Monday, March 20, 2023

"It's Time To Rock Your Socks" For World Down Syndrome Day, Tuesday, March 21, 2023!

 



It’s Time To “Rock Your Socks!” For World Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday, March 21, 2023!

On this day people will be encouraged to "Rock Your Socks" meaning to wear colorful mismatched socks on each foot mainly blue & yellow because these colors are used to raise awareness for Down Syndrome according to WKTN Radio website of Kenton, Ohio. This day is "dedicated to raising awareness about Down syndrome and celebrating individuals around the world living with the genetic condition from the https://www.dsaatl.org/world-down-syndrome-day.  “According to the World Down Syndrome Day website the date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome," https://www.dsaatl.org.

Shanon M. McCormick, the  Executive Director for the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut stated what her organization will be doing for World Down Syndrome Day right here in Connecticut.

“On Tuesday, March 21st, we will be joining Fox 61 morning show reporters Keith McIlvery and Rachel Piscatelli at Chapel Haven in New Haven for activities that include Community Zumba, a brain-healthy cooking demonstration, a wild sock fashion show, and more.  On Sunday, March 26th, the public is invited to celebrate with us at the New Canaan YMCA from 2-4 pm.  There will be dance and martial arts demonstrations, singing and signing, games, crafts, and a dance jam. Pre-registration for the celebration by emailing 21Strong2010@gmail.com is requested.  Throughout the week, three coffee shops -- Coffee for Good in Greenwich, Beanz & Co in Avon, and the Nest in Deep River -- will be giving out a special QR code that patrons can scan to enter to win a free cup of coffee.  We encourage everyone to grab a friend and raise a cup for awareness with us!” said McCormick.

 


For more information about World Down Syndrome Day on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 please see the following websites:

https://nationaltoday.com/world-down-syndrome-day/

https://mydsact.org/world-down-syndrome-day/

https://www.dsaatl.org
https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org
https://nothingdown.org/
https://wktn.com/march-21-is-world-down-syndrome-day

Enjoy the videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olbKk9OBc7I&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVzj59M_ri8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=267sFXHT_qs


 


 

 




Saturday, March 18, 2023

Happy National Laughter Day-Sunday, March 19, 2023!


 Do you like to laugh? Well, Sunday, March 19, 2023 is your day. Happy National "Let's Laugh Day." 

According to the National Today website it states, "National Let’s Laugh Day is a 24-hour joke-fest on March 19 where we celebrate the uniting force of laughter." So if you have been feeling down and you need a mood lifter this day is for you. This is your day to laugh your worries away & cheer up. Life will get better with laughter. Laughter has health benefits too such as it lowers blood pressure, and ... releases endorphins and lowers the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body," according to National Today. Endorphins are the "feel good" chemicals that our bodies produces when we feel good," according to Random Acts of Kindness.org "Laugh Often". Just like kindness, laughter is contagious. When one person laughs it creates a domino effect. Soon everyone starts laughing.





Whereas frowns create wrinkles in your face, laughter is a way to turn that frown upside down. Laughter makes "adorable crinkles that are good for your muscles," from National Today. A good laugh is just like exercising at the gym. Not only do you get aerobic & cardiovascular exercise with laughing it helps you lose weight too by burning calories. The Mayo Clinic says, "“Laughter can: Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.” There you have it, laughter is the best medicine!







So, what are you waiting for? Start laughing positively. Never laugh at people's misfortunes. The National "Let's Laugh Day" is only a warm-up for "World Laughter Day" celebrated on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Please start adding humor to your daily life.





For more information about “National Let’s Laugh Day” please see the following websites:  


https://nationaltoday.com/national-lets-laugh-day/



https://thejewishnews.com/2019/03/19/national-lets-laugh-day-is-no-joke/


https://steemit.com/todayis/@emergehealthier/today-is-national-let-s-laugh-day


Enjoy the videos.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbZSe6N_BXs


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvAGNSJ7Wrc


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFudYxk7uYM


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbg1aXu0vHk&t=25s









 

 


Sunday, March 5, 2023

ZOOM Genealogy Club - Saturday, March 18, 2023

 

Jill Morelli

Topic:  "Finding a Father for Molly Using DNA"

ZOOM Presentation:  1:30 - 2:30 PM (Eastern Time)

Jill is a West-Coaster, but thanks to the wonders of Zoom, she will join us to share her presentation. She lectures on a number of topics, but for this time around we have chosen "Finding a Father for Molly." Here is her description:

Molly was born illegitimate and the name of the father had been forgotten. Using DNA, developing a strategy and applying the Genealogical Proof Standard resulted in identification. Successes and difficulties in identifying and contacting “cousins” will be discussed.

The Zoom presentation will take place at 1:30 pm (Eastern Time).

Godfrey Premium members can register for free at the following email: zoomregistration@godfrey.org

If you are not a Godfrey Premium member and want to attend the presentation, you can pay $10 via PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/us/home) and send to Godfrey Memorial Library.
Then register using the above email.

Please register by 4:00 PM Friday, March 17.

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Can a Fetus be Illegally Detained? A Florida Lawyer Argues in Court

 From the Guardian, February 23, 2023

[Florida] Lawyer argues fetus of jailed pregnant woman is being illegally detained

by Julia Carry Wong
Thu 23 Feb 2023 06.00 EST


A lawyer’s attempt to have his pregnant client released from jail ahead of trial by arguing that her fetus has been subject to “unlawful and illegal detention” could have profound consequences for the rights of women in Florida.


Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Auditions for ages 14 - 20 in Middletown


Auditions are March 6 and 9 in Middletown for actors ages 14 - 20 looking for a powerful and challenging performance experience this spring.


Oddfellows Playhouse Teen Repertory Company 2023 announces auditions for

“Much Ado About Nothing", the classic comedy by William Shakespeare.

Audition dates are March 6 & 9, 6:30 - 9 pm at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street, Middletown.


Anyone wishing to audition should:

*Register for one of the two evenings at www.oddfellows.org

*Arrive on time, dress to move, and be prepared to stay the entire 2.5 hours

*Open to anyone ages 14 - 20

*Everyone who auditions and commits to the rehearsal and production schedule will be cast.


Rehearsals begin March 20 and will be Mondays and Thursdays, 6 - 9 pm. 

Performance dates May 19 - 21 and 27-28.


“Much Ado About Nothing” is a comedy about love, jealousy, intrigue, friendship and loyalty. It offers many engaging and challenging roles. The play will be directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Dic Wheeler.


Tuition for Teen Rep is $300. Financial aid or work-study are available for all who need it. Email info@oddfellows.org to register for one of the two auditions, or call (860) 347-6143 for more information.



Circophony’s Cirque du Schooleil: Operation Snakeout opens March 2

Circophony Teen Circus presents Cirque du Schooleil: Operation Snakeout March 2 - 4 in Middletown.


The latest original Circus-Theater piece by Circophony Teen Circus tells the tale of Nero, a ball python who is also a high school mascot, and the unlikely group of friends who set out on a mission to save him from life in a cage. Directed by Allison McDermott, 


Cirque du Schooleil: Operation Snakeout runs March 2 -4  at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown. Performances are at 7 pm on March 2, 3 and 4, and there is also a 2 pm matinee performance on Saturday, March 4. The performance on Thursday, March 2 is a “pay-what-you-can” Preview.


Cirque du Schooleil: Operation Snakeout includes acrobatics, juggling, contortion, stilt walking, unicycling and more. Circophony Teen Circus is a collaboration between Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater and the Middletown-based theater company ARTFARM.  This year’s show includes a cast of 12 trained performers ages 12 to 20. McDermott has created an original circus-theater piece annually for the past 6  years and it is a highlight of winter in Middletown. This winter’s show features acrobatics and contortion choreography by Naja Muller and equilibristics and capoeira choreography by Joel Melendez. Scenic design is by Luke Reinwald, costume design by Marion Imbruglio, lighting design by Jon-Paul LaRocco, sound design by Rowan Trowbridge-Wheeler, and properties design by Artemisia Omani and Patience Armstrong. Technical direction by Myke Halpin.


Oddfellows Playhouse is located at 128 Washington Street in Middletown. Tickets for Cirque du Schooleil: Operation Snakeout are $15 for adults and $8 for students and may be purchased at www.oddfellows.org or by emailing info@oddfellows.org or calling (860) 347-6143.

Circophony’s Cirque du Schooleil  is made possible with generous support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD; Middletown Commission on the Arts; City of Middletown Health Department; The Fund for Greater Hartford; State of Connecticut Judicial Branch (Youth Violence Prevention); Evan Boyd Knoll Memorial Fund; Middletown Youth Services Bureau; Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund; Middlesex United Way; CHEFA CT Cultural Fund; and many generous individual donors.

Thursday, February 16, 2023

HAPPY NATIONAL RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY, FRIDAY-FEBRUARY 17, 2023! PASS IT ON!



Happy National Random Acts of Kindness Day-February 17, 2023! Pass It On!

 

Friday, February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. It is easy to do and celebrate. All you have to do is to be extra kind and extra nice to someone that you know and don't know.




Here are some ways to practice this random act on February 17th & every day such as compliment a stranger, treat a homeless person to lunch according to "Random Act of Kindness Day-February 17,2022" article from NationalToday.com. Also, say hello to people you don't know and people you do, write a positive handwritten note to your teacher, friend, co-worker or supervisor, pick up litter at a public park or school, place positive notes at work and home, pay for someone’s coffee or snack, shovel someone’s driveway, check on a neighbor, spread cheer wherever you go and on social media.






Please just remember “No Act of Kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” Aesop.  Most importantly, smile. Please be kind to everyone you see every day one smile at a time.

 

Once you do this today don't stop on February 17th. Make it a habit and do it every day.

 

For more information about National Random Acts of Kindness Day please see the following websites:

 

https://nationaltoday.com/random-act-kindness-day/

 

https://www.randomactsofkindness.org

 

Enjoy The Videos!

 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/steve-hartman-on-the-road-kindness-101-teacher-facebook-group/

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgIulNiyoiY

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNerk3_hdlE

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YynxFjMXF1Y

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_CE7GqqrvY









Saturday, February 4, 2023

ZOOM Genealogy Club - Saturday, February 18, 2023

Hosted by Godfrey Memorial Library

On Saturday, February 18, we will welcome Paul O'Pecko, Director of the Collections and Resources Center at Mystic Seaport Museum.

Mystic Seaport is well-known to most Nutmeggers and is one of the premier maritime museums in the country (maybe even the world?). Paul will talk about the types of resources available and how to go about searching for information about ancestors who spent all or part of their lives on the water.

The Zoom presentation will take place at 1:30 pm (EST).

Godfrey Premium members can register for free at the following email: zoomregistration@godfrey.org

If you are not a Godfrey Premium member and want to attend the presentation, you can pay $10 via PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/us/home) and send to Godfrey Memorial Library.  Then register using the above email.

Please register by 4:00 PM Friday, February 17.