LOOK AROUND

Meriden, CT
- community calendar -
(December 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

... ...

daily, December 2004

Festival Of Silver Lights

The 2004-2005 display can be seen nightly from dusk to
dawn at Hubbard Park through January 6, 2005. There is
no cost to view the scenes. Please note that portions
of the park is unavailable to vehicular access during
the Christmas in the Park 12/14 celebration (5:00-8:30pm).
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

daily, December 2004

'Fine Free' At The Library

Meriden Public Library is holding a fine free month now through
Thursday, December 30, 2004. People are welcome to return their
overdue books and materials during this period and donate one
item of non-perishable food per title returned instead of paying
a monetary fine. Borrowers may visit the circulation desk to take
advantage of the opportunity to clear their library records.
The food is being stored in a bin in the lobby. All food collected
will be delivered to local food pantries which supply food to needy
residents. Food most needed are tuna, dry milk, pasta, tomato items,
juices, and cereals. For further information, please call 238-2344.
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

almost daily, December 2004

Indoor Public Swim Program

The 2004-2005 weekly schedule takes place
at the Maloney High School pool as follows:

Mon, Wed, Thur ... 6:30 - 7:45pm
Sat + Sun ... 12noon - 3:45pm
(closed school holidays and/or snow days)
[daily updates available at 630-4279]

Special: An adaptive swim program will take
place 6:30-7:30pm on these Wednesday eves:
12/1, 12/8, and 12/15.
This program will allow students with special
needs to work with a certified physical therapist.

All interested participants must possess a valid 2004
pool pass ($5.00 adults, $1.00 for children 17 and under).
2005 pool passes will be available beginning December 13th.
Potential recipients must come in-person and bring proof
of Meriden residency to receive a pass at the office of:
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

Tuesdays, December 2004

Co-Ed Adult Volleyball Program

Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 and
older take place at Lincoln Middle School from 6:00 - 9:00PM.
The program runs through April 12th, except for school holidays
and snow days. The registration fee is $25.00, which includes
program inclusion for the year plus a shirt. This fee can be
paid onsite any night the program is in session. Healthy fun ...
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

Saturdays, December 2004

StoryLines New England

Get acquainted with some fascinating books that spotlight New England
values and culture in a new radio series called 'StoryLines New England',
a joint presentation of Meriden Public Library and WPKT-FM, 90.5.
This program is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities
and organized by the American Library Association. The series debuted
October 16 and can be heard for the following 11 weeks at 8:00pm, Saturdays.
Each StoryLines America program focuses on a special book (limited copies
available at the library) which you can read, listen to guests talk about it
on the air and then call-in and share your comments on a toll-free number.
For detailed discussion guides and other information, please contact the
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

beginning, December 1, 2004

Santa Letters

Santa Claus is once again responding to Christmas letters!
Children ages 1-12 are invited to send their wish lists and
letters through the United States Postal Service mail system
or bring them to the Parks and Recreation office. To ensure
a response by Christmas, children are asked to forward letters
no later than December 17th. Address letters to 'Santa Claus,
North Pole' and include the child's full name and address.
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

starting, December 1, 2004

Holiday House Decorating Contest

Meriden homes are invited to enter this 2004 fun activity.
Judging of the displays shall take place on December 20th.
Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
'Most Creative', 'Most Traditional', 'Best Display of Figures',
'Best Display of Electricity', 'Best Display of Holiday Spirit',
and 'Judges' Choice'. Only outdoor entries will be considered.
Winners will be included in the Silver Lights Bus Tour. Phone
entries will be accepted from the 1st through December 17th at
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

update: Winners Announced

MOST CREATIVE
51 Virginia Drive
41 Brookdale Road
786 South Curtis Street

MOST TRADITIONAL
68 Kim Lane
46 Fairmount Avenue
25 Suzy Court

BEST DISPLAY OF HOLIDAY SPIRIT
100 Sandy Lane
142 Schwink Drive
226 Carriage Drive East

BEST DISPLAY OF ELECTRICITY
50 North Meadow Lane
228 Glen Hills Road
204 Johnson Avenue

BEST DISPLAY OF FIGURES
13 Baldwin Avenue
25 South Meadow Lane
121 Johnson Avenue

JUDGES' CHOICE
335 Elm Street
253 Oak Street Extension
27 Nancy Lane
100 Yale Acres Road

The City of Meriden would like to thank all
entrants for their creative efforts and
wish everyone a happy/safe holiday season!

Wednesday, December 1, 2004

Book Signing At The Library

Meriden Public Library is hosting a special appearance by Connecticut
author Lynn McPhelimy, author of 'In The Checklist of Life: A Working
Book To Help You Live And Leave This Life' at 7:00pm this evening.

When Lynn McPhelimy's parents were diagnosed with terminal illness
within a few months of one another, they wanted to talk to her about it.
Her reaction was, if they didn't talk about it, it would go away. Being
eager to get on with their lives - what precious time they had - they
asked Lynn if she wanted to be left with questions or answers. Wisely,
she opted for the answers. As her parents prepared her for the day
when they would no longer be here, she now helps others prepare.

The program is free and the public is invited to attend. Light refresh-
ments will be served. Seating is limited - for free registration, call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

Sunday, December 5, 2004

'Two Travellers To South Africa'

Meriden Public Library presents this travel program at 2:00pm,
today. Area residents Jessica Hovenstine and Elizabeth Devlin
are the guest speakers; they will share their experiences of
their separately taken trips together with the audience.

Meriden resident Jessica Hovenstine is a senior at Marist College
in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Through Marist, she participated in the
short term abroad program to South Africa from May 25 - June 13, 2004
where she received credits for studying economics and education.

Wallingford resident Elizabeth Devlin is a reference librarian at
Meriden Public Library. She travelled to South Africa in September
with three friends. Their trip included touring Cape Town and a
safari in the the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

The program is free - you're invited to attend. Seating is limited.
For reservations, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

Tuesday, December 7, 2004

Connecticut Author Speaks At Library

update: postponed to January 11, 2005

Katherine Valentine will speak at Meriden Public Library's
Literary Lunchbox at 12 noon, today. Valentine will speak
about 'Grace Will Lead Me Home', the third book in her
Dorestville series, then autograph copies for the audience.
The program is free - you're invited to attend. Seating is limited.
For reservations, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

City Manager Speaks At Literary Lunchbox

Meriden's City Manager Roger Kemp shall speak at Meriden
Public Library's Literary Lunchbox at 12 noon, today.
Kemp will speak about his recent book 'Cities and the Arts:
A Handbook For Renewal'. You're invited to this attend this
free program. Bring a bag lunch - hot beverages are served.
For reservations, please e-mail comsvc@hotmail.com or call
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Christmas In The Park

This 17th annual celebration takes place at Hubbard Park
from 5:00-8:30pm, tonight. The free event features great
family entertainment, including wagon rides through the
'Festival of Silver Llights' display, Santa Claus and other
holiday characters, children's arts and crafts, musical
entertainment by local school groups, ice carvers, sled dog
teams, and seasonal refreshments. A winter wonderland for all.

The school musical entertainment schedule is as follows:

          Time         Group
          5:00PM       Thomas Edison Middle School Wind Ensemble
          5:30PM       Elementary School Instrumental Ensemble
          6:00PM       Maloney High School Allegrettos, Contabiles
                          and Concert Choir
          7:00PM       Washington Park Junior Drum Corps
          8:00PM       St. Stanislaus School Musical Ensemble

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

Friday, December 17, 2004

Castle Craig Night Viewing

Don't miss this special opportunity to see Meriden and the
surrounding area, including Hubbard Park's 'Festival of Silver
Lights' display, under the lights! Weather permitting, the
vehicle access road to Castle Craig will be open 6:00-8:00pm.
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

Thursday, December 23, 2004

Silver Lights Bus Tour

Want to see the very best Meriden has to offer in Christmas
lights and decorations? At 6:30pm this evening, a guided bus
tour of the city's top holiday attractions leaves the Meriden
Senior Center on West Main Street. Featured destinations are:
Hubbard Park, City Hall, Veterans' Memorial Boulevard, downtown
locations, and the best-decorated houses in the city. Interested
participants must register between December 1st - 21st by calling
Meriden Parks and Recreation, 460 Liberty St, 630-4259

Every Day, Monthly

Internet 'Hot Spots'

The Meriden Public Library has added a wireless network
to its computer services. This feature allows individuals to
bring in their own laptops and use Internet services here.
In order to connect, you must have an 802.11b wireless adapter
to be compliant. The connecting device must use dynamic DNS
and DHCP settings. There's no need to sign up - nor any fee.
If you have a question, call Information Services at 238-2346.
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

special, Daily

Library Challenges

Once again, Dr. and Mrs. Sherwin Borsuk have issued a challenge
to members of the Meriden community. They will contribute $1000
to the Meriden Public Library for the purchase of audio books if
other members in the community will make a contribution so that
the library can raise an additional $1000.

This year, an anonymous donor has contributed $1000 for the
purchase of DVDs and is challenging members of the community
to make a contribution to this fund as well.

Donations of any amount are welcome, and are tax deductible.
Checks can be mailed to the MPL, P.O. Box 868, Meriden, CT 06450.
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street, (203) 630-6349

* 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
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