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August 1 - September 9, 2007 • Volume 7, Issue 94
Amazing Coffee Beans Grinding to the Music in Meriden By Jeff Caillouette
Fifteen years ago I planted several coffee beans purchased from Hawaii in my office at JC Music on West Main Street in Meriden. Germination took approximately six months. The coffee trees were used as small desk plants for many years. The trees have now reached about 12-15 feet tall. Coffee trees normally only grow close to the equator at elevations of 1800-6300 feet and require a particular type of soil with an extensive supply of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium. Coffee trees generally can only grow in a select band of the world, mainly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, from 25 degrees north to 25 degrees south of the Equator. Yet Meriden is only at 102 feet and I use Miracle Grow soil! These trees must just love music all day! I had given up any hope of every having the trees bloom many years ago. Then I did some store remodeling this past January and hooked up a new gas heater in early February. One night the heater went on and the hot blowing air was accidentally directed right to the trees. The trees were quite warm and dry the next morning. I was worried the trees may not survive that kind of heat. Instead, the trees began a big growth spurt and began flowering and now have cherries growing on them! The trees were fooled into thinking they were in the tropics! These trees can grow to 16 to 40 feet, so I will have to begin pruning the trees soon. Since the trees are already too tall for the store, they are spreading out across the ceiling. The trees near the equator can start to produce flowers and blossoms with cranberry-sized cherries (each with two coffee beans inside) at about four years of age. Anyone able to get a tree to survive indoors as far North as Connecticut is never expected to get any flowers or cherries even if the trees are green and lush as mine have always been. My trees are Arabica coffee trees which make the world's finest coffees. The trees cannot survive temperatures below 32 Fahrenheit. These trees grow best in places like Kenya, Colombia,
the South American rain forests, Ethiopia and Hawaii. Each coffee tree only produces about 1 to 1.5 pounds of coffee per year. The Arabica coffee tree's small, bean sized fruit ripens from a green color to a dark red color. My trees have already produced white flowers from February through April and now have green cherries ripening. Within each of these cherries are the two seeds that are coffee beans. The berries cannot be picked when green since they will not ripen once picked. Once I have harvested sufficient beans to brew my first pot of 'home grown' coffee, I will attempt to roast them in a home type roaster. This will be a live and learn process. Stop by JC Music on West Main Street and see my coffee trees in the front of the store by the window. Some fun coffee facts: *Beethoven, who was a coffee lover, was so particular about his coffee that he always counted 60 beans for each cup when he prepared his brew. *In 1732, Johann Sebastian Bach composed his Kaffee-Kantate. Partly an ode to coffee and partly a stab at the movement in Germany to prevent women from drinking coffee as it was thought to make them sterile. *The French philosopher, Voltaire, reportedly drank fifty cups of coffee a day. *Coffee is the most popular beverage worldwide with over 400 billion cups consumed each year. Coffee also represents 75% of all the caffeine consumed in the United States. *Coffee, as a world commodity, is second only to oil. In the last three centuries, 90% of all people living in the Western world have switched from tea to coffee. *More than half of the United States population consumes coffee. *The typical coffee drinker has 3.4 cups of coffee per day. That translates into more than 450,000,000 cups of coffee daily. I just hope to produce Meriden's first home grown cup!
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The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 2
John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency * Auto * Home * Business * Life 208 Center Street, Wallingford (203) 269-2500
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The People’s Press August 2007 Page 3
Celebrations of Life and Home
Happy Birthday Kristina Bella! Love you LOTS!!!
Cathy - The Good Witch of Wallingford
Mayor's Corner - Wallingford
Dear Friends: As we go from July into August, time seems to speed up. Summer months evaporate as quickly as water on a sidewalk under a hot summer sun. If we count the calendar days, there are 31 days in July and 31 days in August. That is a total of 62 days. Why is it that, at least in my experience, two or three days after the 4th of July, it is the beginning of August? Then, two or three days after the 4th of July, it is the beginning of August. Then, two or three days later, four at the most, we are celebrating Labor Day. It must be that we are somehow being tested. Have you ever heard the following words on the radio, "for the next 60 seconds, we will be conducting a test of the emergency broadcasting system?" The announcement is followed by an unpleasant tone. Have you ever timed the tone? It never lasts for 60 seconds according to a report I read. It usually lasts for, at the most, 30 seconds. So if something that is meant to provide safety and well being never meets the 60 second standard, then it probably is too much to ask to have summer achieve the 60 standard. Oh, the mysteries that abound. Have a great August anyway. Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor
A Squirrels Tale By I.B.A. Squirrel, Esq. The day is very warm. The sun is shining and I'm looking for something to eat. I've located some of those yummy things that drop from the trees where I buried them before the white stuff came down from squirrel heaven. I am close to one of those strange things that have two legged creatures going in and out all day. These things are all around my territory. They don't seem to mind that I am near them, but non-the-less, I still keep a watchful eye on them. Getting back to my story. I was looking about for something to eat when the strange thing opens and instead of a two legged creature emerging out came a creature that looks somewhat like one my very smelly neighbors. I could tell right away this creature was trouble! It didn't smell like my neighbor and it growled and barked. Even though my aforementioned friend might have a disagreeable pong, he does have good manners! Luckily, I was near a tree and made a flying leap and ran all the way to the top. I was a bit out of air and curled up and took a nap. It's too hot for that kind of nonsense! After a bit I decided to look down to see if it was safe to continue on my way. Rotten Acorns! The little nuisance was still there, looking up, waiting for me to make an appearance! Not only that, but the two legged creature was sitting on some kind of strange rock communicating with the nuisance! I detect some kind of conspiracy going on here! After some time, (seemed like forever), the nuisance moved over to the two legged creature and took over the strange rock. The two legged creature seemed to defer to the nuisance and moved over to another rock that didn't look as comfortable. The two legged creature was touching the nuisance thereby keeping it occupied. Time to make a break! I ran down the tree and before the nuisance could react, I was Free! I'll have to keep in mind that the nuisance was limited in its mobility. It could only go so far and then had to stop. I wonder what this is? Whatever it is, I'll have to be more vigilant when trying to look for food. Some of my other friends have told me that there are several other 'nuisances' in our territory but they don't all look the same. I think we are smarter than they are but we'll still be on our guard! I.B.A. Squirrel (A.K.A. Kevin Coane) - A true story!
The deadline for our Sept. issue is Aug. 30th If you have an upcoming event in Sept., Oct., Nov. or December send it in - we will repeat it in all upcoming issues AND we send out each week’s events in our weekly email newsletter to our on-line subscribers to give you even more exposure. Sign up - it’s free! Go to www.peoplespressnews.com and click subsribe! There are several ways to submit: Email: andy@peoplespressnews.com Web: www.peoplespressnews.com Fax to: 203.294.8808 Mail: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
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The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 4
Summer is the time when one sheds one's tensions with one's clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all's right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable
The People’s Press Crossword Puzzle by Ruth Gordon See her Fantasy Faces by Ruth ad in this issue! ACROSS 1. A cat’s foot. 4. To edit out (spoken material) from a broadcast 8. Bow and ________ 13. Jessica Simpson’s sister 15. A severe recurring headache 16. You _______ not smoke, it is unhealthy 17. Member of “Rat Pack” & x-husband of Patricia Kennedy (initials) 18. A slatted wooden box for storing fruit 19. To become limp and drooping, as a fading flower 21. Term for units of energy associated with motors (initials) 22. Best selling cookie introduced by Nabisco in 1912 25. A tutelary deity or spirit of an ancient Roman household. 26. Male pronoun 28. Second note on musical scale 29. Doctors encourage all of us to do this 33. Paul Simon and ____ Garfunkel 34. In Roman mythology, the twin brother of Romulus 35. Initials of radio conglomerate with trademark of a dog listening to “his master’s voice” 36. Physical hereditary units which pass on characteristics from parents to children 39. Compass direction 40. Columbus is the capital of this Midwestern state 42. John Lennon’s widow 43. A type of sea eagle 44. A hat usually tying under the chin, worn mostly by babies 46. To arrest or capture 48. 365 days (abbr.) 49. Indirect or understated 50. An infectious disease that affect body tissue, especially the lungs, also known as comsumption (abbr.) 52. Jewish ceremony of male circumcision 53. “ La ___viata” opera by Verdi 54. Refresh, renovate, improve, etc. 57. Pronoun used to represent an inanimate thing 60. A specific period of time 62. A brave person 63. To perform or execute 64. Marked or often walked paths 66. Level; flat; without surface irregularities, smooth 68. A group of female deer 69. To cause bodily injury or pain DOWN 1. Clergyman in charge of a church 2. Powdery residue left when something is burned. 3. Very healthy version of a common staple food baked into loaves (3 words) 4. The Liberty _____ has a crack in it 5. Guided or directed 6. Star Wars: Episode V – “The _______ Strikes Back” 7. Medicine in the form of a small tablet
8. Any unbroken part of the circumference of a circle 9. Unusual; uncommon 10. In a Christian church, the sanctuary 11. Phrase describing a positive optimistic outlook (4 words) 12. Shed tears 14. The symbol for the element lutetium. 19. Armed hostility between nations 20. This definite article is used especially before a noun, with a specifying effect 23. AT&T slogan; “_____ ___ and Touch Someone…...” (2 words) 24. In baseball you’re either safe or ____ 25. Sound of mirth, merriment and rejoicing 27. To make a mistake 28. The usually curved or circular edge of an object 30. Sci-Fi movie in which Halle Barry played ”Storm” and Hugh Jackman played “Wolverine” 31. A person who engages in festivities and holidays. 32. Compass direction 35. Steals 37. Opposite of southern 38. A male child 41. A province of east-central Canada 45. A raised railway 47. A singular stomach muscle (slang) 51. An ingot, lump, or wedge of gold or silver 55. Interjection used in seeking repetition or confirmation of a statement. 56. One and the other; two together 58. “Don’t talk to me in that ______ of voice!” 59. National association made up of parents and educators 61. A malt beverage, darker, heavier, and more bitter than beer 65. Nazi organization that was created as Hitler’s personal body guard 67. Green Mountain State (abbr.)
Last Issue’s Answer Grid
A Tribute to our beloved friend - Max Muravnick Dear Senior Center Members and Friends, The month of June was a sad month for all of us at the Senior Center with the passing of Max Muravnick on June 25, 2007 at the age of 102. Max died at home surrounded by his three daughters and other family members after a brief illness of several weeks. His last visit to the Senior Center was on May 7 when he enjoyed the Kiwanis Hi-Liters Show here. Max had a long and illustrious history with the Senior Center. He was instrumental in the City of Meriden acquiring this property on West Main Street in 1977 for use as the Meriden Senior Center. Max oversaw the renovation of the property and the new Senior Center opened in 1978. For many years Max served as our volunteer Physical Fitness Instructor three days each week, leading exercises that are still used today in our fitness classes. Max assisted Charlie Byron in establishing Special Day for Special People in 1970 and was a member of the committee which planned the event for each of the next 37 years. In 1992, the Senior Center was dedicated as the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center by the Meriden City Council "in appreciation of his many years of involvement and volunteer work on behalf of Meriden's senior citizens". From 1994 - 1997 Max served on the Senior Center Building Committee which completed a $1.9 million project to update and improve the Senior Center. Finally, we all remember the great birthday parties we all enjoyed here for his 100th birthday on August 15, 2004 and last year for his 102nd with the Marilyn Monroe performance! I had the distinct honor of speaking at Max's funeral service at Temple B'nai Abraham on June 27 and would like to share my remarks with you: "As Director of the Max Muravnick Senior Center for the last 25 years I feel truly fortunate to have known Max for all of that time and I would like to speak about how much he meant to all of us at the Senior Center. For the staff, for me, Diane, Diana, Claire, Karla, Jackie, Joane, John and the rest, he was a good friend, a father figure, a mentor, and a kind and generous supporter of all of our work. When he came to the Senior Center, which he did frequently and as recently as last month, he always greeted us with a smile and our work took a break to enjoy a few minutes talking to Max. The birthday parties we had for his 95th, 99th, 100th, 101st and 102nd birthdays were great celebrations and some of the best times we ever had at the Senior Center. Max was always gracious and the best guest of honor you could ever have at any special occasion. When the Senior Center was named after Max in 1992 it was a perfect match and we will do our best to uphold his high standards and his fine name in the future. For the seniors, Max was an inspiration, a role model for healthy aging, and a man who remained vital and active at 102. He exemplified the value of positive thinking; he treated everyone with respect and lived each day to the fullest. For all of us at the Senior Center we extend our condolences to Frances, Janice and Patty and all of the family. Thank you for sharing Max with us, he will be greatly missed at the Senior Center and we will never forget him. I am sure he is now in a better place reaping the rewards of a memorable life well lived here in Meriden." Please take a moment to remember Max and his family in your thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful man and a good friend and he always had the best interests of the Senior Center and Meriden's seniors in mind - we are all better off for having known him! Sincerely, John F. Hogarth Meriden Senior Center Director
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Peanut or other items no longer allowed at your school? Rose Flowers has the Birthday Solution! Listen closely to this arrangement and you can practically hear it singing “Happy Birthday.”
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The People’s Press August 2007 Page 5
WalkConnecticut Family Guided Hikes AUGUST Saturday, 8/25; Webb Mountain Park, 10 AM - Noon, Monroe; 4 years+ Cross a brook, check out the camping sites, climb the hill for views of the valley below, be above the birds, listen for chorus of frogs, enjoy the cool air of the forest. Search for the troll bridge and toy box letterboxes along the way. Run downhill as fast as legs can go. Let's have fun, feel the fresh air and enjoy quality time outdoors together. Guided family hikes, led by trained Family Hike Leaders are part of Connecticut Forest & Park Association's initiative, WalkConnecticut the trails to health and happiness. Join us for adventure along the trails, held throughout Connecticut the last weekend of every month. Free as a public service to the children and families of Connecticut. Pre-registration is suggested. Locations are subject to change; register ahead of time to learn the correct meeting place and directions. Call CFPA at (860) 346-2372. Visit www.ctwoodlands.org for additional family guided hikes. Educator Professional Development Workshops For more information on these workshops, visit www.ctwoodlands.org or call Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) at 860-346-2372. Fee: $35/participant; financial assistance available through the Paul F. Pikula Education Fund. Back to School with Project Learning Tree! For K - 5th grade educators Wednesday, August 22, 2007 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CT Forest & Park Association, Middlefield Bring the outdoors into your classroom and your students out into the schoolyard! Project Learning Tree, an awardwinning environmental education curriculum teaches students how to think, not what to think about their environment. Discover classroom-ready, engaging activities that use inquiry and critical-thinking skills to explore the connection between science and the outdoors. Help your students develop the enthusiasm, interest and confidence of learning science by using the world outside the classroom window. Project Learning Tree PreK-8 Activity Guide; 0.5CEU's; Places We Live For high school and talented & gifted middle school educators Friday, August 24, 2007 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CT Forest & Park Association, Middlefield Engage your students the signature role of Connecticut in the birth of U.S. environmental history. Bring debate about environmental issues into the classroom and help your students understand the implications of land policy that is part of our Connecticut heritage. This workshop will illuminate three important historic figures in the conservation movement of the 19th century: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Connecticut native, Gifford Pinchot. This workshop will help prepare your students for the November 9, 2007 staged dramatic reading about these conservationists at the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts in Hartford. Places We Live will help students apply their knowledge and understanding of land use to current issues as responsible citizens. Participants receive: Project Learning Tree Places We Live curriculum; CEU's. Meets the following Connecticut Social Studies Content Standards: Local, United States and World History and Human and Environmental Interaction.
The 10th Annual Corporate Classic Golf Tournament sponsored by the Meriden Rotary Foundation The 10th Annual Corporate Classic Golf Tournament sponsored by the Meriden Rotary Foundation is scheduled for Monday, August 13 at The Farms Country Club in Wallingford. The premier event includes 18 holes of golf, a tennis tournament, cocktail reception, dinner, gift pack, personalized program, auction, and prize. The Meriden Rotary Club has used the money raised from the tournaments, as well as its other events, to support initiatives in the Meriden community, including: Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) for elementary schools, Noah's Ark of Hope, Inc. for a barrier free playground, Project Dictionary for all 3rd graders in Meriden schools, Soap Box Derby, Beat the Street, Spirit of Giving, Rotary Career Center at the Meriden Public Library, Meriden Boys and Girls Club library, Citizenship awards for high school students, Rotary computer center at Girls Inc, and youth leadership. Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfers are also encouraged to sign up. For information, visit the Meriden Rotary Club website at www.meridenrotary.org and contact Tournament Director Adam Mosher at 203-500-8583 or email golf@meridenrotary.org
FOXWOODS CASINO The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will be hosting a bus trip to Foxwoods Casino, on Saturday, September 22, 2007. The bus will leave the Commuters Parking Lot by Vinny's on RT 5 at 10 a.m. and will leave the Casino at 5 p.m. Cost of tickets is $35.00 which includes bus ride to Casino, two (2) $5.00 bets and $10.00 Food Coupon. You can purchase tickets at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club, 72 Grand Street, Wallingford, CT. Call for information at 203269-7525. All the money raised benefits the programs for children at the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club.
Cans For A Cure Jordan's Den Relay For Life team is having a returnable can/bottle drive Saturday September 22, 2007 From 11 to 3 @ M & M Redemption Center in Wallingford on Route 68 All proceeds go to The American Cancer Society Can't stop by but still want to help give us a call and we will pick up your cans for you. You can contact Jessica 213-1984 OR Paula 238-9636 Thank you for your support in advance Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high-risk occupation. If you call your mother at work thirteen times an hour, she can hurt you. ~Erma Bombeck
Celebrating Rosh Hashanah beginning Wednesday September 12th Celebrating Yom Kippur starting Friday September 21st
The People’s Press will be closed for Summer Holiday from August 8th - August 27th. We will reply to all of your phone calls and emails upon our return. Have a great month.
Celebrations of Life and Home
This beautiful Lab was rescued twice.Lisa At the Wallingford Shelter felt she was worth a second chance,how grateful I am to her.I adopted Maddie(my name for her) & she has given us so much love I can`t begin to describe it all.Everyone she meets becomes her friend.She is the Wallingford Gardeners Market new maskot.Come down on Sat.AM & meet her & drop a donation to help others like her to find good homes,think about adopting yourself the rewards are uncountable.
The Baltic Capitals w/St. Petersburg A Trip filled with beauty & adventure! Sept. 24 - October 5, 2007. Call NOW! 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 6
"Locks of Love" CUT-A-THON Benefit Fundraiser for Hunter Christian Pageau by Sharon Agli-Pageau Our family is honored to partner with Serenity Salon & Day Spa, of Wallingford, for the "Locks of Love" Cut-A-Thon Benefit Fundraiser for our 22 month old son, Hunter Christian, diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory Distress. This fundraiser will take place on Sunday, August 19th, from 10am to 4pm at the Serenity Salon, located at 118 Center Street, Wallingford; 203.265.4419 (next to Miami Beach Tanning). Kindly, Serenity's experienced stylists will offer haircuts that day for adults at a charge of $15, and for those 12 and under for only $10! What an incredible price for such quality work, all for a very good cause! For the enjoyment of all those supporters of our campaign for "Hunter's Hope," there will also be a Bake Sale at the Salon during the Cut-A-Thon, with ALL proceeds from both the Cut-A-Thon and the Bake Sale to be donated towards Hunter's equipment needs! Our main goal is to assist Hunter in making his dreams of Freedom, Independence and Mobility come true, by focusing on raising the much needed donations to purchase a Wheelchair Accessible Van, in order to safely transport Hunter out of our home. With the exception of being able to attend one previous fundraiser held very close to home, Hunter only leaves the apartment via ambulance transport to attend Dr's/Therapy appointments, with his car seat strapped onto an ambulance stretcher. Until a Wheelchair Accessible Van can be provided, Hunter is unable to leave the apartment to enjoy either a trip to the park, or a visit at family or friends. This circumstance is an unacceptable carry over of the institutionalization endured by our family, during our continuous 11 month stay in various out-of-state hospitals by Hunter's side. We are inviting those compassionate friends and neighbors who wish to make a difference in the quality of Hunter's life to participate in this event to "Help Hunter Ride!" Our deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Serenity Salon & Day Spa for both offering and implementing this wonderful event for Hunter, as each day carries new hope for Hunter to experience his world more appropriately/comprehensively. Thank you in advance to all of you who take the time to stop in on Sunday, August 19th between 10am-4pm for the exceptional haircut this staff provides, and for sharing our dream for increased freedom for our son! Anyone unable to attend this event, but still wishes to make a difference in Hunter's life, please contact: Sharon Agli-Pageau, (203) 627-3948/fitforlifesja@hotmail.com. Donations may be sent to: Hunter Pageau Trust, 34-3 #116 Shunpike Rd, Cromwell, CT 06416. God bless!
The Wallingford Park and Recreation Family Day Saturday September 8, 2007 This event is designed for you to spend the day with your family at Community Lake Park. Family Day is co-sponsored by the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department and the Wallingford Youth and Social Services Department. The day will be filled with canoe rides, walks down the Linear Trail, moonwalks, entertainment and food prepared by the Wallingford Family Day begins at 11:00a.m.and ends at 3:00p.m. For more information call 2942120 or 294-2175
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~ Dr. Seuss
HURRY! CALL NOW! EASTER SEALS HEAD START SLOTS FILLING UP FAST! Easter Seals Head Start, a NAEYC accredited preschool program for 3-4 year olds living in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington, and Berlin, is actively accepting applications for Fall 2007. We are a free program for eligible families and offer full day (7-5:30) & extended day (8:30-3:30) options - accepting Care 4 Kids. We provide an active engaging curriculum, family support service, along with the following screenings: developmental, hearing, vision, and nutrition. Children receive free breakfast and lunch five days a week. Please call Easter Seals Head Start at 203-238-9166 or apply in person at 398 Liberty Street, Meriden, CT. This was one of those perfect New England days in late summer where the spirit of autumn takes a first stealing flight, like a spy, through the ripening country-side, and, with feigned sympathy for those who droop with August heat, puts her cool cloak of bracing air about leaf and flower and human shoulders. ~Sarah Orne Jewett
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Open Monday-Friday 8:30-7 • Saturday til 6 • Closed Sun. Tel: 265-1487 • 57 North Colony Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 • FAX: 265-2409
The People’s Press will be closed for Summer Holiday from August 8th - August 27th.
Celebrations of Life and Home
The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra had its second Spring concert, when Kelli Johnson, Hannah Jackson, Daniel Jackson and Raymond F. Simmon, II, (playing a string quartet by Antonio Vivaldi), and Mrs. Veronica Germain, Music Director and Conductor, played to a standing room only crowd on June 10th, at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center in Meriden. The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra provides young musicians with many musical opportunities throughout the musical season, September to June. Kelli, Hannah, Daniel and Raymond’s Vivaldi Quartet is just one of the several smaller groups and solo opportunities that the CCCYO offers its musicians. The CCCYO provides an excellent over-all orchestral musical experience for young musicians in grades 6-12, from the cities and towns of Berlin, Cheshire, Durham, Madison, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, Southington and Wallingford. Members will also attend the new Orchestra Academy, a monthly music-immersion experience, highlighting different styles of classical music. Presented in chronological order, the first presentation will be Gregorian Chant, working in cooperation with the Saint Gregory Society from New Haven. The CCCYO is now scheduling auditions for the season starting in September. All orchestra instruments are welcome. Thirty new membership positions have been made available this year. Rehearsals are on Thursdays, from 4:30-6:30 at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, Meriden. Tuition is $125 per year per family, siblings are encouraged to audition. Home schoolers are welcome, and should be 11 years or older. All musicians should have at least two years of experience on his or her instrument. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the Parents Organizing Group. Parents and siblings may stay to listen to weekly rehearsals and the Orchestra Academy presentations. For more information about the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, (CCCYO), please send e-mail to meridenartstrust@yahoo.com or call Mrs. Katrina Axelrod at (203) 235-7445.
WALLINGFORD FAMILY
YMCA Preschool Child Care The Wallingford YMCA child care puts to practice programs to build healthy spirit, mind, and body. Character development is an integral part of YMCA programs. The Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility are promoted among staff and they in turn model these values through age appropriate activities.
Preschool Child Care The Wallingford Family YMCA has been providing quality infant, toddler,and preschool care for 20 years. NAEYC Accreditation Self Study Phase in process View our curriculum at www.highreach.com
8 weeks to 12 months Our use of primary care givers for infants encourages open communication between the care giver and the parent and helps bridge the gap between home and the Center.
1 year to 5 years In an age appropriate environment, experienced staff provides developmentally appropriate programs for each individual age group. Our curriculum is based on the interests and needs of the children and promotes emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development.
The Early Learning Center A joint venture with Gaylord Hospital, is located on the grounds of Gaylord Hospital. The Center is open 6:45 AM - 5:30 PM. Full and part time options are available. For information please contact: The Early Learning Center - Karen Wu (203) 284-5920 or email: ymcaelc@yahoo.com
The Learning Community A joint venture with Choate Rosemary Hall, is located on the Choate Campus. This Center is open 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Full and part time options are available. For information please contact: The Learning Community, Jan Donahue (203) 697-2723 or by email: lcommunity@choate.edu
81 So. Elm Street, Wallingford 203-269-4497 www.wallingfordymca.org
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 7
From one learn all by Christopher Sepulveda Good afternoon, and thank you for offering me the opportunity to speak with you. While I can easily expound upon the courageous and heroic efforts that each of you displayed at Iwo Jima, my remarks would surely be second-handinformation that I have gleaned from the many poignant accounts written about the event. And while I don't discount the validity of those texts, I would rather take this time to talk about the impact your contribution has had in the lives of the young people of my generation and the promise that has meant for our country's future. I have had the great fortune of coming of age in a family where several members-a grandfather, an uncle, and now a step-grandfather-proudly served their country in the armed forces, and cared enough to share those experiences with me. But for many in my generation the stories were not so immediate. World War II occupies only a small chapter of a typical high school textbook, devoting only a few pages to quintessential battles like that of the invasion at Iwo Jima. Many members of my generation have had to osmose their history through films like Saving Private Ryan and Flags of Our Fathers, and while these movies are well made, they cannot possibly convey all there is to know about your experiences. Even still, while many of the facts may have been lost on some of us, what your involvement stands for, and the spirit of your success, surely has not been. Sometime ago I read that my generation might become distraught because it has had no single life-defining event or movement to be part of -- that there has been no single cause for which we are really able to call our own. When I read this, I can remember thinking…Isn't that the point? Isn't that why our fathers and our grandfathers served their country, so that we might enjoy the freedom promised us by the constitution of the United States? Isn't that the legacy you sacrificed so much of your own young adult lives for? My generation is not distraught-we are grateful, we are honored and we are blessed to have had such valiant role models and leaders come before us-but we are not distraught. If every generation has a purpose, and yours was to provide the footing for our country-now finally comfortable in its young skin-to grow and prosper; than mine has been, and is, to fulfill that great prophecy. Mine is to build, brick by brick, upon the foundation laid by you and yours, until America is the greatest nation it can be-and we are: Today 99.9 percent of all young Americans are literate; more than 84 percent will graduate high school, and more than 67 percent will go to college and graduate schools-the highest number in our nation's history, and the highest number of any country in the entire world. Today 1 out of every 10 young people aim to open their own American business, nearly half of whom are women -a staggering number considering many women in this country only began working while their sons and loved ones were away during the war in which you served. Today more than ever young people are voting in national elections, they are supporting their parties and they are working to make a difference in their own cities and states. Today, my generation is doing what the framers of the constitution had intended for this country, and it is because of you that we are so readily able to do so. It is because of your example and leadership that we have the desire and the will to advance our country beyond what anyone thought was possible. I am reminded of an old Latin phrase that I have always admired: ab uno disce omnes, from one learn all. One historical event, of which you all were a part, has taught this country that together we can accomplish anything, that together our safety and our livelihoods cannot and will not be threatened, and that while war is not desirable for any nation, our countrymen will rise together if called upon. It is this sense of security, this feeling of brotherhood that binds us as Americans. My generation does not need to endure World War III to experience the intense pride that comes with being a member of this country; we are proud because we are of the same nation as men like you. And let that be your legacy-that the youth of today and tomorrow might understand not only what our freedom is worth, and what it has cost, but the potential of what it can be and what we can do with it. You have known enough sacrifice for 10 generations, and that sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. You have been aptly called the greatest generation; I am here today to represent the next chapter in our country's prideful story, thank you for your guidance and devotion, and thank you for your confidence in us. Christopher Sepulveda Editor's Note: This speech was written by Christopher Sepulveda for the recent 60th Iwo Jima Reunion. Christopher is the son of Debbi Sepulveda. Barbara Sherburne had written a wonderful story 2 issues ago recognizing not only the Reunion but those who had given all. Look for a follow up story soon by Barbara on the huge response that Babs had not only from local folks but from folks all around the country.
Playaways Have Arrived at the Wallingford Public Library If you currently enjoy listening to audio books on cassette or CD, you're going to absolutely love the new format of MP3 technology called a Playaway available from the Wallingford Public Library. A Playaway is an audio book which has been recorded onto an MP3 Player that weighs only six ounces. The compact size allows the user to wear it in a pocket or around one's neck, making listening to books on the go easy and comfortable. No cassettes, CD's, or downloads are necessary. The entire book is self-contained on one small Playaway device. Simply plug in the earphones and press 'play.' Playaways make it easier than ever to listen to favorite authors while on the move. Use them while walking, running, cooking, gardening, or traveling to a favorite vacation spot this summer. The library has purchased an initial collection of 42 titles. There's a great mixture of fiction, popular non-fiction, and teen titles. The Playaways operate using a single AAA battery and headphones, both of which are available from the library. They circulate for 2 weeks and are located in the library near the Information Desk.
Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 8
Wallingford Park and Rec. Twilight Tunes Wednesday evenings on the Wallingford Parade Grounds Sponsored by Wallingford Parks & Recreation & Stop and Shop 7:00-8:30:p.m Wednesday Wednesday August 8 "The Sounds of Frank" Take a nostalgic walk down memory lane listening to all your favorites of Frank Sinatra. "Summer Wind" "The Way You Look Tonight," "Fly Me To The Moon", and of course "New York New York" are some of the signature Frank Sinatra songs you will hear. The Sounds of Frank quartet features: Vocal, Piano, Upright Bass and Drums. Wednesday August 15, "The Blue Agaves" Rock music, rang-ing from the Beatles to Pat Benetar. You will be greeted with the powerful, yet, soulful vocals of Carissa, the guitar meets the vocals of Johnny, the rhythmic motley of Jim, the lead guitar expressions of Vinny and the basest bass tones of Egan. The Blue Agaves appeal to a wide range of audiences and are perfect for an August evening. Wednesday August 22, "Memphis soul spectacular" Is a Jumpin' Blues and R&B Band! The band is made up of former members of these nationally known touring acts: Eight to the Bar, The House Rockers, The Banditos, as well as others. Memphis Soul Spectacular is a band of merry blues men that are there to entertain, make you laugh and dance.
Fall Programs from the Wallingford Park and Recreation Dept. Look for our Fall Program guide coming to your mailbox soon. The information will all be at our website for your reading pleasure. For more information call 294-2120 or 294-2175
It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. ~Edmund Hillary
Dear Friends, Writers and Readers of The People’s Press. Help me celebrate my 40th birthday by helping The American Red Cross and it’s wonderful mission and having a blast while doing it. I would love for you to join me by watching a great show and spending time with great friends. NO PRESENTS please only you being there and perhaps an extra donation to the Wallingford/Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross! Sincerely, Andy Co-oowner of The People’s Press P.S. I’ll know if you are not present so beware of my wrath!
MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER NEWS & EVENTS
The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver's license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center! The Senior Center is continuing to take applications from Meriden residents for the Rent Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut. The program provides eligible renters with money back on their 2006 rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. To be eligible, applicants must have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2006 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability. Proof of 2006 income, rent and utilities must be presented at the time the application is filed. Income limits are $28,800 for a single person and $35,300 for a married couple. Applications are completed daily at the Senior Center from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM until September 17. For further information or any questions about the rules and requirements of the Rent Relief Program call the Senior Center at 2370066. Bankers Life and Casualty Insurance Agent Michael Dansereau will speak before lunch in Willene's Place at 11:15 on Wednesday, August 15. He will give an overview of their Medicare products and distribute a free copy of their booklet "The High Cost of Health Care in 2007: Understanding Medicare and Managing Your Medical Expenses". This program is informational only and no insurance products will be sold at this program. The Connecticut AARP Tax-Aide program is seeking volunteers to provide one-on-one help in the preparation of income tax returns. Computer literate volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Tax Counseling for the Elderly is a free, confidential service run by volunteers who prepare Federal and Connecticut tax returns. The service is offered by appointment on the mezzanine level of the Senior Center on Wednesdays from February to April each year. If you would like to join the Meriden AARP Income Tax Team to help in this rewarding volunteer work, please call Meriden Tax-Aide Coordinator Frank Spinelli at 237-6978. Sign-ups are now being accepted for the next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center on Wednesday, November 7 and Friday, November 9 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Class participants will learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and much more in this 8-hour course. Successful completion of the classroom course also entitles you to a discount on your automobile insurance premiums. The course fee is $10 and reservations can be made in the front office or by calling the Senior Center at 2370066. For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby. Enjoy the rest of the summer and remember that the Senior Center is air conditioned for your comfort and safety during the hot summer weather! John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director
Celebrations of Life and Home
You’re our favorite slugger! We’re so proud of you on your T-Ball success! We love you Boo! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Molly
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The People’s Press August 2007 Page 9
Celebrations of Life and Home
Mommy, Happy Birthday!!! We love that you always keep our buckets filled with happiness, fun and learning. You make every day for us special and when you read, play and make crafts with us - it’s the best!!! Love, Sierra, Josh and Shaun and DADDY too.
Celebrations of Life and Home
MOMMY LOVES YOU LITTLE LILY!
PLEASE HELP US!
This is......"Hopey" and she is still missing. Please HELP! Still Missing...6 yr old F Golden Retriever reddish w/gray face amd is micro chipped. "Hopey" may be in any area. She is sadly missed and loved!!! Please help.. call 203-272-3395.
Dear Housewives - Central ConneCtiCut's know it all Gals Dear Readers, Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by email or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue. June and Flora Dear Housewives, My friend has been very hostile whenever I speak to her on the phone lately. I don't know why but everything I say seems to offend or tick her off. Should I stop speaking to her? Offending and offended in Meriden JUNE: Dear offended, sounds like your friend has a bug somewhere. You can come right out and ask her what her problem is if you are ready for more hostile attitude. It is possible that your friendship has run its course and she just doesn't like you much anymore. You didn't say how long you were friends for. Maybe give it a break for a while and see how she is after some months pass. Good luck. FLORA: I'm with June on this one. Offended, just ask her kindly if everything is alright and share that it seems as though something may be wrong. And ask her if something you did or said offended her. If she can't be honest with you, take the much needed break. She might be dealing with something in her private life that has nothing to do with you. Remember the phrase from your middle school years: if you love something set it free, if it comes back to you it's yours, if it doesn't, it never was. See if she is a true friend. JUNE: Oh boy! Can you see my eyes rolling. FLORA: June, I knew you'd like that! Dear Housewives, I can't stand getting solicitors and religious people at my door. Lately there seems to be a lot in our neighborhood. I really don't want to put a no solicitor sign up because I do like to help the kids in the area when they sell things for their school. Anything else I can do? Don't come Knockin' in Meriden FLORA: Some of these uninvited visitors are trying to share their religion while others of these so-called visitors are scammers. An elderly friend of the family had a visitor a few weeks ago. This visitor said they were from the State of CT and that they needed him to do a walk through of the yard as the State of CT was replacing a fence. They presented identification badges. Well, while they were in the yard a second accomplice entered the home and robbed them of all his wife's jewelry. They even took a pillowcase off the bed to fill it. This gentleman cares for his wife, who has late stage Alzheimer's disease, around the clock.I say put the "No Soliciting" sign up for the grown-ups as the children selling in your neighborhood will ring the bell anyway. JUNE: I actually recently had two men come to my door and ask me if I know about all that is going on in the world. I was tempted to say, "Like when stranger comes to your door and ends up killing you because you let them in?". I just told them I didn't want to discuss it with them but what the heck are they thinking in today's world. I would have been a fool to let them in. Dear Housewives,What do you think of mothers that dance around a children's program with the kids? It irks me. I can't stop the vision of this mom in a peach shirt dancing with a scarf with three year olds. If she had a visor on, she'd be even more of a freak. No hokey pokey in Meriden JUNE: I have seen these moms-the ones who get way into the playsongs and stories. I say, more power to them. At least they are involved and having fun with their kids. As long as they are not stepping all over little children then enjoy. Who knows, maybe it brings them back to a childhood they loved or one they didn't have. Flora, you wear visors, don't you? Not sure why this questioner has a phobia against visors but I am not sure that would make them any more of a freak. FLORA: I think someone was writing this question about me... I had a peach shirt on and danced with a scarf. And I enjoy wearing visors. MOVIE SUGGESTIONS FLORA'S DVD Rentals:. "The Pursuit of Happyness" (PG-13) and "Freedom Writers" (PG-13) These films give us hope. Hope for change and hope in mankind. They give us an inside look at the lives of people different circumstances than most of us. Both are well made and captivating. JUNE: A good book to read is Suspect by Michael Rothobam. This was a very good book; a good crime puzzle. When a patient of the main character psychologist turns up dead the psychologist becomes the suspect. Of course, there is much more to the story. Enjoy. I agree with Flora (well not in the same cheesy way) that "The Pursuit of Happyness" was a great movie starring Will Smith. Also a true story which I always like. I haven't seen Freedom Writers. FLORA: I read two Anne Lamott books lately. "Blue Shoe" which tells the story of a found little plastic blue shoe which unravels the past in the lives of two grown siblings. I liked it so much I read her latest (2007) "Grace (eventually) Thoughts on Faith". This is a collection of her essays and shows once again what an incredible writer she is. She shares some of her strong political views, which I don't necessarily agree with, but like a true friend, you can have opposing political or religious views and still have a relationship. When I read anything by Anne Lamott, these two and my first book of hers, "Operating Instructions", I feel as though she is a friend. She is candid and such a good writer.
Tony’s Back In Town! Anthony Paguni Joins the Four Points by Sheraton in Meriden Anthony Paguni was selected to become the Director of Outlets at the Four Points by Sheraton Meriden. Anthony will be overseeing the Catering and Banquet Facilities in addition to managing the staff of Yogi's All American Grill and Sports Bar. "Anthony is well known in Meriden after helping run his family's restaurant in Meriden for 30 years. We are happy to have someone on the team who is so knowledgeable about the restaurant business and taking care of our customers." said Fernando Solis, General Manager. "It's a pleasure to be part of the Meriden Restaurant community again. I look forward to reacquainting myself with former customers and with our current hotel guests. As in the past, I'm here to serve the community with their planning of both social and civic affairs. It's going to be great seeing everyone at Yogi's!" said Paguni.
Live entertainment on Thursday evenings 7 PM - 10 PM! Karaoke on Friday Nights! Daily Happy Hour Specials 4 PM - 7 PM! For Business or for Pleasure...No one can measure up to Yogi’s ALL AMERICAN Grill & Sports Bar!
Stop by and say hi to Tony today! 275 Research Parkway in Meriden 203) 238-2380
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 10
Celebrations of Life and Home
Enjoy your new adventure Jakey! Molly, Daddy and I are so proud of you & can’t wait to hear about Kindergarten! We love you so much! Love, Mommy, Daddy and Molly
A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON OLD DUST COLLECTORS By Phyllis S. Donovan When it comes to antiques or aging collectibles, I haven't the slightest clue as to what is valuable or what is just plain junk. But like many people of my generation, I have accumulated an attic full of stuff too good to throw out but too old to have cluttering up the house. Some of my friends over the years have had great success and made considerable money holding periodic tag sales. At first glance it seems like a good way to get rid of all the detritus that adds up over a lifetime but I wonder if it's worth the work of organizing, pricing and haggling, not to mention the guilt of unloading my junk on someone else. I only had one tag sale in my life, years ago, but my heart wasn't really in it and the day of the sale turned to out to be one of the hottest on record with a violent thunderstorm thrown in for good measure. The driving rain made us move all our "merchandise" back into the garage and most of it stayed there for the next couple of years. With that as my only experience, I decided that tag sales were more bother than they were worth and I never bothered having another one. Last week, however, I had an epiphany about the "treasures" I've been sitting on all these years. Our niece, who owns a big rambling farmhouse a couple blocks from the beach in Harwichport on Cape Cod, invited us down midweek to spend a few days there with her mom and dad (my husband's brother and his wife.) The men both love to swim and spent their days either at the beach or chatting over big frosty glasses of ice tea on her shady side porch. Our niece enjoys haunting antique shops and flea markets and checking out area yard sales in search of old and unique pieces to fix up and add to the country coziness of her Cape house. She is one of those clever women with a Martha Stewart eye for creating charming décor from what in my house would look like junk. A regular jack-of-all-trades, she can fix up, paint up and decorate the worst looking piece of furniture and aged artifact and find exactly the right place in her house to show it off. It's uncanny! A rickety jelly cupboard becomes the centerpiece in her kitchen, an ugly old lamp gets rewired and painted and complemented with a stack of antique books and a vase of lavender on a night stand. A ancient, muddy-colored urn is filled with hydrangeas from her yard and a small aged wrought iron table and chairs fills a shady nook in her back yard. It's fun browsing with her because she gets so excited about her "finds." But because I'm at the stage when I'm trying to get rid of my old stuff, not collect more, I spent my time checking out what they were charging for some of the very same things I already own. What an eye-opener! I realized that I'm sitting on a gold mine of what I thought was useless trash. Little did I know that even the old quart Ball canning jars from my mother's cellar are going for $10 apiece or more up there; not to mention her 40s era costume jewelry which is also bringing in a pretty penny. (After she passed away, I didn't even want to go through it all, figuring that it wasn't worth anything and I was too sentimental to part with some of it anyways.) Fancy old glassware, "best" dishes, and even WWII era kitchenware are displayed with surprisingly hefty price tags in the antique shops that sit cheek by jowl in Bourne. It's fun to see how merchandise is set up in the different shops. You can almost tell if the proprietor is male or female. One place was filled with heavy antique furniture of all types and the few decorative items were literally gathering dust. Another shop featured pretty glassware and an assortment of small chairs. Many of the chairs featured cane or rush seats which had been newly redone. Every piece was neat and glistening. The owners were two women. In one shop, while my niece browsed, I overheard another customer exclaim, "Oh my mother had a clock just like that!" I asked the owner who was sitting at her cash register nearby, "How often have you heard that? It must be fun to hear people reminisce about things their parents had growing up." "After the first few years, it gets pretty old," she shrugged, sharing that in an antique store in Maine she had visited, there was a sign at the checkout desk which read: "$1.00 fee for telling us what your grandmother had like ours, $2.00 fee for telling us what your mother had like ours." I still think that people wouldn't be in that business if they didn't enjoy the memories their stock evokes in their customers. I certainly came home filled with fond memories of my growing-up years. Now if I could just find someone who would duly appreciate the worth of all the old stuff I own. On the other hand, maybe the memories are worth more than the items themselves.
Barbara's Bountiful Bouquet
Cool off with something nice...
Mariannas secret Reci pe ITALIAN Ice!
By Barbara Sherburne There has been an interesting thread going on on the Yahoo forum Animal Communications recently about the value of sticking one's hands into soil and kneeling on the soil with both knees and grounding. I never quite thought about it that way, but I never wear gloves. I have to connect with the soil and get covered with dirt. It's a wonderful feeling. I have never understood why people use gloves. I haven't picked anything yet, but everything is coming along. I'll be picking cucumbers very soon. Lots of tomatoes are in sight, but green. I have already promised many to neighbors, who are anxiously awaiting them and other vegetables as well. I'm going to dig up some of my cleomes and sunflowers because I have way too many, all "volunteers," and I'm going to bring them home and plant them on the side of the house, which needs some beautification, to say the least. I have been watering two other gardens whose people have been ill. Unfortunately I found out tonight that one garden I have been weeding and watering, the man died on Thursday, July 19th. What a blow. The last time I saw him, about two weeks ago, he and his wife were there, and I was shocked because he was supposedly dying in the hospital, according to what his wife had told me maybe a week before, and as I approached the garden, here he was standing with the hose and watering. What? "John, I can't believe you are here! I thought you were in the hospital." He said, "Barb, this is my life from now on." Dead serious. "I will have to go to the hospital once a week to drain off the fluids and have two transfusions. I had a bad day yesterday, but today is a good day. Hopefully tomorrow will be a good day too." They were both so thankful and happy to know I had been taking care of their garden and thanked me repeatedly, but eventually John said, "Thanks" (with hose in hand, still watering), "but I think we can take it from here." After they finished watering and I started to head for the faucet, John said, "No, stay there. I'll turn it on for you. Thanks again. I really appreciate it." And his wife, Barbara, said, "You gave him a reason to live. I can't thank you enough." That was the last time I saw them. I just heard from CJ tonight, the only other gardener there tonight at the Community Garden (July 22nd), who delivers flowers for Wallingford Flower Shoppe, that he delivered flowers to their home, and that's how he knew John died. Damn. I watered their garden tonight and weeded before I ever spoke to CJ. I will continue to do so. John wanted so much to garden, and he loved his tomatoes and other vegetables, so I will keep on watering, and hopefully his wife will be able to enjoy some of the fruits of his passion, but it is very sad to me. Old guy, was in the military, skinny as a pole bean, but he really was proud, and I knew it when he said, "We can take it on from here." I waited a few days out of respect for his pride, but after that I had a feeling that he was back in the hospital, so I started to water again. Damn.
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The People’s Press August 2007 Page 11
My Encounter with Harry Potter David Radcliffe - July 21, 2007 A quarter moon hung low over the Meriden mall this weekend past. As my family and I drove toward it, I was struck by just how busy town is at nearly 10 p.m. at night. And dark, too. It's a late night for me when my eyes are still open at that hour. Who would have thought there would be so many people not only awake, but out and about: bicycling, waiting in line at Dairy Queen, or just standing around watching us and others driving by. So here I was, an official night owl, on the way to the Harry Potter book release at Borders Book store. I thought it was a joke several weeks ago when I was invited by the good people there to hand out the first new Potter Book at 12:01 a.m.. While I have a foggy recollection of having seen one or two of the movies, I'd not read any of the wildly popular books. I wouldn't know a snape from a grape, or a muggle from a fuggle. I hadn't paid close enough attention to even know the name of J.K. Rowling's newest issue. 'Crusty Shambles' or 'Healthy Scrambles' or some such thing. Not cool. As the crowds built towards midnight it was clear this book means a lot to a great many. There were easily hundreds of people there, many dressed in the manner of their favorite Potter character. The crowd was a younger one on the whole. Still, there were a surprising number of seasoned citizens, some with the courage to costume-up a good three months before Halloween. One of our youngest sons read through the evening program and got to the listing of my name as the guy giving out the First Book. He was very excited, which made me proud to have skipped a half-night's sleep. Then he said, "Wait a minute. Isn't the actor who plays Harry Potter named Daniel Radcliffe?" He was a little less excited when I explained to him that it would be me handing out the First Book, not the wealthy young Brit and certainly no relation to Daniel's line of Radcliffe's. This mistaken-name thing ran through the night. At one point we stood in a long line for our kid's to have their palms read. I heard a girl behind me reading through a list of the night's festivities. She got to the part with my name. "Hey!" she said. "There must be a mistake. This says David Radcliffe, not Daniel." The pain. The evening churned on toward midnight. The already thick crowds continued to swell, until there were barely any places left to stand. Imagine this same scene in bookstores around the world! What a dream picture for the author and the marketing people. After a costume contest (the winners were a sinister-looking lad named Sirius Black and young woman with a toilet seat around her neck), it was announced that I would draw the ticket that would become the "First in Line" person. I chuckled a bit at the crowd's disappointment when they saw that I was some other Radcliffe, an average one that somehow wandered in off the street. After a backward count from ten, someone pulled a covering off the stack of a police-guarded pallet of Potter books. He held one up, and passed it to me. I had half a thought to flip it open and read the last pages out loud, but the excited gathering, I suspected, would have little patience for that. As I made my way to stand next to the cashier, I held the heavy, orangecovered volume up with one hand and in doing so lost my balance to topple a giant box of Harry Potter posters. As I tried to steady the box, the lucky First in Line was already waiting at the counter. By the time I righted myself she somehow already had a book, the Second Book, in her hand. "No! David is supposed to hand out the First Book," I heard a voice say. Someone yanked the Second Book from the First in Line. With a fresh start, I grandly handed First in Line the official First Book. A picture was taken, and First in Line handed the cashier some form of payment, and the rush was on. With that, my happily weary family and I were washed out by waves of Others in Line to the front entrance and back into the night. My bit role in the Harry Potter release was complete and I'm sure already a distant memory in the minds of the clamoring fans. Now, I can return to being just David Radcliffe. David Radcliffe lives in Meriden with his wife Chauce and three boys Gage, Ben and Noah. He is also the Director of Meriden Children First.
Artistic Autumn!
Imagine yourself getting the skills you need to shape your future.
Meriden Adult and Continuing Education Offers:
* * * *
Adult Basic Education Skills Classes (ABE) English As A Second Language (ESL) Citizenship Preparation Classes General Education Diploma Preparation (GED)
Registration and testing for the above classes are September 4,5,& 6 at the Adult Learning Center on 169 Colony Street (2nd floor) from 9 am to 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm or call 237-0602. Classes begin September 10th. * High School Credit Diploma Program (CDP) Registration and testing for CDP is from August 20 - August 30 at the CDP office at Platt High School (Rm. 4) from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm or call 238-2887. Classes begin September 5th.
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The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 12
FAMILY VACATIONS ON A BUDGET Vacationing can be hard for families in today's times because the cost of living has skyrocketed within the past few years. One might think that a vacation is out of the question because of the expense. My family and I are on an extremely tight budget. We thought that the only vacation we would have this year was a trip from the kitchen to the living room, but even we managed to get away to a few places this summer. The key for us to vacation, is to do day trips with other people (like my mother and father in-law and even my own parents) and split some costs like food and gas. We have also researched and budgeted for admission costs to museums and parks and then planned where to go from there. We found some fun places for very reasonable prices from zoos to a bit of American culture and here's a list for you to try. Salem MA is a wonderful place for a day trip. It is about a two and a half to three hour drive from the Middletown area of CT and is a place rich in American culture and history. Parking is not bad since there is a parking garage near many of the attractions and the fee is very reasonable on Sundays when there are less tourists. There are many museums to go to in Salem, however, some can be rather expensive for admission. There are also some museums and attractions that may not be suitable for children under the age of 7 due to the nature of the attraction for this period in history, however, some of the places are very accommodating to adults with young children, and will offer a refund of your ticket price if your child becomes scared. One museum that will accommodate for this is the Salem Witch Museum. This museum is the most visited in Salem and gives an accurate depiction of the Salem Witch Hysteria of 1692. They have a new exhibit that explains the evolving perception of witches in American history through today. Admission for this exhibit is very reasonable as well. The gift shop, however, is a bit pricey. Another attraction in Salem is The House of Seven Gables. It is New England's oldest mansion and has Nathaniel Hawthrone's House on it's premises to tour as well. The gardens on site are beautiful and worth a look. The price of admission is reasonable for the two house tour and The House of Seven Gables is an attraction that is for non-profit. It uses the price of your admission to help the community of Salem, as well as to maintain this piece of history for tourists to enjoy. The admission price is much higher than the Salem Witch Museum, however. There is also a secret staircase in the house that can be difficult to climb for some individuals. Another thing to consider is food of course, and Salem has a few nice places to eat. Brother's Restaurant & Deli is a great place for lunch. The sandwiches are tasty and very reasonably priced. Salem Beer Works has great burgers and of course good beer if you happen to like beer and a great atmosphere, however, it is quite pricey compared to Brother's Restaurant & Deli. Jaho Coffee & Tea has a nice coffee house atmosphere with delicious flavored coffee and tea and their prices are better than Starbucks. Dinner will run you a bit more and can be very expensive if you choose to eat closer to Salem Harbor. The Victoria Station has great food and has a wonderful atmosphere. You can either dine in the restaurant or out near the harbor. The children's menu is priced well and the menu has a great variety for every child's palette. The adult choices range from reasonable to pricey depending on what you order. Any seafood or steak order will be expensive for the budget goer, so the pasta and chicken might be a better choice. All the food is delicious and worth the trip. There are other great trips to consider for the family on a budget and one is the zoo. The Beardsley Zoo, located in Bridgeport, CT is about a 40 minute drive from the Middletown area and is a great place for any animal lover. This attraction features many endangered animals that the zoo is caring for in hopes that the population of the species will grow. There are many animals that are very rare and unknown to the average zoo-goer. I had never heard of a lion monkey until I saw one at Beardsley and they are a very special breed to check out in the rain forest exhibit. There are other exhibits like the wolf's den and even a bug exhibit if you are into that kind of thing. I'll let you be the judge on that one-- this animal-lover draws the line when it comes to more than four legs. This attraction is extremely reasonable at just under a hundred dollars for the price of gas to get there, admission, food, souvenirs, and even the three rolls of film! They also offer an all-year pass for a family of 8 (2 adults and 6 children) at a good price, which includes admittance to other parks around the United States that are accredited zoos. This is a definite stop for our family next year because of the fun and price. And last but certainly not least, is the Butterfly Conservatory in Deerfield MA. My daughter goes crazy for butterflies but I'm not a fan of bugs of any kind, however, I'd do just about anything to make my daughter happy, so I went through the exhibit with her and my husband and closed my eyes for most of it. It is a very reasonable admission price and the food is priced well too. Children are encouraged to stay close to their parents and not touch the butterflies because their wings are so delicate. This is definitely a place for an older child who is old enough to refrain from the
"touch and feel" temptations. But it is a fun experience for anyone who like butterflies. The Yankee Candle Shop is across the street for all you candle lovers too which made the whole butterfly/bug experience much easier to bare for myself since I like candles and the lovely Christmas store set-up Yankee Candle has. No matter what you decide to do on your summer vacation, know that a fun trip can be planned, and it doesn't have to cost a lot. These places are just a few that have a special place in my family's heart. Hope you can enjoy them too! Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom Founder of Writers With Chronic Disease Writerswithchronicdisease-owner@yahoogroups.com Author and Publisher Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom www.kimberleylinstruth-beckom.com
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A Reckoning By George Arndt It was a breezy but pleasant summer evening in the waning hours on the closing day of June. There were cottony-white, fluffy clouds drifting along in an unassuming, devil-may-care stroll across the heavens. Nearby was the murmuring whisper of robins chirping gently, drifting down from the outstretched, tentacle-like branches of tall oak trees that surrounded the quaint little ball field. Their melodic rendering was matched only by the gay laughter and enthusiastic excitement coming from the youthful followers of this event. Now and then a renegade leaf would float softly toward the ground, landing unnoticed by the people entranced by what was a total, fun-filled excursion into a vast unknown game's outcome. The heavenly bouquet of hot dogs smothered with relish and mustard, and the enchanting aroma of popcorn, rose from the shadowed seating area where the onlookers had become an immovable crowd. The sun had started its daily routine of sinking silently, and ever so slowly, over the horizon. Along with other faithful patrons in this miniature arena occupying the bleachers, we all sat there watching this scrawny, awkward, young lad stepping up to home plate. The sky had been a brilliant shade of royal blue earlier, but now it was taking on shades of pinks, and hues of yellow, as dusk crept in unhurriedly. There were throngs of fans cheering and chanting in reverberating yowls. Home team fans and visiting foes alike leaned forward with eyes wide open gazing intently at what now had come down to two lone combatants. Not a soul among hundreds was about to leave their seat. No amount of silver or gold could tempt these hearty fans to break for a quick trot over to the snack stand. They had no time for distractions, nor time to take a break to engage in conversation with their fellow game attendees. All needs and wants had been taken care of in the earlier stages of this prodigious display of championed ball players. It had been a nip-and-tuck season for both of these battalions. They each had stacked up enough wins, compared to losses, to be here playing in this exulted game of games. The ball game had stumbled but never faltered as it moved along. And now, with no complaining or moaning from the crowd, this spectacle of superiority had gone into extra innings. The scoreboard stood in testament to the closeness of the score…;Visitors 3; Home Team 2, in the bottom of the 13th inning. The fella on the mound had let the first batter he had faced get on base because of a wild pitch. He gregariously fanned the next two antagonists that had stood where this kid now posed in pretentious bravura. This king-of-the-hill impersonator paused, looking in with a disdainful leer at this pitiful mortal who was having wispy dreams of becoming a hometown celebrity. Not one of the embattled players of these two teams could not keep from thinking about how this had been one of the most looked-forward-to games of the season. I could tell that the boy at bat was completely immersed in thought as to what pitch the boy on the mound might be throwing his way. His hands were clamped onto the neck of the bat as though it might try to escape from its imprisonment. The knuckles of his fingers were a chalky white as he gripped the old hickory weapon with anticipation. His spiked shoes scuffed up the barren dirt that surrounded the plate. He had a comical sneer across his parched lips, and his perfect, white-flossed teeth were clenched with underlying disdain, as though he wanted to embarrass this smug straitlaced pitcher with a record-setting smash hit over the vine-covered wall in center field. Slowly the hurler wrapped his delicate, but powerful, fingers artistically around the hammered ball. He now glanced in at the lowly, unkempt batter who stood before him, and thought to himself...this uncouth barbarian would not dare dream of stardom at his expense. "I'm going to put this leather-covered orb straight across the plate so fast that you'll never see it go by you," the pitcher barked at him with a glare that would equal the snarling glare of a gladiator in a death fight with an unbeatable foe. The kid hesitated for a long moment, took a well-needed gulp of that enriched, summer air, and then stepped out of the batter's box and casually picked up a handful of sun-baked dirt…the same ingredient that made up most of the infield. Slowly he rubbed his noticeably steady hands with the powdery, light-brown earth and then, as if to beguile his opposing enemy, wiped them menacingly along the sides of his pants legs. Determined, he stepped back into his imaginary throne room, tugged at the beak of his red and blue baseball cap, and then hoisted the wooden instrument of war, waving it in small, uneven arcs. Again, this unbendable warrior stepped away from the plate. He pounded his weapon on the lifeless form designated as the home base with menacing blows as if to intimidate his formidable foe. The ball hurler stood by watching this commonplace distraction with disdain for such a despairing athlete with his chest-beating display. He nonchalantly removed his cap and tipped it to his unsmiling lips as he waited for the batter to end his silly, unwanted, antics. Minutes crept sluggishly by as the multitude waited with bated breath watching these two players engaged in a clash-of-the-titans scenario. Once the batter finished, he again took his position in the batter's quadrant. The youthful contender stood there waiting for that home run pitch to come hurtling towards him. His eyes were fixed on the ball in the pitcher's hand. The muscles in his neck were protruding ever so lightly, and his jaw appeared to be made of solid granite. Leisurely, the hurler wiped the sweat from his brow with the sleeve of his shirt, then let that ball sail like an arrow in the direction of the hitter. The batter was waiting for what seemed like hours for the ball that was coming his way. The folks in the crowd held their breath, and there was a stillness that hung in the air as the ball came roaring toward that crouching lad, who stood his ground over home plate. Then came a tremendous crack, and the ball went flying into center field. The pitcher turned to watch in despair as that well-worn leather sphere sailed over the wall. The moms and dads and children of all ages, stood up in unison, letting out a tremendous "Hooray" that echoed throughout the stands, ricocheting off the light posts, and bouncing in all directions around the diamond. The pitcher stood in a numbing pose as he hung his head in a saddened gesture. His smugness was gone now, and his hopes with it, as he watched for the adoration that was about to be bestowed upon his opponent. Swarms of fans came swooping down from the stands and onto the ball field to shake the hand of their hometown hero. This honorific was my son. I was as proud as a peacock that warm day in June as I stood aside to let everybody congratulate my little boy. So went the first time my son was called upon to assume the position of pinch hitter in this momentous Little League game.
The People’s Press will be closed for Summer Holiday from August 8th - August 27th. We will reply to all of your phone calls and emails upon our return. Have a great month and remember “Life is Good!”
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 13
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The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 14
What you need to know!
Wallingford Family YMCA partners with the Wallingford Public School System to offer Water Safety The Wallingford Family YMCA developed and presented a one hour Water Safety Program to each third grade classroom in the Wallingford Public School system this past June. The purpose of the program was to help children learn how to be safer around water this summer. The topics covered were; boating safety and lifejackets, pool rules, backyard pool safety, beach/pond/lake safety, basic rescue techniques, and a lifeguard's duties. The students watched the American Red Cross Whale Tales video, discussed the topics and ended with a PFD (lifejacket) activity. Each student was given a worksheet to do at school or at home, and a copy of Rules for Safe Swimming. At the end of the presentation, the students were given a blank piece of poster paper to create their own Water Safety Poster. The posters were collected from each school and a winning poster was selected by the Wallingford YMCA staff. The student creating the winning poster was given a certificate for a set of FREE swim lessons at the YMCA. Each student turning in a poster was given a $5 YMCA coupon to be used for any YMCA program this year. Congratulations to the following winners: Cook Hill School- Adam Manicone Highland School- Daniel Tashinetti Moses Y Beach- Katie Overstrum Parker Farms School- Naha Chowdhury Rock Hill School- Claire Bludnicki T. Stevens School- Alana Star Yalesville School- Jasnoor Hundal Pond Hill School- (no entries received) For more information about Water Safety and more YMCA programs, please call the YMCA at 269 4497 or visit our website at www.wallingfordymca.org
The High Holidays - Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur by Joan Goodman There are two very important Jewish holidays coming up in September that I thought you might be interested in hearing about. At sunset on Wednesday September 12th, Jews all over the world will begin the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and "Birthday of the World." This is the beginning of the Days of Awe which culminate ten days later in the observance of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). Like the secular New Year in January, and like any birthday, on Rosh Hashanah we reflect back on the previous year, think about how to improve ourselves and how to make the next year better, have a party, eat sweet foods, and wish for happiness in the coming year. The difference here is the intense soul searching and penitence that begins during the Hebrew month of Elul before Rosh Hashanah and continues during the Days of Awe. According to tradition, God passes judgement over every person during this period. We ask those whom we have wronged to forgive us. As part of the observance of both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we go to the synagogue and pray. We are also commanded to hear the sound of the shofar. The shofar, a wind instrument made from a ram's horn, had been used in ancient times to signal the beginning of the month based on the new moon. In the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar (Tishri) long blasts were sounded to note a special period, a holy time. On Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) we have the opportunity to make amends with God, to get a clean slate so to speak. The tradition is for anyone older than thirteen and in good health to fast. This is the day Jews believe that God passes his final judgement for the year and decides who will be sealed in the Book of Life. At Temple B'Nai Abraham in Meriden we will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah beginning Wednesday September 12th with services at 6:15 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday and Friday services begin at 8:30 a.m., with babysitting available at 10:30 a.m. On Friday September 21st Kol Nidre Services begin at 6:00 p.m. with Yom Kippur services beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday September 22nd. Temple B'nai Abraham is located at 127 East Main Street in Meriden. Please call 235-2381 for more information
GIVE YOUR HAND A HAND A few days ago a caregiver involved herself with a resident in a nursing home; she gave her a piece of paper with a pencil and had her trace her hand on it. When she was done, the resident agreed that this was her hand. The surprise came when the caregiver asked her if she could tell her some of the things that this hand had done. This opened the floodgate as she began talking about her life and the many things she had done with that hand. Heart warming. The Latin for hand in manu. We manufacture, we create things, and we have handbooks and call them manuals. Manumit is defined as a release from slavery. Manu is a handy word. The word hand and its concepts are so common that often we overlook its usage. We put value on things hand made. The cell phone in Europe is called a "handy". We offer helping hands. We do business on a handshake. We call some people handsome. An aunt when asked what she liked about her late husband, she replied, "He was such a handy man" and with a slight twinkle in her eye and a little smile she said "he also was a man handy". Is the hand the key that will unlock doors for memory as well as for holding the key to unlock your door at home? Maybe we do have the world in our hands and we certainly must hand it to the person that said "living life is a handful". It's time that we take time and to give the hand a hand, together with a handful of thanks. - John Adair 2007
Craft Vendors Wanted for September Harvest Festival in Middletown Water's Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation located at 111 Church Street in Middletown is looking for craft vendors for its 2nd Annual Harvest Festival being held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 from 11am-3pm. For registration information, contact Laura Falt at 335.7526 or via e-mail at lfalt@nathealthcare.com.
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The People’s Press will be closed for Summer Holiday from August 8th - August 27th. We will reply to all of your phone calls and emails upon our return. Have a great month. POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT
Augustis Curtis Cultural Center Events
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 15
Red Cross Blood Drive Hosted by ACCC 175 East Main Street, Meriden - Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm. American Red Cross Blood Drive to be held on Main Level of the Center......Call 800-448-3543 to schedule and appointment to give blood.
STORK TICKET
Garrett Andrew Wilkinson Hi, my name is Garrett Andrew Wilkinson and I was born on May 18, 2007 at MidState Medical Center. I was 20.5 inches long and I weighed 8 pounds. Hugs and Kisses to my proud parents Neil “Andy” Wilkinson & Linda Wilkinson, Grandma Rollande Blakeslee & Grandpa Ronald Blakeslee, Grandpa “Joe” Wilkinson, my big brother Evan who plays music for me to help me get to sleep, my dog Jake - who lies next to the bassinet, Uncles Ken, Bill, David, Jimmy and Aunt Debbie and my special Aunties Lynn Bailey, Auntie Barbara & Auntie Celeste Martowski. A special kiss to my heavenly angel Nana Wilkinson
Stork Ticket
Sophia JUST WON’T LET DAD HAVE A BREAK! The Clearance Sale has been extended AGAIN!!! Dad said August is it though!
Meriden Movers - A Community Walking Program Starting September 17, 2007 Are you ready to get fit? If so, do the "local" motion and become a Meriden Mover! The Meriden Health Department will be starting a walking program September 17, 2007. Walking is one of the healthiest and most convenient forms of physical activity. Residents will be encouraged to enroll in the 3month program for better health. Program participants will receive: * A pedometer and walking log to track their steps. * A t-shirt half-way through the program. * Free health screenings, including blood pressure, weight, resting heart rate, flexibility, and body composition, at the beginning and end of the program (optional, must enroll by September 5 to participate in the health screenings). * Weekly motivational emails with walking tips and healthy recipes. * Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 "Movers"! Pedometers and t-shirts will be limited to the first 100 people to register. Walking teams are highly encouraged. For more information about the program, please contact Lea Crown, Health Educator, at 6304238, or by email at lcrown@ci.meriden.ct.us. This program is funded through the United Way of Meriden & Wallingford Venture Grant Program.
Attention Retirees!
Jeremy Nephtali Bermudez Born July 13 2007 at Baptist Hospital in Miami Florida. Weight: 6 lbs 3 oz Height: 19 in Father: Michael A. Bermudez Mother: Elienai Yanes Brothers: Gregory & Aidan Sisters: Zoe & Tiffany From all of us WELCOME. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH
It's almost that time of the year again. BACK TO SCHOOL TIME! Being retired, this probably doesn't affect you that much. But back to school time also means that the Senior Buddy Readers program is beginning to sign up volunteers for the 2007-2008 school year. "What is Senior Buddy Readers," you ask? It is an intergenerational literacy program where retirees volunteer to help first and second graders improve their reading skills. Last year, Senior Buddy Readers celebrated its fifth year, with eighty-four volunteers helping over two hundred children in five Meriden elementary schools. So if you are a retiree who has one hour a week to share with a child, don't you think it's time to volunteer as a Senior Buddy Reader? For more information or to sign up, please contact David Radcliffe, Director of Meriden Children First Initiative located at the Meriden Public Library (203) 630-3566. Or you can check out the Senior Buddy Readers link at Children First's website www.meridenchildrenfirst.org. Make a difference in the life of a child. Become a Senior Buddy Reader!
Crafters Wanted November 17, 2007 9 am to 2 pm Wallingford Park & Rec Department Sponsored by: Kinder Garden Learning Center Call 269-1938 for an application & information
24th Annual Craft Fair The Highland Elementary School PTO, 200 Highland Avenue, Wallingford, Connecticut will hold its 24th Annual Craft Fair on Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 9AM to 3 PM at the school. Any crafter interested in an application or in more information may contact the school at (203) 949-0121 or Carole Eager at (203) 235-0195 The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit. ~Nelson Henderson
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 16
A Tough Year's Journey
We couldn't imagine our lives without you. Tammy and Nick Rodriguez
Your Town, Your News, Your Views
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will be closed for Summer Holiday from August 8th - August 27th. We will return any phone calls or emails on August 28th. Have a great month.
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Our little angel, Nicholas, Jr. Mommy and daddy love you so much! It's amazing watching you grow and discover each day.
This year has been a tough year. With two siblings diagnosed with serious diseases, we wanted to do something as a family while both were still able to get around and enjoy. My Brother Clint had told me that he wanted to go to see the Grand Canyon, it had been a life long dream of his. So at the end of June, 7 of us flew into Las Vegas from all over the country. We had not been together in several years. My sister Jayne did all the planning and made all the arrangements, they had to be jam packed, ambitious, and stile be handicap accessible. So after spending the first night in Las Vegas, we headed out towards Zion National Park. At first the trip was uneventful till we got into the surrounding areas of Lake Mead. The rock formations were spectacular and we started aimlessly taking pictures. By the time we got to Zion, the landscape was un believable. Zion National Park was the first venture. The hiking trails were paved and up hill we were able to get the wheel chair uphill, actually, Ed , my brother-in-law, did but halfway up the hill the tires and tubes went and that was the end of the good intentions of keeping Clint comfortable. The wheel chair stayed in the rental car trunk for the duration of the trip. My stubborn brother achieved much sight seeing on his own two legs. His wife Rachel was always at his side and never left him. Zion has many multi colored rock cliffs and formations. As we were leaving the park to head on to our next destination, Bryce Canyon, I could not help but think what a good place to bring a family of kids. There was a camping site that had Indian Tee Pees for tents and a buffalo farm was close by. Truly a fun spot for sure. I've traveled all over the world and have to say that Bryce Canyon is my new favorite place to go to. The scenery just takes your breath away! It makes one wonder about the earth and the time it took to have these types of places evolve. It's no wonder the Indians worshipped these places. I don't think I've ever said "Oh My God" as much as I did there. Not wanting to leave Bryce, we reluctantly went on to Lake Powell. We stopped and got pictures at the Navajo Bridge. My camera decided to die on that part of the trip :-( I was in complete camera withdrawal mood and it wasn't pretty. I asked a young oriental couple if they wanted me to take a picture of them together on the bridge. I was caught by my brother-in-law Ed and he said I can't believe you took someone else's camera. So fortunately we found a WalMart in Page AZ and I talked to a wonderful young man there that first tried to fix my broken camera, then found me the same camera only newer version of what I had. He told us they had sold 50 cameras that week because of the heat, which was 110 - 116 degrees. So after I was armed again with a camera we took a boat ride on Lake Powell. The water levels were very low, but that gave us a view of the rocks that lined the edge of the lake near the power plant. My boy friend Greg met up with us there and we started off the next day for our long drive to the Grand Canyon. The first stop we made was at Horseshoe Bend. The beginning of the Colorado River, such a wonderful view, so hot and not an easy hike for Clint but well worth the effort. The Grand Canyon was a sight to behold. One cannot explain properly the great size and immensity of this place. Pictures do not do it justice. My brother and I had the morning to go on a helicopter ride and take pictures from above. All I can say is WOW! There was a haze over the canyon which gave it an eerie feeling but spectacular. We took pictures that evening of the sunset on the canyon. My sister Chris and I had decided that this trip was what every family should do! From the Grand Canyon we drove to the Hoover Dam and took the tour below in the tunnels. The outside temp was 116 and the tunnel temp was 70 so it was a great place to hibernate to. I wanted that tour to last much longer than it did. Amazing how much work and how many life's were lost to make this modern marvel in the 1930's. The last night was spent in Las Vegas. While the lights and activity were wonderful, I can't help but remember how I longed to be back at Bryce Canyon. On the plane ride home I had much time to reflect on the past week and decided that this trip was the perfect thing to do! Life is too short and we need to stop and take time to spend with family and friends. That while we can't change the things that happen to us in this life, we can make them better for yourself and the people we love. Tell them you love them, do things that feel good to you and most of all make the most of the life that we have. Eileen Hunter
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The People’s Press August 2007 Page 17
Dance & Music Classes For All Ages! Register NOW! Classes Begin September 1st!
Dance Classes
Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tap, and Jazz!
Music Classes
Piano, Clarinet, Trumpet, Flute, Piccolo, Saxophone, Music Composition, Music Theory, Voice: Soprano, Alto, Bass, Baritone & Tenor. * Ages 3 to Adult Beginner to PreProfessional * Member NADAA National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists
Open House Saturday, August 25th 9:00am 12:00noon.
* Ballet Exams through Cecchetti, USA - Affiliate Member * Instensive Ballet Program * Music/Voice Focus
Call 203.634.3995 TODAY! Classes Begin September 1st! We are conveniently located to all of Central Connecticut at 626-632 East Main Street in Meriden Second Floor
Where we teach more than dance... We teach skills that last a lifetime... Self-Confidence, Teamwork and Health & Wellness! Laura A. Krueger Director
Parents visit our website to find out 4 IMPORTANT things that you NEED to know before choosing a dance studio: www.ctacademyofballet.com
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 18
Kate Snake Snake Show Celebration Photo taken in Morocco May 2007. The tourists formed a semi circle around the showman as he brought out the Corba to the delight of all watching while the drummer played. After the big frightening snake was put away; the people watching got to put a non threatening snake around their necks if they wished to do so. As for myself; I was just happy being the photographer vacationer. Submitted by Kate McBride
Such beautiful art by Katelyn Gallo What you need to know!
The first grade students at Hanover Elementary School want to say THANK YOU for applying for a grant to Mystic. The first graders and parents/chaperones, teachers enjoyed a fun filled day of fun, educational activities, and a great show from the Mystic whales. As you can see from the smiles of the children and teachers it was a satisfying and special way to spend a Saturday. Thank you Hanover staff, Mrs. Dominello, Mrs. Orozco and Mrs. Torres Brown.
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Now is the time to make your appointment for an eye exam so the beauty you see outside stays that way! We offer a large selection of colored contact lenses and innovative glasses.
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O ptometrists
Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry
Here is a 3 generation picture of my mom Evelyn Adams of Meriden,myself Lisa Halpin and my 7 year old daughter Samantha Halpin taken at my parents anniversary and wedding vow renewal. This picture means alot to me and will forever be in my heart. It shows the love between the three of us on an important day in our lives. The love that my parents share I want to have always in my marriage and also I wish for it to be passed down to my daughter when she gets older and gets married.My mother has always instilled in me one Major reminder that keeps a marriage strong and it is and I quote"Never go to bed mad at one another and always tell your spouse that you love them always".That is something I hold dear to my heart. I treasure my closeness with my mother and hope that my daughter and I share that special bond as she gets older. You can always have special people in your lives but nothing can ever match the bond between a mother and a daughter especially in my life.
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 19
Car Show
On September 8th the Wilcox Gridiron Club will be hosting its 2nd annual Car Show to benefit the Wilcox Varsity Football Team. The show will be held at Wilcox Tech High School on Oregan Rd. from 9-4 pm. We are presently raising money for equipment and a much needed scoreboard. The football program started in 2005 and will be entering their first year Varsity status. The Car Show will have many classic cars,a monster truck and stock cars on display. The show will include a burnout pit and music by Doo Wop DJ. There will be plenty of food, a 50/50 raffle and a Bake Sale on the day of the show. Please join us for a fun filled day and help support Wilcox Football.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP Wallingford Senior Center Special guest speaker, Janet Meiselman, Clinical Psychologist, will talk about the emotional impact low vision has on people's everyday lives. Please join us Friday, August 17 at 10:15 a.m. and register by calling 265-7753.
Meriden/Wallingford Civitan Club Golf Classic The 9th annual Meriden/Wallingford Civitan Club Golf Classic will be held August 15th at the Tradition Golf Club in Wallingford beginning with registration and a full American breakfast set for 7:30 A.M. A scramble shotgun start will be at 8:30 A.M. All proceeds will benefit the club's special education scholarship fund. The $125.00 fee includes 18 holes w/cart, tee package, cash awards, pro shop gift certificates, $1000 hole-in-one, and awards dinner of chicken parmigiana/Italian buffet. For more information call George Paradis at (203) 440-4728 or Matt Oblon (203) 284-1685. There is no need to reach high for the stars. They are already within you - just reach deep into yourself!
August and September Events at Temple B'nai Abraham 1. August 17th - Shabbat Under the Stars Service - Temple B'nai Abraham will hold a special dinner and Shabbat Under the Stars service on Friday August 17th at 6:30 p.m. Please call 235-2581 by August 13th to RSVP and get directions. 2. September 5th - Religious School Begins New School Year -Temple B'nai Abraham's religious school program accepts children as young as three years old (must be potty trained). Grades 3 - 6 attend Wednesday afternoons from 4-6 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pre-K through Grade 2 students attend Sunday mornings. Please call the synagogue at 2352581 for more information. 3. High Holiday Services - September 12-14 for Rosh Hashanah, and September 21-22 for Yom Kippur - Erev Rosh Hashanah services are Wednesday September 12th at 6:15 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. Rosh Hashanah services will be held on Thursday September 13th and Friday September 14th beginning at 8:30 a.m. with junior congregation at 10:30 a.m. On September 21st, Kol Nidre services are at 6:00 p.m. Yom Kippur services begin at 8:30 a.m. on September 22nd with Junior congregation at 10:00 a.m. The shofar will sound at 7:39 p.m. Babysitting is available upon request. Tickets must be purchased by September 10th. 4. Special membership price for new members - New members may join for a special membership price of $50 (per couple) for the first year.
Riverbound Farm Sanctuary and Nature/Museum Center
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. ~Beverly Sills
Sunday, August 19, 2007 Open 11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. - Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society - A Chapter of the National Audubon Society serving Cheshire, Hamden, Meriden, North Branford, North Haven and Wallingford. The Mission of the Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society is to motivate our community to engage in the conservation, restoration and enjoyment of nature focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats.
Kenya Under Canvas
Brandon really has artwork down. I have no doubt that he will definitely be a great artist if he keeps this up!
What a great drawing of an ice cream cone sent in by Christopher. You have made me very hungry. Keep up the good work - you are great!
A Deluxe Wing Safari from January 30 February 11, 2008 Call Today! 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com
Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra (CCCYO), is announcing auditions for the orchestra's third season, starting in September 2007, ending in June, 2008. Musicians in grades 6-12 must have at least two years of experience on his or her instrument. Homeschoolers older than 10 years old are welcome to audition. The service area of the CCCYO is Berlin, Cheshire, Durham, Madison, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, Southington and Wallingford. The Orchestra is seeking all orchestral instruments. Young composers are encouraged to submit their orchestra works for possible performance at a CCCYO concert. Parents are always invited to stay and listen at the rehearsals, which are on Thursdays, from 4:30-6:30 at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, at the corner of Pleasant Street in Meriden- across the street from the Meriden City Hall. Each student is eligible to play a solo at the concerts. Tuition is $125 per musical season per family, not per student. Siblings are encouraged to audition for membership. Tuition includes all rehearsal time, music, a weekly newsletter to parents, a free CCCYO tee-shirt, CCCYO pencils, and tuition to the new "Orchestra Academy' s" hands-on music theory lessons program, which includes a music dictionary and take-home sheets curriculum. This is a must for any young musician who is college-bound! Students will earn Community Service Hours for those schools that participate.
For more information contact Mrs. Katrina S. Axelrod, Administrator, at (203) 235-7445 or send e-mail to meridenartstrust@yahoo.com
Lawrence M. McGoldrick, President Daniel R. DeRosa, Senior Vice President Shaun M. Mee, Vice President
BANK WITH US. GROW WITH US. 639-8866 100 Hanover Street Meriden
317-3856 852 East Main Street Meriden
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 20
Henrietta Kulinski/Polish Legion of American Veterans Post Annual Golf Tournament The Henrietta Kulinski/Polish Legion of American Veterans Post annual golf tournament will take place on Sept. 21 at Hunter Memorial Golf Course. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. with lunch starting at 11 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at noon. The entry fee of $99 for age 65 and older and $126 for all others, will include lunch with refreshments, 18 holes of golf with cart, social hour, dinner catered by Violi's Restaurant at the course, awards and door prizes. The tournament is open to both men and women at all levels of play. Registration forms are available at the PLAV Post 189, 193 East Main Street. My father always told me, "Find a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life." ~Jim Fox
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Thoughts from the Wallingford Animal Shelter: Summer is upon us ... that time of year when the "kidlets" are home, and the family is thinking, perhaps a dog would round out the family. After all, what house is truly a home, without a wagging tail? Some "dog" food for thought on this matter. First, please be sure your children are old enough to respect a dog. Children under five generally don't understand, no matter how much parents advise them, that fluffy doesn't like his tail pulled, ears tugged or eyes poked. Small dogs are carried too tight, and often dropped, which may lead to extensive injury. It happens, even with the most supervised little "two-leggers." Children are just innately curious, and dogs don't have a the ability to hold up a paw and say NO! They WILL nip, as they do when training their pups. It's just their way of saying NO to inappropriate behavior. Intrinsic to them, not mean spirited. Hence the wisdom of waiting until a child is old enough, to respect, and benefit from the unconditional love of a fur-friend. In relinquishing a dog, saying the dog nipped a child, makes that poor dog UN-adoptable, with shelters. A good dog that may lose it's ability to have a home, due to the parents unfortunate misjudgment, not the animals, nor the childs. I beseech parents to wait until their children are old enough to love and respect a furkid, even though THEY themselves may be ready for one. Wait until age appropriate, both for their children and for the pup! Research kid friendly dogs and learn about the innate characteristics of the breeds. One site I recommend is this: Choosing a Dog: The Best Breeds for Families - Parenthood.com http://www.parenthood.com/articles.html?article_id=3963 Folks with young children that want a dog, should start training their children on care and respect. They could rent videos at their local library, read books about animals, and visit with folks that own kid friendly pets. When the child is mature enough, they will forage a beautiful furry friendship, a lifelong respect and love for animals, not another avoidable, sad "dump." Another popular reason for abandonment is moving. Families love their pup, but have to move. It is a very hard task to find an apartment that will accept pets, no matter how great their nature. The landlords that will accept them charge additional fees that many cannot afford. Please think hard before adopting a dog if you rent. Unless you have a twelve plus year lease, the average life span of most pups. Otherwise, you may be forced to abandon that pup. That is not fair to him or her, or your family. The decision to get a dog is not a decision to be taken casually. An adorable pup will pull at our heartstrings, but overall, will require a great investment of time, love, and money for a number of years. It can often be a great stress on a family due to socialization, training, exercise, vet bills, and all things good dog owners need to provide. Many parents think a dog will occupy the kids and teach them care. Don't be fooled! This fur-child is just that; another "child" for the parent to care for. The children will be amazed for all of about two days ... the "honeymoon" period. Then this addition to the family will be one more "child" for the parent to tend to. A "child" that needs to be walked, fed, vetted, loved, house broken, and tended to. Here is a small listing of the responsibilities of a dog owner. Are you ready for Fido? 1. Are you and all those who live with you committed to spend 12+ years providing health care, food, grooming, training, and attention to a dog? Do the people who live with you ALSO want a dog? 2. Do you have the time and/or resources available to: Take your dog for walks, to the vet, bathe, brush, clip and otherwise groom? Are you willing to play and train daily? Take to obedience classes? 3. Are there lifestyle altering events that could occur in your foreseeable future? A baby, caring for an elderly family member, a divorce, job uncertainty, etc., and how would you deal with those changes as they impact your ability to care for the fur-child? 4. Is your personality conducive to dog ownership? Are you a neat freak, often stressed, or are you flexible? Answer yourself honestly, for you will be the one living with a fur-child not accustom to your standards. You will have to live with the result of ownership. 5. Are you physically able to care for a dog? Are you economically able to provide care for a dog over the years? 6. Is your environment prepared for a dog? Are you willing to make the investment of time and money necessary to insure that it does. Is there a yard or park area for your dog to walk and relieve him/her self? Is your yard, or a portion of it, fenced in? If your dog will be outside for any period of time, will you provide a secure and comfortable shelter? ***Dogs should NEVER be left outdoors, unattended, for extended periods of time.*** They are pack animals, that need to be with you, their pack. A dog tethered for lengths of time can cause serious harm, both physical and behavioral. For it is not what they intrinsically need. If you plan to chain your dog outside, Please, spare the dog. They are not programmed to accept that physical and mental stress. They will become vicious, or problematic, due to your treatment, not their original loving hearts. Why own a fur-kid, just to chain it up alone outdoors? 7. Will your dog be alone for extended periods? Can you arrange for him/her to be let out for a romp, water, medication, playtime as needed? Will you become irritated if your dog subcomes to behavioral issues due to being left alone for extended periods of time. If so, think again, "why do I want a dog?" if that dog will be left alone for extended periods. 8. Are you willing to spay/neuter your dog as soon as possible to reduce the chance of accidental breeding? There are enough pups in need without adding more to the sad plight. 9. Do you travel frequently? Will it be difficult for you to find quality care for your dog when you are away? 10. Do you really LOVE dogs? If you are truly motivated by your love, these words are naught. You know your needs and the needs of the pup. You will train and play with your dog, provide vet care, nutrition, grooming, and love. You will work through the "ruff" spots and find yourself with a family member that truly enhances your abode. If you are of that ilk, and are seeking a friend, please contact us for an application. It is our joy, to place the furry guests at our shelter into loving forever homes. Rachel, Morgan, and myself live for those happy endings. They are the reason we can keep putting one foot in front of the other in all our other countless duties. If you feel you can provide a forever home of love, for one of our furry guests, please email for an application: Seylerl@aol.com, or phone us at 203 294-2180. In closing, I would also ask all those that fish, PLEASE pick up ALL dropped line and hooks. Our feathered friends suffer horribly, as that line gets tangled on their legs, cuts into their flesh, and painfully, slowly kills them. Also those that are contemplating releasing doves at weddings, should avoid that practice. The doves often become disoriented, and cannot make it on their own. I'm certain no couple would knowingly want to start their married life that way. They are just unwitting to the plight of the released doves. To all the wonderful folks that donate to our shelter and other animal shelters, I thank you from the top, bottom, and middle of my heart. Your care for the voiceless is always appreciated by those of us that daily see their plight, and do all we can to find them forever homes of love. Lisa Seyler Wallingford Animal Shelter 203 294-2180
1947's Daughter and Son By Earldine Forbes
Dedicated to Terry Asprelli
Born in forty-seven, an early baby-boomer year, we were shaped by both what we would endure and endear. We hula-hooped and practiced schoolhouse drills for the A bomb. We watched Nixon-Kennedy debate, saw burning flags and heard Dylan's song. Everyone then demonstrated their point of view. Civil rights, burning bras and anti-war, too. The mini-skirt, men on the moon and the pill. All changed who we became and remains part of us still. We spoke out more than our parents allowed us to do. We questioned others "why not?" voicing our point of view. We loved deeply and protected what was our own. Including our families, the Earth and what comprises its zone. Sixty years have passed before our eyes. Individually we may not have changed much, but our generation survives. To speak out and still stand for what we feel should be done. Each of us played a part as a '47 daughter and son.
Marriage of Convenience or Love? Chapter 4 of 5 in The People’s Press By Diana Lewis "Whoa there," she said, holding her by the arms. "Are you okay?" she asked. "Yes," answered Beth Ann. The woman had a name tag on her white blouse that said "Lydia". She showed Beth Ann to a table. The place wasn't busy. She handed her a menu and she saw the prices. She took out her money and started counting it. She had enough for a few meals but not many at these prices. Lydia was watching her while she brought her a cup of coffee. "You new in town?" Lydia asked. "Yes, I will need to find a place to live and a job, but I don't have much money left." "Our special today is meatloaf, mashed potato and gravy, corn and apple pie for dessert. If you want that, it'll be on me. And we could talk to my boss. He needs someone to wash dishes. The fellow that was doing it just quit on him, and he might give you a room and take the rent out of your wages. Would you like me to talk to him?" "Yes, I'll take the meatloaf and if I can have the job and a place to live, I'll take that too." "What's your name?" "Beth Ann For- ah Buchanan." Okay Beth Ann, I'm Lydia. I'll get your supper and be right back." She ran off to put the order in and went back in the kitchen to talk to her boss. A little while later, Lydia came out from the kitchen with her meal and a tall, stout man followed her. The front of his head was bald. He only had hair on the sides and in the back. He wore a white dirty apron. "Beth Ann, this is my boss, Carl Tanner." Lydia introduced them. They both sat down across from her. "Lydia tells me you need a job and a place to stay. Is that right?" he asked. "Yes, I am." "Do you have any experience?" "I have a little in washing dishes." "Do you have any experience waiting tables?" "Well, no, not really." she answered truthfully. He sat there thinking for a few minutes. "Well, I do need someone to wash dishes. And I have a few rooms that I keep for workers who need a place in back over the kitchen. They aren't much but you'll be warm and dry. They are $1.00 a week and your pay is $8.00 per week and if you learn how to waitress you'll have tips too. Lydia can show you the ropes when we're not busy. You can start tomorrow at 6:00 in the morning. Lydia will see that you get up on time. She lives up there as well." He turned to Lydia. "It's almost closing time so while she's eating just wipe down the tables and make sure the sugar and salt and peppers are filled and take her up and show her the room next to yours." "I will," answered Lydia. He got up and headed back to the kitchen. "Thank you, Mr. Tanner." said Beth Ann. "It's okay," he answered and gave her a smile. "And call me Carl, everyone else does." Beth Ann nodded, and he left. Lydia busied herself with the job that Carl gave her as Beth Ann ate. She even swept the floor while Beth Ann ate her pie. Then Lydia poured them both a cup of coffee and they sat there chatting for a few minutes. "He seems like a nice gentleman," said Beth Ann. "Yes, he is. He's a good Christian man." Beth Ann didn't know what that meant but she didn't feel right asking about that, so she let it drop. After they had finished their coffee, Lydia got the key for Beth Ann's room and Beth Ann followed up the stairs in back near the kitchen. Lydia unlocked the door and led her in. It wasn't much, there was a single bed, a chest, a night stand by the bed and a small desk and chair by the window. There was a blue quilt on the bed. Blue was her favorite color. She thanked Lydia for all her help. "If you need anything, I'm right next door." said Lydia pointing to the left. "I'll knock on your door about between 5:15 and 5:30. How much time do you need to get ready in the morning? "Oh, I'd say about 15 minutes." "Okay, that will give you plenty of time." "Good night." said Beth Ann, "and thanks again." "No problem. I know what you are going through, I've been there myself. Good night." said Lydia as she closed the door and went to her room. Beth Ann heard her open her door and shut it. She put her bag on the bed and took out the few clothes she brought with her. She hung the dresses on the nails by the window and took out her nightgown and robe out of the bag and changed into them. Her under things she put in the chest. She pulled the covers down on her bed and crawled in under them. Before she knew it she was asleep. In Boulder - Buck had an uneasy feeling as he walked into the house. He found a frantic Martha Rae. She told him about what had happened that morning with Beth Ann and she hadn't returned. Buck ran from the house and saddled his horse and headed for town. He asked everyone he saw if they had seen his wife. Some said they saw her at the back and some said they saw coming from the livery stable but no one seen her get on the stage or anything. The stage office was closed so he couldn't find anything out there. He could n't find anything else that night so he headed back home. He would start again in the morning and have Martha Rae get him provisions for a few days on the road. He didn't sleep at all that night. In the morning, he told Martha Rae to get his provisions ready; he went down to the bunkhouse and told Mark that he was in charge, that he would be gone for a few days. He didn't go into details, he just informed them that he wouldn't be here. He went to the barn to saddle his horse and back to the house to get his provisions and he set out. First he went into town to talk to the person who sold the stage tickets. The person that was there wasn't there the day before and the person who was left the day before after work to visit his sick mother in Arizona. So he was no help. He rode to several towns and no one seen her. He even went to Salem and no one had seen her. So he went back to Boulder. For days he could not do anything. He couldn't eat or sleep. He went out looking again to no avail. Finally Martha Rae got after him. He couldn't run this ranch the way he was going. Maybe she'd come back, maybe she wouldn't but he needed to get with it and take care of himself and this ranch. He knew she was right and he finally pulled himself out of it and returned to work. In Salem - Beth Ann woke the next morning to Lydia knocking on her door. She hurried to get dressed and straightened the room and when Martha knocked again when it was time to go downstairs, she followed her. Carl was already there making coffee. He poured them both a cup and he went to get the grits going and fry some ham and bacon ahead for the customers. Beth Ann helped Lydia get the coffee for the customers while she took the orders. The morning was quite busy. Before she knew it it was dinner time and Lydia brought her plate with ham, mashed potato and peas. She sat in the kitchen by the sink and ate quietly. Carl kept asking her how she was doing and she kept telling her "fine." She seemed to keep up with the dishes considering how busy it was. At 7:00 that evening, Carl told her to go on up to her room. She looked very tired. As soon as she changed for bed, she crawled in bed and fell fast asleep. She didn't know anything til Lydia woke her the next morning for work. She had slept well but she had her mind on Buck also. She had it in her mind that he had married her for the ranch and she really believed he did.
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 21
2007 CRAIG PAUL CLARK MEMORIAL SCRAMBLE Dear Family and Friends, The 4th Annual Craig Clark Memorial Scramble will take place Sunday, October 14th at the Tradition Golf Course, 37 Harrison Road, Wallingford, Ct. 06492. Last October with the efforts and support of family and friends we played the 3rd annual Golf Tournament to commemorated our son, Craig. Thank you! We awarded proceeds to: A high school senior son/daughter of a Meriden City Employee to further his/her education. The American Heart Association The scholarship recipients each received $500.00 and The American Heart Association received $1,500.00. Michael C. Tidmarsh-Maloney High School Arthur P. Dutra-Platt High School Arlene Antoci-H.C.Wilcox Technical School We thank you for supporting this outing in memory of Craig that will continue to help others in his name. You can help us by: Recruiting a foursome $460.00 per team (18 holes, lunch & dinner) Individual golfers can also register $120.00 per golfer Making a Sponsor contribution $300.00/$200.00/$100.00 Attending "dinner only" $50.00 per person Purchasing a Craig Clark Memorial cap $25.00 Making a monetary donation ( any amount) to the memorial fund Once again, sharpen your game, gather your foursome, and mark your calendar for this event, Sunday October 14, 2007 .After a fun day on the course, please join us for a delightful dinner and awarding of great prizes including: a gas grill, a 15" television, an overnight stay and many other great prizes. We give you our heartfelt thanks for your continued support and hope to see you in October. Best regards, The Clarks - Paul, Myrta, Jeff & Patti Please call Paul or Myrta Clark at (203) 237-2513 or by E-Mail: paul.clark6@cox.net for a registration form and more information.
My Dad, Joseph Tkacz Sr. I can remember my dad is an avid animal lover. He is the type of man that lights up a room. He was an avid fisherman before his illness. He still speaks of good times he had at the Meriden Rod and Gun Club. He used to go up there and feed the squirrels and fed the foxes and raccoons during the evening. We were all concerned for his safety when feeding wild life but he also said the animals know he is kind and gentle and he wouldn't hurt them. He is a good dad and a fantastic grandfather and great grandfather. He dotes on his grand children. He always put family first. He gave up a lot for us. He is a very important link in the family chain. He was always the first to help anyone out. He even bought ice cream for children he didn't know. He loves his precious great grand daughter Josselyn. He has sparkles in his eyes when she comes to visit. He enjoys family gatherings and a good time. He even manages to dance in his wheel chair. He still has a stubborn streak and that keeps him going. You can find him on a given day with Tessa a yellow lab pup and a cat in his lap and one on the top of his recliner chair taking a nap along with him. Happy Every Day Dad, We love you, we don't tell you this enough. With all of our love, Your Son Joe Tkacz Jr. and Daughter Deb Belancik and the rest of the clan.
YOUR GIFT OF TIME . . . . . Your gift of time is a precious commodity to the frail elderly. Sharing your time, even if it's only one hour here and there with a friendly visit, escort to a medical appointment or grocery shopping is mutually rewarding for the recipient of service and the volunteer. Please call Marie Cunha at the Wallingford Senior Center and say you want to be an Interfaith Volunteer Care Giver. The next time our telephone rings with a request from someone in desperate need of a ride to a medical appointment, we will be able to tell the caller we know a caring volunteer who can help. Cost of gasoline can be reimbursed. Waiting for your call at 265-7753.
We’re Number 1 because we make YOU NUMBER 1!
The deadline for our September Issue is September 3rd. Call 203.464.3088 or email andy@peoplespressnews.com.
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 22
2007 Gardener's Market The Wallingford Garden Club and Wallingford Center Inc presents the 2007 Gardener's Market Saturday mornings 9:00-12:00 from July 14th to Sept 15th at the Railroad Station Green, routes 5 and 150. Offered will be plants, flowers, produce, unique crafts and a cooking demo by Bob and Carole Golitko at 11:00. For more information, please contact Ellie Tessmer, Market Manager at 203-269-2653 or email at swcd43emt@sbcglobal.net. Featured vendors for August are: Roberta Whalen of Gourmet Cupboard featuring prepackaged, premeasured and hand packed dry gourmet mixes to prepare everything from dips to dinners, breads, muffins and soups to coffees and desserts. Gift baskets and gift sets are rotated weekly and special orders are also taken. Our mixes are affordable, most are under $5 and offer you a high quality product to prepare quickly and easily to save you time in the kitchen and money at the grocery store. The variety of products available is considerable and we even have a line of sugar free products. Products can be purchased several ways. On site at the weekly Gardeners Market, by calling or emailing your order for local delivery, or online at our website, www.gourmetmixes.net by entering my name at the checkout. I have also teamed up with fellow vendor Donna Passaro of Come for Coffee And..a new coffee shop at 235 Center Street in Wallingford. Kathie Felice of Creative Garden Design and Maintenance LLC has perennials, herb container gardens and annual containers. Kathie specializes in container combination plantings and perennials for sun and shade as well as unusual and new cultivars. Kathie comes from Bristol. Come and see her beautiful plants. Michael Melillo of Nature's Mirror has a farm and stand in North Haven. He raises free range eggs, organic poultry and organic veggies A-Z. Highlights this year are heirloom tomatoes 25 varieties, potatoes and mesculin salad mix. Michael is a member of NOFA: Northeast Organic Farmers Association. He will be starting a CSA: Community Supported Agriculture membership garden for next year. Sign up. You can get Mike's products during weekdays after 5pm at 18 Melillo Circle off of Dixwell near Htfd Tpk.
"OVERDRIVE:" Downloadable Books from the Wallingford Public Library Another version of MP3 technology is scheduled to arrive at the Wallingford Public Library August 1st when "Overdrive" becomes accessible from the library's website, (http://www.wallingford.lioninc.org.) Overdrive provides downloadable audio books to library patrons via their Wallingford Public Library Card and their own computer. Beginning August 1st, patrons will be able to log onto the library's website and choose from a collection of more than 1000 audio book titles. The audio books may be downloaded to a personal computer by using a Wallingford Public Library Card. Once downloaded, the audio books can be transferred to an MP3 player (at this time Overdrive does not allow downloading to iPods) and in some cases, burned to a compact disc depending upon copyright constraints. Patrons have access to the downloaded file on their computer for two weeks. Once the two-week time period has expired, the downloaded file will disappear from their computer. This service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the library's website. More information is available from the Wallingford Public Library: 203-265-6754 and at http//:www.wallingford.lioninc.org
NATURE AS A MIRROR Canoeing the Housatonic River by Dorothy Gonick Late one afternoon, our family and I unloaded the canoe and kayaks near the headwaters of the Housatonic River, and were soon on our way down this meandering river. We canoed a short distance along this river that journeys from the Berkshires, on through Connecticut until it empties into Long Island Sound. The bustle and noise of the day seemed far away as quiet and a soft breeze greeted us. Nature's scenery surrounded us with a wealth of beauty. Among the tall grasses, colorful blooms lined the river's edge with yellows, white, and lavender beauty. The flash of a red-winged blackbird alighting, giving its distinctive call, left us awestruck. During the trip, we seemed to be constantly pointing and softly calling to each other with "Look, over there!" There were other red-winged blackbirds, perky sandpipers and unidentified smaller birds that sang lustily. Butterflies were like winged blossoms. Dragonflies and damselflies swooped around catching mosquitoes and other flying insects, for which we were grateful. A frog leaped from a submerged log, probably catching its dinner of an unsuspecting, juicy fly. Along the river's edge were clumps of arrowhead lilies and tall grasses, where we spotted a family of Canadian Geese. The young ones were lined up between their mama and poppa. They paid us no attention; just waddled along in a row. We were delighted when unexpectedly we spotted a muskrat swimming straight across the river just ahead of us. We paused until it reached the opposite bank and watched it dive into one of the many holes dug at water level into the bank's side. The annual spring floods have cut deep banks as it flows around its many bends; and-water-loving mammals have dug homes and found a safe refuge from danger. We passed two fishermen quietly casting their lines. So we watched for signs of fish surfacing, enjoying their sudden nab of dinner, leaving telltale ripples on the surface. Overhead the majestic flight of a great blue heron was a delight to see. There was so much activity all along the way, yet the serene quiet of the late afternoon surrounded everything. The gathering dusk found us paddling under a bridge that was full of activity. Glancing upward we were greeted by cliff swallows swooping in and out of the many mud-daubed nests. Tiny faces peered out with open beaks begging for food. We stayed there briefly, mesmerized by the many families nesting there. Their calls and swooping led us to leave, as they seemed disturbed by our presence. We continued gliding along, the quiet of our paddles bringing us closer to the boat ramp as the daylight faded into evening. Refreshed and energized by the afternoon of discovery, we planned to do this again with all the family to see what nature has to offer us in the early morning. A Naturalist's Delight Canoeing on the Housatonic River Amid a canvas of colorful flight and flower, With backdrop of sheltering pine bower. A chorus of song fills the air, Flaunting trills, whistles and croaks. Gliding along with calm, smooth strokes, Surrounded with a quiet, peaceful air.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS The Stanley Budleske V.F.W. Post 9965 and the Ladies Auxiliary, Yalesville has mailed 181 care packages to our troops in Iraq, Afganistan and South Korea. The Post is running short on items for this program. We are looking for donations of hygiene products both for men and women. Tube socks (black, green, brown), popcorn, any kind of nuts, baby wipes, dry wipes, paper back books, CD's, small games, hard candy, oatmeal, cookies, can fruit. All items can be left off at the Post Canteen everyday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 424 Church St (Rt. 68) across from the Yalesville school. Also items may be left at the Yalesville Post Office. Thank you in advance, Rod Fulton (203) 269-9851
Mobile Mammography Van Submitted by the Wallingford Health Department The Yale New Haven Hospital will have its Digital Mobile Mammography Van located at the VNA of Wallingford, 135 North Plains Industrial Rd., on September 17th from 7:30-4:00 pm. Appointments are required. To be eligible for screening on the van, patients must meet the following criteria: *40 yrs or older *Must not have any current breast problems (lumps, redness, swelling etc.)*Must not have been diagnosed with breast cancer within the last 5 yrs *Must not be pregnant or nursing in past 3 months *No previous mammogram within the last 12 months The van is staffed by certified mammography technologists and out-fitted with state-of-the-art digital equipment. Proving women the opportunity of screening services in their community saves time and encourages preventive health care. The fee is based on your insurance and and/or a sliding fee if you do not have medical insurance. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Yale New Haven Breast Imaging Services directly at 203-688-6800 or the Wallingford VNA at 269-1465 (scheduling is through YNHH only).
Town of Meriden BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE The Bookmobile, or Library on Wheels, will be visiting Meriden communities according to the following schedule for August: Monday, August 20 - Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 AM; Women and Families Center 10:15 to 11:30 AM; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:15 PM; Tuesday, August 21 - Catholic Charities 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:30 AM; Wednesday, August 22 - Easter Seals (Broad Street) 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Bradley Home 10:15 to 11:15 AM; Lourdes Court/Chamberlain Heights 3:30 to 4:15 PM; Friday, August 24 - Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 AM; Miller Memorial 10:45 to 11:30 AM; Home deliveries 2:30 to 3:00 PM. Thursday, August 30 - Children's Discovery Center 9:30 to 10:15 AM; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 AM;
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 23
What you need to know!
HUNTER’S EMS YOUTH EXPLORERS Field trip Thanks to Scott & Sara, the evening medical flight crew from Life Star helicopter for the great tour of the home (nest) of the most important bird in the sky over Connecticut. The EMS Explorers had a great time at Hartford Hospital and what a view from helicopter landing pad the roof. Thanks to EMT-B Kelly & John for volunteering and being our additional chaperones this afternoon
Why would you take a music class with your newborn or young child? Sandie Apuzzo, Kindermusik with Sandie/Keys & Strings Music Studio Wallingford CT Let's think honestly about your newborn child's day. No guilt here……just honest realization. Your child sleeps in a crib…..you bundle your child up if it's a cold morning, and put him in a car seat for the ride to daycare. Though your caregiver is a loving, involved provider, they can't hold and stimulate your child all day. So your child might stay in a bouncy seat, or a crib, or laying on a blanket for long stretches of time. You pick your child up after a long day, put him back in his car seat……..where hopefully he can see some trees or clouds out the window for the ride home. Once home, you put him in a swing so you can get dinner started. He sits in a highchair for his evening meal, has some cuddle time with you, a bath perhaps, then back in his crib. All to be done again the next day…….. Your newborn child needs stimulation to grow and develop his brain. Vestibular stimulation to help his inner ear and brain understand movement. Language and audio stimulation to help him learn to speak. Fine motor stimulation to help him eventually grasp that tiny toy, or a crayon to color a beautiful picture. Gross motor stimulation to help him roll, crawl and walk. Rocking to music with your newborn child will help his eye and inner ear development. Changing position to match pitch will help with balance and hearing, as well as language. Tapping his body or his hands and feet together to a steady beat will help him be able to move in a steady pattern also known as walking! Participating in a group activity will also build on social skills at all age levels. A toddler or preschooler is building on lots of different skills while he's participating in a music class. He is multitasking when he holds a shaker egg in each hand (fine motor) moving his arms to the steady beat (gross motor and listening skills) When he sways to the sound of music, or imitates a rhythm pattern with sticks he is also building on these skills. Have you ever watched your child color to music? The fine art of swirls, lines and dots that he is creating is the actual imitation of the sounds that his ear and brain are processing. What if you have brought your older child to a music class or private lesson, but just thought he was 'making noise'. What good would that do? Typically, it takes a full year before true musicality starts to show. In the meantime, you might hear at worst uneven rhythms, bad pitches or at best, a simple piece such as "Twinkle Twinkle" or other easy recognizable children's pieces. That's ok! Your child is very busy concentrating on several different ideas at once. When was the last time you tried to hold up an instrument with two hands, each hand doing something different, while counting in your head, tapping your foot perhaps to maintain that steady beat, sitting still as well as trying to read a new language (or perhaps even two?). The processing of written music combines math and language skills, as well as cognitive reasoning activities. Think pre-algebra at age 6! Problem solving skills are honed in music classes or lessons. Note rhythm patterns are actually a visual of fractions. That's a lot of learning in a young child music class or private music lesson. So, the next time your son or daughter asks to take a music class or violin lessons, don't cringe inside. Think about the possibilities!
Happily Ever After As I look around the main cat room at the Meriden Humane Society, I wish that I could find a good home for all of the cats here. I can only hope, that for each and every one of them, that there is a rainbow after the storm. The circumstances and reasons for these poor animals being here in the first place are heart breaking. You don't leave behind an animal, locked in a house and move. Poor " Alonzo", one of our big feline, black & white "Furry Prince's", had this happen to him. He is so sweet and gentle, but a little scared. There's also our big, beautiful, grey Wizard,"Gandolf". Left outside our shelter, beaten up, scared, declawed and hungry, it was amazing he still liked people. "Lulu", a young Torbie, "Princess" in training, was dropped off at our shelter, after her owners threatened to leave her and their two chihuahua's on the street, because they were moving. "Sheba", a Persian/Tabby mix, who sits perched high above the other cats, like a "Princess", was surrendered to us at seven years old. She is truly exquisite to look at, but not very happy to be with so many other cats. " Zha Zha" is another one of our beauty's. With long black fur and a sometimes sassy disposition, she is waiting for that special someone to come adopt her and carry her way. Remember, animals get depressed too. Some of them lived with families that they were use to and then come to us, who are strangers to them. They have to share their surroundings with other animals and may not be use to this. Please help one of our special animals live a "Happily Ever After" life. As always, you can reach us at 238-3650, check out our website at www.meridenhs.petfinder.org or come visit the shelter at 311 Murdock Ave. in Meriden. Donations of canned cat food (no fish or slices please) and baby food (chicken, turkey, beef-stage 1) are urgently needed! Thank-you and see you at the Shelter. Lori Peck, MHS Senior Volunteer
Mayor's Corner - Meriden Dear Friends: I hope you are enjoying your summer and finding some time to relax and enjoy the warm weather. Thank you to the Parks Department and all the performers who made for a special July 4th celebration at Hubbard Park. Amy, Bria, Blake and I ordered some pizzas and enjoyed the beautiful park, the uplifting music and fantastic fireworks display. It is nights like these that remind me of how fortunate we are that Walter Hubbard thought so much of his hometown that he left us one of our greatest assets, Hubbard Park. His generosity and compassion will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. As Independence Day has come and passed, I am also reminded of our soldiers who are courageously fighting the war on terror. Recently we welcomed Daniel Bowen home! Our prayers, thoughts, and thanks are with all our soldiers! We live in a free land where we can follow our dreams because our armed service men and women have given so much. I thank you! Regardless of how we feel about the war, as Americans we must stay united in our support of our troops, the greatest, most courageous and compassionate soldiers in the world. In closing, congratulations to our State Championship South Meriden Twelve-Year Old Team. Meriden applauds the players and coaches for a job well done. I also would like to congratulate the Meriden Youth Travel Baseball League on being selected to host the State Championships and the North Atlantic Sandy Koufax (14U) Regional Tournament. It is an honor for our City to be selected as a host site and a credit to the league organizers and caliber of our baseball fields at Ceppa, Maloney, Platt, and American Legion. We have also hosted numerous girls' softball tournaments at our Thorpe Avenue Complex. When these teams visit Meriden for a tournament play, they stay at our hotels, eat at our local restaurants, and shop at our stores. Let us continue to work together to build a Meriden that we can all be proud of. Thanks for all your support! Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni - Mayor
STORK TICKET Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Benigni on the birth of a new son! Blake David Benigni Born on June 12, 2007 Birth weight 7lb 6oz, Length 19.5 in. Sister: Bria, Grandparents: Leonard and Carol Rich and Jack and Gail Benigni
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 24
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
A Birdseed Garden???
Wallingford Senior Center Special guest speaker, Janet Meiselman, Clinical Psychologist, will talk about the emotional impact low vision has on people's everyday lives. Please join us Friday, August 17 at 10:15 a.m. and register by calling 265-7753.
Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. ~Arnold H. Glasow What you need to know!
Girls Inc. Runway Divas Girls Inc. Strong, Smart, and Bold summer camp is in full swing this summer. During Glam Girl week July 16th - 20th campers found their inner diva and worked the runway in a campwide fashion show. Each unit designed and made there own fashion lines. We had animal prints, sports line, formal wear and much more make their appearance on the runway. Also during the week campers enjoyed themed dress up days like crazy hair day, diva day, and who I want to be when I grow up day. During the summer girls ages 4-15 enjoy themed camp weeks like mega music madness week, cruising around the world week, fairy princess week, splish splash week and much more. We also offer science programming made possible through the James H. Napier Foundation, arts and crafts, pool time and a whole lot of fun. Located at 130 Lincoln Street in Meriden, Girls Incorporated inspires all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. For more information on how the girl in your life can get involved at Girls Inc. you can reach us at 235-7146 or mab_girlsinc@snet.net.
1280 Meriden-Waterbury Road, Plantsville 860.621.5001 www.eteamz.active.com/americangymnasticsclasses
This summer send a little Sun Flower someone’s way! Shining Sunflowers Like rays of light, the brightly colored petals of the sunflower sweep outward. Perfect to send for special occasions and everyday ones, too. Sunflowers are delivered in a clear glass vase.
Rose Flowers and Gifts Gifts, Gourmet Baskets and of course our famous Flowers
232 West Main Street in Meriden 203-235-5759 www.roseflowersgifts.com Delivery to all of Central Connecticut
By Andy Reynolds A long time ago we had a massive apple tree on the side of our yard. It was not a normal apple tree as my neighbor Mr. Lappert had spliced the tree with 2-3 different types of apples. Don't ask me what type they were as he was a specialist at doing this and made apples that were not able to be added to one tree appear and grow. It was wonderful. Every other year the tree would blossom in its glory and apples were ready for the picking on the tree or picking up from the ground. Only around 20% were good for eating or baking as we refuse to use insecticide on anything in our yard. The hard part of course was picking up the apples that were not good for eating. We left some out on the ground for a while so the animals could have some good eating and then raked and bagged for composting. Some years we had 20-30 large hefty bags of apples filled to the top to bring to different locations for the animals and my wife also was brilliant enough to use them in our soil as a fertilizer with much success. One year the apple tree blossomed and produced more than ever before and doubled the amount of apples it provided. A storm came shortly after and the apple tree was split into and fell to the ground. We were devastated. The tree had to be cut down and removed. We left the stump at around 3 feet above the ground as the cost of stump removal was very expensive. A few years after my wife decided to create a circle around the stump and plant flowers of many varieties. Dawn loves flowers and it was wonderful to do something around the tree. Over some time we added top soil and mulch and more flowers. Again don't ask me the names, as that is her department. All of the items I purchased were from Meriden Feed on Old Colony. This is not an ad, just the facts. Every holiday or birthday - I would give her a double hanger and some bird seed feeders as you see in the picture. We used thistle seed and high quality black oil sunflower seed mix for all of our feathered friends and of course those growing families of squirrels who enjoyed the good eating's. The squirrels did play an important role though as they would climb up and knock down seeds for all birds to eat. You know squirrels - they also dug and hid many seeds for the winter. Many other seeds also fell to the ground over time on there own, and were buried with the fall turnover of soil and new mulch. Then this year arrived - and surprises galore came with it. Dawn's perennials slowly came up and then a ton of other plants started to grow. The picture shows some of them and since it was taken 3 weeks ago there are more then you can imagine and have grown to over 6 feet in some cases. There are 4 different varieties of Sunflowers. There is corn. There is Thistle. There are also some things I do not even know but they are plants and not weeds. It was like a tribute to the apple tree and then another amazing event started to happen as we continued to feed the birds. We looked out our kitchen window every day to see the flowers and then a huge variety of feathered and furry friends came. We always had birds with the feeders but this was truly remarkable. I will give you a list of the birds that Dawn and my daughter Sierra marked down in our Birds of Connecticut book by Stan Tekiala. Eastern Towhee Brown-Headed Cowbird European Starling Red-Winged Blackbird Common Grackle American Crow Turkey Vulture Black and White Warbler Downy Woodpecker Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Red-Bellied Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Blue Jay House Finch House Wren Purple Finch Tons of Sparrows - 8 different types Northern Cardinal Mourning Dove Wild Turkey Broad-Winged Hawk
Pheasant Golden-Crowned Kinglet Red-Breasted Nuthatch Tons of Chickadees Yellow-Rumped Warbler White-Breasted Nuthatch Tuffed Titmouse American Robin Northern Mockingbird Rock Pigeon Baltimore and Orchard Orioles A wide variety of Finches - American Goldfinch with its golden color is one of our favorites. Warblers Scarlet Tanager Evening Grosbeak I'm sure that we have not seen other varieties that have come but the latest addition of Hummingbirds are a great addition to the family. I did not mention the Red Tailed Hawk as it also has come down for a snack 20 feet away from the garden and grabbed a Mockingbird. The Bird Seed Garden protects the others. Then there are our furry friends. I have already mentioned squirrels but here are a few more. Skunk Possums Raccoon Chipmunks and more. I want to thank my wife first for giving the seeds opportunity for growth. I also want to thank Meriden Feed for the hanging poles, bird feeders, top soil, mulch and the high quality birdseed they carry. This is not and ad. I buy all of my items from them. More to the story - well, yes there is! Every morning I wake up at around 4:30 - 5:00 a.m. I grab my coffee and my caffeine pill. I sit in my chair around 20 feet from the garden and drink my coffee and smoke my cigarettes - ok, I admit I smoke - no "Andy, you should quit smoking!" comments please! The birds and animals have no fear of me now! They chirp and squawk and make all the noises they can to make me do my job. They sit on the ground or perch themselves on trees next to me while waiting. I go inside for my 2nd cup of coffee and a few more of the nasty things that I can't quit. They urge me even more to feed them and many of them have made nests either on the house or in trees beside it. "Ok, I'll take care of you." I say, and they actually know what that means. I grab 2 large glasses and fill them to the top with birdseed. I fill the 4 birdfeeders and then throw some on the stump for the baby birds that have recently been born to many of the varieties that I mentioned. Then the swarm comes down from all directions and hits all the birdfeeders. They all share space except the crows who push them all out of the way. I continue to watch as it's a very relaxing thing for me and that does not happen too much with the paper being such a stressful mission. There is enough for all of them and they continue to drop by all day and are now eating the sunflower seeds of those who have lost the pedals. They go into the back yard and have a drink at our meditation pond. If I take a break during the day - I come back to see them and they come close to me to visit. I consider them to be my friends as I have no others except for my wife and kids of course. Sadly, no one has time to make friends in this day and age. I do want to add one more friend to our happy wildlife. I plan on putting some bat nests up. When? Who knows, as I have a list 10 miles long every day - just like every one else. Most people think I'm batty so it's a perfect fit for the home. We already have some that visit at night but I would like to have them feel at home. I have been out of birdseed for 2 days now and they all are very upset with me. It's time to go down to see Charlie and the gang at Meriden Feed. I don't need any more people squawking at me and especially when they are in need. I'm sure next year will bring even more but right now my wife, my children and I are enjoying what nature is giving to us and most importantly the lessons that it has allowed us to teach our kids.
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 25
The People’s Press will be closed for Summer Holiday from August 8th - August 27th. We will reply to all of your phone calls and emails upon our return. Have a great month.
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Our family took its 1st trip to Six Flags NewEngland. In my son's own words," I loved every ride!" We even took on Pandemonium, a sick rollercoaster that seats 4 people per car face to face. You travel up this steel slope, backwards, if you are as unlucky as I was, then it sends you corkscrewing down. As if this isn't "fear factor" enough for you and your little ones, your car spins freely, too!! I held my arm over my youngest son (Shaun), a formidable dare devil, who is 4 ½ & met the 43 inch height criteria. Eeek. They loved the ride and despite the 1 hour + wait in line, wanted to do it all again! We started at Wiggles World and found old Route 66 hidden there, an old memory from when the park was known as Riverside. Antique cars on a metal track make their way back and through a period like scene. No need for a license to drive these babies! We also enjoyed Captain Feathersword's Rockin' pirate ship that offered the unexpected. Wiggles World also offers a splash park, their own Wiggles cars that take you on a Wiggles world wide tour, Cold Spaghetti Western Wheel, Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cups and so much more. The next stop was to visit our superhero friends at the Hall of Justice. We shook hands, took pictures and even got their autographs. All of us were able to take on Catwoman's Whip, the perfect ride for junior coaster enthusiasts. Tucked below and between the rollercoaster greats Superman & Batman so you get a great peak at what you may be missing. Ah, something to aspire to (or run from). There wasn't a single ride we missed in Looney Tunes Movie Town. From cars to buses to trains to flying saucers all things that go & go round. This is an especially great area for the littlest ones with tons of choices for parents and tots. I really wanted to hit Blizzard River which sits at the far edge of Looney Tunes Movie Town but, we were running out of time. We'll have to make this a high priority stop next visit. Our last stop was a peak at Hurricane Harbor, the water park. We booked our way across the park, grabbed our beach bag at the locker station and started hunting for a chair to explore from. The kids hit the slides and Shaun & I made it to Adventure River where we floated (in 3' of water) around waterfalls & geysers. The water park closes earlier than the rest of the park, so we did not have nearly enough time to make our way around the entire water park. We had been there 8 hours and still so much to do. Ratings based on 1-5 System: I thought this was a very clean park ***** I found the staff to be courteous and helpful **** The staff was dedicated to safety - no child was let on a ride unless they made it past the measuring stick test. This was enforced on even the mildest of rides. Park rules are strictly enforced. ***** This is not an inexpensive day trip but coupons can be found easily to help ease the pocketbook pinch on soda cans and in selected stores. Ticket Prices at the Park: General Admission $49.99 / Book online for $39.99 36"-53" $29.99/Under 36" FREE Parking is an additional fee of $15.00/ car
CITY OF MERIDEN AUGUST EVENTS SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERTS The Summer Sounds Concert Series concludes with three exciting performances for the month of August(all shows take place at Hubbard Park's James J. Barry bandshell). On Wednesday, August 8th, the patriotic sounds of the 102nd Army Band can be heard from 7:00-8:30PM. On Wednesday, August 15th, the beach melodies of Island Rhythm can be heard from 7:00-8:30PM. The Eddie Forman Orchestra brings polka to the stage on Wednesday, August 22nd from 6:30-8:00PM. All concerts are free to the public with refreshments available for purchase. MERIDEN NATURE CAMP Registration is currently underway at the Parks & Recreation office for the three remaining Meriden Nature Camp sessions in August. The one-week programs introduce children to such outdoor skills as canoeing, archery, caving, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, & wildlife identification through a mixture of activities & trips. PUBLIC SWIM The 2007 Outdoor Public Swim Program at the Hubbard Park pool will take place through Friday, August 24th. The pool's daily hours of operation are from 12-6:30PM(open swim). Adult swim(6:45-7:45PM) will take place through Friday, August 10th. Updates on the program's hours of operation can be found by calling the Recreation Activity Line at 630-4279. All interested participants must possess a valid 2007 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office, it costs $5.00 for adults & $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office inperson and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass. SUMMER FUN RUNS PROGRAM The 2007 Summer Fun Runs Program will be held on Wednesday nights at the Platt High School track through August 22nd. The free runs will get underway at 6:30PM and feature a ¾ mile race for children and a 5K race for adults. LIONS CLUB WATERPARK The Meriden Lions Club Waterpark, located on the corner of Park Avenue & Franklin Street(City Park), has the following hours of operation(weather permitting): Mondays-Saturdays 12:00PM-4:00PM Sundays 2:00PM-5:00PM MERIDEN SKATEPARK The Meriden Skatepark, located on the corner of Coe Avenue & Hamilton Street, has the following hours of operation(weather permitting): School Days 2:00PM-Dusk Non-School Days 11:00AM-Dusk CASTLE CRAIG The vehicle access road to Castle Craig is open daily from 10:00AM-4:45PM, weather permitting. The entrance to the road is located under the eastern Interstate 691 overpass in Hubbard Park.
3rd Annual Wine-tasting Fundraiser On Thursday evening, August 23rd, the Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation, Inc. will be hosting its 3rd annual wine-tasting fundraiser at Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Tickets are $25.00 which includes Hors d'oeuvres and a Gouveia Vineyards etched wine glass. Our very popular basket raffle will be held to benefit awareness and education of the disease known as Lymphedema. For tickets, please contact Jeanne Tassis at the Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation @ 203-758-6138. Directions to the vineyards can be obtained from its website @ www.ctwine.com/gouveia.html .
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 26
Bobbie's Bevy of Beauties I think this is the height of flower blooming season. Beautiful flowers in almost every color. Whether just a couple in a yard or a couple hundred or more they are all spectacular. The floral lovers in my neighborhood have done a splendid job. The gals - Pat, Meg, Starr, Pam, Dawn, Nancy, Jeannie, Kathy, Helen, Carolyn and can't forget the two men - Danny and Jeff have from sunny to shade to terraced beds. Each one different but oh so pretty. Don't know how I did it but forgot to mention two bloomers which should have been included in my last column. One was the dark pink geranium hanging from the fir tree in the middle of the backyard. A purple wave petunia also joins it along with some decorative items. These two containers I purchased for only ten dollars a piece from a small nursery shop on the corner of Home Avenue and West Main Street. They have some of the nicest ones I've seen and you can't beat the price. Even if you bought the plants and made them yourself you couldn't do it for what they are selling them for. I've been going there for the last few years. And not to remember the white trumpet lily. Guess it's my age. Everyone who sees it wants it. It's a great filler upper. If it starts growing in early spring then by the end of summer it will look like a huge bush. Large white flowers which resemble the Easter lily but blooms for only one day. Is in bud all the time so it is almost never without flowers. Each flower pod grows the size and resembles a horse chestnut. Including the prickles. When ripe it will turn a dark brown, split open and spit out hundreds of seeds. These will produce an unbelievable amount of plants next year. Though many people mistake them for weeds. There is also the purple trumpet lily. Not quite as large as the white - a darker and different shape leaf. Orchid flower with a purple center about the size of a morning glory. Otherwise grows the same. And for what has come into bloom since last month masses of black-eyed Susans, gorgeous white and pink hibiscus, the red and purple have not bloomed yet, dahlias in so many beautiful colors and white calla lilies. But, not one pink or orchid. A neighbor gave me some yellow plants. And I bought a container of dark purple and wine colored ones. As I always do with the callas in the fall, remove them from their containers, place in large foil pans, cover with peat moss, and then into the cellar they go away from direct light and water. Hoping they'll produce blooms next year. The butterfly bushes are 2 weeks behind. But now in full bloom with a wonderful fragrance. The flowers are lovely to look at but because of them I consider myself lucky to have bumble bees, all kinds of butterflies, the hummingbird and even grasshoppers. Still waiting to see a praying mantis this year. The Walczak family who lives 2 doors away from us have a weed approximately six feet high growing on their bank near the steps leading to their house. In an area surrounded by other weeds it probably wouldn't hold any appeal what so ever. They are treating it like it is a very special and unique plant. Called the Mullein, the common name of plants of the genus verbascum, belonging to the spurge family and containing some 80 species of which some have been naturalized in the United States. The leaves and stem are covered with a wooly growth and the yellow flowers form a dense spike about a foot long. It definitely is a very fascinating plant and very majestic looking. Hope it grows for them again next year. And now for the veggie news. Jimmy planted some pole beans. Picked enough for a meal. They were quite yummy. The cukes are coming in by the panful. As you know - they are not my thing. Loads of tomatoes but still not ripe. Maybe another 2 weeks. Outside of the grape - I don't know of anyone who has picked any of the regular ones. When will I have that first tomato sandwich? Believe all I wanted to say has been said or I should say written down. By the time the next issue comes out what has not bloomed should be doing just that. Until then. Flowercerly yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien We have a couple of special p.s.'s we would like to add. Happy Anniversary to Jimmy's brother David and his wife Marcia on their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Friday, July 27th. Love and Happy Birthday Wishes from Grammie Bobby and Gump Jimmy to our oldest granddaughter Emily "MeO" on her becoming a teenager on August 27th.
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Summertime with Friends
"Wallingford Public Library Joins the Blogging Generation" In addition to the lovely new physical space on North Main Street, Wallingford Public Library has created a new virtual space on the World Wide Web. Log on to http://www.wallingford.lioninc.org/, and visit the library's new website. It has a fresh new look with lots of new features, including some excellent new databases, an events calendar showing future library programs, and a link to the Wallingford Library Blog. Julian Aiken, Reference and Technology Librarian at Wallingford Public Library explains, "The blog is an easy way to keep our patrons up to date with new programs, events, and materials at the library. The blog is a place where we can provide reviews of new books, movies, and music. Best of all, patrons can write comments directly to the blog, allowing them to give us feedback on how we're doing, things they'd like to see in the library, and to share ideas. We look on the blog as a sort of virtual meeting space in the library." Library Co-Director Karen Roesler agrees, "The new website is just one more way the library is reaching out to the community to provide access to information and resources. The blog format is a relevant and popular communication tool and we are looking forward to hearing from our patrons in this new and immediate form of dialog." Currently the library is undergoing Phase 2 of its expansion and renovation project with an expected completion before the end of this year. Contact the Wallingford Public Library for more information: http://www.wallingford.lioninc.org or 203-265-6754. The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed. ~Henry Ford
Now a part of our 2007 $2,000 in Prizes Contest. See Contest Page. All stories, poems, photos, art, recipes etc. sent by email to andy@peoplespressnews.com are automatically entered.
Deadline for the next issue is August 30th 2007
Wallingford Senior Center News and Events YO HO HO and A . . PIRATE SUMMER PARTY! Friday, August 24 10:30 - 1:30 "Come eat hearty and party with the pirates!" Our "Caribbean Pirate" summer party will feature musical entertainment by John Banker and Island Rhythm, a delicious buffet meal, treasure chests, games, raffles and a costume contest! Wear your best pirate outfit (costumes optional) and compete for prizes! The meal includes BBQ chicken, BBQ pulled pork with rolls, coleslaw, roasted potatoes, baked beans, corn bread muffins, peach cobbler and pirate punch! Tickets, which are on sale through August 17 (or until sold out), are $6.00 for members and $10.00 for guests. Members may purchase tickets beginning August 1. Tickets for guests may be purchased beginning August 8. COPING WITH HEARING LOSS Thursday, August 9, 10:00 a.m. A workshop to learn more about hearing loss and coping with hearing loss will be held August 9, at 10:00 a.m. The presentation will include coping strategies, communication tips for the hearing and the hard of hearing person, and a "show and tell" about the different types of assistive listening devices available - including the new captioned telephone. Our speakers will be Mike Gravitz, founder of the Southwestern CT Chapter of SHHH (Self Help for Hard of Hearing People) and other members of the HLAA team. Please call 265-7753 to register to attend. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS A new community service project begins this month! We hope to collect items for care packages for our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea. Needed items include: hygiene products for men and women; tube socks (black, green or brown); popcorn, nuts, hard candy, oatmeal, cookies, canned fruit; baby wipes, dry wipes; paperback books, CD's, small games. Bring your donations to our collection box in the lobby. The Stanley Budleski VFW Post 9965 will mail the care packages to our troops. Thanks to Barbara Whitcher for coordinating this project. AARP TAX-AIDE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Connecticut AARP Tax-Aide Program (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) is seeking volunteers to provide one-onone help in the preparation of income tax returns. Tax Counseling for the Elderly is a free, confidential service. Computer literate volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome (Volunteer as a Counselor and/or Leadership Coordinator!). Interested persons should e-mail ctvoltaxaide@juno.com. Please provide your name, address, and telephone number. Training will begin in December. SOCIAL SERVICES SAGE ADVICE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY Question: When I showed my Social Security card as a form of identification recently, I was told I shouldn't be carrying it around in my purse. Is that true? Answer: We encourage you to keep your Social Security card at home in a safe place. Do not carry it with you unless you are taking it to someone requesting to see it. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America, and the best way to avoid becoming a victim is to safeguard your card and number. BRIDGING YOUR PRESCRIPTION GAP If your Medicare Drug Plan has a coverage gap, here are some ways you can avoid or delay entering the gap and continue to save money on drug costs while in the gap. Explore National and Community-Based Charitable Programs that might offer assistance (such as the National Patient Advocate Foundation or the National Organization for Rare Disorders.) Look into Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs that may be offered by the manufacturers of the drugs you take. Many of the major drug manufacturers are offering assistance programs for people enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D.) Social Worker Marie Cunha will explore answers if you are now in the coverage gap (call 265-7753). A flyer with helpful tips to bridge the coverage gap is available at the Senior Center Front Desk; or phone to request a copy; or type www.medicare.gov on the web and look for CMS Publication No. 11213. LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP Special guest speaker, Janet Meiselman, Clinical Psychologist, will talk about the emotional impact low vision has on people's everyday lives. Please join us Friday, August 17, at 10:15 a.m., and register by calling 265-7753. INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER SOCIAL on Thursday, September 20, 10:30 a.m. Ever wonder who your fellow Interfaith Volunteers are? Do you have a rewarding volunteer experience you want to share? Please join Barbara Barlok, Executive Director of Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers, and Marie Cunha, WSC Social Worker, on Thursday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments and camaraderie will be in abundance! Register at 265-7753 and prepare to smile and socialize. VOLUNTEER FOR A SPECIAL PROGRAM The Daily Activities for Independence (DA) is in need of volunteers. If you are interested in making a difference, volunteer for this special program by calling Victoria Thulin, DAI Program Coordinator at the Senior Center, 265-7753. HOW DO I GET THERE? A number of "How Do I Get There?" Transportation Guides are still available. Stop by the Senior Center Front Desk, or call and request a copy. It is full of timely transportation information. (Compiled & printed by Healthy Wallingford Elderly Task Force.) FALL EXERCISE AND FITNESS FUN . . . is around the corner but many of our classes may involve vigorous or strenuous exercise. Before participating, please consider your current condition and physical limitations and consult your physician. If you have any questions about the activities of a class, the instructor or staff can answer them for you. SENIORNET COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER COMPUTER CLASS REGISTRATION Thursday, August 16, 11:00 to 1:00 The next registration session for computer classes will be held August 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Our computer classes provide a wonderful way to exercise your brain and learn something new!
PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly seek you from the bottom of my heart to secure me in my necessity. (Make your request). There are none that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you. Grateful Thanks. C.J.
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 27
Celebrations of Life and Home
Happy Birthday Auntie Dawn I love you and can’t wait to see you again in August! Love, your best niece Sarah, Heather & Adam
Introducing a NEW Program offered by The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce!
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 28
Cataract Awareness Month August is Cataract Awareness Month, and MidState Medical Center is providing you with ways to reduce your risk of developing the eye disease. While older age is the most common factor associated with cataracts and more than half of Americans will experience a cataract by age 80, there are things you can do now to lower your risk. The National Institutes of Health list the following as contributors to cataracts: Tobacco. Smokers develop cataracts earlier. While the risk slowly declines after you quit, it never returns to average. Alcohol. Alcohol consumption slightly increases the risk of cataracts, and the more you drink, the greater the risk. Sunlight. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can increase risk. Protect your eyes with sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. Diet. There's some evidence that a well-balanced, low-fat diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables may help reduce your risk of cataracts. Leafy green vegetables, in particular, seem to pack the right nutrients and antioxidants needed to lower your risk. While cataract surgery is never an emergency procedure, if vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, you may want to consider cataract removal. Talk to your doctor about treatment options.
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Quassy Amusement Park
Could You Have a Sleep Disorder? If you are spending enough time in bed and still wake up tired or feel very sleepy during the day, you may be one of the estimated 40 million Americans with a sleep disorder. MidState Medical Center's Sleep Care center has issued some information from the National Institutes of Health related to healthy sleep. The most common sleep disorders are insomnia, sleep apnea (sleep-disordered breathing), restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. Although sleep disorders can significantly affect your health, safety, and well-being, they can be treated. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these signs of a sleep disorder: ¦ You consistently take more than 30 minutes each night to fall asleep. ¦ You consistently awaken several times each night and then have trouble falling back to sleep, or you awaken too early in the morning. ¦ You often feel sleepy during the day, you take frequent naps, or you fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day. ¦ Your bed partner says that when you sleep, you snore loudly, snort, gasp, make choking sounds, or stop breathing for short periods. ¦ You have creeping, tingling, or crawling feelings in your legs or arms that are relieved by moving or massaging them, especially in the evening and when trying to fall asleep. ¦ Your bed partner notices that your legs or arms jerk often during sleep. ¦ You have vivid, dreamlike experiences while falling asleep or dozing. ¦ You have episodes of sudden muscle weakness when you are angry or fearful, or when you laugh. ¦ You feel as though you cannot move when you first wake up. Keep in mind that children can have some of these same signs when they have a sleep disorder, but they often do not show signs of excessive daytime sleepiness. Instead, they may seem overactive and have difficulty focusing or doing their best in school. MidState Medical Center's Sleep Care program can answer any questions you may have about the benefits of a sleep study to determine the causes of your sleep problems. For information, contact MidState's Sleep Care program at 1-800-SLEEP-RX.
Stop Tobacco Addiction Today! Smoking Cessation Program Offered at Meriden Health Department Attention smokers! Do you want to quit smoking? If so, the Meriden Health Department will be holding free smoking cessation programs starting in September. Individual and group counseling will be available. Each program will last for 8 weeks; both day and evening classes will be offered. Participants will receive: o Free nicotine replacement therapy (either patches or gum)* o Free counseling o Free support and tools to help you quit smoking For information on the upcoming program, please contact Debbie at 630-4104. *Some exclusions may apply
Celebration Photo Form A FREE Service For YOU & Yours!
Sports Hero Card To our NUMBER 1 3rd Baseman for Bert’s Garage!
Quassy Amusement Park 2007 Special Events Calendar (Note: Subject to change without notice. Call 1-800-FOR-PARK for information when planning your visit to Quassy Amusement Park.) Aug. 4 & 5: “Curious George” meet and greet sessions at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. as Quassy’s “Ready To Read” This Summer program continues. Aug. 11: Little Miss & Mister Hawaiian Tropic Model Search. Local and area youngsters will have an opportunity to compete in a model search for Hawaiian Tropic, the sun care products manufacturer. Registration starts at 1 p.m. with a $50 fee. Aug. 18: WATR “Good Time Oldies” dance party 7 to 10 p.m. Waterbury’s popular radio station brings the good times to Quassy for an evening of family fun and prizes at the lakeside stage. Aug. 25: ‘Jus Gotta Country Dance Day. Kick up your heels at the lakeside stage with country dance demonstrations and lessons starting at 1 p.m. Presented by Paula Frohn of ‘Jus Gotta Country Dance with a variety of groups performing. Sept. 1, 2 & 3: Labor Day Carload Weekend! Everyone in the car receives an all-day ride pass for only $30, parking included. Meet “Clifford” the Big Red Dog from CPTV at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. and support the Campership Fund. Hit the beach and “Saturation Station” before the summer season draws to a close! Sept. 9: Antique And Classic Truck Fest 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Golden Age Of Trucking Museum’s annual truck fest returns to Quassy with shuttle service between the park and nearby museum. Amusement rides operate noon to 6 p.m., but come early for all of the truck fest has to offer. Sept. 29 & 30: 16th Annual Oktoberfest. German food, music, dancing in the pavilion starting at noon both days. Park hours: noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 7: Fireworks over Lake Quassapaug. The Town of Middlebury’s Bicentennial Celebration draws to a close with a special day at Quassy, capped off by a gigantic fireworks display after dark. Rides open at noon.
Our Cookies are so good...
3 Home Runs in 1 Game!! Your Rule! Love, Coach Mom and Dad Now a part of our 2007 $2,000 in Prizes Contest. See Contest Page
Celebrations of Life and Home Happy 3rd Birthday Shaunessy!! You are so sweet and loving and we can’t be prouder of who you are and we love you so much. You bring so much spice to our life! Love, Mom and Dad
Message: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Due to space - messages are limited to the 2 lines above. Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: ___________________________Email______________________ Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ If you would like the photo returned to you, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope! We do not publish the last names of any photo submissions.
D e a d l i n e f o r o u r Septmeber issue i s A u g u s t 3 0 t h It’s easier to email your photo and message. Send to: andy@peoplespressnews.com or Mail to: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459 Yalesville, CT 06492 Attention Celebrations of Life and Home
They make Cookie Monsters out of everyone! They are perfect for a “End of Summer” treat for the kids. Voted #1 Bakery!
Hours: Tuesday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2 Clsoed Mon.
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 29
Brand New at www.peoplespressnews.com Download the entire paper in PDF form to your computer. Now you can read and enjoy at your leisure and print the entire paper! Celebrations of Life and Home
Jaydon - Happy Graduation! What a great job! I’m so proud of you - you did it! Love, Janny
Hypnosis for Pain Management Jim Vumbaco, Practice Manager Key Hypnosis Center The last two months I have dispelled the myths surrounding hypnosis and have shown how hypnosis can be an aid in your weight loss program. After reading the article by Kimberly Linstruth-Beckom titled "Fibro and the Nag" in May's Peoples Press about fibromyalgia, I thought it would be fitting to do an article on how hypnosis can be a excellent aid in pain management, With the beginning of warmer weather, there is a surge of outdoor physical activity. With the increase in physical activity, whether it is yard work, gardening or outdoor sports, there is the inevitable increase in back and neck pain, arthritis and other pains associated with outdoor activity and everyday life. Americans are living with pain. Over 55 million Americans suffer from chronic pain in one form or another. Ten million suffer with back or neck pain, eight million have fibromyalgia and forty million have chronic headaches. Yet only about fifty percent of these patients benefit from standard medical treatment. Its no wonder many sufferers are desperately seeking alternative ways to stop the pain. Before I begin to describe the effectiveness of hypnosis in pain management, it is imperative that a hypnotherapist never use hypnosis to treat pain unless the cause of the pain is already known and has been diagnosed by a medical professional. At Key Hypnosis Center, anyone who wishes to use hypnosis in pain management is asked to provide a note from their physician first, clearing them for hypnosis. Sometimes pain is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition and we would not want to mask something that is serious and might be physically causing the pain. Hypnosis is extremely effective in dealing with pain. We all live with pain in one form or another, just differently based on our own personal experiences and associations with it. One of the simplest and most effective techniques for controlling pain is to redirect your attention and awareness away from pain by focusing your conscious thoughts on the contrast between the pain and how one would feel in the absence of pain. Almost all pain will respond to hypnosis. It does take repetition and the more you use it, the better it will work for you. You can't expect to be hypnotized once and your pain will disappear for the rest of your life. By using it effectively and continuously, you can achieve remarkable results. Many people experiencing chronic pain turn to medication, either prescription or over the counter. However, sometimes the side effects of the medication are almost as bad as the pain itself. Hypnosis, along with medical treatment, has several advantages in controlling pain. It is safe, literally has no harmful side effects, uses no drugs, and is not addicting. These reasons are why hypnosis is recommended by the National Institutes of Health. Hypnotherapy for pain management helps patients to control, diminish or redirect pain to tolerable levels. It helps to turn their pain off completely, reprogram negative attitudes, relax muscles, as well as decrease stress levels and break the stress/pain cycle. We all know stress can overload the body and make the pain worse. Hypnosis produces deep relaxation that can help relieve pain. Hypnosis helps to calm the mind by reducing stress and helps the body release the "feel good" endorphins that help relieve the pain. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, back or neck pain and headaches can improve with hypnosis. Studies have found that hypnosis relieved chronic pain in 75 percent of the people studied. Remember, the power of the positive thinking is incredible. Stress in our daily lives can wreak havoc with our body. Stress relief and relaxation is one way we can all feel better. Visit our web site, www.keyhypnotherapy.com for more information on hypnosis. We also conduct free informational sessions on hypnosis every Wednesday night at the Center at 7:00 PM.
SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERT SERIES AT HUBBARD PARK REMAINING SHOWS Wednesday, August 8th 102nd Army Band(patriotic) (7:00-8:30PM) Wednesday, August 15th Island Rhythm(beach music) (7:00-8:30PM) Wednesday, August 22nd Eddie Forman Orchestra(polka) (6:30-8:00PM) Presented by Logan Steel REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. PLEASE BRING CHAIRS OR BLANKETS And Man created the plastic bag and the tin and aluminum can and the cellophane wrapper and the paper plate, and this was good because Man could then take his automobile and buy all his food in one place and He could save that which was good to eat in the refrigerator and throw away that which had no further use. And soon the earth was covered with plastic bags and aluminum cans and paper plates and disposable bottles and there was nowhere to sit down or walk, and Man shook his head and cried: "Look at this Godawful mess." ~Art Buchwald, 1970
welcomes Lea Crown from the Meriden Public Health Department on August 14th at 2:00pm to discuss Stroke Prevention and Rita Kowalchik from the Meriden Public Health Deptment on September 11th at 2pm to discuss and review State and City Resources. We welcome both of them to serve your needs in our continuing series of talks by area experts on topics of interest to older adults. Please join us for these free & informative programs to keep you informed. Home: It's one word filled with meaning for many people. At Miller Memorial Community it means a warm, caring environment to live a safe and secure retirement life.
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 30
Full-day Kindergarten to Expand in Meriden Schools On July 16, the Meriden City Council voted 9-1 in favor of funding to expand Hanover Elementary School. When complete in several years, this addition will allow more than 200 more children from across the city to attend a fullday kindergarten program. At this time, Meriden ranks last in hours of annual kindergarten instruction among similar Connecticut school districts. The expansion of full-day K has been the number one policy goal for the Meriden Board of Education for years, but making it happen has been limited due in part to the lack of class room space in the elementary schools. Both national research and local experience with the three full-day kindergarten classrooms at John Barry Elementary demonstrate that a full-day kindergarten program can lead to improved academic outcomes. Investing resources in the early years of a child's life makes good sense, and can save on more expensive and less-effective interventions in the later school years. Full-day kindergarten won't solve all of the world's problem, but this expansion will add value to the school experience for many Meriden children. A great many parent and community leaders added their voices to help make this two-year campaign a success. City Councilor Trevor Thorpe provided key leadership to this effort; without his vision and persistence this win for kids would not have been possible. Send an email to the Mayor and City Council thanking them for their support of full-day K. For more information about this effort, contact Meriden Children First at 630-3566 or visit www.meridenchildrenfirst.org
Save a life please! Hi, I’m Darla! I am a sweet 2 year old gal that desperately wants a home of my very own! I love people more than anything in the world, and will gladly roll over for a nice belly rub. She Submissive to people. I would prefer to be the only doggie in your house as my previous owners encouraged me to not trust other dog. So, i still think they want to hurt me and will defend myself. . I want all the love and affection to myself! I am GREAT with people though and kids. I would love to have a fenced in yard where we can play fetch together all day! Will you please give me a chance to be your best buddy? I love hikes, am GREAT on a leash, give kisses and clean in my kennel and am a faithful friend. DARLA NEEDS A HOME SOON! HER TIME IS RUNNING OUT! For more information on Darling Darla, please contact the Wallingford Animal Shelter at 203 294-2180.
Borders Customers Encouraged to Participate in Book Drive by Donating New Children's Books to Meriden Children First and Ronald McDonald House of CT to Help Those in Need Borders in Meriden to donate five percent of the total sales from the books donated for this drive to Ronald McDonald House of CT. This August, Borders in Meriden will partner with Ronald McDonald House of CT to raise book donations for the Meriden Children First Initiative, to promote literacy and give books to children in need throughout the Meriden community by hosting a month long book drive. A keynote event featuring Ronald McDonald will take place August 18 at noon. Beginning August 1, customers in Meriden will be encouraged to donate new children's books to benefit Meriden Children First and the children they serve. To assist customers with finding the right books to donate, Borders with the help of David Radcliffe of Meriden Children First, will select and design in store displays full of children's books, such as books written by Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein and Beverly Cleary, for customers to choose from. Customers can simply pick books from the book drive display, take them to the registers and let the cashier know that they would like to donate them. Customers are also welcome to choose their favorite age appropriate children or young adult book and donate that as well. Borders will then give the books to the agency. The book drive is set to end August 31. In addition to offering its store as a gathering place for customer donations, Borders in Meriden will donate five percent of its total sales* from the purchase of the books donated by its customers between August 1 and August 31 to Ronald McDonald House of CT. Ronald McDonald House will then use these funds to help terminally ill children. Ronald McDonald himself will be making a special appearance on Saturday August 18 at noon to help Meriden Children First and bring attention to the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut. Please call the store at 203.2375510 or visit it at the Westfield Meriden Mall for additional details and a complete list of book titles. "We are very excited to work with Meriden Children First for this book drive," said Deb Schick, district manager for Borders. "Literacy is a cause near and dear to us and as a bookstore, we embrace our role as a contributing member of the community. We believe that every child in need should experience the joy of owning their own book, to aid in the development of their imagination and open up new worlds for them." "As part of this community, we want to do what we can to make sure that the children in this area have the tools necessary to shape and define their lives and to help guide them when deciding whom they aspire to be. We feel that reading books certainly helps with this," Schick added. Borders will donate a total of five percent of the gross sales relating to the book drive. The "gross sales" relating to the book drive shall be the total purchases of books by Borders and Waldenbooks customers, where applicable, during the promotional period (i.e. August 1-August 31, 2007) that are ultimately donated to the organization connected with the book drive. Brand New at www.peoplespressnews.com Download the entire paper in PDF form to your computer. Now you can read and enjoy at your leisure and print the entire paper! Go to www.peoplespressnews.com and the rest is easy.
All month long at Moran’s!
This edition of “The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your Views” serves the needs of the communities of Wallingford and Meriden, Connecticut. For safety reasons we do not publish the last name of artists/writers under the age of 15. 5% of all annual net proceeds are donated in kind or in financial donation to local charities and organizations. This newspaper is not affiliated with any other newspaper.
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“The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your Views” publications are published by: DNA, LLC P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492 andyreynolds@peoplespressnews.com www.peoplespressnews.com Phone (203) 235-9333 • Fax Number (203) 294.8808 The People's Press,Your Town, Your News, Your Views and all versions or portions of said name are ©Copyright DNA,LLC. 1999-2007 All Text, Logos, Images and other content in print, web or in any way or form are ©Copyright DNA, LLC 1999-2007 All Rights Reserved The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher and DNA, LLC. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements or submissions. All items contained herein, including advertisements or portions thereof, may not be reproduced in any way, shape or form without the written consent of the publisher. All submissions whether by mail, fax, email or any other means become the property of The People’s Press and DNA, LLC and may be used in any media it so chooses. By submitting to this paper you agree to these terms and release The People’s Press and DNA, LLC from any financial obligations or notifications for any future use of any of said submissions. The People’s Press will make every effort to see that all advertising copy is correctly printed. The publisher assumes no responsibility for typographical errors in advertising, advertising inadvertently left out; but will gladly reprint, without charge, that part of an advertisement is which any error may have occurred, provided that a claim is made within five days of publication. The publisher takes no responsibility for statements or claims made in any advertisement. Any copy or images designed or developed by The People’s Press are ©Copyright DNA,LLC and may not be used in any other medium. All Rights Reserved By advertising within The People’s Press, you agree to these terms.
Many Brands To Choose From!
The Moran’s Difference! Free Delivery! Free Installation! Free Removal & The Best Prices
Voted NUMBER 1! NOW 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! 664 W. Main in Meriden (203) 237-4800 & The Galleria Design Center 234 Middle Street in Middletown
The People’s Press August 2007 Page 31
When it comes to your entire Family...NO ONE measures up to the Wallingford Family Y!
WALLINGFORD FAMILY
There is a reason why we have Family in our name - that’s because we have programs and activities for everyone!
Look for our Fall Brochure and Program Guide in your mailbox soon and then turn a new leaf towards health! NO ONE OFFERS SO MUCH MORE FOR SO MUCH LESS!
Fall 2007
Day Care Options
2007 Camp Ulbrich and Camp Gaylord Where Every Day Is An Adventure! We create and memories that last a lifetime for children entering Kindergarten through 15 years of age. There are 6 weeks of Themed Adventures that run Monday - Friday from 9 am-4 pm remaining this Summer. We now also offer an Extended Care option for an additional fee that is available from 7-9 am and 4-6 pm.
Session 7 - August 6-10 Session 8 - August 13-17 Session 9 - August 20-24
Kindergarten Child Care The Wallingford YMCA offers before- and after-Kindergarten care as well as a full day Kindergarten program. Kindergarten Child Care (KCC) Designed especially for children who attend a half-day Kindergarten Program, this program offers skill enhancement as well as child care. Parents whose children attend a half-day Kindergarten program may choose from the following available options in the YMCA KCC Program: Before School/After Kindergarten 6:45-8:45 AM and 11:30-6:00 PM Before Kindergarten/After School 6:45-11:30 AM and 3:00-6:00 PM Before Kindergarten Care only - 6:45-11:30 AM After Kindergarten Care only - 11:30-6:00PM KCC is provided at the YMCA KinderHouse located on the YMCA campus. Before or After School Care is provided on site at the public school the child attends. Transportation to or from Kindergarten is provided. All Day Kindergarten Program The YMCA offers Full Day Kindergarten with an extended day option. This program follows the Wallingford Public School curriculum and schedule and offers enrichment activities such as swim lessons, gym, music, drama and computer instruction. A child need not be a Wallingford resident to attend. Monthly library visits and field trips are additional features of this program. New for 2007-2008 School Year! Flexi Schedule, for Families on the Go! Here at the Wallingford Family YMCA, we know how busy your day can be. That is why we have instituted our brand new Flexi Scheduling. We want to work with you to create a child care program that meets your family's needs. School Age! YMCA before and after school programs are state licensed, affordably priced, and conveniently located on site at each of the eight Wallingford Elementary Schools. Under supervision of caring, welltrained staff, certified in CPR and First Aid, children participate in a variety of games, crafts, and outdoor or gym activities designed to stimulate the imagination, develop new skills and foster the Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Quiet time for reading or homework is also provided. Before School Program: 6:45 - 8:45 AM After School Program: 3:15 - 6:00 PM Parents may choose before school care, after school care, or before and after school care. Options are available. Call for more information. (203) 697-2823. Look for our Pre-School Daycare Info in this issue!
81 So. Elm Street, Wallingford 203-269-4497 www.wallingfordymca.org
The People’s Press • August 2007 • Page 32
Your home reflects who you are.
Stop by Kovacs Insurance for a Homeowner’s Insurance tailored to meet your needs. Let John quote the right home insurance plan for you TODAY!
HOMEOWNERS * CONDOS * RENTORS
John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency * Auto * Home * Business * Life 208 Center Street, Wallingford (203) 269-2500
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY INSURER
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