Do you know the people in your neighborhood?

Posted by admin | Community | Monday 30 August 2010 12:30 am

 

Do you know the people in your neighborhood? We have become highly self involved in many ways today. The advancements in technology have made us depend less on societal interaction and familial involvement. It can also be said that our friend, family, and professional circles have become smaller and smaller as time has progressed.

There are many things that influence our lifestyles today. Not only are we able to get the world at our fingertips now, but we are also able to get anything that we want or need from the comfort of our homes. During several years of experience at Howard K Hill, we have also learned that technology has made things impersonal for us in many ways. Human interaction is on the decline in many parts of the world, and there are many reasons as to why this has happened.

There is also a general increase in crimes and cooperation in dealing with such activities and other problems like drug abuse. It can also be said that there is a profession for everything that we can imagine today, and family consultations and neighborhood meetings to resolve common issues have now given way to specialist intervention. With the decrease in human bonding, depression has also peaked to become one of society’s most disturbing problems.

It is true that specialist services have made things easier for people and many stresses related to various issues have gone down, but we are also distancing ourselves from each other. The same holds true in times of trouble, where the impersonal nature of handling things like funerals and personal loss has become prevalent.

In this regard, Howard K Hill funeral services are a fresh breath of air. Our mission is to offer highly professional services for people who are faced with a shocking loss and to offer them a helping hand all the time. We have also identified some tips that we can follow in our own lives to make things more personal, such as:

  • Community services where families come together on a regular basis should be encouraged. This will promote healthy interaction and also provide some much needed help in times of trouble and joy.
  • Children’s games and activities should also be more involving for both children and parents alike. While most good schools have these programs, there is a need to start more programs in neighborhoods so that children and parents can interact with each other more often.
  • Joint celebrations during festivals and national holidays should also be encouraged as much as possible. There are many festivals that we should spend with our neighbors and friends. Parades and other events are a great time for people to come together and do things for communities and societies.

· Setting up a neighborhood watch is also something that should be done. Residential areas today hire professional services for this purpose- which is good, but community watches should also be encouraged.

· Setting up of residential prosperity associations is also a good way to address problems that exist in society. Regular drives to educate people should also be established in order to promote general well-being and interaction.

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contact Howard K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at: http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

What does Connecticut mean to you?

Posted by admin | Uncategorized | Sunday 29 August 2010 9:52 am

 

What does Connecticut mean to you? Connecticut is a state that is well known for its rich culture. There are many events and activities that happen in the state every year, and as citizens of this great state, we should all feel proud of our history and culture.

There are many events and festivals we have in our state that throw light on Connecticut’s roots. Apart from that, we should also be proud to be part of that entire heritage. So what does it really mean for you to be part of this special state?

We at Howard K Hill have observed certain aspects that we can look at with pride when it comes to our state- the things we are all proud of and the things that we would like to touch up on to make ourselves better citizens of this great state.

As the state with the highest per capita income, things are not all hunky dory throughout Connecticut. There is a disparity of income levels among people in parts of the state. For instance, the capital city Hartford has the lowest per capita in the state. This should be a concern for most Connecticut locals, and we must come together to bridge that disparity.

The Connecticut government is doing a lot so far to ensure that incomes are well distributed among the people. Even the industrial progress of a state is a part of its culture, and as Connecticut citizens, we should all look to make the state economically stable. Since our state is also well known for the preservation of local culture, we must boost economic development without compromising on our roots.

Hartford is deeply ingrained in general culture and is a growing city that has been urbanized a great deal over the last few years. Even then, Hartford has done a lot to maintain the culture that exists here. Community involvement is high in Hartford as individuals all pitch in to contribute in some way or the other.

The music festivals in Connecticut are a source of pride to everyone, and draw visitors from around the world. Hospitality services are also well known in here, especially in New Haven and Bloomfield. The people of these towns are all known to extend a helping hand, and this is something that makes us all proud and inspires us.

Local culture should be extended to all parts of the state, and this will not be possible without a cumulative effort to do so. After all, progress and culture cannot be detached in Connecticut.

One success story about how a citizen who has pride and the will to give something back to the community is Howard K Hill funeral services. We have made an effort to reach out to people in our community with our empathy and support during troubled times.

The individual and the society should grow together, and Connecticut towns like Windsor are perfect examples of that. These towns have a suburban setting, and the organization of community services and other services is excellently done. Community cooperation is indeed admirable in towns like Meriden as well, and we are proud to present such model places of living to the world.

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contact Howard K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at: http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

How proud are you of your young ones?

Posted by admin | Community | Friday 27 August 2010 8:35 am

 

 proud We are really proud of the fact that youngsters are now capable of taking life’s problems a bit more seriously than previous generations did. Education standards have improved, industries are looking for even more skilled professionals, and inflation is at an all time high.

Whether we look to young children in our own homes to become good citizens or laud those who grew up to become seasoned professionals, at Howard K Hill, we have witnessed young minds setting new records and establishing their success in every field.

There was a time when we couldn’t expect people as young as 25 to handle some key roles in society. From medical science and engineering to businesses and politics, youngsters have now made their presence felt everywhere.

A number of young students are now volunteering for non-profit or charitable work for communities as well. Youngsters are highly likely to take up humanitarian tasks and other responsibilities that help the family, community, and nation at large.

Family and community members have to play a pivotal role in supporting the youth. Today’s vibrant youth is already prepared to climb the ladder of growth and prosperity, provided they are supported by their near and dear ones. Young minds find all the necessary impetus from outside to steer forward to a bright career, but they just need to be assured of support from their loved ones. Therefore, family and community members can leave the highest impact on young minds.

School and college going students have to struggle through the tough academic system, and so, it is a must for family members to understand their dilemma about certain issues related to academics or sports. Harping on the problem won’t help, but focusing on the solution certainly will.

Over the years, demands of the industry have changed to a great extant, and educational institutions shift this pressure directly to the young minds. As a result, they don’t study just one subject, or their field of knowledge is not limited to one profession alone.

Children today are no different than a blank CD that can be made to either handle the complexities of life or be left alone to get infected by some sort of ‘virus’ or non-productive activity. In major cities, the number of youth aged between 18 to 30 years forms the major portion of the entire population. In the next few years, these youngsters will hold the important offices in the cities and towns in our country.

Young minds are curious and ready to explore the world around them. It is very important to be careful when you deal with youngsters. Discussing problems with an open mind is the best thing that everyone can do. The future of youngsters in the house and community at large cannot be brightened by creating a feeling of fear and insecurity. They are already doing their best to create a better world for everyone around them.

Today’s generation has given us the greatest technological advancements- just look at Facebook, Google, YouTube, Apple Computers, etc. What would have happened if these people were not inspired to follow their dreams and create a future they always aspired for?

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contact Howard K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at: http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

Community leaders have the capacity to change the world

Posted by admin | Community | Friday 27 August 2010 3:54 am

 

 

community1

Community participations are an all important part of being a responsible member of society and community. There are many things that we can do as a part of a community. Not only do such community services and tasks help us grow individually, but they are also crucial in deciding how we contribute to the society that we live in.

We at Howard K Hill believe that it really does not take much to initiate things and motivate people, especially when identifying issues that are common to daily life is concerned. It is very easy to get people to come to action.

To instigate things, you need to have some form of leadership attributes in you. A leader is a good motivator; even for most community services, it is a known fact that there is/are some people who drive the common interest.

There are a lot of things that you as a person can do if you feel there is a need to take up some form of leadership. In every walk of life, there are leaders who make it a point to assert themselves and focus on the importance of the cause at hand.

There are also a lot of things in the community that you can take up leadership responsibilities for, and the best part is that you will be able to do most of these things in your free time. We all feel the need sometimes to bring about changes in small elements of our lives, and we should not hesitate at times like these to be of service to the community.

As a member of society, there are so many ways in which you can start off at a smaller level. For instance, most neighborhood welfare associations need a leader who is capable of handling various tasks in the association. There are a lot of issues that need to be identified, and we as conscientious citizens can take on the responsibility for things that we like doing.

Perfect examples for this are the funeral services offered by Howard K Hill. We have always strived to establish to our customers the importance of community leadership during both good and trying times. We have evolved gradually and come very far from our own modest beginnings, and our business has expanded a great deal.

By aiding the community in our own way, we try and offer people the human touch that they need during troubled times. One of the most important things that we need to realize is that we can all do significant things for our community in our capacity. We can also offer our professional services for the good of the community.

For instance, a person who is a policeman can be easily a leader of a neighborhood watch program. Taking such initiatives is very important for us, and so, we should not hesitate when it comes to doing that little bit for our communities.

There have been many examples in history of teachers and social workers who have started out on a community level and gone on to become idols, and we’d do well to look up to them for inspiration.

As always we are proud of our community and families we are honored to serve. If you have any questions about our services or are in need please feel free to contact Howard K Funeral Home to know everything you need to know about funerals and funeral services. Howard K. Hill Funeral Services has had the privilege of serving families in communities such as Suffield CT, Meriden CT, Hartford CT, New Haven CT, Bloomfield CT, Windsor CT and Hamden CT. We would like the honor to serve you too. Call us at (203) 551-9639 or visit our blog at: http://connecticutfuneralhomeblog.com/

Free Summer Bowling Program

Posted by admin | Community | Tuesday 3 August 2010 1:09 am

 

 

2194939_com_photo_1732 Parents looking for an affordable summer activity for their children will appreciate the Kids Bowl Free program being sponsored by bowling centers, schools and community organizations. The program allows children to bowl free at participating bowling centers throughout the United States and Canada.

Bowling Centers and Leagues

The participating bowling centers vary by state and include a nationally recognized chain of bowling centers, as well as local and privately owned bowling centers. Traditional ten-pin bowling and duckpin bowling are offered. Many bowling centers also have video games, food and music. The bowling centers may offer discount days, to the summer program participants, during other times of the year, especially on holidays.

Some participating bowling centers offer affordable leagues for children who want to pursue bowling as a sport. Leagues are available for ten-pin and duckpin bowling. There are beginner leagues and specialty leagues. One bowling center offers a Transformers league where each participant is able to choose either a bowling ball or bowling pin designed with his or her favorite Transformers character.

Benefits of Summer Bowling Program

Bowling is a competitive, physical activity, which helps to teach children about sportsmanship and teamwork. Benefits of the summer program include:

  • Two free games of bowling every day all summer.
  • $2.99 Kids Meal for children participating in the program.
  • $24.95 Family Pass.
  • Register at multiple centers.

The hours, age limits and program dates vary by location. Therefore verify this information prior to selecting a center. Be advised that the program is not meant for daycare providers or day camps; it is strictly a family program

Kids Bowl Free Program Registration and Additional Costs

Getting started is easy. Visit the Kids Bowl Free website; select a neighborhood center from the list of participating centers and register directly on the selected bowling center’s page. A coupon must be presented for each child, so make sure to include all of your children, up to six, when you register. Once registered, log in to the online account to print the weekly coupons and purchase a family pass.

Some centers may charge for shoe rental, this can be verified on the center’s registration page. Parents and older children can bowl too! Family passes start at $24.95 and allows up to four adults to bowl two games per day all summer.

Participating in the Kids Bowl Free summer program is an affordable way to spend quality family time. To learn more about the program visit the Kids Bowl Free website. To find more affordable family fun activities visit the Affordable Family Fun section.

"We at Howard K Hill Funeral Services http://www.hkhfuneralservices.com/ love our community and provide timely information to keep you all educated and motivated to help each other. We hope you enjoy our blog posts and as always "We’re Honored to Server You".

© 2010 Athena Thomas

Source: Suite101 Free Summer Bowling Program

Creating a Positive Environment …for Your Child’s Emotional Development

Posted by admin | Community | Monday 2 August 2010 9:01 pm

 

 

reactions1 Every child is a unique and special individual, but how he or she learns to react to life’s daily events is highly dependent on both what they observe in their environment and how they learn to understand and manage their own emotions. The following are suggestions to help promote positive developmental surroundings for your child:

Allow Your Child to Become Aware of Their Own Feelings

A good example is a child learning to take their first steps… They will inevitably take a few spills. If a parent panics and goes into a frenzy at every tumble, the child will learn to react to the fall like it’s a horrible thing, regardless of whether they got hurt or not. From here on out ANY fall is a bad fall. This learned behavior continues and creates a tearful outcome to every bump and bruise. A parent then faces a “Boy Who Cried Wolf” scenario… never really knowing if a child was hurt or not. A better parent reaction would be to allow the child to express whether or not they were hurt first and then respond accordingly. Now, the child has learned how they themselves felt about the fall and whether or not it merited a good cry.

As the child gets older and begins to have their own opinion, let them know that it’s perfectly fine to have tastes that are different than yours. For example, you can’t stand country music, but your five year old says they love it… you certainly don’t have to say you love it too, but you can tell them that it’s perfectly fine if they love it, and how great it is that they have their own opinion. Children seek endless approval from their parents. If approval’s only received when they agree with the parent’s opinion, they won’t be learning the valuable lesson of thinking for themselves later. Permitting a young child to express their personal tastes lays the foundation for teaching them to trust and acknowledge that their own opinion is just fine.

Be Aware of Your Own Issues and Don’t Pass Them On

Babies are born with a clean slate. We, on the other hand, have most likely developed personal "issues" about something or another. Issues can range from mild quirks to major difficulties, but an awareness of the “issue” can help keep things in check when we’re parenting.

Since, we’re a society inundated with food issues, we’ll pick that one for a common example to deal with… The golden starter rule for this one is, “Baby Knows Best.” Feed them when they’re hungry, let them stop when they’re full. This keeps the child in-touch with their needs and satisfactions and establishes eating habits they’ll carry with them to adulthood. (This is also the recommended feeding method by the American Academy of Pediatrics since 1997.)

Positive Environment

On the other side of the spectrum… According to nutritionists from the Vancouver Island Health Authority, parents who are too controlling with their children’s food prevent children from taking natural cues for hunger, which can lead to “hoarding, stealing, and secretly eating food later”… a definite set-up for a life long weight problem.

This doesn’t mean that if your child has a pediatrician confirmed weight problem, you sit by and let them eat whatever they want whenever they want, as you would an infant. Quite the contrary, steps must be taken to establish more positive eating habits… less goodies, more fruits and vegetables, better sized portions etc. The key is making those changes without emotionally burdening the child. Changing what foods are available in the house removes much of the “oh no, you can’t have that” dialogue. Continual comments regarding food or appearance, can translate to the child as, “I’m not OK” and a poor self-image has never helped to improve anyone, child or adult.

Everyone’s personal issues are different… perhaps it’s fear of water, abandonment, or bad relationships… whatever the issue, just try to stay aware that your fears and hang-ups belong to you alone and make a conscience effort not to project them onto your children.

Your Reaction is Their Reaction

Children gauge their reactions accordingly. If you’re OK with something, they’ll be OK, on the other side of the coin, if you’re troubled, they’ll be troubled too. Now, we may be parents, but we’re still human, and yes, there are going to be times in life where we are legitimately troubled, but how you cope with those times is what makes the difference.

Also, it’s important to be aware that even if you are coping with adversity gracefully on the outside, children are naturally intuitive and will still sense something is wrong. If they ask about it and you answer, “nothing’s wrong,” children will not only feel confused, but begin to doubt their own instincts. Even more damaging, they may believe the parent is unhappy or upset because of them. So stay honest with your kids… let them know they’re right… you are having a tough time (no need to burden them with all the adult details - give them a kiddie version), then, assure them that the tough time will pass. Now, you’ve taught the lesson that there are ups and downs in life, that their feelings were right, and they are certainly not the cause of the “tough time.”

Reflections

When we see our children expressing kindness, gratitude, and compassion, nothing makes us more proud and quite honestly we’ve earned that pat on the back because children reflect our behavior. The other side of the coin is, hard as it may sometimes be to acknowledge, when we see our children behaving rudely, greedily, or obnoxiously, they very well may be reflecting our behavior too. This is the “Right Back At Ya” parenting lesson.

Remember the “little pitchers have big ears” saying? That about sums it up… kids see all, hear all. Nothing gets by them. If you’re seeing behavior you don’t like in your kids, it’s always good to take a look in the mirror and make sure you haven’t unintentionally set the example for it yourself.

Yes, the “Right Back At Ya” can either be the harshest or most rewarding parenting lesson of them all, so heed the warning signs early.

"Parenting is an ever-evolving art form… there is no “perfection,” only the ability to continually strive each day to be better at the job."

 

"We at Howard K Hill Funeral Services http://www.hkhfuneralservices.com/ love our community and provide timely information to keep you all educated and motivated to help each other. We hope you enjoy our blog posts and as always "We’re Honored to Server You".

 

by: Lorelei McCollough
Source: familymatters.tv