Daily Five: Collection for Veterans, Westfarms Display, and Kindergarten Teacher Competition

1. Westfarms always has an elaborate display in the center court over the holidays, and this one, which opened on Friday, is an "Ice Age Ice Palace" in which visitors can view clips from "Ice Age: Continental Drift." It's also where Santa will appear to take photos with the little ones, so plan ahead to avoid lines. Check out Westfarms' website to find out exactly when Santa parks his reindeer.

2. Playhouse on Park is holding a contest to name "My Favorite Kindergarten Teacher," and the competition could get rough in West Hartford. The contest runs in conjunction with the musical, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum, which opens in February. Click on this link to get all the details.

3. This is important, folks. The American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 and VFW Hannon-Hatch Post 9929 have started a community-wide collection for personal goods to be sent to members of the Army National Guard 143rd Military Police Company now serving in Afghanistan. The drive continues through Nov 30. There are five collection points in West Hartford; American Legion Post 96, 45 Raymond Rd.; VFW Post 9929, 83 South St.; West Hartford Town Hall, 50 South Main St.; Elmwood Community Center, 1106 New Britain Ave.; and Bishops Corner Senior Center, 15 Starkel Rd. Check this link for suggested donations and more information.

4. Did you know that our real estate tab gives you information specific to area and West Hartford real estate as well our weekly log of West Hartford home sales going back to when we launched two years ago? Take a look.

5. Quote: Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die. -G.K. Chesterton