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By the People . . . For the People Serving Central Connecticut www.peoplespressnews.com Wallingford Flower
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190 Center Street. 203.265.1514 May 2009 • Volume 9, Issue 115
Memorial Day for Me By Tia Kozar
As we all impatiently waited to start our journey, my Brownie Girl Scout troop and I squirmed in our tiny brown uniforms and stared at the pavement in boredom. After we'd eagerly wait for our turn to come, we would begin our march around the town in the annual Memorial Day parade. We would do this for many more years, grinning as people waved and clapped when we walked past. The attention was great but I doubt many of us understood the real reason why we were there. I always thought it was just another holiday, a day off from school, (when EVERYTHING is on sale), but I was incredibly wrong. The tradition started when after the Civil War, General Logan declared May 30th to be a day to decorate the graves of fallen friends and families with flowers,, (it was more popularly called Decoration Day). After World War 1 the day was broadened to honor and remember those who had died in all wars. The parade aspect of
Memorial Day was to "kick off" the day; war veterans would walk through town to the cemeteries with flowers to put on the graves of their fallen comrades. Others would often join in to decorate the graves of their loved ones, too.The tradition continued to evolve and now most parades end at a memorial site where a wreath or flowers are placed and a remembrance ceremony is held. Memorial Day is a day of commemoration, respect and honor for all who have died in the wars. The day and its precedings are just as important today as it was when the tradition began. Soldiers are still dying today as they protect our country and the world against terrorism. Although I may not have understood how important it was to march in the parade when I was a young Girl Scout, I am now glad that I was able to be a part of such an important tradition for so many years.
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Just A Sample Of What Else We Offer You During The Year! Preschool and School Age Child Care Preschool and Youth Sports: Parent-Tot Gymnastics Munchkin Basketball Munchkin Soccer Youth Basketball Youth Floor Hockey Dance
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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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MAYOR’S CORNER - WALLINGFORD Dear Friends: The month of April is the home of the celebration of Earth Day. In May, we continue our celebration of our environment with Open Space Day. On May 19th, at 2:00 p.m., we offer a hike over town property located on Tamarac Swamp Road. The guide and speaker for the event, which is planned by the Wallingford Conservation Commission, is Erin O'Hare, the Environmental Planner for Wallingford. The two-hour hike will traverse a stream corridor, hayfield, early successional woodlands, a freshwater marsh, wetlands, hedgerow borders, pastureland and cornfield. Participants may see bobolinks, eastern meadow larks, savannah sparrows and many other species. Organizers request that pets not be brought along on this hike. Please bring your own water and boots as mud can be expected. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the warmer weather and learn about open space, its management, and the encouragement of different wild life species with habitat. Don't forget the Residential Electronics Recycling Event scheduled for May 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cheshire High School, 520 South Main Street, Cheshire. Recycling of electronics is a great way to help protect the environment by reusing products rather than disposing by burning or burying. Please telephone the Mayor's Office at 294-2070 or the event coordinator at 294-2061. We have much to celebrate! Have a wonderful May! Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor
Mayor's Corner - Meriden In January, I convened a Mayor's Summit to address the needs of Meriden residents facing difficulties in the current economic climate. Leaders from Meriden's faith communities had approached me to offer to partner with the city to provide better coordination, information sharing, and identification of resources to help those in need. To date, we have hosted three Summit Meetings and these efforts have proved to be extremely beneficial. We have focused on housing, energy assistance, food, clothing, childcare, and employment. We have brought together representatives from the nonprofit sector, State of Connecticut, probate court, city departments, Meriden Housing Authority, and faith communities. These Summit Meetings have led to increasing the number of offices throughout Meriden for accepting energy assistance applications. We have identified a complete list of all food resources including food pantries and soup kitchens. A complete list of all clothing resources has also been compiled. These resources have been shared with all agencies and can be accessed though the Meriden Health Department. We have also hosted presentations about 211, which is the statewide info directory, and the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness. And finally, we have developed a universal referral form that can be used by all participating organizations to refer clients for assistance, track progress, and assess need. Plaudits to all the Meriden organizations who have come together to serve our community in a difficult time. Meriden is an extremely generous community in heart and spirit. Michael S. Rohde - Mayor
The Twelfth Annual Town of Wallingford 'Doherty Cup' Golf Championships 2009 The Twelfth Annual Town of Wallingford 'Doherty Cup' Golf Championship 2009 will be held on Tuesday, July 7th at the Wallingford Country Club.Rain date will be on Wednesday, July 8. The popular tournament raises monies for the Doherty Scholarship Fund., a scholarship that was created in 1997 upon the untimely death of David J. Doherty, a popular town councilman and Sheehan High School Civics teacher. The Doherty Scholarship Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing two $2,500 scholarships to eligible Sheehan High School Seniors and donating $1,000 annually, to20the Wallingford YMCA's Youth and Government Program, David established at the Y many years ago. The Doherty family, which hosts the tournament, extends the invitation to all to come and support its event and enjoy a day of comradery and fun! This year the tournament not only has its traditional individual medal play championship, but also features a new option of play, a four-person team scramble event championship! The day is highlighted with special events and prizes, and features our special Doherty Cup presenter, Mayor William Dickinson. For more information on the tournaments and a copy of this year's brochure, please contact John and Elaine Doherty at 203.265.7349.
Public Health Preparedness - Request for Volunteers May 19, 2009 Please be advised that the Wallingford Health Department is planning to participate in a Regional Exercise for Public Health Response. One of our Public Health responsibilities is to distribute antibiotics to residents and critical staff/first responders in the event of a community bioterrorist action, such as Anthrax or Smallpox. The Town of Wallingford will be participating in a Regional Exercise on May 19, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The exercise will involve setting up an antibiotic distribution clinic for Town first responders, clinic volunteers and critical staff. We are requesting your assistance. Volunteers will be needed to sort and package the antibiotics for distribution and to help us document the process. We will provide the necessary training 1 week PRIOR to the exercise for all volunteers. The Town of Wallingford and the Wallingford Health Department appreciate your willingness to help us protect all residents. We could not provide the public health response required without individuals like you, our public health preparedness volunteers. This exercise will be evaluated by the CT Department of Public Health and the Department of Emergency Management Homeland Security (DEMHS), Region 2. We will assess the distribution plan, the number of volunteers needed, and the time frame required to distribute the antibiotic. Your input will be a critical part of the exercise and the evaluation. We would greatly appreciate if you could share this information with your colleagues and co-workers. If they are interested in volunteering, please feel free to photocopy the volunteer form for their use. Medical training or certification is NOT required for this exercise. Thank you for your time in considering this matter. If you have any questions, please contact the Wallingford Director of Health, at 294-2065 or email us at: Wlfdhealth@sbcglobal.net Wallingford Health Department, DEMHS Region 2 Municipal Point of Dispensing (POD) EXERCISE When: May 19, 2009 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Volunteer Training Date: Date/time TBA, 1 week Prior to EXERCISE Please complete and return the below information by mail, fax or email: Wallingford Health Dept., 45 South Main St., Wallingford CT 06492 Fax: 203-294-2064 Email: wlfdhealth@sbcglobal.net Volunteer Name: ______________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ Phone/Email: _______________________________________________ Indicate medical certification, if any: __________________________________ Thank you in advance for your help!
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Meriden Health Department - Keeping You Healthy in May Women's Total Cholesterol Screening Free total cholesterol screenings are available to women who live in Meriden. Screenings will be held on May 12, from 9:30-11:30am, and on May 28 from 1:30-3:30pm. Screenings are held at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street. Appointments for the screening are required, and are first come, first serve. Call 630-4234 to make your appointment. Screenings are funded by a women's healthy heart grant through the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Stroke: What You Need to Know Do you know the signs of stroke? What would you do if a friend or family member became suddenly ill? Learn this and more at a community presentation called Stroke: What You Need to Know, to be held on May 5 from 6-7pm at the Meriden Public Library. Pat Giannelli, APRN, Coordinator of MidState Medical Center's Stroke Program, will be the presenter. A light dinner will be served. This program is free and open to the public, but RSVP's are required. Please call Lea at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4238, to RSVP. Stroke Awareness Screenings In recognition of Stroke Awareness Week, the Meriden Health Department will be hosting 2 stroke awareness screenings for Meriden residents. The screenings will be held on May 21 and 27, from 9:30-11:30am, at the Meriden Health Department (165 Miller Street). The screening includes total cholesterol, blood pressure, and a family health history. The screening is free, but appointments are required. Please call the Meriden Health Department's Clinic office at 630-4234 to make your appointment. Join Us for Coffee & Conversation The Center for Successful Aging and MidState's LaPlanche Clinic will be jointly sponsoring the next Coffee and Conversation on Monday, May 18 from 1:00 to 2:00pm at the Meriden Senior Center, 22 West Main Street. This month's program will feature a program on Elderhostel. Elderhostel is a leading provider of educational travel opportunities for adults age 55 and over. Ellie and Ed Kepler, Elderhostel Ambassadors, will be the presenters. This program is part of a monthly coffee and conversation series that will be held at the Senior Center. Programs are free and open to the public, and of course, coffee and refreshments will be served. Please call Jackie at 237-0300 or Rita at 630-4222 for more information. Just in Time for Spring - New DVD's at Meriden Library The Meriden Health Department, as part of a healthy heart grant, has donated a variety of exercise DVDs and books to the Meriden Library for residents to take out. The books and videos are on display by the reference desk. DVD's include the Biggest Loser yoga, boot camp, cardio sculpt, and aerobic workouts, and the Leslie Sansone indoor walking series. Books include a Betty Crocker healthy heart cook book and the Eat This Not That restaurant, supermarket, and kid food editions. In the photo is Lea Crown, Community Health Educator, and Karen Roesler, Director of the Meriden Public Library.
Meriden Schools: Return on Investment April 22, 2009 By David Radcliffe A few months ago I was waiting outside school to pick up my kids. Another parent got to talking and said, "You know, my son is doing okay here. But even though I'm a tax payer, I don't know how we're doing overall - as a school district. You just don't hear much about that." That's a great question and an important one. Do parents, taxpayers and our elected leaders know what return we get on the significant investment we make in Meriden schools? With all the talk about budget and cuts, we sometimes lose track of why we're doing this school thing in the first place. The result we're after is that our kids will do well in school and with a strong foundation, do well in life. So how are our schools doing? Over the past three years, according to the State Department of Education, all eight Meriden elementary schools have held steady or made gains in math and reading. Several of those schools have made significant gains. Overall, scores have improved nearly 10% over those three years, compared to about 5% for the state as a whole. There's a lot more work to do, but that's pretty good. This is happening in an environment where more and more of our children come from poor families - up 15% over the past 10 years where now nearly 2 or every 3 Meriden children grow up in lower-income families. And when you compare our school spending with that of Connecticut towns like Meriden, we spend about $500 less per student. To perform as well as we are says that our schools are on the right track. The City Manager has proposed an increase in school funding that is much less than the amount requested by the Board of Education. He based his recommendation on an assumption that the new $4.9 million in Meriden's share of Federal stimulus dollars will make up the difference. That assumption has not held. Much of the Title I and IDEA special education funding can't be used to keep existing staff. And, that $4.9 million has to last two years, not one as proposed in the budget. It turns out that while welcome, the new Federal funding is not the big windfall for schools as first appeared. Without changes, this budget could have a seriously negative impact on our town's largest employer and its' customers: the children of Meriden. The solution to local school funding, especially in these times, is no longer just a Board of Education matter. As the largest portion of our city budget, this will take all of us - taxpayers, unions and all levels of government - working together very hard over these next several weeks as we round third base on this budget season. No one believes that more school funding means kids will do better. But just as we as a City wouldn't cut public safety when our streets and homes are relatively safe as now, we shouldn't and can't underfund schools that are heading in the right direction. David Radcliffe is a parent, taxpayer and director of Meriden Children First. www.meridenchildrenfirst.org
Art Therapy Gallery Show The Cancer Center at MidState Medical Center invites you to: Art Therapy Gallery Show April 23, 2009 6 PM - 8 PM at The SandMan Gallery and Frame Shoppe 41 West Main Street, Meriden Featuring artwork from our Art Therapist, Carolyn Burgess, patients and caregivers. Carolyn will be on hand to answer questions about the process of art therapy. People can come to learn about art therapy in general, its applications and how you don't have to be artistic to benefit from the therapy. There will be refreshments and music as well. A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan
Congratulations
Congratulations to Laura and Ben Belancik Jr. on your Wedding Day , April 11th, 2009. May you have all the Happiness that the world has to offer, Love you both, Mom and Dad Belancik
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Naugatuck Savings Bank Promotes Home Ownership with $5 Million in Funding Continuing our commitment to promote home ownership, Naugatuck Savings Bank has allocated $5 million in funding in 2009 for our First Time Homebuyer Program. The program allows qualified first time homebuyers in neighboring communities to achieve their goals of owning a home. "We are committed to helping the people in our local communities achieve their dream of homeownership. Our First Time Homebuyer Program is another way we can help enrich the lives of people who live in surrounding areas by offering mortgage programs created for first time home borrowers" said Mark Yanarella, President and CEO of Naugatuck Savings Bank. Naugatuck Savings Bank offers qualified first time homebuyers discounted fixed rate and adjustable rate mortgages. Income and sale price limits are 5% above the limits published by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. Mortgage application fees will be refunded to homeowners at the time of closing. Naugatuck Savings Bank has been helping customers make their dream of home ownership a reality for over 130 years. Our Mortgage Professionals assist borrowers throughout the entire mortgage process, from application through closing. For more information, please contact Naugatuck Savings Bank at 203.729.4442 or toll free at 877.729.4442. Naugatuck Savings Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nutmeg Financial, MHC, has been serving customers throughout Connecticut's Greater Naugatuck Valley since 1870. Locally owned, we are committed to helping individual customers as well as the community at large. Naugatuck Savings Bank offers personal and business banking and financial services at its 12 branch locations.
Meriden Rotary Club Golf Tournament The 12th Annual Corporate Classic Golf Tournament sponsored by the Meriden Rotary Foundation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at Hunters' Golf Course in Meriden The premier event includes 18 holes of golf with lunch before a shotgun start, cocktail reception, dinner, gift pack, personalized program, auction, and prizes. The Meriden Rotary Club has used the money raised from the tournaments, as well as its other events, to support initiatives in the Meriden community, including: Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) for elementary schools, Noah's Ark of Hope, Inc. for a barrier free playground, Project Dictionary for all 3rd graders in Meriden schools, Soap Box Derby, Beat the Street, Spirit of Giving, Rotary Career Center at the Meriden Public Library, Meriden Boys and Girls Club library, Citizenship awards for high school students, Rotary computer center at Girls Inc, and youth leadership. Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfers are also encouraged to sign up. For information, visit the Meriden Rotary Club website at www.meridenrotary.org and contact Tournament Director Pam White by calling 203238-7028 or email golf@meridenrotary.org.
POLISH CULTURE IN MERIDEN BY VALERIE BUBON MAY 16 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Meriden Public Library will host the program "Polish culture in Meriden" by local resident Valerie Bubon, lecturer and teacher, on Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room. Ms. Bubon will trace the Polish immigration to Meriden and its contributions to the city through government, medicine, education, art, and music. Audio and visual presentations will highlight dance, opera and music of the Polish people as well as the significance of their community involvement, on both the local and national level. This program is part of the library's focus on the Polish culture in Meriden during the month of May. The library is participating in the World of Words 2009 program. World of Words (WOW) is a program of the Connecticut Center for the Book at Hartford Public Library, an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and celebrates Connecticut's cultural and literary roots. The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit the library's website at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.
POLISH CULTURE CONCERT MAY 19 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY
One Woman's Journal By Audrey C. Linke Mike was a relative of a relative, maybe still a teen-ager when the tragedy occurred. I knew him slightly and I knew his mother from conversations shared at family gatherings. Mike was a boy to be proud of, and his family was, of course. As he drove along in the town where he lived, a little girl suddenly stepped off the sidewalk in front of his car. With not so much as a split second to react, Mike had no choice but to hit her. When we heard about the terrible untimely death of a small child, we were, like everyone else, horrified. The bereaved family of the little girl would be comforted by an entire community, but what of the other family? I don't remember how much time went by before I decided to write to Mike. I don't even know if it was my decision, but the thought kept nagging at me until I knew I had to do something. I found a note card and with pen in hand sat down at my kitchen table with the thought that I must write something sympathetic to this fine young man whose life had been interrupted as surely as was the life of the little girl who died. Mike was young, would have a long time to live with the inevitable guilt. I didn't know what to write, but out of nowhere the Serenity Prayer came to me and I began with that. Then I remembered that I had a small key chain with the Serenity Prayer on it. I tucked it in with the note and sent it on its way. I didn't know what I expected to accomplish with that simple prayer: "God grant me the courage to change the things I can, accept the things I can't change, and the wisdom to know the difference." But this is what I learned later from Jean, Mike's mom. When the note came, Mike immediately put his car keys on the key chain. Up until then, he had been unable to get behind the wheel of his car and did not plan to ever drive again. Jean took the note and drove over to her church and showed it to her priest. She, too, was lifted from her sadness. "You'd be surprised," she said, "At how few people expressed concern for us, the family that had to live with the tragedy from the other side of the accident." I don't know what triggered this memory, but it is a reminder that when we are led to do something in the name of Love, we should do it, for Love heals. Love is a valuable gift, a blessing to both the giver and the receiver. Now that... my kids are grown, I understand how much work and love it takes to raise and to keep a family together. The example of your strength, devotion, and patience is now rippling through the generations. Thank you! ~Forest Houtenschil Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother. ~Oprah Winfrey
Floral Design
Meriden Public Library will host the Stan Scott Band on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 pm in the Griffin Room. Come and enjoy the music of the Polish culture, including traditional Polish polkas, waltzes, and obereks with some Polish vocals. This program is part of the library's focus on the Polish culture in Meriden during the month of May. The library is participating in the World of Words 2009 program. World of Words (WOW) is a program of the Connecticut Center for the Book at Hartford Public Library, an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and celebrates Connecticut's cultural and literary roots. The program is free and all are invited. Seating is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit the library's website at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.
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Barbara Bruce creates six floral designs at Garden Club Meeting Barbara Bruce encouraged members of the Wallingford Garden Club to create floral designs and showed them show to do it at the Wallingford Garden Club’s April meeting, “Don’t be afraid of doing a flower design because it’s flowers and whatever you do about it ,” she said, “they’re going to be pretty,” She had some words of advice for beginners: Cut the flowers at an angle so they can get water more easily. Cut roses under hot water. The design should be one-and-a half to two times the height of the vase. Don’t use a white vase because it becomes the focal point of the design. If you do use a white vase, use white flowers. Bruce then proceeded to create a striking assymetrical arrangement of flowers in a white vase, using white gladioli for height and rhythm, then adding shorter stalks of white lilies and green leaves. Next she created an all-foliage design, using leaves from a snake plant and an assortment of tropical leaves. She advised her listeners to trim the leaves if they are too big and angle them so there is space in the design. “The trouble with a bouquet is it’s flat,” she commented. Next she quickly did four other flower designs. One was a parallel design with three liatris--tall purple flowers, shorter stalks of gladioli, and pink roses around the bottom. She told her readers to always use odd numbers of flowers in an arrangement. “I don’t know why but it works.” Next came a large design using ginger, red-purple flowers on massive stalks, and two simple arrangements with red carnations. Bruce ended with her “Picasso” arrangement, an abstract with a kiwi vine, balls of a red fuzzy tropical plant and a scarf. The audience was thrilled, especially when her designs and surplus flowers were raffled off to raise money for the club. The vice-president of the Wallingford Garden Club, Bruce has won ribbons for her flower designs at the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s annual flower shows, and she inspired the Wallingford club to have its own flower show last year. Shown in photo: Barbara Bruce created this striking all-foliage design during the Wallingford Garden Club’s April meeting
Page 7 May 2009
Dear Housewives - Central Connecticut's Know It All Gals Dear Readers, Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advice 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. Hope you are all enjoying this spring. -June and Flora
God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. ~Proverb
Happy Mothers Day Howdy Mom, Happy Mother’s Day
Dear Housewives, I have so many papers from each of my two kids classes. I don't know what to keep and what to throw out, they are all over the place. Help. No more papers in Meriden JUNE: Dear paper, our kids bring home an amazing amount of notices, work, projects and tests. The best thing to do is to keep all graded work until the term ends in case you have any issue with the grade; teachers do make mistakes. I would buy a binder or file box to keep them organized in. After report cards come you can toss whatever you don't want to keep. I like to keep some things to look at in the future. It will be fun for the kids to see their old work. FLORA: Open and read all back pack notices the day they arrive. If there is an event you need to attend, put it on your calender right then and there. Write down the event, time and place. Cross out the flyer and use the clean side for scrap paper at home. We too have a box for each child that we fill with school work. I collect the 'keepers' (cute things they write or draw or graded papers for memories) and at the end of the school year, I go through the 'keepers', filter out any and fill the box. This way at the end of college, they can go through their school memory box to see their work from years past.
Love, Your Favorite Cowboy
Happy Mothers Day Mommy, You made me the strong man I am today. Thank You! Love, Marcus
Happy Mothers Day
Dear Housewives, How do I handle people who have all the answers on children and they do not have any children? I work with two people who have all the answers but no experience. Remember, I work with them so I want to handle this well and nicely. - Walking a Fine Line in Wallingford FLORA: I have encountered that a few times and have handled it by saying for my children or the children I encounter daily, I see this... or that.... and give concrete examples. I have never reminded them that they may not know because they are not parents; doing that is too confrontational. June? JUNE: You are probably better off just ignoring them. I have an Aunt who does the same thing and she always starts by saying, "Kids tend to be...". I always want to as he how she knows. It isn't worth it if you have to see the people all the time. Maybe you can just tell them things about your kids and let it go. You could ask them when they are going to have some of their own but do it nicely. Dear Housewives, What do you ladies think about Facebook? More and more of my adult friends are doing this. - Faceless in Meriden JUNE: I don't really get it. People have tons of friends but they aren't really friends, it is like a collection of people you know. And even if you don't hang out with them you can see all their information and pictures. I think people should stick to emailing. It is a good tool to find people you lost touch with but they have to have an account or it is useless for that too. I am a fan of good old fashioned calling people and even emailing. I am not impressed with the computer age. FLORA: I think we need to pick up the phone and meet our friends face to face. If they live far away, there is the telephone and email. I thought it was more a college age trend but I too have been invited to be a friend on Facebook. Way too much time is spent on Facebook and the internet. And not for nothing, many of these adults on Facebook are doing it on company time and I personally think that is stealing. This is partly why our economy is in shambles. People, if you are getting paid to work, work. Get off the Facebook and surfing the internet and be productive. Nothing replaces truly getting to know and be known by people. Too many of us are loosing the art of friendship. Go for a walk, go our for coffee or tea, go over and play cards or just talk. Let's get back to face to face friendships. JUNE: I couldn't agree with you more Flora, but I can't make the stretch to say that the economy tanked because of Facebook. C'mon, think about that./ JUNE: Flora, I hope you are enjoying your spring. I took my middle "little june" to see the "Thomas and Friends" show at the XL center in Hartford. It was a great show and we had a great time. I hope more people take advantage of the events that come to Hartford's XL center. I got in and out easily and the show itself was top notch. The movie "Bedtime Stories" with Adam Sandler is now on DVD. This may be a little early for Flora to get it but the rest of you should rent it. It was a very cute movie for the family. Look into it. FLORA: I read a short novel by Wm. Paul Young titled "The Shack" and found it captivating. Without giving away any more than the back of the book would, it is a story of a man whose young daughter was abducted while on a family vacation. The father receives a note from God and is asked to meet him at a shack where evidence of his daughter is. This is brilliantly woven story of God's love and redemption and a loving but peculiar description of God, His Son and the Holy Spirit. You can read this quickly. I know many who have read it in a day. I plan on reading it again. 4 Pineapples.
Ben Franklin before School Program Meriden Family Resource Center is now accepting registrations for the 2009-2010 Before School Program at Ben Franklin School. This program is open to children in Kindergarten through Grade 5. We offer a sliding scale and sibling discounts. We provide homework assistance, reading time and quiet games or activities from 7:00am until 8:30am. This program is offered to Ben Franklin students only. To register or for more information, please call 238-2316.
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Diane Mintich Licensed Optician, A.B.O. & N.C.L.E. Certified
James Comeau Licensed Optician, A.B.O. & N.C.L.E. Certified
Yo u r E y e s M a t t e r T o U s ! Eye exams provided by an Independent Doctor of Optometry
(203) 265-1541
58 Center St., Wallingford
wallingfordoptical.com
Happy Mother’s Day Mommy! There is no bunny like you! Love, Chelsea
Page 8 May 2009
Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom Dancing at the Meriden YMCA Join us at the Meriden YMCA on Wednesday May 20th from 7 to 8 p.m. for a FREE introduction to some of the hottest Ballroom Dance steps around. Bring your favorite partner or come solo. Our instructors are Richard Fontanella and Pat Lynes who have over 40 years of experience in Ballroom Dance instruction. The YMCA will be offering an 8 week Ballroom Dancing course beginning in September. Come try it! Child Watch will be open for babysitting. Call 235-6386 x18 to sign up for the free lesson today, space is limited.
SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS COLLECTIBLES
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41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451
(203) 235-7634
Tanzani Trails Safari A unique safari in search of Africa’s finest game viewing. Tanzania’s best! Visiting the most popular locations including the famous Great Serengeti. Stay in beautiful lodges along with our favorite tented camps. No one but King Travelways gives you the best in Safari’s. November 2nd-14th 2009 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com
The Wallingford Family YMCA and the CDC presents tips for a safe swimming summer This summer, swimming pools will be filled with millions of people having fun and staying cool. But did you know that germs can contaminate swimming water even if it is treated with chlorine? Learning about recreational water illnesses (RWIs), which are spread by swimming in contaminated recreational waters such as swimming pools, waterparks, lakes, and the ocean, can protect you from illness. RWIs are caused by germs like "Crypto" (KRIP-toe, short for Cryptosporidium), Giardia (gee-ARE-dee-uh), E. coli 0157:H7, and Shigella (Shi-GE-luh) and are spread by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. How does a pool get contaminated? You share the water with everyone in the pool. If someone with diarrhea contaminates the water, swallowing the water can make you sick. The great news is that germs causing RWIs are killed by chlorine. However, chlorine doesn't work right away. It takes time to kill germs and some germs like "Crypto" are resistant to chlorine and can live in pools for days. That is why even the best maintained pools can spread illness. Therefore, Healthy Swimming behaviors are needed to protect you and your kids from RWIs and will help stop germs from getting in the pool in the first place. Here are six "PLEAs" that promote Healthy Swimming: 1. PLEASE don't swim when you have diarrhea. This is especially important for kids in diapers. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick. 2. PLEASE don't swallow the pool water. In fact, avoid getting water your mouth. 3. PLEASE practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water. 4. PLEASE take your kids on bathroom breaks or change diapers often. Waiting to hear "I have to go" may mean that it's too late. 5. PLEASE change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside. Germs can spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and spread illness. 6. PLEASE wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming. Everyone has invisible amounts of fecal matter on their bottoms that ends up in the pool. Want to learn more about recreational water illnesses (RWIs)? Why you shouldn't swim when ill with diarrhea? How some germs that cause RWIs can live for days in even the best-maintained pools? Go to www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming for more information. The Wallingford Family YMCA offers swim lessons for all ages along with water exercise classes and basic rescue classes. We also teach American Red Cross lifeguarding and CPR. Check our web site for more details. www.wallingfordymca.org
FIRST ANNUAL DURHAM PET FAIR The 1st Annual Durham Pet Fair will be held at The Durham Veterinary Hospital, located at 178 Parmalee Hill Road on Sunday, May 17th from 11:00am to 4:00pm (Rain Date May 24th). It is jointly organized by the Durham Veterinary Hospital and Help Willy's Friends. This Durham Pet Fair will feature local merchants and adoptable pets from local shelters/ rescue organizations. There will be Live Music, a Wine Tasting and a Silent Auction. There will be food, beverages, and Free Kettle Korn. Children's activities will include a DJ, Face Painting, Touch-a-Truck, Fun House, a State Police K-9 Demonstration, and much more. For those attendees that bring their pets, The Durham Veterinary Hospital will provide microchipping at a nominal fee of $35.00. There will also be Free Nail Clipping, Free Pet Photos, Pet Reiki and a Pet Psychic! 10'x10' booth space is still available. A booth is $25 for shelters/rescue organizations and $50 for vendors. Visit www.durhampetfair.com for downloadable booth application forms or contact Mark at 203-988-1718 or willy@helpwillysfriends.org. Help Willy's Friends is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to collecting food and supplies to distribute among local animal shelters/rescue organizations. This in turn assists shelter workers with providing proper, required, and additional care to animals in need. Ultimately, this results in additional time with hope of finding a new home for loving dogs and cats. For more information about Help Willy's Friends, visit www.helpwillysfriends.org.
TEEN BOOK CLUB AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Meriden Public Library is starting a Teen Book Club. The first meeting will take place Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 pm in the Seminar Room. The book Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin which won the Connecticut Nutmeg Award this past year will be the subject of the first discussion. Future book discussions will be: House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer on Tuesday, June 2 and Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer on Tuesday, July 7. Come and join us. Light snacks will be served. Sign up at the Information Desk, online at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" or call (203) 630-6349. My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. ~Graycie Harmon
Page 9 May 2009
BANKS OF MERIDEN DISPLAY AT ANDREWS HOMESTEAD The Meriden Historical Society will be holding an Open House at the Andrews Homestead, 424 W. Main St (next to Ben Franklin School), Meriden, CT beginning on May 10th and every Sunday in May thereafter. There will be displays and early photos of Meriden banks and a historical overview and timeline of the banks and their organizers. Collections of give-aways, ephemera and related souvenirs will be displayed. During this exhibit, we will have the second floor opened for those who can manage the stairs. The Andrews Homestead has been updated with lighted showcases filled with items made in Meriden by people who lived and worked here. If you've never been to the Andrew's Homestead, here's your chance to see what's inside the old, red house. The homestead will be opened beginning on May 10th and then each Sunday in May, from 11a.m. to 3p.m. Admission is free. Come and reacquaint yourself with Meriden's history. Meriden Historical Society Preserving Meriden's Past for Future Generations since 1892
May children's programs at the Wlfd Public Library Children's Library Spring has sprung and our wonderful storytime programs have been extended for an extra two weeks! Check out what the Children's Library has to offer for children ages birth-five. ITTY BITTY BABIES This drop-in program introduces babies and their grown-ups to the library and each other in a program filled with songs, rhymes and books. Stories and songs are for children 12 months and under but older siblings are welcome to attend. There is no registration required for this program but seating is limited and Wallingford residents are given priority. For further information stop by, or call, the Children's Library at 284-6436. Thursday, April 23rd-May 21st at 10:30a.m. MOTHER GOOSE Join us for a toe-tapping good time in this fun program for one's and two's and their parent or caregiver. Registered: Monday, March 23rd-May 18th at 1:30p.m. Drop-in: Tuesday, March 24th-May 19th at 6:30p.m. Wednesday, March 25th-May 20th at 10:00a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Join us for stories, songs, fingerplays and more in this lively storytime for preschoolers ages three to five and their grown-ups. Younger interested siblings may attend. There is no registration required for this program but seating is limited and Wallingford residents are given priority. For further information stop by or call the Children's Library at: 284-6436. Tuesday, March 24th-May 19th at 10:00a.m. Wednesday, March 25th-May 20th at 1:30p.m. Thursday, March 26th-May 21st at 6:30p.m. CELEBRATE NATIONAL CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK AT THE ANNUAL CHILDREN'S BOOK SWAP Saturday, May 16th 9:30a.m.-1:00p.m. Wallingford Public Library Community Room Kids, here's a chance to clean off those bookshelves and trade old books for "new." Just bring books that you no longer want to the Children's Library and we'll give you a coupon for each book you bring in. Each coupon is good for a book at the Book Swap on Saturday, May 16th. Remember, books need to be brought to the Library before May 16th. They need to be clean and in good condition. Come to the Swap on Saturday, May 16th and select your books. It's lots of fun! For more information call the Children's Library at 284-6436.
Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away. ~Dinah Craik
Do You Know the Signs of a Stroke? FACE – Ask the person to smile. Does the face look uneven? ARM – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down? SPEECH – Ask the person to repeat a phrase, such as “the sky is blue”. Does their speech sound strange? TIME – Every second counts – if someone shows ANY of these signs, call 9-1-1 right way! Additional signs could include sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, confusion, walking, dizziness, or loss of balance; a sudden, severe headache with no known cause. For more information on stroke prevention and recognition, please call the Meriden Health Department at 630-4238.
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~Marcel Proust
People’s Press Crossword by Ruth Gordon Look for the answers in this issue. ACROSS 1. A country in the West Indies 5. Variety of flowers grown from bulbs and noted for their large flowers and beautiful colors 10. An affirmative response from a sailor. 11. Draw in a breath. 13. Leon Panetta is the director of this U.S.A. government agency. 15. The theme of this crossword puzzle. 18. Prefix used with friendly to indicate environmentally acceptable 19. French word referring to a young girl by her parents. 21. Female deer. 22. A pub beverage. 24. Brave, courageous, bold. 27. A wooden or metal pole used to support sails and rigging. 28. Being the remaining one of two or more. 29. To sight a target. 30. Universities and colleges are headed up by these officials. 31. John Steinbeck's 1947 novel that tells the story of Kino, a poor Indian fisherman. 32. Uncommon 33. Adept; brilliant; clever. 36. Swindle. 39. A hypothetical particle of matter. 40. Not a Sr. 41. Fragrant tiny white spring flower shaped like a small bell. 46. A beautiful showy flower with sword shaped leaves (also a part of the human eye) 47. Measurement that is equal to 4 pecks (abbr.) 48. Alloys; minerals; ore. 49. If the artist da Vinci had a nickname, it might have been this. 50. "Smooth as _____" 52. One of 12 curved bones, it helps to form the thoracic wall in a human being. 53. Famous singer, 82 yrs old, he has been awarded 11 Grammys during his career and is still singing. (initials) 55. A feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish. 57. An electrically charged atom. 59. "Sweet ____" was the baby in the Popeye cartoons. 60. A severe throat infection. 61. Part of the mouth of a river where the river's current meets the sea's tide. DOWN 1. Bulbous plant widely cultivated for its cylindrical cluster of fragrant flowers. 2. Prefix with nautical or space. 3. Bind. 4. Lodges; hostels. 5. This flower was celebrated in
Meriden at a Festival in Hubbard Park in April. 6. 1966 movie nominated for 5 Oscars starring Michael Caine. 7. "_____ hath no fury like a woman scorned." 8. A dishonest gambler may have one of these up his sleeve. 9. Title given to a male who is knighted by the Queen of England. 10. Ripen. 12. Part of Santa's laugh. 14. These colorful, showy, rayed flowers are often found in 15 across 16. Mature. 17. "____ will rock you!" 20. "_____ we go again." 21. A daily record, usually private. 22. Not together. 23. A narrow country road. 24. A very small quantity. 25. "That will be _____ day!" 26. Fans can see these in an instant while watching a baseball game. 27. To burn or char the surface of something. 30. Playwright. 33. The main body of a flower. 34. Someone or something that goes from one place to another. 35. Cook in grease or oil. 36. A warning device found on most emergency vehicles. 37. Holds tightly, as by grasping or embracing. 38. Jefferson City is the capital of this "show me" state. (abbr.) 39. A verbal exclamation of surprise, pain, joy, etc., according to the situation. 40. Clown in a medieval court. 41. Beautiful very fragrant spring flower; also a color. 42. Robert S. Mueller is the current director of this government agency. (initials) 43. A colorful bulbous spring flower found in many areas, but often associated with Holland. 44. Place used for conducting scientific research. 45. Comedy actress from the movie "Take The Money and Run", she was also married to Woody Allen for 3 years. (initials) 50. Road; thoroughfare; route. (abbr.) 51. Boxing term. (abbr.) 54. Body of water forming an indentation of the shoreline. 56. Title given to a deceased member of some religious groups and who is officially recognized as an extremely virtuous person. (abbr.) 58. Compass direction. 59. Ma's counterpart.
Page 10 May 2009
Happy Birthday
Garrett Look who is turning two on May 18th! Loves to play baseball with his big brother & will love having an Elmo birthday party! Hugs & Kisses, Mommy, Daddy & Evan
My Mother's Voice and The Piano - A Mother's Day Story My mother had an average singing voice and was quite good at playing the piano. About five years after she was married, which was in 1945, my parents, Philip and Bernice, purchased a Steinway & Sons console piano, which was made in New York City in 1950. From the time Nancy and I could sit on either side of our mom on the piano bench, we would listen to her sing children's songs to us in her soft and soothing voice. Our favorite collection of songs was a book called Fourteen Songs from When We Were Very Young, by A.A. Milne and H. Fraser-Simson. I loved all of the songs, but I had my favorites, such as "Halfway Down" and "Vespers." All of the pieces had marvelous lyrics, and we soon learned to sing all of them with our mom. The book had been inscribed by my aunt on behalf of her two children at that time: "To Aunt Bernice on her birthday with the hope that Barbara and Nancy will enjoy these songs as much as we do! With love from Kirk and Kathy. September 16, 1951." I started taking piano lessons when I was in the third grade at age eight, and so did Nancy, but I stuck with the lessons for years to come, unlike Nancy, and became a pretty good pianist. I don't know exactly how old I was when I was able to sit down and play Barbara and Nancy at the piano. through every piece in that favorite children's music book of ours. Over the years I have recorded some of them for children of relatives and friends or for others who have requested that I do so, but I have not touched that book in many, many years. I still have the Steinway piano, but I have not been able to use it as it is housed in my landlady's part of a 100-yearold-plus house. (I would not risk injury to the movers or to the piano when they attempted to carry it up a very narrow and winding staircase 13 years ago.) I recently was told of a Catholic church in Wallingford in need of a piano (and my mother was Catholic). I contacted the priest, and he will soon be coming to see the piano and hear the accompanist for the choir play it. I decided to sit down a few days ago to find out how the old piano sounded. It took me a few minutes to get my eyes focused on the music and get my fingers to cooperate, but I was able to play through some simple pieces, such as John Denver's "Annie's Song," and my, oh, my, what a beautiful tone that piano has. I opened the piano bench to get some more music out to play, and I noticed the book Fourteen Songs from When We Were Very Young in the stack of music. I started with "Halfway Down," which has delightful lyrics, and it begins with, "Halfway down the stairs is a stair where I sit: There isn't any other stair quite like it. I'm not at the bottom, I'm not at the top: So this is the stair where I always stop." I did not sing; I only played the piano. I went through almost all of the songs, including "Happiness," "Buckingham Palace," "Politeness," "Market Square," and my favorite, "Vespers," the last song in the book. This may not sound plausible to you, but what was extremely special about the time I spent going through those songs was every now and then I could actually hear my mother's voice singing the words. She was in the room with me. Did she realize I had not played the piano in years? Did she know I was about to make a difficult decision about the future home of her piano? I do not know. But it is comforting to know that, although my mom has been gone from this earth for 25 years, she is still watching over me and that I can still hear my mother's voice! I wish everyone's mom a very happy Mother's Day! (I wrote this story in 2003. The priest and the accompanist did come to the house, and when she sat down to play, tones rang out from that old Steinway piano I had never heard before. It was glorious! She played a number of pieces by heart, but when she began to play Mendelssohn's "He Watching Over Israel," I broke down in tears. I was unable to make the sacrifice and did not give the piano to the church. When I moved to South Whittlesey Avenue on November 28, 2004, a date I shall never forget, the piano came with me, and that's another story for another day.) By Barbara Sherburne barndt49@yahoo.com
Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament The biggest and premier community tennis tournament in New England is right here in Wallingford, CT! The 5th annual Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament is scheduled for June 13th - 21st. The venue will again be the beautiful Hunt Tennis Center located on the Choate-Rosemary Hall Campus in Wallingford. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit Wallingford YMCA youth programs and the Winton S. Filipek Sr. scholarship fund. All players receive a tournament t-shirt, players handbook, players gift bag, ticket to "Breakfast at Wimbledon" and tennis balls & water for every match. Prizes are awarded to 1st & 2nd place in every division. The 9-day event in 2009 will feature: 17 divisions for all levels, a Free Kids & HS Clinic & Fun Day, Sunday June 14th (at capacity in 2008), opening ceremony with Mayors Wallingford/Meriden and Town Managers Southington/Cheshire and several other special events. In 2008, the event drew 481 entries in 17 divisions. THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY TENNIS TOURNAMENT! Please direct any questions to Wint Filipek Jr. wrfilipek@hotmail.com 860-621-5655 or the Wallingford Family YMCA at 203-269-4497.
Remember Mother's Day May 10th with a gift certificate to the Meriden YMCA Don't forget the most important woman in your life - MOM! Why not treat her to a gift certificate to the Meriden YMCA? She can treat herself to a spa day - work out or go for a swim, have a massage, and visit the sauna. Gift certificates are available for membership, classes, or massage therapy. Give mom the best gift ever this Mother's Day, a gift certificate for a Massage or Reflexology session with one of our licensed massage therapists. The Y now offers 30 Minute Chair Massage, 60 Minute Table Massage, and Reflexology. Massages are by appointment and are only $35 for a half hour or $60 per hour for members, and $45 per half hour and $80 per hour for nonmembers. Stop by our Fitness Center and ask for a tour of our newly remodeled Massage Room. For more information on any of these programs, please contact the Meriden YMCA at 203-235-6386 or by email at joangoodman@meridenymca.org The Meriden YMCA is located at 110 West Main Street in Meriden. Since 1866 the Meriden YMCA has helped its members build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Happy Spring and Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there from the Meriden YMCA!
The Ladies of St. Anne Society is sponsoring a Cabaret Night On Friday, May 29th at 7:00PM at St. Laurent Church Hall, 121 Camp Street, Meriden. Entertainment will be provided by Nick Grasso. Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres will be provided. Raffle tickets will be sold and door prizes will be awarded! Ticket price is $10. First call your friends to make up a table, then call the St. Laurent parish office at 6341583 or Eleonore at 238-3124 to reserve your tickets for a fun night of music! The story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots. ~Randy Vader
Page 11 May 2009
Postal Carriers Annual Food Drive Your Wallingford and Meriden Postal Carrier is helping the community and you can help. On Saturday, May 9th they will be collecting canned food donations. PLEASE help by leaving canned food and non-perishible foods by your mail box/slot/door - whereever you receive mail. The Postal Carrier's Annual Food Drive will suport several area food pantries. In Meriden, the Soup Kitchen, New Opportunities, Salvation Army are recipients - In Wallingford, the Wallingford Food Pantry at Red Cross is the recipient. Volunteers are also needed at the site at 280 Washington Street on Wallingford Sr. Center Grounds, from 2:00 until 6:00pm. You can make a difference in these tough economic times for families who are struggling to put food on the table. PLEASE support the Meriden and Wallingford Postal Carriers by helping in any way you can.
How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou
Celebrations of Life and Home Happy Birthday Meagan! We hope that you had a great time at your party with all of your friends. Love Gramps and NaNa
Even More Wallingford Public Library News and Events Celebrate Old Blue-Eyes in May: Sinatra in Hollywood by Tom Santopietro Thursday, May 14 6:30 p.m. Community Room - Join us for a free presentation on Frank Sinatra by Tom Santopietro, author of Sinatra in Hollywood, as well as books on Doris Day and Barbra Streisand. This program focusing on a brilliant and fascinating career will include movie clips from Sinatra's films and a book-signing at the conclusion of the program. Reserve your seat online, in person, or by phone. From Here to Eternity - Thursday, May 7, 6:30 p.m. Community Room Enjoy Frank Sinatra in this classic film on our big movie screen. All are welcome to watch this free movie. More Upcoming Free Movie Events We've got another bumper crop of movies for you over the next month. All are welcome to attend any of the following (but please be aware of the ratings!). No need to register. Cinema Club presents: The Reader Tuesday May 5 at 6:30 p.m. Discussion to follow movie. Refreshments will be served. Rated: R Friday Flicks Night presents: Valkyrie Friday May 22 at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Rated: PG-13 Cinema Club presents: Revolutionary Road Tuesday June 2 at 6:30 p.m. Discussion to follow movie. Refreshments will be served. Rated: R Now on Display! This month our antique library table located in the center aisle of the book stacks continues to showcase books and materials featuring poetry as our celebration of the Favorite Poem Project continues. In addition, because May is Mental Health Month, look for a special display of materials focusing on information and tools you can use to live your best life. Please 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! WPL Teen Zone: The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest Do you like to read? Do you like trivia? How about winning free prizes? The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest is the perfect thing for you. The Wallingford Library is thrilled to be a member of this awesome program for teens. To play: 1) Go to www.kaycassidy.com/hunt and choose a book from the hundreds listed. 2) Print the Scavenger Hunt trivia questions from the book. 3) Read the book. 4) Answer the questions and hand them in to a librarian. 5) Get 8 out of 10 answers correct and you are entered into a contest to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card! Please stop by the Information Desk with any questions you may have, and for help selecting a book or printing out the questions. Wii Bowling Wednesday, May 13 6:00 p.m. Community Room Back by popular demand! The overwhelming winner on the Teen Blog for the May Wii event is Bowling. Come and bowl some frames for your chance to win a gift certificate to a local bowling alley! Open to all teens in grades 612. Registration is required for this event. You may sign up online at wallingford.lioninc.org, by phone at 203-265-6754, or in person at the Library. Mother Daughter Book Club Wednesday, June 17 7:30 p.m. Board Room The Mother Daughter Book Club is taking a break in May to give you plenty of time to read the lengthy June selection, The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Twi- light fans will love this sci-fi thriller. The book club is open to all teen girls and their mothers or adult female friends. Reserve your copy today, and we will see you in June. Teen Book Swap Saturday, May 16 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Collins Room Don't miss the Teen Book Swap! You may bring your own slightly-used books to the Information Desk. Each book earns you one coupon. On the day of the Swap bring your coupons to trade for "new books". Coupons may also be used in the Children's Swap (also on May 16). Please call the Information Desk at 265-6754 with any questions. Music on CDs When we select CDs for the Library's huge collection of music, we try to provide all kinds of music to appeal to a wide audience. Teens are an integral part of the population we serve, and we definitely want to be sure we have the kind of listening you all want to check out! Did you know we have CDs by: Kelly Clarkson, Lil Wayne, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Jessica Simpson, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, Eminem, Rihanna, and many more popular teen performers? Are we missing something important? Can you recommend some titles we should add? Please let us know. Stop by the Information Desk and give us a list of your suggestions. We'll do the best we can to provide them for you. If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Attributed to Claudia Ghandi
Happy Mothers Day
Happy Mother’s Day to the best MOM in the whole wide world! You play with us, teach us, read to us and care for us. We know you love us by what you do every single day and we really do know! Love, Sierra, Joshua and Shaunessy. P.S. Thanks for the great trip this summer to a tropical wonderland.
ALASKA CRUISE FROM $469.00 EYE POPPING SCENERY! JAW DROPPING SAVINGS. No doubt about it - Alaska is one cool place and with NCL’s Norwegian Star you’ll see more than you ever imagined. Beautiful coastlines, glaciers and wildlife like bears, bald eagles, whales and that’s just the tip of the iceburg. September 12th 2009 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com
Many Annuity Owners Lose Money
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Page 12 May 2009
Support Sustinet
Patriots of Peace
Friday, April 17th, I spent time at the Mission of Mercy dental clinic in New Haven. It was a jarring experience. The line was so long that I never actually did see the end of it. There was a woman standing in line for 3 hours on a broken ankle. There was an elderly woman who stood in line for hours while two other women helped to support her. There were parents with infants and young children. Some of the people were employed, some were unemployed, and others were retired. It was a microcosm of the health care crisis. What a terrible thing to see in one of the richest countries in the world; in one of the wealthiest states in the country: people standing for hours, some even throughout the night, for the chance to get free dental care. This is not the answer to the health care crisis. Charity is not a health care system. Thankfully, there is something the residents of Connecticut can do to fix our broken system. The Connecticut Legislature has the opportunity to pass HB6600, the Sustinet Bill, to provide Connecticut residents with the option of an affordable public health insurance plan. Businesses, non-profit agencies and municipalities as well as individuals would be eligible. Now is the time for action; to ensure that people of our state get the medical and dental care they need. Take the time to contact your state representatives and state senators and tell them to support the Sustinet Bill. It’s smart. It’s right. It’s time. For information, please contact me at amy@ctparentpower.org or 203-886-6432.
CHORALE CONNECTICUT SPRING CONCERT On Saturday, May 9th, Chorale Connecticut, under the direction of Dorothy Barnhart, will present its spring concert entitled "Of Thee We Sing." The concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 159 East Main Street, Meriden, embraces a patriotic theme including a well-known medley of George M. Cohen pieces, the moving "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "In Flanders Field." For this stirring performance, Chorale Connecticut is proud to share the stage with the Southington High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Jeff Shaw. A reception at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center will follow the concert. Ticket prices are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Seniors' tickets (65) are $15 and children 12 and under will be admitted free with a donation of a canned good for the town food pantry. Tickets may be purchased from Chorale members or from the following outlets: JC Music, 519 West Main Street, Meriden; Valencia Liquor Shop, Ames Plaza, Meriden; Gallagher Travel, 390 Center Street, Wallingford; Just For You Country Gifts, Rte. 322, Southington and the Veteran's Service Center, 45 So. Main Street, #213, Wallingford. For more information, visit the Chorale website at www.choralect.org or call (203)237-5684.
Fredrick Edward Wallace Search
I'm looking for the parents or siblings of Frederick Edward Wallace, his obit says he was born in Wallingford, CT in 1852, but his headstone says he was born November 11, 1850. Not sure when he came here to Missouri, but he married Alice Earl in 1881 in Lexington, Missouri. He died August 5, 1905 in Lexington, Missouri. If anyone has any information that could help me, please contact Cathy Wallace, my email, wallywaldo60@embarqmail.com, phone, 660.232.3798. Thank you.
Avanti Bonus Contest
50.00
AVANTI
Restaurant & Lounge 34 River Road * South Meriden
203-4 440-9 9990
It’s easy to enter. Send a photo wish in any of the next 3 issues and you will be entered into the contest. You may also send 1 photo wish for each of the issues covering the contest May, June and July 2009. The drawing will be held on July 6th and the prize will be presented on July 10th. Winner agrees to be photographed at time of prize presentation.
Father’s Day & CELEBRATIONS
By Dorothy Gonick Wars of ages past fought for gain of land; for power over people, to make their nation grand. Colonists hoped for fairness, voted for freedom. Revolutionary patriots fought hard and won. Then came a time of shame when pushing ever westwardthe Indians deserved respect. Their griefs still being heard. The Civil War which threatened to divide, brought freedom to the slaves, Unity: now nationwide. Two World Wars clouded the skies, yet Allied patriots kept freedom alive.
Overseas we have gone helping the weak their freedom to gain, their dignity to keep. Today we have new wars to fight. The evils are many and not pleasant sights. There's hunger, corruption, hate, oppression, ignorance, fear we've been sad to discover. And prejudice, poverty, greed, pollution, loneliness, stress are more to uncover. Are there many more for us to deplore? Let's put down our guns, choose a cause to defend. Win freedom from these; bring strife to an end. Let's be Patriots of Peace and justice, release.
The Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department is having a Mother's Day Flower/Plant sale on: Friday May 8 from 5:00PM-8:00PM Saturday May 9 from 8:00AM-6:00PM Sunday May 10 from 8:00AM-12:00PM This event will take place at the Yalesville Fire Station at 143 Hope Hill Road, Yalesville.
Celebrations
Rachel and Richard Birmingham lazy days of summer. I am so proud of both of you, in who you are and what you are becoming. Love you so much Mom xoxoxox
Cool off with something nice... Mariannas ITALIAN Ice!
Free Photo Form
Don’t forget to send Dad a special wish! Happy Fathers Day! Happy Father’s Day to the greatest Dad in the whole wide world! I know your day is going to be very special for you since you are sthe best! Love, Karrie and John
Message: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Due to space - messages are limited to the 2 lines above. Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ If you would like the photo returned to you, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope! We do not publish the last names of any photo submissions. Send to:The People’s Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
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Deadline for our next issue is May 27th. The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459 Yalesville, CT 06492 Attention Celebrations and Father’s Day Photos
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-6; Saturday 7-4; Sun. 7-2 238-0159 • 212 West Main Street, Meriden
Page 13 May 2009
Helping Hands Thrift Store Helping To Save You Money! 22 No. Turnpike Rd. in Wallingford Furn., Appliances in good to new condition all priced UNDER $100.00! Save even more by stopping by often as we have unadvertised sales happening in May! Need summer clothes? Many new and famous name brands available at lowest prices around. We have 2 floors of electronics,housewares,books,videos,dvds,cds,toys,jewelry,shoes, linens,baby furn. and items,knick knacks and so much more to offer at tag sale prices to help those that can not afford items needed elsewhere. Being proud supporters of the Chrysalis Organization for Women and Children whom are victims of Domestic Violence your purchases and donations allow us to offer assistance to them and to people in the community needing help and who are referred by an organization with a voucher get items they may need. We offer every Wed. BAG DAY! Fill a bag we provide with certain clothing items for only $2.00 a bag with a limit of 4 bags per customer this day only. Watch for Senior Discount Day starting in JUNE! Must be 55 years or more to receive 20% off total purchase allowed once on specified day. Sign up is necessary to receive this discount. Furniture and electronics are EXCLUDED from this discount. The store is in need of a new cash register if anyone has one they would like to donate or are selling VERY reasonable please contact us. Must be in good working condition. Please remember us when your child outgrows their outside riding toys, or patio furn. that you may be replacing with new ones that are still in good condition and would like to donate. Wagons,bikes, ride on outside toys are in GREAT need! Cable ready t.v.s, dvd players,portable radios,vhs players,working computers are other items in great need. New and different items are placed out for sale everyday so stop by often! Sale going on till May 9th- all framed pictures BUY 1 get 1 half price and all glassware BUY 1 get 1 half price. Other sales will be posted in the store during the month of May. We also have misc. FREE furn. items that we will give to anyone that may want them just for the asking so come on in and ask about it. These items are donated items that we may have a surplus of that are fine for cottages,odd and end pieces or may need refinishing etc. We wish to thank all that shop and donate to the store helping us help the Chrysalis and our community. Sorry we are no longer accepting winter items as we have limited storage space. Check out our formal wear section of gowns, dresses and even Wedding gowns for sale! Need an accordion in excellent condition with the case, we have it! Need a small stand up organ, we have that too! We are NOT a consignment shop and are unable to give out tax donation slips with our current store status but donating to help others is a very rewarding feeling when you no longer need items which could help someone elseThank You! Please be considerate when donating furn., electronics or appliances in regards to the condition of these items. They can not have stains, rips, broken as this is a very expensive expense the store must pay to dispose of them which would have to be passed on by raising our prices which we do not want to do. Please if it is not something you would not purchase for yourself because of its condition don't offer it to someone who is having a hard time trying to replace worn out or broken items already..
Plant Sale Preview of Gardeners Market Members of the Wallingford Garden will hold the annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9th 9:0012:00 at the Railroad Station. Members will have perennial plants from their gardens, a Children’s Table, Garden Treasures and Special Baskets for Mothers Day. There will be four vendors from the Wallingford Gardener’s Market available as a preview of this summer’s market. Michael Melillo of ‘Nature’s Mirror’ in North Haven will have individually potted organic heirloom vegetable plants of eggplant, peppers and tomatos. George Wooster of ‘Garden Stones’ in Wallingford will have his engraved rocks. Nancy Paull of Hamden will have her quilts, aprons and bags. Deneen Thompson of Garden Party will have garden ornaments, tools. The Wallingford Garden Club is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT and National Garden Clubs, Inc. Photo: One of George’s rocks with dragon fly
Ryan C. Gordon Memorial Kiddush Cup Wallingford's Congregation Beth Israel will be hosting The Ryan C. Gordon Memorial Kiddush Cup Golf Outing on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at The Tradition at Wallingford. Celebrating its 10th year, the Kiddush Cup was renamed 4 years ago after 19 year old Ryan Gordon, a young congregant who passed away after a 3 month, courageous battle with cancer. A week before he died, Ryan requested that his unused college funds be donated to charities that he felt had benefited him throughout his lifetime. His explicit hope was that his gifts would inspire others to give. Beth Israel, in honoring Ryan's legacy, will be donating one half of all Kiddush Cup proceeds to Ryan's Circle of Giving (RCG), a 501(c)(3) charitable fund that will annually donate 100% of all contributions to those charities that Ryan championed. Last year, Beth Israel's Kiddush Cup contribution to RCG enabled this fund to donate over $19,000 to: -The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation -The Ryan Gordon Endowment Fund at the Kingswood-Oxford School, a financially-driven scholarship that enables deserving students to attend the school's Team-Tobati yearly trip to Paraguay. Team Tobati is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to working with and assisting the poor of Tobati, Paraguay -The Yale Cancer Center's Thoracic Oncology Program. Donations go directly towards thoracic oncology research. -The Ryan Gordon/Hartford Wolf Pack Community Foundation Scholars Fund at Trinity College. This Fund was established to provide deserving Hartford youths with the opportunity to learn to play the game of hockey. The Shotgun/Scramble format will begin with a 7:45 - 8:45 a.m. registration and continental breakfast, an 8:00 putting contest and a 9:00 tee-off. A kosher meal, award ceremony and silent and live auction, MC'd by Fox61 Sports Broadcaster Rich Coppola will follow. The tournament will offer men and mixed team prizes, raffles, a 50/50 pot, 2 Hole-in-One opportunities and much more! Registration Fee is $155. Dinner only is $45 and will begin between 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. To learn more about the tournament and sponsorship opportunities or to download a brochure, go to www.bethisraelwallingford.org and follow Kiddush Cup link. You can also call Phyllis Gordon at 203-269-5094 or Todd Schwartz at 203-235-4314 or email pgordon@snet.net. To learn more about RCG, go to www.ryanscircleofgiving.com.
* Auto * Home * Business * Life
John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency 208 Center Street, Wallingford
Office: (203) 269-2500 Life Insurance underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated Companies Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220
Easel Works offers Art Classes * Adult * Kinderart and Young Artist
Giant Tag Sale at The Willows In Wallingford Benefits American Cancer Society The Relay for Life Big Green Team will use proceeds to help "kick cancer one goal at a time" On Sunday, April 26th the local Relay for Life Big Green team held a giant tag sale at The Willows single family community at 751 North Farms Road in Wallingford. All proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life. The week before the sale, Big Green team leaders and local business owners, Sandy and Jim Comeau of Wallingford Optical and Greg Kamens of VW Homes collected donations of furniture and other household items at The Willows sales center. "Everyone has been touched by cancer," said Greg. "My father died of cancer, and my mother is a cancer survivor, so the Relay for Life is very personal for me. I'm thrilled that VW Homes' partners Bob Wiedenmann and Liz and Gerald Verna offered The Willows model home for our tag sale." The Big Green Team will be participating in the Meriden/Wallingford Relay for Life at Platt High School in Meriden on May 29th and 30th. Go Big Green! About Relay for Life - Relay for Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. About The Willows - The Willows www.thewillowsct.com is a new old-fashioned community of 65 single family homes, located on North Farms Road between the center of Wallingford and Route 68. VW Homes is building The Willows with smaller lots and sidewalks on both sides of the street to encourage walking and getting to know neighbors. The Willows is the first large single family community developed in town since 1995.
Register NOW for Spring and Summer Classes. Ask about our Summer Kids Creative Art Camp & Summer Nature Art Camp
EASEL WORKS
Creative Art Studio & Gallery
294-1548
2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford
Page 14 May 2009
Send in a Story! Send in a Picture! Send in a Poem! Send in a Drawing!
The Kids Press!
Zachary Brown By Zachary Boganski Age 9 - 4th Grade Highland School This is the story of Zachary Brown he never grows up and always grows down. He ate lots of junk food and smoked cigarettes. His diet was worse than you would feed to your pets. He never worked out and he wasn't athletic. He shrunk every day now. He looks quiet pathetic. This story is alarming but it's all true. Be careful or it might just happen to you.
Send to: The People’s Press Kids Press P.O. Box 4459 Yalesville CT 06492 sierra@peoplespressnews.com
Hey kids - don’t forget to send Dad a photo greeting for Father’s Day. Ask Mom to help you with the form in this issue!
Now is the time to book Ruth for all of your Spring and Summer Parties & Events.
Is Proud to Sponsor The Kids Press
5/31/09
5/31/09
5/31/09
Page 15 May 2009
Hunting for the Perfect Fit By Katrina S. Axelrod - President, Meriden ArtsTrust, Inc. I have been hunting for funders for the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra and it has taken me on some wild and wonderful side trips. There have been several dead ends, too. I thought maybe I could assist other people in the same search, so I share it here. Some people go to the Internet first. When you go to the Internet, you find all manner of people ready to sell you things. There are Professional Fund Raising Companies. Some are helpful, some aren't. Everybody wants to make a buck. Be careful. Then there are the Foundations. Allow me to save you some time about foundation searches. Each foundation has funding priorities. Each foundation will fund some things and not others. I look for Music, Arts, Young People, Children, After School programs and Instruments. For the most part, to look elsewhere is a waste of time. There are always exceptions, but just be disciplined. Obtain your Internal Revenue Service (IRS), 501-c-3 or equivalent documentation before going to any foundation. This document, with its rather lengthy application document, may take you some time to complete and it will take some doing on your part to put together a good team (Board of Directors, etc.). The effort is worth it. You get to know your program better, you find more like-minded people in the process and it proves that you can do some simple bookkeeping to keep donations straight; all good things. Now, it takes about seven or so months to be processed in most cases, so start with a positive attitude and see it through. It is worth all of the time and effort (and occasional sweat) you put into it and when the thing comes in the mailbox you will feel accomplished! Have a party! You HAVE accomplished! The government requires a DUNS number in order to fund a program. I have yet to do this for the Meriden ArtsTrust, Inc., but I'm going to do it in the future. Who knows? It may come in handy and it won't cost anything to do. Look it up on the Internet if you are interested in obtaining government funds. Do your homework. There are books in the library, ask the nice Reference Librarian for assistance. Bring a big pad of paper and a few pencils; you can't check out a reference book. Look for words that are familiar to your work. Write everything that is related down- everything. Make a copy if the entrance is a big one. When asking a foundation for a grant, you are asking the foundation to believe in you and your program as much as you do. You need to make a strong case why your group is more worthy than others, the foundation has limits on its money. Read the guidelines very carefully. If it says telephone, then telephone for the first contact. If it says letter, get your stamps ready. If you can do it with an e-mail, then e-mail a nice, informative letter that shows your program in a good light. Go with what the foundation asks. Be memorable, but don't get cutesy. This is a business and is run as a business. Facts, facts, facts. Show them why you put all of your love and work into your very worthy project. Letters of Inquiry (LOI): some foundations want to get to know you by having you send in a LOI before you send in a full proposal. You write down what the foundation asks of you, and you send it off with a little pat on the po-po. If it is within the foundation's priorities, they will contact you. Or, you may never hear from them again. Use your best manners, too. You may follow up, but don't be surprised if they already said somewhere back in that library reference book that they don't accept unsolicited letters of inquiry. Watch out for that. Just let it go, your mistake! You'll only do it once to learn not to do it again! That was a lot of work for nothing. Make a new proposal for each foundation, tailor it to what they want, how they present themselves and how you present yourself. Do not copy a proposal and just fill in the name. It is tacky, and it won't get funded. You must do your homework. Remember, you want to be working with these people during the grant time and after, be cordial informative and patient. Really patient. There are family foundations that meet once a year, there are big foundations whose Distributions Board meets quarterly, with very complicated and fancy rules for how you go about determining how well your program succeededcalled the evaluation. Read up on the different kinds. There are corporate foundations that serve the cities in which their companies have a footprint; an office or a manufacturing plant or historical roots. They have rules and regulations that need to be considered, too. Everybody has very specific rules, so that they don't get swamped with requests for everything. Finding the perfect fit may be finding the good fit. If you think that the foundation has the priorities of your program, then ask. Don't waste people's time. Be businesslike and state your case. They will tell you if they wish to learn more about your cause. When they tell you they can't help you, BE POLITE. Number one, it is the thing to do, and, number 2, you may see these people again and they may remember you for the gracious way you understood their limitations when it came to your program. Think of it as 'brownie points" towards professionalism. So, for people who think that "Foundations" are the end-all and be-all of fund raising, nuh-uh. You must put in many hours of fund raising without foundations help, in order to prove that you are worthy and will be around. Fund raising is only partly foundation-centered. Fundraisers, raffles, car washes, walks, whatever it takes, that is what it takes. Then approach foundations, with a proven track record of success. Speaking of fundraising- the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra is having two benefit concerts in June, June 7th at the Lincoln Middle School Auditorium at 3:00, when the CCCYO themselves will play and then a different benefit on Saturday, June 13th from 6-9, when professional musicians will perform many kinds of music including Jazz, Broadway and Classical for the scholarship programs of the CCCYO and the Q. Walter Peabody Foundation. This one will be at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on Hanover Street, at the corner of Cooke in Meriden. Please come to one or both, these are wonderful programs of music for young people. I've barely scratched the surface of fundraising, but this will get you started. Do your library work. There is nothing magic about foundation fundraising, on the contrary, it can be some pretty hard work, but you know that it is worth it. I'll write again about other ways to help your group. I hope this helps and that you are successful in your fundraising. For more information, feel free to contact me at meridenartstrust@yahoo.com. I'll do what I can to help. KSA PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Blessed Virgin please help Vali to keep her job and not get laid off. I place this prayer in your hands. 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.
Boulder Knoll Cheshire Garden Club makes Donation to Friends of Boulder Knoll On Saturday, April 18, 2009, The Cheshire Garden Club made a $500.- donation to the Friends of Boulder Knoll to help defray the cost of building materials for the new tool shed at Boulder Knoll Farms. Funds from a bequest by deceased Cheshire Garden Club member, Helma DeFronzo, made it possible for the Club to make this donation. This was the second "working day" on the farm under lease from the Town of Cheshire, where members of the Friends of Boulder Knoll gathered to cultivate several acres on the former Lassen property under the direction of Friends farmer, Brenda Caldwell, for purposes of growing organic vegetables, herbs and fruit. Some of the harvested crop will be made available to Food Banks and Soup Kitchens. Picture Caption: On hand for the official check presentation were (from left to right): Treasurer Carol Goertz; Cheshire Garden Club President, Marvin Carley; Friends of Boulder Knoll farmer, Brenda Caldwell; Friends members Greg Melville; Ellie Tessmer; and Fellis Jordan.
Brothers Carting LLC.
Roll Off Containers Dumpsters Household Pickup Cleanups
203-265-1555 South Dakota - Black Hills & Bad Lands Highlights include an 1880 Steam train, Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Wall Drug Store and Badlands National Park. Take an exciting Buffalo Safari Jeep ride into the back country and enjoying the beautiful landscape and all of the historic locations. 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com
Taste The Difference!
Discover the Village of South Meriden’s Best Kept Secret!
AVANTI Serving delicious Southern and Nothern Italian Cuisine. Open for Lunch and Dinner with food available to go! We also offer banquets and catering. Discover the secret of great taste at
AVANTI
Restaurant & Lounge 34 River Road * South Meriden
203-4 440-9 9990
Page 16 May 2009
Happy Mothers Day Mom - we don’t know how you put up with all of us. We are such angels that it must be hard to take. Happy Mother’s Day Love, John, Emily, Ruby & Tomkk
Happy Mothers Day Roses are red Violets are blue You are the best mom in the world and I love you! Love, Muffy and Katie
Happy Mothers Day Mommy, Daddy and I care about you so much. You give me so much happiness and bubbles too. Love, Matthew
Happy Mothers Day Dear Mom, Thank you for letting me be who I am and loving me anyways. Happy Mother’s Day! Love, Abby
Happy Mothers Day Dear Mommy, I was so happy to meet you only a short time ago. You are a dream come true. Love, Anthony
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NATURE AS A MIRROR by Dorothy Gonick GRASS ROOTS Potatoes to plantPreparing garden soilSpringtime has arrived. Last fall large clumps of sod were tossed by a backhoe and left to rest under heavy snows 'til spring. Spring has arrived and I've been loosening the fertile soil from those clumps to prepare a garden. Grasping the sod, shaking the soil loose, and holding the matted roots to reveal the tight interlocking of last years plants, impresses me with the web of life that must flourish unseen below the surface. The occasional earthworms that interlace the soil speak of their part in enriching its productivity. The grass and weeds that have been uprooted have done an admirable job of holding soil in place and allowing storm water to glide by without washing away the precious soil. There are seeds left from last years plants that are just waiting for the warmth of spring to sprout, but I plan to thwart them. Weeds are fine in pastureland, but not welcome in the garden that I am planning. The seed potatoes are waiting to be cut into sections; I'll leave 'eyes' in each piece to sprout and absorb the moisture and nutrients from the soil. Sprouting will be followed by growth as green leaves rise above the soil. Under the surface, nodules will form on the roots and grow; each nodule to become a new potato. How does this 'mirror' life? All living things have an indwelt urge to grow, including us. Thoughtfully we let the day-by-day joys blossom and we reject the weeds of annoyance that darken our thoughts. Throughout life, there are changes and sometimes it seems that we've been uprooted; much as this garden plot was. Changes such as parting from family for college or marriage; welcoming the birth of a child, or adjusting to the loss of loved ones all call for new roots to form. Changes become part of us, even while we cling to the roots of the past (our grass roots). Shaking out the harmful, unneeded roots (weeds) and holding to the nourishing changes of life is a neverending growth process. Springtime is most welcome, so let's anticipate the growth it holds for us.
Wallingford Family YMCA to Offer May Lifeguard Certification Course Register now for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. This course provides training and certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR/FPR, and AED. Course fee for Wallingford YMCA members is $250 and $280 for nonmembers. Participants must be at least 15 years old and able to swim 300 yards to participate. Course dates and times are as follows: 5/14/09 7:00pm 5/15/09 5:00-8:00pm 5/16/09 8:00-6:00pm 5/17/09 8:00-6:00pm Class lengths are subject to change based on class size. For additional information and to register, call (203) 269-4497 ext. 20 and ask for Pam VanderWeele.
A TASTE OF POLAND MAY 11 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY Meriden Public Library will host the program "A taste of Poland" by the Mazury Polish Deli on Monday, May 11 at 6:30 pm in the Griffin Room. Traditional Polish foods will be highlighted and samples will be available after the program. This program is part of the library's focus on the Polish culture in Meriden during the month of May. The library is participating in the World of Words 2009 program. World of Words (WOW) is a program of the Connecticut Center for the Book at Hartford Public Library, an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and celebrates Connecticut's cultural and literary roots. The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit the library's homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.
SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club is now taking Summer Camp registrations. Camp starts on June 29, 2009 and ends August 21, 2009. The camp runs eight one week sessions starting at 8 AM and ending at 5 PM each day. Call for information at 203-269-7525 or stop by Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club 72 Grand Street, Wallingford, CT and pick up applications. Limited Spaces. Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money. ~Cree Indian Proverb
Upcoming Events at The Augustis Curtis Cultural Center! May Events at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center located on 175 East Main Street in Meriden. Call 203639-2856 for more information or go to our website at www.curtisculturalcenter.org.
8:00pm Bring your own drinks and food. The Center will provide mixers, water, and ice. Tickets $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tables can be reserved and tickets are going fast!
May 1st through May 10th: Artist Exhibit by Darlene Keeffe (A Meriden Public School Art Teacher) Meet the artist reception Saturday, May 2nd from 2pm-4pm
Meriden Public Elementary School Student's Art Show: 5/12/2009 to 5/21/2009 Opening reception Tuesday, May 12th 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
Friday, May 8th: Nites Out at the Augusta featuring Daniel Taylor,
For more information on any of the events listed or to get more information call 203-639-2856 or go to website www.curtisculturalcenter.org
Page 17 May 2009
Why Using Exterior Paint Inside Isn't a Good Idea by Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom Using exterior paint for a bathroom may sound like a good idea, but your body may not think so. Read why using this paint may do more harm than good for your well being. Exterior paint has many wonderful benefits. It is durable enough to withstand the elements of the seasons. It is washable enough to remove mold and mildew from its surface and can hold its color from the sun. There is no doubt that exterior paint is great for the outside, but is it a good solution for your interior needs? Some home improvement do-it yourselfers like to use exterior paint in their interior bathrooms because it is so durable and that may sound like a good solution for a moisture prone area, but it can actually do more harm than good for your well being in the home. There is much talk today about certain buzz words like VOC's (Volital Organic Compounds), going green, and sick building syndrome. VOC's are harmful odors released into the air from certain everyday products. These VOC's can cause "sick building syndrome", a term used for people who react to the odors in a building negatively. Negative reactions can include nausea, lightheadedness, and headaches to name a few. Many people want to reduce these VOC's to make air quality better which is what going green is all about. One product that is a major culprit to air quality in the home is paint. Manufacturers of paint are becoming more sensitive to this and are putting low-odor or fume-free paint on the market to reduce the amount of VOC's inside the home. Exterior paint has a different viscosity or "recipe" than an interior paint so it can withstand the elements. And this means that there are a few more chemicals in an exterior paint than there are in an interior. And this boils down to one thing for the consumer, it means that exterior paint has more fumes than an interior paint does. Putting an exterior paint inside the bathroom can be harmful because the fumes from the paint can take days, weeks, or in some cases, months to go away. Most people that I've known who have tried to use exterior paint for a bathroom have redone it because they just couldn't stand the fumes. So what's the best solution for a moisture-prone room like a bathroom? A paint that is specially made for kitchens and bathrooms will work, or you can also use a regular semi-gloss interior paint. Either one will give you durability, an easy surface to wash and wipe down, and, if you choose a good quality paint, a three to five year mildew resistance. Another way to eliminate some of the excess moisture buildup in your bathroom is to use the fan for both during and after your shower. Moisture and mold problems can be prevented if you leave the fan on for at least 30 minutes after your shower. The same can be done if you have a window in your bathroom.
The 75th Anniversary Party of the Meriden Poetry Society It was a bright day for the The Meriden Poetry Society's 75th anniversary party at Gallery 53 on April 5th . Within walls adorned by Dick McEvoy's colorful abstract and impressionistic art, gallery staff, poets, photographers, guests and The Humble Bees quintet set the stage for a festive occasion. Guests, gradually flowing in from the sunfilled afternoon, soon occupied all the seats and overflowed toward the back of the gallery where a table loaded with cookies and an anniversary cake were located. Hostess Ruth Kahn greeted and directed them to Carol Christoffers to sign the guest book and consider purchasing On Wings of Verse, the society's 75th The Humble Bees performing at the party. anniversary collection of 67 poems written by 14 members. At the same time, John Kenney was distributing an anniversary edition of the society's monthly newsletter, Words with Wings, which features Marie LeVan's history of the society, an article by Al Mueller on its current activities, and John's acrostic poem, Celebrating Seventy-Five Years of History. Meanwhile, the Humble Bees, having set up to perform in the front of the gallery, waited for a signal from Mr. Kenney to begin their widely acclaimed program. Marv Beloff, Peter Burch, Bruce Burchsted, Steve Lazarus, and Barry Spencer soon had folks foot- tapping and cameras flashing while they sang lively, humorous and original songs, sometimes as solos, other times ensemble, while accompanying themselves on ukuleles, a fluke and a mini-bass. Among the highlights were Bruce singing a song about poets and Barry amazingly playing Danny Boy on a saw with a bow. The Humble Bees act was hard to follow as Mario Cavallo noted at the outset of the next part of the 3-hour party. After welcoming approximately 100 guests , he thanked gallery staff members for their hospitality and assistance in making the party possible; upheld Al Mueller's work in producing On Wings of Verse as being exemplary; and introduced Marie LeVan to read her History of the Meriden Poetry Society. It was established in 1934 by Julia Lansing Warnock and Isyla Powers Lee, co-editors of the Meriden Record. At that time it was the only poetry society in Connecticut and has been meeting continuously since. Mr. Cavallo followed the reading by announcing that Elsie Melco, longtime member of the society and well-known Meriden poet, has honored the society with a bequest. The society plans to establish an annual Elsie Melco Poetry Award beginning in 2010 for the best poem written in a competition among students at Meriden's three high schools. His reading of a composite poem written by society members , The Meriden Poetry Society is….. set the stage for Al Mueller's presentation of complimentary copies of On Wings of Verse to individuals whose support has been and continues to be vital to the life of the society. Mr. Mueller prefaced the presentations by noting that "poems, like songs we heard, aren't complete until they've been read or sung, their words have become imprinted in minds and hearts, have stirred responses therein." He suggested browsing in On Wings of Verse to discover why its three reviewers praised it and, if finding a poem to one's liking, to chat with its writer about it. As an example of humor within the book, John Kenney read his poem, Hough's Tavern, by delightfully playing with variant pronunciations of Hough: Hoo, How, Hoff, Hock, Hup, Hoe and Huff . Fifteen individuals were given complimentary copies of the book by Mr. Mueller, beginning with Bruce Burchsted, President of Prentis Printing Solutions, whose professional counsel and eye for beauty helped create a memorable anniversary momento. He was followed by: Patricia Mottola, Lois Lake Church and John Surowiecki , reviewers of On Wings of Song; members of the staff at the Meriden and Wallingford public libraries and Gallery 53; Andy Reynolds, publisher of The Reader's Press; Nancy Mueller, party photographer; and Mayor Mayor Michael Rhode who concluded the presentations by recognizing individuals and arts groups vital to Meriden's rich cultural life and leading a "Hip, Hip, Hooray!" for the poetry society. Following the program, guests enjoyed refreshments and conversation with the poets; some had them autograph copies of Wings of Verse; a few guests became society members or purchased copies of the book. Without question, the society was delighted to share the occasion with so many supportive friends and family members and to be reassured that poetry is alive and well in Meriden! For information about how to purchase a copy of On Wings of Verse or become a member of the Meriden Poetry Society, contact Mario Cavallo at 203-237-8252 or Alfred Mueller at 203-265-2445. Woman in the home has not yet lost her dignity, in spite of Mother's Day, with its offensive implication that our love needs an annual nudging, like our enthusiasm for the battle of Bunker Hill. ~John Erskine
We're Getting Older… Is Our Country Ready For It ??? Submitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers of Wallingford Today in the US, 6,000 people turn 65 everyday! In 10 years, the number will rise to 10,000 people per day! By year 2030 older Americans will double in number from 35 million to 70 million. The Alliance for Aging Research has written a report entitled, "Ten Reasons Why America is Not Ready for the Coming Age Boom", in which they call out 10 fundamental cultural challenges and deficiencies in our health care and educational system: 1. Age Denial - The US is a youth oriented culture; and Baby Boomers continue to fight aging !! We need to adapt cultural age perceptions and care options. 2. Prevention Disparities - Prevention programs tend to be youth oriented and offer few preventative treatments for older patients. 3. Geriatric Gap - Health care providers are not well-trained but developing in the care of the elderly. 4. Few Academic Leaders - Academia has been slow to take a leadership role in training students in the care of the aged, nor have they proactively promoted the need for training. 5. Lack of Geriatric Curriculum - Over half of all medical schools are not teaching geriatric medicine 6. Lack of Geriatricians - There is a distinct lack of investment in geriatrics education. Less than one half of 1% of Medicare education funds are aimed at treating older Americans. 7. Inadequate Reimbursement - Medicare and other health care insurers provide higher reimbursement for care that is NOT core to geriatric care. 8. Lack of Coordination within Medicine - Older patients often have multiple chronic conditions requiring more than one doctor. Coordinating the information flow between health care providers is under-managed. 9. Clinical Trials Often Do Not Include the Aged - The lack of inclusion in research complicates the creation of safe standards for the aged. 10. Lack of Research on Aging - Less than 1% of the budget at the National Institutes for Aging is dedicated to studying aging. The perceptions around aging and the resources dedicated to understanding aging MUST change…. because we are all getting older . See the Alliance for Aging Research website www.allianceforaging.org/ for more information about aging and the cultural, political and financial effects it will have. In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer
American’s Northern National Parks Be amazed by the wonders of Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Craters of the Moon National Park. Watch Old Faithful Geyser erupt while enjoying the unspoiled beauty of Yellowstone. Take in the unique landscpapes of Craters of the Moon and let Grand Teton fill your mind and vision with beauty and serenity. Various dates! 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com
ROCK OUT! HAVE FUN!
PLAY DRUMS!
DRUM LESSONS Attention Parents I give your child focus & confidence! Students are welcome from beginner to advanced by Jon Peckman, author of the nationally renowned book “Picture Yourself Drumming.” Lessons are held conviently in the center of Wallingford.
Call 203.537.4112 or visit www.myspace.com/jonpeckman
Page 18 May 2009
All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his. ~Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895 When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty
The deadline for our June issue is May 27th! Don’t forget to send a story or photo about Dad for Father’s Day! 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 Mail: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
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News and Events at the Wallingford Public Library
Poetry 24/7 in May: Poem in your Pocket Got a poem in your pocket? How about in your wallet? Maybe tacked up on the fridge, or taped inside your car? Need one? We can help! Now's the time to stop by the Wallingford Library Information Desk and pick up a portable poem. Keep it with you to share with friends, family, and anyone else as Connecticut's Favorite Poem Project celebration continues this month. The Favorite Poem Project is inspired by former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky who said, "Poetry connects us with our deep roots." He believes that poetry is a vocal art: "If a poem is written well, it was written with a poet's voice. Reading a poem silently instead of saying a poem is like the difference between staring at sheet music or actually humming or playing the instrument." The Favorite Poem Project is a much-loved model for inspiring people from all ages and walks of life to rediscover poetry and strengthen their communities through the art of sharing poetry. This Spring the Wallingford Public Library, the International Festival of Arts and Ideas*, and the Connecticut Library Consortium join with libraries across the state to celebrate the vital, but sometimes little acknowledged, role that poetry plays in the hearts and minds of Americans. Favorite Poem Community Reading What's your favorite poem and why? The Library invites you to give poetry your voice by reading your favorite poem at our Favorite Poem Community Reading on May 16th in the lower level of the Library from 2:00 to 3:00p.m. Sign up at the Information Desk to read your favorite poem and share why that poem has special meaning to you. Each participant is limited to five minutes, and selected poems must be from published sources. Readers of all ages are encouraged to participate! Poetry Wall: More ways to share poetry! The Library is taking both original submissions and published poems for inclusion on our Poetry Wall. Print or type your favorite poem and put it in the "poetry box" at the Information Desk. Poems will be posted daily. Our Poetry Wall is located adjacent to the stairs in the lower level lobby. *The International Festival of Arts and Ideas, in support of the Favorite Poem Project, invites you to join the celebration of poetry on the New Haven Green June 13. You may submit your favorite poem to the festival with an explanation of why that poem is especially meaningful to you. Forms available throughout the Library must be submitted to the Festival and received by June 1 to be considered for participation in the Favorite Poem Community Reading hosted by Robert Pinsky on Saturday, June 13 on the New Haven Green. More information is available at www.artidea.org 811.54 Poetry Workshop Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. Board Room Poetry enthusiasts are welcome to share their poetry and writing experiences at this workshop co-sponsored by the Meriden Poetry Society and the Meriden and Wallingford Public Libraries. Learn How to Get Published: You Wrote a Book: Now What? Wednesday, May 27, 6:30 p.m. Community Room Join the library in welcoming literary agent and publishing consultant Jan Kardys for a program on the secrets of getting published. Ms. Kardys is a publishing professional with over 25 years of diversified publishing experience. Learn how to find a literary agent, market your book and negotiate contracts. If you are an author or illustrator or thinking about becoming one, this is your chance to get a backstage look and the inside scoop on the publishing industry. Don't miss this opportunity! Sign up for this free program online or by phone. More information is available from the Information Desk. Save the date! Former U.S. Ambassador Sichan Siv will be at the WPL for a return engagement on Thursday, June 4 to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of his arrival in Wallingford. Read his moving story of a new life in America in Golden Bones: an extraordinary journey from hell in Cambodia to a new life in America, available from the library's biography collection. May Computer Classes: Basics and Excel New to the computer? Join us for Computer Basics on Tuesday, May 12, 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Board Room. Designed for the novice, the class will explore both hardware and soft- ware, and will include hands-on practice using the mouse and keyboard. In addition, expand your spreadsheet knowledge with Excel 2007 Formulas & Functions on Wednesday, May 13, 2:00-3:30 p.m. This hands-on class will cover common business calculations as well as conditional formatting. Please register for classes in person, on the Library's web site, or by phone at (203)265-6754. Seating is limited to 6 per class, so be sure to sign up early. All classes are held in the Board Room of the Main Library. Computer Tutoring Sessions Continue One-on-one computer tutoring sessions are available at the Main Library on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Computer novices are encouraged to sign up to learn keyboard and mouse skills, word processing, Internet searching, online job applications, or email. Please call the Library at (203)265-6754 or stop by the Information Desk to register. Get Library Event Reminders in Your E-mail Our online events calendar has a great feature that sends e-mail reminders about upcoming events to your inbox. Never forget about storytimes or book sales again! Visit the Library's web site at wallingford.lioninc.org and click <Calendar of Events> in the right column. Click the <Remind Me> button on the right side of any event. You'll enter your name and email address and select how far in advance you want the reminder. Click <submit> and you're done. You also can share Library events with friends and family via email. The Tell a Friend button (located next to the Remind Me button) allows you to send event information to up to six email addresses. Give it a try. Health Program: Medication Management: What's inside your Medicine Chest? May 19, 6:30 p.m. Community Room Over 50% of adults make medication errors, either by taking the wrong dosage, mixing drugs that have poor interactions or not following directions properly. You are invited to a presentation by Donna Jones, RN, of MidState Medical Center to learn helpful hints about how to properly manage your medications, including a discussion of herbal medicines. Free medication wallet cards will be distributed and light refreshment will be available. Please sign up for this program online or by calling the Library. Thursday Night Book Club: The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway May 21, 7:00 p.m. Collins Room In preparation for the June presentation of "Hemingway Alive," our book club selection is the classic The Old Man and the Sea. The elements in this epic story of an aged Cuban fisherman and a magnificent marlin portray Hemingway's favorite motifs of physical and moral challenge. Reserve a copy through our catalog or email bdevlin@lioninc.org. 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!
A Special Luncheon The luncheon will be held at the Evangelical and Reformed U.C.C. located at 105 South Cherry Street in Wallingford on May 31st. The Menu will include Vegetable Soup, Beef Stew (Porkolt), Mashed Potatoes, Spring Vegetables, Coffee and Desert. A $10.00 donation to the church is requested. A raffle will also be held. Come one and Come all! Any questions please don't hesitate to call 203.269.2708. The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own. ~Aristotle
Page 19 May 2009
Maggie's Corner By: Maggie Griffin Mom, what is it like to be a Mother? Wow, I never thought I would hear my 16 year old daughter ask me that question now. In fact, I wasn't expecting that question for another 10-15 years from now. For all the Moms out there, do you remember that famous question from your kids when they were at Nursery School age - "Mom, where did I come from?" That was difficult to answer back then. But these are the questions and talks that Moms really treasure the most. Let me tell you how I recently answered this question and how the question came about from my daughter, Stephanie. You see, my husband decided to take the week off, calling it a vacation, and be home the week the kids were home from school. My Maytag Dishwasher decides to take a turn for the worse. It figures, Mr. Fix it is on vacation, leaving me and Stephanie washing and drying the dishes. So I was telling her how many years ago, my nightly chore was drying the dishes as my Mother washed them. Now, if my Mother reads this, she will include how I always had that famous "Sony Walkman" to my ears, drying the dishes. It use to annoy my Mom, but I never understood why until I finally realized that today's "Sony Walkman" is now the IPod that is surgically attached to your kids ears. And then I told that story to my daughter, as I took the ear plugs off Stephanie's ears, laughing. So she asked me what it is like to be a Mom. Well now, this is a delicate question to answer. So I was honest. Being a Mom is constant worry. There is no age limit of when being a Mom ends as being a Mom is for life. As I told Stephanie, being a Mom also means that we want are kids to do as we say, not as we did. Being a Mom also means never ask Grand Ma what your Mom was like at your age. Being a Mom is gifts that as our kids grow; it is harder and harder to let them go spread their own wings in life. But a Mom is always there, unconditionally, no matter what, a Mom is for life. Now my son Tommy's definition of being a Mom (I said definition, not a question he asked to be answered) was "And a Mom is someone who likes to get into their kid's business and know everything". I looked over at my son and told him that is true and I still have that eye in the back of my head I told you really does exist a long time ago. He then said, "Mom, you told me you knew Santa personally a long time ago too". Being a Mom means telling your kids, when they are toddlers so they don't get hurt, "NO, don't touch that". Let's call a spade of spades, eventually they learn "NO" so much, that when you tell your kids as they are older to do their chores, they tell you "NO". This leaves me to a future thought. When the day comes that I become a Grand Ma, watching my grand children when they are in the curiosity stage, when they go to the vacuum cleaner, I will simply say "NO, Mommy Said Don't Ever Touch That". Being a Mom also means "stop yourself when you find yourself sounding like your Mom". It also means "stop your kids when you see your kids act like you when you where their age". Let's all admit it, all Moms seem to follow that pattern where we don't want to be like our Mothers, but we also don't want out kids to repeat the same actions and mistakes we did either. But, the circle of life seems to be a stronger hold on us because everything, as a Mom, does turn around in full circle and history repeats itself. Again, this conversation all started over my dishwasher, made by Maytag, breaking. Did anyone ever wonder why they don't play those "You will never have to call Mr. Maytag Guy to fix an appliance"? That's because Mr. Maytag doesn't exist, worse in my house, Mr. Fix It is on vacation. Getting back to what being a Mom is like; it's like another day in paradise. I wouldn't have it any other way. We want what is best for our kids; we want our kids to be better than us. We will trade the world to protect our kids too. As our kids grow up, we hold onto the moments when they were smaller, asking ourselves where did all the years go. But we never miss a moment as they grow up. We somehow see ourselves in our kids at times too. So to all those Moms out there, ask yourself and tell your kids what being a Mom is like in your eyes and from your heart. And if you have a Mother like mine, immediately interrupt her when she tells your kids "When Your Mother Was Your Age….." I remember asking my Mom and Dad where I came from when I was little. They told me Aliens left me in their back yard. For years I thought I was a science project. Worse, I was always referred to as #6 or "hey you". That's what you get for being the youngest of 6 children, either that or name tags. Now that I think of it, it's no wonder my Mom still doesn't have a dishwasher. But my Mom, she is a pistol. I will never let anyone insult my Mother in any way, shape or form. I just want to add, "Mom if you are reading this, I am wearing the head phones on my ears listening to music as I am writing". Tradition never changes. But Moms, treasure your kids, they truly are a gift and always remember that the best things in life is life itself. God knows my kids are the best gifts I hold, and I will hold my two children forever. A Mother is for life. A Maytag Dishwasher ends its life a month after the warranty expires. I am turning 40 this month too. If Mr. Fix It, a.k.a. Mr. Griffin, buys me a new dishwasher for my 40th birthday, he better include an IPod and Domino's Pizza. To me, and to add, being a Mom is also reminding the Dad the long hours of labor I went through to bring his children into this world. But, in all honesty, in my heart, to me the greatest experience that I still have, and will always have, is being a Mom. So this Mother's Day, the year and same month I turn 40, I want to thank my Kids for making me their Mom. If it wasn't for them born to me, I wouldn't be celebrating Mother's Day with my kids. Happy Mother's Day to All the Moms around the World!
Common Sense …. Could Save Your Life !!!! Connecticut Outdoors Written By: Paul Narducci With the boating season on its way there are a few things we need to remember. Accidents are called accidents for a reason, but most could be prevented. Here is a list of a few things I recommend you follow. The first is that anytime your on the water be aware of your surroundings. If you're the captain of the boat always be responsible and in control of what is happening. I feel alcohol and boating do not mix. I understand most of you might have just replied ,WHAT? Well it doesn't, to many people have accidents due to alcohol related boating and it seems ridiculous to think other wise. If your running the boat drinking alcohol isn't using common sense at all. Another thing people overlook is the importance of wearing a life jacket (PFD.. Personal Floatation Device) This always amazes me when I see children not wearing a PFD and when I talk to the Jenna Paul, Joe Dias and Ryan Paul parents they look at me like I'm doing something wrong. The law states that any child under 13 years old on any vessel that is underway must be wearing a life jacket unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a life jacket. They must be approved by the U.S Coast Guard and will state this on the jacket itself. It should also fit the person properly and be in good condition. Most importantly people need to wear them. 90% of all boating fatalities could have been prevented if everyone was wearing a life jacket. Some of the best life jackets you will find are made by Stearns, Coleman and Sospenders. These companies make life jackets for everyone and for many different needs. If you go to www.sospenders.com this will take you to all three sites. Some people have stated to me life jackets are to bulky, it's to hot, I can swim and once again is this using your common sense. I think if you check out this website and look at sospenders automatic inflatable Pfd you no longer can use any of these or other excuses. If you're a fisherman these are wonderful and you won't even realize you have one on. If you refer to the 2009 Connecticut Boaters Guide this and more info will help you have a safe and fun boating season. There is a lot of information out there due to the internet and here is a list of some great websites that may help you www.ctfisherman.com , www.ctfishtalk.com , www.ctbass.com , www.Sotv1.com .
All mothers are working mothers. ~Author Unknown
Holy Trinity
QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY ATHLETES AND COACHES VISIT HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL TO CELEBRATE READING "Reading: The Sport of Champions..Exercise Your Mind!" was the theme of the reading program recently held at Holy Trinity School. Designed to encourage children in grades K-5 to develop a love for reading, students' reading hours were charted on sports posters in each classroom, and students were rewarded at the 15-hour and 30-hour milestones with achievement certificates, local store gift certificates, sports water bottles, and a book to take home. With 100% participation in kindergarten through fifth grade, more than 130 students read a total of 4,310 hours, and 92 students achieved the ultimate goal of reading 30 hours outside the classroom in two months. To celebrate the conclusion of the program, the school hosted a reading celebration on April 3, 2009. Quinnipiac University student athletes and coaches from the men's and women's basketball teams, men's and women's hockey teams, and women's field hockey team were invited to read and talk to the children about the importance of reading to be successful in school and life and exercising and being physically fit. Students moved through stations to meet the Quinnipiac University student-athletes and listen to a story, try out sports equipment, and ask questions. Picture: HTS First Grade class with Quinnipiac University Men’s Ice Hockey team’s players and coaches
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Healthy Harvest 477 South Broad Street - Meriden 203-235-2092
Page 20 May 2009
Happy Mothers Day
Happy Mothers Day to the best Grandmother a girl could ask for. Happy Mothers Day Mom would be lost without a mother like you. Love Grand-Daughter Alexis Daughter Kym
Winners!
MERIDEN-We're Ready For Summer In The Children's Library At The Meriden Public Library Registration and FREE tickets will be available beginning June 8th in the Children's Library. Summer programs will be held Monday evenings at 6:30 PM. and Thursday mornings at 10:30 AM. Programs are subject to change. Starting in June are programs are as folllows: Mon. June 22 Sirius Coyote-Songs and stories Sirius Coyote will take you on a musical journey. Thurs. June 25 Exotic Animals From Aound The World-Live animal show-3 and up Mon. June 29 Crazy Craig juggling and unicycle, comedy show Thurs. July 2 Movies at the library Mon. July 6 David Costello children's author and puppet show Thurs. July 9 Magic with Steve Wronker Mon. July 13 Yoyo Tricks by Eric. Come and let amaze you with his coordination and skill. Thurs. July 16 Grandpa's Attic Puppet Program Mon. July 20 Movie at the library Thurs. July 23 Birds of Prey Horizon Wings-Live bird show Mon. July 27 Vanilla Swirl Variety show with water! Thurs. July 30 Songs with Tom Seiling Mon. Aug. 3 Doug the Monkey Guy-Live MOnkey performance. Thurs. Aug. 6 Flow Circus-juggling, magic, and comedy performance. Just a reminder: We will still be having Story Hours, Games, Contests, and a Rocket Club! For more information call us at (203) 630-6347 or e-mail us at mplchildrens@hotmail.com.
We Are What We Eat Cancer kills more children than any other disease… Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are at epidemic levels… One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer… One in 7 women will have breast cancer… Heart disease kills more women than cancer… "For the first time in history, we have a generation of children headed for a shorter life expectancy than their parents!" Dr. David Katz, Yale Research Find out why this is happening and what we can do to reverse and prevent it! The solution really is simple. Will an apple a day really keep the doctor away? Do you eat 9 - 13 servings of fruits and vegetables daily? (R U kidding?) What are whole food supplements and why they are so important? Healthy bodies are critical to healthy lives. How healthy are you? Bring your questions. Leave with answers. May 17th 2:00 pm Jewish Synagogue in Wallingford Nancy Freyberg's office in Harvest Park Wellness Center 101 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford For more information call: 203-284-8299 lavendermoon47@yahoo.com
Become a Hospice Volunteer Spring is a perfect time of year to consider new beginnings! Masonicare Home Health and Hospice would like to offer you a new beginning - one that will add quality and joy to others. Make a positive difference in someone's life by becoming a hospice volunteer. Hospice is about living every day to its fullest...it's all about quality of life. There are many volunteer opportunities available...companionship, respite for weary caregivers, animal assisted therapy, sharing your musical or artistic talents or helping in the office. You choose what's best for you! Training to become a hospice volunteer with Masonicare Home Health and Hospice will be starting soon. We offer a Medicare approved volunteer training as well as continuing education and support. Begin the journey to make a difference in the life of some else - call Jolan Szollosi, Volunteer Coordinator at (203) 679-5342. A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan
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
WE OFFER: *Over 10,000 sq/ft of FUN *Classes for Ages 20 months to 18 *Boys and Girls Tumbling Classes *Tumbling Classes * Tumbling Classes for Cheerleaders *Birthday Parties/Private Lessons Call today for your free trial class. 203.269.7464
Register Your Child TODAY! Bobby Chenkus a 6th grade student at Washington Middle School and Cassandra Lis an 8th grade student at Edison Middle School competed in the Jr. Enduro at the Meriden Motorcycle Club on April 18th. Both Bobby and Cassie placed 1st in their respective classes. Terry Byrnes, President of the Meriden Motorcycle Club was on hand to present the first place trophies. WAY TO GO KIDS!!!!
Connecticut Gymnastics Academy 20 North Plains Ind. Rd. Unit 11 in Wallingford 203.269.7464
Page 21 May 2009
"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective" by Gregory M. Simpson If love could have kept him alive, my cat Lucky would still be with me. It was not meant to be, as eventually he succumbed to liver cancer. Now the place on the couch where he slept is empty and there is a hole in my heart. Although a common gray color, Lucky was a special cat. Originally stray or abandoned, he was a rescue one frigid January night ten years ago from our backyard deck. He made it clear what he wanted, as he wrapped his two front legs around my leg and would not let go. He never had a desire to go outside after that, as when a member of my family would open a door, he would run in the opposite direction. He had been outdoors. My wife aptly named him "Lucky". My prayers were that Lucky would die peacefully at home, but in the end, I needed to bring him for euthanasia. The word "euthanasia" is of Greek origin and literally means a painless, happy death. Although one of the most difficult decisions of my life, I was comforted by the words of friends and family, such as "You made all the right decisions along the way, even the final one. I'm so sorry for the pain you feel now." One friend wrote, "Our pets are so devoted to us and faithful to the end and we owe it to them to be worthy of such devotion. All you can do is what you are doing and Lucky knows that." Another friend shared, "My sympathies to you also about dear Lucky. But how lucky he has been and you too, with him." Another offered, "You were and are his guardian angel and he knows it". Now Lucky is my guardian angel looking down over me until we see each other again. As once noted by a monk called the Venerable Bede, I believe that death is but a horizon and a horizon is but the limit of our sight. Moreover, as a gravestone inscription found in a pet cemetery proclaims, "O heaven will not ever heaven be unless my cats are there to welcome me". So, until I see Lucky again, the last two things I said to him before he passed on were that I loved him and we would meet again at Rainbow Bridge. For those of you familiar, or not, with the description of Rainbow Bridge, I share it now - in memory of Lucky. The author is unknown. Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together‌. 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.
Mother's Day Origins Mothers are the unsung heroes of the world. Every day they sacrifice their time and devote their love to the children they brought into the world. What mother doesn't hope to be celebrated and pampered, if just for a bit, by her children in recognition for all that she had done for them? That is why every year on the second Sunday of May children pay hommage to their moms on Mother's Day. Mother's Day hasn't always been a standard spring holiday. In fact, mothers went officially uncelebrated for years and years. It wasn't until the 20th century that an official holiday was established to honor mothers, grandmothers and the other special women in people's lives. Anna Jarvis was a woman who made great strides toward establishing a national holiday for mothers. Jarvis held annual gatherings called "Mother's Friendship Day" with an objective to heal the pain of the victims and those affected by the Civil War. After her own mother died in 1905, Jarvis decided a national celebration of mothers was in order, and began to campaign for such a holiday. Jarvis began by soliciting the pastor at the church where her mother had taught Sunday School classes for a special commemorative mass. The church obliged, and the first Mother's Day celebration took place on May 10, 1908 at Andrew's Methodist Church. Later that day, Jarvis celebrated Mother's Day again with her brother at her home in Philadelphia. The Mother's Day idea eventually caught on, and President Woodrow Wilson made it official in 1914 that the second Sunday in May would be celebrated as Mother's Day annually. Since then families have gathered annually together to give thanks to the special women who have helped shape their lives.
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What you need to know!
On April 8, a delegation of Meriden parent and community leaders involved with the Meriden Early Childhood Blueprint project visited the Harlem Children Zone project in New York City. The objective of the HCZ (www.hcz.org) is to 'create a neighborhood safety net so tight that no child can slip through'. The results have been extraordinary. The Meriden team learned many strategies that may be useful here in town. For information about the Meriden Blueprint visit www.meridenchildrenfirst.org or call 630-3566. Participants: Back row: Barbara Holloman (NAACP), David Salafia (Meriden City Council), Karen Roesler (Meriden Public Library), Andy Paul (Easter Seals/Head Start), Beth Vumbaco (Department of Health and Human Services), Tom Bruenn (Meriden Board of Education) Front row: Geri Kogut (Children First), Sophie Vargas (Children First), Cathy Battista (Family Resource Centers), Marisol Estrada-Soto (Children First), David Swedock (Council of Neighborhoods) and staff from the Harlem Children Zone.
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On Mother's Day I have written a poem for you. In the interest of poetic economy and truth, I have succeeded in concentrating my deepest feelings and beliefs into two perfectly crafted lines: You're my mother, I would have no other! ~Forest Houtenschil
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Page 22 May 2009
Live Like You Were Dying by Barbara Sherburne and Jeff Johnson I had the good fortune in November of 2008 to become acquainted with a new cashier at Krauszer's named Kara Johnson. I think almost the minute we met she told me about her brother Jeff who has ALS. I had no idea what ALS was. I was about to learn. Jeff is 43 years old, and before I get to his story, I just want to explain briefly, for those who do not know about this disease, what ALS is. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: It is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a motor neuron disease that was first described in 1869 by the French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, and it was called Charcot Disease at that time. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects Jeff Johnson nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. When motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. Lou Gehrig brought attention to this disease when he retired from the New York Yankees back on July 4, 1939. He was diagnosed with ALS on his 36th birthday on June 19, 1939. There are approximately 5,600 people diagnosed every year. 60% are men, and 93% are Caucasian, generally between the ages of 40 and 70. Jeff's motto is: "I won't let a little thing like ALS stop me from enjoying life." And from everything I am hearing, he is living life to the fullest. I met with Jeff Johnson on April 25th in his Wallingford apartment to interview him. I had a bunch of questions prepared, but actually the interview took off on its own path, which didn't surprise me. He handed me a couple of pieces of paper he and his mother, Pat, had typed up, and I am going to use that in his own words, and then I will add some other comments at the end. This is Jeff's story. My family and friends play an important role in my fight with ALS. My symptoms began in July of 2004. For the first two years it affected only my left shoulder, arm, and hand. I went through months of testing and was told in 2006 that I might have ALS. I was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in March of 2007. I continued to work and make deliveries for Brescome/Barton until it became too difficult to lift cases, and I retired on a disability on July 1, 2007. After 22 years with Teamsters Local 443, I was able to draw an early pension. As the disease spread to my right arm and legs, I had to give up all the activities I have always enjoyed, like running, canoe racing, softball, and bowling. At this point, I have a lot of time on my hands trying to adjust and finding things to do. I found it difficult to talk to anyone about the disease. By the summer of 2008, ALS was really putting a strain on my marriage. I have three daughters, Kelli, who is 16, Colleen, who is 14, and Cassidy, who is 8 years old. [In my interview with Jeff, I asked him what his greatest achievement had been in his life, and he pointed to a photo on the wall of his three daughters.] By now my speech was starting to be affected, and I needed more help with eating and other daily tasks. Due to stress and various factors, I needed to find another place to live. My sister, Kara, was kind enough to break her lease where she was living, and we found a three-bedroom apartment. I moved in on November 22, 2008, and Kara came to live with me shortly after that. She does all the chores and shopping. ALS patients cannot live alone. The Connecticut VNA comes for an hour and a half in the morning and at night. I don't know what I would do without them. During the day, my mom is here to assist with bill paying, phone calls, sending emails, and running errands, et cetera. At night, either Kara is here or my friends Tony Leonardi or Mike Becker stop by to help. I have a Lifeline in the event I am alone and should fall or need assistance. My brother, Mike Mezerewski, keeps me busy by taking me to various sporting events. He also monitors my weight and muscle loss, which was 35 pounds in a year. He was also helping me work out in the gym to strengthen my legs, but I have recently stopped the work at the gym. My father, Pete, who lives in Florida, will fly up for holidays, doctors' appointments, and events such as a recent walk-a-thon in Fairfield. [Jeff completed the one-mile walk with his family members rooting him on, and it was every bit as difficult as the 26-mile marathons he ran so many times, takes the same mind-set, and the last marathon he ran was in April 2006, the Boston Marathon, and he already had ALS.] My father also flew my friend Tony and me to Florida for the Daytona 500 back in February. We went to an ALS demonstration in Washington, D.C., and he flew me to California to consult with a specific doctor. Recently there have been a lot of wonderful experiences. My good friend Tony Leonardi surprised me with Opening Day Yankee tickets nine rows behind the dugout! Another friend, Mike Becker, set up a luncheon for me and the granddaughter of Babe Ruth, and she gave us Babe memorabilia. On the weekends I am constantly being visited by old friends and former coworkers. I joined Facebook, and reconnected with many people. ALS is a very difficult and depressing disease, but I find that I don't get depressed as long as I have wonderful people around me. Setting goals and having things to look forward to keeps me going. On May 2nd I will have gone to a Yankees game in New York, which my dad flew in from Florida to attend, and the tickets were given to me by my high school friend, Michele Candelora Pollack. Thanks, Michele. In June I will be going to a Yankees game, which is due to the generous donation of four tickets by Kara's boss, Bill Meany, VP Metro of the Lindenmeyr Munroe Paper Company. On June 27th, I will be walking in a walk-a-thon at the Connecticut Irish Festival at the North Haven Fairgrounds. We are still looking at prices for shirts we need for over 100 people. It will say "JJ's Pit Crew" on the shirts. People from the ALS Foundation will be there. On August 16th we are having a fund-raiser, which Kara and my sister-in-law Kathy Mezerewski are organizing. It will take place at Amato's in Northford. There will be lots of food, maybe a comedian, raffles, horseshoes, volleyball, and a guaranteed good time for all. I am currently awaiting a drug called IPLEX, which was distributed in the USA previously and was pulled by the FDA in 2007. Since that time, it was only available in Italy. In October of 2008, the FDA announced they were going to release IPLEX again in the USA, and I was looking forward to starting it in December. Then many roadblocks occurred. A small group of people (18-20) are now using IPLEX and are being closely tracked. I am hoping that their success will open up the door to all ALS patients. In the meantime, I am taking injections of Increlex twice a day. It is a growth hormone. That is where Jeff's notes stopped. Jeff made it clear to me that he wants his story to be inspirational and not negative. He basically refuses to think about the inevitable, and says he is "Too busy doing making the most of each day now." He mentioned "Live Like You Were Dying," a country song, and did I know it. I had to admit, I did not. So he clicked a few things on his computer and printed out the lyrics. I don't think Tim McGraw would mind that I borrowed his title for this story. I thought it really captured the feeling Jeff has about life right now. You might want to look up the lyrics if you are not familiar with them, but some of the words go like this: "'And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying.' And he said, 'Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying... And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter, and I watched an eagle as it was flying.' And he said, 'Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying.'" Thanks, Jeff. You are an inspiration not only to other people with ALS, but to me and to all of your family and to all of your friends who have stayed by your side and love you for everything you are and for everything you dream and hope to yet accomplish. And accomplish those dreams and hopes, you will. Note: For information on ALS, visit the Connecticut site at http://webct.alsa.org and the worldwide site at www.alsworldwide.com. To read about Ben Byer, a young filmmaker, who documented his journey with ALS on camera spanning three years in a movie called Indestructible or to order his amazing film on DVD, visit www.indestructiblefilm.com. I ordered the DVD and watched it, and it is very informative and inspirational.
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Page 23 May 2009
Photo Contest Winners
Bobbie's Bevy of Beauties Congratulations to Geno and the UConn Lady Huskies for winning a 6th collegiate national woman's basketball championship. Besides becoming "The Top Dog" they collected many other awards either as a team or individually. I think some of the records they established may not be broken but if they are it won't be for quite awhile. Wish them much success when November comes around again. Definitely spring is here. Pam along with her very helpful husband Ed, and he has become quite a gardener, but I don't know if he will agree with me, planted her beautiful bed of pansies a few days before the heat wave. They are in her front lawn planted in a circle with a huge pot of them in the middle. I admire them every time I walk by there house alone or with LitlBit. And if I'm not outside I have a great view of them from the upstairs bedroom window. In July when they are on their way out the garden is planted with mini begonias. As I have mentioned before they are another one of my favorite annuals - white, pink, red with green or brown leaves. I prefer the brown. Once the plant produces a bloom it continues to flower until the cold weather. There is one other sign of spring. We have a great mailman. His name is Bob. Anyone who is on his route is very fortunate. When the temp reaches a certain degree off comes his postal trousers in exchange for his postal Bermudas. Once I see his legs are covered up again I know we're headed for the cooler weather. What an ugly thought. Still haven't made that first trip to the nursery. And I know it will be more than one. Probably within a week or so. Don't want to take the chance of planting my selection of annuals then have a few cool nights do their damage. Most of the trees and shrubs are in full bloom. Any pruning to be done wait until they have finished their flowering. Then cut back but no more than twenty five percent. That's about it for this issue. If the weather is agreeable will try to finish getting my perennials squared away this weekend. It's also time to bring my calla lilies and dahlia's up from the cellar. Hope I have time to grab a bite. Oh, how I wish it could be a tomato sandwich. Flowercerly Yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien My P.S. List May 5 - Happy 53rd Anniversary Jimmy - Love, Bob May 8 - Happy Birthday Jodie - Love Mom "Greta" and Dad May 10 - Happy Mother's Day Jaime and Jodie - Love, Mom and Dad
May is National Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, there are over one million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the U.S. each year, outnumbering all other cancers combined. While skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, it is also highly treatable if detected early. In addition to getting yearly skin screenings by a dermatologist, people should also regularly scan their body (use a mirror to check hard-to-see areas) to check for any growth that looks unusual. Melanoma is particularly important to find early because once it spreads, it can be deadly. Guidelines from The Academy of Dermatology can help you determine if you should get a mole checked out by a physician: Asymmetry-One half of the mole doesn't match the other half. Border irregularity-The borders of a melanoma may be uneven or notched. Color-Melanomas may have several colors. Diameter-Melanoma are often larger than Âź of an inch (the size of the pencil eraser). For those who are uninsured and underinsured, MidState Medical Center is offer two free skin screenings on Tuesday, May 19, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM with Dana Correale, MD and Monday, June 8, 3:00 PM- 5:00 PM with Paula Bevilacqua, MD. Please call (203) 694-8353 to register for a spot. Screenings are located in the Radiation Oncology Waiting Area at MidState Medical Center.
Winner’s photos shown above from top to bottom. 1st Michelle Hansen, Maloney High School, Meriden 2nd Christian Adamik, Maloney High School, Meriden 3rd Katie Filippedes, Ben Franklin Elementary School, Meriden Meriden Girl Scout Troop 66070 City of Meriden Photo Contest to benefit the 1711 Solomon Goffe House and the Meriden Humane Society. The Meriden Public Library has a collection bin with the wish lists posted for the 1711 Solomon Goffe House and the Meriden Humane Society. Please stop by and if you can contribute, thank you so much!
Page 24 May 2009
You can always tell a real friend: when you've made a fool of yourself he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job. ~Laurence J. Peter
Baltimore Oriole
Put out some grape jelly & halved oranges for the Baltimore Orioles.You`ll probably hear them before seen,but the bright orange flash is a beautiful site to behold. Carole Golitko Wallingford
Celebrations
Richard Birmingham I am so proud of you and love you for everything you are. Love Mom xoxoxox
Experience ICELAND View varous beautiful waterfalls. Visit the impressive black beaches below Myrdalsjokull glacier. Be amazed by Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring area. Pingvelir National Park situated in a stunning volcanic landscape. Explore Reykjavik - Iceland’s largest city and capital. October 9th-13th, 2009 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com
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MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER 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! Our annual Senior Expo Information Fair for Older Americans' Month will be held on Wednesday, May 13 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center. A free box lunch will be served to the first 300 attendees and the event will feature vendor tables, free samples, health screenings, and information about health and well being opportunities. The program at 11:00 AM will be a demonstration of "Cane-Fu: Martial Arts for Seniors", a mix of aerobics and self-defense! The Senior Expo features displays from Meriden agencies serving the elderly and is an opportunity for seniors, caregivers and family members to learn about the many fine services offered for senior citizens in our community. This year's event is sponsored by Genesis Health Care and Meriden Center on Paddock Avenue and we appreciate their support! Participating agencies at the Senior Expo include Anthem, MidState Medical Center, LaPlanche Clinic, Health Net, Miller Memorial Community, Agency on Aging of South Central CT, Social Security Administration, Companions and Homemakers, the Bradley Home, MidState VNA & Hospice, BCI Financial Mortgage Corporation, Meriden Center, the Eye Center, RSVP of Central CT, Rushford Center, Comfort Keepers, Elder Law Attorney Dan Tully, the Meriden Health Department, the Village at Kensington Place, Silver Springs Care Center, Assisted Living Services, Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care and more. Join us on May 13 for the Senior Expo at the Max E Muravnick Senior Center. Admission is free, the public is invited to attend and we hope you will join us for this big event! Starting Friday, May 15 Senior Center staff will begin taking applications for the Rent Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut. The program provides eligible renters with money back on their 2008 rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. To be eligible, applicants must have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2008 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability. Proof of 2008 income must be presented, including a copy of your 2008 income tax return, if filed, Social Security 1099, and all other income. Income limits are $30,500 for a single person and $37,300 for a married couple. Proof of 2008 rent and utilities must also be presented. For further information contact the Senior Center at 237-0066. The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program will be held at the Senior Center on Wednesday, July 22 and Friday, July 24 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The course fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. People can sign-up in the front office or by calling 237-0066. The program will be limited to the first 30 people who register so sign-up today! Meriden-Wallingford Veterans Service Center Director George Messier will begin monthly visits here in May to reach out to Meriden veterans with information on veterans' benefits. Mr. Messier will be at the Senior Center on Tuesday, May 19 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the first floor meeting room to meet with veterans and family members. To reach him at other times in his office at the Wallingford Town Hall call 294-2165. Flavia Gwara, Queen Mother of the Silver City Red Hat Society, and Richard Egan, Commander of the Meriden Antique Veterans, were named 2009 Volunteers of the Year at a special luncheon at the Senior Center on April 15. We offer our thanks to them for their outstanding volunteer leadership and to the other 60 seniors who were also honored for their volunteer work during the past year. Thank you all for your volunteer work at the Senior Center, we couldn't do all we do without your help! 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
The fruits of Motherhood are the Children! By Priscilla Reynolds Such sentimental romantic gifts are given to the lucky Mothers on that special day in May, Mothers Day. Are we all worthy of this show of affection? More than likely, we take it for granted. Babies are God's miracles and women have hormonal and nurturing qualities that draw them to their new borns. Fathers are proud; Mothers are ecstatic. Babies grow up. The parents who once kept their children in close surveillance must let go. Children still need supervision and religious training. This is when our four parents' rules and our environmental influences challenge us. Mrs. Taylor, next door, might oppose our baseball practice in the backyard with occasional hits sending the children searching for the ball in her bushes. Mr. Pope seems to completely let go of his children and toys are taken from the neighbors' garages without permission. Birthday parties can be chaotic. My husband, Lew, and I enjoyed the children most when the birthday parties were small. Dave, our oldest son, and Dan, our third child, were born four years apart but their birthdays were a day apart close to the Labor Day weekend. (I don't want to bore my children or my readers but I have to interject that Dan was the product of my most difficult labor and was delivered, coincidentally on Labor Day!) And so our Labor Day celebration included the grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins and the two birthday boys and their siblings. Lew and I considered the birth of each of our six children over an eleven year stretch party enough, with the births 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 years apart. We invested our energy first and foremost on God and our family but also on our jobs, postal and nursing. It's not easy to remember the personal milestones for each child and this, I deeply regret. Photographs spill out of our bedroom closet anxious to be sorted, copied and distributed to each of our children. Cathy celebrated her eighth birthday with 10 girlfriends, mostly from our neighborhood. She always wanted a sister and at this time we didn't know whater the next and last child would be Beth or Andy. (Cathy became a second Mother to Andy when he was born.) Having so many females on the same block was helpful to Cathy as she coped with her five brothers growing up. Matthew, our fourth child, remembers vividly his seventh birthday. He tells us, "Everyone: Gram Reynolds, Gram and Grandpa Roger, Aunt Esther, Dave, Cathy, Dan, Paul, Andy, Dad, Mom and I ate supper at Howard Johnson's. When we returned home, Mom, you couldn't find your key. We hunted everywhere first for the key, then for a way to get in. You were mad, Mom, but you wouldn't call the police .Dad helped lift Dave up through a small kitchen window and the key lay on the kitchen table next to my birthday cake. That was the year Dad let me choose a kitten--our red headed Pumpkin, who lived 15 more years." It's strange but Paul and Andy's parties took place more in their teen age when Lew and I had more problems controlling the events. I do recall a party for Paul and Andy at six and eight, consecutively with a few of their boyfriends. Our hands were busy but our minds still watched and cared for our two sons. However, after the departure of their friends one snake cage was empty. Our children loved animals and at this time, Trixie, our dog, Pumpkin and Raquel, our cats shared our house with three garter snakes. We hunted everywhere for the snake. Great Aunt Esther was coming for supper to celebrate with the boys. Just a month ago, she screamed as she came in; the front door scrunched a small painted turtle. Less than a year ago she dropped her cane and lost her balance as she watched a chameleon climb the wall. We never found the snake and Gram and Grandpa joined us for supper and more cake. Am I still worthy of being honored on Mothers Day? As of this moment, my aching bones and forgetfulness are part of me. Two other delinquencies are my failure in journalling the past events of my children's and grandchildren's lives and the chaotic boxes of pictures crying out to be completed. Yet I am blessed! No other gift is necessary--the spiritual growth of our children and our grandchildren is enough!
The Wolfies Foundation
Fully Insured and Licensed CT Lic. #104727
The Wolfies Foundation is a non-profit organization Wolfie is a 14 week old German Shepherd puppy that has a liver shunt and needs surgery. A problem that if not corrected would eventually cause his death. Our last fundraising efforts was at Vinny's Deli in Wallingford with Wolfie and his sister Haylee greeting the customers. Our wine tasting fundraiser will be held on May 22nd at Homewood Suites, Wallingford from 6:30 - 9:00. The tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will be raffles, cheese/crackers, appetizers and a door prize. You can obtain tickets by calling 203-269-6906 or you can e-mail me at info@caninecadre.com. Any donations can be mailed to Wolfies Foundation, P. O. Box 4334, Yalesville, CT 06492
New Help Wanted Ads It’s free to place Help Wanted ads in The People’s Press - simply email your joboffering to andy@peoplespressnews.com and it will appear both in print and on-line at www.peoplespressnews.com as a service to our readers. Even if you have missed the print issue - we will post the job on-line so send your openings as soon as you get one.
Page 25 May 2009
It would seem that something which means poverty, disorder and violence every single day should be avoided entirely, but the desire to beget children is a natural urge. ~Phyllis Diller Happy Mothers Day
Job Fair Set May 13 At Quassy Amusement Park You could become part of the “Smiles Are Magical” team this summer at Quassy Amusement Park as the lakeside property holds a Job Fair 4 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 13. Positions to be filled include ride operators, food service, games attendants, arcade staff, parking attendants, lifeguards, cashiers, ride inspectors/maintenance and seasonal managers. Applications are available online at www.quassy.com/about_jobs.htm. Job seekers must apply in person at the Quassy Restaurant during the job fair. No phone calls, please. Two forms of identification – one must include a photo – should be brought to the park, which is located on Route 64. Quassy Amusement Park is an equal opportunity employer.
Mommy, I have the perfect flower for you! Happy Mother’s Day! Love, Sarah
Sports Banquet & Auction
The Grey Group Offerings With over 15 years of staffing experience, The Grey Group Professional Staffing Services, LLC has been filling jobs and helping people get hired... successfully. tgg is a small, women-owned and operated staffing firm dedicated to our clients and candidates hiring needs. Our goal is to provide our clients with career driven, dedicated and highly skilled professionals. We devise a unique hiring solution for each of our clients, tailored to the available job position. To our candidates, we promise to be with you each and every step of the way, providing complete dedication and resource management throughout the entire job search process. www.tggstaffing.com OT Homecare Positions located in: Danielson Brookfield Hartford Norwalk Excellent benefits, sign on bonus and monthly retention bonus. PT Homecare positions located in: Brookfield Norwalk East Lyme Excellent benefits, sign on bonus and monthly retention bonus. Ortho outpatient PT positions located in: Watertown Avon New London Groton North Haven Bridgeport Shelton Excellent benefits and sign on bonus. Julie Grey President 203/537-6412 jgrey@tggstaffing.com ** NEW POSITIONS COME IN WEEKLY! ** Please call if you do not see your area of interest
Appraiser Needed: Experienced Residential Appraiser wanted for busy appraisal office. Appraiser has to be able to handle eight to ten assignments per week. Completed reports must be sent in a timely manner. Appraiser must be able to cover many counties of Connecticut. Our appraisers are expected to have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Email resumes and samples of work to carolc@rcico.com Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse Treatment - Rushford Center Inc. is one of the leading, not-for-profit behavioral healthcare providers in Connecticut, dedicated to meeting the substance abuse and behavioral health needs of children, adults and families. We offer our staff a flexible work schedule, as well as a competitive salary. Interested applicants should view open positions & apply directly at www.RUSHFORD.org No walk-in's please. EOE-AA Independant Advertising Consultant - The People’s Press is looking for a highly motivated and creative individual to serve our customers and friends. For more information email Andy Reynolds at andy@peoplespressnews.com.
Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction The 24th Annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction, to benefit the programs of the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at the Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, Connecticut. Silent Auction begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6:30 p.m. The recipient of the Saint Francis Award will be Jay Bilas, basketball analyst, ESPN. Kristine Lilly, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup Champion, will receive the Saint Clare Award. Jim Calhoun, University of Connecticut Head Basketball Coach, will present the Jim Calhoun Community Service Award to the Francis J. Oneglia and Family. Mr. Oneglia, past president of O & G Industries, died November 26, 2008. Mr. Greg Oneglia, Vice-Chairman of O & G, will receive the award in behalf of his father and family. Al Terzi, news anchor, Channel 3, and his son, Tony, will emcee the event. For more information call (203) 237-8084 or visit our web site at www.flcenter.org. The Franciscan Sports Banquet is sponsored in-part by ESPN.
Experience the knowledge & expertise of Rousseau’s
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WE PAY YOU TO LOSE WEIGHT! We need 29 Overweight People to lose 10-30 lbs. just in time for Summer! For Information call Kathy Carroll 888-493-1069
Mark T. Sheehan High School Wallingford, Connecticut Sheehan Announces New Members to National Honor Society The following students were inducted into the Mark T. Sheehan High School Chapter of the National Honor Society: Brian Bates, Robert Belcourt, Leann Bickford, Alexina DelVecchio, Christopher Earley, Mollie Hamel, Melanie Hulett, Elizabeth Kadow, Michael Kadow, Emily McCarthy, Farah Salam, Tori Sheldon, Jessie Simpson, Leanna Verch, Nicole Vitello and Christina Webster. These students earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 through the end of the first semester of their junior or senior year in order to be academically eligible for membership. In addition to scholarship, their selection was based on outstanding character, leadership, and service. The Sheehan faculty and administration are very proud of these students' accomplishments.
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Page 26 May 2009
The deadline for the June 2009 issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is May 25th for all submissions. Don't forget to send your Father's Day Photo Wish - look for the form in this issue. 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 Mothers Day Rachel, If I had the words to express what a wonderful mother you are to our 5 beautiful children - it would not fit here. Love, Bruce
Happy Mothers Day Mommy, I want you to have the best day ever. I love you so much. Love, Darryl
"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
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.
Publishers:
Andrew& Dawn Reynolds peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com Managing Editor Dawn A. N.-Reynolds dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com Copy Editor Dawn A. N.-Reynolds dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com Advertising Andy Reynolds andy@peoplespressnews.com Web Site Web Solutions, LLC Writers YOU WRITE IT....WE PRINT IT!!!
“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.
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 MAY IS NATIONAL OLDER AMERICANS MONTH ART SHOW Thursday, April 30, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday, May 1, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Saturday, May 2, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Featuring the artwork of members of the Wallingford Senior Center and students of the Wallingford Public School System PIZZA SUPPER & HI-LITERS SHOW on Monday, May 11, 6:00 PM Tickets are on sale through May 8 for a pizza supper which will precede the annual Hi-Liters Variety Show. Pizza will be served at 6:00 PM., and the Hi-Liters Show, directed by Richard Fontanella, will begin at 7:00 PM. Tickets for the pizza supper are $3.00 for Senior Center members and $4.00 for non-members. The Hi-Liters Variety Show will feature production numbers entitled "Aloha Hawaii" and "Remembering the Roaring Twenties". Come support these great kids who work all year long to provide great entertainment in local convalescent homes and senior centers. CANCER SURVIVOR COMMUNITY FORUM on Thursday, May 14, 10:00 AM-12 NOON The Wallingford Senior Center will be the site of a community forum on May 14. The forum is part of a statewide needs assessment of cancer survivors. The Connecticut Cancer Partnership, in collaboration with the CT Department of Public Health, is conducting the statewide assessment to determine the needs of Connecticut adults who have ever been diagnosed with cancer. Information gathered during the forum discussion will help determine where to focus future cancer-related resources, services and programs. This is a chance to share your thoughts and concerns. Your input is very important! Pre-registration is required. Please call the Senior Center at 265-7753. A free light breakfast will be provided and there will be a raffle drawing. For more information about the statewide needs assessment among cancer survivors, please call Julie Ray at 203-787-4700. ABUSE: PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT, SCAMS, AND MEDICARE FRAUD Tuesday, May 19, 10:00-ll:30 AM Protecting your personal information is the best line of defense against scams and healthcare fraud. Tom Davis is the Regional Coordinator of The Connecticut Money School, sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut. Leslie Pruitt, CHOICES Coordinator, will present the program discussing types of scams that are used to obtain personal information and why many of these scam artists focus on the senior population. Seniors will gain a better understanding on how to prevent, detect and report unscrupulous activity. To register, please call 265 7753. MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE on Friday, May 22, 11:00 AM Our program of remembrance will feature guest speaker Bob Parisi, Town Councilor and Commander of American Legion Shaw Sinon Post 73, as well as a color guard, patriotic music led by the Vintage Voices, and the dedication of new flags in memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Join us. COMING IN JUNE! CRUISE NIGHT - JUNE 25 Calling all classic car owners! Sign up to participate in our Cruise Night on June 25, 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Cut off date is 1979. Call Stephanie Ferrall, Program Coordinator, for more information at 265-7753. FREE HEARING SERVICES Monday, May 11, 1:30-4:00 PM Nick Wills, Hearing Aid Specialist from Miracle Ear will provide the following free services on a first-come, firstserved basis: hearing tests; ear canal inspections; hearing aid cleaning (any make or model); Miracle Ear hearing aid adjustments; and general advice on hearing aids and coping with hearing loss. SOCIAL SERVICES VETERANS SERVICES Tuesday, May 26, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. George Messier, Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Wallingford will be available to answer questions and assist with benefit information. An appointment is required. Please call 265 7753. BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO VETS AND THEIR FAMILIES WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 10:00 a.m. Accredited Veterans Benefit Attorney, Dean B. Kilbourne, will be discussing how a little known veterans benefit which may help pay for home care for you and your spouse. Please call 265 7753 to register. SOCIAL SECURITY/SUPPLEMENT SECURITY ONE-TIME ECONOMIC RECOVERY PAYMENT All eligible Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will receive a one-time $250 economic recovery benefit by late May 2009. If both you and your spouse are receiving benefits from Social Security or SSI, each will receive the one-time payment. You should expect to receive your payment no later than the first week of June 2009. This benefit will be a separate payment, which will not be included in your regular monthly benefit payment. If you receive your monthly benefit by check, you will receive a check. If your monthly benefit is directly deposited, this is how you will receive your payment. After June 4, 2009, you may contact your local Social Security office or 1-800-772 12 13 if your payment has not arrived. PLEASE NOTE: NO ACTION IS NECESSARY ON YOUR PART TO RECEIVE THIS ONETIME ECONOMIC RECOVERY PAYMENT. BENEFITS SCREENING Tuesday, May 19, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for any State or Federal Programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for eligibility. Supporting documents are not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment l. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses note covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Pre-registration required. Call 265 7753 now to schedule an appointment. CONNPACE PROGRAM ConnPACE is a state-funded prescription drug program. Each year the income limit guidelines are adjusted. In January 2009, the changes are as follows: $25,100 for a single person and $33,800 for a couple. Beneficiaries who have ConnPACE must select a Medicare Part D plan. ConnPACE will still allow beneficiaries to select the Medicare D plan of their choice. There are no asset limits. Anyone who meets these guidelines is encouraged to apply. For an appointment or additional information, please call Eileen Flynn, SW, at 265 7753.
MERIDEN LIBRARY TO CELEBRATE POLISH CULTURE IN MAY Meriden Public Library will be celebrating the Polish culture in Meriden during the month of May. Join us at the following programs and enjoy the richness of the Polish culture. Monday, May 4 at 12:00 noon - St. Stanislaus Bell Choir Monday, May 11 at 6:30 pm - "A Taste of Poland" presented by Mazury Polish Deli Saturday, May 16 at 12:00 noon - Join our book club as they discuss Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 pm - "Polish Culture in Meriden " by Valerie Bubon Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 pm - Stan Scott Band will perform a variety of Polish music Saturday, May 23 at 1:00 pm - Come and watch the movie based on this month's book. Actors include Robert Taylor, Deborah Kerr, Leo Genn, Peter Ustinov. These programs represent the library's participation in the World of Words 2009 program. World of Words (WOW) is a program of the Connecticut Center for the Book at Hartford Public Library, an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and celebrates Connecticut's cultural and literary roots. All the programs are FREE. Seating is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit the library's homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.
Wallingford Family YMCA Community Tag & Craft Sale Saturday, May 9th (Rain Date: Saturday, May 16th) 8:00-5:00 p.m. Doolittle Park Pavilion, South Elm Street Wallingford $25 to rent a table to benefit YMCA Strorg Kids Camp *You Profit from your own treasure!* Reserve your table today! For more information or to book a table contact Nancy Early at 284-5328 or Jenna Schmidt at 269-4497
Page 27 May 2009
TOP of the hill SOIL Expect a tradition of the highest quality and products from Hazelwood Excavating.
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By Jennifer Jenkins These days we tend to be surrounded by a media blitz of negativity and fear. It's as if we are immersed in a culture of fear. You turn on the television and you hear of the latest unemployment figures and the rising number of foreclosures. You may wonder if you will be the next person to lose a job, and you may even start to panic. This is a normal reaction as a result of living in a society that is virtually conditioned to live in a state of fear. As a result of this fear-based conditioning, most people live their lives in survival mode. As you may know, everyone's body consists of energy. We all have and give off energy, which is largely due to our body's core energetic system, otherwise known as the chakra system. Those existing in survival mode rarely walk around with a balanced chakra system. Most people's chakras, including the heart chakra (the chakra of love and compassion), are blocked. So, when one lives in a state of fear and anxiety you can imagine that their heart chakra is blocked. A wise spiritual teacher once taught me that you can not feel fear and love at the same time; it's impossible. Where there is love; there is no fear. Can you imagine if we worked on eliminating fearful thoughts from our minds and chose to open our hearts to live, instead, within a state of LOVE. Think of the positive energy that would emanate from our souls and how that positive energy would influence others, by mere ripple effect. Think of the clarity we would feel. This change would enable us to work proactively on finding viable solutions to our problems. When you're panic stricken it's hard to think rationally and easy to become reactive to stimuli around you. However, when you exist in a loving state you feel calm, think more clearly, and are able to problem solve. These are the people you hear about who make lemonade out of lemons. When the heart chakra is truly opened one also feels an immense freedom to love and be who they are, to love unconditionally, as well as demonstrate compassion and forgiveness toward others. This in turn benefits others. And, people who interact with those who live their lives, open heartedly, feel comfortable being around them, as they tend to be calm, congenial, cooperative, and concerned about others. So, as you can see, opening your heart can be beneficial and can lead to a positive shift of consciousness within your own world and the world at large. So, accentuate a loving heart and work on eliminating fear from your life today. You may be surprised how much your life changes for the better as well as the lives of those around you.
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Alex giving "Defenseman of the Year" award to Corey Potter at Saturday night's game against the Falcons at Hartford Wolf Pack final regular season game!
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Page 28 May 2009
Y O U A LW AY S S A V E M O R E E V E N W I T H O U T C O U P O N S AT
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CEDAR MULCH 3CF, 3 FOR $11.97 *With this Coupon. All specials expire 5/31/09 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.
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RED OR BLACK CEDAR MULCH 3CF, 3 FOR $13.47 *With this Coupon. All specials expire 5/31/09 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.
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