ATOTW Archive

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

Those good folks at the Hanover PAC are always up to something great.  Here’s their latest update:

Hanover PAC News:  December 2008

Happy Holidays to all!  Here are a few items and upcoming events that may be of interest to families:

“The Nuts and Bolts of Reading Instruction and How Parents Can Help”
For anyone who may have missed the seminar on Reading Instruction offered at Center School in November, the entire presentation is available on line.  If you would like to hear the presentation, please go to this website for the podcast:
http://www.hanoverschools.org/showcase/podcasts/sallygrimes.htm
There are extra copies of the handouts and anyone can have a set by calling or dropping by the Center School office.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  Next PAC meeting:  Tuesday, January 13th:  with our Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Ellen Harrington.  Please come and bring your questions!  This is our chance to ask questions and give feedback on Special Education services in Hanover.

Cardinal Cushing Centers has announced a Community Recreation Program for this upcoming Winter (January 7 – February 14, 2009).   The programs are open to all children in the area and offer a variety of late afternoon and Saturday activities including:  Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, Drumming, Yoga, Nordic Skiing, Quilting, Art, Scrapbooking, Fitness, Cooking, Ballet, Basketball & Cheerleading.  They will also offer School Vacation and Summer programs as well as Special Olympic Sports.  Fees are listed in their brochure.  Download the complete brochure at:
http://www.coletta.org/community/enrichment.pdf
For further information contact Thomas McElman, Recreation Director at Cardinal Cushing at 781-829-1295 or email TMcElman@coletta.org. 

Do you have ideas for upcoming Hanover PAC presentations?  Please email Karen Cleaves at kmcleaves@aol.com  or Mary Bai mbai@comcast.net
We look forward to your suggestions.

For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

This announcement speaks for itself, but I cannot resist adding that this event was an H-B family favorite for years!  (If there are any loose little kids that want to attend, call me!  My middle schoolers think I am nuts for wanting to still go!).

For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

Christmas is proclaimed as a season of joy, peace and love.  But for some people, the happiness of the season eludes them.  For some, it could be a time of grief, because a loved one will not be home for the holidays.  For others it could be a time of stress and guilt because they want to provide the best holiday for friends and family, but this economy makes that difficult if not impossible.  For others still, this could be a time of worry because a new diagnosis of illness or prolonged treatment make it hard to muster any enthusiasm.  At the First Congregational Church of Hanover, they will honor the challenge of this season in a time of prayer and reflection known as the Longest Night.  On Sunday morning, December 14th, at 8:30 a.m., you are invited to share the struggles of the season and to hear the hope, courage and comfort which are the true heart of this season.  The church is located at 515 Hanover Street (Route 139) in Hanover Center.  For more information, call the church office at 781-926-4762 or visit their website at www.fcchanoverucc.org

For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

Please join the Friends of the John Curtis Library as they sponsor a holiday concert on Saturday, December 13 at 3:00 p.m.  Enjoy punch and pastries while listening to seasonal piano selections performed by Inna Muravnik.  There is no charge for admission and no need to register.  Phone the library at 781-826-2972 or e-mail Tracy Marchetti at tjmarchetti@comcast.net for further information.

For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

Everyone is welcome to attend a Concert of Holiday Music at the Riley Parish Hall of the First Congregational Church of Hanover on Friday evening December 12th at 7pm.  Acclaimed Harpist Diane Patrenaude will offer sounds of the season accompanied by flautist Stacia Jaronski.   The concert will be held in conjunction with an Indoor Labryinth walk.  The labryinth provides an opportunity for walking meditation, rest and reflection.  Folks are invited to come to sit and listen or walk the pathways of the labyrinth as a way to pause in the pace and stress of this season and remember the reason for our holidays.  The concert is free and refreshments will be served.  For more information call the church office at 781-826-4762 or visit their website at www.fcchanoverucc.org .

For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

Lots of holiday activities are happening this weekend.  While you’re out and about, don’t forget to swing by Hanover Middle School on Saturday for the Hanover Newcomers Club’s 12th Annual Holiday Craft Fair.  The Craft Fair will run from 9-3 with $2.00 admission; $1.00 for seniors.  Crafts include jewelry, wreaths, candles, ornaments, gift baskets, floral designs, holiday decorations, fleece clothing and blankets, and much more.  Proceeds from the fair benefit the Newcomers Club which in turn supports local organizations and residents in a variety of ways.  The Craft Fair is always a great place to purchase unique homemade gifts, decorations, and stocking stuffers. Hope to see you Saturday!
For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

Did you know that there is a no-kill animal shelter that specializes in cats and kittens called The Last Resort that has been quietly operating in Hanover since 1981?  Joan Norris has taken in and adopted out more than 10,000 cat and kittens and perhaps a dozen dogs in that time.  Each animal is seen by a veterinarian, given shots, tested for FIV and leukemia, wormed, treated for fleas, and given whatever else it needs.  No animal is put to sleep simply because it has severe or expensive injuries or illnesses.

Joan tells me that a few people have called The Last Resort to surrender their pets because they cannot afford pet food.   To help people keep their pets during this economic downturn, The Last Resort has some cat, puppy, and dog food available for those in need.  They also have a supply of scoopable cat litter.  If you know anyone needing help with pet food or scoopable litter, please contact Joan at jnorrisink@comcast.net or (781) 826-5610.

Help for your pets, too.  How cool is that?!

For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

The Hanover Foundation for Educational Enrichment is conducting its annual fundraising drive and once again asks for your support!  We are an independent, non-profit organization founded to provide educational experiences for Hanover students that may not be covered by limited school budgets.  Since its inception in 1991, the Foundation has raised over $140,000 for enrichment of the curriculum to benefit students at all grade levels.  Through its competitive grants program teachers are eligible to apply for grant money by submitting proposals by the fall of each year.  Grants are selected for educational purposes only and are not used to cover salary or administrative costs.  These grants enhance the educational opportunities for Hanover’s students and are not meant as a substitute for community funding.  Our commitment to excellence has been possible because of the loyal support of people like you.

Grants funded by the HFEE have included:

Clothesline Project, HHS                                                                                          
Math Document Camera, HMS
Museum of Science Traveling Exhibits, Elementary Schools                            
Performance by Inca Son, HHS
Community Art/Science Mural, Cedar School                                                     
Purchase of Kiln for HHS Art Department
Elmo TT02-S Visual Presentation, Center/Sylvester                                           
Design & Construction Picnic Tables, HMS
Author/Illustrator Writing Workshop, Cedar School                          
Purchase Science Databases, HHS

The Foundation believes that a commitment to a strong and vibrant educational system benefits the entire Hanover community – its residents, businesses, and, most importantly, its children.  We strive to facilitate projects like these every year, but we cannot do this alone.  Your donation of time, money, and/or services, demonstrates that you share this belief. 

Please join us at our spring benefit, “A Night at the Races” on March 21, 2009, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Pembroke, for an evening of excitement and entertainment in support of children and education!

Sincerely,
Jill Joy, President

Laura Blumberg, Judy Kelly, Tina Miklos, Arthur Pelissier, Dr. Kristine Nash, Heather Carr, Darlene Corcoran, Paul Kelly, Marguerite Sarson, Jeanne Cianciola, Larry DiNardo, Bernie Lorge, Elaine Shea, Mike Cianciola, Sue DiTullio, Joan McVey, Tammy Tedeschi, Anne Walls
————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Please complete the following and mail your tax-deductible (ID # 043161682) donation to:
Hanover Foundation for Educational Enrichment, P.O. Box 1144, Hanover, MA  02339

Name:____________________________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________Phone Number:___________________
Amount Donated:______ $25 ______ $50 ______ $100______ Other _________________________________
My company has a matching funds program: ____________________________________(Please enclose form.)
I am interested in becoming a member:____________________________E-mail:________________________

For further information please call 781-826-3599 or e-mail jill989@aol.com.  New members are always welcome.  Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 7:30 PM, at the Mill Pond YMCA.
For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

Looking for a little something special this Holiday Season? Well, fa-la-la, look no further!

The Hanover High School Choruses are sponsoring a Caroling Fundraiser this December for our fourth year!  HHS Chorus members are available to carol at your doorstop for 15 minutes or for your indoor party for up to 45 minutes.  Simply e-mail agreer@hanoverschools.org (preferred) or call the Director of Choral Music, Alyson Greer, at Hanover High and set up your appointment.  If she is unavailable to take your call, please leave a detailed message with your name, phone number, street address, and the date and time you would like a caroling visit from the HHS Choruses so she can get back to you in a timely manner.  Payment may be made in advance or at the time of the performance (checks made payable to Hanover High School).  While all of our doorstop visits are limited to the Hanover area, our group is available to surrounding communities for extended party visits, nursing homes, etc., pending student/driver availability.  While this is our first formal announcement, spots are already going fast, so call for your carolers today and bring a little extra holiday cheer to your friends and family!

WHO:    Members of the Hanover High School Choruses
WHAT:    Carolers bringing Holiday Cheer to a doorstep, front porch, or party near you!  Short doorstop visits (15 minutes) are $25; Indoor Holiday Party visits (45 minutes) are $75.
WHEN:    Fri., Dec. 12, Sat., Dec. 13; Fri., Dec. 19, Sat., Dec. 20, and Sun., Dec. 21: starting @ 6:00 p.m.  Note:  these dates and times are mainly for doorstop visits; Party visits may be arranged on alternate dates and times pending availability.
WHERE:    Short doorstop visits available in Hanover only; Indoor Holiday Party visits available in Hanover and surrounding towns by advanced appointment.

WHY:    Proceeds to directly benefit students of the HHS Choral Programs and the Festival Tour to Williamsburg, VA in April 2009!

Please contact:
Alyson L. Greer, Director of Choral Music
Hanover High School – 287 Cedar Street – Hanover, MA  02339
781-878-5450, ext. 113
agreer@hanoverschools.org
For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B

Dear fellow Hanoverians:

As the ripple effects of the current economy hit Hanover, many of us and/or friends of ours have found themselves struggling to make ends meet.  There are also others who have asked how they can best help these friends and neighbors.  We have spoken with some of the established organizations who serve our community by helping those in need  such as the Hanover Visiting Nurses Assoc (VNA), the Hanover Food Pantry, and the Hanover Local Partnership Committee for Habitat for Humanity (Hanover LPC).  These aspects, people and organizations of our community have been the inspiration for the following:

What:  HanoverAde – Socializing with a purpose
Who:  Anyone who would like to bring our community together by helping one another out
Where:  Joe’s American Bar and Grill, St. Mary’s Hall, Riley Hall
How:  Donations of any amount accepted, each month the donations are designated for an organization helping Hanover residents
When:  Monthly gatherings, see below for upcoming dates

We will alternate months between family nights at the local halls, and night’s out at Joe’s American Bar and Grill.
Our first few gatherings will be as follows:
December 11th (Thursday) anytime between 6 – 9 p.m. at St Mary’s Hall.  Family Game Night – Bring a game, snacks, spend a little time with your family while helping the Hanover VNA help Hanover families with the holidays.  Bring monetary donations, supermarket gift cards, mall gift cards or the like.  The Hanover VNA used to work with the Santa’s Helpers group,  but the Santa’s Helpers organization was not able to continue running the program, so the Hanover VNA is doing what they can on their own.
January 15th (Thursday) anytime between 6 – 9:30 p.m. at Joe’s American Bar and Grill, to benefit Hanover Food Pantry
February 28th (Friday) anytime between 6 – 9 p.m., Family night at Riley Hall to benefit Hanover Habitat for Humanity

We will have information on all of the organizations, the amazing work they do and their needs at the gatherings.  Our vision for these meetings is to not only help by making donations, but also for the gatherings to be a way of supporting one another through friendship and networking.

We all struggle, at different times and in different ways.  We also always have something to give, if not money, then time, kindness, or a special gift.  All things are possible with love, acceptance and community.  Any questions, comments, suggestions can be directed to lizcollins2@verizon.net .

Happy holidays; enjoy all the “gifts” already in your life.

For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B