are available at the Main Library as follows: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.; Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Computer novices are encouraged to sign up to learn keyboard or mouse skills, work processing, Internet searching, online job applications, or e-mail.

Please contact the library to sign up for a session.

TEEN ZONE! Teen News - The Great Scavenger Hunt Have you tried the Scavenger Hunt in the Teen Area yet? Look for the special display where all the books are marked with a star. All you have to do is print out a list of questions which correspond to the book (you will find at www.kaycassidy.com/hunt). When you have finished reading the book and answering all the questions, hand them in at the Information Desk. Get 8 out of 10 correct, and you are entered into a monthly drawing to win a $50.00 Barnes & Noble gift card. Check out a Hunt title today!

Teen Book Displays - The Teen Area has many special interest book displays chock-full of good reading: Nutmeg books, Manga, graphic novels (comics), Inspirational Reading, new stuff, Scavenger Hunt titles and more. Pick one up today!

WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY HAS GONE HI-TECH! * Become our friend on Facebook! Get updates about upcoming events, or chat with other library lovers. * Have a question to ask us? Text us. Just send a text message to (203) 903-8447 any time the library is open.

Whether you are in the library or at the mall we will get right back to you with an answer! * Don't forget about the thousands of audiobooks you can download from our web site. These books can be downloaded onto your iPod or MP3 player or burned onto a CD. * Databases: over 20 categories of electronic resources to help you search for a job, repair a car, evaluate antiques, research your family history, find a great book to read, learn a new language, prepare for a test, find newspaper and magazine articles, and much more. Link to our databases from our home page: www.wallingford.lioninc.org FREE MOVIE EVENTS Fridays at 6:30 p.m. - Community Room October 22: Young Frankenstein Rated PG October 29: How To Train Your Dragon Rated PG Cinema Club: The Secret in Their Eyes Monday, October 18 - 6:30 p.m. Community Room This Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film is part cold-case mystery, part long-lost love story, and part thriller.

It is set in both the present and in 1970s Argentina under the tight control of its infamous military dictatorship. Rated R 129 minutes. Discussion will follow the movie. Refreshments will be served.

NEWS FROM THE BOOK SELLER Wouldn't it be great ot get some of your holiday shopping completed in October? The Book Seller has just what you need for all those hard-to-please relatives and friends on your list. Holdiay books, DVDs, CDs, and more, will be featured this month, along with nifty cookbooks produced by the Wallingford Chorus. In addition, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Book Seller in it's new location, shoppers can put their names in a drawing to win a big gift basket.

The drawing will take place on October 13, and the winner will be notified.

Nobody has ever before asked the nuclear family to live all by itself in a box the way we do.

With no relatives, no support, we've put it in an impossible situation. ~Margaret Mead

CELEBRATIONS

Jim Mahon jamming away!

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Page 18 October 2010

CELEBRATIONS

Wonderful Art by Serena.

CELEBRATIONS

On Sept. 14,2010 The Farms Country Club in Wallingford was the venue for the 21st Annual Hunter’s Golf Classic. The Golf tournament is held each year in Memory of Carol Gillooly and William Lawton who lost their lives in a tragic motor vehicle accident with a drunk driver the night of September 2, 1989. Proceeds from the Golf Classic fund the Carol Gillooly and William Lawton Scholarship fund. To date, over 330 recipients have benefited from monies raised through support of the Hunters Golf Classic. These individuals from cities and towns around the State, have been able to use the funds to pursue or further their education and training in the fields of Emergency Medical Services , healthcare and related fields in their communities. This year’s scholarship winners are : Emt’s Keith Baedor, Robert Cane Jr. , Shawn Gardner, David Hunter, Joseph Modica , Amy Patierno, Lisa Shorey-Garfinkel, Michael Weller, James Moran 111. Paramedic – Ryan Jeffries.

Picture: Hunter’s Ambulance Golf Volunteers await the arrival of Golfers at the Golf Classic on 9-14-10.

MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY OCTOBER EVENTS GENEALOGY: LEAVING A LEGACY TO YOUR GRANDCHILDREN OCTOBER 23 Jack Brooks, a member of the Connecticut Association of Genealogists, will present "Genealogy: leaving a legacy to your grandchildren" on Saturday, October 23 at 3:00 pm in the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room.

Jack started work on his and his wife's family trees about 45 years ago. He has done research in numerous local, state and U.S. libraries, genealogical historical societies, municipal archives, used internet resources extensively, and yes, even tramped through some cemeteries. He has on-going e-mail contact with a number of other related researchers across the country and even several in England and Scotland. Jack has about 8,000 names of ancestors and their families, documenting a number of lines going back to the 1500's, and some even earlier, including over 250 direct ancestors who were immigrants to America in the 1600's. Jack has written and published a book of the ancestors and descendants of a Revolutionary War soldier (24 generations) from his wife's family.

This program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or log onto the library's webpage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.

WRITERS NETWORK AT MERIDEN LIBRARY OCTOBER 27 Meriden Public Library will host the Writers Network group on Wednesday, Griffin Room and October 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Friends Room. We invite anyone who is serious about writing fiction or nonfiction, wants to learn the process of getting published, or needs support for writing a book proposal or query letter to attend. The Writers Network is for anyone who is looking for a support network to keep the motivation going, is interested in sharing their writing with others and is longing for the camaraderie of others who share a passion for writing. If you are interested in joining the Writers Network, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email us comsvc@hotmail.com.

EVENING SCRABBLE SESSIONS OCTOBER 26 Meriden Public Library is hosting evening sessions for people who enjoy playing Scrabble. The October sessions will be on Tuesday, October 12 and 26 at 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Griffin Room. All skill levels are welcome. Scrabble boards will be provided, but people are welcome to bring their own boards. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have any questions about the library programs.

AFTERNOON SCRABBLE SESSIONS IN OCTOBER Join us from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Monday, October 25 in the Friends Room at Meriden Public Library to play scrabble.

Come to learn the game. Come to practice. Come just to meet new people. All are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 for more information.

FREE COMPUTER CLASSES AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Not very confident using email, Word, or searching the internet? Sign up for one of the free computer classes at Meriden Public Library. The class schedule is as follows: Basic Computers - Saturday, October 16 at 9:30 am; Email - Monday, October 25 at 6:30 pm.

The Library also offers sessions of computer classes in Spanish on Mondays and Wednesdays, at 5:00 pm and at 6:00 pm on October 4, 6, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27.

Class size is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or the Information Desk at (203) 238-2346 to reserve a seat.

SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOPS Grab a friend, bring your photos, album pages and adhesive and join us on Monday, October 18 at 5:00 pm in the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room to complete your keepsake scrapbook photo album. Kitt Dunk, an experienced scrapbooker, will show how your album pages can be elegant, but easy and fun to do. The library will supply a minimum of tools and supplies as well as some free handouts. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 6306349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit the library's web page at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.

LUNCHTIME BOOK CLUB The Meriden Public Library's lunchtime book club meets on Thursdays at noon in the Friends Room. Bring your lunch and enjoy the discussion.

October 21 - Island beneath the sea by Isabel Allende November 18 - Let the great world spin by Colum McCann December 16 - A Christmas carol by Charles Dickens All are welcome. The books are available in a display across from the Information Desk. Contact Laura at (203) 238-2346 to sign up.

TEEN BOOK CLUB OCTOBER 26 Vampires, steampunk, tearjerkers, comics? What have you been reading lately? Come to the Teen Book club on Tuesday, October 26th at 3:00 pm in the Seminar Room and talk about the best and worst books you've been reading.

We'll also be making anything and everything out of duct tape. Wallets, jewelry, flowers...it can all be made with duct tape. The first three people to sign up will receive a Mortal Instruments or Clockwork Angel poster. This program is open to all teens ages 13-18. You can sign up on-line at www.meridenlibrary.org or in person at the Information Desk.

If you have any questions please contact Melissa at (203) 238-2347 or mmurphy@ci.meriden.ct.us.

GET YOUR GAME ON @ MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY OCTOBER 19 Get your game on at the Meriden Public Library on Tuesday October 19th at 2:30 in the Griffin Room. The Wii will be set up for friends and family to challenge each other to a different game each week. Board games such as Scrabble, Apples to Apples and many others will also be available for use. This program will take place every Tuesday in August. All ages are welcome to attend including parents and guardians. Registration is not required. If you have any questions please contact Melissa at mmurphy@ci.meriden.ct.us or call (203) 630-6347.

MOVIES AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Join us on Saturday, October 16 at 2:00 pm in the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room to watch the movie about a young Viking who becomes friends with a dragon. On Thursday, October 28 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room, come and enjoy the movie classic "Singin' in the Rain" with Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds. This program is free and all are invited.

CHILDREN'S LIBRARY PRESENTS "MIKE MICHAELS-TWO CAT BAND" ON MONDAT, NOVEMBER 15TH AT 6:30 PM. Meriden Public Library is having a family sing-along on November 15th at 6:30 pm. All are welcome to come to the Children's Library to get your FREE tickets as of November 1st. "Mike Michaels-Two Cat Band" is a great program for people of all ages. For more information call the Meriden Public Library Children's Library at 203 630-6347.

Register for Fall Swim Lessons!!

Swim Lessons available for all ages throughout the entire year! Lessons available in our warm water instructional pool as well as in our competitive lap pool. Private swim lessons also available. Pre-registration is required. For more information; please contact Lisa Hoover at lhoover@wallingfordymca.org

Babysitter's Training Class This American Red Cross Class is structured for those 11-15 years of age. Through hands on activities, interactive video and lively discussions, this course Teaches young people how to make good decisions, create age appropriate play, demonstrate first aid skills including rescue breathing and choking. Date and Time: Sunday, October 24th from 8:30-11:00am.

Pre-Registration is required (203) 269-4497. For questions; please contact Lisa Hoover : lhoover@wallingfordymca.org.

Infant/Child/Adult CPR with AED Class Classes instructed by American Red Cross certified instructors. Great for coaches, teachers, parents and youth leaders.

For more information; please contact Lisa Hoover at lhoover@wallingfordymca.org Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown

Page 20 October 2010

Wallingford Children's Library Events and Help Midnight Tales of Enchantment The Connecticut Guild of Puppetry and the Wallingford Public Library are pleased to announce that professional storyteller and puppeteer Marilyn O'Connor Miller will perform her program, Midnight Tales of Enchantment on Saturday, October 16 at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Wallingford Public Library. Using puppets, masks, mime and music, Marilyn weave folk and fairy tales from many lands to delight children, ages five and up.

Following this performance, there will be a meeting of the Connecticut Guild of Puppetry, open to the public, for those who wish to learn more about puppetry as an art form, a craft and an educational tool.

Free tickets for this performance, which is co-sponsored by the Guild and the Library, are available in the Children's Library.

Holiday Expo Nathan Hale Elementary School, Atkins Street Extension, Meriden, CT will be holding their annual Holiday Expo on Friday, December 3, 2010 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Interested crafters, vendors and businesses may contact (203) 686-1722 or jknedin@cox.net for table space information.

If you don't believe in ghosts, you've never been to a family reunion.

CELEBRATIONS

Now that’s one happy family! Brings a smile to my face!

CELEBRATIONS

Neal impatiently waits for his family to stop singing out of tune, so he can eat some of his cake

CELEBRATIONS Governor M. Jodi Rell Honorary Event Chair

Scot Haney Emcee

Thursday, October 14th Aqua Turf in Plantsville from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This year's Pink Partini is already a sold-out show with over 800 guests, but we still need your support. If you are interested in making a donation to our Cancer Center, please contact Tina Fabiani in the hospital's Development office at 203-694-8744. All proceeds from the show directly benefit the MidState Cancer Center.

www.midstatemedical.org

Such a great drawing by Stephanie for Mom and Dad!

Page 21 October 2010

We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. ~Joyce Brothers

CRAFTERS NEEDED Our Lady of Fatima Church Women's Club will be sponsoring a craft fair on Saturday, November 13th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in our handicapped accessible parish hall. Tables are $30. Please call Sandy at 203-269-6498 as soon as possible. Tables are going fast.

Get GREEN for Gold!

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Page 22 October 2010

CELEBRATIONS

Nancy got to swim with the dolphins! All we want to know is why she did not invite us? She never does.

CELEBRATIONS

Thimble Islands taken from Stoney Creek by Roy Franco

Blue Hill Orcards - Photo by Jake Kilroy

CELEBRATIONS

AVANTI

Restaurant & Lounge

Your Total Satisfaction Is Our Favorite Recipe!

Lilly LOVES Chocolate!

CELEBRATIONS

Now is the time to reserve your Holiday Event at

AVANTI

Family Party or Special Event?

Plan your party with us! Parties for up to 60 people are our specialty. We also offer off premises catering and party platters to go.

Open for Lunch and Dinner Featuring: *Southern and Northern Italian Cuisine * Veal, Chicken & Seafood Specialties * Large Selection of Salads * Pizza * Grinders * Homemade Burgers * Specialty Wraps “Come visit and enjoy one of our finely prepared meals in the comfort of our new dining and lounge areas”

34 River Road in South Meriden

203-4 440-9 9990

My niece, Brittany, smooshing the oldest lighthouse in America! The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and is the tallest brick beacon in the country standing 208 feet. It took 1,250,000 bricks to build it. After climbing 268 claustrophobic steps to the top we had a spectacular view! Submitted by Lea Crown

Annual Holiday Fair St John Lutheran Church & Preschool - 520 Paddock Avenue - Meriden, CT Saturday, November 13th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Come for shopping and fun! Crafters, food, raffles and more!!Call Ellen @ 203-213-0668 for info.

Page 23 October 2010

Alexis

It was October 14 2000 the day that will change my life forever. The day AlexisMae was born. The 6lb 9oz, 19 inch long little girl with a beautiful head of hair and gorgeous dark brown eyes. She was 6 weeks early but was more then ready for the world. Who would have known that she would have to fight for the first The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life year of her life just to survive. Then came her 3 month birthday as I would call sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shamit. I was getting ready to celebrate my oldest step daughter's birthday. It was poo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and January 19 2001 and something just was not right with her. Her breathing was kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to hard and her stomach caved in when she was breathing in. I took her to the E.R. figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck and they basically said to me she can drink a bottle and breath at same time she is ok. It is probably just a stomach virus. So I didn't think much about until i took her home. I knew something was not right and I was not just sitting back. I called her doctors office and told them what is going on. They told me we have no appointments but come on in and we will get you in as soon as we can. I walked in door and sat down. The assistant came out looked at my poor beautiful sick little girl. Next thing i remember she was rushing me down hall way slapping oxygen on her getting doctor and not sure what happen next but I know we were at children's hospital, where my baby was diagnosed with RSV which is an upper respitory infection. She fought for her little life those six days she was in. I almost lost her and it was a very hard time for me. She pulled through and was a very healthy active little girl.

She was talking at 6 months old and running at 10 months. I remember signing her up for little peoples at age two. My girlfriend Roberta went with me thinking i be upset on how upset she would be. Well i walked her in and introduced her to the teachers. Then off she went waving and paid me no mind. I thought for sure she would be upset and cry not wanting mommy to leave. No that never happened. I was thinking wow this is easy the next few years will be a breeze. Then came kindergarten and the crying I wanted in preschool happened then. I didn't want crying now. So she cried and i comforted her. Walked her in and then went to my car. There I cried like a little girl going to school for the first time.

The years got easier bringing her in. She makes me laugh the last ten years she has brought me a lot of smiles. I am a mother to a wonderful daughter who has her moments like everyone else does but who is also the most loving person I have ever known in my entire life. My life would not be the same if I never had a child. I don't mind the messy bedroom and helping to clean it up. I don't mind if it is lighting out and she wants to put her sleeping bag on my floor to feel safe. I don't mind after a long day at work that she wants me to watch TV with her or help her with some math problem. I don't mind wiping tears away when she gets hurt or someone hurt her feelings. I enjoy waking up to the Happy 26th Birthday Joanna smile of her everyday. I love hearing her laugh. I would not change a thing about her. It is ten years since October 14 Love Ronni Kym and April 2000. Now she is in fifth grade and soon on to the middle school grades. I thought every year her going up in school would be easier. It doesn't I still cry when she moves to the next grade not as bad as kindergarten but still cry. I want to tell you Alexis -Mae I love you and Happy 10th Birthday. Love Mommy and Daddy Michael

CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATIONS

The things that Mommy makes me wear! I would tell her that it’s embaressing but I don’t want to hurt her feelings. But seriously, this has to come off.

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FRUGAL LIVING - Getting More for Less in Connecticut

By Gina Juliano Can you believe it's October already? Pretty soon we'll be buying turkeys and thinking about our shopping lists for the holidays. This time of year, it's difficult to find extra money to do fun family things when you know you'll have to save for holiday foods and presents. Wouldn't it be great to find a way to go on family outings and not worry about money?

Believe it or not, your local libraries (Meriden, Southington, and Wallingford) are the key to no cost family fun. You can borrow passes to museums like Mystic Seaport, Kid City, the Imagination Museum, and the Discover Museum and Planetarium, as well as many more. These passes are there for you and your family to borrow at no cost. Although you can't reserve the passes ahead of time, the library will hold them for up to two hours on the day you request them. You also have two days to use the passes.

Say, for example, you want to visit Mystic Seaport with your family. Tickets cost $24 per adult and $15 per child between the ages of 6 and 17. If you visit the museum with two adults and two children, the cost to you would be $78.

If you instead borrowed the library pass for Mystic Seaport, which admits up to two adults and three children, the cost would be $0!!!! That's an amazing savings!

Libraries also have passes that guarantee you a reduced admission price. You can visit the Peabody Museum, Mystic Aquarium, or the Roger Williams Zoo for a reduced price. Library passes will get you $5 off admission at the Peabody Museum, $6 off adult admission and $4 off child admission at Mystic Aquarium, and a $3 discount for all tickets at the Roger Williams Zoo. Although Southington, Meriden, and Wallingford libraries offer these great passes to their communities, not all libraries do. However, you do not have to be a resident of these towns to partake in this service. If you have a valid driver's license, you can reserve the museum passes at any library in the state that offers them.

Museum passes are just one of the many freebies and opportunities your local library offers. To find out more, please visit your library's website or drop in for a visit. I'm sure you'll be glad you did!

Visit Gina’s FREE Blog at at http://ginaskokopelli.com to get even more savings and coupon tips.

Want to learn how to get though the holidays without going into debt? Join me November 3rd at the Meriden Public Library (203-630-6347) or November 10th at the Wallingford Public Library (203-265-6754) for my Holiday Couponing Class. I'll teach you how to reduce your food bill, gift spending, and stress! Please call the libraries to sign up for the classes

Celebrating 50 Years of Great Taste!

World Famous Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers has been on Hamburger Paradise and Man vs.

Food on the Travel Channel or in Food Network Magazine June/July 09 issue "50 Burgers, 50 States" featured as the CT burger. Ted's has also been featured in Connecticut Magazine and other local publications. But most important is that we’ve been seen

by YOU and YOU matter the most!

Adam from Man V. Food stopped by and so should you

1046 Broad Street in Meriden - 203-237-6660

Page 24 October 2010

WE CARE news The Wallingford Early Childhood Alliance Resource Education council will be sponsoring a Fall program of playgroups and workshops for families with children ages birth to 5 yrs of age. Detailed information for all of the playgroups programs can be found in the Wallingford Fall Parks and Recreation brochure. Parents may also call the WE CARE Family Resource Center at 203-284-4019 for information. All three of the WE CARE Fall workshops will be held at the Wallingford Public Library, 200 North Main Street.

The workshops begin on Thursday, October 7 with a program presented by Alice Jackson, a leading educator in CT. Ms. Jackson served in Wallingford as the director of curriculum development and was part of the first community effort to develop a School Readiness agenda with the Wallingford Public Library. Her topic is "Learned Helplessness" and will guide parents and preschool teachers in the methods best suited to teaching each child competence and confidence. The program requires registration at either the Wallingford Public Library, Children's Room or the Parks and Recreation Department. The program is free but space is limited. Education credits will be provided for professional preschool staff.

On Wednesday, October 20 the next workshop will be offered also at the library and will feature two educators whose specialties are math and science. Deborah Fernandes and Kathleen Hanisko will present the best way for parents to share everyday learning as a fun experience for their preschooler. It is never too early to begin to share the wonders of nature with children. This program will offer suggestions on how to introduce the wonder of nature into every day learning. What better time to see how colors and numbers can be factored into a walk in the woods as your child counts and identifies colors of falling leaves. Again the program is free but registration is required.

As families begin to set into the routine of living and playing inside, the November workshop will help bring the world inside with the newest books just in time for the holidays.Ruth Gaffey and Susan Stewart of the Children's Library will do a program of reading and sharing "What's New in Children's Books'. This program engages the audience and also provides a great take home raffle of some of the books used in the program. So mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 10 and register for this one, too.

All programs start at 6:15 pm and are held at the Wallingford Public Library, 200 North Main Street. Registration is required for the light supper that is provided prior to each session at 5:30 pm. For more information you can call 203284-4019 = WE CARE Family Resource Center.

South Meriden Vol. Fire Department: Is Celebrating Our 10 Year Anniversary Of Providing In House Over Night Emergency Duty Crews.

Back in 2000 we decided it was time to step up our commitment and service to the community. We formulated in house duty crews starting with only 3 nights a week and within a month or two we were covering 6 nights a week. Our crews man the station each night to help provide a quicker response to our fire district to assist our customers, you our friends and family in their time of need.

This takes a lot of commitment from our members and their families since our duty crews are usually in house from 8:00 pm to at least 6 or 7:00 am each day. This commitment also allows some of our members an opportunity to meet their required duty time quota requirements of being an active Fire Fighter/EMT in our department.

We are presently manning the station 7 nights a week with certified Fire Fighter/EMT's. We also allow State Certified Fire Fighters/EMT's from other towns to join our department as long as they meet our outer district membership requirements. These requirements are; you must drill with us on our nights and you must do at least one over night a week.

Outer district membership has also helped us keep our overnight staffing levels up.

I personnel want to Thank Andy and Dawn from the Peoples Press for allowing us to have the opportunity to share our story over the past ten years. My articles about fire safety, health and recruitment has helped not only our department but has also helped our community stay safe.

Congratulation on 10 years of the Peoples Press, uncensored on time, just good old writing and reading. You guys are the BEST!!!

Chief Keith Gordon - South Meriden Fire Rescue

Installation Weekend at Temple Beth David of Cheshire Temple Beth David of Cheshire will host a series of celebratory activities the weekend of November 12-14 to honor the installation of Rabbi Josh Whinston. On Friday November 12, at 7:00 p.m., the Temple will celebrate Shabbat at the synagogue, located at 3 Main Street in Cheshire. The service will include a ceremony to honor Rabbi Josh Whinston's new life with the Temple. Also participating will be Rabbi Don Goor, a respected teacher at Hebrew Union College and rabbi at Temple Judea in California.

CELEBRATIONS

Good Friends As good as Sisters Ellie Tessmer & Carole Golitko

CELEBRATIONS

In some families, please is described as the magic word. In our house, however, it was sorry. ~Margaret Laurence

The Bee Lady to Visit Riverbound Farm Sanctuary The Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society, the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, will sponsor Kathy Olson “The Bee Lady� at Riverbound Farm, 1881 Cheshire St in Cheshire on Sunday, October 17th at 1:30. The program is appropriate for ages 6 and up and emphasis is on the beneficial honeybee. No live bees are used. To register or for more information please contact Loretta Victor at 203-634-1911. Seating is limited.

Page 25 October 2010

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER News and Events Winterize Your Home Seminar - Monday, October 18, 10:15 AM - Take the Senior Center Bus to Home Depot and get expert advice on effectively winterizing your home. This free seminar, which is offered to members of the Wallingford Senior Center, will include an overview of the many products available to help reduce your heating costs.

Space is limited, so sign up early!

Put Your Breast Foot Forward - Wednesday, October 27, 10:30 AM - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Oncologist Rajani Nadkarni, MD, will discuss breast cancer screening guidelines and the latest advances in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Please sign up to attend this program sponsored by MidState Medical Center.

4th Annual Senior Fair - Wednesday, October 20, 10:00 - 3:00 - The Wallingford Senior Center will host the Record-Journal 4th Annual Senior Fair on October 20. The Fair will fill our Great Room with a wide variety of vendors who will offer you information, promotional items, and refreshments. In addition to the dozens of booths, there will be workshops, screenings, flu shots and more! The Senior Fair is free and open to the public.

Note: Due to the Senior Fair on Wednesday, October 20, all regular senior center activities are cancelled that day.

However, the Senior Community Café and Lake View Café meal programs will both operate as usual.

Intergenerational Halloween Party Featuring Magician Chick Kelman - Thursday, October 28, 6:30 PM Invite your grandchildren to our fun-filled Halloween Party. (Members without grandchildren are most welcome too!)

There will be costume prizes, refreshments, games and a magic show starring Chick Kelman! We invite everyone who attends to come in costume. Just look in your closet and use your imagination! Please sign up if you plan to attend.

Holiday Fair - Save the Date! - Saturday, November 13, 9:00 - 2:00 - A Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair featuring beautiful handmade items created by senior center members and community vendors will be held Saturday, November 13.

Lake View Café will be open during the Fair. Mark your calendars and bring your friends!

SOCIAL SERVICES IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SOCIAL WORKER, EILEEN FLYNN, AT 265 7753. THANK YOU. Important Meeting for Current HealthNet Members - Tuesday, October 26, 10:00 AM This meeting will provide information about how the change from HealthNet to United Healthcare will affect benefits in 2011 and what the choices will be for next year. All current HealthNet members are encouraged to attend. Please call 203-265-7753 to sign up for this program.

CT Energy Assistance Program 2010-2011 Heating Season The Wallingford Senior Center is an intake site for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. The program provides financial assistance to income-eligible households to pay for a portion of their heating costs. We will begin taking applications for deliverable fuel (oil and kerosene only) on Thursday, September 16. First day for fuel deliveries which can be paid for by CEAP is November 1. Gas and electric customers can call beginning November 4 for an appointment. Income limits are presently $29,272.36 for a single person and $38,279.24 for a couple. Asset limits also apply.

Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following checklist documents: Most recent bank statement showing Social Security deposit amount or copy of a 2010; Social Security check or Social Security "Your New Benefit Amount" letter for 2010; Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents; 2010 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income; Four most recent pay stubs, if employed. Rental Income - rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account. Most recent heat utility bill; And, electric bill.Applications are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 265-7753.

Benefits Screening - Tuesday, October 19, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for any State or Federal Programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for eligibility. Supporting documents are not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Registration required. Call 203-265-7753 now to schedule an appointment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Medicare Savings Programs - Please remember if your Medicare Part B premium ($96.40) is being paid for under one of the Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB OR ALMB) you will need to complete a re-determination in order for this premium to continue to be paid for you. This re-determination should be mailed to you approximately one month prior to your anniversary date by the Department of Social Services. Failure to complete this re-determination will mean that the premium will start to be taken out of your Social Security check and you will need to re-apply.

Questions about Financial Decisions? - Monday - October 18, 1:30 - 3:00 PM Brendan Toomey, Certified Financial Planner of Toomey Investment Management, Inc. will be available to answer financial questions about investments, IRA's and annuities. To schedule a fifteen (15) minute appointment, please call 203-265 7753.

Veterans Services - Tuesday, October 26 1:00 - 3:00 PM - George Messier, Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Wallingford, will be available to answer questions and assist with benefit information. An appointment is required.

Please call 203-265-7753.

MEMORY LANE - Did you know that the Wallingford Senior Center is one of the few senior centers in the state to offer a social-model, adult day program? Memory Lane is a program designed to promote and maintain independence for seniors with mild cognitive impairments. We offer a variety of different programs and activities throughout the day such as group word games, daily chair exercises, pet therapy visits, baking sessions, arts & crafts projects, and monthly day trips. Our doors open at 9:15 a.m. and close at 2:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Eligibility is based on an assessment and interview by the Memory Lane Program Coordinator, (medical clearance and meeting certain program criteria required). Please call Melinda Welch, Memory Lane Program Coordinator, at 203.265.7753, Ext. 205, for more information and your free trial day!

Transportation Regular schedule: Wallingford senior residents call the Senior Center at 203-265-7753 to make your reservation. Two days notice required and as the schedule allows.

MONDAY: Kohl's, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and appointments between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. TUESDAY: Appointments from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Appointments from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Shop Rite & Wal-Mart, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and appointments between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Stop & Shop from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. VISIT our website at www.WLFDSENIORCTR.COM!

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being

CELEBRATIONS

The Renegade Knights Firefighter Motorcycle Club's member base consists of firefighters whom enjoy riding motorcycles and share the pride of giving back to their community in which they not only serve as a career, volunteer or retired firefighters, but, by helping those affected by fire. Founded by Rick Chadderton of Wallingford this summer, along with over 30 other members who wanted to give back to their community, some of which are pictured above giving their first official donation of $500 to a victim of a resent fire in East Haven. Rick Chadderton said that donation's would be given on a case by case basis, and is subject to the member's approval.

Please visit their website at www.renegadeknightsffmc.com for more information on their organization.

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

Call 203-600-4431 You’ll get a lift from our service, quality and prices!

Bring your car to Rousseau’s today for a full fall service!

October 2000 - The Very First Article in The Peoples' Press It's Your WRITE to Ex-Press Yourself!

By Dawn A. N-Reynolds We would like to take this opportunity to thank the contributors to this, the first edition of The People's Press.

We have been pleasantly overwhelmed by the support we have received from the small group of advertisers we have contacted, the individuals that submitted articles or personal thoughts and the various town agencies that have supported our efforts. Thank You! Our goal is to put out a paper written by you the reader that highlights your hopes, dreams, your good times, your good fortunes and especially your creative expressions.

In addition we hope to be a window to the local arts. We would like to do our small part to help the arts flourish within our significant communities.

Lastly, we wish to offer ideas to you and your family for more good times, information and inspiration.

It's that time of the year again~ Hanover PTO's Vendor Events! * Friday, November 5th HOLIDAY SHOPPING NIGHT - Fair hours: 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. with set up starting at 5:00 p.m. * Saturday, December 4th CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE CRAFT FAIR - Fair hours: 11:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m., with set up at 10:00 a.m.

If you are interested in renting a table for one of our events, please mail payment and form to: Hanover Elementary School c/o PTO Vendor Fair, 208 Main Street, South Meriden, CT 06451 (Please make checks payable to Hanover PTO)

Always growing to serve your needs....

Rousseau’s Auto Repair

Complete Auto Repair

Family Owned... Family Friendly Since 1954

Find Out Why by Stopping Down Today!

369 Cook Ave., Meriden

235-2561

Page 26 October 2010

LocalMotion - Local Business! 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.

CELEBRATIONS

MidState Medical Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Expansion Project Draws Over 200 People It's official: The ceremonial ribbon was cut Thursday evening, October 7, at MidState Medical Center's Emergency Department and Expansion Project Open House. The event was sponsored by the Meriden, Cheshire, Southington and Quinnipiac Chambers of Commerce and drew over 200 people from the hospital and business community. MidState's 100,000 square foot, $45 million expansion project included a brand new Emergency Department with all private rooms, inpatient unit, main entrance covered patient drop-off area and impressive lobby with a soothing water feature. Pictured cutting the ribbon is Lucille Janatka, President & CEO, along with Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde, and various members of hospital leadership and the Board of Directors.

Sierra's Grocery Store Challenge: Results and Winners Announced Last month, Andy and his daughter, Sierra, set out to reduce their $300/week grocery bill to $150 or less per week by the end of September. Sierra, only 12, was the driving force behind this challenge, with Andy only supplying the grocery money and transportation. The results are in and, thankfully, Sierra achieved her goal. (If she didn't, Andy and I were going to have to take a swim in Long Island Sound in November. I wasn't looking forward to that!) The total spent on groceries for September came in at just under $600 for the month. That's down from their regular $1200 monthly grocery bill. Wouldn't it be nice to find an extra $600 a month in your budget? That's just what Sierra and Andy did for their family by using coupons and smart shopping!

Sierra and Andy have some tips for all of you who would like to cut your weekly and monthly grocery bills: 1. Learn to buy bulk. Our grocery bill total will seem high to you ($220.00) but there is a big reason why and in the end it will save us a ton of money this month. We bought in bulk on items we use that were at a great sales price. I will use Ground Turkey as an example. Normally it costs between $2.99 - $3.49 per pound. It was on sale for $1.99 per pound so Sierra and I bought 12 packages. The boneless chicken was also a great savings so I bought 5 packages.

In addition, Ortega Complete Dinner Kits, normally $5.49, were on sale for $2.79. Because we had coupons, we bought 3 of them, as we normally have that meal 1x per week.

2. Gina told us to make an exact list of the items we need from her list that were on sale and had coupons. If items we needed were not on sale we didn't buy them. These items would eventually be on sale so we just knew to save the coupons until they were.

3. There were several items on sale and that we had coupons for that were out of stock. We forgot to go to the courtesy desk and get rain checks. Total bummer.

4. We did not go shopping every week. You might think that is great as we cut our $300 off of our regular weekly grocery bill, but it was a HUGE mistake. If you read Gina's advice, that was definitely the wrong thing to do as we could have taken advantage of so many free or heavily discounted items that would have lowered our grocery bills far into the future. Many of the staples that we buy were on sale the weeks we did not go shopping, and with the coupons we would have saved a ton of money. This would have greatly reduced our future grocery bills and as an example most of the staples were NOT on sale the following week. Gina also has advised getting a stand-up freezer to take advantage of buying in bulk. We did not do that yet. You might be thinking that there is an expense to doing that but based on buying bulk for our meats and other things we would have made our money back in 2-3 months and then it's all gravy after that - so we will be getting a freezer.

Remember, ANYONE can do what Sierra and Andy have done. If you are serious about cutting your grocery and drug store bills by at least half, visit me on my blog, Gina's Kokopelli (www.ginaskokopelli.com) and/or sign up for one of my free couponing classes held at the Wallingford (203-265-6754) and Meriden (203-630-6347) Libraries.

And now for the winners! * $50 Gift Card to the Grocery Store of your choice - MARI * $50 Ramada Gift Card (For lodging or restaurant) - STEVEN E. * $25 in Amazon.com gift codes - NAN * A collection of books from Storey Publishing. These books help you save money by teaching you how to do things on your own - CASSIE * FIVE $25 gift certificates to Restaurant.com (five winners!) - ROBIN K, NICOLE, KRISTEN A, MARY J, ROBYN G. * Super Duper Bonus Entry - $30 Coupon Binder - PAT J. Congratulations to all the winners!

2010 October Events at the Augusta Mondays, Oct. 18th, 25th---Augusta Curtis Concert Band Rehearsals.

Anyone with some level of playing can join our community band. Members range in age from 13 to 80. Band is now rehearsing Holiday performance music. The band rehearses every Monday at 7pm in the lower level of the ACCC, entrance on pleasant street.

Sunday, Oct. 17th---Meriden Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held at 2pm. Light refreshment to be served and is open to the Public. See website for 2010 inductees.

Wednesday, Oct. 20th---Quinnipiac River Watershed Association Annual Meeting to be held at the Center. See website for more info.

Wednesday, Oct. 20th------"Meriden Garden Club" 2nd meeting to organize new club. 6:30pm, join us if you have an interest in gardening or beautifying Meriden.

Friday, Oct. 22nd---Caberet & Cabernet Fun Raiser for Chorale CT. An evening of wine and music performance from 7pm to 9pm at the Center. Go to www.choralect.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

Thursday, Oct. 28th---Con Brio Concert at Center, 7:30pm. Classical string quartet you won't want to miss!

Friday, Oct 29th "Nites out at the Augusta" Halloween Party---The Don Campbell Trio will be performing and come in costume or not, your choice.

Best Artistic Costume will receive a prize. Doors open at 7:00pm, tickets $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Caberet Style Event, BYOB and FOOD! Costumes optional!

Being Out of Work is the Pits.

It is awful, it eats away at self-esteem, it is lonely, it robs one of the ability to generous, it - wait a minute- that last 'thing,' about being robbed of the ability to be generous. Hold it. Being unemployed gives you that chance to be generous, all right!

You can be generous with the thing you have too much of- TIME! Your time is a very valuable commodity!

Boy, what I wouldn't give for someone to help me work for the best damned civic youth orchestra in the region!

No more loneliness for you! No, sir, I'll talk your head off. I'll make suggestions about how you do things- just like a co-worker would. Heck, by the time you get a job, the time will have flown by! You can enjoy using your skills, you can serve other people, well, you will be helping young people train their brains with music! And, short-term commitments are fine. Maybe Classical music education isn't for you. Look around the town you live in...help!

So, to those who would ordinarily be generous and who find unemployment boring and annoyinggive a call to your favorite non-profit and offer the gift of time and volunteer your skills. You'll be very glad you did!

Katrina Axelrod - Meriden ArtsTrust, Inc. Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra www.heartsinthearts.com

The submission deadline for our November issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is the 30th. Email your stories, news and events to andy@peoplespressnews.com. Email your photos and celebrations to celebrations@peoplespressnews.com. If we can help in any way please call 203-235-9333.

Page 27 October 2010

A Ghostly Tale It didn't look so bad. Oh, there were a lot of loose boards hanging down from the edge of the roof, a few broken windows, fence gate askew, and weeds were sprouting up in the cracks along the walkway. In the daylight it looked like any other old abandoned house. They all said that at night the wind could be heard whistling through the cracks and crevices of this once beautiful mansion. It was also said that weird noises could be heard coming from the second floor window. Well, it sure didn't appear to be scary to me…at least not until the night of the dare.

"Come on, show us that you're not a chicken….just stay the night." Dared Larry and Ken. "We'll be out here in the gazebo, safe and sound in our sleeping bags."

"I wasn't afraid."…I touted. "I'll stay in there 'til the sun comes up in the morning."

I could see by the way they smirked that they took my words as being an empty bag of braggadocio. "Well, I'll show them," I murmured assuredly to myself.

The Octoberness of the day was creeping in, oh so steadily……and, soon, the daylight had evaporated. The house loomed a little bigger, darker, and scarier now with out the rays of the sun streaming down upon it. So, now I had to make good on my boastful utterances.

"Here's a couple of candles and matches." They handed them to me, shoved me in through the door, closed it behind me, and left me there….all alone, to fend for myself.

The moon was shimmering brightly on that October eve, and I was able to barely make out things that lay all around. The candle helped a little, but it kept flickering out as I walked towards a bed that I guessed would be okay to sleep on. I placed the candle on the nightstand, laid down, and soon began to doze off……..and then…I heard it….a muffling sound, a dire squeaking of floorboards, a sound that made my heart quiver, and with it, the smell of wretched things. I felt a brushing along my arm, and quickly, I yanked it back and under the musky smelling blanket. The room loomed in murky pith as though the ground beneath it was gurgling it up. "EEEE, Yikes." There, at the foot of the rusty bed frame, stood a black monster from the deepest depths of Lucifer's realm.

"What are you…who are you ?", I managed to mumble aloud. It, this thing, this fiend, vanished in a blue-black haze into the dreariness of that room. Soon, another sound came from the corner behind the ragged remnants of what used to be curtains. The flimsy cloth billowed as a low guttural noise blew forth. It was an eerie, tortured sound of something, or someone that seemed like death wailing. There was a seething outline moving towards me, a somber shadow of an unknown beast, coming slowly…creeping toward my stiffened body.

Hands…hands with bony fingers, were reaching for me….stretching out to take me, to take me to some un-Godly place. My heart's thumping could be heard as an echo inside that stark dungeon of a house. The candle had dimmed, and now my world was as black and grim as a graveyard at midnight.

The harsh touch of this apparition, this wraith, was cold, and decaying to my sanity. I frantically got out from under the cover. I had to escape…I had to survive…I had to get out of there…get away from its presence. And with the fleetness of an impala, I ran, stumbling, tripping, gasping, grabbing for anything that would get me away from its grasp. The dimness mattered not as I ran down the stairs……I could feel the cold dark ugliness moving with me……ever swifter I ran, never stopping to look back to see if it was there, there behind me in its pursuit to swallow me alive, or some terrible unimaginable thing.

I was at the door, fumbling for the knob, trembling, I turned it…..it opened, and I was outside…outside hollering….

"HELP! HELP! I shrieked. "There's a ghost, a monster, or some horrible thing in there." "Where are you guys?", I bellowed out.

I looked over at the gazebo where only two crumpled up sleeping bags lay…….."Well, I'll be dogged." I thought to myself. "I guess I must have scared them off with all my yelling."

The moral of this……..never be a braggart, because you just might have to face something unearthly, such as I did.

- George Arndt -

2010 Central CT Pet Fair, Dog Walk 5k Road Race A Resounding Success! Submitted by the Meriden Rotary The Central CT Pet Fair had an unbelievably beautiful fall day for everyone to enjoy the Pet Fair yesterday at Meriden's Hubbard Park sponsored by Northstar Wealth Partner's financial advisor Marc Sack and the Record-Journal. The event was held to benefit the Meriden Humane Society and the charities of the Meriden Rotary Foundation.

The day started with Steven Bucchieri of Meriden winning the 5k road race in a blistering 18:37 which equates to a 6:00 minute/mile pace! Jackie Montclair of Cheshire took home the women's first place marble trophy. The road race was well attended and aided by the great weather had dozens of walk-ups to enjoy the run through the park. All racers received a doggie bag of goods along with a maroon t-shirt detailing the event and its sponsors. The trophies for the road race were given out by State Senator Tom Gaffey and race director Brian Daniels, himself a Meriden City Councilman.

Event Director, Dave Lake kicked off the Dog Walk which, similar to the road race, saw dozens of walk-ups to enjoy the Walk along with their canine friends. The Dog Walk was led by local celebrity Rocky the Rock Cat. It was overheard that a few walkers walked faster because the dogs (and a miniature pony!) were walking faster in an attempt to catch Rocky. Dog walkers were also given doggie bags of goods, treats from Meriden Feed & Supply and a bandanna for the dogs to wear during the walk and to take home with them.

There were many other events that were enjoyed by all including a hip-hop dancing performance by Beat the Street's players. There was also a Pet Look a Like Contest sponsored by New Concepts Plumbing of Cheshire, a dancing dog performance and a Best Pet Trick contest. Children also enjoyed the Moon Bounce provided by the Meriden YMCA. The event was estimated to have roughly 2,000 people take part in the event.

Race Director Dave Lake was very happy with the event. Lake was heard to say "We exceeded all of our goals that we set for this the 2nd year of the event.

We are already looking at how to improve next year's event!"

Local Band Review A new monthly feature for The People's Press By Wayne Montefusco Friday night Oct 1st Westbrook Lobster with Brian Jarvis and Keith Kane Everyone that knows me knows I support local artists, musicians and bands.

Andy has been asking me for a write-up all year for he knows I'm out in the clubs and the arenas of the state seeing the best of the best out there. I have gotten to know some really good people over the past year and it all comes from Brian Jarvis. Brian is a really down to earth person that I know everyone likes and wants to work with. He has shown me that there is some really good music out there that's up and coming. Most of the music I have listened to all year is from artists that you have never heard of because they are unknown to FM radio. Brian stands out to me as different because he is know and liked by everybody. He is a really down to earth guy to get to know personally. He threw a fund raiser last Christmas that had artists coming from all over to play at. It was a Toy for Tots show at the Bushnell. The talent in that room was amazing.

Brian Jarvis I have heard that Brian plays out at the local place in Wallingford called the Westbrook Lobster. This was a night that had some magic to it. There was a woman singer there from Oregon playing shows for gas to get to the next place. Check out Sharaya Mikeal on Facebook and Twitter. Keith Kane from Vertical Horizon was there also. Keith was Wallingford resident for the past few years. He comes back to Wallingford every so often and plays the Westbrook to hang with friends and family.

Brian plays there every few weeks.

Brian played an acoustic set on the deck with his bass player Jon Coates. There is a new song called "On and On" that you can hear on Reverb Nation. It's going to be on the new CD called the Warehouse Sessions. They played a short set and one U2 song. Mike P who was in Brian's band was in the audience and came up and sang on a few songs.

There wasn't a big crowd but it was still great.

Go out and see some of the local artist in the area. There is tons of local talent that have better music then what FM radio plays. I have bought CD's this past year that are way better than anything on the charts at this time. It's all I have listened to all year. Someday someone is going to discover some of the local artists and they will be the next best thing.

I have noticed that they all do acoustic shows and with play with a full band. There is many venues in the area that are now having live entertainment as another way of bringing revenue into their establishments.

Dear Housewives - Central Connecticut's Know It All Gals Dear Readers/Writers, do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail (peoplespress@peoplespresnews.com or phone (203-235-9333) with your confidential question (or answer for this special issue) and we will answer it in the next issue.

WE HAD SOME VENTING NEEDS FROM OUR WONDERFUL READERS. THEY ASKED IF THEY COULD JUST VENT. THIS IS OUR FIRST VENT COLUMN. This is time for our readers to respond to some questions. Your answers will be in a future Dear Housewives column. - June and Flora Dear Housewives,I need to vent! What is it with employees of stores parking CLOSE TO THE STORE ENTRANCE? It makes me nuts. I see them walking all slow in uniform, smoking (some) in parking spots designated for the customers. Thanks June and Flora for this venting opportunity. - Fed Up in the Lot everywhere Readers? Send your answers to peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com Dear Housewives, My friend constantly is on her phone when we are out at a restaurant or just over watching a game on TV. I don't know what to say without sounding rude. But she is the one being rude. I need to get this off my chest. Any advice? - Phone seems to rule in Wallingford, CT Readers? Send your answer to peoplespressnews.com.

Thank you Peoples Press for ten wonderful years! You provide our community with the good news that we all need. We are grateful for the opportunity to write Dear Housewives each month. You are a blessing to so many. Here's to another decade of news worthy stories and information!

Annual Augusta Curtis Auction Saturday, November 13th - 7:30p.m.

The Event is FREE to attend and this year features a Wedding package worth $10,000 and includes, wedding gown, groom's tux, facility for 8 hrs for up to 120 people, dj/photographer/lighting package for 7 hrs., wedding cake for 80, bride's bouquet/10 centerpieces/cake flowers, and limo for 2 hrs. Minimum bid required $2500. Of course, that’s not all. There is a huge selection of items for you to view and bid on.

This major event is a great way to get holiday gifts for loved ones or even yourself and it also supports our ongoing efforts to bring arts, culture and so much more to the area. Please join us!

If you would like to donate an auction item for our cause - it would be deeply appreciated.

Please call 203-639-2856

Page 28 October 2010

Home Country

Order your Angel Food Holiday Boxes Early

Slim Randles Dud Campbell drove the pickup slowly out of town and down past the dairy to the fishing area on Lewis Creek. It seemed to him that everything he did this morning was in slow motion. He didn't care.

He grabbed the shovel out of the back and walked down to a certain stand of trees about 40 feet up the bank from the water. Yes, it was here. Many days and many nights they'd shared this place. Sometimes with a campfire - there, you can see the charred wood still - and sometimes with a sandwich or two to share between them during a bright summer day.

Dud started the hole about six feet back from the ring of rocks that was their fire pit. It didn't have to be a really big hole, but it took him a long time because he wanted to do it carefully. He wanted it to be right. The shovel seemed to weigh fifty pounds this morning.

"Mr. Campbell," the veterinarian had said, "there's nothing we can do. He's old and he can't see any more, and now he's in pain."

Dud carefully scraped the edge of the hole with the shovel. Maybe, he thought foolishly, if I make the hole - well comfortable …

Nothing made sense this morning. He'd been forced to make a decision. It wasn't right to ask that. It wasn't good. No one should have to decide such things.

"It's really for the best. It's just going to get worse."

But how can someone be sure? What if … someday, and somewhere … it turns out that was the wrong decision?

Don't even think that. There's just the needle, and it's quick, and then there's just this bundle in a blanket, his favorite blanket, which I take out of the truck and carry down to the creek for the last time.

I hope, he thought, I hope … well, it had to be right. Wasn't it, old fella?

One of life's greatest tragedies is we tend to outlive our best friends.

Sponsored by: www.pearsonranch.com. Farm direct, delicious, California navel & Valencia oranges.

Meriden Hills Baptist Church is now accepting orders for Angel Food Ministries Holiday boxes. These boxes will serve a family of ten and are only $36.00. When you order one for yourself, consider ordering an extra to give to someone in their time of need. By providing a hand up you are letting someone know you care.

Thanksgiving Boxes may be ordered until November 11th and Christmas Boxes may be ordered through December 1st. All orders will be delivered during regular November and December distributions.

For more information or to place an order please visit: http://www.angelfoodministries.com or call 203-237-0302.

October "Bread of Life" Signature Box for only $31 4 lb. IQF Chicken Drums & Thighs Combo 1.5 lb. Hamburger Patties (4 x 6 oz.) 1.75 lb. Fully-Cooked Breaded Party Wings 20 oz. Steak Fajitas 1 lb. Battered Fish Bites 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef 7 oz. Beef Link Sausage 1 lb. Fajita Blend Veggies 1 lb. Peas & Carrots 1 lb. Corn 20 oz. Shoe String Fries 1 lb. 16 Bean Soup Mix 1 lb. Rice 7.25 oz. Mac & Cheese 7.5 oz. Corn Muffin Mix 32 oz. 2% Shelf-Stable Milk Dozen Eggs Dessert Angel Food Thanksgiving and Christmas Boxes for only $36!

7.5 lb. (avg.) All Natural Perdue Roasting Hen 3 lb. Boneless Netted Ham Roast 12 oz. Corn Bread Stuffing Mix (2 packages x 6 oz. = 12 servings) 1 lb. Frozen Cranberries 12 ct. Mini Corn Cobbettes 2 lb. Green Beans 2 lb. Diced Sweet Potatoes 12 ct. Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls 1.7 oz. Brown Gravy Mix (2 packages x .87 oz. = 2 cups gravy) Dessert Recipes and Cooking Instructions

Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events Oct.18, Mon. Technology Committee Seminar Series: Social and Internet Marketing of your Business -Facebook and Twitter will be will from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce. Call the Chamber at 203.235.7901 to register - $15 per person for Chamber members; $25 - notyet-members.

Oct. 22, Fri Breakfast Club Celebrates . . . Hispanic Heritage Month CoSponsored by HOLA with guest speaker Dr. Elsa Nunez, President of Eastern CT State University and Shining Star Honoree, Hector Cardona, Sr. $18 in advance for members - call 203.235.7901.

Oct.25, Mon. Technology Committee Seminar Series: Social and Internet Marketing of your Business- Linked-In will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce. R.S.V.P. to the Chamber at 203.235.7901. - $15 per person for Chamber members; $25 - not-yet-members.

Oct. 28, Thu. Business After Hours hosted by Meriden YMCA from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Come out for Halloween Networking, refreshments, drawings and more! No fee to attend!

October is Fire Prevention Month The Meriden Firefighters' Local 1148 would like to remind you that October is Fire Prevention Month. Make sure you have working smoke detectors and an Escape Plan for your home!

Smoke detectors should be installed on each floor of your home (including the basement), outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. Larger homes may need additional detectors.

Test smoke detectors monthly, change the batteries twice a year and replace detectors every 10 years. Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!

We are proud to be celebrating our 106th year in the fruit growing business! 1904-2 2010 Find out why by stopping by!

Now in the Store

Pears Bartlett & Bosc Apples

Honeycrisp and Macoun Apples are here!

Explosively Crisp and Extremely Delicous.

Everyone’s Favorite 141 Blue Hills Rd., Wallingford

NEW at Blue Hills! Take a Hayride through the beauty of our farm! Every Sun. at 1pm through October 31st!

You’ll love it!

New Hours Fri, Sat from 10-6 Sunday from 11-4

Gala McIntosh Cortland Honeycrisp Macoun Opalescent Empire Red Delicious Jonagold Golden Delicious Mutsu

Coming Late Oct. Cameo Ida Red

2 Country blocks west of the Oakdale Theater

(203) 269-3189

Page 29 October 2010

Ten Years - So much to remember!

A Recollection, 2000-2010

By Ernie Larsen When I first saw this suggestion by the Publisher I thought, piece of cake. Then I got to thinking and it hit me, 10 years, a long time for a lot of stuff but for a giveaway newspaper? "Who'd a thunk it". And in the spirit of its success I tender my sincere kudos to Andy, Dawn, et al. for reaching this pinnacle. Back to the subtle requests for an article: I sent over some photos and soon received a personal appeal from the publisher for an article: well, I caved; now I began to think about what happened to me and those with whom I have shared the past 10 or so years. Fortunately I have utilized a daily date book for many years; and kept most of them; after one of my well known, well, to my family for sure, house searches; I found seven of them covering the time period I decided to recall.

I'm starting my 'memoirs' so to speak, in the year 2000; our daughter was married on April 15th of the year, a significant if not unusual event as opposed to what I refer to as a 'standard' wedding. I was a very busy wedding photographer at the time and in an instant - the father of the bride. My daughter had planned to be married in the gymnasium of the school in which she taught - this really took some of her new Italian Catholic relatives aback. At least she had a priest, so that made it OK, I reckon. A colleague of mine did the photography and for both of us it was the first wedding ceremony we saw performed in a school. My only request was that there was a live band at the reception - in my wedding career I worked a lot of gigs with Jeff Crooms and his group Party Line so they were it and were fantastic. Then another break from tradition, the Father/Daughter dance - not Daddy's Little Girl or anything mushy like that, we chose Glenn Miller's "In The Mood" an up-tempo, big band hit from the 1940's. I'll bet there were a lot of raised eyebrows in the crowd thinking 'boy, I wish I had thought of that for my wedding'! The wedding was lovely, everyone enjoying the evening. We held the reception at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville; a wise choice - the staff are consummate pros and everything went as smooth as silk.

So, now the hard part - trying to remember noteworthy events and just stuff that happened in 10 years - even though I used to keep daily notes I am missing a couple of years so some of my recollections and dates may be out of sync.

Of course in a 10 or so year length of time, there will be comings and goings; those who have passed on and the new generation joining the family fold. So, here is my remembrance of whom we have lost, family, friends and acquaintances. Starting with the aforementioned Jeff Crooms - in January of 2004, he passed on much too soon, age wise, as any death is too soon for the surviving loved ones. My boyhood friend Gary Steele, proxy grandmother, Grandma Josephine Albrycht, her son-in-law, John Ford, Elizabeth Blodgett, daughter of good friend, Sandra. Mom's sister, Auntie Betty Longo - her husband Uncle Jim Longo, Mom's brothers - Uncle Joe Nevelos and just recently Uncle George Nevelos. My wife Mary's 'cousin' Eleanor Coughlin and her uncle Bob Luby, boyhood friend, Tim Gaffney, friends Jean Lukens, Sidney Brick, D.M.D. Mike Rogoz, premier White Russian mixologist, Bob Lohrmann, A.I.A. Longtime friend, Daffodil Festival and City colleague, Bill Dunn; Schoolmate, neighbor sister of good buddy Jan, Bonnie Uryase Kaczorowski - family friend Louise Ivers, Marlene Ferguson, wife of good friend Art. Barbara White, colleague from my RJ days. My apologies to the memory of others whom I may have omitted. All of these folks were special friends and relatives, they all lived meaningful lives and we will certainly miss them.

On a less somber note we welcome those who have joined the immediate family frey; Riley Elizabeth Ciaburri on January 30, 2003 and Emily Catherine Larsen on December 23, 2009; as well as their cousins Clare and Liam Adamczyk of the Massachusett's Adamczyk's; and another set of cousins, Hannah and Cooper Wrubleski of Westbrook, CT. Welcome, hope the world treats you well.

So, what else did the decade bring on for Mary and me? For me a job alteration; from a freelance photographer to a full-time Meriden Parks Department clerk; this was an extension of my volunteer activities on the Meriden Daffodil Festival committee and it also filled a couple of positions created by retirements. And Mary left the classroom and transferred to Pulaski elementary to become a literacy facilitator (reading teacher); a position that offered more one on one with the students.

I still was involved in photography doing weddings on weekends until January of 2003 when I had an unfortunate medical aberration involving my heart. Gave up the trade and all I miss is the money.

We also kept up our penchant for travel and visited London, UK in 2001 and again in 2004 and '05 - traveling in the off-season ie. school vacations in February with airlines offering some really attractive hotel/air packages. We could spend a week (7 nights) in London, air, hotel, transfers, teas for less than 3 nights in New York City and that's the truth!

We also visited Bermuda a three times in the decade our preferred lodging was The Reefs in Southampton. This is a higher end place known for its personal service and restaurants and what we liked was one of the best beaches on the island. And we also visited Nevis in the West Indies a sister resort of The Reefs, Nisbet Plantation - made three trips here, traveled in July or August - off season and totally affordable. As a matter of fact, one year we were upgraded as the resort announced it was going to close for renovations and then had to honor some reservations that were made - so when we arrived there were only 4-6 people staying so we had a beachfront suite, you know "front row"!

And in 2006, after returning from Nevis being home for 6 days we left for Italy for an 8 day 'week'. This was a visit to our son-in-laws hometown and to meet his family. I tell you, this was pretty exhaustive but we had a good time and it proved to be a good foundation to my trip back in 2010.

And we also have stayed in the 'States, in 2006 we started to visit friends who 'condo sit' in West Harwich on Cape Cod in February.

We have made this a yearly thing since and once when they up there in July 2008 we spent a few days, but it is much more convenient to get around in the winter.

Back to April, school vacation, we were given a gift of lodging in Disney World and accompanied our daughter, son in law and granddaughter to the Magic Kingdom et al. That was quite an experience, the Disney folks have a great handle on the vacation experience - loved it.

A few other milestones; weddings in particular; Ellen Adamczyk and Alan Harszewski tied the knot in September of 2004 and Margaret (Ellen's sister) walked down the aisle with Bill Antonitis on the 1st of July 2006 and then closer to home, our son Kevin married Sarah Barnes on July 4th of 2008. Once again I wanted live music, but not being as involved in the planning process, it wasn't to be. However there was a great jazz trio during the cocktail reception. And after a few of those libations I couldn't have cared if Jed was playing the comb, with Granny on the washboard and Jethro on the jug. But I really got jiggy with the jazz, if you know what I mean. We hosted this gala at 960 Main in Hartford, another wonderful venue for weddings; consummate professionals down to the last swizzle stick.

A personal highlight of the decade for me is when I met Dave Brubeck, the jazz pianist, up close and personal. He was performing in Durham, CT (his daughter lives there) and I purchased a patron ticket and had access to he and his sidemen along with his family after the performance. I have been a fan since the early 1960's and I was like a kid in a candy store. It was one of the most exciting times of my life.

And amongst the traveling and family one of my major activities is my involvement with the Meriden Daffodil Festival. I began as a paid photographer and when I was doing some photos of a committee meeting I offered some of my ideas and feelings and was invited to attend the next meeting which began my work on the organizational end of the event. That was some 15 or 16 years ago. I moved up the ranks to treasurer of the Festival and an officer for Festivals of Meriden, Inc. The only break was in 2009/10 - my Parks Department job was eliminated and I took a transfer to the Purchasing Department. Knowing, as low man on the totem pole, time off would be difficult to schedule; I took a hiatus from the Committee. I felt that with not being able to give the time I usually spent on Committee business it would negatively affect my involvement. And the good news is (hope it is good news) I'll be back for 2011, which will be Daffodil 33.

No more worries about time off, both my wife and I retired from f/t employment this summer. She in June and me on July 1st. So what's it like - fantastic. Do whatever you want whenever you want - no more groveling having to request for a few hours/days off. And getting paid for it to boot; what could be better than that?

The day after I clocked out of City Hall for the last time I drove up to Maine to visit friends, stayed for a week and when I returned home I was invited to accompany my granddaughter and son in law to a return trip to Italy. This time it was for two weeks; a visit to Carlo's (Nick's brother) farm and an excursion to the Amalfi coast. So, two weeks of Chamber of Commerce weather in Italy was quite an experience and then when I returned, just a week later we were on the ferry from Woods Hole, MA to Martha's Vineyard. This trip was 10 years in the making - my wife thought it would be somewhat ironic that when she retired and her colleagues were back in school she and her two previously retired teacher friends be on Martha's Vineyard. It wasn't discussed that much through the years but on the occasion of a retirement and 65th birthday party for Mary and I - our good friends - collectively known as Schmittoli surprised us with a weeks' rental of a house on the Vineyard. The place was great, 7 miles off he coast yet a thousand miles away - a differ-

ent lifestyle and attitude. We couldn't have asked for a more fitting gift.

And now back to reality - I'm writing this just a few hours before the deadline. We are now settling in to retirement living with both of us in the house although Gramma is spending some hours watching baby Emily while Mom works on her degree. I haven't got a set routine as of yet - going to be overseeing some remodeling in the kitchen and helping out with our other granddaughter.

So up to now, that's a capsule of the past decade - sure there is a lot more stuff I should include - like our friendly family baking competition at the Durham Fair - only 3 of us entered this year and all won ribbons. Or the day we came downstairs and the kitchen ceiling was on the floor. You know the little highlights and hiccups of daily life.

For me, it's time to organize photos of vacations, I have some 900 or so to edit and then to get them into albums and have enlargements made - a lot to do. And the garden needs to be cleaned out after a successful harvest.

Luckily, retirement offers the time - now if it would just stop raining.

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

In a houseful of toddlers and pets, you can start out having a bad day, but you keep getting detoured. ~Robert Brault

Page 30 October 2010

Life along the Q River‌

Flu Clinic and Pneumonia Vaccines

An Update from the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association - QRWA and WOWgreen, a winning combination

By JoAnne Grabinski Deb Mason, QRWA board member and turtle project coordinator, needed to do something. One of her recent turtle rescues resulted in a turtle that had no hind legs. After consulting with specialists and scientists, it was determined that this deformity was a direct result to the chemical toxins in the environment. And that bothered Deb a lot, a real lot.

So much that she decided she had to do something about it. She researched a number of companies that provided cleaning products and finally settled on one: WOWgreen. WOWgreen offers a convenient all-in-one green home cleaning solution that is safe, effective and all natural.

WOWgreen has a variety of products to tackle you toughest cleaning chores. They offer everything from cleaning the kitchen, bathroom and laundry to stain removers, carpet and upholstery, wood and dust, and glass and stainless cleaners. They even have refillable spray bottles and concentrates to further enhance the greenness of the environment along with ready-to-use cleaning products.

The base ingredient for the cleaning line is made from a cell free protein derived from yeast and has approved ingredients for both Green Seal and Design for the Environment Certification. Colors are food grade safe and scents are derived from essentials oils with disinfecting qualities.

So Deb, being the generous person that she is, signed onto to have QRWA partner with WOWgreen to benefit the QRWA and the environment. BUT before you can purchase WOWgreen products through the QRWA website we need 11 members to sign up so we can begin to benefit from program and a portion of the proceeds will go directly to the QRWA's building fund! You get a clean, green home and the QRWA gets donation s to help with bringing their Environmental Education Center to completion! It's a win-win for everyone - you, your home, the QRWA and the environment! You can't get any better than that!

You can make your purchases directly through the QRWA web site by clicking on the www.WOWgreen.net/149153 link and you will receive the 'Preferred Customer' pricing, with a 20% savings on all WOWgreen products now and in the future.

By signing up as a new member you may purchase a WOWgreen sample pack for only $5. You can do this through the web site when you sign up, just be sure to include your request on the form with your membership and a QRWA member will make sure you receive your WOWgreen trial pack it's a great opportunity to try a sample size of many of the WOWgreen products. And when you buy more the QRWA is the beneficiary, making the Environmental Educational Center closer to a reality. The donation will go directly to the build fund and will be used to purchase needed materials or help defray the cost for paid skilled professionals.

Thank you Deb for taking the initiative to help the QRWA membership, the QRWA building, the environment and most of all, the turtles.

Upcoming QRWA Events: QRWA Annual Dinner, Wednesday, October 20, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, August Curtis Cultural Center, Meriden.

Christmas in the Village - Saturday, December 4, 2010, 2:00-5:30 pm, Main Street, South Meriden.

Continuous Fundraiser: Purchase environmentally safe cleaning products, help the environment and help the QRWA! Visit www.WOWgreen.net/149153 for details.

The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the Quinnipiac for the health and enjoyment of all citizens and communities along its reach and to educate all students, families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river.

We provide water activities, events in education, outreach, advocacy, scientific monitoring, conservation, restoration, recreation and public access to the watershed area. To learn more about the QRWA and future events, please visit our website at www.qrwa.org. Thank you for your support and remember your donations are tax deductible.

Sponsored by VNA HealthCare, Community Service Public Bid 09-077 NO Appointment necessary, also available to children age 9 or older accompanied by parent Proof of insurance required. Flu vaccine $37, Pneumonia Vaccine $57.00 Wallingford Public Library, 200 North Main St., Community Rm. Saturday, October 23rd, 10:00 am - Noon Monday, October 25th, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Financial need or questions? Contact the Wallingford Health Department at 203-294-2065

CELEBRATIONS

Nobody told us that we could not go on the couch! We don’t care if you have company. We were here first.

CELEBRATIONS

was blessed from the Heavens above with the love from my husband Steve Cuccaro. Love always, Deanna

Page 31 October 2010

Barbara's Bountiful Bouquet Happy fall to all. It appears we've gone from 90-degree days to the 60s in pretty short order, and I gave in and turned on the heat yesterday, October 3rd. We did have lovely weather for Celebrate Wallingford, and Kathy and I both sat down with a delicious bowl of Rhode Island clam chowder from Chris' Restaurant, and it was wonderful. I haven't had it in years. So on Sunday I walked from my house and got me another container and took it home. Yum! So how does your garden grow? Mine is about finished. I didn't plant any fall plants and am kind of limited in that because of not having a fence. My neighbor across the way from my garden was there on Sunday picking brussel sprouts, okra, and beets. She has parsnip and carrots as well, and some green tomatoes. Her garden looks a little more alive than mine does.

I picked all the larger green tomatoes on Sunday, 30 of them, and put them on windowsills in my sun room. I'm still picking cherry tomatoes, but they are definitely coming to a close now. I have some perennials still blooming, a purple flower, I'm afraid I don't remember what it's called, but they are quite tall and they really spread out over the summer. I did some weeding, pulled out a few sunflowers, cut back the dead perennials, and once the tomatoes are done, I'll get to the real cleanup of the garden. There are weeds, naturally, but nothing like the gardens surrounding mine and elsewhere at the Community Garden.

It's funny how far some of my tomatoes traveled this summer. Some of the tomatoes went to people who were leaving on trips and were taking them with them, like to Cape Cod and other spots. One evening I brought a bunch to a Family Constellation class, and the attendees come from many different towns, some an hour away. Some of my tomatoes were at my court reporter's house in Hamden during the Jewish holidays and were shared by guests of theirs. I took a lot to my friend Kathy, and she shared them with an older lady, Mrs. Horton, who lives nearby. I shared tomatoes with Helen, who lives upstairs from me and is 90 years old, and she was delighted. I took some to Krauszer's, gave them to coworkers and bosses, and twice to Wayne, a customer, who was thrilled. I never really thought about how far the tomatoes traveled away from the Community Garden. So to Miss Goody Two-Shoes who bemoaned the fact that I had lot of rotten tomatoes and "The homeless could have used those," trust me, hundreds of my tomatoes found good homes. Shows you how little she knows anyway because the homeless shelter in Wallingford is closed during the summer. If I had taken them there, they definitely would have rotted.

Thus ends another summer of gardening. It always comes and goes so darn quickly. Some people cannot understand why I garden when there are so many places to buy vegetables during the summer, and there's no work involved! That is true. But there is enormous satisfaction that comes from planting a seed or a tiny plant and watching it come to life and grow and grow. The tiny marigolds that look like they are dying a week after being put into the ground grow slowly at first, hardly a difference, and then they flourish and finally reach their peak by the end of September and are totally stunning. The sunflowers from seed and all the volunteers in time become the giants of the garden, reaching spectacular heights. I love watering those giants, spraying the water on the very tops and giving them a shower. You can practically see them smiling. The soil, the fresh air, the sun, the warmth, the flowers, the many different birds, the butterflies, the bees, a time to get away from everything and just take in God's gifts, and "commune with nature." How could anyone pass up such an opportunity?

I wish everyone a great fall, Happy Halloween, and I'll see you next spring, God willing.

Barbara Sherburne - barndt49@yahoo.com

CELEBRATIONS

Con-Con and Mom enjoying the Pet Fair! Don’t cross the line where the ponies are!

"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective"

by Gregory M. Simpson My cats do not go outside except when on a leash and harness. So imagine my horror when I had a nightmare one evening that one of my cats was outside and attacked by a coyote. Why would I dream that when they stay indoors?

Perhaps it is time to repeat the message about why it is better than cats live indoors.

My beloved cat, "Lucky" passed away from cancer last March. Before then, he would purr restfully each night as he snuggled next to me on the bed.

When someone in my family would open a door to the outside, he would run in the other direction. You see, Lucky had been a stray or abandoned cat, rescued by my wife and me from the frigid outdoors one January. He had not desire to even "visit" the outdoors.

I adopted another cat after he was found starving and unable to move due to his entanglement in a flea collar. He, too, will not go outdoors now, even if the door is left wide open.

How do I share my stories, news and events?

As my mentor, Ellen Perry Berkeley, author of the seminal book on feral It’s easy to share! All you have to do is send an email to cats, Maverick Cats, wrote to me, "…we have since brought in three more andy@peoplespressnews.com with a word document attached or in the body or your feral cats…. All three seem hugely happy indoors. As my husband says, email. Be sure to include your name. You can also go to www.peoplespressnews.com and 'They've been outdoors.'"

Yes, the perils of outdoors negatively affect the health and life span of cats. press the submit button. If you don’t have email - mail your submission to: The Cats that go outdoors live on average 4-5 years, while indoor cats average 15 People’s Press, PO Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492. REMEMBER - It’s FREE to share. years or more. This is not surprising when one considers the potential threats. I have seen so many cats killed on the highway that I keep the teleHow do I share my CELEBRATIONS of photos/messages? phone number for state and local highway crews in my Rolodex. I never fail Email Celebrations@peoplespressnews.com. Make sure your photo is large by to be saddened by the sight and think how that ending could have been avertemail - we will reduce the size for the paper. By sending it as large as possible the ed had someone kept that cat as an indoor companion. Such outcomes can be quality will be much higher. If you don’t have email, look for the CELEBRATIONS expected when cats are left to roam, no matter how busy the streets or highphoto form in this issue. Don’t crop your photo - we will do it for you. REMEMBER no ways. matter what the reason all CELEBRATIONS photo wishes are FREE. Rural cats do not fare any better. If not hit by a car, they can succumb to ingesting tasty, but nevertheless fatal, antifreeze or toxic plants. They can How do I get the paper? become mangled by fan belts when sheltered under car hoods for heat. While working with an animal welfare group years ago, we received a call about a It’s EVERYWHERE. If you want us to tell you a location close to your home - call 203cat that had ridden under the hood of a car from Boston to Hartford.

235-9333. It’s also always on-line at www.peoplespressnews.com. You can read it just Fortunately, that cat was unharmed, but ended up needing to be found a new like the print issue in image form AND also download it as a pdf to save on your comhome. puter or print out the articles that interest you. As a matter of fact - you can read every For city cats or country cats, there are always dogs with which to contend, paper we’ve published from 2000 till today! There has never been any charge to read skirmishes with other felines, and an assortment of wild animals. Coyotes the paper on-line or pick up the print edition! are present in all areas of Connecticut, as are raccoons that can spread rabies.

Cats can also be caught in steel-jawed leg hold traps, losing a limb or dying.

When do I know when it’s on-line?

Connecticut statutes do not allow dogs and young children to roam solo.

Become an on-line subscriber. Go to our website and click on the subscribe button. Not Yet many think cats can fend for themselves. Sadly, they do not. Animal shelters can attest that stray, lost, and injured cats are brought in regularly only will you find out when the paper is on-line but you will also get deadline reminders, victims of outdoor living. The classic comeback, of curse, is citing the outspecial offers, upcoming events and more! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter door cat that lived to a ripe old age. That example is much like citing the and MySpace! cigarette smoker who lives to be one hundred. Statistically, both are long shots.

When is the deadline for submissions?

Those wanting their cats to have fresh air or see the outdoors should conThe deadline is normally the 29th of each month for the following months issue. sider using a leash and harness, installing a window cat shelf, a fenced in cat run, or invisible fencing (it works for cats as well as dogs). These will elimiQuestions? nate worries of why a cat does not return home and the subsequent "missing Just call 203-235-9333 or email andy@peoplespressnews.com. We are here to help you! cat" posters. It will also allow the feline that provides you with unconditional love to continue purring contentedly on your bed for yet another night.

For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson

How do YOU become a part of the

LocalMotion?

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 an award winning member of the Cat Writers' Association.

www.peoplespressnews.com

203-235-9333

Page 32 October 2010

CELEBRATIONS

RENEWED INTEREST IN PIANO STEMS FROM RECENT TUNING

By Phyllis S. Donovan

Ben getting ready to jam with his French Horn. The family is getting ready too!

Celebrating 25 Years of Baking Up the Goods!

Our baked goods will make you turnover a new leaf!

For my last birthday, my husband secretly called in local piano tuner Barry Spencer who worked one whole morning laboriously coaxing my old piano into tune. It couldn't have been an easy task because the piano has sat there virtually untouched for years except for a visiting grandkid tentatively feeling out a passable "Twinkle,Twinkle, Little Star" or thumping away discordantly at it while the adults shushed them.

The recent tuning prompted me to dig some of my old sheet music out of the piano bench and literally try my hand at conjuring up the long ago memorized pieces that I haven't played in years. It was quite a revelation! To say that I'm rusty is putting it mildly. I still only play when my husband is out of the house for errands or meetings because I am embarrassed about having lost a skill that once came second-nature to me. But I'm determined to keep at it. I really believe in the old adage that "Practice Makes Perfect."

I was going on three years old when my sister, and only sibling, was born. In those times, neighbors and townspeople dropped by to see the new baby in the household. Probably a bit jealous of all the ohs and ahs the new baby was receiving, I took to bouncing on the furniture and yelling for the guests to "Look at Me! Look at Me!" My mother never had any formal schooling in child psychology but realized I needed a reason for people to look at me so she signed me up for tap dance lessons. Once a week, she and the baby in stroller would walk me to the Odd Fellows Hall where I would be put through my paces with a class of youngsters learning simple tap steps. I stayed with it long enough to be in two dance recitals and be proficient enough to entertain visiting guests until I outgrew my childish jealousy of my little sister.

As time went by, my mother decided that since I actually was a shy child maybe piano lessons was a way to bring me out of my shell. I was 10 years old when Miss Grace B. Earle started coming to the house in her little grey Ford coupe every Monday after school and teaching me the basics of piano.

She was a stern spinster lady but was quick to reward well executed accomplishments with gold stars and colorful stickers to be placed in my lesson book. As the lessons progressed, I was eager to test myself to learn the more complicated pieces she tempted me with by playing a selection, watching my reaction and providing me with the music for which she charged a pittance. (The piano lesson alone cost 75 cents a session which my folks must have scrimped to provide in those Depression days.) I really enjoyed the piano, practiced faithfully, and although I could never improvise, could read music well and memorize it easily.

Within two years, our church organist retired and I fell into the job (since I was already singing with the children's choir.) The organ was an old-fashioned bellows type which had to be pumped as it was played. I soon developed strong leg muscles, but, whenever one of the bellows disconnected during a Mass, I couldn't, with only one bellows, keep the music from having a decided oompah quality. Nevertheless, I carried on, knowing that my Dad would reattach the bellows and would also let me know if he discerned "a clunker" (misplayed note) in my playing.

That old organ was eventually replaced by our small church with an electric organ which was definitely easier to play but lacked the wheezy personality of the old organ. I remained as church organist until I went off to college, playing only on occasion after that when I'd be home for vacation.

After college, I kept busy with work, marriage and a stint in France where my new husband served with the U.S. Army. Before we knew it, we had come to Connecticut and were raising a fast growing family.

Since I was no longer around home, my folks sold my tired old upright piano which was just taking up room in their house.

Busy as I was raising a big family, I still often rued the fact that I no longer had access to a piano. So before long, my young husband scratched together the money to buy me a brand new piano of my own which I dearly loved and played every chance I could get. I, in turn, taught two of our children the same basics I had learned as a kid, but their interest eventually waned and neither of them ever followed through with professional music teachers.

Over the years, I found myself playing less and less. The old saying, "use it or lose it" is true. With anything you do, you have to keep at it. From there, I moved into the stage of feeling ashamed that my piano skills had grown so bad. I always figured that my fingers would stay nimble due to the billions of words I have continued to type during my lifetime. But face it; typing doesn't require the stamina or skill for playing the piano well. Since I couldn't do it well, I fell into the habit of not doing it at all. Hence my husband's long belated call to the piano tuner. Now, with no valid excuse, time to spare, and yes, a new determination to play, I'm lining up some of my favorite sheet music and testing out the theory that an old dog still may learn a few new tricks.

Sunny Side Up!

By Maura Ammenheuser A new school year is time to learn new things. Turns out that applies to grown-ups as well as the kids.

The first day of school at our house provided a lesson - for me. Not about the ABCs, either, but about eggs -not salmonella-tainted ones, phew! I checked and ours are OK! New to our household this school year is a transportation-and-childcare arrangement that solves the problem of depositing my son, now a sixth-grader and starting middle school, to campus, which is across town. A friend who teaches at my son's school picks him up at 7 a.m.

In exchange for her greatly appreciated transportation service at that ungodly hour, we take her daughter, who's in third grade like my girl, into our home for breakfast and some play time. The girls leave at 8:30 for the walk from my house to their elementary school, a block away.

On the first day of school, after Son was out the door and Borrowed Girl was in my kitchen, I asked if she'd like some eggs. She promptly replied, "Yes, please! Sunnyside up!"

Uh-oh.

I make eggs every morning but don't like them fried. I'd never made eggs sunnyside-up, ever. Actually I wasn't even sure "sunnyside up" indeed meant "fried, sort of."

Fortunately, Borrowed Girl knew exactly what she had in mind and took over. I can whip up scrambled eggs in short order, and make pretty awesome omelets, too. So I was both embarrassed and impressed that Borrowed Girl had something to teach me in the kitchen. She broke two eggs - one for her, one for my daughter - into the pan, tended them diligently and remarked that "you can't flip them until the bubbles break."

Now I was confused. I thought "sunnyside up" meant no flipping? But I don't make fried eggs, so what do I know?

Borrowed Girl happily flipped the eggs, waited for more breaking bubbles, and before long both girls happily gobbled fried eggs.

Later I looked up "sunnyside eggs" to discover that these bright, pretty little things are not in fact supposed to be flipped. Huh? When my friend and I exchanged kids later in the day I told her about breakfast. She laughed, then explained that her husband makes what are actually eggs "over-easy" for their daughter on weekends - but he calls them "sunnyside up," so that's what Borrowed Girl calls them. Oh. Well, thanks for adding to my culinary confusion.

I won't grumble about terminology, though. (If the girls want to inhale all that protein and vitamin B12 while calling it the wrong name, so be it.) Every school morning since, the two have worked the sautĂŠ pan, sharing a spatula, tending to bubbles and, remarkably, arguing very little over whose turn it is to do the flipping part. (The flips, a crucial part of the process, take practice. Most mornings, whites end up folded over yolks. But no worries.) The girls are surprisingly independent when it comes to breakfast, and I'm grateful for the harmonious food-related busy-ness that starts our day.

And now I know how to make eggs sunnyside up. Oops, I mean over-easy.

I just hope nobody suddenly demands eggs Benedict.

Hours: Tuesday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2 Clsoed Mon.

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-6; Saturday 7-4; Sun. 7-2 238-0159 • 212 West Main Street, Meriden

Family quarrels are bitter things. They don't go by any rules. They're not like aches or wounds; they're more like splits in the skin that won't heal because there's not enough material. ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Page 33 October 2010

Masters Manna's Campaign to END HUNGER Masters Manna Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen located at 46 North Plains Industrial Rd in Wallingford, Ct, has created a Campaign to End Hunger and bring the issue directly to the White House.

So what have we done?

Masters Manna's Ken Weiner who is a volunteer handling Food Operations and Public Relations started a campaign called Empty Plates Empty Pockets and a few weeks ago had a two day event at Wal-Mart located on Route 5 collecting over 712 messages to the President on Paper Plates.

It's only the beginning.

At least two more Empty Plates Empty Pocket events are being planned to get 1,000's of more Plates filled with peoples concerns to the President regarding those losing Jobs who cannot afford buying food ,or are on the brink of losing there homes.

Those now have lost homes and need assistance from Masters Manna and other Pantries throughout the United States that at one time had the basics and a place to live.

No longer is this a reality for them .

Because of" appropriated Pentagon spending for Fiscal Year 2010 equaled approximately $693.4 billion, a 4.1 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2009."

This information from The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Just think if half of that money was used to help end Hunger in America ,help people get jobs, and give people a place to live ,we could start to end hunger in our Towns that we serve and around the Country.

We are not doing this and so Masters Manna decided its time to not just feed people and make sure they have free healthcare and dental care at the Pantry but now bring the issue directly to the White House our nation's capital.

Which is what we are doing.

On October 25th,2010 Cheryl Bedore,Ken Weiner,and a few others will go to Washington D.C. to deliver Paper Plates to The White House through Representative Rosa Delauro Office in Washington D.C. .

If you would like to help get people to send a message on Paper Plates before we go to Washington D.C. call Masters Manna Food Pantry during Pantry Hours 9-4 PM Monday through Friday.

Will be able to get you involved in this important campaign.

Also Masters Manna can use your help .

We need dedicated volunteers to assist people during Pantry hours on Tuesday's 9-1 PM .Thursday's 9 AM-1 PM and also on Friday's 9-8 PM we need people to volunteer to stock shelves on all open Pantry days .Masters Manna serves over 400 people a week and new families are walking in everyday for help.

We need cooks and people to help serve the hungry on Friday Nights between 4PM-8PM If you can dedicate time to this that would help.

Finally Restaurants in our Community that would like to donate on Friday's hot or cold patters for the Soup Kitchen we need your help and are reaching out to all the Restaurants in Wallingford and the area.

To help on the Empty Plates Empty Pockets Campaign or to Volunteer at Masters Manna Call 9 AM-4PM Weekdays 203-678 3042 to become a volunteer.

CELEBRATIONS

Meriden Boy Scout Pack 10 and the BEAR - When dinner was over and walking out the dininghall , there he was looking for dinner too

South Meriden Christmas in the Village For the twelfth year in a row a tireless group of Santa's honorary elves are putting the finishing touches on the Christmas in the Village celebration in South Meriden.

On Saturday, December 4, Main Street in the village of South Meriden will be transformed into a magical holiday experience because of the diligence and hard work of its volunteers.

In the true spirit of the holiday season the entire event is presented free of charge to all who join Santa and his elves, as well as Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty and so many other Holiday makers as they gather together to celebrate the Holiday Season.

The Village Parade complete with local marching bands, Scouts, Brownies, The Knights of Columbus, The American Legion Women's Auxiliary, as well as other local organizations will join the famous Christmas In The Village horse-drawn wagons laden with children young and old to help that jolly of elf Santa, himself kick off the day's celebration which starts at 2:00 PM. The 2010 Christmas in the Village event is shaping up to what promises to be the biggest gathering yet. This year, Santa's helpers plan to serve up approximately 2000 cinnamon apples, over 1000 fresh donuts, pounds upon pounds of hot roasted chestnuts, plenty of popcorn and gallons of hot chocolate, coffee and cider.

All along Main Street there will be lots to see and do, as well as plenty of great treats to eat and drink. Two horse drawn wagons will offer rides around the village. The Meriden Library Book Mobile which carries a variety of books for children, young adults and adults will be on hand to loan out books. The Book Mobile carries large print books, best sellers and books in English and Spanish.

As in the past The New Life Church will be participating with what we don't know yet, but we are sure we can count on them for something wonderful again. The VASA of South Meriden (Swedish-America Fraternal Society) will return to our holiday celebration and will be distributing traditional Swedish Holiday Treats. We welcome Holy Angels Church this year as a participant and we are anxiously waiting to see what they will be bringing to our holiday celebration.

Throughout the day local Main Street businesses will be handing out giveaways. In one of the heated tents children can make ornaments and crafts to take home.

Later in the afternoon a mixed chorus will close the stage and then a procession led by Mr. & Mrs. Claus will proceed to the Village Park for the tree lighting ceremony where "according to tradition" a student from Hanover School will light the tree. Mr. & Mrs. Claus will then lead the community in the singing of holiday songs. A bonfire controlled by the very capable South Meriden Volunteer Firefighters will not only light up the evening but will also set the scene for the tree lighting.

Christmas in the Village will be collecting canned goods etc. for later distribution to The Meriden Food Kitchen.

Although the event is free, we ask those in attendance "bring along" season appropriate canned goods or non-perishable food items so that we might later distribute them to the Meriden Soup Kitchen. Everyone who brings a non-perishable food donation will receive a ticket and will be entered into a special raffle to win prizes throughout the day.

We ask that families show their holiday spirit by helping out those who are less fortunate in our community.

The annual house decorating contest is open to all houses in the greater South Meriden area. Homes will be viewed by our judges on Friday, December 3, between 5:00 and 9:00 PM. The winners will be announced Saturday around 4:30 PM at the main stage. You may register your house at Tom's Place or by calling 203-238-9029 or 203-634-8173.

You can also register online at www.southmeridenevents.org.

We at Christmas In The Village want to extend a heartfelt welcome to one and all, so take your family and friends and come on down to the village of South Meriden and help us celebrate in true holiday fashion.

Volunteers are welcome and needed to help out with this popular event. The Christmas In The Village committee is always looking for new ideas and help to keep this tradition growing, without volunteers we cannot have this event so please if you have been to Christmas In The Village and you think you would like to help please contact any 203238-9029 or 203-634-8173.

We are looking for additional volunteers to help on Saturday November 20th as we will be hanging the 49 Christmas wreaths on lampposts all along Main Street of the Village. Anyone interested in lending a hand can either stop in at Tom's Place or call 203-238-9029 and register to help.

Both the Christmas Wreaths of Winter and the American Flags that are displayed from Flag Day to Labor Day fly proudly and are maintained by the Christmas In The Village committee. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors for they truly are the angels that provide funds. The monies that are collected from our annual "Lovers in the Village Dance" plus the proceeds earned from sale of our "Christmas In The Village Ornaments are what enable us to share goodwill with our friends, neighbors and their families. Without the generosity of our wonderful sponsors, and equally without the help of volunteers, all that we do with Christmas In The Village as well as other projects would not be possible. Once again anyone interested in volunteering, please call April at 203-238-9029 or if you want to become a sponsoring angel then please call Ed at 203-235-5653 or Jeff at 203-238-3926 or visit our website www.southmeridenevents.org.

We here at Christmas in the Village just want to wish you One and All a Happy Holiday!

ANNUAL RUMMAGE TAG SALE AT YALESVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

October 22nd from 4--7PM Soup and light supper at a reasonable cost.

October 23rd from 9--2PM Soup and ample lunch available.

Whatever you've broken or lost or outgrown or wished for, may be available to you by rummaging through the collectibles, the clothing, the books, the linens, the baked goods. Make it a FUN TIME for a good cause. THANK YOU!

Corner of Church Street (Rt. 68) & New Place St.

Page 34 October 2010

A Call for Scripts The Middletown-based theatre company, Connecticut Heritage Productions, is calling for "Connecticut Stories on Stage 2011" for their second annual state-wide playwriting competition. Ten-minute, one-act, and/or full-length plays are welcome. Each must be set in Connecticut or focus on a Connecticut subject. Winners in each category receive a financial award as well as a staged reading in the spring of 2011.

Deadline for submission is November 1, 2010. For entry information: visit Www.chproductions.org, email ptloffredo@att.net, or call 860-347-7771.

CELEBRATIONS

Beat the Street Community Center is offering Free Hip Hop Dance Lessons to Children Ages 8 through 13 and Teenagers ages 14 through 18. New members will learn the most upcoming Hip Hop dances to be performed at local City Events and dance competitions. This programs are sponsored

by The Meriden /Wallingford United Way and Meriden's Community Block Grant Funding . Dance classes are offered to members of our community .We are located at 121 South Colony St Meriden Ct , hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 4 pm to 830 pm. For more information 203-686-1639 email beattsccinc@snet.net .

Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC Surveying & Mapping CT LS License #70099 Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC serves the entire state of Connecticut, specializing in high quality, affordable boundary and construction surveys. Whether you are subdividing property, uncertain of a parcel's property lines or need a foundation staked or "as built", Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC and Paul Buckley Reynolds would be proud to serve your needs. The following services are expertly provided: A-2 Boundary Surveys Subdivision Surveys Property Line Stake-Outs FEMA Elevation Certificate Existing Building Location Surveys Zoning Location Surveys Topographic Surveys Plot Plans Construction Stake-Out Services "As Built" Surveys ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys Wetlands Mapping Land Title Research & Court Testimony Project Specialization Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC provides land surveying services tailored to meet the demands of a diverse clientele.

From developers and builders to small parcel owners and land trusts, the goal is the same: excellent, rapid service on time and within budget. This goal is met by viewing every job we perform at Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC with a vigorous and creative approach to the service requested. Utilizing the talents and backgrounds of our staff, the cost and overhead associated with each project is kept to a minimum. The end result is savings for you, our customer.

Paul has been involved with land surveying since he graduated from high school. Educated at Paul Smith's College and the University of Maine, he has surveyed in Maine and New Hampshire as well as in Connecticut for the last 20 years, developing a wealth of experience. His growth within the profession has coincided with the technological advances of the last two decades. These advances have changed the methodology of how surveyor services are performed and delivered. He is well versed on how this technology can best serve his clients to reduce costs and save time.

Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC is dedicated to the sole profession of land surveying and is led by a professional surveyor who is committed to excellence in every aspect of the job, from the research through the field work and to the completion of any maps associated with the project. Furthermore, the company guarantees to deliver quality services at a fair rate.

Paul has been involved with land surveying since he graduated from high school. Educated at Paul Smith's College and the University of Maine, he has surveyed in Maine and New Hampshire as well as in Connecticut for the last 20 years, developing a wealth of experience. His growth within the profession has coincided with the technological advances of the last two decades. These advances have changed the methodology of how surveyor services are performed and delivered. He is well versed on how this technology can best serve his clients to reduce costs and save time.

Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC is dedicated to the sole profession of land surveying and is led by a professional surveyor who is committed to excellence in every aspect of the job, from the research through the field work and to the completion of any maps associated with the project. Furthermore, the company guarantees to deliver quality services at a fair rate.

Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC is owned and operated by Paul Buckley Reynolds. A licensed surveyor in Connecticut since 1999, Paul is an active member of the Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors, Inc. Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC is dedicated to fulfilling the needs of its clients in a timely, cost effective and accurate manner. The company provides licensed land surveying services throughout Connecticut.

To Contact Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC Surveying & Mapping, Paul Buckley Reynolds, please call (203) 889-8564 or email: buckleyreynolds@yahoo.com

USA Mobile Film Ministry "You Can Know For Sure Where You Will Spend Eternity" "Unsure - Come See Us!" Traveling ministries are nothing new to the world of religion, but a Wallingford, CT couple is bringing a unique twist to the tradition.

James and Bessie Jasinski launched the USA Mobile Film Ministry at the end of 2009, showing family-friendly Christian films to audiences at Baptist churches around the country. They brought their 12-foot outdoor screen to Meriden Hills Baptist Church, their home church, as an outreach program that lasted throughout the summer and fall and they showed films every Friday evening, weather permitting, with as many as 40+ people in attendance. They have also shown films at a Baptist church in Garfield, NJ. James Jasinski, a 63-year-old former U.S. Marine and Wallingford police officer who has since retired, was called by God to start the ministry, and has received positive feedback from viewers who find it difficult to enjoy more mainstream entertainment with their families.

"Many Christians can't watch the TV and prefer not to attend secular movies due to the "obscene" and "foul" content that permeates most screens today."

The story behind the idea traces back more than 30 years to James Jasinski's time on the police force. While checking in at the department one day, he noticed a flyer posted by a fellow officer about a Christian film he was planning on showing. The Jasinskis turned out, and plans for the ministry began then, although James didn't realize it at the time.

After an initial showing at an East Hampton, CT campground, he received positive feedback, and began inquiring at other Baptist churches about coordinating films for their outreach program.

"I am not aware of any other traveling ministries that focus on spreading their message through film, aside from international missionaries who make use of the medium when spreading the word to local natives."

Each film begins just after sunset (which varies), and viewers can bring their own chairs, soda, popcorn and other snacks.

All the films are FREE - but donations are welcome and are tax-deductible.

Visit the Meriden Hills Baptist Church website at: www.MeridenHillsBaptist.org and click on "Outreach" to view the USA Mobile Film Ministry page.

APPLEFEST FAIR St. John the Evangelist Church 360 Church St., Yalesville Early Birds - Oct 29, 1 pm to 3 pm - Oct 30, 9 am to 3 pm Tag Sale-Bake Sale-Jewelry & Crafts Cafe - Breakfast 9 am-10:30 pm Lunch - 11 am to 1:30 pm

Josée Vachon, Franco-AmericanSinger/Songwriter to Perform Josée Vachon, Franco-American singer/songwriter will bring her warm engaging humor and upbeat rhythms to St. Laurent Church, 121 Camp Street, Meriden, CT on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 at 2 PM. Well known in communities throughout the Northeast, Josée Vachon has been making a name for herself for over twenty-five years. A Québec native transplanted to central Maine as a child, Vachon's traditional and original songs in French are performed with guitar, spoons, clogging, energy and charm. She has performed hundreds of traditional, educational and holiday concerts for audiences of all ages. Ticket price: $12.00. To order tickets, call 203-634-1583 or 203-634-0773.

Page 35 October 2010

At YOUR Service since 2000

Helping The Local Economy!

Yes, but not as much as YOU have & we’ve published that!

Community Leadership Yes, but YOU have done more & we’ve published that!

Lending A Helping Hand Yes, but YOU have always been there & we’ve published that!

Helping Local Organizations and Non-Profits Yes, but YOU have helped so much more & we’ve published that!

Local Events, Activities & Entertainment Yes, but YOU organized it and went to it & we’ve published that!

Supporting LOCAL Business Yes, but not as much as YOU have and we’ve published that!

Awards Nope, Nada, Nyet - we haven’t had a single one!

But YOU have & we’ve published that!

BOTTOM LINE Who the heck cares what we’ve done...

We care about what YOU have done.

LocalMotion - You Make Things Happen!

To send YOUR stories, news or photos - email andy@peoplespressnews.com by the 28th!

www.peoplespressnews.com

Page 36 October 2010

My Journey

IS JOINING A SKI CLUB FOR YOU?

Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom It's a statement I used to hear constantly in my early twenties, where do you see yourself in five years? I never really gave it much thought. I was young, just out of college, and I felt I had my whole life ahead of me. I didn't want to think about it or make any type of plans for my future because I honestly didn't know what I wanted beyond writing.

Writing was a friend throughout my childhood and adolescent years. It kept me out of trouble by allowing me to think and make my own decisions about the tough issues that crept up in my pre-teen and teen years. I truly believe that I would have gone crazy if I didn't have writing as an outlet.

Truly thinking about the statement, where do you see yourself in five years, now, I wonder why someone would place such a short time frame on things. In most cases, not much happens in five years. The average person won't leave a job for seven years; college is increasingly becoming a five year plan for young students due to the financial burden, and even getting your child ready for kindergarten takes a little over five years.

So, what about ten years? Well, I must say that if anyone told me that I'd have a family, battle a disease, and change careers, all before I hit 40, I would have told them they were nuts. Life couldn't possibly change that much in only ten years, but it did for me.

I was lucky to land a job after college because at the time the pickings were a little slim. The only problem with the job was that it had nothing to with writing. It was retail management in a department store. I didn't mind it so much at first because it was paying the bills and I always thought that I could pursue my dreams of writing on the side.

Then I got married and had a child. My dreams didn't look so important anymore because I had two people that I loved in my life that really needed me. I knew I had to do the responsible thing and bring money in from a job that could guarantee a pay check every week. It was at that point that the once okay job wasn't so fun anymore. My stress levels climbed because I wanted to succeed for my family. The job itself started to become increasingly difficult due to company cuts. The higher ups were hiring less people and placing more responsibility on management. I'd often eat on the go or skip lunch breaks all together, which in turn destroyed any chances I had with a healthy lifestyle.

Aches and pains in my limbs and shoulders started to grow in intensity as my daughter grew with age. By the time she was four, I could barely walk without assistance. I knew I had to see a doctor but I just couldn't afford to take the time off, let alone rack up my medical expenses. Then I hit bottom, in the preverbal literal sense, I lost all feeling in my legs for 15 horrifying minutes.

I talked with my brother, a young man who suffers from Psoriatic Arthritis, to see if he could recommend a specialist. He did and I quickly scheduled an appointment. After my initial blood tests came back to the Rheumatologist, I found out that I suffered from Fibromyalgia, a now considered disease that causes widespread muscle pain and fatigue.

There is much speculation as to what causes Fibromyalgia, but it is still unknown. There is also no cure.

Once I became diagnosed with this debilitating disease, I started to research what I could find. There was a lot of information out there, some good, some bad, but what I did find was a common theme when coping with chronic pain issues. The common theme was to take care of yourself properly by eating healthy all natural and organic foods, exercising regularly and utilizing low-impact activities such as yoga, to strengthen tired, sore muscles, and avoiding as much stress as possible. I started slow at first because I knew too many changes all at once would defeat the purpose of getting healthier. Eating better seemed to be the easiest change for me. I started to be a diligent label reader and eliminated every product that was processed and filled with chemicals from my shopping list.

It was sad to see that I had to avoid so many of my favorite products, but with a little extra effort and time, I was able to substitute every ready-made product with healthy alternatives that tasted just as good, if not better, than their commercialized counterparts. As I got better at label reading, I noticed that I was spending a lot less time in the grocery store because I could avoid certain isles all together.

I also saved precious quality time with my daughter because I wasn't wasting it collecting, sorting, and clipping coupons for products that really don't even qualify as food. I even saved money, yes, you heard me correctly, while shopping for food because I was buying quality, not quantity. I don't know about you all, but I used to get caught up in all the sales hoopla of the buy one get one or the two for deals. Sure I came home with a lot of product, but that added to my stress because not only did I have to find a place for it in our cramped one bedroom apartment, I actually had to make more because the food I was serving had too many fillers and not enough vitamins and minerals in it. I was basically serving my family a bunch (and I do mean a bunch) of empty calories.

I later started practicing yoga which helped eliminate some of the pain. I also found it easier to sleep through the night, had less stress during my work day, and I actually began to enjoy getting up in the morning again. It was giving me some balance in life.

The only thing missing was a healthy work-life balance. I couldn't achieve that staying at the job I had, the boss depended upon my expertise far too much. I would be interrupted with calls at home, as well as, on my way to work.

There were even times when he would pull me from my assigned duties to have me help him with his own.

After careful consideration and a lot of coaxing from my husband, I finally left the company after 12 years of service. I took a long deserved rest, spent time with my daughter before she went to kindergarten, and reacquainted myself with an old friend by writing some poems.

My single poems grew so large that it became evident to me that I needed to find a publisher. I started to search and after a short while I had come to find a great publisher for my poems. The instant rush of seeing my name in black and white after so many years started to make me itch for more. It was then that I began to write anything that came to mind. That was in 2006.

I have not stopped my now growing obsession. My itch has festered into articles, blogs, self-help books, short stories, and even a little fiction, and through the years I've come across some wonderful friends, editors, and even fans.

I've even been recognized for some of my work, which is very nice.

These past ten years have taught me a lot, but I think the biggest lesson for me was to never give up on myself or my dreams. Life can be stressful, tiresome, dreary, fun, outrageous, and even nutty at times but all in all, it teaches you that everything will always turn out for the best no matter how bad it might look to you.

Most folks who ski or board know that there are ski clubs in the area. They have also wondered, from time to time, if they should join one or at least look into what they offer their members.

The Meriden Ski Club has been around for 49 years, open to all, offering an organization that ski and snowboard enthusiast can join and enjoy the many benefits that a ski club offers. Close to 1,000 skiers and boarders coming from all walks of life and of all ages are members. By becoming a member you can pick and choose what activities of benefits you want to partake in. It could be the comradeship of other skiers and boarders. Have others to ski and board with by joining us on our various ski trips. You may not want to drive long distances to a ski area. The club offers bus trips that take you. No more driving home after a long day on the slopes and no more spending money for expensive gasoline. You may want to go on a week long ski vacation. For members who choose this avenue we offer trips out west or to Europe. The club makes all the arrangements. All you have to do is become a member, sign up, pay the fee and go.

If you have children, they are welcome. Any child under 18 years old automatically becomes a member when a parent joins. We offer ski or snowboard instruction for our members and children are welcome to join in.

We offer social events for the whole family. A Christmas party, racing and other events when children are welcome with an adult parent.

All of us who ski or board know how escalating coast have put a damper on our activities. We try to make skiing more affordable by offering discount tickets. We buy tickets at a bulk rate from Mt. Southington and discount them to our members. We have teamed up with the Connecticut Ski Council to purchase discounted tickets to areas like Stratton, Mt. Snow, Sugarbush, Okemo, Ascutney, Bromley and Stow at savings up to 60%. The cost of skiing at these major areas is now well within our financial means.

If you are into ski racing we also offer a program for that. Each year we have an inter club race. We have classes for both kids and adult members.

Winners are awarded trophies at our annual club banquet. We have a club sponsored race team that races with other teams from the Connecticut Ski Council. This program is open to all adult skiers who race against others of the same age and gender. We meet at Mt. Southington on Monday nights.

Those who race have the race cost reimbursed to them at the end of the season. As a member of the Meriden Ski Club you can also partake in races conducted by the CSC. For those of you along with skiing are looking for social events we also offer them. We meet weekly at the AOH hall in south Meriden. We have member nights when we offer refreshments and a time to meet other members. We have a ski movie night, holiday party, spaghetti dinner, annual banquet, golf tournament, summer picnic and other summer outings.

I'll ask the question again; "Is joining a ski club for you?" There is only one way to find out. Stop by our Open House on Oct. 28 at 7 PM at the AOH hall, 71 Melville Ave., South Meriden. Speak to our members and discover what joining the Meriden Ski Club has to offer you and your family. Than decide if joining a ski club is for you.

For more information visit WWW.meridenski.com or contact Bob Fowler (203) 2350142

Family quarrels have a total bitterness unmatched by others. Yet it sometimes happens that they also have a kind of tang, a pleasantness beneath the unpleasantness, based on the tacit understanding that this is not for keeps; that any limb you climb out on will still be there later for you to climb back. ~Mignon McLaughlin

Wallingford Optical

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

Illiano's Night!

Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 10% of total sales donated to Hanover Elementary School *Dine in or take out - 510A West Main St, Meriden, CT 203-634-4000 When our relatives are at home, we have to think of all their good points or it would be impossible to endure them. ~George Bernard Shaw There is no cure for laziness but a large family helps. ~Herbert Prochnov

Page 37 October 2010

"Project Necessity" Hey it's us again, Besides those tiny hotel shampoos, small soaps disp. razors we've obtained the REAL WISH LIST, so if your department, organization, family or unit need a Fall / Holiday Service Project, right this way !!! We've already started collecting some monetary donations "Thanks Mom & Donna" for your donations. Please call us for the full list.

Here's one for you, we had recently hired a contractor to do some work @ the house, sent him a check for a job well done. As soon as this company heard what happened to our soldier, he called ripped up the check and said be sure it goes toward something worthy, for your soldier … Well, that just made it even more special to get UR DUN !!

The collection point will be Hunter's Ambulance Training Center 474 West Main St Meriden, CT. 06451 USA, please stop in with your contributions anytime M-F 8:30am-5pm Hunter's Ambulance EMS Youth Explorer Post 181 is on a Mission to help support the Fisher House Foundation.

Past Explorer and US AMRY Combat Medic 68 Whiskey Pvt. Lillian Gopoian, has decided to take the point on this project. The goal is to collect up as much personal travel size toilette supplies necessary to fill 100 one gallon containers along with other necessities any Fisher House can use. First the object is to clean all those unused tiny shampoos etc. we all collect from hotels out of your house. Things can range from disposable razors, mouth wash, small soaps, bath room tissue, Kleenex, paper towels, toothpaste tooth brushes deodorant, NEW HAIR BRUSHES AND COMBS, small packs of Q-Tips Think of it this way. "You get a phone call stating that your son or daughter has just been injured while deployed over sees in the military", their getting shipped stateside and your only concern is to hop on a plane to get to their bedside, and you have had no time to collect all those things you may need for yourself…. Now you find out you'll be there for a week, a month, six months away from your family not working, so you can be beside your loved one….Do you get it? All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional items and be used for shipping costs The focus of this foundation along with all of the military support systems in place is to make things as worry free for the families & soldiers, so you can focus only on your family member and their care http://www.fisherhouse.org Let's SHOW the Country were proud to be one of the 13 original Colonies and us New Englanders still know how to "CALL TO ARMS", when needed.

St. Laurent Church Celebrated 130 Years!

St. Laurent Church at 121 Camp Street, Meriden, CT was established in 1880.

Here in 2010, we were blessed to celebrate our 130th anniversary with a reunion Mass on Sunday, October 10th at 9:00AM. All past & present parishioners were invited, along with St. Laurent school graduates. There was also a reception with light refreshments held in the church hall directly following the Mass. Folks shared memories, viewed our photographs, visited with friends, old and new, enjoyed the delicious food, signed our guest book and met our pastor, Rev. David Carey. For current information about St. Laurent Church, check our parish website at www.MtCarmelStLaurent.catholicweb.com. You can also check us out on facebook by searching St. Laurent School, Meriden, CT.

Event to Commemorate the 1956 Hungarian Revolution The Wallingford Hungarian Community Club is hosting a special program to commemorate the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Please join us on Sunday October 24th at 3:30 pm at the club (147 Ward St, Wallingford). The event is sponsored by the club and several other Connecticut Hungarian organizations.

A reception will follow the program. Donations are gratefully accepted.

CELEBRATIONS

Mr. and Mrs. James Brewster Lisa Ann DiMichele and James John Brewster were united in marriage on Friday, May 7, 2010 at Linden Point House, Branford, CT. The intimate wedding with close family and friends was beautifully located at the Linden Point House in the Stony Creek section of Branford overlooking the Thimble Islands. The bride was escorted by her two sons, Sean and Brandon. Maid-of-honor was Claire Levesque of Meriden and Best man was Thomas Carney of Hamden.

The wedding dinner followed the ceremony at Donovan's Reef in Branford. There was an outdoor wedding reception held the following day in Hamden under a large tent that accommodated 125 guests.

The bride attended Quinnipiac University, in Hamden and is currently employed in the Marketing Department at Nutmeg Financial, MHC (owner of Naugatuck Savings Bank). The groom is a graduate of Paier College of Art in Hamden with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design and is the owner of Your Castle Carpenter in Hamden.

The couple went to Ireland for their honeymoon and now reside in Hamden.

Page 39 October 2010

Foodshare Awards Grant to Tabernacle Baptist Church Foodshare has made a grant of $2,374 to Tabernacle Baptist Church from its "Partnership Fund". This grant will be used to purchase an Arctic Air commercial refrigerator and freezer, allowing the pantry to store additional food and increase the number of families served.

The Tabernacle Baptist Church opens its' pantry every Wednesday and Sunday to church members as well as the general public residing within their service area. Once a month they also provide outreach services to those in the community needing assistance.

In addition to this recent cash grant, Foodshare provided 51,803 pounds of food to Tabernacle Baptist Church in the past year for its work to feed those individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Wallingford.

Keep up with all of Foodshare's latest news and updates by becoming a follower at www.twitter.com/Foodshare.

CELEBRATIONS

High Hill Orchards

By Gina Juliano Over Labor Day Weekend, my friend Andy took my family to High Hill Orchard. I'd never been to High Hill before and, quiet frankly, didn't know it existed. My family and I usually head to Lyman Orchards for our fall apple picking, but I think a new tradition has been born.

What I love about High Hill Orchard is Wayne Young, the owner of High Hill, is committed to working with Nature and not against it. Therefore, he doesn't use any artificial fertilizers and concentrates on producing organic and "ecologically grown" products: "Instead of carrying on biological warfare against insects and pests, we build the vigor of our plants so that only minimal use of sprays is required."

With all the toxic chemical junk used to grow our food, it's so refreshing to find an orchard that takes pride in nature and bringing the customer the best produce possible.

I also like High Hill Orchard because it's more than just an apple orchard. You can pick your own peaches, pears, and tomatoes; and a variety of other fruits and vegetables are available for sale at excellent prices in the produce store.

When I was there, Wayne had plums, cucumbers, cantaloupe, garlic, and basil, to name a few. Apple cider is also made right on the premises using "olden days" technology. The apple press was so cool!

I wish I lived closer to High Hill Orchard because I would love to take advantage of their winter CSA program.

CSA, or community sponsored agriculture, is a program where consumers commit to buying a "share" of whatever a farm produces in a given season. I've heard of these for the summer months, but never for the winter. High Hill is offering a monthly delivery of organic fruits, vegetables, and cider November through December for an EXCELLENT price. You will get apples, peaches, Cider, cabbage, potatoes, beets, turnips, carrots, onions, garlic, cooking greens, and winter squash. For more information on High Hill Orchard and the winter CSA program, please visit www.highhillorchard.info. High Hill Orchard is located on 170 Fleming Road in Meriden, CT. Hey farmer farmer Put away the D.D.T. now.

Give me spots on my apples But leave me the birds and the bees Please!

Don't it always seem to go That you don't know what you've got Till it's gone.

They paved paradise And put up a parking lot.

Excerpt from "Big Yellow Taxi"

by Joni Mitchell

November Elections Are Coming. Will YOU Be Voting?

Sam made sure he dressed right to help Dad with the lawn. I think he thought if was a pajama lawn party!

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.

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By Nancy Sherburne I would like for you to think about something. Just say you had decided to register to stay for a night, or a week, or whatever at a hotel? Would you then decide not to go there? If you had made a reservation for dinner on the town, would you end up staying at home anyway? If you registered for an evening course at your local college or trade school, would you then elect not to attend? And yet when people make the decision to register to vote, how many actually go the polls and cast their vote? Consider it is usually just a 15-minute drive or less to the polling place, about five minutes or less from the moment you enter the door to inserting your ballot in the machine, and another 15 minutes or less to drive home. Compare that to how long your stay at that hotel would last, how long the dinner would take to finish, or how long those evening classes would take to complete, and then ask yourself which is more important? If you elect not to stay at that hotel, enjoy your meal at the restaurant, or attend classes, it only affects you and your family. If you register, but choose not to vote, that affects the entire nation. I have been a registered voter since 2000, and have cast my vote in all elections since then save one when I had just moved. You see, my reason for becoming a registered voter was to be able to vote. I am going to end this piece by saying that in my opinion to register, if of age, is the duty of each citizen of these United States, and to then cast your vote after registering is again the duty of each citizen of these United States. Since this is a free country, we each have the right to decide to register or not to register, and, if registered, to vote or not to vote. I am only giving you my reasons for going out to vote. Your own decision is up to you, but maybe this little piece will give you food for thought. Bon appétit

Page 39 October 2010

Along Colony Street by Mr. Ernie Larsen

CELEBRATIONS

To Mommy! Love, Joey

CELEBRATIONS

Devin M. is excited for Halloween and carving his pumpkins. He planted pumpkin seeds in his garden, and to his surprise 11 pumpkins grew!

6/30/10

10/31/10

Page 40 October 2010

MERIDEN FEED FARM • GARDEN • PET SUPPLIES

3 for $11.97

3cu.ft. Natural Cedar Mulch

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 10/31/10

$42.00 Frontline Plus Any 3 Month Supply WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 10/31/10

2 for $9.98

$11.99

50lb Pelletized Lime

EZ-Green Grass Seed 5lb Tough Turf for Pets & Kids!

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 10/31/10

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 10/31/10

$35.99

Buy 11 Cans Get 1 FREE

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 10/31/10

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 10/31/10

California Natural Lamb & Rice 30lb

Come and Enjoy our Delicious and Diverse Menu!

Asst Merrick Canned Dog

$44.99 $36.99 $39.99 Wellness Adult Chicken 30lb

Innova Adult 30lb

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 10/31/10

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Taste of the Wild 30lb - Any Flavor

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2010 - 2011

Michael’s Trattoria

$33.99 $21.99 $28.77

Blue Seal Lamb & Rice 40lb - Compare to Nutro's!

Krunchies Dog Food 50lb Compare to Pedigree!

Canidae Chicken & Rice 30lb

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WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 10/31/10

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

Northern Italian Cuisine Featuring...Seafood, Steaks, Veal & Pasta Romantic Dining!

Great Lunches Tues-Friday Reservations Suggested

344 Center Street in Wallingford 203-269-5303 www.michaelstrattoria.com