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Meriden, CT
- community calendar -
(April 2004)

This is your opportunity to learn more about the community events that took
place in my home town ... the Silver City of the Nutmeg / Constitution State.
Be sure to preview the current events uniquely placed on an updated page!
You may also find additional Net content arranged in alpha / category formats.
Please remember to return to LK AROUND for more exciting features. Phil

... ...

month of, April 2004

April Is Friends Of The Library Month in Connecticut

This is the time Connecticut honors the thousands of volunteers who,
as library Friends, give their time and talents to enhance library
capabilities and services throughout the state. In support of the
observance, sponsored by the Friends of Connecticut Libraries (FOCL),
State Librarian Kendall Wiggin has been named as honorary spokesman.

Over 140 Connecticut libraries have active Friends of the Library groups.
Their undertakings vary from library to library, but usually include book
sales and other fundraising activities, proceeds from which are devoted
to producing cultural, entertainment and book discussion programs,
purchase of needed equipment and supplies and other expdenditures
not within the library's budget. At many libraries, Friends volunteer in
assisting with library activities such as outreach to the homebound,
helping at children's programs, and many other vital library activities.

The Friends of Meriden Public Library are currently celebrating their
20th year of service. The Meriden Friends organization manages an active
bookstore at 1 Colony Street, hosts several booksales, a garden tour,
and television program, 'Heart of the City', as well as issuing a regular
newsletter and sponsoring children's programs each summer. For info, write
The Friends of Meriden Public Library, POB 868, Meriden, CT 06450-0868

throughout, April 2004

Teen Poetry Contest

The Academy of American Poets has designated April as
'National Poetry Month'. In honor of this, the Meriden
Public Library would like students in grades 6-12 to
submit their poetry for display at the library. The
Library Board of Directors will choose the winners.

        Rules are as follows:

        1.  Poems must be original and not copies from any source.
        2.  Up to 3 poems may be submitted per person.
        3.  All entries must be legible and should be typed or 
            handwritten in ink.
        4.  Do not sign the poem.  Include your name, address,
            telephone number, and grade on the back of the sheet.
        5.  Only poets whose poems are slected will be notified;
            winners will be announced in May.
        6.  All entries become property of the Meriden Public Library
            and will not be returned; they will be displayed in the
            teen area of the library.
        7.  Poems will be accepted throughout the month of April;
            winners will be announced in May.
        8.  Entries may be delivered to the Information Desk at the       
            library or mailed to (care of Teen Poetry Contest) ...

Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

almost daily, April 2004

Indoor Swim Program

The Maloney High School pool's schedule follows:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 6:30-7:45PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 12noon-3:45PM
No Swimming: 4/11, 4/22, 4/24, and 4/25
(for daily updates, call 630-4279)

All interested participants must possess a valid 2004
pool pass. A pass costs $5.00 for adults and $1.00
for children ages 17 and under; they are good for
the calendar year in which they are purchased,
including the outdoor public swim at Hubbard Park.
To receive a pass, potential recipients must bring,
in-person, proof of Meriden residency to the office of
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

through, April 13, 2004

Co-Ed Adult Volleyball Program

This is the final full month left to enjoy this fun sport ...
Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18
and older take place at Lincoln Middle School Tuesdays 6-9PM.
Registration, including payment of a one-time $20 processing
fee, can be done on any night the program is in session.
Participants are asked to park in the school's rear lot and
use the back entrance during construction. The program
will not run, however, on school holidays and snow days.
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

through, April 14, 2004

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Meriden Public Library hosts the V.I.T.A. Program which is
sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service and provides free
help to taxpayers who can't afford professional assistance
or who have tax questions. Assistance in preparing the CT
state forms is also available. The sessions take place in
the Library's Friends Room, located at the side entrance
every Wednesday 5:30-8:30pm and Saturdays 10am-1pm.

V.I.T.A. volunteers alert taxpayers to special credits and
deductions for which they may be eligible. People interested
in attending the program should bring this year's tax package,
wage and earnings statements (W2), interest statements from their
banks, and a copy of their previous year's tax return. You must
also bring a photo I.D. showing your current address and a social
security card or number. Joint returns require both taxpayers present.
For further information, please call the library at (203) 630-6349.

Monday, April 5, 2004

Bilingual Reading and Discussion Series of Latino Literature

Meriden Public Library is hosting a five-part book discussion called
'Stories of Love, Life, and Work' starting tonight at 7:00pm. Sponsored
by Human Pursuits: The Western Humanities Concern and the Natural
Endowment for the Humanitites, the series features five award-winning
books written by Latin American authors. The series is moderated by
Dr. Angela Arrey-Wastavino. The schedule of discussions is as follows:

         Monday,  April 5  at 7:00pm    Odyssey to the North, by Mario Bencastro
         Tuesday, April 27 at 12noon    Peel My Love Like An Onion, by Ana Castillo
         Monday,  May 11   at 7:00pm    America's Dream, by Esmeralda Santiago
         Monday,  May 24   at 7:00pm    The Aguero Sisters, by Cristina Garcia
         Tuesday, June 15  at 12noon    News of the Kidnapped, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Spanish or English editions of the selected books and study guides are
available on loan and absolutely free to participants prior to discussion
dates through the public library. Participants are expected to read the
book before attending the bimonthly discussion. Because the scholar is
bilingual, discussion sessions can happen in the language requested by
the audience, whether English or Spanish. This is not a lecture series.
For registration, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Copies of 'Desperate Ground', a World WarII Novel, Signed

Connecticut author James R. Benn will autograph copies of his novel
at the Meriden Public Library at 7:00pm tonight. Deperate Ground is
a thriller set in the last days of the war in Germany. The title comes
from Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese author of The Art of War.
The public is invited to attend this free event - refreshments served.
For registration, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

Friday, April 9, 2004

Public Library Closed For Holiday

Meriden Public Library is closed today to observe Good Friday.
The library reopens for business Saturday the 10th. Hours are:
Monday-Wednesday, 10am-9pm; Thursday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 238-2346

Saturday, April 10, 2004

Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Bunny will be at Hubbard Park bandshell today
to give children an early start to their egg collecting this year:

                    Age Group       Time        
                    Birth - 3       10:00AM
                    4 - 5           10:30AM
                    6 - 7           11:00AM
                    8 - 10          11:30AM

Children are asked to bring a bag or basket for egg collecting.
The event is held rain or shine. Please note, adult 'assistance'
will only be permitted in the first age group. For info, contact
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

Tuesday, April 13, 2004

'Meriden Reads 2004'

Meriden Public Library's citywide reading initiative featuring
a discussion of the poetry of American poet Robert Frost,
concludes today at 12noon. Session moderator is John Kenney,
a graduate of the University of Vermont and former English,
speech and drama teacher at Maloney High School for 40 years.
Currently, Kenney is with the Castle Craig Adult Learning Center.
The discussion session is free - you are invited to attend.
For registration, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

starting, April 16, 2004

Meriden Skatepark

The Meriden Skatepark, located on the corner of Coe Avenue and
Hamilton Street, opens today for the 2004 season. Operation hours:
School Days ... 2:00pm - Dusk
Non-School Days ... 11:00am - Dusk
The skatepark is not open the weekend of April 23rd-25th.
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

Monday, April 19, 2004

'Hi-Liter Show Stoppers'

Meriden Public Library is hosting the Kiwanis Hi-Liters 52nd Annual
Variety Show at 7:00pm, tonight. The program features 30 performers.
According to director Richard Fontanella, the show features two
production numbers, 'Sidewalks of Hollywood', in which cast members
play the parts of celebrities through the years, and 'Aloha, Hawaii',
a beach party at a hotel. A total of 17 individual acts will be
featured, including singers, dancers and comedians. Finally,
a Polka Party, featuring the entire cast, will close the show.
The program is free and open to the public starting at 6:30pm.
For registration, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

week of, April 19-23, 2004

Spring Vacation Week

Baseball Clinic - Interested in working on your baseball fundamentals?
Whether you play in Little League or the backyard, this is just the
thing for you! Children ages 8-12 will be instructed in such skills
as hitting, fielding, and pitching. The clinic takes place from
10:00am-12noon at Washington Park. Interested participants must
register at the Parks and Recreation office between April 5th-16th.
The cost is $20.00, which includes transportation and admission to
a batting cages trip and the New Britain Rock Cats game on 4/20.
Space in the camp is limited, so please register early.

Rock Cats Trip - The Recreation Divison is sponsoring a
trip to New Britain Stadium on Tuesday, April 20th to see the
Rock Cats play a 11:35am game against the Binghamton Mets. The bus
leaves Washington Park at 10:30am and returns immediately following
the game's end. The cost is $6.00 per person. Catch a glimpse of
future major stars! Interested participants must register by 4/19 at
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

beginning, April 19, 2004

Summer Activities Information

Registration forms for the 2004 Hot Shot Basketball Camp,
consisting of two one-week sessions from June 28-July 2,
and July 5-9, are currently available. Info on the Summer
Playground Program + Meriden Nature Camp are also at the
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

register, April 19 to May 7, 2004

Outdoor Exploration Program

Want to explore the exciting world of the 'great outdoors'?
This program is designed for challenged individuals ages 6 to 13.
It allows participants to 'explore' nature through such outdoor
activities as archery, canoeing, fishing, and campfire construction.
Other 'surprise' activities are included as well. The program meets
Wednesdays from 4:30-5:45pm May 12-June 9 at Hubbard Park.
There is a $15.00 registration fee for each child. Please sign-up
soon as there are only eight positions available in the program.
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Wallingford Author Autographs Book

Merien Public Library hosts a special appearance by Wallingford author
Bob Tassmer at 7:00pm, tonight. In celebration of National Library Week,
Tassmer will sign copies of his novel, Life Saviour - a human social
triumph set in a small New England town called Hope which is being
reshaped by a changing global economy, corporate greed, and downsizing.
The program is free and the public is invited to attend - seating limited.
For registration, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

special days, April 24-25, 2004

26th Annual Meriden Daffodil Festival

Saturday 10:00am-9:00pm AND Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm at Hubbard Park.
The festival features amusement rides, continuous musical entertainment,
a parade, a craft fair, frieworks, a road race, special events, demos,
over 30 different food vendors, and over 600,000 daffodils in bloom!
Some of the prominent pre-festival and festival events include:

                  4/17   -   Kids' Fishing Derby (9am - 11:30am)
                             Tag Sale (9am - 2pm)
                  4/18   -   'Beat the Street' Boxing Show (2:30pm)
                  4/21   -   Little Miss Daffodil Crowning (6:30pm)
                  4/23   -   Family Night (5pm - 9pm)
                  4/24   -   Silver Fork Food Tent (10am - 7pm)
                             17th Annual Daffodils on Parade (11:30am)
                             Elvin Bishop Concert (7:15pm)
                             Fireworks Display (8:30pm)
                  4/25   -   Rotary Club 5k Road Race (10am)
                             John Sebastian Concert (2pm)
                             Asleep at the Wheel Concert (3:30pm)

Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

Tuesday, April 27, 2004

Peel My Love Like An Onion

Today at 12 noon is the second session of a five-part book discussion
called 'Stories of Love, Life, and Work'. Meriden Public Library hosts
this bilingual reading / discussion series of latino literature (first session
already met 4/5). Dr. Angela Arrey-Wastavino is moderator.
For registration, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Speaker Targets Identity Theft

Meriden Public Library hosts a special appearance by Andre L. Beaudoin,
president of Andre Inspires, at 7:00pm, tonight. His topic will be
'Who's In Your Wallet - Learning the Facts about Identity Theft'.

Identity Theft is reported to be America's fastest growing crime.
The Federal Trade Commission reported there were 27.3 million victims
in the past 5 years, 9.9 million in 2002 alone. Like the flu and cancer, you
can take steps to reduce your risk, but no one is immune to becoming
a victim. Recovery costs the average victim $1,500 in our of pocket
expenses and 175 hours of their time. Seating is limited, but free.
For registration, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

Friday, April 30, 2004

Lunch and Movie Program

Meriden Public Library hosts 'Love and Laughter with Charlie Prose'
at 12noon today. The program is presented in cooperation with
Midstate Medical Center's Prestige Club. You're welcome to attend
and bring a bag lunch. Dessert and hot beverages will be served.
For registration, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

reminder, April and May 2004

Details on Upcoming Parades

The 17th Annual 'Daffodils on Parade' takes place on
Saturday, April 24th and the 2004 Meriden Memorial Day
Parade takes place on Saturday, May 29th. To participate
in either of these two festive events, please call ...
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

* Information Wanted *

This feature is created as a result of several visitors' input / suggestions.
My goal is to provide a growing and valuable local resource for all to enjoy.
If you, or someone you may know, have any material or ideas that others
may appreciate added to this service, please feel free to let me know. Phil

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[Meriden, CT Community Calendar]
Meriden, CT
Community Calendar