BREAD FOR LIFE "Walk to End Hunger", Sunday May 1, 2016

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"Time to Hit the Trail" in the Fourth Annual Walk to End Hunger         




Sunday, May 1, 2016 from Noon to 3:00 pm












BREAD FOR LIFE





"That No One




May Go Hungry"

Bread for Life Walk to End Hunger on May 1st

Southington Bread for Life will be hosting the fourth annual Walk to End Hunger on Sunday, May 1. However, in one respect, the event has already started: board members are visiting local businesses to encourage sponsorships.

People can support on three levels. Hunger Warrior, Hunger Champion, Hunger Hero. Organizers said the $500 Hunger Warrior level provides 165 breakfasts to children in the Southington public schools who would otherwise start the day without nourishment. The $250 Hunger Champion level funds 85 hot lunches to qualifying citizens at the Main Street location where weekday meals are served. The $100 Hunger Hero sponsorship provides meals for homebound friends – seniors and others who are limited to being at home.

Businesses are being encouraged to form teams of employees to represent them on the walk itself. The team that raises the most money will receive an award.

Bread for Life board members will also be talking to town department heads as well as members of the board of education, the town council, the fire department, the police department, etc. to challenge them to form teams as well as school clubs such as the Southington High School Key Club, Peer Advocates, STEPS students and any others who would like to be a part of the Walk to End Hunger. The student group that raises the most money will also be given an award.

The walk will take place (rain or shine) on Rails to Trails from 1 to 3 p.m., beginning and ending at the YMCA back parking lot on High Street. There will be several activities for kids, Valentine the Clown, a DJ, and a raffle going on during the walk, as well as fun challenges along the trail itself. There is no registration fee, but monetary donations from all participants will be welcome and encouraged.

 “So come on Southington, tie on those sneakers and join us on our continuing journey to feed the hungry right here in town,” said Eldon Hafford, Bread for Life executive director.

Persons interested in forming a team or being a sponsor can call Gloria Colonero at (860) 620-2711 or the Bread for Life office at (860) 276-8389. Additional information about Bread for Life is also available at the website www.southingtonbreadforlife.org.

Submitted by Robin Lee Michel
Freelance Writer
In behalf of
Bread for Life. 

APPLESEED and Freelance writerDick Fortunato Support Bread for Life so that no one may go hungry!

Click here for much more about Bread for Life 

Christian Music Pioneer and TV Host John Michael Talbot coming to Southington, CT

Christian music legend, best-selling author and host of The Church Channel’s popular TV show “All Things Are Possible”, John Michael Talbot, is coming to The Church of St. Dominic for three special evenings, May 1, 2 & 3, 2016. 

• Church is located at 1050 Flanders Road, Southington, CT. 
• Each evening begins at 7:00 PM and includes an inspiring message and sacred music. 
• For more information please contact the parish office at 860-628-0349. 
• Tickets are not required. 
• A Love Offering will be received each evening to support the ministries of John Michael Talbot and the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.

Talbot’s ministry began over 35 years ago with a vision. “God gave me a vision of itinerant ministry walking on foot from parish to parish in a time of great need in our culture. I believe that our current ministry is fulfilling that vision. We are rebuilding the church one parish at a time, and renewing hearts one life at a time!”

The path our Lord has guided John Michael on throughout his life has uniquely prepared him for this time in the Church. After responding to the Lord’s call, God used John Michael to bless millions of lives through his unique and multi-faceted ministry.

John Michael Talbot is one of the pioneering artists of what has become known as Contemporary Christian Music. He is recognized as Catholic music's most popular artist with platinum sales and compositions published in hymnals throughout the world. A respected and prolific author, John Michael’s 28th book, “MONK DYNASTY” was published February, 2016.

John Michael Talbot hosts of The Church Channel’s popular weekly TV series “ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”. Talbot is frequent guest on faith and Diocesan networks around the world.

John Michael leads his very active ministry from the Little Portion Hermitage in Arkansas and St. Clare Monastery in Texas where he is the founder and Minister General of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. His artistic and humanitarian efforts have been recognized with awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Gospel Music Association, Mercy Corps and the Mother Teresa award.

Today, John Michael Talbot is one of the most active evangelists traveling throughout the world inspiring and renewing the faith of Christians of all denominations through sacred music, inspired teaching and motivational speaking. John Michael, like a modern St. Francis, is rebuilding God’s Church “one parish at a time, and renewing hearts one life at a time.”

See, hear and read more about John Michael Talbot ministries at:  

http://www.johnmichaeltalbot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/johnmichaeltalbot

Freelance writer Dick (E. Richard) Fortunato is a parishioner of the Church of Saint Dominic in Southington. Comments about Appleseed are welcome at the footer of this post or via email to dick617@gmail.com

Attend free seminar designed to enhance independence of disabled persons using professional Assistive Technology

The wonders of technology have gone beyond that which might have been imagined as little as two decades ago. The tools of technology coupled with advanced health care methods have enabled professionals to provide advanced and effective assistance to individuals with disabilities resulting in remarkable strides in their independence. 

Southington’s Commission on Disabilities will present an admission free educational and awareness seminar on the topic of Assistive Technology for individuals with disabilities, their caregivers and family members. “The program will be held on April 26, 2016 from 6 to 9 pm at Hawk’s Landing C.C.” said commission member, Karen Leary. “Attendees are encouraged to bring their own devices such as iPhones, iPads and tablets with them.” 

Complimentary d’oeuvres and refreshments will be offered. No RSVP required.  

“The commission is excited about its quality speakers for this year’s seminar which offers life changing improvements through Assistive Technology.”, Leary said. 

Speakers include Melissa “Missy” Olson,  Quinnipiac College 1999, (occupational therapy); Master’s degree, SCSU 2005, (special education with concentration in adaptive technology), and sixteen years of experience as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist in educational and clinical settings.  A published author of journal articles, Olson is an adjunct professor at Quinnipiac for graduate students in occupational therapy and assistive technology and is a speaker in her field at state and national conferences.

Retired speech and language pathologist with more than forty years of experience in the public school sector, Mary Silverberg retired from the New Britain public school system after 28 years of service. She currently fills in for speech and language pathologists on medical or maternity leave. An advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities, Silverberg is legally blind and volunteers her time, especially for the blind and visually impaired, and serves on Boards and Commissions at the local and state level, having produced and moderated programs for WHC-TV, West Hartford’s public access TV on topics such as transportation, voting, and assistive technology.  

As manager of the New England Assistive Technology Equipment Restoration Center at Oak Hill since July of 2001, Don Hoerman is an excellent practitioner in the operation of powered mobility devices and technology making life simpler for people with disabilities. He trained at the seminars of many manufacturers and is ATP certified, (Assistive Technology Professional), recently obtaining CAPS status, (Certified Aging in Place), “helping people stay at home longer and safer”. 

For further information contact commission member karen.leary@sbcglobal.net or 860-621-596

About Appleseed:  Freelance writer and Southington resident, Dick Fortunato, has made a retirement journey of twenty years of serving the Greater Southington Community and his church, following the spiritual principles of his faith. Writing, which is Fortunato's passion, has enabled him to share many of his inspiring observations of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for others. Comments welcome at dick617@gmail.com or directly below this post. 

Parents..be in the know The Truth about TODAY's Marijuana & its Impact on Youth Tuesday at 6:30 om Southington Public Library

John Michal Talbot is coming to Southington - May 1, 2 and 3 - SAVE THE DATE - Details below

How do you spell F-U-N? Find out at the SEF Sixth Annual Spelling Bee -Aprll 21st

Sixth Annual Community Spelling Bee

The SEF Challenges You to Spell“E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-CE”!

Southington Education Foundation 

Sixth Annual Community Spelling Bee 

April 21, 7 PM  at Southington High School

Bee Master will be Steve Proffitt    

Help the Southington Education Foundation spell “excellence” for the community’s school children. The 6th Annual SEF Community Spelling Bee will convey bragging rights to the team that wins the coveted title of SEF Spelling Champion. Last year, the ‘Wanna Bees’, with Dave Pestillo, Joe Peccerillo, and John Zimmerman won that honor. It is now time to put them to the challenge. Who will win the trophy this year?

Each team will consist of three spellers. Costumes, themes, and mascots are encouraged! Participants will write their words on a white board. There will be no microphone for participants. (Take a look at some of our past Spelling Bees to see what to expect.)On Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m. teams made up of local citizens, politicians, businesses, educators, police, fire, and other public officials will compete. The event will be held at the Southington High School Auditorium and the proceeds will help foster educational excellence for our town’s public school children.

Participation is $100 per person or $300 per team. Entry fees are fully tax deductible.

Spectators: Admission is free, however, we ask that you bring a nonperishable food item as a donation to Southington Community Services.

Since its inception in 2009, the Southington Education Foundation has awarded over $170,000 in grants. Money raised from this Spelling Bee will continue to support grant opportunities and the mission of the SEF.

So organize your team today! Be part of the fun!

Registration deadline is April 7. Registrations accepted beyond that date may not appear in the event program.

Tom Chapin and EVA score musical success for Alzheimer's Association in Southington

The air at the Meeting House of the First Congregational Church of Southington was filled with a festive sense of joyous anticipation as a near full house gathered in excited anticipation. As they found their seats in this oldest of churches still standing in Southington, people from the far reaches of the community and beyond happily joined members of the congregation for an especially meaningful benefit concert the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter.

The community was honoring its own Mark Corcoran and his wife, Esther for the gracious manner in which, together, they faced Mark's early onset of Alzheimer's with great courage and hope as they discovered only a year after their marriage that Mark had an early onset form of Alzheimer's Disease. 

The concert highlighted one of the legends of American folk song, Tom Chapin, a three-time Grammy Award Winner, co-featuring a relatively new group of three young contemporary folk singer/instrumentalists who call themselves “EVA”.  

A story published in Appleseed after originally appearing in my Appleseed column in the Southington Citizen's March 19, 2016 edition, provides an idea of how Mark and Esther faced the disease which abruptly came out of nowhere and the life changing ensuing five years. 
. .

Mark loved music and sang for years with the FCC group known as “Branches”. His interest in folk music included the songs of Tom Chapin as well as those of  his late brother, Harry and younger brother Steve.  So, having Tom Chapin at this concert was a circle of life, deja vu experience for Mark.  

Speaking to Mark briefly before the concert (backstage), I asked him about how he felt about Tom Chapin being here for the concert. "It’s great”, Mark said.  Asked how he felt knowing the event being done in his honor, Mark replied simply: "It’s too much”.  Mark was happy to speak about the place where he lives now, Alzheimer’s Resource Center of Plantsville. It is a great place”, he said. "You know I had worked, (as a volunteer), in group homes before." 

While in a beautiful old parlor of the church, now the pastor's office, my wife, Grace, and I were privileged to be invited to meet with Mark, Esther and Tom Chapin for a private interview and conversation before the concert. . This moment became an experience we had not anticipated. 

Esther and Mark Corcoran join Tom Chapin in singing

We chatted a bit. Then, I asked Esther and Mark if they would sit on a couch, inviting Chapin to get in a bit closer with them and continue talking. Picking up his guitar, Tom sat down getting in close with them. Smiling and relaxed. Chapin spoke softly to Mark and Esther and began strumming his guitar in a soft rhythm with what he was saying. Then, directly facing Mark, Chapin sang his famous 9/11 inspired folk ballad song “Follow the Light”. 

Mark began singing many of the words with Tom. The expression of blissful joy I saw on Mark’s face was frankly indescribably emotional. 

Quietly, I asked Tom if he had seen what I had seen.  Tom smiled and remembered something. “A wonderful thing happens with music. Somebody told me once that a song is a container. ‘What does that mean’, I asked. He said ‘when a song is happening and say 10,000 people are all listening, your music fills the place. Everybody is in that one place’.” 

Thoughtfully, Tom said: There’s something magical about that. And right now, this is one of those moments. Here’s a gentleman who is suffering with Azheimer’s. If I can move him with my music, that’s magical. Then you find out that Mark has been singing those songs for years and now we’re bringing him back to them. This is one of music’s magical connections. You’re putting words together with music. That’s emotion.”  Chapin said: “We all know someone with Alzheimer’s or their families. Actually, it’s the families who suffer most. They become the caregivers and personal witnesses of the changes happening. They also become the guardians of the dignity and personal history of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s. So, that’s why I’m thrilled to be here and always happy to do something to help with my songs and monetary support, too. 

EVA with the Corcorans: Nicole Zuraitis
Mark, Esther, Kath Buckell and Liz Simmons

It was only moments into the “live” concert when the audience was moving with the joy of the lively contemporary songs of EVA, aka, Nicole Zuraitis, Kath Buckell and Liz Simmons. Chapin joined them for a few songs, the audience thrilled at the invitation to join in song. 










As EVA left the stage, Chapin continued with some of the older songs including those of his brother, Harry, and a few newer songs. EVA rejoined him for the closing of the concert as the feelings of emotion and compassion of the soul were connected, all in one musical container.

Freelance writer Dick Fortunato resides in Southington. Your comments are welcome at dicFirk617#gmail.com

Meeting House of the
First Congregational Church of Southington

Every Southington Citizen can help Southington H.S. meet the Duralite Unlocker Challenge and win big awards

Help Southington win cash awards up to $50,000 for our high school as well as new lockers from Duralite and other awards.

All you need to do is VOTE for Southington High School in the Duralite Unlocker Challenge to help our high school win big awards.

Simply link to http://tinyurl.com/unlockershs

The theme is to accept everyone.

SHS submitted a video focusing on the ability of each individual, not
their disability.

The top 100 schools having the most votes within the voting period move on to the next round, where we have a chance to win $50,000 in new lockers for SHS and many other awards.

We ask you to vote once a day in the remaining days until and including Friday, April 15, 2016.  You can vote on every device you have from every email addressyou have each day. 

Please forward the link to this page on Appleseed to all your friends, students, teachers, parents and good citizens of Southington who want to help.

Learn more about this contest at Duralite at unlockerchallenge.com

Please help us get the word out by linking this post on Appleseed in the comments box below to friends, neighbors, kids, parents, grandparents, teachers and faculty members and others by email, twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Google1. You'll find them by clicking on the symbols of each of those groups on the social networks. 

Thanks to Eagle Scout and Southington H.S. James Brino and other students who made the video and thanks to Chairman of the School Board, Brian Goralski, SHS Principal Brian Stranieri, Kathy Reinhard, Calvanese Foundation Treasurer and so many others who are helping to promote and distribute this message. 

Southington resident and freelance writer, Dick Fortunato, may be reached for comment below or at dick617@gmail.com

Please vote today and every day including Friday, April 15, 2016.

Free seminar April 26, 2016: Assistive Technology for persons with disabilities

SAVE THE DATE - APRIL 26, 2016

The Southington Commission on Disabilities presents three professional speakers at a seminar on Assistive Technology to help disabled persons gain greater independence.

Place: Hawk's Landing C.C. Date and Time: Tuesday, April 26th at 6 - 9 pm

Admission: Free 

Complimentary Hors d'oeuvres

Persons with disabilities, caregiver, or family member are welcome. 

No RSVP required. 

Note:  All attendees, including disabled persons, caregivers and family members, are encouraged to bring their own electronic devices, such as: iPhones, cell phones, iPads and Tablets.






For more info please contact commission member Karen Leary: 

karen.leary@sbcglobal.netkaren.leary@sbcglobal.net or 860-621-5960.

UCONN Lady Huskies Take an exciting game in NCAA Finals 82 to 51 over Syracuse for 4th consecutive National Title, 11th overall.

Lady Huskies Do it Again!

The Huskies came out from the get go in Indianapolis and took a quick and substantial lead in the first half against the formidable team of the Syracuse Orange.

The Orange countered with an 18 point run in the 3rd quarter but the Huskies rallied to regain control and closed the game out in the fourth quarter with a 31 point lead. .

A few photos for those who missed the joy of the team, coaches and UCONN fans celebration.

Moriah Jefferson (4) and Breanna Steward (30) shooting warm ups before the game

Team screams with joy as walk-on, Briana Pulido scores final 2-pointer seconds before the final buzzer for a victory of 82 to 51 over the Syracuse Orange

"

Stewie" grabs the basketball for
a rapid assist to Morah Jefferson for a basket. 

Kia Nurse (11) seizes the moment for a pass to Tuck under the net for 2\ points

Breanna and Coach Gino Auriema share a high-five as the three seniors come off
the court with 2 minutes to go and a 29 point lead

Morgan Tuck sees the opening and captures it with a 3-pointer

HUSKIES 

 Fourth Straight  NCAA Title