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DEC. 30: A local accounting and business consulting firm, Kosovsky, Pratesi, & Company LLC recently announced the first in an ongoing series of Executive Briefing Seminars, titled, "How To run Your business So You Can Leave It In Style". The firm will be hosting these Briefings in collaboration with Bloomfield based law firm Weatherby & Associates, PC and Glastonbury based financial services firm, Gateway Financial Group. "How To run Your Business So You Can Leave It In Style" is a free seminar in part on John J. Brown's bestselling book of the same name. It will help introduce business owners to a 7 step process of Exit Planning that provides a structured approach to one of the most important decisions facing a business owner - how to get out of their business and do so in style. The next seminar will be held Tuesday, December 30 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Weatherby & Associates, PC, 34 Jerome Avenue, Suite 310,, in Bloomfield with subsequent seminars being held bi-monthly over the next few months in Bloomfield, Farmington and Glastonbury. For more information and a complete schedule of upcoming seminars or to register for a seminar, please contact Alicia McDonough at Kosovsky, Pratesi & Company, LLC at 860-677-6972 or aliciam@kpco-cpa.com.
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DEC 29, 30 - Gillette Castle State Park Open for School Vacation Children' s Programs Monday and Tuesday. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be offering two days of special children ' s programs at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam on Monday, December 29 th and Tuesday, December 30 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. In addition to castle tours, there will be a variety of activities including: tracking, wildlife program, scavenger hunt, arts & crafts, birding, and a bonfire. For the holiday season each room of the castle has been decorated with holiday ornaments as part of the William Gillette Holiday Celebration. Gillette Castle State Park, located at 67 River Road in East Haddam, was William Gillette ' s 184-acre estate known as the Seventh Sister, the focal point of which was his 24 room house reminiscent of a medieval castle. The State of Connecticut acquired the property in 1943 and established Gillette Castle State Park.
The Castle will also be open on Monday, December 29 and Tuesday, December 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for school vacation. Castle entrance is $5 for adults and children 13 and over, $2 for children ages 6-12, and FREE for children ages 5 and under.
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For info call (860) 526-2336.The East Hartford Head Start program is currently enrolling three and four year old children for the 2008-2009 school year. To be eligible, children must live in East Hartford , have a birth date in 2004 or 2005 and meet the Federal Income Guidelines or have a disability. To register your child for Head Start, call 622-5520 to schedule an appointment. No busses.
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JAN. 4: AFMA will host a Country Jamboree Dance at the French Social Club, 373 Main St., from 2 to 6 p.m. Music by Gene and Northeast Country. Food will be available . For more information call 643-7166 or 295-9708.
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JAN. 4: Classic Shows, LLC will hold a post-holiday Train and Toy Show on Sunday, January 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shelton Courtyard Marriott, 780 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, Conn., located off exit 12 on Route 8. Lionel and American Flyer trains and parts will be available along with all train gauges, including new manufacturers. Diecast vehicles will also be available along with hobby and model collectibles. An operating layout running S gauge will be on display. Admission is $5.00, children 12 and under are free with an adult. For further information call 203-926-1327 or visit their web at classicshowsllc.com.
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JAN. 19: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. at the La Renaissance, 53 Prospect Hill Rd., East Windsor. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr., Civil Rights movement pioneer, minister, educator and lecturer. The breakfast is the signature scholarship fundraising event for the Hartford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., enabling it to award renewable scholarships to talented young African-American female high school seniors every year since 1985. Tickets are $45 and may be obtained by contacting Cassandra Charles-Gerst at 860-306-8785 or by e-mail at hicassandra@hotmail.com.
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BEFORE JAN. 26, 2009: The North Central Board of ASA Softball Umpires is looking for new members to officiate girls high school softball games next spring. Training classes start on Jan. 26. For more information, call Ron Brown at 860-871-6493 or e-mail rjblgb@sbcglobal.net.
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EVERY FRIDAY: American Legion Post 102 holds a Fish Fry at their hall at 20 American Legion Drive, Manchester. For more information contact 646-7961 or visit www.legionpost102.org.
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EVERY FRIDAY: KARAOKE from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the French Social Circle at 373 Main St. Hall rentals also available. Call 568-5021 or 646-2989 for hall reservations.
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IRISH JAM WEDNESDAYS: New location for weekly Irish Music Jam Sessions, 7:30 to 10 p.m. now at the Arch Street Tavern, 85 Arch St. in Downtown Hartford. Hosted by hosted by P.V. O'Donnell.For more info call 860-645-8404. Bring your instrument, or borrow one and bring it down for a good stretch! See you there, lads and lasses!
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BINGO! - At St. Isaac Jogues Church, One Community Street in Mayberry Village, every Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. Progressive. Doors open at 4 p.m.; kitchen 4:45 until 6:40.
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BINGO TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS: Our Lady of Peace Church Bingo is on Tuesdays. Doors open at 5 p.m. Blessed Sacrament Bingo is played at the church hall Wednesdays. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Bingo at 7 p.m. Refreshments available. Have a burger or hot dog and snacks and get an early start on your games. Dessert, coffee and soft drinks. Bring your friends and meet new ones at FR. Jim's "Little Church With a Big Heart" welcomes all on May Road at the end of Brandon Rd. off O'Connell Drive. Admission $10.
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Looking to give your old books to a good cause? East Hartford has partnered with Got Books to place a drop-off donation and reuse container for resident, businesses, schools, libraries, and other groups who wish to contribute books they no longer use. The bin will also accept CDs, DVDs, videos and audio books. The Got Books container is located at EH Public works, 61 Ecology Drive and is open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 7:15 a.m. to noon; 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.
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TUESDAYS - St. Paul Church in Glastonbury BINGO every Tuesday night from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Naubuc Hall, 40 Naubuc Avenue, Glastonbury. Cash prizes, refreshments. Doors open at 5 p.m. Smoke-free. Bring your friends and have fun. For info call 633-7554 Tuesdays after 5 p.m.
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LEARN FIRST AID Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, child care and baby sitting. The Red Cross will train you to become a certified instructor. For info 678-2700 or visit www.charteroak.redcross.org.
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Overeater's Anonymous has meetings all over the state including meetings here in East Hartford at Faith Lutheran Church on Silver Lane. Meets Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 10 a.m., Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and Fridays at 1 p.m. OA views compulsive overeating as a physical, emotional and spiritual disease. No dues or fees. For info go to info@oa.org or go to www.oa.org.
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ANY EAST HARTFORD RESIDENT wishing to receive Meals on Wheels call 528-2273.
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DONATIONS ARE INSTRUMENTAL: The Department of Fine and Performing Arts of the East Hartford Schools seeks donations of musical instruments to enable a deserving child an opportunity to continue playing an instrument but who cannot afford one. The district is in need of violins, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, flutes and saxophones. Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Emil Kopcha at 622-5972 or drop the instruments off at 734 Tolland St. Then come to a school concert and hear your instrument!
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AID-a-Pet: Manchester Area Network on AIDS (MANA) AID-A-PET distributes pet supplies to its clients based on a first come, first serve basis. Donations of dog/cat food, animal collars, leashes, etc. Call Mo Cacace at 646-6260.
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DOG LICENSES - Woof! Forgot to renew your dog's license in June? Your dog commands you to go fetch one at Town Hall right away. By state law, all dogs over six months of age must be licensed in the Town Clerk's Office and then license renewed prior to June 30th each year. Don't find yourself collared by a ticket begging the town's animal control officer not to write you a ticket as owners of dogs found without licenses or found with expired licenses will be fined $75. To license a dog, the owner must provide the Town Clerk with a current rabies certificate and $8 for spayed or neutered dogs, $19 for unaltered dogs plus a $1 a month late fee calculated from July 1.
Your dog will roll over and thank you!
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BLOOD NEEDED: If you are 17 or older, weigh 110 pounds or more and are in generally good health, you are probably eligible to donate blood. Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to make your appointment today for this or any other blood drive in Connecticut. Appointments may also be requested by visiting the website at www.bloodct.org
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MON.-FRI: The Salvation Army of Greater Hartford's Victim Assistance Program offers free assistance to adult victims of crime Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 120 Sigourney Street in Trinity Episcopal Church in Hartford. During the one-on-one, confidential meeting with the Victim Advocate, Rachel Voisine, crime victims are provided services such as crisis counseling, emotional support, personal advocacy and emergency material assistance. Crime victims may learn about their rights and assistance with applying for compensation that would cover out of pocket medical expenses and/or lost wages. Individuals 18 years or older, disabled or elderly who have experienced robbery, assault, burglary, arson, stalking, threatening, vandalism, elderly abuse, fraud, hate and bias crimes or motor vehicle crimes are encouraged to contact this program for assistance. For info call Rachel Voisine at 246-3251 ext. 105.
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Y NEEDS U: The East Hartford YMCA, a membership and volunteer organization, is accepting applications for volunteers. Among the positions available are: RN or APRN - 1 hour per week any time any day. Assisting with children - 7-8 a.m. or 12-2 or anytime. Answering phones, teen assistant. Call Judy at 289-6612 with any questions.
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EVERY THURSDAY from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., "All you Can Eat" Pasta dinner offered at VFW Post #2083, 3 Bidwell St. Dinner $5; children 12 and under $2.50. Pasta w/meatballs, tossed salad, bread & butter, coffee or soda. For inf. call 289-9660.
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SENIOR BAND: Interested in joining the East Hartford Senior Band? Play music from the Big Band Era. If you would like to join call Eileen Faust at South End Senior Center or Fred Islieb at 568-2983. Rehearsals Tues. 9-11 a.m.
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ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL is looking for volunteers with musical talent to play for oncology patients. Any instrument - piano, violin, guitar, clarinet, etc. - would be welcome and could help to alleviate pain, fear and restlessness of cancer patients. Flexible hours. For information call Tobye Karl at 714-4278.
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BARBERSHOP, GUYS? Men of all ages who like to sing, come sing with us -- the Greater Manchester Silk City Barbershop Chorus. We are rehearsing for the fall. We sing for senior citizens, birthday parties, anniversaries, etc. The most fun is the Singing Valentines and the annual Show in January. We sing a variety of songs from 1990 to the 1970's. Our rehearsals are held at the Second Congregational Church, 385 North Main Street, Manchester every Monday evening at 7 p.m. For info call Jim Nolan at 646-4955, Alan Lamson 647-6783 or George Pinto 568-5536.
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MALL WALKING CLUB at Westfarms Mall. Westfarms opens at 7 a.m. daily, providing a climate controlled environment for exercise.
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LUNGS NEED A HAND: The American Lung Association of Connecticut needs you! Flexible friendly detail-oriented volunteers are needed to open and process charitable donations. Work independently within a group two to eight times each month as your schedule allows, Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 45 Ash Street in East Hartford. Socialize with others while helping your community in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. For further information, call the American Lung Association of Connecticut at 1-800-LUNG USA or visit www.alact.org.
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RED CROSS NEEDS YOU - The Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking individuals who are interested in becoming disaster volunteers. These volunteers will be trained to help the Red Cross respond to local disasters such as house fires and storm-related incidents, providing assistance including lodging, food and clothing. The Red Cross fully trains and mentors every disaster volunteer and all training is free of charge. Volunteers must provide their own transportation. Other volunteer opportunities are available as well for blood drives, office adminsistration and health and safety programs. Volunteering your time to help the Red Cross is a great way to give back to your community. For more info, 678-2700 or www.charteroak.redcross.org.
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IN MEMORIAM - Remember someone with a book dedication - East Hartford Public Library offers a Memorial Book Dedication Program. Do you wish to remember a loved one? Celebrate a Birthday? Remember a Friend? Give a Gift? Consider a Library Bookplate. For a modest contribution, the library will per-sonalize a book in the subject area of your choice and acknowledge your generosity through a letter. For more info call 289-6429.
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DONATE YOUR CAR: The American Diabetes Association in Connecticut is still asking for donations of cars. The successful fund raising program is now entering its fifth year and the funds are helping local programs. To donate a car, calls may be made to 1-800-212-9900. Cars that are accepted will be picked up in just a few days.
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CARS FOR KIDS: Big Brothers and Big Sisters reminds people with unwanted cars that now is the time to donate. There are some restrictions. Call 1-800-859-6526.
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JUST SPLIT? Drop-In Divorce Support Group, Dr. Hall & Associates, 1700 Ellington Road, South Windsor, every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 644-4782 for further info.
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MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving volunteers always needed. The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. Call 528-5463; fax 528-5653.
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NEWS FOR BLIND: If you are blind, visually impaired, dyslexic or registered with the Library for the Blind and Physically Blind because of a physical disability which prevents you from print reading, Newsline for the Blind makes newspapers available in Connecticut via touch-tone telephone. This service can be used anytime, utilizing a computer-generated voice. Those who are blind, visually impaired, dyslexic or registered with the LBPH because of a physical disability which prevents them from reading print may call the Burnside Avenue office at 289-1971.
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BRIDGE: The East Hartford Senior Center's bridge group plays Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at the South End Senior Center, 70 Canterbury Road. New members with some bridge experience are welcome to drop in. Call 895-1517 for more information or just stop in Thursday.
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A BREAST CANCER Support Group meets every other Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the D'Quattro room at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Sponsored by Y-ME of Connecticut, call 203-483-8200 for information or to register. You may also drop by a meeting. Y-Me also runs a nation-wide 24-hour, 7-day-a-week hotline staffed with survivors of breast cancer. That number is 1-800-933-4YME.
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CONGESTIVE HEART? The Hoffman Heart Institute of Connecticut sponsors a support group for patients with congestive heart failure and their families from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in conference Room 3-9B at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, 114 Woodland St., Hartford. Participants may bring lunch with them if they wish. For further information call 714-4613.
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VOLUNTEER PEER EDUCATORS NEEDED: Retired teachers, nurses and other older adults with group presentation experience needed to conduct an HIV education program for older adults at local Senior Citizen Centers. Help seniors learn of the risks of HIV infection to them and why one of the fastest growing groups of new HIV cases is among adults 50 and over. Please contact Lisa Mank at 236-2203.
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Co-Dependents Anonymous: Support Group, meets Tuesdays 10-11:15 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1120 Silver Lane. Share your experiences, strengths and hopes.
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Bereavement Group: An ongoing support group for people who have lost a loved one meets at Summerville of South Windsor on alternate Sundays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Patricia Gould at 528-5195 or Marcia Leclerc at 528-4135.
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COPING WITH CANCER: American Cancer Society Offering I Can Cope Programs - Living with cancer can be one of the hardest challenges anyone faces. I Can Cope helps individuals meet this challenge by clarifying cancer facts and myths. A free patient education program of the American Cancer Society, I Can Cope offers insight to help patients, families and friends with the day-to-day issues of living with a chronic disease like cancer. To register for an upcoming fall 2001-I Can Cope program, please contact Mary Ann Vanderjagt at the American Cancer Society at 1-800-492-7161 X 4828 or via email at maryann.vanderjagt@cancer.org
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CANCER PATIENTS SEEK VOLUNTEERS for American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery Program - Would you like to make a difference helping people in your community? If so, cancer patients right here in your area need you! The American Cancer Society, located in the John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center at Manchester Hospital, 73 Haynes St., is looking for coordinators and drivers for their Road to Recovery program. As a coordinator, you will be scheduling volunteers to drive cancer patients to and from their lifesaving treatments. Volunteer drivers are needed as well to transport their neighbors to their treatments. The American Cancer Society offers friendly environment and flexible hours. If you would like to be a part of this important volunteer program, please call Kristianne Vanagas at 860-643-2168 X 4890.
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FIFTY-FIVE PLUS CLUB: Every Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Play Setback - Pinochle Card Games at the First Congregational Church, 837 Main St., (corner Conn. Blvd.) All Seniors and former members of Three Score Plus Club are welcome. Dues 50 cents weekly. For inf. call 568-1917.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT BIRTHRIGHT: serving pregnant women and their pre-born babies with a message of love and support, giving women in crisis an alternative to abortion. Can you help? Take just three hours each week and be blessed with the opportunity to save a baby's life and really help his or her mother. Call Birthright at 290-8800. Birthright is located at 914 Main Street, East Hartford, Room 216.
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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS - Individuals with multiple sclerosis can receive free statewide referral in-formation from the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). According to MSAA officials, information ranging from accessible van rentals, to vocational training centers is available by calling 1-800-LEARN MS. Or access www.msaa.com
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PROJECT LINUS Manchester area delivers blankets to local hospitals such as the Connecticut Children's Hospital, St. Francis Cancer Center and Pediatric Center and Manchester Pediatrics along with Hole In the Wall Camp. We average about 50-100 blankets per month, but unfortunately more are needed. We are always looking for people to donate their hand-made quilts or afghans. These blankets need not be fancy just colorful and washable, any size from receiving to twin. If you can't contribute blankets, but would like to contribute yarn, fabric, thread, an occasional copying service or if you would like to help wash and dry some of our donations, call Heidi at 649-5513.
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DONATE A CAR, HELP A LUNG ALONG: Consider donating your old car, van or motorcycle to the American Lung Association of Connecticut for a tax deduction on next year's taxes. If you donate your vehicle, you will receive the highest tax deduction allowable by law. Call the American Lung Association of Connecticut at 1-800-LUNG USA and we will give you an application and a free NADA quote for the value of your vehicle right over the phone. We will even pick up your vehicle free of charge and send you the forms needed to claim your tax deduction. You don't have to be home when we make the pick up. You can also find vehicle donation information on our website at www.alact.org.
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CARS FOR KIDS - Big Brothers and Big Sisters reminds people with unwanted cars that now is the time to donate. It's a program designed to raise funds for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and is being conducted throughout Connecticut. Big Brothers/Big Sisters benefits from the sale of each car and the person donating a car gets rid of an unwanted vehicle and may claim a tax deduction for charitable contribution. The environment is helped by ridding the area of unsightly polluting cars. Everyone benefits! All you have to do is call 1-800-605-9366.
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FRIDAYS: Drop In Divorce Group for men and women from 7 to 8 p.m. at Divorced Families Re-source Center, 1726 Ellington Rd., South Windsor. Call 644-4782.
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ENGAGED ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS throughout the year at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield. An ideal opportunity for an engaged couple to learn more about each other before marriage. Call the Family Life Office at 230-2460 for more info.
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HARTFORD INTERVAL HOUSE provides a variety of free services for victims of domestic violence. These include emergency shelter for women and their children, information and referrals, counseling and advocacy, adult and child support groups and information concerning legal rights and options. For further information, call their 24-hour Hot Line: 527-0550.
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Wednesday morning bowling league looking for women bowlers to join the league at Holiday Lanes, Spencer Street, Manchester. No experience necessary! Non-competitive! Bowl just for fun and friendship. Call Vera for details at 649-7342.
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FRIDAYS: The Manchester Police Activities League Mountain Bike Club is seeking new members. The club is for boys and girls 13 to 18. Rides are on Friday afternoons and will take place on a variety of trails. All levels of riders are welcome. Mountain bikes are available for participants, or they may bring their own. Cost is $10. For more information call 645-5525.
