LocalMotion!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
www.peoplespressnews.com Wallingford Flower
& Gift Shoppe

LocalMotion - Your Town, Your News, Your Views! 190 Center Street. 203.265.1514
December 1 Issue 2010 • Volume 11, Issue 134

Photo by
Kris
Andresen
THE PEOPLE’S PRESS Page 2 DECEMBER-1 2010
 Page 3 DECEMBER-1 2010

City of Meriden Special Events The deadline for our annual "Holiday Magic" issue featuring all of your
Meriden's Christmas in the Park Happy Holiday photos, stories and more is December 17th. Email
December 14, 2010 4:30pm - 7:30pm andy@peoplespressnews.com or celebrations@peoplespressnews.com
Hubbard Park

CELEBRATIONS
Horse Drawn Rides, Refreshments, Face Painting , Children's Holiday Craft Making and Santa Claus
Meriden Santa Letters
Santa Claus will once again be responding to Christmas letters. Children are invited to send their wish lists and letters
through the United States Postal Service mail system, or mail or deliver them directly to the Parks and Recreation office
(460 Liberty Street). To ensure a response by Christmas, children are asked to forward letters no later than December
20th. All letters should be addressed to "Santa Claus, North Pole" and include the child's full name & address to insure
a response.

Local Teacher and Writer Publishes Insightful Book

Love Never Fails
About the Book:
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fall in love with someone of a dif-
ferent race? According to Jada Calloway, she has never considered dating outside of
her race. When Jada is introduced to Pete McKnight, the handsome single brother of
her co-worker, she suspects that he's interested in more than friendship.
Pete's mother, Mrs. McKnight, fears that Jada is getting too close to her son. Mrs.
McKnight does not approve of Jada because of her race and has no shame in letting
everyone know. With each encounter that Jada has with Mrs. McKnight, the tension
increases and Jada's insecurities resurface. Will Jada put her bitterness and insecuri-
ties aside to pursue a new relationship, or will she go back to what's familiar?
About the Author:
Happy Birthday Mary Ann! Hope you enjoyed your day!
Carla Victoria Wallace
Born and raised in Connecticut, Carla Victoria Wallace resides there with her hus-
band. She currently works as an elementary school teacher. Carla enjoys instilling
her love for reading and writing into the children that she teaches. When she's not CELEBRATIONS
teaching, she likes to spend her spare time traveling, reading, or working on her lat-
est book.
You can purchase the book at: http://www.nevaehpublishing.com/books.html
How to contact Carla:
E-mail:carlavictoriawallace@yahoo.com Myspace: www.myspace.com/carlavictoriawallace
Blog: www.carlavictoriawallace.wordpress.com

Snickers
I would like to take this opportunity to extend a personal thank you to both the
Wallingford PD as well as our Animal Control Office.
I am an animal lover and own dogs. Recently my dog figured out a way to dig
a hole and squeeze through the bottom of our fence to experience the love of
freedom over a weekend. Frantic of losing him, I drove up and around the
neighborhood in hopes to find him. With no such luck, an hour later, I called the
routine police station line to report that my dog had been missing. As I described
to the operator whom answered the phone, he was quickly to know that a dog,
similar to mine in the vicinity of my residence was brought to the dog pound.
Although upset, our dog got away, I was thrilled to hear he was safe and
sound. The next day I received a call from our Animal Control Office that I may
come to get him and bring him home. Glad as we were to see him, we found out
that a police officer, Officer Smith brought him to the pound. I thank the
Wallingford PD along with our Animal Control Office for taking such great care Welcome Isaiah Joseph Perez
of our dog. February 5 at 10:36am. He was 7lbs 14oz and 21 inch long
Marsha Hillman

A look at what we offer you and your family for the holidays!

BE SURE to call and place your order TODAY as our

delicious items do SELL OUT! Open till 4pm on Christmas Eve!
Page 4 DECEMBER-1 2010

Dear Housewives - Central Connecticut's Know It All Gals Mayor's Corner - Wallingford
Dear Readers, Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, cus- Dear Friends:
tomer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will Everyone wants answers to questions, right?
give you our candid advice from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples How can we think of others, bring similes to
Press by e-mail, (andy@peoplespressnews.com) or phone, (203-235-9333) their faces, avoid long shopping trips and
with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue. improve health all at the same time? The answer
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to our Dear Readers and a Healthy is visit downtown Wallingford. If you enjoy
and Prosperous New Year! - June and Flora quaint, village style streetscapes and store win-
Dear Housewives,I was planning on giving family members gift cards for dows, we encourage you to consider Wallingford
the holidays until I realized that some people hold on to them in their wal- businesses for stores and restaurants to visit. We
lets and never use them. What should I do this year? To Card or not to offer a wide variety of products and services
Card in Wallingford with friendly people to assist you.
FLORA: I say forget the gift card. Way too many stores are going out of busi- Shopping for Holiday gifts? Looking for
ness and yes, there are people that hoard them in their wallets. Come to think of it...why on earth would there be a shoes or jewelry, home decorations, lamps, pot-
stash of unused gift cards in anyone's wallets? June? tery or art? Make sure you come to the Center Street area of Town. Are
JUNE: I guess people don't like FREE anymore. I can't figure it out, if you get a gift card the only thing you have to women's or men's clothing on your list? Antiques? We've got the stores for
do is shop. Easy right?! There are even websites where you can swap your gift cards with other people. Really peo- you. Maybe candy and toys interest you? Please stop Downtown. Flowers
ple, free is free. It is rude to let someone waste their money just to give it to a store. and gifts are always in demand and we've got them also. After all of the stroll
Dear Housewives, How do I organize my basement storage area? I don't know where to begin and have been along decorated sidewalks, you may be tired or hungry. Stop in one of our
putting it off for years. - Ashamed to admit my procrastination in Meriden Day Spas for pampering. We have wonderful restaurants for your dining plea-
JUNE: I would say start by getting rid of anything you haven't used in the past three years. If you haven't used it by sure and bakeries of the finest reputation make a very pleasant stop during
now, you probably won't. Buy some nice storage shelves or clear plastic bins and label things. Also, put things away your visit.
as soon as you can, don't just throw them in the basement to do later. Later never comes. Good luck. We have a lot to offer, so please drop in. Best wishes to all for a Happy
FLORA: I am a big fan of quadrants. Divide the area into 4 squares. Tackle a square one week at a time. It took you and Healthy Holiday Season!
years to get messy in there, so it will take some time to get organized and tidy. Remember the 3 piles. 1. Keep 2. Sincerely,
Discard 3. Give Away William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor
you just inspired me to organize an area that needs attention!
JUNE: Well, Flora it is that time again, have a happy and safe Christmas season. Mayor's Corner - Meriden
FLORA: Here are wishes for good health, prosperity, safety and blessings this Christmas Season. Holiday plans and activities are well underway
Annual Community Christmas Dinner at the Meriden YMCA as we approach the most festive time of the year.
Many notable family events are coming up that
On Christmas Day the Meriden YMCA is hosting our Annual Christmas Dinner at 12:00 p.m. It is free and open to the will bring joy and excitement to all. The annual
community. We will also be delivering dinners to those who are in need and are unable to attend. Donations of food Christmas in the Park will take place at Hubbard
and toys are needed as well as volunteers to serve and deliver meals. Volunteers begin at 10:00 a.m. Please call us at Park on Tuesday December 14 from 4:30 PM to
203-235-6386 for more details and to sign up. Thank you in advance for your generosity. 7:30 PM. It will feature a visit from Santa and
an opportunity for children to tell Santa if they
The submission deadline for the Holiday Magic issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is December 17th. Email your have been "naughty or nice." There will also be
stories, news and events to andy@peoplespressnews.com. Email your photos and celebrations to sleigh rides, Christmas crafts, and refreshments.
celebrations@peoplespressnews.com. If we can help in any way please call 203-235-9333. Come on down to Hubbard Park and join in the
fun!
It’s time to share some Holiday Magic The Hubbard Park Festival of Silver Lights is in progress with over
300.000 lights adorning the park in the shapes of animals, daffodils, Castle
with The People’s Press! Craig, snowflakes, Globe of the Earth, swans, etc. It is truly a magical won-
derland. Be sure to take the family for a free tour after sunset. The lights will
LocalMotion - Local Magic! be on through January 6, 2011.
The new Hub Ice Skating Rink is being installed and will be ready for com-
munity skating after the first week of freezing temperatures. The National
Hockey League sized rink will be open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM for free
community skating. A large, decorated Christmas tree will also be a focal
point for the rink area and give it a "Rockefeller Center" ambience. A joyous
grand opening will kick off the new skating rink in mid December. This skat-
ing rink will bring back the nostalgia of skating in Meriden of year's past.
Thanks to all those participating in Meriden's "Clean and Green" program.
Continue to take pride in Meriden. Our city is looking cleaner!
Finally, a special thank you to the volunteers of Meriden's Soup Kitchen.
They work unselfishly to bring nutritious meals to hundreds of city residents
every week. They do their work, without much fanfare, to ensure that their fel-
low citizens don't go hungry. These volunteers truly carry on the Christmas
spirit all throughout the year.
Happy holidays and best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Mike Rohde - Mayor of Meriden

CELEBRATIONS

Be a part of our annual "Holiday Magic" The Rotary Club of Wallingford Club raised, through their fundraiser
efforts, $9,449 for the Liberty Bank Thanksgiving Project, and was then
issue featuring all of your Happy Holiday photos, matched $2,362 by Liberty Bank for a total of $ll,650. Checks were pre-
sented to the recipients in the picure on Tuesday, November 23rd at the First
stories and more. Congretational Church. Front row:Cheryl Bedore - Master's Manna, Nancy
Freyberg - Parent and Kids Foundation, Kristin Dunn - Chrysalis, and Jim
The deadline for all stories, news, events and photos is December 17th. Email to Ieronimo, United Way Back row: Kathy Queen - Wallingford Day Care,
peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com or celebrations@peoplespressnews.com. John Bruce - Wallingford Emergency Shelter, Michael May - Holiday for
Giving, and Jan Server - Wallingford Youth and Social Service Bureau
 Page 5 DECEMBER-1 2010

Meriden Health Thanksgiving at Loon

Department We trekked it to Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire,
for Thanksgiving. We didn't ski, or snowboard, or do anything
Keeping You Healthy in remotely adventurous. We just moved in for a few days, put
our feet up by the fire, and sputtered about anything but ordi-
December! nary living.
Senior Service Directory - Now Available! We dreamed about furthering our education, starting an ani-
The wait is over - the new City of Meriden Senior mal rescue, and remodeling the bathroom. We talked about
Service Directory is here! Updated for 2010, this directo- things that hold us back, and laughed at how small those
ry has been printed as a resource guide for use by senior things seemed from the top of the windy mountain. It's the
citizens, caregivers, family members, service providers, magic that's vacation -- no TV, no 3G, no anything. Just us,
and others. It is primarily intended to inform Meriden's the wind-whipped mountain, and a Do Not Disturb sign.
older residents about the many services available to them On Thanksgiving Day, we ate from a buffet of gourmet
in the community. Topics of interest include behavioral food, food that we could never prepare on our own. Pumpkin
health, clubs and organizations, disability services, health soup, maple-glazed brussel sprouts, gourmet green bean
insurance advocacy and much more. casserole, and fancy sweet potatoes. We had a choice between turkey, salmon, and lamb. We had so much more than so many people that day.
Funding for the directory was provided by Assisted ...
Living Services, Inc., Hunter's Ambulance, The Village Our last day at the resort, we took the gondola to the top of the mountain. Nearly 3,000 feet up, from a tropical hot chocolate stand (seri-
at Kensington Place and the Meriden Department of ously - there were toucans painted on the walls), we snapped a spectacular photo of the White Mountains. We stood at the scenic lookout,
Health and Human Services. The directory is available at breathing in the mountain air, as long as our lungs could handle the cold. Next year, we'll ski, we told ourselves. I'd better start training now, I
the Senior Center, Health Department, City Hall, and told myself.
other community locations. It can also be viewed online Finally, our trip was over. We needed to head out before sunset obscured our vision. We boarded a gondola to the bottom of the mountain
at www.meridenhealth.com. and reluctantly, drove home to Meriden, where unpacking and laundry, and the mad Christmas rush, awaited us.
New Flu Vaccine Requirements for Children Loon Mountain reminded us that we need to let our brains go slack every now and again, just take in the view and breathe the fresh air. We
Attending Daycare hadn't taken a vacation in a long time. We needed to get away so that we could appreciate the things that waited for us at home.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is now Colleen Totz Diamond
requiring that by January 1, 2011, and each January
thereafter, children between 6 months and 5 years of age
attending a child day care center, group day care home, December Programs for Children at the Wallingford Public Library
or family day care home are required to be vaccinated Abracadabra! It's Magic with Chick Kelman
against seasonal flu. Children will need to receive the Chick Kelman will be at the Wallingford Public Library to bring some magic to your holiday vacation on Wednesday, December 29th at 2:00
vaccine by January 1, 2011 in order to stay enrolled in p.m. in the Library Community Room.
their daycare. Put aside those toys and join him for an afternoon program of magical tricks that are sure to entertain and amaze you! This drop-in program
Vaccination is the best protection against getting sick is free for families with children of all ages.
with the flu. Children are at high risk of getting the flu
during flu season and serve as a major source of trans-
mission within communities.
If you are unable to obtain the flu vaccine for your
child please contact the Meriden Health Department. The
Department provides the flu vaccine free of charge to all
Meriden children. The Department also offers flu vac-
cine for adults; the cost is $25.00 and Medicare Part B is
accepted. Call the Clinic office at 203-630-4234 to make
your appointment or if you have any questions.
Seasonal Flu Vaccines
Give Your Child the Gift of
The Meriden Health Department is now offering season-
al influenza (flu) vaccine to Meriden residents. This
year's vaccine includes protection from the H1N1 flu
a Healthy Environment!
virus. Getting the flu vaccine is the best protection
against getting sick from influenza.
From birth to age three, babies have a LOT to learn.
Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for anyone
over the age of 6 months. Any persons allergic to eggs or High levels of lead in the blood can hurt a child's ability
any part of the flu vaccine are not eligible for the vacci-
nation. to learn and damage your child's brain
The cost of the vaccine is $25.00. Medicare Part B
will be accepted. The vaccine is given at the Health Steps to take to make a Lead-Safe
Department, 165 Miller Street, Monday - Friday from
8:30am - 4:00pm. No appointment is necessary. Call and Healthy Environment
(203) 630-4234 with any questions.
Don't Stress the Holidays Find the potential sources of lead:
The time between Thanksgiving and New Year's can be *Lead paint in your home or in toys
an extremely stressful time of year. The holidays often
bring out-of-town guests, stress and for some, feelings of
*Lead in the dirt outside your home or your child's daycare,
depression. With parties, shopping, baking, entertaining *Lead in some health supplements (even those labeled "organic")
and cleaning… who has time for peace and joy? other than those that a Medical provider prescribes
Here are some tips to reduce stress this holiday injest
season:
Acknowledge your feelings. If you can't be with loved
Provide foods that may lower the amount of lead the body
ones or friends during the holidays know that it is okay takes in:
to express your feelings. Seek out community, religious *Foods that contain calcium (milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli)
or other social events that can offer support and compan-
ionship. *Foods that contain iron (lean red meat, chicken, turkey, spinach)
Avoid out of control gift giving. Try these alternatives: *Foods with vitamin C (oranges, strawberries, green peppers, and
donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade potatoes)
gifts, or start a family gift exchange (such as a "Secret
Santa") where you only have to buy for one person.
Make a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping Watch to see how your child is learning.
decide on how much you can comfortably spend. Make *Is your child missing some important skills expected for their age?
sure you stick to it! *If your child is younger than three years old and is not developing
Learn to say NO. It is very easy to overbook your sched-
ule during the holiday. Saying "yes" when you really well, you may request a Free developmental evaluation from the
meant (or should say) "no" can lead to feeling over- Connecticut Birth to Three System.
whelmed. Family and friends will understand if you can-
not participate in every project or activity.
Don't abandon healthy habits. Overindulging only adds For more information on lead,
to your stress and guilt. Eat a healthy snack before head- talk with your child's doctor or call:
ing out to a holiday event so you do not go overboard on
sweets and alcohol. Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505-7000
Take a breather. Set aside some time for yourself. Just 15
minutes alone without distractions can give you some
Or call Wallingford Health Dept at 203-294-2065
much needed quite time. Take a walk, listen to soothing Or visit the CTDPH website: www.ct.gov/dph
music, take a nap or meditate.
Enjoy the holidays for what they were meant to be.
The Meriden Health Department wished all residents a
healthy and happy holiday season.
Written by Kristin O.,Public Health Intern. Best of luck
to Kristin as she completes her undergraduate degree
in Public Health from SCSU!
Page 6 DECEMBER-1 2010

Maggie's Corner
CELEBRATIONS By Maggie Griffin
Irena Hart is a combination of Pop Music and Dance that brings the message across of what a
heart and care can do to make a difference. Born in the Ukraine, Irena moved to the United
States when she was 12 bringing with her The European perspective, which as a song writer and
music performer, she remains as a fresh influence to her audience. While she is not on tour, she
returns to her home in Connecticut where she focuses on her creativity in her work, writing,
songs and whatever else strikes Irena Hart. Her ultimate inner being is to follow your dream, a
personal being that is in the heart of Irena, a being that breeds on other performers who watch
her perform and follow her success.
Irena was raised in a musically talented family. She has become the exam-
ple of keeping the treasures and gifts close at heart, which is what she is most
grateful for in her own life. Irena took a turn in a career as an engineer when
she came face to face with a challenge on Bermuda Road, a place she knows,
a place she received her inspiration of turning to the personal avenues to fol-
low her dreams. Irena Hart is a Music Machine that makes a difference and
sets the example.
Through Irena's experience, her challenge transformed the way she is mak-
ing a difference through her music. She published a book called "Bermuda
Road", dedicating this book to the homeless and the children, which is her
mission on making a difference. Currently Bermuda Road is in the screen writ-
Happy Anniversary to My wife of 7 years. I love you ! ing phase for an upcoming film. It is an amazing story of transformation and
inspiration that Irene heard in a whisper when she came face to face with her
challenge. "Everyone has a Bermuda Road in their life, my experience com-
CELEBRATIONS pelled me to take a different turn through my heart and my courage", said Irena.
Irena visions the world as a better place when people like herself keep positive energy in anything they do or are
challenged with, resulting in transformation through a positive change that will reflect and change the lives of many
people in all walks of life. Irena's mission has no end. She is flowing with positive electricity, bringing out the engineer
of change through her music. She enlightens the threshold in those that stand beside her as she in her entirety will walk
beside you as a guide in what an inner whisper, such as hers, can do to make a difference in one's life and another's. As
Irena is about to go on tour, her energy, charisma and vocals speak a clear influence of positivity in the change she
makes for others.
Irena has a visible personality and brand. Through her steps, she has been a freelance reporter for Oasis TV, a Los
Angeles based Time Warner Cable TV network. We also saw her floating around on our TV sets and radio stations,
appearing as a musical guest on WPKN, WICC, WVOF, SIRIUS Radio, Alive with Clive; and many more. We saw
Irena featured in the October 2008 issue of Better Health and Living Magazine as well as the Connecticut Post. She is
the song writer for the theme music on a TV show called "Touchstones", of which she also hosted. Irena also wrote and
recorded the theme song "It's Our Turn" for the Boltwic online community. Additionally, Irena composed and recorded
the Harmony4Kidz theme song, "Save the World".
Irena Hart gives us Behind the Scenes in the making of the video "On The Dance Floor". The Video/Photo shoot
was completely a "take you all the way" experience. With Otis Sallid, the art director who worked with Michael
Jackson projecting his creativity - Otis took this video to high lengths through his direction for the photo shoot that was
done prior to Irena flying out to Chicago to do an appearance.
Irena's song "On the Dance Floor" was just played on one episode of the show Burn Notice on USA. Her first sin-
gle, Heart Strings, released in 2009, became a hit single for Irena while the video for "On the Dance Floor" will be
Happy 1st Birthday on December 27th to Jakob George Swenson. Love released in 2011.
always and forever, Mom and Dad That's not all; Irena will be making more videos through her new business called "The Rock Star EXP." Going
beyond Bermuda Road, Irena is traveling more avenues that lead her and her fans toward exciting new dimensions.
Creativity flows through Irena Hart where a formation of the Irena Hart's art
is personalized with her stamp of charisma, increasing her music and perfor-
mance in the charts. Irena's diversified talent in music and performance is an
uplifting experience. There is no doubt through Irena's vocals, style and posi-
tive energy, the flow of Irena Hart steps forward in control of sounding,
revolving the core of change in Irena, leaving her one of the best top indepen-
dent artists in the industry.
Irena's passion for Harmony4kidz continues. Harmony4kidz was created
because there is a need she saw and continues to see when she meets home-
less children. Since, Irena's dedicated work for Harmony4kidz gives her
another way to make a difference in helping these children through her
resources, talents and intensions. For that passion Irena holds close to her
heart, she is making more of a difference for all the children through
Harmony4kidz, she is the inspiration they see, which encourages them to fol-
low their dreams. Stemming back from 2003 to 2006 when performing in sev-
eral areas, which include Union Square, is what gave Irena the inspiration to
write the song "Save the World" for Harmony4kidz.

Celebrate the Holidays with Ted’s! Irena doesn't consider herself the next "Mother Teresa", but she is certainly
gifted in several areas of her excellent talent as a recording artist, song writer,
writer and model. She rewards the feeling of making a difference for others,
giving her a personal deliverance and purpose in the world. This is the reason
Take a breather from the holiday that drives Irena to keep going beyond "Bermuda Road" and "On The Dance
shopping at Ted's Steamed Floor".
Cheeseburger. Monday through "The 2010 tour for Harmony4kidz was a huge success", said Irena.
Spreading the word of her passion for Harmony4kidz has given Irena the
Saturday 11am-10pm. Sunday 11am- beginning in discussing the idea to create a CD for Harmony4kidz. "From the
8pm. East Coast to the West Coast, the children were simply ecstatic when the
Celebrating with friends? Harmony4kidz tour took place. The cause is a life changing experience",
Irena emphasized.
Be sure to call ahead to have your Irena Hart is traveling every avenue beyond "Bermuda Road". With her
large order ready for pick-up. charisma, style, vocals and dance through "On The dance Floor", she is also
Looking for a Great Gift? working on new material along with an upcoming album called "Just Me."
Irena's athletic side keeps her in training to run for half a marathon. Her suc-
Mugs, Steam boxes, T-shirts and Gift cessful growth is, and continues to be, an establish growth. With her first sin-
Certificates are available. gle "Heart Strings" released in 2009 and the video "On the Dance Floor" com-
ing out in 2011, there is no stopping Irena Hart.
As always, for me, it is much fun along with rewarding to talk to Irena
Hart.

It's Official - The Wallingford Fireworks Fund is

501 (C) (3) tax exempt.
The Wallingford Fireworks Fund is 501 (C) (3) tax exempt as of May 10,
2010.
Thanks Craig Fishbein for all the foot work on this behind the scenes - you
rock.
If you donated to the cause this past year you CAN take a deduction on
Adam from Man V. Food stopped by and so should you your taxes as it IS effective as of this PAST May 10th of 2010.
1046 Broad Street in Meriden - 203-237-6660 Thank you for your support in 2010 and we hope you can support us again
in 2011. Sincerely, Jason Zandri
 Page 7 DECEMBER-1 2010

The Christmas That Almost Wasn't

It was Christmas Eve of 1982. It was an exceptionally cold day in Chicago. I was working for a "legacy" airline at the
time and I had a 37 mile drive each way to work. I point that out since I was driving a rather old pre-owned car at that
time and the heater didn't work! I was working a day shift and on my frigid way home from work, I was thinking about
our Christmas preparations and mulling over what Santa was going to bring our two daughters who are 14 months
apart in age, the oldest in kindergarten. I was eager to get that drive over so I could warm up prior to dinner. Speaking
of dinner, I was eagerly awaiting the morrow's trip to my mother's house for her always huge and tasty Christmas din-
ner which would be shared by about 35 members of our family,children,spouses and grandchildren and a couple of
S.O.P.s thrown in. Let me digress a moment. My mother had a large house, so all of us could be accommodated for the
dinner,BUT, free space was at an absolute minimum. My mother's Christmas tree was in the corner of what is known
as a "sun parlor" in her living room. The tree was surrounded by the gifts which she was exchanging and the gifts
which others had brought. When everyone was there, the tree would be surrounded by gifts from floor level to halfway
to the ceiling! Mom had a hard,fast rule; NO gift opening until dinner was finished and the table was cleared! NO
EXCEPTIONS! You did not even touch the gifts! It was sheer agony for the little kids!
At any rate, these were my thoughts on that frigid Christmas Eve. I reached home safely,greeted my wife and chil-
dren,ate our supper and settled in for the evening.
My routine after supper would be to settle into my easy chair, turn on my stereo and play a 33 1/3 vinyl or two of
Christmas music while I read my mail and glanced at the newspaper or a magazine. As the night wore on it was bath
time for my daughters. My wife got their tub ready and saw to it that they got in and she was supervising their bath
time. Believe me, there was no complaining that night! They knew Santa was coming and they had better be good!
Now everyone who is married knows their spouse has a certain tone of voice when something is wrong!
It's like... when you hear that tone of voice, you know the roof is about to cave in! At any rate I was in my relax-
ation phase when I heard my wife use that tone of voice when she called out "Charlie"! I jumped from my chair and
ran to the bathroom. My wife said "LOOK"! as she pointed at our oldest daughter, the kindergartner. Stefanie was cov-
ered with little red dots! You got it! The Chicken Pox! Talk about putting a damper on things! Well, what do we do
now! We called my mom and told her what was happening and that we would call back tomorrow with further infor-
mation.
Now we had made no provision for having dinner at home the next day. Yes there was food in the house, but not
really the sort one would have for a holiday dinner. What are we going to do? I had the chicken pox as a child so I
wasn't worried about myself.
At any rate on Christmas afternoon, I gathered the gifts which we had planned on exchanging with my relatives and
brought them to my mother's house. In turn she gave me the gifts for our family and a HUGE box full of Christmas
dinner so that we would have something to eat. I bid a brief Happy Holiday to my family and made my way back to
our house. Naturally the pox made it's way to the younger sister but at least her infection didn't occur on a holiday! In
spite of it all, we had a marvelous Christmas and memories we'll never forget.
Charles J.Tomlin - Chicago IL

CELEBRATIONS FAMILY friends with always open arms and who always laughter at ones own expense is needed much to press
make amends
forward
ties to family...family
depend who aretofriends
on glee, eguaranteed aid in your discover sometimes things in life are not exactly what you have
friends
who you with
are always open arms and who always make ordered
amends
look at yourself...parts of two people and like kin but family pulls you together in any wind or rain
depend on glee, embrace,
look at yourself...and lookcounsel
what is and even
under thecover
skin pick you up...no matter what....again and again
guaranteed to aid
there is plenty in your discover
of sterling there to unveil like "the little engine"....we CAN through
who you are
everyone will have their own tale family who are friends that help...but mostly you.
look at yourself...parts of two people and like kin
look at yourself...and
laughter look what
at ones own expense is is undermuch
needed the skin we all are admirable in our own way
to press forward
there is plenty
sometimes of sterling
things there
in life are nottoexactly
unveilwhat you have ordered family who are friends point that out to us when we are
everyone
but familywill have
pulls youtheir own tale
together in any wind or rain near...everyday
by Kathryn Cinquino

Enjoy the special moments at your Wedding Reception...

Thanks to the support by many patrons of the Stop & Shop store at
Centennial Plaza in Meriden, Gavin W and Nicholas M were kept busy sell-
ing popcorn for Pack 22 in South Meriden. The event and others like it are
done to help raise funds for upcoming Cub Scout outings, activities and
community outreach. The scouts would like to thank those who bought and
made donations as well as the Stop & Shop stores on Cenntenial Ave., East
Main St. and the Westfield Mall.

CELEBRATIONS

That s what you will get to do when you have

your Wedding Reception at FOUR POINTS by
Sheraton in Meriden! We will take care of
On Friday, December 10th, Amri - age 2, Daren - age 4 and Jenna - age 3 everything else you need. No worries!
from Mrs. Meg Rarey's Pre-K Roger Sherman class visited the Meriden
Soup Kitchen. They baked their little hearts out all week long baking cook-
Just enjoy and treasure the moments!
ies and muffins in a toaster oven in their classroom, then decorated bags and
delivered them. Their treats were very much appreciated!
Page 8 DECEMBER-1 2010
MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER
News and Events
The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership
is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver's
license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon enti-
tling 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!
During December we will again participate in the Angel Tree Toy Drive sponsored by the Meriden Salvation Army.
We have cards with boys and girls names, ages and wish lists for Christmas gifts. If you would like to help out see me
in the front office, pick a card of your choice, buy a gift by December 17, return it to the Senior Center and you will
make a child happy this holiday season!
Congratulations to AARP Castle Craig Chapter President John Varley and all of the members of AARP Chapter 4644
for being named the Connecticut Chapter of the Year for 2010! Each year the state office recognizes a Connecticut
Chapter for its outstanding work in the community and advocacy efforts which support AARP's vision and mission and
the Castle Craig Chapter is very deserving of this award!
Save the date for the next Art Horn weather show at the Senior Center on Wednesday, January 12 at 10:30 AM to be
held in the first floor meeting room. In "Weather or Knot: 400 Years of New England Weather" Art will cover memo-
rable weather events in New England history. Don't miss this entertaining and educational show with many color slides,
open to the public free of charge.
The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program will be held at the Senior Center on Wednesday, January 26
from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Starting in 2011, the AARP will be offering the full class in just one day rather than two
days so you can get the same benefit in half the time! The course fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-mem-
bers. People can sign-up in the Senior Center office or by calling (203) 237-0066.
Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year!
John F. Hogarth, Director
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
Let's Talk"…..About Your Health
Chris More, RN
Public Health Educator, Wallingford Health Department
Let's talk about Holiday Stress and Depression . . . Unfortunately not
everyone has "sugar plum fairies" dancing in their head, come holiday time.
We would all like to think the holiday season mirrors the movie "It's A
Wonderful Life", but more than not the holiday season causes people to feel
more like the "Grinch". Most people don't want this to happen, but then the
stress of the holiday season becomes overwhelming, financially, emotionally
and physically.
There are many different reasons for this depression or stress to occur.
Talking about all the situations, problems and feelings that cause the stress
and depression to creep up, could take up more than three pages of this news-
paper, from just hating to wrap gifts (that would be me!) to loss of a loved
one or financial difficulties. Everyone has their own issues.
When stress is at its' peak it's hard to stop and re-group. Try to prevent
stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken a
toll on you in the past. Santa doesn't always have that magic cure or present,
however I always hope that trip to the Bahamas' will be sitting under the tree.
(I'm still waiting Santa!)
Let's look at some tips to prevent holiday stress and depression or at least
cope with it.
Acknowledge your feelings: If someone close to you recently died or this
time of the year brings back sad memories or you can't be where you want to
be, it's really O.K. to feel sadness or express your feelings, even crying is
allowed! You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's December!
Be Realistic: People change, families grow, and traditions often are not
going to stay the same as they were when "you were a child." Try to hold on
to a few, but be open to making new ones. Change can be GOOD! You may
enjoy some new thoughts and some may even let you off the hook, example -
your daughter-in-law may want to get up at 5am to make the turkey. (I say go
for it!)
Set Aside Differences: Don't open up old wounds, holidays are not the
venues to air grievances, wait for a more appropriate time, and try to enjoy
yourself with Uncle Henry and Aunt Mabel.
Stick to a Budget: Before you go shopping decide how much money you
can afford to spend, you can't buy someone's happiness, think of the person
the gift is for maybe they are dieting; how about a heart healthy cook book.
Your child wants a scooter - go to a second hand store, make home-made
gifts. You CAN stay within your budget.
Plan Ahead: Make a To-Do list and try to stick with it. A baking day, a
cooking day, shopping, decorating and wrapping days. (Yuk come to my
house - I'll even provide the paper.) This will definitely reduce your anxiety.
Learn to Say NO: Say to friends and family- "I can't fit a Christmas cook-
ie swap in, maybe a Valentine swap would work, or an after Christmas,
Christmas party.
Don't abandon Healthy Habits: Don't let the holidays become a free for all.
Overindulgence in food and drink will only add to your stress and guilt. If
you walk at lunch for ½ hour and you need to go to the Bank, walk for at
least 15 minutes. Don't let too much chocolate, wine or sugar trigger
headaches. Get plenty of sleep- you can't wrap presents until 3 am and go to
work the next day. (unless you're me). Last but not least. .
Take a Breather: Listen to a CD for 15 minutes, watch that holiday movie
"It's a Wonderful Life", or do something non-holiday like staying in your
pajamas for the morning, drink hot tea and watch old Shirley Temple movies
(she was very cute) or maybe go bowling???? Exercise, try Tai-chi or yoga
and remember the holidays will pass, but the stress could stay for some time.
Before I close for the month, I would just like to review some symptoms of
stress and depression. Only a health care professional can make a diagnosis,
but if you have the following symptoms daily for at least two weeks seek out
professional help. Feeling sad, empty, tearful, loss of interest in enjoyable
activities, decrease or increase in appetite, can't sleep or to much sleep, agita-
tion, fatigue, inappropriate guilt, poor concentration, difficulty making deci-
sions or thoughts of suicide - - DON'T WAIT - Call you health care profes-
sional.
So we have talked about all the holiday turmoil, I hope you listened. I per-
sonally would like to enjoy my holidays so I'm going to slow down, and try to
control the "madness" and let's remember what the season is truly all about.
(Maybe I'll even use bags for my gifts!!!)
Talk with you next month . . . . . .
Millions and millions of years would still not give me half enough time to
describe that tiny instant of all eternity when you put your arms around
me and I put my arms around you. ~Jacques Prévert
Crossword December 2010 Answers.
Puzzle by Ruth Gordon.

Everybody needs a hug. It changes your metabolism. ~Leo Buscaglia
You can't wrap love in a box, but you can wrap a person in a hug.
SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS
COLLECTIBLES
STAMPS • COVERS • COINS • TOKENS
PAPER MONEY • POSTCARDS • HOBBY SUPPLIES
FIND OUT A GREAT GIFT & START A GREAT HOBBY!
41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451
(203) 235-7634
CELEBRATIONS
Happy 50th Birthday Cindi 12/18
Love Mom, Dad, Big Mike, Kym and Alexis. We love you.
Page 9 DECEMBER-1 2010
These Velvet Clouds
By: Joel Rosario
It is raining on a Sunday night and he is alone.
There is a multitude of flowers at his feet, a picture of a distant friend standing on a wooden easel and two dozen
empty metal chairs that the rain is a making a haphazard, erythematic beat against.
His hair is a dripping mess about his face and every drop is harsh and cold and they all detonate like a trillion minis-
cule explosions against his shoulders. He can hear his fingernails as they click together on his soaking coat and his
eyes are drowning in repressed tears.
There is a rather small stone in front of him. The letters are fresh and cut deep into the rock and a myriad of green
petals are assorted in a wonderful mess at its base. His legs feel wobbly and his lips tremble. He can almost taste her
lips. Lips that tasted of iced tea and cherries that were cool and moist are now covered in wood and dirt. He almost
wishes that he'd never kissed them at all.
Her name was Vanessa.
But she's gone, now.
She was very beautiful. Vanessa's skin was smooth and even and her complexion was a pale bronze that compli-
mented straight black hair. Her eyes used to be glowing and green while her personality inspired mixed emotions, such
as admiration and uncertainty, to whomever she met.
He runs his hands over his face and pushes his hair from his eyes. His throat is dry and coarse and his stomach is
lying at the put of his feet. He can't even feel his chest. The love that had been there, the admiration he held for his
dearest is now muted and retarded. It was not going to grow or recede. His love is deadened.
And as hard as he tried not to, he remembers her.
He remembers the flutters in his chest at the mention of her name and the uncertainty he masked behind a dozen
plastic smiles whenever he approached her. He remembers her lambent green eyes and the inside jokes that founded a
relationship. He remembers his dearest, a friend, and then he remembers that he'll never see her again.
He was lost without her. Like a ship without a captain, a canvas without an artist, an orchestra without a conductor.
His dearest, sweetest Vanessa had repeatedly saved him from loneliness and despair while helping him find some small
meaning in his life. Without her, without his love to steer him straight in all that he does, he is once again as direction-
less as the rain falling on his shoulders; there is nowhere to go but down.
He peers upward to the see the sky part. The rain is relentless and menacing but a flicker of light can be seen.
Orange and fuchsia slivers of anorexic light seep through the tears in the sky and all meet on Vanessa's stone. He is lost
for words because he knows that the clouds are trying to tell him.
The clouds are now on two sides of the sky. Over his shoulder is a gray veil of moisture and darkness that licks at
the horizon with saddened tongues of lightning. The sky is crying and it is lost.
Like a ship without a captain.
Or an orchestra without a conductor.
The other clouds are fluffy and unimaginably gorgeous.
There are herds of soggy purple clouds that are drifting too low to be real. He can almost touch them. Straws of sun-
light push through while the sky, of which is now golden and vacant, almost smiles at him. These were Vanessa's
clouds. She used to talk about touching them one day when she could fly. A day when she should be free of all respon-
sibility and time and worry and love him without consequence.
He can't remember what she used to call them.
Now he's thinking about all the time he had spent with her. He's thinking about how slow the clock would move
whenever he was around her and all the time he spent on quieted affections and muted kisses. He's thinking that he'll
never see her again. And the clouds over his shoulder are simply trying to remind him that everything ends eventually.
It's on the tip of his tongue.
He can almost taste it.
When he looks over to her stone again, he sees only rock and letters and flowers and raindrops. His dearest in the
sun and the clouds and there is a flutter in his chest. The sky suddenly stops crying and his eyes aren't drowning any-
more. He knows that he'll see her again.
And, suddenly, he isn't thinking about her absence. He's thinking about how the clouds are there for a reason. His
throat is now tickled with her memory and he looks up at the clouds with a smile he once believed he'd never used
again. His voice is low but full and he tells the clouds that he'll see his dearest again. He knows that he'll see her again.
Wallingford Rotary News
On Wednesday November 17,
2010 the Wallingford Rotary
had their 4th Annual Wine
Tasting and Holiday Silent
Auction at Gouveia Vineyards.
Rotary members, families and
friends enjoyed a nice dinner,
wine and fellowship while
enjoying a silent auction and
raffle. Wallingford Rotarians
would like to thank the committee members for a job well done.
All proceeds raised will benefit the Wallingford Rotary - Liberty Bank
Thanksgiving
Project. Past donations for food have included the Wallingford Community
Thanksgiving
Dinner, Chrysalis, the Wallingford Homeless Shelter, the Wallingford Holiday
for Giving
Fund and the United Way Holiday sponsorship of Wallingford families.
The Wallingford Rotary Club is proud of its support of the community both
locally and globally and would like to invite anyone interested in helping our
community by joining us for lunch on any Wednesday at Brothers Restaurant
at 12:10 pm.
Please visit our website www.wallingfordrotary.org or Wallingford Rotary
on Facebook for more pictures from this fundraiser and information about
Wallingford Rotary.
Franciscans Selling CT Grown
Fraser and Balsam
Christmas Trees
The Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist are selling beautiful Christmas trees at
267 Finch Avenue, Cheshire/Meriden line, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Proceeds from the
sale of the trees benefit the programs of the Franciscan Life Center and
Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. Please call 203-238-1441 with
questions or if you need an appointment.
Happy Holidays from The Golitkos
Also The Wallingford Garden Club will be sponsoring their Annual Holiday
Tea @ The Library Community Room from 1-3 pm all are invited to have
sandwiches, tea ,coffee, punch & desserts view our hand made wreaths The
Date Is Tuesday December 14th .This is in cooperation with The Wallingford
Library
Page 10 DECEMBER-1 2010

Wallingford Park and Recreation News and Events

SPECIAL DELIVERY: LETTERS TO SANTA CELEBRATIONS
Receive an authentic letter from Santa Claus. Starting November 22nd through December 17th you may drop off your
letter at VINNY'S GARDEN CENTER and receive a letter from Santa. The Recreation Department is no longer collect-
ing the letters.
8483.400 Family Fun Winter Workshop
Come be creative as a family and make some great winter crafts. We will be personalizing and painting wooden mittens
and snowflakes. Also we'll make a unique snow globe. Hot Cocoa to keep us warm as we share some fun family time.
Family crafts supply fee 15.00 made payable to instructor night of class.
When: Sunday January 23rd One Day 1:30-3:30pm Location: Exit 7A Instructor: Kim Larkin Fee: $25 per family
8060.400 Basic Wirework Jewelry 101
Come learn how to work with different gauges of wire, how to wrap wire and make swirls etc. The first week we'll
learn, and then practice the wire techniques and how to use tools, then the 2nd week we will make earrings and learn
how to apply to a necklace design.
Supply fee $8.00 made payable to instructor night of first class
When: Fridays February 4th & 11th 6:45-8:45pm Location: Exit 7A Instructor: Kim Larkin Fee: $30
Winter Baseball Training
This program is a great way to hone your skills, perfect your technique, learn proper footwork and sport-specific work-
outs in a low impact fashion. You learn the right way to do things and we make it fun!! This program is currently sched-
uled to be held at Wesleyan University Athletic Facility. Each weekly session will be 90 minutes. Primary focus will be The Wallingford Rotary had Airman Major Nathan Gopoian father John
on throwing mechanics, hitting mechanics and speed and agility training as it pertains to the sport of baseball. All was as our guest at a special Veteran's Day Lunch. He spoke about his son,
instruction will be age specific and training will be aided with the use of video playback. Each week the feature guest and did a power point presentation. Also told us about the Wounded
instructors from area sports training programs. Participants will receive a program T-shirt and video clips of their work- Warrior Foundations. It was really heartwarming.
out (disk will be provided). Participants will register through the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department. For Shown in Picture is John, Rotary President Kevin Bruno and Vietnam Vet
more information please contact Ken Welch, 203-314-7413. Father John Williams.
Any questions on the above activities or events - please visit the Park and Rec. Department at 6 Fairfield
Boulevard or call. (203) 294-2120. Look for our new brochure coming out soon!
CELEBRATIONS
MERIDEN CHILDREN'S LIBRARY
Winter Preschool Programs will start registration beginning the week of December 27th.
Don't be SHUT-IN for the winter. Come have some fun with us at the Meriden Public Library. Our story hours will
begin the week of January 10th for ages 0 to 7!
Our schedule will be as follows:
Mondays-Kindergarten to 2nd grade (stories & crafts), Tuesdays- Independent 2 year olds at 10:15 am., 3-4 year olds at
11:15 am., 1:15 pm, and 6:30 pm.
Wednesdays-2-3 years old with parents, grandparents, or caregivers at 10:30 am, 3-4 years old and 2 years old with par-
ent at 6:30 pm.
Start On Stories for children under the age of 2 and their parent or caregiver are invited to join us for stories, finger
plays, music and socialization at 10:30 am. on the following Thursdays: January 6, 13, 20 & 27 February 3, 10, & 17.

The Maloney High School Marching Band did not miss a beat in helping
Nathan Hale students, staff and parents march into action launching our
PBS (Positive Behavior Support) initiative for 2010-2011. Music lightens
the heart and enhances positive spirit. Thank you to the Maloney High
School Marching Band for starting our year at Nathan Hale School on a
positive note. ? ? ? ? ? ?

Follow your dream...

Now Accepting Registrations for

Classes - Kinderart & Young Artist
Programs & Adult!
Try our Adult Art Classes at
Easel Works & soothe the
stress away. You’ll love it.

EASEL WORKS
Creative Art Studio & Gallery

294-1548
2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!
 Page 11 DECEMBER-1 2010
BLANK CANVAS HR's/drove in 100 or more runs in EACH of his ten big league seasons (seem-
When a child is born they are like a blank canvas. Innocent, pure and anticipating each new brush stroke that will add ingly in CLEAN fashion, too)? Rarely misses a game--and a slugger who's
color to their lives. NEVER struck out 100 times in a season. Great fielder (almost underrated)
Despite the fact, that they will have siblings, friends and teachers that will contribute to the palate. As a parent, you who made just four errors in 2010. Good family man, too, who launched the
play the most important role for creating a one of a kind work of art out of your child. Pujols Family Foundation in 2005 (dedicated to Down's syndrome) with his
It is imperative, the child is exposed to many different ways to learn and express themselves in order for their creativ- wife Deidre. Congrats, Albert--to a guy who does it on the field AND off.
ity to blossom and be able to blend those colors and create their very own unique shades. Bob Lazzari is an award-winning sports columnist for Connecticut's Valley
Over the years, they will be involved in soccer, ballet, baseball, swimming, which is invaluable to their color wheel. Times and NY Sports Day as well as a contributor to Seamheads.com. He is
Nevertheless, what is most precious to the child is the time spent with their parent, no matter what you are doing with also a member of the Connecticut Sports Writers' Alliance and host of
them. "Monday Night Sports Talk"--a cable show on CTV-14 in Connecticut. He is
Theoretically and quite literally, every day a parent consistently utilizes colors to add substance to their child's life: also a Contributing Writer for Venture Out Magazine Online and People's
Laughing hysterically, while attempting to decorate cookies with pink, green and purple sprinkles, then finding your 2 Press Visit http://boblazzari.blogspot.com
½ yr old, under the table, sucking the blue icing out of the tube.
Admiring their intense facial expressions and experiencing their self pride, when they find the hidden treasures, which
are all red on a red background in a Seek & Find book.
Hunter's Ambulance
Listening to their giggles, as they fully enjoy, a cool dark night, jumping in a pile of crisp autumn leaves of gold,
crimson and amber.
Memorial EMT Class
Inevitably, anticipating their first brush stroke, on their own pure white canvas and curious as to what colors they will Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
choose to then create their very own, one of a kind work of art. …..Michelle Trenchard-Scianna This program is designed to prepare individuals to take
"Lazzari's Sports Roundup" the State of Connecticut Emergency Medical Technician
Yes--autumn baseball is over with most players now hanging out at the golf course, recognition is in order based on the - Basic certification examination.
2010 regular season: Training is accomplished through both classroom and
*The STAY AT FIRST Award: No doubt--goes to Torii Hunter of the L.A. Angels. Hunter tried to steal 21 times this
year and was thrown out on TWELVE occasions--a SB success rate of just 43%. Just a reminder, Torii: You're NOT 25
practical skill building sessions using State of
anymore. Connecticut Certified Emergency Medical Services
*The PETE ROSE/GEORGE BRETT HONORARY THROWBACK PLAYER Award: Roy Halladay of the Phillies. Instructors, experienced EMS field personnel and other
When I see this guy pitch, I think it's 1970 again. A stud, a horse--you get the picture. Led ALL MLB pitchers in com-
plete games, innings, AND shutouts; when he DOESN'T go nine, he looks like Clint Eastwood in a "Dirty Harry" scene.
specialized guest lecturers.
Yeah--my kinda guy.
Deadline for applications is December
*The TONY BENNETT/BEST YEARS BEHIND HIM Award: Without question--goes to Brewers reliever Trevor
Hoffman. In 50 relief appearances at age 42, the all-time saves leader blew five saves, went 2-7, and pitched to an ERA 20, 2010. Classes start on January 6th,
of 5.89. This is a guy who used to average around 40 saves per season and pitch to an ERA of at least three runs LESS 2011 at 6 p.m. held at the Hunter's
than the inflated # he put up this year. Yes, Trevor--it's time. Ambulance Education and Vehicle
*The LITTLE BUCKS/BIG NUMBERS Award: Goes to Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies. The man earned the league's Resource Center.
minimum salary and put up MVP-type #'s: 34 HR's, 117 RBI's, .336 batting average. Yeah--a MAJOR return on the If you are interested in this course,
team's investment. Milwaukee's Casey McGehee and Trevor Cahill of the A's finished high in this category. please contact: Stephanie Karpey
*The BONNIE AND CLYDE/HIGHWAY ROBBERY Award (for stealing large sums of money): Sadly, goes to Todd 450 - 478 West Main Street in Meriden
Helton of the Colorado Rockies. Once the best hitter in the game, Helton hit .256 with just 8 HR's and 37 RBI's in the
thin air of Coors--and was paid almost $18 million (ouch). Helton could have 203-514-5142
easily qualified for the aforementioned Tony Bennett Award, too. Barry Zito fin-

Wallingford Flower
ished second--earning even MORE than Helton and winning just nine games.
*The BLACKSTONE/HOUDINI DISAPPEARING ACT Award: Ubaldo
Jimenez of the Rockies. When he was 15-1 at the All-Star break, it was simply a
question of if he'd win 20 by Labor Day. He proceeded to go 4-7 the rest of the
way--failing to hit the 20-win mark while making Colorado fans wonder if
burnout will be an issue with him as his career unfolds.
and Gift Shoppe
*The PITIFULLY PUNCHLESS Award (for lack of offense): Hands down--goes
to the Seattle Mariners. They hit a pathetic .236 as a team and finished last in
the majors in runs, hits, OB %, total bases, doubles, triples,--well......EVERY-
THING. Somewhere, Felix Hernandez is weeping.
*The ARSONIST OF THE YEAR Award: I'll give this one to George Sherrill of
the L.A. Dodgers. Appearing in 65 games, he pitched to an ERA of 6.69 while
hitters tallied a .311 batting average against him; right-handed hitters hit a blis-
tering .427 off Sherrill. Yes, vs. right-handed batters, Sherrill might have been
better off letting them hit off a TEE--and Joe Torre would concur.
*The BUM OF THE YEAR Award: Oliver Perez of the N.Y. Mets. The man
pitched 46 innings and walked 42 hitters in 2010. In fact--since signing a 3-year,
$36 million pact before the '09 season--"Ollie" has now put up ERA's of 6.82
and 6.80 and won just THREE games. I don't know a SINGLE Mets fan who
wants this guy to even SHOW UP at spring training in five months--and he's
owed another $12 million.
*The second annual EARL WEAVER/FULL PACK Award: This one goes to
Hideki Okajima of the Red Sox. If manager Terry Francona DID smoke, he
would have gone through a pack of cigarettes QUICKLY (like Weaver did with
Don Stanhouse) every time Okajima pitched. He gave up 59 hits in 46 innings,
was susceptible to the HR ball, and opponents hit .314 against him. Red Sox
Nation collectively holds its breath EVERY time he jogs in from the bullpen. A
Double-A pitcher at this juncture.
*The HIT OR MISS Award: A "no-brainer" as D'Backs infielder Mark Reynolds
wins this award for the third year in a row--in a LANDSLIDE. The man slugged
32 home runs but also struck out 211 times--the third year in a row he's topped Wallingford Send a Festive
the 200 mark. Winning this award is usually only "slightly" embarrassing; the
REAL embarrassing part of Reynolds' 2010 campaign was that he hit .198--yes,
Flower offers Holiday Gift
below the famed "Mendoza Line." Tasteful Fruit &
*The MAYTAG/DEPENDABILITY Award: As mentioned last year, Ichiro
Suzuki of the Mariners is a shoe-in for this award YEARLY--as long as he's
Gourmet Baskets!!
breathing. Once again, he played in ALL 162 games; he also garnered 200+ hits
for the TENTH year in a row. Also played great in the outfield once again and
stole 42 bases at the age of 36. Bottom line with this guy? When you have an
"off" year and bat at a .315 clip, Cooperstown will be calling in the near future.
*The AVERSION TO WALKING Award: Pedro Feliz--who split time with the
Astros and Cardinals in 2010. The man came to bat 409 times this season and
walked just THIRTEEN times--yes, just once every 31 at-bats. This guy takes
pitches about as often as yours truly dates supermodels.
*The GERITOL/AGE DOESN'T MATTER Award: The Yankees' Mariano
Rivera wins this award for the second year in a row. At age 40, he gave up just
39 hits in 60 innings--allowing just two home runs and pitching to an ERA of
1.80. Opponents hit .183 against him as he saved 30 or more games for the thir-
teenth time in his career. I'm beginning to think that Rivera is aging just as well
as Christie Brinkley--well, ALMOST.
*The RODNEY DANGERFIELD/LACK OF RESPECT Award: Paul Konerko Place your order
of the White Sox. Made the All-Star team only because Justin Morneau got hurt- today and don’t
-yet put up huge #'s this year: 39 HR's, 111 RBI's, .312 BA. Plays a decent first forget - we can
base, too--though that's overlooked at times. Adam LaRoche of the D'backs Wallingford Flower and Gift Shoppe deliver a suprise
received votes in this category--going 'under the radar' while driving in 100 runs
for a last-place club.
190 Center Street, Wallingford gift after
*Finally, the DOLLY THE SHEEP/REASON TO CLONE Award: Albert Pujols 203.265.1514 Christmas too.
of the Cardinals. What more can you say about a guy who's hit 30 or more
Page 12 DECEMBER-1 2010
People’s Press Crossword by Ruth Gordon
Masters Manna News and Reviews Look for the answers in this issue.
Masters Manna, Inc has been running an "Empty Plates ACROSS 2. ____ Lewis is the husband of
...Empty Pockets" campaign in an effort to raise awareness 1. "The _____ the limit!" Toni Braxton
of the hunger issue facing many families in the greater 5. To the same extent or degree; 3. A tall tale
Wallingford/Meriden area. equally 4. Not a Jr.
On Nov.15,2010 a small contingent of 6 from Master's 7. Made a map showing coastlines, 6. A cartoon soldier character
Manna boarded a train in Wallingford, CT and traveled to water depths, and navigational info invented by George Baker in 1942: 2
Washington D.C. resulting in a meeting with 13. Close by wds.
Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro. 14. Shipboard greetings 7. Simon ____ , former judge on
We were greeted warmly by Congresswomen Rosa 16. Astonishing, breathtaking, "American Idol"
DeLauro's Staff whom were expecting us. After waiting a extravagant, greatest: slang 8. ___ Averback, director of the
short ten minutes Rosa came out and greeted us like family. 17. Most famous Boston Bruins 1960's & 70's, directed many MASH
Rosa spent 25 minutes meeting with us as she read several player episodes
of the 1,700 messages written on paper plates. 19. An index reflecting Wall Street 9. To the same extent or degree;
She was visibly moved by messages written especially by young children facing hunger. activity equally
She stated that she would be meeting with the Speaker of the House , Nancy Pelosi later that afternoon and would 20. Large, broad, endless 10. An extremely small amount.
bring some of the messages with her to share. Congresswomen DeLauro stated that after each plate was read by she and
21. December 21st, the shortest day 11. A state of rest, relaxation, or
her staff she would deliver them to President Obama in White House. It is our desire to invite President Obama to
of the year: 2 wds. leisure
Masters Manna.
25. An elevated railway 12. The widely used pesticide which
Our 4th annual Turkey Tossing Tuesday was held on Tuesday was held on Tuesday November 23rd. Barbara Pepe, a
26. In or near the position of was banned in the U.S. in the early
Wallingford resident and mother of Ralph Pepe,Jr., joined in the festivities . She assisted in contacting news media in
27. Pallid, colorless 1970's
conjunction with Ken Weiner. This year Barbara wanted the Turkey Toss to be a memorial to her Son Ralph whom
29. Totaled 15. Large nocturnal predatory bird
passed away April 25th, 2009 . 396 families received turkeys, fixins' and weekly groceries. Connecticut Food Bank
provided 200 turkeys, fresh potatoes, carrots and apples. Enough turkeys were donated from the greater 32. Denver is the capital of this state found in Eastern United States and
Wallingford/Meriden community every family that had signed up to receive a turkey received one . 33. International Falls, Minnesota, Canada
In an effort to ensure all overhead is met each month we are seeking 1,000 " Angels" . An "Angel" could be a group, USA (Airport Code) 18. Term for displays of players
an individual, an organization, a company. Etc) to provide $10.00 a month. This equates to less then three large Dunkin 34. ____ Temelkovski, Canadian cards in Pinochle
Donuts coffees . member of Parliament first elected in 20. Dec. 4th South Meriden will
Saturday, December 18th is our 2nd Annual Christmas Shopping Day for Children. Shopping will begin at 9 a.m. and 2004 hold it's annual, "Christmas In The
go until noon. Children may shop for one adult and one child. If you can drop off new underwear or socks for adults 35. An African-American cultural _______", a celebration which is free
that would be great! festival, celebrated from Dec. 26 to and open to all !
Also on Saturday, December 18th at 1:00 p.m. we'll have a cookie bake and exchange. It should be a fun and festive Jan. 1. 22. A small peg used in golf
day for all. COME AND JOIN the FUN! 37. A long narrow inlet of the sea in 23. Actor Michael J. Fox starred
Still Masters Manna is in need of a 8 x 12 Foot Walk-in Cooler for our Pantry Operations if you know anyone that Scotland with Barry Bostwick and others in
can donate one to us please call 203-678-3042 during the day between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. . 40. Actor who received "best actor" this ABC TV sitcom
To learn more about becoming a volunteer at Masters Manna Food Pantry and Resource Center stop in between 9:00 Academy Award in 1996 for 24. A republic in eastern Africa
a.m. - 4:00 p.m. , we are located at 46 North Plains Industrial Rd off Route 68 in Wallingford, CT. "Leaving Las Vegas" 28. You are now reading the 134th
41. To glide on ice ___________of The People's Press!
WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY PEOPLE NEWS 43. A large commercial ship 30. Twosomes
Brian Romine: New Head of Circulation Department - Join us in welcoming Brian to the library staff. Brian grew up 45. Gambino crime family boss, he 31. Mayor of Wallingford
in Cincinnati, Ohio and has lived in many cities throughout the Midwest and East Coast. He started working in libraries was known as the "Teflon Don" 36. Air, atmosphere: prefix
when he was a high school student, and has continued to do so ever since. He has a Bachelor's Degree in English from 46. She was married to John Lennon 38. Word to express surprise or tri-
Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master's of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Most 48. A series of motions and steps, umph
recently he worked as a librarian at the Green Tree Public Library in Pittsburgh, PA. usually performed to music 39. Note on musical scale
Bobbie Borne: Retiring After 20 Years 50. A wild, shaggy-haired ox of the 42. Digit on a foot
Reference librarian and Head of Teen Services, Bobbie Borne retired last month after working 20 years at the mountains of central Asia 43. Police officer one rank below a
Wallingford Public Library. A gala reception was held in her honor November 29th at the Library. Bobbie looks forward 52. Opposite of off Capt.
to her retirement and spending time on the other side of the Reference Desk as she pursues her interests in genealogy, 53. Abdominal muscles: slang 44. Boise is the capital of this state.
writing, and introducing her grandson to the magnificent Wallingford Public Library's Children's Library. 54. Broccoli ____ , a vegetable plant 45. A metric unit of mass equal to
Congratulations Bobbie on a wonderful career! related to the turnip and grown for its one thousandth of a kilogram

Holiday Greetings & More!

pungent leafy shoots; also called rap-
ini
56. Section of hospital containing
specialized equipment, medical staff,
No matter if it’s a birthday, holiday, anniversary, wedding and and monitoring devices to provide
concentrated care
birth announcement or just to make someone happy - 58. Goes with Boo to make a crying
sound
It’s always FREE to share your Celebrations in The People’s Press! 59. Iwo ____, site of famous WW II
American flag raising
Email to celebrations@peoplespressnews.com 60. To place in a grave
62. Small units of weight
or use this form to mail it in! 64. Top officer of a Corp.
66. City located in Andrew County,
Don’t Forget Your Free Missouri, total population of 56.
67. Direction on a compass
47. Capital city of New Caledonia
49. Approximately; nearly
51. A packaged set of related materi-
als
54. To get out of bed
55. German composer, Johann
Sebastian ______
57. Largest county in Ireland
59. Prior to Brad & Angelina, it was
Brad & _____
60. An indefinitely long period of
time
61. Part of Scrooge's favorite phrase
63. Initials of American tennis player
who won women's singles titles at
the U.S. Open (1975-1978, 1980, and

Holiday Greeting
68. Jewish Festival of Lights cele- 1982) and Wimbledon (1974, 1976,
brated during 8 days in December and 1981).
Down 65. Being one of two or more consid-
Send One to a loved one! 1. To grow rapidly in significance,
importance, or size
ered individually: (abbr)

CELEBRATIONS
Merry Christmas Daddy and
Mommy!
,I love you with all
of my heart and soul.
YOU are the best!
Love, Alyssa

Message:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
If you would like the photo returned to you, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope! We do not publish
the last names of any photo submissions. Send to:The People’s Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492

E M A I L Y O U R H O L I D AY G R E E T I N G T O D AY !
The Deadline is December 17th for our Holiday Magic issue!
 Page 13 DECEMBER-1 2010

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY RONALD MCDONALD COMING TO MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Come to the Meriden Public Library for a special program featuring Ronald
All Programs, Movies, and Events at the Wallingford Public Library are free and open to the public! The Library is McDonald. This program which talks about the importance of reading is
located at 200 N. Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 called "It's Book Time". A family fun program for all ages will take place on
Garden Club Tea Tuesday, December 14 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Community Room December 29th at 10:30 am. Come pick up your FREE tickets as of
Everyone is invited to celebrate the spirit of the season at the annual Holiday Tea presented by the Wallingford Garden December 1st in the Children's Library. Don't forget to bring your cameras!
Club in cooperation with the Wallingford Public Library. Enjoy delicious homemade treats and marvel at the splendid For more information call us at (203) 630-6347. Hope to see you at the show.
display of holiday decorations adorning the walls of the Community Room. All of the decorations are designed and
made by Garden Club members. Bring your neighbors, family and friends to share the warmth and beauty of this tradi-
tional holiday tea, and learn more about the Garden Club from members of this 80-year-old community organization.
Thursday Night Book Club: Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri Thursday, Dec 16 7:00 p.m. Collins Room
From the internationally best-selling, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, here is another superbly crafted work of fiction:
eight stories-longer and more emotionally complex than any she has yet written-that take us from Cambridge and Shirts, Hats,
Seattle to India and Thailand as they enter the lives of sisters and brothers, fathers and mothers, daughters and sons,
friends and lovers. In the title story, Ruma, a young mother in a new city is visited by her father, who carefully tends Diecasts & More!
the earth of her garden, where he and his grandson form a special bond. But he's harboring a secret from his daughter, a
love affair he's keeping all to himself (from the publisher). Each story in this collection features Lahiri's beautifully
composed and emotionally poignant prose. Please contact the Information Desk to reserve a copy of the book. The
* Embroidery Photo Tees
Thursday Night Book Club is open to all adults interested in reader fellowship and book discussion. * Photo keepsake Home of the
Afternoon Book Discussion Series
Literature for a Lifetime: Once Banned, Now Classic - The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
ornaments ORIGINAL
Monday, December 20 3:30 p.m. Collins Room * Etched items Photo Town Shirts!
Presented in cooperation with the Connecticut Humanities Council, the 4th and final book in the Once Banned, Now
Classic series will focus on J. D. Salinger's classic coming of age novel; The Catcher in the Rye. Beth Levine will mod- 106 South Colony Road * Wallingford
erate the discussion which will include questions about society and censorship, morality, and prevailing standards and 203 269 6802
attitudes in American Literature. Teenagers and adults are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served. Copies of Hours: Mon-Fri 3:45-7:30pm Sat. 9am-5pm
the books are available from the Information Desk. . www.willydsnascar.weebly.com
FREE MOVIE EVENTS
Friday Night Flicks at 6:30 p.m. -Community Room December 17:The Other Guys Rated PG-13 Run time 107 minutes
Cinema Club: White Ribbon Tuesday, December 13 6:30 p.m. Community Room
Strange events happen in a small village in the north of Germany during the years just before World War I, which seem
to be ritual punishment. The abused and suppressed children of the villagers seem to be at the heart of this mystery.
Rated R. Run time 144 minutes. Discussion will follow the movie. Refreshments will be served.
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
Computer Class: Excel 2007 Friday, December 17 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Board Room
Learn how to create a simple spreadsheet at Introduction to Excel 2007. This hands-on class will include how to per-
form basic calculations and format your spreadsheet.
Seating is limited to 6, so please sign up early. You may register in person, online, or by phone at (203)265-6754.
One-On-One Computer Tutoring Thursdays 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Computer novices are encouraged to sign up to learn keyboard or mouse skills, word processing, Internet searching,
online job applications, or e-mail. Please call the Library at (203)265-6754 or stop by the Information Desk for more
details or to register for a session.
Search Our Online Catalog On Your Smartphone
Our online catalog is now available in a user-friendly format on all web-enabled smartphones. The link is located in the
orange submenu of our home page or directly at http://www.libanywhere.com/m/143. Additionally, you may download
the app at the Android Market and iTunes. * Auto * Home * Business * Life
KINDLE? NOOK? SONY? HELP!
If e-book readers are on your holiday gift list, check out the product reviews in the December issue of Consumer
Reports online at www.wallingford.lioninc.org or in print at the Library. WPL offers down-loadable e-books through
John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency
the LION consortium. To take advantage of this service, check the compatibility of the devices you are considering on 208 Center Street, Wallingford
the library's website by clicking on Downloadable Media, and then follow the links.
TEEN ZONE! Wii Event: DJ Hero 2 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Community Room Office: (203) 269-2500
All teens in grades 6 - 12 are invited to come and play DJ Hero 2 on the Wii! Join us after school, when we will trans-
form the Community Room into a nightclub! Please sign up online or by contacting the Library.
NEWS FROM THE BOOK SELLER
2 for the price of 1 on all Holiday items in December! Visit the Book Seller for gently used books, videos, CDs and Life Insurance underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company and affiliated Companies Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220
other items for children and adults. The entrance to the store is located at the back of the Wallingford Public Library,
next to the garage. Look for the green awning. All proceeds from the Book Seller benefit the library.
Hours: Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Holiday Closings: December 22 through December 26.

INSPIRATION FROM TV
By Sil Patterson
I remember Sunday mornings at our home and my often frenzied approach to getting our five boys and one
daughter ready for church. I pick the year, 1970, just so I can list their ages as 14, 12, 10, 8, 5 and 3 years. My Mom
and Dad believed in God and Sunday School was a must for me as well as my three siblings. This was the initial rea-
son, but I soon realized that no way was it possible for me or my husband to instill God's Word without the support of
the pastor, the Sunday School teachers, the beautiful church music. This brought us some peace and reason in our lives
and world.
But the actual setting forth was not peaceful or reasonable. "Eat your cereal, let's go! Get dressed! Stop dawdling!
No time to play with Trixie! (our beloved dog)" Competing with TV also complicated our exit. Finally, arranging the
boys in the Plymouth rambler (the girl fit in anywhere) to avoid touching each other--or nasty words across the car
seat: this took energy.
Could a Mother occasionally have burn-out? The TV could be a barrier to our exit as I have already said but--
"Davey and Goliath", a puppet show with religious and moral themes brought me spiritual nourishment and energy to
get to church. One Sunday, I stopped yelling as I watched Davey place a little lost girl in her wagon as he set off to
find her mother. My eyes clouded with tears as the whole story showed the right way to find true joy in life, written in
such a way that even a stumbling adult could understand. The story was taken from Jesus parable, "The Good
Samaritan." To this day I remember and my children remember Davey and Goliath as well as Sunday school.

Home Country by Slim Randles

Herb is a retired businessman, which tends to make the rest of us think he is practical. That wouldn't be entirely accu-
rate, however, as Herb has the silent soul of a romantic. How else can anyone explain his passion for archery?
Most nice days he can be found out in his backyard, terrorizing a stack of hay bales with a target pinned to it. Many
...You Bend It!
shooters do this, of course, but Herb is different. In this age of compound bows which resemble portable gym equip-
ment, sights that glow in the dark, releases that resemble handguns, and arrows made of space-age materials, Herb is a
throwback to the old days.He shoots a wooden recurve bow and uses wooden arrows. His fingers and bow arm are pro-

We Mend It!
tected by leather rather than plastic, and he trusts his own eye and form to place the arrow in the paper plate affixed to
the hay bales.Dud was watching him one afternoon.
"You shoot very well, Herb."
"Thanks."
"Wouldn't you get more speed from a compound bow and some graphite arrows?" Quality... Service... Devotion!
"Sure."
"Well …?"
Herb smiled at him. "Dud, if I judged the fun of shooting by how fast I could get something to the target, I'd go in
Barillaro Collision
the house and get my deer rifle. It'll shoot circles around any bow ever made." 1040 Broad Street • Meriden
Herb hesitated a minute. "You see, Dud, if I hit the target, I want it to be mostly because I did it right and not some
ammunition factory somewhere. I'm selfish. I want the credit … and I'm willing to accept the blame if I miss."
Call (203) 237-8806
Visit us at www.barillaro.com
Brought to you by www.CashFirearms.com. Honest deals for honest citizens
Page 14 DECEMBER-1 2010

Hugging has no unpleasant side effects and is all natural. There
are no batteries to replace, it's inflation-proof and non-fattening
with no monthly payments. It's non-taxable, non-polluting, and is,
of course, fully refundable. ~Author Unknown
Servicing Transmissions Since 1952
694 Old Colony Rd.
203-237-4379
That was then and this is NOW! Cristian Torres
My name is Cristian Torres, I am 14yrs old in 9th grade at Francis T. Maloney High School.
Q: What make you decide to get involved with My City Kitchen?
A: I wanted to loose weight because my uncle died of obesity.
Q: What was your diet like before My City Kitchen?
A: I eat lots of rice and beans, pork-chops, fried chicken.
Q: Tell me about your experience at MCK?
A: I didn't know how to cook, didn't know what a portion was, and I didn't understand what
had fat, and carbohydrates.
Q: How long have you been part on MCK?
A: Since day one. (My City Kitchen opened June 2009).
Q: What are some of the things you have learnt at MCK in the past year?
A: I learned how to cook, eat healthier, I exercise more, I understand portion control, I feel
like I can cook any recipe because I am confident cooking in the kitchen.
Q: Do you cook at home and did your family make any changes since you started coming to
MCK?
A: Yes, once a week if I don't have sports after school and I also help my parents cook din-
ner. My family no longer eat fried foods, we totally switched all our food to whole grains
like pasta, breads and we eat fat free dressing, low sodium ham, we use less salt and we eat

$ CASH PAID FOR $

lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Q: What is your most memorable experience about MCK?
A: There is too many, we did so much I don't know which one?

Toyotas, Hondas, Nissan, Q: Name just one?

A: Oh yeah! My first time on television I was cooking on CT Style channel 8, and I made a
vegetable lasagna. That was fun.
Suzukis, Subarus, Geo - Q: Any last words you would like to say?
A: During my time at MCK it didn't even feel like I was losing weight, because everything I was eating tasted very

Any Condition. Running

good and I didn't feel like I was missing out on the fatty foods. My family and friends told me I was getting thinner
and thinner so I kept on doing what I was doing, just learning how to eat and cook healthier. I just want to thank My
City Kitchen and Chef Kashia for helping me feel good about myself and I am going to keep striving for my goal

or not crashed and which is to build muscles and have a healthy body for my age.

Remembering those we love and miss at Christmas.

burned. Other makes By Nicole
Christmas, a time of cheer and celebration, with sadness in the heart that lingers

and models. Motorcycles, A triad of painful endings

A tragic Christmas Eve day accident, a boy who lived only to the age of three, a father who suffered through the pain
of cancer.

ATVs and more. Christmas, a time of cheer and celebration, with sadness in the heart that lingers
Grief a strong emotion, the result of a strong relationship
Mourning and perseverance, moving forward, but not forgetting
Call 203-600-4431 A celebration about much more than presents under a tree
Christmas is a time of joy, hope and birth; the birth of a messiah, your child, an idea, an awakening, a hero, a puppy,
of learning to enjoy your memories. Christmas a time of cheer and celebration, moving forward, but not forgetting
I don't discriminate - I'm an equal-opportunity
hugger. ~Author Unknown
Get CASH for the Holidays
RICK’S
Always Buying Gold, Silver, Coins, Antiques, Collectibles,
Broken or Unwanted Jewelry - Anything of Value!
“New or Old”
“INSTANT CASH”-“TOP PRICES PAID”
Rick’s Antiques & Coins
428 North Colony St. (Rt. 5) Wallingford - 203-269-9888
*** Over 30 Years In Business! ***

CELEBRATIONS

Beautiful Scarecrow by Rachel!

 Page 15 DECEMBER-1 2010

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER News and Events We welcome Meriden's Community Book Bank!
WSC Gift Certificates Available - Looking for that perfect holiday gift? Consider purchasing a Wallingford Senior Agencies, schools and other organiza-
Center Gift Certificate for a family member or friend. Our gift certificates, which are available at the front desk, may be tions in Meriden and Wallingford now
used toward senior center classes, trips, special events, and Lake View Café meals. have another valuable resource avail-
Mobile Mammography Van Wednesday, December 29, 8:00 - 2:30 able to them-free children's books! The
A mammogram is a vital step in a woman's overall health care. Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer. Community Book Bank opened on
The Yale Digital Mobile Mammography Van will be at the Wallingford Senior Center on December 29 from 8:00 AM to November 15 with support from
2:30 PM. If you have not had your annual mammogram, call 203 688-6800 to schedule your appointment. Literacy Volunteers and the United
Holiday for Giving Fund Raiser - Help support Holiday for Giving, which has provided "holiday magic" to Wallingford Way of Meriden/Wallingford.
individuals and families in need for over forty years. For each $1.00 donation you make at the front desk, we'll write Businesses and members of the com-
your name on a paper gift box which will be displayed in Lake View Café. If you want to donate directly to this worthy munity have been collecting new and gently used children's books, which are
cause, send your check by December 11, to Holiday for Giving, P. O. Box 1612, Wallingford, CT 06492. sorted by volunteers and then given to community agencies, schools and other
SOCIAL SERVICES organizations for distribution to families and children.
IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SOCIAL If your agency would like to receive free books or if you would like to help
WORKER, EILEEN FLYNN, AT 265 7753. THANK YOU. with this project, please email BookBank@lvagnh.org. We're banking on our
IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SOCIAL children's future!
WORKER, EILEEN FLYNN, AT 203-265-7753. THANK YOU.
New Social Services Walk-In Schedule- On Tuesdays beginning this month, the Social Worker will take walk-ins on a
first come basis (sign in & number distribution) for one-half hour sessions ONLY (30 minutes). Sessions are on the
half-hour from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. No regular appointments will be scheduled on Tuesdays.
CT Energy Assistance Program 2010-2011 Heating Season
**Important Note: New Opportunities of Greater Meriden has 45 days from the date of application to send a letter of
certification to the individual. Please keep this in mind when considering when to schedule an appointment.
Appointments for assistance with fuel continue to be scheduled at the Wallingford Senior Center. Anyone 60 years of
age and over is encouraged to apply. Income limits are $30,485.00 for a single person and $39,865.00 for a couple.
Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following checklist documents:
1. Most recent bank statement (All pages FRONT AND BACK) 2. Verification of Social Security check or Social
Security "Your New Benefit Amount" letter for 2010; 3. Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond docu-
ments; 4. 2010 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income; 5. Four most recent pay stubs, if
employed. 6. Rental Income - rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account. 7. Most recent heat utility bill
Applications are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 203-265-7753.
Benefits Screening Tuesday, December 21 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for
any State or Federal Programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for
eligibility. Supporting documents are not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appoint-
ment: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas,
electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance). 3.
Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescrip-
tions. Registration required. Call 203-265-7753 now to schedule an appointment.
Veterans Services Tuesday, December 28 1:00 - 3:00 PM - George Messier, Veterans Services Officer for the Town
of Wallingford, will be available to answer questions and assist with benefit information. An appointment is required.
Please call 203-265-7753.
Help with Snow Removal - Need assistance with snow removal? The YOUTH JOB BANK of Wallingford's Youth &
Social Services Department can help. They will find a student from Wallingford to shovel snow for a fee you negotiate
directly with the student. You can call the JOB BANK to request assistance before it snows, this way a student will be
assigned to assist you prior to a snowfall. To request a student or additional information, please call (203) 294 2175.
Memory Lane - There are many benefits to adult day programs: caregiver respite, daily socialization with peers, inte-
gration into the community, and avoiding premature institutionalization.* Memory Lane is an adult day program located
within the Wallingford Senior Center designed to promote and maintain independence for seniors with mild memory
loss, cognitive, and/or physical impairments. This program offers a variety of pet-therapy, music, and baking activities
as well as monthly day-trips, and physical activities. Eligibility is based on an assessment, interview, and medical clear-
ance. If you are interested in an affordable, fun, and stimulating way to keep your loved one safe and independent dur-
ing the day, stop by the Senior Center front desk for a brochure and tour of the center or contact Melinda Welch,
Program Coordinator, at 203.265.7753, for more information. Donations Needed: small ceramic saucers (to place under
potted plants), acrylic paints, white school glue, ribbon, and fabric. If you have any questions, please contact Melinda
Welch, Memory Lane Coordinator. Thank you. * Source: http://www.caring.com/articles/benefits-of-adult-day-care-pro-
grams
Transportation Regular schedule: Wallingford senior residents call the Senior Center at 203-265-7753 to make your
reservation. Two days notice required and as the schedule allows.
MONDAY: Kohl's, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and appointments between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.TUESDAY:
Appointments from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Appointments from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
THURSDAY: Shop Rite & Wal-Mart, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and appointments between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30
p.m. FRIDAY: Stop & Shop from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Inclement Weather Notice - In the event of inclement weather, we urge you to watch WVIT-Channel 30, WTNH-
Channel 8 or WFSB-TV Channel 3 for information on the cancellation of activities at the Wallingford Senior Center. If
the Center should remain open in questionable weather and you are unsure as to whether you should venture out, we
urge you to consider your own safety and well being and remain at home. We will make every effort to reschedule to a
later date any event or activity that may have to be postponed.
VISIT our website at www.WLFDSENIORCTR.COM!

Meriden School Superintendent Corner Now is the time to book Ruth for
all of your Holiday Events and Parties.
Dear Friends,
I hope you had a restful and Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for the opportunity to work with so many dedicated
educators and exceptional students.
It has been a busy time for our sports teams, coaches, cheerleaders, and parent volunteers. Congratulations to the
Maloney Powder Puff Team on their hard fought victory over Platt High School. Special congratulations to Coach
Bruenn and the Platt Panther Football Team on their big Stoddard Bowl victory and for qualifying for the State playoffs.
Good luck on your journey to bring a State championship home to Meriden.
As Meriden prepares to launch their Professional Learning Community (PLC)/Data Team proposal, the school district
administrative team is busy notifying parents and service providers. Research reveals that students perform better when
educators work together rather than in isolation. Teachers will, "discuss student achievement data; examine student's
work; utilize feedback from other teachers, parents, and outside service providers; examine current research; and engage
in discussions focused on professional practice." Other school districts have experienced significant student success
with similar proposals. It is time for Meriden's students to benefit as well.
So what does all this mean for parents and students?
Our new PLC/Data Team Schedule will begin on Monday, January 24th. Direct Teacher Instruction will begin five
minutes early every day and end five minutes later on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. That will allow us to
dismiss all students thirty minutes early every Thursday afternoon.
Thank you for your support of this exciting new initiative.
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!
All the best!
Mark D. Benigni, Ed.D. - Superintendent
If you're angry at a loved one, hug that person. And mean it. You may not want to hug - which is all the more
reason to do so. It's hard to stay angry when someone shows they love you, and that's precisely what happens
when we hug each other. ~Walter Anderson

I don't discriminate - I'm an equal-opportunity hugger. ~Author Unknown

Page 16 DECEMBER-1 2010
CELEBRATIONS
Members of Boy Scout Troop 800 built and installed two public safety signs
for the City of Meriden. One was placed in South Meriden and the second
is in front of the Meriden Fire Department Engine 1 on the Chamberlain
Highway. The sign frames have message inserts that can be changed with
the seasons. The area around the signs was also landscaped with shrubs and
mulch. Boy Scout Troop 800, chartered to Zion Lutheran Church in
Wallingford, was assisted by members of Hunter’s Ambulance.
This was the last of six Community Service projects that were complet-
ed for the City of Meriden, on behalf of the Boy Scouts, 100th Anniversary
of the BSA and the 2010 First Aid Spring Camporee. The City of Meriden
was generous in allowing the Scouts to celebrate their 100th Anniversary by
using Hubbard Park for a weekend last spring.
CELEBRATIONS
Holiday Tea
The Wallingford community is invited to the Wallingford Garden Club's
annual Holiday Tea and wreath exhibit on Tuesday, December 14, from 1 to
3p.m. in the Wallingford Public Library's Community Room. Come and
enjoy the bountiful array of savory tea sandwiches, scrumptious pastries,
and delectable cookies all homemade by Garden Club members. The
Community Room will be decked in wreaths prepared by members of the
club to reflect the theme of "Childhood Memories of Christmas". Adding
to the holiday spirit will be Paul Barbuto, at the piano, delighting the audi-
ence with holiday classics.
COMMERCIAL
* RESIDENTIAL * INDUSTRIAL
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
* New and Existing Construction
* Service Upgrade Repair
* Phone and TV Wiring
* Fire Damage Repairs
* 45’ Bucket Truck Service
* Emergency Service
“No Job too Big or Too Small”
203-235-5653
Fully Insured and Licensed CT Lic. #104727
Nathan Hale Elementary Students Are "Reading Champs" and
Raise Over $1,900 to Help Babies Have Healthy Starts
Ninety-two students from Nathan Hale Elementary School in
Meriden raised over $1,900 for the March of Dimes by earn-
ing dollars with every book they read this fall.
The students, from kindergarten through fifth grade read at
school and at home keeping track of their progress by either
recording the number of books or amount of minutes read.
During the 4 week campaign they read 1536 books and a
total of 32,291 minutes as participants in the March of
Dimes Reading Champions program. The students presented
the funds to the March of Dimes prior to an awards ceremo-
ny on November 18th at the school.
Mrs. Judy Seldner, Principal of Nathan Hale School said,
"We selfishly welcome this wonderful opportunity provided
by the March of Dimes that fosters a positive reading incen-
tive for our young learners, while at the same time we can
selflessly promote a positive giving opportunity allowing our students to focus on helping others. This program is a
win-win."
Reading Champions challenges school children to read as many books as they can, while being pledged by family
and friends to support the March of Dimes mission of improving the health of babies. The March of Dimes thanks
Michelle VanDerheyden and Eileen O'Brien who served as Event Coordinators at the school.
"We love working with the staff and students at Nathan Hale Elementary School. The student participation grows
each year as does the enthusiasm to help babies been born healthy. We hope to continue this partnership for many
years to come and look forward to working with more elementary schools in the Meriden area," said Suzanne Galotti,
Senior Community Director for the March of Dimes.
The top fundraiser was 5th grader Spencer Santagata, who raised $321. He has held this position for the last three
years! The 2nd top fundraiser was kindergartner Kyla Evardone , who raised $100; 3rd top fundraiser was 2nd grad-
er Devin Juan , who raised $75. The Top Reader was 3rd grader Matthew Desimone, who read for 2160 minutes.
The March of Dimes awarded a certificate to each student who participated and gave a bronze, silver, or gold medal-
lion to those students who raised at least $10 and read 4 - 10 books, 11 - 19 books, and 20 or more books respectively.
Mascots from the Hartford Wolf Pack and new Connecticut Whale also attended the awards ceremony to congratulate
the kids on a job well done.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide,
the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mor-
tality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and fol-
low us on Twitter.
Suanne Galotti from the March of Dimes congratulates students from Nathan Hale Elementary during a Reading
Champs award ceremony. Pictured from L to R: Matthew Desimone, Devin Juan, Kyla Evardone, and Spencer
Santagata.
"Stuffed Cabbage"
A "Stuffed Cabbage" luncheon will be held at the church hall on 105 So. Cherry St. on December 19, 2010 at noon.
Donation will be $10.00 For more info please call Esther at 203-269-2708
Thank you.
Upcoming Events at the XL Center in Harford
HOT 93.7 JINGLE JAM 2010 STARRING USHER
Saturday, December 18th.
Multi-platinum recording artist Usher is heating up the holiday season with a special headlining performance at the
10th annual Hot 93.7 Jingle Jam on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at XL Center in Hartford, CT. The Jingle Jam 2010
lineup will also include special guest Trey Songz, plus Miguel. Giving fans an unforgettable night of hit-filled, R&B-
infused pop, Usher's highly anticipated Jingle Jam performance will come in the midst of his 25-date OMG Tour, which
kicks off on November 10 in Seattle.
Fans can purchase tickets via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com or at the
XL Center Ticket Office.
CT Whale:
Come watch the CT Whale hockey team in their inaugural season of AHL play! Tickets for all Whale games start at $7
at the XL Center Ticket Office on the Day of the Game.
Upcoming games in December:
Friday December 17th, the Connecticut Whale will host the Worcester Sharks at 7PM.
Wednesday December 29th, the Connecticut Whale will host the Portland Pirates at 7PM.
UCONN Men's Basketball Team
Check out the University of Connecticut Men's Basketball team in action this December at the XL Center! Tickets are
$30 and can be purchased at the XL Center Ticket Office.
Upcoming December games at the XL Center:
Monday December 20th, UCONN will host Coppin St. at 7PM
Wednesday December 22nd, UCONN will host Harvard at 7PM.
On Friday December 31st, UCONN will host South Florida at 6PM.
UCONN Women's Basketball Team
Come watch 2-time defending National Champion, University of Connecticut Women's Basketball team this December
at the XL Center! Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at the XL Center Ticket Office.
Upcoming December games at the XL Center:
Tuesday December 21st, UCONN will host Florida St. at 7PM
Take A Motor Coach Trip With The Wallingford Family YMCA
January 17 & Jan. 22: Mohegan Sun
January 21-23: Atlantic City Weekend at the Hilton
February 12th: Newport Winter Festival
Pre-Registration is required. For more information on these trips and future trips; please contact Lisa Hoover @
lhoover@wallingfordymca.org
 Page 17 DECEMBER-1 2010

Nana who came with the flood described by Virginia Roderick, "There is no answer to most questions about the cat. She has kept
herself wrapped in mystery for some 3,000 years, and there's no use trying to solve her now." Yet
"Nana who came with the flood." That's what we always called our dad's aunt. I stumbled across a
over thousands of years people have tried, including Sir Walter Scott, who lived between 1771 and
letter today in an old folder of my mom's things that I have been keeping, mostly tin-type photos
1832, and said, "Cats are a mysterious kind of folk. There is more passing in their minds than we
and a few newspaper clippings, and why this letter was there, I don't know, but I found it interest-
are aware of."
ing.
The ancient Greek historian, Horapollon, observed, that "the cat was adored in the Temple of the
This is an excerpt of a letter my mom, Bernice Hubsch Sherburne, wrote to her parents,
Sun at Heliopolis, because the pupil of this animal follows in its proportions the height of the sun
Frederick and Kathryn Hubsch on Wednesday, November 18th, 1953, 57 years ago.
above the horizon, and in this respect resembles the marvelous planet." Indeed, much has been
"We've been having a pretty hectic time around here. Last Friday [the 6th], week, we had a
written about the eyes of the cat, and it has oft been said that the eyes are the windows to the soul.
humdinger of a snowstorm. Phil had driven into town and was bringing out a lot of stuff in the sta-
In the 1800s, the French author, Theophile Gautier wrote, Sometimes he will sit on the carpet in
tion wagon. The traveling was so bad I urged him to stay in and come out on Saturday morning.
front of you looking at you with eyes so melting, so caressing and so human, that they almost
However, Saturday morning, about 8:30, one of my neighbors called and said he thought we were
frighten you, for it is impossible to believe that a soul is not there." Others agree, including Arthur
in for trouble. An abnormally high tide and the wrong kind of wind were pushing the water over
Symons who writes, "It is in their eyes that their magic resides." Said another way, Lynn Hollyn
the seawall - which is something that has happened around here about four times in the last 20
comments, "Cat eyes seem a bridge to a world beyond the one we know." The science fiction
years - the last being that Thanksgiving storm we had in 1950. We knew it might happen, but were
writer, H. P. Lovecraft, concurs, writing that, "The cat is cryptic, and close to strange things which
foolhardy enough to think it might be years away and put our washing machine and dryer down in
men cannot see."
the basement - which was a mistake because the water came in through the windows to a depth of
For those who would like to read more on the mystical nature of cats, the following titles are
nearly 5 feet! I got the oil burner upstairs in the nick of time, with the help of said neighbor, and a
recommended: The Secret Life of Cats by DeLaroche and Labat, Do Cats Have ESP? by Jeane
lot of Phil's power tools, but the rest of it was a mess. Phil called me about 10 and said he was
Dixon, Secrets of the Cat, by Barbara Holland, Psychic Animals, by Dennis Bardens, Incredible
down in the village but the roads were underwater. Next thing I knew, he was rowing down
Cats, by David Greene, Mystic Meow: The Way of the Cat Spirits, by Dolfyn, and The Secret
Rowayton Avenue in a rowboat, which he tied to our front lamp post. We spent the day cleaning up
Lore of the Cat, by Fred Gettings. In the latter book, Gettings writes, "All cats are psychic. All
as best we could. Phil's aunt was visiting - had just come the night before - and then the electricity
cats live in a special realm normally inaccessible to human beings….All cats have by predisposi-
went off. I took her up to Ruth's [dad's sister] and Regina and the kids to Lou's [mom's sister] for
tion access to levels of being, or to a level of spirituality, normally hidden to human beings." In
the night. Fortunately the wind shifted and the next tide didn't rise so high. We were lucky. So I'm
Mystic Meow, Dolfyn elaborates, "If you are owned by a cat, you have probably noticed that Cat
without a washer and dryer, and until yesterday, freezer, but fortunately it's all covered by insur-
will join you whenever you meditate, do yoga, gaze into a crystal, read Tarot cards or engage in
ance. But we won't put them back in the basement - we're building a small vestibule in the back,
any otherworldly psychic activity. The ancient Wiccans believed that Cat helped humans bridge
floor height, and we'll keep the washer and dryer and freezer there, well out of harm's way.... We're
the gap between the earth plane and the spirit realm."
having the Thanksgiving dinner here this year - the senior Sherburnes, the Holzapfels [my father's
In the 1800s, the French poet Baudelaire, may have summed up the cats' mystical nature best,
sister], the Ryans from Phil's office, and Vance Bricker. The Robbins [my mom's sister] are having
when he wrote, "Like those great sphinxes lounging through eternity in noble attitudes upon the
some people from the hospital, and it is just too big a group to combine. Next year I hope we can
desert sand, they gaze incuriously at nothing calm and wise."
celebrate together. The girls' birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year, but we're having a party for
For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson
them on Friday. They are growing so fast and are so entertaining. Nancy is a panic."
Gregory Simpson's animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership
Strange as it might seem, I remember the rowboat, and dad took us out in it to survey the dam-
for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national
age in Rowayton. I was only 4, but one vivid memory is seeing someone sitting on the top of a
Friends of Animals. Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by
couch in her living room. Totally flooded house. The other thing I vividly remember is all the
CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S. He is also an award winning
worms that surfaced out of the soil once the water receded. It's kind of amazing to think about such
member of the Cat Writers' Association.
a snowstorm occurring around November the 6th in 1953 with the weather we have been having
lately. I could find nothing on the Internet to verify the date, though. Just to kind of round this out, The Buz Line
Nana, who came with the flood, was in contact with me and Nancy some years later. She was a
great proponent of music and playing the piano. Her name was May Mayberry. That's true. I have By Christine Ohlman, The Beehive Queen from Saturday Night Live's Band
several things she needle-pointed hanging on my walls in this apartment. She wrote many letters New Video: "Love Make You Do Stupid Things"
and sent me photographs from years ago, and I do treasure her memory. Our first full-production video from Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez's latest, The Deep End,
I wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, and let us hope we do not get any big snowstorms in was a joy from start to finish. When we shot the main footage in late July with Bill Hurley of ADC
November. It is kind of odd, though, that snowstorms used to occur in November. There was one Film Production in front of a blue screen at Connecticut's Horizon Music Group, we'd already
before 1950 that my parents went through, might have been 1947 or thereabouts, and then my hatched a scheme to raid Bill's extensive collection of vintage horror movie footage to enhance the
mom mentioned the one in 1950 as well, and then 1953 too! I guess we are lucky in a way. But, theme of the vid's title, "Love Make You Do Stupid Things." A second shoot at the legendary
you know what, take me back to those days of rowing down the streets of Rowayton in a rowboat. Lakeside Lounge in New York City with the track's special guest, the guitar-totin' Eric "Roscoe"
It was an incredible experience. Ambel of the Del Lords, yielded some fun stuff as Roscoe and I romped in the Lakeside's equally
Barbara Sherburne - barndt49@yahoo.com legendary photo booth and swapped stories at the bar. The triple-tremelo-guitar attack of Rebel
Montez's Cliff Goodwin, Deep End producer Andy York (who's on tour now with John
"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective" Mellencamp), and the aforementioned Mr. Ambel is potent stuff, with bassist Mike Colbath and
drummer Larry Donahue laying down their usual murderous groove. It was big fun, and we hope
by Gregory M. Simpson
you dig the result. Check it out at www.youtube.com/christine ohlman , and let us know what you
Cats are mystical creatures. That conviction comes from living with them for decades. Yet this is
think! Rock on, everybody!
a discovery that was made long before me and shared by untold others. W. Oldfield Howey, author
Thoughts of Christine Ohlman, "The Beehive Queen," whose sixth CD is "The Deep End" in a
of The Cat in Magic, Mythology, and Religion, summarizes that, "The Cat is the symbol of Good
genre SIRIUS/XM's Dave Marsh calls "Contemporary Rock R n'B" and whose soulful vocals grace
and of Evil, of Light and Darkness, of Christ and Satan, of Religion and of Black Magic, of Sun
the stage at Saturday Night Live, where she is the vocalist with the SNL Band, as well as Grammy-
and of Moon, of Father, Mother, and Son." Chinese wisdom from ancient times says that cats can
nominated CDs. Blog is updated regularly in association with her web site
detect negative energy and bad spirits, and chase them away. Ancient Egyptians wore cat amulets
www.christineohlman.net. Rebel Montez members are Cliff Goodwin (guitar); Larry Donahue
and displayed cat statues and pictures as psychic protection.
(Drums); and Michael Colbath (bass). Visit Christine Ohlman on the web at
The recognition of felines as mysterious, and even psychic, goes back thousands of years as
www.ChristineOhlman.net - download and purchase her latest songs and CD's.
DAD
By Raymond Becroft
This is a story of a little boy
Who was his mother's pride and joy.
She wouldn't let him out of sight
And tucked him in his bed come nite.

Just like his Mother and his Dad

This little boy was never sad.
He used to romp and play all day
And always seemed to get his way.

As he grew up like other boys

He sort of shunned most all his toys.
'Cause Dad had cows and chickens, too
Now there was always things to do.

When he finally reached eighteen

His Dad bought him a limousine.
Now he was eyed by all the girls
'Cause he had hair and lots of curls.

But now he's old and he is bald

And he don't come when he is called.
The reason is, he cannot hear---
He puts his hand up to his ear.

"What's that you say?" "It's time to eat"

And he'll be first to take his seat.
But all and all he's not too bad.
'Cause he's my one and only DAD.

The deadline for our annual "Holiday

Magic" issue featuring all of your Happy
Holiday photos, stories and more is
December 17th. Email
andy@peoplespressnews.com or
celebrations@peoplespressnews.com
Page 18 DECEMBER-1 2010
Dolphins News
The Wallingford Family YMCA Dolphins Swim Team has completed their
first official Yankee Cluster YMCA home meet. The meet was held on
November 20th, 2010 at Mark T. Sheehan High School against the Western
Connecticut Regional YMCA Makos Swim Team. With a combined number
of 160 swimmers at the meet, it was an extremely successful. Both new and
returning swimmers made best times in their events. Casey Loughlin, quali-
fied for the New England YMCA Swim Championships in the female 8 and
under 50 yard freestyle with a time of 36.50 seconds. Maya Naumenko has
also qualified for New England's with a 19.22 second female 8 and under 25
yard butterfly. The Wallingford Dolphins will compete again on December
4th at the Valley Ansonia YMCA.
Be a love pharmacist: dispense hugs like medicine
- they are! ~Terri Guillemets
CELEBRATIONS
Holiday Wreaths for the Community
What do you get when you mix experience with enthusiasm? The Holiday
Workshop of course. Many experienced members of the Wallingford
Garden Club shared their skills with willing workers who were new to the
tasks of wreath making and bow tying. The workshop was held on Tuesday,
December 7 and began early with members dividing huge branches of
greens and holly provided by the Water Company. Tables were then cov-
ered with wreath forms and members and their apprentices began the
assembly of the fresh evergreen wreaths. At other work stations members
learned how to make big, red bows as well as wreaths made entirely of
candy.
This annual event is part of the Garden Club's purpose to promote civic
beauty because all of the wreaths will adorn town buildings including both
libraries, the Visiting Nurses Association, Water Company, the Wallingford
Community Day Care Center, Wallingford Shelter, Wallingford Historical
Society, Senior Center, Park and Rec Dept. and the Boys and Girls Club.
The next meeting of the Wallingford Garden Club will be Tue. January
11, 2011 at the First Congregational Church.
L to R Christine Smith, Valerie Thurston, Sharon Mooney, Lillian Hefka,
Marilyn Ollayos, Barbara Bruce
Carrie Purcell
Energy Medicine Practitioner
- Relax and De-stress
- Relief from Chronic Pain
- Improved Healing from Surgery
- Personal Growth
For more information
visit www.carriepurcell.com
To schedule an appointment
call 203.623.7386
Gift Certificates Available!
A Happy Christmas Tail
It was around 9:30 Sunday night early in December, 2008, when my cell phone rang.
I answered it, and a woman asked, "Is this West Virginia Sheltie Rescue?"
I told her it was, and asked how I could help her.
She told me that her mother had a 10-month-old Sheltie puppy that she had obtained
when the owners moved and left him chained outside. Her mother had the dog one week
when he got hit by a delivery truck, and his leg was broken. It was now two weeks after
the puppy had been hit, and her mother had not taken the puppy to a vet. She told her
mother that the dog had to be turned in to rescue so he could get proper medical attention.
That's when she called me. She told me that the dog would probably have to have his leg
amputated.
I assured her that Sheltie Rescue would take him, and made arrangements to meet her
the next morning, and hung up the phone.
I sat there in shock. The motto of National Sheltie Rescue is "Get the Dog!" And as I
had been doing for over 25 years, I was going to "Get the Dog," but I had spent all my money on rescues, and an
amputation surgery would cost big bucks.
I bowed my head and said, "Dear Lord, what am I going to do now?" Suddenly, it was clear. I picked up the phone
and called the director of National Sheltie Rescue (with whom I had worked for years), Dorothy K. Christiansen. I shall
never forget that call. It went like this:
"Hello."
"Dorothy, this is Jo Ann Jones from Sheltie Rescue of West Virginia, and I have a problem and I don't know what to
do."
"What's the problem?" she asked.
I told her about the puppy I was picking up the next morning and about the surgery that was needed, and that I did
not have the money for an amputation.
In a very firm voice, Dorothy stated, "What do you mean, you don't know what to do? You get the dog, you take him
to your vet, have the surgery done and have him neutered at the same time -- and you send the bill to me."
After I hung up, I sat there and cried. Thank you, Lord, and Dorothy, and National Sheltie Rescue.
Early Monday morning on the way to pick up the puppy, I called my vet, explained to him what I was doing, and
told him I could not pay him, but the National Sheltie Rescue would, but they would have to be billed after the surgery.
Bless him. He said, "You get that puppy in here now. We'll take care of him and worry about the bill later." Thank you,
Lord!
It was an hour and a half drive over a narrow curvy country road, but I arrived right at 10 a.m. to meet the lady at
"A** Hole Lounge" (honest) in a small northern West Virginia community. Thank the Lord, I did not have to go inside!
The woman opened the back door of the car and I saw him.
Oh, that poor sweet puppy. I know he was in pain, but he still had a wide Sheltie smile for me. I asked the lady to
sign the release paper, put the puppy in the crate in my Jeep and got out of there as quickly as I could!
He was a very small boy with the sweetest face. Of course I talked to him on the way to the vet's office. I told him
he was safe now, and we were going to see a very kind man who would take away his pain and make him as good as
new.
Then I discussed his name with him. Since it was almost Christmas and he had a bum leg, I decided to call him Tiny
Tim. I think he liked it.
Dr. Kendrick at Middletown Animal Clinic in Fairmont, WV, met us at the door. I filled out the papers while they
examined Timmy. The good news was, his leg did not have to be amputated! They would do the surgery the next morn-
ing, put in a pin to set the leg, and I could take him home the next day.
When I got back in the Jeep, I sat there and I cried again. I'm not really a person who cries very often. Life is good!
Timmy is now in his forever home. A happy normal little Sheltie. And that, my friends, is what Sheltie Rescue is all
about!
Jo Ann Jones
Life along the Q River…
An Update from the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association
QWRA's Patriotic Family Day
The morning of Saturday, September 25 was warm, a brief step back to the hot days of summer. But the veterans
showed up on time and in uniform for the day's special event. The VFW Post 585 donated a flag pole, flag and bench
to the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association and this was the day for the inaugural flag raising.
Joining the Post members, with only a handful of World War II still alive from that area of bravery, were several
AmVets Post 83, including QRWA board member and building chair Paul Roy, and Meriden's own Antique Veterans
representing several branches of the armed services. The veterans were treated to coffee while they chatted before the
days' events.
Before the official ceremony began, long time QRWA supporter Bill Godburn, who spearheaded the flag donation,
presented QRWA president Ginny Chirsky with an original painting of Red Bridge. Ginny gratefully accepted the oil
painting on behalf of the entire QRWA organization, thanking Bill for his sharing his talent with the community. "This
lovely painting will be proudly hung in our lobby of our building once it is complete. It is a treasure, much like Bill
himself."
Everyone started to gather around the flagpole with the area recently landscaped by QRWA member and Master
Gardener Melissa Haseley. Ginny spoke briefly thanked all those who made this event possible: the generous and
patriotic donations of Post 585, installation of the flagpole and castle by mason Frank Basch, and Paul Roy who orga-
nized the ceremony. Noted Ginny, "The raising of this flag is symbolic of the raising of our hopes for this organization
and this building. We are forever indebted to the men of Post 585 as we are to all our veterans."
As the crowd gathered the men took their places, with Commander Charlie Moyles giving direction to start the cere-
mony with a bugle call, followed by the Antique Veterans providing a loud but brief salute with their rifles.
Bill Godburn led the inaugural flag raising surrounded by members of Post 585 saluting Old Glory as she slowly
traveled up the pole to the cheers of the crowd. Once to the top therewas a burst of applause celebrating this historic
event.
With the QRWA's Family Day officially begun events began to take on a life of their own. Members of Beat the
Street and the NAACP went for a canoe ride up the Quinnipiac River Gorge, while other children participated in garden
themed arts and crafts overseen by Julie and Anne. Certified Master Gardeners Becky and Patti were available to offer
information about destructive and invasive insects, the monarch butterfly migration and tours of the Butterfly & Bee
garden.
Over 70 people lined up for paddle lessons on Hanover Pond to participate in Family Day and many enjoy a walk
through the Butterfly & Bee Garden. Others enjoyed refreshments of hotdogs and cool drinks while still others learned
more about WOW Green, non-toxic cleaning products and on-going fundraiser for the QRWA.
The QRWA's Family Day was filled with sunshine, lots of fun activities and hopes for a bright future while the Stars
and Stripes found a new home right on the water.
Upcoming QRWA Events: Winter Hike - Sunday, February 13, 1:30 pm. Meet at Quinnipiac River State Park at the
end of Banton Street, North Haven, CT.
Eagle Count - please check the website for details
Continuous Fundraiser: Purchase environmentally safe cleaning products, help the environment and help the QRWA!
Visit www.WOWgreen.net/149153 for details.
The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the
Quinnipiac for the health and enjoyment of all citizens and communities along its reach and to educate all students,
families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river.
We provide water activities, events in education, outreach, advocacy, scientific monitoring, conservation, restoration,
recreation and public access to the watershed area. To learn more about the QRWA and future events, please visit our
website at www.qrwa.org. Thank you for your support and remember your donations are tax deductable.
Hugging has no unpleasant side effects and is all natural. There are no batteries to replace, it's inflation-proof
and non-fattening with no monthly payments. It's non-taxable, non-polluting, and is, of course, fully refundable.

Family is just accident.... They don't mean to get on your nerves.
They don't even mean to be your family, they just are. ~Marsha
Norman
CELEBRATIONS
Happy Birthday to my 3 wonderful children! James, JoAnn and Sandy!
Love you all forever! Mom
Page 19 DECEMBER-1 2010
"Fictional Seasons" - By Janet Cipolli
FAIR, NOT FAIR
For their 25th wedding anniversary, Beth and Walter Chester decided to drive cross-country from their hometown in
Massachusetts to Los Angeles, CA. Walt had always wanted to visit the West Coast and Beth had always wanted to go
to Disneyland but both were afraid of airplanes. This is the one thing they agreed upon-everything else was up for
grabs.
You see, Walter is a stubborn man, always has been. In fact, on their wedding day he decided to stop off for a quick
beer with his best man before heading over to the Church. His best man didn't think it was a good idea and protested
until finally giving up. That's what most people do around Walter-he runs you down until it's easier to just give up.
This car trip was proving to be no exception.
Beth, the sensible half of this duo, made sure the couple had every map of every state they would be passing
through and had the GPS navigation system checked and double-checked by their friendly mechanic. So, after three
days on the road, why were they still in Pennsylvania? You got it. Walter was being Walter.
"There's a truck stop Walt, pull over."
Passing the truck stop, "Truckers…all they know is where the best food is and we just ate."
"Maybe they can help us with the GPS? They must have one in their trucks, they travel all over creation."
"Don't need the GPS. That's what got us lost in the first place."
"No it's not." Beth reaches into the back seat and grabs a pile of maps. "You haven't looked at one of these since we
left. That's what got us lost!"
"Don't need to. I know how to drive west. Besides, as the driver it is my sole responsibility to get us to our destina-
tion."
"Well, that's not fair. I do have a brain you know."
"Is too fair and I didn't say that you don't have a brain. You just need to use it for things other than nagging me."
"Nagging you? We've traveled less than 400 miles in three days! At this rate we'll get to California just in time to
see Justin Bieber sworn in as Governor."
"Ha ha. Funny lady. Pour me another cup of coffee will you sweetie?"
"You're unbelievable," shaking her head. "I'm getting really frustrated with you. I think I should take the wheel for

CELEBRATIONS awhile-pull over."

"I'm the man, I drive--you pour."
"This is not fair!!"
Walter points to the right side of the road, "See that sign?"
Beth follows her husband's finger to a huge sign that reads FAIR.
"Enough said." Walter smirks.
"Oh, yeah?" holding up her finger, "See this sign?"
The domestic bantering continued for the next 2-1/2 weeks until they finally saw the words "Welcome to
Kentucky". Beth and Walter Chester will always remember their 25th anniversary as the year they both got over their
fear of flying.
"Pass me the peanuts sweetie…"
Janet Cipolli, a Fictional Writer for decades, continues to write heart warming, inspirational and most valued short
story fictions. Through her work, she also takes pride as a writer in song lyrics and poems. Janet also extends her tal-
ent by delivering her short story series called "Fictional Seasons". Janet is proud to share her short stories of "Fictional
Seasons" as a contributing writer for Venture Out Online Magazine and The People's Press News. To contact Janet:
bluesjeansong@aol.com . To read more of Janet's Stories: http://fictionalseasons.blogspot.com/
The deadline for our annual "Holiday Magic" issue featuring all of your Happy Holiday photos, stories and
more is December 17th. Email andy@peoplespressnews.com or celebrations@peoplespressnews.com

Brayden says Mum’s the word!

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Page 20 DECEMBER-1 2010
The Maryheart
Crusaders
Bookstore
Catholic Books * Religious Items
Gifts * Church Goods
531 West Main Street in Meriden 203-238-9735
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-2
CELEBRATIONS
Meriden Ornament Available
This year's Meriden ornament is now available at the Meriden Public
Library's Information Desk for a donation of $8.00. Since 1994 the local
history department of the library has been producing these individually
designed pewter medallions as a source of revenue for the local history
room. Subjects have included Castle Craig, the Andrews' Homestead, The
Solomon Goffe House, the Traffic Tower and many more Meriden build-
ings and sites. Ornaments from previous years are still available in limited
quantities. People always ask what will be on the next ornament. Next
year's design is not planned yet, but it's guaranteed to be a Meriden subject.
The collectibles have proven to be popular gifts for out-of-town relatives
and friends, teachers, or aficionados of Meriden memorabilia. Some people
like to hang them on a special small tree or wreath, or hang them year round
as decorations in a window or around a doorway. The specialized town
ornaments are produced in Connecticut by the Woodbury Pewter Company,
which creates them by a special spinning mold process using liquefied
pewter. The 2010 ornament, seventeenth in the series, features Meriden
Markham Airport by depicting an old style puddle jumper aircraft from the
1950s. Begun in Barney Fallon's cornfield around the time of World War I,
Meriden Airport was officially founded in 1928. It was renamed in 1962 in
honor of Major Ernest L. Markham, manager of the airport for 32 years
before his retirement in 1960. The 137-acre airport borders on Evansville
Avenue in South Meriden. Much of it lies in the adjacent town of
Wallingford, but it is owned by the city of Meriden and has proved to be an
economic asset to the surrounding area.
Proceeds enable the library to purchase preservation supplies such as acid-
free cases and folders, local history books and genealogy periodicals. For
additional information, please contact the Information Desk at 203-238-
2346. Janis L. Franco, Local History Librarian, Meriden Public Library,
105 Miller Street, Meriden, CT 06450.
DANGER -- DO NOT TREAD ON THIN ICE
The winds, they are howlin' -- howlin' at my front door…..I keep reminding them that I am not quite ready for ol'
man Winter -- not just yet. But, they seem to be deafened by their own ferocity, and the nerve-grinding lament contin-
ues. Can I escape the inevitable ? I do not like the freezing cold of Winter, I do not like it in any way…….I do not care
for it here, nor do I care for it over there….I wish I could grow wings and fly south for the winter - just the way those
warm-weather birds do.
When I was just a little tyke, I loved getting my big, heavy winter coat on, slipping into my furry gloves, wrapping
the woolen scarf, which my Mom had knitted for me, around my skinny neck, and then busting out through the door
into that beautiful, sparkling, fluffy white snow. I would run into that blustery cold wind without a care in the world,
and kick and stomp through drifts of frozen powdered rain (snow). It was a wondrous time of year……time to build an
igloo, have a snowball fight with a bunch of friends, and, of course, go sled riding down that treacherous mountain of a
hill. I never got frozen, I never wanted to come in…..I wanted to play in that new-fallen snow forever and ever.
There was a sliver of a creek, just beyond our cornfield, that would freeze over during the winter months in the
blink of an eye. Now, talk about fun……..Hey, there is nothing quite as daring as walking on thin ice, and yes, I and
my friends were wild and crazy - braver than the bravest kids in that little country town. We had done all the other fun
things, and now, it was time to cross that frozen creek…….because -- well, just because it was there.
I remember being the first to step gingerly out onto the ice……and then, the crackling sound….oooh, that sound was
not good....and then I was through the ice and into the water. I can still feel the frigid, cold cold water, and me shiver-
ing.....floundering to get out. I remember hearing sirens, and people crowding all around me…….I must have passed
out at some point and came to in some hospital. The vision is still with me of faces looking down at me, and saying
things like…
"He's okay….he'll be just fine."
A nurse was telling me that I should have known better than to try to cross that ice-covered creek, and that my Mom
and Dad were on their way to the hospital to take me back to our warm and cozy home.
I spent many a snowy day doing all those happy wintertime things back then…….but, I did not go near … that fore-
boding … frozen … creek again.
In a way, I guess, a lesson was learned from that experience. I still haven't tried challenging any frozen lake, creek,
river, or puddle. But, I still love playing in the snow.....mainly with my children and their children. There is nothing
quite as exciting as getting hit with a snowball by a grandchild with a good aim.
- George Arndt
Festive Drinks and Appetizers for Everyone
Courtesy of the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council
With the holidays quickly approaching, it's time to entertain. Are you looking for a special drink or appetizer that
everyone can enjoy? The Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council has their annual MOCKTAILS & MORE
booklet ready with recipes to add to your holiday parties. All of the drink recipes are alcohol free and have been con-
tributed by local friends and colleagues of the Council.
For a free copy of the booklet you can call 203-294-3591 or email mawsac@aol.com. The recipes are on the
MAWSAC website at www.mawsac.org. The Council reminds our friends that if you drink this holiday season, drink
responsibly and make this a healthy and safe time for everyone.
Wallingford Gardeners Market Thanks
The Wallingford Garden Club and Wallingford Center Inc presented Wallingford Gardener's Market Saturday mornings
during the summer at the Railroad Station Green. We wish to thank all those who participated: vendors, businesses of
the week, volunteers from WGC and WCI as well as the many customers who patronized our vendors and came by
How do YOU become a part of the
LocalMotion?
How do I share my stories, news and events?
It’s easy to share! All you have to do is send an email to
andy@peoplespressnews.com with a word document attached or in the body or your
email. Be sure to include your name. You can also go to www.peoplespressnews.com and
press the submit button. If you don’t have email - mail your submission to: The
People’s Press, PO Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492. REMEMBER - It’s FREE to share.
How do I share my CELEBRATIONS of photos/messages?
Email Celebrations@peoplespressnews.com. Make sure your photo is large by
email - we will reduce the size for the paper. By sending it as large as possible the
quality will be much higher. If you don’t have email, look for the CELEBRATIONS
photo form in this issue. Don’t crop your photo - we will do it for you. REMEMBER no
matter what the reason all CELEBRATIONS photo wishes are FREE.
How do I get the paper?
It’s EVERYWHERE. If you want us to tell you a location close to your home - call 203-
235-9333. It’s also always on-line at www.peoplespressnews.com. You can read it just
like the print issue in image form AND also download it as a pdf to save on your com-
puter or print out the articles that interest you. As a matter of fact - you can read every
paper we’ve published from 2000 till today! There has never been any charge to read
the paper on-line or pick up the print edition!
When do I know when it’s on-line?
Become an on-line subscriber. Go to our website and click on the subscribe button. Not
only will you find out when the paper is on-line but you will also get deadline reminders,
special offers, upcoming events and more! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter
and MySpace!
When is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline for our most popular issue of the year Holiday Magic is December 17th.
Questions?
Just call 203-235-9333 or email andy@peoplespressnews.com. We are here to help you!
www.peoplespressnews.com 203-235-9333
 Page 21 DECEMBER-1 2010

Wallingford Flower
& Gift Shoppe

LocalMotion - Your Town, Your News, Your Views! 190 Center Street. 203.265.1514
November 2010 • Volume 11, Issue 132

You loved it so much...We’re doing it again

Enter to win a special limited edition
of The People’s Press Candle!
“Where GOOD NEWS makes PERFECT SCENTS”

It is so easy to enter!
Just email your favorite candle scent along
with your name and phone number to
stormymountain@peoplespressnews.com!
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These special candles were made LOCALLY by The
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Visit www.stormymountaincandle.com
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*The RULES - You may enter once per email address! All entries must by
sent by December 21st. The drawing will be held on Dec. 22nd and all
winners will be notified by email. Prizes must be picked up at the Stormy
Mountain Candle store inside Jennifer’s House of Hair at 437 Broad
www.stormymountaincandle.com Street in Meriden by December 31st.
Page 22 DECEMBER-1 2010

Cooking and Memories... New Year's Eve Party Gala

My name is Nancy Sherburne, and some People's Press readers may know that a resident of Wallingford, who con- December 31, 2010, 7pm Hungarian Community Club in Wallingford
tributes articles to this paper, including the piece on the elephant Miss India, is my twin sister Barbara. We are fraternal Music by Riccardo and our own DJ's Admission - $75 per person for mem-
and so do not look alike, she being several inches taller than I. Even though we were raised together in Connecticut (I bers, - $80 per person for non-members. Admission includes a Full Course
moved to Tucson, Arizona, when I was 22) and were raised by a mom who made sure we ate well, my eating habits Dinner, from Appetizers to Dessert, Champagne Toast at midnight and one
changed when I moved out on my own. bottle of red & white wines per table. http://hccwallingford.org
Our mother loved cooking and baking, and watching The French Chef. While I do not have many memories of the
days when I was a child, I remember my sister and I helping her prepare things for our school's bake sale such as
crème puffs and homemade pies. She steered us away from what were then called fancy drinks, preferring we drink
CELEBRATIONS
Kool-Aid, Tang, orange juice and milk. I do not believe bottled water was around, so drinking tap water was the rule.
Dinners were made from scratch as those boxes of dried pasta and sauce you add beef, poultry or tuna to were not
invented yet. She made chili con carne, chicken and rice, and beef stews, and always made sure we ate our vegetables.
She loved collecting favorite recipes and stored them in notebooks. Funny how it is my sister who has them while I
was the one who developed a love of cooking. Unfortunately, along the way I developed a love of other things such as
boxed macaroni and cheese, pasta sauce, canned soups, and frozen entrees loaded with calories and, well, I developed
a weight problem. My sister, on the other hand, developed her own eating habits that allowed her to keep her weight at
a far-healthier level.
She stayed away from the carbonated sodas I am addicted to, and drinks a popular, low-calorie powdered drink. She
does not eat boxed meals either, and avoids foods with fat, cholesterol and sugar such as the bread I have for toast
every morning. She has managed to stay close to her proper weight while I have not. The last time I was weighed the
scale read 223 which is pretty bad considering I am only 4'10". Needless to say, you would not look at us and think we
were even related, let alone twins.
Not being a dietician or nutritionist, it is not for me to tell you what to eat and what not to eat, but I can tell you for
sure the saying "You are what you eat" is definitely true, and the time to avoid my path is before those eating habits are
so firmly ingrained in you they are impossible to change. Being obese, and all the health and emotional problems that
accompany it, is not fun.
Despite the coming holiday season, with so much food to tempt you, try eating to live and not to indulge.
MidState Medical Center Names Crystal Obelisk Award Recipient
MidState Medical Center is pleased to announce James J. Ieronimo, Executive Director of the United Way of Meriden Nahhhh, these 3 Sheehan Powder Puffers didn’t cause any problems the
and Wallingford, as this year's recipient of the Crystal Obelisk Award. The Crystal Obeslisk Award is given at the hos- night before the big game. They wouldn’t do that...would they?
pital's Annual Meeting and recognizes individuals or institutions who have displayed noteworthy service to the com-
munity's healthcare delivery system.
Honored for helping the hospital connect with the community, Ieronimo was called "a true ambassador for MidState
Medical Center" by Lawrence McGoldrick, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ieronimo has been actively involved CELEBRATIONS
in the Meriden community in many capacities: he has taught in the school system, worked for a major employer,
served as director of the school-to-career program, lead the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce and work force
development efforts, and lead the United Way. Ieronimo has served on the hospital's Board of Governors and
Community Advisory Council, helping to further the mission of MidState Medical Center.
"It's kind of overwhelming because I've been on the Board of Governors for a number of years and watched people
get this award," said Ieronimo. "I think of these people, and I think these are people who model for the rest of us how
you relate to an institution. It's a community resource, but it demands something from the community."

Nathan Hale School Hosted Van Gogh Traveling Exhibit

Students Explored the Wonders of Van Gogh!
Nathan Hale School displayed a Teacher’s Discovery Traveling Exhibit
featuring the fascinating paintings of Vincent van Gogh, including a giant
reproduction of Starry Night. The students and staff enjoyed the spectacu-
lar reproductions beginning November 29 and ending December 10, 2010.
The exhibit celebrated art, French language, French and Dutch culture and
history. Parents also had the opportunity to view the exhibit during report
card conferences, November 29 – December 3. Art lessons were planned
to coordinate with the exhibit and soon the student artwork will be exhibit-
ed in the halls of Nathan Hale School.

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 Page 23 DECEMBER-1 2010

The holidays, shopping and a new kitchen; 2010 - 'a musing' I love hugging. I wish I was an octopus, so I could hug ten
people at a time. ~Drew Barrymore
by Ernie Larsen No matter how hard you hug your money, it never hugs back.
It's Wednesday evening, the night before Thanksgiving - I just finished making the last dish I'm bringing to my brother's
house, tomorrow. I know we are going to have enough food; we always do, this year is no exception; just a change of
venue - Peter and Ellen graciously accepted the challenge of hosting the holiday as we are in kitchen limbo.
Remodeling has not started, a couple of things have occurred - the new deck is up and last Friday the electrical service
was upgraded. The start date now is this coming Monday - it will be a good feeling when the first foods from the new
kitchen are ready for service - maybe we'll have an open house with a 'tasting menu' of some of mine and Mary's fav
dishes. That sounds good in theory - we'll see.
Guess what - fast forward to Thanksgiving evening, Platt won the Stoddard Bowl, both teams were evenly matched
and it was a fine day for football - the win also assured the PHS team a spot in the playoffs - congratulations to all the
team and their coach.
Thanksgiving dinner was great - Peter and Ellen had it together and as usual for a Larsen gathering there was plenty
of food. We picked up Aunt Carmen from her apartment in W. Hartford and had a good visit with her - she is quite
active at the facility where she lives and always has some good stories to share. It was Emily's first Thanksgiving and
she had a chance to have some samples of 'big people food' mashed potatoes, squash puree and not sure what else - it
was a fun day all in all - Ann and Steve stopped by as did Jane - so it was a good representation of family.
Right now, it's Saturday night - Black Friday is a memory - I'm not sure what I dislike more the incessant political
ads which recently proliferated the media or the ads in preparation for what I refer to as the BF nonsense - do I really CELEBRATIONS
need to buy a laptop computer at midnight??
In my opinion, the whole concept of the day has become somewhat inane. Stores opening in the middle of the night,
at midnight on Friday and some just cutting through the hype and were open on Thanksgiving with 'specials' just for a
few hours during their special hours- I thought this was just awful. To those retailers who closed for the day to give
their employees a day off to spend any way they wished, I tip my hat. This shows some real chutzpah on the part of the
store owners to let their help celebrate the holiday in the spirit of the season.
On Friday, (yes Black Friday) I was taking care of my granddaughter, Riley; we were delivering Advent calendars to
some of her friends, I usually just had my daughter hand them out, but thought this would be a fun activity for the both
of us while Gramma and my daughter went to a movie. We were heading up the Chamberlain highway and at the traffic
light at the exit from Meriden Square (or whatever they call it now) my granddaughter, who is 7.5, commented on the
amount of traffic coming from the shopping complex and went on to tell me that stores were opening in the middle of
the night and some opened on Thanksgiving and why did they have to do that, plus why do they call it Black Friday?
I tried to explain the BF rationale when suddenly she changed the subject noticing a police car (with emergency
lights flashing) behind two cars involved in a fender-bender; her next statement gave me a chuckle - "Look Poppa -
even the police are shopping for bargains". Ah, the innocence of youth!
After the ladies got back from the flicks, Gramma and I were driving home and she asked if I wanted to stop at TAR-
GET to pick up a toy that was on sale, Friday only, offering a $30.00 discount. If you know me, that is a major reduc-
tion so TARGET it was - this was about 1:30 PM and the store was busy, not too crazy and we were in and out in 10
minutes or less. So, as much as I abhor the BF phenomenon - I got sucked in by a 'deal' -c'est la vie.
Yesterday's (Thanksgiving Day edition) local newspaper was the annual Christmas shopping issue, SEARS must
have had 3/4 different circulars as did JCPENNEY - etc...and tomorrow, Sunday - I'm sure more trees have been sacri-
ficed producing the pages and pages of bargains for the ubiquitous inserts in the paper. This year it appears that the
advertising campaigns have become more intense that in the past and while that may be good for the retailers - it cer-
tainly is wearing on the average person, like myself. While I'm writing this the 'talking hairdo' anchoring the 11:00 PM
news mentioned 'cyber Monday' that if I recollect correctly is the Monday after Black Friday when people are using
their computers to place orders for Christmas gifts; many are at work and order from there. So, the retail frenzy contin-
ues - we'll get the figures if this year's sales were better than last year - who cares?
What's my point of all this - the real meaning of Christmas seems to have been abandoned. For those who have for-
gotten the holiday is the Christian celebration of the alleged birth date of Jesus Christ, the son of God; born to the
Virgin Mary in a stable in Nazareth which, I believe, is in modern day Israel - the exact site of Jesus birth is very tenu-
ous and while other locales are oft mentioned, I chose this one as it is the one I have remembered from my days under
the influence of the RC church. There are even theories that Jesus was not born on December 25th - back in history
Wallingford Powderpuff Posters Available
some unknown calendar planner decided that this would be a good day to celebrate the holiday. Maybe that's why we
Both for Lyman Hall and Sheehan High. All posters will be available at the
celebrate some of our major holidays on Mondays, sometimes days before or after their original historical dates.
end of the week on Wallingfordprojectgraduation.com Posters will be
Over the years, there have been many campaigns to keep religion in this major of all holidays (let's keep Christ in
$20.00 plus shipping and handling, with all proceeds to benefit Wallingford
Christmas) yet this has been pretty much forgotten - while Thanksgiving is still credited as being the biggest travel day
Project Graduation, compliments of Macksimum Memories Photography
of the year, Christmas has the longest tenure, over a month of shopping, planning, parties and all the other intricacies
Studio.
that comprise this time of year. Not that I'm particularly religious - I do follow tradition and here I'm just making a
point.
When you are out shopping or wherever, remember the real meaning of Christmas and do what you will to keep up

At Rousseaus’s, we
in whatever way you believe, the tradition that it holds. Peace!
On a chronological basis, it's now Monday night - Cyber Monday - well, for me it was demo Monday, the construc-
tion company workers arrived and began the remodel on our kitchen. So, for the next couple of weeks I'll be sticking
close to home to chaperone them.
And the days do go by quickly, Monday and Tuesday night we went out for a bite, tonight is still up in the air. We are get to the bottom of
Car Troubles!
still making decisions on counter tops and sink fixtures - that should be sorted out today, Wednesday Dec. 1.
So, hopefully, my next dispatch will include a notice of kitchen completion and back to normalcy in the house of
Larsen.
If you miss my next rambling, Merry Christmas - Happy New Year and a belated Happy Hanukkah!
LocalMotion - Local Business! To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The
People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at andy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience
the power of positive for the readers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment.
Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com!

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Page 24 DECEMBER-1 2010
COME TO THE MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY AND SHARE THE
LOVE OF READING WITH A CHILD BY GIVING BOOKS TO OUR
GIVING TREE.
The Children's Library of the Meriden Public Library will be collecting
books to give to children for the holidays. The Meriden Public Library has
been working with the city for many years to distribute books to about 20 dif-
ferent organizations who need them. Please help us by contributing to our
"Giving Tree". Bring in new or gently used books to the Children's Library
by December 17th. For more information please call us at (203) 630-6347
The Holiday Event of the YEAR!
Friday, December 17th
7:oopm - 1:00am
Join Jon Peckman, Billy Megofna, Chip Fenney, Jay Wiggin
for a special night of S-x Pizza with all of your favorite
Holiday Toppings. Please also consider bringing a new
unwrapped toy for kids who need a happy holiday! Spend
some special time with friends when it matters most and
make some new ones too.
There's nothing like S-x Pizza for the holidays!
You are definitely going to have a good time.
179 Center St in Wallingford
Local Band & Album Review
By Wayne Montefusco
This month of Nov, I decided to do something different. A free download. I went to an event in Willimantic at the
Capitol Theater. This was for a double CD release party. All proceeds went to the Jett Foundation for research in treat-
ments for Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. The artists were Mike P and Brian Jarvis. I know I have covered Brian
before but this time is because Mike P is from the Brian Jarvis family. He just recently left to go on his own. Mike has
been recording his first CD for well over a year and it finally came to see the light of day. The name of the disk is
"What Am I Waiting For", kind of sums up why Mike is now out doing his own thing. I have met Mike many times
over the past year and have seen him grow as an artist. The first time I heard him sing a cover of "Superstition" I knew
he had talent. I had found some downloads of his on Reverb Nation back in the beginning of the year. One of the songs
was "Remember November". Great song about kids just being kids growing up. Download the CD at themikep.band-
camp.com/ just put in 0 for the price and it will download. I want everyone to give it a try and let me know what you
think. This is a good disk that takes a few listens to really get to appreciate it.
Song Tracks:
Remember December Had Enough Alone Alright Stay With Me Something
New How You Sing Midnight What Am I Waiting For Don't Have the Time
Mike is someone that is still new and I see potential in him to be someone packing the
halls someday. He can be seen out in the state doing solo acoustic shows and possibly
with a full band. He has talent that hasn't peaked to its potential for he is just getting
started. I like his voice and his ability to write songs. I hope you like this artist and
album as much as I do. I'm looking forward to more music and shows with this artist.
I also wanted to revise the Brian Jarvis Band. He just had put a new disk out of 6
songs. Three are new and three are revised versions of songs off of his first album. Its 6
songs of greatness with no filler. Brian has a band of some of the most talented musicians
in the state. All play out in other bands. John Coates on bass also of Columbia Fields, Jim Townsend on drums also of
Article 19, and Dan Fortin on lead guitar formerly of Article 19. Mike P also played a big part in this bands success.
This band is really more like a family then just a bunch of guys getting together to just play. When you listen to this
disk, it must have been recorded live in the studio because it has that live feel to it. Just has an edge to it that makes
you want to play it over and over. Preview it here, http://www.soundwavemerch.com/merchbrianjarviswh6.html
Addison Station
Addison Station, a band that I have gotten to know over the past few months. I knew Jeff Kenniston from his days with
the band Article 19. Trent Gerbers I met at the first show that I went to go see when I saw that they were playing
Cherry St Music Club. They were playing as a full band and partly as a duo. Jeff and Trent can put a show on that goes
on for hours that leaves you satisfied. They play a good brand of top 40 songs changed up to the Addison Station style.
"Addison Station started as a studio group in 2008, releasing an introspective collection of acoustic pop tunes titled
"Everyday Hero". The group parted ways upon its release, but in February of 2009 vocalist Trent Gerbers and instru-
mentalist Jeff Kenniston decided to start touring as a duo under the same name, performing music off the EP as well as
a number of cover songs and newly written material. Over the summer and fall of 2009 the duo realized that for their
music to reach their fullest potential they would need to flesh out the instrumentation. Kyle Dunnack (percussion) and
Jon Coates (bass) were added to bring the live show to the next level. As a quartet,
Addison Station's music has fallen into a niche of funky and pop/rock tunes powered
with a driving rhythmic foundation, vocal harmony, and pop sensibility. They have
since added a lead guitarist RC Roberts and new Bass player Kyle Charette.
Song Tracks:
Falling Run to You Home Tonight Expiration Date You Don't Have to Turn
Away
This is really the first disk by Addison Station as a band. Each song is a good as the
first. Every song can be a staple on FM radio. The show is just as good as this disk.
They play out in the state all of the time. Listen to all songs above by going to
www.reverbnation.com/addisonstation
I'll be looking forward towards more shows and music from these guys.
Trent Gerbers - Lead Vocals - Harmonica Jeff Kenniston - Vocals, keys, Guitar Kyle Charette - Bass
R.C. Roberts - Lead Guitar Kyle Dunnack - Percussion
Frugal Living in Connecticut
By Gina Juliano
On my blog, Gina's Kokopelli, I often post many free samples and list deals for free items at
the drug stores. Often, these are health and beauty items most of us use every day. My faith-
ful readers report having so much fun going to get their mail because it seems like Christmas
with mailboxes stuffed full of samples. I also hear from readers who follow my Drug Store
Deals Roundup posts every week and head out to the three drug stores to rake in the free
items.
Personally, I get between $200-$300 worth of free merchandise each month just by follow-
ing sales and matching up coupons. At Rite Aid this week, for example, I got $45 worth of
Gillette deodorant for free. I just waited for a BOGO sale (buy one, get one free) and used my BOGO coupons.
Because Rite Aid accepts the coupons when they have a BOGO sale, I ended up getting all ten deodorants for free.
But what do I do with all this stuff???
After a while, one can only have so much free toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo. However, the stores still want to
give me free stuff and I can't pass it up! So what do I do? DONATE IT! Just because I don't need it doesn't mean oth-
ers don't. Everything I don't want or need gets put in a bag and taken to Master's Mana in Wallingford three or four
times a month. With the economy being so crummy, more and more people are in need of some help. And choosing
between feeding one's family or buying shampoo is not something I really want people to have to do. Eating and being
clean are essentials!
Now that we are in December, most of us start thinking about a family to "adopt" at Christmas time; or perhaps we
buy a few extra things at the grocery store and drop them in the food bank donation box as we leave. I guess I'm here
to implore that this doesn't just happen during the holiday season. If you are a frugal coupon shopper like me, you can
donate items and the free samples you request all year round - and pull very little, if any, money out of your pocket to
do so. You have to admit if feels great to help others, and it seems like the holidays always bring out that need in us to
do so. Why not extend that fabulous feeling of peace on Earth and good will toward men all year?
Okay, I have to admit that this donation thing isn't all completely selfless. There is a hidden benefit to you personal-
ly when you donate your free items: TAX WRITE OFF. If you save your receipts and ask for donation letters, you
most probably can take what you donate as a tax deduction on your yearly taxes. For instance, I will have approxi-
mately $3,000 in donations I will submit on my tax return this year. I obviously didn't pay this much (if anything!) for
the items I donated, so donating my unwanted freebies really does have a huge benefit!
Even if you don't donate much, every little bit does help; and donating just a little bit each month can really add up
over the course of a year. All you have to do is save your coupons, watch the sales, and read Gina's Kokopelli to get
the skinny on all the free stuff! With very little time invested in the pursuit of free stuff - about an hour a week - you
can help others, give yourself a pat on the back for helping others, and claim a tax write off. No too shabby!
Gina is the creator of Gina's Kokopelli, a Connecticut blog dedicated to all things coupon, free and cheap. You can
get more frugal tips, freebies, coupons, and great deals by visiting her blog at http://ginaskokopelli.com. Gina also
teaches couponing classes and would love to be invited to your organization or business to teach a class. For more
information or to inquire about a couponing class, please email her at ginaskokopelli@yahoo.com. She's also happy to
answer any couponing question you may have!
Adult Basketball League at the Meriden YMCA
Ready to shoot some hoops? Get your team together and come on down to the Meriden YMCA starting in January.
This league is open to the first 16 teams who register. The cost is $650 per team. For more information please call
Steve Markoja at 203-235-6386 or visit us on the web at www.meridenymca.org

Meriden Public Library News and Events
MERIDEN LIBRARY HOLIDAY HOURS
Meriden Public Library will be closed on the following days:
Friday, December 24 and Saturday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday;
Friday, December 31 and Saturday, January 1 for the New Year's holiday.
Normal business hours - Monday through Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Thursday through
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Sunday.
Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions about our
holiday schedule.
HOLIDAY APPETIZER COOKING PROGRAM DECEMBER 18
Looking for a new recipe for the holidays? Come to the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room on
Saturday, December 18 at 2:00 pm for chef Kashia Cave's "Holiday Appetizer" cooking program.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and watch as Kashia demonstrates some great recipes which you will
be able to sample.
Kashia Cave is a graduate of the Lincoln Culinary Institute (LCI), and the Italian Culinary Institute
for Foreigners (ICIF) in Costigliole D'Asti, Italy. She worked under Chef Danilo Giordani, where
she learned classic Italian cuisine at Mistral a Michelin Starred Restaurant located in the Grand
Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio Como-Italy. After completing her ACAP program she had the
privilege to work under renowned French Master Chef Jean Pierre Vuillermet Owner of Union
League Café located in New Haven, CT.
Kashia is a wife and mother of 2 teens as well as the Founder and President of "My City
Kitchen Inc." a not-for-profit organization located in Meriden, CT which teaches children ages 6-
17 years about health & wellness by using hands-on training to prepare healthy meals in a fun and
stimulating kitchen environment. Kashia is a native of the island of Trinidad & Tobago. She has
established a very successful business as her Junior Chefs and her organization have been featured
in the Hartford Courant, the Meriden Record Journal, CBS channel 3 "Better Connecticut" with
Scot Haney, NBC30 News, Fox61 News, Public Access Television and is a frequent guest on ABC
channel 8 Connecticut Style.
This program is free and all are welcome. Contact the Community Services Department at (203)
630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit the library's website at www.meridenlibrary.org
and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.
"FOOD FOR FINES" MONTH AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Meriden Public Library will hold its annual "Food for Fines" month beginning Friday, November
26 through Thursday, December 30. You may "pay" for your overdue fines by contributing one
non-perishable food item for each dollar you owe in fines. For example, if you owe $3.00 in over-
dues, you must bring in 3 items. Food donations do not cover lost or damaged library materials.
Bring in those long overdue DVD's cd's, books, etc. and clear up those fines. Borrowers must visit
the Circulation Desk in person to take advantage of this opportunity. Please do not donate out-
dated food items. All food collected will be delivered to local food pantries. Food items most need-
ed are tuna and other canned meat, dry milk, canned vegetables and fruit, rice, dry and canned
beans, canned soups and stews, boxed pasta products, tomato items, juices and cereals. Contact the
Meriden Public Library at (203) 238-2344 or (203) 630-6349 if you have questions.
FREE COMPUTER CLASSES IN DECEMBER
Not very confident using email, Word, or searching the internet? Sign up for one of the free com-
puter classes at Meriden Public Library. The class schedule is as follows:
Basic Computers - Saturday, December 18 at 9:30 am.
Internet Searching - Monday, December 13 at 6:30 pm.
Class size is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or the
Information Desk at (203) 238-2346 to reserve a seat.
USED LAPTOPS WANTED FOR MERIDEN LIBRARY
Meriden Public Library is looking for laptops in good working condition to enhance our computer
classes to the public. We are looking for the following general minimum requirements:
· Windows XP or newer
· 14 inch screen or larger
· Integrated wireless card preferably
· AC power adaptor
· USB port
Donated laptops will be accepted at the Information Desk. If you have any questions please call
Laura or Michelle at 203-238-2347.
SCRABBLE SESSIONS AT MERIDEN LIBRARY
Meriden Public Library is hosting afternoon and evening sessions for people who enjoy playing
Scrabble. The evening sessions will be held on Tuesday, December 14 at 6:00 pm in the Seminar
Room and December 28 in the Friends Room. All skill levels are welcome. Scrabble boards will be
provided, but people are welcome to bring their own boards. Contact the Community Services
Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have any questions about the library programs.
Page 25 DECEMBER-1 2010
LUNCHTIME BOOK CLUB
The Meriden Public Library's lunchtime book club meets on Thursdays at noon in the Friends
Room. Bring your lunch and enjoy the discussion.
December 16 - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
January 20 -Juliet: a novel by Anne Fortier
February 17 - I Still Dream about You by Fannie Flagg
March 17- Distant Hours by Kate Morton
April 21 - Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
All are welcome. The books are available in a display across from the Information Desk. Contact
Laura at (203) 238-2346 to sign up.
"FROM THE BEGINNINGS: WHO WE ARE" BOOK DISCUSSION SERIES AT MERI-
DEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Meriden Public Library will be hosting a 4 session book discussion series organized by the
Connecticut Humanities Council. The series "From the beginnings: who we are" will take place at
Meriden Public Library in the Griffin Room at 6:30 pm starting in January. Marsha Bansavage will
be the facilitator. The books to be discussed are:
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 - Water for Elephants by Sara Green.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011 - The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer
Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - Color of Water by James McBride
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 - Bee Season by Myla Goldberg.
Books will be available at the library. Please contact the Community Services Department at (203)
630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit the library's web page at www.meridenlibrary.org
and click on "Adult events" to sign up to participate.
WRITERS NETWORK AT MERIDEN LIBRARY DECEMBER 15, AND 29
Meriden Public Library will host the Writers Network group on Wednesday, December 15 and 29
at 7:00 p.m. in the Griffin Room. We invite anyone who is serious about writing fiction or nonfic-
tion, wants to learn the process of getting published, or needs support for writing a book proposal
or query letter to attend. The Writers Network is for anyone who is looking for a support network
to keep the motivation going, is interested in sharing their writing with others and is longing for
the camaraderie of others who share a passion for writing. If you are interested in joining the
Writers Network, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email us
comsvc@hotmail.com.
LEGO CLUB DECEMBER 28
Meriden Public Library will have its next Lego Club event on Tuesday, December 28 at 2:30 pm in
the Griffin Room. Children ages 6 through 12 are invited to bring their imagination and build on
this month's theme - "Spaceships." Completed projects will be put on display in the library. The
library will provide Legos for all children who attend. Sign up is not required for this program and
late arrivals are always welcome. If you have any questions or would like to be put on the Lego
Club mailing list please contact Melissa at (203) 630-6347 or mmurphy@ci.meriden.ct.us.
MOVIES AT THE LIBRARY
Meriden Public Library will be showing the following movies during the month of December: On
Monday, December 27 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room, watch as Gru and his minions try to steal
the moon. This program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at
(203) 630-6349 if you have questions about any library program.
December 4, 2010
By Katrina S. Axelrod
My Friday, December 4th , 2010 defied the odds. All of them. At once.
I: Woke up feeling fine (for me, anyway-- you would have stayed home from work if you felt this
way);
I: Discovered that I had lost 2.25 lbs over the two weeks surrounding Thanksgiving;
I: Was informed that the CCCY Orchestra will receive a $2,000 donation;
I: Learned it was "International Day of the Disabled Person," and, as I worked on CCCYO stuff, I
heard Classical music on WGBH in Boston from the pens of Disabled composers who overcame
their handicaps to produce great works for the ages. I felt kinship with them as I know that I am
also a person who is defying the odds in my own way;
I: Found a perfect set of clip earrings, (CLIPS!) my Hanukkah present to myself;
I: In the mail received a card from Irene Moriarty, our older son's second grade teacher (our son is
now 21 years old), telling me what a fine job I did on a 'Letter to the Editor' the week before.
Thank you, Irene, it means a great deal to me that you still write.
THEN I: Had a wonderful Board meeting that named me 'Executive Director' of the Meriden
ArtsTrust, Inc./Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra.
What a day. Do you know how rare that is? Well yes, you do, that is why I'm writing this, to
share it with you.
Everywhere I went, I was given a compliment on my hair or my makeup or something I was
doing. And it got me thinking, "Thank you to everyone who said nice
things to me and about me." So, I write to thank the Universe for my
day. I was grateful to God, of course, and I even went to speak with my
wonderful Rabbi to give him a heartfelt compliment on something he
had recently done. It was a lovely talk, my thanks to you, Rabbi.
For every teeny, tiny, little thing that went right, Universe, thank
you. For every big, huge thing that went right, I also send my thanks.
I felt like 'Tevya' in Fiddler on the Roof' except that, for once, we
could sing together:
"Thank you for your Vast Eternal Plan, Today I am a weallllll---
theee (wo) man!
Thanks again Universe! I really do notice these things!
I wish you a day like my December 4, 2010!
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Eid and Happy New
Year to all 'People's Press' readership, (and I've still got some to spread
around, how great is this?!) KSA
Katrina S. Axelrod - Meriden ArtsTrust, Inc. & Central Connecticut
Civic Youth Orchestra
www.heartsinthearts.com
Grant Writing and Support for Selected Agencies
Take a Trip with the Wallingford Family
YMCA!
The Wallingford Family YMCA are offering the following Luxury
coach bus trips: Mohegan Sun(Jan. 17, Jan. 22, Feb. 13 and March 17);
New Hampshire(Fall Foliage-Oct. 2), Boston on your own(Oct. 16);
Salem, MA(Oct. 23 or 30); Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Dec. 4,
5 or Dec. 12); and Radio City Christmas Show and Atlantic City(Dec.
5-6); UCONN Women's Basketball(Feb. 26-27). Pre-Registration is
required. For more information; please contact Lisa Hoover at
lhoover@wallingfordymca.org
Page 26 DECEMBER-1 2010

NATURE AS A MIRROR:
CELEBRATIONS
Cardinals: Dec. 2010
by Dorothy Gonick
NORTHERN CARDINALS
Bright red cardinals,
Green pine and glistening snow
Winter has arrived.
December's snow frosts the backyard pine tree, welcoming winter birds to shelter
in its boughs. A bright red cardinal alights, calling to his mate with a happy trill.
Swooping to the feeder, he nabs a seed and returns. It is heartwarming to
watch as they briefly touch beaks while exchanging the morsel in the manner of
courtship. This pair is delightful to watch as we listen to them sing; one bird
trilling a few phrases solo, the other counter singing to complete the song.
Cardinals mate for life and remain together throughout the year in harmony and tranquility, unlike many birds that lead
separate lives until their breeding season.
It is easy to understand how this bird gained the name of 'Cardinal', as its plumage resembles a Catholic Cardinal's
crimson cassock and hat. The bright red male cardinal with a saucy crest and a black face has a heavy, red conical bill.
Happy Anniversary to the Best Husband a woman can ask for. Thanks for
His mate is grayish buff with a black face and touches of red on her crest, wings and tail. Her beak is pink.
opening my eyes and seeing not all are bad. I love you 12/31/03
Northern Cardinals live in brushy woodlands, thickets, and also in parks. The female builds the deep, cuplike nest
two to twelve feet above ground and fills it with fine twigs, and strips of bark. While she builds the nest, her mate is
CELEBRATIONS nearby keeping watch and singing to her. She incubates the two to five buff or pale green, brown-speckled eggs alone,
while her mate stays nearby and sings. In a devoted manner, he brings foods of fruits, seeds and insects to her while
she nests. After thirteen days of incubation, the eggs hatch and both parents are kept busy feeding their nest full of
hungry babies. The young begin fledging when about eleven days old. The female may soon begin a second brood
and the male continues to bring her food. There may be four broods per year which keep them busy through the sum-
mer until they can freely enjoy the abundance of seeds and fruit found in nature.
Each morning as dawn breaks, a chorus of bird song is heard to greet the day. Awakened birds stretch, and then
enjoy the freedom of flight and voice while they view the world, finding the manna that awaits them. This reminds me
of a favorite hymn; 'This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.' I wonder if that is the song
they are singing? Listening to their happy songs can lift our spirits to begin the day with joy and a hopeful outlook,
too.
The colorful cardinals and glistening snow tell us that winter is here, let's welcome it with joyous expectancy.

Become A Lifeguard At The Wallingford Family YMCA

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Program will take place Dec. 27 thru Dec. 31st. Those 15 years of age
and older are welcome to pre-register for this course by visiting the Wallingford Family YMCA or contacting Lisa
Hoover, Director of Aquatics at lhoover@wallingfordymca.org Upon successful completion of this course; all partici-
pants will receive CPR/AED/ O2, First Aid and Lifeguard Training Certification. Space is limited; reserve your spot
today.
The deadline for our annual "Holiday Magic" issue featuring all of your Happy Holiday photos, stories and
more is December 17th. Email andy@peoplespressnews.com or celebrations@peoplespressnews.com
Maybe, just maybe...do you think Laci is starting a little early with all of

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 Page 27 DECEMBER-1 2010

CELEBRATIONS

Wallingford Hawks Squirt A's win Watertown Thanksgiving Hockey

Tournament...!
Skaters: Jaxson Daddio, Alex Ficorilli, Kyle LeTourneau, Andrew Noel,
Sean Dennehy, Ben Mroczka, Sonny Mulligan, James Ilniki, Andrew Treat,
Chris Guyette, Jake Festa, Jason McKinley, Scott Bradley and Tyler
Jackson. Coaches: Dave Festa, Frank Ilniki, Jim Mroczka and Matt Treat.

Complete Residential and

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DMD, MAGD
150 South Turnpike Road
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Page 28 DECEMBER-1 2010
MERIDEN FEED FARM • GARDEN • PET SUPPLIES
$5 OFF 50% OFF
ANY DOG BED
PURCHASE OF $20 OR MORE
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
$42.00
Frontline Plus
Any 3 Month Supply
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
$17.99 $36.99 $43.99
Black Oil Sunflower Seed
50lb Bag
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
$45.99 $19.99 $35.99
BLUE Chicken & Rice
Adult 30lb
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden
203-237-4414
Buy One...Get One
DOG & CAT TOYS
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
$35.99
California Natural
Lamb & Rice 30lb
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
Innova Adult 30lb
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
Ultimate Berry Flavored
Birdseed Mix 40lb
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
Right At Home
Portraits & Photography
$5 OFF
ANY BIRD FEEDER
PURCHASE OF $20 OR
Why Right At Home?
MORE
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
Our professional, experienced Photographers come
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10 to your home where you feel most comfortable and
we are able to capture those candid moments and
portraits that are matched by no other.
We believe in Right At Home because that’s where
the heart is and it shows in the photos we take. We
bring all of the equipment and set-up in the place
that matters to you!
$11.99
HEATH SUET CAKES
CASE OF 12EA 860-741-3964
(D4,15,14&18)
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
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NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
Holiday Catering
from Rosa’s Deli!
Taste of the Wild
30lb - Any Flavor
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
Many choices of Pasta dishes,
Meatballs, Sausage & Peppers,
Chicken, Party Subs, Cold cut
platters and so much more. Visit our
website for even more selections.
Canidae
Visit our website at rosasdeli.com
ALS 35lb
WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CAN-
Rosa’s Italian Deli, LLC
NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER.
SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 12/31/10
imported and domestic foods
party platters • hot and cold subs to go
Open Monday-Saturday 830-6 closed Sunday•
Tel: 265-1487 • 57 North Colony Street,
Wallingford, CT 06492 •