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Newington Town Hall, Lucy Robbins Welles Library and other municipal facilities will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Curbside refuse and recyclables collections scheduled for the week of Nov. 11 will be made on the regularly scheduled day. The landfill is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Corner Fair spans two days
The Corner Fair will be held at the Church of Christ Congregational, 1075 Main St., Newington, Friday, Nov. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy lite fare from Dave's Deli, baked goods, Boutiquest with gift ideas and crafts, gift baskets, cookies, Christmas holiday decorations and ornaments, collectibles including jewelry items and a Children's Corner.
Financial aid questions answered
The Newington High School Counseling Department will be sponsoring a Financial Aid Program Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Newington High School Auditorium. Handouts and additional information will be available to parents and students who attend. A representative from the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation will also be present to answer questions.
50 years of drama
The Newington High School Drama Club is celebrating 50 Years of Dramatic Excellence this year. An attempt is being made to contact past Drama Club members since 1958 to get an accurate list of the members and the plays that were produced. Pictures would also be helpful. Anyone with information can contact Deb Scorzato, the current adviser, at dscorzato@newington-schools.org or by calling (860) 666-5611, ext. 324. Also, the Drama Club's production this year, on Nov. 20, 21 and 22, is a three-act murder-mystery titled "Murder Takes the Veil" and all alumni of the Drama Club (over the years called The Dramatic Club, The Spotlighters and The Footlighters) will be admitted at a special rate of $5. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. with a matinee at 1:30 p.m. on the 22nd.
Humane Society reaches out
Join the Connecticut Humane Society as it takes the month of November to honor its history of helping abused and neglected children. The society has reinstated its annual toy drive to benefit the foster children served by the Department of Children and Families.
* Goal of the Drive: Collect 400 toys for children in need
* Drive ends: Nov. 30
* Toy Collection Site: Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington
* Hours: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving Day
* What to donate: New, unwrapped toys suitable for kids between newborn and 18 years old. Gift cards suggested for the 13- to 18-year-old age range.
While you are at the shelter, don't hesitate to visit the adoptable pets. If you are thinking of bringing a new companion animal into your life, the society encourages you to make shelter adoption your first option. The homeless pets in the society's shelters are counting on you go give them the greatest holiday gift of all - a permanent, loving home.
Treating Newington's icy roads
For the upcoming winter season, the Newington Highway Department will be converting from sand/salt-based materials to a treated-salt application for roadway snow and ice. Residents will notice some changes in storm operations as this change is implemented. Most notably, plow trucks will be applying the treated salt anti-icing agent in advance of snow and ice events. Applying treated salt to roadways before the accumulation of snow and ice (anti-icing) will help prevent ice from bonding to the roadway by creating a brine barrier between any precipitation and the roadway.
The use of treated salt without sand has many advantages, including:
* Taxpayers will benefit from reduced spring sweeping and catch-basin cleaning costs along with the elimination of sand entering our streams and waterways;
* Streets will not be covered with brown sand at the conclusion of a storm;
* Treated salt bounces less than standard rock salt, ensuring more material remains on the roadway, not in the gutter; and,
* Crews will cover more territory as a truckload of treated salt will last longer than sand/salt mix.
For specific questions regarding these procedural changes, contact the Highway Department at (860) 667-5810.
Lamplighter Fair coming soon
The Holy Spirit Ladies Guild will hold its Lamplighter Fair in the FOC Parish Center, 183 Church St., Newington, Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Light breakfast and lunch will be available. There will be many booths featuring needlework, baked goods, jewelry, white elephant, religious, cheer, grab bag, raffles and Kids' Korner. For more information, contact Jean at (860) 667-0778 or Marie at (860) 666-0232, chairwomen of the event.
Scholarships offered
The General Federation of Women's Clubs of Connecticut will be offering memorial scholarships to qualified women. Applicants must possess a minimum 3.0 average and must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study at an institute of higher learning. For more information, contact Maureen of the Newington/Wethersfield Woman's Club at (860) 666-5325. Deadline for return of applications is Feb. 10, 2009. Incomplete applications will not be considered and deadlines must be strictly followed.
Benefit concert for food bank
The Newington Food Bank will benefit from a free concert that's open to the public at Temple Sinai, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.
The Kleznicks, one of the area's most popular klezmer bands, will perform at the synagogue at 41 West Hartford Road. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items that will be donated to the food bank. Due to limited seating, reservations are required. To R.S.V.P., call the temple office, (860) 561-1055, ext. 0, and leave a message with name, phone number and the number of people attending.
Temple Sinai: Upcoming events
41 West Hartford Road, Newington
- Chai Club event at Connecticut Cabaret Theatre production of "The Fantasticks," Saturday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.
- Breakfast with Howie Schwab of ESPN, Sunday, Nov. 9, 9:15 a.m., $10
For more information on these events, call (860) 561-1055.
Art League happenings
The Newington Art League will hold its annual Juried Art Show Nov. 22 from 2 to 4 p.m., 90 Welles Drive. There will be many sizes and styles of art displayed and the public is invited to attend. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served and admission is free. Members must submit their paintings on Nov. 18, between 10 a.m. and noon, ready to hang, with all information attached.
After a short business meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 12, Ralph Acosta, landscape artist, will demonstrate in watercolor.
Woodcarvers interested in joining the Art League are invited to call Mike, (860) 666-1144. For all other information, call (860) 666-9992.
Attention John Wallace Middle School
7th- and 8th-grade parents
A parent program on Internet Safety will be sponsored by the school counseling department and presented by Newington Police Officer Mike Webster, Monday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the John Wallace Auditorium. Refreshments will be provided. The program will address Internet safety awareness for parents of middle-school students.
- 95 percent of parents don't understand the shorthand lingo kids use in chat rooms, i.e., "A/S/L" (age/sex/location) or "P911" (parent over shoulder).
- 54 percent of teens frequently have private conversations with online strangers through instant messaging.
- 42 percent of kids have been bullied while online. One in four has had it happen more than once.
- 58 percent have not told their parents or an adult about something mean or hurtful that happened to them online.
(Based on 2004 i-SAFE survey of 1,500 students grades 4-8)
Leaf collection under way
The Newington Highway Department's annual Curbside Leaf Collection Program began Nov. 3.
All streets West of Willard Avenue will be completed during the first eight days: Nov. 3-12.
All streets East of Willard Avenue will be completed during the following eight days: Nov. 13-24.
Depending on weather conditions, crews may enter into a section ahead of schedule or remain in an area longer than anticipated. Keep in mind that an early snowfall hinders collection efforts. Therefore, residents are advised to rake leaves to the curb as soon as possible and use the above schedule as a guideline only. Collection schedules updated daily can be obtained through the town's Web site at www.newingtonct.gov or by calling the Highway Department at (860) 667-5810.
- The town will make at least two passes thru each street (weather permitting).
- Do not block sidewalks or rake leaves into the street.
- Leaves in barrels, plastic bags, cardboard boxes or mixed with branches, sticks, household trash or any foreign matter will not be picked up.
- State law requires leaves to be collected separately from the trash. Do not put leaves in your rubbish containers as they will not be picked up.
- Residents have the option of bringing their leaves to the town's landfill on Main Street just south of Churchill Park. The landfill is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents do not need a disposal permit to dispose of leaves at the landfill.
2009 Entertainment Book available
The Newington Knights of Columbus are selling the 2009 Entertainment Book. The proceeds from the sale support the Knights Intellectually Challenged Programs. The book contains many fine and casual dining discounts in the Hartford area. It also has many merchandise discount coupons. For more information, call (860) 666-8111.
Parking ban in effect
Effective Nov. 1, the Newington Police Department is enforcing the overnight parking ban throughout Newington. The ordinance prohibits parking for more than 30 minutes between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on any street. This parking ban ensures proper sanding and plowing operations and helps prevent accidents on snowy or icy roads.
Motorists requiring an exception from this ordinance due to an emergency situation are urged to contact the Newington Police Department at (860) 666-8445.
We urge the continued cooperation of all our residents and motorists.
Classmates sought for 20th reunion
Newington High School Class of '88 will celebrate its 20th reunion at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29, at the Aqua Turf Club. For more information, contact Kristyn (Vilcinskas) Turgeon at mdturgeon@snet.net.
Reunion announced
Newington High School Class of 1998 will hold its 10-year class reunion from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Nov. 28 at City Steam, 942 Main St., Hartford. For information, call New England Reunions at (877) 600-6694 or visit www.newenglandreunions.com.
'Want to Open a Business! Now What?'
Two workshops remain in the Newington Chamber of Commerce series, "Want to Open a Business! Now What?"
The cost is $25 per session for the Tuesday seminars, held at 7 p.m. at the Newington Chamber of Commerce Office, 1046 Main St. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited; register as soon as possible.
For more information, call (860) 666-2089, e-mail office@newingtonchamber.com or visit www.newingtonchamber.com.
- Nov. 11
Steve Bafundo of A.J. Bafundo & Co., LLC will present "How to Make It Pay," to focus on accounting, payroll - in house or outside service? - and taxes, what types of filings are available and best for you?
- Nov. 25
Christine Sparmer, former business owner and vice president, Marketing and Communications, One Beacon Professional Partners, will present "Marketing Small Businesses on a Shoestring Budget." Your marketing activities don't have to break the bank. Learn how to market like a pro.
Chaffee Elementary School has new Web site
The PTA of Ruth L. Chaffee Elementary School would like to announce the launching of the RuthLChaffeePTA.com Web site, where families and teachers can get up-to-date information on PTA-sponsored events, fundraisers and links to family resources. Parents these days are pulled in many directions and with the amount of backpack mail that comes home on a daily basis, sometimes important forms get misplaced. Now you can go to www.ruthlchaffeepta.com and download them. We hope this will be a useful tool for busy parents.
Enthusiastic volunteers wanted
Newington's Warm Hands, Warm Hearts is seeking enthusiastic volunteers of all ages. A community service group in its ninth year, WHWH benefits the Newington Department of Human Services and the people who live in our town. Volunteering with the group is an excellent way for parents and their children to work together or for Boy Scout & Girl Scout troops to get involved. The next WHWH event will be a collection of new adult-sized socks, hats, gloves, coats and blankets in November. The group is also looking for adults who would like to participate on its Board of Directors. Anyone interested in helping with the collection or with future events can contact Renée at (860) 666-6883 or visit the Web site at www.warmhandswarmhearts.org.
PTA hosts Women's Expo
The Ruth Chaffee Parent Teacher Association is holding a Women's Expo, Nov. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission Cost is $20 which includes refreshments and a fashion show sponsored by Dress Barn. Various vendors will also be at this event so plan on starting your holiday shopping. For more information, contact Lisa Lavery at (860) 665-9195 or Jen Spano at (860) 436-4609.
Relay for Life meetings set
(The Newington Relay for Life is scheduled for May 29 and 30.)
Mark your calendars: The following dates have been secured for Relay for Life meetings at the Newington Senior & Disabled Center, at 6:30 p.m. Mondays: Nov. 17 in the Multipurpose Room, no December meeting, Jan. 19, Feb. 9 in the cafeteria, March 16, April 20, May 11 and May 26 (last meeting before the relay).
5th annual Silent Auction,
Wine Tasting and Chocolate Challenge
The Newington Chamber of Commerce will be holding its 5th annual Silent Auction/Wine Tasting/Chocolate Challenge at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Sphinx Shrine, 3066 Berlin Turnpike in Newington. This entertaining evening and social gathering will help to fund the Newington Chamber of Commerce's High School Scholarship program.
Anyone is invited to consider donating items or gift certificates with a value of at least $100. Keep in mind, this is a great way to advertise your business. You may also encourage businesses you work with to make donations as well. In addition, if you are interested in attending this event, please be advised any individual or business that donates an item of $150 or more will get two complimentary tickets to the event. However, seating is limited. Reserved tickets are $25 per person, or, you could reserve a table of eight for $160 for your friends and/or your company. All tickets are on a first come, first served basis.
Contact the chamber office at (860) 666-2089 or e-mail at www.office@newingtonchamber.com for more information.
Volunteers needed at senior center
Business is booming at the Newington Senior and Disabled Center and help is needed to make it run smoothly. The center has a new computerized database and volunteers are needed for general office work including data entry, processing applications, taking appointments, providing information and other administrative support. Volunteers must be able to use a database, Microsoft Office products, have strong telephone skills and patience to work in a fast-paced environment. If this sounds like you and you are available a few hours a week, call the Senior and Disabled Center at (860) 665-8778 and ask for Denise or Eleanor.
Volunteers sought to deliver meals
The Newington Senior and Disabled Center is looking for volunteer Meals-on-Wheels drivers. The time commitment is two to three hours per week. Call (860) 665-8769 for more information.
NYC bus trip in December
The Family Readiness Group of Charlie Co. 1/102nd Infantry is sponsoring a bus trip to New York City Dec. 13. Cost is $40 per person. The bus will leave the Newington Veterans Hospital rear parking lot at 8 a.m. and depart New York at 6 p.m. Call (860) 548-3294 to reserve a seat.
Free holiday concert
A free Christmas concert will be presented Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. at Church of Christ Congregational, 1075 Main St. Newington. The church's choirs and a professional chamber orchestra, directed by Peter Niedmann, will sing a delightful assortment of carols in the candlelit sanctuary. This annual town concert is free and open to all. It runs just about one hour - making it easy for families with young children to enjoy.
Around the Area
Mobile mammography screenings
Maple View Manor, located at 856 Main Street in Rocky Hill, has scheduled Hartford Hospital's Mobile Mammography Program to offer mammogram screenings from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 24. Women who are eligible for a screening mammogram are those age 35-40 who have never had a mammogram, and those 40 or older who have not had a mammogram in the past 12 months. Call (860) 563.2861 (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for available times and to sign up for a mammogram screening. Most insurances accepted. Bring insurance card. If you don't have insurance, funds are available to pay for screenings.
"Christmas in New England" features work of Newington composer
CONCORA (Connecticut Choral Artists) will present "Christmas in New England," Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. at Center Church in Hartford (corner of Main and Gold streets). Founded by artistic director Richard Coffey in 1974, CONCORA is Connecticut's premier professional choir. Joined by Center Church's own director of music and the arts, Jason Charneski, on piano and organ, the choir and Maestro Coffey will present choral arrangements of Christmas songs both familiar and brand new, spanning the ages from the 18th century to the present. Tickets are available now at www.concora.org, or by calling (860) 224-7500. The snow date for the concert will be Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
CONCORA will sing works of two Connecticut composers: "Advent Carol" by Peter Niedmann, director of music at the First Congregational Church of Newington, and "I Saw Three Ships" by Robert Edward Smith, composer-in-residence at Trinity College Chapel and a member of the faculty at the Hartt School.
Other highlights of the program include a festive procession, an audience sing-along (in four-part harmony), carols chosen from the collections at Yale University, songs for Epiphany, as well as "Shepherd's Song at Christmas" by Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker, "Adam Lay Ybounden" by New Hampshire's Hubert Bird, "Adeste Fideles" and "Christmas Carol" by Connecticut native Charles Ives, and much more.
Center Church is fully accessible to the handicapped. Braille and large-print copies of the concert program are available at each concert. CONCORA's season is made possible by the generosity of the Saunders Foundation, the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, donors to the Greater Hartford Arts Council's United Arts Campaign, The Edward C. & Ann T. Roberts Foundation, the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, the Alexander A. Goldfarb Memorial Trust, and many other foundations and individuals.
Concert tickets are $45 for premium seats, $25 for general admission and $10 for students. Group discounts are available for groups of eight or more. Contact claird@concora.org or call (860) 224-7500.
Holiday Fair Nov. 15
Celebrate the holiday season from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 371 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield. Just in time for your Thanksgiving Day preparations, visit the Holiday Fair bakery for homemade baked pies just like your grandmother's, plus many other homemade baked goodies; the holiday store, where you can purchase gifts/decorations for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays; the country store, for homemade jams, relishes, cider, lotions and other autumn/seasonal items; the kitchen, where we will be serving up delicious homemade soups again this year as well as other snacks and beverages to enjoy while you visit; handmade crafts, believe it or not - all items sold in this department are handmade by talented artisans in the fair's workshop; and children's booth, where children can create wonderful sand-art projects. You will also find jewelry (handmade and selected originals), books, phonographs, tapes, CDs, DVDs, Grandma's Attic (selected items) and olive oil direct from the Mount of Olives.
Proceeds will benefit these charities: Wethersfield Social Services, Camp Horizon, New England Seafarers' Mission and Mercy Corps.
A suggested donation of a nonperishable food item or gently-loved stuffed animal would be appreciated.
For directions to the fair, call (860) 529-5397 or visit www.stpaulswethersfield.org
Rebuilding Together seeks homeowners in need
Rebuilding Together New Britain is seeking low-income homeowners in need of help with home maintenance and repairs for participation in its 18th annual Rebuilding Day event, to be held April 25, 2009.
Rebuilding Together New Britain provides home repair and improvement services free of charge to low-income New Britain homeowners, particularly the elderly, disabled, and families with children. Services are provided by local volunteers and include such projects as painting, yard work, cleaning and basic plumbing, electrical and carpentry work.
If you, a neighbor, or loved one is in need of help, call Rebuilding Together New Britain, (860) 832-4389, for an application. Applications for Rebuilding Day 2009 should be submitted by Nov. 15.
Businesses, groups and organizations interested in donating and/or participating in a rewarding, team-building volunteer experience are encouraged to contact Rebuilding Together at the number above.
Ms. Wheelchair
Ms. Wheelchair Connecticut, a nonprofit organization that highlights the achievements of women who utilize wheelchairs, is seeking contestants and sponsors for its 2009 contest. To be eligible, women must be state residents, 21 years or older, and use wheelchairs as their primary means of mobility. Sponsors are also needed to help support the event, as well as a state coordinator who will accompany the winner to the national competition in the summer of 2009. For more information, visit www.mswheelchairct.org.
Your car can save lives
Your boat, truck, RV, or motorcycle could, too. Donate your vehicle to the American Lung Association of New England today by calling 1-(877)-LUNG or log on to www.donateyourcar.org. Every vehicle can help combat lung disease. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and the number one killer of babies in the world. The American Lung Association has been your local lung health charity for over a century. Help drive out lung disease for good.
