The People's Press May 2011

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MERIDEN FEED FARM • GARDEN • PET SUPPLIES

846 Old Colony Rd, Meriden 203-237-4414 Look F or SUPER S AVINGS On T he B ack P age!

LocalMotion - Your Stories,Your Photos, Your News, Your Views!

The People’s Press - May 2011 • Volume 11, Issue 139

Self-Portrait by Jason.

Like Mother...Like Daughter. Joanna and Mom Kristen.

Page 2 May 2011

Upcoming Deadlines - June 2nd for our Early-June '11 issue - Don't Forget Father's Day Wishes! June 15th for our Mid-June '11 issue & June 24th for our Late June '11 issue! . Join the LocalMotion by emailing andy@peoplespressnews.com with your submissions.

Wild Shots

Congratulations to Meghan on her graduation from UCONN! Love, The Fam! The nest is in the bushes right next to the house, don't they look like peanut M & M's :) Photo and words by Nicole Cuomo

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Call Lisa at the Wallingford Animal Shelter - 203 294-2180

WE NOW HAVE POWER ZUMBA! ACT NOW! This offer EXPIRES 6/05/11 6/6.

Upcoming Deadlines June 2nd for our Early-June '11 issue - Don't Forget Father's Day Wishes! June 15th for our Mid-June '11 issue & June 24th for our Late June '11 issue! It's always FREE to share all of your news, photos, stories and more. Join the LocalMotion by emailing andy@peoplespressnews.com

CELEBRATIONS

Page 3 May 2011

Wallingford Memorial Day Parade and Events The Wallingford Veterans Memorial Committee, under the direction of Chairman Jerome J. Kennedy, has announced the schedule for ceremonies on Memorial Day weekend.

Festivities begin with the placement of American flags on all the graves of the deceased veterans on Saturday, May 28th at 9:30 a.m. at each of the town's cemeteries.

An important part of the Wallingford Memorial Day Program is the Sunday evening Church Service, at which time we honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service to this country. Open to the general public, this service will be held at the First Baptist Church at 114 North Main St. in Wallingford on Sunday evening, May 29th, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. In order to make this Service as inspirational as possible, all Veterans Posts with their Auxiliaries and all other groups are asked to attend with their colors and standards. During this service, the names of all deceased servicemen from Wallingford will be read. There will also be the presentation of the ceremonial American flag to the Parade Marshal, James Dunn.

The annual Memorial Day Parade is set for Monday, May 30th. The parade participants will meet at Dutton Park at 9 a.m. Ceremonies start at 9:20 a.m. before the parade. The Gold Star Sisters will lay wreaths, with a prayer ceremony and Taps to be played by Lyman Hall High School.

The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. and will proceed south on North Main Street to Center Street; they will then turn left and proceed to South Elm Street, turn right and proceed to Doolittle Park, where the parade formation will gather in front of the reviewing stand and ceremonies will commence.

Barbara's Bountiful Bouquet

Connor - You are Our Super Hero Iron Man! We love you bigger than the Universe. Happy 4th Birthday Love Mommy, Daddy, Emma, Maggie, Orion, Ollie and the Avengers

LocalMotion

Thank God, it's time to start working on the garden. I'm so thankful for this time of year. It is still light out at 8 p.m., and I am loving that. Beginning on March 16th, we were able to sign up for our plots at the Parks and Rec for the Wallingford Community Garden, which is located at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park on East Center Street. This is my 13th year, I think. I've kind of lost track.

For a change, I actually started shoveling up weeds, grass, and sunflower roots in April to try and not have to face weeds and grass that are four-feet high in May. Every year the weeding is a daunting project, so I was determined to try to hold those weeds at bay. I put down a lot of hay, too. I decided to shovel out all of the strawberry plants because they began to take up way too much space in such a tiny plot, and it just wasn't worth it.

Oh, and my weed block experiment last summer was not very successful. I had weeds growing through it and on top of it in April. I think if you are going to use weed block, you really have to lay newspapers down first and then put the material over it, which of course I did not do. Live and learn. So now I have all kinds of holes in the weed block from pulling weeds out of it. Nuts. So much for the 10-year guarantee. Humph.

I did a little experiment with seeds in my "sun room" beginning in February. You probably know this, but if you don't have special lights for helping plants grow, this process takes FOREVER. I started with lettuce. Approximately two months later the lettuce was large enough to actually eat. I got two servings of salad out of it. I next planted cucumbers, peppers, basil, and tomatoes in March. They are still so small on May 7th; they would never survive if I transplanted them now. Maybe by the end of May they could possibly be transplanted in the garden, but I have a feeling I'll be buying my usual plants at Vinny's and elsewhere. I just thought I would give it a shot. I just planted some sunflowers yesterday in my "sun room." I'll see how that goes.

So this was like one of the worst winters in my memory, and we came through it, thankfully. Some people were joking that the snow would not melt until July. It almost seemed that way, didn't it? I am thankful it is over with, as I am sure everyone else is. I am also acutely aware that Connecticut is very blessed. We had no tornadoes, hurricanes, mudslides, fires, earthquakes, or nuclear reactor meltdowns. Oh, sure, we had some caved in roofs, but those can be fixed.

So many people have faced terrible devastation in our country, and in other countries too, and I am very thankful to be living in Connecticut. Yeah, we might have high prices, a high cost of living, but that's okay. I can deal with that. I feel fairly safe here. I am proud to be an American, but I am also very grateful to be living in Connecticut, honest, high prices or otherwise.

I hope all of the mothers in our readership had a great Mother's Day! And Memorial Day is fast approaching. Happy Spring to everyone! Summer is a'coming, and I'm ready! Yippee!

Barbara Sherburne barndt49@yahoo.com

THE YOUNG BUSINESS LEADERS OF CT ARE HOSTING THEIR 3rd ANNUAL MINI GOLF TOURNAMENT The Rotary Clubs of Wallingford and Meriden hosted a luncheon at Ashlar Village in Wallingford on Friday, May 6th. The guest speaker was astronaut Storey Musgrave. Approximately 185 people attended. Mr. Musgrave visited Mark T. Sheehan HS, Moran Middle School and Pond Hill Elementary Schools in Wallingford. His visit is to help promote fundraiser efforts for updates needed for the Mark T. Sheehan HS Planetarium.

Wallingford Mayor Dickison presented Mr. Musgrave with a Proclamation proclaiming May 6th Storey Musgrave Day in Wallingford.

Photo: Storey Musgrave and Wallingford Mayor Dickinson

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The Young Business Leaders of CT of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is hosting their 3rd Annual Mini Golf Tournament on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Golf Quest, 125 Jude Ln., Southington from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

The cost is $20 per player or $75 per foursome. Hole Sponsorships are available for $50 each. Team Registration starts at 5:30 with a Shotgun start at 6:00pm followed by awards ceremony and refreshments at 8:00pm. Proceeds help support the Young Business Leaders Dan M. Hunter Education Award. (Rain date will be Thursday, June 16, 2011) For more information, call the Chamber at (203) 235-7901, fax us at (203) 686-0172, email us at info@meridenchamber.com or visit www.meridenchamber.com.

Page 4 May 2011

Have you seen something inspiring or positive that needs more coverage, or do you have a friend or neighbor who's done something amazing? Call us or email us. We are a little different then other papers - we MAKE GOOD NEWS happen! Isn't that the way it should be? Upcoming Deadlines - June 2nd for our Early-June '11 issue - Don't Forget Father's Day Wishes! June 15th for our Mid-June '11 issue & June 24th for our Late June '11 issue! Call 203-235-9333 or email andy@peoplespressnews.com

Now TWO LOCATIONS for an Artistic Adventure!

Kid’s Summer Camps!

Mayor's Corner - Wallingford Dear Residents: The Town of Wallingford regularly encourages recycling as a very important activity of good citizenship and participates in a regional Household Hazwaste Central which works with communities for the safe and free disposal of household chemicals. Hazwaste is open to participating communities on Saturdays from 9:00a.m. to Noon from mid-May to the end of October and is located at the Regional Water Authority, 90 Sargent Drive, New Haven.

On Saturday, May 21st, Wallingford hosted a Hometown Day at Hazwaste Central and was grateful to have so many volunteers to help out at the event. Volunteers assist in greeting and gathering information from users delivering their household hazardous waste. If you were not able to volunteer on the 21st, perhaps you can volunteer your services on September 24th, Wallingford's fall Hometown Day. Anyone interested in volunteering should call the Program Planning Office at 203-294-2060.

Don't forget, Wallingford now hosts an Electronics Recycling Program, for Wallingford households only, the 2nd Saturday of every month at the Recycling Center, 175 John Street, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each household will be limited to seven items per visit and the program is FREE. Electronics recycling is a great way to help protect the environment by reusing products rather than disposing by burning or burying.

It's a wonderful month to celebrate and maintain our environment.

Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

Mayor's Corner - Meriden

Creative Art,Nature Art & NEW Fiber Art Camps Offered at our Wallingford location & in meriden!

EASEL WORKS

Creative Art Studio & Gallery

294-1548

2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford

We just concluded the Annual Mayor's Spring Clean-up Campaign. This year we counted more than 100 attendees spread all over the city cleaning sidewalks, city owned vacant lots, sidewalks, and the entire Hub area. Nice to see such a positive effort for our city. All the helpers were invited to a cookout at the Hub following the cleanup.

The Mayor's Office is busy planning the 2nd Annual Italian Night at Hubbard Park on Wednesday June 15 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Lots of Italian food, music, dancers, and good fun. Bring a table, chairs, and an appetite!

We are still looking for volunteers for Project Graduation, the all night alcohol and drug free party for graduating Meriden Seniors on Monday, June 20 at Wilcox Technical High School. Make sure our seniors have a safe graduation night and a memorable evening by giving a helping hand. Contact Karen Sambor at 203-235-8566 to sign up for a few hours.

Also, monetary donations and in-kind donations are welcome.

The Annual Black Expo cultural festival will take place at City Park on Saturday, June 25. A parade will start the event at the Hub and march to City Park at 11 AM. Don't miss this day of music, food, amusements, vendors, and fun for the entire family.

Also, put the circus on your calendar for June 27, 28, 29 at the Hub. There will be two exciting shows each day.

And, the Westfield Deck Party with Fireworks will take place on Friday, July 1 on the Sears upper deck parking garage. Best view of the fireworks and lots of music, food, and entertainment for the whole family.

Now that the good weather has finally arrived, take advantage of all the outdoor activities and events Meriden offers!

Regards, Mike Rohde - Mayor of Meriden

Wallingford Community Day Care Hosts Mayor, Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 & Thing 2 and Viola Swamp!

Dressed in a shirt, tie and overcoat, Mayor William Dickinson walked into a preschool classroom at Wallingford Community Day Care and put on a hat. But it wasn't just any hat - it was a red- and white-striped Dr. Seuss hat. And this was no ordinary day - this was "Read Across America Day." On March 2, with "Green Eggs and Ham" in hand, the mayor began reading the beloved story to the delight of the many children who soon circled around him to listen to his animated version of the story - complete with sound effects and acting out some scenes.

"I do not like green eggs and ham! I do not like them, Sam-I-Am," said the mayor.

Jessica Ivan, who is an assistant with the four-year-old children at Wallingford Community Day Care, along with kindergarten teacher Tammy Smith, spearheaded the "Raising Readers Club." The club typically meets on Wednesday nights, but instead of a club meeting, Ivan read "Yurtle the Turtle" and built a tower of blocks that alternated with paper Yurtles. The tower grew taller and taller‌until Yurtle sneezed and the tower fell to the ground, causing the children to squeal with delight.

In other classrooms, children listened to Dale Sheehan, who is part of the infant/toddler program at Wallingford Community Daycare and dressed as both "Thing 1 AND Thing 2" read "Hop on Pop; kindergarten teacher Tammy Smith read "Miss Nelson is Missing" (dressed as Viola Swamp); and families - be it moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, stepparents, aunts, uncles or friends - watch skits performed by the school-age children and show their clay-figure interpretations of Dr. Seuss's works.

"They studied Dr. Seuss all week [during school vacation]," said Director Kathy Queen.

And it wasn't just the school-age children that were working hard during vacation week. The three-year-olds worked on phonemic awareness - learning how important one's mouth is to speaking and worked it into Dr. Seuss and the importance rhyming has on language development.

The first three years of life is the most effective time to teach pre-literacy skills. The development of oral language is the foundation of reading and writing. Without a strong foundation, children can fall behind as academic material becomes more complex. Early literacy is not about 3- and 4-year-olds reading proficiently. That's not developmentally-appropriate It's learning to enjoy listening to someone read, establishing a love of reading and gaining knowledge, understanding how words work on a page, that letters make up words, how to look through a book, how to hold a book. They see that it's fun to read.

Queen saw March 2 as an important way to include families into the overall life success of the children at her center.

"If we're looking to close the achievement gap and we want kids to be ready and be the best, most literate kids out there, then it's not just about school readiness," said Queen. "It's about the family, nutrition and fun, because kids aren't islands. They live in a family and family is key - no matter what that family is."

Shown in photo: Mayor William Dickinson gets animated as he reads "Green Eggs and Ham."

Scholarships to be Awarded The Silver City Marine Corps League with the John R. Shoneck Scholarship Fund Committee would like to announce that we will be awarding three (3) one thousand ($1,000) Scholarships this year. These Scholarships will be given out to deserving students from Meriden and from surrounding area towns. Scholarship applications will be at the school's guidance counselor office.

Those attending the following schools are welcome to apply: Platt, Maloney, Lyman Hall, Sheehan, Cheshire, Xavier and Mercy Whisper your dream to a cloud. Ask the cloud to remember it. - Yoko Ono

CELEBRATIONS

Page 5 May 2011

Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament The biggest "community" tennis tournament in New England is right here in CT! The 7th annual Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament is scheduled for June 11-19. The 2011 venue is the beautiful and recently renovated Hunt Tennis Center on the Choate-Rosemary Campus, Wallingford.

This is a charity event and all proceeds from the tournament benefit Wallingford YMCA youth programs and the Winton S. Filipek Sr. scholarship fund.

Each player receives a tournament t-shirt, player handbook, player gift bag, ticket to "Breakfast at the Championships" and tennis balls & water for every match. Prizes are awarded to 1st & 2nd place in every division.

The 9-day event will feature: 21 divisions for all levels, 5 high school divisions, a junior boys & girls round-robin and a Free Kids & HS Clinic & Fun Day (at capacity 2010).

In 2010, the event drew 594 entries.

THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY TENNIS TOURNAMENT! Please direct any questions to: Wint Filipek Jr. wrfilipek@hotmail.com 860-621-5655 Apply on line NOW @ www.ymcafilipektennis.com

Wallingford Senior Center News and Events Ethan’s gonna make sure Mommy has a great country music birthday!

LocalMotion

WPAA to the Rescue!

Dave Smith, a COX employee, volunteered to train a group of teens/young adults with Asperger Syndrome to be the entire production crew of a series of interview shows that is being shown on cable access TV in 23 towns, and on Utube. Josh Powers, a Wallingford resident and a media communications major at Quinnipiac University serves as our host and role model, along with Chris Nieves, also a Wallingford resident , who is an ASRC mentor and director of the show.

Recently, due to the heavy snow, the roof collapsed at the Cheshire studio, and our production came to a halt. However, WPAA in Wallingford came to the rescue. They graciously agreed to allow us to use their studio, and Eric and Alan from WPAA spent time with Dave and our crew to familiarize them with the equipment.

April was Autism Awareness Month, and Dave Smith and crew have done wonders bringing autism to the forefront. We are very grateful to WPAA for reaching across the town to lend a helping hand so that we can continue this beneficial project.

Patricia Coppola - CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center

Memorial Day Observance Tuesday, May 31, 11:00 AM Our program of remembrance will feature readings and music in memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Please join us in the Great Room.

Forty Years of Fashion Vintage Fashion Show & Display We are looking for vintage clothing from the 50's, 60's 70's and 80's for an event on June 8. We are collecting clothes that can either be modeled or displayed; sportswear, outerwear and formal wear are all welcome. We are also searching for volunteers who would enjoy modeling the clothes on the runway during the fashion show. If you have clothing to loan or are interested in participating as a model or escort, please contact Patty Watts at 203-265-7753.

COMING IN JUNE! MARK YOUR CALENDAR1 Summer Sizzle Dance Party w/ Stan Scott Band June 2, 2011 Vintage Fashion Show & Display June 8, 2011 10th Anniversary Celebration of our Building June 9, 2011 Senior Center Art Show June 29 to July 1, 2011 Join the LocalMotion by sharing a story, news, photos, events and more!

Email andy@peoplespressnews.com

Celebrations! LocalMotions! Happy Thoughts!

Your photo and message or news can easily be shared by emailing them to celebrations@peoplespressnews.com.

No matter if it’s a birthday, holiday, anniversary, wedding, birth announcement or just to make someone feel special, it’s always FREE to share your Celebrations in The People’s Press! Remember DADS and GRADS! They will appear in our print version and of course online at www.peoplespressnews.com.

Email someone special a smile today to celebrations@peoplespressnews.com Happy Birthday!

Remember DADS and GRADS!

Message: ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The best way to send a celebration is by email! However, if you prefer you can send to:The People’s Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492. If you would like the photo returned to you, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope! We do not publish the last names of of our friends who are under the age of 15 for safety reasons.

Upcoming Deadlines June 2nd for our Early-June ‘11 issue - Don’t Forget Father’s Day Wishes!

June 15th for our Mid-June ‘11 issue, June 24th for our Late June ‘11 issue, July 3 for our Early July ‘11 issue and July 15th for our Mid-July ‘11 issue

Page 6 May 2011

2nd Annual "Burgers for a Cause" Event

Last year, the "We are Family" Relay for Life team held the first "Burgers for a Cause Event".

The 2nd annual event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers will again be hosting this fundraiser.

Relay for Life is an important event to the Underwood and Moynihan family members, the organizers of the event. Fran Moynihan, the matriarch of the family, is a breast cancer survivor and is actively involved in Relay for Life. Carleen Underwood battled cancer for 8 years.

She underwent numerous surgeries and treatments. However, she lost her battle in 2008 at the age of 43. The "We are Family" relay team was formed in honor of Fran and in memory of Carleen, two remarkable women.

The Burgers for a Cause Event is a fundraiser held at Ted's Steamed Cheeseburger's 2 locations (Meriden and Cromwell). It is as simple as coming in to Ted's on June 21st and enjoying lunch, dinner, a quick snack, or just a beverage. A portion of all sales for the day will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Last year the event raised $1500.00 thanks to the generosity of Ted's in addition to donations collected.

For more information visit the "2nd Annual Burgers for a Cause Event" on FB. Photo: Lindsay Underwood; Jay Zuber; and Angie Smith from Ted's The wait staff at Ted's donated their tips from last year to the American Cancer Society in support of our event.

Tons of Fun, Events, Classes and More!

IT'S IN THE BAG There is currently much to do about plastic shopping bags--and paper ones, too. We take free grocery bags for granted now, debating the pros and cons of the various types of bags available at our super-markets.

I appreciate the plastic bags for reuse at home to line my waste paper baskets and kitchen trash basket, and I don't know what I'd do without the large paper bags in which I recycle magazines and newspapers. I value both these products and never just throw them away, always using them to fill a household need. My friend, Maria, crochets plastic bags into pocketbooks. Amazing.

My daily newspaper is thrown to my driveway in a narrow plastic bag and these, too, are pressed into use. I save other plastic items, store them in one of the newspaper bags, and bring them to the collection box in the foyer of the super market where I shop.

One store I patronize occasionally sells large plastic bags for ten cents each. I bring my own cloth bags but appreciate that I could buy bags if I needed them.

When was the last time you bought a loaf of bread without a bag or at least some kind of wrapping?

Let me tell you about a loaf of bread we bought in Turkey that was wrapped in newspaper.

Forty years ago my husband and I traveled to Turkey to visit our daughter and son-in-law. John was in the United States Air Force. He had completed a tour of duty in Viet Nam, come home for his grandfather's funeral, married our daughter, and then assigned to Incirlik, the American Air Force Base in Turkey.

They lived in Adana, a town not far from Incirlik, in a fourth floor walk-up apartment.

Their daughter was born in Ankara. The new parents wanted us to see that baby and oh, how we wanted to see that baby! So we saved our money and by the time our granddaughter was four months old we were on a flight to Turkey by way of Madrid, Spain, arriving at Adana Air Port on April first, 1970.

John and Robin had a station wagon and drove us everywhere, always filling the car with andy off-duty friends and their 14 year old neighbor, Bezme, who served as our interpreter. We saw Roman aqua ducts, camel trains and castles, put our feet in the Mediterranean Sea, bought oranges in Tarsus where Paul and Cleopatra maybe did the same, though probably not together.

But I digress.

One day we visited the open-air market in Adana and several regular stores. We bought towels in a store where we were served chai, a delicious tea. A runner was sent out to buy the tea and brought it back on a tray. We sat up to the counter on stools and/or chairs with no backs. We were highly valued customers and the owners of the store took the time to speak with us as best they could.

Our last stop was to buy bread--still warm, though not baked on the premises of the store where we bought it. The bread was wrapped in newspaper. There was no bag.

Robin put the bread in a hot oven for a few minutes to kill the germs and then we sat and enjoyed this very special, delicious, loaf of bread.

John explained that the loaves of bread are delivered to the bakery in a truck, not in baskets, boxes, or bags, but just thrown together in the back of a truck. The truck that was used to deliver bread that day was used to deliver something else on other days. No one knows what it delivered on the other days.

That thought was a little intimidating, but I claimed that my loaf was in the middle of all the other loaves and did not touch anything other than another loaf of bread. One needs strong beliefs to live in a country like Turkey. Still, I would have gladly paid a nickel for a bag to carry that loaf of bread in.

I bet some of you would have paid a great deal more for a bag to keep that loaf of bread clean. I bet some of you would not have eaten that loaf of bread that was delivered in that truck that day.

I'm glad we did. It was Wonderful!

One Woman's Journal by Audrey C. Linke

Broadway Bound!

The Parker Farms Drama Club is an after school program that was 2 years ago under the guidance of Patricia Crowley, the former administrator of the school. The Drama club was started because of a parent's passion, Linda Wilkinson, (who trust me has the energy of a 9 cup pot of coffee), for the musical theater and a strong desire to bring performing arts to the children at Parker Farms.

The Drama Club performed "Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr." on March 19th.

The students had the opportunity to work very hard creating a finished product from nothing.

Work was completed in sections, a month to do the chorus music, a month on solos and a month on reading fluency to help with script writing.

The students also explored some independent projects including posters, written papers to compliment and reinforce what they had learned.

Some of the educational topics they chose were: The Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Preamble and the Constitution, Immigrants and the Melting Pot, Numbers, Manifest Destiny, the Planets and the Circulation of the heart & blood vessels.

The students worked very hard all year and grew tremendously, both socialOptician, ly and educationally. Linda was glad to have the opportunity as a parent to be N.C.L.E. so instrumental in introducing the performing arts to Parker Farms Elementary School.

Congratulations go to all of the students and also Mrs. Wilkinson for making an art not only of "Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr." but also making education a work of art in progress!

The Wallingford Park & Recreation Department’s Summer 2011 Guide!

Available to read, download & print at

www.peoplespressnews.com

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Downtown Wallingford While driving through Wallingford yesterday I happened to notice how beautiful it looks. The trees are in bloom the pansies are in the baskets & in the barrels; the lighting is perfect for our New England town.

Take a walk, Simpson Court looks absolutely beautiful. Stand at the top of Center Street & look south toward The Masonic Home it will take your breath away, it did mine. I felt such a sense of pride in the town & the people who make this beauty possible.

Good Job! Sincerely, Carole Golitko

Page 7 May 2011

The Wallingford Gardeners Market Celebrates Our 12th Year! held on Saturday mornings from 9 AM - Noon from July 16- September 17, 2011 on the Railroad Station Green - intersection of Routes 5 and150 (Colony Street and Hall Avenue)- in the heart of downtown Wallingford, CT at the Gazebo!

When you shop at the market, you support our local economy. Your dollars go toward good fresh food, grown and harvested with care by local farmers and boutique gardeners. You buy direct from the producer; no middlemen; no long distance trucking costs. The produce you select is as fresh as if you grew it yourself!

Our Market features: fresh produce - veggies and fruit, fresh picked flowers, potted flowers, herbs, and shrubs, fresh breads, freshly brewed coffee, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, candy, handmade soaps and balms quilts and aprons, paintings and prints, gift baskets, inscribed garden stones, garden ornaments, T-shirts, aprons, and bags with Wallingford logos.

To find out more about us visit www.wallingfordgardenersmarket.com and don't forget to follow us on FaceBook!

Just Because of You!

Wallingford YMCA could be a LIVESTRONG YMCA! It's up to you! Take 9 Seconds To VOTE! Make a difference for Central Connecticut by Voting for the Wallingford YMCA NOW! YOU may VOTE once per day till May 31st!

VOTE TODAY & Make a great IMPACT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY! A collaboration of YMCAs in CT and MA has qualified to compete for the chance to become LIVESTRONG YMCAs and YOUR WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA has the honor of being one of them, as determined by an online voting process between May 11 - May 31. Only one of eight final YMCAs will win in 2011. Please help us bring this unique opportunity to Central CT by voting today and encouraging others to do so as well. Go to www.peoplespressnews.com or www.wallingfordymca.org to vote or go to http://livestrong.secondreading.com/regions/8/204-wallingford-family-ymca/vote/?back=/regions/8/204-wallingfordfamily-ymca/ or find the link at our website www.wallingfordymca.org or at www.peoplespressnews.com What is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA? LIVESTRONG at the WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA would be a twelve week small group program designed for adult cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or disease.

The program is offered without cost to the participants.

Our goal is to help patients build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes, and improving energy levels and self esteem. A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life.

Research is now showing that physical activity can decrease recurrence and increase survivorship for cancer patients.

Certified YMCA fitness instructors give personal individualized instruction to the participants. The instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise, nutrition, and supportive cancer care.

Why is LIVESTRONG at the WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA Important?

This program fulfills the important need of the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their normal life. The fact that the program in outside a medical facility and integrated into the community serves to emphasize that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is about health, not about disease. The positive and enthusiastic feedback that we receive from individuals who have gone through the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA convinces us that this is a significant community program that fills an important, and previously unaddressed, need of cancer patients and survivors.

To the Best Mom & Nana. Thank you for everything you do and for always loving us. Love, Your Children & Grandkids

Page 8 May 2011

Wallingford Park and Recreation News and Events 9091.200 Gloucester & Rockport Lobster Bake, Cape Ann, MA Saturday June 18th Bus Departs Rec. Dept. 8:15am Returns: 7:30pm Fee: $83 This adventurous day along the rocky coastline of Cape Ann in Massachusetts features a delicious lobster bake at the Gloucester House Restaurant on historic Seven Seas Wharf.

Menu: New England Clam Chowder, homemade corn bread, corn on the cob, 1 lb lobster, red bliss potato, dessert, lemonade, coffee (1/2 BBQ Chicken for non-lobster eaters). These lobsters are trapped by lobstermen who tie their vessels right up to the 350 yr. old wharf. Gloucester House Staff will give a demonstration on how to eat lobster and delight you with tales of local history. Afternoon at the seaside village of Rockport where a myriad of shops abound with crafts, jewelry, clothing, art, and great ice cream stores for that late afternoon treat……See Bearskin Neck famous Motif #1.

4205.300 Summer Adult Midnight Run Basketball League 2011 League begins in early June, date T.B.A. The league will consist of the first twelve teams to register. Games will be played on Monday and Thursday nights. TEA M ROSTERS MUST BE COMPLETELY FILLED OUT AND SIGNE D

BY ALL PLAYER S ON ROSTERS. ROSTERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PAYMEN T AND SIGNATURES. Team entry fee is $450 per resident team and $500 per non-resident team. Shirts will be provided. For more info regarding the league please call the Rec Dept. and ask for Bill Farm, League Supervisor. Registration for Returning Resident Teams is until 4:30pm. May 20th New Resident Teams may register 4:35pm. May 20th New Corporate Teams may register 4:40pm May 20th Registration for Returning Non-Resident Teams may register 4:45pm.

May 20th New Non Resident Teams may register 4:50pm May 20th 4101.200 Tennis Ladder for Ages 18+ Looking for a good, spirited, fun tennis match on a weekly basis then join Steve Pepe and the gang at the Doolittle Park Tennis Courts and the new courts at Choate Rosemary Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 6:30pm to get your rung on the ladder so to speak. Each week compete with someone of equal skill or better luck. Check out your standing online at www.ropeyladder.com.

When: Starts May 23 Mondays and Wednesdays 6:30-10:30pm thru Sept. for 22 weeks. Participants must call in to register or fill out registration form at Parks and Recreation Department or first night of play. No Fee to register 8272.200 Parent & Child Father's Day Workshop Let's celebrate dad by making 2 great crafts for him! We will make him a grilling apron, stamped and painted just for him! We'll decorate a serving tray with DADS stamps, sports stamps and more. It's the perfect tray to serve him his favorites on Father's Day! A $17 per team material fee made payable to instructor night of class.

When: Friday June 3rd One Night 6:30-9:00pm Location: Exit 7A Fee: $25 per team Instructor: Kim Larkin, Visual Arts Supervisor 8276.200 Summer Mosaic Frame & Sea Glass Display Ball for Adults Come learn how to use tiles, glass beads, cabochons, and sea glass to add a touch of summer to your home. We will use grout (with gloves!), embellishments and paint to create our works of art! **Participants must bring an apron and box to take art work home in.** A $9 material fee made payable to instructor night of class.

When: Friday June 10th One Night 6:30-9:00pm Location: Exit 7A Fee: $25 per team Instructor: Kim Larkin, Visual Arts Supervisor For more information and to register for any of the above - stop by the Wallingford Park and Recreation Department at 6 Fairfield Blvd # 6 or call (203) 294-2120.

Look for the entire Wallingford Park and Recreation Summer 2011 Brochure online at www.peoplespressnews.com Upcoming Deadlines - June 2nd for our Early-June '11 issue - Don't Forget Father's Day Wishes! June 15th for our Mid-June '11 issue & June 24th for our Late June '11 issue! It's always FREE to share all of your news, events, photos, stories and more. Join the LocalMotion by emailing andy@peoplespressnews.com with your submissions.

Meriden Health Department News CPR & AED Awareness Week Event If a friend, family member, or co-worker went into cardiac arrest, would you know what to do? National CPR & AED Awareness Week is June 1-7. To raise awareness on what you can do to help save a life, the Meriden Health Department will host an event on Tuesday, June 7, from 6-7pm, at the Meriden Public Library (105 Miller Street). During this hour you will learn how to recognize a heart attack, try CPR on a manikin, and see how an AED (automated external defibrillator) can help save a life. The program is free and open to the public. This is not a certification course; no cards will be given. For more information please call the Community Health Education office at 203-630-4238.

Save the Date!

Community Wednesday Block Party and National Day of Play This event is back for a second year! Over 1,000 residents enjoyed a day of sunshine, play, and community last year - will you be part of the crowd in 2011?

When: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 (rain date is Thursday, July 21), 10:00am4:00pm Where: Meriden HUB What: A day of fun for everyone! Activities, games, food, health fair, info booths, petting zoo, hay rides, dunk tank, live broadcast by HOT 93.7.

Sponsored by the Meriden Housing Authority, Meriden/Wallingford NAACP, and the City of Meriden.

Want to get involved in the health fair portion of this event? Contact Angela Simpson at 203-630-4237 or asimpson@ci.meriden.ct.us. Want to be a food vendor? Contact Teri Ramos at 203-235-0157 or teri.ramos@meridenha.com.

Save the Date - National Trails Day is June 4!

Come celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4 from 10:00-11:30am at Dossin Beach Park, directly across the street from the Quinnipiac River Linear Walking Trail (Red Bridge) in Meriden. Meriden's National Trail Partners will showcase educational exhibits and be on hand to answer your questions on Meriden's natural resources, environmental issues, and trail expansion.

Meriden's National Trail Partners include the Meriden Conservation Commission, Meriden Land Trust, Quinnipiac River Watershed Association, and the Meriden Linear Trails Committee.

The Meriden Health Department will be giving out free pedometers and walking logs to attendees (first come, first serve). Light refreshments will be served. If it rains the event will be cancelled (will be posted on the Health Department website - www.meridenhealth.com, as well as on their Facebook page).

Bring the family and enjoy a great day outside! For more information call 203-630-4238.

AVANTI is

24th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament The Ray Parmentier Classic WEDNESDAY, June 8, 2011

Hunter Memorial Golf Course on Westfield Rd., Meriden

How about enjoying a wonderful day outside playing the beloved game of golf with your family, friends and neighbors! Sound good?

Then you won't want to miss the Meriden Chamber's 24th Annual Golf Tournament, the Ray Parmentier Classic. Enjoy 18 holes of golf, a cart, a registration goody bag, a barbecue lunch and buffet dinner, fantastic raffle prizes and awards and a whole lot of fun.

Proceeds benefit chamber activities including the Sanford S. Shorr Education Awards. To date we've given over $60,000 to deserving Meriden students.

Call 203.235.7901 Today FOUR a Great Day! The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce 3 Colony St., Suite 301 Meriden, CT 06450

Promotion Networking Education Leadership www.meridenchamber.com

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THE WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA

Page 9 May 2011

Nurturing the potential of every child and teen with our Child Care Programs!

YMCA/Rotary Teen Center. They are provided with a healthy snack and homework time during the afternoon.

Corporate Child Care

Kindergarten Child Care Our Kindergarten Child Care (KCC) program operates out of the KinderHouse on 16 Wallace Ave. We are a state licensed facility, with caring staff to provide a safe and fun environment for children of working parents or anyone who requires such care. No one is turned away for inability to pay; we accept Care for Kids and provide financial aid. We provide wrap around care for students in kindergarten. The AM program runs from 6:45AM until they are brought to the bus at noon to attend PM kindergarten. They may then attend PM care at their school site. Students who attend AM kindergarten are brought to the Y by the bus after dismissal, and attend the program until 6:15PM. They may also attend AM care at their school sites. Students bring their own lunch, and are provided both AM and PM snacks. Children swim once a week, and have music and gym enrichment weekly. Computers are available in our media room. Games and manipulative toys are always available. Along with the gym, the children have a playscape in the back yard. The staff at KinderHouse is warm, nurturing, experienced, and fun. Come join the fun at KinderHouse!

School Age Child Care The School Age Child Care Program is located in all 8 elementary schools, with Holy Trinity students being bused Moses Y Beach. Our hours of operation are from 6:45AM until the start of school and from dismissal until 6:15PM. We are a state licensed facility, with caring staff to provide a safe and fun environment for children of working parents or anyone who requires such care. No one is turned away for inability to pay; we accept Care for Kids and provide financial aid.

We stress a healthy spirit, mind and body. To help achieve this, we offer healthy snacks in both the morning and afternoon. Homework time is held every afternoon, with staff always present and ready to offer assistance. We utilize either the gym or playground daily to help keep the children active. Board games, tabletop activities, and craft projects are also a daily part of the program. The children also participate in monthly community service projects. The YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility are some of the important things that make us different from other child care facilities.

Middle School Child Care The Wallingford YMCA Middle School Afterschool Program is a licensed after school program running from the end of school until 6:00PM. Teens are bused to the YMCA/Rotary Teen Center from both middle schools at the close of school. Daily, students may participate in sports activities at Doolittle Park, YMCA fitness classes, and have full use of the

81 South Elm Street in Wallingford

The Wallingford Family YMCA has been providing quality infant, toddler, and preschool care for 25 years. For the times you can?t be there yourself, the YMCA supports your efforts to nurture the healthy growth of your child in spirit, mind, and body. It provides safe, affordable, high-quality care so you can have peace of mind while you work to help your family succeed.

8 weeks to 12 months Our use of primary care givers for infants encourages open communication between the care giver and the parent and helps bridge the gap between home and the center.

1 year to 5 years In an age-appropriate environment, experienced staff provides developmentally appropriate programs for each individual age group. Our curriculum is based on the interests and needs of the children and promotes emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development.

Program enhancements include: Family Nights @ the YMCA. Sports skills offered once a week and Preschool swim lessons

THE EARLY LEARNING CENTER AT GAYLORD HOSPITAL A joint venture with Gaylord Hospital, the center is located on the grounds of Gaylord Hospital. The center is open Monday-Friday, 6:45AM-5:30PM. Full and part time options are available

THE LEARNING COMMUNITY AT CHOTE-ROSEMARY HALL Located on the campus of Choate Rosemary Hall, the Learning Community is open year round Monday-Friday, 7:00AM-6:00PM. Full and part time options are available.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT - All-Day Kindergarten The YMCA All Day Kindergarten occupies four spacious rooms on the 2nd floor of KinderHouse, located at 16 Wallace Street, Wallingford, CT. An enclosed playground, picnic tables and playscape provide a safe, outdoor area. The Wallingford YMCA was first to venture in operating a full day Kindergarten Program in the Wallingford Community and is 15 years young. Academic Program runs from 9:00AM-3:00PM. Extended Day hours meet the needs of working parents for both before and after school care, 6:45AM-9:00AM and/or 3:00PM-6:00PM. The All-Day Kindergarten aims to meet the developmental needs of each child.

Scheduling, pacing and rhythm of each activity are consistent with recognized principles of childhood education.

The All-Day Kindergarten provides creative opportunities and experience, which stimulate a child?s physical, social, intellectual and emotional development.

Students benefit from small class size, 1:1 instruction and the presence of two teachers daily. Handwriting, phonics, math, science, social studies and developmental concepts are part our daily lessons. Enrichment programs include Reach for the Stars Reading Program, PAF (Preventing Academic Failure) approach to handwriting, reading and phonics, Computer Tots computer classes, field trips, swim lessons, art, music and physical education.

203-269-4497

www.wallingfordymca.org

Page 10 May 2011

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An Ongoing Series By John Gopoian JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY In the event of an emergency, we are very fortunate to have 911 available to us. Over the years, this system has evolved into one of societies greatest resources & assets for each of our families. Dealing with your first family emergency can truly be one of those long lasting life experiences and it really is not easy, but memorizing that phone number is and thanks to all those teachers in our elementary schools for teaching it to our youngsters.

There are some important things you and family should know. # 1 it's a very serious criminal offense for anyone to misuse this emergency phone number, like prank phone calls. But incase you or your child has dial it accidentally just stay on the line and let the emergency telecommunicator know just that, it was an accident. Toddler's and youngster have been known to try out their skills at dialing the number on their own. For that person thinking of making that prank call, well the emergency center can actually see on their computer where your calling from, so you will be caught, and I know just the youngster that it happened too, and from what he told me standing in front of a judge for the 1st time, was not a concequence he thought of. "Concequences" will be another right up for you one day. On with 911.. I mentioned the emergency center can see where your calling from, but that's on a Land-line, not a cellular phone, so be sure to state what your location is first. Your location is most important, over what the emergency is, who you are etc. Emergency Services need to know where you are. When calling stay on the phone,unless where you are calling from is hazardous or you need to get out. The trained telecommunincator ( Dispatcher)is a very professional in handling all sorts of emergencies, helping you keep calm and even trained to teach you over the phone what to do in rendering medical care for a person, so stay on the phone and follow their instructions.

911 hang-ups are situations where the person may of dialed the number, though can not speak for a variety of reasons. In this case, either the police will respond or the entIre armada of services are coming to your aid. Children, should be taught to call 911, when they feel there's an emergency, it might not turn out to be, but they need to know not to be freightened to call, no one is going to fault them if they sincerely felt they needed help or were freightened etc.

Again its important to further understand that calling for an emergency response to your location increases the chances of the those emergency vehicles responding with their lights & sirens, increase their chances of being in an accident 100%, so please reserve this important number for true emergencies. A true emergency is one in which by POLICE-FIRE-EMS responding lights & sirens will minimize or eliminate the chances of property loss, bodily injury or loss of life. "So Let's Role!"

Her beautiful face, her wonderful smile, My Mom‌ Those sparkling blue eyes, how they could take me a mile.

Her warm gentle hugs, her soft spoken voice, How could you not think, she'd be my first choice.

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Frugal Living in America

By Gina Juliano - Recognized by Media and Folks throughout North America as the source for SAVINGS! Using coupons has become more and more popular lately because of our crummy economy. Although I personally feel coupons are an excellent resource for stretching my money, many people don't really want to bother with coupons for one reason or another. In light of this, I have nine easy tips that will help save you money at the grocery store, even without using coupons. *Only buy what is on sale. Just sticking to this one simple rule will save you hundreds on your groceries every year. *Plan meals around what is on sale and what you have in your freezer or pantry, not what you want to eat. Although this concept seems like a "no brainer", many people create their shopping lists around what they would like to eat for the week and then go shopping.

Often, this practice leads to spending more money because what is being bought isn't on sale. *Take time to plan your meals each week. Meal planning is an excellent way to reduce your grocery costs. Take the time to assess what you have in stock at home and then plan meals in advance. Even if you plan out just half of your weekly meals, you'll save time and money because you won't be running to the grocery store for last minute items, which often swells your monthly food budget. *Buy extra when you shop. If you are a family who eats pasta once a week, for example, buy more than one box of pasta when it's on sale. This way, you won't have pay full price the next time. Recently, Swiss cheese was on sale at my grocery store for only $2.99/lb. Because my family eats lots of Swiss cheese, I bought three pounds, which was the maximum amount I could buy. To make it easy on myself, I had the deli person package the cheese into half pound units. I then froze all but one of the packages. For the next few weeks, I won't have to pay full price for the cheese because I have 5 more packages in my freezer. *Make extra when you cook. If you have to cook anyway, there's very little additional effort needed to double the amount you cook. Making extra food can be a frugal endeavor in two ways. First, you can take the leftovers for lunch and cut down on the more expensive lunch items such as deli meat. Second, you can make enough extra to freeze for another meal at a later date. Then, on the days you don't feel like cooking or are short on time, you have a complete meal that only needs to be defrosted. *Shop like a man, not like a woman. For the most part, women like to browse and look at everything when they go grocery shopping, whereas men get what they need and get the heck out of Dodge. Grocery stores, just like any retail store, want you to buy as much as possible. There are pretty displays and end caps enticing you with products you really don't need. How many times have you walked into a grocery store for bread and milk, and brought home three or four bags of groceries? It's best to put your blinders on and get only what is on your shopping list. *Make a shopping list and stick to it! Going to the grocery store without a list is like fighting a war without a battle plan. Without a shopping list, you are susceptible to overbuying. Having a list keeps you on track and focused. *Buy bread at bakery outlet stores. Bread is a relatively expensive item at the grocery store. Some of the heartier whole grain varieties can be more than $4 per loaf. Take trip to your local bread outlet store such as Freihoffer's or Wonder to purchase bakery products for as little as $1 per item. *Buy staple items such as flour, sugar, butter, milk, and eggs at a warehouse store. For the most part, staple items tend to be much less expensive at warehouse stores such as Costco and BJ's. Because the warehouse stores buy in such huge quantities, they get products for less and pass that savings on to the consumer.

Gina is the creator of Gina's Kokopelli, a blog dedicated to all things coupon, free and cheap. You can get more frugal tips, freebies, coupons, and great deals by visiting her blog at http://ginaskokopelli.com. Gina also teaches couponing classes and would love to be invited to your organization or business to teach a class. For more information or to inquire about a couponing class, please email her at ginaskokopelli@yahoo.com.

Page 11 May 2011

Tin Piano Alley

By Sara E. Booker "Put the piano by the window!" I yelled to my father and uncle. "I need a view when I play!"

It was 1929, I was seventeen years old and my family was moving into the ugly tenement that I was to reluctantly learn to call "home". I wasn't sad though. While our building was an eyesore, the view of the street below was enthralling. I would just have to look out the window all day long. There was intricate architecture, neon lights, lots of characters to watch and of course music.

I remember the first time I experienced the sinister cacophony. I had to open a window because it was getting a little too stuffy with smoke in our apartment from my father's cigar that he lit up to celebrate the completion of the move. I looked down on our street and immediately understood why it was nicknamed Tin Piano Alley. Like the more famous Tin Pan Alley there was the sound of dozens of pianos, all making tinny noise, dozens of song writers playing different songs at the same time. I was fascinated by the discord although I occasionally felt pinging pains in my head from it.

My mother couldn't handle it. She said that the sound was not only painful on the head but painful on the soul as well.

"Shut that window and drown out that racket," she hissed. "Those aren't artists. Those are conmen."

My aunt Betty was the one that talked our family into coming to live here with her after my father lost his job at the steel mill. She told my mother stories about how the song writers on this street were all looking for the next big hit, not the next artistic masterpiece. They were business men and music was not an art form to them but merely a means to an end. Aunt Betty did not appreciate this presumed sentiment because she was a classically trained pianist. As a matter of fact, she taught me how to play.

The more famous Tin Pan Alley, the original musical district in Manhattan was the harmonic haven where legends like Irving Berlin, Scott Joplin and Fats Waller had helped compose the American song book. Tin Piano Alley, on the other hand, was an unoriginal place, an unofficial name for a knockoff neighborhood, where music men who had failed to make the big time drifted, as a sad second rate, last resort.

Aunt Betty told us that some of the "composers" that moved here had been black listed or prosecuted for steeling melodies and harmonies, as they were uneducated on the newer, stricter copyright laws. Or they were bold enough to try to make money in spite of them. The cheap suits, cut-rate cigars, lifted lyrics and ripped off riffs gave this off-beat, blisted backstreet an underhanded ambience.

Intrigued, I took a walk down Tin Piano Alley for the first time the next day, assuming I'd be able to blend in if I coiled my long hair and pinned it up and under a beret. I was trying to look more like a flapper and less like a girl that had never walked down a city street before. I even cut about a foot off my skirt and hemmed it in an effort to appear more modern. If I blended in I certainly could not tell by all the stares, as if I were a wrecked Model A. I'll never forget how so many cheaply crafted happy songs all clanging together sounded absolutely dreadful and dreary that afternoon. I saw people straining to lean out of their studio windows, tilting their heads as if toward one aspect of the disharmony- as if they could hear an individual song that they wanted to steal. Apparently it was every song writer for his or herself.

Maybe it was the sound of arguing pianos or maybe it was my hair tightly coiled under my hat, but whatever it was it caused me to get the worst headache of my life that day. Overcome with discomfort, I leaned against one of the brick buildings. I took off my hat, let my hair unravel and began rolling my fingers over my temples, as I stared at the sidewalk.

"I'm sorry," said someone with scuffed up shoes a few minutes later. I raised my head and focused on a handsome face.

"It appears that I must have given you a headache. Was I pounding the horse teeth too loudly?"

I felt the corners of my mouth raise as I shielded my face from the sun with my hand so I could see him better. "It wasn't you. It was all of the songs together. Too many melodies fighting for my attention. Very disharmonious."

"You're telling me? I'm telling you! Too bad we can't all play together in harmony. For at least one day. But I suppose that's the nature of the human race for ya. Chaos." He grinned.

I chuckled politely and shook his extended hand.

"I'm William," he said.

"I am Samantha. Nice to make your acquaintance."

"Well, to be perfectly honest, if I have my way we will be more than acquaintances," he said. He then winked.

I began to shyly step away. My mother warned me about men who winked.

He laughed . "Please don't go. Forgive my boldness. What I meant by that is that I hope to get to know you better by getting your opinion on some songs I've written. You sound like you know a thing or two about music."

"I love music. I play the piano."

"Well then follow me." He walked into the building that I was leaning against which was his studio.

I slowly followed him. If he wasn't so handsome I would have turned and ran.

He sat on a piano bench and tapped it for me to sit next to him. I awkwardly sat down. He smiled and laid his hands in the Middle C position. "I've never seen you before. Are you new in the neighborhood?"

"Yes." "I'm sorry," he said.

"What do you mean you're sorry?" I asked.

"I'm sorry you had to move to Tin Piano Alley. Not exactly a hot bed of high culture or a nature sanctuary. A bit on the noisy side as well."

"Well, I prefer to look on the bright side. It's got its charm."

He laughed. "Ah. You're an optimist. Well then you might like this." He played a silly sounding pop song.

"That's beautiful," I said. I was being very generous. But I wasn't lying. It was beautiful in an odd way. I just couldn't think of other words to describe it. I couldn't say it sounded cute or silly, could I? "Beautiful? That piece of garbage?" he said. "Beautiful, huh? You amuse me. How about this throw away…" He pounded out another song.

"I like it."

"You're not the only one. I can crank about five of these dumb throw away songs out an hour. My business partner Jason sells them to music publishers and I make a killing. They turn them into sheet music. Can you imagine people actually wanting to play this low brow dreck for their dinner guests?"

"It's not dreck. It's pretty," I said.

"Pretty?" he laughed. "Why do you lie?"

"I'm not lying. I see beauty in odd places," I said.

"No wonder you like living in Tin Piano Alley. You are what I call open minded. I like that."

"Thanks," I smiled. "Now excuse me but I have to be going."

"Wait a minute. I see beauty in odd things to," he said, putting my beret on my head and twisting it the wrong way.

I felt myself blush and I waved goodbye.

I was too shy to visit William for months, although I thought about him just about every day. I wondered if he ever wrote a song that he actually thought was any good.

I took a walk on the street every day, avoiding William's studio because I was shy. All the music merchants were creating replicas of whatever was in demand. They tried in vain to turn tin into gold, I thought, like covetous audio alchemists. They sold moods and they cranked them out with assembly line precision. But then one day they ran out of moods to draw from. All except for one….despair.

Continued on Page 12

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Page 12 May 2011

Continued from Page 11 One day the cacophonous sound stopped and one tinny piano stood out over all others. I followed the melody and heard a melancholic song which betrayed the lack of hope of its composer. It was the day the stock market crashed. October 24, 1929.

My parents were crying about money. Literally crying about money. I didn't really understand why. We were already poor. What difference would this economic collapse make for us? Maybe we'd lose our apartment. Maybe we'd have to leave Tin Piano Alley. I guessed that would be quite sad. I had gotten to love this strange and shady place. At least there was no pretense here. I prayed we wouldn't lose our apartment.

But all I could think about was the bewitching melody that had just beguiled me. I had to have the song. It was so mesmerizing. I had to follow the song and find out who was selling the sheet music so I could play it on the piano. I went outside.

I passed dejected faces. Some with tears. I did not let them distract me. If the pianist stopped playing the song I'd be left thirsting, wondering, humming it in my head until it faded away forever. But I couldn't help but be moved by how everybody seemed to be comforting each other.

The sound led me to William's building. I knocked on his grimy window. He let me in.

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"Wow, it's you! Now that is not trash. That is what I call art. I am in love with your song."

"You are in love with my song?"

"Yes. I want to play it. I want the sheet music. I want to buy it. I have to have it. I'm obsessed."

"It's not for sale," he said.

"But you could make a fortune," I said.

"How could I make a fortune after what happened today? Who will have money to buy music when they need to put food on the table?"

"I'll buy two copies right now. My piggy bank survived the crash. I broke it open today."

"I'm sorry, I just can't joke about this. I'm afraid I'm a dark cloud today."

"I'm really sorry," I said.

"I don't care about money anymore," he said. "The last thing I need is an attachment to money when I just lost everything that I had. I'm done."

"I seriously think you could earn all your money back if you would share your song with the world."

"You're sweet, but you don't know how the business works. I am not a music publisher, just a composer. If I sell my song so that it can be published, they take my name off of it and put their

name on it. I've written many songs and let them take all the credit. I've been a short term thinker. I've sold my soul many times for fleeting pleasure. To buy little escapes from this disharmonious place. To buy kicks. To buy thrills.

To escape the noise of life. But not this time. This is my song and I will never sell it."

"Then at least play the song for me again. Please."

"It's the least I can do since you love it so much."

He played the indescribable melody again. My eyes watered.

He smiled, stood up, put his fedora on and grabbed his brief case.

"Thank you" I said. "The song means a lot to me."

"You mean a lot to me. I would love to stick around and chat but I don't like being around people when I'm down. But I will write out the sheet music for you. Just the fact that you love the song that much makes me want to do that for you. Just promise you'll stop by again soon. I will try and be in a better mood."

"I promise I will."

"Tell me. Can you see beauty in what happened today? Is there some kind of silver lining?"

I thought about the people I passed on the street comforting each other. I thought about the performance he just gave on his piano. "I think so," I said.

"You're lucky."

I spent the evening with my pillow over my ears blocking out the other pianos, trying to remember the faded melody in my imagination. I hoped I wouldn't look desperate or rude if I showed up at his studio tomorrow. How long would a person need to grieve over the loss of their money?

Two days later I went to William's studio. His song writing partner Jason explained that William would not be coming back. Ever. He was gone. He didn't know any details. He unlocked the studio door and we sat on the piano bench and I wept.

The next day I remembered the sheet music, the song. It was the only memory I could have of William. I went back to the studio.

"Did William bring any sheet music here before he left?" I asked Jason.

"No," he said curtly.

"There was this song I really loved that he wrote. I was dying to play it on my piano. I don't remember the whole song. I wish I did. It was amazing. He said he was going to write out sheet music for me."

"Play what you remember," said Jason, eagerly, suddenly lighting up. "Maybe he played it for me and we can piece it together."

We sat down on the bench side by side. "It went like this in the beginning," I said, playing several chords.

"Oh yeah, and then like this," said Jason, playing a few more.

"You do know it!" I exclaimed.

"Just parts of it, but between me and you we can work it out, I'm sure. I can sell it to a music publisher and then I can give you a copy of the sheet music."

"Will William's name be on the sheet music?" I asked.

"No. It doesn't work like that. But who cares? He's not here anymore. He's in a better place. And we'll both get what we want." My hands froze. "Go on. Play some more," Jason said, nodding at the chords.

"You play what you remember first," I said.

"No, you play first."

"I don't remember anything else," I said. Jason looked angry. I left.

It's now eighty two years later and I'm sitting at my piano in front of my open window looking down at Tin Piano Alley. I live alone now. I'm ninety nine years old. My hands are stiff, wrinkled and weathered, but I can still move them along the piano as well as I did at seventeen years of age. It took me a while, a lifetime to be exact, but I just put the finishing touches on William's elusive song. I am positive that I finally got it just right. I just wrote the sheet music and put William's name in the byline. The breeze, a particular time of year and the image of an oddly beautiful day can evoke powerful melodic memories. You just have to be open to receiving them because you never know when they may come.

College is the best time of your life. When else are your parents going to spend several thousand dollars a year just for you to go to a strange town and get drunk every night? ~David Wood There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. ~Edwin Denby

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Page 13 May 2011

Losing T ony Margie Brown Ferreira Losing Tony the way I did was so hard. We found out February 27, 2009 that he had small cell lung cancer and it was very aggressive. Stage 4...he went into the VA hospital on March 3rd to start having his chemo treatments starting the next morning. We talked every night on the phone and every night he said I Love you. Tina my daughter brought us there and his brother John his wife Regina and I went to pick him up that Saturday March 7th. When we arrived home first thing he did was get out of the car and go across the street to put the garbage cans on the sidewalk that the neighbors left out. He was like that. We gave him hell for it but he wouldn't listen he always did what he wanted to. My sisters Penny and Kelli came over to visit...he seemed really good. The next day was Sunday and I was picking up my granddaughter Cassie to take her shopping for the things she needed for school as she was going to Wilcox for electrical. He was so dam proud that his oldest granddaughter was going to be doing something of her life. He was very proud of all 3 granddaughters. He would call Cassie his "Fat Rat." Janessa was his "Little Perogie" and Alexia was his "Peanut". That Sunday afternoon when I did get home he was breathing heavy but the paperwork he brought home from the hospital said he would. We didn't think anything of it.

We talked for hours and it was him doing all the talking. He talked about his Mom and Dad and his great friend Walt.

Why didn't I listen and understand everything? He needed to talk to his grandkids and Tina before he went to bed.

Before he went upstairs he looked at me and said we really need to talk as I have to talk to you about things and I looked at him and said we could do it another day as he was so tired. He looked at me held my hand and said I Love You and I will see you in the morning. Not knowing that would be the last time I would ever see my husband of 38 years. We did have ups and downs in our marriage but everyone has. We stuck to it to make ours work. I just wish that I would have let him talk more so that I could have heard what he wanted to say. That Monday morning was the worst day of my life. I have lost 2 children full term and got over their deaths as I have my daughter but finding your husband is the worst thing that can happen to anyone and to this day I will never forget that moment in time. It has been a long 2 years since March 9, 2009 but I did it. Yes my daughter and I had problems but that was her Dad that was gone and my husband too. The hardest thing to see was the sadness in my granddaughter's eyes when they came to the house and their "Papa" wasn't there anymore. They still are in pain but now they smile because of all the wonderful memories that they do have of him. He wasn't only their grandfather he was a special Dad to all 3 of them and they surely miss him a lot. We all miss him and always will. Thank you so much Tony for being my husband for 38 years. It was a journey for the both of us

Home Country Slim Randles "We were a-doin' okay 'til Dewey showed up," said Steve, behind the sale barn.

Doc and Bert were there to watch the Saturday sale.

"Dewey?" asked Doc. There's a world of intrigue around here in the pronunciation of those two syllables, although we all love Dewey Decker and wish him well. But when he shows up in his truck, disaster is usually riding shotgun.

"I was helping out with the branding over at the Diamond D," Steve said, twitching his oversized moustache. "We were about halfway done when we saw the dust of the pickup coming along the road."

Doc said, "Dewey's helped out at brandings before this, hasn't he?"

"Sure," said Steve. "The last time, he inoculated ol' Dud for blackleg.

'Course, Dud hasn't had blackleg since then, so there you go. Well, you know the problem with Dewey. It's finding him something to do where he can't hurt himself, livestock, property, other people, or the federal government. Bob said maybe Dewey could take pictures, but it wasn't to be …"

"Not good," said Bert.

"Nope. Ol' Doo stepped out of the truck with a brand-new nylon catch rope and said he was there to heel the calves and drag them to the fire for us."

"But that's usually the boss's job," Doc said. Most of us know the corral protocols.

"I know, but ol' Bob had this gentle horse, and you know how hard it is to say no to Dewey, so he let him. Now Dewey'd been practicing roping buckets and dogs and stuff, so he shook out a loop and …"

"I don't want to hear this …" said Doc. "…dabbed it over the head of this 400-pound calf and that calf ran around behind the horse and the rope went under the horse's tail …"

"Oh no …"

"And the calf ran over Bob and Bob hit me on his way down and I went backwards into the water trough. Dewey got halfway bucked off before we got the rope loose."

Steve shook his head. "Then ol' Bob got up slowly, looked at Dewey and said, 'Son, you are now our official photographer.'"

$ CASH PAID FOR $ Toyotas, Hondas, Nissan, Suzukis, Subarus, Geo Any Condition. Running or not crashed and burned. Other makes and models. Motorcycles, ATVs and more.

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Page 14 May 2011

MERIDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY SUMMER-LONG TAG SALE To help raise money for the upkeep of our research center, the Society will be holding a monthly community-wide tag sale at the parking lot of the Research Center: 1090 Hanover Ave S. Meriden, CT on the Second Saturday of each month: May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug 13, September 10 & October 8 (Weather permitting) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Prices per each set-up are: $10.00 to members of the Society and $15.00 for non-members. Dealers are welcome.

The Society plans on having its own booth at the sale. We need both donations for the sale and volunteers to man the booth. Your much-needed donations can be dropped off at Fair Weather Antiques (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), at the Research Center (on Wednesday afternoons).

To arrange for a pick-up, or to volunteer call Neda Weathers 203-237-4636 or Bill Siegel 203-235-2217. No appliances please - collectibles and smalls only.

Just Outside the Doorway There are many evenings that my wife and I venture out into our front yard just to relax on our glider. It's the time to take in the deep breaths and reflect on the day. The sound of crickets chirping and the sight of an occasional firefly can ease any tensions from a long day. We've gazed at the heavens and witnessed many shooting stars together.

We've also tried to reenter our home only to find a toad scratching at the front door. Ya know,,,some toads just don't listen. He can't come inside. My first contact with this little fella came just as I described, scratching at the front screen door. I picked him up and he wriggled just a bit and of course promptly peed in my hands. A quick wipe on the pants leg and my hands were once again clean (what? I'm a guy remember?)

My next instinct was to take him over to the bushes and let him go on his merry way. But did I do this? No. Instead I decided to pet him. It was awkward at first; not really knowing which parts would be suitable for petting.

Petting on the back didn't seem to be to his liking much and rolling him over for a belly rub just didn't work out so, I treated him like a dog, well kinda.

With my index finger I began to gently caress the spot behind the ears (I reckon those things are ears).

Can you believe he settled in the palm of my hand and enjoyed it? After a couple of minutes I switched to behind the other ear thing. His head turned slightly to accept this newfound pleasure maker that was protruding from the end of my hand. Then I heard a sound that amazed me. I had no idea that toads are capable of purring. Ummm, that's about the time when my wife reopened the door and asked what I was doing. Ummm, "Petting a toad" was my reply.

Only to this woman could such a reply sound normal coming from my mouth. After all, only an hour earlier I had been feeding my friendly lizard some flies on the back patio. Yep, supper was almost ready and about time for me to come back inside and get washed up (but my hands are already clean like I've told her sooo many times). Very gently I placed this little toad in some bushes next to our front door and went inside.

Well, the next night can you guess who was back once again scratching at the front door? Yep, my little buddy. This was the last night that he peed on my hands. By the third night we were best friends, him expecting to get petted and I listening for those happy sounds that I loved to hear.

Ummm, this was about a thousand nights ago. He doesn't come out much now because it's rather cold outside but I know as soon as spring arrives my little buddy will once again be scratching at the front door.

This little toad still expects me to turn into a Prince Charming with a simple kiss and I just pray that I don't get warts.

Is there a message here? I reckon there is. To get out and enjoy nature doesn't necessarily mean taking a long journey. Sometimes it can be as close as our own front door.

Unkie Milt

ONE MORE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

You Already KNOW where your DAD & GRAD want to go on those special days. Ted’s of course!

THANK YOU to all the crew of Food Networks new show "Crave" for coming to visit March 30th. The show debuts on June 11th and Ted's will be in one of the first few episodes. Will keep you posted on the date! Keep an eye out for us in your local TV listings.

Thanks again for stopping at Ted's, pleasure to have you!

But most important is that we’ve been seen by YOU and YOU matter the most!

Adam from Man V. Food stopped by too and so should you

1046 Broad Street in Meriden - 203-237-6660 2nd Annual "Burgers for a Cause" Event

The "We are Family" Relay for Life team will be holding it’s 2nd annual event on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 and we at Ted's Steamed Cheeseburgers are honored to be hosting this fundraiser once again. It will be held at both our Meriden and Cromwell locations.

It is as simple as coming in to Ted's on June 21st and enjoying lunch, dinner, a quick snack, or just a beverage. A portion of all sales for the day will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Last year the event raised $1500.00 for the “We are Family” team and YOU can help us go above and beyond that to help those in need!

By Paul Gilfillan Social Security Manager, Meriden Ct If you're one of the many teenagers or young adults planning to get a summer job or start a career this summer, you may be surprised to see what's deducted from your paystub. If you don't know already, it's time to learn what your Social Security taxes are all about.

By law, employers must withhold from a worker's paycheck Social Security taxes. While usually referred to on an employee's pay statement as "Social Security taxes," sometimes the deduction is labeled as "FICA taxes" which stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, a reference to the original Social Security Act. The taxes you pay now translate to a lifetime of protection, for retirement in old age or in the event of disability. And when you die, your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work as well.

Right now you probably have family members - grandparents, for example - who already are enjoying Social Security benefits which your Social Security taxes help provide.

Because you're a long way from retirement, you may have a tough time seeing the value of benefit payments that could be many decades in the future.

But keep in mind that the Social Security taxes you're paying can provide valuable disability or survivors benefits in the event the unexpected happens.

Studies do show that of today's 20-year-olds, about one in four will become disabled and about one in eight will die before reaching retirement.

Warning: if an employer offers to bend the rules and pay you "under the table," you should refuse. They may try to sell it as a benefit to you since you get a few extra dollars in your pay. But you're really only allowing the employer to cheat you out of your Social Security credits. It's also illegal.

Another tip: don't carry your Social Security card around with you. It's an important document that should be safeguarded and protected. And it can be a valuable tool for an identity thief, if it's lost or stolen.

If you'd like to learn a little more about Social Security and exactly what you're building up for yourself by paying Social Security taxes, take a look at our online booklet, How You Earn Credits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html.

Do you prefer videos to reading? Check out our webinar, "Social Security 101: What's in it for me?" The webinar explains what you need to know about Social Security. You can find it, along with other informative webinars, at www.socialsecurity.gov/webinars.

You can also learn more by surfing the web at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Have you seen something inspiring or positive that needs more coverage, or do you have a friend or neighbor who's done something amazing? Call us or email us. We are a little different then other papers - we MAKE GOOD NEWS happen! Isn't that the way it should be? Upcoming Deadlines - June 2nd for our EarlyJune '11 issue - Don't Forget Father's Day Wishes! June 15th for our Mid-June '11 issue & June 24th for our Late June '11 issue!

Call 203-235-9333 or email andy@peoplespressnews.com

Page 15 May 2011

The Heveder Band Comes To Town!

The Wallingford Hungarian Community Club is excited to present the HEVEDER BAND, an award winning Hungarian Transylvanian Folk band, on Sunday June 5th at 4 pm. The band will be accompanied by two of Hungary's most respected folkdance performers: Irén Deffend and Flórián Hajdú. Heveder Band's incredible repertoire covers authentic folk music of many regions of Transylvania and Hungary. Expect a breath taking concert & dance show!

Admission is $25 for members (membership card must be presented) and $30 for all others. Light snacks will be served. Contributions to the dessert table will be gratefully accepted (and enjoyed!)

To RSVP, please call Lajos at 203-530-3557 or Linda at 203-634-0602.

You can also contact us at HCCofWallingford@gmail.com.

Martin I. Trueheart Memorial Golf Tournament The 11th Annual Martin I. Trueheart Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held at Hunter Golf Course, Meriden, CT on Wednesday, June 29, 2011. The format will be shotgun beginning at 11 AM, followed by dinner at Violi's Restaurant at Hunter Golf Club. The tournament has raised over $25,000 in 10 years. All proceeds go into the scholarship fund that was established as a thank you to Marty Trueheart for 37 years as a teacher in the Wallingford School System and 19 years as President of the Wallingford Education Association. Mr. Trueheart died in 2000 Anyone interested in playing in this year's tournament, which includes a banquet after the tournament or interested in attending the banquet only is asked to contact Steve Baker, SBaker@wallingford.k12.ct.us or (203) 294-3700 for further information and details.

VICTORY for ARTS The Meriden Arts Council (MAC) proudly claims victory on their 2010 grant challenge! As part of a Local Arts Agency (LAA) grant program, MAC needed raise a dollar for dollar "match" to $7,100 of state funding from the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism. MAC succeeded, matching a total of $7,353 to by the December 31st deadline.

MAC would like to thank all those who donated and supported its events throughout 2010. The group could not have reached its goal without the help of the local community, including donations from individual artists, arts patrons, cultural organizations and private businesses. Special thanks go to major donors, Barberino Nissan of Wallingford, Michael L. Campbell, John Kenney, and Wendy Ronitz-Baker.

MAC has been part of the LAA program for 5 years, but the 2010 grant was the largest amount received. MAC has already been accepted as part of the 2011 LAA grant program. Current fundraising and donations will goes toward matching this year's award.

MAC is an all volunteer, not-for-profit program, so all state and matching funds support arts programming. These programs include an interactive online and print calendar of arts and cultural events, networking assistance for artists and art organizations, annual Education Awards and Artist of the Year Awards. For more information, please visit www.meridenartscouncil.org or call 203-213-7366.

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I love you MOM! Love, Kayley

"Let's Talk"…..About Your Health Chris More, RN Public Health Educator, Wallingford Health Department Let's talk about . . . Childhood Obesity. "Fatty, Tubby, Blimpy", all hurtful names that overweight children hear every day at school, camp and other activities.

They looked so cute at 1 year old with those chunky legs and adorable pot bellies. Grandma said, "It's only baby fat it will go away," but when that baby turns 6 or 7 and is still "chunky" it's no longer adorable or healthy physically or emotionally.

Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health and well being. Obesity (over-weight) in children has many adverse health issues, and is now recognized as a serious public health concern. The diagnosis of obesity is based on BMI (Body Mass Index). Obesity is recognized as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile. Emotional and psychological effects of obesity in children are overwhelming, not only is there teasing from peers, but sometimes even family. If you walk through a school cafeteria, you would observe the overweight children sitting very quietly to avoid ridicule over their sometimes large lunches. Childhood obesity also leads to many life threatening conditions. Examples are diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems and many other disorders. Yes, parents these are not exclusively adult diseases, and if you child develops these conditions now and you don't change their lifestyles, they will become unhealthy, overweight adults with chronic health conditions.

Mortality rates sky rocket during adulthood.

Some causes of obesity are poor eating habits, meals in front of the T.V., eating out or having dinner in the car between soccer games, all these causes are linked with types of food, sugary soft drinks, pre-packaged snacks, vending machine foods and fast foods - high in fat. Last but certainly not least the lack of physical activities, being on T.V. or video game overload, certainly adds to the vicious cycle of eating and being a couch potato.

We could go on and on about over-feeding our children, what to feed them and when but the best way to help your child is for your entire family to change its life styles. Just give healthy eating a chance. The family eating together at the table, planning healthy meals with the children, snacking on popcorn, pretzels, fruits and veggies and even taking a family walk together are not so difficult. Your children will respond to your efforts and you may even establish some family bonding.

The Health Department has joined forces with Youth and Social Services, Wallingford YMCA and the BOE to "Activate Wallingford". Check us out on the web for more information.

There are also many websites that help with meal planning and exercise. Check with your family physician or call us at the Wallingford Health Department (203) 294-2065 to help you establish healthy safe meal plans and exercise schedules.

We'll talk again next month in the meantime be an advocate for your child and "Get Healthy."

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course When: 6/1, 6/8, 6/9, 6/13, 6/15, 6/16 = 6pm-9:30pm and 6/5, 6/12 = 9am-1pm Where: Platt High School, 220 Coe Ave. Meriden, CT 06451 Instructor: Coach Eric Lopez Cost: $200.00 *$100 non-refundable deposit due by 5/18/11 to reserve a spot* *$100.00 balance due by 5/25/2011* *Must be 15 years of age by the last class* *Contact Coach Eric Lopez for more details* 203-886-6425 gilbert.lopez@meriden.k12.ct.us

Page 16 May 2011

We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. ~Franklin Delano Roosevelt Football is not a contact sport. It's a collision sport. Dancing is a good example of a contact sport. ~Duffy Daugherty

SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS COLLECTIBLES

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41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451

(203) 235-7634

Just Because!

The Tiger Lady Hand Drawn by Cathy Short

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The last call (of sorts) for the 2011 Wallingford Fireworks event

By Jason Zandri In April of 2010, the Wallingford Town Council met to discuss the budget for the town. As part of that exercise many cuts to spending and services were made. One of these cuts affected the budget that provided for the annual 4th of July fireworks event that has been held steadily every year since the 70s and prior on and off back into the 50s.

The same cuts occurred in the 2009 budget but the Town Council was able to restore the funding with surplus monies that were still available.

That performance would not be repeated in 2010 and the show was cancelled.

I decided I would do something to try to save the event as I could not believe that everyone was willing to let the event just end like that after all those decades of enjoyment by generations of Wallingford families.

With the help of Craig Fishbein, my father Geno Zandri, and a few others we raised the funds in just short 38 days. This was a combination of selling tickets to a fundraising dinner, ads in the ad book and collecting donations almost weekly at Stop and Shop, Dunkin Donuts and at the landfill and recycling center.

In 2011, the fund was formally recognized as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization (our tax id# is 27-2576599) and we decided to try to get started a little earlier. The deadline was going to be the end of May regardless but instead of a month and a half we decided to start up in March.

We all remember that this past winter was not kind, so getting started was awfully slow. The donations from individuals did come in but the pace was low. That was fine because we were starting earlier and could handle the lower weekly average as there were more weeks to pass than last year.

Then came the dinner fundraiser in late March. Ad sales in the ad book were down and ticket sales were down. We went back to collecting outdoors again - ahead of the curve because we got started early but the averages were trailing off.

As of May 8th that balance has not moved much; marred by actual losses from our second and last big fundraiser of season - concert night. The hope for crowd never materialized and while I do not yet have all the bills yet from that night we are probably looking at a loss from the event of $1,000.00.

The cost of all the city services, which the fund has to pay for if we hope to hold the event, has been laid out to us at approximately $12,000.00.

As of May 26th - we are only $5,000 short and have our goal of June 5th - see ad on right.

So the net-net is - if the citizens really want this show we have to step it up over the next few days.

If you've already donated - thank you. Please ask your friends and neighbors to consider doing the same. If you haven't look to the right to find out how. As a famous starship captain once said "I don't believe in the no-win scenario." I don't either.

I've seen this town and her residents do amazing things when they pull together. I know we have it in us to do it again.

Page 17 May 2011

When it comes to SAVING Wallingford’s Fireworks...

It comes down to Red, White and

YOU!

Or else we’ll all be BLUE

TIME is running out!

It’s coming down to the wire to INSPIRE!

We are only $5,000.00 shy of our goal but New Life Church in Meriden & Wallingford has pledged to grant up to $2,500.00 to the funds as matching funds to the fireworks effort. To find out more about them please visit www.InNewLife.com.

What this means is all the donations that are coming in will be matched by them, dollar for dollar, up to $2,500.00.

NOW is the TIME! Please help us continue the light in all of our eyes!

Checks can be mailed to The Wallingford Fireworks Fund, c/o 35 Lincoln Drive EXT, Wallingford CT 06492.

You can also make a donation via PayPal to the fund via our website – www.wallingfordfireworks.org If you have any questions, whether you are a company or a family - please please contact: Jason Zandri - (203)294-4647 or by email jason.zandri@wallingfordfireworks.org

2011 Fundraising Deadline is June 5, 2011 We are a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization; our tax id# is 27-2576599 *Any donations that surpas our goal will be applied to the 2012 Fireworks!

No Matter What The Day....We’ll Make It Special In Every Way! Cool Off With Our Famous Italian Ice!

Marianna’s Belltop Bakery 212 West Main Street in Meriden 203-238-0159

Page 18 May 2011

For My Mom

Mom, you've grown so wise and learn'd o'er the years; I see it in your knowing eyes, the love you hold for me so dear.

Let me take your hand so gently, tell you of all the happy times that I've cherished all a plenty, and felt the kindred love that binds.

Smile with your dreams a glowing.

Comfort me in pain and sorrow

wherever I be a going; Today, and all the 'morrows.

You are my mother, my haven; I turn to you for visions of what new things I be a cravin' For I know you'll guide my missions.

For this I give you blessed glory, And thank you from my heart For all the things in my life's story.

Close we'll be, and never far apart.

George Arndt / gogant

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LocalMotivated to make a difference!

Masters Manna Resource Center News and Reviews Masters Manna Resource Center would like to thank all those who donated time, talent and/or resources this past winter to ensure families were well cared for. This was the winter that reminded us to check in on one another, to shovel the neighbor's walkway, pick up an extra gallon of milk for the family down the street and to rejoice at the first sign of spring! Master's Manna remained open around the clock for 17 days at the height of the back to back storms. A warm place to sleep and hot meal were available to all in need. We could have not gotten through the winter without your help.

Many of you have heard or read that Master's Manna is moving to Johnsonville.

This is incorrect. Johnsonville is a 74 acre piece of property for sale in East Haddam.

This may become the future home of The Masters Manna Crew and Volunteers recently participated Master's Mansions. "Master' Mansions" will in the “Walk Agains Hunger!” in New Haven! become an entirely separate entity from Master's Manna and will not utilize or reduce resources given to Master's Manna.

Master's Manna will remain at 46 No. Plains Industrial Rd. where we hope to one day utilize the entire building.

Expansion of programming at Master's Manna is planned with Labor Ready of Middletown beginning on-site "job fairs" to assist with matching those seeking employment with local employers. The first "job fair" is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 2011 and every three weeks thereafter.

Master's Manna Resource Center is here to stay until hunger, homelessness and near homelessness is no longer an issue in the greater Wallingford/Meriden area.

In other news Masters Manna was voted $20,000 by the Wallingford Town Council at the April 27, 2011 budget workshop. The Mayor's budget proposed $10,000. Many "Thanks" to the Wallingford Town Council for your belief in the work we do and your support! "Thank You" Mr. Parisi and Mr. Sullivan, you have made a huge impact.

Another important note: those in Washington are talking about cutting Community Action programs in our community .These include elderly programs, job training, energy assistance, weatherization, Head Start and community service block grant's. You can email or write your local representative to let them know how you feel about this.

Finally- if you wish to become a volunteer at Masters Manna Resource Center please call 203-678-3042, visit our website- www.mastersmanna.org or stop down between 9 am till 4 pm Monday -Thursday, Friday 9 am -8 pm or Saturday 9am - noon.

Masters Manna Resource Center is located at 46 North Plains Industrial Rd. Wallingford, CT right off of route 68.

Providing Comfort and Coffee to the Troops HOLY JOE'S CAFÉ - First Congregational Church - Wallingford Going for coffee these days seems as American as mom, baseball and apple pie. While it might actually involve grabbing a cup of whatever it is that gets us going, its primary purpose may be to strengthen social ties or show support for a friend in need.

Nowhere is this more evident - or more appreciated - than among U.S. military personnel taking part in the initiative known as Holy Joe's Café. Thanks to the First Congregational Church troops don't have to go for coffee; it's coming to them with over 550 chaplains receiving coffee in locations in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan since beginning in 2006.

Holy Joe's provides soldiers a quiet place to talk with friends, converse with chaplains or write a letter home. "Our community coffee bar has become the lifeblood of the camp," writes Chaplain Michael J. Lovett. "Your donations have had a direct impact on our operations. Your act of kindness not only meets a physical need but also strengthens our troops emotionally."

Donations of ground coffee or monetary donations can be dropped off at the church office at 23 South Main St, Wallingford, CT 06492.

For more information, please call [203] 859-0031, www.holyjoescafe.blogspot.com or holyjoescafe@att.net.

Page 19 May 2011

Page 20 May 2011

MERIDEN FEED FARM • GARDEN • PET SUPPLIES

If it’s time to Re-Deck-orate...

There is only ONE Exterior Re-Deck-orator you need to call!

SCOTTS 4 STEP VALUE PROGRAM

$54.88 5,000SF $144.88 15,000 SF

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 6/04/11 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

$4.69 1cf $7.69 2cf

Miracle Gro Garden Soil

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 6/04/11

$6.99 1cf $15.99 5000sf $10.99 2cf $37.99 15000sf Miracle Gro Potting Mix

Scotts Weed & Feed

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 6/04/11

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 6/04/11

3 for $11.97 3 for $13.47 Cedar Mulch Large 3cf Bags!

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 6/04/11

Red Colored Cedar Mulch Large 3cf Bags!

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 6/04/11

Buy 1 Get 1 50% OFF Veg. & Flower Seed Packets

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 6/04/11

846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden 203-237-4414

38 Gypsy Lane in Meriden

203-235-4487