Hi Folks,
The coming weekend offers plenty to do in terms of benefits and fundraisers. But first, remember that IT'S RESTAURANT WEEK IN HAMDEN!!! I'm planning on going to a few places I've never been before, like Le Petit Gourmet and Park Central Tavern, but I'm chomping at the bit to get to Ibiza Tapas again.

DOLLARS FOR DUCKPINS
Sandi at Johnson's Duckpin Lanes is having a biggie right at her place in the Hamden Plaza, 2100 Dixwell Ave.
The Hospice Helpers fundraiser will take place this Sunday, Sept. 26 At either noon or 3 p.m. The entry fee is $40 per team and all the money from the entry fees will be sent to Hospice to assist them in their work. Sandi suggests putting a four-member team together, all men, all women or mixed. Info? 203-248-1563 or info@johnsonlanes.com.

WALK & MEET
The annual St. Rita School walk-a-thon steps off at 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. It's an opportunity for school families to meet and celebrate the start of the school year. Participants will walk from the school to the Farmington Canal and back. Family fun, games and activities, a DJ and food will be available at the school afterward. Info? 203-248-3114.

HELMETS AND FIREFIGHTERS
For the last 15 years, Local 2987 of the International Association of Fire Fighters has educated first-graders in North Haven about the importance of wearing helmets while they're riding their bikes. The firefighters visited first grade classes and on Saturday, Sept. 25, the kids will come to the firehouse on Broadway to get their free bike helmet coupons from 9 a.m. to noon. Firefighter Alan Riggs is in charge. Info? 203-623-1803.

THE MONGOLIANS ARE COMING
Former Councilwoman and state rep. candidate Ann Altman has been an emissary of sorts lately, visiting Mongolia and teaching the folks there about the ways of American government. She will be hosting a group later this week and for the two weeks following. The Mongolian political leaders will be seeing how government works, or doesn't work, here. They'll be visiting the upcoming meetings of the Legislative Council and will be holding court with Supt. of Schools Fran Rabinowitz, as well as Mayor Scott D. Jackson. More later...

REUNIONIZING
Word has it that the HHS Class of 1965 is holding its 45th reunion on Saturday at the Grassy Hill Country Club. The night before, some of the members of same class are participating in a State Street neighborhood reunion.

CELEBRATING
Sister Sheila O'Neill, ASCJ, PhD, has been named the first president of Sacred Heart Academy. She will be officially installed at a Mass of celebration at 2 p.m. Oct. 3 at the academy, 265 Benham St. Info? 203-288-2309.