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November 2007 • Volume 8, Issue 97

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November 2007 • Volume 8, Issue 97

Giving Thanks 2007 to celebrate without her. My parents understood. So

By C.S. Purcell
I am not sure when it happened - maybe in my
teens? - but I officially hated Thanksgiving. I am not
much into food, and Thanksgiving, to me, was all
about eating. We go to a restaurant every year, and I
would watch everyone take trip after trip to the buf-
fet bar. But gathering meant something to my moth-
er and father - it meant that the whole family would
get together over a meal - which I never understood
because we are lucky enough that the whole family
gets together frequently for meals and otherwise.
And then 3 years ago I lost my daughter, Maya Rain,
in August. And by Thanksgiving I was in no shape
I did not join Thanksgiving dinner that year. The
next year my mom really wanted me to join again,
and I went. But my heart sank as I watched all the
moms celebrating with their little girls. Last year, I
did join in and with more heart, because I was preg-
nant. And I was so thankful that another little soul
would grace me. This May I gave birth to a perfect
little boy. His birth was rough and he almost died.
So every day I look at him, I have a day of
Thanksgiving. He smiles and I melt. He laughs and
my heart soars. He cries and I hold him close to my
chest to comfort him. To comfort us.
These last 3 years have been filled with downs
and ups and tragedy and love, and through all these
Political Advertisement
experiences - bitter and sweet - I taste the full deli-
cacy of life. I have learned to savor the good in ways
I never knew possible. And I have learned to grow
from the tragedies. I want to teach my son to experi-
ence life, not just go through it. I want to teach him
to follow his heart and remain true to it. To know
that life is a gift and every day a celebration. I want
to teach him to always, always be thankful for what
he has and to love all the opportunities that are
given to him to learn and to grow.
This year, I will gather with the family over a
meal, and the meal will be sweeter than ever before.
No, I probably won't eat much, as always. But I will
savor the experience of being together and celebrat-
ing life.

“The TIME FOR CHANGE was yesterday! The time to WAKE UP is now!”
We need...
Judge Judy

open straightforward government now, not “behind the scenes” decisions by political insiders!
We need...
a strategic plan of development now, not “knee-jerk” reactions when our backs are to the wall!
We need...
technology for a modern world now, not excuses from a Mayor resistant to necessary change!
We need...
to revise our current town charter now! This one gives the Mayor entirely too much power!
LOOK at the ISSUES! CHOOSE WISELY!
VOTE Lucille Trzcinski for Mayor
Tuesday www.LucilleforMayor.com It’s TIME FOR
Nov. 6th This Message was approved by Lucille and paid for by the Committee to Elect Lucille Trzcinski, Debbie Gross, Treasurer CHANGE...
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 2
If you haven’t come to see us at
Yo u a i n ’ t s e e n n o t h i n g y e t !
Our fireplace products are sold by the thousands
across the World but they are designed & created
in Wallingford & sold right at our outlet store!
What makes us different...
We INVENT and CREATE innovative products to serve
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You’ll discover elegance and affordablity!
The Eagle Has Landed
ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN...
ONE GIANT LEAP FOR EAGLE-KIND
First Record of Bald Eagles Nesting on Quinnipiac
For the first time in Connecticut state records, a pair of bald eagles has suc-
cessfully nested along the Quinnipiac River and produced two healthy off-
spring, a male and a female, to the delight of the Quinnipiac River
Watershed Association (QRWA). Mike Horn, volunteer osprey coordinator
for QRWA, reported the success of the majestic birds along with a "good
year" for ospreys in his annual summary of nesting activities to Connecticut
Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP). Ospreys along the
Quinnipiac also did well, producing 41 fledged birds in 2007, up from 16
in 2001.
Mary Mushinsky, executive director of QRWA, said the group's members
and other interested birders, who cooperate with CT DEP's Peter Picone to
install osprey nesting platforms, have been quietly observing the nesting
pair through spring and summer 2007 after the eagles began carrying large
sticks and engaging in courtship behavior in February. "We did not wish to
disturb them in any way-we just hoped they would make it," Mushinsky
said. "The successful nesting of bald eagles on the Quinnipiac in 2007 is a
watershed event in the history of this urban river, Mushinsky summarized."
Horn went public for the first time at QRWA's recent annual meeting. "It
means all the hard work of volunteers and those who have helped to clean
up the river has paid off," Horn said. The birds eat mainly fish.
Horn has labeled the nest, which is located in the lower river, as QE1
(Quinnipiac River Eagle Nest #1), and gave the parents suitably regal
names of Queen Elizabeth I and Earl of Essex, or Elizabeth and Essex for
short. "Keeping that theme, the chicks were named William and Mary",
said Horn. "Using the names of kings and queens seems highly appropri-
ate for these most majestic of birds."
In July, a young osprey became entangled in a cell tower in Wallingford,
the furthest north the birds have nested along the Quinnipiac, and was
brought down from the tower by rescuers. That bird was injured and did
not survive. Despite losing that bird, Mushinsky said the ospreys had a very
good year, raising 41 chicks from 19 active nests. The birds have steadily
recovered from a dismal low of ten nesting pairs statewide in 1973, after
persistent pesticides, which harmed reproduction, were banned and people
began to construct nest platforms. "My hunch is that the plentiful osprey
nests on our volunteer-built platforms inspired the eagles, who have been
wintering along the Q in the past few years. They probably looked at all the
osprey nests and decided, 'Hey-fishing must be good here!'"
What you need to know!
Picture 3 generations - Coach Joe - Grandpa - Jake and Jakes Dad from
left to right.
Jacob Boganski PG at St. Thomas More in Montville is 2nd in the league
for his division. Jake's family and friends have enjoyed watching him play
awesome this season. Keep it going - We love you.

Community Thanksgiving in Wallingford
By Nancy Freyburg - Coordinator
Every year I am always asked this one question by a first time reporter to the holiday community dinners, "Why do
you give up your holidays to do this?" For 27 years I have given the same answer. "Look around. Pull up a chair.
Stay awhile. Then ask me again." They never do. On Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, I get to enjoy the world
exactly the way I think God intended it to be. We come together in friendship to be with, and to serve one another. We
have created a huge family that loves to come home year after year. That is the goal of the dinners, to make people
feel like they are coming "home."
Twenty-seven years ago I was out for a walk. I heard a voice say, "find a place and cook. No one should be alone
for the holidays". I don't want you to worry that I often hear voices, but that one was pretty clear! We started at the
Advent Christian church on Whittlesey Avenue. About 35 people attended that first dinner. We added Christmas the
next year and began serving Easter Dinner about 15 years ago. As the dinners grew and needed more space, we moved
to St. Paul's Episcopal Church for many wonderful years and now enjoy a tremendous partnership with the First
Congregational Church. People from every church in town and every walk of life support the community dinners,
which have grown in every direction.
Although Thanksgiving is the largest dinner, with 250 - 400 people eating in the fellowship hall, Christmas and
Easter are close behind. We also send about 250 meals and visits out to the home bound each holiday, and provide
food for two other communities so that they might enjoy the holidays too. Baskets with turkeys and all the trimmings
are given to families at Thanksgiving who want to cook at home, and we "adopt" individuals and families at Christmas,
providing them with food baskets, gifts, and whatever is needed. The Christmas Adopt - A - Family Program has
extended to a school supplies program in the Fall that sends many kids back to school well equipped with clothes, back
packs, lunch boxes, note books, pens, pencils, and so much of what they need to be successful in school.
As the dinners and everything attached to them has grown, we have affectionately renamed it "God's Dinner". It really
takes a miracle of faith and spirit to bring it all together. This is all done with volunteers who share their time, talent,
energy, and great kindness to make these holidays wonderful for so many. The food is all donated. Even though the
dinners are so large, all the food is home made, hand made, heart made and healthy! We want every participant to feel
like they are coming home for the holidays. Individuals bring in pies and other home made desserts while Brownies,
CCD and high school cooking classes bring over pans of the best cookies ever! Dennis Bonito brings his guitar and
keyboards and plays and sings all afternoon. It is simply amazing and heart warming to be part of this effort.
Every one who works on the "dinners" is blessed by it. It is the best example I have ever seen of people joining
together to make our world a little safer, softer, and with such kindness. I give up nothing and gain everything to be
part of this! The blessings are too many to name.
Here is what I need as we move in to this wonderful season. There is a place for everyone who wants to help. We
need volunteers on the actual holidays to help set up, serve, deliver meals to the home bound, and clean up. We need
help ahead of time in the kitchen doing prep work and cooking turkeys. We also need donations of time, talent, food
and money. Anyone who wants to volunteer, make a financial contribution, or donation of food should call the office
at 203-284-8299. We are happy to tell you what we need.
Dinner is served noon - 2pm Thanksgiving and Christmas day. The meal is free and transportation will be provided
as needed. The meal is for anyone who wants to spend the day with others and have a great time.
One of the thanks I received after Christmas last year was from a 91-year-old woman who had received a meal and
visit. Her note simply said, "In 25 years, you have never forgotten me. Thank you."
My thanks to all of you who never forget to share yourselves with others. It makes us all better.
Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc., Nancy Freyberg, 101 No. Plains Industrial Rd.Wallingford 203-284-8299
Franciscan Christmas Fair
Come one, come all to the 16th Annual Franciscan Christmas Fair to benefit the counseling, education, home health
care and hospice care programs of the Franciscan Life Center on Saturday, November 17, 2007, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
on the campus of the Franciscan Life Center, 271 Finch Avenue, Meriden, Connecticut 06451. Join in the spirit of
Christmas by enjoying Franciscan music, quilt raffle, a living creche, pottery, jams and jellies, bread, and more. Freshly
cut Christmas trees, hand-decorated wreaths and a fantastic basket raffle are also available. Bring family and friends.
See you at the Fair. For more information call the Franciscan Life Center at (203) 237-8084.
Don't forget to send your own personal holiday wish to your kids, Mom & Dad,
Grandparents, Friends and even your pets. Look for the form on page 5. Another
FREE service from The Peoples' Press
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 3
PASTA SUPPER
The Civitan Club of Meriden/Wallingford will hold their 13th annual
pasta supper to benefit the physically and mentally challenged youth
and adults in the area on Thursday, November 8th from 4:30 P.M. to
7:30 P.M. at St. Joseph Church ,West Main St. Meriden. Donation will be
$7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6 to 12, and children 5 years and
younger free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from Elain
Cariati Drauss at 630-9805.
HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR!
The Annual Ladies Guild Holiday Craft Fair at the Church of the
Resurrection, 115 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford, will be held on Saturday,
November 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Highlights: Handmade Crafts,
Country Kitchen, Bake Sale, White Elephant, Basket Raffle and Holiday
Raffle. Raffle drawings will be held at noon on Sunday, November 11. Stop
by for some Holiday cheer; check out the many wonderful crafted items and
home-baked goodies. Enjoya luncheon of delicious soups, sandwiches and
desserts. For more information, call the Church office at 203-265-1694
Home Country
Slim Randles
Some things aren't allowed to go away, no matter how much a person might
want them to, and no matter how much sense it makes to do away with them.
It was that way with Doc's golf tournament.
Last fall, to raise money for coats for kids who needed them, Doc talked two
farmers out of the use of their pastures and set up the only 18-hole golf course
in history that was created in an hour and a half. Each of the 18 holes had a
hole (personally dug by Doc with a shovel) and a flag by the hole (a steel t-
post personally pounded in by Dud) and a tee-off spot (personally tee-off by
Herb Collins). But that was all the course had. If there was grass on the fair-
way, it was because the cows missed a bite. The whole course was hazard.
The tenth hole alone had two rock piles and a manure sump to negotiate. The
second hole required people to clear a prairie dog town or lose the ball forever
to the abode of confused and terrorized rodents.
Well, everyone had fun, and the whole thing was won by Delbert Chin,
owner of the Gates of Heaven Chinese restaurant, who came in with the low
score of 312.
Doc wasn't really excited about doing it again, but first one, then another of
our locals pestered him until he relented and set out a whole new course this
year that included the elementary school playground and the town's sewage
treatment lagoons.
Twice as many people signed on to play this year, and Doc admits that next
year's course might have to take in the gravel quarry just east of town.
"The hardest part about this tournament," he told the boys down at the Mule
Barn truck stop, "is figuring out what par should be."
MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES
THANKSGIVING DAY CLOSINGS
Meriden Public Library will observe the following Thanksgiving holiday
schedule:
Thursday, November 22 Library is closed.
Saturday, November 24 Library is open 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The library's regular business hours are: Monday through Wednesday, 11:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Closed
Sunday and Friday.
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 4
THANKSGIVING
By Ernie Larson
What is it - What it mean to me?
To many, Thanksgiving is a just a day off, another holiday, to others it is a gathering of family and friends and to an
estimated 279 million people it's a day to eat turkey in one form or another. I remember the Thanksgivings of my
youth, Mom toiling in the kitchen, while the men, Grandpa, my father, my brother and I waited for dinner in the living
room with our guests usually my Uncle Al and Aunt Carmen, unless they were going to spend the day with "her people'
as Grandpa would say and Mrs. McDonald in later years, she was Grandpa's companion, he knew her in his youth and
struck up a relationship when he was in his 70's, long story, but he was happy. Dinner was around 1:00 PM and I do
remember that every year my grandfather would compliment the cook "Margaret, that turkey was done to a turn", little
did we know that Mom usually overcooked the turkey and it was dry as a bone, we ate it of course, just doubled up on
the gravy; it tasted OK to us and we never criticized Mom's cooking. After dinner we usually just sat around, some-
times we'd go outside and throw around a football, while the others visited, the TV and football games were on in the
background and my Dad snoozed in his chair………that was Thanksgiving.
In grade school we were taught the story of the Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock, the Indians who helped the Pilgrims accli-
mate to the new world and the meaning of Thanksgiving. I remember when I first saw Plymouth Rock as an adult I got
tingly all over - after all, hearing about it for so many years and here it was a rock, big rock with the inscription 1620.
Who knows if this is the exact rock the pilgrims moored the Mayflower to, but it's got its own pavilion so it must be the
real Plymouth Rock, hey, I was convinced, I'm not going to question history. Then there was the replica of the
Mayflower nearby, built to exact specifications of the original, it was smaller than some of the 'pleasure' craft moored
nearby and to think it made a transatlantic voyage, remarkable.
The basis for our present day Thanksgiving holiday is directly related to the Pilgrims. The settlers were thankful for
surviving a harsh winter and with the help of the Indians purportedly held a feast sometime between September 21 and
November 9th in 1621, a year after they landed, some say it was 1622, who knows, eking out a living was a bit more
difficult than they had imagined. They invited the natives to their celebration and both groups contributed to the feast -
some of the menu items were fish, cod, clams, waterfowl, ducks, geese, turkeys, venison, dried fruit, nuts, grains i.e.
wheat flour, Indian corn, vegetables, mainly squash and beans. No corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes,
pumpkin pie, whipped cream or cranberry sauce as we know it nor was there any ham on the menu, historians claim the
Pilgrims did not bring any pigs with them - who eats ham on Thanksgiving anyway? And that's the way it all began, in
a nutshell.
And now for some little known facts about the holiday - do you know why Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday in
November - well, yes you guessed it; I'm going to tell you. It all political, believe it or not, and goes back to George
Washington who declared a national day of thanks in 1789 and for years to come the holiday was on or near whatever
Thursday came closest to the 26th of November. Then Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving be celebrated on the
last Thursday in November in 1863. This was all fine and good until the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt. Under pres-
sure from retail merchandisers, who said that the last Thursday of November only gave merchants 4 weeks to sell their
Christmas wares, as many people started their holiday shopping just after Thanksgiving, they asked him to change the
date of Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday in November. And so he did, not without controversy, some claimed he
was buckling under to big money - he probably was and like almost every other questionable act by a politician this
one too was soon forgotten and now the fourth Thursday of November is Thanksgiving in the United States.
So now, what does Thanksgiving mean to me, it's a time of year when family and friends gather and enjoy each oth-
ers company while enjoying the bounty of the season; this year we're again welcoming my son's fiancée along with my
wife's Aunt Agnes, she just moved into Meriden and was going to spend the day at her assisted living facility, no way,
she'll be with family for the holiday, that's just how it should be! Our immediate family, our daughter, her husband, our
granddaughter, my brother, his wife and son, my Aunt Carmen, she spends Thanksgiving with us and Christmas with
"her people" in New York. Not sure if anyone else is coming, but they certainly would be welcome.
We always recall the year we invited 'the Indians' to our celebration. In a nutshell, my workmate who was spending
his first Thanksgiving in the US, asked me on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at 3:00 in the afternoon "how do
you prepare the traditional Thanksgiving dinner?" To say the least it would have taken me quite a while to explain the
whole deal so I just invited him and his wife to our dinner. My children were amazed, his wife had a pierced nose and
wore her traditional Indian sari - and of course I said this is just like the first Thanksgiving, having the Indians (Harish
and Nilima were from Bombay, India) to dinner. They liked it so much, they came back for Christmas.
And we do celebrate with food, traditional roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, root vegetables and all the trimmings, I
have a great recipe for a cranberry/pear chutney - I'm sure the family is looking forward to that; (a bit of sarcasm, I
must say). And we top it all off with desserts, pumpkin pie, apple pie and this year my daughter wants me to make
Indian pudding, I think a version of this was on the original Thanksgiving menu. We're never lacking for something to
eat on this day. And remembering the less fortunate, as in past years we will be donating our excess holiday food to
Shelter Now in Meriden.
But the best part of the day are the family discussions and reminisces; perusing photo albums of yore and this year,
my nephew just started college at UCONN so we'll hear some of his stories - I'm sure he'll be rather reserved, maybe
Mom and Dad really do not want to know what is going on, hey, as long as he is having fun, right? He better be
studying, if he knows what's good for him! We'll recount tales of holidays past
and have a good old time. Thanksgiving is a holiday where just having every-
one together is the main purpose of the day, when asked many people say
Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday: family, food, football the general cama-
raderie of the day makes it special. I look forward to seeing my granddaughter
interact with mine and my wife's aunts, who as octogenarians don't get to min-
gle with 4.5 year olds on a regular basis, I'm sure she will keep them amused.
That is what Thanksgiving is all about to me and I eagerly await the day.
Here's a quote from the 2008 Old Farmer's Almanac, it says it all:
? "THANKSGIVING - The company makes the feast."?
And so it does: Happy Thanksgiving to all!
The Essential Guide To Rock Chic
Entertainment Journalist/Author & Rock Wife Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna Inks
Deal With Simon & Schuster For The Ultimate Guide To Infusing Everyday
Life With Rock Chick Style and Attitude
Admit it. We'd all like to be just a little bit cooler-to have that indisputable
aura of confidence that comes with knowing everything worth knowing, from
how to get backstage to how to cook a great steak. To have the edgy, self-
assured style of Amy Winehouse or Debbie Harry. To know how to be a better
flirt, a hotter girlfriend, a tougher chick, and the friend everybody wants on
speed-dial.
Journalist Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna's forthcoming not-yet-titled book for
Simon & Schuster's Simon Spotlight Entertainment imprint will bring readers
just that. The unique A-to-Z book, currently scheduled for publication in
August 2008, will be a reference manual for everything an edgy girl needs to
know, including the obvious (style, beauty, dating, and sex tips) and the not-
so-obvious (how to prepare Absinthe, how to hit on a celebrity, how to sneak
backstage at a concert). It's a girl's guide with a difference -- one that shows
readers how to identify, go after, and get whatever they want in life, be it a hot
guy, a great job, multiple orgasms, or a sexy new look.
"This is the book I've always wanted to write," says Borzillo-Vrenna.
"There are so many books out there that give girls and women advice on liv-
ing life, but there has never been a book that spoke to the girl who is a little
bit edgier, a little bit tougher, a little bit more rock-and-roll. This book is for
the girls who prefer black nail polish to French Manicures, who prefer the bad
boy to the 9-to-5-er, and who would rather learn how to play guitar than learn
how to play by the rules."
The majority of the advice, tips, and know-how will come from the author's
own experience as a music-celebrity-entertainment journalist and rock girl-
friend since age 17 and rock wife for the past seven years. But, the book will
also be peppered with tid-bits from a select group of cool female rock stars
and celebrities (and a few select males).
"This book is the cool girl's guide to getting what you want out of life,"
said Jennifer Bergstrom, VP and Publisher of Simon Spotlight Entertainment,
"and Carrie is the perfect person to write it." The book is slated for an August
2008 publication and was acquired by Michael Broussard and Emily Westlake
from Holly Root of the Waxman Agency. The deal includes World English
rights.
Borzillo-Vrenna's first book was Eyewitness Nirvana: The Day by Day
Chronicle in 2000 and the expanded Nirvana: The Day to Day Illustrated
Journals in 2003 (Carlton Books). The writer, originally from Wallingford,
CT, lives in Los Angeles with her Grammy Award-winning husband Chris
Vrenna, who plays keyboards with Marilyn Manson and drums with Gnarls
Barkley.
Celebrations of Life and Home
HAPPY 25 TH ANNIVERSARY
TO MANYA AND GEORGE !!!
Congratulations on your love
and commitment!
Keep having fun!
With best wishes and love,
from your family.
 The People’s Press November 2007 Page 5
Don't forget to send your own personal holiday wish to your kids, Mom
& Dad, Grandparents, Friends and even your pets. Look for the form on
page 5. Another FREE service from The People’s Press
Celebrations of Life and Home
"Happy Birthday to
my Auntie Karen!
Wishing you ALL the happiness
you bring to me every day! You're
awesome!
Love you, Hunter Christian
Pageau"
What you need to know!
Mark T. Sheehan High School in Wallingford CWE Program is a Success.
Alan Oblon (pictured above standing), is the Coordinator of The
Connecticut CWE (Connecticut Cooperative Education Program), This is a
2 credit course that Sheehan High School offers for students who are inter-
ested in occupational training and exploration that each student self assess-
es. This program is designed to allow students to seek their place in the
world.
Oblon emphasized that with a variety of speakers representing various
occupations along with students working part time, helps to expand hori-
zons and nurture the career interest of his students and our youth entirely.
Oblon points out another key component for the students is to be involved
in Job Shadow. The Job Shadow is a one day experience for the students to
shadow a professional, employed full time, to provide information about
careers.
Maggie Griffin, Associate Partner of Keller Williams Central CT focused
on telling students about A Career In Real Estate and if choosing real estate,
how important it is to affiliate with the right broker who offers up to date
training and technology that is important to have in effort to keep up with
the changing Market. Additionally, Griffin said, "As I walked in and saw
this group, I wanted to give them an example of a fast change. It was a
moment where I asked them all to stand, change seats and introduce them-
selves as a professional to the student sitting to their right."
Griffin encourages our youth to Make High School Count. That means
pay close attention to math, English, history, speech and drama classes.
Those subjects today will polish oral and written communication skills,
which are important attributes to become a success in any career including
a Realtor or Real Estate Broker. Most of all "Master the Computer".
Time to think Holiday Pies!
No one makes them like
Marianna’s with Mama’s Secret Recipes!!!
Pumpkin Apple Blueberry
Cherry Pineapple Chocolate Cream
Banana Cream Cranberry Nut
Lemon Meringue Key Lime
Also Dinner Rolls, Hard Rolls, and Breads.
Call Today to order yours!
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 7-6; Sun. 7-2; Closed Mondays
What Thanksgiving Means to Me by some students from Cook Hill School
Zachary Hart 5th Grade- What Thanksgiving means to me... Thanksgiving is about being thankful for life and what
we have. It's about getting together with your family and having a nice dinner. It's about remembering all the soldiers
who are in Iraq right now, not getting to see their families. It's about being thankful for the world and all it's beautiful
places; the galaxy and its solar system and planets. All the sports and people we're all lucky to have. Our countrys,
continents, and water. Without these items no one would be alive. We should be thankful for the sun and all its
warmth. Imagine if all of these just disappeared.
Irina Tsilfoglou 5th Grade - Thanksgiving Means To Me:
Thanksgiving means having family and being surrounded by family. Family is very important. The first Thanksgiving
was with the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. So... Thanksgiving should be about being with friends and family.
You should be very thankful on Thanksgiving. Be thankful for the food, family and life. Just be thankful for every-
thing you have. So... now be thankful!
Gabrielle Hummel 5th grade - What Thanksgiving Means to Me:
Thanksgiving means to thank God for the food, shelter, family and other things he has given us. In our every day life,
we use those things many times a day. Thanksgiving is a day we feast and pray for him. Thanksgiving is also a day to
spend with our family.
Joshua Glynn 5th Grade - What Thanksgiving Means to Me:
Thanksgiving means a special day that we celebrate by having a feast. Thanksgiving is a day that we say thanks to all
the things we are thankful for. The first Thanksgiving was with the Indians and the Pilgrims. The Indians helped the
Pilgrims with growing crops such as corn. The most important food at Thanksgiving is a turkey. Lots of different
foods that are eaten are corn, fish, turkey, squash, deer meat, cranberry sauce and much more. On Thanksgiving, before
anyone eats anything, you are suppossed to say grace. You should be most thankful for shelter, food and clothes. You
should also be thankful for anything that is special to you. Other things to be thankful for is your family, your pets,
your friends, your teachers and your school.
Dea Acorda 5th Grade - Thanksgiving means to have thanks to everyone and everything we have. It means thanks for
food, thanks for family, thanks for teachers who go and teach you in school. It means thanks for friends who stick up
for you when things go wrong. It means thanks for books that take you to placed unknown and thanks for the Earth
that gives us everything that we need. It means thanks to the animals that give us some food to eat. Last of All...
It means thanks for this paper and pencil so I could write this for you.
Sammi Chagnon 4th Grade
T hanks to people
U s giving
R espectfulness to everyone
K indness to everyone
E nergy to pass on
Y ou are a hero
S pecial thought to share
Thanksgiving by Marisa Daly 5th grade
T hinking of others
H aving fun
A n awesome dinner
N o selfishness
K indness
S ecret presents
G iving
I interesting things happen
V ery thankful
I 'm thankful for the world
N ice helping to get ready
G iving presents to family members
Send it TODAY - THE DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 20TH!
Holiday Greetings
It’s our most special issue of the year where you
can send a free holiday greeting to anyone that you
care about. Your child,
parents, cousins,
friends, pets or anyone
and everyone that has
made a diffence and
that you care about
and of course - IT’S
FREE TO DO SO!
Remember not to repeat your choice above in your message!
MESSAGE:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Send to:
The People’s Press
P.O. 4459
Yalesville Ct 06492
Holiday Greetings
Your greeting will appear in print, on the web in image form and in our new
downloadable pdf version at www.peoplespressnews.com on or about December
10th. You may also email your greeting to andy@peoplespressnews.com.
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 6
Get Ready for the Holidays!
The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce Invites you to Girls' Night Out Monday November 19th!
With its numerous vendors, fabulous food, and outstanding networking opportunities, Girls' Night Out is the perfect
time and place to buy all those Holiday Gifts! Slated for 5:30 to 8pm, Monday, November 19, 2007 at Tradition Golf
Course this event is expected to draw more than 100 spectators!
Held annually by the Chamber, Girls' Night Out is geared to serve as a showcase for Chamber member businesses as
well as a fun night out for everyone. This is a chance to get a jump on your shopping for the Holidays, weddings,
engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. In addition to products featured by numerous service providers and busi-
nesses, vendors will offer: jewelry, skin care products, health and wellness items, home goods, bath and body products,
gourmet kitchen accessories, gift certificates and much more.
Don't let the name fool you - men are welcome at Girls' Night Out! So call your friends, co-workers, family mem-
bers and neighbors! This is a fun night out and a great opportunity to treat that special someone or to pamper your self.
The cost for this great event is only $10 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres and one raffle ticket. Additional raffle
tickets for fabulous prizes and a cash bar will also be available at the event.
Please register online at www.quinncham.com email Maribel@quinncham.com or Dee@Quinncham.com or call
234-0332 or 269-9891.
Holiday Happenings
The St. Joseph School Christmas Bazaar, will be held at Rosary Hall, St, Joseph Church on West Main Street in
Meriden on November 16th and November 17th. Hours: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, November 16th and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
Saturday, November 17th. Wonderful crafts, delicious food, and lots of fun for the whole family. Expect a special visit
from Santa! Event Chair: Cathy Sarault. Contact Information: 203-237-0159.
MERIDEN-GRANT FOR CHILDREN'S LIBRARY
The Children's Library of Meriden Public Library recently received a grant from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation
for the purchase of thematic kits for the Learning Diversity Resource Center. These kits contain "hands-on" materials
including puzzles, sensory games, puppets, software, videos, DVDS, and cassettes. A variety of subjects covered are:
diverse abilities, touch, dyslexia, autism, getting dressed, community helpers, pre-writing skills, sounds, alphabet, num-
bers, and shapes to name a few. Some of the concepts stressed are comprehension, retention of information, reinforce-
ment of concepts, language development, logic, and thinking skills. Thematic kits will be available for circulation
through the Children's Library. Please call (203) 630-6347 or email us at mplchildrens@hotmail.com
Holiday Craft Fair
Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford The Lyman Hall High School MPA will be sponsoring a Holiday Craft Fair,
On Saturday, November 17th at the High School, 70 Pond Hill Rd, from 9:00 am To 3:00 pm. We are also still seeking
crafters, if interested please contact, Roseann at 203-294-1062 or by e-mail at rodydody@sbcglobal.net. Sponsored by
Music Parents Association
WALLINGFORD
A craft fair, sponsored by the Yalesville Vol. Fire Department's Relay for Life Team, from the American Cancer Society,
will take place Saturday November 24th from 9am - 3pm at the firehouse 143 Hope Hill Rd., Yalesville. A tea cup raf-
fle and refreshments will be available.
BETH ISRAEL UPCOMING EVENTS!!!
Congregation Beth Israel has many enjoyable events coming up. This coming Friday (10/26/07) is the joyous musical
service, Shabbat Joy, led by Richard Gans and his group of musicians. This event starts at 6:45 pm.
Other events at Beth Israel; coming up in November are: On November 9th we will be having a dairy pot luck din-
ner. This will start at 6:00 pm with a service and conclude with dinner. And on November 17th, we will have Toddlers,
Bagels, & Torah Study. Toddlers will learn and play downstairs and the adults will have Torah study upstairs with our
Rabbinic Intern, Bruce Alpert.
Congregation Beth Israel is located at 22 North Orchard Street in Wallingford, CT. We are a non-affiliated syna-
gogue which warmly welcomes Jewish individuals and families, interfaith and non-traditional. Please visit our website
at www.bethisraelwallingford.org for more information.
"Home For the Holidays" Christmas Fair
December 2 - 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m.
The congregation of the First Congregational Church, Wallingford, corner of Center and Main Streets, is hard at work
preparing for its "Home for the Holidays" Christmas Fair, December 2. This all-in-house production features fine nee-
dle and hand work, delicious jellies, preserves, and jams, a marvelous selection of baked goods, plus surprises galore
filling the huge church hall. Of special note: the Unique Boutique that highlights the artisans in the congregation who
have been preparing extraordinary surprises. New this year: the International Artisans Booth featuring gifts from
around the world. Pet lovers will enjoy the gifts for animals at the Pet Booth. Treasures abound at the Jewelry and
Yesterday's Treasures Tables. The Coffee Café is available all day long. A complete hot lunch, featuring the First
Church Open Face Turkey Sandwich will be served beginning at 11:30 am.. The church is handicapped accessible and
has ample parking. For more information, please call the church office (203) 265-1691.
AMERICAN RED CROSS LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSE
INCLUDES FIRST AID & CPR/FPR/AED
Participants must be 15 years of age and able to swim 500 yards. Pre-test date-Thursday, Dec. 20, 7PM- Be prepared to
swim. Class dates- December 26, 27, 28, & 31 from 9AM-5PM Fee: Wallingford YMCA members: $235 Program
Members: $270 Fee includes textbook, pocket mask, and certification cards Call 203 269 4497 for more information
and to register. www.wallingfordymca.org
What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday
of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?
~Erma Bombeck, "No One Diets on Thanksgiving," 26 November 1981
Wallingford Optical
Diane Mintich
Licensed Optician,
A.B.O. & N.C.L.E.
Certified
James Comeau
Licensed Optician,
A.B.O. & N.C.L.E.
Certified
Eye exams provided by Betsy Swenby, an Independent Doctor of Optometry
(203) 265-1541 58 Center St., Wallingford
wallingfordoptical.com
Mother-Daughter Book Group Announces
2007 Fall Schedule"
The Mother-Daughter Book Group invites new members to join their book
discussions this fall at the Wallingford Public Library. Mothers and their mid-
dle school or high school aged daughters are welcome to read and discuss the
following good books for teens. (The group is open to all adult females and
teenaged girls.)
On Monday, November 5th the group will meet to discuss the futuristic
novel: "House of the Scorpion," by Nancy Farmer; and on Tuesday, December
11, the season will conclude with a discussion of "Megan Meade's Guide to
the McGowan Boys," by Kate Brian.
Each book discussion will take place in the Small Conference Room at the
Wallingford Public Library. All discussions begin at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments
will be served. Please sign up for this free program at the library's Information
Desk. For more information, call the library at 203-265-6754.
Southwestern Jalapeno Cornbread Dressing
Serving Size: 12
Ingredients:
4 Cups cornbread crumbled
10 Slices dried bread cubed
1 Pound MILD ITALIAN TURKEY SAUSAGE
1-1/2 Cups celery chopped
1 Cup onion chopped
1-1/2 Teaspoons salt
1 Teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 Cup Jalapeno peppers seeded and chopped
2 eggs slightly beaten
1 Cup TURKEY BROTH
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325.
In large bowl combine cornbread and bread cubes.
In large skillet, over medium-high heat, saute sausage, celery and onion until
sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; combine with cornbread
mixture. Add salt, poultry seasoning, jalapeno peppers, eggs and turkey broth.
Spoon dressing into lightly greased 3-quart casserole dish.
Bake, covered, at 325 degrees F. 45 to 50 minutes.
Celebrations of Life and Home
Meriden Preschool Teacher of the Year
On October 17 at the annual meeting of Meriden Children First, the
Meriden School Readiness Council celebrated the 10th year of the School
Readiness program. School Readiness is a state grant program that enables
the City of Meriden to fund nine accredited child care programs, serving
313children. School Readiness helps provide quality preschool program-
ming for Meriden residents. The grant works on a sliding fee scale helping
to reduce and or provide free care for families.
In honor of ten great years of School Readiness, the School Readiness
Council along with Meriden Children First started the first annual preschool
teacher of the year award.
This year's winner of the award was Cindy Eddy of St. Andrew's Nursery
School. Cindy has gained the respect and admiration of students, parents,
co-workers and the community. She inspires students of all backgrounds
and abilities to learn. She also plays an active and useful role in her com-
munity. Cindy frequently goes above and beyond her classroom responsi-
bilities and distinguishes herself as a strong leader.
As a recognition for her efforts, Cindy received a beautiful certificate for
herself and for her preschool program. Along with this certificate, the Cindy
received a $100 gift certificate from Lakeshore Learning, a $50 gift certifi-
cate from Violi's Restaurant and a $100 gift certificate from Meriden
Westfield Shopping Center.
For more information about the School Readiness Program contact
Jessica Stewart at 630-4236.

November Poll
What's your favorite and least
favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Thanksgiving foods have a different ring when you are
vegetarian. My dad makes good stuffing and stuffed
mushrooms for his "vegetarian" daughters. I also look
forward to garlic mashed red potatoes. But my favorite
this time of year??? Butternut Squash and Almond
Bisque. YUM!! - Carrie
My favorite Thanksgiving day food is turkey, and I really
like cranberry sauce. I like home baked bread, and pecan
pie is by far my favorite pie. I know a Chinese-American
family that puts water chestnuts in their stuffing. Katrina
Alxerod
My favorite thanksgiving dish is a toss up between
turkey(white meat) and stuffing smothered in gravy and
my mother's fried summer squash (which I'll never have
the way she cooked it again because she's gone) and my
least favorite is cranberry sauce with whole berries. -
Diana
Favorite: Pumpkin Pie
Least favorite: Candied Yams (YUCK!) - Mark Hughes
My favorite Thanksgiving dish is sweet and sour red cab-
bage the way my grandmother made it and my mother
still does. I also love the turnips! Add those two items to
the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy and life
doesn't get any better - Pam White
My favorite thanksgiving dish is everything that my
brother-in-law makes - especially since I don't have to
cook it. Least favorite would be brussels sprouts, but if
he ever ventured there, I think the family would rebel -
Betty Berger/Meriden
My favorite dish is stuffing. My least favorite dish is
sweet potatoes - YUK!!! Andrea
My earliest memory of Thanksgiving, the smell of turnip
cooking turned my stomach inside out. I was forced to at
least eat some of it off my plate, and I gagged during the
entire most unpleasant process. To this day if I smell
turnip cooking, it makes me sick. The best part of
Thanksgiving for me was always the drumstick
on the turkey. If one was not available, I made
due with the wing. Dark meat is definitely the
best! Yum! - Barbara
If you consider beets a dish, that's
my pick for least favorite. I
hate beets! Very tough to
pick a favorite. If I had
to choose, it would be a
chestnut and sausage
stuffing! - Dan D'addio
Least favorite, sweet
potatoes. Favorite is
mashed potatoes with gravy -
Roger
My least favorite Thanksgiving item is
turnip (Yuk) and my favorite is PUMPKIN
PIE!! Thanks Tracy
Mashed Potatoes are my favorite and the briscuit is
my least favorite. - Heather Sarkin
Least favorite is turnip with melted marshmallows. It's
always touted as a family tradition and rarely touched. -
William Dennett
Least favorite is cranberry sauce, and favorite is stuffing -
Shirle
Favorite: Pecan Pie Least: Turnip - Steve Zerio
My favorite of all time is Broccoli Rice Cheese Bake.
My sister Cathy makes it, and I could eat a whole dish of
it. I still have nightmares about my least favorite - Mince
Meat Pie. I don't know how anyone could like that. -
Jake Kilroy
I don't like real cranberry sauce made with real berries,
now that's nasty, and my favorite is the green bean casse-
role! - Emma Connolly
Favorite: mashed potatoes Least favorite: cranberry
sauce - Lori
Favorite: stuffing and gravy Least Favorite: creamed
onions, yuk!
Turnips-least favorite Stuffing--favorite (my grand-
mothers) - Jacqueline Whoolery
Favorite...mashed potatoes and gravy. Least
favorite...squash - Yannick Gonzalez
Favorite - whatever's for dessert. Least favorite - If I
have to pick something, I guess it would be cranberry
sauce. - Bill Mercuri
Favorite: This item is tied into my ethnicity. My mother
sautés a huge batch of fresh mushrooms with garlic every
Thanksgiving. People in my family will argue over
where the bowl of mushrooms will sit on the table. We
never let it sit next to my brother. He is what we call a
"cavone." Least favorite Thanksgiving dish: Simple.
Deviled eggs. How can anyone get something that smells
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 7
so bad close enough to their nose to ingest it?
Horrifying. - Ralph Riello
Flora: Favorite dish: Tie between good stuffing and sweet
potatoes topped with marshmallows baked to perfection.
Least Favorite: Creamed onions
What is not to like? It is the best day for people being
positive. - Kate McBride 4th Anniversary Celebration
Rocky Mountain Oysters are my favorite - Dave with Specials all month long!
My favorite Thanksgiving dish is Turnip :-) Least favorite
is green bean casserole :-( Cathy The “38 Special”
Love a turkey, eat vegetarian!!!! - Bren & Ern Manicure & Pedicure for only $38.00
Favorite.....Twice baked potatoes stuffed with bacon and
hickory smoked cheddar cheese.. Least Favorite....turnips
20% off Clear Color Gloss
and soggy green beans. Also call & ask about our
Favorite - Twice baked potatoes, my grandma makes Pevonia Facial Four-Pack
them the best!
Least favorite - Whole berry cranberry sauce, it's too
gushy - Allison Sprafke
Jennifer’s Salon Talents
My favorite is the appetizers (shrimp) and the jello with * Highlights and Lowlights
strawberries and bananas
My least favorite is the green bean casserole - Kristen * State-of-the Art Haircuts & Designs
My favorite dish may be the pumpkin pie. My least * Color Specialists
favorite would be turnips. See, son, I did read your mail.
Will miracles never cease? - Mom * Relaxed & Friendly Atmosphere
Favorite Dish: Hopefully this includes desert: Hands
down: pumpkin pie with whipped cream (real whipped We look forward to seeing you soon!!
cream). Least favorite dish: Turnips. I still have to cook
them because my husband and mother like them, but they
stink up my house, and taste awful! Happy Thanksgiving!
Call Alicia to make your
appointment TODAY!
- Denise
My wife has this mystical ability of rendering our ordi-
nary butterball turkey into a heavenly, golden brown deli- Sincerely, Jennifer, Crystall, Sarah, Lisa
cacy. I always scramble for one of the well-browned, Caitlin, Cara & Pam
juicy legs...hmmm. Some may think I am un-American
when I say, "I will pass on the stuffing". George Arndt 438 Broad Street in Meriden
Favorite: My dad's stuffing. It's made with
sausage and onions and is so delicious my 203.235.3166
brothers and sisters all fight over the
leftovers. Favorite after Thanksgiving
is turkey, stuffing, and cranberry
sandwiches. I don't have a east
favorite, I like it all. Someone is
I’m in a Holiday Mooooood!
cooking dinner for me, what's not to
like? -Joan
My favorite Thanksgiving day food
was my mother's veal stuffing. She
made it with milk crackers that
always gave it a wonderful taste.
. I recreate today.
My least favorites Thanksgiving
Day Food was........HMMMMM-
MMMM...nothing at all!-Gina
I love stuffing and homemade apple
pie the best. Joy
For all the people who dislike turnip: Try cook-
ing them with a shredded carrot, then mashing
them with celery salt, pepper, butter, and heavy cream. We are udderly wonderful at
Then when you eat them mix them with mashed potatoes.
I always disliked turnip until my mother-in-law mixed making holiday treats!
them with mashed potatoes. Now I love them.
My favorite Thanksgiving foods are the turkey, stuffing,
gravy (without giblets), pumpkin pie, and of course,
turnip. My least favorite is whole cranberry sauce.
Thanksgiving is a tough holiday for me - being the only
vegetarian in the family - but,
I absolutely LOVE homemade mashed potatoes & most
of the veggies, so I can make a pretty good meal for
myself. And I always bring a veggie burger just in case. I
dislike any dish that was made "especially for me" (peo-
ple tend to do that due to my veggie status & don't get me
wrong, I DO appreciate it) because then the entire table
makes sure I did indeed get some of whatever "it" is, and
then they watch me eat the "special weird girls veggie
dish" to see if I am going to gag & spit it out, or eat it.
Then I have to say how yummy it is, and this has gotten
me into many a year of having to eat horrible food usual-
ly made from the back of a soup can label, or items that
were good the first, second & third time, but not the
56936324 time. Like cheddar cheese soup over broccoli
with a tofu crumble, BBQ vegetable kabob and 89 bean
baked beans.
Christi, glad I don't have to suffer anymore in Meriden
Most loved dish: Stuffing Least Favorite pearl cream
onions Submitted by Brenda Crosby
LEAST FAVORITE DESSERT MINCE MEAT PIE
FAVORITE DISH STUFFING: WHO MAKES IT ME.
Mary
Brenda/Easel Works....for me...not one food....its all the
trimmings with lots of gravy.....and don't forget the cran-
berry sauce!
My favorite dish is everything really, whats not to like
about Thanksgivng (plus its my bday!)
But if I had to choose I would have to say pumpkin pie
with home made whip cream!!!!!! - Nicole Giannetta
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 8
Brand New at www.peoplespressnews.com
Download the entire paper in PDF form to your com-
puter. Now you can read and enjoy at your leisure and
print the entire paper!
Wallingford Park and Recreation Fun Events
NINE AND A CHICKEN
This year's hunt will be one for the ages. Participants will be required to go to the Recreation Department to pick up a
packet of CERTIFIED clues. (We want to make sure that all participants start from the Recreation Department so every-
one has a fair shot) These clues will lead you to 9 cardboard turkeys and the bonus chicken. All cardboard turkeys and
chicken will be hidden on Wallingford town property. The object is to locate a turkey and return it to the Parks and
Recreation for the gift certificate.

Barcelona For New Year’s

Awards: To be awarded to the first three families. Clues must be handed in at time of redemption.
When: November 16, 2007 Time: 7:00p.m.
Where: Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department Fee: Free
The Hottest HOL IDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!!!
Destination This
Visits with Santa, Frosty Parade and the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. All events will be held on Saturday December
1, 2007 beginning at 2:00p.m. The event will start at the Wallingford Town Hall!
Year! December 26, Visits with Santa and Mrs. Clause 2:00-4:45p.m. ** You must be in line by 4:45 to assure your visit with Santa. Horse
and Carriage Rides 2:00-5:00p.m. Music, entertainment, cookies and visits with Toy Soldiers. Frosty Parade will begin
2007 - January 1, in front of the Town Hall at 5:15 and march to the Johanna Manfreda Fishbein Park followed by music from the
Wallingford Chorus, reading of "Twas' The Night Before Christmas" by Mayor William Dickinson and finally followed
2008. Call Today! by the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. All events sponsored by Wallingford Public Celebrations and Wallingford Parks
and Recreation Department.
105 Hanover Street in Meriden
203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 CITY OF MERIDEN NOVEMBER EVENTS
Email: ktwinc@aol.com TRAILBLAZER HIKING PROGRAM
www.kingtravelways.com The 2007 Trailblazer Hiking Program concludes in November with two hikes to explore Meriden's scenic areas. Dates
& sites include(4:00PM start):

COMMERCIAL
Date Site
11/8 Hubbard Park (pool parking lot)
The hikes will last approximately 1.5-2.0 hours. Hiking boots or other comfortable footwear is strongly suggested.

* RESIDENTIAL * INDUSTRIAL
TURKEY HUNT
Tom the Turkey is trying something new! To avoid being found, he has chosen five hiding spots this year. Clues to the
five locations will be given on the Recreation Activity Line (630-4279) on the following dates: 11/5, 11/7, 11/9, 11/12,

ELECTRICAL SERVICES
& 11/14. Children ages 12 & under are asked to identify the locations on paper and submit them to the Parks &
Recreation office (460 Liberty Street) by 4:00PM on Monday, November 19th. Entries can be mailed or delivered in-
person and should contain the child's full name, address, phone, school, and grade level. One winner will be selected by
* New and Existing Construction drawing to receive a special Thanksgiving prize package. Remember, Tom is not physically located at his hiding loca-
tions.

* Service Upgrade Repair VETERANS' DAY CEREMONY

The Meriden United Veterans Council will hold the 2007 Veterans' Day Ceremony on Sunday, November 11th at the

* Phone and TV Wiring

Stop & Shop Veterans' Plaza (across from the Broad Street monuments) at 12:00PM. The public is invited & encour-
aged to show their appreciation to those who have given so much in protecting our freedom. Refreshments will be pro-
vided.
* Fire Damage Repairs FESTIVAL OF SILVER LIGHTS ILLUMINATION CEREMONY
The 2007-2008 Festival of Silver Lights will kick off on Tuesday, November 20th with a special lighting ceremony at
* 45’ Bucket Truck Service Hubbard Park's pool parking lot at 6:00PM. The event will feature music, entertainment, costumed characters, refresh-
ments, and the chance to see this year's holiday lights illuminated for the very first time.
* Emergency Service WASHINGTON PARK JUNIOR DRUM CORPS
The Washington Park Junior Drum Corps is looking for new members ages 10 & older. No experience is necessary and
“No Job too Big or Too Small” instruments are provided. There are openings for fifes, bells, trumpets, baritones, color guard, and drums. Members
learn to play an instrument, read music, march in parades, and take part in competitions. Meetings are at John Barry
School on Wednesday nights from 6:30-9:00PM during the school year and at the SMVFD during the summer. All
recruits, experienced or not, are welcome. Stop in Wednesday night or call 294-1430.
2007-2008 CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM
Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 & older take place every Wednesday night at the Meriden
YMCA(110 West Main Street) in South Meriden from 6:00-8:30PM. The program runs through March 26th. A one-
time $25.00 registration fee can be paid onsite any night the program is in session.
INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM
The 2007-2008 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS pool on the following dates & times:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM.
All interested participants must possess a valid 2006 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office,
passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office in-per-
son and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.
Fully Insured and Licensed CT Lic. #104727 MERIDEN MEN'S BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Team registrations for the 2007-2008 Meriden Men's Basketball League will be accepted through Wednesday, November
Looking for a new coat for the Holidays? 7th at the Parks & Recreation office. The entrance fee is $475.00 per team. Games will begin in late November and run
through March. Games are played on weekday nights at Washington Middle School, Lincoln Middle School, and the

Mike’s
Meriden YMCA. Teams interested in obtaining a registration packet are asked to call 630-4259.
MERIDEN SKATEPARK
Professional Painting The Meriden Skate park, located on the corner of Coe Avenue & Hamilton Street, has the following hours of operation
& Home Repair (weather permitting):
School Days 2:00PM-Dusk Non-School Days 11:00AM-Dusk

BRAIN G.Y.M.M. - MIND AEROBICS

Wallingford Senior Center November 28,
Let's work on our cognitive health! Learn ways to improve your memory, attention, problem-solving, planning and lan-
guage skills at the Brain G.Y.M.M. (Get Your Mind Moving) Mind Aerobics workshop on November 28. This program,
presented by Patti Said, Executive Director of the New England Cognitive Center, was made possible by a donation
Mike Javier - Owner from the Kiwanis Club of Wallingford. Be sure to register in advance if you plan to attend. This program is FREE and
open to the public.
Expect only the best in Residential &
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Commercial Service! Results from the 2007 Halloween House Decorating Contest are as follows:
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142 Schwink Drive
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Decks Stained or Painted 123 Collins Avenue 1. 67 Hillside Street
Home Powerwashing and Painting 100 Sandy Lane
112 Westfort Drive
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13 Baldwin Avenue
The Meriden Recreation Division would like to thank all entrants in this year's contest for their effort & enthusiasm
What Makes Mike’s Different? and wish everyone a happy & safe Halloween!
We offer expert workmanship, over MERIDEN-CHILDREN'S THANKSGIVING SPECIAL
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Neat and Courteous service and we The gift of presence
are very happy to provide references The greatest gift you can give is the gift of presence. Being a volunteer means becoming a member of a caring and
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OLD OAKS, STONE WALLS & BUCK TRACKS
By Robert Whetworth
When the urban confusion settles on me,
Like a dark, dank cloud of foggy dew,
Escape to the serenity of a farm of happy,
Unrehearsed encounters with rural friends,
Staring at the aftermath of raccoon and bucks,
Doe always there, and the royal rack hidden,
And a pesky skunk annoyed perfumes the air.
When forebears plowed the dark river mud soil,
They piled short castles and walls, marking metes,
Denoting bounds and spatial alignments in perpetuity,
That if I should ever depart my birthplace in years,
Still constant remained place, decrying rude development,
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The People’s Press November 2007 Page 9
GRIEVING TO ACHIEVING ABOARD THE USS NIMITZ
By Dan LaRosa
The marine screamed loudly at his
new recruits. "Stand at attention.
Drop and give me twenty push-ups.
Do it now! Stop laughing."
Suddenly the music of Tchaikovsky's
Swan Lake began playing. Again the
marine hollered, "STOP LAUGHING
AT ME!" But no one listened. By
now the audience was laughing hys-
terically as the marine, dressed in his
fatigues and combat boots began deli-
cately dancing a fluttering ballet!
As a comedy stage hypnotist, I've
used this "drill sergeant becomes a
ballet dancer" routine with hundreds
of volunteers in college and corporate
shows, but this was a first for me!
Here was a real-life hypnotized
marine performing in front of 3000
sailors and leathernecks on board the hanger deck of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier, USS NIMITZ. The carrier
was returning home to San Diego, California from the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. In the tradition
of Bob Hope, I was performing my comedy hypnosis show for these brave men and women who were on an extended
tour of the Persian Gulf. Away from family and friends, they were exhausted and morale was low. I was told a few
laughs would go a long way to help cheer them up. After all, laughter is supposed to be the best medicine.
But how could I cheer up battle-fatigued troops when I needed some cheering up, too? Just three months earlier,
my beautiful wife Christine, passed away in her sleep without warning. Christine was a well-known Middletown High
School Spanish teacher. She spent her summer vacations as a volunteer teaching in one of the bleakest places on
earth: the garbage dump of the city of Tijuana, Mexico. Most people think of TJ as a popular and wild tourist destina-
tion, but on the edge of the city there is another Tijuana. The city allows its poor to build shanties on a landfill dump.
Their tiny shacks have no water or electricity but they have a school that Christine helped build. Every summer she
lived with the poor and taught English to the children of the Tijuana garbage dump!
Life was wonderful! I was at the top of my game as a stage hypnotist. I performed over 150 shows per year
throughout the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and even Mexico, where I entertained in the most elegant resorts
of Cancun and Acapulco. But on June 15, 2007 my world collapsed. My wife was gone. I was devastated, exhausted
and depressed. My morale was at an all-time low. How could this happen to me? I doubted I would ever perform
again or even regain my sense of humor.
The Nimitz is over 23 stories tall with a flight deck the size of 4 football fields. It is the same size as a luxury cruise
glamorous and the staff catered to our every whim. Christine and I would lounge by the pool soaking in the sun while
reading the latest Grisham novel. Our suites always had large living rooms, beautiful bathrooms with a shower and a
Jacuzzi, and even our own private balconies. What a difference on the Nimitz! Forty sailors and I shared quarters
crammed with racks of bunk beds stacked three high with no private bathrooms or showers. On my first night with
lights out, I startled a sleeping sailor as I mistakenly got into the wrong bunk. I had volunteered for "duty" aboard the
USS Nimitz, but that night I wondered, "What had I gotten myself into?"
What I had gotten myself into was one of the greatest and most satisfying adventures of my life! The men and
women of the Nimitz were returning home from active war duty in the Persian Gulf on one of the longest carrier oper-
ations in naval history. They were tired, homesick, and stressed, and they were ready to have some fun. But, was I
ready?
Only 350 people attended the first show, and they were somewhat reluctant to participate. Sometimes people think
all we hypnotists do is make people cluck like chickens or bark like dogs, but anyone who has ever seen my show
knows that the volunteers have a really great time and they feel fantastic! Word got out that the hypnotist was "okay"
because over 1000 people attended the next show, and then over 3500 people came to watch the last show. But, then a
surprise! The executive officer of the Nimitz asked if I would perform an additional show for a special guest,
Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger.
The Governor was scheduled to arrive on board by helicopter to meet and greet the men and women of the Nimitz,
and to attend my hypnosis show with all the troops. Everyone was excited, the stage was set, and I was eager to meet
and entertain one of the world's best-known celebrities. And then disappointment; at the last minute the Governor's
schedule was changed and his visit to the Nimitz was canceled. But, the show, like life, must go on. And, so it did.
I was impressed with the dedicated young men and women of the USS Nimitz who volunteered to serve our country.
They told me that during the shows for a little while they forgot about their own problems. Funny thing is, I forgot
about my problems too! Most people find stage hypnosis to be amazing and hilarious, but there is another side to
this awesome mind technology, the therapeutic side. Many on board asked if I would help them quit smoking, elimi-
nate stress, or shed a few unwanted
pounds. I began my career as a hyp-
notherapist conducting private ses-
sions, and so I said yes. After the
first few sessions I realized why I
became a hypnotist in the first place:
to help others reach their goals and
improve their lives.
My journey on the Nimitz really
was a remarkable and fun time. For
me it was life changing.
FOOD-DRUG
INTERACTIONS
Wallingford Senior Center
November 14, 10:00 a.m.
Did you know that medications
need to be taken at different times
depending on when you eat? Did
you know that medications can
interact with nutrients in food?
Learn more about drug interactions
with food and other drugs. Denise
Romeo, R.Ph., Certified Geriatric
Pharmacist from OSCO Pharmacy at
Shaw's will give advice, answer
questions and provide handouts and
giveaways. Register by calling 265-
7753.
This program is FREE and open to
the public.
He who thanks but with
the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true
Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd

"Why Can't Johnny Sing?"
Part 2 of 2 By Katrina S. Axelrod
How many students know what a cello is and don't think it is a dessert? This is killing our country. The Arts Economy
is Flat-lined. We have no one to carry on the Artists' traditions, the basic information, the techniques, the love, the exis-
tence of the oboe. The what? The oboe. (Look it up).
The younger the student expresses an interest, the more the public school system fails the artistic student. If that stu-
dent goes to a school where there are no oboes, well then the student will never learn that she could be a world-class
oboe player. Then when that student does have a chance to discover it, it will be in college, (again if the family's econ-
omy works out) and then studying the oboe becomes a very expensive prospect indeed. Now there were obviously
years wasted that cannot be made up for, and if the student has gone to college outside Connecticut because there is no
program enticing enough, now this represents a "Brain Drain " and "Talent Drain". Lost to the Connecticut Economy,
lost to the Arts Economy.
When we deny our students their rights to creativity, we pay a dear price, but it is like bridge repair, you don't notice
it at first. Silent. When we add the Arts back into the curriculum, we add the reason that some kids go to school.
Some kids are artistic kids. In the exact same proportion as there are kids who do other things. But the Math and
Science and Auto Mechanics-inclined students get their public school training and the arts kids don't. They should
complement each other in the spectrum that is good public education. Not just rich kids are artistic. The rich kids just
get the oboes.
Multiply that by every school system. Every school system, even the rich ones. Because every school system has
kids who are being denied the Arts in school, even the really rich ones. That is because the Arts themselves are being
denied another talented member when a public school doesn't teach the subject. The Arts are so far back on the bus
that they are hanging off the back bumper.
Who cares? I do. So do the parents of kids who are showing their artistry at three years old. Violin, harp, accor-
dion, I've seen it. "Mommy, I want to learn the language of Music". That is an actual quote from a young lady musi-
cian, who was then three years old. What will become of these students of music who are already choosing for them-
selves that which they love? Can we in good conscience bundle them off to kindergarten, give them 'happy sticks' and
ask them to pound out some inane song or another? Meanwhile the musically-inclined child is feeling the music in
his/her soul, reading music and performing for family and friends. What does school have to offer in first and second
grade? Talented and gifted is only for fourth graders in many schools. But in the reality of a child's life, there is a con-
tinuum, a life span, to consider. For the kid, being talented in a public school is a lonely social experience, because no
one in the school knows you even play an instrument, because 'nobody else is doing it' until fourth grade. By this time
kids who started young, in accordance with their talents, are playing Bach and Vivaldi and the public school kids are
seeing music for the first time, the public school kids aren't your peers- again!
These ultra talented students are treated like well, the exception, in a bad way. They are exceptional, in a good way.
That's another kind of 'diversity' that teaches something too. Cultural Diversity is not the only Diversity there is. There
is Talent Diversity. Talent Diversity is a good thing; it is one of the more positive ways of helping inspire kids to
change themselves in their own chosen field- such as Science or any other. Kids who strive teach other kids to strive.
But right now, there is nowhere in the public school system for them.
Kindergartens are places for children to explore and discover. When they explore the sports portion of their abilities,
it is picked up quickly; those teeny-tiny hockey sticks and these itty-bitty bats and ½ size soccer balls will attest to that.
But how many parents know that there are 1/8 sized violins? There are 1/8, ¼, ½ -sized version of lots of instruments,
and that's why piano benches go up and down.
So, we should rearrange our budget priorities for a few exceptional children? No, we should rearrange our budget
priorities for all children. Will all children become mathematicians? No. But we have math books-aplenty. You see
where I'm going with this? There are plenty, years worth, of opportunities for children to realize that they are mathe-
maticians. Or scientists or Olympians, for crying out loud. But where is the child down the street going to be able to
learn to draw a three-dimensional object, or photograph the moon's craters, or design a building? The Math kids are
sometimes the Music kids, too. They all deserve a good public school education.
The students who learn like this grows up like this. Go ahead; ask 10 kids at the age of 10 what an oboe is. Ask the
parents the difference between a band and an orchestra.
Now I've shown you that schooling can be incomplete, too, perhaps now you feel foolish. That was not my intent.
My intent is to tell you that there are worlds within worlds awaiting discovery, outside and inside every human being,
and they include the Arts. Maybe you didn't get shown them. But your children are different people and you want and
should expect a more complete education than you got. That is how a civilization progress.
Even the Army has a band. You can serve our country playing music. But it is extremely hard to get into - it is the
elite, the cream of the crop. One would have to start playing early in life to be admitted after audition. Gee, I wonder
who gets in?
Children grow to know what they are taught. Some drum on trash cans and anything else they can find. Some
become listless in school, knowing that nothing reaches them, a loss to themselves and our State of Connecticut.
Oh, over-reaching am I? How many violinists are on your block? You don't know and neither do it, because some
of them will never have had a chance to find out.
Next: The Artists' "Brain Drain"
The Artistic "Brain Drain" in this country isn't spoken about much. It never makes the news. It exists. There are fewer
orchestras, there are fewer communities willing to support an orchestra. AH, the Metropolitan Opera is having a won-
derful success with piping their operas into movie theaters. People are going! They come home singing. There is hope.
There is opening up for more accessibility and there is marketing. Remember the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Big
business, because the New York City Arts community can afford to put money into Marketing and put more creativity
in getting your attention. They need Connecticut bucks, too. That's fair; we want them to be there in New York when
we visit.
Next: "The Brains"
What do we suppose goes through the mind and heart of a child who KNOWS that he wants to play the trumpet for a
living? Well, the one I know got roundly and soundly told to choose something else, because that 'just wasn't practical'.
I got that, too. Singing was something that you did in the shower. OK- tell Barbara Streisand that - her Mom wanted
her to be a typist. But, Barbara sang and we're glad she did. It was very hard road. And that's for a person of her tal-
ent!
Should we make it easier for artists (all artists, now) to make a living? Hmmm, isn't that what the National
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 10
Endowment for the Arts (NEA) does? Yes, it is. And without entering any
politics in this discussion, the NEA is laying on its side, panting for life-sus-
taining water, that is- money and cooperation.
The circular argument goes like this: So, why put more money into the
NEA? Afterall, (seemingly), there aren't very many people who pursue the
arts, (because they aren't taught in public schools anymore), so no one cares
enough to keep them funded. My point precisely. We are Arts-deficient and
there is almost no one left to scream about it. The bad guys have damn-near
won.
I care, a lot. I am not giving up. I propose a different way of thinking
about the arts- a life-cycle approach. And in one generation, we'll be back
where we should be. Remember those kids who come into the school system
every year? We'll think of their arrival in school as Round 1. Those children
can learn about the arts with our existing system-when we move the figures
around to include more music and movement and drawing and imagining and
nurture the children for who they are we get them, as they come in. Not
things that take a whole lot of money, just common sense and sensitivity, like
Math/Lit courses. Math/Arts courses or Writing/Music Courses. Take the
resources we have, move them around, and listen to what the children say to
us. Teach them as they come to us. The new arts students who come to the
Middle Schools, the High Schools and Universities this year are new, too.
Think of these students as Round 1, too.
So, now we have five year olds and 13 year olds and 15 year olds and 18
year olds. Everyone can learn. It is only the level of instruction that has to
change for the students, not the students themselves.
When we use our school systems' natural areas of redundancy and turn
them into a more profitable use of the resources, we will all win with students
who get a more balanced education. Students who become Connecticut
Grown Artists. "Connecticut Grown" isn't just for milk and produce anymore.
Professional artists are in our communities. I suggest that we offer to teach
them to teach, and hire them. Not everyone is a teacher, but some are, and we
have GREAT teaching schools. Then we take the 18 year olds and teach them
how to teach and we hire them when they become 22 year olds, or whenever
they finish their training.
And, in Round 2, we teach our elementary school students and our middle
school students with these teachers and teaching-interns. Then as the natural
process of attrition starts to require new people to replace those retiring, we
have a bevy of well-trained candidates from whom to choose. So who are
these people in this bevy? Yes, they are the Connecticut Artists that are now
recognized in our communities are Entrepreneurs. They will be regarded well
for the arts that they do. They can make their living in the Arts by teaching, or
he or she can help pump up the communities' arts economies because more
money will be flowing through it. The Arts are natural multipliers in the big
National Economy. Let's use the Commission on Culture and Tourism to teach
more entrepreneurial and managerial skills that the new artist needs to get
established. Let's get the Local Artists into the local Connecticut Chambers
of Commerce. They can support themselves as artists because communities
want them, as purposeful and valued members of communities who can make
a living wage doing/sharing/continuing their art. More people buy their art,
and, learning about their art, (maybe even cultures and traditions, too?) appre-
ciate their arts. Children learn and then turn the Arts into their own Arts.
Local Arts institutions become relevant again. Hence, "The Arts Economy."
And it goes around, and around in a self-sustaining, meaningful way. And we
live to see Round 3. We will be Round 3.
Katrina S. Axelrod is a Meriden resident and has founded the Meriden
ArtsTrust, (MAT), an incubator agency for programs that link youth with the
Arts. The MAT is now administering the Central Connecticut Civic Youth
Orchestra. Meriden ArtsTrust may be contacted at
meridenartstrust@yahoo.com Reader's views are requested.
Political Advertisement
VOTE REPUBLICAN
for a better Meriden!
TOWN COUNCIL
James F. Belote
Council at Large
Christopher DeAngeli
Council at Large
Richard Pleines
Council Area 1
Richard W. Bennett
Council Area 2
Daniel Brunet
Council Area 3
John J. Ghidini lll
Council Area 4
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Robert E. Kosienski, Jr.
Mark Robert Mnich
Robert A. Crane
Donna L. Scott
CITY CLERK
Irene G. Masse
Approved by and paid for by the Meriden Republican Town Committtee
Art Peitler, Treasurer

CHESHIRE GARDEN CLUB HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
Fabulous floral designer Bill Graham, from the Boston area, will be the fea-
tured program speaker at the Cheshire Garden Club's Holiday Luncheon on
Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at the Aqua Turf. Back by popular demand,
his eight floral holiday designs will be raffled off just before lunch.
Tickets are $35. per person and are available through Tony Fay, 518 Wolf
Hill Road, Cheshire, CT, 06410, Tel. 203-272-4173. Luncheon choices are
Baked Salmon, Chicken Francaise, NY Sirloin, and Eggplant Parmigiana.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. You can shop at the Boutique, where a large vari-
ety of crafts are on sale, including fresh green wreaths, swags and table top
arrangements; also, cement planters and decorated leaves; diverse holiday gift
items; and the always popular gourmet and baked goods items.
Try your luck at the general raffle to win a most exquisite quilt and other
gorgeous gift items. Order your tickets soon. First come, first serve.
Proceeds from this annual fundraiser will be applied toward scholarships and
civic and youth projects.
Crafters Needed
SS. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Meriden is holding a Holiday
Extravaganza on November 3, 2007. Crafters and local artisans will be pre-
sent. In addition, the Church will open up its kitchen specializing in a variety
of ethnic foods. There will be a tea cup raffle as well. The craft show will
run from 9:00 am -3:00 p.m. It will be held at St. Peter & Paul's Community
Center located at 305 Center Street, Meriden, CT. For information and crafter
registration, please contact Linda Craig @ 203-269-9759.
Celebrations of Life and Home
I bought this stuffed cat for my
Grandson Emerson.
It seems like Mootz knows
a good friend when he feels
one.He took his afternoon
nap all curled up with this cat.
I couldn`t pass up this picture.
Don’t go over empty handed!
Cheesecake - No one makes it
like Marianna’s with
Mama’s Secret Recipe!!!
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 7-6; Sun. 7-2; Closed Mondays
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 11
Rediscovering Family
By Bill Mercuri
"So how are you spending the holidays?" I asked a good friend.
"Oh, I can't wait for them to be over. What a hassle. I can't stand my brother-in-law and to drive fifty miles to my
mother's house only to have to sit there and listen to her and my grandmother fight all afternoon over something that
happened twenty years ago. This one doesn't talk to that one and my cousin Tom just stirs the pot and makes it even
worse. I hate it"
"You're serious? You don't get along well with your family."
"I'm serious."
How sad, I thought.
Some of the most interesting people I've ever met or haven't met are members of my own family; each one with his
or her own story to be told and history to be revealed. In our book of life, they're the characters.
This summer, I was at a family reunion. There were aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, cousins and in-laws.
One person I met was my cousin, Doreen. Doreen is probably a second or third cousin but with the Mercuri's, a
cousin's a cousin. No matter what number comes before it, the relation is skin tight.
Doreen lives in Florida but through the magic of the internet is able to read some of my People's Press articles on
line. She actually sent some unsolicited (honest!) fan mail to the editor, asking when one of my stories would appear
next. I tend to write about family. Our family
I'll bet I hadn't seen Doreen in more than 20 years, but I enjoyed talking with her. She encouraged me to continue
writing, at one point saying, "you should write a book!"
"I'm going to write a book? I have enough trouble meeting the People's Press deadlines once a month and I'm going
to write a book? And if I were to write a book, I'd have to write about something I'm really passionate about. What
would that be?"
Without hesitation Doreen said, "Your family! You're passionate about your family."
She was right. I am passionate about my family. Proud of our history with a hunger to learn about who I am by
understanding those who came before me. Honored to sit and listen to good, decent people; people who won't make
the headlines but whom live interesting and fulfilling lives, leaving their marks in so many ways.
Their stories are what books are made of. Think of the adventure of a 14-year-old boy leaving his home and family
at the turn of the twentieth century, alone, boarding a ship bound for a brighter future in America. Each new immi-
grant needed a sponsor to claim him before he could enter the country. When the boy arrived, his sponsor failed to
meet him. The boy worked his way back to Italy on a ship. Two years later he made the journey again, this time land-
ing for good and starting a family of his own. Say hello to my grandfather.
Want to know about Joe Mercuri? Which one? There're five of them ranging in age from 91 to 22. Wouldn't it be
great, if not confusing, to get the five Joe's around a table with some pasta, Italian bread from Boston (Joe, you bring
the bread) and some wine and just let them talk for a few hours. There's a chapter right there.
How many more tales there must be? Enough to fill the pages of a book? Maybe, maybe not. But the fun would
be in collecting the stories.
Your family has stories, too. So put aside the petty quarrels and make the holidays a reason to celebrate your family
and write your own book.
In the meantime, I'll rely on my family to provide the backdrop for the next story. Maybe you'll enjoy reading them
as much as I enjoy writing them. If you don't, that's OK. I know my family will.
Nature As a Mirror
by Dorothy Gonick
CORNUCOPIA
Drives along the countryside have been lovely
this fall as though the earth had burst into flaming
flower. On one drive we came to a rustic farm
wagon piled with golden pumpkins and we marveled
at the uniformity and sameness of their beauty. A
short distance beyond we came to a veritable feast
for eyes and senses. A farm produce stand was a
picture of diverse color, shape and texture. There
were the orange pumpkins; corn with rows of yellow
kernels topped by dried husks, much like a young
boy's thatch of tousled hair; smooth purple eggplants
glistened near red, ripe tomatoes; glossy red and yel-
low apples nestled near a variety of hard shelled
nuts; yellow crooked necked squash cradled a bou-
quet of broccoli. We sensed a keen awareness of
God's creativity in the sweet, spicy, pungent pro-
duce!
The gathering of these diverse fruits into a harmonious cluster brought to mind a class of small children and their
diversity. Variety not just of size, color or culture, but also their individual traits that the children will learn to accept
or to tolerate. The classroom cornucopia of humanity will have the studious, the clown, the challenged, the worrier,
the jolly, the bully, the meek, the gifted, the plodder: a more diverse combination of personalities that will seldom be
found in many adult groups. It is heartwarming to remember how the children befriended and accepted friendships
with one another regardless of their differences.
Our nation is a cornucopia of much diversity. 'Foreign' foods tempt us at mealtimes with exciting tastes and tex-
tures. Each nationality and culture adds its special flavor and influence to the creation of a people who acknowledge
and embrace the diversity of others, adding depth and richness to life.
Let us celebrate our differences and be thankful that God in His wisdom did not make us copies of each other.
The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the mag-
net finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! ~Henry Ward Beecher
WALLINGFORD FAMILY
81 So. Elm Street, Wallingford 203-269-4497
www.wallingfordymca.org
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 12
Mayor’s Corner - Meriden
Wallingford Senior Center NOVEMBER 2007 Edition Dear Friends,
VETERANS DAY PROGRAM on Friday, November 9, 11:00 a.m.- Join us as we salute our veterans on November 9, I hope all is well with you and your family. As I drive
at 11:00 a.m. Our keynote speaker will be Roy Cannon, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was part of the First around the City, I can't help but get excited about all the
Marine Brigade in Korea. The program will also feature patriotic music by the Vintage Voices and participation by positive developments. Whether it is the new plaza going
local veterans groups. Do come to honor all those who have served our nation. in at the former Spot site, the new Comfort Inn replacing
ITALY TRIP SLIDE SHOW on Thursday, November 8, 1:00 p.m. - A Collette Vacations representative will present a the East Inn, or Diversified Physical Therapy at the former
slide show on November 8, at 1:00 p.m., depicting a 10-day trip to Italy that departs April 21, 2008. The slide show Garden of Eden location, positive tax generating develop-
will take you to Rome, Florence, Venice, and other great destinations in between. Registration for this trip will follow ment is occurring throughout our city.
the presentation. Please sign up if you plan to attend. We are also anxiously awaiting the opening of the new
THANKSGIVING BAKE SALE Tuesday, November 20. We are planning a Bake Sale to raise funds for Moses Y. Ocean State Job Lot and Lowes. In addition to the new tax revenue, these
Beach School as part of our ongoing partnership with this local elementary school. We need bakers and buyers! Please developments clean up the area, provide job opportunities, and add quality
call 265-7753 to sign up to bake for this event. The goodies will be on sale on November 20 (just in time for businesses to our city.
Thanksgiving) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or until supplies run out! Thanks in advance for supporting this special With development abound on the east side of town, I am pleased to see the
project. renaissance of South Broad Street. Vacant buildings and lots have turned over
HARVEST DANCE PARTY Friday, November 30, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.- Vinnie Carr will provide the dancing and listening into new businesses. National retailers and insurance providers have chosen
music and our Hospitality Committee will provide the refreshments at our Harvest Dance Party on November 30. Meriden as their new home. Over west, we welcomed a quality plaza with
Bring your friends! new commercial tenants. In downtown Meriden we have seen private
FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM Tuesday, November 13, 10:30 a.m.- Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and investors renovating buildings and placing new tenants in them. We have also
the most common cause of hospital admissions for trauma for people aged 65 and older. Each year, nearly one third of aggressively fought blight and championed key demolitions. The HUB site
older adults experience a fall. A program presented by the Rehabilitation Professionals from Brook Hollow Health will provide an opportunity to recreate our downtown center. Public input,
Care Center on November 13, will offer techniques to avoid falls both in the home and outside environments. Balance private investment and state support are critical components. I would love to
reaction techniques and compensation techniques to improve safety will also be demonstrated. Call 265-7753 to regis- see new businesses and restaurants join our downtown merchants.
ter to attend. In closing, congratulations to Joe Carabetta, Barbara White, and Ed
LONG TERM CARE WORKSHOP Thursday, November 29, 10:30 a.m.- How will you finance long term care if you Naamon on their induction into the Meriden Hall of Fame. This is Meriden's
should have a medical problem that requires it? A workshop to explain the mechanics of long term care will be held most prestigious honor and Joe, Barbara, and Ed are most deserving recipi-
November 29. Learn about the Deficit Reduction Act of 2006 and how it affects the "look back" period. Understand ents. I appreciate all your support. Your Friend, Mark D. Benigni - Mayor
how the Connecticut Partnership program protects your estate if you should need long term care. Find out if a long
term care policy is something you should consider to protect your retirement savings. This workshop will be presented What you need to know!
by long term care specialist John Baez. Call 265-7753 to register to attend.
CREATIVE WRITERS GROUP - The Creative Writers Group held a meeting to discuss our upcoming magazine.
There were some wonderful stories and poems on many different subjects. Won't you join us and submit something?
We would love to have your submission. And, as always, please be sure to write your name and date on everything.
Thanks to all who did submit a story, poem, essay, or just thoughts on a subject.
SOCIAL SERVICES
ENERGY ASSISTANCE DATES WALLINGFORD SENIOR HOUSING - Applications will be completed on the fol-
lowing dates and times. Please see your Community Room bulletin board for information on documents needed to
complete applications.
Tuesday, November 27 McKenna Court from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Southside Terrace from 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 29 John Savage Commons from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. East Side Terrace from 12:30 p.m.-2:30
p.m.
Tuesday, December 4 McGuire Court from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP - Michele Tarantino from Masonic Healthcare Center's Visual Rehabilitation Center
invites you to attend our Low Vision Support Group on Friday, November 16, at 10:15 a.m. Michele will give an
overview of the Visual Rehabilitation Center's resources, services and training for those with visual impairments.
Please register by calling 265-7753.
CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2007-2008 HEATING SEASON - The Wallingford Senior Center is an Chrysalis Staff accept plaque at the recent 30th celebration of domestic vio-
intake site for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. The program provides financial assistance to income-eligible lence services to the Meriden-Wallingford area.
households to pay for a portion of their heating costs. Gas and electric customers can call beginning December 3 for an
appointment. Income limits are: $20,420 for a single person and $27,380 for two people. Asset limits also apply.
Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following checklist documents: Celebrations of Life and Home
Most recent bank statement showing Social Security deposit amount, or a copy of a 2007 Social Security check, or
Social Security "Your New Benefit Amount" letter for 2007.
Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents. "Happy
2007 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income. Four most recent pay stubs, if employed.
Rental Income: rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account. Birthday to my
Most recent heat utility bill. Electric bill.
Applications are by appointment only. amazing
To schedule an appointment, please call 265-7753.
2008 MEDICARE PLANS: Informational Meeting on November 14, 1:00 p.m. Mommy. I adore
Well, it's that time of year again when we need to tune in to find out more about the 2008 Medicare Plans. Maybe you
were pleased with your Medicare Plan last year, or maybe you decided you will look into other Medicare Plan options you! All my
for this coming year. Either way, whatever your particular plan options, features, and premiums were in 2007, the 2008
Medicare Plans have changed again. Hear about the changes, ask questions, and enjoy refreshments. Please RSVP by love, Hunter
November 9 to 265-7753. This program is FREE and open to the public.
FOOD-DRUG INTERACTIONS on November 14, 10:00 a.m. Christian
Did you know that medications need to be taken at different times depending on when you eat? Did you know that
medications can interact with nutrients in food? Learn more about drug interactions with food and other drugs. Denise Pageau~Your
Romeo, R.Ph., Certified Geriatric Pharmacist from OSCO Pharmacy at Shaw's will give advice, answer questions and
provide handouts and giveaways. Register by calling 265-7753. Son, Your Moon
and Your Star!

Instructional Music, Robotics, Grants, Bristol Myers

Advanced Placement, Student
Code of Conduct, Mathletics,
Technology Curriculum Plan,
Project Challenge, School
Readiness, Guided Reading,
Early Childhood Assessments,
School Facility Improvements,
Summer Reading and Writing,
Reduced Class Size, Middle
School Foreign Language,
Project Outreach, Read With Me
Program, Math Literacy
Teachers, Themed Middle
Schools, Early Literacy Task
Force, Interdistrict Sister School
Collaboration, Science Resource
Teachers, Pre-K Early Literacy
Committee, CPR Course at
Maloney and Platt, Instructional
Associates, Exemplary
Achievement Awards, Task
Force for At Risk Children,
Family Resource Centers, Mini-
grant Program, Venture Program,
Inclusion Program,
Distinguished Title One Schools.
Best attendance of ANY board
member.
Hard work, dedication
and an open mind.

FOR MERIDEN BOARD OF EDUCATION

ON NOVEMBER 6TH, FILL IN POSITION 8A

This message was approved by Rob Kosienski, Jr.
Paid for by Kosienski for Board of Education, BRUCE FONTANELLA, TREASURER

A Special Edition of View From The Village
by Ralph Riello
It has been nearly four years since my first cathartic submission to this, Mr.
and Mrs. Reynolds' most excellent publication. The personal rewards were
such that I sweated deadlines for two years, nearly without fail (thanks to the
publisher's patience). Pushing the deadline envelope and sweating the column
in the waning hours of the month was my compensation. So was the visceral
response from those whom, having read my published thoughts, loved or
hated what I had to say. I was happy to promote a laugh, or social discourse
in the search for clarity, even if it was just my own.
Some might call my disrespect of deadlines mere procrastination. Truth be
told, I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie. The thrill of racing anything, cars in
my younger days, column deadlines, waning sunlight climbing mountains,
bespeaks years spent working in live remote network television. While I am
pulled further into middle age, there are less opportunities to quench my
adrenaline-thirst. The excitement leading up to a remote event, the edgy
adrenaline surge as the event unfolded, and the pressure of my part in it, laid
bare to the participants, the fans, and my peers, tended to bring out the best in
me. I was good at it, and I have statues to prove it.
For those of you new to this column, I announced my self-imposed sabbati-
cal so that I could attend grad school and attempt a career change. I've almost
completely traded remote events and a voyeur's ringside seat for the regularity
and pressure of four shows a day in front of a live audience. I am now a high
school teacher. I did return to the People's Press once during my time away,
inspired by a remote event right here in my favorite village, one near and dear
to my heart. I return again today, inspired by that same event, in the hopes of
inspiring you to get motivated, either to help, donate or attend the ninth annu-
al Christmas In The Village, happening on Saturday December 1st in the
bucolic Village of South Meriden, also the inspiration for this column. I hope
to return to my cathartic ramblings with regularity in this space, although as
I've gained wisdom, I've learned not to make promises unless I intend to keep
them. Let's just say I'm hoping for the best.
Christmas In The Village ("CITV" for the rest of this column) is one of those
rarities that most folks believe only takes place in Norman Rockwell paintings
or Hallmark cards. If you're new to the area, or share proclivities with the late
Howard Hughes, the best I can say is that CITV is a Norman Rockwell paint-
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 13
see somebody selling something, please come to the stage and let us know and that person will be asked to leave.
Refreshments aren't the only free offerings. Santa is at the firehouse and polaroids are available of the kiddies with the
jolly one. So is face painting, entertainment, hot chocolate, and Amber Alert registration. At the western end of the
festival, Hanover PTO is running a book sale at the elementary school, so stretch your legs and invest in your child's
intelligence. South Meriden Trinity United Methodist Church a name that has taken me nine years to commit to memo-
ry, is providing a children's carnival and crafts fair. New Life Church will probably have something going on, but as of
this writing, Reverend Will is still seeking divine guidance. We've asked the Connecticut Kempo Karate and Fitness
Center to return for a demo. The stage will be populated throughout the day with familiar acts like The Connecticut
Barbershoppers, Hanover Chorus, and our old friend Dennis from Top of the Key. Sadly, we've lost Kelly & Sean to
greener pastures, so Dennis might be moved indoors to the firehouse. His fingers will thank us, and the kids will love
him. Rudolph and Frosty will be making the rounds, and Nick Grasso and his Accordion could be back this year. Also
on Main Street will be balloon animals, a craft tent, children's games, and two horse drawn carriage hay rides. In the
past, the Bookmobile and the Meriden PD's rolling command post were on display, and we hope to see them back as
well.
One of my favorite aspects of the event is the selection of a local charity. We provide them with a space, some pro-
motion, and supplies for luminary bags that they sell for their purposes. This year, we are pleased to support the Platt
& Maloney High School "GUS 228" Robotics program. "GUS" (the robot) and this amazingly talented group of stu-
dents, parents, and volunteers need to raise money to compete in the national robotics championships in Atlanta,
Georgia next spring. Their goal is six thousand dollars, so please plan to purchase a luminary bag to help them on their
way. We hear so much about sports, but these folks compete just as intensely as any stick and ball sports team. If you
want to help them out, contact Artie Dutra for more information at apdutra3@sbcglobal.net or visit their web site at
www.team228.org . The headquarters for the event remains at Tom's Place, which is where the lost and found is locat-
ed. It is also the location for the House Decorating Contest signup. If you don't want to sign up, nominate a neighbor
who works hard at sharing their holiday spirit. All you have to do is give us the correct address, and we'll drive by and
assess the work. As the event gets closer, visit our web site at www.southmeridenevents.org and see what's going on.
You should also check this site periodically for updates, and other events throughout the year. In the event of inclement
weather, local news organizations are contacted with cancellation information. We don't expect any problems, but it's
the weather in New England, so we're always prepared with a plan B. I hope you'll consider a donation or volunteering
at this year's event. Meetings are every Tuesday evening in November at 5:30, Tom's Place, 55 Main Street.
We are always in need, and it's not easy to put on a free event of this magnitude without help. Tough as it is, the
effort is always worth it when the faces of the children and the holiday spirit combine to create a village scene that
Norman Rockwell would have been proud to paint. So spread a little of your holiday cheer, bring some cash for dona-
tions, some canned food for those in need, and wishes of good cheer for your neighbors as we all celebrate the holiday
season together in my favorite place on earth. At that time of year, the view from the village is always good.
Thanks for listening. See you at the stage.

Experience the NEW...

ing come to life. I am honored to be part of a caring and hard-working com-
mittee of local volunteers, in partnership with businesses, residents, donors
and other benefactors who pull together every year to provide a family holi-
day event that is open to anyone who wants to share the Holiday Spirit with a
couple of thousand like-minded neighbors, friends, relatives, visitors, and
four-legged creatures. For your convenience there are no longer any dates to
remember from year to year. The committee decided as of last year that the
event will always be held on the first Saturday of December. How easy is
that?
Last year, I wrote about the history of the event, so I won't rehash that here.
You can find it in a past issue of The People's Press by visiting the website. I
want to focus on what this year's event is with the goal of whetting your
appetite, and possibly motivating you to give a little of your time, or money to
this worthy cause. Donations can be made to CITV care of Tom's Place, 55
Main Street, South Meriden 06451. We are a 501c3, so your donation is tax
deductible. We are also looking for volunteers to help put wreaths (paid for
by CITV) on light poles, on November 17th, 9am. Meet at the firehouse.
Volunteers are also needed for the day of the event in various capacities.
Community service hours are available to middle and high school students.
The event time frame is 2pm until roughly 5:30pm. Main Street will be
closed from Webb Street to Evansville Avenue. Traffic help will be provided
by the MPD and the Police Explorers. The event will once again be kicked
off by the Santa Parade through the streets of the village. The city's mobile
stage will be set up and once again I'll be on stage introducing acts, promoting
our sponsors, and soliciting personal items in return for prizes from our local
sponsors. Speaking of prizes, be sure to sign up for the popular house deco-
rating contest, with three winners announced before the tree lighting. The
stage will go dark around 5pm, when we move the party east to the park for
the annual tree lighting ceremony. Stop by our showroom at the Galleria where you’ll find Gas
In order to keep your strength up, refreshments at the event are provided free fireplace inserts, stoves and accessories from Mendota & Napoleon.
of charge thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, and committee
members. That includes baked apples (thousands served last year), chestnuts,
Home appliances including: LCD/Plasma TVs, home stereos,
popcorn, hot chocolate, coffee, and baked goods at various locations. Since washers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves,
we're providing food, we ask that in the spirit of the holidays, attendees bring A/C and grills. Over 50 Brand Names for you to choose from.
a canned food item (or three) for distribution to local residents in unfortunate
circumstances. Canned food items are collected in various locations through-
out the event. Check the brochure for updated information. Local businesses
will also be open and serving food, although we have no control over what
they charge. No one is allowed to charge for vending in the street, so if you

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The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 14
All Aboard! Meriden Kiwanis presents
"Kruisin' with Kiwanis".
Take a fun-filled journey with us as we navigate through our highly entertain-
ing variety show and raise money for the children of our community.
Celebrating 56 Years of Kapers. 2006 Chairperson: Maureen Bilger.
Director: Frand P. Jackson. Choreographer: Cheryl Z. O'Connor. November
9 & 10, 2007. New Earlier Time: 7:30 PM at Maloney High School. Adults:
$15.00 donation. Children under 12 $5.00 donation. All proceeds directly
support Kiwanis sponsored community initiatives.
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are con-
scious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder
Love Comes Tenderly Chapter 2
By Diana Lewis
The alarm on the wind up clock by their bed went off. Sara heard it first and turned to Jason.
"Honey, it's time to get up." He groaned and turned over and looked at the clock. He hit the button to turn it off. He
rolled over on his back and stretched. Sara sat on the edge of the bed. She got her clothes that she was wearing for the
day that she laid on out the night before, on the rocking chair next to the bed.
"Just in case we run into any Indians. You should have one too."
'Yes, I supposed I should. He didn't tell him about the rifle he has stashed in his closet. He would dig it out and
buys some shells and bring it along.
"Finally everything was packed that they could bring along. Sara was disappointed on some things she couldn't take
so she took them to her mother to take care of. On July 22, the day before they were to leave, Jason went to the bank
to sign the farm over to them and what ever equipment that was being left behind.
The next day, everyone from Sara's family and Jason's family came to see them off at the wagon train. They were
two hours early so they had some time to visit. Jason and Mike went to find the wagon master and have a chat with
him about the trip and what was expected. Sara's mother, Julienne cried her heart out. She was losing her baby. They
hugged each other for the longest time. Jason and Mike came back just in time to say goodbye to everyone before the
wagon master hollered "Wagons Ho" and they got into their wagons and waved goodbye until they couldn't see them
anymore. Then Sara started concentrating on her new adventure.
They must have traveled about 10 miles and it was time to stop for dinner. The wagons joined into a circle and the
women started making dinner for their families. They barely got the dishes cleaned up and repacked when the Wagon
Master hollered "Wagons Ho" and they were off again. They went about another 20 miles to a river and the wagon
master sent word back to everyone that they would be stopping for the night and crossing the river the next day. They
formed a circle for the night. The women fixed the evening meal and they settled in for the night. Sara had just fin-
ished the dishes when some of the men took out harmonicas, and fiddles and started playing hymns. Everyone gathered
and sang with them until they decided they better get some sleep for another day of traveling the next day.
The next day, they were awakened early and were rushed with their breakfast. Sara decided to walk with the women
and children for a while. She met several of them. Mrs. Chamberlain and Mrs. Faulkner seem to throw insults at each
other all the time. Sara couldn't tell if they were joking or they were serious. They were both middle age women with
three children a piece. Sara also met Belinda Cross, who was more her age and was pregnant as well. They both hoped
they'd make it to Missouri before their babies came. They were both due about the same time. They both became good
friends on the trip. Sara and Jason often were over to Belinda and Thomas Cross's wagon in the evening after they din-
ner.
They were on the trail for a week and on Saturday night the wagon master told them that they wouldn't be traveling

Winter Registration
on Sunday. They could have the day to do as they pleased, but to be ready early morning to be on the trail again.
"How about we have ourselves a little church service.?" Suggested Thomas Cross.
"And who's going to be the preacher?" asked one of the men.
Now Taking Place!! "Well, I can give a little Bible lesson," said Thomas. Then it was settled, they would have a service on Sunday
morning at 11:00.

Adult, Young Artist Sunday morning, Sara rose to a bright sunny morning that made her thank the Lord for His goodness on a very nice
say for the church service. She had never been to one out of doors, but she was excited about it. Jason came around the

And Kinderartist
wagon as she finished cooking their breakfast,
"Are you going to the church service?" she asked.
"You know how I feel about church."
Classes. "But everyone is going. What will you do for the hour?"
"I've got plenty to do."
"But can't that wait till after church? We've got all day." He walked over to her and put his arms around her.
Gift Certificates Available "It would mean a lot to you if I went, wouldn't it?"
"Yes, Darling, it would." she reached up and hugged him as well.
"Well, I'll this once, but please don't nag me to go, ok?" He kissed her.

EASEL WORKS
"Okay."
They met Thomas and Belinda on the way to the clearing that they had chosen for their meeting. When they arrived
everyone was standing around talking. At 11:00 Thomas went up front and got their attention.
Creative Art Studio & Gallery "Is there a favorite hymn you would like to sing?" he asked.
"At the Cross" someone hollered out. Thomas started the song and the others joined in. They sang a few more
294-1548 hymns and Thomas started his message.
"If you have Bibles, we will be studying from Paul's letter to the Romans, chapter one. I will read the first five vers-
2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford es for now and we will talk about them and then go on till the end of the chapter, He read the verses. This is Paul's
greeting to the Church in Rome .He calls himself a bond servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, the word bond servant
means "slave". Paul was called to be an Apostle. He places himself on the same level as the twelve Apostles and he
claims authority from God for His work."
The rest of the service was really interesting to Jason, but he wasn't sure he wanted to be a slave to anyone. They
ended with another hymn and they broke up heading back to their wagons for dinner and doing some repairs on har-
nesses and things that needed repair. Today was a good day to do that.
Soon after supper, they went to bed so they could rise early the next morning and get on the trail again.
The next morning they rose to rain. The wagon master urged them on. Sara stayed in the wagon, trying to do some
knitting for the baby. It was a bumpy ride and she knew Jason was soaked to the skin. She handed him a towel to wipe
his face.
The train continued for two days. By that time they had reached the river. The wagon master halted the train for the
night. During the night the rain had stopped, but everything was soaked and the roads were muddy. But today they
would have to forge the river but the wagon master said the river was too high to cross. They would have to wait until
the water level went down. They camped there for a week, when the wagon master thought it was safe enough to cross.
They went one wagon at a time. Sara sat with Jason in the wagon seat. She held on tight to the seat when they were
crossing. They were the four wagon to get over to the other side of the river.
The wagon behind them had problems. The horse stopped in the middle and refused to go any further. The man,
Walter Samson, had to get down off the wagon and almost pull the horses the rest of the way. Finally all the wagon
were safely on the other side of the river. The wagon master urged them on. They needed to pick up some time. That
week put them behind schedule. The nest few day he urged them on until almost dark before he let them stop for the
night. They then had a quick supper and went to bed. There was no visiting these nights. They still had their customary
Sunday stops and Thomas Cross did the service for them. They had been studying other chapter in the book of Romans
each week.
Traveling on trail turned into a routine for everyone. Sara met most of the women when they were walking and the
children. One lady, Amanda had two small children and this day they both decided to cry and wouldn't stop. Sara went
over to her.
"Can I help?" she asked. The woman just looked her with relief in her eyes. Her children were getting to be a hand-
ful on this trip. Sara took the two year old and held and cooed to her and sang a hymn to her and she finally fell asleep
Vote ic on her shoulder. The mother was holding the four year old and he finally did the same. They took them to the wagon
crat
Demo
and laid them in there.
"I better get some rest myself while they are sleeping. Thank you so much for your help. I was getting beside
on myself."said Amanda.
"You are welcome. Anytime you need any help, just let me know." said Sara sincerely.
"You are a God sent, thank you." and she went in the wagon so they wouldn't hold it up for to long. Sara waved to
her and went back to the la dies and children who were walking. She walked most of the day and went to the wagon a
little while before they stopped for the night.
That night two children had come down with fevers. The women kept them in the wagons and gave them some
medicine that they had brought with them. The wagon master kept them going, nevertheless. The nest day two other
children came down with the fever and also an older woman. Sara went to help the families in the evenings. Within the
next week five more people came down with the fever. Two of the children died who got it the first day. Thomas offici-
ated at the funerals. Still the wagon master urged them on. Belinda was getting a little nervous about the baby she was
carrying. She prayed that she wouldn't get the fever.
Within two weeks nine more people had the fever. One of them was Amanda's two year old. Sara went every day to
help her with her other son. Finally he got it as well. Finally the wagon master had them stop so they could take care of
the ill. Sara worked from sun up til sun down, helping them all. She started getting weary and Jason made her take a
day off from it and get some rest before she got sick too. She had to think about their baby. Sara reluctantly did what
her husband told her to do. When she woke up the next day it was 2:00 in the afternoon and she was still tired. Jason
put her to bed again soon after supper.
Look for Chapter 3 in the next issue

Our Lady of Fatima - Craft Fair Nov. 10
A craft fair will take place on Saturday, November 10, from 9am to 3pm in the
parish hall of Our Lady of Fatima Church, 382 Hope Hill Road, Yalesville.
Over 20 tables of local crafters. Raffles, bake sale, lunch kitchen will be
available. Hall is handicapped accessible. The public is invited.
CRAFTERS WANTED
CHRISTMAS ON THE HILL HOLIDAY BAZAAR
NOVEMBER 17, 2007 9 AM TO 3 PM HOLY ANGELS PARISH CENTER
585 MAIN STREET SOUTH MERIDEN, CT CALL (203) 237-8697 FOR
AN APPLICATION AND INFORMATION.
Celebrations of Life and Home
Congratulations toGRANDMA Vumbacco on the birth of her
new granddaughter Sarah Margaret. Sarah’s proud parents are Christin and
Kevin.
Celebrations of Life and Home
Merimere Reservoir on the way to Castle Craig in Meriden. I took this
photo on Sunday October 21, 2007. I hope you like it because I just think
it reminds me of what fall is all about. Happy viewing! Christelle M. Aubé
Wallingford...Let’s Keep It Shining Shining! Vote Republican November 6th!
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 15
Dear People’s Press
I have been a single mom for 11 years and work very hard for what I have including to teach my son
well and give him a decent lively hood. Five years ago my son won a new bike from his school and gave to
a young person that had none so they could ride together where we lived then. He has been noted for all
good deeds that he has done at his young age. He grew out his old BMX bike . I bought him another one
that was better fitted so that he could race at Falcon Field here where we now live and registered him to
compete locally and nationally. He recently took 3 trophies and he goes to the field to practice on his NEW
red BMX that was stolen! He has since seen the boys who are taller and older. They say thanks for bike and
he's afraid of them so, he only says I didn't give it to you but I have another one you can have if you need
it.
I'm writing because someone knows who they are and knows it does not belong to them. They broke his
"spirit" he's devastated! Please print this and hopefully that someone will help to recover this bike for him.
God Bless.
Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To
these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others
have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart
which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of
unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their
aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and
obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been
greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from
the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had
enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded
even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made
in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and
vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor
hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while deal-
ing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they
should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American
People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and
those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of
Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while
offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble
penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become wid-
ows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently
implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be
consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union. It is the duty of
nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and trans-
gressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recog-
nize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose
God is the Lord.
Political Advertisement
A Good Wizard in Meriden?
Tom Bruenn
Well, he is good at what he does and he is a good
person. More than anything, he really has the
experience to bring the magic of learning to your
kids!
Does that make him a Wizard? Maybe not...but
he wants to turn your kids into Wiz-Kids! That’s
why he needs your vote for Board of Education.
Tom Bruenn for Board of Education
Experience & Knowledge * Knows how to analyze a school
* 37 Years teaching in budget
* Knows what teachers should teach
MERIDEN
* Knows education is a lifetime
* Teacher of the year in 1988
experience
* Knows how students learn
A Vote for Tom is a Vote for bringing the magic to Meriden schools!
Find Tom at box 7B and please elect the entire Democratic Team!
This message was approved by Tom and paid for by Bruenn 2007, Diane Paluszewski, Treasurer
Political Advertisement
EXPERIENCED. TRUSTWORTHY. CARING.
Vote for the entire Republican
Team on Tuesday, November 6th.
Together, we make
Wallingford shine!
This message was approved by William W. Dickinson, Jr.
Paid for by Dickinson for Mayor, Jared McQueen, Treasurer
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 16
Bobbie's Bevy of Beauties After School Pick-Up from Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club
The Montauk daisy and orchid chrysanthemums (they The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club is now taking applications for after school
resemble the white Shasta daisy) have finally come into 2007-2008 Van Pick-Up from Dag, Moran, Parker Farms, and Yalesville
bloom. Made up many bouquets of these mums. The Elementary School. Call for information: Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club, (203)
very colorful and different varieties of dahlias were also 269-7535. or look on www.bgcawallingford.org.
added to them. And as usual when a bouquet is made up
it is given away. Looking out the windows or standing on
the deck surveying my garden beds gives me great joy.
What you need to know!
Most people like flowers and are happy to receive a posie
or two which also makes me feel good. Unless you are an
avid gardener you might not understand. But a lot of
time, energy, money and love goes into this hobby.
My cleanup has finally begun. Only a few perennials
remain but a goodly number of annuals are hanging in
there. Remember don't trim your butterfly bushes or
transplant any new ones until the end of March or begin-
ning of April. And hands off the rhododendrons. If you start clipping away you'll be cutting off the buds which will
produce the flowers for next spring.
Don't think this was the greatest year for tomatoes. Still have quite a few green ones. A couple times a week three
or four will be ripe enough to pick. Some are on the smaller side. They might have e few dark spots or narrow slits in
them. Just cut them out and they are fine to eat. Maybe next year will be better.
Since there is nothing more as far as the gardening bit goes let's get to the birds. Specifically the turkey vultures.
Three of them , about 7:30 in the morning a couple of weeks ago when Jimmy was doing his therapy exercises in bed,
he could see from the hall window these huge birds sitting on our neighbor Pam's roof. He called me to come upstairs
to see them. From there they flew to the chi8mney and roof on the last house on Fairview Ave., which is two houses
past Pam's. Prior to our seeing them their first landing which was quite noisy according to Pam was on hew sunroom
roof. Went outside, ran over to Ruth's, another very dear neighbor and borrowed her binoculars. They put on quite a
display for the neighborhood. Taking turns showing off their wing span. Finally about 10:00 one by one each turkey
vulture took his or her departure. Told our neighbor friend Jeff who lives in the condos below us on West Main St.
about our visitors. Said he sees five coming and going in his area quite often. Early evening they fly into the tree tops
across West Main St. into the wooded area below Johnson Hgts. They may not be the prettiest of birds but certainly are
very impressive.
This is probably my last writing until spring of 2008. Am making my hibernation plans. Since Jimmy is doing
much better and he has LatlBit for company I'm sure he'll make it okay without me for those few cold, icy, snowy
months. The two of them fit very comfortably in his recliner. Jimmy stretched out to his full length and LitlBit
sprawled in his lap. The last couple of years I've made my bed under the park bench at the end of the back yard. Been
quite comfortable there so I think that is where I will return. Now the question is when. I always entered my bed of
peat moss on Nov. 1st and exited on March 1st. But with the
3rd month of this year being so cold and miserable and seeing They survived the Maze!
what the outside world looked like after Jimmy came for me I
had decided to have him place me back into the peat moss
again until April 1st. That was when I returned for good. So
all depends upon Mother Nature. Photo Art
Thank you for reading my articles and sometimes comment-
ing on them. Wishing you all health, happiness and may peace
reign forever in the world.
Flowercerely yours, Bobbie G. Vosgrien
P..S. Love and best wishes to our son Keith, the oldest child,
who lives in Paris, France. He turned 50 years old this past
October 5th. This snapshot was taken of him and our two
older granddaughters, his nieces, Emmy "Me O" and Abby, on
his annual spring - summer visit I can remember when he
called me from Paris to wish me a happy 50th birthday. It
seems like it was only a couple of years ago. Where does the
time go? And the older one becomes the faster it seems to fly.
Political Advertisement

Remember that thistle that I was telling you about that I was growing in my
front yard just for fun? I have attached some photos of it when it was
blooming. It was absolutely GORGEOUS.- Becky

Tuesday, November 6th

Yalesville United Methodist

Women Present the annual

Harvest Fair
November 17 from 9am-2
2pm
Breakfast and Lunch will be served
Homemade Breakfast, Homemade Soups,
Sandwiches and Desserts at Lunchtime
Handcrafted Gifts, Wreaths and Other Decorations
Christmas Decorations, Ornaments,
Quilts, Blankets and Pillows
Table of Treasures -
Jewelry, Trinkets, Glassware and Linens
Bake Table
See you at the fair!
“For Your Family and Ours” Yalesville United Methodist Church
Corner of New Place St. & Church St. (Rt. 68)

Pride in Progress! COME ONE, COME ALL

Proceeds go to world wide missions as well
This message was approved by Mark Benigni as the needy in Connecticut!!!
Paid for by Benigni 2007, Jacqueline Fordiani, Treasurer
 The People’s Press November 2007 Page 17

New Leaf Compactor Invented "FAMILY FUN DAY: A DAY FOR HUNTER!"
by Sharon Agli-Pageau
Thanksgiving is all about family, traditions, togetherness, and most importantly, sharing our gratitude for all of our
many blessings. As Hunter Christian Pageau's Mommy, I am honored to announce that a substantial portion of the
Wallingford community is coming together, in a family format, to graciously support our family's campaign of "Help
Hunter Ride/Hope for Hunter!" For those of you who may not know, our son, Hunter Christian Pageau, has an
extremely rare affliction, entitled SMARD1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress). He is 1 of 3 in this
country with this condition, and 1 of 60 worldwide only! We were told by medical professionals upon Hunter's birth
that it would be a miracle if he were to make it to his 2nd birthday. Indeed, he recently has, and he's thriving, despite
the odds he's bravely faced!
Hunter's high medical specifications requires full 24-7 around-the-clock care, and until the needed 480 hours of
monthly homecare nursing is secured (we now have only 24 hours total of homecare nursing per month staffed), we, as
parents assuming those hours ourselves, are unable to return to gainful employment outside of our home. This renders
us unable to provide Hunter with those equipment needs that our Insurance is unwilling to cover, as all of our resources
have been exhausted caring for Hunter. Our beautiful son is our most profound blessing ever, despite his affliction, and
we extend our deepest gratitude to all of you who are stepping forward, alongside us, to help make Hunter's dreams of
Mobility/Freedom come true! Together we will raise the donations to provide Hunter with the Wheelchair Accessible
Van he needs for his safe transport outside of our home. Until then, he remains ambulance transported to Drs/therapy
appointments, which is a carry over of the institutionalization he already suffered while hospitalized for a full year.
The beauty and simplicity of this upcoming fundraiser to honor Hunter, highlighting the thematic "family weekend,"
that the long Thanksgiving weekend is to many of us, resonates deeply within us as a family in true
need. We couldn't think of a better time for families/friends/supporters to come out to the multiple events being hosted
on Saturday, November 24th, all with the intention of helping a local little boy who truly needs your help!
Our family is cordially inviting your family to come out for a day of fun, smiles, laughter, and happiness, all for a very
good cause! The events are as follows:
~ Holiday Cinemas Stadium 10 Wallingford (265-6911) will host a Special Showing of the new Disney movie,
"Enchanted," at 10am. Both the Princess and the Prince from the movie will be there between 10am-1pm for you to
meet and to take a picture with you! There will be a Raffle for your enjoyment, also!
~Wallingford Friendly's Restaurant (269-2650) will host "Happy Hours for Hunter" between 1pm-6pm! Swing in
and enjoy a delicious meal and a yummy Sundae dessert, along with meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who will
also be available for pictures! The Raffle continues here at Friendly's throughout the day!
~Wallingford Bowl (949-1100) invites you to come down between 5pm-9pm to experience their newly renovated
bowling lanes, along with meeting Winnie the Pooh! Yes, more pictures to have of the kids with their favorite Disney
characters! Fresh popped Kettle Corn and homemade candies will be sold during this event only, with all the proceeds
to be donated to Hunter's Trust, to go towards the much needed Wheelchair Accessible Van! The Raffle
will conclude at this event at 8:45pm!
These highly trained proffesionals from top
Thank you all in advance who take the time to participate in these fun filled events on Saturday, November 24th,
from 10am-9pm at the various participating locations, in an effort to "Help Hunter Ride!" Wishing you all the most
to bottom are Dante, Pierce, Jay and heartfelt Thanksgiving yet, from our family to yours! In EVERYTHING, give Thanks!
"Songs of the Promise" Unity Concert 10 Year Celebration
Jamie. Please do not try this at home. Simchat Yisrael Messianic Jewish Synagogue would like to invite the community to its annual Songs of the Promise
unity concert on Saturday, November 10th at 7:00 p.m. We are celebrating our 10th year in bringing worship teams
Please Save A Life! together to glorify God through various expressions of music. A special night is planned and groups featured this year
include Simchat Yisrael's "Echad" playing original Messianic praise music and Tapestry playing contemporary songs of
worship as well as a few other groups you won't want to miss. This event is free and all are welcome to come and expe-
rience God through many different music styles. Refreshments will be served. The unity concert will take place at
Congregation Simchat Yisrael, located at 870 First Avenue in West Haven. For more information and directions, please
contact the synagogue at (203) 932-9929 or visit the website at www.SimchatYisrael.org.

I don't call this "a dog's life" …

Imagine waking up one day and everything has changed. You don't recog-
nize any part of your life anymore including the people in it!
Unfortunately, for Snickers an eight-year old Shepherd mix at the SPCA
of Connecticut in Monroe that is exactly what happened, and regrettably it
was not just a bad dream. Less then a year ago Snickers was living in New
York with his owner, and other than the normal aches and pains of aging,
life was pretty good for both of them. Then one fateful night, Snickers'
owner was robbed. While trying to protect him, Snickers had his leg was
blown off with a shotgun, and despite his best efforts, his owner was killed.
It is a horrific story that is sure to bring tears to your eyes.
After his amputation Snickers ended up in a shelter in New Rochelle,
New York, that after only a few weeks labeled him "too old and not adopt-
able." At that point Frederick Acker, Director of Connecticut's SPCA,
agreed to help and brought him to his organization. What is even sadder is
Snickers today. Losing his owner, his home and his front leg would be more
than enough to bear for a young and resilient pup, but Snickers is getting up
in years, so to say his ordeal has broken his spirit is an understatement.
While clearly depressed and struggling to get accustomed to being hand-
icapped, Snickers still won over all of the staff and volunteers at the SPCA.
They all agree that while he may be a guard dog at heart, Snickers is the
kindest and gentlest of souls. They do their best to comfort him both phys-
ically and emotionally but there are still times when Snickers just gazes off
as if he is still waiting for his owner to walk around the corner.
As Snickers approaches his golden years, he deserves more than the aver-
age dog to live out his last years being comfortable and spoiled. A shelter is
the last place he should be especially with winter approaching. Of course,
since he hasn't been an amputee his whole life, he's still learning the best
way to get around, but sometimes it's a struggle. Snickers would do best in
a home with someone who is not that active; as a matter of fact, he would
be a great companion for an elderly person who would allow him to be a
couch potato!
So that is the short version of a long story. I could not rest until Snickers'
story was heard, because he is a hero in every sense of the word and every
hero deserves recognition and their day to shine. If you are interested in
giving Snickers a new home, with a new owner to love this holiday season,
please contact Frederick Acker at the SPCA of Connecticut, telephone
(203) 445-9978 or at TSVSI@aol.com (mail to: SPCA - 359 Spring Hill
Road, Monroe, CT 06468). Thanks for taking the time to read about
Snickers.
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 18

Attention Local Business Owners
Being a small business ourselves, we under-
stang the need for exposure during the holi-
day season. That is why we are offering a
special rate of up to 40% off our normal rates
when you advertise in our 2 Holiday Issues.
For more information call 203.464.3088. Let
us help the Holidays Ring for you this year.
Celebrations of Life and Home
"Happiest Thanksgiving, with great Love & Gratitude, to all our
family/friends/supporters who have helped us to smile so genuinely along
the way! God Bless! Thankfully, Sharon, Adam & Hunter Pageau!"
ONE WOMAN'S STRUGGLE CAN BE ANOTHER WOMAN'S HOPE
WHEN I WAS GROWING UP AND ENTERING THE STAGES OF WOMANHOOD I LOOKED TO MY FAMILY
FOR ADVICE AND GUIDANCE. I GREW UP KNOWING THAT ONE DAY I WOULD HAVE TO FACE WHAT IS
KNOWN AS A MAMOGRAM. ALL I KNEW THEN WAS THAT IT HAD TO BE DONE AND THAT IT WOULD-
N'T BE A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE.
I ENTERED HIGHSCHOOL AND THEN COLLEGE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS FEAR WAS DRILLED
INTO ME BECAUSE IT IS ONE MILLIONS OF WOMAN SHARE AROUND THE WORLD. WHEN I FIGURED
OUT THAT A MAMOGRAM WAS SOMETHING TO PRE-SCREEN BREAST CANCER, I BECAME EVEN MORE
SCARED. LIKE ALL WOMAN I BEGAN TO WISH THAT IT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.
I THEN ENTERED COLLEGE WHERE I STUDIED SCIENCE AND BIOLOGY AND BEGAN TO UNDER-
STAND THE MANY FORMS OF CANCERS AND DISEASES THAT EXIST. I REALIZED THEN THAT SOME
HAVE CURES AND OTHERS DON'T, SOME ARE HEREDITARY AND OTHERS ARE NOT. AFTER LEARNING
ALL THIS AND MUCH MORE, I FOUND OUT THAT MY GRANDMOTHER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH
BREAST CANCER AND WE ARE HAVING OUR TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION MOVED
FROM HER HOUSE TO MY AUNT'S AS SHE WOULD UNDERGO CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION. I
DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE THIS OR HOW SCARED I SHOULD BE. BUT THE WHOLE FAMILY TOOK
IT DAY BY DAY. SHE BEGAN TO LOSE HER HAIR AND HAVE TO GO TO THE DOCTOR AN AWFUL LOT.
THE ONE THING SHE DID NOT LOSE THROUGH THE ENTIRE STRUGGLE WAS HER HOPE. SHE KEPT
HER POSITIVE ATTITUDE THAT SHE ALWAYS HAD AND WE CURRENTLY ARE GOING ON HER 5TH
YEAR AS CANCER FREE.
AFTER THIS BATTLE ENDED ANOTHER ONE BEGAN. WE FOUND OUT ABOUT A YEAR AGO THAT
MY GRANDMOTHER'S SISTER (MY AUNTIE GINA) HAD NOW ALSO BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST
CANCER. LOSING HER HAIR KIND OF HIT HER A LITTLE HARDER THAN IT DID MY GRANDMOTHER.
MY AUNTIE GINA LOVED HER HAIR (SOMETHING WE BOTH HAVE IN COMMON)! SHE EVEN USED TO
MAKE A LIVING AS A HAIRDRESSER. MY AUNT GINA MANAGED TO KEEP HER HOME UP AND RUN-
NING WITH DAILY TASKS WITH THE HELP OF FAMILY OF COURSE AND CONTINUE TO GO TO SCHOOL
PART-TIME TOWARDS HER ASSOCIATES DEGREE.
NOW THOSE ARE TWO STRONG WOMEN! THEY BEAT THE STRUGGLE MANY WOMAN DON'T OF
BREAST CANCER AND PROVIDED ME AND MANY LOVED ONES WITH HOPE. TECHNOLOGY TODAY
HAS DEFINETLY PROVED IT WORTHY. HOWEVER I DO NOT BELIEVE IT WAS JUST SCIENCE THAT
HELPED, BUT THE POSITIE ATTITUDE THAT THESE TWO WOMEN HAD THROUGHOUT THEIR STRUG-
GLE AND THEY BOTH DESERVE A PINK RIBBON THAT THEY SHOULD WEAR WITH PRIDE.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY MY AUNT GINA'S HAIR IS STARTING TO GROW BACK!
I LOVE YOU BOTH VERY MUCH! WRITTEN WITH LOVE BY: BREANNA
On Thanksgiving Day, all over America, families sit down to dinner at
the same moment - halftime. ~Author Unknown
Political Advertisement

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MidState Medical Center Treats Pediatric Sleep Disorders
A good night's sleep is essential for the well-being of adults, but it is even
more critical for a developing child. The National Institutes of Health recom-
mends that children ages 7-11 get at least nine hours of sleep each night for
optimal health and functioning.
Unfortunately, many children do not get the recommended number of hours
of sleep each night. A child's disrupted sleep can be due, in part, to a sleep dis-
order such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome. In
fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that 3% of children aged 2-8
have obstructive sleep apnea.
How do you know if your child is suffering from a sleep disorder? Nancy
Keiluhn, RRT, RPSGT, Pediatric Specialist at MidState Medical Center's Sleep
Care center, offers some signs and symptoms to look for in determining if a
child is affected by a sleep disorder.
"We call it failure to thrive," said Keiluhn. This symptom is specific to
obstructive sleep apnea because children can actually burn extra calories at
night trying to breathe, resulting in improper weight gain.
Children who are underweight or do not seem to be growing may be
plagued by disrupted sleep in general. In deep sleep stages, a child's body
secretes special growth hormones that sustain the child's weight and height. If
sleep is disrupted, however, hormone secretion may be decreased and the child
may not grow as well.
Another major sign to look for is hyperactivity. Keiluhn emphasizes that
"this one question can give you a boat load of information." While most adults
who go without sleep would be sluggish the following day, many children are
hyperactive. Consequently, many children who have a sleep disorder could
potentially be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
These children may be disruptive in school, inattentive during daily activi-
ties, or have mood swings with irritable behavior. A recent study in first grade
students found that 18% of the students in the lowest 10% of the class acade-
mically had obstructive sleep apnea.. Treatment of the disorder lead to signifi-
cantly improved school performance and a decrease in hyperactivity.
Children with obstructive sleep apnea may snore with intermittent pauses,
gasps, or snorts, stop breathing for brief intervals during sleep, and have rest-
less sleep, sweating, and recurrent bedwetting.
Yet a child doesn't have to suffer with a sleep disorder. Sleep Care at
MidState Medical Center offers a state-of-the-art facility geared towards the
special needs of children to help diagnose and treat a potential sleep disorder.
If a child has problems sleeping, a nighttime sleep study may be beneficial to
help correct the problem.
"It is important that sleep issues in children be discussed. Parents may not
bring sleep issues to the attention of their pediatrician feeling their child may
grow out of it," said Keiluhn. During a sleep study, also known as a
polysomnogram, a child's sleep pattern will be recorded, including disrupted
breathing, snoring, leg movements, heart rhythm, and oxygen levels. A small
video camera in the room will also record what occurs during the night.
The sleep study requires that small sensors, called electrodes, be placed on
your child's head and other areas. For example, electrodes are placed next to
each eye to determine dream sleep, on the chest to read heart rate, and on the
legs to detect movement. The electrodes, however, are completely painless and
easily applied.
While MidState's Sleep Care center can treat children ages 5 and older, any
child under the age of 18 must have a parent accompany them for the night-
time sleep study. Sleeping accommodations are made available to the parent.
Our sleep studies take place in a home-like atmosphere to ensure the utmost
comfort of the child and parent/guardian.
"Properly diagnosing and treating the disorder can result in the resolution of
daytime symptoms," said Keiluhn. And that can make everyone sleep a little
better.
For more information, contact Sleep Care at Midstate, 1-800-SLEEP-RX or
visit www.midstatemedical.org.
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Celebrations of Life and Home
The latest style for kids is to design their own birthday cakes. Sierra did
one.
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 19
The San or Hunter -Gatherers of South Africa
By Jill Vickerman - South Africa
Thinking about days gone by, I was wondering how the tribes migrating down from Northern Africa must have given
thanks when they arrived in the southern part of the Western Cape
The earliest inhabitants of the Western Cape were the San (hunter gatherers) who lived their lives in harmony with
nature. They were governed by the seasons and the movement of game and were isolated from the people in the North.
Clans followed seasonal game migrations between the mountain ranges and the coastline meeting at certain times of
the year.
They eventually would have had to come into contact with the Khoi or Khoikoi (herders), who had moved into the
northern and western parts of South Africa and had started to migrate southward bringing with them cattle, sheep and
oxen obtained from the Nguni, who were also moving southward from the eastern parts of the country ( the Zulu,
Xhosa and Swazi )
Some of the early Europeans, who were shipwrecked on the treacherous Skeleton coast of South West Africa,
would have come across 'Strandloopers' (San beachcombers) who often had secret sources of water as Vasco de Gama
found, after landing at St Helena Bay in 1497 looking for fresh water, he was shown to a cave where a secret spring
was located in what is now called Slipper bay by a local tribe of Strandloopers
It could have been no walk in the park to survive the long journey south without some knowledge of the plants that
grew in that vast desert. Food, both in sufficient amounts and of nutrition, would have been an enduring struggle and
they would have had to turn to the local San to identify edible indigenous plants.
Thousands of plants were known to the San, from nutritional to medicinal, mystical and lethal. The San ate any-
thing available, both animal and vegetable. The 'kannika' or 'jakkalskos' (jackal food) is a root parasite which produces
a single underground fruit, takes about two years to ripen, and was not found everywhere up the barren west coast,
wild melons such as 'tsamma', roots and the creeping Sour Fig, which is sweet to eat (and is also applied on wounds
and burns, insect bites and stings. It also stops bleeding) Snakes (venomous and non-venomous), Hyena, antelope,
Zebra, porcupine, wild hare, Lion, Giraffe, fish, insects, tortoise, flying ants, lizards and scorpions.
There is a bird that led the San to bee hives, and they always left a share of the honey for the honey-guide, They said
it is a vindictive bird which will lead the way to a snake or leopard next time if it is cheated.
In severe, prolonged droughts the San women chewed the bark of a particular tree which acted as contraceptive, so
preventing an increase in the number of mouths to feed, they stored water in ostrich shells, which they buried deep
below the sandy desert surface and recovered with uncanny accuracy. San hunters could follow the spoor of an animal
across virtually any surface. A 'ka' 'ngwa', which is a small caterpillar, produced a poison that was boiled until it resem-
bled a red jelly. Highly toxic, this would be smeared onto arrow heads, which would be contained in a reed, to avoid
any accidental contact with the bearer where it would have acted slowly on the nervous system.
After months of hardship, the Winter rains would have transformed the land, they would have come across more
and more streams and springs, plants and flowers, where vast herds of game would have abounded across a land mag-
ically transformed into a glorious tapestry of rainbow colors.
The San recorded the first encounters with Europeans on rock paintings. The Western Cape is said to have more
rock paintings than anywhere else in the country. South Africa probably has the richest legacy of rock art in the world.
The paintings recorded the experiences of shamans, they became animals in order to enhance their power as healers,
rainmakers or to control game during a hunt. The shaman perceived images and became a part of them. Patterns of
light, animals, especially the Eland (being particularly important to the San) merged, and these images were recorded
in their art where frequently the Shaman's image would be shown changing, from a man or woman into an animal.
The peaceful existence of the San was eventually shattered, and they must have watched with disbelief as the herds
of game disappeared, to be replaced by the domestic herds of the Khoi . After centuries of a free migratory way of life,
many of them chose to retreat into the desert, others made their peace and slowly adapted to the Khoi way of living.
These people then called themselves 'Khoisan'.
There is one day that is ours. There is one day when all we Americans who are not
self-made go back to the old home to eat saleratus biscuits and marvel how much
nearer to the porch the old pump looks than it used to. Thanksgiving Day is the one
day that is purely American. ~O. Henry
Holiday Tree & Item Display
Silent Auction
Saturday, November 10th through
Wednesday, December 5th 2007
Trees will be on display at all Events at the Center
Come out and see this beautiful display of
trees, wreaths, and centerpieces donated by
local businesses and non-profit organiza-
tions all over the City of Meriden. Bid on
your favorite item for yourself or a special
gift for the Holidays, if you have the win-
ning bid items from the Holiday Auction
can be picked up on Dec. 5th & 6th....
Come and view the display just to get
into the Holiday spirit and bring some
friends!!! Support your local non-
profit by bidding on their tree,
wreath or centerpiece. They get
half of the proceeds that there item
brings in...
There is no admission fee to view the
trees.....Center will be open daily Nov.
29th through Dec. 4th from 11am to
8pm for viewing. All other days please
call for times. Tree Opening ceremony
will be from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday,
Nov.10th featuring the S.W.E.E.T Potato
Society Bake-Off...
175 East Main Street in Meriden
203.639.2856
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 20
Celebration in Poetry
Melanie,
It seems like yesterday you were
my Angel from Above,
I never knew my heart could feel
such overwhelming love.
As you grew we shared so much,
the laughter and the tears,
How quickly all the moments
passed, as days turned into years.
As you stand before me my heart-
J o h n A LW AY S O F F E R S t h e b e s t i n
S e r v i c e & I S A LW AY S H o n e s t !
We have never doubted him and neither will you!
* Auto * Home * Business * Life
John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency
208 Center Street, Wallingford
Office: (203) 269-2500
Life Insurance underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company and affiliated Companies Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220
fills up with pride,
Now you too are going to be a
mommy as you carry baby Charlie
inside.
May he fill your life with such love
and joy,as you have brought me.
Words alone can hardly say,
I wish you and Chuck happiness
on this, your baby shower day!
All my love, Mom
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
Wallingford Senior Center
Michele Tarantino from Masonic Healthcare Center's Visual Rehabilitation Center invites you to attend our Low Vision
Support Group onFriday, November 16 at 10:15 a.m. Michele will give an overview of the Visual Rehabilitation
Center's resources, services and training for those with visual impairments. Please register by calling 265-7753.
2008 MEDICARE PLANS
Informational Meeting Wallingford Senior Center Wednesday, November 14, 1:00 p.m.
Well, it's that time of year again when we need to tune in to find out more about the 2008 Medicare Plans. Maybe you
were pleased with your Medicare Plan last year, or maybe you decided you will look into other Medicare Plan options
for this coming year. Either way, whatever your particular plan options, features, and premiums were in 2007, the 2008
Medicare Plans have changed again. Hear about the changes, ask questions, and enjoy refreshments. Please RSVP by
November 9 to 265-7753. This program is FREE and open to the public.
Thanksgiving Baby
By Maura K. Ammenheuser
Yes, I know Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. Yes, like others, I'm grateful for much: a roof over my head, healthy
relatives and friends, food on the table, a decent life. OK, now that I've said all that, here's something else: I'm preg-
nant.
Somewhere deep down, I'm thrilled by the prospect of another child. But pregnancy's not exactly causing me great
blissful leaps of joy, at least not at the moment still stuck in early weeks, I'm a groggy, nauseated mess with a bad atti-
tude. I've tried looking on the bright side, however, and indeed, I've found stuff to be grateful for.
We have three toilets in our house. I'm never more than a five-second dash from any of them, which is really impor-
tant when you've got dry heaves threatening to turn wet any second. Ramen noodles are cheap. I don't exactly crave
them. Rather, they're one of the few foods that don't actually turn my stomach when I'm sick with a cold, sore throat, or
in this case, chronic nausea. So lately I've ingested a frightening volume of salt-starch-and-fat feasts. My husband is a
saint. Of course, I'm overlooking the fact that he got me into this situation in the first place. Guilt notwithstanding, he's
been unbelievably patient. In 11 weeks he's never complained about the unwashed laundry, the general household filth
or the sorry state of dinner around here. I haven't had the energy or the stomach to clean, and it's tough to cook when
you can't stand the thought of food. (Have I mentioned the queasiness yet?) Plus I can barely remember anything the
poor guy tells me because I'm walking around in a hormone-induced fog.
Miraculously, David hasn't filed for divorce, lost his temper or run away from home. Plus he brings in mashed pota-
toes from Boston Market (more starch). I knew I married him for a reason.
My toddler is a saint. Luckily, Ryan has his daddy's temperament. He's an agreeable, happy kid, mature enough that I
don't have to entertain him every second of the day. He pours over his books, pushes Matchbox cars contentedly across
the coffee table and watches "Sesame Street" while I attempt a grocery list. Frankly, I'm just over on the couch, too
lethargic and headachy to do anything at all. Ryan even turns the TV off when his show's over. I don't even have to lift
my head to nag.
This is my second pregnancy; Good thing the first one didn't feel this crummy. I would never have done this again.
I can doggie-paddle. Oddly, I feel far less seasick in the water then on dry land. In the pool I am graceful, soothed. I
am Aqua Woman. I am Strong. I am At Peace with the universe.
I am Ms. Lumbering Landlubber the moment I climb out of the water.
So when I can't get to the pool. I hibernate in the bathtub. (It's tough to swim laps in there but least we have bub-
bles.)
The second trimester starts before Turkey Day. I eagerly await the day I wake up feeling relatively normal.
According to books, calendars and conventional wisdom, that should be any time now. The 12-weeks mark free most
women from the crappy side effects of early pregnancy. For me it'll be just in time for the feast. Pass the turkey, stuff-
ing and pecan pie, please. I'll be eating for two.
Sonograms, there's nothing like medical science to put everything in perspective. I went for a prenatal checkup. Late
last month. The doctor swept her little handheld baby-detecting thingamajig over my tummy, listening for the baby's
heartbeat.
It should have been there, a rapid-fire thumping filling the room through the speaker. There was no heartbeat. The
doctor pressed and prodded for what felt like an eternity. I held my breath, felt my own heart banging in my chest. Still
no sign of the baby.
Doc stepped outside to get the sonogram equipment for a visual investigation. That quickly, all my complaints van-
ished. Nausea, fatigue, aches and pains. Self-pity - gone, in an instant, replaced by pure fear, agonizing certainty that
something had gone wrong and a heroic effort not to start crying right there on the exam table, in front of Ryan, who
was talking to himself in his stroller in a corner of the room.
The doctor lugged in the sonogram, rubbed its sensor over my belly, than laughed.
That's why I couldn't find the heartbeat, she, pivoting the screen so I could see it. "The baby's moving too much. Ooo,
what a long baby!
Sure enough, there was my blurry little tadpole, turning somersaults on the screen; two incredibly long skinny legs
kicking out constantly from its round blobby body. How is it possible that I can't yet feel something gyrating so vigor-
ously inside me? I exhaled in relief, grinned the biggest grin I've managed in weeks and gazed at the sonogram image
for a long, giddy minute before Doc had to pack the gear away. The baby's fine. I'm going to be fine. Never mind that
I'm never doing this again. For now, I just have to wait out the grogginess and the queasiness. It's the most wonderful
wait in the world. And I'm grateful to do it.
When do we change our clocks?
Beginning in 2007, most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March
and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time.
So remember to fall behind on Sunday, November 4th or you are going to be an hour early for work and you wouldn’t
want that to happen would you?
Stuffed Acorn Squash 2 tsp. vanilla
Ingredients: 2 C. white chocolate chips
2 acorn squash 2/3 C. coarsely chopped macadamia nuts, toasted
2 carrots, grated 1 can (8 oz.) Directions:
crushed pineapple 2 tbsp. Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Beat butter
dried white raisins and sugars in a large bowl until creamy. Beat in pump-
1/4 tsp. ginger kin, egg and vanilla until well mixed; gradually beat in
Instructions: flour mixture. Stir in chips and nuts. Drop by rounded
Cut squash in half; scoop out seeds. Place in baking dish. Tbs. onto greased baking sheet; flatten slightly with back
Combine remaining ingredients and spoon into squash of spoon or greased bottom of glass dipped in sugar.
cavities. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 11-14 min-
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until squash is tender. utes. Cool for 2 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool
95 House "House" Salad Dressing completely.
The recipe is as follows: 2 cups Hellmanns mayonnaise, Stuffimg by Mary
2 cups sour cream, 1 tablespoon A-1 Sauce, A loaf of white bread cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons mustard seed, 4 4 eggs
tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 onion diced
tablespoon wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Accent. Mix all celery diced
ingredients well and let sit over night. The longer it sits salt
the stronger and sharper the taste. pepper
Macadamia White Chip Pumpkin Cookies parsley fresh snipped
So many delicious flavors, it's a great cookie for the fall cooked sausage if you like it
season when pumpkins are abundant! 1 sm apple, diced
Ingredients add 1/2 to 3/4 lb of melted butter to bread mixture before
2 C. flour 2 tsp. cinnamon mixing
1 tsp. ground cardamom 1 tsp. baking soda mix eggs and put into cubed bread
1 C. butter, softened 1/2 C. sugar add onion, celery, salt and pepper and cooked sausage
1/2 C. packed brown sugar and parsley.( I just snip the ends of a bunch)
1 C. solid pack pumpkin and apple then mix up and before you cook the bird,
1 egg stuff it with this filling. It is moist and very good.

A Brief History of Thanksgiving
By C.S. Purcell - As most of us know, our national holiday evolved from the Puritan Thanksgivings of colonial New
England. The Plymouth Pilgrims and the Boston Puritans, both strict Calvinists, observed only three religious holidays:
the Sunday Sabbath, Days of Fasting and Humiliation, and Days of Thanksgiving and Praise.
Whereas Sunday Sabbaths were predefined times, having occurred every Sunday, in the religious calendar,
Thanksgivings and Fast Days were set neither in date nor in number. In any given year, there could be many
Thanksgivings and Fast Days, or there could be none. These holidays were called in response to God's Providence. If
God was pleased with His people, He granted favorable conditions, such as a mild winter or a good crop. To show their
appreciation, the Puritans would call a Thanksgiving. If, however, God was displeased with His people and conditions
reflected such, then the Puritans would call Fast Days. Although both religious holidays could be declared by different
churches in different towns at different times, most Fast Days occurred in the spring before the crops had matured and
Thanksgivings were usually declared after the harvest in the autumn when food was more abundant. Often, both the
Fast Days and Thanksgivings were held on sermon days, which were Wednesdays in Connecticut and Thursdays in
Massachusetts.
These days of Thanksgiving were not big feasts, as ours are today. Instead, the town would gather at the meeting-
house where they would give thanks to God for their blessings. Afterwards, they would go home and enjoy a celebrato-
ry dinner with family and sometimes with friends and neighbors. The Thanksgiving of 1621 is what we refer to when
we say "The First Thanksgiving." After surviving a particularly difficult first winter, the Plymouth colonists and the
Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast. But it was more a secular feast than a religious Puritan holiday.
Our description of the 1621 celebration comes from a letter written by Edward Winslow on December 11, 1621:
"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice
together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help
beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, among other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of
the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for
three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and
bestowed upon our governor, and upon the captain, and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at
this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
However, this "First Thanksgiving" was not the beginning of our annual national custom as we know it today. This
particular Thanksgiving was entirely forgotten until a reference to it was found in 1820, after which it was referred to
as the First Thanksgiving. Also, although the custom of an annual Thanksgivings was established throughout New
England by the mid-17th century, it was not a national holiday.
The first national Thanksgiving occurred in 1777 when the Continental Congress declared December 18th a national
day of Thanksgiving following the victory at Saratoga. In Puritan tradition, the day was officially a religious obser-
vance in recognition of God's mercy on the newly-born country. Being a holy day, both work and amusements were
forbidden. But the focus from a religious holiday to a more secular holiday was unofficially underway. Families still
attended church each Thanksgiving Day, but the social and culinary attractions were increasing in importance.
For five years, from 1777 to 1783, Congress declared national annual Thanksgivings. All the Thanksgivings between
those years were celebrated in December, save for the Thanksgiving in 1782. After 1783, there were no national
Thanksgivings until President Washington once again called for two Thanksgivings, one in 1789 and one in 1795. John
Adams declared Thanksgivings in 1798 and 1799, while James Madison declared the holiday twice in 1815. Not one of
the Thanksgivings declared by Washington, Adams, and Madison was celebrated in November, though.
1815 was the last nationally celebrated Thanksgiving until the Civil War, as the south was not fond of having a
"northern" custom forced upon them by the federal government. The northern states, however, continued to have their
own Thanksgiving traditions, which were usually held in November. New Englanders traveling westward brought their
Thanksgiving traditions with them, spreading the celebration of an annual Thanksgiving first in the Northeast and in the
Northwest Territory, then to the middle and western states. By the mid 19th century, even some southern states had
their own Thanksgiving traditions.
By the 1840s the Thanksgiving celebration had moved far from its holy-day roots to a family gathering day with a feast
as the central event. Newspapers and magazines helped popularize the holiday as a secular autumn celebration featuring
feasting, family reunions and charity to the poor. In a time of industrial revolution, it was hoped that having a family-
centric holiday with undertones of charity would bring focus back to moral integrity for an industrial society lacking
virtue. By the turn of the century, as Victorians searched for a return to family values, the imagery of the First
Thanksgiving, with its large feast and charitable hospitality, was a perfect representation for the holiday. The 1621 cele-
bration quickly became the mythic First Thanksgiving, remaining the primary historical representation of the holiday
ever since. Still, the holiday was celebrated at different times in different states. Those Americans that truly wanted a
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 21
return to the values and simplicity of a bygone era lobbied for the establish-
ment of Thanksgiving as a permanent national holiday. Among the biggest
supporters was Sarah Josepha Hale, a leading figure in the domesticity move-
ment and author and editor of Godey's Ladies Book. From 1846 to 1863,
Hale wrote editorials urging the federal government to establish Thanksgiving
as a national holiday. In 1863, after the victory at Gettysburg, Abraham
Lincoln declared that a national Thanksgiving be held that year on the last
Thursday in November.
In his proclamation, Lincoln wrote:
"The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of
fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly
enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others
have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail
to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the
ever-watchful providence of Almighty God….
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these
great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while
dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently,
and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole
American people."
In 1864, Lincoln called again for the last Thursday in November as a
Thanksgiving Day. Andrew Johnson followed Lincoln's lead by calling a
Thanksgiving for December 7, 1865. In fact, every president after Lincoln
declared a national Thanksgiving, but it was not a holiday sanctioned by law
until 1941 when Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill establishing the fourth
Thursday in every month as the Thanksgiving holiday.
Today, Thanksgiving is not a day called to give thanks for positive events
bestowed upon us, as it was for most of the holiday's history. Rather, we gath-
er with loved ones to celebrate a feast in a combination of early American tra-
ditions that have evolved to fit our modern times and our own families' tradi-
tions. And, hopefully, in midst of the feast and cheer, we will take a moment
to give thanks for all that is good in our lives.
What you need to know!
North Haven Garden Club Meeting on
Floral Design
The North Haven Garden Club will meet
on Thursday, Nov 8, 2007 at 7:00 pm at
the North Haven Congregational Church
Hall on 28 Church Street.The program is
open to the public at 7:30 with a $4.00
donation at the door. The program will
be “Floral Designs” with Tom Melillo
“The Flower Man” from the Blossom
Shop. Refreshments will be served after
the program. North Haven Garden Club
is a member of The Federated Garden
Clubs of Connecticut, Inc and National
Garden Clubs, Inc.Photo by Ellie tess-
mer Floral Arrangement by Annette
Bailey
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 22
MERIDEN-RECOGNITION OF THIS YEAR'S "CHILDREN'S SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
CHAMPIONS' FROM CHILDREN'S FIRST The Stanley Budleske V.F.W. Post 9965 and the Ladies Auxiliary, Yalesville
has mailed OVER 350 care packages to our troops in Iraq, Afganistan and
On October 17th, Meriden Children First Initiative Board of Directors recognized the efforts of the Children's
Department of the Meriden Public Library. The criteria for this award is that individuals go "above and beyond" to South Korea.
improve the lives of local children and families. This award was given to Kathie Matsil, Sandy Olson, and Sherry The Post is running short on items for this program.
Breton. As stated by David Ratcliffe " As the heart and soul of the Children's Department, they embody the passion and We are looking for donations of hygiene products both for men and women.
care needed to make a positive change in children's lives. Tube socks (black, green, brown), popcorn, any kind of nuts, baby wipes, dry
wipes, paper back books, CD's, small games, hard candy, oatmeal, cookies,
can fruit. All items can be left off at the Post Canteen everyday from 1:00

We’ve Made Contact

p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 424 Church St (Rt. 68) across from the Yalesville school.
Also items may be left at the Yalesville Post Office.
Thank you in advance, Rod Fulton (203) 269-9851

Colony Opticians
PLEASE VISIT WWW.MILITARYROTARY.COM

The Complete Optical Experience!

Hello People's Press, I know it may seem a bit early for Christmas but I
believe once you see my sight @ http://www.militaryrotary.com in support of
our soldiers overseas, you will understand and share it with your readers this
season. God Bless!!! Linda Harris, Wallingford, CT
YOUR GIFT OF TIME . . .
Your gift of time is a precious commodity to the frail elderly. Sharing your
time, even if it's only one hour here and there with a friendly visit, escort to a
medical appointment or grocery shopping is mutually rewarding for the recipi-
ent of service and the volunteer. Please call Marie Cunha at the Wallingford
Senior Center and say you want to be an Interfaith Volunteer Care Giver. The
next time our telephone rings with a request from someone in desperate need
of a ride to a medical appointment, we will be able to tell the caller we know
a caring volunteer who can help. Cost of gasoline can be reimbursed. Waiting
for your call at 265-7753.

Celebrations of Life and Home

lenses easier for you
to choose with a wide
variety of the best
brands, styles and
colors. Stop down
and make contact
with Colony today!

Better Vision is within your sight!

COLONY O PTICIANS
60 Church St. (Rt. 68) &
O ptometrists We would like to congratulate the new POST Officers for 07-08
Wallingford 203-265-2205 Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry Mike Hadvab MRT – President, Mike Brown – V.P. Programs, Sarah
Gopoian MRT – V.P. Admin., Beth Mortimer MRT- Secretary, Kathy Nesci
MRT- Treasurer
Thank you to Past 06-07 Officers President Juan Rodriguez –Vice
Presidents Alyssa Funaro & Lillian Gopian, Secretary Alyssa Lowell and
Treasurer Mike Hadvab, our new president. A job well done
All Explorers that campaigned ran for office and provided a campaign
speech great job. Mike Hadvab did an awesome job at running this evenings
meeting, coordinating the election with Adviser Kelly Echeto
See everyone on Saturday at EMS Explorer Post 181’s annual LOCK-IN
party with Meriden Police Post 911
Again well deserved…
John Meyer Gopoian EMT-P, EMS EXPLORER POST 181 - ADVISOR

Now a part of our 2007

$2,000 in Prizes Contest.
See Contest Page. All
stories, poems, photos, art,
recipes etc. sent by email to
andy@peoplespressnews.com
are automatically entered.

Deadline for the next issue is November 20th. 2007

Over 70,000 unique visitors in

August! Discover the power!
 The People’s Press November 2007 Page 23
Old Man While walking along North Street in Tucson, Arizona, on October 21, I
chanced to spot a very large black bird perched on top of a pole and I
By Chris Randolph
"Old man look at my life, I'm a lot like you were." Just one simple line from the Neil Young song, "Old Man," from thought from its size it must be a raven. When it flew down to the street for a
his Harvest album. I look back at the seventies and the promise I made to myself that this would not be the case. It drink, I was even more sure. When I got home, I was looking for a
was wrong of me to think that, but such is the ignorance of youth. It was an interesting time with the Vietnam War and photo of a raven and came across a site that compared the raven to a crow,
the rebellion against past generations in full force. saying one difference between them is the caw sound of the raven is much
My father was a good man. He cared about others. He befriended all those he met, and even if he disagreed with deeper and throatier than the crow's. The caw of the bird I saw sounded like
them, he kept it to himself and focused on what they agreed on. Why he became a target for my rebellion is clear to me someone clearing their throat, so I would say it was a raven. I think it was
now - he was an easy target. He often hid from the world. The moments that he went out and showed his positive side Wikepedia that said it was the smartest of all birds which means it is even
were rare. It was almost as if he had to recover for a while, rebuild his confidence, and then he could face the world smarter than the crow, and was a very special treat for me. As I continued my
again. This cycle is what I promised myself I would not do. I never attacked him directly, except to push him out of walk to the grocery store, I preserved this encounter with the following poem:
these hiding periods he had. I think I saw a raven while walking to the store.
He also was obsessive/compulsive. He would check the front door to the house 10 times before he could leave. This I am not completely sure; it didn't say "Nevermore."
compulsive checking and rechecking always happened while I was waiting frustrated in the car. The frustration grew But if, indeed, it was, then I can definitely say,
10 fold as I got older and his OC increased, as well. I remember quite clearly how checking the front door became I'm glad I saw a raven while on my walk today.
checking all the doors in until he could finally go to the car, and shortly after he would leave again to double check if I also wanted to add the following brief quotes paying homage to the beauty
the stove had been turned off. There are times I laugh about this. There are times I cry about this. What could I have of autumnal foliage, not much of which is present in Tucson:
done for him? How could I have helped him more? Normal reactions I suppose. Ones that all of us go through when Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn -
faced with any type of problem a loved one faces or is challenged with. Now I realize that there is nothing I could have ElizabethLawrence
done. He had his demons as we all have. A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer's wave goodbye.
Like him, I now focus on the positive that we shared. His love of people. His gregarious nature. His charity. Autumn arrives, array'd in splendid mien.- Farmers Almanac, 1818
Mostly it was his ability to communicate with children that I strive for the most. Even in his darkest hours he was lib- Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower - Albert Camus
erated by his grandchildren, and it was so beautiful to see the smiles that he brought to their faces. Autumn is a season followed immediately by looking forward to spring.-
Our relationship grew much better over time. I began to understand both his problems and my own. I never stopped Anonymous
pushing him, though. When he did not want to attend a family event, I sometimes would wait till I forced him to come Autumn arrives in the early morning, but spring at the close of a winter day
with me. Sometimes this worked and sometimes it didn't. I don't regret those efforts at the end of his life as he -Elizabeth Bowen
changed into the gregarious man once he finally did arrive. From Nancy Sherburne, Tucson, Arizona
I am still traumatized by the very ending of his life, though. The pain and suffering he felt against a losing battle
with Melanoma. The anger I felt towards him for not getting it checked as recommended after he had a successful What you need to know!
surgery to remove his first case of it. I thought that his obvious lack of care for his health was just another way of hid-
ing again. Maybe death would be the best way to end the suffering he faced his whole life.
The time came when I had enough and forced him to go to the hospital. The disease had come back of course, just
as I knew it would. It had spread far into his body. Again, when offered with the hope of an extensive program to fight
the disease, he refused. The trips became more frequent to the hospital, as his lungs would often fill with fluid. I still
remember the traumatizing moments for me. He was so ill and his lungs had filled again. I rented a wheelchair and
insisted on bringing him to the hospital - again. He refused to be seen in a wheelchair when he left the house. So he
made me check 5 times to be sure that no neighbors were out. He had become so week that I had to carry him to the
car. The anger that showed on his face was piercing. He made me stop the car before I drove off, he looked at the
house for a moment and then said simply but with frustration, "Just Go, Chris." He knew that was the last time he
would ever see his home, where he had hoped to die instead of a hospital.
The hospital knew as soon as he came in that the time was near. He was transferred to the Branford Hospice and
was coherent for a few days more as he said goodbye and spoke with all our family with kindness and love. But he
never spoke to me at the end. I know why, and I understood. I stayed day and night as did most of my family, espe-
cially my Mom. Mom would climb into bed with him when night came and hold him close. He surprised even the Quinnipiac Chamber Forms Motorcycle Club !
staff of the Hospice as he clung onto life even when he no longer spoke and was no longer coherent. In their never-ending quest to find unique ways to target groups for net-
I knew he was afraid of death at the end. I remember my last words to him: "It's alright Dad. It's a beautiful place working opportunities, the Quinnipiac Chamber has reached out to all its
you are going to. Your loved ones are waiting for you. Just let go. Let go of the pain and find peace." I walked out of motorcycle-riding members !
his area for a moment as the nurse came in to clean him and change his bedding. Seconds later came that last horrible
What was almost exclusive to the 20-somethings as a strictly recreation-
rattling breath and he was gone.
I know I am left to deal with those last months, and I try the best I can. It's funny though, that I have become so al sport has now evolved into an outlet for the more mature businessperson.
much like him. There are many times that I hide from the outside world to recover and then go out again. There are "It's a great way to relax at the end of the day or the end of the week,"
times I check the door a few times. I get a good laugh out of it, actually. I understand him so much more now. said Rich Wilson, Wilson Furniture who came up with the idea and is a co-
So as I hear those words, "Old man, look at my life, I'm a lot like you were," I know that I am and that's o.k. chairman.
"Business owners have started a new trend - they're "Business Hogs !"
Here are some comments made in 1951 ---- only 56 years ago! added Premnath Sonny, of Citibank in North Haven, the other co-chair.
Submitted by Donna Mahon
"I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for They both agreed that it offers a unique opportunity to ride for fun, charity
$20." and network with other business owners.
"Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2000 will only buy a used one." The newly formed QC Motorcycle Club will participate in charity rides,
"If cigarettes keep going up in price, I'm going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous." fun runs and use their common love of those wonderful machines to visit
"Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?" each other's businesses and network in a truly unique way.
"If they raise the minimum wage to $1, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store." Anyone who is a member of the Quinnipiac Chamber and wants to join
"When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better this group, please contact us at: 269-9891 or email Dee@quinncham.com
off leaving the car in the garage." QC Motorcyle Club, Premnath Sonny, Tom Quinn, Mike Greenberg and
"Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys
Rich Wilson
will be wearing their hair as long as the girls."
"I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies any more. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying 'damn' in 'Gone
With The Wind,' it seems every new movie has either "hell" or "damn" in it.
"I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They
even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas "
"Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise
me if someday they'll be making more than the president."
"I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters
now."

PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never
known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of
God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-
tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-
sity. (Make your request). There are none
that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,
conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,
I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days
and then you must publish it and it will be
granted to you. Grateful Thanks. R.R.
PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never
known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of
God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-
tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-
sity. (Make your request). There are none
that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,
conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,
I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days
and then you must publish it and it will be
granted to you. Grateful Thanks. A.P.R.
PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never
known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of
God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-
tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-
sity. (Make your request). There are none
that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,
conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,
I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days
and then you must publish it and it will be
granted to you. Grateful Thanks. C.P.L.
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 24
Did You Know? "Sheltering an Animal's Perspective"
by Gregory M. Simpson
The tradition of professional football on Thanksgiving Day is now more than
While perusing the newspaper, Animal People, I came across an article that described pro-animal laws passed in 2007
80 years old. Thanksgiving football is most associated with the Detroit Lions
in various states. In reading about the new legislation it occurred to me how overdue this country is in enacting some
and Dallas Cowboys. Both teams host a game each Thanksgiving. However,
basic protections for animals - and in many cases, people, too. Here's a sample.
the Turkey Day tradition actually dates back to the National Football League's
Arizona passed a law requiring that engine coolant or antifreeze that contains more than 10% ethylene glycol must
first season in 1920, when the league was known as the American Professional
also include the bittering agent, denatonium benzoate, to keep animals and children from drinking poisonous antifreeze
Football Association (APFA). In fact, while Thanksgiving football is now lim-
by accident in its normal sweet tasting form. This is a law that should be in every state and would most easily be put
ited to just three games (a third game was added in 2006), in the league's first
into place by enacting federal legislation. It is also one of the myriad of risks that speaks to keeping cats safer indoors.
year a total of six games featuring APFA teams were played on Thanksgiving
Cats love the sweet taste of anti-freeze which has dripped from cars onto driveways.
Day in 1920, a concept that would surely thrill today's football fans. The
Indiana signed into legislation a bill which makes killing an animal to threaten, intimidate, coerce, or terrorize a
Lions have the longest running Turkey Day tenure, having hosted a game
household family member a Class D felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of $10,000. While per-
every year since 1934 (excluding the years 1939 to 1944, when the game was
sonally I'd like to see the maximum penalty higher, it's a step in the right direction. The link between animal abuse,
not played due to World War II). The Lions' involvement in the game is due to
domestic violence, and child abuse is well established. The American Humane Association has long advocated that
former owner G.A. Richards, who volunteered his team to play
there also be a law in every state requiring cross-training and cross-reporting regarding child abuse and animal abuse
onThanksgiving as a means of increasing sagging attendance. If Richards
among law enforcement officers, humane investigators, veterinarians, health professionals, domestic violence advo-
were around today, chances are he might volunteer his team to play on every
cates, and child protection workers.
holiday, as the Lions boast a 33-31-2 mark on Thanksgiving Day, compared to
The Iowa governor signed a bill into law prohibiting Internet hunting, in which hunters kill animals from distant
a 448-513-30 in regular season games not played on Turkey Day.
locations using web cameras to spot their targets and a mouse-click to shoot. Model anti-Internet hunting bills have
been promoted nationally in recent years by the Humane Society of the United States. Thirty states have enacted such
laws and the other twenty should quickly follow. As P.G. Wodehouse wrote, "The fascination of shooting as a sport
depends almost wholly on whether you are at the right or wrong end of a gun."
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed a bill into law making animal abandonment a felony offense. Now
there's a man after my own heart. Animal abandonment is one of the most heinous crimes against animals.
As of 2007, Washington State now bans private acquisition of large cats, wolves, bears, non human primates, alliga-
tors, and other potentially dangerous wild animals. Once again, this should be enacted as a federal law. No one needs
to keep as a pet an animal that may view a house guest as its next meal.
The Hawaii state legislature passed a 2007 bill enacting felony penalties for intentionally torturing, mutilating, or
poisoning pets, including pigs as well as cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds.. Bravo, Hawaii! Did you know that
the very first American child abuse law in 1874 was modeled after already existing animal anti-cruelty laws?
The Texas legislature sent multiple pro-animal bills to the governor for signature, including one to increase the crim-
inal penalties for dog fighting. Another bill extends the laws protecting cats, dogs, and horses to feral members of their
species. A third bill introduces penalties for prolonged dog tethering.
Many states, including Connecticut, enacted legislation in 2007 that would require disaster planning to include plans
for evacuating, transporting, and sheltering service animals and household pets. This follows the 2006 federal Pets
Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act which requires states that accept Stafford Act funds for homeland security
to ensure that state and local emergency preparedness plans "take into account the needs of individuals with household
pets and service animals prior to, during, and following a major disaster or emergency." Kudos go to Connecticut
Representative Christopher Shays who co-introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Governor Rell also signed a law, effective 10/1/07, which allows a state or local animal control officer to take cus-
tody of an animal without a warrant if a neglected or cruelly treated animal faces imminent harm. Previously, a crimi-
nal search and seizure warrant was needed before taking custody.
Also effective 10/1/07 was legislation signed by Governor Rell which permits courts to issue orders of protection for
animals kept by victims of family violence, stalking or harassment. Previously, court orders only protected people.
On the federal level, President Bush signed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act into law on May 3,
2007. This legislation provides felony penalties for interstate and foreign animal fighting. Each violation has a maxi-
mum sentence of 3 years incarceration and a fine up to $250,000. Since involved dog kennels rely on transporting their
fighting dogs across state lines and internationally, the new law should cripple the interstate transport and international
trade in fighting animals.
Every year more progress is made with pro-animal legislation. Sometimes it is two steps forward and one backward.
There is still much more that needs to be done. Please consider becoming an animal advocate.
For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson
Gregory Simpson's animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several
Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Chosen by
CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S., he is also a member of the Cat Writers' Association.

A TALE OF THE QUINNIPIAC RIVER

by Francis W. Lappert
According to Connecticut maps of the river systems of Connecticut, the Quinnipiac River originates in the north reach-
Right from you for the Holidays! es of Plainville and empties into the Sound in East Haven Harbor. It has many feeder streams that empty into it, and
keeps a well-balanced, level running water. Beginning with Southington, I know of Eight-Mile River and also Misery
Upcoming Submission Schedules Brook. Then comes Ten-Mile River that originates in west Cheshire and joins the Quinnipiac in Mildale. Also Honey
Pot Brook from Cheshire. Farther downstream is Ives Brook that begins above Johnson Avenue in Meriden. Also the
overflow from Broad Brook Reservoir feeds the river. As the river flows through Meriden, it is joined by Harbor
Brook, which flows into Hanover Pond, which is part of the river. I know of only one from Wallingford, Meeting
House Brook. There are others I do not know about.
We love the holiday Since I was a young lad, I fished many of these smaller streams and caught many native brook trout. At this time the
Quinnipiac River was not known as having any trout in it. That came much later. The river then was clean enough to
season at The People’s swim in. Our favorite spot was call Charlie's Rock, and we went there often. I remember when the river froze over in
the winter, there was a group of men that would cut a large hole in the ice by Red Bridge and jump in the cold water.
Press. We love your They called themselves the Polar Bears. They enjoyed showing off to the crowd who watched them.
stories, poems, recipes, In later years the State Board of Fisheries decided to stock trout in the river from Carpenter's Dam down to Red
Bridge. The fishermen in our area were quite happy about this. Shortly after, several fishermen from Meriden got
photo wishes and more! together and formed the Quinnipiac River Water Association. I was invited to join the organization and was elected to
represent Meriden on the commission. We had members from Southington, Cheshire, Meriden, Wallingford, and also
North Haven. Our goal was to clean up as much of the river as we could and to improve the quality of the water.
Our Late November - December issue Mike Roberts was also one of the group representing Meriden and was responsible for getting donations from all the
comes out on November 27th and the towns to keep the organization going, and also getting new members to join. The State Board of Fisheries now stocks
submission deadline is November the river with a good many rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
The Meriden Rod and Gun Club also helps by putting many large sized trout in the river, and tags them so that when
20th. someone catches one, he will get a prize from one of the bait stores. When the fishing starts in April, it is hard to find a
likable place to fish as some of the fishermen set up camp the night before in their favorite spot. I do not go there on
Our annual “Holiday Magic” issue opening day, as it is too crowded.
comes out on December 11th and the I have been informed that the State is now stocking trout in the river from Yalesville to Wallingford, and a few fish-
ermen have caught some nice trout from here. I hope some day in the future the quality of the water in the river is made
submission deadline is December 4th. suitable for swimming also. I would like to see Hanover Pond dredged and made suitable for boating and swimming.
Don’t forget to send your Holiday
Photo Wish - look for the form in this
issue!
There are several ways to submit:
Email: dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com
Web: www.peoplespressnews.com
Fax to: 203.294.8808
Mail: The People’s Press
P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
For Advertising
Deadlines call
203.464.3088!

Annual Meeting of Meriden Children First
On October 17, the Meriden Children First Initiative (CFI) held its annual
meeting. More than 130 of Meriden's finest parent and community leaders
were in attendance at the Curtis Cultural Center to celebrate the year's
progress, welcome the 2008 CFI Board of Directors, and preview 2008 issue
priorities. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the first-ever
Meriden Preschool Teacher of the Year (St. Andrew's Cindy Eddy) and this
year's Children Champions. Two groups were recognized for their efforts to
improve the lives of Meriden children and families: the children's department
of the Meriden Public Library (Kathie Matsil, Sandy Olson, and Sherry Breton
) and the Hubbard Park Playground Committee (Dawn N-Reynolds, Joan
Goodman and Maryann Santos).
The event concluded with a debate of candidates running for the Meriden
Board of Education. The debate was co-sponsored by the Meriden Federation
of Teachers, the Meriden-Wallingford NAACP, the Greater Meriden Chamber
of Commerce, and the Record-Journal. For more information about Meriden
Children First, call 630-3566 or visit www.meridenchildrenfirst.org PLEASE
NOTE THAT IN THE NEXT ISSUE WE WILL BE DOING A FULL STORY ON MERIDEN
CHILDREN FIRST INITIATIVE. YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT ALL THEY DO AND ALL
THE PROGRAMS THEY SUPPORT FOR ALL!
The Senior Buddy Readers Program Seeks Volunteers
The Senior Buddy Readers intergenerational mentoring & literacy program
is currently seeking volunteers for the 2006-2007 school year. Active retirees
are needed to help first and second grade students improve their reading skills.
The program runs from October through the end of May and takes place in six
of Meriden's elementary schools: Ben Franklin, Casimir Pulaski, Hanover,
Israel Putnam, Nathan Hale and Thomas Hooker schools. Anyone interested in
sharing one hour a week mentoring a child is invited to call the office of
Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566. Make a difference in the life
of a child…become a Senior Buddy Reader volunteer!
(The Senior Buddy Readers program is sponsored by nonprofit Meriden
Children First Initiative and is supported financially through foundation grants
and local business donations.)
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 25
Our Family Trip to Sesame Place
By Amy Benigni
This summer we packed our bags and loaded the SUV for an excur-
sion to Sesame Place in Pennsylvania. With carriages, pack-n-plays,
diapers, and toys in tow we began our journey. With Bria in one car
seat and Blake in the other, we quickly left our home on our way to
visit Elmo and friends. Bria held on to Elmo and Big Bird as we con-
tinued down the Merritt Parkway. Mark and I were soon to find out
that a trip with two youngsters would present some challenges, but
many rewards.
Our daughter Bria loves Elmo and the Sesame Street gang. She has
two Elmo dolls, an Elmo chair, and Elmo pajamas too. For weeks,
Mark would ask Bria, "Do you want to go see Elmo?" Bria would
respond with a big smile as she said "Ya"! We arrived in Pennsylvania,
minutes from Sesame Place, on a warm summer night at about 10:00
p.m. With both children sleeping, we quietly prepared for our first
night's stay. At about 6:30 a.m. the next morning, Bria woke up and
proceeded to wake Blake up too. We were ready for our big day with
Elmo and friends.
As we pulled up to the park, I could see Bria's excitement as she saw a towering Elmo in the sky. As Mark took Bria
on a few rides, I fed Blake and snapped a few pictures to remember our family visit to Sesame Place. Whether it was
the slide, the rocking boat, or the parachutes, Bria was all smiles. We also took Bria to the padded playground so she
could run around and play with other youngsters. Now it was time for lunch and the Elmo show. After a quick lunch,
we entered the theater for the Elmo show. We sat in the back row and Mark held Bria while I sat with Blake. As the
music began and Elmo hit the stage, Bria was clapping, dancing, and trying to make her way to the stage.
After the show, it was my turn to take Bria to the water park. As sprinklers shot water in all directions, Bria ran from
one water spout to the next. She loved the water and was fascinated by all the spinklers. As Mark watched Blake, get-
ting himself a tan and keeping Blake out of the sun, I enjoyed the water activities with my daughter. Before leaving the
water area, Mark took Bria on the tube slide for a plunge into the rapids.
After a full day at the park, we returned to our hotel for some rest and relaxation before returning for dinner with
Elmo and friends and the Sesame Place parade. The dinner celebration gave Bria an opportunity to see all her favorite
Sesame characters up close and personal. She got her picture taken with Elmo and became quite fond of Ernie. After

The Colors of Fall and more...

dinner, we took our place along the parade route. Bria clapped as her favorite characters passed by. Mark and I
clapped as we celebrated a terrific family trip to Elmo's home, Sesame Place.

LeeAnn
Meriden Public Library News
LOCAL AUTHOR AND ADVENTURER CAPTAIN BILL PINKNEY TO SIGN COPIES OF HIS AUTOBIOG-
RAPHY NOVEMBER 7 - Meriden Public Library will host a special appearance by William "Bill" Pinkney, Meriden

Rousseau author of AS LONG AS IT TAKES, which is his autobiography on Wednesday, November 7 at 4:00 p.m.
Captain Bill Pinkney will sign copies of his book, field questions about his forty plus years at sea and show a video
about his solo voyage around the world. Of the five Americans who have sailed solo around the world via Cape Horn,
Independent only one is African-American and lives in Meriden, Connecticut. He is Captain William "Bill" Pinkney of Meriden.
Though a Chicago native, Pinkney came to Connecticut in 1998 to be a part of the creation of the state's Sailing
Avon Ambassador: Freedom Schooner Amistad. Upon completion of the ships, he served as Master until his retirement in

Representative
2003. Bill Pinkney then married a Meriden resident and bought a home here. The Captain travels the country speaking
to schools, organizations and corporations about the lessons learned at sea. In addition Captain Bill hosts a weekly
radio on WLIS-WMRD AM (Middletown/Old Saybrook) called "The Maritime Scene". While living in Meriden he
completed his second book about his solo circumnavigation, the book has been hailed as a "an inspirational book to
Call compare with any on the market today" by award winning writer Maya Angelou. AS LONG AS IT TAKES (Bunker
Hill Publishing), the 2006 John Southam Award winner, is Pinkney's autobiography. Spanning the years from child-
203.235.4587 hood through his incredible 32,000 mile sailing adventure, the story tells of the idea that started as a dream of adven-
ture in seventh grade, and became a floating class room for students and a benchmark for his grandchildren. The John
Visit me online at www.youravon.com/leerousseau Southam Award has been presented annually since 1993 by Sail America for excellence in marine communications.
The program is free and the public is invited to attend. Free registration is requested by calling (203) 630-6349, by
Political Advertisement sending an email to: comsvc@hotmail.com or by signing up at the library online calendar at www.meridenlibrary.org
For you, your family DR. KANE TO DISCUSS "AGING GRACEFULLY" NOVEMBER 14
Meriden Public Library will host a special appearance by naturopathic physician Dr. Michael Kane of the Connecticut
and for Meriden! Center for Health on Wednesday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. His topic will be "Aging Gracefully". Everyone is invited
to attend. As the baby boomers age they become one of the largest population groups to face the challenges of old age.
Osteoporosis, heart disease, joint failures, and cognitive decline are some of the conditions that can prevent the enjoy-
ment of retirement or the later years of life. Come and join our lecture on how to age gracefully where our local natur-
opathic physician Dr. Michael Kane will lecture on the "Natural" proactive measures you can take to support your body
in the aging process. Graduating from Bastyr University in 1996, Dr. Kane joined the Connecticut Center for Health in
Middletown. Since then he has focused his attention on the basic powerful principles of this medicine. The principles
of nature cure. Support and treatment with nutrition, homeopathy and botanical medicine as well as mind-body-soul
work will also be discussed. He encourages his patients to ask themselves each day "If I were to take complete care of
myself, what would I do today?" and he challenges them to knock down the barriers that get in the way of doing just
Patricia D. Lynes that. The program is free and the public is invited to attend. Since seating is limited, free registration is requested by
calling (203) 630-6349, sending an email to: comsvc@hotmail.com or by signing up online at the library calendar at
Democrat for City Council at Large www.meridenlibrary.org

Patricia is about ACTION. She acts on We are proud to be celebrating

YOUR needs & what Meriden needs!
our 103rd year in the fruit
* Created the “Litter Committee” to clean
up our beautiful city! growing business! 1904-22007
* Serving as a Committee Member for
Find out why by stopping by!
National Night Out.
* An active supporter of Neighborhood
HONEYCRISP Pears
Associations and the Council of APPLES & Apples
in the
Neighborhoods. ARE HERE!!!!
Explosively Crisp Country
*Expanded the Community Clean-Up Days
to include FREE DUMP DAYS!
and Extremely
* Worked with the Housing Department to
Delicious. Discover the
Store
make sure that the Anti-Blight Ordinance
history and beauty Bosc Pears
is enforced and making our city safer. Everyone’s Gala
Favorite! of Blue Hills
* Active involement with the Health
Orchard & OUR McIntosh
Department to take advantage of grants
that improve the quality of life for ALL FRESH Jonagold
Meriden citizens.
SWEET CIDER Cortland
* Actively supported the Neighborhood Also Macoun
Initiative Officers
Frozen Pies, Jams, Opalescent
Moving Forward Together... Pickles, Jellies, Empire
I promise to continue the efforts I have begun and to work
Maple Syrup, etc. Honeycrisp
New Hours Delicious
together with Mayor Benigni and my fellow Councilors. Fri, Sat from 10-6 Mutsu
To me, it’s always been about You and it always will be! Sunday from 11-4
VOTE DEMOCRATIC ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH
This message approved by Patricia. Paid for by Friends of Lynes, Emil Altobello - Treasurer
141 Blue Hills Rd., Wallingford 2 Country blocks west of the Oakdale Theater (203) 269-3189
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 26

Holiday Meal Food Safety Tips What you need to know!

Submitted by the Wallingford Health Department
Holidays are here! And with the holidays comes food, lots of food. High protein, high moisture foods such as turkey
Moonlight Blues Gala A Huge Success
present the potential for a food borne illness. Follow the "turkey basics" for a safe holiday.
Keep all refrigerated foods cold; thaw frozen food in the refrigerator not on the kitchen counter. Generally, it takes There was a warm reception at the Aqua Turf
24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. If you don't have enough time, thaw under running water on Saturday, October 13, as 484 of MidState's
for about 30 minutes per pound. employees, physicians, board of directors, fam-
Cook a fresh turkey within 2 days of purchase. ily, friends, and sponsors turned out for the
If you are cooking a stuffed turkey, mix the ingredients just before it goes in the turkey and stuff loosely, about 3/4 Moonlight Blues Gala.
cup per pound of turkey. An amazing time was had by all with danc-
Always use a thermometer when cooking, do not rely on time alone to know when your meal is ready. The bird is ing to music from Eight to the Bar and the
done when it reaches 180 degrees F in the innermost thigh and a stuffed bird should reach 165 degrees in the center of Blues Brothers look-a-likes. Guests also feast-
the stuffing. Remember that a stuffed bird takes longer to cook. ed on great food like fresh sushi, beef tender-
Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 degrees F.
loin, and smashed potatoes from the "potini
What about all those leftovers? Always reheat to 165 degrees F. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly in small shal-
low containers and wrap tightly. How long should you keep your leftovers? bar."
Refrigerator: Frozen: What was even more amazing was the gen-
Cooked turkey 3-4 days Turkey slices/pieces 4 mos erous support the Auxiliary received for the
Stuffing and gravy 1-2 days Turkey with gray 6 mos.
event. Funds raised totaled approximately $98,000! This almost doubles the
other dishes 3-4 days Stuffing 1 mo.
You should also have plenty of fresh cut vegetables on hand for those in-between meal munchies. Try to incorporate money raised in 2003 at the Moonlight Harvest Ball. The money comes
some holiday spirit that doesn't focus on food. Why not take a walk after the meal before the pie. You can have a safe from a variety of sources including sponsorships, ticket sales, and auction
and healthy holiday! Put a gift certificate to a local gym on your Christmas wish list or a new pair of sneakers. items.
For more information contact the Wallingford Health Dept at 294-2065 or the toll free USDA Meat and Poultry "We're excited that the event was such a huge success. The gala is one of
Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. We also have FREE magnets with Safe Food Temperatures so you won't forget. Stop by our signature fundraising events, and this year the support was over the
Wallingford Town hall, rm. 215 today. top," said Gail Millerick, Director of Development.
The gala is held biannually even though planning beings well over a year
Meriden Movers November Group Walk Schedule in advance. It will be hard to top this year's event next time around, but we
Submitted by the Meriden Health Department know the MidState Medical Auxiliary and Development team will make
Meriden Movers, a community walking program, will meet at the Platt High School track twice a week starting
next year's event as memorable as this one.
November 6, 2007.
The group will meet Tuesdays, from 10:00am-11:00am, and Thursdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm. Many thanks to all those who contributed to the success of the Moonlight
In the case of bad weather (rain or snow), the walk will be cancelled. Blues Gala. Until next time…
All Meriden residents are encouraged to attend. The walk is done at your own pace. Wear comfortable clothing

Leaf Your Car Care To Us!

(dress for the weather); bring a water bottle and a pedometer if you have one. Additional pedometers and walking logs
will be available at each walk.
Meriden Movers is a walking program started by the Meriden Health Department. The program encourages all
Meriden residents to walk for better health. The program is funded by the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford ven-
ture grant program.
For more information, please call Lea Crown, Health Educator, at 630-4238.

ONLY 2 ISSUES LEFT TO ENTER!

Now is the time to come to Rousseau’s to

Winterize - before snow hits your eyes.
Don’t get stuck on the road!

Rousseau’s
Auto Repair
Complete Auto Repair
Family Owned... Family Friendly Since 1954
Find Out Why by Stopping Down Today!
369 Cook Ave., Meriden
235-2561

Come see for yourself the most festive
Holiday Fair in town!
The Ladies of St. Anne Society will host their annual fair at St. Laurent
Church, 121 Camp St. Meriden on Sat. Nov. 17th (10 AM - 6 PM) and Sun.
Nov. 18th (8 AM - 10 AM). Come on Saturday to get the best variety of
baked goods from our Cookie Walk"! Browse the crafters/vendor tables where
you'll be able to purchase Avon products, baby quilts and bibs, cemetery
boxes, dolls, knitted scarves and baby blankets, Christmas wreaths, decora-
tions and ornaments, jewelry, and homemade green tomato relish, cranberry
relish, and Gifts-in-a- Jar from our own "St. Anne's Pantry" (with prices start-
ing at just $1.00) and much, much more. Then you'll want to stay grab a
snack or stay for lunch at the "Candy Cane Cafe". This year's menu includes
beverages, donuts, hot dogs, sandwiches, hot soups and a slice of French meat
pie. Before you leave be sure to buy some chances for the basket raffle. The
drawing will be held on Sunday morning at 10 AM. There's plenty of free
off-street parking in the back of the church - just follow the signs!
Diabetic Retinopathy
Thursday, November 15, 2007 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. MidState Medical Center 435
Lewis Avenue Meriden, CT, 06450 Horwitz Conference Rooms I and II.
Please join Andrew Epstein, MD, for a discussion on diabetes and eye
health. Dr. Epstein practices ophthalmology and will discuss different types of
diabetic retinopathy, how the eye is examined for diabetes, and how diabetic
retinopathy is treated. Pre-registration is required for this program. To register,
call 203-694-8785
Autumn Cornucopia
With its assortment of fall flowers, cattails, fresh
apples and miniature corn, this beautiful cornu-
copia will add great taste to any table setting.
Gerberas, sunflowers, cattails, miniature
Indian corn and fresh apples arrive in a wicker
cornucopia
Rose Flowers
and Gifts
Gifts, Gourmet Baskets and of course our
famous Flowers
232 West Main Street in Meriden
203-235-5759 www.roseflowersgifts.com
Delivery to all of Central Connecticut
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 27
THE WORLD OF THE REVEREND THEOPHILUS HALL, AM
Part 2 of a 3 part series By Ken Cowing
YALE COLLEGE - This first pastor of the church in Meriden was born in Wallingford, April 1, 1707, and was the son
of Samuel and Love (Royce) Hall. He was the oldest of six children. Theophilus Gall married Hannah Avery, and they
had seven children. One son, Rev. . Avery Hall, was the Pastor of a church in Rochester, New York, and one daughter,
Eunice, married the Rev. Andrew Lee of Lisbon, Connecticut.
Theophilus Hall was described as being small of stature and slight of physique. Two hundred and sixty years ago,
such a description would have indicated that he was not more than five feet tall, since the height of the average man at
that time was less than five feet, five inches. Slight of physique did not mean that a person was weak. In this case, we
can assume that Hall had a lean and wiry build that is often identified with New England. He owned farm property,
and like most of the men of that time he was no stranger to physical labor. One of his peers described him as having
"suavity of temper and dignity of manners combined with the greatest affability!! He was persuaded of the truth of
Christianity and was deeply sensible of its importance. Hs was much esteemed as a preacher with great firmness and
stability and a zealous advocate for civil and religious liberty."
His original salary was 50 pounds per annum and firewood. It was raised to 54 pounds and firewood in 1757, and
later raised to 70 pounds and firewood. Often problems with the local economy required the community to pay Hall in
provisions in lieu of cash. The following rates were set by the bushel: wheat, 4 shillings; rye, 2 shillings; and corn, 2
shillings.
Fortunately he had other means of support. He owned over five hundred acres of land in the Meriden, Southington
and Killingworth areas, and he owned most of the land in the area that is now 'Broad, East Main, Curtis and Liberty
Streets. He gave the land to the church which was the site of the second meeting house. The third meeting house that
was built in 1830 is in the same area. He also gave the land across the street from the church for the construction of
Sabbath houses. (Church service in those days was al all day affair, and the houses were a place to rest and have lunch
after a sermon that usually lasted two or three hours.) When the second meeting house was built, he advanced the sum
of 150 pounds.
The colonies of New England were close to becoming a complete theocracy - a Bible community. The English
colonists had moved to Connecticut from the Massachusetts Colony for freedom of religion - for themselves. Christ's
Church in Meriden Parish of Wallingford was the established church. No other religious services could be held without
their permission. In fact, the Meriden church was established only after the Assembly in New Haven gave permission.
One of the requirements was permission from the surrounding communities to form a separate religious society. Only
church members could vote, own land or hold public office. Everyone was required to support the church regardless of
any other religious persuasion. Quakers were not welcome and could be put to death if they practiced their beliefs in
public.
Eventually this changed when the Great Awakening swept through the Connecticut Valley. One of the many changes
was the separation of church and state. Individual churches gained their own autonomy and ecclesiastical government
came to an end. Hall held his congregation together during this controversy. It required strong leadership, an ability to
consider both sides of the controversy and a genuine regard for the welfare of his congregation. When a minister was
hired by a congregation, he was not accountable to them but to the governing body of the colony. The freedom of the
individual began to emerge, and although it was not immediately evident, the effects were far reaching. It eventually
led to the independence of the English Colonies from the mother country. Theophilus Hall was in fact the only leader
in Meriden at the age of twenty-one.
Rev. Hall was a slave owner as was nearly every minister and a person of affluence in the colonies. It seems to us
today, a contradiction for a man of God or any Christian to own slaves. However, the seventeenth and eighteenth cen-
turies were cruel, harsh times, and slavery had been a way of life for hundreds of years.
Theophilus Hall was a man of his time and a member of the establishment. It was understood and accepted that any-
one who entered the clergy profession had other means of financial support. As a group, the clergy owned many acres
of farmland and depended on slave labor. Existing records show the affluence and land ownership.
The demand for labor in the colonies reached a critical state and slavery was considered the only solution. It was
and it precipitated one of the greatest tragedies in our history that has never been completely resolved.
The period during Hall's lifetime was the end of an era that included severe inhumane punishment for crimes com-
mitted against the colony.
Public humiliation and disfigurement were quite common. A person could be flogged at the whipping post on the
community green in front of the meeting house. Sitting in the stocks or standing at a pillory be a convicted offender
was an invitation to the public to give the offender physical and verbal abuse.
At the main entrance of the meeting house an offender would be forced to sit on the Remittence Stool with a sign
hung around his neck indicating his crime. I The first offence as a forger was branded on the thumb with the letter "F".
A third offence as a forger would require that the ear lobe be clipped.
But the practice of slavery remained during Hall's life. After his death in 1787, the attitude began to change.
It is true that some families treated their slaves with affection and considered them members of the family. They
were, but they were still slaves and were considered property. The status of slaves in the family was the same as a
household pet.
How can we, today, judge Reverend Hall? Only more knowledge of his attitude towards life in the Eighteenth
Century can give us only an idea of what life was like then.
What will someone say about our lifestyles two hundred years from now? As someone once said, "History can be a
harsh judge!"
Fifty-four years later, another clergyman assumed the responsibility as pastor of the same church. The story of
'Reverend George W. Perkins will follow. Slaves again, played a prominent role in the history of this church.
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,
but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Call Mary Anne TODAY to
book your holiday party!
Call 203-6
608-7
7115!
275 Research Parkway (203) 238-2380

The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 28
Augusta Curtis Cultural Center
Upcoming Events
Tom Bruenn & ACCC present Con Brio
Thursday, November 01, 2007 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Con Brio will perform classical music with a 5 piece
string quintet... Admission Free, donations appreciated.
"Seniors Art Show"
Seniors Have Dreams Too! Thursday, November 08, 2007
5:30pm Save the Date!!! More info to follow.... For
more info call Sally Smith @203-265-5801
Annual Augusta Auction
Augusta Curtis Cultural Center & Nest Egg Auctions
located at30 Research Parkway
Meriden, CT 06450
Saturday, November 10, 2007 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Central CT's favorite auction will be held at Nest Egg
Auctions this year on Research Parkway.. Live Auction
featuring Nest Egg Auction's own Carl Brechlin as
Auctioneer!! 6:00pm Connoisseur Coffee & Delectable
Desserts served to invited guests and table reservations at
$20 per person. 7:00 Doors open to the public. 7:30
Auction Begins
Live auctions items available.....Trips, Furniture, Celebrity
Memorabilia, art, antiques, and so much more.........Save
the date to support the Arts & Cultural Center of Meriden.
On Oct. 25th we will be having an open donation drop off
at 30 Research Parkway (Nest Egg Gallery) from 4 to
7.....We need you to donate some of your treasurers.
Donated items may be eligible for tax deduction.
Holiday Tree & Item Display Silent Auction
Saturday, November 10, 2007 through Wednesday,
December 05, 2007 - Trees will be on display at all
Events @ The Center There is no admission fee to view
the trees.....Center will be open daily Nov. 29th through
Dec. 4th from 11am to 8pm for viewing. All other days
please call for times. Tree Opening ceremony will be
from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, Nov.10th featuring the
S.W.E.E.T Potato Society Bake-Off...
Come out and see this beautiful display of trees,
wreaths, and centerpieces donated by local businesses and
non-profit organizations all over the City of Meriden. Bid
on your favorite item for yourself or a special gift for the
Holidays, if you have the winning bid items from the
Holiday Auction can be picked up on Dec. 5th & 6th....
Come and view the display just to get into the Holiday
spirit and bring some friends!!! Support your local non-
profit by bidding on their tree, wreath or centerpiece.
They get half of the proceeds that there item brings in...
Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra "Open
House & Concert"
ACCC & CCCYO Sunday, November 18, 2007 2:00 pm
to 4:00 pm Thanksgiving Concert....Call Katrina for more
information @ 203-235-7445
White Lites Brite Nites
WLBN Committee & ACCC
Friday, November 23, 2007 5:30pm to 9:30pm
An enchanted evening for the whole family to benefit the
American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer Research
& Awareness. Entry fee $35 per person and includes a
luminary bag. 4 pack fee $125 and includes 4 luminary
bags. Family Ribbon for Tree $20 per ribbon, and lumi-
nary bags $5 per bag.
The evening includes a Lite Fare, Luminary Bags,
White Elephant Table, Christmas Tree by Murdy & Sons,
Kettle Corn, and Coffee & Hot Chocolate by Dolce Cafe.
Entertainment Provided by: Sean & Kelley Moore, The
Valley Shore Chorus, and Sr. Marie Roccapriore's "Spirit
Joy" Youth Musical Group...For more information, please
call Teresa Vitelli @ 860-347-7772
"What is in The Words"
S.W.E.E.T Potato Society in conjunction with ACCC
Wednesday, November 28, 2007 6:00pm to 9:00pm
S.W.E.E.T Potato Society in conjunction with the ACCC
presents "What is in The Words", Spoken Word ....."At
The Augusta". Caberet Style Event BYOB & BYOF
$15.00 per person or $100 per table of 8. For more infor-
mation call Floresia at: 203- 715-1758 or 203-238-5380.
This is a 27 and older event and Poets & Writers must
register before speaking. $5.00 entry for speaking. BYOF
& BYOB Music provided during intermission. Meet and
greet with poets and writers.
Augusta Curtis Concert Band Holiday Concert
Monday, December 10, 2007 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location to be announced...
All events take place at the Augusta Curtis Cultural
Center located at 175 East Main Street in Meriden unless
noted otherwise.
If you like the water, you'll love T.I.D.E.
What's T.I.D.E.? Totally Integrated Dynamic Exercise!
A low resistance workout. Strength training Core body
strengthening Aerobic fitness An excellent cross- training
accent to other aerobic fitness classes. Set to music All
fitness levels welcome! Come join in the fun and exercise
with Maura on Tuesday nights in the Therapy Pool.
7:35PM-8:30PM - Tuesday nights. FREE to Wallingford
Y members $10/ per class for guests or $55 for a 7
week session.
Highland Elementary School PTO Craft Fair
The Highland Elementary School PTO (200 Highland
Avenue, Wallingford, CT) will hold its 24th annual Craft
Fair on Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 9 AM to 3 PM
at the school. Featured crafts include jewelry, wreaths,
holiday ornaments, woodworking, original art work, ani-
mal treats, wall hangings, scarves, bags, doll clothes,
books, glassware, florals, clothing, jams, jellies, candy,
gourmet mixes, quilts, matted photographs, cards, etc.
Refreshments will be available including homemade
apple crisp. For more information contact Carole Eager
at (203) 314-3413 or Highland School at (203) 949-0121.
Adoption: How to get Started!
Sponsored by: Child Adoption Resource Association, a non-profit full service
adoption agency located in New London serving all of Connecticut
Free Informational Sessions for People Interested in Finding Out more
about Adoption: Wednesday, November 7th 7:00 to 8:00 PM Borders Books
and Music Café 470 Lewis Ave. Suite 7000 Meriden, CT. A CARA social
worker will explain different types of adoption and offer a step-by-step outline
to adopting a child. Adopting a child from Connecticut state foster care
through Project Connecticut's Child, a grant funded free adoption program,
will be discussed, as well as international and domestic infant adoption.
Participants will leave with a folder of resources to help guide families, cou-
ples, or individuals wishing to adopt www.adoptacarakid.org or 860-444-0553
for more information or to schedule a one on one adoption inquiry meeting at
the CARA offices in New London. No registration required!
NATHAN HALE'S 4TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Many Handmade Crafts, Homemade Chocolates & Candy, Homemade Cookie
Walk, and don't forget to visit SANTA!!! FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2007 -
277 Atkins Street Ext., Meriden, CT 06450 Set-Up: 4:00 p.m. Fair Hours:
5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. CRAFTERS NEEDED TABLE PRICE $ 20 PLUS
DONATION OF ONE CRAFT ITEM FOR RAFFLE CONTACT JENNIFER
DAY for Registration Details @ 237-4775 (leave message in mailbox # 2) OR
by email: cricket0302@yahoo.com
What you need to know!
Southwest Conservation District Awards
Special Awards were for Outstanding Individuals within New Haven and
Fairfield Counties:
2007 Citizen Conservationist Award to Joseph De Risi of Hamden for
years of service to the region and continuing efforts to preserve, conserve
and protect the resources of our state.
2007 New Haven County Cooperator to Joseph Geremia of Wallingford.
Recognized Geremia Greenhouses for efforts in implementing energy and
micro irrigation techniques with latest best available technologies in flood
floor fertilization and irrigation installation in the greenhouse operations.
2007 Fairfield County Cooperator to John Plasko of Trumbull.
Recognized Plasko Farms for efforts in implementing low consumption
irrigation practices through the installation of drip-lines in the greenhouses
and agricultural fields while promoting the sound stewardship of your land
and preserving the rich farming heritage of New England.
Photo by Ellie Tessmer

Apple & Pear Picking while in Season

We are a local family
farm offering apples,
pears, fresh cider, pump-
kins, vegetables, flowers
and herbs in the Fall.
We also offer boxes of
fruit, vegetables and
fresh cider in the Winter.
We invite you to come
visit us and taste the dif- Group Hayrides available with beautiful views of
ference of our high qual- the hills and valleys of Wallingford and Meriden.
ity products! Twi-night Rides and Bonfires also available.

The BEST and

BIGGEST
P u mp k i n s a re
p e r fe c t fo r
Thanksgiving
D e c o ra t i o n s ! Come see this amazing plant in beautiful
maroon that we now offer seeds for. We
won’t tell you what it is as you have to see
it to believe it. NO ONE ELSE HAS IT BUT
NOW YOU CAN HAVE IT TOO!!!
Directions
We are located off I-91 at Exit 15, Rt. 68. Go east
500 feet and take a left on Research Parkway. Go 1
mile, take a right on Thorpe Avenue. Go 3/4 mile,
bear right onto Fleming Road and go to the top of
the hill
From Meriden:
Take East Main Street. Go right onto Thorpe
Avenue. Go 2 miles and take a left onto Fleming
Road to the top of the hill.

170 Fleming Road in Meriden 203 294-0276

 The People’s Press November 2007 Page 29
to stick to your guns and make the gal earn her paycheck.
DEAR HOUSEWIVES - CENTRAL CONNECTICUT’S KNOW IT ALL GALS BOOK REVIEW
Dear Housewives,
FLORA: "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is an
I have lost faith in life and "God". I believe in neither anymore and
incredible book that takes you to her home land, Nigeria during the 60's and
feel lost searching.
70's. It tells a tale of the Nigerian-Biafra War. The book centralizes on the
Empty in Wallingford
lives of three people and how their lives are affected by colonization and the
FLORA: Dear Friend in Wallingford. I hope I have words for you to
brutality of a civil war. For some reason, I never learned about Africa in
give you hope in a life and God that can fill you up. First I have to say
school. Sure we learned about Egypt but that was pretty much it. There is so
that if you are suffering from depression call your physician and be
much history in Africa that American children miss out on.
totally honest with your feelings. Your doctor can guide you to a thera-
By reading novels like "Half of a yellow Sun" I was drawn into Nigeria and
pist and psychiatrist if medication and talk therapy are needed.
now have a better understanding of the Igbo people, and how they were
Depression is treatable. Calling 211 can lead you in the right direction
affected by British colonization and the horrors of their civil war.
too.
JUNE: Okay Flora, I could barely get through the description much less the
Another direction you can go is up. Lifting your eyes up to the all
gazzzillion pages that this book must be. (If it was a full orange sun perhaps.)
powerful, can do anything God. You can pray to God and say "I am
I also think that American children should finish learning about American
powerless. I realize I cannot change without your help. Show me Lord
issues and history before we move on to a distant continent. Many kids can't
and help me change my heart. I ask this in your precious name.
answer simple questions about America. Anyway, a book a slightly different
Amen".
speed is a book called "Forensic Files" by Dr. Henry Lee. My friend urged
There are some things that you can try. Go and invest in a Bible. Not just any Bible but an NIV Study Bible. There is
me to read this book which lays out five different forensic cases (Scott
a great one by Zondervan Publishers. NIV is short for New International Version which gives you God's word with a
Peterson, Michael Peterson (no relation to Scott) and the kidnapped Elizabeth
contemporary translation.
Smart just to name a few. Anyway, this book offers a breakdown of the evi-
Some people find that journaling their feelings helps them receive their faith back. Did something happen to you or
dence as well as a mini lesson on blood spatter and crime scene analysis.
someone you care about that caused these feelings? Write things out and ask God to help you. You said that you lost
Easy read and pretty interesting and hey, it is even set in this decade. What a
faith in God so you had faith at some point. Try the Bible, journaling and prayer. Put God first and things will turn
treat, right Flora?!
around. It is promised to you. Let us know how you make out. We care.
JUNE: Wow, first of all, thanks Flora for bible time. I felt like I should start clapping as I read your answer. I guess I
shouldn't be silly this is a serious matter, especially since our writer sounds truly upset by their feelings. Don't forget to send your own personal holiday wish to
I am sorry to hear you feel empty but I am not sure purchasing a bible will help that feeling much less reading your kids, Mom & Dad, Grandparents, Friends and
through it. Without getting into a religious "thing" here I can only say that your life is making you feel this way not even your pets. Look for the form on page 5. Another
belief in God or lack of belief. If you were religious before you may want to speak to your priest or clergyman or head FREE service from The People's Press
of your church. You may need a doctor to evaluate you in case something chemical is going on. If something traumat-
ic has recently happened you should seek a psychologist or psychiatrist. Maybe even getting away on a small trip for a
change of scenery to think about what is important to you may be of help. Please, if you feel dire and like not living at
any point get immediate help. Things will always change and you need to be "around" to see how.
SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS
Dear Housewives,
I am a Vegetarian and I am dreading Thanksgiving and what I have to deal with from my family and the dishes they
COLLECTIBLES
make for me and how they stare at me all dinner to see if I like it. How do I get them to get over it?
Suffering Stuffing in Meriden STAMPS • COVERS • COINS • TOKENS
JUNE: I won't go on with my opinion on vegetarianism but I will say this--by now everyone in your family knows
your choice I am sure. It seems a little hysterical that you feel you have to "deal" with the dishes and staring. There is
PAPER MONEY • POSTCARDS • HOBBY SUPPLIES
nothing to deal with it is Thanksgiving and this is what people do; they make dishes and look at each other. Please,
bring your own food and have them make you a dish of the veggies and potatoes and cranberry sauce and whatever 41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451
main part you would make at home to eat, eat it with relatives. Stop stressing about something so silly.
FLORA: Dear Vegetarian, How are you suffering if your family is accommodating you by making you dishes to satis- (203) 235-7634
fy your dietary requirements? Before they start to stare at you, why don't you tell them how grateful you are that they
made something for you and compliment them. Have you thought about making a bringing a delicious homemade veg-
etarian dish to share?
JUNE: Don't waste your hummus and thyme if there are no other vegetarians. A Voyage of Discovery - Paris to Prague
Sound Off
FLORA: O.K. folks, Flora had her feathers ruffled this morning. I went to the unnamed cable company in Meriden,
With many amazing
CT and politely asked for a copy of the channel guide. I explained to them that I tried going on-line and printing it from stops along the way. Join
home but the file was very big and jammed up our printer. The woman opened a drawer, pulled out a paper and said us for a 12 day cruise
she needed to make more copies and would return. Eight minutes (I counted after she was taking a while...) later she
came out and said that they did not have one. I then said to her " Aren't you the cable company, if anyone would have a and tour aboard the
channel list, I thought it would be you. and can you explain why you had pages to photo copy and now you tell me you Viking Fontaine from
don't have a listing?" She said that she looked closer at the pages and it was not the channel guide. She then said "actu-
ally you should go on-line and print it out myself. We don't do this type of thing here". Well, I felt my feathers start to
April 24 - May 6, 2008
ruffle and there was a rage in my cage.... I took a deep breath and said that I will like to leave here today with my chan-
nel guide and reminded her that I did try to print out the guide at home without any luck. A moment later she returned 105 Hanover Street in Meriden
with my guide. 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516
Oof, Flora, sorry you had such a cruddy experience at the old cable company. I have a good sound off. Be ready next Email: ktwinc@aol.com
month. Glad you got your guide. Seems like a no brainer they should be the ones to give it to you. Duh, right? Way www.kingtravelways.com

Crafters Wanted
November 17, 2007 9 am to 2 pm Wallingford Park & Rec Department A reminder that during the Holidays, some
things should never be seen together.
Sponsored by: Kinder Garden Learning Center Call 269-1938 for an applica-
tion & information
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month!
Colony Opticians
The Complete Optical Experience!
Please
don’t
Drink
and
Drive!

Pass the keys to a safe driver and always remember that

your family and friends really want to see you again!

Better Vision is within your sight!

COLONY O PTICIANS
60 Church St. (Rt. 68) &
O ptometrists
Wallingford 203-265-2205 Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry
The People’s Press • November 2007 • Page 30
It has been an unchallengeable American doctrine that cranberry sauce, a pink
goo with overtones of sugared tomatoes, is a delectable necessity of the
Thanksgiving board and that turkey is uneatable without it. ~Alistair Cooke
What you need to know!
The Wallingford Garden Club and Wallingford Center Inc have a joint pro-
ject in the beautification of Wallingford’s Public and Civic Gardens. The
Wallingford Garden Club maintains the gardens at Johanne Manfreda
Fishbein Gazebo, Crescent Garden across the street, Wallingford Police
Station, Julia H Roude Herb Garden at the Historical Society, Pond
Hill/South Elm Street and Wallingford Community Day Care Center.
Wallingford Center Inc maintains the plantings on Simpson Court, contain-
ers on Center Street and Railroad Station. Tuesday mornings the
Wallingford Garden Club Civic group can be seen working spring through
fall. Special Thanks to coordinator Caryl Ryan, Marilyn Ulizio and the
many faithful volunteers: Fran Zemke, Clare Clark, Helen Daney, Eileen
Eccles, Carole Golitko, Lillian Hefka, Shirley Krampitz, Doris Linton, Fran
Pellegrino, Chris Walsh, Lillian Weaver, Carolyn Heine and Barbara
Garvey. Maryon Lindholm does the containers at the Wallingford Senior
Center. Ellie Tessmer assists at the Agnes B Campos Memorial Bird and
Butterfly Garden as well as the Federated Garden Club I 91 Wildflower
Garden at Exit 15 Rest Stop. Special thanks to all you ladies who have
directly kept Wallingford bright and beautiful and supported the
Wallingford Gardeners Market during the summer months, especially Fran
Zemke.
Fran Zemke with Nancy Eddy at the Gazebo Garden.
This edition of “The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your
Views” serves the needs of the communities of Wallingford and Meriden,
Connecticut. For safety reasons we do not publish the last name of
artists/writers under the age of 15. 5% of all annual net proceeds are
donated in kind or in financial donation to local charities and organiza-
tions.
This newspaper is not affiliated with any other newspaper.
Publishers: Andrew& Dawn Reynolds
peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com
Managing Editor Dawn A. N.-Reynolds
Copy Editor
dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com
Dawn A. N.-Reynolds
dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com
Advertising Andy Reynolds
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MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER
The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership
is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM by presenting a driver's
license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon 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!
********
On Thursday, November 8 at 10:30 AM musician Bob Mel will perform in Willene's Place in a Tribute to Veterans
sponsored by Health Net. A professional entertainer, Bob has been making music for New England audiences in
restaurants, night clubs and resorts, at weddings and other private celebrations for more than 25 years. His unique
blend of song, warmth and a touch of comedy (just for fun) has endeared him to thousands and allowed him to build a
career doing what he loves - making music! Don't miss this special Tribute to Veterans by this popular entertainer on
Thursday, November 8 at 10:30 AM. The lunch served at 11:30 that day in our Senior Community Café will be a fresh
fruit cup, stuffed shells with marinara sauce, tossed salad with Italian dressing, garlic bread, and a flag cupcake! No
reservation is needed to attend the musical program but if you want to join us for lunch please make a reservation by
calling 235-8052.
********
Meteorologist Art Horn will again visit the Senior Center to put on his latest weather show, "The Weather of the
U.S.A.". Art's fun and informative show will be on Wednesday, November 14 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the first floor
meeting room. His 45 minute slide show will cover such topics as historic weather events and extreme weather condi-
tions that have taken place in the history of the United States. Following his slide show Art will conduct a 10 to 15
minute question and answer session. Be sure not to miss "The Weather of the U.S.A." with former TV weatherman Art
Horn on Wednesday, November 14 at 10:30 AM!
********
The Thanksgiving Special Luncheon in our Senior Community Café will be held on Thursday, November 15. The
menu will feature roast turkey with gravy, stuffing with gravy, cranberry sauce, mixed vegetables, whole wheat dinner
roll and pumpkin pie with topping for dessert. Musical entertainment will be provided by Middi and the Country
Gentlemen starting at 10:30. Please sign-up for the special Thanksgiving luncheon at the Senior Center or by calling
235-8052 one week in advance.
********
Manicures by students from Wilcox Technical High School will be offered at the Senior Center on Tuesday, November
20 from 9:30 - 11:00 AM. This complimentary service is done on a first come, first served basis and newcomers are
always welcome. Special thanks to the Wilcox students led by Mrs. Donna Marinan who provide this much appreciat-
ed service for the seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!
********
The Meriden Health Department administered more than 250 flu shots at the Senior Center at a Flu Shot Clinic in
October. Plenty of vaccine still remains at this time and the staff at the Health Department encourages local citizens to
call 630-4234 to schedule an appointment for this important annual inoculation. The $20 cost is covered by Medicare
and certain Medicare managed care plans or payable by cash at the time of the flu shot. Those eligible for the flu shot
are Meriden residents who are senior citizens, chronically ill citizens, or persons 50 - 64 years old. The Health
Department also offers a pneumonia vaccine to residents aged 65 and over at any time during the year by appointment
only. For further information contact the Meriden Health Department at 630-4234.
********
For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter
available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.
Tis' The Season
Lori Peck, Senior Volunteer
In this season of giving and caring, won't you please open up your hearts a little wider and consider adopting one of
our wonderful cats or dogs. They will in turn give you back all the love and thanks you are so deserving of. An animal
is such a comfort at anytime and they don't ask for much in return.
Whether it's a dog to snuggle with or take a walk or a cat that curls up on your lap and purrs. Their companionship is
so rewarding.
So please, come visit our friends at the shelter on Murdock Ave. or view them on our website at
www.meridenhs.petfinder.org. While your there you can check out all of our upcoming fundraisers. We will be having
pictures with Santa in December! As always, if you have any questions, you can reach us at the Meriden Humane
Society at 238-3650. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Meriden Humane Society!
Sports Hero Card
Celebration To our NUMBER 1
3rd Baseman for
Photo Bert’s Garage!
3 Home Runs in 1 Game!!
Form Your Rule!
Love, Coach Mom and Dad
Don’t Don’t forget to send your Holiday
Greeting. Look for the form in this issue.
forget to Celebrations of Life and Home
Happy 3rd Birthday Shaunessy!!
send your You are so sweet and loving and
we can’t be prouder of who you
“Holiday are and we love you so much.
Greeting” You bring so much spice to our
life!
Love, Mom and Dad
Message:
________________________________________
________________________________________
Due to space - messages are limited to the 2 lines above.
Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Address: ___________________________Email______________________
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.
D e a d l i n e f o r o u r L a t e November - Early December issue i s November 20th!
It’s easier to email your photo and message.
Send to: andy@peoplespressnews.com
or Mail to: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459 Yalesville, CT 06492
Attention Celebrations of Life and Home

Holiday Craft Bazaar - St. Luke's Eldercare Solutions will host a
Holiday Craft Bazaar Fundraiser on Friday November 30th from 4-7pm.
Raffle items are also needed. St. Luke's Eldercare Solutions serves seniors in
Middlesex County including the towns of Middletown, Cromwell,
Middlefield, Durham, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam and East
Hampton. For more information on being a vendor or donating a raffle item,
please contact Laura at 335.7526
What you need to know!
MidState Medical Center Announces the Pink Partini Fashion Show
Cancer Survivors and Hospital Staff Walk the Runway to Benefit Cancer
Center Cancer survivors and hospital staff from MidState Medical Center
will model the latest fashions from a variety of area retailers at the Aqua
Turf on Thursday, November 8, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., to benefit the hospi-
tal's Cancer Center.
Models include Lucille Janatka, President and CEO of MidState Medical
Center, as well as physicians, nurses, members of MidState's board of direc-
tors, and volunteers. Many of the staff's children will also be strutting their
stuff on the catwalk.
"We're excited to have so many members of our staff support this
fundraiser. This is a first time event, but with enough community support,
we can make it an annual one," said Gail Millerick, Director of
Development.
Fashions on the runway will be Talbots of Southbury; Kimberly Boutique
of West Hartford; The Dressing Room of Wallingford; Diva Kidz of
Westfarms Mall, Farmington; and Modern Formals of Meriden, North
Haven and Southington.
Guests who attend the Pink Partini Fashion Show will enjoy cocktails, a
signature "Dream Girl" martini, hors d'oeuvres, and chocolate dessert bar.
There will also be complimentary chair and hand massages in addition to
pink ribbon nail paintings.
And guests can shop until they drop at the Pink Partini because the
Auxiliary 's Gift Gallery will be sponsoring the "Think Pink Boutique,"
where you'll find selections like porcelain dolls, beautiful jewelry, elegant
handbags, body creams and soaps, and many signature Breast Cancer
Awareness items.
Entertainment during the evening will be provided by MidState employ-
ee, Armando Ortiz, who will sing selections by Marc Anthony.
This first-time event is sponsored by the Medical Oncology and
Hematology, P.C. Tickets for the event are $45, and all proceeds will bene-
fit the Cancer Center. For tickets and more information, contact Dawn
Papallo at 203-694-8742.
The People’s Press November 2007 Page 31
Annual Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar Presented by MidState Medical Center
Saturday, November, 17, 2007 MidState Medical Center Horwitz Conference Center 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The MidState Medical Center Gift Gallery will host the 2nd Annual Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar in the hospital*s
Horwitz Conference Center.
This year*s bazaar has a new twist with all arts and crafts handmade by MidState Medical Center employees and vol-
unteers. Approximately 25 vendors will be showcasing their crafts at the event, including custom jewelry and purses,
elegant scarves and belts, luxurious soaps and lotions, unique handmade cards, and accessories for the home.
Twenty percent of all sales will benefit the MidState Auxiliary, which supports the hospital through volunteering and
fundraising activities.
The Pink Partini Fashion Show Presented by MidState Medical Center
Thursday, November 8, 2007 Aqua Turf, Plantsville, CT6 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Cancer survivors and hospital staff will model the latest fashions from Talbots of Southbury; Kimberly Boutique of
West Hartford; The Dressing Room of Wallingford; Diva Kidz of Westfarms Mall, Farmington; and Modern Formals
of Meriden, North Haven and Southington. Event includes cocktails, signature martini, hors d*oeuvres, and chocolate
dessert bar. Tickets are $45. Call Dawn Papallo at 203-694-8742 for tickets and more information. All proceeds benefit
the Cancer Center at MidState.
It’s time to celebrate the good
tastes of the Holiday Season!
Rosa’s offers the best pies
and treats for
Thanksgiving!
Call now to place
your order!
Pumpkin, Apple, Apple Crumb, Cherry, Blueberry, Peach, Pecan,
Lemon Merangue,Pumpkin Cheese Cake, Cheese Cake with your
choice of toppings!Also Italian Pastries & Cookie and Tiramisu.
Rosa is also taking orders for her FAMOUS Homemade Italian Cookies and Pastries!
Visit www.rosasdeli.com
Please visit our website for all of the services Rosa’s can
now offer you including our expanded Catering Menu,
Full Daily Menu and so much more! It’s easy to see, why
so many people enjoy the taste and service at Rosa’s
NOW is the time to call Rosa’s
for your Company or Family
Holiday Party!!!
Stop by and see our large selection of pre-made gourmet gift baskets!
or make your own with our large selection of imported and specialty items.
Rosa’s Italian Deli, LLC
imported and domestic foods
party platters • hot and cold subs to go
Open Monday-Friday 8:30-7 • Saturday til 6 •
Closed Sundays Tel: 265-1487 • 57 North Colony Street,
Wallingford, CT 06492 • FAX: 265-2409
“A TRIBUTE TO ROB SZYMASZEK, JR.”
As seen through the eyes of his uncle, retired Police Chief Robert “Life is Good!” - ROB SZYMASZEK, JR I also thought of how Rob was a second father to several hundred
Maloney students and football and football players over the past
E. Kosienski, Sr. 30 years. He wrote their recommendations, attended their wed-
Yes, I remember when Rob was born and his parents were so dings and visited their hospital rooms. Finally, I thought of Rob
proud of him. I was 15 at the time and I was honored that they seated in a golf cart this past August at his field dedication cere-
had asked me to be his God Father. Rob was the middle child, in mony pointing over to where the Rob Sazmaszek Field sign
between his sisters Sharon and Janice and the love that his parents would be erected and stating, “Panc, I plan on sitting under my
gave to all was equal. There was no such thing as a favorite sigh and watching football practice on the Wednesday before
child! Thanksgiving.” I responded, “Coach, I’ll meet you there and
Rob’s mom and dad were steeped in family tradition, both watch practice with you. You’ve got a deal!”
coming from Polish families where love, tradition religion and Smaz, my good friend, I can’t wait to see you there.
family meant so much, and they taught their children the true Don Panciera - Assistant Principal Maloney High School
meaning of those treasures, especially love, loyalty and respect for
others. When I was a youngster, about 5 or 6 My Dad and I would listen
I clearly remember when Rob was just old enough to hold a to WMMW on Saturdays when they would broadcast the
football and I taught him how to successfully throw a spiral. I Maloney Football games live. If we could get to a game, that
was left handed but I taught him how to hold the ball with his was great, but thank God for the radio. My Dad would grab a
right hand and to spin it while throwing it. It worked!!! football, and try to teach me how to throw a spiral. He would
Rob’s father groomed him the rest of the way and Rob devel- say, I taught your cousin Rob how to throw a football, and you’re
oped such a love for football that it became a part of his life. going to learn, too. I actually became a better kicker than a pass-
He developed into a great football player for Maloney and the er, but my fathers pride and love for his nephew/godson Rob
rest is history. He married well, very well when he married Dinae Szymaszek was incredible.
Nalewajek. Her family background was similar to Rob’s and they Rob was truly the family’s favorite son. Rob was the All
both adored each other, just like his mom and dad, and Diane American kid, the standout football player, the favorite teacher
encouraged Rob throughout both of his successful careers, as and beloved coach.
Hear Football Coach at Maloney High School, with the most vic- My Husband…My Friend My best family memories were of the Szymaszek family and
tories, and as Guidance Counselor. Their daughter Jennifer was Most people know that Rob and I were high school sweethearts…Maloney High School the holidays,. Thanksgiving was usually the feast of feasts…if
the jewel of their lives and to say that they adored her is an under- at that. Rob was captain of the football team, I was a cheerleader. Football has been a Maloney won, boy that Turkey tasted better than if they lost…but
statement. part of our lives for a long, long time. What can I write about this man that was my part- the fun, good spirits and family and friendships were so special.
My wife Rosemarie and our children Cheryl and Rob, Jr., fol- ner in life for forty years…thirty-five of marriage—-five before that. Most of the good Rob would enter the house a hero, people hugged him, patted him
lowed Rob when he was coach, to almost all of his games. There has already been said about Rob in the newspapers and the blogs on my on the back and he always was positive. He loved his players so
were many happy times and a few sad ones, but overall we recordjournal.com. I guess I should tell you about the fun part of Rob as a much. He loved and adored his wife Diane and daughter Jen so
watched great team play, with a great coach. husband…some things that people don’t know much about. very much more…Diane was the perfect wife. She stood by Rob,
My oldest brother, Walter Kosienski, who lived in Bristol, Some of you know, Rob liked to cook. He cooked like he lived his life! It was always with all of his late night meetings, weekends of scouting and
would come to as many games as we did, and when the Maloney gourmet. His best dish was a zuppa di pesce…a marinara sauce with clams, mussels, watching films. She was at every game, had Jen dressed as a
team played Bristol Walter would stay on the Maloney side, root- calamari, shrimp and flakey white fish and when he really wanted to make it extra special cheerleader and had a line of dogs as mascots, from Kirby to
ing for Maloney. “He loved Rob!” for someone he would put in a lobster tail. Money was never an issue with Rob. Oh! Kelly to Mr. Diffely, they all wore the green and white.
There was love and r4espect for all of his and Diane’s family, And his onion soup was the best around. There were some things that couldn’t be Rob and I grew closer as I got older. When I was elected to
especially at Christmas time. We would get together at his home, ordered out because there was no comparison to Rob’s. Some of my favorite memories the Meriden Board of Education, Rob was the first person to call
as he wanted it, to share our family traditions, especially Vigilia. of Rob are after football season was over and coming home late from school. Before I me the next morning and tell me that I had a big job to do. He
That’s Christmas Eve. In Polish, where we would break the tradi- even got in the door I could smell the garlic sautéing on the stove. I know I didn’t have said remember it’s about kids, not politics, something that I have
tional Oplatic (wafer) and wish each other “Health, Happiness, to cook that night and I was in for a treat. practiced since. When I would visit schools, Rob would take me
Love, Long and Healthy Lives, and Fortunes of Heaven.” Rob also loved romance and in this area as in all he was the best. Once on a trip to the into his office and tell me what we were doing right, and what we
We would then sing traditional Polish Holiday Songs, and Cayman Islands, Rob surprised me with a fancy dinner on the beach. People going by were doing wrong. We always had some great laughs, shared a
enjoy traditional food and drinks. Two songs were especially wondered if we were celebrities. It wasn’t something people normally did on this beach great story talked about what was important for our school stu-
sung that brought tears and happiness to the festivities and these but it is a beautiful memory. For my fiftieth birthday, Rob asked me, “if you could go dents.
are: — JAK SZYBKO MIJAJA CHWILE, JAK SZYBKO anywhere for your birthday where would you want to go?” I said, “of course I would like When Rob found out he had cancer, it was probably one of the
PLYNIE ZCAS, which means “How quickly time and the to go to Sedona, but I know we can’t go there”. Well guess where he took me? He loved toughest times our family had faced ever. Here was a guy who
moments go by. A year, a month, a moment, let’s make the most to surprise me. jogged, worked out and had no earlier signs of ill health. Like
of being together, by enjoying what we have now, because God There are many stories like this that I could ramble on and on about but I think you always, Rob was positive and optimistic. Christmas Eve of the
knows if we’ll be together again.”! And “STO LAT”, which get the picture. Rob didn’t do anything halfway. It was always done the best. first year, Rob handed me a drink and said let’s toast life. My
means “MAY HE/SHE LIVE ONE HUNDRED YEARS”, and If Rob could have seen his funeral, I think he would be happy with it as it was the best. Dad looked at him, with a tear in his eye and sang the song
this is usually done with a glass filled with your favorite beverage He would be pleased to know the number of people who attendee and would have loved “Stolat” which in Polish means another 100 years. John
in your hand, with your arm raised in salute to the person, or the the music. I know he felt he chose well in picking Father Jack to do his funeral mass. Bowman, Rob’s brother-in-law (also a great man) said that was a
entire group, that you are with in sincere celebration of a long, Father Jack jokes that this is the first time he was ever interviewed to do a funeral mass! song you could sing, no matter what the occasion and it would
healthy life. I would like to take this opportunity in this paper to thank everyone who was there, all bring a smile to your face and confuse the heck out of the non
Rob always felt that everyone should be treated equally and who wrote long letters to tell me how Rob touched their lives, who sent flowers, food, Poles who didn’t know what we were singing about. Tradition
fairly and he certainly proved that as a councilor and coach. His who donated to the Franciscans or the scholarship or who have just been there to support and family values were a great part of Rob’s life. Rob was so
love of football was phenomenal and his fairness in coaching and me and my family. If I forgot to thank you personally, know that yo9ur act of support close to his sisters, and they adored him. Each successful in their
his ability to encourage his players to give their best, and more, and sympathy were greatly appreciated. The following is something that was in the thank own right, they all treated each other with respect and love. They
much more, made so many of them winners. Yes, he touched you notes that I would like to share with you. never argued…they just showed love.
many lives and will never be forgotten! Rob is missed by so “The love and support throughout Rob’s six year battle with brain cancer and his This past spring when Rob was told that his tumor was grow-
many, and his brave fight certainly has been an inspiration to us. eventual death, has and still is overwhelming. If one person can generate this much ing again, he took the attitude of “I’m not letting this thing beat
“He never gave up.”!!!! His famous quote “LIFE IS GOOD” will love, just think what all of us together can do. The key now is to not forget but to me”. He spoke with enthusiasm and hope. I didn’t want to
stay with us forever, and encourages us to go on, no matter how carry it with us always and continue to pass it on and do the same for each other believe that Rob could possibly pass on. Rob said he wasn’t
difficult the road. I miss you Rob, thanks for sharing so much while here on earth.” “Life is Still Good” Diane Szymaszek afraid. He had his faith, his family and second family at Maloney
with me you legacy certainly will live on!!!! High School. I live in awe of Rob’s strength. His life has taught
everything he said. For a long time we talked about his wife, Diane, and how much he me that God, family and love are always there and never to be
Your Grateful and Loving Uncle, “Uncle Bobby” loved her. They were high school sweethearts and said that he couldn’t imagine his life taken for granted. I take those life lessons and look to my father
Robert Syzmaszek has done a lot for Meriden, but he has done without her support and his wonderful daughter. He cherished them so much. So much for additional ones. Believe it or not, he keeps telling me I still
more for Maloney High. He has taken boys into his football pro- love poured out when he talked about them that I felt as if I had known the family for have a lot to learn. Most importantly, I wake up everyday and
gram and produced men. Mr. Smaz would make you feel like you year. That’s when coach told me something, that to this day I don’t think I will ever for- remember that Rob Szymaszek, taught me “Life is Good.”
have the ability to do anything and everything. On your own you get. He told me how much I reminded him of his daughter, Jennifer. What an honor that Rob Kosienski, Jr.
would go into the game and you would have doubts as to you was, after seeing pictures and hearing stories about her. From then on I referred to him as
my Godfather. So for the short time that I knew coach I felt as if he was my family. My Friend Rob Szymaszek, I had the privilege to meet and know
winning the game or not. Mr. Smaz would open those blue eyes
I was one of the fortunate ones to say “goodbye” to him a week and a half before he the person that I feel is the greatest coach, mentor and family
as wide as he could, Smile, And then begin a speech that would
passed on to be with our Lord. I went over to his house not knowing what to expect. I man I have ever met. Rob was my friend for just the past two
wipe all of the doubts out of your mind. You could be going up
was welcomed by his wife and adorable dog. I entered the room to see my coach, my years during his illness. I didn’t know him for very long but it
against the 49ers but we would still believe that we could win
friend, lying on a hospital bed, so calm and peaceful. I approached the bed and reached didn’t matter if you knew Rob for one day or for thiry years, he
(we’d probably beat them anyway). As a guidance counselor he
out to hold his hand. I looked into his crystal blue eyes and for a while I was speechless. was the same person.
was the same. He would have you taking classes you didn’t know
I honestly don’t even remember what I said to him. I remember I made him laugh, which Rob taught me to be a better person and a better coach, as he
existed but you’re in it and you would know that you would be
fine because if you needed help he was always there and always for him took a lot of energy to do. He was even able to say a few words. Just enough to went through the course of the day. What I mean is that you
had time. He never made things seem as if they were about him remind me that nothing would bring him down. He told me to wish the team well, and to would never know that he was sick. He always had a joke to tell
remind them that “Life is good.” or one to listen to. Rob was also responsible in providing help for
he put the emphasis on you. He helped people to see their self
I guess you can say we are all apart of his “team”, and we just have to keep playing. students, athletes, parents and coaches, for more then thirty years.
worth. He has helped me raise mine and I’m a better teenager for
I guess you could say he was the “John F. Kennedy” of
it. As I grow and step into the real world his guidance is going to So here I am reminding you for Coach, “Life is good.” Lindsey Pearsall - Student M.H.S.
Meriden...good looking and he cared about everyone.
form the man I become. As I was preparing for Parents Night at Maloney High School on the evening of Besides Rob being such a role model as a person, he was
P.S. Life Is Good. Shoquan Stevens - Student MHS September 20th, my cell phone rang. Before I answered, I looked at my screen and saw blessed with a caring wife and daughter. They also touch every-
Life is good. the name and number of the caller. It was a call I knew was inevitable and I knew what one in the city of Meriden. Rob always said “Life is Good”.
Truer words were never spoken. This was said by a man who the message would be. Diane Szymaszek had called to inform me that my very good Maybe we should take a piece of Rob and his family in our hearts
lived and preached this quote as if it was his duty. I never thought friend and colleague had finally succumbed to his long illness with a malignant brain and say “Life Is Good”. I love him and his family forever.
for a second that writing a short paragraph about coach would be tumor a short time ago. Thanks for Reading, Leonard Pettitte and Family
this difficult. However, just like many, I realized I have too many Several personal remembrances of Rob passed through my mind. I thought of the time
fond memories to sum up the life of this wonderful man. I sat in Rob’s kitchen back in 1978 and interviewed for an assistant football coaching Dedication Speech
Just the other day I was reminiscing about the memories of position on his staff. I Rob offered me the position, even though I was fresh out of college I am very happy to be here this morning with Rob, his wife
Coach Szymaz, as I passed by something written on a wall. The with no coaching experience. Passing over several experienced candidates. (He said he Diane, members of their family, and their friends and colleagues
graffiti said, “Each day is a gift; that is why it is called the pre- liked my enthusiasm and energy and he could tell I cared about kids.) to celebrate the dedication of the Maloney High School football
sent.” Right then and there I knew Coach was in my presence. I I thought of Rob sitting in my driveway for hours waiting for me to return home from field as the Rob Szymaszek Field.
am still finding signs that Coach sends me to reassure everyone the hospital after my mother passed away to offer his condolences and support. Maloney High School has a strong tradition of honoring staff
that he is looking after us. Each time I receive a new “sign”, I I remembered Rob delivering a beautiful and heartfelt eulogy for my Dad when I members who have made significant contributions to our students
just look up to the sky and smile. lacked the strength to do so. and school community. Teachers previously recognized by hav-
Coach was obviously a very influential man. He is the defini- I recalled Rob giving money to every panhandler he encountered on the streets of ing an area of the school building or an athletic field dedicated in
tion of a fighting Spartan. One who never let adversity get in his Cleveland, ignoring our cynical comments that they would use the money to buy liquor or their honor include Steven Hermaszewski- Art wing, Dennis
way. Call it stubbornness, call it pride, call it what ever you’d drugs. Gannon- math wing, Ed Zajac- baseball field, Benjamin Nessing-
like; there’s no doubt in my mind that he did everything out of I thought of Rob bringing over a thick folder with detailed information prior to my hip gymnasium, Antonio Parisi- auditorium, and William Bryan- sci-
love. That drive is what everyone admired about him. He always surgery last fall. (He sensed that I was “scared to death” facing surgery for the first time.) ence wing.
found the positive and good in life. He never put himself first; I recalled breaking down on the phone as I told Rob that we had to put Murphy, our 14 Today we add Rob Szymaszek to the list of honorees. Rob has
which was evident when he became ill. Even then, coach was year old dog down that afternoon. Within the hour, Rob and Diane were in our driveway a long history at Maloney High School. He has been a student,
still pushing to go to football practices because he wanted to see to be there for us. Diane and I had all we could do to help Rob out of the car and into our athlete, teacher, guidance counselor, and football coach. While
“his boys”. Being the only girl on the football team, the manager, house, since he had been bed-ridden and housebound with his illness for several weeks. Rob will always be remembered as a staunch advocate for the
I was used to being grouped under the title “boys” or “men”. (Rob had made Diane drive him to the Ruth-Chris steakhouse to buy us a gift certificate!) students of Maloney High School, it is in his capacity as football
Never the less, Coach still held the door open for me, or yelled at What always amazed me is that you never needed to ask Rob for his help. From the coach that his passion most brightly shines. I’m using the present
the boys if they forgot a “lady” was present. time I first met Rob, he possessed an innate ability to know when a friend, student, player tense purposefully because Rob is still volunteering with our
Coach and I had plenty of memorable conversations. One that or total stranger, for that matter, needed to be “picked up” or needed his assistance. I coaching staff and has been observing conditioning practices this
stands out in my mind was when I went to see him on his last day thought of the phone conversation with Rob in early July after his MRI. He simply said, week.
at Maloney. He had retired from being a guidance counselor at “I didn’t have a good scan. My doctor gave me two months.” Then in typical Rob Maloney High School means so much to Rob and Rob means
Maloney; which in my opinion he never stopped giving guidance. Szymaszek fashion he said, “Panc, no goddamn doctor is going to tell me how long I have so much to Maloney High School. It is most fitting that this field
I went to his office to say “goodbye”. We ended up chatting it up to live!” be named in his honor.
for a while when I really experienced how genuine he was about I thought of Rob being the loving and proud father of Jennifer, his only child, however, Congratulations Coach! Robert J. Angeli, Principal - Francis T.
Maloney High School