Get Happy With It!
By the People . . . For the People Serving Central Connecticut www.peoplespressnews.com
Wallingford Flower & Gift Shoppe
190 Center Street. 203.265.1514 February 2009 • Volume 9, Issue 112
Local Health and Wellness Services & Stories Inside
In honor of "The Night Tiger"
Last week a Great Horned Owl was found limping across a CT road dragging an illegal "foot hold" steel trap around by its mangled leg. As I read this story and watched the news coverage, needless to say, I was extremely saddened by it. This particular variety of owl, in my opinion, is the most magnificent of all of nature's birds of prey. It deserves to be honored and respected, not harmed due to the careless act of one or more ignorant individuals. When you become informed of some of the fascinating and interesting facts about this bird, you immediately become aware that this is much more than "just an animal" and that it is surely the handiwork of something much bigger and more profound than most can even imagine. It is respectfully nicknamed the "night tiger" and "a cat with wings" as it is an awesome night hunter equipped with talons and strength that can swiftly and mercifully takes down its prey. This bird has 500 pounds per square inch of gripping power in its talons! (An adult human male's hands have only 60 pounds per square inch!) It can turn its neck 270 degrees in either direction without moving its body!
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They have spectacular binocular vision that allows them to see and spot prey in low light and their hearing is even more spectacular than their vision as their ears are offset on either side of the head to help pinpoint both horizontal and vertical direction of sound! They are about 18-25 inches long and have a wingspan of 35-60 inches and lastly but sadly as related to this story, most great horned owls are known to mate for life. On the mystical side, the great horned owl is revered by many cultures and is believed to be a symbol of the feminine essence of Spirit. It is associated with the moon and night and is considered a bird of magic and darkness, of prophecy and wisdom. They say the owl teaches us to trust our instincts. Whoever set this trap certainly lacks the knowledge above that teaches us to respect nature and all of its creatures. Did they even consider such a thing happening and decided that "it's just an animal"? Did they even consider that someone's dog or cat or even someone's child could have been mangled by this trap and decided to set it anyway? I don't know these answers but just maybe they will read this and think twice next time. It's only natural to let an incident like this cause us to react emotionally and make it become a stepping stone to further ones cause or beliefs, but in the spirit of this newspaper, to find the good news in the world and in our town, let me just say that after reading several internet discussions posted by everyone from vegetarians to hunters and from trappers to wildlife rehabilitators, that the good news one can derive from this unfortunate incident is, that it seems, that most responsible people, no matter what their own personal views and beliefs on trapping or hunting or animal rights or wildlife rehabilitation, feel that this incident was illegal and unnecessary and horrific and are as saddened and sickened by it as I am. This is not a story about trapping; it is about illegal and immoral trapping. Respectful trappers everywhere are appalled by it. It is heart warming and encouraging, seeing the outpouring of emotion and help that is coming from people everywhere, who thanks to the media, have heard of our local celebrity. I am told that people as far away as Canada have offered to rehabilitate this poor creature and that wildlife rehabilitation centers all over have had their phones ringing off the hook as concerned individuals scramble to find hope for this great bird of prey. Finally, in closing, my respect and good wishes to Kathy Grasso, veterinarian and wildlife rehabilitator for her compassion and care for this creature and I trust that whatever the outcome of this story, that she will insure that it is made from a place of compassion and experience. Thank you, James Rusate
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Page 2 February 2009
WALLINGFORD FAMILY
Community Health Crisis: We're Going the Wrong Way!
Your Wallingford Family YMCA Can HELP!
In response to the growing health crisis in our community, we have developed two new programs to help our neighbors start to make lifestyle changes that can make a real difference in their lives.. 1. The Healthy Balance Program is a comprehensive introduction to nutrition, fitness and stress management. The program includes: a. 8 weekly group sessions. b. 3 individual appointments with a Personal Trainer / Nutrition Manager to target individual lifestyle needs and develop a realistic, achievable and manageable exercise and lifestyle plan. You will receive a comprehensive exercise program designed just for you! c. A Dietician prepared textbook with healthy meal plans and recipes along with a journal to monitor your progress. d. A better understanding of the impact of stress on your health and strategies to manage daily stressors. e. And, a total lifestyle management plan that comes with a lifetime partner in your quest for healthier living: the Wallingford Family YMCA! The cost of this terrific program is a very reasonable $239 for YMCA members and $289 for community participants (and, community participants receive a free 3 month YMCA membership!). 2. Our New Fitness Punch Card. We invite you to purchase a 10 or 20 class card at a cost of $39 for 10 or $79 for 20 classes. This card allows access to any Wallingford Family YMCA fitness or aquatics class (with a very few exceptions). The purpose of this non-renewable punch card is to invite you to "try on" the YMCA and see if it is a good fit for your lifestyle. For more information about these or any other Health and Wellness programs, please contact Mark at 203-269-4497 Ext. 24.
Just A Sample Of What Else We Offer You! Preschool and School Age Child Care Preschool and Youth Sports: Parent-Tot Gymnastics Munchkin Basketball Munchkin Soccer Youth Basketball Youth Floor Hockey Dance
Sport & Splash Youth Indoor Soccer Youth Basketball Y Aquatics: Ages 6-38 months Classes Preschool Classes Youth Classes Adult Classes Lifeguard Training
Swim Teams Aqua Fitness Classes Y Arts: Pee Wee Picasso Messy Fun Y Personal Fitness: Zumba™ Cardio Dance Irresistaball Extreme Kickboxing Tai -Chi
Indoor Cycling Pilates Yoga Gliding Personal Training Healthy Balance Program Teen Programs Friday Family Nights AND SO MUCH MORE!
The Wallingford YMCA All Day Kindergarten in Now Accepting 2009 Applications! 81 So. Elm Street, Wallingford 203-269-4497 www.wallingfordymca.org
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To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at andy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power of positive for the readers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment. Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com! Happy Valentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day to Ashley Janet! We love you! Love, Vovo and Gumps
Happy Valentines Day I would like to wish my granddaughter, Justine a VERY HAPPY VALENTINES DAY with lots of love from Gramma and Grampa XOXO
Happy Valentines Day Dear Andrew, Happy Valentine’s Day to a real SWEETHEART! Love, Grandma and Pop-Pop
Happy Valentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day Sweet Ryan Love and Kisses, Grammie Irene
Happy Valentines Day
ICE YOUR CELL PHONE Paramedics are asking that everyone add at least one additional entry to their cell phone contacts list. Please add an ICE entry. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. This number should dial the person in your family that can respond to emergency and/or medical decisions if you are injured or incapacitated. If you are in an accident, paramedics know to check your phone for your emergency contact information. Imagine taking a look and trying to figure out who to call out of the twenty or more numbers on your phone. By adding a contact entry that's designated as an emergency contact number (ICE), you can make their job much easier and possibly save your own life. The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, emergency service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.' So program an ICE entry on your cell phone today! As a matter of fact, pull it out right now as you're reading this article. If you have more than one person the paramedics can contact in case of an emergency, you can add additional ICE numbers to your list. Your primary contact should be listed under ICE, then you can add the other contacts under ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc. After you program ICE into your phone, have your spouse, your kids, your parents, and your friends do the same thing. If there are people in your life that you care about, they should all have ICE on their phones. This short article can be useful to everyone not just seniors. Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers - Wallingford.
The Sweet Tooth Michael Santacroce, D.M.D. With Valentine's Day approaching, it seems ironic that February is Dental Health month. After all, the most common gift given on Valentine's Day is chocolate, which contains a large amount of cavity-causing sugar. Everyone knows that sugar is not a good thing to eat as far as healthy teeth are concerned, but millions of pounds are ingested every year in the form of chocolate, baked goods, and candies. As a matter of fact, common table sugar, or sucrose, is the ONLY substance that causes tooth decay. So you would think that it might be easy to avoid it, and stop cavities from forming, forever. But if you stop and think, sugar is in almost every food we eat, including fruits, sauces, drinks, and nearly all snacks. Not to mention, even if you avoided all foods with sugar, you would still have another source of sucrose--carbohydrates! That's because the human body has enzymes which break down carbohydrates into (you guessed it) sugar. So the question is, how do we avoid sugar in our diet? The answer is, you can't. Eating a perfectly healthy diet will always contain sugar. The idea should be not to avoid eating sugar, but to limit the amount and frequency of it. Eating everyday foods such as cereal and milk for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, and meat, salad, and dessert for dinner will never contain enough sugar to damage healthy teeth, provided you brush your teeth twice a day. However, 9 pieces of chocolate washed down with soda provides enough sugar for decay to get a great jump-start. Science has proven that keeping sugar and bacteria away from tooth surfaces will protect teeth from getting decay. The best way to do this is to brush and floss, soon after eating any foods, especially sweets. Knowing this, you can still lay back and enjoy your Valentine's Day chocolate in complete bliss, with a clear conscience, realizing your toothbrush is only steps away.
HUSKY AND CHARTER OAK HEALTH PLAN SEMINAR FEBRUARY 20 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY A seminar with information regarding the Husky and Charter Oak health plans will be held on Friday, February 20 at 1:00 pm in the Griffin Room of the Meriden Public Library. Sam Diaz from Aetna will discuss the various plans including what each plan covers, members rights, qualifications for the plans, how to keep the plan, and the providers network. There will be a question and answer period at the end of the program. The program is free and all are invited. To reserve a seat, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or
Mayor Bill and Friends Present...
Phil, Happy Valentines Day my love! Thank you for being a GREAT person, husband and dad. Love, Grisel and Antonio.
Happy Valentines Day
Photo by Ray Ross
“What’s A Guy Gonna Do”
Featuring Band, Dancers & Performers EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Friday 2/27 & Saturday 2/28 at 7:30pm at the Wallingford Senior Center Mom and Dad Fluff and I Love you, and I always will love you. Love Courtney
Tickets are only $5.00 each and are available at the Wallingford Senior Center or the Mayor’s Office in Town Hall. Call 265-7753 or 294-2070. PROCEEDS BENEFIT WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER!
Page 4 February 2009
Your Meriden Health Department The Meriden Health Department provides many essential public health and human services to keep you and the community healthy. Below is a brief description of the services offered: Clinic Services (630-4234) coordinates immunization services for children and adults, provides a variety of screenings, and is responsible for communicable disease tracking. Environmental Health (630-4280) inspects and provides licensing to places which prepare and sell food such as restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries. They also investigate nuisance complaints such as rodents, stagnant water, and bulky waste. School Health (630-4237) provides services to Meriden's public and parochial schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Nurses conduct vision, hearing, and scoliosis testing, as well as provide emergency care and first aid to students in need. Community Health Education (630-4238) provides health information to help residents make voluntary health decisions to better improve their health. Smoking cessation services are available by calling 630-4104. HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing (630-4176) is available by appointment. Services are confidential. Educational materials are available as well. WIC (Women, Infants, and Childre, 630-4245) provides healthy foods and nutrition education to eligible participants, including pregnant women, mothers, and children under the age of 5. The Senior Center (630-4273) hosts programs for residents including mini-bus transportation, medical transportation, Meals-on-Wheels and various recreation activities and trips. The Youth Services Division (630-4225) offers counseling to youth and their families, provides juvenile assistance to youth who commit their first offense, and is a resource for community service opportunities. Meriden School Readiness (630-4236) provides access to affordable preschool programs to Meriden children. All-day or part-day options are available. Social Services (630-4222) provide a variety of services including health insurance counseling, geriatric assessment, and planning an developmental screenings for children 18 months to 4 years of age. Please visit the Meriden Health Department's website at www.meridenhealth.com for more details on each office, information on public health news and emergencies, and a complete list of all upcoming programs.
Camp Express Registration Meriden -Girls Inc. will be holding Camp Express Registration on Saturday, Feb. 7th from 9am-11am at 130 Lincoln St. This will be the official kickoff for registering for the Strong, Smart, & Bold Girls Summer Camp for the 2009 summer season. The camp is held Mondays thru Fridays, beginning June 22nd and ending August 21st. Each of the 9 weeks of camp has its own theme and campers will enjoy activities based around each weekly theme, along with swimming. The summer camp is suitable for girls' ages 4 thru 13 years old. We also have a Leadership Program for girls' ages 14-15 years old. Extended before and after camp care is available for an additional fee. For more information about the camp or financial aid, please contact Girls Inc., (203) 235-7146. If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want. ~Elbert Hubbard
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An Angel In A Pickup Truck by Barbara Sherburne After doing a fairly short proofreading job this morning, I sat down to tackle my income taxes, which I finished, and now I am just awaiting W-2s from a couple of employers. I had looked out the window earlier to see what snowfall we got, and it was maybe three inches. Someone had cleared the sidewalk in front of the house, ending abruptly several feet before my side, but nothing looked bad. I could see I could easily get out of the driveway. Around 3 p.m. I decided to go out and start the car and do some minimal shoveling and run a few errands. I got outside, and what was blocking my part of the driveway were these two huge boulders of solid ice. I am assuming it was a Town plow that unearthed a pile from somewhere from the prior storm and left them blocking me in. Well, I pounded and pounded with my snow shovel and tried to break pieces off of these ice blocks that were too heavy to move. I kept at it (real good for carpal tunnel people), and eventually broke off enough from each of the two boulders to use my shovel to push them further down the road in front of the house. What a job that was though. I then went to the post office and bank, and since it was just about 3:30 and my night job didn't start until 5, I decided to take a drive over to the Community Garden to see if the driveway was any better than it had been lately. I haven't fed the birds since December 29th, and I have been steadfastly feeding the birds for about nine years now all yearlong, so I was feeling bad that I hadn't been there in over two weeks. As I approached the entrance to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park and could see what it looked like, a little voice in my head said, "No, it still looks iffy," (I've got to listen to that little voice) but, on the other hand, there were lots of tire tracks, so I took a chance. I went down some distance and turned around using the four-point turn method until I was headed in the direction of going up the hill. I then trudged to CJ's garden, and I tried with all of my might to get his door open so I could get to my two bird feeders, but there must have been ice on the other side. I was using my feet to kick the door repeatedly, but I couldn't open it quite enough to go inside. So I walked outside his garden to the approximate location of the bird feeders and threw bread and raisins over the top of the fence, which is high, and threw bird seed through the fence. It all disappeared into the snow, but I made quite a pile at my feet, so I guess the birds will get some of it. And then I trudged back to the car. I was pretty high up on the hill, but no matter what I did, I could not go forward. In fact, I kept going further and further backwards. I have a small shovel I carry in the car and thought maybe I could shovel a path, but I soon realized that wasn't going to work as it was pretty much solid ice. Damn. No cat litter. No IceMelt. Several Jeeps and vans passed me by, but no one was stopping to help. I then saw a big school bus, and what the gal was doing there with the bus, I don't know. (I had considered earlier parking at the top of the entrance of the driveway. Had I done that, my car would have been damaged by all the large vehicles that came in and then left.) The school bus went all the way down to the hockey field parking lot, quite a distance, and I have no idea why, and then came back. I flagged her down and explained my dilemma. She did not know how she could help, but she said she would call the Town for me. I had no idea when this would occur, but I thanked her. I waited maybe 10 minutes and kept trying to get my car up the hill, but I just couldn't do it. No Town truck had shown up, and I was beginning to wonder if one ever would. I was starting to feel a little panicky and was praying to God to please help me. Finally a pickup truck drove down the driveway and the guy in the truck was talking on a cell phone. When he was finished with his phone call, I got out of my car and told him I was stuck and could he please help me. He wasn't sure if he could help, but he remembered, cheerfully, that he had a bag of IceMelt in the pickup part of his truck. He quickly got out of the truck, went to the back, and pulled out this enormous bag that was just about empty. I'd say there was maybe a cup of IceMelt. He proceeded to toss it around the tires. I didn't see how that could possibly help. He said, "Would you like me to drive your car?" I told him it was a stick shift, and that was fine with him. He got in the car, and I stood there in disbelief as he drove the car right up to the top of the entrance. I ran up to him and tried to give him some money, but he wouldn't take it. I could not believe how easily he got my car up the hill. He told me, "My driveway is longer than this one, so I'm used to it." He said he would stand there until he was sure I could pull out into the street. I thanked him so much, and was nearly in tears and kind of shaken up. He understood as it was going to be a cold night. I touched his shoulder and said thanks again (I really wanted to hug him), and he stood there with all this traffic going by until I could finally pull out into the street, and then I waved to him, and he was doing the same. I thanked God, by the way. I was very thankful for the Good Samaritan, and this is the second time that happened to me at the Community Garden. The first time was a couple or three winters ago, and now I know: "Do not go down that driveway unless you are absolutely, positively sure you can do so." But it was really weird how this guy was able, without backing further down the hill, to get in the car and just drive it right up the hill. Like what? (And the other fellow two or three years ago did exactly the same thing.) So that's how my day went before my night job at Krauszer's, and then I worked there until 10:15, so it was kind of a long day. I was fervently asking for God's help when I was stuck on that darn hill, and I believe He sent me an angel my way. And I thank that angel who came to my aid. I don't know your name, but I hope you are reading this. Thank you very, very much. Barbara Sherburne (who is approaching age 60) barndt49@yahoo.com 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 I think you might dispense with half your doctors if you would only consult Dr. Sun more. ~Henry Ward Beecher
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Page 6 February 2009
Mayor's Corner - Meriden Now that we are in 2009, I'm sure many of us have made some New Year's Resolutions. Seems like most people would like to get in better shape and lose some weight. A few years ago, my wife Nancy and I were realizing that because of my hectic work and commuity schedule, we could go for long stretches without talking to each other. So we decided to commit to walking an hour for 3 or 4 times a week together. We started out doing our walks at 5 AM before work but over time we switched to the evenings. Sometimes we walk as late as 9:30 PM. What a nice way to make sure we connect regularly and also get some beneficial and enjoyable exercise. I bought some bright flashers, blue and red, that I wear front and back for safety. Nancy thinks I look like a geek wearing the flashing lights but I say "Safety First! I continue to be amazed at all the activities and events happening in Meriden. Since I was sworn is as Mayor in July, I have been privileged to make 150 Mayoral appearances throughout the community. This gives me a good perspective on the richness of Meriden's spirit and pride. In the short run, we need to work our way through these difficult economic times with tough and courageous decisions. But, I feel very confident that Meriden's future is indeed very bright. We have many resources and assets that will bode well for our community in the years ahead. Best to all. Michael S. Rohde - Mayor of Meriden
DOCUMENTARIES HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Meriden Public Library will be showing various documentaries honoring Black History Month during February. The showings will be held in the Griffin Room on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 pm; Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 pm; Wednesday, February 18 at 6:30 pm; and Wednesday, February 25 at 6:30 pm. The programs are free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 to reserve a seat.
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Be a Hero for kids with cancer! St. Baldrick's began as a casual conversation between friends and has exploded into the world's largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research, which started in 1999. Thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family. Tens of thousands of volunteers make St. Baldrick's happen, with the leadership of a board of directors and the support of a small staff. Volunteers organize each event, coached and equipped by the Foundation. Every year more than 160,000 children around the world are diagnosed with cancer. In the US cancer kills more than any other disease, and because childhood cancers are different from adult's cancers, the research must be specific to kids. I was never aware of just how many children are affected by cancer and the research needs for children are different from adults. Curing cancer in children is so very important because they are the future. St. Baldrick's being a volunteer based organization not only provides monies, it helps people realize, and become involved in something that they may not other wise be part of. Four years ago, guys from the Meriden Fire Department asked me to join them in New Haven for our first St. Baldrick's event. What a great experience it was. About 16 guys on very short notice got together and shaved their heads bald. My husband came as the camera man and left, yes you got it-Bald! One of our good friends Marie shouted out "I'll give $250 if Jim shaves his head!" The look on his face made me want to be the camera person. So Jim handed over his camera to my sister, Theresa, and then became one of the many fire fighters that had to wear a hat for the winter season. As part of the event we have guest speakers come talk about their role and how St. Baldrick's has helped them help children fighting cancer. That year a pediatric Oncologist spoke on behalf of his peers, what a humbling "Oh My God" experience. After the doctor spoke, we all passed the hat around and raised over $800 for the doctor to shave his head and to all of our surprise, he did! When we ask people to shave their head in solidarity for children fighting cancer, hopefully the answer will be "Why not, it'll grow back". For the last two years it has been held at Quality Time CafĂŠ and hosted by the Meriden Fire Department, with my salon Jennifer's House of Hair doing the shaving. This years event at the Quality Time Cafe will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 3-7pm. The continued support and new comers to St. Baldrick's has grown immensely. The Meriden Fire Department leads various other fire departments and societies in a parade. All shavings stops the patrons wait for a very special boy, Brent and his family to arrive by fire truck, which leads the parade. Brent is six years and was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of 2. Brent spent most days at either the oncologist's office, Yale New Haven Hospital or Dana Farber/Boston Children's Hospital. He was immunosuppressed so germs were a constant enemy. Brent had six rounds of chemo, two stem cell transplants and three weeks of radiation. Today Brent is totally cancer free and doesn't even remember being sick. Brent's father Mike, for the past two years, has given a speech that has not left a dry eye in the room. He talks about his experience as a father, who has a child with cancer. He reminds us all of how short life can be and also of how long it can be. He expresses his gratitude with such dignity for all the people that helped make the experience for a child with cancer an easier one. Jennifer's House of Hair will be hosting their 2nd social gathering to raise money for St. Baldrick's. Last year we held a social gathering called, "Dish It Up", which we raised over $1300 for The CT Food Bank. We were very successful in raising money for "Dish It Up", that we thought it would be a good idea to hold another social gathering for St. Baldrick's. Jennifer's House of Hair will be teaming up with Goldilocks Deli in hosting "A Bash For Baldness", which will be held at the salon, 437 Broad Street, Meriden. It will be held on Friday, February 27th from 5p.m to 8p.m. We have local businesses and dedicated clients that are going to be sponsoring different tables of various types of beer and wine, and Goldilocks Deli will be cooking an assortment of comfort foods, as people walk around and socialize. Tickets will be $20 per person. All proceeds collected that night will be donated 100% to the St. Baldrick's Foundation. If you have any questions about this event, or would like to know how to become a sponsor please call the salon at 203.235.3166. Jennifer's House of Hair will also be collecting donations at the salon. You can stop by the salon and buy a St. Baldrick's Circle, either in honor or in memory of someone, and Jennifer's House of Hair will also be collecting bottles and cans to help raise more money for this great organization. Be a Hero for kids with cancer!
Softball Tryouts Come join the CT Titans softball organization. We're a premier girls fast pitch softball organization seeking players to join their 18u team. We're mainly interested in juniors and seniors in high school as well as first-year college students to be a part of a growing organization. You are welcome to come down to tryout at our new indoor training facility on any Saturday morning between 10 a.m. and noon or on any Sunday afternoon between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. during the months of January and February at 13 Agney Avenue in Terryville. If you are unable to make any of the dates and times, please contact us via email at (info@titanssoftball.us) and let us know what date and time is best for you. Our group is also registered as a non-profit 501c3 organization. If you would like to pre-register, please go to our website (www.titanssoftball.us). We look forward to seeing you. Nature does require Her time of preservation, which perforce I her frail son amongst my brethren mortal Must give my attendance to. ~William Shakespeare Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. ~Author Unknown
Page 7 February 2009
"MAGGIE'S CORNER" Touched By an Angel By: Maggie Griffin 5 years ago, there was a young lady who find out she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having two small children, she was scared about the two children living without her if she wasn't around to raise them. She first went in for a lumpectomy, and it turned out to be a partial mastectomy. The surgeon had to remove a large size tumor and found others. A month goes by, it was February. She had to go through a double mastec tomy. The surgery was scheduled to take place February 12th. The night prior, she dropped her children off to her parent's home, to sleep there, as she had to be in the hospital 5:30 in the morning. The surgery took 14 hours because during the process, she lost a lot of blood resulting in 4 blood transfusions; they found a hernia and her heart stopped. The surgical team needed to get her heart beating again and successfully they did. After the surgery was complete, she was in critical condition, but in the recovering room. Her Mother was there with her husband by the time she woke up. Her mother touched her toes and the young lady opened her eyes. Not knowing the problems she had in the operating room, all she wanted to know was did the surgeons replace what they took off of her by reconstruction? Her husband told her yes. February 13th, she woke up and wanted to see where they operated, still not knowing the problems she had in the operating room. She=2 0lifted her bandages and her skin was like charcoal, blistered. She called for the nurse and within hours, she was back in surgery because the skin grafts didn't take in the reconstructed area. She never thought she could be as brave as she was going through all of this. All she kept thinking about was her two small children and how she couldn't wait to see them. But something happened to her that she will never forget after the second surgery, in the early morning of February 14th. It was around 3:30 A.M. on February 14th. It is Valentine's Day. She was lying in her bed in her private hospital room, sleeping, until she felt a hand on her head with a thumb rubbing her forehead. She woke up and opened her eyes, while she felt the hand on her head and the thumb rubbing her forehead, and saw a Man in a white doctor's coat. She thought to herself "who is this doctor", as she looked at his face. She complemented him about what a glowing complexion he had. He=2 0was young with blue bright eyes. Then she asked him who he is. He told her he is a part of the Team and was in the operating room with her both times. She then asked him, "Am I going to be ok?" He looked at her with a smile and reassured her she is going to be just fine and that her two children were going to visit her later in the day. He told her he is just checking in on her and to go back to sleep so she can be up when her children arrive and reminded her to stay brave. 6:30 a.m. came and she was woken up by three doctors that were a part of the surgical team. She told them one of the surgeons from the surgical team was already in to check in on her around 3:30 in the morning. Then she told them all he did was put his hand on her head and rubbed his thumb on her forehead. One of the doctors on the team looked at the chart that hung at the rear of her hospital bed and told her, "no doctor was in here before them to check in on her and they don't start their rounds to check in on their patients until 5:30/6:00 in the morning". This young lady was baffled; she knew she wasn't imagining things. As the day went by, her husband did walk in with her two children, like she was told she was going to see her children later that day, and she was given a Valentine's Day gift from all three. The children brought her two joining teddy bears holding a heart with red roses, and they drew her pictures. She told her husband about the doctor that came in 3:30 in the morning. She even mentioned it to the nurse when the nurse came in during her time with her children. Later that evening, the night shift nurse from the previous night came back . The young lady asked her about the doctor that checked in on her the morning at 3:30 in the morning. That nurse looked at her chart, just like the three doctors from the surgical team did, and told her there was no doctor in this room at that time as she would also have known because she worked that shift, just like she is working the same shift now. The young lady started to cry and said, "But he was here, I talked to him". The nurse looked at her and said "many things happen in this hospital, what did the man look like?" The young lady told her he had light brown very short wavy hair, his skin was shiny and he had blue eyes. The nurse then said to her "Ah, You Were Touched By An Angel." The young lady started to think about this. But when she recalled him telling her she was going to see her children later that day, and she did although she wasn't sure, plus she didn't tell anyone her children may come, she believed what the nurse told her was true. Knowing an Angel was by her side now, she knew in 100% confidence she was going to make it through her next step battling cancer. Finally, on February 15th, one of the head surgeons came in to talk to her. He told her that cancer was found in her lymph nodes, she has stage 3, invasive lymph node positive breast cancer. He told her what took place in the surgical room the first time and the problems they ran into, this way she understood why the surgery took longer than it should have. Never mind all the other problems like the hernia and the blood loss, needing four blood transfusions, she thought to herself. As soon as she was told her heart stopped, but they got it beating again, she laughed and told the surgeon "So let me understand this, YOU SAW A STRAIGHT LINE ON THE MONITOR AND I DIDN'T SEE THE BRIGHT LIGHT? I HAVE A BIG CONCERN HERE!" But this made her and this head surgeon laugh. He told her as long as she keeps this humor within her; she will do just fine through chemotherapy. Just think about it - if this young lady didn't have those blood transfusions, would her heart start beating again? Remember the fact she lost so much blood during the first surgery, would she be alive today to tell this story? This is story is TRUE. I know this young lady very well. After this experience, she sees life totally different, leaving her to help so many people in need. The miracle is she is stil l alive today and tells this real experience to many and how she was Touched By An Angel in the early morning on Valentine's Day during a challenging time in her life. Angels are all around us, no matter what kind of mood we are in, no matter what we say or do. Just rest assured, by reading this true story, through trouble times, an Angel is there, right beside you.
East Haven $174,900. Large eat-in-kitchen with new appliances. Large yard for kids to play or for a garden. Full walk-up attic can be 4th BR or den. Lots of storage; nice sized bedrooms; full bsmt with walk-out hatch. A must see. Call Dom Ext. 314.
East Haven
$274,900. Beautiful 1 yr old home in desirable area. 2-3 BRs, 2 full bths, gleaming HW Flrs, lovely manicured lawn w/sprinkler system. Full basement for endless possibilities. Just unpack & move in. Call Loriann X303
East Haven $244,900. Gorgeous 2BR Twnhse in impeccable condition in desirable Morgan Pt. area. Cleaming HW flrs in LR/DR combo. LR w/gas FP and SGD to Exp deck w/awning. Large MBR, form DR, CAIR, 1 car gar rear of complex. Call Chuck Ext. 302.
New Haven
$155,000. Enjoy water views from this 1 BR condo with C/A, patio, master bedroom with walk-in closet, security system. Close to shopping and minutes from Yale. Call Jean x306
It is not by accident that the happiest people are those who make a conscious effort to live useful lives. Their happiness, of course, is not a shallow exhilaration where life is one continuous intoxicating party. Rather, their happiness is a deep sense of inner peace that comes when they believe their lives have meaning and that they are making a difference for good in the world. Ernest Fitzgerald (American Minister)
M.H.S. Valentine Adoption Weekend Lori Peck, Dedicated Volunteer Are you looking for that special someone to cuddle up with at night, watch t.v. with or take a walk in the park? Well look no further. We can help you find a true, loyal companaion that's purrfect for you. The Meriden Humane Society will host a Valentine Adoption Weekend on February 7 & 8, with extended hours from 10-8. Come meet our animals, enter a raffle, enjoy a purchase from our bake table, cookie walk or Valentine's novelties table. All proceeds from this event will go towards the medical expense and surgery of two of our shelter's cats. You can view these cats and their stories on our website at www.meridenhs.petfinder.org. So come on down for a visit, a snack or just to make a donation to help us fulfill our goal for these cats. For more information please call the M.H.S. at 238-3650 or stop by our location at 311 Murdock Ave. Thanks to everyone for your support through the long awaited appointment of the Summer Street cats, to the Meriden Humane Society. They are finally ours to adopt out! Some of them have already gotten wonderful new homes,but there are still many sweet, lovable kitties available. See you at the shelter! Loving is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction. ~Antoine de Saint-ExupĂŠry,
West Haven $309,900. Large Raised Ranch nestled on a Cul-de-Sac, features LR w/FP & Bay Window, DR w/sliders to deck, 3 BRs, EIK, FR w/walkout to patio area. Great for entertaining! Call today for your own private showing! Call Carol X310
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Page 8 February 2009
This Valentine's Day, Be Good to Your Heart By Lisa Zola - Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes LLC of Wallingford 203-269-2TLC (2852). Since Valentine's Day is a day that is associated symbolically with the heart, I thought it would be fitting to write an article about how to care for your heart. Statistics show that heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States and has been since the early 1900's. This just does not make any sense, especially given all of the advances in medicine we have had since then. In addition, stress, anxiety and depression have all been implicated as contributing factors in heart disease and are some of the top reasons why people visit their health care provider. What seems to be missing and what I think is the key to a healthy heart, and to a happy life, is following a healthy lifestyle. In fact, our health problems have become so chronic in nature that until we change our usual approach in how we treat disease AND unless lifestyle changes are implemented, those with heart disease will continue to progressively worsen and ultimately die of their heart disease, as we can easily surmise from the statistics. And those with other ailments won't be much better off. However, there is good news in all of this. A person with heart disease can actually halt the progression and even reverse their disease as evidenced in the "Lifestyle Heart Trial" study conducted by Dr. Dean Ornish. A pioneer in the field of medicine, Dr. Ornish is the first physician ever, to demonstrate the reversal of heart disease in patients who had been diagnosed, by facilitating lifestyle changes, and subsequently, he has developed a program specifically for reversing heart disease without drugs or surgery. It is also important to keep in mind that the whole person needs to be treated, not just the disease or symptoms, which simply are red flags and the body's way of saying that there is a break in the Body-Mind-Spirit connection. Your heart needs to be to be nourished emotionally and spiritually, not just physically and it is important to integrate all three of these components in order to achieve optimal health. Physically, your heart requires the proper nutrition, exercise and rest. As far as nutrition is concerned, recommendations for a heart healthy diet include eating low-fat foods and choosing the right fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). It is equally as important to avoid fried foods and foods that contain those dreaded trans fats.
Physically, your heart is a muscle that needs to be exercised just like any of the other muscles in your body, in order to keep it healthy and strong. Physical activity is good for your heart and has numerous health benefits for your heart and for the rest of your body too including helping to lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels, promote joint, cartilage and bone strength, maintain flexibility, assist with weight loss, and elevate mood. The truth is that in many cases, diet and exercise should replace surgery in treating heart disease. Always consult with your health care provider before starting exercise. Emotionally, stress has now been linked to heart disease, but don't let that stress you out! There is a very simple remedy, and I am not talking about paxil or prozac. It's called breathing. Usually when we are anxious, nervous or uptight, our breathing becomes more rapid and shallow. When faced with stressful situations, our bodies prepare for the "Fight or Flight Response," a response in which the adrenal glands pump out cortisol and adrenaline to prepare the body for action. These stress hormones which are released into the body cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Alternatively, slowing down and deepening the breath induces the "Relaxation Response," a physiological state of quietude, which counteracts and is the antidote to the stress response. Add a half smile to your breathing which causes pressure on the vagus nerve and stimulates the release of serotonin, and you'll get that feel good feeling too. All you need to do is to take three slow, deep belly breaths with a half smile on your face and see how much better you will feel. This technique can be done several times a day or as often as is needed and takes only a moment. The last component for caring for your heart is to nourish it spiritually with Love. Love is an energy that arises spontaneously in the heart and is our essential nature. It is always ready to flow; however, if we are not experiencing love right now, it is not because we are failing to create it, but because we are preventing it from arising. Love is always there, waiting deep within our hearts and waiting for us to surrender to it. And, when we do, it rewards us with the greatest fulfillment in life: that Divine connection with our Higher Being, Source, or God. If you sometimes find it difficult to make that heartfelt connection try practicing gratitude and try to be grateful for both the blessings and the challenges that life brings. Ultimately, how we treat our heart is in our own control, whether we have heart disease or not. Being good to our heart is vital for a healthy life. Developing lifestyle changes is a process that takes place over time, but the rewards naturally lead to heart health and happiness on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels of existence. So this Valentine's Day, do yourself a favor and be good to your heart!
Mayor's Corner - Wallingford Dear Friends, Isn't it wonderful to have daylight at 5:00 p.m. each day. Just to know that the days are getting longer puts a smile in our minds if not our faces. Mother Nature is making a major effort this year to remind us what winter is all about. Sleet, ice, snow and cold temperatures lurk in and around whenever each day takes us‌unless we head for southern climes. There, temperature may have a different meaning. Someone once told me that, if you plan to drive to Texas, remember that people drive the temperature, not the speed limit. Whatever discomforts the winter wind may bring us, that wind is being warmed by a sun which shines longer each day. Now is the time we plan for warm weather events like the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. But please drive the speed limit, not the temperature. Yours truly, William Dickinson - Mayor
Bikers Against Animal Cruelty, gearing up for spring! Submitted by: V.J. Peregolise, B.A.A.C. PR Representative We here at Bikers Against Animal Cruelty are getting ready for, and looking forward to, SPRING, just like all of you I'm sure. In case you are not familiar with our group, Bikers Against Animal Cruelty (B.A.A.C.) is a nonprofit, group of motorcycle enthusiasts, with a passion for all things animal. B.A.A.C., holds several events a year, runs , parties, and even a motorcycle rodeo. All the proceeds and donations, go to caring for victims of animal abuse, and cruelty. Proceeds also help animal shelters and rescues. As a group B.A.A.C. isn't a political action group, we are all about helping the animals, they come first. As much as we despise anybody that would abuse, or neglect any animal, there are plenty of groups that fight the legal battles for stiffer penalties for such people. Starting in Sept. 2007, B.A.A.C. has grown very fast. When the idea was first thrown around, it was done so with the knowledge of how generous bikers are, and how a great deal of them also loves their animals. The idea was dead on. We are based in North Haven Connecticut with members now throughout the state, and in Texas, and Florida. With the riding season right around the corner, well lets just keep telling ourselves that, we have been busy setting our 2009 schedule. For a full lists of events, and more information on the group please check out, WWW.BIKERSAGAINSTANIMALCRUELTY.ORG. If you like to ride, have a great time with some great people, and care about animals, this group is for you. New members, and or supporters are always welcome! Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. ~Author Unknown
Page 9 February 2009
Coco Key
which included everything you would need for a day at the beach minus the sunscreen. With no lines at the front desk and the complex at maximum capacity 1,040 people, we got our official admission bracelets and were directed through the big glass doors that housed the water adventure that my children had been anticipating since before they opened last August. Parent's note- the dressing rooms where toasty warm, a very welcome surprise! Yes, that gets an exclamation point. The first thing you see is Parrot's Perch a water playground ideal for the littler ones maximum water depth 6 inches- but, enjoyed by the bigger ones too. With four, not so scary, water slides, some great interactive water features, a very manageable climbing net and, oh yes, the giant bucket of water that threatens to soak you at regular intervals this attraction will keep them entertained for hours. My five year old son, Shaunessy, loved this area and made some new friends here. The soaking is avoidable, just keep your ears open for the ship bell and if you are like me, run away from the sound, if you are like any one of my kids, stand under the splash zone and await the massive soaking. Baby/ toddler bungee swings complete this mom friendly area. Another parent note, life vests in many sizes are easily accessed they are scattered around all swimming areas to grab as you need. The lazy river was a lot of fun. The whole family grabbed tubes held onto each other and made our way under waterfalls, by water jets and under water geysers again and again and -oh you get it by now. There is a pool with some cool obstacle course features. I made a graceless attempt across the floating lily pads. In another area of this pool separated by a floating log they have two basketball hoops and the deepest water in the complex about waist high for the average adult male. Both adults and kids were warming up in the toasty hot tub that is tucked away in the back corner.
By Dawn A. Nierenburg-Reynolds So where is it 84 degrees year round (a few degrees lower near the entrance way)? Yup, it's Coco Key. If you have somehow escaped the barrage of commercials placed on kid's channels, Coco Key is 55,000 square foot, indoor water park located in neighboring Waterbury. After some major pleading and lofty promises by my kids and I Andy, my hubby, agreed to take us to Coco Key for the day. So, our big family trip this holiday season was to this new local attraction. That morning, knowing that this was the day, my children came down the stairs dressed and ready to go, without prompting. Now how much is that worth? Ah, yes "Priceless". Drive time: 15 minutes max with traffic. My son Josh only got in two "Are we there yet?" Yes, he did manage two but, before I had to answer I was pointing out the billboard in front of the Waterbury Holiday Inn Coco Key Water Resort. We found a great parking space walked twenty feet to the front door loaded up with the swim bag
Opportunity for Change By Jennie Jenkins The current economic situation has stirred up a tremendous amount of fear mongering, especially with respect to the media's announcements of job layoffs throughout the country. Life is certainly unpredictable when it comes to jobs; I certainly know. I have experienced job loss in my life. However, in spite of this, I am still standing, stronger than ever. So, if you receive a pink slip, fear not. A job layoff, as I have learned, can actually be a blessing in disguise. It is an opportunity to profoundly change your life and do what you really love, what you are meant to do as part of your path in life. How do you know the path you should take? You must listen carefully to what makes your heart sing, what resonates within your soul. Paying attention to your thoughts, especially the repetitive ones, is extremely important. Is there a class you keep thinking of taking? Have you thought of examining your resume to see what skills are transferable to the job/career you wish to have? Do you look at that professional astrologer's business card, which recently caught your eye, and think of calling to make that appointment? According to Angel Expert, Doreen Virtue, repetitive thoughts, as long as they are positive in nature, are often divinely-infused thoughts, or what I like to call "Divine Transference." It is up to us, though, to "listen" and, most importantly, act upon this guidance. How do you know you are embarking on the right path? One way of knowing you are on the right path is noticing signs along the way, signs which confirm you are doing what you are supposed to be doing. Do you notice "doors" opening for you, along the way? If, however, you are feeling unsure of whatever signs you are receiving, spend some quiet time alone to calm your mind. When we experience stress and racy thoughts it's hard to make wise decisions. However, when we focus on quieting our minds, we can see things more clearly and exercise better judgment. So, spend some quiet time alone to center your self. Listen to some peaceful music. Meditate. By doing this, the wisdom within you will resonate. You will have a strong sense of what to do. Just as it is important to focus on the spiritual aspect of your life, it is just as important to focus on all the material resources available to you, as well. We live in a state that is rich in career and job resources, from Connecticut's state library program to the University of Hartford's non-profit center, Center for Professional Development to our "211" info line program, a free information line and website which guides people to the assistance they need. In addition, thanks to grant and state funding, many resources, including the use of the internet at public libraries, are often free of charge.
As you drive up to the hotel complex you can't help but notice three tubes jutting out of the side of the building. Oh yes, these are the water slides, must be 42" inches high to enjoy, not just for kids anymore, my kind of fun. Woohoo! There are three big slides; Shark Slam a tubeless light-blocked slide about one story high with some fun twists and turns, Pelican Plunge running the full height of the water resort, the fastest of the three lit by the light of the day as it winds outside the complex walls and the third slide Barracuda Blast as tall as Pelican Plunge but all in the dark. There was a long line, Josh my 7 year old, was the first one to want to hit the slides. We grabbed a double tube and waited with the other eager adventurers. We swapped stories with other kids and their adults on the way up. Josh sang, he does that when he is excited. I started getting nervous anticipating the ride. "Hey Josh, are you sure about this? We can turn around you know, you don't have to go down the slide." "I'm sure, mom. Don't worry mom, it will be OK" "Thanks Josh, I feel better now (not)" He made me go down Barracuda Blast the darkened tube, I screamed all the way down. Josh smiled all the way down. My throat hurt the next day. Josh's face hurts the next day (from smiling too hard). I did go down the slide half a dozen more times with my daughter Sierra and Josh and yes, I grew to love them all. Most of all, I loved the time with my family. There is an A&W/ Pizza Hut inside the water complex. A medium pizza runs $15. A chicken strips and fry combo runs about $6 and change. Watch the internet for day deals. I had found a twilight special, 4pm-8pm Mondays and Thursdays, for $15 per person. Contact the resort at 203.706.1000 or online cocokeywaterresort.com/Locations/Waterbury. You can buy tickets online but there is a $2.00 per ticket service charge. Birthdays run $30-$40 per guest but include cake, pizza and goody bags. It's a party I'd want to be invited to. Overnights claim to run from $185.00 per room with two day wrist bands for four guests. I ran a search and could not find a room for less than $250.00 per night.
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So, fear not, you are okay and will be okay. Just have faith, follow your divine guidance, and act, using the divine wisdom within you. The trouble with always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind. ~G.K. Chesterton
477 South Broad Street (Blockbuster Plaza) in Meriden 203-235-3648
Page 10 February 2009
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
Happy Valentines Day For Nicholas, Savannah, Vincent and Dayton: With all the sunshine things you do, The smiles you share -the laughter, too - With all the dreams you make come true...It's great to have kids like you! Love, Mom
People’s Press Crossword by Ruth Gordon Look for the answers in this issue. ACROSS 1. Basic school subject 5. Every one individually 9. "Hit or _____" 13. Region 14. "______ is this word?? 15. Initial amount entered into a poker pot 16. "Double _____ chewing gum" 17. Yogi, Smokey, Boo-Boo; i.e. 18. Scram; vamoose; flee 19. Comfort 20. Raced 21. Labels indicating price, etc. 22. Psychedelic drug advocated and used by Timothy Leary in the '60's 24. Taxi 27. This western State is often called "The Golden State" (abbr.) 29. A ewe's vocal comment 30. Animated TV star, Mr. Simpson 32. Insane 33. "Ready, willing and _____" 35. Form of electricity (abbr.) 36. "Ready, set, ____" 37. Trickle 39. Musical gift 40. Anything serving as a distinctive, often venerated, emblem or symbol 42. A home for flowers 43. Aged 44. A colonized, industrious insect 45. Connecticut clocks are usually set to this (abbr.) 46. The symbol for this element is Fe 50. Majestic and lengthy poem, usually centered upon a hero 54. Cease and desist 58. Naked 59. Slang for 22-Across 60. To feel a lingering, often nostalgic desire 61. A mass or lump 62. Unclosed 63. A shy author's signature (abbr.) 64. "His and ____" 65. Region 66. Relax DOWN 1. "Auntie ______", novel by Patrick Dennis which was later adapted to a musical play 2. An elaborate melody sung solo with accompaniment
3. A specific denomination of U.S. currency 4. Detest 6. Amazes 7. A fellow; boy or man 8. The tortoise's competitor 9. A spar or structure rising above the hull of a ship or boat 10. A member of the group of Quechuan peoples of South America whose empire was conquered by the Spanish conquistadors 11. Attend a party or dance without a female companion (used with "go") 12. Puts in a specified position or place 22. Tag usually found on clothing and other articles providing description, price, etc. 23. A serving of leafy greens tossed with dressing and usually served cold 24. Hot beverage sometimes served with small marshmallows 25. Morning (abbr.) 26. To father; sire 27. Many dieters count these 28. A popular New Years resolution is "to go on ___ ______" 29. College degree 30. A head covering 31. Computer memory in which program instructions or other data is permanently stored 32. Hospital worker (abbr.) 34. Hospital department where many of 32-Across are found 38. Word found on an invoice or a receipt (abbr.) 41. Nashville is this State's capital (abbr.) 46. Sometimes if you "give" this to someone they "will take a mile" 47. "Always follow the golden ____" 48. Aroma 49. New Jersey NBA team 51. Partner for Mama 52. Cake decorator 53. Movie theatre 54. See 9-Down 55. A sharp, projecting point or prong 56. Belonging to John Lennon's widow 57. Shut in; confined
Services of the Wallingford Health Department by Eloise Hazelwood, DOH Hard to believe that a year has already passed since the First Health and Wellness Edition! At least this time I only have to update everything I previously wrote. Let's start with the summary chart of who we are and what we do. Who are we: WALLINGFORD HEALTH DEPARTMENT Where are we: 45 S. Main St., Rm. 215 How to reach us: 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 VNA Women Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program Pediatric Dental Health Immunizations and Well Child Clinics Blood Lead Screening The Health Dept. is available to provide educational presentations upon request OK, so now you have the readers digest version of who we are and what we do. I want to focus this article on recent legislative changes that may impact you as a resident, especially if you a parent. I'm talking about the changes in the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Regulations. Try saying that fast! Lead poisoning is a serious PREVENTABLE illness. Let's play Fact or Fiction: 1. Lead Poisoning is an inner city issue. Fact or Fiction? FICTION: Generally speaking, all homes built before 1978 have the potential to have lead-based paint. So if you live in a beautiful (but older) Victorian home that has a wrap around porch, it was probably painted at some point, with lead-based paint. Most of us (including me) were raised in homes built before 1978. The presence of intact lead-based paint does not automatically mean that your child will be lead poisoned. Lead-based paint presents a health hazard only when the paint becomes defective (peeling, flaking). Older windows present a less visible hazard because the friction of opening/closing causes the lead-based paint to become airborne in the form of dust. 2. Good housekeeping is important in reducing potential exposure to lead. Fact or Fiction? FACT: We just talked about how children may be exposed to lead (peeling paint and DUST). You play a very important role in making sure the environment is lead-safe. NEVER vacuum paint chips or window well areas, why? It has the potential to cause DUST and the DUST is then put into the air which will eventually fall to the floor and young children can then ingest the dust. Remove all paint chips in a wetted (damp) state, why? Come on, you know this by now, to reduce the amount of DUST of course. 3. Home renovations should not be done if your home was built before 1978. Fact or Fiction? FICTION!!! It's your home, enjoy it! Upgrade, renovate, expand but do it in a lead-safe manner. What does that mean? It's easy! First, make sure young children are not in the work area. Use plastic to seal off the area, remove paint in a wetted form, never dry scrape paint. Do you remember why, oh yes, the DUST! If you're doing exterior work, put plastic on the ground to prevent the paint chips from getting in the soil. The most important step, CLEANUP (I didn't say the most favorite step). How? Use a product called Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) and follow the directions on the container. 4. Testing a child for lead poisoning is painful and expensive. Fact or Fiction? FICTION: The CT DPH now requires universal screening, in other words, all children between the ages of 1 and 2 years must be screened for lead in the blood. It's a simple "finger stick", to sample the blood. Contact your medical provider to schedule a lead screening. If you don't have a medical provider or are concerned about the cost, contact the Wallingford VNA at 269-1475 to see if you qualify for the free lead screening (Meriden residents should call the Meriden Health Dept). Why test? There is no "safe" level of lead in the blood, lead can impact a child's ability to learn and develop. Generally speaking, the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning may mimic normal 2-3 year behavior (picky appetite, short attention span, irritable)! 5. Lead only impacts young children. Fact or Fiction? FICTION: Young children are more likely to get lead poisoning because their bodies are growing rapidly and so they "absorb" lead in the environment more readily than adults (did you know calcium and lead are similar in molecular weight). But there are exceptions! Children are not the ONLY ones at risk. Pregnant women, occupational exposures, hobbies (indoor firing range, fishing sinkers) and even pets are at risk of lead poisoning. Pets? Yes! If there are high levels of lead dust in the home or flaking paint chips outside, you pet could have lead on it's paws, lick it's paws, or bring it in the home! 6. The Lead Regulations apply only to parents. Fact or Fiction? FICTION: True, some parts of the regulations impact parents, but they also impact Medical Providers (they are now required to perform blood lead screenings or "finger sticks"), Day Care Centers (they must now test the centers for lead if the property was built before 1978), Licensed Contractors (they must be certified in Lead-safe practices to perform lead abatement) Health Departments (we are required to provide increased education and outreach to all residents and more specific education to those with children found to have lower levels of lead exposure). So how did you enjoy the Lead Fact or Fiction? You may not realize it, but you just got a quick update on the new Lead Laws. Every days a learning day! We at the Wallingford Health Department are available to assist you in conducting a home assessment for lead hazards. This is NOT a Lead Inspection. Our role is to help identify potential sources of the lead so that you can protect your child from lead poisoning, its true what our grandparents said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of gold. For more information, please call 294-2065 or stop by Wallingford Town Hall, rm. 215.
Need a place to spend February 14th without being overwhelmed with ROMANCE? Come and hang out at Yogis’…Great Valentines Day Party… The party to go to… with or without a date!
Page 11 February 2009
Boo Crew Review - Trail of Terror
Happy Valentines Day Happy Valentines’ Day With Love to Kaitlyn Love, Grandma & Pa Scott, Amy & Daniel
Happy Valentines Day For Ian: Love One word... But so many memories. Happy Valentines Day 3 Well another year has come and gone for the Trail of Terror in Wallingford. Each year seems to run more smoothly than the previous. Yes, the lines were long but the timed speed pass worked out well, especially for the first year. This was quite the year so let me go through some of my favorite highlights of the season. "First, as always, was the presentation of the check to the Red Cross. For the 3rd year in a row the Boo Crew raised over $100,000 for the South Central Chapter of the American Red Cross. "I think a very close 2nd highlight was the visit we had from the UCONN Women's Basketball team. The team and coaches (Gino stayed in the bus) made a stealth visit to the Trail this year and had quite the time. They were so much fun while inside the Trail and hung around the Red Cross tent afterwards and took pictures, hugged each other and talked about their experiences. "The 3rd highlight was the presentation of a check for C.R.E.W. Community Revitalization Efforts of Wallingford. They were a huge help to the Trail this year, and for their effort they earned the proceeds from Halloween night and an additional amount for all their off-season efforts. The check was for $16,000, which will help pay for their trip to work with the Hurricane Katrina victims, sacrificing their spring vacation in April. What a great group of students. "There were many more highlights of this years' season, too many to mention. The Trail has become a part of life for many people and each year comes a bittersweet ending. We can now get back to our "normal" lives; seeing our families again, actually sitting down and having a meal (with utensils), and catching up on just about everything that we pushed aside for many months. The sad thing is dealing with not seeing our Trail family for the winter. Well, that's all for now, the 14th Trail of Terror is now behind us. The 15th will be here before you know it, time for us to get to work. Wayne "Spookologist" Barneschi
South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department News South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is its 101 year of service to the Village of South Meriden and the City of Meriden. In 2008 the department responded to 772 calls of service to the community, that was a 7% increase of calls from 2007. Point of information about the calls in 2008, approximately 61 % of the calls responded to where medicals and Motor Vehicle Accidents. Health Tips We urge all our residence to be careful during the winter months with shoveling snow. Take it easy do not over do it. Use a good shovel and do not over load it when you lift it. Also for those of you that have snow blowers please be extremely careful not to put your hands near the blades of the blower unit while it is running. You might say who would do that, but each year Meriden's emergency service responders respond to several of these calls each year and it isn't a pretty sight so please take precautions. If you can and have the time and the energy may be you can help a neighbor who is a little older or might be ill, give them a hand clearing away the snow from their walkways or driveway. It feels real good to be able to help them out during the winter months. Each year we lose friends and neighbors to heart attacks during the winter months from over exerting themselves shoveling snow. We also want to thank all of our friends that have been helping clearing snow and ice a way from fire hydrants during storms. This allows the fire department during fire emergencies to hook up to fire hydrants quicker to gain access to a water supply if the fire is one of a substantial size. Do to the amount of snow we have been receiving, we still need your continuing help with clearing fire hydrants Another health tip. If you are under a doctor's care and take certain medications keep a list of these medications handy just in case you have the need to call 911 for during a medical emergency. Also with this list you might want to give a little history of any medical conditions that you also might have. These are important things for emergency responders to have just in case you are unable to respond to our questions when we arrive at your home. A good place to keep this information is in an envelope on you refrigerator and note that it is Medical Info. Membership Information We are currently accepting applications for membership for individuals who live in Meriden over the age of 18 in good health and have a clean police records and can pass the application process. We are also accepting application for those individuals who might all ready be certified as a State of CT Firefighter/EMT and do not live in Meriden but are willing to fill night crew positions at our station. These individuals will need to meet our by-law requirements for drills, weekly night crew and duty crew assignments. We are one of the only Volunteer fire stations in the State that have sleep-in crews at our fire station we presently cover 6 out of 7 nights. Our nightly in-house status allows us to service our customers you our neighbors quicker. Being a volunteer fire fighter takes a lot of commitment and time. Our members make a lot of personal sacrifices to belong to our department, but they get great satisfaction of being part of terrific tradition of saving lives and property. We train and work hard but we love serving and protecting our friends. Applications can be picked up at our station at 31 Camp Street, South Meriden in the evenings. We are a DRUG FREE Department and we TEST all applicants. Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket or a holding pattern over Philadelphia. ~Judith Viorst, Redbook, 1975 What I need to live has been given to me by the earth. Why I need to live has been given to me by you. ~Author Unknown
Love, Kasey
Shop Local, Shop Smart and make it Sweet!
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Come Visit us at 80 S. Vine Street, Meriden * (203) 235-2541 Directions: South Vine Street is located between Hunter’s Ambulance & McDonald’s off of West Main St Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5, Special Hours:Thurs, 2/12/09 9-6 Friday, 2/13/09 9-6
Page 12 February 2009
Why I Like to Practice Yoga At Home by Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom Health and wellness have been buzz words in today's society since the beginning of this century due to the fact that many Americans want to try and loose weight, gain a little more vitality, and eat better to feel better. These are wonderful reasons to live healthier and even I too, have added myself to the ranks of the buzz words by trying to lead a healthier lifestyle for myself and my family. Exercise and eating right just make sense for me because it helps relieve my symptoms of fibromyalgia, arthritis, and asthma. My preferred form of exercise is practicing yoga at home. I like to pop in a Wai Lana tape and start out my mornings (or sometimes evenings) with some stress relieving yoga asanas. Exercising from the comfort of my own home is something I've been doing for a long time. There are many reasons why I like to exercise at home, some of them are financial, and some of them are personal. The financial reasons are pretty straight forward-- I just can't afford to go to a yoga studio, so let me skip that reason and go straight to the personal. I like to practice yoga at home because home is where I feel most relaxed. It is so much easier to schedule my own time to exercise, rather than schedule my life around it. Scheduling life in itself is hard and stressful when you are bringing your daughter to school, getting your other daughter ready for nap time, preparing meals, writing articles, or whatever other activity or work define your life. I don't want to feel guilty if I can't make my 10 am yoga class, so I like the idea of a video tape because the guilt doesn't build up in me if I just can't do yoga at 10 am, 10 after 10 am, or even 10 in the evening. Sure, going to class is fun because you can meet new people, get motivated by the instructor, and wear some really cute exercising outfits, but in the end, you still have to do the work and actually get in some yoga practice. No person, instructor, or cute outfit is going to get you out of that and that's when motivation can fizzle out for anyone. I too, will admit that it's hard for me to feel really motivated to practice when I'm having a flare, but I try and push myself to do something-- even if it's just one asana on the tape because it's still doing something beneficial for myself. Another reason why I like to practice at home is because I fall easily to peer pressure. I can get embarrassed very easily when I feel like my body can't quite form the shape it's supposed to for a particular pose. I know I shouldn't feel that way because everyone's body is different and I also have to keep in my mind that if I overdue it-- I'll be in for a flare the next day. There's just something about me and the need to please and succeed that gets me to try weird and crazy things when other people are around. Let's face it-- we've all been there at one point or another. The Life cereal commercial wouldn't have been so popular if we as human beings didn't fall prey to peer pressure. So practicing at home can really help me when it comes to saving myself from a flare. The last reason why I like practicing yoga at home is probably the best reason, I get to do it with my 8 year old daughter at home. That wouldn't be the case if I was going to a class since it just wouldn't be something that's feasible because time wouldn't allow for it with a class. If I've got the luxury of having Wai Lana on tape, I can pop it in right after school which is a beneficial bonus for the both of us. Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise and Wai Lana Yoga is a great way to go if you can't afford a class. She has been practicing for over 20 years and is a well known yoga instructor throughout the world. She does a weekly television show that can usually be found on your public access channels here in the US.
In Loving Memory 2/26/88 - 7/1/98 Amber Marie Rolle aka Pick-a-lips It’s been 11 years that you have been gone. But you are still in our heart and mind. We miss you very much. Love you. Love, Mami, Daddy, Devin, Jasmine and Janelly
Happy Valentines Day Karen, as we begin our golden years and your constant chatter numbs my ears, I must confess why you rate, It’s cause we both agree I’m so darn great. I’m your gourmet love machine. Love, Tom
Happy Valentines Day Happy 1st Valentine’s Day Morgan! You make our lives so sweet! Love, Mom and Dad
Happy Valentines Day Happy Valentine's Day! Love, The Meriden Immunization Program 203-630-4251 MeridenImmunizations.webs.com
Nature as a Mirror Chinese New Year of the Ox 2009 By Dorothy Gonick Getting ready for the New Year celebrations is especially exciting this year. Our whole family has been making the house spotless. We've put up the special scrolls, gathered plum blossoms and arranged them beautifully. Bowls of golden oranges add touches of cheer. Gifts are chosen and ready to exchange with our visitors. Trays of fruits and candy are ready for our visitors. Mother has new red clothes for us to wear because red scares all the evil spirits away, insuring us a good year to come. The New Year arrives when the first new moon of the year appears. My aunts and Grandmother have been helping Mother prepare the big feast we'll have on New Year's Eve. It will be wonderful to have all of our family here, surrounded by the spirits of our ancestors. Staying up until midnight is a happy time of feasting, playing games, telling fortunes and hearing stories. My cousins may bring a new game to play. At midnight we'll go outside to see the exploding fireworks that welcome the New Year, and add to the noise by calling "Happy New Year" to all our friends and neighbors. And so begins fifteen days of celebrating. For the next two weeks we visit friends and relatives. Elders will give the children red envelopes that have 'lucky money' in them. We will visit the temple and pray for good luck, riches and health. Every day has a special meaning, I like the fourteenth day because we'll get ready to celebrate the Lantern Festival, also known as Shang Yuan that is held on the fifteenth night. We will prepare special lanterns and hang some in temples, others we will carry in the evening parade by the light of the full moon. That is a very special celebration with a dragon dance. The fancy, fierce-looking dragon is made of silk, paper, and bamboo and held up by young men as they dance through the streets. I used to be afraid of the dragon, but now it is exciting to watch and fun to dance along with it. This year is very special because I was born in the last Year of the Ox. My mother says that Father has many of the traits of the Ox because he too was born in the Year of the Ox. Some of these traits are: being dependable, working very hard without complaining, being trustworthy, and patient. Father is respected by the townspeople because of his honest and leadership. I'm glad I was born in the Year of the Ox because I admire my father and love him; hopefully I'll be like him too. Our Ox works hard and steadily for Father to assure that our rice crop will have a good harvest. It may be his special year, but he still has work to do. I plan to tie ribbons and flowers on his horns and recite the special poem I've written to celebrate his goodness. Dependable Ox Does the will of the farmer, Glory not his goal.
The deadline for our March issue is February 25th! Share your story! If you have an upcoming event in the months ahead send it in it would be our honor to help you AND we will send out each week’s events in our weekly email newsletter to our on-line subscribers to give you even more exposure. Sign up - it’s free! Go to www.peoplespressnews.com and click subsribe! There are several ways to submit: Email: andy@peoplespressnews.com Web: www.peoplespressnews.com Fax to: 203.294.8808 Mail: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
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Page 13 February 2009
Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon. ~Doug Larson Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. ~WHO, 1948
In Loving Memory
Amber Marie Rolle * 2/26/88 - 7/1/98. Today you would have been 21. I can remember the first time I saw you and you look at me and smile. I miss you with all of my heart. Love always, Mami, Daddy, Devin, Jasmine and Janelly.
Celebrations of Life and Home
SENIOR CENTERS ARE WELLNESS CENTERS! MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER 22 WEST MAIN STREET MERIDEN, CT 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 Monday 10:30 - 11:00 AM
A videotape chair exercise program.
*
Line Dancing, Jim Gregory Monday, 1:30 - 2:15 PM
Learn some dance steps and enjoy the music.
*
Blast Off, Chris Fontaine Tuesday, 10:00 - 10:20 AM
A 20 minute energizing video with Richard Simmons.
*
Physical Fitness Tuesday, Friday 10:30 - 11:00 AM Thursday 10:15 - 10:45 AM
Easy chair exercises suitable for all.
*
Weight Training Tuesday, 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Fitness class using one and two pound weights.
*
Tai-Chi Gong, Rich Hamel Tuesday, Thursday, 1:30 - 2:15 PM
Flowing movements blend body and mind.
*
Chair Dancing Thursday 10:45 - 11:15 AM
Chair exercises with music.
*
Strength and Tone for Seniors, Karen Zeoli Thursday, 12:45 - 1:30 PM
*
Yoga, Donna Sause Friday, 9:30 - 10:15 AM
Active fitness class using weights and music. Regular yoga for managing stress.
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 2009! Free parking is available in the Hanover Street Parking Lot across from the rear entrance to the Senior Center. For further information or any questions you may have just give us a call at 237-0066. We hope to see you here soon! John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director 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
Shannon, Happy 26th ! Hope this year is a good one. We all love you. Love from your entire family.
Please check out our website for upcoming events and specials. www.jhhair.com 437 Broad Street in Meriden 203-2 235-3 3166
Enjoy a relaxing pedicure For ONLY $20.00 Add a manicure for $10.00 Jennifer's House of Hair will be Hosting their 2nd Social gathering
"A Bash for Baldness" *All Proceeds Benefit St. Baldrick's * Friday, February 27th 5pm to 8pm At Jennifer's House of Hair 437 Broad Street, Meriden Tickets: $20 per person Includes various beer/wine & Comfort Food Please come join us at Quality Time CafĂŠ on March 7th for The 3rd annual St. Baldrick's
I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon. ~Author Unknown
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Page 14 February 2009
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The ABC's of Heart Health From the American Heart Association Avoid Tobacco. Be More Active. Choose Good Nutrition. Learning how to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle may not seem as simple as the ABC's, but it is the single best defense against heart disease and stroke, leading causes of death among Americans. Even making one or two of these lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack, so please, take this information to heart. What can you do to lower your risk of heart disease? Stop smoking. Quitting smoking isn't easy, but there are resources out there that can help you. Check if your local health department offers smoking cessation classes, or try the state of Connecticut's QuitLine. More information at www.ct.gov/dph. Choose good nutrition. The food you eat affects your cholesterol, blood pressure, incidence of diabetes and likelihood of being overweight. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole-grain and high-fiber foods, fish, lean protein, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products is key to heart health. Reduce blood cholesterol. Sooner or later fat lodged in your arteries can result in a heart attack or stroke. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and get moving. If diet and exercise don't get your numbers down, medication may be necessary. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL. Lower high blood pressure. Shake your salt habit, take medications if they are recommended by your doctor, and try adding more physical activity to your lifestyle. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. Get active. Research has shown that 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week can help combat against heart disease. It's okay to start out slow. Even ten minutes at a time may offer health benefits. Aim for a healthy weight. Exercise, good nutrition, and controlling calorie intake are the only ways to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity puts you at risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, a precursor of type 2 diabetes, all risk factors for heart disease. Manage diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of diabetesrelated death. If you're a diabetic, talk with your physician about how to best manage it. Reduce stress. There is a relationship between heart disease risk and the level of stress in someone's life. If you're stress prone, explore activities that help you relax. Limit alcohol. Drinking too much (more than one drink a day) can raise blood pressure and contribute to high triglycerides, increasing your risk of heart disease. Keep alcohol to a minimum. Check MidState Medical Center's "Calendar of Events" at www.midstatemedical.org for heart health education programs, and sign up for our "Heart Health" e-newsletter to find the latest information minimizing your risk for heart disease and living well.
Happy Valentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day Gramma and Papa! Love, Caitlyn and Emily
Happy Valentines Day
I love you BUSTER! Love Courtney
Beat the Recession!
Page 15 February 2009
by Ernie Larsen I'm not sure if the government has officially declared that the US is in one. In any event - I thought it may be a good time to offer a few money saving tips for Joe and Jane six-pack, you know, just plain folks - just last week I read an article with a headline that was offering money saving advice - well it was doing just that, but it was geared toward those who had more than modest investments and were dabbling in the stock market - not that it wasn't timely or important for that matter; it was my thinking that a few hints for 'the average family; regular people, the middle class, those who could use some advice on saving their hard earned dollars - well any way I trust you know what I'm getting at. Saving starts at home. As I'm writing this the President has been in office for just a week or so and is already making progress on some campaign promises, however these are not going to trickle down for quite a while and save the 'average Jane and Joe any money right away. In a pre inauguration interview he exhorted all Americans to be prepared to sacrifice; exactly what was not revealed and why should the guy on the street have to give up his daily coffee while the big savings banks and investment firm get billions for a huge bailout?!! Not going to dwell on this - just wanted to jog your collective memories - those bailouts were fair to everyone, n'cest pas? Well, it's beyond us right now; plus it's neither here nor there so let's get to it; how do I plan to save you a few bucks? First some background, I'm a true New Englander, frugal - OK I admit I am a cheapskate! So I'm going to share with you some of the ways I do actually save money - take it or leave it, you can keep the money where it belongs in your wallet, so here goes. What is really important, you have to want to save and simply exercising few easy tasks and expending a bit of effort, you'll be on your way. I'm not going to try and offer too large a list of suggestions in this writing, just some that can immediately save you some money. Most are pretty obvious, but pooh-poohed by those who think too much effort has to be expended - well when it comes to saving money, I'd rather have it in my pocket than someone else's. I hope you will benefit from these ideas. Anyone who is a consumer of almost any type of goods from fuel, food and the like you know it's fairly easy to imagine that something that cost, let's say a dollar last year now for sure costs more or even worse a commodity may be priced the same, but the producer may have repackaged it into a smaller sized package - remember when you used to be able to purchase a pound of coffee - not any more; a popular size for coffee cans is now in the neighborhood of 11/13 ounces, yet for that quantity you're paying what you paid for a pound. THE FIRST THING you have to do is "know what you have" - you'll have to shop at home first - no use buying something, even though you may get a dollar off or it is a 'deal', if you already have the same item in a cupboard and you will not use it in the foreseeable future, what's the point? Pretty simple - maybe - one of my best hints/tips "if you don't need it - don't buy it" Here are a few ideas for sensible shopping: 1. Use coupons - there are virtually cents/dollars/buy one get one free for almost every type of commodity available. The most common are cents off coupons normally found in the Sunday newspaper in a tabloid format or sent in the mail or available right at the store, usually adjacent to the product they are discounting. The average person can usually save 3-6 dollars on each trip to a grocery store with coupons. I'm sure you've heard stories of people who are coupon 'buffs' for lack of a better word; they actually buy hundreds of dollars of items and pay pennies on the dollar well I haven't been able to duplicate that, however I must say on almost every trip to the store, I do use a coupon and rarely pay full price. Also remember, if you are a Senior - take advantage of the grocery store's discount day; my favorite grocery store on South Broad Street has discounts on Tuesday's. And remember, coupons are not just for retail or grocery stores - just last week a local restaurant published a 20% off coupon in the local newspaper and my wife and I took advantage of that - we were at the restaurant already for a monthly 'meeting' with friends and decided to have a bite there.; $7.00 subtracted right off the bill. And right now in my dining out coupon files I have a buy one entrée and get one free at a chain restaurant in the local mall. And it doesn't stop there - during the holiday season one of the new restaurants on the block was offering gift cards for half price, i.e. spend $50.00 and receive a $100.00 card, I really took advantage of that offer, made my mailman and family members really happy. Then there are several restaurants locally and in adjacent towns offering dinner for two with a bottle of wine for less than $40.00 or in that range; the hitch is you have to eat mid-week, no problemo for us, we would rather eat out on a Wednesday or Thursday night and avoid the weekend crowd. Just check the local daily newspaper for specials - it doesn't take a lot of time and you can save a few bucks in the process. Coupons can save you money; it really is a no-brainer. I know those who eschew using coupons, 'it's too much trouble' - well perhaps they don't have money worries and are spending someone else's hard earned cash, I'd rather have the money in my pocket - so coupons it is……………….. 2. Here's another idea to save a few bucks - 'brown bag it for lunch' - if you add up what you spend for the midday meal I bet by making lunch at home and bringing it in to work can save you almost $15.00/20.00 a week. Say you buy a sandwich and drink for $7.00 (conservative) each day that's $35.00 a week. I'm not going to itemize it, but a loaf of good 12 grain bread, enough for 8 sandwiches, $3.89 - a pound of lunch meat, let's say imported ham, $5.99 on sale and ½ pound of cheese, around $3.00 along with condiments already in the fridge - it's already half of what you would spend going out. And you don't have to eat the same thing every day, this was for examples sake. Mix it up, tuna salad, chicken salad, left over meatloaf, chicken etc..lots of ways to make it interesting. Just remember, you can save a significant amount bringing your own. A rough example - you work 50 weeks a year and brown bag it for 30 and save a minimum of $20.00 per week that's $600.00 - nothing to shake a stick at - wouldn't you rather have that in YOUR pocket than paying someone else to make a simple sandwich? And if you don't relish lugging a sandwich in every day - how about leftovers? Most workplace lunchrooms etc. have a microwave oven - so heating last nights meatloaf, roast beef, whatever is not really a problem; accompany the meal Continued on Page 16
COMFORT KEEPERS WALLINGFORD Carol Carbutti - Owner 157 So. Orchard St., Wallingford 203-697-1030
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. A.P.R.
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. J.E.B.
carolcarbutti@comfortkeepers.com www.comfortkeepers.com We are an in-home, non-medical, care giver staffing agency with heart. We help people maintain independent lives in the comfort of their own homes or wherever our loving caregivers are needed. - Constant Communication - Free in home assessments - Our professional standards set us apart - Emergency Response Systems available - Companion, Homemaking and Personal Care - Memory Care Programs available - Respite Care - Transportation services - All caregivers are employees who are screened, bonded and insured for your peace of mind Let our compassionate caregivers help you or your family member.
Page 16 February 2009
The deadline for the March 2009 issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is February 25th for all submissions. Email your stories, news, celebrations and photos to andy@peoplespressnews.com. Sign up to be a subscriber with www.peoplespressnews.com for updates, reminders and special offers.
Happy Valentines Day Richard, I wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day Love, Mom
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Continued From Page 15 with a 'baggie' of potato chips, a piece of fruit etc. A very frugal lunch in my book. And talking about 'sides' stay away from those multi-packs containing small bags of chips - a lot more expensive than buying the larger family size and packaging them yourself. OK so how can you save on days you do go out - well the best thing to do is have a 'special' out to lunch day. Try to go out with someone else or a group - one of the most frugal lunches you can have, around these parts, is at a Chinese restaurant. Almost all have daily specials that will set you back around $5.00 and if you don't purchase a drink - a couple around here offer complimentary tea. I know some people who bring their own bottled water, but you have to make sure the place you're eating doesn't frown on that. Many of the places I frequent serve quite adequate portions, enough for you to take half home for the next day's lunch - so it's a double bargain. Or share the meal with a colleague; so 3 bucks for lunch, not a bad deal. When I go for Chinese take-away many times I just get a pint of soup - won ton or shrimp-rice - both are very filling and under $2.00 per serving. And the menu at all the Chinese places around here is so extensive; there is virtually something for everyone. And once again, don't forget coupons - many of the chain places offer coupons and there are opportunities to get money off of and additional menu item for free. Lots of ways to keep money in your pocket. Remember the buy one entrée, get one free - we'll be using that the end of this week - guaranteed to save 10-12 dollars. 3. Enough food talk - what about some entertainment? Well the movies have bargain nights - so if you want to see the latest first run film, once again, check the daily newspaper or get on the Internet for show times and what night is bargain night - usually a Tuesday or Wednesday. And if you're an old-duffer like myself check for the Senior Discount some places start offering this at age 55 and if the clerk is 18 or so, anyone over 35 probably looks ancient to them and you'll be in discount heaven without even asking. So what if you want to stay home and watch a video - there is always the video store, but that costs money - how about the local public library? They lend, no rental fees, videos on a wide range of subjects, dramas, biographies, how-to and many more. All you have to do is have a valid library card and you're in business. And if the local library doesn't have what you are looking for, your card is accepted in almost any other library in Connecticut - the possibilities are endless. And let's not forget books, my wife and I are avid readers and do purchase the latest bestsellers - usually at a warehouse store offering a 45% discount off list. But when we are in between purchases make a trip to the library for some supplemental reading. Right now the library has a special lending program for bestsellers - head on down to 105 Miller Street - check out what is available, you'll be surprised the variety of entertainment the library offers. Oops, I forgot to mention - if you are looking to visit a museum, say in New Haven or Hartford or other Connecticut locales check with the library, they offer, on a first come basis, 2 for 1 admission tickets - we recently borrowed them for a visit to the Mark Twain house in Hartford and the Peabody Museum in New Haven. Saved over $10.00 at each location. No computer - they're available at the library - some with internet access, printers and all the accessories. A visit to the Meriden Public Library is worth your time - all sorts of good stuff and it's free. What better way to save money. 4. Well, here are a few more easy ways to keep your hard earned dollars; around the house; turn out unnecessary lights, fix running toilets, make sure faucets are turned completely off, close doors of rooms you are not using, turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees and if you're cold - put on a sweater, make sure you run the washing machine with a full load, same with the dryer, better yet hang out the clothes on the line, weather permitting, of course. While these tips seem insignificant, they really will affect your bottom line and will save you money. Getting back to food - with all the convenience items available today, some which I think border on the ridiculous, 'already mashed potatoes' or 'frozen chopped onions' for example - I bet these cost 20 to 50 times more than buying a 5# bag of spuds or Vidalia's and doing it yourself. Any time you buy an item in a small quantity - or something that is designed to make your cooking chores easier, you are probably paying a premium. This goes for sweets to savories. When my wife was a classroom teacher she would often come home and whip up a batch of her classic chocolate chip cookies with an admonishment - 'those are for school - don't eat them' and then explain there were several students who had never tasted home-made cookies or anything home made for that matter. Hard to believe, not really in this day and age - there are those who don't cook from scratch at all. To many, home cooking is heating something up in the microwave. So in the interest of frugality and getting back to basics featuring something easily homemade I'm going to close this piece with a recipe for a hearty dish that I saw prepared on the Food Channel; the host was visiting a restaurant that made almost all of their ingredients for their meals from scratch; this dish caught my eye, not only for its simplicity of preparation, but the fact it only required three low cost ingredients. There are a couple or so variations of this; some serve it as a soup, some as a main course, here's my take on the ever popular pasta fagiole; what, you say - it's just pasta (macaroni) with beans (fagiole) and around here I've heard this pronounced Pasta Fazool. INGREDIENTS: 8 ounces Ditalini pasta (1/2 box) 1 can of Cannellini, Garbanzo or Red Kidney Beans 1 to 1.5 cups of pasta sauce, bottled or homemade Grated cheese (optional, but adds flavor) METHOD: Add pasta to a sufficient amount of salted boiling water and cook until al dente (8-9 minutes) drain. Heat beans in sauce pan, drain and add to drained pasta. Heat pasta sauce and add to the mixture, stir to mix. Garnish with grated cheese and serve with Italian bread. Makes 4-6 servings (this is really good the second day and is great for bringing to work for a hearty lunch - see you're saving money again. COST: 1 pound box of pasta $1.19 Can of beans (on sale) .60 cents Pasta sauce - (on sale) 16 oz $1.00 LESS THAN $3.00 - can't beat that, eh? Enjoy and remember, use these tips to keep the money where it belongs - in your pocket! With a minimal effort you too can be on the way to saving……………good luck.
Now is the time to book Ruth for all of your Spring and Summer Parties & Events.
FEBRUARY BOOK CLUB AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Meriden Public Library 's new book club will continue in February with the book Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. This month's book can be found on a display near the Information Desk. The discussions will be led by Laura Hartwig, a reference staff member, and held on Saturday, February 21 at noon in the Griffin Room. Enjoy your lunch while discussing the featured book. Coffee and water will be provided. The book club schedule will be: February 21 - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See March 21 - Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri April 18 - Bel Canto by Ann Patchett May 16 - Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz June 13 - Plainsong by Kent Haruf The program is free and all are invited. Sign up by calling the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or log onto the library's webpage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events."
LUNCH AND LEARN FEBRUARY 19 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY
Meriden Public Library will be hosting a Lunch and Learn by Masonicare on Thursday, February 19 at 11:30 am. The topic of the program will be "How to find services, programs, and benefits for seniors." A complimentary light lunch will be served. Lunch and Learn programs are provided for seniors and their caregivers as a public service by Masonicare, Connecticut's leading not-for-profit provider of senior healthcare and retirement living. The program is free, but people are asked to make a reservation for a lunch by calling (203) 630-6349 by Tuesday, February 17.
SCRABBLE AT MERIDEN LIBRARY The Meriden Public Library will be holding Scrabble sessions on the following Mondays at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room: February 9, February 23, March 9, March 23, April 13, April 27 May 11, June 8, June 22 Come to practice or learn the game. Everyone is invited. If you would like to sign up, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email us at comsvc@hotmail.com or stop by at any session.
Page 17 February 2009
Trip over love, you can get up. Fall in love and you fall forever. by Gregory M. Simpson
Celebrations of Life and Home
"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective"
I have been reminded lately how cat and dogs with disabilities provide the same loving companionship as those without disabilities. At a dinner party hosted by friends, Holly took her rightful place. Holly is a beautiful gray and white shorthaired cat with one eye. Whether a cat with one eye or a person with two, anyone could see that Holly truly found her purr-fect match in my friends' family. Adopted from a local humane society, she has been part of a loving home ever since. My friend also gave a home to "Sugar", a 3-legged, longhaired, diabetic, black and white cat. She describes, "I have to say at first I was nervous many years ago to adopt one with disabilities but I found out that they adapt very well to their situations. It reminds me of a human with disabilities and having to adapt." While writing this column, my path crossed with a certified veterinary technician who describes her four cats as "differently-abled". Two are three-legged, one is cross-eyed with limited vision, and the fourth has a cleft palate in addition to a condition that affects coordination. This kind-hearted veterinary technician has a long history of adopting disabled animals, including a blind cat that, "…zoomed through our two story apartment like a road runner, without crashing into anything." Her most disabled adopted cat was a gray calico found and brought for surgery because of injuries incurred from resting on a car's engine for warmth. This cat had her leg, ear, tail and left eye removed, but was reported to live a "happy normal life and was a gift to us for 15 years."
Happy 3rd Birthday to our precious Donald. Love you lots!
Happy Valentines Day
My favorite happy ending story is that of Logan. Logan was a young beagle brought to a local humane society after being tied to a tree for two years. He never knew when he would be petted or even fed. He never had the life of a puppy growing up because he was always by himself. He was observably depressed. Besides suffering these hardships, he has one other disability - he is blind. One day he was picked up by the animal control officer after he got loose. The animal control officer knew his owners and contacted them. They replied, "He is no longer our problem. We gave him away." When Logan reached the humane society, he loved being around other dogs, cuddled with them, and ran around playfully. A nice couple who had other dogs adopted him. He was able to learn how to climb stairs as his human companions said, "Step." Working through his blindness, he learned to get around just fine in his new, safe, and loving home. Occasionally, a disabled animal bonds with another animal as its guide. A clipping e-mailed to me contained the following description by Terry Burns of Middleburg, Pennsylvania: "Cashew, my 14-year-old yellow Lab, is blind and deaf. Her best friend is Libby, 7, her seeing-eye cat. Libby steers Casey away from obstacles and leads her to her food. Every night she sleeps next to her. The only time they're apart is when we take Cashew out for a walk." Deaf animals can still "hear" from the very core of their being - whether one calls this their heart or their soul. Please listen to your inner voice and consider adopting an animal with a disability. The mission of no kill shelters is to ensure that all animals, including ones as just described, find loving homes. All animals, whether "differently-abled" or not, want the same things that each of us wants - to love and be loved, have a home, and live a life without pain and misery. They do not ask for much but give unconditional love in return. Please consider adopting a disabled animal. As Aesop said, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. 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. Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was 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.
Happy Valentine’s Day to my favorite girls Harvest and Maple. I love you forever. Love, Auntie Jill
Shhhhhhh!
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AVANTI
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Page 18 February 2009
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Wallingford Senior Center News and Events
Our monthly newsletter can be read in its entirety the first of each month on our website at www.wlfdseniorctr.com VALENTINE'S CELEBRATION - Friday, February 13, 10:30 AM Don't miss our annual salute to love at our Valentine's Celebration on Friday the 13th! The festivities include fabulous musical entertainment provided by Roger Young, pianist, and vocalist Alexa, as well as Valentine's Day treats and activities. Please sign up if you plan to attend. VALENTINE LUNCHEON - Friday, February 13, 12 NOON Following our Valentine's Celebration, Lake View Café will serve a special luncheon. The menu includes: Tomato Rice Celebrations of Soup, Shrimp Salad on a Croissant, Fruit Punch, and Strawberry Shortcake. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale through Life and Home February 11. MARDI GRAS PARTY - Tuesday, February 24, 10:30 AM Beads, cake and a Dixieland Band will make you feel like you are in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Come early (10:00 Happy 93rd Birthday on February 22nd AM) to make a festive mask! There is no fee for the party, but pick up your free ticket by Friday, February 20. Wear to Rose Slisz! green, gold or purple and have fun at our Fat Tuesday Party! MARDI GRAS LUNCHEON - Tuesday, February 24, 12:00 NOON Love from her 5 children Following our Mardi Gras Party, enjoy a delicious Mardi Gras luncheon prepared by Lake View Café. The meal and 8 grandchildren. includes Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Bananas Foster and a hot beverage. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale through February 20. MAYOR BILL & FRIENDS SHOW - Friday, February 27, Saturday, February 28 Showtime 7:30 PM Happy Tickets ($5.00 per person) are on sale for Mayor Bill's musical show featuring a band, dancers and performers. The Valentines Day show, entitled "What's A Guy Gonna Do?" is a fund raiser to benefit the Wallingford Senior Center! Come out either Friday, February 27 or Saturday, February 28, for a night of fun and support your center! The public is invited. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER - Our Computer Learning Center (CLC) is Happy Valentine’s Day Daddy! celebrating ten years of offering low-cost computer classes to adults aged 50 and over. Our learning center is operated by a team of dedicated volunteers and we are looking for additional people to join in this worthwhile endeavor. Love, Specifically, the CLC Council is looking for a recording secretary to record, type and distribute (via e-mail) the minutes Caitlyn and Emily of our monthly meetings. We also need someone to take care of publicity for the CLC and its computer classes. And, we always welcome prospective new teachers and coaches for our classes. If interested, please contact Debby Voelker or CLC President Ralph Camera. WRITERS & CALLIGRAPHERS! - Please sign up at the front desk if you have any interest in participating in Creative Writing or Calligraphy Workshops at the senior center. Remember, creative activities are food for the Augusta Curtis Concert Band Starts Rehearsals through. This is not just about the ACCC, this is about brain! Monday, January 05, 2009 through Monday, June 29, the over 80 non-profit organizations, the citizens of 2009 7:00pm - Rehearsals are held September through Meriden, and all the other individuals & businesses that DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM - Looking for a volunteer to help with arts and craft projects, preferably between the hours June. The Augusta Curtis Concert Band is now in its benefit from the use of our beautiful facilities through4th year and is recruiting new members for this band out the year. It takes considerable resources to maintain of 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., or 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., once or twice a month. Please contact Melinda Welch, D.A.I Coordinator, for details. made up of players ages 13 to 80....We are looking for the interior of the building to provide artistic & cultural SOCIAL SERVICES players of all ages and all playing levels. For more info programming, to provide a special place for a special CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) CALL 265-7753 FOR regarding the band or to join call Jeff at 203-630-2496. event, and to support all of our groups such as: the FUEL APPOINTMENT BENEFITS SCREENING The Concert Band rehearses every Monday evening Augusta Curtis Concert Band, The Summer Musical Only a few individuals age 60 and older have called for Benefits QuickLINK, at Lincoln Middle School, 7:00pm....Conductors are Children’s Theater Camp and the Central Connecticut Earle Cote & Jeff Caillouette. Band is sponsored by Civic Youth Orchestra (just to name a few). It will take a private, free and confidential program which quickly screens your eligibility for these available state and federal programs: the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center and plays at least 2 additional resources to support the work and continued ? Medicare: Savings, Prescription Drug coverage, & Rx Extra Help concerts at the the Center, one in the Spring and one at growth and vitality of this organization. We are now ? State Prescription Drug Assistance Programs the Holiday time. The Band has also performed the last seeking grass roots community support and assistance ? Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) few years at the July 4th Fireworks celebration in from people like you to do just that. Please make a ? State Property Tax Relief/Rebates Meriden. The Band was formed to give all contribution at whatever level you can; no amount is ? Supplemental Security Income (SSI) levels of players and all age of players the opportunity too large or small. Your support is greatly appreciated ? Telephone Assistance (Link-up and Lifeline) and a place to play. The ACCB is available to perform and needed to continue our operations as your Arts & Supporting Documents not required, but please bring the following informaat special events throughout the city and private conCultural Center. tion with you to your appointment: l. Monthly income (social security, pencerts....Contact Staci for more info at 203-639-2856... Together, we’ll assure that the Augusta Curtis sion, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, elecAnnual Appeal Cultural Center remains an icon for all generations in tricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses ACCC - P.O. Box 4173 175 East Main Street the years to come! note covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated Meriden, CT 06450 " Valentine Making Workshop" value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current preSunday, February 01, 2009 through Wednesday, April Saturday, February 14, 2009 scriptions. Pre-registration required. Call now 265 7753 to schedule an 01, 2009 - Annual Appeal to help support our exhibits, 10:00am-11:30am appointment. programs, and events. Please consider contributing, we The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center will be hosting a ATTENTION SENIORS: JOIN US TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1:00need your support to keep the facility open. WE creative Valentine Card making event for children K 3:00 PM - Daniel O. Tully, Esq. is a partner in the Bristol, Connecticut Law NEED YOUR SUPPORT! Years of history….alive, through 5 accompanied by parent, grandparent, or Firm of Kilbourne & Tully, P.C. with offices in Glastonbury and North Haven. today, with arts and cultural activities…. The Augusta guardian. Children will make a special Valentine for Attorney Tully will speak about the new Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of Curtis Cultural Center (ACCC) is an essential their special someone with an adults help. If available 2005 and how it affects seniors. He will give an overview of the new element in the heartbeat of the city of Meriden. Known bring a recent picture of the child to use on the card. Medicaid (Title 19) law changes and how these changes could affect Medicaid as “Meriden’s Living Room” the ACCC has filled its Admission is free and every child gets to take home benefits. Call 265 7753 to sign up for this program. wall and halls with arts and cultural activities reflective their special Valentine Card. A fun way to spend ELDER LAW ATTORNEY APPOINTMENTS on THURSDAY, FEBRUof its own diverse community. As a non-profit Valentine’s Day with a special child in your life. Call ARY 26 Appointments are available in the afternoon to get free legal advice organization, we face great challenges in this faltering to register for Workshop at 203-639-2856. This event is from Attorney Daniel Tully. Please call 265 7753 to reserve an appointment. economy and are in jeopardy of closing our doors. part of a new series of Creative Arts and Crafts for kids CONNPACE: ConnPACE is a state-funded prescription drug program. Each This year more than ever we need to go to being hosted on Feb. 14th, 17th,& 19th, Mar. 7th & year the income limit guidelines are adjusted. In January 2009, the changes the grass roots of our community to raise funds to con14th, and April 14th & 16th...More details to follow, are as follows: tinue our operations as Meriden’s Arts and Cultural see www.curtisculturalcenter.org $25,100 for a single person $33,800 for a couple Center. We want to continue hosting JC Music Student Recital Beneficiaries who have ConnPACE must select a Medicare Part D plan. numerous area events, including art exhibits, workSunday, February 15, 2009 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm ConnPACE will still allow beneficiaries to select the Medicare D plan of their shops, travelogues, concerts, and musical theatre camps Featuring vocal & instrumental students. Tickets are choice. There are no asset limits. For an appointment or additional informabut will not be able to without continued support of the $5.00 and can be purchased at JC Music on West Main tion, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker, at 265 7753. community. Some of you may have read the article Street......For more info call Jeff at 630-2496 HELP WITH SNOW REMOVAL - Need assistance with snow removal? in the Record-Journal regarding the Center (enclosed) JC Music Student Recital The YOUTH JOB BANK of Wallingford's Youth and Social Service that explained in detail our struggles for funding. We Sunday, February 22, 2009 2pm to 5pm Department can help. They will find a student from Wallingford to shovel depend on memberships, donations, rentals, fundraisVocal & Instrumental students of JC Music perform. snow for a fee you negotiate directly with the student. Please call 294-2175 ers, grant writing, and programs for our financial Tickets $5.00 and can be purchased at JC Music West for more details. stability, but in these tough times we see all of those Main Street...For more information call Jeff at 630HOMEOWNERS TAX RELIEF PROGRAM & PROPERTY TAX revenue sources generating less funds. We are hoping 2496 DEFERRAL FOR THE ELDERLY that our grass roots approach to this crisis will see us WHEN: February 1 through May 15, 2009 WHERE: Assessor's Office-Town Hall Please call 294-2001 for more information. ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES INFORMATION Available on WSC Member Interest Table. LOW VISION SUPPORT & EDUCATION GROUP Friday, February 20, 10:15 a.m. "Safety Awareness" will be the topic for this meeting. A light breakfast will be served. Please call 265-7753 to sign up. You can also schedule transportation at that time. CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) 2008-2009 HEATING SEASON - Appointments for assistance with fuel continue to be scheduled at the Wallingford Senior Center. Anyone 60 years of age and over is encouraged to apply. Income limits for a single person is $29,272.36 and for a couple is $38,279.24. Asset limits also apply. Liquid asset limit for homeowners: $10,000.00; non-homeowners $7,000.00. Please call 265 7753 to schedule an appointment.
Upcoming Events at The Augustis Curtis Cultural Center!
To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at andy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power of positive for the readers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment. Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com!
Celebrations of Life and Home Happy 19th Birthday Mark Love, Mom, Dad, Jeannie and Booey
Celebrations of Life and Home
MidState Medical Center Launching Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program
Page 19 February 2009
MidState Medical Center is launching a comprehensive Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program that targets women in the communities we serve. For those who have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, our program will provide the tools to help these women make informed decisions about how to lower their overall risk. Since cancer is 5-10% hereditary, our efforts are aimed at how a woman's family history might impact her chances of getting breast cancer. By identifying those who are at high-risk, physicians and staff at MidState can work together with patients and their families to take preventative measures towards early detection. This might mean beginning screenings earlier, having mammograms more frequently or initiating certain medical therapies that otherwise would not be recommended. The advantages of the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program take affect when a woman visits MidState to have a mammogram. In the past, the patient would have to fill out a personal and family history evaluation form, which would be stored until the following year. Now, a radiology technician will enter this information into a sophisticated computer program that calculates a woman's overall risk. If the risk level is found to be high, MidState will notify the patient and her physician with a letter stating what steps the patient can take to lower that risk. Further counseling may lead to lifestyle recommendations, like more exercise or diet changes, and possibly to genetic testing to determine if the patient carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, two of the hereditary connections to breast cancer. "Prevention is the wave of the future," said Rajani Nadkarni, MD, who is spearheading the program at MidState. "It is about time we start focusing on ways to prevent cancer," she added. For more information on the risk assessment, please contact Kathy Clements, Breast Care Coordinator at 203.694.8463. About MidState In quarterly patient satisfaction surveys, 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, The Weight Management Program, MidState Medical Group Walk-in Center for urgent care needs, and state-of-the-art care in centers dedicated to Balance & Hearing, Cancer Care, Wound and Hyperbaric Care, Family Birthing, Sleep Care, Digestive Health, Pain Management, and Cardiac Care. Excellence in Care. And caring. For information, call 203 694 8200, or visit www.midstatemedical.org. Do you have a MidState doctor? call: 1 866 MMC 5678
Annual Reading Program For Youngsters Announced By Quassy Amusement Park
Happy 1st Birthday Jarrett! Love, Grandma, Poppy, Auntie Jo, Auntie Lori, Ryan and Ed.
Servicing Transmissions Since 1952
694 Old Colony Rd. 203-237-4379
YOU CAN paint your own Winter Scene, one stroke at a time!
Winter Registration Now Taking Place!! Adult, Young Artist And Kinderartist Classes.
EASEL WORKS
Creative Art Studio & Gallery
294-1548
2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford
Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, Conn., today announced its Fifth Annual "Ready To Read" This Summer program, designed to encourage youngsters to hit the books once school goes into recess. Registration is now under way for school and public libraties to participate and possibly win valuable prizes from Quassy that can be used for fundraising. There is no fee to participate. "We're delighted to continue one of the park's most popular educational programs," said Eric Anderson, a co-owner of the lakeside property. "Hundreds of libraries have embraced 'Ready To Read' as a means to promote reading during the summer months. The response has been incredible!" As for the youngsters, the park's program is quite simple: Children completing three books at their reading level can earn a free all-day ride pass to Quassy Amusement Park. Completed reading certificates may be redeemed at the park during two specified weekends in September. To participate in the 2009 program, librarians must e-mail the complete name and mailing address of the library to ron@quassy.com and indicate if the library is a school or public facility. Participants must also provide the name of a contact person as well as a valid e-mail address to receive a program poster and the official 2009 "Ready To Read" This Summer form. The kickoff weekend for "Ready To Read" will be May 2 and 3 at Quassy Amusement Park with special guest appearances by two favorite characters among young readers. Quassy offers a number of educational programs including two tours and a "Wacky Science" stage presentation. Schools may book educational programs by calling 203-7582913 ext. 105. For more information visit www.quassy.com or call 1-800-FOR-PARK.
Page 20 February 2009
Wallingford Public Library News and Events Double Celebrations at Wallingford Public Library This Month! Black History Month - Join us in celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Black History Month, a time to recognize the achievements, contributions, and culture of African Americans. Choose to join us in celebrating the poet Rita Dove or activist Malcom X, both on Tuesday, February 3rd, or participate in our discussion of Lawrence Hill's novel, "Someone Knows My Name," on February 19th. Thursday Night Book Club: Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill. Thursday, February 19th 7:00 p.m. Collins Meeting Room Join fellow reading enthusiasts for an informal discussion of Lawrence Hill's novel, "Someone Knows My Name." This novel portrays the life of a young girl kidnapped from Bayo, West Africa by British slavers in 1745. Spanning six decades and three continents, this historical novel was inspired by a fascinating but little known historical document called the Book of Negroes. From the book jacket, "In this captivating novel, Hill portrays one woman's remarkable spirit and strength in the face of adversity; and he brings to life crucial and little know chapters in world history." Copies of the novel are available from the library's Information Desk. Our Thursday Night Book Club is an informal gathering for fans of fiction and popular nonfiction. Each month a book is selected for group discussion and all are welcome to come and share their thoughts about authors, writing styles, plots, and themes. It's all about the book however light refreshments are offered! Valentine's Day, a day to honor love and lovers! The library invites you to celebrate the spirit of love with sweet confection, poetry, and music. We begin with a favorite of lovers everywhere: "chocolate," on February 2nd followed by poetry on February 3rd and February 7th, and music on February 11th. Poetry 811.54: Poetry Workshop Saturday, February 7th 10:00 a.m - Board Room The Meriden Poetry Society's "Poetry 811.54 Workshop" is sponsored by the Meriden Poetry Society, the Meriden Public Library, and the Wallingford Public Library. Writing exercises, form and style discussions, and sharing poetry and poetry resources are the focus of the group. The Meriden Poetry Society's mission is to encourage all aspiring poets, youth through senior citizens. All meetings are free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend and share their own poetry and writing experiences. For more information please contact Al Mueller at 265-2445 or argusargus@sbcglobal.net. Too Human Concert: Good music with lots of heart. - Wednesday, February 11th 7:00 p.m. - Community Room Popular husband and wife duo, Roger Bruno and Ellen Schwartz of "Too Human" will bring their on-stage chemistry and high quality musicianship to the library's Community Room on Wednesday, February 11th at 7:00 p.m. for a performance of popular love songs and jazz standards. Totally in sync with each other, they create a strong and intimate atmosphere during their performance that will draw listeners in and bring new life to classic songs. All are welcome to share in the humor and passion as Too Human performs standards from the American Songbook as well as some of their own songs inspired by the music of Paul Simon, Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Buck Owens, Duke Ellington, Thom Bell, Carole King, Cole Porter and the Gershwins. All are welcome to this free program however seating is limited. Please contact the library to reserve your seat. (Snow date February 17th) Book Lovers Take Note! - The Book Seller -The library's used book store, The Book Seller, is open Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Be sure to come by and see the wonderful bargains to be had on gently used popular fiction and nonfiction in both hardcover and paperback, children's books and books for young adults. All the Book Seller's proceeds benefit the Wallingford Public Library's Development Fund. We thank you for your patronage! Now on Display! - Our antique library tables located in the center aisle of the book stacks are currently being used for books and materials that feature both of our themes this month. Look for a special collection of biographies, poetry, and fiction that celebrate Black History Month on the first table and on the second table we have a variety of materials relevant to you and your sweetheart for Valentines Day. Remember; always inquire at the Information Desk if you cannot locate what you are looking for. We are here to help with your information requests! Our Mission The mission of the Wallingford Public Library is to acquire, organize and make available books and other resources for the educational, informational, recreational, and inspirational needs of the entire Wallingford Community. The Library will provide service in a pleasant, accessible, well equipped facility and utilize current technology to offer convenient access to resources from remote locations. The Library will provide all service with the assistance of an experienced, professional and helpful staff.
and Southeast Asia. Len Cabral "Winter Tales" Friday, February 27th 7:00p.m. Len Cabral is a nationally acclaimed storyteller and author. He has appeared at storytelling events accross the country. Interweaving his ancestry with tales of Africa and the Carribean, Len brings traditional and original stories to life. February School Vacation Program Atka and the Wolf Conservation Center Wednesday February 18th 7:00p.m. The Wolf Conservation Center will be back at the Wallingford Library to present their fascinating program about wolves, on Wednesday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room. The Conservation Center will educate us about these magnificent creatures and introduce their ambassador, Atka the wolf, to the audience. This program is open to elementary school students and their parents or caregiver. Younger members of the family may attend but the program is intended for school-age children. Free tickets will be available to Wallingford residents beginning on Wednesday, February 4th in the Children's Room on a first come first served basis. If there are any available tickets non-residents may pick them up on Tuesday, February 17th. Poet to Poet Your poem's a delight! Poetry's virtue Clearly's in sight. Your voice is like a bell ringing clear and bright calling poetry lovers from afar and near: Squander no time on Super Bowl Night consuming football, peanuts and beer just revel in poetical cheer! Alfred W. Mueller
Best Buddies
Wallingford Public Library Children's Library
Fireside Stories Thanks to a generous donation from Barbara Kennedy Shortell, a longtime library supporter and former English teacher, the Wallingford Public Library Children's Library is pleased to announce "Fireside Stories: a Special Storytelling Series". Come join us for stories by the fire in our newly renovated children's library and enjoy tales from around the world. Motoko - Friday, February 13th 7:00p.m. Motoko has appeared at many storytelling festivals throughout New England and New York, as well as appearing on Mr. Rogers. Motoko is a mime-storyteller who uses mime and the oral tradition to tell stories of Japan, China, Korea
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D e a d l i n e f o r o u r Va l e n t i n e ’s D a y i s s u e i s F e b r u a r y 2 5 t h .
Jacob Lint with his new best buddy Barack Obama.
Page 21 February 2009
MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER NEWS & EVENTS The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 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! MidState Medical Center and the Senior Center will jointly present a "Recession Rescue for Seniors" program on Wednesday, February 25 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at the Senior Center. The program will feature celebrity guest Brad Davis from WDRC AM 1360 radio who will offer his perspective on the current economy, followed by keynote speaker financial advisor Chris Beale, CFP, of Meriden's New England Capital Financial Advisors, LLC. Mr. Beale will discuss how people can better manage their money and take control of their finances during difficult economic times. Angelfood Ministries, RSVP of Central Connecticut, New Opportunities and Connecticut Light & Power will also have information on food and fuel assistance, energy savings and more. A complimentary lunch will be served to those 60 and over at 11:30 who are attending the program and people can sign-up for the free lunch by calling 237-0066 by February 20. Otherwise, if not interested in lunch, just join us for the program starting at 1:00 PM. A Valentine Dinner Dance will be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, February 12 with music provided by Vinnie Carr. The dinner menu of Chicken Marsala, 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 10 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 3. 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 19th annual "Walk for Warmth" will be held in downtown Meriden on Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 AM. This two-mile 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 2008 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Max Muravnick Senior Center each Wednesday, from Wednesday, February 4 until Wednesday, April 15. 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 22 and Friday, April 24 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 $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. 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 22 & 24 and November 4 & 6, 2009. 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 2 and May 15, 2009. To be eligible applicants or their spouse must have been 65 or older by December 31, 2008 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 $30,500 for a single person and $37,300 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.
February is American Heart Month Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It's surprising how many women don't think they are at risk, and still believe that it's a "man's disease"! Heart disease kills half a million American women each year. That figure exceeds the next seven causes of death combined. Moreover, women are 15% more likely than men to die of a heart attack. And they are twice as likely to have a second heart attack in the six years following the first. The Meriden Health Department has been active in educating women (and men) about how to keep our hearts healthy and reduce the risk of this disease. This February, in honor of American Heart Month, share the prevention information below with a loved one. It could save their life! 1. Stop Smoking. Smokers have more than twice the risk for heart attack suffer a heart attack. If you smoke, quit. Better yet, never start smoking at all. Call the Meriden Health Department's smoking cessation counselor at 6304104 for tips and information to help you stop smoking. 2. Lower high blood pressure. We can't see high blood pressure, the leading contributor to heart disease. Get your blood pressure checked often, and take steps to control it if it is high. Know your numbers - you don't know what you don't know! 3. Lower high blood cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in your body can cause your arteries to harden, which can lead to heart disease. Everyone over the age of 20 should get their cholesterol levels measured at least once every 5 years. The Health Department offers free total cholesterol screenings to women who live in Meriden. Call 630-4234 to make your appointment. 4. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eat a heart-healthy diet low in fat and cholesterol. Eat at least 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and make half of the grains you eat whole grains. Limit sugar, salt, and processed foods. 5. Get up and move! Nearly half of all Meriden adults do not get the recommended 30 minutes per day most days of the week. People who don't exercise have higher rates of heart disease compared to people who perform even mild to moderate amounts of physical activity. Even leisure-time activities like gardening or walking can lower your risk. Meriden Movers, a community walking program, will be starting the spring session on March 31. Call 630-4238 for details. 6. Manage diabetes. If not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to significant heart damage including heart attacks and death. A program on diabetes and heart health will be held on April 1 from 6-7pm at the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street. Valentine's Day is a perfect day to remind someone that you love them, and care about their heart health! Valentine's Day cards with heart healthy tips will be available at select florists in Meriden. For a list of locations, and all heart health activities, please visit www.meridenhealth.com or call the Community Health Education office at 630-4238.
Meriden Intermediates presents Channel 3 "Better CT" Luncheon Meriden Intermediates, a charity club which donates to local organizations and presents scholarships to our local schools. Some of the organizations that we have donated to are the Meriden Public Library, the Homeless Shelter, Battered Women's Shelter, and the Humane Society. With the holidays behind us members of Meriden Intermediates are now selling tickets for their March 3rd luncheon which will be held from twelve to three at the North Italian Club at 43 Thorpe Avenue. Our Guest Speakers will be Scot Haney and Kara Sundlun from Channel 3's "Better Connecticut". The price of a ticket is 10 dollars. We urge you to buy tickets early since they sold out quickly last year. There will be a door prize and a raffle all profits will go to local organizations. Carol Bonaiuto is the chairperson for this even and you can contact her at 203-634-1855 for tickets. New members are invited to join. For information please contact Maureen Caramenllo at 203-235-0881. Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker. ~Author Unknown
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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. John F. Hogarth Senior Center Director
39 West Main Street in Meriden
203-686-0000
Page 22 February 2009
Valentine's Day Performance
President Obama: You Can Save America from the Road to Ruin! by Roger L. Kemp, PhD Introduction The term "infrastructure" refers to the basic facilities and installations necessary for society to operate. These include transportation and communication systems (e.g., highways, airports, bridges, telephone lines, cellular telephone towers, post offices, etc.); educational and health facilities, water, gas, and electrical systems (e.g., dams, power-lines, power plants, aqueducts, etc.); and miscellaneous facilities such as prisons, asylums, national park structures, and other improvements to real property owned by government. In the United States, the infrastructure is divided into private and public sectors (in the latter case, divided again between facilities owned by municipal, county, state, and federal governments, as well as many special district authorities such as the Port Authority of New York and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, to name a few). According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the only professional membership organization in the nation that has graded our nation's public infrastructure since, there are fifteen major categories of government infrastructure. These infrastructure categories include: Aviation, Bridges, Dams, Drinking Water, Energy, Hazardous Waste, Navigable Waterways, Parks and Recreation, Rail, Roads, Schools, Security, Solid Waste, Transit, and Wastewater.
Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra Fund Raiser for Our First "Orchestra Summer Program" February 14th - 7-9pm Augusta Curtis Cultural Center 175 East Main Street, Meriden Musical performances by Senior members of the CCCYO Yummy comfort foods - soups in a bread bowl, appetizers from many cuisines, Valentines Desserts $45 a couple, $27.50 per person Call Katrina Axelrod (203) 235-7445 or e-mail meridenartstrust@yahoo.com as soon as possible before February 10th! To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at andy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power of positive for the readers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment. Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com! Health is a large word. It embraces not the body only, but the mind and spirit as well;... and not today's pain or pleasure alone, but the whole being and outlook of a man. ~James H. West
What you need to know!
Fiscal Crisis
Maggie DellaRocco-Griffin, Realtor - Appointed to Committee John Guerra, CEO of Guerra Realtors, is please to announce that Maggie Griffin has been appointed by the Connecticut Association Of Realtors to sit on 2009 Connecticut Legislative/Political Affairs Committee. "2009 will pose many challenges as well as opportunities in the Real Estate Profession" said Guerra. "Maggie's energetic involvement, years of her background, knowledge, skills and experience in the real estate industry, will be an asset on this committee to deal proactively with many diverse issues to
All levels of government in the U.S. are facing a new era of capital financing and infrastructure management. Revenues that once were available for capital construction, restoration, and maintenance, have either diminished or evaporated entirely in recent years. Portions of the public infrastructure that were once adequate are now experiencing signs of distress, even decay, with no end in sight to the ongoing deterioration of America's infrastructure. Local, state, as well as the federal government, are now subjected to unprecedented fiscal demands for public services in an environment of limited taxation and dwindling financial resources. Throughout the nation, many state government deficits loom ominously on the horizon. At the same time, the federal deficit is at an all-time high, exacerbated by the fact that our nation is finance an undeclared war in the Middle East. These negative fiscal circumstances, experts believe, are likely to continue for many years to come. Congested highways, overflowing sewers, and corroding bridges are constant reminders of the looming crisis that jeopardizes our nation's prosperity and the quality of life for our citizens. With new grades for the first time since 2001, the condition of our nation's infrastructure has shown little to no improvement since receiving a collective grade of C- in 1988, with some areas sliding toward failing grades. The American Society of Civil Engineers' 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure assesses the same categories as in did in the previous survey. The grade comparison of America's infrastructure between the ASCE's most recent 2005 survey and its original survey in 1988 are highlighted below. ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢
Aviation - Received a grade of B- in 1988, and a grade of D+ in 2005. Bridges - Received a grade of C+ in 1988, and a grade of C in 2005. Dams - While not graded in 1988, they received a grade of D in 2005. Drinking Water - Received a grade of B- in 1988, and a grade of D- in 2005. Energy - While not graded in 1988, this category received a grade of D in 2005. Hazardous Waste - This category receive a grade of D in 1988 and in 2005. Navigable Waters - While not graded in 1988, they received a grade of D- in 2005. Parks & Recreation - While not graded in 1988, they received a grade of C- in 2005. Rail - While not graded in 1988, this category received a grade of C- in 2005. Roads - Received a grade of C+ in 1988, and a grade of D in 2005. Schools - While not graded in 1988, this category received a grade of D in 2005. Security - This category did not exist in 1988, and insufficient data is available to properly evaluate this cate gory (i.e., this is a new category since 9/11/01). Solid Waste - Received a grade of C- in 1988, and a grade of C+ in 2005. This is the only infrastructure cat egory to increase during its grade since the original "graded" evaluation some 17 years ago. Transit - Received a grade of C- in 1988, and a grade of D+ in 2005. Wastewater - Received a grade of C in 1988, and a grade of D- in 2005.
implement the Association's numerous goals and objectives. This appointment is an honor to Maggie Griffin; who is one that is dedicated full time in the real estate industry " he said. "I congratulate Maggie on her appointment to this committee" he concluded. Maggie can be emailed at mgriffin@guerrarealtors.com if you would like to email her your concerns, questions and views.
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In short, U.S. roads, bridges, sewers, and dams are crumbling and need a $1.6 trillion overhaul, but prospects for improvement are grim. This is the amount of money necessary over the next five years to restore and rebuilt major components of our nation's public infrastructure. The nation's drinking water system alone needs a public investment of $11 billion a year to replace facilities, as well as comply with regulations, to meet our future drinking water needs. Federal grant funding in 2005 was only 10% of this amount. As a result, aging wastewater systems are discharging billions of gallons of untreated sewage into surface waters each year, according to the ASCE's report. And the signs of our deteriorating infrastructure go on! Poor roads cost motorists $54 billion a year in repairs and operating costs, while American's spent 3.5 billion hours a year stuck in traffic jams. The country's power transmission system also needs to be modernized, the report said. While demand continues to rise, transmission capacity failed to keep pace and actually fell by 2 percent in 2001. As of 2003, 27 percent of the nation's bridges were structurally deficient or obsolete, a slight improvement from the 28.5 percent in 2000. It is alarming to note, but since 1998, the number of unsafe dams in the country rose by 33 percent to more than 3,500. A dozen national professional associations have officially endorsed the ASCE's 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure. They include the American Public Works Association; the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association; The U. S. Conference of Mayors; the National Heavy and Highway Alliance; the American Road and Transportation Builders Association; the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, and the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. For a complete listing of these endorsing organizations please refer to ASCE's website. National Leadership is Needed While the views expressed by many experts who research and write on infrastructure issues throughout the nation point to a general agreement on the magnitude and complexity of this problem, little agreement exists on a consensus on how to achieve a comprehensive nation-wide solution to restoring and maintaining America's public infrastructure. Although there is disagreement as to an acceptable solution, one point seems obviously clear: the necessary leadership and policy direction required to properly address this national issue must come from the highest level of government. It is only within a national policy framework that states, counties, and cities can work together to improve the current condition of our public works facilities. Local and state governments alone, because of their many diverse policies, multiple budget demands, and varied fiscal constraints, cannot be relied upon to achieve the comprehensive solution required to solve this national problem. The current philosophy of our national government has been to let the lower levels of government (states, counties, and cities) solve their own problems, regardless of the nature of their complexity or Continued on Pg. 23
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Continued from Page 22 the magnitude of funds needed. The political posture of our national government needs to become more positive and proactive if a solution is to be forthcoming. For these reasons, it is obvious that assertive leadership is needed from the federal government to make the difficult policy decisions, as well as to approve the funding requirements, necessary to solve our country's infrastructure problem. Fundamental changes are needed to redirect national priorities about how public capital investments are made. Public officials, at all levels of government, can no longer merely build public facilities without adequately maintaining them in future years. The Future As the severity of this issue escalates, and citizens become more aware of the increased costs of postponing a decision on this pressing issue, taxpayers may be more willing to become politically involved in solving this issue in the future. Local taxpayers cannot be expected, however, to foot the entire bill for a solution, since the majority of our country's capital assets have been constructed over the past several decades, some over a century ago, and frequently with the assistance of grant funds from our federal government. This bullet is "to big to bite" by lower levels of government alone. Also, cities, counties, and states have relative degrees of wealth based on their taxing capacity, bonding levels and ratings, and budgetary reserves. Because of this, many lower levels of government do not have the financial capability, even with increased taxation, to adequately address those issues related to restoring and maintaining America's infrastructure. It is safe to say that most citizens throughout the country already feel overtaxed by all levels of government. Even thought citizens may be willing to assist financially, a major redirection of federal government funds will be required for a truly comprehensive and coordinated nation-wide response to our country's outstanding infrastructure problems and issues. Even with some additional taxes and user fees, funding will be limited from the lower levels of government. For this reason, argue those who deal with infrastructure issues, national priorities must be established for the replacement and restoration of capital facilities at all levels of government, starting with those projects that are necessary to ensure the public's security, health, and safety. Funds from the national government must be targeted for infrastructure projects from less important operational programs with limited or only special interest, constituencies. Within the framework of national policies, existing federal grant programs must be redirected to provide the necessary funds to assist in the financing of those capital projects necessary to restore America's public works infrastructure to ensure the security, as well as the health and safety, of all our citizens throughout the country. Our nation is not "on the road to ruin," as some experts explain, but merely going through the transition period required to properly sort-out and arrive at politically acceptable long-term solution to this critical and complex policy issue that plagues all levels of government - federal, state, county, and city alike. If our nation's infrastructure is allowed to deteriorate even further in the future, possibly to the point of decay, the cost of resolving this issue will escalate significantly in future years, for all taxpayers. If this happens, economic development programs will also continue to suffer, and the revenues they could generate will not be available to assist in restoring our public infrastructure. For these reasons President-Elect Obama should make the restoration of America's public infrastructure a national funding priority. ______ Note: To develop the Report Card, ASCE assembled a panel of 24 of the nation's leading civil engineers; analyzed hundreds of studies, reports, and other sources; and surveyed more than 2,000 engineers throughout the nation to determine the condition of America's infrastructure. Base grades were then reviewed by ASCE's Advisory Council. For more details about this process refer to ASCE's website (http://www.asce.org). About the Author: Dr. Roger Kemp is a career city manager, having served in California, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He is Past-President of the CT Town & City Management Association, and the Monterey Bay and CT Chapters of the Amer. Society for Public Administration. Roger can be reached at <rlkbsr@snet.net>.
Cold weather is here -- Go to the Snow! Many people equate the warm weather with outdoor fun. After all, winter is for huddling inside by the fire sipping hot cocoa, right? Not necessarily. Although there may be the tendency to want to hibernate when it's cold, it's actually beneficial to get out of the house and stay active. Enjoying the outdoors year-round provides exercise, may alleviate seasonal blues, and can offer new perspectives on natural landscapes. The cold weather shouldn't hinder your outdoor activities. Here are some fun pursuits anyone can enjoy. Best of all in this economy, most are free. Get moving: Running and walking enthusiasts are generally out rain or shine. Just because it's cold doesn't mean you have to put these activities on hiatus. Set up a club of like-minded enthusiasts in your neighborhood and meet for a daily jog or stroll each day. Experiment with different routes and even stray "off the beaten path" once in a while. Who knows what winter wonderland you may discover? Don a few extra accessories, such as a hat and gloves to keep away the chill, but don't over-bundle. Enjoy winter sports: Skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sledding are just some of the winter sports that you can enjoy. What's more, they can often be a family affair and tailored to all different skill levels. Explore new activities: Some people think that activities such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, and cycling are just for the warm weather. In fact, with the right gear these pastimes can be enjoyed any time of year. Camping outdoors at a state park may take on an entirely new perspective when there is a chill in the air. Hiking during the colder months could open you up to different foliage and opportunities to see animals that delight in cold weather. There are even those who enjoy a cold-weather swim. "Arctic" or "polar bear" clubs abound. If you think creatively, there are plenty of fun ways to be active when it is cold outside. Even a trip to a local park to feed the birds or enjoy an impromptu winter picnic may fit the bill. When staying active during the winter months, be sure to put safety and fun first.
MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STARTING FEBRUARY 2 Meriden Public Library will host the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program beginning Monday, February 2. The library is located at 105 Miller Street . V.I.T.A., which is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, provides free help to taxpayers who cannot afford professional assistance or who have tax questions. Assistance in preparing Connecticut state tax forms will also be available. The sessions will all take place in Meriden Public Library's Friends Room, located at the side of the building. The schedule is as follows: Mondays, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on February 2, 9, 23; March 2, 9. February 16 the Library is CLOSED to observe Presidents Day. Call 630-6331 for an appointment between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on February 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15. Call 630-6331 for an appointment between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11. Call 630-6331 for an appointment between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. V.I.T.A. volunteers alert taxpayers to special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible. People interested in attending the V.I.T.A. program should bring this year's tax package, wage and earnings statements (W2), interest statements from their banks, and a copy of their previous year's tax return. In addition, people must also bring a photo I.D. showing their current address and a social security card. If a joint return is desired, both taxpayers must be present. Many are the stars I see, but in my eye no star like thee. ~English saying used on poesy rings
"KNIT A SQUARE FOR THE HOMELESS" AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY The Knitting 2 Group at Meriden Public Library is inviting local knitters to help knit blankets for the homeless in our community. The blankets will be composed of squares of knitting and you may knit as many squares as you like. If you would like to help and knit a square, please use Red Heart 4 ply yarn, any color and use size US-8 needles. The pattern is easy: cast on 35 stitches. Knit 45 rows in basic garter stitch. That's it! The squares can be dropped off in a marked box at the Meriden Public Library and the Knitting 2 Group will combine the squares into blankets. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have any questions.
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Page 24 February 2009
It's Your Choice By Laura Marotti - Curves of Meriden Hopefully, if you were asked what you'd rather improve-your mind or a body part-you'd pick your mind. After all, learning is a fabulous way to stay young and become more interesting; knowledge doesn't age the way our bodies do! The reality is that most women would rather improve a body part than learn a new skill or take a class. If you are deeply dissatisfied with your body image, it's important to ask yourself the following questions: what will changing my figure do for me, can I change this about myself and is it worth it to spend the time and effort to get this particular area of my figure to look different? Remember, different doesn't always mean better! A poll of over 5,000 women found that seven out of 10 women believe their lives will improve if they have "better" bodies. Only one in every 50 women is happy with how her body looks-this means that most of us are dissatisfied when we look in the mirror! The body part most women would like to change is their thighs with the waist placing second and in descending order: breasts, feet, face and teeth. The most disliked aspect of appearance is not a body part; rather, it's a woman's weight that is most likely to drive her crazy. A full 60% of women are not happy with their weight and would like to be skinnier. The fact is that while 8 out of ten women are dissatisfied with their reflections, we may be seeing a distorted image. We are so deluged with unforgettable and unattainable images on a daily basis that our idea of beauty has become skewed and, in many cases, impossible to emulate. Air brushing, lighting, makeup and a host of experts make the women on magazine covers reach a level of perfection that the models don't even possess in real life. We have become comfortable looking at images of beauty that don't really exist; the current ideal of thinness in the media is attainable by only 5% of the female population. Pressure to conform to the perceived ideal of feminine beauty has become increasingly unhealthy. To be sure, we all need to strive to be the best we can in all areas of life, but does being skinnier really make us happier? Studies show that surprisingly, the women who most live up to our standards of beauty are no more satisfied with their bodies than the average women. It seems that even the ideal beauty isn't perfect enough to satisfy herself. In addition, new research shows that there is no direct evidence that happiness is related to weight; rather, self-esteem and identity come from within and not from without. This is where an exercise regime becomes vitally important; exercise builds a healthier body and increases feelings of self esteem. A workout may not make someone a perfect ten, but it goes a long way towards enabling a woman to take control of her health, manage her time, and push herself to try new things. A good diet and exercise plan treats the entire individual and isn't focused on that swim suit; rather, it's an opportunity to connect with one's body, refresh the mind and interact with others. Self esteem and good health go hand in hand-exercise and diet go a long way towards producing a more joyful life. To be content and contributing members of society, women must be well balanced and pursue interests other than weight management. To be healthy, happy and well balanced should be the goal of one's life, not attaining or maintaining a number on the bathroom scale.
MERIDEN BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE The Bookmobile, or Library on Wheels, will be visiting the following facilities in February: Friday, Feb. 6 - Meriden Child Care Center 9:15 to 10:00 AM; Midstate Christian Academy 10:15 to 11:30 AM; Monday, Feb. 9 - St. John's Lutheran Preschool 10:00 to 10:30 AM; YMCA Kid's Campus 10:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:00 to 1:30 PM; Tuesday, Feb. 10 - St. John's Lutheran Preschool 10:30 to 11:00 AM and 1:00 to 1:30 PM; Wednesday, Feb. 11 - First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Carriage House Day Care Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM; First Congregational Nursery School 1:00 to 1:30 PM; Thursday, Feb. 12 - First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Meriden Senior Center 10:00 to 10:30 AM; Tuesday, Feb. 17 -Lil'Rascals Day Care 9:15 to 9:45 AM; Sunshine Daycare 10:15 to 10:45 AM; Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Easter Seals (Broad St.) 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Bradley Home 10:15 to 11:00 AM; Thursday, Feb. 19 - Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 AM; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 AM; Friday, Feb. 20 - Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 AM; Miller Memorial 1:45 to 11:30 AM; Home Deliveries 2:00 to 2:30 PM; Monday, Feb. 23 - Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 AM; Women & Families Center 10:15 to 11:15 AM; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:00 PM; Tuesday, Feb. 24 - Catholic Charities 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM; Wed. Feb. 25 - Carriage House Day Care Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM; Thursday, Feb. 26 - Head Start (Liberty St.) 9:15 AM to 1:00 PM; Friday, Feb. 27 - Meriden Child Care Center 9:15 to 10:00 AM; Midstate Christian Academy 10:15 to 11:30 AM.
Free Meditation Group Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes LLC in Wallingford is pleased to announce the addition of a free Meditation Group every other Sunday from 7:00pm-8:30pm. The Group will begin with a short discussion followed by a Guided and/or Silent Meditation. All are welcome. No experience is necessary. Clinical studies have shown that Meditation can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Other benefits of Meditation include a boost in overall health and immune function, stronger focus and concentration, reduced tension, anxiety and stress, clearer thinking and less emotional turmoil, relief of pain, support in kicking addictions and other self defeating behaviors, greater creativity and enhanced performance in work and play, increased self understanding, more joy, love and spontaneity, greater intimacy with friends and family members, a deeper sense of meaning and purpose, glimpses of a Spiritual dimension of Being, and more. Please call TLC to register: 203-269-2TLC (2852). Group dates are 2/15, 3/1, 3/15, 3/29‌..For more information please visit:www.tlclisazola.com
Kids Birds Program
Youth chair from Wallingford Garden club,recently provided a program on birds for the school.Bird houses made from milk cartons were shown to the children.Pictures of birds were given to color.2 posters were given to the school to help identify birds & other wildlife.The children were excited to have feeders & birdseed to place around the school grounds.Wallingford Garden club is a member of the Federated Garden clubs Of Ct & the National Garden club of America.Programs such as these are often provided to teach children how important nature is.
Scholarship Winner
He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything. ~Arabic Proverb My inner advisor is dying to heal me. ~Astrid Alauda
Youth Programs and Activities Register at our office located at 6 Fairfield Boulevard 203.294.2120. Visit www.town.wallingford.ct.us WINTER WARRIORS Ages 6-11 Come hop on the bus and head out on trips with all of your friends during Winter break. The Wallingford Parks & Recreation Department presents Winter Warriors Vacation Club. This program is open to all Wallingford children age 6-11. The program will take place February 16-20 from 8:30am-4:30pm. The program fee is only $180 per child. Registration deadline is Friday February 6th. If you register after that date, participants will not be guaranteed a t-shirt for the program.
HIP HOUSE MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCES Dance passes are still on sale for the Hip House Middle School Dances. Passes are not sold on the day of the dance. Remaining Dance Schedule for the 2008-2009 Hip House Dance Series is as follows‌ Dance ID's must be present to enter the dances. No student is allowed to enter the dance after 7:45pm. Valentine's Day Vibe - February 20th March Madness - March 27th Spring Break Out - April 17th The Last Blast - May 22nd **Replacement Dance Passes can be purchased if original is lost. Fee is $5
AFTER SCHOOL ARTS The Always popular After School Arts Program run by the Parks and Recreation Department's Arts Staff will be offered at the following schools this winter: Stevens, Parker Farms, Highland, Rock Hill, Cook Hill, Moses Y Beach,Yalesville Information will be distributed in the schools after the holiday break, but is posted at the Parks and Recreation Department. Registration is being accepted now!
WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Maxwell LaFrance is the recent recipient of the Wallingford Junior Woman's Club Hazel Sargent Scholarship, a scholarship in honor of a former WJWC charter member. The scholarship is awarded annually to a daughter or son of an active member in WJWC. LaFrance is the son of Mimi LaFrance, a six-year club member. LaFrance, a 2005 graduate of Wilcox Technical School in Meriden, is a senior at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, and a Navy Reserves Officer Training Corps (NROTC) midshipman at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. He will graduate in May with a BS in management from WPI and his commission as an Ensign into the Navy from the ROTC. In the fall, he will attend flight school as a student naval aviator. The Wallingford Junior Woman's Club (WJWC) is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and a member of the Connecticut Junior Women, Inc. www.cjw.org. WJWC was incorporated in 1954 and promotes educational, philanthropic, community service work and provides its members with opportunities for personal enrichment, leadership and social interaction. WJWC projects include the annual Townwide Spelling Bee; the Children's Game Area at Celebrate Wallingford; co-sponsoring Candidate's Forum with the League of Women Voters; adopting a local family during the holidays; and providing rehearsal snacks for the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra. In addition, WJWC has participated in and donated to several state projects overseen by CJW, including the current state project, Covenant to Care for Children, Inc., which provides direct assistance to Connecticut children who are neglected, abused or at-risk. Any Wallingford woman age 18 or older who is interested in learning more about Wallingford Juniors may call Kathy Schave at 949-1638. From left: Ann Whitman, Wallingford Junior Woman's Club President, Maxwell LaFrance, Hazel Sargent Scholarship winner, and Mimi LaFrance, six-year Wallingford Junior Woman's Club member, at the club's holiday meeting where Max received his scholarship.
Page 25 February 2009
Connecticut Trolley Museum East Windsor, CT By Dawn A. Nierenburg-Reynolds When you have boys, there is a good chance they dream of trains. And once again we were on a hunt for the ultimate fun holiday family experience. Here is a great one, so save it in your memory banks for next vacation. The Connecticut Electric Railway Association, Inc. is the owner and operator of The Connecticut Trolley Museum. Founded in October 1940, it is the nation's oldest incorporated organization dedicated to the preservation of the trolley era. A three mile round trip streetcar ride with an educational narrative is provided to the museum's visitors during their visit. The collection consists of passenger and freight street cars, interurban cars, elevated railway cars, service cars, locomotives, passenger and freight railroad cars, and a variety of other rail equipment. This was our very first visit. We picked a great time during Winterfest, their holiday celebration event which begins after Thanksgiving and runs through the last weekend in December. They opened at 5 p.m. and ran the trains through 9 p.m. We were impressed by the huge, heated, hangar length museum building that housed the ticket booth, the museum gift shop, the bathrooms and about a dozen miniatures train displays sporting winter scenes as well as two full sized trolleys. Outside four trolleys, lit and decorated for the holiday were running the 1.5 mile track. Included in this fourpack was a gorgeous open street car from Montreal, yes open, as in roof free. We happen to be lucky for it was a balmy 55 degrees the night of our visit. This was the trolley with the big line the one everyone wanted to ride on. Scrolled metal side rails and tiered seating where just some of the charm this trolley offered. It was a nostalgic trip that took you back to through memory and period images 80 years into the past. I requested more information on this unique trolley. The following information was joyfully provided by Xian Clere of The Connecticut Electric Railway. Montreal Tramways Car #04 was built by Montreal Tramways in 1924 in their Youville Shops. It is one of 4 unique Montreal open touring trolleys in existence in North America. There aren't many and it certainly is not your standard "cookie cutter trolley". Sister Car #03 was built at the same time. Cars 3 and 4 are similar in their design and appearance. But cars 1 and 2 were built earlier in the 1900's and featured a wood frame while cars 3 and 4 feature a steel frame. You were riding car 4 which was the last one built and also only 1 of 2 currently in the United States. Car 2 is at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Maine. In the 1930's, all of the Montreal touring cars were equipped with dynamic braking for their trips coming down from Mt. Royal. Of course, one may ask what an open car is doing in Montreal, Canada. Well, these cars were designed strictly for tourists to the area and were typically not used for everyday commuter service. They were operated only in the summer time mostly for trips to Mt. Royal and throughout Montreal. The museum opens again for the 2009 season this April. So keep your eyes open, I'm sure they'll have something special to offer. Currently pricing is as follows; Adults $8.00, Senior $7.00, Youth $5.00, Under 2 Free. They are located on North Road in East Windsor, CT 860.627.6540.
The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce Introduces Their Health & Wellness Council to the Community Over 60 members of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce were in attendance to participate in the "unveiling" of the Chamber's new Health & Wellness Council. The event was held on Friday, January 30, 2009 at Four Points by Sheraton. The event was sponsored by Universal Healthcare Foundation and also featured a panel discussion on the State of Healthcare in CT. Council of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to identifying and promoting best practices in community and employee health and wellness through advocacy for healthcare access, literacy, policy and programs.
BOOKSIGNING BY AUTHOR BROOKSSIGLER FEBRUARY 28 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Meriden Public Library will be hosting a reading and signing of the book Five Finger Fiction by local author Brooks Sigler on Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room. Five Finger Fiction focuses on Lila, a kleptomaniac, and her interactions with her Irish Catholic family. The book follows Lila's life from sixth grade through college. Ms. Sigler lives with her husband and pets in New England, teaching English in Exeter, N.H. The program is free and all are invited. To reserve a seat, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 6306349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit the library's homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events." Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs. ~William Shakespeare
Happy Valentines Day Rachel, I wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day Love, Mom
Celebrations of Life and Home Happy 7th Birthday to our precious and beautiful Alyssa.! We love you lots!
Happy Valentines Day Happy Valentine’s Day to our Valentines Sweetie! Love You, Mimi and Pappi
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Greater Meriden Chamber Members at Health & Wellness Council Rollout Photo: Moderator & Council Chairman David Lowell (at podium) with Dr. Zavosky, DSS and Juan Figeuroa, Universal Healthcare Foundation With rising healthcare costs and a population that is increasingly burdened by a variety of medical conditions, health promotion and disease prevention is the best way to take a proactive step in encouraging others to lead a healthy lifestyle, which will result in: reducing employee absenteeism increase productivity create an overall healthier workforce. In order to do this, the Health & Wellness Council is providing added educational opportunities to its member businesses so that business leaders can make informed decisions about the direction of healthcare for their employees. The trickle-down effect that this creates results in enormous benefits for you, your employees, and the greater community. The Council focuses on a number of ways to enhance communication on the healthcare issues that matter most to you and your business. The following activities and projects are all a part of the Council's efforts: * Health & Wellness Education Breakfast Series * Health & Wellness Directory * Health & Wellness Activities * Health Literacy The Health & Wellness Council welcomes other area healthcare providers to join in our mission of building a healthier community. The Council meets the fourth Monday of each Month at 9:00 a.m. at various locations in the greater Meriden area. For more information and to locate an upcoming meeting, please visit us at www.meridenchamber.com, or call the Chamber at 203.235.7901. Thank you in advance for your participation in making our community a healthier community! It is with your help that we will obtain our mission through a balanced program of promotion, advocacy, education access and activity. The Greater Meriden Chamber takes a proactive leadership role in moving, improving and positively changing the communities we serve. Through our daily participation, we cause results and create a roadmap for our future. No projects ever get done by themselves. They require vision and action through leadership; that is where the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce makes a difference. We inform and engage our staff and membership in the economic development, workforce development and business development projects in the towns we serve and in the region. The four principles of NETWORKING, PROMOTION, EDUCATION, AND LEADERSHIP are the basis of the plan of work for the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce. We will continue to highlight one each month so that readers may become more aware of what the Greater Meriden Chamber is doing for its members and the communities that it serves. For more information on joining The Greater Meriden Chamber (all businesses who are located in the city, or do business, or plan to do business, in the Greater Meriden area, are eligible to join…call 203.235.7901.)
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The deadline for the March 2009 issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is February 25th for all submissions. Email your stories, news, celebrations and photos to andy@peoplespressnews.com. Sign up to be a subscriber with www.peoplespressnews.com
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Page 26 February 2009
The hours I spend with you I look upon as sort of a perfumed garden, a dim twilight, and a fountain singing to it. You and you alone make me feel that I am alive. Other men it is said have seen angels, but I have seen thee and thou art enough. ~George Moore
Community Health Crisis: We're Going the Wrong Way!
Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity. ~Henry Van Dyke
Celebrations of Life and Home
Happy 3rd Birthday to our precious Donald. Love you lots!
"Rhine Discovery" - River Cruise - October 4-12 7 nights on the deluxe river vessel "River Countess" Discovering the rich heritage of the Main & Rhine Rivers From Nuremberg to Basel.Visiting Bamberg, Wurzburg, Miltenberg, Aschaffenburg, Rudesheim, Heidelberg, Strasbourg. Includes all meals, complementary wines with dinner, shore excursions, use of bicycles , transfers. Offered by King Travelways together with UConn Huskees' Alumni Call for brochure: 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com
Wedding Cake?
This is the first time in modern history that our children are expected to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents. Life expectancy, as well as quality of life, had increased dramatically, from the 1970s through the 1990s. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, credited with pioneering the aerobic fitness movement, played a major role in raising awareness of the need for rigorous activity across the lifespan, and the resultant increase in life expectancy is more than ten years over that period of time . I'm in my 50's now. As a youngster in Illinois, I was required to participate in one hour per day of rigorous physical activity in school. Afterwards, I would play wiffle-ball, football, soccer , floor hockey or the like for another two to three hours after school before coming home for the family meal. A couple of times a year, we were required to demonstrate our fitness level by taking a nationally standardized physical fitness test. The results were published at the school and sent to our parents. While my dad sometimes watched TV, both channels, news and westerns, were pretty uninteresting through a child's eyes. I ate well, slept well, played hard and had plenty of exercise and activity. So did all my friends. We knew a couple kids who were somewhat overweight, but they were still fit enough to be active and play with us. Today, as a parent of 3 ranging in age from 13-26, I see a wholly different world. There is no mandatory physical education in most schools, and, often the programs offered under the physical education heading include informational / topical programs and far less rigorously active classes. The P.E. teachers I know are terrific and invested, but their numbers are a fraction of what they used to be, their funds and resources are cut way back, and, there's only so much they can do. After school, most kids don't play competitive or intramural sports for hours as once was the norm, they play X-Box 360 or at best Wii. Most, rather than sitting down for a balanced home cooked meal in the evening, grab something from the fast food domain, loaded with calories, sugars, fat and sodium. We see the results every day in the epidemic of obesity, early onset diabetes and poor body image. Sadly, we are not going in the right direction! Your Wallingford Family YMCA would like to help! In response to the growing health crisis in our community, we have developed two new programs to help our neighbors start to make lifestyle changes that can make a real difference in their lives.. 1. The Healthy Balance Program is a comprehensive introduction to nutrition, fitness and stress management. The program includes: a. 8 weekly group sessions. b. 3 individual appointments with a Personal Trainer / Nutrition Manager to target individual lifestyle needs and develop a realistic, achievable and manageable exercise and lifestyle plan. You will receive a comprehensive exercise program designed just for you! c. A Dietician prepared textbook with healthy meal plans and recipes along with a journal to monitor your progress. d. A better understanding of the impact of stress on your health and strategies to manage daily stressors. e. And, a total lifestyle management plan that comes with a lifetime partner in your quest for healthier living: the Wallingford Family YMCA! The cost of this terrific program is a very reasonable $239 for YMCA members and $289 for community participants (and, community participants receive a free 3 month YMCA membership!). 2. Our New Fitness Punch Card. We invite you to purchase a 10 or 20 class card at a cost of $39 for 10 or $79 for 20 classes. This card allows access to any Wallingford Family YMCA fitness or aquatics class (with a very few exceptions). The purpose of this non-renewable punch card is to invite you to "try on" the YMCA and see if it is a good fit for your lifestyle. For more information about these or any other Health and Wellness programs, please contact Mark at 203-269-4497 Ext. 24.
Songs From The Heart
Hours: Mon-Tues.- 7-6; Saturday 7-4; Sun. 7-2
A fund raiser to benefit and support the music therapy events at MidState Medical Center which brings entertainment to patients and visitors. East Chicago Joe stylings of Sinatra/Bennet and musical guests will entertain you for an informal evening. The event will take place at Sandman Gallery and Frame Shoppe locate at 39 West Main Street in Meriden on February 28th from 6-9:30pm. Hors d'oevres/light fare provided by Paul's Catering. Tickets are $65 per couple and $35.00 per person. Special Thanks to Outsource Solutions, The Sandman Gallery and Frame Shoppe, Steve Belote, Steve Wrinn, and Paul's Market and Catering for their support and donations in making this event a very special evening!
Dear Housewives Central Connectiuct'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. June and Flora Dear Housewives: My husband spends too much time on the computer. He will spend countless hours looking at anything. This takes him away from our family time. I am sick of it. Should I get rid of our computer or is that too drastic? From, IBMad in Meriden JUNE: It is not good that he spends family time on the computer and it sends a bad message to the kids. The computer has taken over peoples' interpersonal skills and more and more we can't relate to others. I don't think you need to get rid of the computer because in these days they are really necessary, but you should set some family ground rules that apply to you as well. Talk to him and let him know how you feel...or better yet, send him an email. FLORA: We all can get lost in cyberspace. We may have good intentions to look up the capital of Swaziland, and then find ourselves 3 hours later researching the British colonies throughout history, then learning all about the British Invasion beginning with The Beatles... You can, in a non-confrontational way, mention how people spend so much time on the computer, they don't even realize the amount. Ask if he would be willing to have a timer that counts up. Tell him that you will do the same for yourself. Dear Housewives: My husband wears sweatpants all the time and I can't stand it. He even wears them out to dinner. We can't go anywhere nice because he refuses to wear regular pants. What can I do? Sweating it out in Southington. FLORA: Hmmm, this is tricky. You may have to pick your battles. Does he love and respect you? If this is the least of your worries, love him in his sweats. It may be a comfy issue or he may be comfortable with who he is and doesn't need to be styling. June? JUNE: You don't have to be "styling" to look presentable. If he is comfortable being a slob then I guess it is okay. Sorry, sweats have their place ( trust me I am a stay at home mom and sweats are my friend) but when going out to dinner or to functions in public he should dress accordingly. He doesn't have to go to Brooks Brothers for a suit but some nice jeans with shirt is necessary. Book Review Flora: I am currently reading: "Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography" by Sidney Poitier. I will review it next month. "Waiting for Snow in Havana" by Carlos Eire (who is a professor at Yale University in New Haven) was a wonderfully written memoir that tell the story of young Carlos growing up in pre-Castro Cuba. His memories are so rich with detail, it a gift beyond measure. This story captivated me, made me laugh and cry. It was difficult to read about free life on this beautiful island nation and how it transformed into a communist state. Oh, how they have a chance to taste freedom once again if the Cuban leaders bend toward democracy. I pray it will happen, and soon. JUNE: I went to see "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" last week. I am a Kevin James fan and he did deliver in this movie. This was a fun movie with many laughs. Mr. June and I had a great time. I think anyone who likes a funny movie should go see it.
Page 27 February 2009
Foot Health Information
Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers - Wallingford Medicine and health awareness have progressed so rapidly since 1900 that life expectancy of the average American has increased by about 30 years. Older persons have become an increasingly significant proportion of our total populationand their numbers are growing rapidly. In 1900, for example, there were three million Americans aged 65 or older. In the year 2000, older people outnumber children for the first time in history. If older people are to live useful, satisfying lives, they must be able to move about. Mobility is a vital ingredient of the independence that is cherished by our aging population, and foot ailments make it difficult or impossible for them to work or to participate in social activities. According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people. As if foot problems weren't enough of a nuisance, they can also lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain that undermine mobility just as effectively. The NCHS says one-fourth of all nursing home patients cannot walk at all and another one-sixth can walk only with assistance. Mirror of Health The human foot has been called the "mirror of health." Foot doctors, or doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), are often the first doctors to see signs of such systemic conditions as diabetes, arthritis, and circulatory disease in the foot. Among these signs are dry skin, brittle nails, burning and tingling sensations, feelings of cold, numbness, and discoloration. Always seek professional care when these signs appear. Foot Problems Can Be Prevented For reasons that are difficult to fathom, many people, including a lot of older people, believe that it is normal for the feet to hurt, and simply resign themselves to enduring foot problems that could be treated. There are more than 300 different foot ailments. Some can be traced to heredity, but for an aging population, most of these ailments stem from the cumulative effect of years of neglect or abuse. However, even among people in their retirement years, many foot problems can be treated successfully, and the pain of foot ailments relieved. Whether due to neglect or abuse, the normal wear and tear of the years causes changes in feet. As persons age, their feet tend to spread, and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the feet. Additional weight can affect the bone and ligament structure. Older people, consequently, should have their feet measured for shoe sizes more frequently, rather than presuming that their shoe sizes remain constant. Dry skin and brittle nails are other conditions older people commonly face. Finally, it's a fact that women, young and old, have four times as many foot problems as men, and high heels are often the culprits. Observing preventive foot health care has many benefits. Chief among them are that it can increase comfort, limit the possibility of additional medical problems, reduce the chances of hospitalization because of infection, and lessen requirements for other institutional care. Keep Them Walking Studies show that care for a bedridden patient costs much more than care for an ambulatory patient. In their private practices and in foot clinics, podiatric physicians are providing services designed to keep older people on their feet, and they serve in hospitals and nursing homes across the country. Records indicate that amputations and other forms of surgery due to infections of the feet, many brought about by diabetes, have been significantly reduced in recent years because of early diagnosis and treatment. Further reduction in this area is a goal of Healthy People 2010, a US Department of Health and Human Services campaign endorsed by podiatric physicians, to encourage understanding and application of preventive medical practices. Foot Health Tips * Properly fitted shoes are essential; an astonishing number of people wear shoes that don't fit right, and cause serious foot problems. * A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper is best for daily activities. * Shop for shoes in the afternoon; feet tend to swell during the day. * Walking is the best exercise for your feet. * Pantyhose or stockings should be of the correct size and preferably free of seams. * Do not wear constricting garters or tie your stockings in knots. * Never cut corns and calluses with a razor, pocket knife, or other such instrument; use over-the-counter foot products only with the advice of a podiatrist. * Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one containing moisturizers, or use a moisturizer separately. Test the water temperature with your hand. * Trim or file your toenails straight across. * Inspect your feet every day or have someone do this for you. If you notice any redness, swelling, cracks in the skin, or sores, consult your podiatrist. * Have your feet examined by a DPM at least twice a year. Copyright 2008, American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc., www.apma.org (Original title: Foot Health and Aging) Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers Without love, what are we worth? Eighty-nine cents! Eighty-nine cents worth of chemicals walking around lonely. ~M*A*S*H, Hawkeye
Do you want FITNESS & FUN for your child? Call Us! Connecticut Gymnastics Academy in Wallingford is the place for your child! Find out why so many parents bring their kids here! Call 203.269.7464
Living Well It's our mission at MidState to enrich the lives of people living in our communities by keeping them healthy and well. Try these tips made available by the University of California at Berkley to enhance your well-being. * Eat nuts. People who regularly eat nuts, especially walnuts or almonds, cut their risk of heart disease by as much as half. * If you're trying to lose weight, eat foods with high water content. Fruits and vegetables and dishes made with them (such as stews and smoothies), can help you cut down on calories and still feel full. * Read labels on muffins. Some have more than 20 grams of fat-as much as a Big Mac-and more than 500 calories. Check for smaller varieties with wholewheat flour and lower sugar. * If you're going to keep fresh spinach for more than a few days, buy it frozen. That's because spinach loses nutrients rapidly after picking, even when refrigerated. * If you have heartburn at night, try elevating the head of your bed at least six inches to prevent reflux. * For a painful arch: roll your foot over a can of frozen juice. The cold and the massage will help relieve pain. * Measure your waist to find out if you are at risk for weight-related health problems. More than 40 inches in men and 35 in women is a sign of abdominal obesity. * Walk to lose weight. A 200-pound person who starts walking a mile and a half a day and keeps eating the same number of calories daily will lose about 14 pounds a year. * Take the stairs. A person climbing stairs at two steps per second can burn 360 calories in just 20 minutes. * Always ice an acute injury immediately. Continue every 20 minutes for the first 48 hours. Then switch to heat. Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity. ~Henry Van Dyke
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Page 28 February 2009
Meriden Health Department February Events 1. Women's Total Cholesterol Screening Free total cholesterol screenings are available to women who live in Meriden. Screenings will be held on February 10, from 9:30-11:30am, and February 26, from 1:30-3:30pm. All screenings are held at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street. Normal total cholesterol levels are under 200. If your total screening comes back over 200, we will recommend that you see your doctor for a follow-up test, which will tell you how much "good" and "bad" cholesterol is in your body. The Community Health Educator will contact you by phone approximately 1 week to 10 days after your total screening to see what measures you took or are going to take to lower your cholesterol. Appointments for the screening are required, and are first come, first serve. Call 630-4234 to make your appointment. One screening per person, please. Screenings are funded by a women's healthy heart grant through the Connecticut Department of Public Health. 2. Lunch and Learn: Call 9-1-1! Recognizing Heart Attack and Stroke On February 11, 2009, a lunch and learn will be offered about recognizing a heart attack and stroke, and how to care for cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults. The lunch and learn will be held from 12:00-1:00pm at the Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller Street. Lunch will be provided, but you must RSVP for this event. Bring your own drink. Presented by Lea Crown, Community Health Educator. Call 630-4238 to reserve a spot. 3. CPR Anytime for Friends and Family The Meriden Health Department partnered with Hunter's Ambulance to offer the American Heart Association CPR Anytime Friends and Family program on February 19, from 4:00-5:00pm and 5:00-6:00pm. The 2 classes will be held at Hunter's Ambulance, 450 West Main Street. If you have ever wanted to learn CPR but don't have time to sit in a long class and don't need certification, the CPR Anytime program is for you. The class will teach you how to provide life-saving care to someone suffering from cardiac arrest or choking. You will also learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke. The cost of the course is $30.00. Cost includes your own CPR Anytime kit, which includes a reusable CPR manikin, 22 minute CPR DVD, booklet, and other supplies. Please call 514-5142 to register. Bring a mat or towel to kneel on. This course does not certify you in CPR; no cards will be given. 4. Flu Shots It is not too late to protect yourself from the flu! Flu shots are still available, and are now only $20.00 (cash only). Please call 630-4234 to make your appointment.
Parenting Workshop Is one of your goals for 2009 to relate more effectively with your children? Do you want them to be more responsible and cooperative? Consider participating in a Parenting Workshop. This Franciscan Life Center educational program is for parents with children 13 and under. Dr. Thomas Finn, a clinical psychologist on staff for 25 years, will direct the workshop. The two-session program will be held, Wednesdays, March 11 and 18, 2009, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Chiara Center, 275 Finch Avenue on the campus of the Franciscan Life Center. The cost is $40.00/person and $60.00/couple. Learn effective communication styles, setting limits, balancing warmth and firmness, and more. To register, call 203237-8084 or email rgg@flcenter.org. For more information about the Franciscan Life Center visit our web site at www.flcenter.org.
Survivorship Clinics at MidState are underway In the last decade, cancer survivorship has become a focal point in the field of oncology. Research has shown that the cancer experience affects patients beyond treatment and into their transition period back to what used to be a "normal" life. In response to the need for ongoing support, the Cancer Center at MidState launched Survivorship Clinics last fall to help cancer survivors adjust to life after treatment and explore information about physical, social, emotional and spiritual questions. Many survivors are fearful that their cancer will come back, and as a result, suffer from anxiety and depression post-treatment. Some also experience long-term side effects from their treatment, including an increased risk for secondary cancers and heart disease. The clinics help survivors understand how their body has changed and offer new coping skills in a supportive environment. The next Survivorship Clinic will be held in March. Check our Calendar of Events at www.midstatemedical.org for more information.
Living to 100: Centenarians Show Us How ~submitted by MidState Medical Center Conventional wisdom says people inevitably decline into worsening health and senility when they reach their eighties, nineties, and beyond. In reality, centenarians, 80% of whom are women, are actually healthier than people 20 years their junior. They have somehow managed to weather the stresses of life and avoid major threats like heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's. Researchers are beginning to understand how centenarians reach this amazing milestone. The characteristics you'd find in centenarians include: " Good longevity genes " Emotional resilience-ability to adapt to life's events " Resistance to stress-excellent coping skills " Self-sufficiency " Intellectual activity " Good sense of humor, including about themselves " Religious beliefs " Strong connections with other people " Low blood pressure " Appreciation of simple pleasures and experiences " Don't currently smoke or drink heavily " Many play musical instruments " Follow a sensible diet So how can you apply this to your own life? Tune up your attitude and stay optimistic, eat a low-fat diet, aim for as little as 15-30 minutes of exercise a day, and keep your brain sharp. Cognitive capacity is key to aging gracefully. Write, do a crossword puzzle, learn a foreign language and experience the unfamiliar.
FEEDING BIRDS AND CRITTERS GETS US ALL THROUGH WINTER'S CHILL By Phyllis S. Donovan My sister, who lives in the Massachusetts Berkshires, lost her husband a few weeks ago. He had a massive heart attack while snow blowing his driveway, a job he actually enjoyed. Upset and preoccupied in her grief over the next several days, my sister's usual daily routine was totally abandoned. Then one evening, several days after the funeral, she heard thumping on her back deck and going to check found three full grown deer calmly gazing through the sliding glass doors at her. "It was eerie," she said tearfully, "They were just standing there looking for Joe." She'd forgotten that her husband had fed not only the birds every day but also left out food for the deer and flock of wild turkeys that frequent their rural backyard. His little menagerie was feeling his absence. She said she should have realized when her son from Florida, who slept in his old room in the days leading up to the funeral, complained that "a crazy mother cardinal" kept fluttering against his window outside of which hung the thenempty feeders. Now, feeding the wildlife has become another of her daily chores. "It helps make me feel better," she told me. I know how she feels. Every time a storm is approaching (and how they know, I'll never figure out) all the birds in our neighborhood descend on my feeders to gorge themselves for the coming bad spell. In the black and white landscape of these grey dreary winter days, those small flashes of brilliant feathered fluff add both color and brightness to our lives. It's well worth the blocks of suet, thistle seed and heavy bags of sunflower seeds we keep dragging home from Greenbacker's Agway. We have four kinds of woodpeckers alone. Every time we hear the rat-a-tat pounding on the drainpipe to which the suet feeder is attached, we look out see if it's the downy, hairy or red-bellied woodpecker (whose head, not his belly, is red) and their cousins, a pair of huge brown flickers with black chevrons on their chests and red feathers in their crests. Sometimes, surprise, it's only a small brown thrasher or even an upside-down nuthatch. We love the small sleek tufted titmice and chickadees who swoop in to retrieve one sunflower seed at a time and whisk it away. We tolerate the reddish house finches who look like they've been dipped in raspberry juice, come as a flock and quarrel amongst themselves the whole time they're here. The goldfinches, olive drab in winter, frequent the feeder where we keep the thistle seed they prefer. Sometimes every perch on that feeder is full. They scatter that fine seed all over the deck and make a mess but in the spring when they turn yellow and look like a flock of wild canaries, it's worth it. For bright color, you can't beat the cardinals, especially the brilliant red males, who, even after many months, approach our feeders timidly. Mama, with her silly pink beak and more subdued coloring is braver than her partner who remains in the surrounding cedar trees watching until the coast is clear. When they both perch on the snowy cedars, the pair looks like a watercolor by local artist Esther Tomkinson which I own and cherish. I know at least three pairs of cardinals come to our feeders because that's how many I've seen out there dining at one time. Then of course there's the bluejays who seem to know whenever I fill the feeders because they can't keep their mouths shut, setting up a ruckus to call all their pals to dine. When a bluejay plunks himself down in our hanging feeder, the rest of the birds scatter. Not only does he sit there gorging himself, he uses his beak to shovel aside both empty shells and still-full seeds to get at the good stuff. In so doing, he knocks down to the deck plenty of seeds for the mourning doves, juncos and sparrows who are happier poking around on the flat deck than swinging aloft in the high feeders. Of course we have our own complement of squirrels, many of whom have nest in the large trees surrounding our deck and come down regularly to clean out the feeder and do their best to try to get the suet out of its wire cage. If my husband sees them out there, he goes to the deck door, stamps his feet and barks like a big dog‌.and they totally ignore him. Our cat, on the other hand, likes to just lie on a pillow on the bench which looks out the big windows onto our deck and just watch the action out there. She enjoys watching the birds come and go from the warmth and safety of the house and will even perk up her ears and check out any squirrel action. But she really has no intention of venturing out to tackle one of those furry critters. I think when she was younger and friskier, a squirrel bit her on the ear. The bite got infected and we had to take her to the vet and have it lanced and the fur never grew back on that spot. So this big fluffy kitty with a tiny scar on her ear gives squirrels half her size a wide birth. They have the run of the back yard and if she does venture out, she makes believe they aren't there. Of course, we also have bunnies in our woods so I throw of hunks of cut up apple to them when everything is frozen over. And there is a grey cat with a frayed red collar who calls at our back door nearly every evening for a handout. At first, because of the collar, I thought it belonged to someone but it kept getting thinner and wilder. It still won't let me get near it, but our cat tolerates it if their paths cross out back. I set up a box for it under our picnic table on the deck which is covered by a big tarp during the winter, but I don't think it's used it. It pains me to see it out there on these bitter cold nights, but like the rest of the critters, I want to do what I can for it. Some people feel that we shouldn't be getting wildlife to be dependent on us, that we're upsetting the balance of nature. I feel if we can make life easier for them, all to the better. I guess it runs in the family. I have a cousin who lives in the California desert. He always leaves out a big barrel of water for the desert critters. We've seen a road runner, a covey of quail who nest nearby and even bees come to his "watering hole" to drink and there were probably lots of others we didn't see. Can that be bad, offering God's creatures needed sustenance? I don't think so Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker. ~Author Unknown
Page 29 February 2009
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.
MUSIC CONCERT FEBRUARY 14 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY On Saturday, February 14 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room, the Meriden Public Library is pleased to host soloist Richard B. Barnes. Mr. Barnes will perform jazz and pop ballads as well as classical music on the clarinet and saxophone. Bring your friends and enjoy some wonderful music. Mr. Barnes has been performing since 1951. He has studied with Frank Barone, a leading musician in New Jersey, Richard Lee of Curtis Institute and Ben Armato, clarinetist with the New York Met Orchestra. Mr. Barnes has been active with the Cantilena Trio, featuring a clarinet, cello and piano since 1993. The program is free and all are invited. Light refreshments will be served. Seating is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 6306349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit our homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events."
Calendar of Events--Jitters Coffeehouse 1273 Queen Street Southington, CT 06489 (860) 747-1100 "Live" Original Music Doors open at 8 PM on Friday & Saturday Nights Feb 6--Fri- Hannah's Field--Gypsy Reggae music Feb 7--Sat--Derek Knott--Folk Rock music Feb 13--CLOSED TO PUBLIC--Private party Feb 14--Sat--Brian MacDonald--Americana Rock music WITH SPECIAL GUEST/OPENING ACT--ARIEL BELLVALAIRE
Helping Hands Thrift Store 22 No. Turnpike Road Wallingford, Ct. 06492 (203) 284-0300 STORE HOURS ARE TUES.- SAT. 9A.M.- 5P.M. WE ACCEPT CASH, DEBIT, M.C. AND VISA COLD OUTSIDE, HOT DEALS INSIDE!! BAG DAY EVERY WEDNESDAY! Fill a bag of CLOTHING ONLY for $1.50(we provide the bag) does not include coats, suits, gowns. We have name brand clothing, some new some slightly used! No limit on how many bags you can fill! SPECIAL GOING ON NOW! ALL WINTER COATS, JACKETS ONLY $5.00 NEW AND SLIGHTLY USED, MANY MAJOR NAME BRANDS! FREE CUSTOMER APPRECIATION CARDS AVAILABLE NOW! For every $15.00 purchase get your card stamped, fill the required spaces and receive 20% off your next total purchase (card has no cash value) We will pick up donations of resalable furniture or appliances FREE locally when they are clean, unstained , no rips and in good working condition. Donated items of clothing, books, household appliances, electronics, knickknacks,linens,housewares,movies,baby items are just a few of the items we will accept as long as they are in clean, good condition and working, clothing must be in season. Items may be brought to the store when it is open. Stop in, need furniture but don't see what you need, please ask as we have more in storage. We also offer delivery service on furniture purchases on the first and second floors only(unless there is an elevator available) for a minimal fee locally. REMEMBER! Your money will buy more at our store. Stop in and check out the 2 floors of merchandise we have for sale. Unadvertised specials happening at the store during Feb. HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO DONATES OR MAKES PURCHASES SHOWING THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT TO HELP THE CHRYSALIS CENTER FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. OUR THANKS GOES OUT TO ALL THE LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT HAVE BEEN SO KIND IN OFFERING THEIR SERVICES TO THE CHRYSALIS AND THE STORE. TOGETHER WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO OTHERS IN NEED OF HELP. Helping Hands has assisted many different organizations to help someone or families going through difficult times when we have been contacted and so have all the caring people who have donated items that has helped the store be able to continue to live up to the stores name Helping Hands. The store does not receive any government,state or other funding and has been able to continue to stay open from purchases made and donations received which has allowed us to be able to offer help back into the community. The store is in need of circular clothing racks if anyone knows where we can obtain them at a low price or if someone has some they would like to donate please call the store. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FROM HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE!
Home Country By Slim Randles "Now Steve," said Doc, "we've been giving this real estate conundrum of yours considerable thought. Sit down and flip your cup to the upright landing position and let's figure this thing out." Steve did, and the entire population of the world dilemma think tank focused on Doc. "You bought a lot and with the setbacks, you can only build something five feet wide, but it can be as much as 80 feet long, right?" "Well, yeah‌" Steve drawled slowly, "but to have a cabin, you have to build it at least sixteen feet wide." "That's right, minimum of sixteen feet wide." Doc looked at the assembled as Mavis poured more coffee and brought Dewey a sweet roll large enough to use for a spare truck tire. Doc said, "Can I get an amen on this?" "Amen." "Right. So Steve, here's the deal. Does it say anywhere in the rule book that it can only be one story high?" Steve shook his head. "That's it, then," Doc said. "You just build a cabin five feet wide and sixteen feet high. That's just two stories, right?" "But it has to be sixteen feet wide, Doc." "Wind blows up there on that ridge, doesn't it?" Doc looked at us. "I need another amen, guys." "Amen." "Just tell the county the wind blew the cabin on its side." Steve laughed. "But they'll look inside and see it isn't on its side." "Avant garde, Steve. Avant garde design. You just tell them they don't have a say about interior design at all." Doc grinned. "And avant garde, as we all know, is French for showing off." Brought to you by 3Rivers Archery, the traditional folks. Visit them at 3RiversArchery.com.
Page 30 February 2009
Celebrations of Life and Home
Recession Rescue for Seniors Presented courtesy of MidState Medical Center, the Meriden Senior Center and Advisory Committee, and the Healthy Meriden 2010 Elderly Task Force Featuring The Talk of Connecticut’s legendary on-air personality, Brad Davis! Wednesday, February 25, 2009 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Meriden Senior Center, 22 West Main Street Program located in the dining hall If you’re feeling stressed from the current economic situation, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease the burden you’re feeling. Let us help. Please join financial advisor, Chris Beale, CFP, of Meriden’s New England Capital Financial Advisors, LLC for an interactive discussion on how you can better manage your money and take control of your finances. With information from:·Angel Food Ministries ·RSVP of Central Connecticut (transportation) ·New Opportunities (fuel and tax assistance) ·Connecticut Light & Power (energy savings and light bulbs) ·Social Security (prescription drug assistance) Free lunch served at 11:30 a.m. for seniors 60 and over. Call 203-237-0066 to pre-register. You must do so by February 20th.
JOIN THE GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT Count for Fun, Count for the Future February 13-16, 2009 Bird and nature fans throughout North America are invited to join tens of thousands of bird watchers for the 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), February 13-16, 2009. A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and, at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation. "Anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to the body of knowledge that is used to inform conservation efforts to protect birds and biodiversity," said Audubon Education Vice-President, Judy Braus. Volunteers take part by counting birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the event and reporting their sightings online at www.birdcount.org. The data help researchers understand bird population trends across the continent, information that is critical for effective conservation. In 2008, participants submitted more than 85,000 checklists, a new record. "The GBBC has become a vital link in the arsenal of continent wide birdmonitoring projects," said Cornell Lab of Ornithology director John Fitzpatrick. "With more than a decade of data now in hand, the GBBC has documented striking changes in late-winter bird distributions." Participants submit thousands of digital images for the GBBC photo contest each year. Last year's winners have been chosen and are now posted on the web site. Participants are also invited to upload their bird videos to YouTube tagged "GBBC." Some of them will also be featured on the GBBC web site. All participants will be entered in a drawing to win dozens of birding items, including stuffed birds, clocks, books, feeders, and more. Businesses, schools, nature clubs, Scout troops, and other community organizations interested in the GBBC can contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473 (outside the U.S., call (607) 254-2473), or Audubon at citizenscience@audubon.org or (215) 355-9588, Ext 16. The Great Backyard Bird Count is made possible, in part, by support from Wild Birds Unlimited. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a nonprofit membership institution interpreting and conserving the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. www.birds.cornell.edu Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation. www.audubon.org I reckon being ill as one of the great pleasures of life, provided one is not too ill and is not obliged to work till one is better. ~Samuel Butler
People’s Press Crossword February 2009 Answers. Puzzle by Ruth Gordon. This edition of “The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your Views” serves the needs of the communities of Wallingford and Meriden, Connecticut. For safety reasons we do not publish the last name of artists/writers under the age of 15. 5% of all annual net proceeds are donated in kind or in financial donation to local charities and organizations. This newspaper is not affiliated with any other newspaper.
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Untitled poem by George Arndt What is Valentines Day anyway-Ah, it is that loving time of year When thoughts of fancy go out to say To that special one we hold so dear. How much we long for them to be near. With ne'er a word we cannot bare. Expressed in colors of red and pink, Cards and candy and flowers flow. These are wiles to use--we think To let that certain someone know How we yearn for our love to grow. And our wanting hearts to be aglow. The joys of caring that waft so fair Are heard so picturesquely clear When ne'er a word had neither spoken, Eyes smiling and breaths betaken Lips not needing prodding speak forth So quietly whispering love's recourse. And soon we are in another world Where we forget the hues of grays. Romp freely as lad and lass unfurled, Dancing to the unnamed melodies, We, you and I, holding hands tightly, Now, view the vista--so brightly.
Welcoming Winter Weather by Dorothy Adair Gonick Bleak November scenes Of leaden skies and barren trees Bedded down for winter's freeze, Dreaming of a warm spring breeze. A skein of geese in pattern "V" Honking greetings wild and free. Scurrying, saucy squirrels Hiding acorns in their tree. Flashing red of cardinals, Cheery calls of chickadees, Downys pecking at the suet, Blue Jays feasting on the seeds. Glistening snow and ice filled pools Delight the children home from school Donning garments of warm knit wool, Choosing skis, skates, or sleds to pull. Flickering flames gleam through the grate Toasting marshmallows to a golden fate. Dancing shadows that do not wait, Changing shape from early to late. Weather changes-to harsh from mild, There's beauty in a tempest wild. Just snuggle under blankets piled, Revel in them like a child. Welcome, Winter!
“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) 235-9333 • Fax Number (203) 294.8808 The People's Press,Your Town, Your News, Your Views and all versions or portions of said name are ©Copyright DNA,LLC. 1999-2009 All Text, Logos, Images and other content in print, web or in any way or form are ©Copyright DNA, LLC 1999-2009 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.
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Deadline for the next issue is February 24, 2009 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. R.E.A.D.
Page 31 February 2009
The deadline for the March 2009 issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is February 25th for all submissions. Email your stories, news, celebrations and photos to andy@peoplespressnews.com. Sign up to be a subscriber with www.peoplespressnews.com for updates, reminders and special offers.
"KNIT A SQUARE FOR THE HOMELESS" AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY The Knitting 2 Group at Meriden Public Library is inviting local knitters to help knit blankets for the homeless in our community. The blankets will be composed of squares of knitting and you may knit as many squares as you like. If you would like to help and knit a square, please use Red Heart 4 ply yarn, any color and use size US-8 needles. The pattern is easy: cast on 35 stitches. Knit 45 rows in basic garter stitch. That's it! The squares can be dropped off in a marked box at the Meriden Public Library and the Knitting 2 Group will combine the squares into blankets. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have any questions about this project or any programs held at the library.
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Page 32 February 2009
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