The People's Press February 2008 Issue

The Central CT Family Paper!

Your Town, Your News,Your Views!

Read the entire paper online at www.peoplespressnews.com By the People . . . For the People Serving Wallingford, Meriden & Central Connecticut Free to Read . . . Free to Write

February - Health, Wellness & Vitality Issue • Volume 8, Issue 100

HEALTH, WELLNESS & VITALITY SPECIAL ISSUE Local Questions. Local Answers. Local Services.

Ethan and Hunter are making their parents worry that they are growing up tooooooo fast!

Health Insurance Number 1 Concern!

The Universal Health Care Foundation and Its Mission!

The Peoples Press recently had an on-line subscriber survey asking "What are your top 5 Health, Wellness & Vitality concerns?" 98% of the folks who answered said that Health Insurance was a concern so we asked Juan A. Figueroa, Universal Health Care Foundation President, "What is the mission of the Universal Health Care Foundation, and why is it needed?"

“The Foundations works with residents and diverse groups, including businesses and health care providers, to achieve a universal health care plan that means quality, affordable health care for everyone in Connecticut.

More and more Connecticut residents are learning that our broken health care system hurts everyone. Those without adequate insurance spend increasing amounts of their tight budgets to pay for the difference. The economy suffers as businesses cut other spending to cope with escalating health insurance costs.

Every day, thousands of people with insurance face the risk of having affordable health care slip out of reach. Right now, more than 350,000 residents are uninsured. Everyone else pays for their care in some way. In 2005, that added $200 to the cost of an individual insurance policy premium and $585 to a family policy premium.

Universal health care is the right thing. It is the smart thing. And now is the time to make quality, affordable health care the reality for every Connecticut resident.”

Side-note: JUAN A. FIGUEROA RECOGNIZED BY THE HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL AS "HEALTH CARE HERO" Before the year closed, the Hartford Business Journal, the region's largest business publication, named Juan A. Figueroa, the president of Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, as one of its 2007 "Health Care Heroes" for his contribution to the advancement of health care in our state.

Gail Lebert, publisher of the Hartford Business Journal, said, ""We are proud to recognize the contributions of Juan as one of the Hartford Business Journal's 2007 Health Care Heroes." lauds "As a champion of universal health care for all residents, he works tirelessly in promoting health care for all state residents, especially for the uninsured and the underinsured," Lebert said.

Figueroa, a former state legislator, civil rights attorney and assistant attorney general, has led the foundation for the past five years.

In that time, he and his staff have worked to include all state residents in the universal health care debate. As part of its work, the foundation has funded numerous Connecticutspecific studies to better inform that debate.

And in 2007, the foundation awarded more than $2.5 million in grants for health care advocacy to diverse groups such as businesses, chambers of commerce, labor and faith- based organizations.

"In the end, everyone will have to come together to find a solution that meets the needs of all of Connecticut's residents," said Figueroa.

Universal Health Care Foundation was established in 2000. Its mission is to serve as a catalyst to engage people and communities in shaping a health system that provides universal access to quality health care and promotes health in Connecticut.

JUAN A. FIGUEROA

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 2

The Responsibilities of a School Nurse

By Kathy Neelon, RN, School Nurse Coordinator Wallingford School System Twenty or so years ago you may or may not have had a school nurse in your school, and if you had a school nurse you probably never knew her. These days it would be very unusual to not know your school nurse. The school nurse sees all students at some time throughout the school year. The school nurse's responsibility is not just to give out band-aids and cough drops, although they do give out plenty of both!

School nurses are responsible for developing and implementing individual medical care plans for students with complex medical conditions, educating parents and students about disease management, evaluating and assessing sick and injured students, providing support and referrals for emotionally troubled students, administering medications and assessing the students response to those medications. In addition, they are required to complete State required eye and scoliosis screenings and obtain State required physical exams and sport physicals. All of the above requires tremendous coordination, documentation and keeping track of the proper paperwork from physicians, parents and students. Students must have the proper physicals and immunizations to attend school and participate in sports. When the paperwork is not complete or unclear the nurse spends many, many hours trying to clarify and get the corrected information necessary to keep students safe in school.

The school nurse needs to be a master of multitasking and problem solving. On an average day the school nurse may see 20, 40 or even more students. Breaking down that number translates to seeing a student every 10-15 minutes during the school day. Of course students rarely come in one at a time and there may be 3-6 or more coming in at the same time. The nurse needs to assess the students quickly and determine who needs to be attended to first. The more serious issues get attended to first and then less serious student issues are provided care. This is similar to the triage done at an emergency department. Much time is spent on phone calls trying to contact parents informing them about something that has happened to a student or trying to contact the parent to come pick up an ill student. The school nurse cannot diagnose specific medical conditions but they can make recommendations to physicians and parents based on utilizing their clinical assessment skills.

A clinical assessment is done in response to a specific student complaint(s) or injury. In order to complete this assessment, the nurse may check a student's temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, listen to the student's lungs, check blood sugar level, evaluate pupils reaction to light, check ears, assess skin for color, bruising, rashes, lesions and overall appearance. These are only some of the many assessments a school nurse may make to evaluate a student. Based on the clinical assessment of a student, the nurse will decide to either let a student rest, send a student back to class, home, or the emergency department.

The school nurse needs the help of parents to keep students in school healthy. Proper hand washing is the most important intervention that parents can teach their children to decrease the spread of infection. In addition, when children become sick they spread infections easily. Below are some symptoms that would require your child to remain at home until they are symptom free for 24 hours.

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 3

Don't Hibernate This Winter: Tips for Exercising During the Winter Holiday Months Baby, it's cold outside - but that shouldn't stop you from staying active this winter! The Meriden Health Department's Meriden Movers program encourages residents to keep active despite the cold weather. Exercising when it is cold outside may take a little extra motivation, and you may need to adjust your fitness goals as outside activity becomes limited. Sticking with your exercise program over the winter will make it much easier to pick up the pace again once the weather warms up.

Here are a few tips to make exercising easier as the weather gets colder: " Make sure you warm up by stretching or doing some light activity for at least 10 minutes before exercising, shoveling snow, or beginning a more strenuous physical activity. A warm-up will prepare your body for exercise and loosen tight muscles. Also, make sure to do at least a 10 minute cool down to prevent injury. " Avoid exercising in extreme cold temperatures or dangerous icy conditions. Instead, head inside for mall walking or pop an exercise video in your VCR. " If you exercise outside, dress in layers. Layering clothes under a windproof and waterproof jacket will help maintain body heat and can help you avoid frostbite and hypothermia. " Continue to wear sunscreen in the winter; the sun is still bright and can damage skin.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. " Remember to wear reflective gear at night if outside after dark. " Stay hydrated. Your body needs plenty of fluids during cold weather, too. Carry a water bottle when exercising. " When exercising outdoors, tell a family member or friend where you are going and what time they should expect you back. Consider carrying a cell phone in case of an emergency. " As always, if you've been sedentary or have health problems, check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

The Meriden Health Department's Meriden Movers community walking program encourages all residents to walk for better health. For more information on the Meriden Movers program or more tips on exercising during the winter months please contact Lea Crown, Health Educator, at 630-4238.

Diabetes Management

There are currently 20.8 million adults in the U.S. with diabetes-and nearly one-third of them do not even know it! The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. The risk for diabetes increases with age, weight gain, high blood pressure and family Fever: Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 degrees F or higher. The child must be fever free for history. You can take a free risk assessment by visiting http://www.diabetes.org/riska minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. test.jsp.

Vomiting: Two or more times in 24 hour period.

If you have diabetes, the Diabetes and Nutrition Center at MidState can give you personDiarrhea: Runny, watery or bloody stools. The child should be diarrhea free for a minimum of 24 hours alized instruction and support to help you manage your disease effectively. The center is before returning to school. staffed by experienced nurses, dieticians and other health professionals who are Certified Body Rash With Fever: Body rashes in children can be common. However, if the rash is accompanied by a Diabetes Educators. fever, the child should remain home until the rash is diagnosed or resolves.

Your diabetes educator will work with you to develop an education plan tailored to your Sore Throat: If your child is diagnosed with Strep Throat, the child must be on antibiotics for a minimum of needs, and schedule sessions as needed. You'll get information you need to take good care 24 hours before returning to school. of yourself, including how to monitor your blood sugar, plan your meals, use medication Eye Discharge: Thick mucous or pus draining from the eye, or "Pink Eye". properly and more.

Runny Nose And/or Cough: If your child has think yellow or green discharge, or has an excessive uncontrol- To enroll in our diabetes program, you'll need a written referral from your physician or lable cough the child should remain home. other health care provider. Services are covered by most insurance plans. Please call us at When in doubt regarding an illness, we encourage the student to remain home for the day. This will aid in 203-694-8782 for more information about what we can offer you. decreasing illness among all of the school children. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call your school nurse. She is always available to help you or your child and to answer questions. Your school The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd druther not. ~Mark Twain nurse thanks you for your support.

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 4

Seeing is Believing at Colony Opticians!

Come and experience our State of the Art Virtual Vision Center!

Our system allows you to see how you would look in everything we offer from contact lenses to glasses in all shapes, colors and options. It’s just another way that makes Colony Opticians stand out as Central Connecticut’s premiere Vision Center. No matter how advanced our technology gets though, we know that the most important thing we offer is our old fashioned values and service. Seeing is believing at Colony Opticians, stop down today!

Better Vision is within your sight and you can actually see it to believe it!

COLONY O PTICIANS & 60 Church St. (Rt. 68) Wallingford 203-265-2205

O ptometrists

Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry

MidState Heart Center Head: It's never too early to know your risk for heart disease Body: A Heart Attack Can Happen When You Least Expect It "I'm a statistic." Those were the words of 39-year-old Elmer Gonzalez, a local Meriden resident who suffered a heart attack early last year. Aside from being a diabetic with a family history of heart disease, Elmer was a young, active male of normal weight, who was not the typical heart attack patient.

"The family history was there, but I never thought it would happen to me. I knew what it was like for my parents, so I stayed fit and did what I could to avoid it," said Elmer.

Unfortunately, Elmer could not avoid the disease that had affected his family for years. After suffering from weeks of what he described as an acid reflux feeling in his chest, he decided to visit his doctor. Several tests revealed that Elmer had severe blockages in three arteries and scar tissue in his lower heart chamber, evidence that a minor heart attack had occurred without him even knowing it. Doctors recommended he undergo an intense five-vessel bypass surgery, the only option to treat his condition.

Our Heart Center Can Get You Back on Track While his surgery was successful, Elmer still had a long road to recovery.

That's where the expertise of our Heart Center's cardiac rehabilitation program comes in. For three days per week for 12 weeks, Elmer learned how to manage his heart disease. He and a specially trained nurse started with goal setting, which for Elmer, consisted of continuing education, modifying his diet, and increasing his physical activity.

His program was comprehensive and completely personalized to reflect his needs. Of major concern was his diabetes, which until he came into contact with cardiac rehabilitation, he never monitored correctly. "I took some diabetes classes here and learned to control what I eat, which plays a big factor in heart disease," explained Elmer.

MidState's Diabetes Center is part of the Heart Center and specialized advanced practiced registered nurses develop specific education plans to help patients make therapeutic lifestyle changes for their ongoing health and wellness.

Elmer continued, "I also spent one hour a day on the cardio equipment doing the treadmill and bike, lifting light weights, and stretching. In the last three to four months, I've lost 25 pounds."

During Elmer's workouts, cardiac nurses monitored his heartbeat, blood pressure and other vital signs. Additionally, he was taught how to monitor himself to achieve long-term success.

Elmer graduated from the Heart Center's program in late October, and while he always did routine walking, he now works out five days per week on his equipment at home.

He attributes MidState's cardiac rehabilitation program as a major player in his speedy recovery: "I worked with a phenomenal team of nurses who were instrumental in my care. I couldn't ask for a better group of individuals. When I was going through this, everything was unknown. I thought, one day you're vibrant and alive, and in a matter of seconds, hours, or days, that could change. The nurses were extremely supportive during my difficult time. I rate them an A+."

The Heart of the Matter is Prevention According to MidState cardiologist and medical director of the Acute Coronary Syndrome program, George Spivack, MD, there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of heart disease, including hypertension, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and as in Elmer's case, a family history of heart attack and diabetes.

In fact, as Dr. Spivack puts it, "Diabetes is increasingly becoming the single most important risk factor for heart disease in this society. When we look at the cause of death in many diabetes patients, it usually stems from heart disease."

Yet the general population of people, and even those who have diabetes, doesn't fully understand the relationship between the condition and heart disease, and how imperative it is to keep diabetes under control. In a recent study, Dr. Spivack said, people with controlled diabetes received tests to assess their risk, and one-fourth of them were completely unaware they had significant heart disease.

These patients and others at general risk need to take greater efforts to prevent the development of coronary artery disease. Director of MidState's Cardiac Service Line and cardiologist, William Farrell, MD, says, "It all boils down to diet and exercise. Eating non-processed foods that are high in fiber and low in fat makes a difference." And regular exercise can also offset your risk. What does the term "regular exercise" mean? It means dedicating a specific time of day for working out, above and beyond physical activity that occurs during the course of your normal day.

"Your physical activity doesn't have to be very aggressive for the purpose of preventing heart disease. It's dependent on age. If you are young, then moderate exercise should be intense, but if you're older, moderate may simply mean walking," stressed Dr. Spivack.

Many heart disease risk factors are silent, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, so if you are concerned with these issues, the important thing to do is see your doctor for a physical.

Specific tests, such as stress tests, can assess the condition of your heart and arteries. Dr. Farrell notes, "Stress tests are a good way to pick up heart artery disease if it's severe, but the vast majority of heart attacks occur when arteries are only 20% blocked. To pick up artery blockage early, there are non-invasive techniques that allow us to look around the bend of the road and figure out where you'll be in 10 years." One of these techniques is a CT scan that measures the calcium content of the arteries, which ultimately has a correlation with the degree of heart disease. A very specific ultrasound can also check the carotid arteries in your neck.

The American Heart Association provides a comprehensive online risk assessment that serves as a stepping-stone in prevention efforts. By age 40, everyone should know their general risk and assess it every five years. To take the assessment, visit www.americanheart.org/riskassessment.

Simple Solutions for Independent Seniors The Center for Successful Aging and MidState's LaPlanche Clinic will be jointly sponsoring a presentation titled "Simple Solutions for Independent Seniors" on February 26, 2008. The presentation will be held from 10:3011:30am in the mezzanine of the Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Center, located at 22 West Main Street in Meriden.

Linda Worden, Director of Clinical Services for Senior Whole Health, will be the presenter. She will discuss ways to stay healthy, the importance of health screenings, and home safety tips.

This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information please call Rita Kowalchik at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4222.

Wallingford Senior Center February News and Events VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY on Thursday, February 14, 10:30 a.m. - Come celebrate Valentine's Day and enjoy your favorite music played by the "Survivors", our senior center band, and your favorite songs sung by the Vintage Voices, our choral group. Sing, dance and listen to a variety of love songs. Special Valentine's Day treats will be distributed and we'll top off our celebration with a delicious meal. Tickets are on sale for a special Lake View Café luncheon (see article below) or make a reservation with Senior Community Café for a special meal featuring stuffed cabbage (see enclosed menu).

A HOPPIN' HAPPENING LEAP YEAR PARTY on Friday, February 29, 1:00 p.m. - February 29 comes around just once every four years, so we need to make the most of it! Come have an un-frog-ettable time at our Leap Year Party! Enjoy music by our Senior Center Band, dancing, games, prizes, Swamp Punch, and special refreshments. Hop on down by February 27 to get your ticket ($1 for members; $2 non-members) and reserve your place on the lily pad.

MEDICARE WORSHOP on Wednesday, February 20, 1:00 p.m. - IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REVIEW YOUR MEDICARE PLAN, COMPARE OTHER MEDICARE OPTIONS, CHANGE YOUR MIND, AND MAYBE EVEN REDUCE YOUR EVER INCREASING PREMIUMS !!!

From January 1st through March 31st, Medicare allows you to review your Medicare coverage and make a one time change in your Medicare plan. If you already have Prescription Drug Coverage, you may change it. If you do not have Prescription Drug Coverage, you may not add coverage during this period. Attend this Medicare workshop Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. and learn your options. Receive valuable information to help you compare your present Medicare coverage and help you to decide if you should keep your present coverage, or consider changing your present plan. Please call 265-7753 to reserve your spot!

END OF LIFE HEALTHCARE DECISIONS: Part One on Wednesday, February 20, 10:00 a.m. In her role as Chaplain at MidState Medical Center, Doreen Bottone offers spiritual support, resolves ethical issues and provides patients and families information on end of life care and choices. Deciding to accept or refuse medical treatment is a difficult decision. Doreen will discuss the benefits of stating your wishes clearly in writing through a legal document called Advance Directives. The importance of this document cannot be overstated. Please treat yourself to this memorable informational session and call 265-7753 to make your reservation.

END OF LIFE HEALTHCARE DECISIONS: Part Two on Wednesday, February 27, 1:00 p.m. You've probably heard and read that having Advance Directives consisting of a Living Will and/or the appointment of a Health Care Representative to communicate your wishes concerning life support systems is important. Here's your chance to hear Attorney Kate McEvoy explain how to express your wishes concerning end of life health care decisions using advance directive forms. The required forms will be distributed along with an explanation of how to complete the forms. Please call 265-7753 to sign-up.

The above programs are open to the public.

SHAKESPEARE: THE LUNATIC, THE LOVER & THE POET Live Theatrical Performance Friday, March 14, 1:30 p.m. Richard Clark returns to present a solo performance from Shakespeare's greatest hits featuring twelve characters and twenty-five monologues and soliloquies. Eavesdrop on the intimate murmurings of Romeo, the obsessive passions of Anthony and Cleopatra, and the demented musings of King Richard. Laugh with the fools, cry with the afflicted, and dream with the poets! Following the performance, refreshments will be served. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale through March 12.

BAND JAMS FOR YOU! - Our Senior Center Band, The Survivors, plays in the Great Room every Friday, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Come down to enjoy their fabulous sound. Sit and relax or get up and dance, but don't let their wonderful music go to waste!!

A FRIENDLY PLEA - The Senior Center gladly accepts your donations of new or gently used items that can be used for raffles or prizes. We do, however, respectfully request that donated items be clean and in good condition.

Thank you for your understanding.

GENERAL TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION - Important information is available in the HOW DO I GET THERE? Transportation Guides which are still available at the Wallingford Senior Center. Stop by the Center Front Desk, or call and request a copy. (Compiled & printed by Healthy Wallingford Elderly Task Force.)

SOCIAL SERVICES LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 10:15 A.M. A Masonicare Healthcare Audiologist will talk about "hearing healthcare" including: safety and communication devices, amplified telephones, smoke detectors, and specially designed answering machines for people with hearing loss. Please call 265-7753 to register.

RESOLVE TO REACH A COMFORTABLE RETIREMENT - By Paul Gilfillan, SSM, Meriden CT Happy New Year from the Social Security Administration! Many people start off a new year with a list of resolutions. We'd like to suggest three Social Security resolutions to plan for your retirement.

Resolution One: Think about retirement.

The earlier you begin your financial planning, the better. Most financial advisors say that you will need 70 percent or more of pre-retirement earnings to live comfortably.

Resolution Two: Plan ahead.

Every year workers receive a Social Security Statement in the mail. The Statement gives you an estimate, based on current earnings, of what you might expect in Social Security retirement benefits. Personalize your individual plan, at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2 Resolution Three: Manage your money.

For information that can help you manage your money during every stage of life, visit the U.S. government's website - www.mymoney.gov To learn more, and to help you get started on your Social Security resolutions, visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

MASTER'S MANNA FOOD PANTRY - Master's Manna, Inc., food pantry and clothes closet has relocated to 316 North Colony Road. Food pantry and clothes closet hours are Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and Friday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A basic computer class is held on Mondays, at 10:00 a.m. Master's Manna now serves as a resource/outreach center with computer and internet accessibility. A CT Association for Human Services outreach worker is available to assist with food stamp pre-certification on site.

Please call 678-3042 for information.

DRIVERS NEEDED - Imagine if you had no way to get to a doctor's appointment or to the grocery store. The days and times are flexible to fit the schedule of the volunteer and mileage is reimbursed. Marie Cunha, Social Worker, is waiting for your call at 265-7753 to say you will volunteer.

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 5

How a Healthier Environment Keeps Us All Healthy and What You Can Do To Help

By Mary Mushinsky, QRWA executive director Edward O Wilson is not the first scientist to notice the inherent longing of people for certain elements of natural landscape: given complete freedom to choose, humans prefer to be on a height looking down, they like open, savannah-like terrain with scattered trees and clusters of bushes (with nearby sheltering woodland), and they want very much to be near a body of water. Real estate prices for mountain and shorefront property reflect these innate desires. These preferences are probably a product of our long history as a species, when we had to forage in the wild and make our own way in little extended family groups. Today this unspoken longing for nature has been given a name: biophilia, or instinctively loving elements of nature (even if we live, work and study indoors most of the time). It explains the attraction of indoor fountains, our affection for our pets and why people enjoy sitting under the skylights in large buildings.

Some of the elements of nature people instinctively crave (and which make them feel better and more contented) include colors of the natural world, water, moving air, sunlight, plants, animals, natural materials, views, landscapes, and fire-- a sign of comfort and warmth. A whole book has just been published about these human preferences and how to adapt buildings to answer these human cravings: Kellert, Heerwagen and Mador's Biophilic Design.

Latest research findings suggest that children are happiest and most productive when allowed to directly experience nature. Their innate curiosity to explore with hands-on play expands their minds and contributes to their physical and mental health. Outdoor children are most prepared to fight the relatively recent developments of sedentary, indoor lifestyle and its effects, including obesity, slower cognitive development, attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity, and weaker immune systems. When given an opportunity to play outdoors--to get out of their institutions--kids thrive, develop, get sick less often and improve their physical and mental health.

In our densely populated Quinnipiac Valley, it becomes more of an effort each year to maintain the link between people and the natural world, but the benefits to all ages are worth it! Municipal planners and school boards can design green spaces to give people safe access to wild or semiwild nature, and to link these green spaces together with trails, open spaces and urban promenades, as recommended in city manager Roger Kemp's handbook, Cities and Nature.

Municipalities across the country have revitalized old industrial centers by reintroducing biophilic elements to create inviting areas for people to mingle and enjoy the outdoors. Meriden is poised to join them as the city prepares to recreate the Harbor Brook landscape that was hidden so long by the Hub. Wallingford, Meriden, North Haven, Southington, and Plainville citizens are designing and building a series of pedestrian trails that will one day all be connected, as long as planners keep the grand vision in mind. These greenways are safer to walk or cycle, and offer a "ribbon of nature" for relaxation, short commutes, and physical health. Just 30 minutes of walking per day, plus good food choices, makes a world of difference to preventive health. And notice how many of your fellow residents are smiling and conversational while on the greenway!

Keeping intact the link between humans and nature will be critical in inspiring today's young generation to care about the future of our home planet, Earth. We need everyone to care about clean air, preservation of plants, wildlife and landscape. Young people who have connected with nature will be inspired to use their best technological genius to craft ways to move people and goods, heat and cool our homes, and feed our families in ways that protect the earth for our descendents. Here are some ideas everyone in Quinnipac Valley can try: 1. Walk, bike or carpool, and combine errands to make efficient use of your car; 2. Choose an energy efficient vehicle or public transit; 3. Increase energy efficiency and green design at home, school and work; 4. Eat lower on the food chain-try vegetables, whole grains and local produce!

5. Try mini-vacations to experience nature where you live-hike a land trust trail, catch a Quinnipiac trout, watch a wintering eagle, enjoy the view from West Peak, and plant your toes in the Mill River at Sleeping Giant when spring returns.

6. If you need help getting reacquainted with your natural self, join QRWA's spring activities-we hike, paddle, birdwatch, fish and protect the environment using teams of people just like you!

As the impacts of urban growth and carbon use pose new challenges for us in the Quinnipiac Valley and beyond, it is a good time to rediscover our own human link to nature. As we step outside and restore our own health, so too will we be renewed and refreshed to protect the health of our planet.

To get outside, contact QRWA at (203) 237-2237 or qrwa@sbcglobal.net

CT DPH, HEARTSafe Community Designation The Town of Wallingford, Health Department cordially invites all residents to attend the HEARTSafe Community Designation award Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 5:30 pm Wallingford Town Hall, Council Chambers Refreshments provided Thank you to all area businesses and individual's who helped us earn this Designation. CPR/AED training saves lives.

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 6

Meriden Health Department Services Walk Your Way to Fitness in 2008 Walking is perhaps the most understated form of exercise someone can do! No matter what your age or fitness level, walking could be your first "step" to a healthier you in 2008.

The benefits of walking are countless. A regular walking program can help lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and can help you lose or maintain weight. Walking gets you out and about in your community, and it's a great way to socialize with friends. Ideally we should walk 10,000 steps a day for better health, or roughly 5 miles a day. Most people have to work up to this amount; you can set your own personal goals for your program.

A pedometer can help you start and stick with your walking program. This little machine clips to the waistband of your pants and tracks every step you take throughout the day. Research has found that the key to sticking with your walking program is to wear a pedometer AND record how many steps you take every day in a walking log.

Participants in the Meriden Health Department's community walking program, Meriden Movers, proved this to be true.

Between September and December 2007, members wore their pedometers and tracked their distances- to the tune of over 5 million steps, well, "stepped"! This program will start up again in March. Free pedometers and walking logs will be available to a limited number of participants, and evening group walks will be held. Check out www.meridenhealth.com for an archive of weekly newsletters from the fall session.

Don't want to wait until March to get started? The Meriden Health Department has 25 free pedometers and walking logs available now to Meriden residents. Please call Lea Crown, Community Health Educator, at 630-4238 to arrange for the pick-up of your pedometer or for more information on the Meriden Movers program. The hardest part in any physical activity program is just getting started - and with a walking program, all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and you are on your way!

Here are some highlights of the upcoming program: Pedometers and walking logs will be distributed to encourage physical activity; A healthy heart cookbook will be developed, with input from residents and local restaurants, and will be distributed; Free or low-cost blood pressure and blood cholesterol screenings will be offered throughout the city; and A variety of presentations on the risk factors for heart disease and stroke and CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) demonstrations will be offered.

Programming will start in February. A complete list of activities will be on the Meriden Health Department's website www.meridenhealth.com. For more information, please contact Lea Crown, Community Health Educator, at 630-4238.

Special Needs Registry Q & A The Office of Emergency Management and the Meriden Health Department have developed a Special Needs Registry for individuals that may need help in the event of an emergency.

What is the Special Needs Registry?

The Special Needs Registry is a voluntary registry of individuals who would require assistance in the event of an emergency. This assistance could be as simple as advising a person of a situation near their residence to those who need evacuation assistance in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. This registry alerts first responders (Police, Fire, Health Department staff) as to a resident's address and gives them the vital information they need to better meet the resident's needs.

Why Should I Register?

To ensure that you will be located by First Responders as quickly as possible.

To best help you, and meet some of your requirements during a disaster requiring evacuation.

Am I Eligible?

You are eligible to be registered with the Special Needs Registry if you:

Women - W.I.S.H.H. for a Healthy Heart Cardiovascular disease.

Ladies, if the term is not familiar to you, it should be.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men - and women - in Connecticut. Stroke, another form of cardiovascular disease, is the third leading cause of death. Most women still have the misperception that cardiovascular disease is a "man's disease" and they are not at risk. What's more surprising is that in Connecticut only 13% of adults know all the proper heart attack signs and only 19% know all the signs of stroke.

That's why the Meriden Health Department is starting a community-wide women's healthy heart program called W.I.S.H.H. Women Interested in Staying Heart Healthy. With funding from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and with the help of many community partners, the Meriden Health Department will address women's misperceptions about heart disease and stroke, as well as lifestyle changes to prevent cardiovascular disease.

ference between them based on symptoms alone. Use this chart as a general guide:

Your doctor can determine if you have the flu or just a common cold. Special tests, usually done within the first few days of when you start to feel sick, can be done to tell if you have the flu. If you have any concerns it is best to speak with your doctor.

If you get the flu, there are some actions you can take at home: Stay home from work, school, and social gatherings and rest Drink plenty of liquids Avoid using alcohol and tobacco Take the medications your doctor prescribed to relieve the symptoms of flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms - and particularly fever - without first talking with your doctor).

Practice healthy habits every day to avoid getting the flu. Always remember to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water (especially after coughing or sneezing) for at least 15-20 seconds - sing your "ABC's" or "Happy Birthday" twice. If you are not near water, use an alcohol based hand cleaner until you can get to a sink. Last but not least, try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when you are sick; germs often spread this way.

Of course, the best protection against the flu is to get vaccinated (get the flu "shot"). The Meriden Health Department still has flu shots available. Call 630-4234 for more information on the flu and the vaccine.

Simple Solutions for Independent Seniors All information gathered for the Registry will remain confidential.

You can obtain a copy of the Special Needs Registration Form by calling 630-4240 or visiting the Meriden Health Department website at www.meridenhealth.com. If you have any questions please contact Michael Pirro, Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator, at 630-4240.

Is it the Flu or a Cold?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the dif-

The Center for Successful Aging and MidState's LaPlanche Clinic will be jointly sponsoring a presentation titled "Simple Solutions for Independent Seniors" on February 26, 2008. The presentation will be held from 10:30-11:30am in the mezzanine of the Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Center, located at 22 West Main Street in Meriden.

Linda Worden, Director of Clinical Services for Senior Whole Health, will be the presenter. She will discuss ways to stay healthy, the importance of health screenings, and home safety tips.

This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information please call Rita Kowalchik at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4222.

Meriden Health Department Offers HIV Services Do you know your HIV status? If not, the Meriden Health Department is pleased to offer HIV testing at our office, located at 165 Miller Street in Meriden.

Testing is confidential and can be done anonymously. The bilingual HIV Counselor uses a rapid HIV test, which gives results in 20 minutes. Testing hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Please call Abby at (203) 630-4176 for an appointment.

Want to learn more about HIV and AIDS? Educational materials are always available at the health department.

Materials are available in English and Spanish.

Meriden School Readiness Program There is a way to help prepare your children for school. It's affordable. It's accessible. It's Meriden School Readiness!

School Readiness gives young children the ability to transition to school with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to be successful students. This includes language, basic concepts, social skills, physical development, curiosity and positive attitudes about learning. On a long-term basis, children that have attended School Readiness programs are more likely to progress without the need for special education, remediation or grade retention.

The Meriden School Readiness Program has created numerous new preschool openings for our community.

Affordable, quality child care slots are available for three and four year old Meriden residents, and fees are based on a sliding fee scale. Meriden School Readiness not only focuses on the young child, but the parent and caregiver as well through funding, parents and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to maximize their child's early school success.

Meriden School Readiness has 9 locations throughout the city. Full day and part day programs are available. All sites are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Head Start, or other similar programs determined by the State Department of Education.

Each family's weekly fee varies. The family fee is based on income and family size and ranges between 2% and 10% of your family's gross annual income. Families receiving state cash assistance (TFA) who are not employed are not required to pay a family fee. The weekly family fee may be reduced if the family has more than one child that needs child care services.

For more information on the Meriden School Readiness Program please call Jessica Stewart, School Readiness Facilitator, at 630-4236.

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 7

Chinese New Year of the Rat: 2008/4705

We've just celebrated the Chinese New Year of 4705 and it's been a blast. For two weeks we've been celebrating and it's been a lot of fun. I'm Hui Chen, and am going to tell you about it.

The New Year began on the day of the New Moon with a big feast. Before the big feast, we'd spent a lot of time getting everything ready. I had to help clean the house from top to bottom to make sure all the bad luck had been swept out. I found a ball I'd lost and that was good. Then I went with my family to get new red clothes for the New Year. Red is the color for joy and happiness and is supposed to keep bad luck away. We also got loud noisemakers and firecrackers to scare away bad luck; then we got flowers, fruits, candies and small gifts for the guests that would come to visit us. Finally we got home from shopping and I could finally try out the noisemakers-they were great until I was told to put them away! I even helped decorate the room with bowls of fruit and flowers. I helped Father hang red banners by our doorway. They had poems of good wishes on them, and we were finally ready for the New Year!

This is the Year of the Rat, I knew they were smelly, lived in dirty holes and snuck around nibbling on the food in our pantry and I'd felt dirty and was angry because I had been born in the year of the Rat. I told Grandfather how I felt and he told me the legend of how the Rat is the first year of the twelve-year cycle of years. The legend is that Buddha asked the animals to come to a feast on the other side of the river, and the first to arrive would have the first year named for it. The rat knew he couldn't swim fast enough to reach the shore first, so his strategy was to climb on the back of the ox. When the ox was about to step onto the shore, the rat jumped off at the last moment to win the race. So you see, for ages the rat has been known to be smart and very clever. He told me that when we concentrate on the negative traits, we miss seeing all the good traits that make someone worthwhile. He also said that rats were industrious, charming, and good providers and protectors of their children. People born in the year of the rat have these same traits and Grandfather told me that I have them too. And he told me not to be ashamed that I was born in the year of the Rat, but to be proud of it. The rat sees better in the dark than we do, his hole is comfortable and warm, safe from cats and other enemies.

Finally it was New Year's Eve; Father and Grandfather sealed the doors with red tape to keep bad luck out, and we sat down for the feast of seafood and dumplings that Mother and

Grandmother had made. There was a lot of other food, but I liked the dumplings best. My aunts made predictions for the New Year and some of them were funny-I liked mine because they told me I will make the soccer team this year, and I hope they are right because I like to play soccer. After the feast, we played games and listened to stories until midnight when we said 'Goodbye' to the old year.

At the stroke of midnight, the sky exploded with lots of fireworks that lit up everything with bright colorful showers. Father broke the seal on the door, I grabbed my noisemaker, and we all went outside to yell and make noise for the New Year. Some of my friends came by and we had a great time yelling to each other.

For the next couple of weeks, we did a lot of visiting with our aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors, where we got to eat candies and fruits, just like the ones we gave to our visitors. Getting Red Envelopes with money in them from older people was special. I even remembered to bow and thank them for the gift envelope.

At the end of fifteen days, the moon was full again, and we spent the day getting ready for the Lantern Festival that would end the celebration. Fancy lanterns were hung in temples and along streets and I got to choose one to carry in the parade! It was the first time I got to do that and I held the pole so tightly, my fingers cramped. But it didn't wobble! Watching the long, decorated dragon come along the street was great fun. The young men who carried it danced and wound their way along the streets trying to scare us, but we just cheered them along with our noisemakers. Someday when I'm older, I hope to be one of those carrying the dragon. I'll dance and sing down the street too. It was such a noisy, exciting evening that I didn't want it to end. But it did.

By 'Hui Chen' 12 years old Dorothy Gonick January, 2008

"Too Much, Too Soon" -a musing by Ernie Larsen I'm not much of a political person, I do vote in every election, local, state and national. I also urge everyone else to vote - it's a right that many in this universe do not have. Plus, in my thinking, if you don't vote, you really have no right to complain how government and politicians are running the shop.

Starting way too early last year all the presidential wannabees started their campaigns, visiting old age homes, talking to unions, going to rallies mainly it seemed in the Midwest and seemed to be steering clear of the Northeast. There were some on the stump who didn't ring a bell in my steeple, but that's nothing new, I guess. One of my big pet peeves is the politico who moves to a certain state just so they can run in their election, you know the professional politician. For example, Hillary Clinton, Senator from New York - wasn't her husband Governor of Arkansas or one of those other Civil War states? Well, she was born in Illinois, went to college in Massachusetts and Connecticut and was first lady of Arkansas for 12 years. Then she "moved" to New York and is now one of their senators, how convenient.

Even our own Senator from Connecticut, Chris Dodd, had to take up out of state residency to run in a primary, I'm not even sure what state that was, makes no never mind, he dropped out of presidential race anyway. It really boggles my mind what

these people do just to run for office, and while he was a 'citizen' of the other state, did he still represent Connecticut, does his pay get docked for this? Gets you thinking, no? Then when he comes back to Connecticut, there is a big homecoming - for what - a guy who jumped ship, and is coming home, not a war hero or someone who did something extraordinary, I guess any excuse to have a party and photo op.

Every morning, before I go to work, I watch the TODAY show; it seems that almost every day a candidate takes advantage of NBC's generosity for free publicity and is available for an interview, this past week, both Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama were scheduled - during one of the debates a day or two before the dialogue started getting nasty. And both candidates were trying to justify their remarks toward each other; they both made an attempt to rationalize their views and also explain why their opponent was wrong. Really meaningless childish banter, just like when you were a kid and a playmate who wasn't chosen for a team claimed ' it's my ball and I'm taking it and go home' maybe it's time some of these candidates to do just that.

These politicians can say whatever they want now, but when their in office they usually have mind lapses and go on a different course than what they promised, with the average Joe and Jane left holding the bag, as it were. The point of this essay is that I really don't care for politics, it is a necessary evil, and possibly the worst example is what goes on in a smaller scale like say right here in the "Silver City" - I wonder how many residents even know to what that term is in reference to?

Seems like there are a few individuals who were not chosen/appointed to the majority party town committee and are singing the old 'Sour Grape Polka' by trying to have some sort of special election/primary to regain their seats. Sure, I'd be peeved if I was serving, voluntarily, on a committee and was bounced for someone else with little or no reason, but this election or whatever is going to cost taxpayers around 30K as I was led to understand. How about it folks, this could pave a street or buy some much needed equipment for a police officer or firefighter.

Politics - not my cup of tea, necessary evil, but when it comes to the point that money will be wasted to give a boost to a very few egos, that's where I draw the line. And as for the national level, there should be legislation that you can only start campaigning 6 months before the election, that'll work, wouldn't you think?

The most important thing to remember - get out and vote in November, 'cause if you don't, you can't complain; plain and simple.

Thanks for reading, stepping off the soapbox.

Men that look no further than their outsides, think health an appurtenance unto life, and quarrel with their constitutions for being sick; but I that have examined the parts of man, and know upon what tender filaments that fabric hangs, do wonder that we are not always so; and considering the thousand doors that lead to death, do thank my God that we can die but once. ~Thomas Browne

The Senior Buddy Readers Program Seeks Volunteers The Senior Buddy Readers intergenerational mentoring & literacy program is currently seeking volunteers to help finish out the 2007-2008 school year. Active retirees are needed to help first and second grade students improve their reading skills. The program runs from the end of September through May and takes place in Meriden's elementary schools. We are currently looking for volunteers in these following schools: Nathan Hale Tuesday 9:30-10:30 Ben Franklin Wednesday 9:30-11:00 (retired teachers only) Casmir Pulaski Wednesday 9:30-10:30 Thomas Hooker Thursday 1:30-2:30 Hanover (recruiting for 2008-2009 school year) Anyone interested in sharing one hour a week mentoring a child is invited to call the office of Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566. Make a difference in the life of a child‌become a Senior Buddy Reader volunteer!

(The Senior Buddy Readers program is sponsored by nonprofit Meriden Children First Initiative and is supported financially through foundation grants and local business donations.)

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 8

MY WALK IN THE WOODS

was about to enter was the Smokey Mountains National Park. Access from the trail is limited. The next road crossing would be 40 miles away. I knew if I had a problem and had to leave the trail It would be difficult . I started back into the woods. My knees hurt as bad as before. I sat down on a rock to decide what to do. All the friends that I had been hiking with had gone ahead. I would not be able to catch up with them. I had tears in my eyes. I would have to leave the trail and give up what I had learned to love.

After returning home I saw an orthopedic doctor. He examined me, took X-rays and sent me for a MRI. The results were that I had a bad stress fracture in my left leg. The pain in my knees, he thought, was caused by overuse. He said that the stress fracture would heal in six weeks and that the knee pain would go away with time. I rested for six weeks. My daily thoughts were of the AT. I missed it a lot and I was hoping to get back out hiking.

That didn't happen. My knees still hurt and I was not able to walk any distance without pain. I went back to the doctor. He took new X-rays and said the fracture looked fine.

Continued on Page 9 Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day to my precious niece Lexy!

You are so special and I love you so much!

Love, Aunt Cindi Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day to my little babies Chelsea and Thor!

I love you so much!

Mommy Happy Valentines Day

The Complete Optical Experience!

Colony Opticians

Part 1 of 2 - By Bob Fowler In 1999 I began to think about my retirement that was coming up in spring of the coming year. I would think of what this new chapter in my life would bring. I knew that it would afford me more time to do a lot of projects, around home, that I had put off. I knew it would allow me to spend more time with my grandchildren and family. It would also give me more time to go skiing and fishing. I started to think of other things to do and one of them was to hike the Appalachian Trail.

The Appalachian Trail is a foot path marked by white painted 2" X 6" rectangles called blazes, it starts in the mountains of northern Georgia passing through fourteen states as it follows the Appalachian Mountains north ending in Maine. Its total length is 2170 miles.

In 1987 I had read an article about the Appalachian Trail, in National Geographic magazine. I wrote to the Appalachian Trail Conference and requested information on hiking the Appalachian Trail. I received a pamphlet called, "Walking the Appalachian Trail, Step by Step". Reading the pamphlet ignited a spark, but the spark soon faded. I filed the pamphlet away, but whenever I would come across it I would read it again and the spark would once again glow.

Hiking the trail from one end to the other in one season is called a thru-hike and each year 1,500 folks start out to do a thru-hike but only about 300 succeed.

My son in law and his brother were backpackers. They had asked me to go on overnight hikes with them several times. I declined to go because I had little of the required equipment for overnight camping. One day I purchased a backpack at a tag sale thinking that I could acquire the rest of the needed equipment and if I was asked again, I could go. They asked me to go hiking over the Columbus Day weekend and I accepted. I pieced together what gear I had and borrowed the rest from them. We hiked in southern Maine, sleeping out under the stars for two nights. I was hooked.

I thought more and more about hiking the AT after I retired. I brought hiking boots and started to take local hikes to break them in. I started to read books about hiking the AT and also brought a video about thru-hiking. I wondered if this was something that I could do. During the summer of 1999 I decided that I would attempt an AT hike after I retired. I told my wife, Donna, about my plan but I don't think she realized the true impact of me hiking the AT. When Christmas came I asked for the additional equipment I would need. A tent, new sleeping bag, backpacking stove, water purifier and other hiking equipment. I set April 17, 2000 as my starting date. I purchased an airline ticket to Atlanta.

I retired in March and spent most of my time getting ready. I took local hikes with my pack loaded with everything I would be taking. I practiced setting up my tent. I would pack and repack my gear until I felt I had everything I would need and was ready to go. I was ready to start my adventure. I considered it an adventure that would be for a duration that was unknown to me. I did not know how long I could endure being on the trail and away from my wife and family.

I decided that I would hike until I could not do it physically or got tired of my adventure.

Donna and her friend Peggy drove me to the airport. I kissed my wife goodbye and told her I would call her when I could and that I would be careful. I arrived in Atlanta and took a train to Gainesville, Georgia. I checked into a motel and spent a restless night. In the morning I hired a taxi to drive me to Amacola Falls state park. At 7:30 on April 18, 2000 I started walking the 10 miles up Springer Mountain to where the AT starts.

I began to wonder, had I made the right decision, is this going to be something that I would like, would it be too physically demanding, could I endure not having the daily contact with my wife and family. These were the thoughts going through my mind as I hiked to the top of Springer Mountain.

The days that followed were full of seeing new sights, meeting new people and experiencing the trail. It became a vast learning experience not only about backpacking but also about myself. It became a new way of life for me and I found it enjoyable. We would sit around our camp, after the day was over, discussing the events of the day. I soon learned that we were all experiencing the same joy and hardships and we were all on the same learning curve. It was hard work but rewarding. I commented, "Hiking the AT was the hardest job I ever had." I decided I loved what I was doing and would stick with my hike as long as I could.

Most folks, who hike the AT for any length of time, tend to leave the real world, off the trail, behind them. For many it becomes a new life for one reason or another. Most hikers give up their real name and identify and adopt a new name. It's like a nickname but is referred to as your trail name. I decided to be known as "Grampie" it is what my grand kids call me and I did that, sort of, in their honor.

I met hikers of all ages. I met a young boy, 17 years old. He entered Columbia University at the age of 15. I met him carving on a stick. I asked him what he was making and he said a spoon. "I forgot to bring one." He became known as Craftsman. I hiked with a hiker from New Zealand. He had a business, back home, of making woodenware including spoons. He took the trail name of Spoonman. I met an Indian woman who was called Woods Walker. Some folks pick their own trail name and others are assigned one. It doesn't matter what age, gender or what you did before. The AT has a way of making all equal. Eventually you fall into hiking with the same group of people. They hike at the same pace as you and at the day's end you camp at the same spot. As you talk you begin to learn more and more about these new friends and long lasting friendships develop.

Everything was going good. I had hiked for over 100 miles. One day after hiking some hard uphills my knees started to bother me. It became worse and worse. I realized that it was something more than just doing too much. When I reached Fontana Village. I took a day off from walking. My knees didn't feel any better. I decided to go into a near by town and see a doctor. I found a clinic and saw a doctor. He thought that my problem was from overuse, gave me a pre scription for some medicine. I took the pills and rested for two more days. I decided to try and hike again. The section I

Happy Valentine’s Day to our precious Sophia!

Love, Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa

PRACTO O R I CH SINCE 1981 R DR. STANLEY HARRIS Misalignment of the Spine causes Pain, Stress and Dis-ease.

Chiropractic Aligns the S pine and removes the interference!

TRY CHIROPRACTIC! Better Vision is within your sight!

COLONY O PTICIANS & 60 Church St. (Rt. 68) Wallingford 203-265-2205

O ptometrists

Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry

Most Insurance Plans Accepted.

826 East Center St. Wallingford Next to Dairy Mart

265-2171

From Meriden I-91S to Exit 14, take right, 1 mile

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 9

Continued from Page 8 He now thought that I had arthritis in my knees. He prescribed physical therapy. My daughter Amy is a therapist so she prescribed an exercise program to straighten the muscles that support my knees. I also started to take glucosamine and chondroitin. I also would swim a lot. By fall my knees were feeling better. I decided to finish the AT in Connecticut.

With a new feeling of hope I began to make plans to return to the trail the next April. Hiking the AT was in my blood. I continually thought of it. It is hard to explain what is so addictive about hiking the AT. It is just something that if you like it, it becomes an addicted desire. I became addicted. I knew that I had to return to try and finish or at least give it another try. I would continue from were I left off. I still had 2000 more miles to go.

On April 9, 2001 I flew into Knoxville, Tenn., got picked up at the airport and returned to Fontana and resumed my hiking north. I passed the spot where I had stopped before. I paused and was thankful to be back again.

My plan was to hike short days and taking a day off from hiking to rest every five days or so to allow my body to get back into hiking shape. While on the trail, a day not hiking is referred to a "0" day. I hiked that day to the first camping area. A shelter five miles from where I started. It was quite warm for early April. The leaves were not on the trees yet. I had set up my tent and was talking to some other hikers when a tall somewhat overweight guy came hiking in. He introduced himself as "Texas Jack, Dallas fire department retired". This was the start of a long friendship.

The AT passes near several towns that are accessible from the trail. Most of these "trail towns" offer services that hikers need.

Many have inexpensive motels or hostels that you can stay in. A hiker will usually go into these towns to buy food, supplies, wash cloths, take a shower, sleep in a soft bed and eat a meal or two. Stop at a Post Office to get or send mail and make phone calls to those back home. Depending on the distance between these towns I would do this every four to seven days. Arriving into town in late afternoon doing what had to be done and leaving town the next morning or spend two nights and take a "0" day to rest. As you progress along, on your hike, you begin to plan around and look forward to going into trail towns.

Texas Jack and I just sort of fell in to hiking together. His plan was to hike the AT to loose some weight and to get into better physical shape. He had started at Springer Mountain and had hiked 170 miles when I met him. We would hike together sometimes I would break camp and leave before he did but he would soon catch up to me and we would hike together. He was quite knowledgeable about the outdoors. He knew about birds, flowers, wild plants and much more. As we walked he would comment on what was around us. He had many stories about his life and his experiences as a firefighter. His tales would entertain me for hours as we walked together.

A typical day on the trail would go like this; wake soon after sunrise, have something to eat for breakfast, pack up my gear, decide on a destination and start hiking. In a good day I would cover 10 to 14 miles stopping along the way to rest, enjoy the views, eat a snack or get water. Reaching my destination around four in the afternoon, set up my tent, get water, clean up as well as I could and cook some supper. Sometimes there would be a campfire to sit around and talk to others about the day's hike and

what was ahead. As it began to get dark most Hikers would turn in for the night. I found that I was easily sleeping 10 hours each night. This process went on day after day. Seeing new sights, meeting new people and experiencing the wonders of the AT. Along the trail, every 8 to 12 miles there is a camping area with what is known as a shelter. A shelter is nothing more than a three sided, roofed platform where six to 12 hikers can sleep out of the weather. It's first come first serve and during bad weather they fill up fast. I would try to sleep in a shelter if the weather was wet. I hated to put up my tent in the rain and pack it up wet in the morning. It was normal for me to sleep in my tent. I sometimes snore and upset others if I was in a shelter.

I had been hiking for five days and needed to go into town to resupply. I was at Newfound Gap, the highest part of the whole AT, a met a guy hiking with his son. The weather was cold rain that soon turned to sleet. He offered Texas Jack and I a ride into the town of Gatlinburg and we accepted. Jack and I shared a motel room. Quite a few other hikers were also staying at the motel. We took showers, went to the laundromat and had a nice supper. We had decided to take a "0" day the next day.

Gatlinburg is a real tourist town. It reminded me a lot of Lake George. We spent our day walking around town and checking out the sights. It was a sunny warm spring day. We made arrangements to have a taxi take us back up the mountain to the trail. We called to be picked up and were told that the road up the mountain was closed because of heavy snow and would probably open later in the day. I called back around noon and was told that the road was still closed do to a bus sliding off. We ended up renting a room again and spending another night. We talked to some hikers who had come down into town that day and they told us there was 8" of snow in the mountains. The taxi picked us the next morning at 7. He drove us the fifteen miles to the trail to a winter surprise. It was about 20 degrees, snow on the ground and the wind blowing. We took refuge in a rest room and put on all the warm cloths we had and started to hike. Our destination was a shelter five miles away. Hiking was difficult.

Snow would be knocked from the trees by your pack and would fall over you. The marked trail was hard to follow and the footing was slick. We reached the shelter, named Ice Water Spring, in mid afternoon. The temperature was falling. I found a spot in the shelter, took off as much of my wet cloths as I could and got into my sleeping bag. It was the coldest night I would spend on the AT. It was 8 degrees in the morning.

The cloths that I hung to dry had frozen. My boots were also rock solid from being wet the previous

day. I did not want to get out of my sleeping bag and have to put on cold damp cloths.

The weather soon changed. All the snow melted after a couple of days. The tempeture climbed into the 70s. Spring finally arrived in the Smokey Mountains. I learned a lesson, it doesn't matter how bad it can get, it will soon improve.

We hiked along daily clicking off the miles. Walk for 4 or 5 days, go into a town, resupply, have a couple of good meals, clean up yourself and gear, sleep in a soft bet and call the loved ones back home to let them know how you were doing. The longest time I ever went between phone calls was six days. Now and then I would find an Internet connection and send e-mails to some of my friends. I had settled well into this life of a nomad. I had left behind all the cares of everyday life away from the trail.

I was enjoying myself on the adventure of my lifetime.

Texas Jack was having a problem with his boots coming apart. He called the store in Texas he had brought them from and they said they would replace them with a new pair.

He had them shipped to a post office in a town up the trail we would reach in about a week. Jack went intown and picked up his new boots. Walking with the new boots, not broken in, caused some severe blisters on Jack's feet. He was having a bad time. I could tell that he was not enjoying himself. He started to talk about leaving the trail and going back to Texas. We had hiked a difficult day, a lot of ups and downs his feet were really bothering him. To top it off we got caught in a downpour. We got soak and wet. We arrived at a full shelter and had to tent in the rain. The weather cleared during the night. In the morning Jack was not stirring in his tent. I went over and asked him if he was all right. He said,"Grampie I've had enough. I'm going home." I thought that he would change his mind and I would see him up the trail. I packed up my gear and headed out. We had hiked together for ten weeks and I didn't believe what he was saying. I hiked all day without seeing him. I camped that night and some other hikers that we knew, told me that he hiked to the next road and got a ride into town and was going home. It saddened me to loose my hiking buddy. I had enjoyed the time we had spent together but I understood. The enjoyment of a thruhike had faded for him. He had had enough.

I continued on hiking alone or with other hiker friends. It wasn't the same without Texas Jack. Continued on Page 10

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 10

Pure Fun! Swimming Field Trips Arts/Crafts Girls Inc. specializes in teaching, helping and serving girls from 4 years old to 15 years old!

Week 1: Fun in the Sun Week June 16 - June 20 This week we'll focus on having fun in the sun...now that summer is finally here! Swimming, outdoor play, arts & crafts, SMART, and many more great activities await girls who attend this week. This is a great preview week of all the fun girls will have at our Strong, Smart, and Bold camp throughout the summer. We'll end the week by ringing in summer with an all-camp "beach party"...Girls Inc. style.

Week 2: Welcome to the Jungle Week June 23 - June 27 Girls Inc. is turning into a jungle this week! Campers will enjoy activities that involve animals, nature, the rainforest, and much more. There will even be a special day for all our girls to become "Cheetah Girls", as we pay tribute to this very popular all girl musical group. We will also have our first camp show of the summer, where friends and family will enjoy performances of jungle themed musical acts. This week is sure to make you roar...

Week 3: Stars & Stripes Week June 30 - July 3 Parents please note: This is a shortened camp week. Camp will not meet on Friday, July 4th (Girls Inc. is closed).

We will be honoring America all week long during Stars & Stripes week! Campers will enjoy patriotic songs, crafts, and all-American fun this week as we get ready for America's birthday. This week will feature an all-camp birthday celebration for America on July 3rd (b/c there's no camp on July 4th) which will include Girls Inc. very own daytime "fireworks" display...you won't want to miss this!

Week 4: Express Yourself Week July 7 - July 11 This week is all about being proud of who you are and being the best YOU, you can be! Girls will participate in various activities that allow them to express their creativity, self-expression, and self worth. A big part of this week will focus on self confidence and being Strong, Smart, and Bold. Each group will put together their very own skit (a 5-10 minute performance) that they will get to perform for friends and family at the end of the week camp show.

Guaranteed to be the best show on earth!

Week 5: Girls Inc. Idol Week July 14- July 18 During this week of camp girls will be treated like STARS! It's the first ever Girls Inc. Idol talent search...just like the popular TV show American Idol. Activities throughout the week will focus around singing competitions, idol dress-up days, and much more. We'll even have an all-camp activity this week where we'll crown one lucky girl as the first ever Girls Inc. Idol for the summer of 2008!

Week 6: Rockin' thru the Decades Week July 21- July 25 It's music all week long as we get ready to rock thru the decades of the 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, and 2000's! Each day of camp will be dedicated to a different decade with various activities, crafts, games, and dress-up days. Our featured event this week will be a Rockin' thru the Decades camp show for friends and families to enjoy. So get your dancing shoes on because we're going to rock around the clock!

Week 7: Disney Celebration Week July 28- August 1 Get ready...because the magic of Disney is coming to Girls Inc.! We're going to have a week long celebration of all our Disney friends which will include lots of fun activities, crafts, and movie days. The grand finale for the week will be a Princess Day where girls can come to camp dressed as their favorite Disney Princess and attend the always popular allcamp Princess Ball.

Week 8: Summer Olympics Week August 4-August 8 Let the Games Begin! Girls will get to show how Strong, Smart, and Bold they are during our Summer Olympics week here at Girls Inc.! The week will include lots of physical activities, games and much more. The highlight of the week will be our all-camp Olympic Games which will feature groups competing against each other in a friendly competition.

This week will definitely bring out the athlete in everyone…

Week 9: Wet & Wild Week August 11 - August 15 Parents please note: Camp Hours for the last day of camp on Aug. 15th are 1pm-7pm. (with no AM or PM extended care).The best has been saved for last with our Wet & Wild Week! If you love anything to do with water...then this is the week for you. Campers will get to enjoy a week full of wild and fun water activities - including water balloons, duck - duck splash, and much more! Since this is the last week of camp for the summer, campers will also be preparing for our popular 'end of the summer' Water Show … which is always a SPLASH!

Call Girls Inc. at 203.235.7146 for more information! Drop-In to Register at 130 Lincoln St. in Meriden

We got along so well together. He had become a true friend and now he was gone. Thoughts of leaving the trail myself started to enter my mind. I pushed them aside; I was still enjoying my hike.

While hiking with Jack we would keep track of our progress. The AT ends in Baxter Park in Maine. They close the park each year on October 15. That closing date kind of sets your schedule to finish. Jack and I were not making exceptional time hiking north. We had to average 10.5 miles a day to get to Baxter before the closing date so we had come up with a plan, some time before he left the trail. We would continue north until we reached Harpers Ferry Virginia. Once there we would take a break from hiking, go home for a week, than return and go to the trail's end in Maine. Climb Katahdin to the end of the trail and start hiking south. We could than extend our hiking season if need be. I had told my wife of this plan and she was going to drive down and pick me up.

The weather had become quite hot. We had almost a week of 90-degree weather. It was taking a toll on me. I began to think again of giving up. I decided that when I called home on July 4 I would inform my wife of my decision to quit. I was in a campground in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. I was just short of having completed half of the AT. I called Donna. Her first words to me were, "Texas Jack called. He is coming back to hike. This changed everything. This good news made me want to continue.

I called Jack. He told me that he had an uncle in New Jersey; with failing health that he promised his mother he would visit. We arranged some dates and he decided that he would drive from New Jersey to my home in Meriden and than my wife would drive us up to Maine. I began to hike with new vigor looking forward to the return of my hiking buddy. My wife was to meet me in Duncannon, Penn. I had a week of hiking to get there. I was looking forward to seeing my wife after having been away for three months. The miles just flew by. I reached Duncannon and booked a room at the Doyle Hotel. The Doyle is right on the trail and is a famous hiker stop. It was built in 1902 by Anheuser-Bush as a hotel and tavern to stimulate the sale of beer. It has become somewhat rundown but the rooms were cheap and so was the beer. I spent my night there with a lot of hiker friends celebrating going home for a week to see my wife and having Jack return.

Look for Chapter 2 in the March Issue!

A READER'S FEAST" BOOK DISCUSSION SERIES AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY MERIDEN - Meriden Public Library will be hosting a four session book discussion series titled "A Reader's Feast" organized by the Connecticut Humanities Council.

Our taste in food - what we eat (and avoid); how we grow, select, prepare and serve it, with whom we eat and under what circumstances-is culturally mediated in ways powerful but often unobtrusive. If we are what we eat, we are also what we read. The books in this series nourish the mind, the senses, and the sensibilities. Participants will be invited to supplement the readings with cookbooks and recipes whose significance in their lives and culture they will be asked to define, to interpret, and to question.

The session will take place on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Griffin Room.

Christopher Brown, an educator from East Haven, will lead the discussion.

The schedule and books that will be discussed is as follows: February 6 "The Natural History of the Senses" by Diane Ackerman February 20 "The Art of Eating" by M. F. K. Fisher March 5 "The Mistress of Spices" by Chitra B. Divakaruni March 19 "Chocolat" by Joanne Harris The discussion series is free and all are invited to participate. To reserve a seat, please contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or sign up online at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events."

All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction and even self-contradictory. I was naïve.

I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much painful boomeranging of my expectations to achieve a realization everyone else appears to have been born with: that I am nobody but myself. ~Ralph Ellison, "Battle Royal"

COMMERCIAL * RESIDENTIAL * INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES * * * * * *

New and Existing Construction Service Upgrade Repair Phone and TV Wiring Fire Damage Repairs 45’ Bucket Truck Service Emergency Service “No Job too Big or Too Small”

Fully Insured and Licensed CT Lic. #104727

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 11

What You Need To Know!

Wallingford Kiwanis Past Distinguished President, Tim Wall, congratulating Antionette Walker on being awarded the Kiwanian of the Year at the Annual Kiwanis Holiday Party held at Traditions Golf Club on December 13, 2007.

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine's Day to our snowy Baby Mouse!

Love, Mommy Mouse & Daddy Mouse

Happy Va;lentines Day

The Wallingford Senior Center and What It Offers You! Accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) a constituent unit of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), located at 238 Washington Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 PHONE 203 265-7753 FAX 203-284-9953 Email: office@wlfdseniorctr.com WEBSITE: www.wlfdseniorctr.com Administered by the non-profit 501(c)(3) Wallingford Committee on Aging, Inc. with primary funding by the Town of Wallingford, we are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and for other special events. This beautiful 20,000+ square foot facility, newly opened in 2001, features numerous programs, classes and special events. Services include: Transportation: Two accessible mini-buses for pick up and local trips for qualified elderly Wallingford residents, donations appreciated, advanced reservations required; Health & Wellness: An R.N. from the Wallingford VNA is available daily from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Additional clinics, screenings, and lectures are also offered; Food Services: A nutritious hot lunch, provided by the Elderly Nutrition Project (ENP) is served daily at 11:45 a.m., donation requested, reservations required, call 265-3508. The Lake View Café opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., fare includes breakfast items and home-style soups and sandwiches, no reservations required. Social Services: Our full-time Social Worker provides information on caregiving and family support; outreach to the homebound; referrals to other agencies; benefits applications for energy assistance, and other available assistance programs. Call for an appointment. Daily Activities for Independence (DAI): This unique program meets three days each week and is designed to serve seniors with mildly reduced cognitive, physical, or psycho-social function by providing support, therapeutic activity, and companionship in a small structured environment. A small fee is charged. Please call our Therapeutic Recreation Director for information and assessment. Fitness: A wide variety of classes including strength training, various dance styles, and other forms of exercise are offered at various times each week. Educational: A variety of discussion groups, lectures, and workshops are offered on self-improvement, consumer, legal and financial issues, current events, and other topics. Recreational: An extensive array of individual and group sports; arts and crafts classes; computer courses; musical sessions; group tours; holiday and special events; inter-generational programs; performances, demonstrations and movies are offered on a regular basis.

Please call for information, visit our website, or stop by for a visit and pick up a copy of "Prime Times" our monthly newsletter. Membership is open to residents of Wallingford, age 60 and over; some events and programming are free and open to the public; others available at a non-member fee.

Body. Mind. Spirit. MidState treats them all.

Happy Valentine's Day Mommy, Bria & Blake Love, Daddy

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine's Day Sarah!

You are the best valentine and angel I have ever received !!

Love Grammy Beth

CRUISE TO BERMUDA on the NCL “DAWN” Say “no” to stress, and “hello” to pink sand and pastel coloured houses.

Freestyle dining ashore program, and more time ashore than any other cruise ship.

We believe in caring for more than just the physical. In addition to the traditional medical services we provide, MidState Medical Center also offers patients non-invasive complementary therapies designed to promote healing and speed recovery. Our complementary therapies include: Soft Touch Relaxation Rubs - Provided by volunteers who are specially trained by a certified massage therapist, soft touch relaxation rubs to a patient's hands and feet improve circulation, relieve anxiety, increase endorphins, and are simply soothing.

Reiki Therapy - This Japanese technique used to relieve pain, muscle tension, and overall stress works by releasing blocked energy and recreating the body's natural state of balance. Offered on a requested basis, certified volunteers channel Universal Life Energy by placing their hands at various points of the body.

Pet Therapy - Trained and certified by the National Pet Therapy Organization, pet therapy dogs visit patients and provide comfort and support to those who may feel lonely or otherwise may have no visitors. Bestowed with the Canine Good Citizen Award, visits from these dogs can reduce anxiety, loneliness, and blood pressure and may help motivate withdrawn patients to be more involved in their treatment.

Music Therapy - Several times a week, musicians perform for patients, family members and visitors live in the hospital Galleria. Music therapy has been shown to alleviate patients' pain, counteract depression, promote movement for physical rehabilitation, calm or induce sleep, reduce fear, lesson muscle tension, and encourage relaxation.

Art Therapy - Offered two times per month, the art therapy program helps people affected by cancer find strength, hope and peace through creative expression.

Pilates - To assist breast cancer survivors in their return to wellness, this modified exercise class is offered each Thursday to improve balance, coordination, breathing and circulation.

Focus on Healing- An effective therapeutic program of exercise and movement, this weekly dance program is open to anyone who has experienced breast cancer and is designed to help women experience total body movement and ease adjustment to a new body image.

Acupuncture - Practiced in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years, board-certified medical acupuncturist, Jordan Goetz, M.D., offers acupuncture at the MidState Medical Group Walk-In Center to promote general well being and treat a variety of illnesses. Acupuncture improves the body's functioning through natural healing by stimulating nerves, releasing the body's natural painkillers, and modifying the way pain signals are received. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Walk-In Center at 203-284-9099.

MAY 18 - 25, 2008 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com

$50.00 Monthly Prize All stories, poems, photos, art, recipes etc. sent by andy@peoplespressnews.com are automatically entered or send by mail with the form below. Share today!

Deadline for the next issue is February 25, 2008

The great majority of us are required to live a life of constant duplicity. Your health is bound to be affected if, day after day, you say the opposite of what you feel, if you grovel before what you dislike, and rejoice at what brings you nothing but misfortune. ~Boris Pasternak

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 12

The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around.... Throughout history, "tender loving care" has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing. ~Larry Dossey

Radon Awareness Wallingford Health Department Urges Residents to Test for Radon Gas Have you tested for radon gas in your home? Radon gas is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste, or smell. Radon comes from rocks and soils in the ground and enters your home through small cracks and other openings in your basement. When you continuously breathe in radon gas, it damages your lungs. Long-term exposure to radon increases your risk of getting lung cancer. So much so, that public health officials have found that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind cigarette smoking. Radon is also considered to be the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the U.S. Scientists and researchers estimate that radon gas causes 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. If you smoke cigarettes and have radon in your home, then your risk of getting lung cancer is even greater.

Many Connecticut homes have high radon level, yet very few people are testing for radon in their homes. According to a regional survey, less than one third of the homes in Connecticut have been tested for radon.

The only way to find out if your home has radon is to test for it. The Department of Public Health urges Connecticut residents to test for radon in their homes.

The Wallingford Health Department has a limited number of test kits. You can also purchase a test kit by calling the American Lung Association of Connecticut directly at 1-800-LUNG USA or by going online at www.alact.org.

For additional information on radon, contact the Wallingford Health Dept or the Connecticut Department of Public Health Radon Program at (860) 5097367 or visit our website at http://www.dph.state.ct.us.

Services of the Wallingford Health Department When Andy first told me he wanted to do a newsletter dedicated to health and Wellness, I thought what a terrific idea!

Of course then I realized that I would have to write LOTS of info to make sure we covered everything that we do and naturally we always think we have more time so why do it now. UGH! Big mistake on my part! So now I'm going to tackle the subject by topic matter. But first I included a summary chart of who we are and what we do.

Who are we: Where are we: How to reach us:

WALLINGFORD HEALTH DEPARTMENT 45 S. Main St., Rm. 215 Phone: 203-294-2065 Fax 203-294-2064 Email: wlfdhealth@sbcglobal.net

The Health Department provides all services required by the CT General Statutes and enforces both CT State Regulations and Local Ordinances governing public health and local environmental health. Public Health, as the title implies, are issues in the community that have the potential to impact the general public. By definition Public Health is the community assessment of physical, mental, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease. The table below is a summary of the services we provide: Environmental Health Functions - Food Protection, Licensing and Food Handler Education - Subsurface Sewage (Septic) Inspections and Permitting - Private Well Water Permitting and Approval - Lyme Disease, Rabies and zoonotic surveillance - General Nuisance Complaints - Public Swimming Pool Registration and Inspections - Beauty/Barber/Nail Salon Registrations and Inspections - Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Risk Assessment Health Statistics, Surveillance and Monitoring Public Health Preparedness Activities Contract Services Provided by Wallingford Confidential Communicable Disease Education and Surveillance Women Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program Pediatric Dental Health Immunizations and Well Child Clinics Blood Lead Screening Community Support Groups The Health Dept. is available to provide educational presentations upon request OK, so now that you have the readers digest version of who we are, I'll attempt to explain in further detail.

Food Protection Program: Currently we have 265 licensed and inspected food establishments in Wallingford. This number includes school cafeterias and community organizational and non-profit kitchens. Each facility is classified based on the amount of food handling that occurs. For example, a convenience store with prepackaged food and coffee is considered a Class I and is inspected one time per license year. A full scale restaurant is considered a Class IV and is inspected four times per year.

In addition to our routine unannounced inspections, we will conduct an investigation if we receive a complaint.

Complaints may involve persons suspected of getting sick, which basically means a lot of work for us to try to determine if in they did get sick from food consumed at the food establishment. Most people think of the last place they ate as the culprit, but when we get a phone call involving a potential food related illness, we have a questionnaire that includes getting a 3 day food intake history. Can you remember what you ate (including snacking) 2 days ago? It can be very complicated trying to unravel the mystery of what you ate, where you ate, when you ate, and who else ate the same thing! Of course, we also use laboratory samples of both food and stools to try to confirm if in fact the illness was food related.

Unfortunately, we also get calls from disgruntled employees that try to get us involved when we really don't need to be involved. We also get some complaints that even the best comedy writer couldn't make up! I received a call from someone saying that a certain restaurant we capturing pigeons and serving them as chicken! So I went to the restaurant (unannounced) and spoke with the owner. Needless to say, he was shocked! But he understood why the person might have called and he was very embarrassed by the misinterpretation of what they saw. He went on to show me a pigeon that had a broken wing. He found it by his dumpster, so he scooped it up, made a brace out of a Popsicle stick, and actually had the pigeon in a pet carrier in his office trying to nurse it back to health. You know what they say, no good deed goes unpunished! So I told him to take the pigeon home or contact wildlife rehab professional. Even though his intentions were good, his actions probably cost him a customer.

As you can see by the example, it's very important that we have caller identification when we receive complaints. It's important not only for our follow-up (what if there really is a food related issue) but also so we can contact the caller after our investigation. Names of the complainants are never released. In fact, we have legal authority not to release the persons name who called us as violations of the CT Public Health Code are criminal misdemeanors, which we means we are acting with police powers and must protect the complainant from possible retaliation or retribution. This works both ways in that we also can not legally release information involving a foodborne outbreak UNLESS it serves to protect the public. What does that mean? For example, if we are investing an outbreak and think that others may have been exposed that require treatment or medical attention, or if we suspect that the public may have food from the establishment (similar to all the recall notices from the FDA) we will announce it to the public. We also can't release data for the purpose of legal action on behalf of either the restaurant or someone who may have gotten ill. Our role is to protect the public, not assist in legal action.

Subsurface Sewage: When I teach students, I always ask them if they know where does the waste go when they flush a toilet. Does it go to a waste water treatment facility or do you have your own treatment system, AKA on-site septic?

Our department permits and inspects on-site septic systems. I actually enjoy this part of the job as it can be challenging especially when dealing with a repair system on a difficult lot. What? Let me explain in a bit more detail. Septic systems are living filters, formed with anaerobic bacteria that actually process the wastes and break them down, or in simple terms, they act as filters. Septic systems consist of a septic tank (a hollow chamber that hold the solid wastes) and leaching fields (the liquid or effluent trickles out of the tank into the fields). Most people don't realize that they need to treat their system as a living system or they can cause a premature failure. I'll give you an example. Howe many loads of laundry to do you wash at one time? Do you wash a week's worth or just one or two loads? If you have a septic system, you really need to do only one or two loads at a time. It's like drinking a gallon of water. You can drink a gallon of water over the course of a day, but can you drink a gallon of water all at one time? Probably not, if you did, you would feel like you were going to explode!

When we do site investigations for septic systems, we do deep test pits and perc tests. Again you ask what?

Basically, an excavator will dig a test hole about 7 feet deep so we can observe the soil characteristics to determine if the area is suitable for septic. In other words, do you have a high water table or ledge (solid rock)? If you put a septic system in ground water, you're going to have a big bath tub or if you install it too close to ledge, the soils won't have time to treat the bacteria before it seeps along the ledge and maybe into your well. A perc test tells how fast the liquid or effluent will absorb into the surrounding soils. We use both the deep test pit and perc data to determine how large of a system you need and also how to design the system so that it works as intended (to filter and treat your household waste). Probably more information then you needed to know. We have septic guide books available for home owners so you can read in more detail how your system works and the do's and don't to make sure it continues to work. Septic systems can be very costly, so it's worth your effort to educate yourself. A properly functioning septic system is very important when it comes to protecting the ground water from contamination. What a perfect transition to the next topic of what we do.

Private Wells: There are many areas in town that are not served by public drinking water. It's important that when you need a well, that it's properly located. There are specific separating distances required to protect the well from known contaminates (like a septic system or oil tank). Our department has many pamphlets for homeowners concerning issues surrounding wells. One important topic is Bacteria in Well Water and Well Water Treatment Systems. It's hard to explain that trying to find the source of water contamination (especially e.Coli) is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack! Your well draws water from an aquifer, not surface water. It's possible that the aquifer is impacted from activity a half mile or more away. The most important things to know about your well are: Location, is water-tight well cap installed, is the well cap above grade, and test your well yearly for bacteria. The Health Department also has a video describing how wells are installed so you can be an educated consumer.

OK, time for another humorous story on water. We received a phone call from a resident very upset because the "Town turned off her hot water". Yup, that's what I said. She still had water but she only had cold water. Hopefully you see the humor as well. The Town doesn't supply hot water. Water is heated by your own water heater.

Continued on Page 13

Wallingford Health Department Services continued from Page 12 Lyme Disease, Rabies and zoonotic surveillance You don't have to live in the woods or have deer in your backyard to get Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is caused by the bite of an infected deer tick. Ticks prefer the deer but they will "travel" on the white footed mouse or feed on birds. That's how they can get to your yard without ever seeing a deer! The latest research indicates that the tick needs to feed or stay attached to you for up to 24 hours in order to transmit Lyme Disease. Have you heard the saying "happy as a fat tick on a dog"? The just means the tick is well fed (and apparently content but I don't know that for sure). If you find a tick on you, remove it with tweezers, put it in a baggy with a blade of grass, and bring it to us.

We'll have it tested by the CT Agricultural Experiment Station to see if it actually has the spirochete that causes Lyme Disease. I have heard some folks say to remove the tick with a lit match or cover it in Vaseline. Do you know what happens if you do either of those things? Well first you'll burn yourself and the second method will result in a shiny slick tick. We have tick removal kits and tick identifications cards free for residents.

Rabies and zoonotic surveillance? Zoonotic means that the illness is able to be transferred from animals to people.

If you have a dog or cat, you need to make sure it's current on rabies vaccine. rabies is a deadly virus. It's important to teach children not to pet a dog/cat unless the owner tells them it's OK. I know most people will feed a stray (myself included) but it's really not a good idea as we don't know what illness they may carry. One of my favorite move lines is from the Pink Panther. Inspector Cluseau asks a man if his dog bites (said with an English accent), and the man says "No". So the Inspector reaches down to pet the dog and dog attacks his hand! The inspector said to the man, "I thought you said your dog doesn't bite" and the man said "I did, but that's not my dog". Classic. Our department coordinates with Animal Control, local Veterinarians and medical providers concerning potential rabies expose by animal bites.

General Nuisance Complaints: I'm sure most of us have our own definition what a nuisance is, but the Public Health Code lists items that are a Public Health nuisance, things that have the potential to impact the general public. The regulation also gives us broad authority in defining a nuisance. The first thing we ask residents when they call is if they talked with their neighbor to try to resolve the issue. I'm always amazed how little we talk to our neighbors. I guess we would rather adopt the adage that "fences make good neighbors" as opposed to "love they neighbor", but that's another topic for discussion!

Seriously, if you have an issue that can't be resolved and it's creating a public health issue for you, please call. One example would be the neighbor that refuses to put their garbage out for removal and instead will save it for a month on the side of their house. Eventually it will start to smell and attract strays or rats. However, if your neighbor decides to place an old toilet in the front yard and use it as a planter, it maybe in bad taste, but bad taste isn't against the public health code. I know this as we previously received a phone call involving a potted potty and a neighborhood dispute.

My advice, you don't have to "love thy neighbor" but at least be civil!

Public Swimming Pool Registration and Inspections If you live at a condo with a pool, by definition, its a public pool. A public pool is a pool that is used by more than one private home. We register and inspect public pools for the safety of the public. We make sure that proper safety equipment is available pool side and that the water chemistry is safe for swimming. OK, another true and somewhat humorous story. Years ago, I was inspecting a condo pool on the Friday before July 4th, and it was really hot so there we LOTS of kids in the pool. As I was getting ready to hand my inspection form to the pool attendant, a kid came up and announced that someone had used the pool as a potty. Sure enough, it was like the scene from Caddy Shack and the floating candy bar, but it wasn't a candy bar! I had no choice but to close the pool. Of course the pool staff used a mega phone to tell everyone to get out as the Health Dept was closing the pool. I thought I was going to need a body guard to get out of there! The pool had to be super chlorinated and allowed to go through one complete filtration cycle (usually 8-10 hours), which means the pool is closed for the rest of the day. Now did I mention it was the Friday before July 4th? Well someone needed to come back on the 4th to verify the chemical levels in order to reopen the pool, but since it was the 4th, the department would not authorize the over time, and the pool stayed closed until Tuesday! Now that was a phone ringing experience! Moral of the story, no diapers are allowed in public pools due to potential leakage. Prevention is the key to good public health (and a healthy swim).

Beauty/Barber/Nail Salon Registrations and Inspections The CT General Statutes requires that we inspect salons at least annually for general cleanliness. Serious infection may occur if clean tools are not used, especially if there is an accidental cut to the finger or toe area during a manicure or pedicure. Dirty equipment could cause Hepatitis or a systemic bacterial infection. We use a standard checklist during the inspection and verify that those cutting hair are licensed. Did you know CT doesn't require a license for folks who perform only pedicures or manicures? Or course tattoo and body piercing facilities also don't require a license or exam. So bottom line is, make sure you are comfortable with the salon, does it look clean, do you they reuse emery boards or towels, do they completely clean the foot basins after every use? Stop by your health department and ask to view the most recent sanitary inspection for the salon. If you're not comfortable speaking to the manager or worker, pick another salon.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Risk Assessment There have been MANY toy recalls this past month for lead in paint. Why are we concerned with lead? Lead has been around since the Roman times.

The problem is that lead impacts every organ of the body and can cause serious health concerns. Generally speaking, all homes built before 1978 have the potential to have lead-based paint. However, it is only when the paint becomes defective that it presents an increased risk for lead poisoning. It is imperative that good housekeeping and proper nutrition occur in order to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint and dust. The presence of intact leadbased paint does not automatically mean that your child will be lead poisoned. The CT DPH requires that all children be screened for lead in the blood. There is no "safe" level of lead in the blood, but high levels in young children can impact their ability to learn and develop. If we receive notification from the laboratory or a doctor that someone has an elevated level of lead, we will send educational material and offer to do a free home assessment to help reduce additional exposure. The CT DPH website has lots of information on lead and lead poisoning prevention. The most common areas in the home to have lead-based paint are: kitchen, window areas and exterior paint, especially on the old large front porches. That's because lead was added to paint to increase its shine and durability (or to make the paint job last longer). Our role is to help identify the source of the lead and protect the child from additional exposure. Homeowners should make all renovations in a lead-safe manner to prevent accidental exposure. Lead-safe manner simply means avoid creating a dust issue such as dry sanding or scraping and make sure all paint chips are removed from the work area and surrounding ground (if you're doing outside work). Remember, most homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. You don't have to chew on paint to get lead poisoning.

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 13

The People's Press has over 125,000 Readers in 10 towns and on the web. Call 203.464.3088 to advertise in the NUMBER 1 single copy paper serving Central Connecticut!

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day to the keepers of my heart Ryan, Emily & Derek!

Love always and forever, Grandma

Colony Opticians offers a full line of safety equipment including Safety Glasses, Face Shields, Hearing Protection and more!

QRWA TO HOST WINTER WILDLIFE HIKE The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) will host a hike for interested persons into Quinnipiac River State Park on Sunday, February 10, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. to learn about wildlife of the winter woods. The guide is Peter Picone, a QRWA Board member and CT DEP wildlife biologist. In some years, hikers have found owls and coyote signs in the forest. Hikers should meet at the trail head on Banton St., North Haven, off State St. (behind the Rt. 15 Mobil Station). Participants should dress warmly and wear boots, and bring binoculars if available.

For more information contact QRWA at 203 237-2237 or qrwa@sbcglobal.net As a people, we have become obsessed with Health. There is something fundamentally, radically unhealthy about all this. We do not seem to be seeking more exuberance in living as much as staving off failure, putting off dying. We have lost all confidence in the human body. ~Lewis Thomas, The Medusa and the Snail, 1979 Eat right, exercise regularly, die anyway. ~Author Unknown

We will be happy to visit your company on a regular basis to serve all of your safety needs Safer Vision is within your sight!

COLONY O PTICIANS & 60 Church St. (Rt. 68) Wallingford 203-265-2205

O ptometrists

Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 14

"Mother-Daughter Book Group Announces 2008 Winter Schedule" The Wallingford Public Library's Mother-Daughter Book Group welcomes new members to join their book discussions this winter. Mothers and their middle school or high school aged daughters are welcome to read and discuss the following good books for teens.

Monday, February 25th "Twilight," by Stephanie Meyer: When seventeen-year-old Bella leaves Phoenix to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she meets an exquisitely handsome boy at school for whom she feels an overwhelming attraction and who she comes to realize is not wholly human.

Monday, March 24th The group is open to adult females and teenaged girls. Each book discussion will take place in the Small Conference Room at the Wallingford Public Library. All discussions begin at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Please call the Library at 203-265-6754 to register

MAYOR'S CORNER WALLINGFORD Dear Friends: Guess what! It's out! Yes, I know it's out because I've received one. You must know what I'm talking about. It's the Spring 2008 Guide to Leisure and Fun published by the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department. What a list, a veritable cornucopia of fun and enjoyment.

For children 6-11 years old, Spring Stingers offers a chance to go on trips, participate in gym activities, and much more. Winter Warriors puts 6-11 year olds on the bus headed for fun during Winter break from February 18-22nd.

There are trips to Macy's 34th Annual Spring Flow Show in New York City and Lobster and Cranberries in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

If your interest is financial, enroll in courses explaining strategies for retirement, home buying and financial stability after divorce. There are sport leagues and instruction for bowling, volleyball, tennis, golf, baseball, and basketball.

You can take ballroom dancing and head straight for Dancing for the Stars. Learn swing or Latin and finish with Country/Western. Before these classes, however, you may want to take some of the health and fitness courses.

This guide for 2008 is a wonderful opportunity for fun. Sign up now!

Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

Mayor's Corner Meriden Dear Friends, Happy New Year! I hope the new year brings you and your family much joy and happiness. I am also excited about the opportunities that await the City of Meriden in 2008.

As we rebuild areas of our City, we welcome new retailers, Lowes and Walgreens. We have also been greeted by new quality restaurants in South Meriden and the west side of town. Amy and I had an opportunity to enjoy great food, fair prices, and a comfortable atmosphere at Avanti's in South Meriden. It is definitely worth a visit! My in-laws, Amy, and I also welcomed Ilianno's to Castle View Plaza on the corner of West Main Street and Centennial Avenue. They did a fine job with the interior decorations and the food is absolutely terrific. Another good spot to put on your restaurant check list.

At the Stop & Shop Plaza on the west side of town, Centennial Plaza, as we know it, we have seen façade improvements and blighted properties making way for a new Stop & Shop gas station. It is good news to see this plaza get some needed attention and improvements!

As I attended events throughout the city, I was inspired by our citizens' positive outlook and desire to see Meriden continue to rebuild itself. I was most impressed with the number of new Eagle Scouts that have completed their requirements in our city. Meriden is fortunate and should be proud of all the Eagle Scouts that we have living and working in our city.

The Girl Scouts are in the midst of their annual cookie drive fundraiser. So, buy a few boxes of tasty treats and support an organization that does so much for our young ladies and our community. A special thank you to all the Girls Scouts and their advisors. I appreciate all your help at the Mayor's Clean Up Days.

In closing, Happy Valentine's Day to my beautiful wife Amy, my wonderful mom, and our two little Valentines, Bria and Blake.

Thank you for all your support!

Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni Mayor

Wallingford Family YMCA To Celebrate 63 years of Building "Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities" On Friday, February 8, 2008 the Wallingford Family YMCA will be celebrating sixty-three years of providing quality programs and services to the Greater Wallingford Community. This "Family Event" will begin at 6:00 pm and held at Zandri's Stillwood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Rd., Route 5, Wallingford, CT. The festive night will consist of a Family Style sit down dinner, cash bar, children's activities, music and entertainment from the YMCA's All Day Kindergarten program. The Strong Kids Campaign Kickoff will be one of the highlights of the evening along with a showcase of YMCA programs and services. Admission is a donation of $5/per person - $10/ per family and is open to YMCA members, not-yet YMCA members and to the community at large.

Please join us as we recognize our Volunteer, Members and Employees of the year by RSVP to Debbie, 203.269.4497, ext. 12.

February Events at Temple B'nai Abraham 1.Rabbi's Tuesday Study Group - February 5thth and February 26thth at 2:00 p.m.

Rabbi Gloria S. Rubin, spiritual leader of Temple B'nai Abraham, continues her discussion series of contemporary Jewish issues this February with the topic "When Secular and Religious Law Conflict" on February 5th, and the subject "The Sunflower: is forgiveness always necessary/possible?" based in Simon Wiesenthal's book The Sunflower on February 26thth.

2. Adult Synagogue Skills Class - Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.

Our Adult Synagogue Skills Class was so elated after learning Torah Trope and having our Torah reading debut, we decided to continue the class and learn additional skills. This new session focuses on the Saturday morning service, helping us to understand the content and meaning of our prayers. New class members are always welcome. Pre-requisite: a basic knowledge of Hebrew reading (ability to decode words - even slowly).

Call the synagogue at 235-2581 for the class schedule.

3. Family Shabbat Services and The Rabbi's Toy Box at Temple B'nai Abraham - February 15th at 6:30 p.m.

At Temple B'nai Abraham at 127 East Main Street in Meriden, families are always welcome to attend Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat (Sabbath) services. The Rabbi's Toy Box is available to help entertain little ones. On Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:30 a.m. Children can help carry the Torah silver and march with the Torah. Special Family Shabbat evening services will be held on Friday, February 15th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

On other Friday evenings services begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call (203) 235-2581.

4. Family Bowling - February 17th at 1:00 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of family fun at Brunswick Colony Lanes at 600 S. Colony Road in Wallingford. The cost is $11.00 per person which includes: 2 slices of cheese pizza, soda, shoe rental, and 2 hours of cosmic bowling (music, lights, and bowling!) Please RSVP to Susan Massicott by calling 6301947 by 10:00 a.m. on February 17th.

About Temple B'nai Abraham Temple B'nai Abraham is a Conservative synagogue which provides religious, educational and social programming for all age groups in a warm, extended family atmosphere. Shabbat services are egalitarian, and feature congregational singing. All are welcome. Temple B'nai Abraham is located at 127 East Main Street in Meriden. Please call (203) 235-2381 for more information.

MERIDEN-DON'T JUST SIT AROUND ON YOUR FEBRUARY VACATION!!

Come join us for some family movies.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy our big screen movie with surround sound.

We provide the popcorn!

Bring a clear drink, pillow, blanket, or favorite stuffed animal.

Tuesday February 19th at 2:00 PM. Celebrate Black History month with a movie inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. Wednesday February 20th at 2:00 PM. Join us for a family comedy.

Meriden Public Library Children's Room 105 Miller Street Meriden, CT.

Valentines Day Dinner and Dance Valentines Day will be celebrated at the Meriden Turner Society, 800 Old Colony Road, Rt. 71, Meriden, on Sunday, February 10th beginning with a roast beef dinner served promptly at 1PM. Listening and dancing music will be provided by John Prytko's "Good Times Band" until 6PM. For more information and reservations call Leo @ 203440-0028 or call the Clubhouse on Thursday evening after 7 @ 203440-9624 There are two things in life that a sage must preserve at every sacrifice, the coats of his stomach and the enamel of his teeth. Some evils admit of consolations, but there are no comforters for dyspepsia and the toothache. ~Henry Lytton Bulwer

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 15

MERIDEN ADULT CONTINUING AND CAREER EDUCATION Spring Classes and Offering Personal Finance

400 Women & Money - Take Charge!

Whether married, widowed, divorced or single, women are taking charge of their finances. Regardless of age, it is never too early or too late to take an active role in planning your finances and managing your investments. Gain investment knowledge, establish a plan of action, develop an investment strategy based on your unique needs and goals. Over 80% of women today will at some point be the sole financial decision-maker. Plan now.

H. Cormier, C.F.P Tuesday 3/18 Platt Room 105 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session

2008

Calendar

tion plan? Is long-term care important? Should you consolidate your retirement accounts? Answers to these and many more!

H. Cormier, C.F.P Wednesday 5/14 Platt Room 105 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session

405 How Money Works - English Are you one of the million Americans affected by serious financial stress? Tired of "robbing Peter to pay Paul"? What happens when Social Security isn't enough? Worried about funding a college education? Learn how to prepare for your child's future and help them not start their adult lives in debt! Do you have proper steps in place to get out of debt and be financially independent?

401 Should I have a living Trust?

Come learn financial strategies on How Money Works and go What is a Living Trust and is it right for you? Do you need a through 2008 with your financial house on the right track!

Living Trust to avoid Probate? Topics to be discussed include V. DeLaCruz Wednesday 3/12 & 3/26 estate planning, living trusts, last will and testament, power of attorney, living wills, health care representatives, and State legis- Platt Room 109 7-9pm $30 2 sessions lation that affects these documents. An additional $10 materials 406 Como Funciona El Dinero fee is payable to the instructor at the first session.

Eres una de las millones de personas que tiene stress por el P. Czepiga, Atty. Monday 4/7 dinero? Estas cansado de 'robarle a Pedro para pagarle a Pablo'?

Platt Room 105 6:30-8:00pm $20 1 session Que pasa cuando el Seguro Social no es suficiente? Estas preocupado por el costo de la educación universitaria? Aprenda como 402 Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement With financial independence, retirement can be the most fulfilling preparar el futuro de sus hijos y ayudarles para que NO empiecen time of your life. This class covers important money management sus vidas como adultos en deudados! Sabes los pasos necesarios concepts and issues that are important to people near retirement. para salir de deuda y tener un futuro financieramente independiTopics include assets management and health care decisions. No ente? Asista al evento y aprenda estrategias financieras 'Como products or investments will be offered. An additional $25 materi- Funciona el Dinero' para que pasen el 2008 con su casa financiera en orden! als fee is payable to the instructor at the first session.

V. DeLaCruz Wednesday 4/2 & 4/9 S. Jacques Thursday Starts 4/24 Platt Room 109 7-9pm $30 2 sessions Platt Room 109 6:30-8:30pm $30 3 sessions Our instructors are hired to teach general concepts to groups 403 Strategies That Prevent You from Going Broke at a of students, not to provide specific investment advice to indiNursing Home Will gifting protect my assets for my children if I go to a nursing viduals. Students should consult their own financial advisor or home? How can I get the State to pay for my nursing home care? attorney before making any investment decisions based on Learn about proven asset protection planning techniques for long specific examples used by our instructors. term care, liability to the nursing home for a loved one as well as the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.An additional $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first session.

P. Czepiga, Atty. Monday Starts 4/21 Platt Room 105 6:30-8pm $30 2 sessions

Starting today… Register for General Interest Courses online, by mail or in person until Wednesday, February 13, 2008 STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: The Meriden Adult Education Program operates under the Meriden Board of Education's policy of non-discrimination in Educational Programs and Activities.

This policy adheres to the provisions of Title IX of the Education Acts, 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Disabilities Act of 1991 and appropriate state laws in educational progress, services or employment. All activities offered by Meriden Adult Education are held in accessible locations.

Accommodations for individuals with a disability are available upon request.

If there is any issue or question regarding discrimination, accessibility or accommodation, please write Mr. Donald Friedman, Director, Meriden Adult Education, 22 Liberty Street, Meriden, CT 06450 or call 203-630-4190.

404 The New Retirement Mindscape What are the 5 emotional stages of retirement? How do you make sure you don't outlive your income? What financial concerns lie ahead for your generation? How can you boost your savings if you're off to a late start? Should you convert your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA? How do you select the right retirement distribu-

General Interest Program Classes are offered on a "first come, first registered" basis. Many classes fill quickly and class size is limited. Register early to ensure your place.

We will take registrations (as long as a class is still available) until Wednesday, February 13, 2008. You may register in three ways: Online: Visit www.meridenadulted.org In Person: Come to the Adult Education Office (Room 1A) at the Meriden Board of Education on 22 Liberty Street between 8am and 11:45am and 1pm and 3:45pm.

Please bring cash or a separate check or money order for each class for the course fee. Make checks and money orders payable to: "Meriden Adult Evening School."

By Mail: Use the registration form in this newpaper to register for classes. Please make sure that you have a separate check or money order for each class for the course fee.

Make checks and money orders payable to "Meriden Adult Evening School" and mail the form and payment to: Meriden Adult Evening School, 22 Liberty Street, Meriden, CT 06450.

DO NOT SEND CASH. Please note: You will not receive confirmation of your registration. We will contact you if the class is already filled and we will return your payment then.

NO REFUNDS can be given unless a course is cancelled for insufficient enrollment or already filled.

Incomplete registrations cannot be processed and will be returned.

Participants must be over the age of 18 and not currently registered in any high school.

Please See Registration Form on Page 17

Board of Education Germán Bermúdez, Ph.D. Mark A. Hughes Leonard F. Suzio Michael P. Cardona Thomas E. Bruenn Scott R. Hozebin Frank J. Kogut Robert E. Kosienski, Jr. John D. Lineen, Jr. Barbara R. Sokol

Administration Mary N. Cortright Superintendent Jeffrey A. Villar Associate Superintendent Glen A. Lamontagne Assistant Superintendent Donald H. Friedman Adult and Continuing Education Director

MERIDEN ADULT CONTINUING & CAREER EDUCATION 22 LIBERTY STREET, ROOM 1A, MERIDEN 630-4190

www.meridenadulted.org Office Hours Office Hours Adult Education Office (Central Office) 22 Liberty Street 630-4190 Monday - Friday, 8am-12 Noon and 1pm-4pm Adult Learning Center 169 Colony Street (2nd floor of the Women and Families' Center) 237-0602 Monday-Thursday, 9am-12:30pm and 5:30pm-8:30pm High School Credit Diploma 220 Coe Avenue (Platt High School) Rm. 4 238-2887

Monday-Thursday, 3:30pm-8:30pm Meriden Business & Learning Center 500 South Broad Street 639-0320 Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-3:30pm, evenings as needed School Closings Whenever Meriden Public Schools are closed for holidays and for weather reasons, classes will not meet. School cancellations are made on television and on local radio stations. Watch or listen to your local station when the weather is poor or if a late day storm is forecast. Remember, always use your judgment about traveling in inclement weather.

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 16

FITNESS AND RECREATION

200 Aerobics: Light 'n Low & Sculpt Just getting started or getting back? Try this low level aerobics class with easy-to-follow steps. Bring a mat and register with a friend!

M. Clark M & W Starts 2/25 Washington Small Gym 5:30-6:30pm $50 20 sessions 201 Aerobics: Beginner Basic Cardio Express & Muscle Mix & Sculpt 1 Tuesday - Cardio Express: This class brings you 60 minutes of a workout that won't quit set to a gentler pace. Starting with Cardio (15 min.), Kick Boxing (15 min.) combination of moves, kicks, toning and agility work, and Bottom Line (15 min.) secure tight assets with these glute exercises. Tone, condition and define the gluteus medius/maximus muscle group area for a more appealing "bottom line". Abs follow.

Thursday - Muscle Mix & Sculpt: The maximum muscle workout, no bulking - just toning, flexibility work and total body conditioning. A body sculpting class isolating muscles, achieving definition without adding bulk. Abs follow.

Bring weights (optional) and a mat to class.

M. Clark T & Th Starts 2/26 Washington Small Gym 5:30-6:30pm $50 20 sessions 202 Aerobics: Beginner Basic Cardio Express & Muscle Mix & Sculpt 2 Tuesday - Muscle Mix & Sculpt: The maximum muscle workout, no bulking - just toning, flexibility work and total body conditioning. A body sculpting class isolating muscles, achieving definition without adding bulk. Abs follow.

Bring weights (optional) and a mat to class.

Thursday - Cardio Express: This class brings you 60 minutes of a workout that won't quit set to a gentler pace. Starting with Cardio (15 min.), Kick Boxing (15 min.) combination of moves, kicks, toning and agility work, and Bottom Line (15 min.) secure tight assets with these glute exercises. Tone, condition and define the gluteus medius/maximus muscle group area for a more appealing "bottom line". Abs follow.

M. Clark T & Th Starts 2/26 Washington Small Gym 6:40-7:40pm $50 20 sessions 203 Golf for the Beginner If you know little or nothing about golf, this course teaches the proper use of equipment and clubs, golf etiquette and the rules of the game. A trip to the driving range is the culminating activity.

L. Kapell Wednesday Starts 2/27 Platt Room 72 7-9pm $65 8 sessions 204 Yoga for Relaxation 1 Learn many yoga postures that will help tone and energize your body. Discover breathing techniques that reduce stress and enhance relaxation. Bring an exercise mat or blanket and wear loose and comfortable clothing.

J. Iovanna Tuesday Starts 2/26 Platt Library Media Ctr, 1st Fl. 6-7:30pm $50 8 sessions 205 Yoga for Relaxation 2 Same as Yoga for Relaxation 1 J. Iovanna Thursday Starts 2/28 Platt Library Media Ctr, 1st Fl. 5:30-7pm $50 8 sessions 206 Yoga for Relaxation 3 Same as Yoga for Relaxation 1 J. Iovanna Thursday Starts 2/28 Platt Library Media Ctr, 1st Fl. 7-8:30pm $50 8 sessions 207 Introduction to Ballroom Dancing Learn the "basics" of Swing, Waltz, and Cha-Cha! Learn "the dance" not just the steps, as we show you how to make "small changes" that will make "big differences". Dazzle your friends, relatives and your general audience with our dynamic and progressive variations. Previous dance experience is not a requirement. Bring a partner (required), your video camera and tripod (optional), and sign up now! Progress at your own rate and videotape all your lessons to create your own video notebook (then rewind and review your lessons as required...until the tape breaks!)

O'Keefe/Bula Monday Starts 2/25 Platt Cafeteria 7-9pm $70/Couple 6 sessions 208 Swing Dancing 'On the Move' Learn the "basics" of single, double, and triple rhythm swing. Learn "the dance" (or brush up), not just the steps, as we show you how to make "small changes" that will make "big differences". In addition, we will introduce you to swing "On The Move", a new look that will enable you to gracefully utilize the entire dance floor as you dazzle your friends, relatives and your general audience. Previous dance experience is not a requirement. Bring a partner (required), your video camera and tripod (optional), and sign up now! Progress at your own rate and videotape all your lessons to create your own video notebook (then rewind and review your lessons as required...until the tape breaks!)

O'Keefe/Bula Monday Starts 4/21 Platt Cafeteria 7-9pm $70/Couple 6 sessions

Register On-Line at www.meridenadulted.org

Crafts and Hobbies

120 Pastels Local artist Ellie Bender will teach you to create a colorful landscape or a still life. Some art experience is helpful. Order pastels in the first class or bring a 96 piece set of NU Pastels, backing board, felt gray or steel gray canson paper, a sepia pastel pencil and a kneaded eraser to class.

E. Bender Monday Starts 2/25 Platt Room 64 6:30-8:30 pm $55 6 sessions 121 Quilting for Beginners -Bento Box Bento box showcases a collection of fabrics or theme fabrics in a sophisticated but simpleto-make-quilt.

K. Bergeron Monday Starts 2/25 Platt Room 14 6-9pm $70 6 sessions 122 Quilting for Intermediate - Take Two Take two prints, add a few more for variety, and you're ready to sew a fun and easy fat quarter quilt.

K. Bergeron Wednesday Starts 2/27 Platt Room 14 6-9pm $70 6 sessions 123 Arranging Fresh Flowers in Vases In this two week course designed for beginners, we'll explore various techniques to arrange flowers in vases of water. we'll design in standard vases as well as in newer shapes like "cubes". Go home each night with one or two vase arrangements to enjoy. Cost for supplies for each night's class is approximately $20 payable to the instructor. Bring payments for both classes to the first session. Bring scissors.

J. NorrieWednesday Starts 4/23 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30 pm $30 2 sessions 124 MORE Fresh Flower Novelties A continuation of the Spring 2007 and Fall 2007 courses, these classes are designed for the beginner to have fun with flowers in fun and novel ways. No prior class experience is necessary. Depending on student interest, projects may include ideas for children's parties, showers, Easter designs in egg cartons or egg baskets, take-out food containers, birthday cakes, treasure chests and for animal lovers, a basket of kittens or a cute poodle. You'll learn how to bring a smile to birthday or "cheer up" occasions. Cost for supplies is approximately $20 per session payable to the instructor one week in advance. Bring payment for the first two classes to the first class. Bring scissors and enjoy!

J. Norrie Wednesday Starts 2/27 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30 pm $55 6 sessions 125 Photo Organizing Class Are your pictures a mess? Organize them! Bring 170-180 4x6 photos or 170 4x6 and some panoramic photos to class. We will complete an album that offers photo-safe story sleeve pages for preserving your life's milestones. Customize your pages with flexible pre-cut accessories that come with the album. You'll have your memories safely pocketed and ready to be treasured and shared. Bring a materials fee of $45 to the first class.

L. Harduby Tuesday 2/26 Platt Cafeteria 6:30-9pm $30 1 session

Computers

300 Keyboarding Learn keyboarding and how to use a computer as well as basic word processing.

Develop and improve your skills and speed using MS Word. Text included.

R. Ash Monday Starts 2/25 Platt Room 131 6:30-9pm $150 12 sessions 301 Basic Computer Concepts and Applications If you have no computer background, this course will teach you the fundamentals of using a personal computer. Hands-on experience will help you explore word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), databases (MS Access) and graphics presentation (MS PowerPoint). Keyboarding skills required. Text included.

M. Murphy Tuesday Starts 2/26 Platt Room 123 7-9pm $117 12 sessions 302 Basic MS Excel Hands-on experience creating, editing, printing and saving spreadsheets. Learn to use basic formulas and functions, copying formulas, formatting worksheets and creating charts.

Basic Computer Concepts and Applications required.

Text included.

M. Murphy Monday Starts 2/25 Platt Room 123 7-9pm $117 12 sessions 303 Basic MS WORD Learn the concepts and practices behind the most widely-used word processing program. Learn to create and edit professional letters, memoranda, press releases and reports as well as how to prepare things for online use.

Keyboarding skills required. Text included.

M. Murphy Wednesday Starts 2/27 Platt Room 123 7-9pm $92 6 sessions 304 Basic MS access Learn the professional way to record, handle and share data. After learning how to create tables and enter data, you will practice creating forms and reports as well as retrieving data with queries and sharing it through links, tables and forms. Keyboarding skills required. Text included.

M. Murphy Thursday Starts 2/28 Platt Room 123 7-9pm $92 6 sessions 305 How to use your personal computer You now have a computer in your home and now what do you do? This class will teach practical computer use, including how to secure your personal data as well as how to set up a secure wireless network. You will learn how to protect your loved ones against computer predators and the best practices to avoid computer identity theft.

A. Moore Wednesday Starts 2/27 Platt Room 131 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions

LANGUAGES 500 Conversational Spanish 1 501 Conversational Spanish 2 Get the basics of conversational Spanish. Everyday expressions and usage along with vocabulary will prepare you for travel or for work. Text included.

E. Lorenzo Thursday Starts 2/28 Platt Room 152 5-7pm $120 12 sessions

One Night Craft Classes

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 17

This course continues Conversational Spanish 1. Text included.

E. Lorenzo Thursday Starts 2/28 Platt Room 152 7-9pm $120 12 sessions

SPECIAL INTEREST

700 Glamourtology 101 Let a professional make-up artist, a leader in the practice of custom blending foundations and tinted moisturizers, guide you through the latest color trends and techniques designed to accentuate your personal sense of style and beauty. This course is especially helpful for women who are transitioning to the workforce, who want to impress or who are recovering from a long-term illness. Materials supplied.

D. Rich Mon. & Wed. Starts 2/25 Platt Room 9 6:30-8:30pm $50 6 sessions 701 The Basics of selling on ebay® This is for any company or individual who wants to sell items. Are you a company who is looking to liquidate your inventory? If you are a business that has inventory just sitting on your shelf or you don't have that much cash in your bank account we can help you! Are you an individual who has things lying around that you want to sell? In this bad economy you know that there is no such thing as having too much money, we can help you, too! Bring $25 materials fee to the first class.

C. Adamo Classes on: 2/26, 2/28 and 3/4 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $45 3 sessions 702 The Basics of Buying on ebay® This course is for individuals who want to learn how to buy on eBay. You can find bargains if you are in the right place at the right time - and don't we all enjoy bargains these days! Bring $15 materials fee to the first class.

C. Adamo Monday 2/25 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session

100 Easter Charm Basket Flowers and chocolate - what a wonderful combination! Create a beautiful basket of live plants, colorful silk flowers and Easter chocolate for someone special, perhaps yourself. An easy and fun night out. Please bring a paper grocery bag to class. Materials fee of $20 payable to the instructor the night of class.

M. Lipski Tuesday 3/18 Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session

101 Going Green Theme A topic in the news: going green in the yard is not difficult. Learn various easy ways to improve soil health, have low maintenance plants, con703 Beyond The Basics of ebay® serve water, encourage wildlife, eliminate pestiAny company or individual who wants an eBay business needs this course! Are you cides and chemicals. Master Gardener Marie an existing company that has tried to liquidate inventory but aren't having any success? Are you an individual who has lost your job or you want to own your own busi- Lipski has been using only Earth Friendly techness and be your own boss? Now you can have an eBay business and we can help you niques for 20 years. "Be part of the solution, not part of the problem" - create a healthier place for get it set up. Bring $25 materials fee to the first class. people and pets. MANY handouts provided.

C. Adamo Classes on: 3/6, 3/11 and 3/13 M. Lipski Thursday 3/27 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $45 3 sessions Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session

704 ebay® Giving Works - Do Well by Doing Good This course is for individuals who want to learn how to sell items on eBay and donate a portion of the proceeds to qualifying non-profit organizations. Buyers will pay more for an item on eBay if they see that some money is going to charity. This is great for a seller who has a big heart! PREREQUISITE: Course # 701 - "Basics of Selling on eBay". Bring $15 materials fee to the first class.

C. Adamo Wednesday 2/27 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $25 1 session 705 Self Discovery/Journal Healing In this self help class, writing is used for the purpose of personal healing. Everyone has a lifetime collection of experiences, thoughts, achievements, regrets and forgiveness. These collections will be entered into a journal for the purposes of self awareness and healing. The journal can provide a history, which can serve as a wonderful legacy to family members.

R. Cignatta, MSW Thursday Starts 4/3 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions 706 Digital Photography This class will teach you how to use all the features of your new digital camera.

Topics to be explained include resolution, white balance, file formats and compression, optical versus digital zoom, various picture modes and manual controls, etc.

After you've taken the photos and transferred them to your computer, you'll learn how to store and catalog them so that you can find them again. Compare the various output choices such as prints or digital slideshows, do them yourself or have them done for you. Use of the internet and e-mail will be discussed. Learn camera composition to improve your photos regardless of your camera type. A demo of the digital darkroom using PhotoShop Elements will be presented.

R. Tokarz Tuesday Starts 2/26 Platt Room 57 6-9pm $40 2 sessions 707 Enhance Photos with Photoshop Elements (Fundamentals) Now that you have a digital camera, what do you do with all those pictures? The course will show you how to organize all those files with PhotoShop Elements Organizer. Additionally, learn color correction, resizing photo files for different purposes, changing resolution, fixing "red eye", opening closed eyes, creating slide shows on VCD, greeting cards, sending photos by e-mail and more. There is a media fee of $15 for class materials which will be collected on the first night of class. A 30 day trial version of the program is provided so that you may load it on your computer at home to follow along with the lessons. Owning the program is not needed to take the course. A minimum knowledge of how to use a personal computer is required. The instructor may be contacted for further information.

R. Tokarz Tuesday Starts 3/11 Platt Library Computer Lab 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions 708 Enhance Photos with Photoshop Elements (Essentials) Builds on the fundamentals course with text on a picture, drawing shapes, painting with different brushes, creating collages, Layers and Selection to effect parts of an image, sharpening a blurry image, merging multiple images to create a panoramic, the magic of filters, and making scrapbook pages from scanned items, etc. There is a media fee of $15 for class materials which will be collected on the first night of class.

The instructor may be contacted for further information. Prerequisite: You must have recently completed and mastered PhotoShop Elements (Fundamentals).

R. Tokarz Tuesday Starts 4/22 Platt Library Computer Lab 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions

102 Moon Garden Relax and enjoy the evening air - and your garden! A moon garden is ideal for those who are too busy to garden during the day or prefer the cooler temperatures of dusk. Choosing the right plants is important but easy for this whimsical garden theme. Beginner to experienced gardeners welcome. Ideas presented are suitable for large or small locations. MANY handouts provided.

M. Lipski Wednesday 4/2 Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session

103 Perennial Possibilities For some, perennial plants are the nostalgia of grandmother's garden. For others, it is the enticing colors from a magazine photo. Or, perhaps the understanding that like good friends, they come back to visit each year. What are the various ways to use perennials for best display?

Garden design, cultivation and the purchasing of healthy plants will be discussed. Green thumbs not necessary. Photos welcomed with the possibility of a class discussion. MANY handouts provided.

M. Lipski Monday 4/7 Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session 104 Arranging Fresh Flowers in a Basket In this one night class, you'll learn techniques to create different types of basket arrangements using fresh flowers. You'll create a basket of flowers to bring home and enjoy. Cost for materials is approximately $20 payable to the instructor the night of class. Bring scissors.

J. Norrie Wednesday 5/7 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session 105 Flower Cake Using fresh flowers, you'll learn how to make a cake out of flowers, suitable for birthdays or other occasions. A favorite of both children and adults, regardless of age, this class is designed for the beginner. You'll go home with a flower cake to enjoy. Cost of materials is $20 payable to the instructor the night of class. Bring scissors.

J. Norrie Wednesday 5/14 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session

Registration Form Name Address City/State/Zip E-Mail Address Daytime Phone

Fax Number

Evening Phone

COURSE# COURSE TITLE (SEPARATE CHECKS FOR EACH COURSE)

FEE $ $ $ $

For Office Use Only C ____ P ____ Mail ____ Personal ____ Check # ____ PAYMENT INFORMATION Check Cash Money Order made payable to Meriden Adult Evening School Mail this form and payment to: Meriden Adult Evening School, 22 Liberty Street, Meriden, CT 06450. Registration with this form will be accepted by mail or in person until Wednesday, February 13, 2008 DO NOT SEND CASH.

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 18

MERIDEN BUSINESS & LEARNING CENTER

500 S. Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450 Phone: 203-639-0320 Fax: 203-639-0322 www.mblc.org Computer Training 6-Hour Courses - Cost $141.40 (includes 1% computer tax)

Computer Training Excel Introductory 2/29, 4/4, 5/28 Excel Intermediate 3/28, 5/2 Word Introductory 2/15, 4/11, 5/21 Word Intermediate 3/14, 5/16 Word Advanced 3/26 Access 3/26 PowerPoint 3/7, 5/7 Publisher 3/5, 4/30 Outlook 2/13, 4/25 QuickBooks Pro 2006 Perfect for small businesses looking to computerize their finances. Learn how to manage customer and vendor information, create invoices and credit memos, manage banking transactions, and generate reports. Basic bookkeeping knowledge suggested.

February 8, 2008 8:30 am - 4:30 pm $150 (includes book)

Test Preparation Courses Course Information TOEFL The latest Internet version of the TOEFL exam is now available. TOEFL is a required entrance exam for foreign-born students at most colleges and universities. Our 12 week course will prepare you in the following areas: listening comprehension, written expression, reading comprehension and the new speaking section. Includes textbook, CDs and practice test.

Thursdays 9/20-12/13/07 6pm-9pm $250 PARAPRO iBT PREPARATION COURSE MBLC is and ETS Authorized Testing Center for ParaPro Assessment iBT (Internet-based test). Take the ParaPro Prep Course and Assessment at our center. See your results immediately! Includes textbook, direct instruction and internet based exam.

Mondays & Wednesdays, 3/3- 3/17 6-9pm $150 PLEASE CALL FOR FALL SESSIONS

Test Center Offerings M.O.S. PROGRAM Microsoft Authorized Testing Center. Validate computer skills and productivity by successfully completing an exam and receiving official Microsoft Certification in any of the following applications: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook. Includes free practice test.

Call for appointment $80 per exam TOEFL iBT and PARAPRO iBT MBLC is an ETS Authorized Testing Center for both internet-based exams.

Contact ETS in order to register for TOEFL iBT and receive test schedule.

Please call MBLC for a ParaPro iBT appointment.

Registration for classes at MBLC must be sent to MBLC at least one week in advance. Please call 639-0320 or register at www.mblc.org

Corporate Discounts 10% for 5 people, 15% for 6 or more Major Credit Cards Accepted Registration for classes at MBLC must be sent to MBLC at least one week in advance.

Please call 639-0320 or register at www.mblc.org Adult Education at work... the smart solution for your business MBLC develops and delivers customized workplace instruction and services in the following areas: o Instruction in Reading o English as a Second Language o Communication Skills o Basic Computer Training Companies investing in workforce education report: o Increased productivity and lower error rates o Enhanced employee retention and "promotability" o Improved health and safety records o Increased ability to implement new technologies YOUR Worksite on YOUR Schedule - Job-Specific and Cost-Effective For more information, call our Workplace Coordinator at 203-639-0320 or visit www.mblc.org

Back By Popular Demand 600 Opera "No Prior Knowledge of Opera Required" From Caruso to Pavarotti to Bocelli - hear and see these singers and others through biographies, documentaries, concerts, and film. Increase your knowledge and appreciation of one of the most beautiful musical art forms today. A selected opera will be reviewed to prepare you for attending a live performance.

V. Bubon Tuesday Starts 2/26 Washington Library 7-9pm $55 10 sessions 601 Astrology - You Are More Than Your Sun Sign Astrology is more than what you read in sun sign columns. from the time you "made or avoided" your first personal decision, you began shaping your opportunites and challenges. What did you do and why? Become aware of your potential. Check out your friends, family and co-workers too!.

D. Bustillo M.P.A., N.C.G. Wednesday Starts 3/26 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions

Community Programs

Meriden Public Library The Library is your one stop for information. We offer comprehensive adult and children's collections; a computer system that links you to other libraries throughout the state; bookmobile services; and satellite programs at 3 Meriden elementary schools.

Call 238-2344.Also at the Meriden Public Library: Literacy Volunteer Tutor Training Become a Literacy Volunteer by learning the techniques of teaching Basic Reading or English as a Second Language (ESL). In our 18-hour training, you will learn how to teach basic skills. No prior teaching or college experience required. Materials and instruction are free of charge. Call 2351714.

Family Resource Center Meriden's Family Resource Centers areschool and home-based programs for families of children from birth to age five.

Parent/child interactive playgroups workshops and home visits give parents the skills to be their child's first teacher of language, social, emotional and physical development. Call 238-2316 or 237-4743 Senior Buddy Readers For Meriden citizens over 50... Become a Senior Buddy Reader! Senior Buddy Readers is a volunteer program that unites senior citizens with 1st and 2nd graders in the Meriden Public Schools. Seniors are taught reading strategies to help the children improve their reading skills. For more information, call Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566.

Meriden Children First Initiative CFI improves the lives of Meriden children and families through the increased parent involvement in civil life. We provide parents with training programs, serve as a citywide convener on children’s issues, and sponsor and disseminate key research on the status of Meriden’s families. Call 6303566 or visit our website www.Meriden.com/childrenfirst.

HEALTH Healthy children have a greater opportunity to grow into healthy adults. The Meriden community devotes significant resources to support growing, healthy children, Consider: All children and their parents have access to immunizations. As a result, many of our children have a good start. The Meriden Department of Health and Human Services wants to ensure that all of our children experience continued good health and have access to treatment when necessary.

Since more than half of our children are eligible for free or reduced price lunches, the Meriden Board of Education unani-

mously expanded its school breakfast program to all elementary schools. As a result of the breakfast program, children are less distracted in class and teachers have seen a positive impact on learning and behavior.

The Community Health Center has an Obstetrical Center that offers early prenatal care, financial counseling, on-site lab and ultrasound tests. Since its opening, there has been an increase in early prenatal care registration and the number of healthy birth weight deliveries. Also, Head Start children are screened at CHC's Dental Center.

The Child Guidance Clinic for Central Connecticut is a licensed psychiatric clinic for children and an outpatient facility for the reatment of substance abuse.

Additional programs include home based services, care coordination, Project Hope (for children affected by AIDS), and Child Care Center Consultation. The Clinic served 627 children during 2003, averaging about 24 new young people per month.

The Connecticut Birth to Three System provides supports and services to families of children aged birth to three years old who are demonstrating significant delays in their development. Services are provided in the home or community settings where the child lives, learns and plays. In 2003, 162 infants and toddlers from Meriden received services from Birth to Three programs.

SAFETY Children develop trust, self-confidence and the skills they need to get along with others when they grow up in a safe environment. Children are affected personally and educationally by exposure to violence and abuse of trust. In Meriden, we are working hard to make certain that our children are not in danger. * Both the Meriden Health Department and Healthy Meriden 2010 collaborate to distribute bicycle helmets and safety pads to children. children. * The Meriden Police Department is active in providing the tools and lessons for safety by: distributing gun locks, holding bicycle safety events, checking seatbelt compliance, running Car Safety Seat clinics and inspections, and offering D.A.R.E. substance abuse prevention programs at local schools. * The Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council (MAWSAC) provides alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse information to the community and collaborates with schools and area agencies to offer programs such as B.A.B.E.S., an elementary school drug prevention program, as well as high school smoking intervention programs.

Would you like to teach a course for us?

Are you a born teacher? Do you have a talent, skill or interest that you would like to share with others? If so, we would like to hear from you.

Please send your course description and resume to: Donald H. Friedman, Director Meriden Adult Education 22 Liberty Avenue Meriden, CT 06450

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 19

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.

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine’s Greetings Mommy, Daddy Mimi, Nina, Jaju, Grampa and EVERYONE! Much love, Haley and Braden Happy Va;lentines Day Hunter Christian Pageau You are the Sweetest Little Cupid ever!!!! I love you so so much!!!!

Happy Valentines Day Hunter!!!!

Love Always, Auntie Dee-Dee xoxoxoxo Happy Va;lentines Day Dear Mark, Here's to our first Valentine's Day as Mr. and Mrs. Hunter.

I love you, Monique

SICILY WITH CHERI MEIER Our indefatigable high school teacher leads her student group through Sicily once again this spring. Mrs. Meier welcomes both students and adults on her highly popular Italy series.

APRIL 10 - 19, 2008 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com

ALL PET OWNERS, PLEASE READ: "Common pet illnesses and info you should be aware of if you're not already"

by Nicole Giannetta Since the thought of "our baby" being sick is heartbreaking and the thought of costly vet bills is bank breaking, please do your pets and yourselves a favor and have them vaccinated, and also take the proper precautions to protect them against heartworms and lyme disease. These illnesses are so easy to prevent but can be very costly to treat.

Although dry and warmer areas like the south have a much bigger issue with ticks and heartworms, our pets are still vulnerable living in this area. It is our responsibility as pet owners to protect them because they cannot protect themselves from nature's bad guys. Distemper, Parvo, Lepto, Corona Virus, and Rabies are all illnesses that an animal can and should be vaccinated for. Frontline which is a treatment that is applied to the animals coat on a monthly basis, is used to prevent ticks, fleas and lyme disease if in fact a tick should latch on. Frontline and generic brands are sold at pet supply retailers like Petco, Pet Smart, and can also be purchased at your vets office. Heartguard, or Iverheart is a chew that is given orally on a monthly basis to protect your pet against Heartworms. This product has to be purchased at your vets office.

It is also extremely important to spay or neuter your pet, and not just for the obvious reason of population control.

Spaying/neutering can prevent many health problems such as cancer primarily in females. Females are at a much greater risk of developing breast cancer, if they are not spayed. I encourage people to research the benefits of spaying and neutering, because there is much more information out there.

Certain breeds of dogs can be prone to certain diseases, and infections. For example all of you who own dogs with floppy ears, such as : Cocker/Springer Spaniels, Beagles, Basset Hounds, etc, you should be aware that your dog is more prone to ear infections, due to the fact that their ears do not have any ventilation. It is a good idea to flip or tie their ears back every now and then to allow air to get in and dry things out. Air infections are painful for them and having to frequently put drops in their ears is no fun for you either. Those of us who own large breed dogs such as : Huskies, Sheperds, Rottweilers, and American Bull dogs, should know that our dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis. Hip dysplasia is a common degenerative joint disease, and a dog doesn't have to be old to have it. Buying a dog from a pet store or from a "backyard breeder" where incest exists, could increase your dogs chances of developing the disease. The symptoms of hip dysplasia are limping or an altered gait, stiffness in the rear legs after exercise or first thing in the morning, and as the condition progresses the dog will loose muscle tone. Regular vet checkups are crucial to check for early signs, and there are many natural supplements on the market like calcium and glucosamine tablets that may help slow and/or relieve some of the symptoms.

Dental care is also an extremely important part of your pets overall health. In humans oral health is so important that a dentist can basically tell your overall health just by looking in your mouth. Dogs and cats are very similar, and just like with humans good dental care should begin at a very young age. Teeth should be checked at each vet visit and an office cleaning should be done every few years beginning around age 4 or 5. However, in between these cleanings pet owners should brush their pets teeth every few months, with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for animals. We all know how painful a tooth ache can be and a "grumpy" pet can indicate an abscessed or decaying tooth. Buying quality food for your dog goes hand in hand with good dental health. Actually quality food is crucial to a pets overall health, so choose your pets food wisely a little research goes a long way and think of it as an investment in their health.

Rawhide chewies and certain bones are also helpful in removing some tarter from your dogs teeth. It is also wise to make sure you are not just feeding your dog/cat a soft or wet food diet. The dry food is much better for their teeth, so make sure to mix it in with the wet food if your pet prefers the wet/soft kind. And make sure to select a non-fatty food for your fur baby, because fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis in dogs and this can be deadly. As for weight, pay close attention to your dogs weight because a hypo-thyroid can be common in dogs and cause them to gain a lot of weight. It can be treated with medication, but the sooner you catch it the better.

I have covered a variety of health issues and the preventative measures we should all be taking to protect our pets from them. The most important thing you can do for you pet besides love them is take them to the vet regularly. So it would be wise to find a vet you are comfortable with and develop a good relationship with them. And whether you buy or adopt a pet, make sure to take them to the vet for an overall evaluation as soon as possible regardless of whether they have seen a vet recently or seem healthy.

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself. ~Harvey Fierstein Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose, and then where are you? ~Fanny Brice

Your Business is our Business!

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 20

Castle Runs PART 1 Part 1 David Radcliffe In the early part of 2006 I had a pain in my neck. At the start, I complained about it on a fairly regular basis to my wife (suggesting, with a wink, that she might be the source of it!). But then, as the days of pain turned to weeks and then months, I got just plain worried.

I didn't know it at the time, but a January '06 run up to the top of Castle Craig in Meriden's Hubbard Park would be my last bit of exercise until later that summer. Over the next weeks it became uncomfortable to do most everything, including sleep.

My left arm and leg became numb and tingling, and my left leg was dragging slightly behind when I walked. I tried massage therapy, heat, cold, stretching and pills. Nothing worked. As Winter turned to Spring, I watched most of the changing seasons through a window. No lawn mowing, no playing catch with the kids. Finally, the doctor took an MRI. He showed me the pictures, and, shocked, even I could see trouble. A disk was out from between the 6th and 7th vertebrae in my neck, and pushed half-way into my spinal cord. While my prognosis was good, the doctor said if I didn't have the surgery soon I could lose my ability to walk by the end of the summer. That was a terrifying thought.

While plenty of people have this issue - more than you can imagine - this was devastating news to me. I've been blessed with a very healthy and active life. I've been running since 12 years old. Except for chicken pox in the 3rd grade, I had never been sick or injured.

Several months later, I had surgery to repair a severely herniated disk. If you have to have this problem, said the doctor, this was the best spot due to easy access for the surgery and better odds for recovery.

Today, a year and a half later, I'm totally fine. I have a very slight loss in range of motion in my neck - so if I need to scratch my chest with my chin, that's not so easy.

The following collection of journal stories is of the year I took to revisit visit Hubbard Park and Castle Craig, the site of my last run before that long dark winter. At least once a month in 2007 I ran the three miles from the park-proper and on up - way up to the Castle. For me this was a way to celebrate recovery from what started in early 2006 as a painful, mysterious malady that ended with a full recovery.

OOOOOOOO If you haven't been up to Meriden's Castle Craig, you've certainly seen it, a tiny rock sentinel watching over Meriden for over 100 years. The way up deserves a description. It's a highly unique geologic feature born from volcanic activity eons ago.

The road starts at an old zoo area, going about three miles on paved road to Castle Craig. The way goes under the I-691 overpass and carries along the east edge of Merriemere Resevoir.

About one mile from the park, the road takes an elbow turn to the left, along the north end of the reservoir. One half mile later, there's another right-angle left turn. In front of you is the sharp face of the ascent to the Castle. There is a 700 foot elevation gain over the three miles, with 500 feet of it over the last

mile. Some call this the 'Wall'.

A 10% grade may not sound like much, but it is extraordinarily steep. And if you choose to reach the top under your own power, the ultra-rise that gets you there is one of the most challenging there is. And some people do choose to walk or run up that hill. Take Bernie Jurale.

In 1970, according to a website describing the run that now bears his name, Bernie Jurale celebrated his 70th birthday by running up to the radio towers at the summit of West Peak in Meriden, Connecticut USA. A teacher at a local high school, Jurale was joined in the following years by some of his students.

Bernie made his last assault of the mountain in 1979 at age 79, but his spirit and determination have been carried forward by area runners, creating a tradition that has lasted over 30 years.

Now, each January, a few hundred runners each winter run to reach the top. It's the camaraderie of sharing a frosty challenge, notes the website, 'a small test of backbone, courage and good sense'. I am one of those runners.

One of the most memorable moments in the run's history occurred in 1983 when the run had been "officially" postponed.

From the website: "A storm had deposited ten inches of snow on the mountain.

Two dozen runners refused to be denied, and began the 3.1 mile trek through virgin snow. In the last mile, where the climb is steepest, runners desperate for solid footing followed snowmobile tracks to the summit. As the runners reached the top, they formed a receiving line to greet the succeeding finishers with handshakes and high-fives."

January 15, 2006 Up until last night January has been a mild, coatless weather.

We had temps well into the 50s this week and it was hard not to think of spring.

Today, however, was a different story. The air was 15 degrees, and winds were a good 20 to 30 miles an hour. The ground was covered with an inch or two of ice and snow. That made the three mile Bernie Jurale run up to the Castle a tricky one. Despite the weather there were about 100 people lined up at the start. The first mile was tough, into stinging, blowing ice and the teeth of wicked cold wind. I wore gloves but my hands got painfully cold, and didn't warm again until about two miles.

Even though I wore special cleats over my running shoes, those only seemed to help me now and again. In places where there was snow I could get little traction.

This run is very challenging in any condition. On this day though there was something different. I had a pain in my upper left back, I took a couple of aspirin to take the edge off. Maybe I was still sore from shoveling a recent heavy snow? Whatever the cause, it was very tight and uncomfortable on the run.

OOOOOOOOOOO One year later . . .

January 21, 2007 When I ran this race last year in 2006 I felt that shoulder pain that ended up being the herniated disk on which I had surgery four months later. I didn't know that at the time, of course.

Castle run today, biggest crowd I've seen in the four or five

years I've done this. 275 people! It was decent weather. Dry and mid-20s, clear sky. It was surprising to come upon ice on the upslope, that made it quite an effort in spots to keep traction and power. On the whole I did OK. I felt sluggish that first two miles - the easier part of the track. As I neared the finish line, legs shaking with fatigue, I was reminded that sometimes the best part of running is the stopping part.

February 14, 2007 Today was meant to be a major winter storm - the first of this season. Even though school has been closed for today, there's not much going on at this point (8 a.m.) I got up early, in part to see about school closings and also to prepare for a run up to the Castle. If the driving was meant to be 'hazardous' as the TV warned, I had to be a part of that!

I was at the park by 6:15 a.m., the only car in the lot. It was still dark and there was a light sleet. It was windy, as it often is alongside the reservoir. The pond had an eerie look to it, frozen solid, a dalmation color with the black ice and white spots of snow blowing around. It was noisy, noise mostly from the crinkle of my jacket and the crunching of my feet on the icy road. Around me was the sound of pellets of ice as they hit the dry leaves left from last October. An orchestra of sound. And grey - even as night lifted there was no color - a bleak, stark, and isolated landscape. I took my time running up. Wasn't super cold, but at the top was hit with wind and driving pellets that hurt my face. Meriden was gone, covered by clouds.

Back at the parking lot I saw the only other human out there, a man walking a dog (it seemed very happy to finally have winter). And I was happy to finally get to the safety of my car. The footprints of my going up were now gone, covered with snow.

March 23, 2007 Took another run up to the Castle this morning. Driving west through downtown I could just make out the Castle, covered with a fog so light you might rub your eyes to erase it. At the park, the last snow of the season from a week ago was on the ground. The warming air above made a thick fog for the 30 feet above the ground, making for very poor visibility. But the fog had little chance on a day like this. Like faith Thoreau had in a seed, this day had Spring written all over it. Looking up, above the fog and toward the Castle, the early morning sky was a deep blue. In this, I ran.

Along my way I ran through pockets of intermittently warm and cold air, as though the air couldn't decide whether to hold onto Winter or let go for Spring. As early as it was in the day, there were other people already out and about, walking and jogging. The reservoir was largely free of winter's grasp, but for a few lonely islands of ice. Their days were numbered. I could hear the rush of melting water on the opposite shore, and the sounds of a woodpecker whacking away on a tree. It was quiet, but on the verge of the break-out sounds of life that comes in with Spring. Look for Part 2 in our March issue!

At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time. ~Friedrich Nietzsche

Happy Va;lentines Day

Romance is in the air at Four Points by Sheraton

Four Points by Sheraton is offering Special Romance Packages on Valentines Day & All Weekend long.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Champagne in your room, and more! Contact the Four Points at 203-238-2380 to plan the ultimate Romantic Get-Away!

Hi remember me the Ambassador for the Wallingford Animal Shelter.Well I heard my friends needed some necessary items like FOOD, blankets collars & leashes so we can be cared for untill our special human takes us home.So my human & I on our daily walk asked our good neighbors to help.Thank you all who did.How about doing something really big for Valentines Day.Donate to the shelter $$ gift cards anything will help, buy a can or 2 of food It will make your heart feel good & ours too.

We`ll talk again soon Love Maddie & Carole Happy Valentines Day.

What you need to know!

On Friday January 18, 2008, Brownie Girl Scout Troop 66070 of Israel Putnam Elementary School in Meriden, CT earned an African American Cultural Unity badge. The girls listened and danced to traditional African music, located various countries in Africa on a map, listened to "Anansi The Spider", an African folk tale, learned how to greet one another in Swahili and listened to a wonderful story, " The Day Martin Luther King Died". The timing was perfect as we were about to remember and celebrate one of the world's best known sowers of peace, Dr.Martin Luther King Jr..

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 21

Home Country Slim Randles The reporter from the big-city paper looked a bit uncomfortable as she sat at the philosophy counter of the Mule Barn truck stop. Doc ordered some coffee for her, and introduced her to the guys. She came here to interview Doc, who has been patching people up around here since the invention of pain, but there was something about her that told us she'd rather be covering the White House, and that she was determined to save the world by Tuesday at two o'clock.

"I brought you here," said Doc, "because I wanted you to see the heart of this valley, the salt of the earth, the people … my people … and the reason I've practiced medicine here all these years."

She looked at us and we tried to look earthy and salty for her.

"So you're saying," she said, "you want me to do the interview … here?"

"Sure. Why not?"

"Yeah," said Dud. "Hey, if you want to know the real dirt on Doc, this is the place to do it."

"Well … tell me about some of your most unusual cases, Doctor."

Steve whispered in Dud's ear, "If he mentions where that horse bit me on New Year's Eve, I'm out of here."

So Doc rattled off several interesting cases, without using names, and without using us, and the interview got going pretty well.

"And you deliver babies, too?" she asked.

Three of us raised our hands.

"You delivered them?"

"Yes … well, I was just a kid when I did that."

We all laughed.

"Actually, I've delivered more than 4,000 babies here over the years," Doc said.

"That's amazing," said the reporter. "I didn't know there were that many people living here."

"There aren't," said Doc. "I sat down and did the numbers once, and I figure I've delivered everyone in this valley at least once."

There lurks, perhaps, in every human heart a desire of distinction, which inclines every man first to hope, and then to believe, that Nature has given him something peculiar to himself. ~Samuel Johnson

Help! I'm Sick. How do I handle my diabetes?

Runny nose. Upset stomach. Whatever illness it is, it can make you feel miserable. It is hard enough to be under the weather but it is even more difficult to handle being sick if you have diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people with diabetes who develop an illness are at risk for serious complications if they don't take care of their diabetes. Blood glucose levels can increase or decrease to dangerous levels if left unchecked. Ketones, a waste product created when the body begins to use stored fat for energy, can build up, especially in those with type 1 diabetes, if a person does not take insulin at regular intervals. Left unmonitored, high ketone levels can lead to ketoacidosis, which can lead to coma or death.

"People with diabetes have special considerations when they are under the weather," commented Robert Smith, Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association in Connecticut. "It is important to have a plan with your health care team in place before you become sick, to avoid getting worse. It is also critical to get a flu shot every year to potentially avoid getting sick all together".

The American Diabetes Association offers tips to manage diabetes if you are under the weather: * Check, please! - Check blood glucose levels every 3-4 hours. Also, if you have been instructed by your health care team, check for ketones in your urine every few hours. * Don't stop insulin or medications - Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, continue taking insulin to balance out the battle your body's stress hormones are fighting. * Nourish a cold - Even if you have lost your appetite, it is important to try to eat. The ADA recommends 15 grams of carbohydrates every hour or so. * Stay hydrated - If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, or have a fever, try to drink a cup of fluid each hour to prevent dehydration. If your blood glucose level is too high, try sugar-free liquids like water, tea, or broth. If your blood glucose level is low, try drinking liquids with approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates in them, such as ½ cup of apple juice or 1 cup of milk. * OTCs? - Talk to your health care team before taking any over-the-counter cold or flu medicines. Some medicines can raise your blood glucose or blood pressure levels. * Call the Doctor - Contact your health care provider if there is a rise in ketones or if there are ketones in your urine for more than 12 hours; if you are vomiting or have diarrhea for more than six hours; if you have a fever that keeps going up or one that lasts more than a day; if you are having abdominal pain, or if you cannot control your blood glucose levels.

For more information, contact the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES or visit www.diabetes.org.

Information is available in English and Spanish.

No man for any considerable period can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter

You must have control of the authorship of your own destiny. The pen that writes your life story must be held in your own hand. ~Irene C. Kassorla You were born an original. Don't die a copy. ~John Mason

A WINTER ESCAPE TO PARADISE

ALL MONTH LONG AT MORAN’S

Camping in St. John!

This is a place for swimming, hiking, snorkeling, sailboarding, exploring, sailing, and more. A wonderful destination for the whole family

MARCH 2 – 12, 2008 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com

Stop by our new showroom at the Galleria where you’ll find Gas fireplace inserts, stoves and accessories from Mendota and Napoleon.

Home appliances including: LCD/Plasma TVs, home stereos, washers, dryers, ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, A/C and grills.

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 • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 22

MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER NEWS AND 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 8:30 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!

A Valentine Dinner Dance will be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, February 14 with music provided by Stan Scott and his Band. The dinner menu of a fresh fruit cup, top round of beef, baked potato with chives and sour cream, peas with mushrooms, dessert and coffee will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 with dancing from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets are available now for Meriden residents at a cost $6 per person and may be purchased at the Senior Center.

Free hearing aid assistance will now be offered on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:30 AM -12:00 noon at the Max Muravnick Senior Center. Hearing Aid Specialist Nick Wills from Miracle Ear at the Meriden Square will provide free hearing tests, ear examinations, hearing aid cleaning and checks, general assistance and answer any questions you may have about your hearing aid. This service will be offered on a first come, first served basis in an office on the first floor of the Senior Center. The next scheduled date for free hearing aid services is Tuesday, February 15 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon.

The "Move and Soothe" gentle movement class taught by Susan Sandel, Dance/Movement Therapist, will resume on Tuesday afternoons in March from 12:30 to 1:30 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center, starting on Tuesday, March 4. The class will feature gentle movement set to music to stretch, relax and strengthen your body and, most of all, to have fun! Participants should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and sneakers or rubber-soled shoes. Ms. Sandel is an accomplished dance therapist and we are glad to welcome her back to the Senior Center in March for "Move & Soothe" classes each week at the Senior Center.

The 18th annual "Walk for Warmth" will be held in downtown Meriden on Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 AM. This twomile walk raises money to provide energy assistance to people in need who would otherwise not qualify for help. Last year's walk raised $20,000 which helped more than 125 households with their winter energy bills. I will be walking in the 2008 "Walk for Warmth" and ask that concerned people consider donating to this worthwhile cause or walking themselves in this community event. To make a pledge, please contact me at the Senior Center at 237-0066 or call New Opportunities of Greater Meriden at 235-0278.

AARP's trained volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are once again ready to help local seniors with income tax advice and actual preparation of their 2007 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Max Muravnick Senior Center each Wednesday, from Wednesday, February 6 until Wednesday, April 9. This free service is offered by appointment which may be made by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066.

The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center will be on Wednesday, April 23 and Friday, April 25 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 for the class are now being accepted by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066. Additional AARP Driver Safety Classes this year at the Senior Center will be held on July 23 & 25 and November 5 & 7, 2008.

The Elderly and Disabled Homeowners' Tax Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut has now started.

Any elderly or disabled Meriden homeowner can apply for a credit to their local property taxes at the Meriden Tax Assessor's Office at City Hall between February 1 and May 15, 2008. To be eligible applicants or their spouse must have been 65 or older by December 31, 2007 or be on Social Security Disability. You must own and live in the house for which you claim a tax credit and the income limits are $29,800 for a single person and $36,500 for a married couple.

Applications for tax relief are also available for qualified veterans. For more information contact the Tax Assessor's Office at 630-4065.

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.

CITY OF MERIDEN FEBRUARY EVENTS VALENTINE'S DAY CARD CONTEST Grades K-5 students are invited to enter the 2008 Valentine's Day Card Contest. Original, hand-produced cards can be brought or mailed to the Parks & Recreation office between February 1st - 12th. Winners will receive a special prize package. All entries must include the child's name, phone number, school, & grade.

WINTER VACATION WEEK CAMP The Recreation Division's "Winter Vacation Week Camp" will meet from 9:15AM-3:00PM at Hanover School from February 19th-22nd. It features games, puzzles, educational sessions, arts & crafts, and videos in addition to skating, swimming, movies, & arcade field trips. Boys & girls currently in grades K-5 are eligible to attend. Beginning February 4th, interested participants can register at the Parks & Recreation office. The cost is $40.00 for the week.

Please register soon, as there are only 40 openings available for the program.

MASA REGISTRATION Rules & roster forms for the 2008 Meriden Amateur Softball Association season will be available at the Parks & Recreation office beginning Monday, February 11th. The league registration meeting will be held Monday, March 3rd.

2007-2008 CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 & older take place every Wednesday night at the Meriden YMCA from 6:00-8:30PM. The program runs through March 26th. A one-time $25.00 registration fee can be paid onsite any night the program is in session.

INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM The 2007-2008 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS pool on the following dates & times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM. All interested participants must possess a valid 2008 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office, passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office in-person and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.

21ST ANNUAL "DAFFODILS ON PARADE" The 21st Annual "Daffodils on Parade" will take place on Saturday, April 26th. Groups, clubs, schools, businesses, or individuals wishing to march in Meriden's largest parade are asked to call the Recreation Division office at 630-4259 for an entry form. Creative participation is always welcome!

Love Comes Tenderly Chapter 3

By Diana Lewis The next day when she woke up, she found out that six more people had died. Three of them were children and one of the other three was Amanda's husband. She was miserable. She lost both her children and her husband to the fever. The wagon master tole them that they were three days to St Louis and they really should get going.

Three days to St Louis. It was hard to believe. They had been on the trail for five months. Normally it took four months for the journey but with all the stops they had to make, they were behind schedule. Sara got really excited and wanted to get going. One of the scouts who road on horse back volunteered to drive Amanda's wagon for her, She hid herself in the back of the wagon for the rest of the trip. Sara took her some supper each night because she refused to come out. Sara prayed for her the rest of the way to St Louis. Sara tried to encourage her telling her that God was with her during this hard time.

"God is supposed to be a loving God, but He took my family away from me. Is that being merciful and loving? I don't want to hear anything about God." She turned away from Sara and closed the flap on the wagon. Sara slowly walked back to her wagon praying along the way. When she arrived back to her wagon, Jason wasn't there, but Mike was.

"Where's Jason?" she asked. "He's over to the Cross's wagon with Thomas." answered Mike. Sara curiously walked over to the Cross's wagon. Belinda ran to her just before she got there. She was smiling.

"What's going on?" she asked her friend. "Jason just accepted the Lord as his Savior." "What? When?" "Just a few minutes ago. He came over to ask Thomas some questions about Sunday's lesson and now he's a believer." Tears came to Sara's eyes. She had been praying for this for the two years that they had been married. She slowly walked over to Jason. He was smiling. He turned to Sara and took her in his arms.

"I decided to try Jesus as my Lord." Sara was crying now, she was so happy. "I've been praying for so long." she said in between the tears.

Jason turned to thank Thomas and they walked back to their wagon. Mike noticed a change in Jason as soon as he walked to the wagon. "What's going on?" asked Mike. "I'm a believer now." said Jason. Mike got up from his seat on a barrel and shook Jason's hand and then pulled him into a bear hug.

"Welcome to the God's family." said Mike. "I know you've been praying too.""Yes, I have. Every day since you two got married." Jason just smiled.

Look for Chapter 4 in the next issue

The People's Press has over 125,000 Readers in 10 towns and on the web. Call 203.464.3088 to advertise in the NUMBER 1 single copy paper serving Central Connecticut!

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine's Day Daddy!

Love, Your Little Princess, Vanessa Grace xoxoxo

Happy Va;lentines Day Aunt Karen/DD, Grandma & Grandpas & family, I grow on all your hugs, kisses and fun time with me!

Happy Heart's Day! XOXO, Hunter Pageau' Happy Birthday Happy 3rd Birthday Emmy February 16, 2008!

Love always and forever, Grandma

Home is where the heart is!

Let us help you find the home of your dreams!

Home Prices and Interest Rates are down and NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY. We are the ones to call!

Keller Williams Central CT Griffin Homes Team of Realtors.

(203) 668-9162 www.GriffinHomesTeam.com

Valentine’s Day Specials Mani & Pedi only $38.00 Pevonia Facial Four-Pack Gift Certificate Specials Salon Services * Highlights and Lowlights * State-of-the Art Haircuts & Designs * Corrective Color

Treat y our w ife o r girlfriend t o a s pecial experience t hat w ill m ake her f eel g ood i nside a nd out. S top b y f or a G ift Certificate T ODAY! Call to Make your Appointment Today!

438 Broad Street in Meriden

203.235.3166

Valentine’s from Tiger Cub Pack 35

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 23

He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away. ~Raymond Hull

SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS COLLECTIBLES

STAMPS • COVERS • COINS • TOKENS PAPER MONEY • POSTCARDS • HOBBY SUPPLIES A GREAT GIFT SELECTION FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451

(203) 235-7634

GET YOUR CAR READY FROM HEAD TO TOE, SO YOU WON’T NEED A TOW!

Dawn and I would like to thank all of the boys and girls who came to our office from Tiger Cub Pack 35!

We hope you had fun and learned a little about the way we all communicate.

It was an honor to have you and also to have you in the paper!

Family Owned Family Friendly Affordable Prices Always growing to serve your needs....

Rousseau’s Auto Repair

Complete Auto Repair

Family Owned... Family Friendly Since 1954

Find Out Why by Stopping Down Today!

369 Cook Ave., Meriden

235-2561

Art comes from the Heart!

SENIOR CENTERS ARE WELLNESS CENTERS! The National Council on the Aging has used this slogan for many years to let people know that senior centers are a great place for fitness and wellness activities. Combined with our on-site LaPlanche Clinic, sponsored by MidState Medical Center, we put a strong emphasis on the value of regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Classes are offered free for Meriden seniors 55+ on the lower level of the Senior Center according to the following schedule: Gentle Aerobics, Myrta Clark and staff Aerobics for seniors set to music.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00 - 11:30 AM Sit Down/Tone Up, Jennie Padick A videotape chair exercise program.

Monday 10:30 - 11:00 AM Smart Choice Aerobics Aerobics for seniors set to music.

Tuesday, Thursday 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Yoga, Donna Sause Regular yoga for managing stress.

Friday, 9:30 - 10:15 AM Physical Fitness, Rocky Gelonese Easy chair exercises suitable for all.

Tuesday, Friday 10:30 - 11:00 AM Thursday 10:15 - 10:45 AM Weight Training Fitness class using one and two pound weights.

Tuesday, 11:00 - 11:30 AM Line Dancing, Jim Gregory Learn some dance steps and enjoy the music.

Tuesday, 1:30 - 2:15 PM Tai-Chi Gong, Rich Hamel Tuesday, Thursday, 1:30 - 2:15 PM Flowing movements blend body and mind.

Chair Dancing, Ellie Dessureau Thursday 10:45 - 11:15 AM Chair exercises with music.

Strength and Tone for Seniors, Karen Zeoli Thursday, 12:45 - 1:30 PM Active fitness class using weights and music.

Learn how "Senior Centers are Wellness Centers" and join us for some of these fitness classes this week. No pre-registration is required and class participants must be residents of Meriden age 55+. See how the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center can help you get fit and be healthy in 2008! For further information or any questions you may have just give us a call at 237-0066. We hope to see you here soon!

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. ~e.e. cummings, 1955 The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another. ~James Matthew Barrie

Sign Up Now For Easelworks Art Classes * Adult * Kinderart and Young Artist

Kid’s Summer Camp 2008 Programs Announced this Month - Call for Details

EASEL WORKS

Creative Art Studio & Gallery

294-1548 2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 24

Happy Valentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day to our little fireman Justin!

Love, Gram and Grandpa Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine's Day to my Groundhog!

With love, From Your Sunshine

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Daddy!

Love, Erin

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine's Day to Emily Love your favorite pooch!

Lex

Servicing Transmissions Since 1952

694 Old Colony Rd. 203-237-4379

The Meriden- Wallingford branch of the American Red Cross American Red Cross programs and services are not just about the pints of blood we collect, the numbers of classes we run, the number of medical transportation rides we provide, or the bags of food we collect and distribute. They are created and implemented for the people that they serve, and that is why so many wonderful people take their time to volunteer here.

Training in First Aid, CPR, and AED is about being prepared to save a life in an emergency, just as seven USPS workers did in Wallingford on July 21, 2007 when a manager collapsed after an onset of cardiac arrhythmia. In addition to CPR and First Aid training, we run a swim program for Wallingford residents at the Wallingford Community Pool every summer, as well as Babysitter's Training classes for youth ages 11-15.

The worth of each donated pint of blood became fully understood by a local Red Cross volunteer when her husband needed 4 pints of blood after becoming severely anemic. The need for blood donors is crucial and constant.

A Food Pantry is located at the Wallingford/Meriden office at 144 South Main St. in Wallingford. Residents of Wallingford who are experiencing a need for this assistance may be eligible to register for this service by presenting a photo ID, as well as proof of residency in Wallingford, (i.e., a current utility bill showing their name and address).

Clients can then receive bags of non-perishable food every 30 days. Last year 331 families were served a total of over 6,000 bags of food. Nearly all of the food distributed from here comes from donations. The Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Judy Namnoum, Community Services Coordinator at (203) 265-6721.

The Medical Transportation program based at the Wallingford/Meriden office serves only residents of Meriden and Wallingford, if they have no other means of transportation to get to their medical appointments. (This does not include any dental or therapy appointments.) Last year our group of over thirty volunteer drivers had driven 174 individuals for a total of 1,085 trips. Riders must be able to get in and out of a car by themselves, and wear a seat belt. All of the vehicles used are Red Cross insured and identifiable. There is no fee for this service. However, any and all donations are welcomed. For more information or to enroll with this service, contact Judy Namnoum at (203) 265-6721 Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to address basic human needs.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING AND WATER EXERCISE? Water is an essential part of life: both for our bodies and the earth. Water can also be a terrific way to become fit, regain mobility, strengthen muscles, build endurance, cross-train, and just plain have fun.

The Wallingford Family YMCA offers three main ways to get the benefits of water. Swim lessons aren't just for kids, they are also for adults and teens who never learned to swim, or had a bad experience in the water they want to overcome. The YMCA has financial assistance available so that every child and adult has the chance to learn to swim.

Swim lessons are offered in seven week sessions year- round with summer lessons also being offered twice a week.

Connecticut has numerous lakes, ponds, rivers and the Long Island Sound for water recreation, and knowing how to swim opens up many opportunities to enjoy Connecticut waterways. Drowning of adults continues to be in the news; many of these drowning victims either didn't know how to swim or overestimated their ability. Learning to swim will help prevent some of these drownings from happening this summer. And will make your time on the water safer and more enjoyable!

Lap swimming is another way to get the benefit of swimming. Regular lap swimming builds endurance and muscular strength as well as building cardiovascular fitness. The Wallingford Family YMCA opens its lap pool at 5AM Monday through Saturday, and many days there are four to five swimmers waiting for the lifeguard to arrive! There are lap lanes available throughout most of the day with dedicated times for adults from 11:30AM-1:15PM and from 5:30-6:30PM on the weekdays. The CRAZY Masters is a group of lap swimmers connected to the Y who meet three times a week and swim regular competitive swimming workouts designed by each other. Lap swimmers can compete in USA Masters Swim meets if they become affiliated with that organization. Often lap swimmers are triathletes working on this portion of their race. Camaraderie develops with lap swimmers who come at the same time.

Water Exercise classes are the third way to get the benefit water offers. Water exercise can be non-threatening and the participant does not need to know how to swim to get the benefits. Because the body is supported by the buoyancy of the water, it is a great medium for persons suffering from a variety of joint pains to begin to exercise. Water provides resistance so that even small movements will improve muscle tone. For persons with chronic illnesses, or who are just beginning to exercise, a water exercise class offers the chance to build a social network as well as build an exercise routine. The Wallingford Family YMCA offers four different water exercise classes. Each class has its own personality and emphasis; one class more geared to flexibility and stretching, another more aerobic, some are set to music. Classes are offered both in the daytime and in the evenings. The instructors are well trained and know how to help someone adapt the exercises to fit their specific needs. Water exercise can be as strenuous as the person doing it wants it to be.

So check our website www.wallingfordymca.org, for details on class time and descriptions. Anyone may try these classes with the purchase of a guest pass, or they can sign up for a seven week set of water exercise classes. These classes are free to Wallingford Family YMCA members.

Whenever the YMCA swimming pools are open, a certified lifeguard is on duty. The benefits of swimming and water exercise are numerous - both physically and socially. So hurry up, find your swim suit and join the fun!

Pam VanderWeele, Aquatic Director, Wallingford Family YMCA.

Air Pollution

By Eloise Hudd, Wallingford Health Department There are many activities that can have adverse effects on the air we breathe. These activities include driving cars, trucks and buses; burning coal, oil, and wood; and manufacturing chemicals. Air pollution can even come from smaller, everyday activities such as dry cleaning, filling your car with gas, and degreasing and painting operations. These activities add gases and particles to the air we breathe. When these gases and particles accumulate in the air in high enough concentrations, they can harm us and our environment.

Air pollution is a concern for all of us. The average adult breathes over 3,000 gallons of air every day. Children breathe even more air per pound of body weight and are more susceptible to air pollution. Many air pollutants, such as those that form urban smog and toxic compounds, remain in the environment for long periods of time and are carried by the winds hundreds of miles from their origin. Many people live in areas where urban smog, very small particles, and toxic pollutants pose serious health concerns. People exposed to high enough levels of certain air pollutants may experience burning in their eyes, an irritated throat, or breathing difficulties.

Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause cancer and long-term damage to the immune, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems. In extreme cases, it can even cause death.

Air Quality Index - Actions to Protect You and Your Family The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what actions you should take to decrease your chance for potential health effects. The AQI suggests various changes in your daily activities (for example, exercise) depending on the level of pollution and your health status.

The AQI is calculated based on levels of five major air pollutants regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

Particulate Matter (PM) Air Pollution Particle pollution, also called particulate matter or PM, is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets in the air. When breathed in, these particles can reach the deepest regions of the lungs. Exposure to particle pollution is linked to a variety of significant health problems, ranging from aggravated asthma to premature death in people with heart and lung disease. Fine PM is more of a health concern than coarse PM because fine particles can easily reach the deepest parts of the lungs. Sources of fine particulate matter include dieselpowered vehicles, wood-burning stoves, outdoor wood-burning furnaces, power plants, and home heating oil combustion.

I am pretty sure that, if you will be quite honest, you will admit that a good rousing sneeze, one that tears open your collar and throws your hair into your eyes, is really one of life's sensational pleasures. ~Robert Benchley, "Hiccoughing Makes Us Fat," No Poems: or around the world backwards and sideways, 1932

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 25

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 e-mail or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue.

Let us all make a positive difference in the world in 2008. - June and Flora Dear Housewives, I have been wanting to write you but felt uneasy and kept putting it off. I figure, no one will know who I am so here it goes. I have a problem that no one knows. Not even my family. I think I have a social anxiety disorder of some kind. I like people, I enjoy being around them but I get nervous in social settings. If I am meeting a friend for lunch or going to a family birthday party, I am ok. It is when I am around strangers I feel like everyone is watching me.

I feel awkward. Any tips?

Oh, I think you both are great. You have good answers to some tough questions.

Signed, Not saying who I am in Connecticut FLORA: Hey, I think I know who you are...just kidding. Dear friend in CT, since you are alright around those you know, it does not appear to be a disorder. Maybe you need some guidance on the art of small talk. If you have an upcoming event, read the paper or go on-line to be up on current events. Is there something you are passionate about?

If so, share it if a conversation is struck up. And always ask questions about 'the other person', ask about their interests or ideas. And deep breathing may work well in this type of situation.

JUNE: First, may I thank you for your impeccable taste in advice givers; we aim to please.

Your problem is a totally common one. The commercials on TV would have you thinking you need to get on some medication that may or may not make you pass out, pass wind, have blurred vision and so on.

I disagree with Flora, being around strangers is the problem, anyone can be around people they know. Anxiety disorder usually is around strangers. Is the anxiety disabling? For example, are there physical symptoms like dizziness, difficulty breathing or a panicky feeling? If so, you should see your doctor. Those are signs of an anxiety attack and you may need medication. You could see a therapist to find out what makes you anxious. If you are just a bit nervous before parties then don't worry since almost everyone feels a bit nervous of the unknown with strangers. Go mingle, have a drink and enjoy.

Dear Housewives, "I wish that I can have my own house with my brother so we can get our own dog. I am five years old. I have no idea why we can't have one. I wish that I can have a pet with my brother and me. I wish that my parents would let us get a puppy this month or what ever day you want. Just let us get a puppy. We will have a lot of funny playing together with my puppy. I will name him Max." Written by a friend for a friend.

FLORA: Dear five year old dog lover, I hope that you are able to read this response to your request. Dear Housewives cannot give you a puppy but perhaps we can influence your parents to start talking with you and your brother about pets and all that goes with having one. There may be a good reason why your parents do not want one. I hope you have a nice talk soon.

JUNE: Maybe if Flora comes to walk him, mommy and daddy will say yes. I bet if you show them how grown up you both are, after time they may give in. In the mean time, write to Santa Claus, tooth fairy and the fairy godmother with your request--we are not that powerful. Good luck.

Hi Flora, I am currently reading "The Wicked". It is the true* story about the Wicked witch of the East in the Wizard of Oz. I will tell you what I think of it next month as I should have it done by then. For now, movie picks of the month are "Bourne Ultimatum". Good movie, Matt Damon is great and it wraps up all the questions about him and his true identity. "Knocked Up" did not have me knocked over with laughs. A seemingly together girl has a one night stand with a "loser" and you know the rest. Not believable at all, nor was it funny.

Hi June, You will be proud of me! I am learning to knit. So the only book (besides my trusty Bible) I have been reading is "Learn How to Knit". So when people say knit, purl, I can now say with confidence, "oh sure, I can purl, I can knit, not a problem".

I am reading the entire Bible this year and so far, so good. I read Our Daily Bread (free little booklet or on-line at www.rbc.org click on Our Daily Bread ) they give you what to read so it is manageable. Monday - Friday is the Old Testament and a little Proverbs. Saturday is the New Testament with a little Proverbs and Sunday are the Psalms.

JUNE: Geez, Flora you have your very own little bible belt over there. You really need to get out. Oof, I hope I don't get struck by lightning.

MidState Medical Center's Cancer Center Receives High Honors MidState Medical Center's Cancer Center is pleased to announce it has received a three-year approval award with commendations in five areas from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). Receiving care at a CoC-approved cancer center ensures that patients will have access to comprehensive services from prevention to support, all delivered by a multidisciplinary team that specializes in superior care. Approval also reinforces we have the latest equipment and knowledge of ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options. It is a reminder that patients in our community will obtain excellent care, education and support close to home.

As Abbi Bruce, MidState's Director of the Cancer Center puts it, "We have met the vigorous standards required for a high performing program with the focus on quality patient care in the areas of prevention, early diagnosis, state-of-theart treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial support and end of life care. This designation means that we have not only met all of the standards, but have exceeded in five areas."

These five areas include offering three or more prevention or early detection programs each year and making two improvements that directly affect patient care.

Abbi credits her entire team for the accomplishment: "We were able to achieve this status because of the wonderful, committed members of our healthcare team, including the physicians and staff of the Cancer Center and Pavilion B." About The Cancer Center MidState makes expert, comprehensive cancer care available close to home. Accredited by the American College of Surgeons as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center, MidState's cancer care program offers a full range of diagnostic, treatment, education, and support services in one convenient location. Patients benefit from our integrated, patient-focused approach, which includes Weekly Cancer Conferences where physicians and other clinicians gather to discuss each patient's needs and progress and decide on next steps.

In addition to advanced, comprehensive care with state-of-the-art technology, MidState Medical Center is committed to providing its cancer patients and their families with the highest level of personal support possible. For patients, caregivers, and other family members, we offer a number of programs designed to help overcome the challenges of cancer and assist patients in their return to wellness.

About MidState Medical Center In quarterly patient satisfaction surveys (conducted by an independent, national research company), MidState consistently rates among the top hospitals in Connecticut and the nation. Conveniently located just minutes off Rte. 691 in Meriden, CT, MidState offers free and safe parking, as well as private inpatient rooms. Services include general surgery, emergency medicine, MidState Medical Group Walk-in Center for urgent care needs, and state-of-the-art care in centers dedicated to Cancer Care, Wound and Hyperbaric Care, Family Birthing, Sleep Care, Digestive Health, Pain Management, and Cardiac Care.

For information, call 203 694 8200, or visit www.midstatemedical.org. To find a MidState Doctor, call: 1 866 MMC 5678

Application assistance for HUSKY EAST WINDSOR, CT (January 24, 2008)-Application assistance for families interested in HUSKY insurance for their children is available from Allied Community Resources in East Windsor.

HUSKY-Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth-is for children under 19. In some cases, parents or caregiver adults may also qualify for coverage.

"Children in families at all income levels can qualify for HUSKY," according to Michael Helechu, Allied's HUSKY Outreach Program director. "In fact," he notes, "more than 200,000 children in working families in Connecticut are covered by HUSKY." Anyone interested in more information about HUSKY should contact Allied Community Resources at (860) 7498833, or toll-free at 1-877-HUSKY-01. There is no charge for this service and all contacts are strictly confidential.

Foreign language assistance is available.

J o h n A LW AY S O F F E R S t h e b e s t i n S e r v i c e & I S A LW AY S H o n e s t !

We have never doubted him and neither will you!

* Auto * Home * Business * Life

John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency 208 Center Street, Wallingford

Office: (203) 269-2500 Life Insurance underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated Companies Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220

March Submission Deadline The deadline for submissions, news, events and photos for our March issue is February 25th. Don’t forget to share some of what you feel is important!

Send us a Home Improvement Story and how it went.

There are several ways to submit: Email: dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com Web: www.peoplespressnews.com Fax to: 203.294.8808 Mail: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492 For Advertising Deadlines call 203.464.3088!

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 26

The People's Press has over 125,000 Readers in 10 towns and on the web. Call 203.464.3088 to advertise in the NUMBER 1 single copy paper serving Central Ct! Happy Va;lentines Day Cameron and Dylan Auntie Sandy loves you so much.

Happy Valentines Day!

What You Need To Know!

Kiwanis of Cheshire President, Jim Miele presented Wallingford Kiwanis Club President Tim Gallogly with the Cheshire Kiwanis Club Volunteer Appreciation Award. Jim surprised Tim with this award as he attended the Wallingford Club's Holiday Party held at the Traditions Golf Club on December 13, 2007.

What You Need To Know!

Happy Valentine's Day, Daddy!

Love, Your Little Rock Star

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Birthday!

Time does fly! Guess Who? Love, Your Family

Good fences make good neighbors...Surveys from Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC make even better ones.

STONE WALL BOUNDARIES,LLC SURVEYING & MAPPING

PAUL BUCKLEY REYNOLDS PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR

*

Boundary Surveys

*

Historical Deed Research

*

Construction Layouts

*

Specialized Mapping A Land Surveyor Dedicated To Fulfilling The Needs Of The Property Owner

203-889-8564 P.O. BOX 4256 YALESVILLE, CT 06492

THE SIMPLE DIET (Start Introducing a More Powerful, Lifestyle and Eating habits) Having and maintaining a healthy diet can be overwhelming today because of all of the different diet regimens, food products, and supplements out there in the market place. There is so much that it could make one's head spin, and yet others may find it easier to just give up and eat what's comfortable, whether that's a frozen dinner or take out. But eating right doesn't have to be hard, confusing, or even bland. It can be rather easy if you think of the word simple.

Foods that look simple, are simple to make, and have simple ingredients, are usually the best choices when it comes to eating right. They usually have only a few ingredients to them and usually don't take long to cook. But how can you make simple choices in the complex world of food stores and restaurants?

The best way to make these choices is to start with some research on the food. You can accomplish this by reading the labels of the products. Some people may find this time consuming when you are at a store with little ones, but it doesn't have to be. Most products today are trying to go "organic", "green", or "all natural" and that part of the label will usually stand out somehow on the box or even in the aisles. Reading the contents of the package is also helpful when keeping your diet simple. I find as a general rule of thumb, that if that ingredient list is long, it's probably not a simple food. A long list will most likely contain huge amounts of additives and preservatives that could be bad for you or even make you more hungry or thirsty, and that's not great for any diet. The shorter the list, the better the food is for you, because it will have the vitamins you need naturally.

Now, I know what you must be thinking, so how do I accomplish a simple diet at a restaurant or fast food joint?

Well, even these places have changed with the times and are listing simple foods on their menus as well as providing a list of how many ingredients, calories, and sodium is in the particular food of choice. Another general rule of thumb when scanning calories and sodium, is that less is best. Excessive sodium can not only make you thirsty, it can build up in your body and lead to an unhealthy heart or even cholesterol level. Excessive calories could lead to being over weight or at the very least, make you feel bloated.

Now, there is one very important thing to remember when it comes to eating right. You need to cheat on your diet every once in a while. Sweets, burgers with fries, and potato chips really do have a place in any diet, including a simple one. There is nothing terribly wrong with eating ice cream, unless you consume too much of it. Too much of anything isn't good for anyone and if you keep every food in mind and realize that you can eat in moderation, your diet can be successful and healthy.

Each food that you eat should come from one of the basic food groups and sweets are in the basic pyramid. Fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and dairy are all important to a simple and healthy diet. If you have one of each of these groups in each of your meals, you are eating healthy. For instance, lasagna, could be prepared with all of the food groups in mind. Ground turkey, hamburger, or chicken can be browned and added to your pasta sauce for your meat group. The pasta sauce contains tomatoes, which are from the fruit group, and vegetables can be added to the sauce for your vegetable group. The cheese is part of the dairy group and the lasagna itself is part of the grains group. Even sweets can have several food groups in it, apple pie is a good example because of the fruit and grains it contains.

Adding a scoop of ice cream will add the dairy group to the dish.

Another thing to consider in maintaining a healthy diet is to consider exercising to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise can also be as complex or as simple as you want to make it. You don't have to join a gym or get a trainer to get in some great exercise. For instance, you could take the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car a little further away in the parking lot when you are shopping will encourage a brisk walk, using canned food in your cupboards as weights can build your muscles, or even playing in the park with a child.

Gyms are great if you want to exercise on a treadmill or even practice yoga. They can also be a great place to meet some new people that encourage your healthy lifestyle. This can be important to you because positive people tend to spread it around wherever they go. And that will only want you to do more for yourself. So that can't be a bad thing.

These are just a few ways to keep your diet simple to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Creativity is the best way to keep great eating habits and exercise in your life. Here's to having a happy and simple lifestyle.

Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom Founder of Writers With Chronic DiseaseWriterswithchronicdisease-owner@yahoogroups.com Author and Publisher Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom www.kimberleylinstruth-beckom.com

Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately 220,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Prostate cancer is diagnosed by a blood test known as a PSA, or prostate specific antigen test.

High PSA levels can indicate if there is potentially cancerous problem with your prostate.

There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of prostate cancer including eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables and getting moderate levels of exercise on most days of the week. Tomatoes, soy products, garlic, and green tea are some specific foods that may reduce your risk.

For men who have prostate cancer, MidState Medical Center offers a prostate cancer support group every other month. Men and their partners typically meet to discuss topics such as coping skills, nutrition, side effects of treatment, and sexuality. For more information on MidState's prostate cancer support group, please call 203-694-8353.

Heart Disease Risk Factors Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States and slightly more women than men die of the disease each year. There are no "standard" symptoms for a serious cardiac event. In men, the signs can be chest pain or pressure, numbness, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, nausea, and sweating, or sever indigestion. Women may have more atypical symptoms, such as indigestion or gas-like pain, unexplained weakness or fatigue, or discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades.

The Heart Center at MidState is a comprehensive program that coordinates the resources of the Hospital, the skills of our cardiologists, plus advanced procedures and technologies to meet new, national standards of treatment. The Heart Center offers our patients the highest levels of care in the more personalized setting of a community hospital.

Tips on Preparing for a Doctor's Visit The combination of limited appointments, complicated medical issues, and apprehension about doctors, tests, and illnesses can make any doctor's visit stressful. That's why, preparing ahead of time can optimize your appointment and help you receive the best care. First, prioritize. Cover the two to three most important topics or worries first, so you have enough time for a full discussion. Remind the doctor of any ongoing conditions or recent medical or life events that he or she should be aware of. Write down a list of questions and all the medications you take, and bring it with you. Ask the doctor how much time he or she has with you so you can respect his or her schedule.

Patient/Medication Safety For your safety, always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider about the products you are taking, including herbal remedies, non-prescription medicines, and prescription drugs. This is especially important if you are taking "blood thinning" drugs, or have cancer, HIV, or other life-threatening conditions.

Poem 2007 My Garden Yesterday, I admired the red and yellow leaves in the trees.

Today, As I walked down the street, I kicked the leaves Yesterday, I took a photo of the brilliant red witch hazel shrub Today, the leafless shrub stands in earth covered with red leaves I feel a cold wind as it blow the red leaves over the garden.

Summer is departing.

Tomorrows, the garden will be covered with snow.

I will search for warmer clothes, sweaters, hats, gloves, to keep me warm Til tis Spring, 2008 .

Hours: Tuesday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2 from Phyllis Head

Marianna’s FAMOUS ZEPPOLI! Stop by or call to order yours TODAY!

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 27

Letter to the Editor: This letter may be late in being printed but was too important to miss all together. After all, this is the spirit we all hope to embody throughout the year. I hope the sentiment touches you too.

Letter to the Editor: Living The Spirit of Christmas I would like to thank an amazing person this holiday season. He is someone who reflects the very spirit of this holiday season - year round. He offers his time and money to less fortunate children in his Wallingford community on a regular basis. He consistently gives special attention and care to elderly friends and family. He volunteers his time to charitable causes such as Habitat for Humanity. He never has harsh words for anyone and despite facing many personal obstacles through the years, he never complains. As a single Dad he does the dishes, the laundry, the food shopping, helps with homework, pays college tuition, provides loving support, and does yet more dishes, all while modeling for his daughters the very values of gracious kindness and selflessness this Christmas season represents. He punctuates this idea each year by laying out several envelops by the Christmas tree inscribed with the names of various charities so that his daughters, upon waking Christmas morning, can pick which charity they want him to send money to on their behalf.

I am honored to know him, a true embodiment of the Christmas Spirit. I am especially honored that he is my brother.

Thank you John, for living the Spirit of Christmas everyday.

Your brother, Robert A. Hubbell

Inspiration Monday Part 1 of 2 By Katrina S. Axelrod Dedicated in loving memory to the spirit of Llewellen Jane Moss, Ph. D, which I think should never die So, what are we thinking today? Really, how are we thinking today? And Why? Planning a class? Concerned about something? Happy over something? All of the above?

Well, I'm always open to a discussion on inspiration. Call it what you want- creativity, ideas, ingenuity, innovation, responding to your muse, invention- it is all the same. It comes from happenstance and it comes from disciplined thought and action. It comes in a poof and it comes in streams that last a long, long, time. It is aural, it is oral, it is visible, it is light and shade, zeroes and ones. Some years ago I wrote four children's stories that I'd like to get in print.

The spirit struck me to write them and I sat for a long time with the stories just about whole-cloth coming through my fingers, misspelling almost everything, but close enough so I could remember what I wanted to write. A burst of imagination then and I am very proud to call my own today. They'll be published, it will just take time and what is that awful word? Oh, yeah, patience, Ick. Ickity-Ick. I let these creative bursts pretty-much run my life. Whether it is puling a meeting together or planting a garden, it takes the exact same energy that comes from somewhere and ends up visible. I have been cited as the most colorful employee, the nicest to work with and always the most creative. The one who pulls the weird out when necessary, and makes it work. I have 'pluck'.

Teachers do the same thing. Instructor, tutors, professors, mentors, all do the same thing. No classroom is the same twice. It is like a river- you can't teach the same class twice. My best friend for quite a while was Dr. Llewellen Jane Moss, who got her Doctorate in Music and after many years of teaching music, switched to teaching Business. LM, as she was called by a very few of us lucky enough, taught a class in Entrepreneurship, called "Creative Problem Solving". She taught me to think in 360 degrees - like a globe. Think of what you are doing, think of the ramifications, think of the long-term impact, think about the street you are crossing right now.

That is how I like to think of heartsinthearts.com. 360 degrees. A globe of an idea that captures the imagination.

That leaves no one out. So, what now, LM? Heartsinthearts.com would have made her smile, and then it would have made her inventive and humorous, and then frustrated. Yeah, I know the feeling. But whether it is a blog or a classroom plan or the chance to change student's lives for the better, it is an idea that will inspire some to action, and that makes it all worthwhile to me. The Arts need to be in everyone's lives. Young people especially need them and the best way to get them to children and young adults is through the schools and through community resources.

So what are we waiting for? A schematic. Next time, a schematic. A Schematic

The People's Press has over 125,000 Readers in 10 towns and on the web.

Call 203.464.3088 to advertise in the NUMBER 1 single copy paper serving Central Connecticut!

We outfit up-and-coming musicians with quality instruments, accessories and lessons.

Brass • Woodwinds • String Instruments • Cases & Accessories

Affordable Payment Plans Group & Private Lessons

Fibro What? What is Fibromyalgia and how does it affect the sufferer?

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that effects some 3-6 million Americans today, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Other studies are now showing that some 6-12 million are suffering from this condition today and that the previous figures were only the beginning of this epidemic. Fibromyalgia, or fibro, for short, is not a new illness. It has been around for about a century and gained attention in the 80's when it was called rheumatism and chronic fatigue.

Many doctors today, believe that chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia are the same condition. The term "Fibromyalgia" is defined as a group of common symptoms which include but are not limited to, generalized muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and irritable bowel. The only "test" that exists to diagnose Fibromyalgia is for a doctor to look for tender points on a patient's body. There are 18 tender points located on the body that are looked at to determine the diagnosis. If 11 out of the 18 points are "tender" or sore in a patient over the course of a three month (or more) period, then the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is determined. The points of pressure are in the neck, shoulders, chest, elbows, lower back, and knees.

Fibromyalgia most often occurs in women; however, men can also be affected. One study states that women out number the men by an eight to one ratio. It has been determined through several studies that some sufferers had a previous injury to the neck causing the on site of fibro symptoms to occur. It is also common for Fibromyalgia to occur in patients that have previously had Lyme disease or have been infected with the hepatitis virus. It's more common for people who suffer from rheumatic disorders or inflammatory diseases to have Fibromyalgia as a diagnosis as well as their other aliment. Fibro can occur at any age.

Even though there is a way to determine whether or not a patient has Fibromyalgia, it is still difficult for a doctor to diagnose. Most commonly, a patient that suffers from Fibromyalgia is misdiagnosed with arthritis or depression because the symptoms are so vast. It can also take a patient several months to possibly several years for a diagnosis of fibro, because symptoms can come and go in the patient, even to the point of "remission" from the symptoms. Other factors for the patient can be as simple as the actual doctor they have gone to with these symptoms. Most rheumatologists and pain management clinics are aware of Fibromyalgia today, however, general practitioners can still be leery of the condition. The reason for this is because of the misdiagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Many patients were suffering from another condition or disease and were misdiagnosed as a result. Some doctors to this day still think that Fibromyalgia is just a "blanket term" for symptoms being "all in a person's head". The best a patient can do is to seek out a doctor who they are comfortable with.

There is relief for the diagnosed, however, and it can come in several forms. Some patients do well with medications, while others do well with minor changes in diet. Stretching exercises like yoga seem to also be beneficial as well as alternative therapies.

Common pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs are usually prescribed for fibro.

These are commonly known as ibuprofen and naproxen. A small amount of patients have also been prescribed narcotics because of the severity of their pain. Again, due to the vast symptoms, a doctor will prescribe different kinds of medications, depending on the patient.

Other patients find relief in the changing of their diet. It is believed that people suffering from Fibromyalgia are sensitive to certain foods and certain additives. For instance, a substitution of unbleached flour, in place of bleached, may be helpful. Other foods or additives to avoid are MSG, nicotine, alcohol, sweeteners like refined sugar or artificial ones like aspartame, and caffeine, to name a few. Most people, who choose to change their diet, often go "organic".

Organic foods are foods that have no chemicals processed in them. The term "organic" is simply a food that has nothing added to it or is a natural occurring food. Organic has been trendy in today's society and it is fairly easy to find these products in your local super market. Most markets dedicate at least 10% of their isles to products like these for not only food, but cleaning products, beverages, and pet foods, to name a few.

Exercise is another factor for elevating pain. Yoga and other exercises that promote stretching have seemed to help the most due to the low impact it has on the muscles. Exercises that also offer relief are walking and low impact aerobics.

Acupuncture, massage, stone therapy, dietary supplements, and magnets, are other forms of alternative therapies that help sufferers. These are not for every patient, and should be discussed with your physician before you start this form of therapy.

No matter what road you take in your recovery of Fibromyalgia, know that you are not alone. There are many outlets to help you in your search for a healthier you. These outlets can be discussed with your doctor. You can also find helpful information on the web, support groups, and books written specifically for sufferers.

The great majority of us are required to live a life of constant duplicity. Your health is bound to be affected if, day after day, you say the opposite of what you feel, if you grovel before what you dislike, and rejoice at what brings you nothing

People from all over the state know the best deli around...

Rosa’s and now you do too!

Stop by and experience the best!

Rosa’s Caters to Your Party Needs!

For Your Family or Company, Rosa’s is the place to call to for all of your special functions

Visit our website at rosasdeli.com

Rosa’s Italian Deli, LLC imported and domestic foods party platters • hot and cold subs to go

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 • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 28

"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective"

by Gregory M. Simpson My first and all-time favorite cat was my constant companion for over half my adult life and was so attached to me that she would ride peacefully in my lap while traveling by car. Generally, traveling with animals presents more challenges and traveling with cats presents its own special set. My boss retired recently and asked for recommendations on how to best travel with her two cats by car from Connecticut to Florida to visit friends and then on to her new home in Arizona.

My first suggestion for her car travel was to have her veterinarian implant microchips in both cats so that they could be tracked in a national computer database should the unfortunate happen and a cat become missing. Never leave cats (or dogs) alone in a parked vehicle. Even with windows open on a hot day, the temperature can shoot up to over 100 degrees within minutes.

The next advice was for her to secure the AAA listing of pet welcome hotel accommodations. Once she planned out her daily car trek, she should check with the hotel to assure that her room opened onto a hallway and not to the outdoors, in order to provide an added measure of safety. Once in the hotel room, she could post a "Do Not Disturb" sign, adding "Cats Inside." Bring up-to-date rabies certificates, in case someone asks.

While driving with two cats, two large cat carriers facing each other in the back seat would be ideal, with water (bottled or tap water from home is best), dry food, and a small litter box in each. This way each cat would have its own space, but also feel secure seeing its fellow cat in the adjoining cage. Depending on the cats, one could consider placing two in one larger carrier, although this approach may be limited by the size of the car back seat and the strength of the person to carry the carrier.

Other precautions include having each cat wear an expandable collar with I.D. tag at all times, which lists each cat's name and a contact phone number. For maximum protection while exercising a traveling cat, have him or her securely fastened in a harness which goes around the neck and around the body. Cats are not secure in just a collar alone, as that is an escape just waiting to happen.

If a cat is an anxious traveler, consult a veterinarian for medication beforehand. One may also spray Feliway © in the cat carrier, car, and hotel room. Feliway reproduces the properties normally produced when a cat deposits its facial pheromones in the environment. It has been demonstrated to calm cats during travel, moving to a new home, and other stressful times.

If traveling by airline, book space in the passenger cabin well in advance of your flight, as according to the U.S. Department of Transportation there are half a million companion animals that fly each year. Only certain airlines allow companion animals to travel in a regulation size carrier under the seat in front of you (for a fee), unless you want to pay full passenger fare for a second seat. The pet carrier counts as one carry-on bag. There is a limit on the numbers of animals such as cats that are allowed in the passenger cabin per flight. The alternative is having a companion animal transported with the luggage which I personally would never do. Most airlines will not allow companion animals to travel as cargo in temperatures below 20 degrees or above 85 degrees. Further, some airlines restrict the number of short-nosed animals such as Persian cats, which have shorter nasal passages that make breathing difficult at higher altitudes.

If you do choose to transport your cat (or dog) in the luggage compartment, purchase a USDA approved shipping crate large enough for your companion animal to stand, sit and turn around comfortably. Write the words "LIVE ANIMAL" on the sides and top of the crate. Book direct flights if possible, as this will limit the chance your companion animal is left on the tarmac during extreme weather, or worse yet, ending up in a different city than you do. It will also limit the amount of handling by baggage handlers. If you freeze a small bowl of water the night before your trip, it won't spill during loading and will melt by the time it's needed.

Remember, your cat is most comforted by being with you. Talk with your cat to comfort your companion. As a sensitive creature, your cat will pick up on your mood. And enjoy your trip!

For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson Gregory Simpson's animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S., he is also a member of the Cat Writers' Association.

Health and Wellness Education at MidState MidState Medical Center has a firm commitment to promote healthy living and disease prevention in the communities we serve. We frequently offer free community-wide programming at the hospital or at surrounding organizations.

Our health and wellness education includes: A variety of lectures, support groups, classes and screenings Providing speakers to area groups Partnering with businesses, churches, schools, municipalities and community organizations Taking part in community festivals and events Specific topics include weight loss surgery seminars, cancer care programs, infant parenting classes, healthy lifestyle education, diabetes management, heart healthy lectures and much more. To view MidState Medical Center health and wellness programming, visit our website at www.midstatemedical.org and click on Upcoming Events.

Great Kids Joelle Pisani & Sarah Beaudoin of Holy Trinity School - Step-sisters that had a joint 13th "Winter Wonderland" birthday party at the Elks club on December 1st. Their invitations for the party asked for a toy in lieu of a gift. The girls felt they have enough and they wanted to help out the needy for the holidays.

The girls donated the toys to the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department's "Fill A Fire Truck With Toys " Toy Drive.

All toys were then donated to and distributed by the Wallingford Holiday For Giving Committee to Wallingford children.

Happy Birthday Happy 2nd Birthday to our precious grandson Donald!

We love you LOTS!!!

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Kevin Leo

Happy Va;lentines Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Paige, Alexis & Sienna

The deadline for the next issue of The People's Press is February 25th.

Think Spring and Spring will come. Email your stories, photos, news, poems, recipes and more to dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com.

For Special Days, Birthdays and Holidays

Free Photo Form

Happy Birthday Welcome Dominic Joseph Civitelli Born 8/20/04 7lbs. 19.5” Jeanine & George Grandparents: George & Phyllis Civitelli and Fred & Christina Pucci

Message: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Due to space - messages are limited to the 2 lines above.

Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 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.

Deadline for our next issue is February 25th.

If you are looking to make your party or event a work of art that everyone will remember - call Today!

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 29

Girls Inc. Is On the Move Girls Incorporated of Meriden founded in 1919 mission is to inspire all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. Girls Incorporated empowers girls to know that they have a right to be themselves, to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm, to take risks, to strive freely and to take pride in success, to accept and enjoy the bodies they were born with and not to feel pressured to compromise their health in order to satisfy the dictates of an "ideal" physical image, to be free of vulnerability and self-doubt and to develop as mentally and emotionally sound individuals, and to prepare for interesting work and economic independence.

As an ever changing organization continually meeting the needs of our members, we have been working hard to develop programs to get our girls up and moving to learn young about the benefits of living a healthy active lifestyle.

Gymnastics and dance programs are offered not only to teach the girls a life long discipline but to provide physical activity in their lives. This past year, Girls Inc started a new health and wellness program called GO GIRLS! funded through the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford. The purpose of this program is to bring mothers/female caregivers and their daughters ages 9-14 together to learn more about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle together as a family. Participants learn about proper nutrition, realistic physical activity and goal setting. These activities are done through hands on cooking and fitness demonstrations from experts in the field. Guest speakers are brought in to conduct the classes to keep the dialogue and activities fresh and exciting. We have found that the participants are learning to connect with one another, open the lines of communication and begin to have a common focus/goal to do together around healthy living. This program also takes into account the reality that most of us are on a budget and lead very hectic lives.

We work with our families to begin to make choices that are realistic and will benefit the well being of their families for years to come. GO GIRLS! is offered in 8-10 week sessions and is free. Girls Inc. also offers many more classes and opportunities for young women so inquire today about programs and our full service summer camp program. Please contact Girls Inc. to learn about when our classes are run and how to join at 235-7146 or mab_girlsinc@snet.net.

7th Annual Lovers In The Village Dance South Meriden- The 7th annual "Lovers In The Village Dance" will be held Friday February 15,2008 from 7:00 P.M. till 12:00 P.M. at the A.O.H. Hall in South Meriden. The evening will feature a buffet dinner, dancing to the music of a D.J., and two raffles. The cost of the evening is $20.00 per person. The proceeds will benefit many projects undertaken by Christmas In The Village.

Tickets are available at Tom's Place in South Meriden, or by calling 634-8173 Happy Va;lentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day DONALD! We love you lots!

Please Help!

PLEASE HELP CLEOPATRA FIND A HOME!!! She is a very friendly young girl who gets along with other pets and children. Her eyes do not produce enough tears, and she needs eye ointment twice daily, as well as eye drops. Cleo has been spayed, vaccinated, and tested negative for feline leukemia. If you are interested in giving this wonderful girl the perfect home, please contact Hidden Treasures Adoption Center at 860-828-3106 or beckymccaffery@comcast.net

UNFORGETTABLE! ‘How Long has it been Since You Got a Valentine?

Here's Your Chance!

SAVE THE DATE! February 16th, 2008!!

This Valentine Cordially Invites You to come and feel “An Evening with Nat King Cole” A fund raising event for the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center - 175 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 6:30- 10:30 PM, Saturday, February 16th With the music of Nat King Cole and a fine, easy gathering of folksCasual dress, comfort food- What better way to celebrate a Valentines’s Day? No hassle, no cooking dinner, just a relaxed, social time to get reacquainted with friends and family. The music starts at 6:30 and ends at 10:30 6:30-7:30 Appetizers- An assortment of delectable small bites to get you ready for- 7:30-9:00 Dinner- Delicious soups, Served in bread bowls with salad, which leads you right into- 8:30-10:30 Dessert- an assortment of cakes, cookies and other Valentine treats $30 per person for hours of sweet melody, great musicianship and Love.

Also included in this package is a full-year membership to the Augusta!

For more information, call party coordinator Katrina Axelrod at 2357445 or Staci Roy at 639-2856 “at the Augusta!” A few tickets will be available at the door, but PLEASE register by phone before, so we get an accurate count for the caterer.

HUBBARD PARK PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE RECEIVES $6,500 GRANT FROM CHRISTOPHER AND DANA REEVE FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THE HUBBARD PARK BARRIER-FREE PLAYGROUND. THESE FUNDS WILL GO TOWARD THE PURCHACE OF ADAPTIVE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR 5-12 YEAR OLDS. The Hubbard Park Playground Committee (HPPC) is proud to announce that it has received a $6,500 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF). The award was one of nearly 100 grants totaling approximately $900,000 awarded by CDRF to nonprofit organizations that help people living with disabilities become more fully integrated members of society.

HPPC will use the grant towards the purchace of adaptive playground equipment for 5-12 year olds.

The HPPC is grateful for the generous grant towards the needed handicapped accessible ADA compliant playground in Meriden's Hubbard Park. It is an honor to have been selected from a large pool of candidates. CDRF supports so many worthwhile projects in communities to enhance the lives of people living with disabilities.

"Across the country, countless organizations are dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with disabilities such as paralysis, and are essentially unsung heroes, said Peter T. Wilderotter, president of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation." "HPPC is one such organization who shares CDRF's passion to enable people living with paralysis to overcome everyday challenges. We are honored to award HPPC with a Quality of Life grant that will help the organization 'Go Forward' and accomplish their critical mission."

Begun in 1999 by the late Dana Reeve, the CDRF Quality of Life grant program recognizes the unique and numerous needs of people with disabilities, primarily paralysis and their families, and the importance of providing services and programs that enable them to participate in all areas of life. To date, CDRF has provided 1,262 Quality of Life grants totaling over $10 million to organizations nationwide that help improve opportunites, access and day-to-day quality of life for these individuals and their families.

About CDRF The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the qualility of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292

FLASHBACK 2008 DINNER DANCE SLATED FOR SATURDAY MARCH 1, 2008 Wallingford Center, Inc. has slated its 16th annual oldies dinner dance for Saturday March 1, 2008. The event is the annual fundraiser sponsored by the organization whose non profit purpose is the revitalization, preservation, beautification and promotion of Wallingford's central business district.

The March 1st fundraiser will kick-off at 6:30PM with a cash bar, followed by a Tuscan buffet dinner and dancing till midnight to the sounds of the Flashback! band, featuring oldies from the 50's, 60's and 70's. A "Silent Auction" will continue throughout the evening, featuring an extensive selection of donated items, including a $5,000.00 gift certificate for an individual or family portrait from Bradford Renaissance Portraits in White Plains, New York. www.bradfordportraits.com.

The fundraiser will be held in the grand ballroom at Zandri's Stillwood Inn, 1074 South Colony Road in Wallingford.

Tickets are $30.00 per person, and must be purchased in advance. For information or reservations, call Wallingford Center, Inc. at 203-284-1807. See us on the web at www.wallingfordcenterinc.com..

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Scouts and Scouters of Sleeping Giant District who have been been awarded Quality District for 2007 by Boy Scouts of America. The Sleeping Giant District is comprised of Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews in Southington, Meriden, Wallingford, North Haven and Hamden.

The Scouting Quality program is designed to recognize districts in achieving excellance in providing a quality program to a growing youth populations at all levels of the Boy Scouts of America.

This success is the result of the combined effort of every person in our District: ~ The members of our units who have selflessly given time to coordinate our events, membership, finance, training, advancement, service projects and the many other District level activities that make certain that our members find what they seek in Scouting. ~ The professionals at the Connecticut Yankee Council headquarters in Milford who answer countless questions, handle reservations, print flyers and give advice regardless of the hour or day of the week. ~ The unit leader and committee member volunteers who find that 'one hour a week' to make a difference in the life of a young person. ~ The youth of Sleeping Giant who bring their enthusiasm, their dreams and their drive to this program. It is the happiness on their faces that makes all of this worth while.

It is a privilege to share this achievement with you.

On behalf of the District Commitee, proudly serving over 2,000 young people and their families in the Sleeping Giant District, Lynn Crisci, District Chairman

No matter what the season or the reason, The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center is the place to make your event special. It’s that simple.

The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center invites you to hold your own special event at this historic and beautifully restored building. Our floor plan is well suited for a variety of events, from auctions to dinner parties and wedding receptions.

If you are looking for a unique and memorable place to gather your friends and family, host a corporate or non-profit event, you have found it.

We offer: Exclusive Booking Table and Chair Rental Included You and your guests will Interior Security fall in love with Set-up and Clean-up Handicap Access / Elevator

175 East Main Street in Meriden Contact Staci Roy at 203.639.2856 accc@ci.meriden.ct.us www.curtisculturalcenter.org

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 30

You Can Find Comprehensive Cancer Information All In One Place The Cancer Center at MidState now has its own unique URL on the Internet. By visiting the new site, you'll find detailed information on early cancer detection and diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and patient and family support programs. Everything you need to know can be found in this one convenient location. We encourage you to visit the site and read about our integrated, patient-focused approach and our efforts in prevention, education, and outreach. Visit us today at www.midstatecancercenter.com.

Please Help Jake!

Jake needs a home!!!!

Please help poor Jake, he is a nine year old black Cocker Spaniel that is waiting to be adopted at the CT SPCA in Monroe. Shelter and/or Rescue dogs are always at a disadvantage because they are labeled as "used", and they have to compete with those cute little puppies rolling around in the shredded paper at the pet store, you know the ones that come from Puppy mills and have a $1,300 price tag. Well Jake is at an even greater disadvantage, he is 9 yrs old, and is blind, actually he has no eyes at all. Unfortunately there aren't many details known about what happened to Jakes eyes, because he was abandoned, by a wonderfully compassionate human we assume! What is known is that Jake is an absolute sweetheart, and he gets along with just about everyone, other dogs included. I know that people have reservations about adopting an older dog, but a good way to look at it is that you could be giving them the best years of their life. Jakes not done living yet, and for the 5 or 6 yrs, (maybe longer who knows) that he has left, he deserves to be loved and taken care of just as much if not more then a young dog. Please consider adopting Jake, or at least meeting him, giving him a chance will benefit you more then you realize. When you adopt a dog or cat in need, what they do for us and bring to our lives is much more then we could ever give them. You will be inspired by them and their will to start a new life with you and your family, for the only thing that want more then to be happy, is your happiness. Jake is located at the CT SPCA : 359 Spring Hill Rd. Monroe, CT. Please contact Fred Acker at 203-445-9978 or at TSVSI@aol.com for more info. Thank you!!!!

The People’s Press March Issue The submission for our March issue is February 25th. Email your submisssions to dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com. Please call 203.235.9333 if you have any questions.

Happy Valentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day Mommy and Daddy Love, Erin

Happy Va;lentines Day 'Hunter Christian, you are the absolute LOVE of our lives! Happy Valentines Day, Baby!

All our love, Mama & Papa

Happy Va;lentines Day You girls turned out even better Than I often dreamed you’d be; You’re more than I had hoped for; You’re a sweet reward to me.

You girls have my love forever; It’s a privilege to be your mother Love You Ashley, Brittney and Sarah Happy Valentine's Day!

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. RR

Happy Va;lentines Day TYLER JOSEPH Roses are red, Violets are blue, I am so lucky & proud to have a son like YOU!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! XO MOM Happy Va;lentines Day

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.

Andrew& Dawn Reynolds peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com Managing Editor Dawn A. N.-Reynolds dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com Copy Editor Dawn A. N.-Reynolds dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com Advertising Andy Reynolds andy@peoplespressnews.com Web Site Web Solutions, LLC Writers YOU WRITE IT....WE PRINT IT!!!

Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Kevin Leo

Happy Birthday

Publishers:

“The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your Views” publications are published by: DNA, LLC P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492 peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com www.peoplespressnews.com • Phone (203) 235-9333 Advertising (203) 464-3088 • 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. 1999-2008 All Text, Logos, Images and other content in print, web or in any way or form are ©Copyright DNA, LLC 1999-2008 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.

Happy Birthday Wishes to our “favorite” youngest granddaughter Izzy-Bella who turned 5 years old on January 3, 2008!

Love, Grammie Bobbie and Gump Jimmy

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. KLM

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy 1st Valentine’s Day Lily!

Love always and forever, Grandma Rose Stork Ticket Olivia Louise was born on January 17, 2008 at 10:24 p.m.

She weighs 6lbs 10 oz and is 17 and a half inches long.

Happy Va;lentines Day Happy 6th Birthday and a very Happy Valentine’s Day! Sweet Alyssa LOVE YOU LOTS!!!

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 • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 31

Just can’t get enough...

of that Marianna’s Cake!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Chocolate Mousse Cups, Chocolate Cannolis & MORE!

Express your love for the special people in your life with a gift of flowers on Valentine’s Day. Our beautiful arrangements and roses are just the thing to make someone smile!

Wallingford Flower & Gift Shoppe offers Premium Quality Roses Harry London Gourmet Chocolates Bouquets Potted Plants Centerpieces Balloons Gift Baskets Fruit Baskets Gourmet Gifts DON’T WAIT - CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR VALENTINE ORDER! Wallingford Flower & Gift Shoppe

Hours: Tuesday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2

Wallingford’s Florist Since 1950

190 Center Street * 203.265.1514

Something special just arrived at your house! Discover what we can do for you.

If you are looking for Health, Wellness and Vitality - You just found it!

What you will find inside:

P.L.A.Y (Youth/Ten) Voyagers/Trips Adaptive Recreation Special Interest Sports Aquatics Health Fitness Performing Arts VISUAL ARTS Crafts Special Events Park Facilities So take a look and discover everything we have to offer you!

The time to register is NOW! Don’t miss your chance to discover a New YOU! 6 Fairfield Boulevard, Wallingford - 203.294.2120 -

The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 32

Y O U A LWAY S S AV E M O R E E V E N W I T H O U T C O U P O N S AT

Sweetheart Savings Event!

G R E AT S AV I N G S O N S C O T T S 4 S T E P VA L U E P R O G R A M !

NOW IS THE TIME TO SAVE!

Save all month long!

MERIDEN FEED FARM • GARDEN • PET SUPPLIES Our fireplace products are sold by the thousands across the World but they are designed & created in Wallingford & sold right at our outlet store!

$36.99 5,000 SF $97.99 15,000 SF *With this Coupon. All specials expire 2/29/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

RECOMMENDED

BY A LEADING NATURAL NATURAL DOG CARE PUBLICATION! PUBLICATION!

What makes us different...

We INVENT and CREATE innovative products to serve

you based on Elegance, Safety and Ease of Use. One of our newly created products...

You see how it looks but you can’t see what it does.

Stop by and be amazed!

BY NATURE HOLISTIC DOG FOOD

$5 OFF 33LBS $3 OFF 17LBS

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 2/29/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

A VALUE PRICED, NATURAL NATURAL ALTERNA TIVE TO ALTERNATIVE TO OTHER SUPER PREMIUM DOG FOODS!

BLUE SEAL LIFE STAGES DOG FOOD

$3 OFF 40LBS $2 OFF 20LBS

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 2/29/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden 237-4414 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M., Sat. 8:00 A.M. -4:00 P.M.

Factory Outlet Prices await you at our store that offers you Glass Doors, Screens, Toolsets and Fireplace Accessories, Gas Logs, and new innovative products to save you money like our Folding Panel to save you heat when you are not using your fireplace. No matter what you need for your fireplace..you’ll find it! Feel free to stop by and browse.

You’ll discover elegance and affordablity!