The People's Press September 2007

September 2007 PDF E-Paper Now besides reading the paper in image form and text version of The People’s Press at www.peoplespressnews.com. Now we have the new PDF in high quality and standanrd quality that you have chosen to download!!! We hope you enjoy it. Simply press save when the pdf is fully loaded and save to a location of your choice on your computer. You can read and enjoy whenever you wish. Some instructions on printing. The best paper to print the pdf on is 11 x 17 as the actual page sizes of the paper is 10.25 x 15. If you do not have a printer that features that size - the next best size would be an 8.5 x 14. When you go to print, make sure you click on the fit to page button or else the pdf will go off of the page. We strongly suggest you do not print on 8.5 x 11 paper as the type and paper pdf will be much smaller.

If you have any other technical questions - don’t hesitate to email me at andy@peoplespressnews.com. We are thrilled that we can offer this new service to you.

Sincerely, Dawn and Andrew Reynolds Owners and Publishers of The People’s Press www.peoplespresssnews.com andy@peoplespressnews.com dawn@peoplespressnews.com

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September 2007 • Volume 7, Issue 95

John Condon captured this beautiful photo of a Red Tailed Hawk hanging around by a stream near his home.

It’s our 7th Anniversary Issue next Month. We hope you share a piece of your life just like John did. The deadline is September 24th!

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 2

American Red Cross Blood Drive In honor of EMT-B David Matthews' daughter Rebecca! Hunter's Ambulance Service is proud to sponsor an American Red Cross blood drive. Friday, September 28, 2007. 10am to 3pm. Base 1, Building 3. 450 West Main Street, Meriden At the present time in the state of Connecticut, the blood banks only have: *1 days worth of Type O blood--the most common and "universal" type of blood! *The Red Cross serves as the bridge for millions of patients in need each year. Please give the greatest gift of all this season to the Matthews family and so many more. *Every two seconds someone in America needs blood. *Just one pint of blood can save up to 3 lives. *Nationally, less than 5% of the population gives blood, supporting the other 95%. *Blood is perishable. Red blood cells must be used within 42 days. Other blood products must be used within 5 days.

Holiday weekends show a drastic increase in emergency patients treated at area hospitals. Trauma and burn victims

often require large quantities of plasma, which can deplete the blood supply.

Other winter holidays increase traffic on our roads and patients in the emergency rooms. At these times, while the need for blood increases, our ability to collect blood decreases disproportionately.

During the winter, people become busy with vacations, outdoor activities and family gatherings.

It only takes about one hour total for the entire blood donation process.

Only 7-10 minutes of actual donation time!!!

Call or email Sloane Peterson at 514-5128 or sloanep@huntersamb.com to schedule a time for donation or to answer any questions you may have. Snacks & Beverages will be served.

Celebrations of Life and Home

The Complete Optical Experience!

Colony Opticians

Always The Best New Styles.

Always The Best in Service and Care!

Congratulations to Mr.& Mrs. Jarad Golitko married 7-7-07 in Fayetville NY.Jarad son of Bob & Carole Golitko. of Wallingford. Sarah( Waller) Golitko daughter of Sarah Ann Waller & the late Jack Waller, of Cortland NY.They reside in VT.Jarad is IT manager at Stratton MT Resort." submitted by Carole Golitko

Better Vision is within your sight!

COLONY O PTICIANS & 60 Church St. (Rt. 68) Wallingford 203-265-2205

O ptometrists

Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry

Something special just arrived at your house! Discover what we can do for you.

What you will find inside: P.L.A.Y (Youth/ Ten) Voyagers/Trips Adaptive Recreation Special Interest Sports Aquatics Health Fitness Performing Arts VISUAL ARTS Crafts Special Events Park Facilities So take a look and discover everything we have to offer The time to register is NOW! Don’t miss your chance to discover a New YOU! 6 Fairfield Boulevard, Wallingford - 203.294.2120 -

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 3

Celebrations of Life and Home Dear Grandpa & Grandma P. in FLA, Wishing you a Happy Grandparents Day, from CT! I love you, Hunter

What you need to know!

WIC BreastFeeding Celebration Held August 6, 2007 The Meriden and Middletown Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) offices hosted their annual BreastFeeding Celebration at the Kid City Museum in Middletown on August 6, 2007. The event was held to honor nursing moms and families and to raise breastfeeding awareness within the community.

Local breastfeeding support groups also attended the event. The Meriden and Middletown WIC offices would like to thank everyone who participated in this successful event.

Brooke Bousquet (with daughter Mina Filipowicz) and Holly Lopez (with daughter Madison Murillo in the carrier) enjoyed the celebration.

The deadline for our Oct. issue is Sept. 24th.

If you have an upcoming event in Sept., Oct., Nov. or December send it in - we will repeat it in all upcoming issues AND we send out each week’s events in our weekly email newsletter to our on-line subscribers to give you even more exposure. Sign up - it’s free! Go to www.peoplespressnews.com and click subsribe!

There are several ways to submit: Email: andy@peoplespressnews.com Web: www.peoplespressnews.com Fax to: 203.294.8808 Mail: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492

For Advertising call 203.464.3088 The People’s Press is now available to download in PDF form. Save it, Read it and Print it. We are always finding new ways to serve your needs because YOU matter most to us!

DEFYING THE ODDS!!!

by Sharon Agli-Pageau Undoubtedly, it's happened to you. It's happening to our family more often than not. We've all been told, at least once in our lives, somewhere, usually at a critical or pivotal moment, that there was something that we wouldn't be able to do/overcome/succeed. I am here to remind you that hold the power and the ability within you to champion your challenges, goals, and yes, your DREAMS! If you dare to…

Since the moment our son, Hunter Christian Pageau, entered this world 2 years ago this month, he has been fighting for his life daily, and WINNING! Hunter has, in a gloriously blissful, courageous and inspiring manner, far surpassed projections by all medical professionals, and amazed them all alike! My husband and I have been told from very early on that Hunter's diagnosis of SMARD1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress), which is an extremely rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, would most likely end Hunter's life by the time he was one year old. Hunter relies on a Ventilator 24-7 in order to breathe, is fed via a gastrointestinal tube (G Tube) in order to thrive, and is unable to move from his hips down, all as a result of the paralyzing muscular component of his condition.

Hunter will turn two years old on September 29th, and as the picture above reveals, he is triumphing, despite the initial limited/erroneous projections!Hunter is one of only 3 children in the U.S., and one of 60 worldwide, whom have this affliction, which has challenged our family, in ways undescribable, in coping with his diagnosis. As parents, we have never left our son's side, have traveled wherever necessary, to search out qualified medical professionals who have any familiarity with Hunter's very rare genetic condition. This took our family out of state for a continuous 11 month hospital stay, resulting in the loss of our home, business and all our life savings. While our concern is not for what we have lost, rather for Hunter and what he now needs, we find ourselves in a precarious position as a family of being unable to satisfy all of Hunter's very costly,complex needs. Until we can secure the 16 hours per day of Homecare Nursing our Insurance is willing to pay for, in assisting us with 24-7 aspects of Hunter's daily care, we remain unable to be gainfully employed outside of our home. We have been searching for 14 months for qualified staff, and currently only have 2 night shifts per week covered. As parents, we are medically trained/certified on Hunter's care and are his nurses every day, all day, with the exception of those 2 covered shifts each week, and the occasional incredible assistance of Hunter's Aunt Karen, also trained on Hunter's care. Along with handling all aspects of Hunter's daily care needs, which includes a great deal of both Drs. and therapy appointments, we have done our best to both raise awareness in our surrounding communities in regards to SMA, and initiate fundraising efforts on Hunter's behalf, to provide him with much needed equipment items, that Insurance either isn't willing to cover or pays a portion thereof. Despite all of our intense hardships, we raise our

son in a constant environment of hope, joy, bliss, faith and peace. We have not only survived these phenomenal circumstances for 2 full years, with so very much stacked up against us daily, but we do so positively and energetically, smiling throughout, with grace and dignity. We 3 are determined to continue to DEFY THE ODDS, and we wish to extend our most sincere gratitude to each one of you who pray for us, believe in us, encourage us, support us in various ways and have joined our nonstop campaign of "Hope for Hunter!" Thus far, we are proud to share, that with the help of many of you, we have been able to secure both a Manual Wheelchair and a Power Wheelchair for Hunter, which is a huge accomplishment, as the cost for both items is very high, with Insurance covering only a portion of that cost. Our fundraising efforts are now focused on securing a Wheelchair Accessible Van for Hunter, as he currently is only able to leave home with his car seat strapped to an ambulance stretcher for both Drs. and therapy appointments, for safety purposes, due to his high medical specifications. Hunter's Power Wheelchair does not fold and is extremely heavy, thus necessitating an electric lift on a van, as the only other viable option for his safe transport. We are thrilled to announce that Café Ra in Wallingford will be hosting "An Evening for Hunter" Wine Tasting Benefit Fundraiser on Tuesday, September 18th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, in a compassionate effort to invite the community to support our efforts to "Help Hunter Ride!" There will be an array of wines to enjoy, along with gourmet appetizers and desserts, live guitarist Meg Hackett playing and a Silent Auction with incredible items to bid on, with the entire ticket price of $25 going towards the much needed Wheelchair Accessible Van. ALL funds raised that evening will be donated to the Hunter Pageau Trust, rolling us one step closer to allowing Hunter to experience the world more fully, as most kids do!

Tickets may be purchased in advance at both Café Ra and Serenity Salon in Wallingford, or at the door that evening at Café Ra. It is going to be an incredible evening and we do hope you can join us for this very good cause to make Hunter's dreams of Mobility/Freedom/Independence come true! Those that can't make it, but wish to kindly make a donation to help Hunter, may do so to the Hunter Pageau Trust, 34-3 #116 Shunpike Rd., Cromwell, CT 06416.

Daily we awake into the unknown, with great hope and faith, praying that somehow our son will be provided with the opportunity to enjoy his life in the ways that most of us do and take for granted. We will continue to strive forward in gratitude, and passionately advocate for our beautiful son each day of his life, with every moment treasured, hard times or not. Hunter is the most precious blessing and gift of our lives, and we celebrate him with all that we are. We will continue to do our utmost to provide Hunter with the Gifts of Freedom/Mobility, that are his birthright, and thank all of you who join us in this regard!

Happy 2nd Birthday to our incredible son and God Bless You for showing us all the true meaning of life and how it is meant to be embraced! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION, HUNTER CHRISTIAN PAGEAU!

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 4

Celebrations of Life and Home Happy 2nd Birthday, Hunter Christian Pageau!

Sending you Birthday Wishes, & lots of kisses! Laugh & play the day away, precious one! YOU are my Shining Star! I love you so much, sweetie! Forever & Always, Auntie Dee-Dee

Get Ready to...

Jumble, Rummage & Tag! No matter what the name of the Sale, it will be on sale at Yalesville United Methodist Church!

Come Ramble and Save!

Friday, October 19th 4pm - 7pm Saturday, October 20th 9am - 2pm Refreshments and Baked Goods available by our Master Chefs!

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

Mayor's Corner - Meriden Dear Friends, As summer has officially come to an end, I wish our students, teachers, and school staff a successful start on another exciting school year. I hope that those children attending school for the first time enjoy learning and spending time with their classmates.

Recently we broke ground on a new playscape for Hubbard Park. The playscape will be across from the pool and feature activities for all children.

A special thank you to the Playground Committee for looking ahead and seeing the need for a handicap accessible playscape for our fine park and working so hard to get the playground approved. I would also like to thank Noah's Arc of Hope and the sponsors and donors who gave to the Hubbard Park Playground Committee and Noah's Ark of Hope who have made this playscape a reality. This is a great project for the City and will be fully funded with private donations.

As Roberta Ash continues to raise fire awareness funds in memory of Brian David Ash, a recent Meriden fire reminds all of us the importance of having operable smoke detectors. My prayers and condolences go out to the Jandreau family. I wish the D'Aniello children a safe and speedy recovery. We are very fortunate that our fire department responded in such a timely manner. I hope for a quick recovery for firefighters Dan Lyons, Jr. and Lt. John Paczek. I also would like to thank Michael Castro, Jendry Sepluveda and Vincente Torres for their heroic efforts.

In closing, I wish the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford a most successful campaign. The kickoff celebration was held at the newly renovated beautiful MountainRidge facility. I would also like to thank Midstate for hosting Cancer Survivors Day for all our citizens. It is truly amazing to see the number of individuals who are successfully battling cancer. Keep up the good fight. Congratulations to you and your family.

Thank you for all your support.

Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni - Mayor

Mayor's Corner - Wallingford Dear Friends: September 29th from 11:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and September 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, we will Celebrate Wallingford 2007.

The event this year is centered at Fishbein Park around the railroad green.

Wallingford Center Inc. with the assistance of Town departments has planned a wonderful time for everyone.

On Saturday, from noon till 3:00 p.m. the Blues Alley Band will entertain, and from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Changes In Latitudes will provide music.

As always there will be lots to see and do, including demonstrations by the Police, Fire and Public Utilities departments including "Touch a Truck".

Sample the food provided by many restaurants and civic groups and then walk up Center Street viewing the "Art" on the Center Street Cemetery wall.

At the top of the hill on South Main Street, the Connecticut Street Rod Association will host a car show from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Flashback Band will provide entertainment.

On Sunday, Eight to the Bar will play from Noon to 2:00 p.m. and DeNova, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The Congregational Church will host an interfaith service to Bless the Animals at 2:00 p.m. Other planned activities include a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Arts and Crafts Show, and booths for a variety of civic and non profit groups to provide information and give-aways.

This should be a wonderful time to enjoy the Downtown and meet friends.

Another date to keep in mind is Friday, September 28th at 6:00 p.m. at Mountain Ridge. The co-owner of the Peoples Press, Andy Reynolds, will celebrate his 40th birthday by helping the American Red Cross. Andy would like us all to be there so I think we should do something he would like, especially as it benefits the Red Cross.

I am looking forward to seeing you at these events.

Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

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The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM by presenting a driver's license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!

The 3rd Annual "Red Hat Follies" variety show will be held at the Senior Center on Monday, September 17 at 1:30 PM in Willene's Place. Be sure not to miss this entertainment extravaganza with all of the talented Silver City Red Hatter's and other special guests! Free tickets are available from any Red Hat officer or in the main office at the Senior Center.

"When Bad Things Happen to Good Ears", a program on hearing loss and coping issues dealing with hearing loss, will be held here on Wednesday, September 26 at 10:30 AM. The speaker will be Mike Gravitz, founder of the Southwestern CT Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America. His presentation will include slides, videotapes and a display of assistive listening devices. Subjects to be discussed include how the ear works, causes of hearing loss, why audiograms are so important, types of hearing aids and how they work, strategies for coping with hearing loss and communication tips for the hearing and non-hearing person. The program will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center and all interested people are encouraged to attend this informative presentation.

Cindy Hamel from Miller Memorial Community will present a program on Wednesday, September 12 at 10:30 AM on "Medicare Coverage and Short Term Rehabilitation". She will cover the details of short term stays in facilities like Miller Memorial and the options for homecare, how your Medicare insurance covers your care and other important details you should know to best utilize your insurance plans. This program will be held in the first floor meeting room.

The Meriden Triad will sponsor another session of the "Yellow Dot Program" on Thursday, September 20 at 10:00 AM at the Senior Center, according to Meriden TRIAD Chairman Captain Timothy Topulos from the Meriden Police Department. The "Yellow Dot Program" consists of medical and personal information that is placed in the glove compartment of your car and a yellow dot which is affixed to the inside of your driver's side rear window. This information will assist the first responders in providing the necessary medical aid to you at the accident site and will also be useful to medical personnel at the hospital. You cannot put a value on the time saved in an emergency situation! To sign-up for the free "Yellow Dot Program" please join us at the Senior Center, first floor meeting room, at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 20. We urge you to take advantage of this free safety program sponsored by the Meriden TRIAD! The deadline for the city's elderly and disabled renters to sign up for the Rent Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut is September 17. The program provides eligible renters with money back on their 2006 rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. To be eligible, applicants must have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2006 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability. Proof of 2006 income, rent and utilities must be presented at the time the application is filed. Income limits are $28,800 for a single person and $35,300 for a married couple. Applications may be filed from 9:00 AM to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 PM daily at the Senior Center until September 17.

For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.

John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director

"Old Timers Night" South Meriden Volunteer Fire Dept is hosting an "Old Timers Night" to be held at the fire house at 31 Camp St South Meriden on Sept. 13th 2007 at 6pm. Also active members are invited and any past members of the Dept. should plan on attending. Food and refreshments will be served. Thanks for your time. Gary Manson Firefighter South Meriden Volunteer Fire Dept. Anyone may contact the Chiefs Office at 203-630-4499. For the purpose of this writing you may contact me Gary at 203-537-0285.

The Peoples' Press has always been about you. For 7 years now it's not been about selling papers it's been about doing the right thing for the write reason To Autumn It was Autumn, and incessant Piped the quails from shocks and sheaves, And, like living coals, the apples Burned among the withering leaves.

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 5

Rescued Mother Cat and Kitten in NEED OF A HOME! This mother cat was left in a terrible predicament. Her owner had died and she was left behind to fend for herself. She was never spayed, which then led to having kittens. I am not sure how many kittens she may have had but by the time I found her, there was one kitten left. They are both black & white. The Mom is now spayed and has all her shots.

The kitten is a male and has all his shots. I will neuter the kitten when he is old enough. I I would like to keep them together, but will adopt them out separately if I have to. The mom is a nice cat, on the quiet side and the kitten has a lot of energy, as most kittens do. PLEASE help me find them a loving home. They deserve a second chance and a good life. If interested call Kathy at 203284-3698.

You can now download a pdf version of The Peoples' Press at peoplespressnews.com. Thanks to the 77,000 visitors in August who came for some good news!

WELCOME! To the 21st Annual Celebrate Wallingford It is sometimes hard to believe that this exciting Wallingford tradition is in its 21st year, but that is only a testament to what a tremendous event Celebrate is for our community and everyone involved. Our goal is to provide you with two days of family-oriented fun and entertainment, while celebrating Wallingford's history and bringing awareness to more than 25 local non-profit organizations.

One might think that after all this time the festival could not possibly grow and improve any further, but once again this year, it WILL!!! The full-day events on Saturday and Sunday will be as fantastic as they always are and there is something for everyone. Stroll through the beautiful Fishbein Park and onto Hall Avenue and enjoy the handmade Arts & Crafts, the expanded Taste of Wallingford, non-profit organizations and the many local businesses in the area and on Center Street, but that isn't even half of the Festival!!!

If you want to get your blood pumping, you will want to check out our Touch A Truck exhibits and then make your way behind the railway station to the children and teen areas featuring magicians, clowns, face painting, an obstacle course, moon walk, a petting zoo and pony rides.

Our festival would not be complete without our top-notch musical entertainment. Performances start at 11am, and run all day, so come join the fun early in the day. Saturday you'll get to see Blues Alley and our headliner for the day, Changes in Latitudes, the premier Jimmy Buffett tribute show. Plus, if you want do-wop and some 50's music, you will not want to miss Flashback performing uptown at the Connecticut Street Rod Associations car show that will feature more than 300 classic cars on South Main Street.

Sunday enjoy performances by Eight to the Bar and DeNovo, and head uptown for the Interfaith Blessing of the Animals on the Parade Ground.

Whether you are coming to the festival for the first time or have come since you were a kid, we hope you will enjoy the excitement and tradition as much as we enjoy planning it for you each and every year.

On behalf of the Celebrate Wallingford committee, thank you for your support and being a part of Wallingford's history. I look forward to seeing you at the festival!!! Rick Myers, Executive Director - Wallingford Center, Inc.

"Art On The Wall" & "Art Walk" Celebrates 13th. Anniversary Easel Works will host its 13th. "Art On the Wall" and "Art Walk" Saturday, September 29th. in conjunction with Celebrate Wallingford. Paintings by Easel Works adult and young artists will hang on Wallingfords Center Street Cemetery Wall. These paintings are done in oils and offer a huge variety of subjects and styles. Our youngest oil painters begin at age 8 and our oldest adult painter, 96 years. "Art Walk" takes you through the pathways of the beautiful, historic, Center Street Cemetery, offering works done in watercolor, metallic inks, encaustics, pencil, pen & inks and acrylics. Keeping last years Designer Chickens company will be our Fantastic Fish.Easel Works Art Committee will offer "Kids" of all ages the opportunity to do some "Hands-On' are projects......Pine Cone Bird Feeders, Paper Bags Puppets, Wish Ribbons, Mini Pine Cone Christmas Trees, Mini Fanastic Fish and more......All compliments of Easel Works and The Art Committee. Come see Us.....We'll put a smile on your face......Sign our Harvest Quilt......and make a memory!

Come and Celebrate Wallingford!

September 29th -- 11AM - 8PM Fishbein Park at the railway station green

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

Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you. Grateful Thanks. P.A.

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

Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you. Grateful Thanks. J.C.N.

Entertainment provided by: Blues Alley / Noon - 3PM Changes in Latitude / 4PM - 8PM "Taste of Wallingford" food court Juried Arts & Crafts show and sale Activities for children & teens / Petting Zoo & Pony Rides Civic & Non-profit Groups Police, Fire, Public Utilities demonstations / "Touch A Truck" "ART" on the wall - Center St Cemetery Uptown on South Main Street: CT Street Rod Assoc. Car Show 2PM - 6PM featuring the "Flashback" band

September 30th -- 11AM - 6PM Fishbein Park at the railway station green Entertainment provided by: Eight to the Bar / Noon - 2PM DeNovo / 3PM - 6PM "Taste of Wallingford" food court Juried Arts & Crafts show and sale Activities for children & teens / Petting Zoo & Pony Rides Civic & Non-profit Groups Police, Fire, Public Utilities demonstations / "Touch A Truck" Uptown on the Parade Ground / Congregational Church: The Interfaith Blessing of the Animals / 2PM

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 6

Attention Retirees!

It's almost that time of the year again. BACK TO SCHOOL TIME! Being retired, this probably doesn't affect you that much. But back to school time also means that the Senior Buddy Readers program is beginning to sign up volunteers for the 2007-2008 school year. "What is Senior Buddy Readers," you ask? It is an intergenerational literacy program where retirees volunteer to help first and second graders improve their reading skills. Last year, Senior Buddy Readers celebrated its fifth year, with eighty-four volunteers helping over two hundred children in five Meriden elementary schools. So if you are a retiree who has one hour a week to share with a child, don't you think it's time to volunteer as a Senior Buddy Reader? For more information or to sign up, please contact David Radcliffe, Director of Meriden Children First Initiative located at the Meriden Public Library (203) 630-3566. Or you can check out the Senior Buddy Readers link at Children First's website www.meridenchildrenfirst.org. Make a difference in the life of a child. become a Senior Buddy Reader!

CRAFTERS WANTED CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL HOLIDAY BAZAAR - NOVEMBER 17, 2007 - 9 AM TO 3 PM HOLY ANGELS PARISH CENTER - 585 MAIN STREET SOUTH MERIDEN, CT - CALL (203) 237-8697 FOR AN APPLICATION AND INFORMATION.

Nites in the City Good Friends and Neighbors Come Together to Celebrate A City of Meriden Sponsored Event - September 20th & 21st, 2007 - RAIN or SHINE All events at Downtown Courthouse Plaza - 50 West Main St., Meriden, CT

Wallingford Family YMCA 5 & 10K Classic Road Race The 12th Annual Wallingford Family YMCA 5 & 10K Classic Road Race will be held on Sept. 15, 2007. Youth races of ½ mile and 1 mile begin at 8:45AM. The 5K & 10K begin at 10AM. Registration is being accepted now at the YMCA. This event includes family activities and a FREE post-race family barbeque. All proceeds benefit YMCA youth programming. For more information on this event, you can call Michelle Pratt, Health and Wellness Director at (203)269-4497 x 24

My dad is cool! He takes great care of me. Let him take care of you too!

Wallingford Historical Society Come to see and learn about antique chairs for children. The Wallingford Historical Society will present Arthur Liverant, an antique dealer who specializes in 18th and 19th century children's chairs. The meeting will be at the First Baptist Church in Wallingford at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 19. Feel free to bring a chair.

Free Computer Assistance at the Wallingford Public Library Need help with word processing or other computer software like Powerpoint or Excel? Or how about learning how to fill out an on-line job application and set up your own email address? Maybe you are an absolute beginner with computers and want to know how to turn it on and operate a keyboard, and what about the Internet and the World Wide Web? Confused? Help is on the way at the Wallingford Public Library. Beginning Tuesday, September 18th and running until mid-November, Wallingford Public Library will be offering free one-on-one computer help to its patrons.

Individual sessions will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Please call the library or stop by the Information Desk for more information or to register for a session: Wallingford Public Library, 200 North Main St. 203-265-6754.

SOFT TOUCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT MIDSTATE MidState Medical Center provides "Soft Touch" relaxation rubs for patients. This is a free service provided by MidState volunteers who are trained by a licensed massage therapist in the technique of therapeutic relaxation rubs. The volunteer provides these soothing relaxation "rubs" to patients' hands and feet.

Research shows that "Soft Touch" aids in the healing process by increasing circulation, relieving a patient's anxiety, increasing endorphins, and just simply feels good! This program is rated extraordinarily high on patient satisfaction surveys.

Additional volunteers are needed to meet the high volume of patient requests for this service. Those interested in becoming a "Soft Touch Volunteer" are asked to call Diamond Belejack, Manager of Volunteer Services at 694-8572.

Prospective volunteers must complete an application process, have a personal interview, and attend all four mandatory two-hour "soft touch" training evening sessions in October .

WANTED!!

A Few Good People to help frail elderly neighbors shop; get to medical appointments; or simply stop in for a visit. No Hands-On Care! Join Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers and receive training, ongoing support, insurance coverage and reimbursement for mileage. Call the Wallingford Senior Center at 265-7753 and sign up for the next Training Session on Thursday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m.

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Brand New at www.peoplespressnews.com Download the entire paper in PDF form to your computer. Now you can read and enjoy at your leisure and print the entire paper!

Go to www.peoplespressnews.com and the rest is easy.

Celebrations of Life and Home

Happy Grandparent's Day! I love you, Grandma!

Love, Kevin Leo

Celebrations of Life and Home

HAPPY Grandparent’s DAY TO : MOM-MOM & POP-POP ADAMS,BABCI &POPS FOUNTIAN AND MAMA & DZIADZI MULL From THE CRAZY HALPIN TRIO WE LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH ANDREW,SAMANTHA & PAUL HALPIN

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 7

Bobbie's Bevy of Beauty As I'm writing my article it reminds me of what I was doing three years and one month ago. Writing about Jimmy's medical problem. In 2004 it was the removal of his left kidney at Hartford Hospital. And all went well. Now I'm waiting for that phone call from Bradley Memorial. He had a hip replacement in January of 1989. His prosthesis has seen the age of time, will be removed and another one will take that ones place. So until that call arrives I will get to the gardening business.

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous is the only way to describe the flowers of 2007. Don't know the reason but I think they were exceptionally beautiful this season. Some of the perennials stayed in full bloom longer and produced an extra abundance of new plants.

Thirteen years ago I was given some yellow loosestrife. This plant is one of the first perennials to bloom. Usually by the first week of July I cut the dead plants down right to the ground. Within three weeks the area is covered with new green growth. And will stay like that until frost. I was quite shocked to see buds on some of the stems. When I looked the other day the buds are no more but now are in bloom. This has never happened before. I thought they came into flowering only once a season. The butterfly bushes so beautiful and fragrant with so many flying colorful visitors. There are lots of new bushes springing up everywhere. New homes will be found for these. As I have mentioned before we have an old fireplace to the right of the walk next to one bed of flowers as you come into the yard on Fairview Ave. side. My containers of calla lilies and other pots of flowers sit at the base or on top of the grates.

Growing from two cracked cement stones are two butterfly bushes. The stems are about three feet long with many purple flowers. Anxious to see what will happen next spring. If they do survive and bloom again after winter and their pruning at the end of March or beginning of April they'll probably conceal the whole fireplace. One of the bushes which is in back on the other side of the fence must be the seed donor. The very tall yellow and orange mini cluster of blooms on the Helenas are very striking. Have them in front of one section of fence at the end of the yard. The ever beautiful hibiscus in front of them. Very disappointed that the red one did not survive winter. That particular hibiscus usually bloomed into October. Maybe I'll purchase another one next year. The white and purple trumpet lily plants are gigantic. When the flower season comes to an end some of them will be 6' - 8' high and 4' wide. Will have to find someone very muscular to pull them out of the ground for me. The dahlias in various heights, from small, medium and large blooms. So many different colors. They look so pretty in the bouquets I've picked. The sedum joy sedum turning from green to red and the turtleheads are beginning to open up. The finale will be when the montak daisy and chrysanthemums come into bloom. Probably not for another month. When watering the garden beds the other night I came upon a praying mantis on one of my pink hibiscus. The only one I've seen so far.

Jimmy's cukes have come and gone. He kept a few for himself and the rest were given away. He had been picking them by the panfulls then all of a sudden the leaves began to turn brown. And before long the plants died one by one.

This was a first for him. Don't know what happened. Usually my long awaited tomato sandwich had been devoured by the first week in July. Had to wait until the middle of August. Am making up for lost time. Once in a while if I'm still hungry after breakfast out will come the bread, mayonnaise, Mrs. Dash and you know what.

That call finally arrived at 4:30 in the afternoon. Five hours and a successful surgery. Three days in the hospital and then transferred to Bradley's Care Center for therapy and rehab. Don't know the length of time yet. Jimmy's doctor said he was progressing better than expected.

The end . Have to get this up to Andy before he starts hoot ing and hollering about me being late. But I have been rather busy.

Flowercerely yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien

The MidState Medical Center Auxiliary together with MidState Medical Center Present Moonlight Blues Gala Saturday, October 13, 2007 Aqua Turf, Plantsville, CT 7 PM to Midnight This event features a gourmet dinner buffet, Viennese table, open bar, and live and silent auctions. There will also be dancing to the music of "Eight to the Bar" and a special guest appearance by "The Blues Brothers" look-a-likes. Event is semi-formal with black tie optional. Tickets are $150 per person. For tickets, please contact Janet Barbiuto in the hospital's Development office, 203-694-8744. All proceeds benefit MidState Medical Center.

What you need to know!

Congratulations Ellen Ornato!

Selling gorgeous .925 Sterling Silver jewelry has its rewards!

Congratulations to Independent Silpada Designs Representatives (From Right to Left) Ellen Ornato (Middletown), Donna Naparstek (Burlington) and Debbie Nolan (North Haven) for earning Silpada Design’s SOAR 2008 trip to Maui, Hawaii! Each woman and a guest will be treated to a luxurious 5-day stay on Maui as a reward for achieving personal and team sales goals during the 2006-07 sales year. For more information visit www.mysilpada.com/ellen.ornato or call 860.344.9600.

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 8

Community Service Award

A new feature of The People’s Press recognizing groups, individuals, non-profits and municipal employees who go above and beyond serving the community.

Andrea Balsamo mance of Andrea Balsamo as Branch Manager. When I think of her I automatically think of the letter C. She has the Capacity to undertake and successfully complete monumental tasks. There is no job too big for her to handle. She has the energy and drive to work, work, and work until the job is successfully completed. She has the Competence to problem solve, marshal the resources necessary and to effectively lead staff and volunteers. She is Compassionate about the mission of the Red Cross since it is so closely aligned with her distinctive Caring personality.

She is, undoubtedly, the most hard-working, thoughtful person that I know.

Andrea The most exceptional manager I've ever met and works harder than any manager I ever met.

Most thoughtful of her employees.

Volunteers for anything needed.

Exceptional trait and wonderful person.

What can I say about Andrea Balsamo? I can’t barely touch on everything she does for the community and for all those around her. She does it with love, care and a total committment to serving those in need. So, don’t listen to what I have to say - listen to what a few of her friends have to say.

Testimonial on Andrea Balsamo

By John Turenne August 27, 2007 It all started at a golf tournament. No, I wasn't playing - I was cooking!

Andrea had approached me to see if I would be interested in volunteering in assisting the Wallingford - Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross conduct the concessions at the annual Ben Hogan Golf Tournament. She must have felt that my background as a chef and food manager couldn't hurt in this massive undertaking and that although I enjoy eating hamburgers as much as the next person, there was no way that I could possibly eat all the profits.

I joined the Advisory Board of the branch shortly thereafter and have enjoyed the relationship with a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers and staff ever since. The one constant adhesive through all the years has been Andrea. As the Branch Manager, one would expect her to conduct a well organized, profitable and successful community oriented organization and that she has done. However, it's the peripheral commitments and small stories, the things that most people don't know about Andrea, that inspire the rest of us.

Things like night after night, turning into morning after morning of providing food to the guests and volunteers at the annual Trail of Terror fundraiser; or sorting, packaging, stacking and coordinating back-aching food drives so that those who need a bit can get it; and Cookies! - hundreds and hundreds of giant chocolate chip cookies that are now a tradition of the Daffodil Festival.

If there were a photo of someone in the dictionary for the terms, tireless, humble, perfectionist and committed, it would be Andrea. She alone has taught me that 'community before self' is not a sacrifice, but ultimately a life giving honor.

John Turenne Chair - Advisory Board Wallingford - Meriden Branch American Red Cross Thoughts about Andrea I have volunteered at the Wallingford-Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross for over 20 years and I continue to be impressed by the perfor-

Andrea is the most caring, generous, thoughtful director I have ever met or worked with.

She is always there to do anything and everything that has to be done plus more.

Her day does not stop at normal times, she continues as late or as early as she is needed to perform extra volunteer duties for the good of the Red Cross or others in need.

Andrea cares for her clients, employees and volunteers as family.

Even on a not-so-good day, always has that beautiful smile greeting you.

Not only a director, employer, she is a friend and mentor to all.

Sometimes situations exist which appear insoluble. Such is the case when the Red Cross of Wallingford/Meriden was in financial difficulty with no solutions apparent. Then a ray of light appeared in the person of Andrea Balsamo who was appointed to the position of director of this troubled chapter.

Andrea immediately showed a positive attitude, a gentle but assertive personality, and an ability to motivate and encourage others to reach established goals.

She has sharpened the various services such as: response to disasters; providing food and medical transportation, and provide training for various safety and health needs.

All in all Andrea has helped establish a healthy and safe community.

Attributes: Tireless Worker 100% behind all Red Cross efforts Puts in long hours when required Has a positive attitude Excels in Budget Management Stays on top of expenditures Food Managerial Skills She is friendly and courteous with Red Cross Clients.

She has thorough knowledge of all Red Cross duties and functions.

She is appreciative of volunteer's efforts She has good communication skills.

These are just some of the positive statements that come to mind.

Harvey H. Bray She was an amazing inspiration as I started my nonprofit path with the Red Cross. I learned so much under her guidance, wisdom, and profound dedication. Even though I no longer live in Connecticut I keep in touch with the goings on of the Branch and am continually encouraged by her spirit and the very goodness she personifies and has throughout her life.

Sincerely, Amy-Christine Vinson Andrea Balsamo ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" From her tremendous dedication in blood services, fundraising, and community service her FAITH is exemplified daily.

She is the epitome of grace with always a smile on her face. Her presence at the Wallingford American Red Cross inspires HOPE at the difference she truly makes in the community.

Her compassionate heart full of LOVE ensures no one is ever turned away. Orchestrating ceaseless planning & coordinating volunteers with efforts and actions that is not always on display. Andrea has a wonderful combination of compassion, intelligence, strength, and stubbornness. She has been a great role model for me, and I am lucky to have her as a boss. Thanks for everything you do.

With Appreciation, Anna Andrea Balsamo, This is a lady that is there to serve up snacks and a cheerful smile to each and every volunteer at the trail of terror every October in Wallingford. Not to mention listening to the complaints of the victims "customers" that patronizes the Wallingford haunt. She is the final word on what the volunteers can get away with. If you are a volunteer that gets into the nuts and bolts of building the trail you know what I'm talking about. Wayne manages the trail but we all know who wears the pants in this outfit.

She is the one that controls the lost and found and with her group, works very hard on getting everything back to its rightful owner "and trust me there is A LOT lost there with all the victims falling down and running for their lives".

She is there at 2:00 AM when the very last Victim leaves the haunt. With all the Volunteers looking worn and torn from a cold damp night she puts her focus towards us to be sure every last one of us has a bite to eat and a warm drink to thaw us out a little before heading home for the night.

Got a cut, bump, or just a scratch? She is there with band-aid in hand. Need something to drink? She is there. Need a little something eat to hold you over? Yup, you guessed it. I've got to tell you the trail Of Terror is a great place to Volunteer, And I for one look forward to seeing the Red Cross car show up every night because I know there is a friendly caring person in it!

At The trail party every year I "like everyone else" look forward to finding out how much we are able to put into the Wallingford Red Cross coffers. And when Wayne gives her the BIG funny looking check I see true tears of joy from her come to the surface on this person. I've never seen anyone so sincere as Andrea Balsamo.

In closing, I'd like to say, Andrea, You are a saint and a bright spot in our fine town, and it's always a pleasure to see and chat with you. Thanks for being you!

Sincerely The neighbors Dan McKercher Maryanne Naylor

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 9

Andrea Balsamo Andrea has a heart of gold and she is truly dedicated to our organization. She deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond every day to carry out the programs offered by the Wallingford-Meriden Branch-American Red Cross.

Stacey Lucibello Director, Health Services Education and Occupational Training American Red Cross - South Central CT Chapter Andrea enters a room and immediately you'll sense that here's a woman with a cause.

Knowing her just a short while, I've learned early on that she is someone who is totally committed to the American Red Cross and serving the residents of South Central Connecticut.

She has a winning personality and an infectious smile that commands your attention. Andrea is a good leader, a great role model and emulates what the true spirit of giving is all about.

Congratulations Andrea!

Glenn P. Foster "I have had the opportunity to know and work with Andrea at the South Central Connecticut Chapter for the past five years. Once you get to know Andrea, you quickly learn that she is one of those rare individuals that are 100% community focused. For over 20 years, she has immersed herself in serving and answering the needs of our Branch community. She takes great pride in spreading the American Red Cross mission in the close knit communities of Wallingford, Meriden and Cheshire and consistently works to make the programs that we offer our communities stronger. I know her positive impact will continue to be felt long after she decides move on to retirement."

Jane WasyliwFormer Executive Director South Central Connecticut Chapter American Red Cross

For the time that I have worked with Andrea, I have watched her roll with whatever seems to happen. With grace, dignity and a sense of humor, she manages to juggle whatever glitches or unexpected situations that arise. For instance, she never misses a beat when someone doesn't show up for a Blood Drive and the spot has to be filled at the last minute. Her dedication and commitment to the Red Cross, especially here in the Wallingford/Meriden office goes beyond just the responsibilities of her position.

From Judy Having had the opportunity to work for Andrea these last 10 years, I consider myself to be blessed. Not only is she a terrific boss (a word she detests,) she is a wonderful human being.

Kind, compassionate and encouraging is just a few of the many positive words I could use to describe her. If I had to use one word alone to explain who Andrea is I would say precious.

For that is what she has become to me.

MJ Mary Jayne Somers American Red Cross As a Red Cross volunteer at the Wallingford/Meriden Branch of the South Central Connecticut Chapter, I have had the unique pleasure of working with Andrea Balsamo for the past six years. Andrea has led this office with an exceptional mixture of skill, humor and friendliness, always guiding the staff and volunteers in performing the extensive responsibilities that Red Cross requires.

Whether she is organizing a fundraising event, preparing refreshments for blood donors, interacting with staff and volunteers, overseeing food pantry and medical transportation services, supervising health and safety classes, selling cookies at Meriden's Daffodil Festival, spending three nights each week every October at

Wallingford's unique Trail of Terror (generally staying well past midnight), or performing a host of other activities, she invariably does it with expertise and good humor. Indeed, Andrea is the main reason that I have become so involved with the Red Cross.

Peter Burch I worked for the lovely Ms. Balsamo ten years ago, one of the best bosses I ever had. Tell her I will never forgive her for that, "We only have about 9-10 fires a year." We had that many fires in the first 8 months I was there. She'll know who I am :-) Chris Piantek Continuing Education Tunxis Community College 97% of the ARC Staff is made up of volunteers.

That said, the lines between paid staff and volunteers are often blurred. Both volunteers and paid staff are alike in that they have a passion for the causes they support and a belief that by working together, we can have an impact to better the lives of others. The paid staff working for the ARC (and other organizations like it), have dedicated their careers to this ideal.

In recent years, fundraising has become an increasing goal for the ARC to help supplement its budget to provide services vital to our towns. In a world of merging organizations and outsourced jobs, we are lucky to have our very own local branch of the ARC located in the town of Wallingford, which also serves the towns of Meriden and Cheshire. This would not be possible without local support through donations made to the office (directly and indirectly through organizations such as the United Way) and by people who support and volunteer for our local fundraising events.

Managing this small office of four hardworking individuals and countless volunteers is Andrea Balsamo. Andrea is the definition of a

model Red Cross Employee/ Volunteer. She is dedicated, caring, and selfless. She leads by example and volunteers as much of her time as she works, if not more. Andrea is passionate in her faith in God and in others. I am blessed that I not only have the opportunity to work with and learn from Andrea, but that I can also call her my friend.

-Cynthia Pomerleau M. W. Advisory Board My name's Tim Walton and I would like to say to Andrea "Thanks for all your hard work and for putting up with me all these years."

Well, without Andrea I wouldn't have been in the trail without her help. It was about almost 9 years ago when I first met Andrea after going through the trail for the very first time.

Certainly very sweet, Andrea is like a second mother to me in a way. Very cool, down to earth, Andrea is a very dear friend to all of us, and someone I'm quite blessed to know.

Michael Wilson Wow, it has been an absolute pleasure working with Andrea for the last 13 years. It all started with a simple phone call, a face to face meeting and since then our relationship has evolved into a special friendship. Andrea is one of those people that God put on this Earth to make people smile and give people a sense of hope and peace. She is one of those people who always look out for others rather than herself. The Red Cross and the town of Wallingford will miss her dearly after she retires. The "Boo Crew" won't miss her because we won't let her retire from the Trail of Terror. :D .... We love you Andrea!!!! Wayne & Christy To all of those who shared and we did not list your names - we apologize as they were not written on your tributes but I'm sure Andrea knows and appreciates your words.

Gil Simmons To Host “RAT PACK” Event in Wallingford The South Central Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross announced today that News Channel 8 and MYTV 9 Meteorologist Gil Simmons will serve as Honorary Chairman for its 14th annual Dinner Theater event on Friday, September 28.

This year’s gathering will take place at the new MountainRidge banquet facility and entertainment will be provided by “The Rat Pack”, a nationally recognized troupe of celebrity impersonators that recreates the original Las Vegas nightclub act with twenty-two classic musical numbers.

“I'm honored to host this year's event. I really appreciate all of the hard work the Red Cross does in our community. In addition to blood drives, health and safety training and other community services, the Red Cross helps people to prepare for emergencies before a disaster strikes and that can save lives!” said Simmons who partnered with the Red Cross during a severe weather community awareness day earlier this year at the start of the 2007 hurricane season.

The evening will also include a silent auction and a 50/50 cash drawing will also be held. Tickets are $55 per person and include a three-course dinner. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross. For tickets and information, please contact the Wallingford branch office at (203) 265-6721 or visit www.arcsct.org.

by September 20, 2007

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 10

Celebrations of Life and Home

Happy Grandparent's Day! I love you Great-Grandpa!

Love, Kevin Leo

Celebrations of Life and Home

Happy Grandparent's Day! I love you Grandma & Grandpa! Love, Kevin Leo

Kenya Under Canvas A Deluxe Wing Safari from January 30 February 11, 2008 Call Today!

CITY OF MERIDEN SEPTEMBER EVENTS

PUNT, PASS, & KICK COMPETITION Boys & girls ages 8-15 are invited to test their football skills at the local Meriden competition of the 2007 NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass, & Kick Program. This free event will be held at Ceppa Field on Saturday, September 8th.

Registration/warm-ups will be from 10:00-10:15AM with the competition to begin at 10:30AM. Entrants must wear sneakers and have a parent/guardian complete a waiver form to be eligible for advancement. All participants will receive certificates and winners will qualify for the state championship in October.

MERIDEN ROTARY'S "HOOPIN' IT UP" Basketball players of all ages & abilities are invited to compete in this 3-on-3 street tournament held on Saturday, September 22nd. Entrants receive shirts and winners receive trophies. Registration forms are available at the Parks & Recreation office and the Meriden YMCA. Completed registration forms must be returned to one of these locations by 6PM on Thursday, September 20th.

MERIDEN ELKS SOCCER SHOOT The Meriden Elks Lodge #35 will present the local Meriden "Soccer Shoot" on Sunday, September 23rd at Baldwin Pond Park. Registration for this free event gets underway at 12:00PM with the competition to follow at 12:30PM. Boys & girls ages 13 & under are invited to test their ability in such soccer skills as kicking, dribbling, & throwing.

All participants will receive shirts & refreshments. Dribbling & throwing winners will receive medals, and goal shooting winners will get trophies and the right to participate in the district championship.

FIRST TEE GOLF LESSONS The First Tee of Hartford will be conducting golf lessons for youths ages 8-14. Lessons will be held at Hunter Golf Course on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:20PM during the period of September 19th - November 7th. Interested participants can register at the Parks & Recreation office beginning Monday, September 10th. The cost is $10.00 for the program. Please register soon, as there are only 12 openings available for the program.

MERIDEN SKATEPARK The Meriden Skatepark, located on the corner of Coe Avenue & Hamilton Street, has the following hours of operation(weather permitting): School Days 2:00PM-Dusk Non-School Days 11:00AM-Dusk CASTLE CRAIG The vehicle access road to Castle Craig is open daily from 10:00AM-4:45PM, weather permitting, through October 31st. The entrance to the road is located under the eastern Interstate 691 overpass in Hubbard Park.

The Boo Crew Review - Wallingford's Trail of Terror The countdown has started for the opening of the Trail of Terror. Wow, less then 75 days. We're already asking ourselves, "How are we going to open in time". Ah, who needs sleep.

Before I start talking about this years Trail, I would like to recap what occurred in 2006.

Well, we had an unbelievable year. The weather was great, we had a Friday the 13th, and the word of all the hard work the "Boo Crew" did spread quickly throughout New England. People came from North Carolina-Maine and in CT over 120 cities and towns were represented. Everyone involved knew we had a great season so when it came time to present the check to the Red Cross at our volunteer recognition party the anticipation was at an all-time high. Of course we waited till the end to do so. We went through our "Golden Ghoul" award presentation, recognizing the top actors in several categories and the top awards to our most "dead"icated members of the "Boo Crew". After dinner, the awards, some great stories it was finally time to present the check. Pretty much everyone was sitting at the edge of their seats when the check was about to be revealed. The "Boo Crew" presented Andrea and the rest of the members of the Red Cross a check for $60,000 for their general fund. Well, we weren't done yet. Andrea received a special gift for putting up with us for all those years. Then while she was getting settled back in her chair we started to explain to everyone that once the Red Cross raises enough money for building repairs, Andrea was going to retire. We then presented her with a $40,000 check for the building fund. $100,000 total. Not bad for a group of people who could not give the money away 12 years ago. Andrea works harder than anyone I know and it would be great to see her retire just as long as she stays on and continues to work with us at the Trail. Thank you again to the "Boo Crew" for all your hard work and dedication.

Ok, about Trail of Terror, 2007. Come and see it. We again made major improvements to the trail itself and we have a few special surprises for the line area to make the wait in line more enjoyable. Please visit our website for information and updates. We also continued with the storyline from last year. I hope you enjoy it.

That's it for now. Happy haunting. Wayne "Spookologist" Barneschi Autumn Days A breath, whence no man knows, Swaying the grating weeds, it blows; It comes, it grieves, it goes. Once it rocked the summer rose.

105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com

welcomes Rita Kowalchik from the Meriden Public Health Deptment on September 11th at 2 p.m. to discuss and review State and City Resources. We also are pleased to have Pam Hall from Connecticut Light and Power who will discuss Energy Efficicency on October 16th at 2 p.m. We welcome both of them to serve your needs in our continuing series of talks by area experts on topics of interest to older adults.

Please join us for these free & informative programs to keep you informed.

Home: It's one word filled with meaning for many people. At Miller Memorial Community it means a warm, caring environment to live a safe and secure retirement life.

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 11

Holy Angels Parish Golf Tournament The Holy Angels Parish Golf Tournament will take place on September 29 at Hunter Memorial Golf Club, 688 Westfield Road. Registration will begin at 10:15 a.m.

The entry fee of $125.00 will include Cart and Green Fees, Lunch at the turn, Buffet Dinner catered by Violi's Restaurant at the course, On-Course Contests and Prizes.The tournament is open to both man and women at all levels of play.

Registration forms are available at the Holy Angels Parish Office, 585 Main Street, in South Meriden from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Mary M. Byczynski (203) 235-3822

What you need to know!

Patricia Pavelkops, a Meriden resident, is one of the more artistically talented members of the Cheshire Garden Club. In numerous workshops throughout the year, she has been given ample opportunity to fashion a variety of beautiful crafts. Here she is painting a rhubarb leaf that was cast in cement the week before. Next to her are president Marvin Carley and past president Dorothy Edwards. Many more craft items will still be made and then go on sale at the Club's Annual Holiday Luncheon and Boutique at Aqua Turf, scheduled for Wednesday, December 5, 2007. Tickets will become available next month through Tony Fay, at 203-272-4173.

What you need to know!

The Challenge

By Dawn A. N-Reynolds Recently, I was asked by Dr. David DeRosa of Precision Chiropractic Center, llc, to try a diet/cleansing plan, called Isagenix, and report honestly on my progress. In exchange I was able to get the products for free. I could not wait to give this a shot. I had picked up 15-20 lbs. of unwanted weight. Also, I have been having problems with my knees and the arch of my right foot. I was cutting carbs, counting calories, following an exercise tape 20-40 minutes per day and getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of results. If I needed further motivation, my sister was visiting in just two weeks- she lives in California and only gets out once or twice a year- what ever image she sees is locked in for the next six to twelve months.

The philosophy behind the formulation of the diet is that the toxins in our diets over time accumulate in our bodies.

Our bodies, in an attempt to shield our systems from the toxins will build up fat in our cells. If we can effectively release these toxins and cleanse our systems our bodies will return to the fat burning machines they are meant to be. If we return to our toxic diets we will need to re-cleanse periodically. While we can make significant improvements in our diets, go organic etc., the world we live in will make it nearly impossible to eliminate all toxins from our lives, and they site many examples of this, so the average person should plan to cleanse a couple times a year to maintain a healthy internal balance.

The plan I followed is called the 9 day plan but actually needs to be followed for 11 days. In 11 days I lost 7.8 stubborn pounds. Three weeks beyond the conclusion of the program, after returning to my regular diet which included the summertime indulgence of clam chowder and fried clams, I have kept the 7.8 pounds off!! I am looking forward to trying the plan again to see if I can lose the ballance of the 15-20 pounds I wanted to leave behind. Here are some of the painful details of this diet: You will need to quit caffeine- coffee and soda gone (I'm now a recovering Diet Coke addict), eliminate table sugar, drink 8-10 glasses of water a day and substitute two meals a day, breakfast and dinner with a milkshake mix (I loved the milkshakes).Four days of the 11 are Cleanse Days which means the is no official solid meal- I found a way to get around this that I'll mention further in. This sounded ominous but honestly, was much easier than I had expected. Pre cleanse Day one was a breeze but Pre-Cleanse day two I had a driving headache and mental fuzziness. Plan for this- it is the expected effect of caffeine and sugar withdrawal and it sucks- can I say that? By day four the headache was receding and I was feeling hungry. Day four is the second cleanse day there is no solid lunch, breakfast or dinner on these days. There are four cleanse days, days 1 and 2 and 8 and 9. I was drinking the Isacleanse juice blend, drinking my 10 glasses of water and snacking on the programs chocolate wafer bites. - I had also found a hidden note in the program book of other snack suggestions. The choices included 4 walnuts or 4 cashews or 6 almonds or 1 Slim Cake, or 1 IsaLean Bar (1 bar is included as a sample- this could be broken into several snacks -very good/filling) or 1-2 hard boiled eggs at suggested intervals throughout the day. So Day two of the Isacleanse I boiled half a dozen eggs to be at my disposal in times of great need. I had three hardboiled eggs in all that day. Eggs have never tasted better. The program consciously attempts to maintain a healthy glycemic (sugar) level. Exercise is encouraged. At least 20 minutes of exercise per day. I lost 4 inches in my waist, 5 inches in my hips, two inches per thigh for a total body loss of 21.75 inches.

Things I have gained from the program: Many of my carb cravings have been quelled. I have been reminded how important water is in our diets. I am even more aware of the benefits of organic foods in our diets. I have also been reminded not to go for long periods of time without a small, healthy snack. I have returned to my a.m. cup of coffee but I have my diet coke addiction under better control. Everything in moderation.

While I do not see this as a permanent life style, I can absolutely recommend this program for the person who is looking for a place to start, who is struggling with conventional methods, who would like to break free of their caffeine and/or sugar habit, or as an occasional diet/cleanse program.

Look for a further update in the next issue and also how Andy did on the plan as well.

Sukkot Services and "Pizza in the Hut" Come celebrate Sukkot, the Festival of Booths, a remembrance of the forty-year journey through the desert after God freed the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, and they lived in temporary shelters (sukkot). Services will be held at Temple B'nai Abraham (127 E. Main Street in Meriden) on Thursday and Friday September 27th and 28th at 9:30 a.m.

A special Family Sukkot Service will be held on Sunday September 30th at 9:30 a.m. with a "Pizza in the Hut" lunch to follow in the sukkah. All are welcome. Please RSVP for the lunch by September 25th by calling (203) 235-2581.

About Temple B'nai Abraham Temple B'nai Abraham is a Conservative synagogue which provides religious, educational and social programming for all age groups in a warm, extended family atmosphere. Shabbat services are egalitarian, and feature congregational singing. All are welcome.

Tradition Golf Club - Ladies 18 hole league - Tournament Results Congratulations Ellen Ornato!

Selling gorgeous .925 Sterling Silver jewelry has its rewards!

Congratulations to Independent Silpada Designs Representatives (From Right to Left) Ellen Ornato (Middletown), Donna Naparstek (Burlington) and Debbie Nolan (North Haven) for earning Silpada Design’s SOAR 2008 trip to Maui, Hawaii! Each woman and a guest will be treated to a luxurious 5-day stay on Maui as a reward for achieving personal and team sales goals during the 2006-07 sales year. For more information visit www.mysilpada.com/ellen.ornato or call 860.344.9600.

Blind Partner Tournament was held on August 4th. And the winners are: 1st Gross -Kelly Morrison and Traci Canavan; 2nd Gross - Coralee Reichelt and Joan Ciasulli and 3rd -Gross Carol Welch and Mary Bachinsky 1st Net- Jean Cerino and Tricia Crowley; 2nd Net -Cindy Semrau and Lori Panzo; and a 3rd Net Tie between the team of Donna Chesna and Brandy Pelliccio and the team of Kate Kelly and Claire Brunetti.

Burrstock 2 on September 22nd! at Meriden 4 Points Sheraton

Remember to stop by for the best food and the best service at

Featuring Country Music Writers hall of Fame member and Meriden Native Gary Burr appearing with a full band. 300 seated guests, some standing room. 7pm doors 8:30 music Cash Bar & Food Service $10.00

275 Research Parkway in Meriden 203) 238-2380

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

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

Stop by and see us at Celebrate Wallingford!

Eye exams provided by Betsy Swenby, an Independent Doctor of Optometry

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

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 12

Musing by Ernie Larsen

"Downtown" My wife and I were driving back into town after a trip to West Hartford for a 'bite'. We were on Colony Street just passing the old Post Office and she remarked this place, Meriden's downtown, is a ghost town. I babbled 'ya think? - Just a couple of weeks ago, I was in the same situation, returning from the 'beach' after a stay with my daughter, granddaughter and son-in-law. I was heading up W. Main Street adjacent to the Police/Court complex noting the lack of anyone on the street on a mid-Saturday afternoon. I had just returned from beautiful downtown Madison, Ct where the shops were bustling and it was difficult to find a parking spot on Main Street. The same goes for our West Hartford excursion - it was the Sunday of Labor Day week end and the joint (W. Hartford) was jumping, so to speak. So, what's with Meriden?

It is a known fact that downtown areas as we used to know them are victims to the advent of the shopping mall; so why is West Hartford bustling with activity with a major mall just a mile or so from the center of town and Meriden's downtown still fallow? Meriden's mall has been out of existence for years and scant few retailers have bothered to invest and take a chance on opening up in downtown. In fact, there is really nothing to bring back the hordes that were seen on Colony and West Main and now lamented by those who fondly remember those crowded sidewalk, Friday nights.

It's a shame, after millions were spent to revive the downtown infrastructure back in '93; no effective marketing plan emerged for the recruitment of businesses to jump-start downtown, as it were. So, what's a body to do, for shopping I guess 'The Square' as many still refer to Westfield Shopping Town is it; the convenience of many different stores in one handy location with almost unlimited parking.

As for the future of Meriden's downtown, who's to say if it was a wise idea to put the Superior Court building smack in the middle of the area? Usually people heading to court are not the most upstanding citizens in our society; although they do provide some revenue to the City via the parking fees they pay for their court appearances. There was talk a few years ago to start an upscale restaurant in the building across the street which is now occupied by Middlesex Community College. I guess a steady rent as opposed to the pitfalls of running an eating establishment certainly makes more business sense. Right now, there are only a handful of retail businesses in downtown not counting the eating establishments who provide sustenance to the college and courthouse folks plus some out of district customers who have been patrons for years.

Will downtown ever revert back to the glory days of the 40's, 50's and 60's, most likely not; so what is in the works for the area? Nothing as far as I can see, there is some talk about making the newly demolished mall area a park, no revenue generation there, as for the rest of downtown I'm sure some new businesses will filter in and out, however, I wouldn't want to be hanging for the length of time it would take for Meriden's downtown to regress back to the days of yore. As for now, the diner/deli restaurants seem to be holding their own, in fact one of the classic design diners, adjacent to the Courthouse, just reopened; you certainly are able to order a decent lunch in several of the downtown "hash houses" as my father gingerly used to refer to diners and luncheonettes. But if you have a hankering for the latest bestselling novel, that's another story.

So, I reckon if you fancy some small-time retailing, you'll have to head to West Hartford, Middletown or even Madison for that intimate shopping outing.

I'm sure there will be those who can relate to these thoughts, remembering those memorable Friday nights of the past and hoping for a renaissance of downtown; probably not going to happen any time soon.

Cans For A Cure

Jordan's Den Relay For Life team is having a returnable can/bottle drive Saturday September 22, 2007 From 11 to 3 @ M & M Redemption Center in Wallingford on Route 68 All proceeds go to The American Cancer Society Can't stop by but still want to help give us a call and we will pick up your cans for you. You can contact Jessica 213-1984 OR Paula 238-9636 Thank you for your support in advance

Rethink giving loved ones the silent treatment.

Are you still not talking to a family member or friend? Do you even remember why? Thank your lucky stars that you still have them. Consider the terrible tragedy that happened to the Petit family in Cheshire.

Anyone can be taken from you in the blink of an eye. Life is so fragile and most people take so much for granted. I hope from this tragedy we will learn to love each other and overlook others' faults.

In this country, we are very lax in letting offenders out of prison much too early. We don't seem to learn from our mistakes and that costs the lives of many innocent people. By Ruth Petrucci

You’re the apple of our pies!

Voted #1 Bakery!

FOXWOODS CASINO

The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will be hosting a bus trip to Foxwoods Casino, on Saturday, September 22, 2007. The bus will leave the Commuters Parking Lot by Vinny's on RT 5 at 10 a.m. and will leave the Casino at 5 p.m. Cost of tickets is $35.00 which includes bus ride to Casino, two (2) $5.00 bets and $10.00 Food Coupon. You can purchase tickets at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club, 72 Grand Street, Wallingford, CT. Call for information at 203-269-7525.

How Schools Work!

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

HELP WANTED!

Here is the scoop!

Pralines of Wallingford is looking for the cream of the crop to serve our loyal customers!

Energetic and Reliable person with flexible hours to work part time in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. Weekends required!

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Dear Housewives - Central Connecticut's Know it all Gals!

Dear Readers, Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue. June and Flora Dear Housewives, My days are filled with babies and it is getting me down. I have twins and a toddler. If I had known life would be so isolating with small kids, I would not have had them so close together. What can I do to now drown in the monotony? Mom Zombie in Meriden JUNE: Dear Zombie--you sound like you are in need of some adult time.

There are a few things you can do. First, find a play group to join. It may take some time; there are some really lame ones out there (see the following question) so be selective. Second, try to get out of the house. It is hard with twins alone and adding a toddler makes it harder but find time to go to the mall or to the park or for a walk even. Getting out of the house will clear your head a bit and change your scenery. Last, go out with your husband alone. If you have a babysitter or a family member who can watch your kids for a bit get out with just you and him to dinner or a movie. It will refresh you and make you feel like more than just a mom. If you are like me and have no one to baby-sit at night then put the kids to bed and eat a late dinner together. Shut off the TV and sit outside and talk. Good luck. I bet Flora has some good ideas.

FLORA: Zombie, it can feel isolating at times when you have small children at home. If you are from Meriden,the Family Resource Centers are based in John Barry elementary and Ben Franklin Elementary. The phone number is in the Blue Pages of the phone book. they are a wonderful resource for playgroups and information and support. They are FREE. When we are surrounded by like minded people it makes going through the tough times more bearable.

Go to the Children's Section of your local library. There are terrific story times and now is the time to register for the Fall story Times! I met good friends through the library and your children will be exposed to books and play time there.

When my children were small, I tried to do one thing each day, even if it was for an hour.

If you are not getting exercise, try stretching in the morning or doing a short DVD before the day gets into gear.

Best wishes Mommy friend and know that they will be asking for the car keys before you know it.

Dear Housewives, I recently joined an online playgroup and was very disappointed in it. The people (which many weren't my type anyway) had their own little clique and really were not welcoming. They pretended to be but really wanted nothing to do with me. Any ideas where I can find better ones?

All Played Out in Meriden FLORA: How disappointing to hear that the on-line group wasn't welcoming to you. They should have a closed group so not to offend any more mothers.

June has some good tips below for you. Remember that it has nothing to do with you and that some people lack the skills of hospitality. Sorry you got mixed up in that mess.

JUNE: If I hadn't been involved with this very type of playgroup at one time I would ask if something is wrong with you. I have that just because everyone has kids doesn't mean they have anything else in common. I would say to

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 13

try the family resource playgroups at the schools or go to library functions. If you don't like your group there are other groups and schools to choose from. You may meet other mom's who want to be in a nice playgroup as well. You can eventually start your own if you meet a few people. You can try other towns as well. Stay away from those cliques.

Hi Flora--Hope your summer went well. My oldest "little JUNE" started second grade and my middle "little JUNE" started preschool. The time has flown. I hope everyone had a nice summer and a nice start to the school year.

Hi June--Summer was fun and interesting. We have a third and first grader. I too wish everyone a wonderful start to the new fall season!

DVD Picks JUNE: "The Last Mimzy" was a wonderful little movie that you could watch with your kids. It is PG but it was fine for my seven year old. It was about two kids who found a secret into another world. The kids take on certain powers and the town figures them out. Sort of like ET meets Star Wars. Well, maybe not, but check it out anyway. Have you watched anything normal Flora?

FLORA: Normal, hmmm. I did see "Nanny McPhee" (PG) and thought that was a terrific family film. Emma Thompson did a good job playing Nanny McPhee who comes to improve the behavior of seven siblings.

JUNE: Now we are talking. That was a great movie. And it is only one year old. Way to go Flora!!! Way to go.

Introducing a NEW Program offered by The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce!

Partial List of Presenters to Date: Action Coach Bob Kademian Anita Ford -Saunders Communications Bongiovanni Insurance and Investments Session 2 on 10/17/07 Marketing, Branding, Publicity and Promotion Castle Bank & Trust Company ‌on a Shoestring Budget Connecticut Economic Development Fund Cornerstone Business Advisors, LLC Session 3 on 11/14/07 Design For Communication Legal & Accounting Issues ARC of Meriden & Wallingford Why Do I need Legal and Tax Advisors?

Growth Coach Jim Beland Session 4 on 12/12/07 Hunter's Ambulance Service It's all about Protection Kelly Services Covering your Assets and Managing Risks Atty. Luis Rodriguez & Associates Session 5 on 01/18/08 GL Market Research Human Resource Solutions to Grow Greater Meriden Chamber of Your Business Commerce Session 6 on 02/20/08 Web Solutions, Inc. What a Wonderful Web We Weave New Life Church Pre-Paid Legal Services Session 7 on 03/19/08 Tech Toys for Productivity and Profitability State Farm Insurance - Derek Gromko Workforce Alliance Session 8 on 04/16/08 Sam Carr Appraisals Learning from Home Runs Near Misses Newlight Financial Services And Strike Outs Instant Imprints Session 9 on 05/21/08 The SBI series will be videotaped at the Balancing Home Life and Business well equipped and modern facilities of Finding the OFF button New Life Church, our sponsor and host.

Session 10 on 06/18/08 SBI is presented by The Greater Meriden Connecting Your Business with Chamber of Commerce of Meriden, CT. Your Community More detailed information is available at Session 11 on 07/16/08 the chamber's website - click on Small Planning for Next Week, Next Month, Business Institute tab at Next Year; the Future www.meridenchamber.com Session 1 on 09/19/07 Show Me the Money Financing Your Growing Business

Chamber Member's Attendee Fee (Per Registrant) $270 Entire Series ($330 Value - Includes 2 Free Sessions) $30 Per Individual Session Per Person Non-Member's Attendee Fee $405 Series ($495 Value - Includes 2 Free Sessions) $45 Per Session - $100 Membership Offer ($235 Value*) *If Series is Paid for and Non-Member Joins Within 30 Days Table Top Exhibitors Each session will feature themed Table Top Exhibitors. To complement the information provided by the presenters, the exhibitors will serve as the resident experts in the fields of interest presented at each session. They will be wonderful contacts for

Small Business Institute Location New Life Church 262 Bee St, Meriden, CT

you when you will need their services.

In addition to the presenter's / speaker's table for materials each session will have a limited number of Table Top Exhibitors for a fee of $50 for each 8 foot table which includes a seat for one participant at the presentation aswell. Limited electric may be available.

If you are interested in becoming a Table Top Exhibitor for the Small Business Institute, please contact the Chamber office today for specific details at 203.235.7901.

Program Includes Continental Breakfast 07:30am (Arrival, Display Tables, & Networking) 08:00am (Program - Speaker/Panel Discussion) 09:30am (Q&A, Display Tables, & Networking) 10:00am Program Concludes

R.S.V.P. The Meriden Chamber of Commerce 3 Colony Street, Suite 301Meriden, CT 06514 Phone: 203.235.7901 eMail: info@meridenchamber.com Website: www.meridenchamber.com

Register On-Line, by email, by call or use this form!

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 14

Celebrations of Life and Home

Have you had a mystical experience?

Have you had a mystical experience you couldn't explain or that left you with questions you never thought you'd ever be asking? I know what that feels like. My first such experience occurred when I was ten years old, attending a Convent school in England. One night while stargazing outside my bedroom window, the sky suddenly lit up with intense brightness and I heard a soothing voice speak to me. He must have spoken to my heart because I still don't remember what was said. But the experience prompted me to read the Bible, and I read the whole thing twice that year. Some passages were like spiritual food and I read them many times.

When my family returned to the States, I attended a public middle school and there had my second mystical experience. Having been in an all-girls environment for the previous two years, I hadn't been socialized with boys. They frightened me. When a boy seemed to like me, and then ignored me, I felt emotionally devastated. I needed God's help and after school walked to our church. To my horror, the door was locked. God was inside, I was outside, and I needed him now. I fell onto the steps in tears. Moments later, an angel appeared and told me I would find God elsewhere.

Looking back on this experience, I think I should have been awestruck. But it felt natural, and it left me inspired to do exactly as I was told. Once again I was driven to find spirituality.

I attended different churches with my friends, and read all I could about various religions. None of their teachings explained how and why the Light of God or an angel would visit an ordinary person. When I was fourteen, I found a teaching that did have an answer: it was because God loves all Souls and therefore each of us is worthy to receive God's blessings. Miracles like the ones I received occur when a person is willing and interested in learning how to love God back. Whenever I think of this, it makes me feel blessed, loved, happy, and peaceful inside.

A year later, when I was fifteen, I learned that the Word of God can be a personal communication, one that can be listened to at anytime. The experience came during a long road trip with my family. At a hotel where we stayed, I began reading a book by Brad Steiger called "In My Soul I am Free." One of the chapters in particular fed me like certain passages of the Bible once did. I read certain lines over and over and didn't want to stop. When my parents told me to turn out the light I read in the bathroom. When they told me to shut off that light too and get into bed I felt as though my lifeline to God was again being taken away. But as I lay in bed yearning for more, I began to settle into the comfort of a musical, heavenly sound that filled my ears and my heart. From this sound I received upliftment far beyond anything I'd ever experienced from reading any book.

Mystical experiences, I have since learned, can be had by those who desire them. Eckankar, Religion of the Light and Sound of God, teaches techniques that can prepare you to see the Light and hear the Sound. One key exercise is to sing an ancient word, "HU" (rhymes with "blue"), in a long, drawn out voice. You sing it as a love song to God daily for about twenty minutes, praying only for "Thy Will be Done". Yet I also turn to it whenever I need help. Singing HU has helped me in big moments, such as when it gave me courage and calmness prior to heart transplant surgery; and in small ones, such as helping my daughter deal with a fear of spiders in her bedroom.

A Gallup Poll taken in 1990 showed that 54% of those polled answered "yes" to the question, "Have you ever been aware of, or influenced by, a presence or a power-whether you call it God or not-which is different from your everyday self?" Other surveys have shown that one out of every three Americans admit to having had a mystical experience.

That's a lot of us. Maybe you've had one, too.

Many mystical experiences come as past life recalls, profound dreams, or out-of-body or near-death experiences. As a service to those who've had such experiences and want to know more about them, I'm organizing a series of free talks on these topics at the Eckankar Temple in Middlefield. They will be held on Tuesdays, Sept. 11, 18th, and 25th, from 7:00 to 8:00PM in the downstairs classroom. For more information, please go to www.ct-eckankar.org.

MERIDEN-MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY,CHILDREN'S LIBRARY ANNOUNCES FALL STORY HOUR TIMES: Monday at 6:30 pm.-Kindergarten through 2nd grade (stories & crafts) Tuesdays for 3-4 years old stories at 11:15 am., 1:15 pm. & 6:30 pm.

Wednesdays at 11:15 am. for 2-3 years old with parent or caregiver & 6:30 pm. for 2 years old with parent or caregiver.

Registration begins August 27th. All first time participants must show proof of age. Story hours begin week of September 10th.

START ON STORIES FOR CHILDREN UNDER 2 YEARS OLD IS ON THURSDAY MORNINGS AT 10:30 AM. Children with their parent or caregiver are invited to join us for stories, finger plays, music, and socialization. This program with be held on the following dates: September 6 & 20th, October 4th & 18th, & November 1st & 15th. Come and enjoy this fun time with your child.For more information call us at (203) 630-6347.

Happy 2nd Birthday to my little man! I luv you lots, Auntie Ka Ka

Celebrations of Life and Home

Boy oh Boy! It’s my first birthday on September 1, 2007. What will I get from my Mommy, Grampy Joe, Great Grampy Joe and Great Grammie Audrey? I am a very lucky little boy because they all love me very much.

What else can I ask for? I am the apple of their eyes.

I love you all too. Love, Gabriel

HELP WANTED CNA live-in. 2-5 days/week, 24 hours bi-weekly for middle aged quadriplegic. 3 years experience w/transfers bed-wheelchair. Showering, feeding, cooking lunch, prepping dinner, housekeeping, taking phone messages. Strong communication skills, professional appearance, attitude.

Compensation based on experience.

Please call 203-272-3870 Apple & Pear Picking while in Season

We are a local family farm offering apples, pears, fresh cider, pumpkins, vegetables, flowers and herbs in the Fall. We also offer boxes of fruit, vegetables and fresh cider in the Winter. We invite you to come visit us and taste the difference of our high quality products!

What makes us different?

High Hill Orchard’s growing methods support the health of plants without endangering the soil they grow in or the people who eat them. In order to produce the tastiest, highest-quality foods, we cultivate our farm in a manner which works with Nature.

In our fruit and vegetable production, instead of carrying on biological warfare against insect pests, we build the vigor of our plants so that only minimal use of sprays is required - this is what we call “ecologically grown” and it does

make a difference for you and your family.

P u mpki n Season is coming soon.

C h e ck n ex t i s s u e fo r a n u p d a te !

Group Hayrides available with beautiful views of the hills and valleys of Wallingford and Meriden.

Enjoy the foliage from High Hill! Call 294.0276 Directions We are located off I-91 at Exit 15, Rt. 68. Go east 500 feet and take a left on Research Parkway. Go 1 mile, take a right on Thorpe Avenue. Go 3/4 mile, bear right onto Fleming Road and go to the top of the hill From Meriden: Take East Main Street. Go right onto Thorpe Avenue. Go 2 miles and take a left onto Fleming Road to the top of the hill.

170 Fleming Road in Meriden 203 294-0276

Political Advertisement

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 15

MERIDEN ADULT CONTINUING AND CAREER EDUCATION Fall Classes and Offerings Personal Finance

400 Women & Money - Take Charge!

Whether married, widowed, divorced or single, women are taking charge of their finances. Regardless of age, it is never too early or too late to take an active role in planning your finances and managing your investments. Gain investment knowledge, establish a plan of action, develop an investment strategy based on your unique needs and goals. Over 80% of women today will at some point be the sole financial decision-maker. Plan now.

H. Cormier, C.F.P Thursday 10/1 Platt Room 105 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session

405 Exploring Your Options for a Quality Retirement A workshop on becoming "fiscally fit" exploring the area of retirement planning. You will learn why plan design is critical; understanding the impact of erosion through inflation and taxation; looking at your options at distribution time from a company retirement plan; and proper steps in reviewing 401k performance.

M. Argiro Wednesday 10/10 Platt Room 130 6:30-7:30pm $20 1 session

406 The New Retirement Mindscape What are the 5 emotional stages of retirement? How do you make 401 Should I have a Living Trust? sure you don't outlive your income? What financial concerns lie What is a Living Trust and is it right for you? Do you need a ahead for your generation? How can you boost your savings if Living Trust to avoid Probate? Topics to be discussed include you're off to a late start? Should you convert your traditional IRA estate planning, living trusts, last will and testament, power of into a Roth IRA? How do you select the right retirement distribuattorney, living wills, health care representatives, and State legis- tion plan? Is long-term care important? Should you consolidate lation that affects these documents. your retirement accounts? Answers to these and many more!

B. Daly, Atty.

Tuesday 9/25 H. Cormier, C.F.P Thursday 10/2 Platt Room 105 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session Platt Room 105 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session 402 Accounting - Beginners Learn how to record transactions into an accounting system. Start with source documents and going to journal entries to posting to general ledger to trial balances and finally the financial statements. Debits and credits will no longer be a mystery. Class work will involve lecture and problems on the board.

R. Tait Wednesday Starts 9/26 Platt Room 52 6:30-8:30pm $165 10 session

Our instructors are hired to teach general concepts to groups of students, not to provide specific investment advice to individuals. Students should consult their own financial advisor or attorney before making any investment decisions based on specific examples used by our instructors.

2007

Calendar

Starting today‌ Register for General Interest Courses online, by mail or in person until Wednesday, September 19, 2007 STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: The Meriden Adult Education Program operates under the Meriden Board of Education's policy of non-discrimination in Educational Programs and Activities.

This policy adheres to the provisions of Title IX of the Education Acts, 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Disabilities Act of 1991 and appropriate state laws in educational progress, services or employment. All activities offered by Meriden Adult Education are held in accessible locations.

Accommodations for individuals with a disability are available upon request.

If there is any issue or question regarding discrimination, accessibility or accommodation, please write Mr. Donald Friedman, Director, Meriden Adult Education, 22 Liberty Street, Meriden, CT 06450 or call 203-630-4190.

403 Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement With financial independence, retirement can be the most fulfilling time of your life. This class covers important money management concepts and issues that are important to people near retirement.

Topics include assets management and health care decisions. No products or investments will be offered. An additional $25 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first session.

S. Jacques Classes on: 10/23, 10/30 and 11/13 Platt Room 109 6:30-8:30pm $30 3 sessions 404 Strategies that Prevent You from Going Broke at a Nursing Home Will gifting protect my assets for my children if I go to a nursing home? How can I get the State to pay for my nursing home care?

Learn about proven asset protection planning techniques for long term care, liability to the nursing home for a loved one as well as the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. B. Daly, Atty.

Tuesday Starts 10/2 Platt Room 105 6:30-8pm $30 2 sessions

General Interest Program Classes are offered on a "first come, first registered" basis. Many classes fill quickly and class size is limited. Register early to ensure your place.

We will take registrations (as long as a class is still available) until Wednesday, September 19, 2007. You may register in three ways: Online: Visit www.meridenadulted.org In Person: Come to the Adult Education Office (Room 1A) at the Meriden Board of Education on 22 Liberty Street between 8am and 11:45am and 1pm and 3:45pm.

Please bring cash or a separate check or money order for each class for the course fee. Make checks and money orders payable to: "Meriden Adult Evening School."

By Mail: Use the registration form in this newpaper to register for classes. Please make sure that you have a separate check or money order for each class for the course fee.

Make checks and money orders payable to "Meriden Adult Evening School" and mail the form and payment to: Meriden Adult Evening School, 22 Liberty Street, Meriden, CT 06450.

DO NOT SEND CASH. Please note: You will not receive confirmation of your registration. We will contact you if the class is already filled and we will return your payment then.

NO REFUNDS can be given unless a course is cancelled for insufficient enrollment or already filled.

Incomplete registrations cannot be processed and will be returned.

Participants must be over the age of 18 and not currently registered in any high school.

Please See Registration Form on Page 17

Board of Education Michael Cardona Scott Hozebin Mark A. Hughes Frank J. Kogut Robert E. Kosienski, Jr. William M. Lutz Michael Reynolds Barbara Sokol Leonard Suzio

Administration Mary N. Cortright Superintendent Jeffrey A. Villar Associate Superintendent Glen A. Lamontagne Assistant Superintendent Donald H. Friedman Adult and Continuing Education

MERIDEN ADULT CONTINUING & CAREER EDUCATION 22 LIBERTY STREET, ROOM 1A, MERIDEN 630-4190

www.meridenadulted.org Office Hours Office Hours Adult Education Office (Central Office) 22 Liberty Street 630-4190 Monday - Friday, 8am-12 Noon and 1pm-4pm Adult Learning Center 169 Colony Street (2nd floor of the Women and Families' Center) 237-0602 Monday-Thursday, 9am-12:30pm and 5:30pm-8:30pm High School Credit Diploma 220 Coe Avenue (Platt High School) Rm. 4 238-2887

Monday-Thursday, 3:30pm-8:30pm Meriden Business & Learning Center 500 South Broad Street 639-0320 Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-3:30pm, evenings as needed School Closings Whenever Meriden Public Schools are closed for holidays and for weather reasons, classes will not meet. School cancellations are made on television and on local radio stations. Watch or listen to your local station when the weather is poor or if a late day storm is forecast. Remember, always use your judgment about traveling in inclement weather.

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 16

FITNESS AND RECREATION

Crafts and Hobbies 120 Pastels Local artist Ellie Bender will teach you to create a colorful landscape or a still life. Some art experience is helpful. Order pastels in the first class or bring a 96 piece set of NU Pastels, backing board, felt gray or steel gray canson paper, a sepia pastel pencil and a kneaded eraser to class.

E. Bender Monday Starts 9/24 Platt Room 64 6:30-8:30 pm $55 6 sessions 121 Quilting - Turning Twenty... Again A beginner class with some skill needed. This is a great quilt to make for any occasion or with planned fabric to keep. A list of needed supplies will be given to you when you register. K. Bergeron Monday Starts 9/24 Platt Room 14 6-9pm $70 6 sessions 122 Quilting - Swirling Leaves - Advanced A beautiful quilt of falling leaves in bright brilliant colors to reflect the feeling of Fall. Can also be done in flannel fabrics. A list of needed supplies will be given to you when you register. K. Bergeron Wednesday Starts 9/26 Platt Room 14 6-9pm $70 6 sessions

200 Aerobics: Light 'n Low & Sculpt Just getting started or getting back? Try this low level aerobics class with easy-to-fo low steps. Bring a mat and register with a friend!

M. Clark M & W Starts 9/24 Washington Small Gym 5:30-6:30pm $50 20 sessions 201 Aerobics: Beginner Basic Cardio Express & Muscle Mix & Sculpt 1 Tuesday - Cardio Express: This class brings you 60 minutes of a workout that won't quit set to a gentler pace. Starting with Cardio (15 min.), Kick Boxing (15 min.) combination of moves, kicks, toning and agility work, and Bottom Line (15 min.) secure tight assets with these glute exercises. Tone, condition and define the gluteus medius/maximus muscle group area for a more appealing "bottom line". Abs follow.

Thursday - Muscle Mix & Sculpt: The maximum muscle workout, no bulking - just toning, flexibility work and total body conditioning. A body sculpting class isolating muscles, achieving definition without adding bulk. Abs follow.

Bring weights (optional) and a mat to class.

M. Clark T & Th Starts 9/25 Washington Small Gym 5:30-6:30pm $50 20 sessions 202 Aerobics: Beginner Basic Cardio Express & Muscle Mix & Sculpt 2 Tuesday - Muscle Mix & Sculpt: The maximum muscle workout, no bulking - just toning, flexibility work and total body conditioning. A body sculpting class isolating muscles, achieving definition without adding bulk. Abs follow.

Bring weights (optional) and a mat to class.

Thursday - Cardio Express: This class brings you 60 minutes of a workout that won't quit set to a gentler pace. Starting with Cardio (15 min.), Kick Boxing (15 min.) combination of moves, kicks, toning and agility work, and Bottom Line (15 min.) secure tight assets with these glute exercises. Tone, condition and define the gluteus medius/maximus muscle group area for a more appealing "bottom line". Abs follow.

M. Clark T & Th Starts 9/25 Washington Small Gym 6:40-7:40pm $50 20 sessions 203 Golf for the Beginner If you know little or nothing about golf, this course teaches the proper use of equipment and clubs, golf etiquette and the rules of the game. A trip to the driving range is the culminating activity.

L. Kapell Wednesday Starts 9/26 Platt Room 72 7-9pm $65 8 sessions 204 Yoga for Relaxation 1 Learn many yoga postures that will help tone and energize your body. Discover breathing techniques that reduce stress and enhance relaxation. Bring an exercise mat or blanket and wear loose and comfortable clothing.

J. Iovanna Tuesday Starts 9/25 Platt Library Media Ctr, 1st Fl. 6-7:30pm $50 8 sessions 205 Yoga for Relaxation 2 Same as Yoga for Relaxation 1 J. Iovanna Thursday Starts 9/27 Platt Library Media Ctr, 1st Fl. 5:30-7pm $50 8 sessions 206 Yoga for Relaxation 3 Same as Yoga for Relaxation 1 J. Iovanna Thursday Starts 9/27 Platt Library Media Ctr, 1st Fl. 7-8:30pm $50 8 sessions 207 Introduction to Ballroom Dancing Learn the "basics" of Swing, Waltz, and Cha-Cha! Learn "the dance" not just the steps, as we show you how to make "small changes" that will make "big differences". Dazzle your friends, relatives and your general audience with our dynamic and progressive variations. Previous dance experience is not a requirement. Bring a partner (required), your video camera and tripod (optional), and sign up now! Progress at your own rate and videotape all your lessons to create your own video notebook (then rewind and review your lessons as required...until the tape breaks!)

O'Keefe/Bula Monday Starts 9/24 Platt Cafeteria 7-9pm $70/Couple 6 sessions 208 Swing Dancing 'On the Move' Learn the "basics" of single, double, and triple rhythm swing. Learn "the dance" (or brush up), not just the steps, as we show you how to make "small changes" that will make "big differences". In addition, we will introduce you to swing "On The Move", a new look that will enable you to gracefully utilize the entire dance floor as you dazzle your friends, relatives and your general audience. Previous dance experience is not a requirement. Bring a partner (required), your video camera and tripod (optional), and sign up now! Progress at your own rate and videotape all your lessons to create your own video notebook (then rewind and review your lessons as required...until the tape breaks!) O'Keefe/Bula Monday Starts 11/19 Platt Cafeteria 7-9pm $70/Couple 6 sessions

123 Fresh Flower Arranging for Beginners Learn to arrange flowers in water and floral foam and how to make bud vases, round arrangements, long and low centerpieces and novelties. We'll do one or two projects each class. Supplies for each class will cost $15-$20 payable to the instructor on week in advance. Bring payment for the first two classes to the first class. Bring scissors each night and come enjoy working with nature's beauty! J. Norrie Monday Starts 9/24 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30 pm $55 6 sessions

124 Fresh Flower Novelties Designed for the beginner and a continuation of the Spring 2007 class, this course will focus on arranging fresh flowers in fun and novel ways for the Fall. Possible projects may include a flower pot filled with flowers and fruit; flowers arranged in pumpkins gourds, or winter squash; among others. Cost for supplies is approximately $20 each week payable to the instructor one week in advance. Bring payment for the first two classes to the first class.

Bring scissors and enjoy! J. Norrie Wednesday Starts 9/26 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30 pm $55 5 sessions 125 Photo Organizing Class Are your pictures a mess? Organize them! Bring 170-180 4x6 photos or 170 4x6 and some panoramic photos to class. We will complete an album that offers photo-safe story sleeve pages for preserving your life's milestones. Customize your pages with flexible pre-cut accessories that come with the album. You'll have your memories safely pocketed and ready to be treasured and shared. Bring a materials fee of $45 to the first class. L. Harduby Tuesday 9/25 Platt Cafeteria 6:30-9pm $30 1 session

Computers 300 Keyboarding Learn keyboarding and how to use a computer as well as basic word processing.

Develop and improve your skills and speed using MS Word. Text included.

R. Ash Monday Starts 9/24 Platt Room 131 6:30-9pm $150 12 sessions 301 Basic Computer Concepts and Applications If you have no computer background, this course will teach you the fundamentals of using a personal computer. Hands-on experience will help you explore word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), databases (MS Access) and graphics presentation (MS PowerPoint).

Keyboarding skills required. Text included.

M. Murphy Tuesday Starts 9/25 Platt Room 123 7-9pm $117 12 sessions 302 Basic MS Excel Hands-on experience creating, editing, printing and saving spreadsheets.

Learn to use basic formulas and functions, copying formulas, formatting worksheets and creating charts. Basic Computer Concepts and Applications required. Text included. M. Murphy Monday Starts 9/24 Platt Room 123 7-9pm $117 12 sessions

303 Basic MS Word Learn the concepts and practices behind the most widely-used word processing program. Learn to create and edit professional letters, memoranda, press releases and reports as well as how to prepare things for online use. Keyboarding skills required.

Text included.

M. Murphy Wednesday Starts 9/26 Platt Room 123 7-9pm $92 6 sessions 304 Basic MS Access Learn the professional way to record, handle and share data. After learning how to create tables and enter data, you will practice creating forms and reports as well as retrieving data with queries and sharing it through links, tables and forms.

Keyboarding skills required.

Text included. M. Murphy Thursday Starts 9/27 Platt Room 123 7-9pm $92 6 sessions

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 17

LANGUAGES 500 Conversational Spanish 1 502 Sign Language

Get the basics of conversational Spanish. Everyday expressions and usage along with vocabulary will prepare you for travel or for work. Text included.

E. Lorenzo Thursday Starts 9/27 Platt Room 152 5-7pm $120 12 sessions 501 Conversational Spanish 2 This course continues Conversational Spanish 1. Text included.

E. Lorenzo Thursday Starts 9/27 Platt Room 152 7-9pm $120 12 sessions

Learn the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) - the predominant language used by deaf people.

Communication, culture and insight will teach you to communicate with a hearing-impaired person. Text included.

M. Moore Wednesday Starts 9/26 Platt Room 27 6:30-8:30pm $93 10 sessions

SPECIAL INTEREST 700 Professional Make-Up Let a professional make-up artist, a leader in the practice of custom blending foundations and tinted moisturizers, guide you through the latest color trends and techniques designed to accentuate your personal sense of style and beauty. This course is especially helpful for women who are transitioning to the workforce, who want to impress or who are recovering from a long-term illness. Materials supplied.

D. Rich Mon. & Wed. Starts 9/24 Platt Room 9 6:30-8:30pm $50 6 sessions 701 The Basics of Selling on eBay® This is for any company or individual who wants to sell items. Are you a company who is looking to liquidate your inventory? If you are a business that has inventory just sitting on your shelf or you don't have that much cash in your bank account we can help you! Are you an individual who has things lying around that you want to sell? In this bad economy you know that there is no such thing as having too much money, we can help you, too! Bring $25 materials fee to the first class.

C. Adamo Classes on: 9/26, 10/1 and 10/3 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $45 3 sessions 702 The Basics of Buying on eBay® This course is for individuals who want to learn how to buy on eBay. You can find bargains if you are in the right place at the right time - and don't we all enjoy bargains these days! Bring $15 materials fee to the first class.

C. Adamo Monday 9/24 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session 703 Beyond The Basics of eBay® Any company or individual who wants an eBay business needs this course! Are you an existing company that has tried to liquidate inventory but aren't having any success? Are you an individual who has lost your job or you want to own your own business and be your own boss? Now you can have an eBay business and we can help you get it set up. Bring $25 materials fee to the first class.

C. Adamo Classes on: 10/8, 10/10 and 10/15 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $45 3 sessions 704 eBay® Giving Works - Do Well by Doing Good This course is for individuals who want to learn how to sell items on eBay and donate a portion of the proceeds to qualifying non-profit organizations. Buyers will pay more for an item on eBay if they see that some money is going to charity. This is great for a seller who has a big heart!

PREREQUISITE: Course #701 - "Basics of Selling on eBay".

Bring $15 materials fee to the first class. C. Adamo Wednesday 10/17 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $25 1 session

One Night Craft Classes 100 Autumn Gardening Summer is ending and the cool weather is a perfect time to continue gardening. Learn which perennials showcase an Autumn garden for sun and shade from Master Gardener Marie Lipski.

A quick review of the many varieties of ornamental grasses and flowers including mums will also be discussed. Learn the various aspects of putting your flower bed to sleep for the winter.

Many handouts available to take home. M. Lipski Tuesday 9/25 Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session 101 Indoor Gardens Do you enjoy house plants? Have fun creating this basket garden of live plants with Autumn accents. Green thumbs not required! Tips for growing beautiful healthy plants and how to bring them in for Winter growing will be covered. Many handouts available. Bring a grocerytype paper bag to class and an additional materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor.

M. Lipski Tuesday 10/2 Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session 102 E-Z Jam Have a delicious night out! Learn how to make jam easily from fresh, frozen or canned fruit for year-round enjoyment. Gift embellishments discussed and handouts available. Each student will bring home a jar of jam. An additional materials fee of $5 is payable to the instructor at the class.

M. Lipski Wednesday 11/7 Platt Room 18 7-9pm $20 1 session 103 Nature's Vase Arrangement In this class we will create a vase from Autumn's harvest - a butternut squash - and fill it with colorful flowers. Bring scissors and a materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor.

J. Norrie Wednesday 11/7 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session 104 Citrus Flower Pot Arranging In this class we'll learn ways to make a centerpiece from a flower pot and decorate with fresh flowers and fruit. This is a natural way to decorate your tabletop in a fun and easy way! Bring scissors and a materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor.

J. Norrie Monday 11/12 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session 105 Fresh Flower Topiary Learn how to make a topiary out of fresh flowers. This is a vertical arrangement in a pot. Fun and easy to do! Bring scissors and a materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor.

J. Norrie Wednesday 11/14 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session

106 Fresh Flower Cornucopia Centerpiece Imagine a cornucopia filled with an assortment of beautiful Autumn flowers on your Thanksgiving table. Come and learn how to make this lovely centerpiece! Bring scissors and a materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor.

J. Norrie Monday 11/19 Platt Room 62 6:308:30pm $20 1 session 107 Boxwood Kissing Ball Learn to make a lovely hanging kissing ball out of boxwood and decorations This is long lasting and can be hung indoors or out as part of your holiday decoration! Bring scissors and a materials fee of $15-$20 payable to the instructor. J. Norrie Monday 11/26 Platt Room 62 6:308:30pm $20 108 Boxwood Tree Centerpiece Make a boxwood tree to decorate your home for the holidays or give as a lovely gift. Decorate with fresh baby's breath and red bows or in your own creative expression! This long-lasting centerpiece is approximately 15 inches tall. Bring scissors and a materials fee of $15-$20 payable to the instructor.

J. Norrie Monday 12/3 Platt Room 62 6:308:30pm $20 1 session 109 E-Z Fresh Evergreen Welcome Welcome the holiday with a fragrant display for your door or mailbox! Imagine a mix of greens and red berries tied with a festive bow and jingle bell - so easy to do! Tips on pruning your shrubs included for creating more evergreen welcomes from your yard - great gift idea! Bring hand pruners and a materials fee of $15 payable to the instructor.

M. Lipski Thursday 12/6 Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session 110 Holiday Centerpiece Create an arrangement of Winter's greenery for your table. You'll be shown ways to decorate your centerpiece using candles, bows, pine cones, berries and flowers. Bring scissors and a materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor.

J. Norrie Monday 12/10 Platt Room 62 6:308:30pm $20 1 session 111 Fruit and Flower Holiday Centerpiece In this welcoming centerpiece, we mix fruits with flowers and greens surrounded by apples and flowers, a pineapple (the symbol of hospitality) will be the focus of this easy-to-do Williamsburg-type centerpiece. Bring scissors and a materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor. J. Norrie Wednesday 12/12 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session

Registration Form

705 How to Buy and Use a Digital Camera With a myriad of digital camera choices, it can be difficult to select the right camera for your needs. This class will help explain topics such as resolution, white balance, file formats and compression, optical vs. digital zoom, etc. Once you have taken the picture, how do you get it out of the camera? We'll compare various choices - prints, do them yourself or have others do them for you; send via e-mail or post on a web site. Even if you already own a camera, this course will help you understand it's many features. Learn how to take better pictures regardless of the camera type. A demonstration of the computer digital darkroom using PhotoShop Elements will be presented. R. Tokarz Tuesday Starts 9/25 Platt Room 57 6-9pm $40 2 sessions

Name

706 Introduction to PhotoShop Elements Now that you have a digital camera, what do you do with all those pictures? The course will show you how to organize all those files with PhotoShop Elements Organizer. Learn color correction, resizing photo files for different purposes, changing resolution, fixing "red eye", opening closed eyes, creating slide shows on VCD, greeting cards, sending photos by e-mail and more. There is a media fee of $15 for class materials which will be collected on the first night of class. Owning the program is not needed to take the course. A 30 day trial version of the program is provided so that you can practice at home. You do need a minimum knowledge of how to use a personal computer. R. Tokarz Tuesday Starts 10/9 Platt Library Computer Lab 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions

COURSE# COURSE TITLE (SEPARATE CHECKS FOR EACH COURSE)

707 Advanced PhotoShop Elements This course builds on what you learn in Introduction to PhotoShop Elements. Learn to use layers and selection tools to effect only parts of an image, sharpening a blurry image, adding text, creating a slide show merging images to create a panoramic, collage techniques and scrapbook pages. There is a media fee of $15 for class materials which will be collected on the first night of class. Prerequisite: You must have recently completed Introduction to PhotoShop Elements. R. Tokarz Tuesday Starts 11/13 Platt Library Computer Lab 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions

For Office Use Only C ____ P ____ Mail ____ Personal ____ Check # ____

Address City/State/Zip E-Mail Address Daytime Phone

Fax Number

Evening Phone

FEE $ $ $ $

PAYMENT INFORMATION Check Cash Money Order made payable to Meriden Adult Evening School Mail this form and payment to: Meriden Adult Evening School, 22 Liberty Street, Meriden, CT 06450. Registration with this form will be accepted by mail or in person until Wednesday, September 19, 2007 DO NOT SEND CASH.

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 18

MERIDEN BUSINESS & LEARNING CENTER 500 S. Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450 Phone: 203-639-0320 Fax: 203-639-0322 www.mblc.org Computer Training 6-Hour Courses - Cost $141.40 (includes 1% computer tax)

Computer Training 6-Hour Courses - Cost $141.40 (includes 1% computer tax) MS Excel Introductory Mon & Wed 9/17 & 9/19/07 6pm - 9pm Fri 11/30/07 9am - 4pm MS Excel Intermediate Fri 9/28/07 9am - 4pm Fri 11/20/07 9am - 4pm MS Word Introductory Fri 9/14/07 9am - 4pm Fri 10/26/07 9am - 4pm Mon & Wed 12/10 & 12/12/07 6pm - 9pm MS Word Intermediate Fri 10/12/07 9am - 4pm Mon & Wed 11/5 & 11/7/07 6pm - 9pm Fri 12/7/07 9am - 4pm MS Access Introductory Fri 9/21/07 9am - 4pm Mon & Wed 10/15 & 10/17/07 6pm - 9pm MS PowerPoint Friday 10/19/07 9am - 4pm

Test Preparation Courses Course Information TOEFL The latest Internet version of the TOEFL exam is now available. TOEFL is a required entrance exam for foreign-born students at most colleges and universities. Our 12 week course will prepare you in the following areas: listening comprehension, written expression, reading comprehension and the new speaking section. Includes textbook, CDs and practice test.

Thursdays 9/20-12/13/07 6pm-9pm $250 PARAPRO PREP MBLC is and ETS Authorized Testing Center for ParaPro Assessment iBT (Internet-based test). Take the ParaPro Prep Course and Assessment at our center. See your results immediately! Includes textbook, direct instruction and iBT test.

5 Sessions, Tues & Thur 6pm-9pm $150 PLEASE CALL FOR FALL SESSIONS

Test Center Offerings M.O.S. PROGRAM Microsoft Authorized Testing Center. Validate computer skills and productivity by successfully completing an exam and receiving official Microsoft Certification in any of the following applications: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook. Includes free practice test.

Call for appointment $80 per exam TOEFL iBT and PARAPRO iBT MBLC is an ETS Authorized Testing Center for both internet-based exams.

Contact ETS in order to register for TOEFL iBT and receive test schedule.

Please call MBLC for a ParaPro iBT appointment.

Registration for classes at MBLC must be sent to MBLC at least one week in advance. Please call 639-0320 or register at www.mblc.org

Corporate Discounts 10% for 5 people, 15% for 6 or more Major Credit Cards Accepted Registration for classes at MBLC must be sent to MBLC at least one week in advance.

Please call 639-0320 or register at www.mblc.org

We make it easy for you to register! Visit our safe and easy to use website at:

www.meridenadulted.org

Back By Popular Demand 600 Opera "No Prior Knowledge of Opera Required" From Caruso to Pavarotti to Bocelli - hear and see these singers and others through biographies, documentaries, concerts, and film. Increase your knowledge and appreciation of one of the most beautiful musical art forms today. A selected opera will be reviewed to prepare you for attending a live performance.

V. Bubon Tuesday Starts 9/25 Washington Library 7-9pm $55 8 sessions

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Community Programs Meriden Public Library The Library is your one stop for information. We offer comprehensive adult and children's collections; a computer system that links you to other libraries throughout the state; bookmobile services; and satellite programs at 3 Meriden elementary schools.

Call 238-2344.Also at the Meriden Public Library: Literacy Volunteer Tutor Training Become a Literacy Volunteer by learning the techniques of teaching Basic Reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). In our 18-hour training, you will learn how to teach basic skills. No prior teaching or college experience required. Materials and instruction are free of charge. Call 2351714.

Family Resource Center Meriden's Family Resource Centers areschool and home-based programs for families of children from birth to age five.

Parent/child interactive playgroups workshops and home visits give parents the skills to be their child's first teacher of language, social, emotional and physical development. Call 238-2316 or 237-4743 Senior Buddy Readers For Meriden citizens over 50... Become a Senior Buddy Reader! Senior Buddy Readers is a volunteer program that unites senior citizens with 1st and 2nd graders in the Meriden Public Schools. Seniors are taught reading strategies to help the children improve their reading skills. For more information, call Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566.

Meriden Children First Initiative CFI improves the lives of Meriden children and families through the increased parent involvement in civil life. We provide parents with training programs, serve as a citywide convener on children’s issues, and sponsor and disseminate key research on the status of Meriden’s families. Call 6303566 or visit our website www.Meriden.com/childrenfirst.

HEALTH Healthy children have a greater opportunity to grow into healthy adults. The Meriden community devotes significant resources to support growing, healthy children, Consider: All children and their parents have access to immunizations. As a result, many of our children have a good start. The Meriden Department of Health and Human Services wants to ensure that all of our children experience continued good health and have access to treatment when necessary.

Since more than half of our children are eligible for free or reduced price lunches, the Meriden Board of Education unani-

mously expanded its school breakfast program to all elementary schools. As a result of the breakfast program, children are less distracted in class and teachers have seen a positive impact on learning and behavior.

The Community Health Center has an Obstetrical Center that offers early prenatal care, financial counseling, on-site lab and ultrasound tests. Since its opening, there has been an increase in early prenatal care registration and the number of healthy birth weight deliveries. Also, Head Start children are screened at CHC's Dental Center.

The Child Guidance Clinic for Central Connecticut is a licensed psychiatric clinic for children and an outpatient facility for the reatment of substance abuse.

Additional programs include home based services, care coordination, Project Hope (for children affected by AIDS), and Child Care Center Consultation. The Clinic served 627 children during 2003, averaging about 24 new young people per month.

The Connecticut Birth to Three System provides supports and services to families of children aged birth to three years old who are demonstrating significant delays in their development. Services are provided in the home or community settings where the child lives, learns and plays. In 2003, 162 infants and toddlers from Meriden received services from Birth to Three programs.

SAFETY Children develop trust, self-confidence and the skills they need to get along with others when they grow up in a safe environment. Children are affected personally and educationally by exposure to violence and abuse of trust. In Meriden, we are working hard to make certain that our children are not in danger. * Both the Meriden Health Department and Healthy Meriden 2010 collaborate to distribute bicycle helmets and safety pads to children. children. * The Meriden Police Department is active in providing the tools and lessons for safety by: distributing gun locks, holding bicycle safety events, checking seatbelt compliance, running Car Safety Seat clinics and inspections, and offering D.A.R.E. substance abuse prevention programs at local schools. * The Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council (MAWSAC) provides alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse information to the community and collaborates with schools and area agencies to offer programs such as B.A.B.E.S., an elementary school drug prevention program, as well as high school smoking intervention programs.

Would you like to teach a course for us?

Are you a born teacher? Do you have a talent, skill or interest that you would like to share with others? If so, we would like to hear from you. Please send your course description and resume to: Donald H. Friedman, Director Meriden Adult Education 22 Liberty Avenue Meriden, CT 06450

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 19

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Part 5 of 5 of a very special story by Ms. Lewis On Sundays, Carl found other people to work for him while Lydia, Beth Ann and him went to church. Beth Ann had never been to church before and was very nervous about going. She grew learning that God punished you for everything you did wrong. She listened to the sermon and this man was saying the total opposite of what she had learned about God. He was saying that He was a loving God and He sent His Son to die for all our sins. She couldn't believe it. She asked questions on the way back to the hotel, and Lydia and Carl answered her questions. After a few weeks of hearing this, she decided she wanted this love that God had for her and she accepted Christ into her heart.

Lydia was sitting on Beth Ann's only chair in the room, on Sunday. Beth Ann was sitting on her bed while they chatted.

"You're putting on some weight there, girl," said Lydia.

"I know, I'm going to have to go get me couple of new dresses for work.

Maybe we could do that tomorrow when it settles down a little in the diner."

"Maybe I can go with you and help you." said Lydia.

"I don't know why I'm putting on weight, I never used to."

"Do you think you might be-----?"

"Be what?" asked Beth Ann. "Ah-in-ah -a family way?"

"Oh, no! I hope not!" exclaimed Beth Ann. "Have you been sick lately?"

"A little sick to my stomach."

"That's a good sign that you are."

"Oh no, Lydia, what am I going to do?"

"I think that you might need your husband at a time like this." Beth An had told her weeks ago why she left her husband.

"I don't think I can do that," she said.

"It may be none of my business, but I think that you should be with your husband and help you through this. I'm not good at things like that. I puke at the sight of blood, so I won't be much help." said Lydia. Beth Ann had to think about this. She knew she should forgive her husband for marrying her for the ranch but she didn't know if she could live with him again.

In Boulder Buck went into town to get supplies. He ran into a new face in town when he went into the general store.

"Hello," said the man. "I'm Solomon Greer," He should hands with Buck.

"I'm Buck Buchanan." Buck answered and they started talking small talk and Solomon invited Buck to dinner at the hotel. Buck went with him and Buck and Solomon became good friends. They started getting together each week for dinner and one Saturday when they met, Solomon asked Buck to go to church with him. Buck wasn't sure that he wanted to but he said he would.

After going a few Sundays, Buck started asking Solomon questions and in a few more weeks Buck had asked the Lord to save him. Now Buck was praying for his wife's return. He had no idea why she left, but he knew he wanted her back.

On Tuesday when Martha Rae had come back from town, Buck helped her bring the groceries in. She handed her the mail. There was a letter there that had no return address. He went into his study and sat down and opened it.

"Dear Buck,

Colony Opticians

Marriage of Convenience or Love?

The Last Chapter

By Diana Lewis

I know it's been six months since I left and I wondered if we are still married. I am doing fine and working washing dishes for a restaurant. God kind of led me to write to you, I really don't know why because I don't know if I can ever live with you again since I found out that you married me just for the ranch. Please don't look for me just yet. I need time to think and pray about is and what His will for our future together. I need time, Buck. I need to pray and think about our child as well so please give me some time.

Your wife, Beth Ann" He looked at the post mark on the envelope. It said Salem. He rushed out of the study and hollered for Martha Rae to put together some provisions for a few days as he headed out to the barn to hitch the horses to the buggy. He was going to get his wife and his unborn child. It was a cold ride to Salem. It felt like it could snow at any time. When he arrive in Salem, he went to the hotel and got a room. There were only two restaurants in Salem, one at the hotel and one down the street by the Sheriff's office. He decided to check the hotel first. Lydia was waiting on customers when he walked in. He took a table by the window. Lydia brought him over some coffee and a menu.

"Our special is roast beef, mashed potato and gravy and peas or corn and pie for dessert." she said setting the coffee and the menu on the table.

"I'll take the special. Also I was wondering if you could help me."

"What's that?" she asked.

"I'm looking for a woman with red hair, tall and thin. Have you seen her?"

"That's depends on who you are." she answered.

"I'm her husband. She wrote me a letter," he took it out of his shirt pocket as he was talking. " And I've been trying to find her for months."

"I'll be right back," she said as she ran back in the kitchen to see Beth Ann. "There is someone out there who is asking for you."

"Oh, who?"

"He says he's your husband. He says he got your letter and he's been looking for you for months."

"He's been looking for me?"

"That's what he said."

"I'm not sure I want to see him." answered Beth Ann. "Honey, he wants to take care of you and that baby. You should let him. After all he is the father and he has a right to that child as much as you do."

"I know you're right, but----" "You should forgive whatever he's done to you, Beth Ann and let him take care of you," said Carl. "I don't know the whole story with you, but if he's been looking for you, he must really care about you."

"Go at least talk to him," suggested Lydia. "Carl gives me a roast beef dinner for the man." Beth Ann followed Lydia out to the floor. She left after she put the place down in front of him. Beth Ann eased herself reluctantly into the chair across from him.

"Hello, Buck," she said softly.

"Oh, Beth Ann, you had me so worried. I've been looking for you for months. Igot your letter and I came right on."

"I don't know, Buck."

"Honey, I didn't marry you because of the ranch, I married you because I love you."

"Then why didn't you rebuke Bob for saying that?"

"You heard that?"

"Yes." "I really don't care what others think of me. They don't know the truth and it's really none of their business."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Darlin' I love you with all my heart and I want you to come home with me." Beth Ann sat there thinking. Carl brought a plate of roast beef out from the kitchen. He took it to Lydia and told her to take it over for Beth Ann. She was probably going to be leaving tonight and he wanted her to eat before she left. He told Lydia that both meals were on him. She took the plate over to Beth Ann. "The boss says that you'll probably be leaving and he wants you to eat before you go." said Lydia as she placed the plate in front of Beth Ann. Beth Ann looked from one to the other.

"Well, I guess I am, at that." and she ate what was placed front of her.

"By the way, those dinners are on the boss. He wants you to come say goodbye before you leave." Beth Ann smiled at her. When she finished eating the pie, she excused herself and went upstairs to pack her things. When she came back down Carl was talking to Buck. Buck saw her come in the room.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked as she walked up to them, and he took her bag. They went outside and he helped her into the buggy. Lydia and Carl followed them out and had a prayer for them before they left.

"Let us hear from you once in a while so we'll that you are doing okay." said Carl.

"I will. I'll try and write at lease once a month. It depends on how busy I am with the baby. Maybe you can come visit sometime and see the little one."

"I can't promise but we'll try." answered Carl.

Part of the ride home was quiet. Beth Ann thanked God for her husband and that he didn't marry her for the ranch, so it wasn't a marriage of convenience, it was a marriage of love.....true love.

Better Vision is within your sight!

COLONY O PTICIANS & 60 Church St. (Rt. 68) Wallingford 203-265-2205

O ptometrists

Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 20

Wallpapering the Outhouse

By Dorothy Gonick One summer day, we kids helped move the furniture out of the living room and Dad and Grandpa set up trestles with long, wide boards across. Grandma hummed a jolly tune while stirring a bucket of paste, Dad brought in a bundle of wallpaper rolls, Mom gathered the long shears and brushes for pasting, and we kids pestered everyone for a chance to help. The twinkle in Grandpa's eye led us to believe that maybe we could. But the twinkle was for a special plan to keep us from being underfoot and out of the house while the big folks were busy putting fresh wallpaper on the walls.

Dad said, "There's a very special job that needs doing, and you four kids can do it."

"What's the job?" we all chorused.

With a twinkle in her eye Mom held a stack of old magazines, a pair of shears and said, "Follow us and see. The outhouse needs decorating and you get to choose the pictures and where to put them."

"Wow, all by ourselves?"

"Yes, we think you can do a beautiful job."

We all trooped past the colorful trumpet vines and down the path to the outhouse. There Dad had put a platform with a pail of wallpaper paste and brushes ready for us to use. We could choose any of the pictures and turn the outhouse into a real gallery. Our 'three-holer' would be fancier that it had ever been! We were free to cut up the magazines, even the Delineator, McCall's, the Saturday Evening Post and Ladies Home Journal that were in that stack. First the covers were saved, then we girls found pictures of flowers, landscapes, scrumptious looking cakes, pictures of fancily dressed ladies. Little brother John set about finding pictures of animals and cars that he would paste low on the walls near the shortest seat. It wasn't long before we were all covered with paste and in each other's way. So we sat down and let John get his pictures on the wall, telling him to help us decide where to put our choices. Margaret was tallest and could reach higher, so Alice and I put paste on the pictures, then handed them up to her for pasting on the walls.

One by one, the flowers framed one wall with pretty ladies in the center. Norman Rockwell pictures were pasted on the front wall because we thought they were special ones that the folks would like to look at. The third wall was a cook's delight with cakes, pastry, colorful vegetables, fruits and picnic pictures. The back wall became an assorted mix of the rest of our choices.

We hurried in to tell the folks to come and see our work, but they were still papering. They told us to make up stories for them to hear when they came out to view our work. This led to hilarity as we each tried to tell wild stories about pigs, cakes, fancy ladies, cars, flowers etc. When the folks came out, they told us what a wonderful job we'd done and then burst into laughter at our preposterous stories. Mom said that the stories took away her weariness and so did Dad, Grandma and Grandpa. It was one very good day!

Two years later when the bedrooms were being papered, we papered the outhouse with state road maps and foreign country maps from the National Geographic. The outhouse became our "Geography Classroom", and a place where we could dream of future travels.

During a recent hike, we came upon a floundering bird and tried to capture it to see if it had a broken wing. It flew off and we knew that it had been distracting us from seeing its nesting site. Other creatures have ways of protecting themselves from danger. Animals may cuff their offspring when they wish to be left alone. These thoughts brought to mind the ways that we distract our children from unwanted behavior. An amusing story came to mind of the time my folks succeeded in redirecting us and kept us from being a nuisance as they wallpapered the rooms in our home.

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Walk or Run to

girls inc. of Meriden 130 Lincoln Street (203) 235-7146 Sign ups going on now!

Classes begin week of September 24th Here are some of the great programs you can be a part of: Street Steppa's - based on Stomp Tap~ Jazz ~Ballet ~Hip-Hop ~Gymnastics Cooking~ Quilting ~ Pottery ~ Drama ~ Costume Design ~ Set Design ~ Playbill Fitness ~ Self -Defense Plus ask about these great bonus programs!

Free with paid membership and after school program sign-up: Operation S.M.A.R.T. ~Bone Zone ~ Economic Literacy ~ Media Literacy! Moms, girls and caregivers check out our Go Girls program! A program designed to help us, moms and daughters, make better choices together.

SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS COLLECTIBLES STAMPS • COVERS • COINS • TOKENS PAPER MONEY • POSTCARDS • HOBBY SUPPLIES 41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451

(203) 235-7634 WALLINGFORD FAMILY

YMCA Preschool Child Care The Wallingford YMCA child care puts to practice programs to build healthy spirit, mind, and body. Character development is an integral part of YMCA programs. The Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility are promoted among staff and they in turn model these values through age appropriate activities.

Preschool Child Care The Wallingford Family YMCA has been providing quality infant, toddler,and preschool care for 20 years. NAEYC Accreditation Self Study Phase in process View our curriculum at www.highreach.com

8 weeks to 12 months Our use of primary care givers for infants encourages open communication between the care giver and the parent and helps bridge the gap between home and the Center.

1 year to 5 years In an age appropriate environment, experienced staff provides developmentally appropriate programs for each individual age group. Our curriculum is based on the interests and needs of the children and promotes emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development.

The Early Learning Center A joint venture with Gaylord Hospital, is located on the grounds of Gaylord Hospital. The Center is open 6:45 AM - 5:30 PM. Full and part time options are available. For information please contact: The Early Learning Center - Karen Wu (203) 284-5920 or email: ymcaelc@yahoo.com

The Learning Community A joint venture with Choate Rosemary Hall, is located on the Choate Campus. This Center is open 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Full and part time options are available.

For information please contact: The Learning Community, Jan Donahue (203) 697-2723 or by email: lcommunity@choate.edu

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

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 21

believe that God passes his final judgement for the year and The High Holidays decides who will be sealed in the Book of Life.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur At Temple B'Nai Abraham in Meriden we will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah beginning Wednesday September

by Joan Goodman 12th with services at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. On There are two very important Jewish holidays coming up Thursday and Friday services begin at 8:30 a.m., with in September that I thought you might be interested in babysitting available at 10:30 a.m. hearing about.

On Friday September 21st Kol Nidre Services begin at At sunset on Wednesday September 12th, Jews all over 6:00 p.m. with Yom Kippur services beginning at 8:30 a.m. the world will begin the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, on Saturday September 22nd. the Jewish New Year and "Birthday of the World." This is Temple B'nai Abraham is located at 127 East Main Street in the beginning of the Days of Awe which culminate ten Meriden. Please call 235-2381 for more information days later in the observance of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).

Like the secular New Year in January, and like any birthday, on Rosh Hashanah we reflect back on the previous year, think about how to improve ourselves and how to make the next year better, have a party, eat sweet foods, and wish for happiness in the coming year.

The difference here is the intense soul searching and penitence that begins during the Hebrew month of Elul before Rosh Hashanah and continues during the Days of Awe. According to tradition, God passes judgment over every person during this period. We ask those whom we have wronged to forgive us.

As part of the observance of both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we go to the synagogue and pray. We are also commanded to hear the sound of the shofar.

The shofar, a wind instrument made from a ram's horn, had been used in ancient times to signal the beginning of the month based on the new moon. In the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar (Tishri) long blasts were sounded to note a special period, a holy time.

On Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) we have the opportunity to make amends with God, to get a clean slate so to speak. The tradition is for anyone older than thirteen and in good health to fast. This is the day Jews

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Go to www.peoplespressnews.com and the rest is easy.

Is this what’s on your child’s plate? It’s not too late to make a difference for today and for the future.

Join us for a special program:

RAISING HEALTHY KIDS IN A JUNK FOOD WORLD

For more information and program start dates and times, please call 203.284.8299 or email lavendermoon47@yahoo.com

CT License # 0609581

Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra (CCCYO), is announcing auditions for the orchestra's third season, starting in September 2007, ending in June, 2008.

Musicians in grades 6-12 must have at least two years of experience on his or her instrument.

Homeschoolers older than 10 years old are welcome to audition.

The service area of the CCCYO is Berlin, Cheshire, Durham, Madison, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, Southington and Wallingford.

The Orchestra is seeking all orchestral instruments.

Young composers are encouraged to submit their orchestra works for possible performance at a CCCYO concert.

Parents are always invited to stay and listen at the rehearsals, which are on Thursdays, from 4:30-6:30 at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, at the corner of Pleasant Street in Meriden- across the street from the Meriden City Hall.

Each student is eligible to play a solo at the concerts.

Tuition is $125 per musical season per family, not per student. Siblings are encouraged to audition for membership.

Tuition includes all rehearsal time, music, a weekly newsletter to parents, a free CCCYO tee-shirt, CCCYO pencils, and tuition to the new "Orchestra Academy' s" hands-on music theory lessons program, which includes a music dictionary and take-home sheets curriculum.

This is a must for any young musician who is college-bound!

Students will earn Community Service Hours for those schools that participate.

For more information contact Mrs. Katrina S. Axelrod, Administrator, at (203) 235-7445 or send e-mail to meridenartstrust@yahoo.com

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 22

2nd Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 15th Don't miss the 2nd Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 15th from 11am to 3pm at Water's Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation located at 111 Church Street.

A fun event for all ages! There will be vendors selling gift and craft items, a variety of entertainment scheduled throughout the day, as well as children's activities including a petting zoo from 1-3pm. Food items will also be available for sale.

Admission is free! Donations will be accepted at the door for non-perishable food items being collected for Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Middletown.

For additional information contact Water's Edge at 347.7286. The Harvest Festival will take place Rain or Shine!

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Winter is Coming!

Now is the time to stop by New England Fireplace to get in style and get in safety!

Don't Be Numb to Heart Disease Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans in the United States, and an estimated 8 to 12 million people may have an increased risk for the disease because of a condition known as Peripheral Artery Disease. On Thursday, September 27, from 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., the Heart Center in collaboration with Wound Care at MidState Medical Center will sponsor a free screening to assess the risk among local community members.

The Legs for Life National Screening offered at MidState will include a health questionnaire along with counseling on personal risk factors for PAD. Dr. Daniel Schwartz and Dr. Tina Boucher will be providing Ankle Brachial Index measurements to determine diagnosis. This short and simple procedure involves comparing blood pressure in the arm and the ankle. Though the test will not identify which blood vessels are blocked, it will indicate if PAD is affecting the legs.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition that occurs when fatty materials, known as plaque, build up on artery walls and cause decreased blood flow to the head, organs, and limbs. Consequently, symptoms of the disease usually include pain or numbness in the muscles, cramping of the legs or lower extremities, and a weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet. Pain generally increases with walking or movement and subsides when resting. If left untreated, walking becomes difficult, ulcers may develop and, in severe cases, gangrene can result, making amputation necessary.

Although the cause is unknown, factors such as age (over 50), smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease and diabetes can contribute to the onset of PAD. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, PAD treatment can reduce the risk of heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. That's why it is so important to be screened for the disease if you are experiencing symptoms or are among a high-risk population.

Many individuals at risk for PAD are also at risk for another life-threatening condition called Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). AAA is a weakening in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As blood flows through the aorta, it bulges like a balloon and, if the balloon grows large enough, there is a risk that it will burst.

AAA is often called a "silent killer" because there are no obvious symptoms until an aneurysm ruptures. People at the highest risk include males over the age of 60 who smoke or who have ever smoked or those who have a family history of the disease. Early detection and treatment of AAA in high risk individuals can significantly reduce negative outcomes.

We strongly encourage all high-risk populations to attend this free vascular screening. Please join us on Thursday, September 27, at MidState Medical Center in Horowitz Conference Rooms 1 and 2. Contact 203-694-8410 to register.

Registration is required.

About MidState In quarterly patient satisfaction surveys (conducted by an independent, national research company), MidState consistently rates among the top hospitals in Connecticut and the nation. Conveniently located just minutes off Rte. 691 in Meriden, CT, MidState offers free and safe parking, as well as private inpatient rooms. Services include general surgery, emergency medicine, MidState Medical Group Walk-in Center for urgent care needs, and state-of-the-art care in centers dedicated to Cancer Care, Wound and Hyperbaric Care, Family Birthing, Sleep Care, Digestive Health, Pain Management, and Cardiac Care.

For information, call 203 694 8200, or visit www.midstatemedical.org. To find a MidState Doctor, call: 1 866 MMC 5678

Sponsor a Pet at M H S Trying to think of a way to help the animals at the Meriden Humane Society? If you can't adopt an animal or don't have the time to volunteer, how about sponsoring a pet. For as little as $20.00 a month, you can sponsor one of the Meriden Humane Society's homeless pets. With your donation you will receive a letter, along with a picture of the animal you have chosen to sponsor. It can be for a dog or a cat. Why not sponsor one of our special needs animals, like Bandit, Rayne, Tigger or Higgins, today! Please contact the shelter at meridensociety@sbcglobal.net or call us at 2383650, so we can send you a sponsorship form and answer any questions.

We have many kittens still available for adoption. Most of the mother's of these kittens are only a year old themselves and are some of the sweetest, most lovable cats in our shelter. Please come visit with them also, before making a decision.

As always we appreciate any monetary donations or any of the What you need to know! items on our wish list, which can be viewed at www.meridenhs.petfinder.org. Please visit us online or at the shelter at 311 Murdock Ave. See you at the shelter!

MERIDEN CELEBRATES WITH "NITES IN THE CITY"

Boys and Girls Club of Meriden Works To Protect Rivers Members of Boys and Girls Club of Meriden have teamed up with Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) this summer to spread the message of clean water to Meriden neighborhoods. Club members, under the direction of Shawn Porter, Program Director for the club, have been busy marking storm drains throughout neighborhoods surrounding the club on Lincoln Street. QRWA executive director Mary Mushinsky recruited the youthful volunteers to enlist their help in educating neighbors that storm drains aren't for dumping waste.

The club volunteers have been applying colorful markers to the curbs above each drain to warn residents to avoid dumping contaminants such as oils, antifreeze or dog waste into the drains. Storm water drains convey street runoff directly to the nearest stream and then to the Quinnipiac River.

Eventually the contaminants even reach Long Island Sound. Contaminated runoff adds too much nitrogen, a fertilizer, and bacteria to urban waterways and is the most significant water pollution problem facing the Quinnipiac.

Mushinsky said the club will earn a group canoe trip for their efforts.

"They're an energetic bunch of volunteers who are spreading an important message about clean water. They even wanted to work on a day when the temperature topped 95 degrees F, but Shawn convinced them to wait for a cooler day," Mushinsky said. "We couldn't reach all the neighborhoods without their help."

QRWA is looking for additional volunteer teams or individuals to mark drains in Meriden and surrounding watershed municipalities. Each team that marks 50 drains earns a canoe trip or canoe lesson. New volunteers may contact the QRWA at (203) 237-2237 or qrwa@sbcglobal.net. The project is supported by a Section 319 Clean Water grant from CT Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) and US Environmental Protection Agency, with additional support from CT DEP Long Island Sound License Plate Fund.

Thursday, September 20 and Friday, September 21, 2007 € Rain or Shine Downtown Courthouse Plaza, 50 West Main Street, Meriden, CT The City of Meriden, in conjunction with Valencia Liquors, The Meriden Arts Council, The Drust Family Meriden Shop-Rite, Meriden Rotary and numerous non-profit organizations will sponsor a two-day Main Street Celebration of Art, Wine, Micro Brews, Food and Music.

Thursday will be an evening of Wine Tasting, a Fine Art Exhibition and Sale, Live Music and Food Tastings. Sample over 25 imported and domestic Wines. Each person who attends receives a Free Complimentary Wine Glass! Tickets: $15 per person in advance or $20 at door.

Friday will host the Silver City Brewfest. Ticket price includes FREE hamburgers, hotdogs and live music. Judge the local restaurants in a CHILI COOKOFF! Tickets are $20 per person or $25 at the door.

All proceeds will be donated to numerous local charities.

Tickets may be purchased at: Valencia Liquor, 1231 E. Main Street, Meriden Deb's Deli, Main Street, South Meriden Fischer's Fine Foods, Colony Street, Meriden

WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB CONTINUES SALE OF "WALLINGFORDOPOLY," A CUSTOM BOARD GAME The Wallingford Junior Woman's Club continues its sale of "Wallingfordopoly" at Wallingford Center, Inc. "Wallingfordopoly" is a limited edition custom board game showing an historic snapshot of the Wallingford business community in 2007!

As families play "Wallingfordopoly," they will have fun competing to purchase properties and own their favorite Wallingford businesses, including a real estate agency, attorneys, car dealers, retail stores, restaurants, and both public utilities.

WJWC arranged for a one-time printing of 500 games and they are going fast, so don't miss out! Games are for sale for $20 at Wallingford Center, Inc., 261 Center Street, Wallingford (white building behind the Congregational Church), Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Games will also be sold at Celebrate Wallingford, scheduled for September 29 and 30, 2007. All profits raised from "Wallingfordopoly" sales will benefit WJWC projects.

For information about purchasing "Wallingfordopoly", please call Lisa Ryan at (203) 269-3390.

The Wallingford Junior Woman's Club (WJWC) is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and a member of the Connecticut Junior Women, Inc. www.cjw.org. WJWC was incorporated in 1954 and promotes educational, philanthropic, community service work and provides its members with opportunities for personal enrichment, leadership and social interaction. WJWC projects include the annual Townwide Spelling Bee; the Children's Game Area at Celebrate Wallingford; co-sponsoring Candidate's Forum with the League of Women Voters; adopting a local family during the holidays; and providing rehearsal snacks for the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra. In addition, WJWC has participated in and donated to several state projects overseen by CJW, including the current state project, Time for Life, an organization that helps children with cancer and their families; the Andrew Panettieri Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital; and Roaring Brook Nature Center.

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 23 Brand New at www.peoplespressnews.com Download the entire paper in PDF form to your computer. Now you can read and enjoy at your leisure and print the entire paper! Go to www.peoplespressnews.com and the rest is easy.

What you need to know!

PTLI - (Parent Leadership Training Institute) Meriden, although small, is full of resources. PLTI (Parent Leadership Training Institute) is one of those community resources that enable, parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone who cares about Meriden's children, to become leaders and empower themselves in making changes.

Graduates of this program have contributed to the Meriden community in vital ways…

Cathy Ambercrombie has been elected as State Representative, Hilda Santiago was elected to the Meriden City Council and Barbara Sokol ran and won the elected seat on the Meriden Board of Education.

Cathy Lewis was one of the leaders in creating the "Senior Buddy Readers" literacy program linking area senior volunteers with at-risk elementary students.

Dawn Reynolds was the genius who started the work to renovate and relocate the Hubbard Park playground to make it safer and accessible to people with disabilities.

Many of the graduates of PLTI have had a hand in various Children First Initiatives such as, expanding Meriden's school breakfast program, increasing the availability of full-day kindergarten and fighting to protect class size and school enrichment programs.

If you care about the quality of heath, education, and safety of Meriden children, PLTI will teach you the tools of democracy and advocacy and get you started in a life changing journey.

New sessions begin in January and offers dinner, transportation and childcare at no cost to you. Parents meet once a week for 20 weeks in Meriden.

Join now by applying online at www.meridenchildrenfirst.org or for an application contact us at 203-630-3566, stop

by Meriden Children First at the Meriden Public Library (105 Miller Street)

Giant $2-a-bagful book sale at Friends of Library Book Store The Friends of the Library Bookstore at 1 Colony Street will hold a giant, $2 a bagful, book sale on September 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Our sorting room and storage units are full to overflowing with good used books generously donated by patrons of the library. This sale is designed to cut down on our inventory which has become overwhelming.

Our problem has become a bargain opportunity for all area book lovers as we will offer all books at this sale for $2 a bag. Many books will be sold from tables set up in front of the store and most of the stock inside the store will also be available for sale at the $2 a bagful rate. (We will supply the bags.)

Among the stock for sale on the tables, shelves or from boxes brought in from our storage area, will be fiction and mysteries (including romance, adventure, horror, science fiction and spy novels), cookbooks, house and garden, hobbies, sports, humor, travel, biography, religion and history as well as classics, reference books, large coffee table books and lots of children's books. A large assortment of CDs, DVDs, audio and videotapes will also be on sale.

Come and stock up on enough books to keep you reading throughout the fall and into winter. Our newer, hardly used books make great gifts for the holidays. Volunteers will be on hand both days to help you with your selections.

Coffee and sweets, sandwiches and cold drinks are for sale in our Friends Café and our gift shop offers a variety of Meriden gift items and specialties created by local craftspeople in our gift shop.

Come on down for an early one-stop holiday shopping spree!

It's Cub Scout Time.

Cub Scout Packs in Southington, Wallingford, Meriden, North Haven and Hamden invite boys in first through fifth grade and their parents to become a part of one of America's leading values-driven organizations. These Cub Scout Packs in the Sleeping Giant District will be holding a recruiting night at their respective schools on Tuesday, September 11th or later in the month. Flyers with school-specific details will be sent home with students. The Cub Scout program is a valuable resource that can help families accomplish worthy goals while building and strengthening relationships within the family.

Cub Scouting combines fun with educational activities and lifelong values. It also helps parents to help their boys strengthen character, develop good citizenship, and enhance both mental and physical fitness. In addition, the program provides boys with positive peer groups and tools to shape their future.

In Cub Scouting, boys learn ideals like honesty, bravery, and respect. These values help boys make constructive decisions throughout their lifetimes and give them the confidence they need to grow and develop.

According to a recent study conducted by Louis Harris & Associates, "Character may be defined as the 'willingness to do what is right, regardless of circumstances.' Cub Scouting teaches boys what is right, in part by encouraging them to reflect on lessons learned through Cub Scouting activities."

For more information on Cub Scouting, please visit http://www.joincubscouting.org

Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston Donates School Supplies For the second consecutive year The Volunteer Center at the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford was pleased to receive back to school supplies donated by Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston. Among the large sea of school supplies were crayons, calculators, pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, book bags, folders, lunch boxes, glue, erasers, highlighters, and much more. The donated school supplies are a tremendous help to many families in the Meriden and Wallingford communities. As a result of this generous donation children began the school year geared up and prepared to learn. L-R: Diana Fekieta, Lisa Ferreira, Liberty Life Assurance Company of Boston

The Colors of Fall and more...

LeeAnn Rousseau Independent Avon Representative Call 203.235.4587 Visit me online at www.youravon.com/leerousseau

Peanut or other foods no longer allowed at your school? Rose Flowers has the Birthday Solution!

Listen closely to this arrangement and you can practically hear it singing “Happy Birthday.”

Rose Flowers and Gifts has the perfect solution for your sweet child’s birthday! Flowers, balloons and more and we deliver happiness!

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

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

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 24

"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective"

by Gregory M. Simpson I'm writing this column to ask you to help someone - an FIV cat. It's a diagnosis with a scary sounding name - feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). It is also called feline AIDS because it's a relative of the lentivirus that causes the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). FIV infects only cats. Not contagious to people, it is found in 1.5% to 3% of all U.S. cats. The fact most important to remember is that it should not be a death sentence for the cats with the virus.

In fact, FIV strains in cats living normal lives may never cause disease.

Richard Allen, DVM, veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah, comments, "FIV cats can live long and quite normal lives. Cats seem to live a long time with this virus often with no symptoms at all."

This is because FIV is a particularly slow acting virus. The virus depletes the number of a certain type of white blood cells. Nevertheless, in practice it has been found that many cats do not have any more infections than cats that are not infected with the virus.

Dr. Allen continues, "FIV is spread between cats by bite wounds and blood transfusions. Unless your FIV kitty bites another cat, the virus cannot spread. FIV can never be spread casually. Casual includes litter boxes, water and food bowls or snuggling and playing. It is unlikely for an FIV mother to give FIV to her kittens."

Thus, isolation of an FIV cat is not necessary in a stable household unless the FIV cat is likely to fight with the other residents. Research has shown that the likelihood of cats passing on FIV to others in the same household is as low at 12%. Thus, cats that are allowed outside are more at risk of being bitten by a feral or stray FIV cat than by a friendly FIV cat living in the family.

FIV cats should live exclusively indoors. This eliminates the risk of transmitting the disease to other cats through fighting, as well as reducing exposure to secondary infections that would harm the FIV cat. A fourteen year study by Maureen Hutchison, veterinary advisor to Cat Action Trust found that FIV cats are more likely to die by being killed in road accidents, or to be alive and well into their twilight years, than they are to die from any FIV related condition.

Another study at the University of Glasgow in Scotland found that the monitored cats' FIV infections did not affect the cats' life expectancies.

Therefore, knowing what we now do about the prolonged nature of FIV, euthanasia is totally inappropriate and inhumane. One American study showed that FIV cats are far more likely to lose their lives through euthanasia when no one offers them a home, than from any effects of the virus.

So, please, give an FIV-positive cat a chance for life and a loving home. Provide the cat with good nutrition, regular vaccinations and veterinary visits. Don't forget that love is a powerful immune system enhancer. Cherish your FIV cat!

For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson 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. Chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S., he is also a member of the Cat Writers' Association.

GREAT TRUTHS Little Children Have Learned: No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.

When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.

If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.

Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.

You can't trust dogs to watch your food.

Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.

You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.

The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap Adults Have Learned: Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.

Wrinkles don't hurt.

Families are like fudge…mostly sweet, with a few nuts.

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.

Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

Growing Old: Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

Forget the health food: I need all the preservatives I can get.

When you fall down: you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.

You're getting old when: you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.

It's frustrating when: you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

Time may be a great healer: but it's a lousy beautician.

Wisdom comes with age: but sometimes age comes alone.

Four Stages of Life: You believe in Santa Claus.

You don't believe in Santa Claus.

You are Santa Claus.

You look like Santa Claus.

Sharing The Word With Pastor Diana The WOW in Worship Psalm 100:1-5 Sometimes we that the WOW in our worship tome. Psalm 100 offers what I like to call a spiritual pick-me-up. It tells us that the more we know about God's nature, the more we can express out love for Him.. Information leads to adoration. The psalmist her is reflecting the Lord as God, Creator and Shepherd, which results in worship, gladness and joyful sings. It's true, to know Him is to love Him. Knowing that "the Lord is God" (v3) identifies Him as the only true God. He existed before all, after all and above all. He possesses unlimited power, knowledge immeasurable, and a presence that is unavoidable. He is indescribable, indispensable, and indisputable. He is huge!

There was a little girl who was listening to her father reading their family devotions. She seemed to be in awe by her parent's talk about God's unlimited power. "Daddy," She asked, "how big is God?' Her father answered, "Honey, He is always a lot bigger than what you need." Believing that God is bigger than our own situations produces passion in our praises to God. Knowing that "it is He who make us" (v3) reveals Him as our Creator. He is the One who fashioned us into His image (Genesis 1:27) He shows us His creativity through forming humans who are diverse yet distinctive. But why did God create us? The psalmist says that we were created to become God's people---those of His Highest priority. Our value lies not in who we are, but in whose we are. Belonging to God's family adds awe to our adoration for Him. Knowing that "we are......the sheep of His pasture" (v3) will help us understand the tender care God shows for His children. Shepherds are responsible for every aspect of their flocks well-being. Shepherd takes their responsibility very seriously. They make sure their sheep are protected, they five them guidance on which way to go, they take them to finest pastures to graze in, they make sure they have enough to eat and drink, and they help them to rest. Our Good Shepherd is exactly like that. He leads His sheep into "green pastures" (Psalm 32:2). He "calls His own sheep by name" (John 10:3). He "lays down His life for His sheep" (John 10:11). Showing our gratitude to our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, will produce gladness in our hearts.

Understanding that the Lord is bigger than any of our needs, that He is our Creator. We belong to Him. We can't help but put the WOW back into our worship!

Reflection 1. On the scale of one to ten, how would you rank the intensity of your worship?

2. List some of God's attributes. In what ways has He revealed Himself to you?

3. How does knowing the nature of God affect how you praise Him? Now take some time to enter His gates with a joyful song that celebrates His character.

Related Readings Psalm 23:1-6 Isaiah 43:5-6 Romans 9:25-26 Colossians 1:16-17 Pastor Diana pastors the Jesus Loves Advent Christian Home Fellowship in Meriden, Ct. For information about our services or more information about our Fellowship please email Pastor Diana at pastordiana@sbcglobal.net

What you need to know!

Maloney High School Key Club Donates Teddy Bears The Volunteer Center at the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford was pleased to receive a donation of teddy bears from the Francis T. Maloney High School Key Club. Brian Cofrancesco, the past Lieutenant Governor of the Key Club's Northeast District is seen smiling along with the current Key Club Vice President Danielle Poulin. The Meriden Kiwanis and Maloney Key Club focused on supporting children in the community, their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Now a part of our 2007 $2,000 in Prizes Contest.

See Contest Page. All stories, poems, photos, art, recipes etc. sent by email to andy@peoplespressnews.com are automatically entered.

Deadline for the next issue is September 24, 2007

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 25

The real story of John Chapman better known as "Johnny Appleseed" "The Apple Song" There's apple pickles Oh so tasty Apple tarts and apple pastry Apple dumplings, not to mention Apple sass?

Yes and there's apple fritters Light as thistle And for folks to wet their whistle Tangy apple cider, my lad Stew 'em, fry 'em, boil 'em, bake 'em Apple pie and apple cake'm Yep, you can cook 'em any way Apple this and apple that The recipes would fill your hat Why I could carry on like this all day Oh, pack your stuff and get a-goin' Get them apple trees a growin' There's a lot of work out there to do There's a lot of work to do.

From Disney's "Melody Time" Who was "Johnny Appleseed" Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman ( September 26, 1774- March 18, 1845), was an American pioneer nurseryman, and missionary for the Church of the New Jerusalem, founded by Emanuel Swedenborg.

He introduced the Apple to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois by planting small nurseries. He became an American legend while still alive, portrayed in works of art and literature, largely because of his kind and generous ways, and his leadership in conservation.

Chapman's family John Chapman was the second child of Nathaniel Chapman and his wife, the former Elizabeth Simonds (m. February 8, 1770) of Leominster, Massachusetts. Nathaniel was a farmer of little means, although tradition holds that he lost two good farms during the American Revolution. His father started John Chapman upon a career as an orchardist by apprenticing him to a Mr. Crawford, who had apple orchards.

A third child, Nathaniel Jr., was born on June 26, 1776, while Nathaniel was an officer leading a company of carpenters attached to General George Washington in New York City. Elizabeth, however, was suffering from tuberculosis, and both mother and child died in July, leaving John and his older sister, also named Elizabeth, to be raised by relatives. After being honorably discharged in 1780, Nathaniel remarried, with ten half-siblings for John and Elizabeth the result.

Heading for the frontier In 1792, an 18-year-old Chapman went west, taking 11-year-old half-brother Nathaniel, with him. Their destination was the headwaters of the Susquehanna. There are stories of him practicing his nurseryman craft in the Wilkes-Barre area, and of picking seeds from the pomace at Potomac cider mills in the late 1790s.

Land records show that John Chapman was in today's Licking County, Ohio, in 1800. Congress had passed resolutions in 1798 to give land there, ranging from 160 acres to 2240 acres, to Revolutionary War veterans, but it took until 1802 before the soldiers actually received letters of patent to their grants. By the time they arrived, his nurseries, located on the Isaac Stadden farm, had trees big enough to transplant.

Nathaniel Chapman arrived, family in tow, in 1805, although John's sister Elizabeth had married and remained in the east. At that point, the younger Nathaniel Chapman rejoined the elder, and Johnny Appleseed spent the rest of his life alone.

By 1806, when he arrived in Jefferson County, Ohio, canoeing down the Ohio River with a load of seeds, he was known as Johnny Appleseed. He had used a pack horse to bring seeds to Licking Creek in 1800, so it seems likely that the nickname appeared at the same time as his religious conversion. Johnny Appleseed's beliefs made him care deeply about animals.

His concern extended even to insects. Henry Howe, who visited all 88 counties in Ohio in the early 1800s, collected these stories in the 1830s, when Johnny Appleseed was still alive: One cool autumnal night, while lying by his camp-fire in the woods, he observed that the mosquitoes flew in the blaze and were burnt. Johnny, who wore on his head a tin utensil which answered both as a cap and a mush pot, filled it with water and quenched the fire, and afterwards remarked, "God forbid that I should build a fire for my comfort, that should be the means of destroying any of His creatures."

Another time he made his camp-fire at the end of a hollow log in which he intended to pass the night, but finding it occupied by a bear and cubs, he removed his fire to the other end, and slept on the snow in the open air, rather than disturb the bear.

When Johnny Appleseed was asked why he did not marry, his answer was always that two female spirits would be his wives in the after-life if he stayed single on earth. However, Henry Howe reported that Appleseed had been a frequent visitor to Perrysville, Ohio, where Appleseed is remembered as being a constant snuff customer, with beautiful teeth. He was to propose to Miss Nancy Tannehill there - only to find that he was a day late, and she had accepted a prior proposal: On one occasion Miss PRICE's mother asked Johnny if he would not be a happier man, if he were settled in a home of his own, and had a family to love him. He opened his eyes very wide-they were remarkably keen, penetrating grey eyes, almost black-and replied that all women were not what they professed to be; that some of them were deceivers; and a man might not marry the amiable woman that he thought he was getting, after all.

Now we had always heard that Johnny had loved once upon a time, and that his lady love had proven false to him.

Then he said one time he saw a poor, friendless little girl, who had no one to care for her, and sent her to school, and meant to bring her up to suit himself, and when she was old enough he intended to marry her. He clothed her and watched over her; but when she was fifteen years old, he called to see her once unexpectedly, and found her sitting beside a young man, with her hand in his, listening to his silly twaddle.

I peeped over at Johnny while he was telling this, and, young as I was, I saw his eyes grow dark as violets, and the pupils enlarge, and his voice rise up in denunciation, while his nostrils dilated and his thin lips worked with emotion.

How angry he grew! He thought the girl was basely ungrateful. After that time she was no protégé of his.

Chapman's apples It is impossible to produce named-variety apples by planting seeds; every tree produces a new variety, often misshapen and sour. To produce apples such as are sold in supermarkets, scions from a named variety must be grafted onto the scrub apple. Chapman didn't do that; he considered grafting to be "absolute wickedness". Still, there wasn't much available in the way of sweets on the frontier, especially during the winter. Whole apples can be stored in a root cellar for months, and snitz (dried apple sections) keep for a year before losing quality.

What's more, apples could be juiced for apple butter or to produce hard cider (which could be further processed to make applejack). Although Cecil Adams's staff claims Chapman drank, Swedenborgian theology required vegetarianism and abstention from alcohol, and it is known that on the night before he died, it was milk he drank with his bread.

On the frontier, water supplies were often of questionable quality, and alcoholic beverages could be the healthful alternative. This was especially true in or near the Black Swamp, where ague and malaria claimed many lives. The Worth farm, where Johnny Appleseed died, and his Milan Township nursery were both in Allen County, Indiana, on the west edge of the Black Swamp. Chapman had introduced "mayweed" (now called dog fennel) into Ohio, giving housewives fresh herbs along with stories for the whole family. He believed dog fennel had antimalarial properties. Farmers called it johnny weed; many states now classify dog fennel as a noxious weed.

Johnny's business plan The popular image of Johnny Appleseed had him spreading apple seeds randomly, everywhere he went. In fact, he planted nurseries rather than orchards, built fences around them to protect them from livestock, left the nurseries in the care of a neighbour who sold trees on shares, and returned every year or two to tend the nursery.

Appleseed's managers were asked to sell trees on credit, if at all possible, but he would accept corn meal, cash or used clothing in barter. The notes didn't specify an exact maturity date - that date might not be convenient - and if it didn't get paid on time, or even get paid at all, Johnny Appleseed didn't press for payment. Setting down roots in the community - both literally and figuratively - settlers knew that paying their debts was imperative. Appleseed was hardly alone in this pattern of doing business. What was unique was the fact that he remained an itinerant his entire life.

He obtained the apple seed for free; cider mills wanted more apple trees planted, as it would eventually bring them

more business. Johnny Appleseed dressed in the worst of the used clothing he received, giving away the better clothing he received in barter. He wore no shoes, even in the snowy winter. There was always someone in need he could help out, for he didn't have a house to maintain. When he heard a horse was to be put down, he'd buy the horse, buy a few grassy acres nearby, and turn the horse out to recover. If it did, he'd give the horse to someone needy, exacting a promise to treat the horse humanely.

Towards the end of his career, he was present when an itinerant missionary was exhorting to an open-air congregation in Mansfield, Ohio. The sermon was long and quite severe on the topic of extravagance, as the pioneers were now starting to buy such indulgences as calico, and store-bought tea. "Where now is there a man who, like the primitive Christians, is traveling to heaven bare-footed and clad in coarse raiment?" the preacher repeatedly asked, until Johnny Appleseed, his endurance worn out, walked up to the preacher, put his bare foot on the stump which had served as a lectern, and said, "Here's your primitive Christian!" The flummoxed sermonizer dismissed the congregation.

He was generous with the Swedenborgian church as well. He swapped 160 acres of land near Wooster, Ohio in 1821 in exchange for Swedenborgian tracts that he could distribute. He would tear a few pages from one of Swedenborg's books and leave them with his hosts.

The deadline for the next issue of The People’s Press is 9/24

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The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 26

PSYCHOTHERAPIST DONNA FERBER TO SIGN COPIES OF "FROM EX-WIFE TO EXCEPTIONAL LIFE" SEPTEMBER 19 Meriden Public Library will host a special appearance by psychotherapist Donna Ferber on Wednesday September 19 at 6:30 p.m. Ferber will sign copies of her book, FROM EX-WIFE TO EXCEPTIONAL LIFE: A WOMAN'S JOURNEY THROUGH DIVORCE, which won an Honorable Mention in 2006 by The Independent Publisher's Association - Self Help Category.

FROM EX-WIFE TO EXCEPTIONAL LIFE: A WOMAN'S JOURNEY THROUGH DIVORCE, by Donna F. Ferber, LPC, LADC is a comprehensive guide for women facing the end of their marriage. It offers support, insight, ideas, information and humor on every imaginable topic related to the divorce process. The format is derived from the "One Day at a Time" philosophy. The 365 one page essays break down the enormous amount of information into manageable pieces. Thus the author supports and educates rather than overwhelms the reader. The essays can be read in sequence, or used as a directory on every imaginable subject related to divorce.

There are more than a million divorces in the United States per year, with over 50% of marriages ending in divorce.

Donna F. Ferber has written a book that focuses on a woman's unique struggle with divorce. She incorporates into this guide, the wisdom and experiences of hundreds of women she has counseled during her twenty years as a licensed professional counselor and a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor. In addition, the book contains practical advice from attorneys, child advocates, financial planners, and other professionals in fields related to divorce.

Like having a trusted friend at your side, FROM EX-WIFE TO EXCEPTIONAL LIFE: A WOMAN'S JOURNEY THROUGH DIVORCE, is a day to day companion providing insight and support for any woman experiencing the pain and disappointment of divorce.

Donna F. Ferber, LPC and LADC is a psychotherapist in private practice for 20 years. She is a licensed professional counselor, and a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor and an educator. Donna works with individuals and in groups. Her office is in Farmington, Connecticut.

In her private practice, Donna specializes in issues related to life transitions. These include but are not limited to divorce, remarriage, chronic illness, loss, relocation. Other areas of expertise include depression, anxiety and grief counseling. As a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, she has expertise in dealing with substance abuse issues and the effects on both the individual and the family.

She has been facilitating divorce groups since the late 1990's. Since the mid 1980's, Donna has worked closely with attorneys, and other professionals to support and explore ways to make the divorce experience less painful for all family members. To that end, in 1990, along with Attorney Holly Abery-Wetstone, she wrote and facilitated the pilot parenting class for parents going through divorce at Stamford Courthouse, Stamford, Connecticut. That program was the forerunner of a mandated state program now implemented for all parents going through divorce.

Donna graduated from Hofstra University with a BA. She has a master's degree in teaching from Manhattanville College and a master's degree in counseling from St. Joseph College, West Hartford, Connecticut. She completed a one year post graduate certificate program in substance abuse studies at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She is also a certified Montessori Teacher and in 1993, was trained in Ericksonian psychotherapy and hypnotherapy at the American Hypnosis Training Academy.

She is an experienced and enthusiastic presenter of workshops, lectures and trainings. Her varied experiences include teaching at St. Joseph College, West Hartford, Connecticut, presenting workshops on stress management at the Connecticut Police Academy, Meriden, Connecticut and facilitating assertiveness trainings at Hartford College for Women, Hartford, Connecticut. She was appointed to and served on the Governor's Advisory Board for Mental Health and Addiction in Connecticut from 2000 to 2003. She is a frequent presenter of continuing education classes, designs and teaches workshops, and facilitates retreats. Her presentations are lively and thought provoking.

Donna's articles on divorce and step parenting have been featured in many local publications. She has also been interviewed by many major publications including The New York Times, Newsday and Women's Day Magazine.

The program is free and the public is invited to attend. Since seating is limited, free registration is requested by calling (203) 630-6349, sending an email to: comsvc@hotmail.com or by signing up online at the library calendar located at www.meridenlibrary.org

North Haven Bead Bazaar The Southern Connecticut Polymer Clay Guild will be giving free demonstrations on various polymer clay techniques at the 10th Annual Bead Bazaar, sponsored by the CT Bead Society, Saturday and Sunday, September 15 & 16, 10-5, at the North Haven Holiday Inn, 201 Washington Avenue (RT 5). Handcrafted beads and jewelry made by Guild members will also be for sale. For further information, call (203) 932-6460 http://worknotes.com/CT/Statewide/TheCTBeadSociety/ap1.stm

Celebration Photo Form A FREE Service For YOU & Yours!

Help us celebrate our 7th Anniversary of serving your needs by sharing a piece of your life for the next issue. The deadline is September 24th for all submissions. Please call 203.235.9333 if we can help in anyway.

Celebrations of Life and Home

Dear Hunter, YOU are the light of our lives and we treasure you! Happy 2nd Birthday, to our one and only! All our Love, Mommy & Daddy

What you need to know!

Three young ladies in Meriden were selected by the National Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Association as winners of the 2008 Calendar Children's Drawing Competition. The young ladies' drawings were selected out over 500 entries submitted by children from across the country.

Drawings by Milytza Perez, Michelle Yanez, and Lilly Zadrick are featured for the months of March, June, and October, respectively. All received Scholastic gift bags filled with books and educational videos and games.

The calendar features drawings by WIC children and offers ideas on how to take small steps to achieve health goals, including physical activity, health and nutrition tips. The contest was coordinated locally by the Meriden Health Department's WIC office and Head Start.

Sports Hero Card To our NUMBER 1 3rd Baseman for Bert’s Garage!

3 Home Runs in 1 Game!!

Your Rule!

Artistic Autumn!

Love, Coach Mom and Dad Now a part of our 2007 $2,000 in Prizes Contest. See Contest Page

Celebrations of Life and Home Happy 3rd Birthday Shaunessy!!

You are so sweet and loving and we can’t be prouder of who you are and we love you so much.

You bring so much spice to our life!

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Now A ccepting R egistrations f or Autumn C lasses, K inderart & Y oung Artist P rograms & A dult!

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

Love, Mom and Dad

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.

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The People’s Press September 2007 Page 27

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South Meriden's Christmas in the Village Celebration South Meriden's Christmas in the Village Celebration date is set for the first Saturday December 1, 2007 This event is free to all who come. Everything is donated by local business, our friends, neighbors and churches.

It seems early but it has been the first Saturday for years now. This is our ninth anniversary and we keep growing.

We counted over 2000 people in 2006. The weather was great and the fun was even better.

Last year we had over 1200 baked cinnamon apples, two hundred pounds of roasted chestnuts, tons of popcorn and gallon and gallons of hot chocolate.This year weather permitting will be also a great event we have started meeting already for planing the event. Our entertainment committee will be looking for talent for the stage and for street entertainers.

We will kick the event off at 2:00 pm with the Santa Parade with music, horse drawn carriages and local youth groups and more. Main Street will be shut off from Webb Street to Evansville Ave from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 pm with detours set up for safety. We have entertainment on Stage, on the Street and in parking lots. The fire house has Santa and Mrs. Claus where the children can have their picture taken with Santa. There will also be free professional face painting at the fire house and terrific musical entertainment duet by Kelly and Sean.

Amber Alert children Safety picture and registration will also be in operating this year out of the fire house by members of Meriden Police department.

There will also be children games and arts and craft set up in heated tents along Main Street. The City police department will have the new Mobil command post set up for visits and viewing and the Meriden Library Book Mobile will be set up on Main Street.

Both lower Churches on Main Street the South Meriden Trinity United Methodist has a children's bazaar and games and New Life Church always does the holiday season proud with special events and goodies to munch on. If everything goes correctly Hanover School will have its annual holiday book sale also.

We do collect can donations of food during the day that will be distribute to the shelters and/or churches. We also will be picking a charity or local non-profit for our yearly luminary bag light. These bags are sold by that chosen group or charity prior and during the event and will be lit and placed along Main Street. This is the only thing during the event if one chooses to purchase that continues to give back to the community.

In November some where around the third Saturday, date to be announced the Light post in South Meriden will be decorated with lighted Christmas wreaths. All this is paid for and work provided by committee labor which is all donated. The Friday night before the celebration we travel high and low within the South Meriden area and search out preregister homes that are decorated for the holiday season. The 3 to 4 winners are announced on Saturday at the event. So get those boxes of decorations out and make The South Meriden Area Shine with pride this year as always.

South Meriden Vol. Fire Fighters handle the Bon Fire each year that is located at the Riverside Park on Main Street.

The Christmas tree at Riverside Park will be lit by a student from Hanover school while seasonal songs are song with Mr.& Mrs. Santa a little after 5:00PM. Well that's it for now more info to follow. So mark the date and if you want to get involve stop into Tom's Place on Main Street talk to April so we can put you to work.

Keith Gordon committee member & City Liaison for the Christmas in the Village Committee

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 28

Barbara's Bountiful Bouquet The cucumbers were spectacular this year, the largest and longest lasting crop I have had in eight years at the Community Garden. I must have picked at least 40. I picked my last cucumber in the final week of August. It took the tomatoes a long time to finally turn red, but I have been getting dozens of them, and several varieties. I planted four heirloom or heritage varieties, including two yellow ones. The yellow tomatoes have been doing super, and some have been enormous. The red ones, though, have been turning soft very quickly, and a great many of them rotted as well. I am not sure why.

I have a chair set up on the front porch of my apartment and a sign that says "Free Garden Veggies," and that's where 98% of my produce goes, and it all gets taken. I cannot eat 30 tomatoes a day, unless they are cherry tomatoes, and I have had a bundle of them as well. I feel the tomato season will be shortly coming to an end, perhaps one more week, and today is September 4th. My corn did not really grow correctly this year, and the ears are tiny and the kernels are very small. I really only got a few halfway decent ears. I have never had this happen before, so I do not know what the reason for the immature growth was.

My sunflowers just kept growing taller and taller all summer long and had many blossoms, and looked fabulous for a few weeks. For some reason one group of the sunflowers started growing sideways, and I was afraid they might topple down on all of my other flowers and cucumbers, so I tied a rope around the whole thing. There must have been 20 of them in this gigantic cluster. Sadly, the sunflowers are almost dead. It seemed to happen overnight. The cleomes also reached their pinnacle and are now beginning to fade. The marigolds are pretty much at the top of their form and look simply gorgeous, and are at least 10 times larger than when I put them into the ground. They will continue to bloom and look stunning right up until the first frost. I just love marigolds. The basil is starting to turn a little yellow now, which means we must have had some cold nights out there because it's a little early for that yellowing to be happening.

So now it's drawing close to the time when I start putting the garden to bed. It's a process that takes me a couple of weeks, but I like to pull everything out, and then get hay and spread it over all the bare spots in an effort to keep the weeds down in the spring. It's also good for the soil, as the hay becomes compost eventually. It never completely prevents weeds from growing, but it is better than not using the hay at all. If anyone needs cornstalks for Halloween, come on down.

This is always a sad time of the year for me. I just love summer, and I hate to see it go. It is hard to watch the garden, one plant at a time, die. September 1st always signals to me the mad rush to Christmas. It will be here before you know it. So I will put my garden to bed for the winter, and I will dream of the spring to come. See you then.

Barbara Sherburne barndt49@yahoo.com

The People’s Press Crossword Puzzle by Ruth Gordon ACROSS 1. Careless mistakes 8. In Scandinavian Mythology, a sea goddess who drags down ships and drown sailors: the wife of Aegir.

9. Succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in Africa.

10. So as to be or remain supported by or suspended from (preposition) 11. To present for acceptance or rejection 12. Ragdoll, Tortoiseshell, and Abyssinian are some of the different breeds of this domestic animal.

13. Across enables a person to do this 15. A man's name 17. Name of a body organ that is made up of the auricle, tympanic membrane, cochlea, vestibule, 20,000 hair cells, etc.

18. A sign or representation that stands for its object by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it.

19. B&O, Amtrak, Metro North i.e. (abbr.)

21. A Stetson or Panama or bowler or fedora i.e.

22. Adidas, Keds, Reebok, Puma, Nike, et al DOWN 1. Orville & Wilbur Wright, Tom & Dick Smothers, Romulus & Remus, Jeb & George W. Bush, et al 2. A local computer network for communication between computers 3. An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and economic development.

4. Senseless, stupid, or foolish 5. A small, often mischievous creature consid-

ered to have magical powers 6. Fish eggs 7. Butlers, maids, chauffeurs, et al 11. An implement used to propel or steer a boat 12. Ford, Honda, Buick, i.e.

14. To acquire through merit 15. To have or suffer a continuous, dull pain 16. An uncastrated male pig 20. This State's capital is Baton Rouge (abbr.)

Last Issue’s Answer Grid

Tasty Apple Recipes

Apple recipes from my mother's two large three-ringed binders of recipes she cut out from newspapers or handwrote. She died in 1978, so these recipes are probably quite old. I submitted previously a recipe for Apple Pan Dowdy, so I did not include that here. Barb Sherburne Ginger Apple Crisp 5 or 6 tart apples, peeled and sliced (4 cups) 1 teaspoon ground ginger ½ cup sugar ½ cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup margarine ¼ cup quick-cooking rolled oats (not instant) Light cream, half-and-half or custard sauce Mix apples, ginger and ¼ cup sugar and put in shallow 1½-quart baking dish.

Put flour in bowl, and cut in margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add remaining sugar and oats, mix well, and distribute evenly on apples.

Press down firmly, and bake in moderate oven (375 degrees F) about 30 minutes. Serve warm with cream, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

What you need to know!

City of Meriden's Economic Development News The call came in from Gina Chiarella, COO of WeRecycle, in May. Peggy Brennan and Trudy Magnolia knew all about WeRecycle since they helped find space for them at 500 South Broad Street several years ago.

Gina needed help again, but she wasn't asking for the typical assistance that Peggy and Trudy provide to local and out of state businesses.

WeRecycle has been operating in Meriden since 2003 collecting and recycling computers and electronics generated throughout the northeast. Since opening their business in Meriden they recently announced the opening of a 56,000 sf facility in NY where they will process electronic waste generated in NY, NJ, PA and surrounding states.

Gina said WeRecycle was applying for a Solid Waste Permit from CT DEP and DEP requires companies that manage solid waste to create and implement a community outreach/environmental justice plan designed to benefit their local community's environment and residents. Gina asked if WeRecycle could partner with the City and put together a plan that would meet DEP's requirement.

Calls like this don't happen often. The first step was to get Gina together with City Department Heads to learn more about DEP's requirement and WeRecycle's budget. After this meeting took place, City staff got together again, brain-stormed and came up with the idea to have WeRecycle work together with the Meriden Back To School EXPO. It was a perfect fit -community involvement that directly impacts a child's education, bringing critical educational resources to children and families throughout the community.

It all came together on August 21st when parents, students and EXPO organizers were on hand at John Barry School where over 600 backpacks and school supplies were distributed to elementary school children.

The City of Meriden's Economic Development office is available for all types of assistance to business. Please call 630-4151 with questions or ideas.

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Wallingford Senior Center News and Events NATIONAL SENIOR CENTER MONTH September has been designated National Senior Center month. This year's theme is "Senior Centers Work!"

They work in delivering needed services and programs to older adults of the community, AND, they work in delivering FUN, too! Be sure to read this newsletter to discover all the programs, services and activities that have been planned this month just for you! Help us celebrate National Senior Center month by visiting YOUR senior center!

PIZZA & A CONCERT: ELM CITY BANJO SOCIETY on Tuesday, September 18, 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now for $3.00 for members and $5.00 for non-members for our end-of-summer pizza supper and concert. Supper includes three slices of pizza and soda, and the concert, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will feature the Elm City Banjo Society. Tickets are on sale through September 14.

WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP A series of informational workshops on a variety of topics has been planned for the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. (Mark your calendars for the October 10th program: "Spirituality of Aging" presented by the MidState Chaplain.) September workshops include: MIDSTATE SPINE & PAIN CENTER on Wednesday, September 26, 10:00 a.m.

Learn about our local hospital's Spine and Pain Center.

Stephanie Laude, Nurse Manager, will discuss the purpose of the pain center, the types of illnesses that are treated, qualifications for receiving treatment, methods of treatment, what insurances cover the care, and more.

Advanced registration requested.

IGOR SIKORSKY, JR. TO ADDRESS JUST FOR MEN BREAKFAST on Wednesday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.

Our special guest speaker will discuss aviation history as illustrated by his father's career which began in 1909.

Join us for a hearty breakfast and interesting program.

Tickets are $2.00 for members and $3.00 for non-members and are on sale through September 18.

RETIREES BRASS BAND Interest has been expressed in forming a brass band at the senior center (this is in addition to the band jam sessions held on Fridays). Band rehearsals and performance engagements would be held during the day. Any retiree musician interested in playing in a brass band is asked to call to indicate your interest and your instrument.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS We are continuing to collect items for care packages for our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea. Needed items include: hygiene products for men and women; tube socks (black, green or brown); popcorn, nuts, hard candy, oatmeal, cookies, canned fruit; baby wipes, dry wipes; paperback books, sports and car magazines, pens, CD's, small games. Bring your donations to our collection box in the lobby. The Stanley Budleski VFW Post 9965 will mail the care packages to our troops.

Viva Italia! on Wednesday, October 10, 2007, 5:00 p.m.

Celebrate Columbus Day with a sit-down Italian-style dinner along with musical entertainment and featured singers. The price is $25.00 per person and non-members are invited. Tables of eight may be reserved in advance with full payment ($200) and written list of names at the time of ticket purchase. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 17, 9:30 a.m., at the Senior Center. This special evening is sponsored by the Wallingford Committee on Aging, Inc. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. the day of the event.

SOCIAL SERVICES NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVERS TRAINING SESSION YOU Are Invited Thursday, September 20 1:00 p.m.

INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER SOCIAL Ever wonder who your fellow Interfaith Volunteers are?

Do you have a rewarding Volunteer experience you want to share? Please join Barbara Barlok, Executive Director of Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers, and Marie Cunha, WSC Social Worker, on Thursday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments and camaraderie will be in abundance! Register at 265-7753 and prepare to smile and socialize.

FREE Legal Assistance Consumer Law Project for Elders provides FREE legal assistance to CT residents, age 60 and older, who have problems with consumer issues. Individuals can call the CLPE hotline with ANY consumer problem, including debt collection, home improvement, auto fraud, and identify theft. Please call 1-800-296-1467, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

CONNECTICUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) WHAT? money to heat your residence WHO? people whose income and assets fall within the guidelines WHEN? OIL HEAT only-call starting Monday, 9/17/07 for an appointment HOW? Requests for oil heat deliveries will not be accepted until 11/1/07 LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP A special guest speaker from the State of CT Board of Education and Services for the Blind will talk about the many services and benefits available to people with low vision. Please join us Friday, September 21, at 10:15 a.m. and register by calling 265-7753.

SAGE ADVICE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY Does the high cost of prescription drugs have someone you love feeling low? What better way to help raise their spirits than by showing them how to get extra help with their Medicare prescription drug costs. Extra help, available through Social Security, can pay part of their monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help could be worth more than $3,300 per year. Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that anyone can complete. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call Marie Cunha at the Senior Center - 265-7753.

BRIDGING YOUR PRESCRIPTION GAP If your Medicare Drug Plan has a coverage gap, here is a way you can avoid the gap: ConnPACE is a state program that helps seniors pay for prescriptions.

Who Qualifies: Low-income residents age 65 and older, or 18 to 64 with a disability Income Restrictions: Annual income limits of $23,100/individual; $31,100/couple The Deal: maximum prescription copay of $16.25 and ConnPACE pays your monthly Medicare Part D drug plan premium.

Cost to Join: $30 per year How to Join: Call your Senior Center Social Worker at 265-7753.

RENTER'S REBATE PROGRAM: September 17 is the deadline to apply for the Renter's Rebate Program. Please direct questions to the Assessor's Office at 294-2001.

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 29

New Beginning At Curves Of Meriden Cathy Chagnon, owner of over 7 years has sold her Curves For Women business at 477 South Broad Street Meriden, (Blockbuster Video Plaza).

"I will miss the people in Meriden and Staff. This was my first Curves Club of four, that I opened in April of 2000. Some of the original members are still working out today. I would love to thank all the thousands of women that I have met and worked with over the years. This is a time of sadness and great hope for me. I am sad that I will not be involved in the Meriden Community and with my amazing members. I am hopeful that the new owners will bring new life into the club and be a full time presence in the club.

The clients need a full time leader to be there with support and guidance and I am full time in my Hamden club and have not been there for the Meriden members as I should be. I want to wish Laura and Kathy a huge success and will always be there for them to support and help along their new journey."

A Voyage of Discovery - Paris to Prague With many amazing stops along the way. Join us for a 12 day cruise and tour aboard the Viking Fontaine from April 24 - May 6, 2008 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah beginning Wednesday September 12th Celebrating Yom Kippur starting Friday September 21st

24th Annual Craft Fair The Highland Elementary School PTO, 200 Highland Avenue, Wallingford, Connecticut will hold its 24th Annual Craft Fair on Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 9AM to 3 PM at the school. Any crafter interested in an application or in more information may contact the school at (203) 949-0121 or Carole Eager at (203) 235-0195

Class Reunion

North Haven High School Class of 1982 25th Reunion Calling all classmates! Join us on Friday, October 19, 2007, 7:00pm-midnight at the Country House Restaurant in East Haven. Price is $70 a person and includes open bar, buffet dinner and a DJ. For more info, contact Lisa Iannone Dorau at lisai@hobsonassoc.com

Crafters Wanted November 17, 2007 9 am to 2 pm Wallingford Park & Rec Department Sponsored by: Kinder Garden Learning Center Call 269-1938 for an application & information SUPPORT OUR TROOPS The Stanley Budleske V.F.W. Post 9965 and the Ladies Auxiliary, Yalesville has mailed 181 care packages to our troops in Iraq, Afganistan and South Korea.

The Post is running short on items for this program.

We are looking for donations of hygiene products both for men and women. Tube socks (black, green, brown), popcorn, any kind of nuts, baby wipes, dry wipes, paper back books, CD's, small games, hard candy, oatmeal, cookies, can fruit. All items can be left off at the Post Canteen everyday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Summertime with Friends

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

Voted #1 Bakery!

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

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 30

Annual Meeting of Meriden Children First

Celebrations of Life and Home

Happy Grandparent's Day! I love you, Nonna!

Love, Kevin Leo

The Meriden public is cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of the Meriden Children First Initiative. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 6:00 p.m. at the Curtis Cultural Center.

The evening will include: " Introduction of the 2008 Meriden Children First Board of Directors. " Status of 2007 priority issues and presentation 2008 priorities for Meriden children and families. " Recognition of this year's 'Children's Champions'. " Celebration of ten years of quality preschool through the School Readiness Program, and a special tribute to the Meriden preschool teacher of the year.

The annual meeting will be immediately followed by a lively debate of those candidates running for the Meriden Board of Education. Refreshments will be provided. On-site professional childcare is available upon request. To RSVP or more information about the event, contact David Radcliffe at Children First at 630-3566 or via email at dwradcliffe@juno.com

If Walls Could Talk - A New Season on HGTV Celebrations of Life and Home Dear Dramma & Drampa , Hope your Grandparents Day is as great as you both are!

I love you, Hunter

Celebrations of Life and Home

DOES YOUR HISTORIC HOME HAVE A STORY TO TELL?HGTV's "If Walls Could Talk" is coming to Connecticut to film homeowners who have made surprising discoveries while they were moving in and fixing up their homes. Their finds range from old letters and photos to art, books… even toys and clothing that all add up to the story of their home's past. The owners will tell their stories and share the history with our viewers.

If your home has a story to tell or you know about one that does, please send an e-mail to Jason Mercado at jmercado@highnoonentertainment.com with "Connecticut" casting call" in the subject header or call 303-712-3109.

Castle Bank Announces New Officers Lawrence M. McGoldrick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Castle Bank and Trust Company announced the following additions to the management team at Castle Bank: Shaun M. Mee, Vice President, Retail Banking and Daniel Migliaro, Vice President, Commercial Lending.

Mr. Mee is responsible for retail banking administration and management of the bank’s branch offices.

Mr. Mee comes to Castle Bank and Trust Company with twenty two years of retail banking experience, most recently at Milford Bank as Manager of their main office. He is a graduate of the New England School of Banking. Mr. Mee has been a lifelong resident of Connecticut.

Native Americans find reason to Celebrate on the sidewalks in California.

Photo Art by Kate McBride

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

This newspaper is not affiliated with any other newspaper.

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Andrew& Dawn Reynolds peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com Managing Editor AndrewReynolds andyreynolds@peoplespressnews.com Copy Editor Jake Kilroy peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com Design Orange Peel Design andy@peoplespressnews.com Web Site Web Solutions, LLC Writers YOU WRITE IT....WE PRINT IT!!!

Mr. Migliaro joins Castle Bank with over seventeen years of banking experience. He began his banking career with Centerbank in the Waterbury area holding several Senior Accounting positions from 1990 to 1995. Prior to joining Castle Bank, Mr. Migliaro served as Vice President of Commercial Lending for TD Banknorth, N.A. in Glastonbury and Vice President for Valley Bank in Bristol, CT. Mr. Migliaro is responsible for originating conventional commercial real estate mortgages, equipment loans and business lines of credit in the Connecticut market for new and existing clients.

His knowledge and experience using the programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 504, Connecticut Development Authority, or local, regional or state agencies and organizations gives Mr. Migliaro the tools to solve difficult challenges, and identify financing alternatives that benefits his customers.

Mr. Migliaro received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from The University of Connecticut, Storrs, with a major in Accounting. He is a board member for the Connecticut Business Development Corporation in Rocky Hill, a board member for the Bristol Hospital Parent Child Center in Bristol, an active member of the Wolcott Exchange Club in Wolcott and the Pontelandolfo Community Organization in Waterbury. He is a past member of the Wolcott and Bristol Chambers of Commerce, Bristol Rotary Club, Bristol United Way Day of Caring Committee and has been active with the Junior Achievement program.

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BANK WITH US. GROW WITH US. 639-8866 100 Hanover Street Meriden

317-3856 852 East Main Street Meriden Member FDIC

The People’s Press September 2007 Page 31

Celebrations of Life and Home To the Grampy that gives the best hugs ~ We love you!

Matty, Marissa, Talia, Micayla, and Gianna

What you need to know!

The Winding Trail in Fall - Photo Art by Doug Flemings Political Advertisement

Girl Scout Troop #6348 goes to New York to see a Broadway Show. What are the chances we would see Mrs. Panciera at the train station.(You can retire but you can't hide from us) The girls had a GREAT time in the city.

Celebrations of Life and Home

Political Advertisement

Happy Birthday, Grandpa! Love, Kevin Leo

Tuesday, November 6th

“For Your Family and Ours”

Pride in Progress!

This message was approved by Mark Benigni

Paid for by Benigni 2007, Jacqueline Fordiani, Treasurer

The People’s Press • September 2007 • Page 32

You are cordially invited to...

Celebrate a great year for our kids... & plan an even better one for the upcoming year!

Meriden Children First - Annual Meeting Wednesday, October 17th - 5:30pm-8:30pm Art Viewing begins at 5:30. Program begins at 6:30.

Augustis Curtis Cultural Center - 175 East Main in Meriden Together, we have accomplished so much for our kids in the past year.

Together, we can do even more in the upcoming year. Our mission is to promote and protect the interests of ALL of our kids. It’s a mission that we all believe in and all of us need to keep on fighting for.

Programs and Events: * Meet the Meriden Board of Education candidates and their stand on school issues at our B.O.E. debate. * Celebrate the “Children’s Champions” of 2007! * Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the “School Readiness” program with an award presented to the Pre-School Teacher of the year. * Help plan and listen to our goals for 2008. * Meet the new Children First Board of Directors. * Take a look at what our kids want to do in the future with artwork from area schools from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.

Professional childcare available upon request. Refreshments will be served.

Please R.S.V.P. by calling Meriden Children First Initiative at 203-630-3566 Visit www.meridenchildrenfirst.org for more information on what we are all about!