The People's Press October B 2011

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The People’s Press - October B 2011 Issue • Volume 12, Issue 142

Merced River as it flows out of Yosemite National Park.

Photo by Lee Baxley Story on Page 3!

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Page 2 October B 2011

Thanks for being part of yet another year of The People’s Press as we have reached our 12th year of GOOD NEWS, POSITIVE STORIES and CELEBRATIONS of YOU, YOUR FAMILY and YOUR COMMUNITY! YOU ARE The People’s Press and always have been. We are humbled and honored to serve you for yet another year of not just watching things happen but helping YOU MAKE them HAPPEN! That’s the big difference because you ARE LocalMotivators and make the LocalMotion happen for all of us!

Remember, Good News is within YOUR SITE! Visit www.peoplespressnews.com & get so much more!

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Page 3 October B 2011

Meriden Farmers Market

"We're going to San Francisco and Yosemite, and that's your birthday present, so take it or leave it!"

See Front Cover Photo

By Lee Baxley I used to take vacations with my father all the time, but now that I'm an adult, it's hard making time for us to get together and travel somewhere. This year he said "We're going to San Francisco and Yosemite, and that's your birthday present, so take it or leave it!" Surprisingly, I had vacation time left so I took a week off from work and took an actual vacation for the first time in years.

We flew out to San Francisco and then rented a car and drove to Yosemite. I'm going to warn you, if you don't like driving on windy roads; this is NOT the trip for you. Or find a friend who doesn't mind them. Fortunately, my dad did most of the driving on the trip, which is good, because the driver also misses out on the sights. There are a lot of beautiful scenic vistas in and around the park. They have frequent turnoffs on the road so you can pull over and take pictures. The highlight was going up to Glacier Point, which is 7,000 feet in altitude, and seeing the entire Yosemite Valley and Village spread out below you. We also got to see some wildlife, including the largest crows I've seen, some deer and a lot of squirrels. Unfortunately, we never saw a bear like we had wanted.

The overall journey to Yosemite was very relaxing and fun. Our hotel was less than 100 yards from the entrance to the park, and our patio overlooked the beautiful Merced River. It was very pleasant to leave the window open at night and hear the water rushing past. Sadly, we had to leave and go to our next destination, which was San Francisco itself!

What a change, with all the traffic and honking horns.

The city itself was very nice. We traveled a lot to the Fisherman's Wharf area. There are a ton of shops and restaurants there. Our hotel was on Lombard Street, which is the street that's famous for having the very curvy part. It was about half a mile from Fisherman's Wharf so we walked there every day. San Francisco had some large hills though, so before we had a good feel for the layout, we'd do a lot of uphill walking to get to our destination. Then we'd eat lunch or dinner, and end up walking uphill back to our hotel, so at least we'd exercise our meals off!

We got to see a lot of the famous destinations, like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz (from afar, we didn't tour it), Pier 39, and Chinatown. We did a lot of walking, but it was a lot of fun and I got to see a lot of places I don't know if I'll see again. The vacation simply wasn't long enough!

I'll add an additional fun fact that film geeks will like. We were going to drive to the coast, to the Point Reyes National Shoreline. We were driving north of San Francisco and we missed the turn to go towards the seashore, so we took the next road, which was Lucas Valley Road. I was fiddling around on my phone, checking what was nearby using Facebook's Check In feature and I gawked. I checked Google to make sure, but sure enough, we were right near Skywalker Ranch. After I saw the address, which included a picture of the gate, we drove right past that gate. I didn't want to bother my dad to stop to get a picture, but it was cool nonetheless.

Lady of Fatima CRAFT FAIR The Fatima Women’s Club is sponsoring a Craft Fair on Saturday, November 12th from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall at 382 Hope Hill Road in Wallingford. Craft and vendor tables will be brimming with eye-catching and unique items for holiday gift-giving or personal pleasure. Homemade baked goods will be sold for take-home, and the kitchen will be open for your luncheon convenience. For additional information, please call 203 265-0961.

Wallingford Electric Division Offering Customers Free Home Energy Assessment In an effort to continue to keep energy bills more affordable and to help prepare for the cold winter months, the Wallingford Electric Division (WED) is offering its residential customers a free home energy assessment this fall through its Home Energy Savings (HES) program.

"A HES visit should reduce the total energy use of most customers by at least 10 percent, and many customers will realize energy savings of up to 20 percent or more," explains Rick Hendershot, WED general manager.

Competitive Resources Inc. (CRI), a Wallingford-based energy efficiency contractor, is conducting the energy assessments for WED. Customers, who heat with electric, oil or gas and qualify for the program, will receive more than $700 in services and installed products that will help make their homes more energy efficient and lower their energy bills by an average of $200 annually.

During the energy assessment, CRI's certified technicians will make energy saving improvements that include identifying and sealing air leaks and drafts, installing improved lighting and water-saving devices, identifying inefficient appliances, insulation, and heating/cooling systems, and providing information on available rebates.

WED customers can schedule a free home energy assessment by calling CRI at (888) 403-3500 or by going to www.hesmuni.com. CRI is the authorized HES provider for members of the Connecticut Municipal Electrical Energy Cooperative, including WED.

The Hub-intersection of State/East Main-Behind TD Bank Through October 29th Saturdays-8-12 The long standing farmers market is being moved to the HUB. This new site will provide more visibility for the farmers market, improve parking and provide space for additional vendors.

Using the current farmers as a base, other vendors will be added. These will include but not be limited to: artisan bakeries, "lunch on the go" booths, and guest restaurants. We will also offer unique produce i.e. different than that offered by the current farmers. This might include items like "organic" produce and heirloom tomatoes, cheese, eggs or honey.

ALL ITEMS WILL BE CT GROWN OR PRODUCED! Every week there will also be some local craftsmen offering their wares like jewelry, cut and silk flowers, homemade crafts and some clothing. From time to time entertainment will also be offered. Community groups will also have access to booths and some of the booths will have a decidedly ethnic flavor.

Each week will be different!

Upcoming Deadlines October 30th and November 14th! It's always FREE to share all of your news, events, photos, stories and more. Join the LocalMotion by posting on our Facebook wall at The People's Press or by emailing andy@peoplespressnews.com with your submissions.

CELEBRATIONS Congratulations Jordan!

Lyman Hall HS Class of 2011 Love, Samantha V

The Maryheart Crusaders Bookstore Catholic Books * Religious Items Gifts * Church Goods 531 West Main Street in Meriden 203-238-9735 Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-2

Frugal Living in America

By Gina Juliano - Recognized by Media in North America as the source for SAVINGS! Why Use Coupons With our crummy economy and the prices of food rising at an astonishing rate, the money most of us used to spend on food just doesn't cut it anymore. More of our weekly budget is being spent on food and toiletries as prices for these items rise. Using coupons is one of the easiest ways I've found to greatly reduce my food and toiletry budget, so I don't have to sacrifice or cut out items my family enjoys.

If you've never used them before, it may seem a daunting task to use coupons. Many people think couponing takes lots of time and energy. For busy people with jobs, kids, families, extra curricular activities and friends, this is time and energy they don't have. However, using coupons doesn't really have to take a lot of time or energy. By spending about one hour each week, you can save 50% or more on your food bill and never pay for toiletries again.

Using coupons has a lot of advantages. The most obvious advantage is paying less for your groceries. However, coupons can also be used to get many free items at the drug stores like toothpaste, deodorant, and over the counter medicines. Now that I use coupons, I rarely pay for health and beauty items. Because I'm spending less for my personal needs, I have more money to put toward other expenses or fun things for my family.

Another advantage of using coupons is how much you will be able to donate to your local food bank, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter. Before couponing, I would maybe toss a few non perishable items into a donation box a few times a year. Now that I get so many items for free or almost free, I make regular donations to a food bank twice a month. In 2010, I donated close to $3,000 in merchandise, and I'm hoping to beat that amount this year.

By using coupons I have been able to feed my family of five, keep my seven cats and one large dog in kibble, and provide all the health and beauty items my family needs for only $50 a week.

What's more, my family eats well and we never sacrifice quality or quantity. We eat fillet mignon, lobster, and use brand name products. The trick is to know when these things are on sale and to use coupons whenever possible. In fact, I have found I can buy brand name products much cheaper than I can generics when I use coupons.

The most difficult part of using coupons is getting started. However, once you do, I can guarantee you'll never want to go back to not using coupons. The art of deal seeking, couponing, and seeing how little you can spend at the grocery and drug stores becomes a game most people enjoy playing again and again.

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.

For More Information Visit www.trailofterror.com

Page 4 October B 2011

Come see the sights and hear the sounds of Christmas!

The Annual Ladies of St. Anne Holiday Fair will take place on Saturday, November 19th from 9 AM - 3 PM at St Laurent Church, 121 Camp Street in Meriden. There will be a variety of white elephant and craft tables selling Holiday wreaths, Christmas cemetery boxes, homemade fudge & relish, snowman soup packets, knitted & crocheted items and so much more! Don't miss the cookie walk station or then the Candy Cane CafĂŠ where you can sit and relax after purchasing a donut, beverage or homemade soup and sandwich or a slice or two of French meat pie. You can also purchase tickets for the themed-basket tea-cup auction. Winners will be drawn on Saturday!

LocalMotion - Local Business!

To advertise with The People's Press - Call Andy or Michelle at 203.235.9333 email peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com. Upcoming Deadlines: Oct. 30th, Nov. 14th, Nov. 28th and Dec. 12th!

CELEBRATIONS Congratulations Val! Lyman Hall HS Class of 2011 Love, Samantha V

* Auto * Home * Business * Life

John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency 208 Center Street, Wallingford

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

Trick and Treat

By Sara E. Booker It was trick or treat time. An orange setting sun was glowing like a giant jack-o-lantern. Justin excitedly grabbed the handle bars of his navy blue ten speed. As he climbed on he heard his mother call from the front door, "Make sure you come back before it gets too dark!" Justin nodded and pedaled away from his house and down the street.

He saw his best friend Bobby hanging upside down on the low branch of a mulberry tree in his front yard. "You forgot to dress up!" Bobby observed, as Justin pulled his bike up to the curb. He slowly lowered himself from the tree branch.

"No I didn't," Justin answered. "I'm supposed to be a kid running away from home." He was dressed in normal play clothes but he had a stick tied to his handle bars with the classic red and white polka dotted handkerchief attached to it, like runaways carry in cartoons. "But it's not just a costume. I actually am running away from home."

"Yeah, right," said Bobby. "Why would you want to run away from home? Your mom is really nice."

"Because it's boring there and Mom's always telling me what to do. Tonight she told me to come back home before it gets too dark. I'm ten years old and she treats me like a baby. I'm going to stay out all night. Plus every Halloween she always tells me that I can't eat all of my candy in one sitting. I have to space it out over the week. Well, I'm going to eat all of it tonight. The whole bag. It's going to be awesome."

"You'll get a stomach ache," said Bobby. "What if your mother cries? Won't you feel bad for her?"

"I am just running away for one night. She'll get over it. And then maybe she'll let me stay out later when she sees that I can handle it." "She'll probably ground you," Bobby sighed. "Besides, why would you want to be out on the spookiest night of the year?"

"I'm not afraid of ghosts, goblins, witches and all that stuff. Only babies believe in that. And you."

"Whatever. Sounds like you're about to get into a whole heap of trouble. I think you should change your costume. We have a ton of costumes in my house that you can try on. It doesn't even look like you are dressed up."

"Nah", said Justin.

"Well, let me go get you your first piece of candy." Bobby ran to his front door, and came running out with an orange candy bowl that was shaped like a pumpkin. "Did you know that I'm not just dressed like a super hero‌ I am one."

"You?" Justin laughed. "You couldn't even save a kitten if it was stuck on that low branch you were hanging from."

"Very funny," said Bobby.

"Trick or treat," said Justin as he pulled a roll of Live Savers from the candy bowl.

"Good," said Bobby. "You may need life saving tonight."

"You worry too much," said Justin. "I'll just call the local superhero if that's the case." He flipped the costume cape over Bobby's face and they both laughed. Justin made his way down the road, collecting candy. It got darker much quicker than he expected. By nine o'clock most of the houses were turning off their front porch lights. Because his mother had always had him come home around eight thirty, he did not realize that most houses stopped giving out candy shortly thereafter. He rang several door bells and was turned away or ignored.

"Well, I guess it's time to eat the candy," he thought to himself. He went and sat on the grass. He proudly surveyed his stash. He had managed to get a huge haul for such a short period of time. He enthusiastically peeled the wrapper off a Snickers bar, salivating at the prospect of being able to eat it all.

"Hey, kid get off my lawn," an angry man yelled from the house behind him. "Trick or treat is over. And pick up that candy wrapper." Rattled and embarrassed, Justin boarded his bike and attempted to find a piece of public property to sit on. But he was growing tired from all the pedaling. The park was too far away and it closed at dusk. He didn't want a cop to find him there because they would just tell him to go home.

Out of breath and hungry, he pedaled up to Bobby's house. At least he knew Bobby so he wouldn't get yelled at for sitting on his lawn. But he didn't want to attract the attention of Bobby's parents or they would send him home to his mother. He quietly sat under the mulberry tree that Bobby was dangling from earlier hoping nobody would notice him.

He quietly peeled a wrapper off a Twix bar, then a roll of Smarties. He then popped a bag of Reese's Pieces into his mouth.

Suddenly somebody dressed like a fortune teller approached him. But she didn't say anything. She just stood there watching him eat.

"What?"

"I'm a fortune teller."

"That's nice. Great costume. But trick or treating is over around here."

"It's not a costume. I'm a real fortune teller."

"That's nice." Justin wanted to run away from this strange person. He looked away from her and stared at his candy.

What did she want? "Do you want some candy?" he asked.

"No. Would you like me to read your fortune?"

"No thanks. I don't have any money."

"It's free."

"No thanks."

"Somebody is going to steal your candy tonight," she said. Then she walked away.

"Well, that was the weirdest thing I've ever experienced," Justin thought. He ate another Snickers bar and started feeling full.

Just then somebody dressed as a monster approached him. "Give me your candy," he said.

"Get your own," said Justin. "But you'll have to buy it at the store. Trick or treat is over around here."

"I don't need to buy candy." He grabbed Justin's candy bag and ran away.

"You are a monster," Justin called after him. "I was looking forward to that." But soon his anger turned to fear. Who would approach him next? He wanted to go home. But he was scared to ride his bike. He was scared of how mad his mother might be. He wished he had never run away from home. If only he could be safe and warm at home right now.

After the strange things that happened tonight he might never want to leave his house again Justin heard footsteps getting louder and louder. He slowly raised his head. A policeman was approaching. Justin stood up to show respect.

"The jig is up," he thought. But he was relieved.A half hour later Justin was safe at home. The policeman and his mother were talking. His phone rang. "Hi Justin, it's Bobby. I was just calling to see if you decided to go home."

"Yes I did. I got home just now."

"Did you get in trouble?"

"I'm grounded but after what happened to me tonight I am fine with that. To tell you the truth, right now I feel like I never want to leave this house again."

"Good. Can I talk to my brother?"

"What are you talking about?" Justin said.

"The policeman is my older brother. It's just a costume."

"What?" asked Justin, angrily.

"I'm surprised you couldn't tell. And the fortune teller was my sister and the monster was my other brother. I saw you sitting on my front lawn so I decided to have some fun."

"That's not funny," said Justin.

"Hey, it's trick or treat night, so I tricked you into going home to your mom and I treated you to a roll of Live Savers.

It was all for your own good. I think you learned a big lesson tonight."

"Maybe. But I'm still mad at you."

"Hey, who knows? My little trick could have saved you from something bad happening. Maybe I played the role of super hero after all."

"But you scared me," said Justin.

"No more than you probably scared your mother. I was worried about you. We are too young to be out all night alone. Don't be too sore at me though. I gave your bag of candy to my older brother. He's supposed to give it to you."

"Well, at least I'll still have my candy," said Justin. He said goodbye to Bobby and hung up the phone.

He went down to the kitchen. Bobby's brother had left. "I'm really sorry Mom," said Justin. "I really do deserve to be grounded. I'll never do that again. That was a dirty trick."

"Thank you Justin. I appreciate the apology. You really scared me tonight. That was a very bad trick."

"I really do feel terrible and I'm happy that you grounded me. Do you mind if I have the rest of my candy?"

"I'm afraid it's all gone. It was quite a delicious treat." Justin shrugged and went to his room. He lay on his bed and thought, "Next year for Halloween I'm going to be an angel."

Page 5 October B 2011

The Porcupine Story

By Dorothy Gonick Recently a 2nd grade friend, Jacob, gave me his drawing of a porcupine, for which I have written this story.

MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER News and Events There are still openings for next AARP Driver Safety Class at the Senior Center on Wednesday, October 26 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the mezzanine. The cost of the class is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members and completion of the course entitles you to a discount on your automobile insurance premiums. Sign-ups for the October class are now being accepted in the front office or by calling 203.237.0066.

The 5th Annual Senior Fair at the Wallingford Senior Center will be held on Friday, November 4 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Sponsored by the Record-Journal, the Senior Fair features workshops, seminars, screenings and refreshments as well as displays from many companies providing services to seniors. A free mini-bus will leave here at 12:15 pm returning by 3:00 pm, to sign-up see Becky or call 203.237.3338.

John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director

Holiday Fair at the Wallingford Senior Center The Wallingford Senior Center will be hosting its annual Holiday Fair on Saturday, November 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 238 Washington Street. Open to the public, this fair will have many items for sale including Arts & Crafts, Handmade Items, Baked Goods, Jewelry, Holiday Decorations and booths with vendors selling a wide variety of items, too! Start your holiday shopping early! Lake View CafĂŠ will be open, offering breakfast and lunch. Any vendors interested in reserving a table, please contact Nancy Frede at 860-529-5579

Annual Craft Fair at Highland Elementary School The full moon was rising when Jake and Porky awoke hungry for food. Mama porcupine was brushing her quills after a day's sleep. She gazed fondly at her young ones who were growing bigger and had been begging to spend the night with her as she wandered in the forest. They were so excited when mother said, 'Tonight is the night!"

After tumbling from the hollow tree trunk that was their home, Jake and Porky followed closely behind mama. Mama cautioned them, saying "Remember what our home smells like, and you'll find it easily when we come back." As they waddled along, mama led them to patches of clover and skunk cabbage for delicious food. They tried other leaves and then Mama began gnawing on a twig, reminding them that they had sharp teeth and could gnaw small tasty twigs. She said that as they grew older, they would find that tree limbs and bark would make a good meal, especially when winter snows covered most shrubs and plants. There were many strange sounds in the night which scared them and caused their quills to rise, so they looked like walking pincushions. They kept close to Mama who explained that animals seldom bothered porcupines because they feared their spiny quills, and the noises were part of the night world.

On another outing Mama called them to follow her as she chose a nearby pine tree and began climbing. Jake and Porky looked at each other in surprise. 'Oh, come on my porcupettes, you've got sharp claws that will bring you up this tree. Jake began climbing and said, "Wow! This is great, come on Porky-we can do it." And Porky did. Mama was sitting in the crotch of the tree waiting for them to clamber onto it. She told them that this was one of her favorite perches for sleeping during the daytime, away from any danger on the ground. It was safer to search for food during the nighttime, when dogs and big creatures were usually asleep. After resting and nibbling on the spicy pine needles, Mama led the way down the tree and they slowly waddled along the path to their home, where they sleepily curled into prickly balls and slept their tiredness away.

After several excursions with Mama, Jake and Porky felt bold enough to wander outside all by themselves. Mama smiled as she watched them go. Finding tasty food to nibble was easy. Nighttime noises sounded eerier without Mama along. They came to a young tree whose bark showed it had been gnawed. Jake said, "this must be a tree that Mama's chewed on, let's climb up and have a meal in safety." They climbed that young tree; found a sturdy branch to sit on and began to nibble its bark. From their high perch they looked below and saw an animal emerge from nearby Beaver Pond and stop below them. It was big and looked like Papa, but had no quills. To their surprise, it began gnawing on the base of their tree. Jake and Porky sat as if frozen to their branch quivering with fear.

Suddenly the tree began swaying and landed into the water with a big splash! The little porcupines were thrown from their perch and dunked into the pond. Because their quills were hollow and filled with air, Jake and Porky popped to the surface like balloons, and quickly began paddling like crazy to reach the shore and clamber up the muddy bank.

Shaking off the water, they hurried home to tell Mama of the frighteningly huge animal that dumped them into the pond and of how they escaped by paddling across to safety.

What a tale they had to tell their mother!

Oswald 1993 - 6/20/2011 My black cat Oswald turned about 18 years old this year. He filled my apartment with joy during a very difficult and confusing time in my life. He had a history of medical problems when he walked into my life in 1998; he had asthma, trouble digesting triglycerides, later developing diabetes and urinary tract infections. He passed away in the spot you see in the picture. I was petting him and he was purring. My veterinarian was kind enough to make a house call to perform this duty. He just fell to sleep in my arms while seeing only his familiar surroundings. R.I.P. my dear Oswald. You did super duper for the 13 years you've been with me. You managed asthma, triglyceride problems, and your sugar regulated perfectly except you developed bladder tumors. I wish I could have done more so you could have been with me longer. You were a real trooper; more than I could have been. 18 years was a long time, but not long enough. Good bye my dear friend. I can't believe you're gone. Thank you for all the love and joy. I will miss you forever.

Fatima Women's Club Seeks Crafters Our Lady of Fatima Women's Club will sponsor a craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday November 12 in the parish hall on Hope Hill Road in Yalesville. The parish hall is handicapped accessible and the table cost is $30. For additional information or an application, call Sandy at (203) 269-6498.

There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been! ~Percy Bysshe Shelley

The Highland/Yalesville Elementary School PTO will sponsor its annual Craft Fair on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 9 AM to 3 PM at Highland School on 200 Highland Avenue, Wallingford. The fair will feature over 70 crafters selling florals, jewelry, quilted and sewed items, original paintings, holiday ornaments, homemade candy, doll clothes, wood paintings and carvings, ceramics, homemade jellies, jams,.gourmet mixes, items for animals, etc. For information on the fair please contact Carole Eager at careager@aol.com or (203) 235-0195.

Pasta Supper The Civitan Club of Meriden/Wallingford will hold their17th annual pasta supper to benefit the physically and mentally challenged youth and adults in the area on Thursday, November 10th from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at St. Josephs Church, Rosary Hall, 22 Goodwill Ave. Meriden, Ct. Donations are $8.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 years and younger. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from Elain Cariati at 203- 630-9805.

Page 6 October B 2011

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER News and Events

Wallingford Health Department News and Events

VISIT our website at www.wlfdseniorctr.com!

The Brave Story of an Orphan Train Rider - Thursday, November 3, 7:00 PM at LHHS Tickets are on sale at the front desk for a special event to be held at Lyman Hall High School to benefit the Wallingford Education Foundation. Ann Zemke, author of They Named Me Marjorie: The Brave Story of an Orphan Train Rider, will speak about her grandmother who was indentured by a family who took her off an orphan train in 1906.

Free Ballroom Dance Lessons - Tuesdays, 9:30 AM Do you want to add to your enjoyment at our dance parties? Come to our free ballroom dance lessons taught by Roger Blouin, and soon you'll be out on the floor dancing like Fred or Ginger! You do not need a partner to attend the dance lessons (or our dance parties). We would love to see more men join in the fun! Don't be shy - give it a try!

Volunteer Recruitment, Wallingford Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) First, thank you to all our citizen volunteers who helped the Town of Wallingford during training exercises or real time events (such as H1N1 Flu Clinics and Hurricane Irene).

The Wallingford Health Department is now combining our Public Health Volunteers with the Towns Emergency Preparedness; forming the Wallingford Medical Reserve Corps Team. The MRC is a federally recognized program designed to recruit and train citizen volunteers to assist with community-wide emergency situations.

The MRC is NOT restricted to medical professionals; BOTH medical and non medical volunteers are needed for the MRC Team. Please see the enclosed brochure for more information on the MRC. The Medical Reserve Program provides free extensive training in core topics, including Shelter Management CPR, First Aid, AED, and other pertinent topics. We hope that we will never have to respond to an emergency or disaster but we should always be prepared.

Please join us on October 25, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Wallingford Senior Center, 238 Washington St. The training session will include a brief overview of the MRC and Shelter Management. Light refreshments will be available.

If you know any family member, friends or coworkers who are interested we would be happy to welcome them to the team as well!

Contact the Wallingford Health Department at (203)294-2065 or wlfdhealth@sbclgobal.net to indicate your availability. IF you cannot attend the initial training but would still like to participate, we will forward to you the MRC Volunteer Application and additional information.

On behalf of the Town of Wallingford, thank you in advance for your continued support.

1st Edition, Wallingford Healthy Dining Guide The Wallingford Health Department in conjunction with the "Activate Wallingford" Pioneering Healthier Communities initiative is pleased to announce our 1st Edition, "Wallingford Healthy Dining Guide". The Healthy Dining Guide is an effort to create a healthier community by highlighting those restaurants that provide the healthy food choices; some of these include offering whole grain alternatives, more fruit and vegetable items, and the option to order smaller portion sizes. . According to consumer research from the National Restaurant Association, nearly 3 out of 4 adults are trying to eat healthier when dining out than they have in the past (January 2010).

This exciting new effort was the work of student intern, Leah Mezick, Southern CT State University, Public Health (graduated May 2011). All Wallingford restaurants were asked to voluntarily participate in a menu review and grading system. Criteria for inclusion in the Wallingford Healthy Dining Guide, was restricted to restaurants classified as 3's and 4's in accordance with CT Public Health Code; local establishments (less than 3 locations) and had to meet at least 80% of the healthy nutritional guidelines. A survey was adapted from a dining guide designed by Darlene Flaherty, R.D., at the Carroll County Health Department in Maryland was distributed in April 2011.

The 1st Edition of the Wallingford Health Dining Guide is two-year guide, 2011-2013, and will be updated using the same grading criteria. We are pleased to announce that nine (9) restaurants are included in the 1st Edition.

Certificates of Award of Excellence will be awarded on Saturday Oct 1, 2011 at 1:00 pm, Center Stage, as part of the Celebrate Wallingford Festivities.

The restaurants will receive a certificate to display and a window decal indicates they are a Healthy Dining establishment. In addition, the Wallingford Healthy Dining Guide will be available on the Town web site and the Activate Wallingford website (www.ActivateWallingford.com) Respectfully, Eloise Hazelwood, MPH Director of Health 203-294-2065 Editor’s Note: Look in this issue for the “Wallingford Healthy Dining Guide” or go online to www.peoplespressnews.com to download a copy.

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Wallingford Garden Club October Meeting

Happy Birthday!

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The Wallingford Garden Club hosted an informative program on Tuesday, October 11 on Live Birds of Prey. Speaker, Julie Anne Collier, of Wingmasters held the audience in thrall for over an hour with her witty talk and five gorgeous birds. Collier is an experienced bird rehabilitator and is extremely knowledgable about the animals in her care.

She presented a Merlin falcon who has come back to Massachusettes to live and hunt. Next, a young Red-tailed hawk, Nipmunk, came out of her cage.

The majestic Golden Eagle named Lakota, was exhibited and the audience could appreciate why this is Collier's favorite. This 17 pound female with brown feathers and gold highlights on crown, chest, and wings was spectacular. The audience delighted in the small screech owl that nuzzled up to Colier's face. The final bird shown was a barn owl whose hearing acuity is second only to that of a bat.

It was a special opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and the lecture was thoroughly enjoyed by club members and the many guests in attendance.

The Wallingford Garden Club is a member of the Federated Garden Clubs of CT and the National Garden Clubs Inc. In Photo: Julie Anne Collier with Nipmunk

Page 7 October B 2011

MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY EARLY NOVEMBER PROGRAMS Meriden Public Library will be closed on Friday, November 11 to celebrate Veterans Day. The library will be open on Saturday, November 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A Night of Tai Chi - November 1 - Join us for a demonstration, history lesson and guided movement routine of Tai Chi by instructor Kathy Brenner on Tuesday, November 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room.

Originally, the movements in Tai Chi were created to fight an opponent. Over the years, warfare changed and the practice of Tai Chi became a health benefit.

Its slow movements and meditative counterpart along with conscious breathing make for a prescribed therapy for ailments in the Eastern culture. Kathy Brenner has practiced the art for 22 years, has taught hundreds of students over the past 12 years and has won numerous medals in international competition.

This program is free and all are welcome. Contact the Community Services Department at (230) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or visit www.meridenlibrary.org and sign up through our calendar.

Chess Club - November 2 - The Chess Club at Meriden Public Library meets on the first Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is Wednesday, November 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Seminar Room. New members are always welcome. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have any questions about library programs.

Writer's Network - November 2, November 16 and November 30 - The Writer's Network will meet at 7:00 pm on November 2 in Griffin Room A, November 16 in Griffin Room B and November 30 in Griffin Room A at Meriden Public Library. The Writer's Network invites anyone who is serious about writing fiction or nonfiction, wants to learn the process of getting published, or needs support for writing a book proposal or query letter is welcome to attend. If you are interested in joining the Writer's Network, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email us comsvc@hotmail.com.

Stealing From Mr. Dickens - November 3 - Film critic Richard Alleva will present his final program, Stealing from Mr. Dickens on Thursday, November 3 at 1:30 p.m. in the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room. The year 2012 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens. His novels have been read widely not only in England and America but in all European countries and some Asian ones. Did you know that some of his plots and characters have shown up, in disguise, in the works of famous moviemakers? Then we'll look at scenes from A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist and see how the Dickensian influence sneaked into the work of Ingmar Bergman (Wild Strawberries) and Luis Bunuel (Los Olvidados), and we'll also view scenes from those modern masters. Richard Alleva has been the film critic for Commonweal magazine over the last 20 years. He has lectured widely, and his articles have been anthologized, notably by Peter Bogdanovich in The Best American Movie Writing, 1999. This program is free and all are welcome. Seating is limited.

Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or visit the library's website at www.meridenlibrary.org and reserve a seat through the library calendar.

Anime Club - November 4 - The Teen Anime Club at the Meriden Public Library will meet on Friday, November 4th at 2:30 pm in the Griffin Room. In celebration of Culture Day in Japan we will make art using Japanese calligraphy. Afterwards we will be watching the second movie in the Bleach series.

When, a valuable artifact known as "King's Seal" is stolen, Hitsugaya Toushiro, the 10th division captain of Gotei goes after the thief but instead goes missing and is believed to be the culpurit behind the robbery. Kurosaki Ichigo refuses to believe this, and along with Matsumoto Rangiku, Kuchiki Rukia and Abarai Renji swear to uncover the real mastermind of the stolen seal, find Hitsugaya and clear his name. Snacks and drinks will be provided. This program is for teens age 13-18. Sign up is not required but if you would like more information contact Melissa at mmurphy@ci.meriden.ct.us Origami Workshop - November 5- An origami workshop by Day Bouttaphom will be held on Saturday, November 5 at 2:00 to 4:30 pm in the Griffin Room at Meriden Public Library. If you have always wanted to learn some origami, now is your chance. Ms. Bouttaphom will be helping participants make a 6 piece modular origami which is very festive for the holidays. If time permits, participants will be able to complete an extra project. Ms. Bouttaphom has been doing origami since she was a teenager and was able to fund part of her college expenses by selling the origami balls, called kusudama in Japanese. She loves paper and can turn it into something 3-dimensional as well as very beautiful. Registration is required as there is limited class space. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 Free Computer Classes at the Meriden Library - Sign up for one of the free computer classes given monthly at Meriden Library. The November schedule is: Resumes. (Please bring job history and education information to complete a resume.) - Saturday, November 5 at 9:30 a.m. and Monday, November 28 at 6:30 p.m. Job Searching on the Internet - Monday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, November 21 at 6:30 pm. Basic Computers - Monday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. Email - Saturday, November 19 at 9:30 a.m.

Class size is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or the Information Desk at (203) 238-2346 to reserve a seat.

Lego Club - November 8-Meriden Public Library will have its next Lego Club event on Tuesday, November 8th from 1:00 to 2:30 in the Griffin Room.

Children ages 6 through 12 are invited to bring their imagination and build on this month's theme - "Castles and Dungeons". Completed projects will be put on display in the library. The library will provide Legos for all children who attend. Sign up is not required for this program and late arrivals are always welcome.

A World War II Pictorial Presentation - November 8 - Veteran Lt. Col. Jim Fontana will present a pictorial biography of his life as an Army pilot during World War II on Tuesday, November 8 at 6:30 pm. in the Griffin Room at the Meriden Public Library. While Lt. Col. Fontana was in the Air Force as part of the 394th Bomb Group, he took pictures of all the places he was stationed, from his pilot training to pictures of the bombings and cities in Germany including the Dachau concentration camp. This program is cosponsored by the Meriden Historical Society. All are welcome. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or visit our website at www.meridenlibrary.org to reserve your seat through the library calendar.

SPONSOR A KID CHEF PROGRAM MCK launches its Junior Chef Sponsorship program. Your company can make a difference in the life of a Junior Chef. Help sponsor a child into our 4 weeks recreational culinary program.

Your donation not only helps support a child, it helps support our community, and our program. My City Kitchen, Inc is a 501c(3) organization and your company contribution will be tax deductible. Your support will help strengthen our vision to teach children about health and nutrition, exposing them to a healthier lifestyle, builds their confidence in the kitchen by teaching them basic life skills.

As a sponsor, your company will receive great exposure for your support, on our website, facebook page, monthly newsletters and more.

For more information about this awesome program please contact our office at 203-630-2870 or visit our website at: www.mycitykitchen.org.

We are proud to be celebrating our 107th year in the fruit growing business! 1904-2 2011 Find out why by stopping by!

Now in the Store

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NEW at Blue Hills! Take a Hayride through the beauty of our farm! Every Sun. at 1pm through October 31st!

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Page 8 October B 2011

Crafters and Vendors Needed Holiday Fair to be held at The First Baptist Church of Wallingford on Saturday, November 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature crafters and vendors and also baked goods and a luncheon.

Those interested in having a booth should contact Liz Davis at 203-265-4187.

Word Find October B 2011

Halloween House It's a nice cool fall night and Rachel and Jason want to go to the park. On the way, Joe tells me that there is a house further down on South Elm Street, about a mile down from Doolittle Park and the YMCA, that has Halloween decorations. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday and now, next to Christmas of course, it is my kids too. So, of course we had to take a quick ride and check it out before going to the park. Well, we never made it to the park, because we stayed for over one hour.

To my pleasant surprise, this was no ordinary house with a few decorations, this was I would aptly like to call 'The Halloween House'. It is nothing less than AWESOME!!

Never in my life have I ever seen so many Halloween decorations at one home.

So here I am just trying to do a quick drive by and there is a bright orange sign that says "PARK IN THE YARD AND TAKE A LOOK. TAKE PICTURES". At the same moment, shouting over to me is the owner of this home and the man responsible for this awesome sight, John Mercier. He happily welcomes us and insists on me parking in his driveway. When we all get out, he has a large basket filled with lollipops and offers them to the kids. Which of course the kids go crazy over. Then John tells us to take our time to walk around and have fun. He tells me to take as many pictures as I liked.

The front and side yards are filled with huge and colorful air filled pumpkins, ghosts, witches and more. My favorite was the grave yard, complete with a Vampire that comes out from his coffin every few minutes, to the headless horseman on a life size, yet fake, horse and my favorite are the gravestones, which someone with a good sense of humor wrote some of their own words to make the adults laugh. Every where you turned, there was something else even more spooky, freaky, interesting or simply cute. Rachel and Jason's favorite by far is the enclosed back porch, which they kept calling 'The Haunted House' and visited several times during our hour long stay. It really isn't a haunted house, but for a 6 & 3 year old it might have well been. Everything in there either flies, screams, shakes or bites that would be the candy dishes. It is filled with the largest selection of scary, spooky and freaky motion censored Halloween things I have ever seen and even my little ones LOVED IT!! They just could not get enough.

When I asked John what inspired him to create such a marvel to share with his neighbors, he said "It started out small, just a few decorations. Then little by little and over the years, they would buy some new ones and people would donate to their collection as well. We have been doing this for 11 years now." So they just kept finding new and interesting ways to display everything for all to see. Every year John, his wife Linda, friends and neighbors all work hard for a whole month, before October 1st, to create, organize and arrange these phenomenal displays. Linda Mercier says "We do it for the shear joy and excitement it brings to the kids, big and small."

So if you LOVE Halloween as much as my kids and I do, then you HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT and bring your camera, because you don't want to miss out on some spooky Kodak moments with the kids.

Hey get some great shots and you already have your Christmas cards done. Better yet, John and Linda also the same marvelous things at Christmas time too.

Michelle Trenchard-Scianna

Star t a family tradition...

PICK YOUR OWN APPLES & PEARS!

Also, join us for a great time on our famous hay rides to enjoy the foliage and see near and far with Wayne!

and take your pick from the freshest veggies and more at our farm store.

Pick your own pears too!

OPEN EVERY WEEKEND!

Time to Make the Pierogis for the MOST DELICIOUS HOLIDAY FAIR

By: Linda Blakeslee Wilkinson

Every year with the change of seasons, the "The Pierogi Elves" come out from their summer retreats and gather together to start making pierogi's at Saint Peter and Paul Church in Wallingford, for the "Polish Kitchen" at their annual Holiday Fair.

Every Monday night and Thursday morning, many generations of parishioners gather together to make between 60 and 100 dozen of cheese, sauerkraut, potato, and prune pierogi's. The dough and the fillings are prepared from scratch and assembly lines are formed to roll the dough, fill the dough, cook the pierogi's, and they will finish up by preparing the pierogi's to be packaged. This tradition at Saint Peter and Paul Church is a wonderful opportunity that allows the pierogi makers to form new relationships by helping with such a worthwhile cause and everyone gets to have a lot of fun making the pierogi's! The Holiday Fair will take place on Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the PNA Park on 171 North Plains Industrial Park Rd., Wallingford.

Citrus Fundraiser The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra is holding a citrus fundraiser to raise money for scholarships and music. We are selling 10 and 20 lb boxes of oranges, red grapefruit and tangelos. The fruit is being supplied by Indian River Citrus in Florida and will be fresh picked the day it is shipped.

For more information, please call Katrina Axelrod at 203-235-7445 or bkentfamily@yahoo.com for a order form.

Order soon as fruit will be delivered around November 15th. Fruit can be ordered and shipped so please remember it a great gift for family and friends and you will be supporting a great cause.

Page 9 October B 2011

Hi, my name is Buddy and this is my story....

I'm a 12 year old beagle mix who is not feeling so good. My best friend Fred has brought me here to VCA Shoreline Emergency Center. This is the third hospital I've been to this day. There are a lot of scary machines here but the people are really nice to me and afterwards they bring me back to Fred. I'm worried about him. He seems to be crying a lot today. I hope he's alright. Every time I get taken away to have someone look at me or run some sort of test I come back and try to comfort him. He holds me and kisses me and even rubs my tummy. I love having my tummy rubbed.

My life wasn't always as good as I have it now. My original owner yelled a lot at me and even hit me. He finally dumped me off at the Meriden Humane Society who took care of me. I was adopted once by a family who lived in the Hampton's. They had a pet rabbit. I like rabbits. They brought me back the next day after I tried to chase it.

Every day one of the volunteers at the shelter, Fred, would take me on a long walk. I love going out and walking no matter what the weather is. I got special treats every time we came back. I like treats. After a while he asked me if I wanted to come home with him. I couldn't wag my tail any harder in excitement. I had a room all to my own and had a king size bed and a couch. I could spend hours looking out the windows and watching the birds. I like birds but my friend would let me chase them. He would take me on long walks around the neighborhood twice a day no matter what.

Rain, sleet, snow or shine we walked. Life was good.

It was about a year ago I hurt my back and needed major surgery. It hurt to walk but Fred would pick me up and carry me outside so I didn't have to climb up and down the steps. After a while he built for me a ramp so I could walk by myself out to the front yard and then we would take a short walk. One of the effects of the medicines I had to take was that I wasn't always able to make it through the night and would have an accident on the floor. I was so embarrassed and expected to be yelled at but no. Fred wouldn't yell at me but would kiss and hug me. Those made me feel better.

About a month ago I got sick and had to have my spleen removed. I don't know what tumors are but I had them.

Once again Fred nursed me non stop. It seemed that I got treats all the time now and got extra food. Life was good. I couldn't go on long walks anymore and seemed to need to go outside to pee at lot but Fred didn't mind. We spent a lot of time sitting in the sun. That felt great. He would put his arm around me and hug me a lot.

Yesterday I threw up and my stomach bothered me. My friend took me to Meriden Animal Hospital the next morning. He didn't seem to be upset when I threw up all over the back seat. I wasn't feeling all that good. I don't understand what everyone is talking about but Fred held me so it's probably alright. I was then taken to Rocky Hill to visit another vet. We then drove all the way to Shoreline where I am now. Dr. Davies looked me over and took me into another room where I had ultrasound and blood work done I feel really weak now but I'm back sitting with Fred so I feel better but he doesn't. He seems upset about something.

He's spending a lot of time holding me. He tells me that I'm going on a little trip to a place where I can chase rabbits all day if I want or just lay back and enjoy the sun. I don't understand why he can't come with me but he assured me that he would be meeting me later. I don't really want to leave him since he seems to be really sad. He tells me that I'm going to take a little nap and when I wake I won't be feeling sick or weak anymore. I'm getting really sleepy and I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open. He kissed me again and I'm just going to close my eyes for a moment.

If you would like to make a donation in Buddy's memory please send it to: Meriden Humane Society. 311 Murdock Ave Meriden, Connecticut 06450 Submitted by: Fred W Gudrian

AUTUMN OFFERS LESSONS FOR RETIREMENT

By Paul Gilfillan - Social Security Manager, Meriden Ct In autumn, animals know winter is coming and take the steps to prepare. Bears grow thicker fur and settle in for peaceful hibernation. Squirrels collect and store acorns and other nuts. Birds, favoring warmer weather and having the means to make it possible, fly south for the winter. When it comes to preparing for retirement, we can learn from the animals -- making sure the transition into the later years of our lives is as smooth and comfortable as possible. The best place to start is a visit to www.socialsecurity.gov.

You can get an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

To prepare for a comfortable retirement, you should start saving as early as possible. Social Security is the foundation for a secure retirement, but was never meant to be the sole-source of income for retirees. In addition to Social Security, you also will need savings, investments, pensions or retirement accounts to make sure you have enough money to live comfortably when you retire. Learn about retirement planning and how to save at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/other2.htm. But wait, there's more.

If you decide you're going to be a "snowbird" when retirement comes, and go to warmer climates during winter weather, make sure that your Social Security payment goes with you. The best way to do that is to use direct deposit. You never have to worry about where your monthly payment will be delivered - it will show up in your bank account whether you're in the Dakotas or the Florida Keys. Learn all about electronic payments at www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit. Whether you're in the spring, summer, or entering the autumn of your life, the best time to start preparing for retirement is always the present. A good place to start is at www.socialsecurity.gov. Even the animals know they can't wait until the last minute to prepare for a comfortable winter. Take a lesson from our furry and feathered friends and prepare for your own comfortable retirement.

Landscaping Donated for Lyman Hall's Ag Center

Making their annual gift to the people of Connecticut, the state's nurseries, landscapers, and garden centers will install new landscaping Wednesday, October 12 for the new Agriscience Center at Wallingford's Lyman Hall High School as part of the annual Plant-Connecticut program. The Center is of the state's 19 vocational agriculture high schools that recently opened an entirely new building.

The project, organized each year by the Connecticut Nursery & Landscape Association (CNLA), is designed to focus attention on the value of Connecticut-grown plants and encourage planting around the state, said Bob Heffernan, CNLA executive director. Estimated value of the project will exceed $10,000. Every year since PlantConnecticut first began in 1950, the nurserymenwomen have picked a different nonprofit site around the state to do their complimentary planting and landscaping. A volunteer crew of about 15 nursery/landscape workers from up to a dozen companies from all over Connecticut will spend Wednesday, October 12 installing over 20 different varieties of plants outside the vo-ag building.

The plants will be donated by many of the state's nursery growers. The production of plants and flowers is Connecticut's biggest agricultural segment at over $1 billion annually. Connecticut's residents, because of their affluence, spend more per capita on flowers and plants than people of any other state.

The Connecticut Nursery & Landscape Association represents more than 400 companies in the business.

Time to think about a HISTORIC New Year's Eve?

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Call Jean King TODAY! (203) 634-3500 105 Hanover St., Meriden, CT www.kingtravelways.com

Healthy Dining Guide of Wallingford, Connecticut - First Edition

Page 10 October B 2011

No matter where you go...there you are!

Winifred the Witch of Wallingford?

A portrait of one of the Witch Trials of New England

A True Story....

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Forget Salem - Winfred Benham was the Witch of Wallingford and not only tried once but thrice!

Winifred King (daughter of John King and Mary Hale Baker) was born 1639 in New Haven, New Haven, CT, USA, and died date unknown in Wallingford, CT. She married Joseph Benham on 15 Jan 1657, son of John Benham I and Mary.

Winifred was thrice accused of being a witch in the infamous New England Witch Trials. During one such accusation, her husband, Joseph, burst into the court room and threatened to shoot Winifred's accuser.

On the map from 1670 - you can see the Benham's homestead lot right between 2 Hall Brothers. Each lot was 6 acres so the property would have been somewhere between the corner of Center Street/Main Street and down a ways towards Ward Street. On the map - Main Street is known as Long High Way and Ward Street is known as Cross High Way. The Burial Ground remains where it is today.

We are going to showcase where the property exactly was in our next issue.

Rumor has it that Joseph was not the nicest of neighbors and instead of going after him and his well known family - they chose to go after his wife several times, but you never know if it was true or not - do you?

Each of her trials was as a result of a different individual or individuals accusing them. She was even given the water test twice and survived. Their daughter, Winifred Jr., was even accused of being a witch in the last of her mother's trials in 1697 at the tender age of 13.

AMAZINGLY - Winifred's final trial was the LAST WITCHCRAFT TRIAL in New England Now, when I read this from one website - well, I just couldn't believe it but then I checked over 15 websites and it was starting feel confirmed. I was totally convinced when I read a chapter from "A History of Meriden," with the early history by George Munson Curtis and all else Compiled and written by C. Bancroft Gillespie in 1906.

To read the entire book - go to www.peoplespressnews.com and enjoy.

Chapter XV from “A History of Meriden” as noted above When Wallingford was a frontier town of three or four hundred inhabitants and New England was almost an unbroken wilderness, when a journey from Hartford to New Haven was an event to be contemplated with concern, and the forests were the abode of wild beasts and savage Indians, it is not surprising that imagination should have been active in conjuring unknown terrors and that the belief in witches, which from time immemorial had been the common heritage of the people of all lands, should have been particularly prevalent in the towns of New England.

It is difficult in this age of wide education and altruism to understand this superstition, and still harder to realize that Wallingford had its acute attack of this mental phenomenon. Hardly anyone is acquainted with the facts in the case; indeed, the occurrence is barely mentioned in the "History of Wallingford and Meriden", and even then the name of the accused family is given as Denham.

Some facts relating to his case have come to the attention of the writer, and they are sufficiently interesting to be given to the public. It is best to give the names as they appear in the records, because no descendant can possibly object to such a course. It is no disgrace to have had as an ancestor one who was suspected of witchcraft. Three reasons present themselves as probable causes of suspected cases of witchcraft. Sometimes it was the unconscious homage which stupidity paid to superior ability, in other cases, the unfortunate martyr was simply a victim of a conjunction of circumstantial evidence, and, again, the results were brought about by the devious and tortuous workings of unprincipled and malicious persons. The unhappy family, which was the center of the witchcraft excitement in Wallingford, was thoroughly respectable, and we can only conjecture as to why it was the victim of this morbid superstition.

However, the witchcraft trials of Connecticut did not result in such tragedies as those of Massachusetts, which culminated in the horrors of Salem in 1692. A list of trials and executions in Connecticut can be found in Orcutt's History of Stratford and Bridgeport, p.156. New Haven County seems to have escaped without one of these legal murders.

Among the first planters of Wallingford in 1670 was Joseph Benham, son of John Benham, an immigrant at Dorchester, Mass., in 1630. John was undoubtedly the ancestor of all the Benhams' in this part of the country. Joseph married in 1657 Winifred King, of Boston, and when the homestead lots we reassigned in Wallingford in 1670 he received one a little below what is now Center street, on the eastside of Main street. We know little about Joseph in his relations to his neighbors and townsmen until 1691. He seems then to have had some disagreement with the selectmen, which caused him, so far, to forget himself that he was guilty of some rather strong expressions regarding the fitness of these gentlemen for their official positions. In those days, speaking lightly of dignitaries was not permitted; in fact, our present free and easy manner of criticizing the acts of our public servants would have been looked on with horror and as something not to be tolerated. At the County court held in New Haven June15, 1691, Joseph Benham was presented for trial. It is better to let the records tell the story in their own quaint phraseology: "Joseph Benham of Wallingford presented for speaking words in reproach against ye townsmen (selectmen) of Wallingford that they were no more fit for townsmen than dogs which was upon ye last Tuesday in April and was now proved against him in court by three witnesses and ye substance of ye accusation confessed by himself for which he was fined to pay 5 shillings into ye County treasury before ye 1st of November next for his soe traducing and vilifying said townsmen."

We are not enlightened by the records as to why Joseph so far forgot himself as to make possible so serious a charge and punishment. He may have been a man of violent temper, or he may have been provoked beyond endurance by the acts and gossip of his neighbors and subsequent investigations by the "townsmen." It is somewhat difficult today to realize the condition under which our ancestors lived in these early Puritan days. To us now it would be intolerable. The organization of each community was aptly described by the old Puritan gibe, "The world belongs to the saints, and we are the saints, and woe is tide the poor unfortunate who had fallen under the ban of his fellow church members."

"Considerations of the methods of interpreting scripture and of theological theories which were in credit will suggest Continued on Page 11

Page 11 October B 2011

Continued from Page 10 explanations of the morbid vigilance" exercised by every church association. "In those days New England men meant as they professed. Their convictions, covering the whole length and breadth of their creeds, laid a wide basis for imagination and emotion." Everyone felt at liberty to spy upon the acts of his neighbor, and that this was thoroughly done no one will doubt who has made an examination of early church records. What today is considered the act of a scandal monger and busy body was then felt to be the part of a conscientious man's duty. It can easily be imagined that life in such a community was not pleasant. They were a sturdy lot and thoroughly lived up to their lights.

The next appearance of Joseph and his family was under decidedly distressing circumstances. Of course, we cannot tell whether this situation was the result of underhanded work of malicious persons, or simply an explosion of the pent up emotions and morbid imaginations of persons sincerely believing what they reported. Let us again turn to the records: "At a meeting of ye authority of New Haven July 25th 1692, Joseph Benham of Wallingford appeared according to summons before ye authority this day and being examined upon complaint and evidence being brought against him that he had lately threatened to charge his gun with two bullets and shoot Goody Parker if she came into his house about such matters or things upon which examination ye said Benham confessed ye said threatening words in part being as he was provoked by ye said Parkers casting some reflections (in her speech) about witchcraft upon his wife yet not intending mischief to said Parker and blaming himself for his passion and such threatening expressions. The authority having considered ye case and finding (besides his partial confession) ye said threatening words clearly proved by two witnesses Sarah How Senator and Abigaile Atwater did order ye said Joseph Benham to acknowledge himself and his estate bound in a recognizance of 50 shillings to ye county treasury that he shall keep ye kings peace towards all their majesties subjects especially ye said Joseph Parker and Hannah his wife and their family. And his said recognizance to stand good against him until November county court next and then he to appear for his release as ye court shall see cause and in the meantime to pay just fees for the persecution."

Evidently, Joseph did not relish the conscientious motives of his neighbors in seeking to show that his wife was in league with the devil and guilty of the monstrous crime of witchcraft. Conscious of her innocence and resenting this prying into his domestic affairs, we can easily understand the wrath of the outraged husband and his desire to plant two bullets in the body of the overanxious Goody Parker. This Joseph Parker (whose wife was Hannah Gilbert) was a son of William Parker, of Saybrook, ancestor of all the Parkers in this vicinity. But the gossip regarding Winifred Benham had now grown to the proportion of a great scandal, and was the subject of anxious solicitude to Rev. Mr. Street, pastor of the Wallingford church, who, no doubt, was greatly disturbed to think the devil had gained possession of the body and soul of one of his flock.

At this same court, viz.25 July, 1692: "The Rev. Mr. Street appeared before authority, along with Mrs. Street, Deacon Hall and Goody Parker who mentioned many peculiar things as grounds of suspicion of witchcraft reflecting upon Goody. Winifred Benham then also present where upon the authority desired and advised Mr. Street and others of Wallingford concerned to consider of ye matter being weighty and to prepare such evidences as could become at for ye further discovery and conviction of ye property suspected of guilt or clearing of innocent and ye said suspected person being a member of their church 'twas left with Mr. Street that he and ye church should consider what did or might belong to them hoping God would direct them on their seeking council from him or words to that purpose and so ye matter was dismissed and left till next county court."

Doubtless the time until the November session of the court was anxiously spent by the Benham family. The whole of New England was stirred up by the terrible tragedies taking place at Salem and other towns. It was fortunate for Winifred Benham that the trial was postponed until November, for by that time a great revulsion of feeling had occurred, and ministers and magistrates were repenting bitterly the awful horrors enacted in Massachusetts. Poor Winifred was on hand and in New Haven in November, and the record is as follows: "A county court held at New Haven the 2nd Wednesday in November, 1692. Those present were Robert Treat Esq. Gov., William Jones Esq. Dep. Gov., Andrew Leet Assist. Capt., Moses Mansfield and Mr. Thomas Trowbridge County Commissioner. Winifred Benham of Wallingford being summoned to appear at this court for examination upon suspicion of witchcraft was now present. And ye witnesses were called to testify what they had to say in the case and accordingly gave in their testimonies in writing which were read in ye hearing of the said Winifred. And she being called to say what she had to say for herself her general answer was that she knew nothing of ye matters testified and was not concerned there in. She also gave some testimonies for herself which were read."

"The court having heard and considered all ye evidences against ye Winifred Benham and not finding sufficient grounds for conviction or further prosecution (at present) of ye said Winifred do therefore at this time dismiss ye business yet advising the said Winifred Benham solemnly to reflect upon ye case and grounds of suspicion on given in and alleged against her. And told her if further grounds of suspicion of witch craft or further evidences should appear against her by reason of mischief done to ye bodies or estate of any supernatural acts proved against her she might justly fear and except to be brought to her trial for it."

Presumably Joseph and Winifred breathed more freely on their return journey as they thought of the peril she had escaped. But her life in Wallingford could not have been pleasant thereafter. Her neighbors looked at her askance and every act and word must have been scanned and twisted to suit the desires of those who sincerely believed she spent her nights riding on a broomstick in company with the devil. Joseph and Winifred had a daughter, with whom they name Winifred. Little Winifred shared much of her mother's unhappiness, which put a strain on the situation. This continued for five years with no outbreak.

At last human nature could not stand it any longer and her neighbors are convinced that all their misfortunes are due to Winifred's intimacy with his satanic majesty. Unfortunately, poor little Winifred, at the age of thirteen years old was now believed to ride tandem on the broomstick with her mother on her nightly peregrinations with the devil. Just try to fancy what a life this poor child must have led! On August 31, 1697, all her neighbors are again in New Haven, determined that Winifred and her daughter shall surely pay the just penalty of their monstrous crimes and persecutions.

"A special county court by order of the Governor held in New Haven on the 31st of Aug 1697. Present, Robert Treat Esq., Gov. William T. Jones Esq., D. Gov. Major Aloses Mansfield Assist. "Complaint being made to the authority by Ebenezer Clark, Joseph Royse and John Moss Jr., all of Wallingford against Winifred Benham Sr. and Winifred Benham Jr., her daughter that Sarah Clark, daughter of Ebenezer Clark, Elizabeth Lathrop and John Moss, son of ye said John Moss Jr., were frequently and sorely afflicted in their bodies by ye said Benhams, mother and daughter or their apparition and as they strongly suspect by their means or procurement by ye devil in their shapes. Therefore, we desire ye authority as Gods ordinance for their relief strictly to examine ye said suspected persons, in order to a due trial of them so that a stop may be put to their sufferings; prevention of such mischiefs among them for the future."

"The court having seriously considered the accusations and information, based on good testimony against Winifred Benham Sr. and Winifred Benham Jr., upon suspicion of them for witchcraft, they or the devil in their shapes afflicting sundry young persons above named. As formerly accused and suspected in ye year 1692. And finding clear and sufficient grounds for suspicion against them after strict examination of ye said persons apart and severally see just cause to bind over the said Benhams, mother and daughter to appear at ye next court of Assistants. in October in Hartford for further examination and trial personally. And the husband of said Winifred Sr. gave 40 shillings recognizance for their appearance accordingly or that they be secured in person for their said trial. And said Benham to pay ye charge of this county court charges 21 shillings exemption granted for said 21 shillings. Also ye Death of said________ young child to be inquired in to with what appeared to be spots on said child and ye like spots on said Benham quickly vanishing."

What transpired between the date of this court and that in Hartford we do not know; but mother and daughter were quickly released when the case came to trial, as appears by the following extract from records in the office of Secretary of State in Hartford: "At a court of Assistants held in Hartford October 7th 1697, Captain Daniel Clark also at this (court) as attorney on behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King appeared in court and accused Winifred Benham Sr. and Winifred Benham Jr., both of Wallingford for having familiarity with Satan the enemy of God and mankind and by his aid doing many supernatural acts by mischievously hurting the bodies and goods of sundry persons of Jao Mosse Jr, Joseph Royce and Ebenezer Clark with Divers others to the great damage and disturbance of the public peace, and etc. This bill of charge with the testimonies relating there unto being referred to the consideration of the grand jury, they returned upon the bill ignoramus." That is "not proven."

Fortunately, a more enlightened feeling had grown up in the colony, and for this reason mother and daughter were hence forth not publicly persecuted, but doubtless the memory of these terrible experiences never for took them. From the late Dr. Charles J. Hoadley, state librarian, the writer had the assurance that this was the last witchcraft trial in Connecticut.

Fall Social Organized for you enjoyment by the Friends of Troop 10 Boy Scouts!

Celebrity Waiter Fund Raiser Thurs., Nov.17th - 6:00PM - 9:00PM Rosies CafĂŠ - 104 Camp Street, Meriden Live Entertainment, Affordable, Fun Menu & Much More!

Come on down to Rosie's, have dinner or a drink, and socialize with the Troop 10 Boy Scout Family. Catch up with old friends or make some new friends! Show your support for Troop 10!

Be served with courteous and professional wait staff provided by the Troop 10 Committee : Keith Charette, Paul Charest, Jamie O., Jens Kiss, Geoff Ruel, Scott Craig, Richard Kiewlen, Bob Kowalski‌ just to name a few.

A gathering of Fellowship for the fall season with all tips benefiting Troop 10.

Dessert and Baked Goods

Heaven on Earth!

Make a wish for the perfect cake and we will come true!

Best known for fresh cannolis and whipped cream cakes with fresh strawberries. We are the home of delectable Italian cookies and pastries, fresh baked breads, rolls, danishes, mini pastries and cakes. Stop by today!

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

Page 12 October B 2011

The Dog Who Goes Trick-Or-Treating

A visit from Officer Buck and Annuke

By Paula Sparks In the next block over from me lives a Jack Russell terrier that one year went trick-or-treating with his family. After the kids took him home, J.R. (his name, short for Jack Russell) decided he could trick-or-treat on his own, and instead of going as Dracula, this time he would go as a dog. He slithered out of the house and thought about where he got the best treats, a chicken jerky strip and a big Milk-Bone biscuit. So when I went to the door with the candy, there was J.R. without his folks but with some kids waiting patiently. When the kids started leaving, he was at the end of the line waiting for his treat. I gave him another treat, jerky and biscuit, and watched him go hide behind the Rose of Sharon bush to eat them. Shortly after, there were some more kids, and at the end of the line was J.R. again. This time he just got a jerky strip, and he delightedly ran off behind the bush to eat his treat again. He did that about four times, waiting at the end of the line, then running behind the bush to enjoy his treasures.

All was quiet, it was late, the kids had all gone home, when there was a knock at my door. Thinking it to be a straggler, I went to the door and there stood J.R. politely asking for his treat. I gave him a Milk-Bone and called his mommy to come get him before he ate too many treats, even if they were dog friendly.

Every year I look forward to the trick-or-treaters, but mostly I look forward to J.R., who now knows when the kids dress up, it's time to go trick-or-treating. And he's the first one at the door the last few years. Now he is bringing friends, and I get nearly as many dogs as kids, with and without kids in tow!

Seeking "Wreath Sponsors" A memorial wreath laying ceremony honoring veterans will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2011@ Noon. The site for this ceremony will be Walnut Grove Cemetery, located at 817 Old Colony Rd, Meriden.

Seven ceremonial wreaths will be placed by members of each military branch, including a wreath for our POW/MIA, to remember those who served, honor their sacrifices and teach our younger generations about the cost of freedom.

The Silver City, Civil Air Patrol seeks "Wreath Sponsors" at this time.

Each wreath costs $15 and will be shipped to the designated cemetery days prior to the ceremony.

(There are NO wreath sales at the cemetery the day of the event) WAA does not "decorate" graves. We honor all veterans and active duty military by placing wreaths on headstones of veterans. The fresh evergreens are a symbol used for centuries to recognize honor.

In 2011, it is projected that over 170, 000 volunteers will take part in Wreaths Across America's Mission: Remember...Honor..Teach Please due your part and honor our servicemen and women and that of their families who are without loved ones' for the holiday. Contact: Meriden's WAA Location Leader wreathsmeriden@yahoo.com.

Please due your part this holiday season.

20th Annual Franciscan Christmas Fair Join us for the 20th Annual Franciscan Christmas Fair Saturday, November 19, 2011, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the campus of the Franciscan Life Center, 271 Finch Avenue, Meriden, Connecticut 06451.

Enjoy Franciscan breads, jams and other homemade foods, Connecticut grown Christmas trees, hand-decorated wreaths for your homes, and early holiday shopping. Proceeds from the fair benefit the programs and services of the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. For more information call (203) 237-8084 or visit www.flcenter.org.

Upcoming Deadlines: Oct. 30th, Nov. 14th, Nov. 28th and Dec. 12th! It's always FREE to share all of your news, events, photos, stories and more. Email your stories, news and events to andy@peoplespressnews.com or post on our Facebook wall - The People's Press. Email your photos and celebrations to celebrations@peoplespressnews.com or post your photo and message on our Facebook wall - The People's Press.

If we can help in any way please call 203-235-9333.

Diary of a Cat!

Story and Artwork by Devin McCarthy - Age 10

On Friday, Sept. 16, the third graders at Nathan Hale School were treated to a visit from Meriden Police Officer D. Buck and his dog, Anouke. This followed a story they were reading called Office Buckle and Gloria. Officer Buck told the children all about Anouke's training and showed them how she can use her keen nose to assist the police department in solving crimes. The children were all able to pet Anouke and hold a sample of a bullet proof vest the department hopes to buy. The children showed their appreciation by contributing to a fund that has been set up to buy Anoukea a vest. Meriden has been without a canine for a few years, so they are in need of buying a bullet proof vest to keep Anouke safe. The third graders were very excited to present Office Buck with a donation to help buy the vest. We want to express our appreciation to Officer Buck, Anouke, and the Meriden Police Department for allowing this wonderful presentation to take place. Thanks Officer Buck and Anouke!!

In Photo: Mrs. Erasmus and her class pose with Anouke.

Meriden Health Department: Keeping You Healthy In November!

November is American Diabetes Month - Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood glucose (sugar) that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin. Over time, when there is too much sugar in the blood, several organs in the body can become affected, including the kidney, eyes, nerves and cardiovascular system. About 186,000 adults in Connecticut have been diagnosed with diabetes, and it is estimated that another 93,000 are undiagnosed. Signs of diabetes could include having to go to the bathroom often, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, cuts/bruises that are slow to heal, and blurred vision. Persons who develop Type 2 diabetes often have no symptoms. You can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through a healthy lifestyle. Change your diet, increase your level of physical activity, maintain a healthy weight...with these positive steps, you can stay healthier longer and reduce your risk of diabetes. For more info, please visit www.diabetes.org.

Did you get your flu shot yet? - The Meriden Health Department is now offering seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine to Meriden residents. This year's vaccine includes protection from the H1N1 flu virus. Getting the flu vaccine is the best protection against getting sick from influenza.

Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months. Any persons allergic to eggs or any part of the flu vaccine are not eligible for the vaccination. The cost of the vaccine is $25.00 (cash only please). Medicare and Connecticare Medicare HMO are the only insurances accepted at this time. The vaccine will be given at the Health Department, 165 Miller Street, Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm.

No appointment is necessary. Please call the Meriden Health Department Clinic office at (203) 630-4234 with any questions.

City of Meriden Maintains HEARTSafe Status The City of Meriden has again been designated as a HEARTSafe Community for an additional three years by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), in collaboration with the American Heart Association. Residents and visitors of Meriden may have noticed road signs at major intersections throughout the city, indicating that Meriden is a HEARTSafe Community. With the renewal of the designation, the signs are here to stay for at least another three years.

Meriden Mayor Michael Rohde stated, "We are pleased to have Meriden's status as a HEARTSafe Community renewed by the Department of Public Health. We take pride in our efforts to proactively address the risks of heart attack amongst our residents."

"On behalf of the Department of Public Health, I congratulate the City of Meriden for its continued commitment to the HEARTSafe Community designation," said DPH Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen.

"This designation helps ensure that the city's residents and visitors receive the early lifesaving response proven to increase the chances of survival for heart attack victims."

DPH began the HEARTSafe Communities program to foster community environments that improve the survival odds for people suffering sudden cardiac events, such as cardiac arrests or heart attacks. The key to the program has been dubbed by the American Heart Association as the Chain of Survival. The Chain of Survival has four vital links: early access to emergency care, early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation and early advanced care.

A HEARTSafe Community Promotes and supports CPR training in the community, public access to defibrillation through strategic placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for use by public safety professionals and other trained community members, and early advanced care. Meriden has continued to meet the program requirements for public placement of AEDs, community residents trained in CPR and AED, and equipped and trained emergency responders. For more information on the designation please call the Meriden Health Department, Community Health Education office at (203) 630-4238.

Page 13 October B 2011

Greetings from Skunkston...

Good Evening. Fang and myself would like to thank you for allowing us to join you. Fang is a black and white classic skunk with ruby red eyes. One hundred and eighty or so years ago (I've lost count), I was a mere farmer in the town of Skunkston.. I grew the most delicious vegetables in all of the state. I was a lonely man and all I had in the world was my garden. It was very late one night when I heard a loud squawking noise coming from outside of my rotting old shack. I jumped out of bed and ran outside. It was a full moon so I could see fairly well. Then, I heard the squawking again. It was coming from my garden! As I raced forward, I noticed an odor that had my eyes watering, but I raced on.

Then I saw it! Ruby red eyes were glaring at me from only a few feet away. I froze in my tracks! Behind those piercing red eyes was what I thought was a black and white devil. It glanced up at me, gave a loud squawk and a bone chilling hiss, and then went back to thrashing what was once my beautiful garden. As frightened as I was, I just had to stop this monster. Foolish as it may seem, I lunged straight for those glaring eyes! This little devil stomped the ground just as I was about to grab him. I lost my balance and as I fell, claws began tearing into my arms and legs. It was of no use. I was no match for him. I closed my eyes and laid motionless on the ground fearing the end was near. Slowly, I could feel him crawling upon my chest and coming nearer to my head. Only a matter of seconds had passed, but it seemed like an eternity until I reopened my eyes. He was standing on my chest, those eyes glaring into my own. His hot breath was only an inch from my face. Then, HE BIT!!!! I could feel the burning fire coming from my neck. As hard as I tried, my body wouldn't respond to move. Slowly, I eased into unconsciousness. My dreams were filled with thoughts of baby skunks playing next to a glittering mountain stream. Mommy and Daddy skunk were teaching the little ones to catch crawfish, playfully stomping in the water and rolling in the early morning sun. A Squawk!! A Growl!! Loud Hisses and Screams!! Where's my Mommy?? Where's my Daddy and brothers and sisters?? A Wolf!!!!!!!!!

I abruptly awoke from my dreams. I lay motionless for a moment as I tried to contemplate what had happened to me the night before. Was I safe to move? As I turned my head, I saw him. Had the monster or devil which had siezed me that night been a skunk? He was laying beside me snuggled up really close under my arm. As I began to move, his eyes opened. Fear ran all through me once again. To my amazement, he allowed me to come to my knees. Laying next to the skunk was a bag of bell pepper seeds that I had planned on planting in the coming weeks ahead. This skunk gently picked up the seeds and placed them in my lap.

Was this the same skunk that had so ferociously attacked me the night before? As I next pondered about the bell pepper seeds, he began digging a small hole next to me. Then he took the bag of seeds and placed the entire bag into the hole. I don't know what came over me at this point. I burst out laughing. This skunk was actually wanting me to plant him some bell peppers! Still, I wondered. Is this the devil from the night before? I picked up the bag of seeds, opened it, and placed one seed into his hole and covered it. As I looked down at him, his eyes flashed a bright red, and then he snuggled up to my legs. It WAS him!!! He then crawled up into my arms and fell asleep.

My wounds quickly healed and the only scars that I have are two small dots on my neck. Needless to say, I picked out the name "Fang" for him. Thank goodness he likes the name. Fang and I have been together for many years now and we still are growing the juiciest bell peppers ever tasted. I wish you luck though if anyone ever wanted to taste one. Fang doesn't share.

Although I have many times yearned to leave this place and venture out into the world, Fang is wary of leaving OUR garden.

We just recently got a computer and Fang and myself came across you animal people on the internet. It looks like a lot has changed in the last 180 years or so. I've just got to get me one of those newfangled veggie choppers that I've heard so much about.

Other than my own eyes glowing red now and the light rash I get when venturing outside in the daylight, life is pretty good. Fang is even considering us going to an all night veggie stand. Halloween is just around the corner too. Maybe, just maybe, you'll see us out that night.

Count Skunkula

Support Groups for Children and Teens

CELEBRATIONS

Troy picks out his first Halloween pumpkin, with the help of his mom, Keegan.

COME AND MEET SANtA At Meriden Troop 10’s

Annual Pancake Breakfast Experience the Master Flap Jackers!

Saturday, December 10th 8am - 11am Bring your Camera to Catch the Magic!

Tickets may be purchased at the door or by contacting Rich Kiewlen - 203-213-3133 or by email: rkiewlen406.@att.net

$5.00 per person - children under age 5 are FREE

First Congregational Church 62 Colony St. in Meriden

Follow your dream...

The Child Guidance Clinic for Central Connecticut will offer the following groups for children and teens. In some cases actual dates and times will be determined based on our response to the groups being offered. If anyone has questions or would like to register someone for a group,contact Alejandra Godaire (our social work intern) 203 235 5767 ext 3026.

Victims of Bullying Group Middle School children (Mixed gender) Wednesday's 5:15 High School teens Wednesday 6:30 Anger Management Group Middle School children (Mixed gender) Tuesday's 5:30 Boys 15-17 Thursdays 5-6:30 for 8weeks Socialization Middle School To be determined Middle School Spectrum Disorders Saturdays 11:00 Pleae contact the Child Guidance Clinic for Central Connecticut for more information 203 235 5767 ext 3015

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Make a difference and have fun!

Senior Buddy Readers, an award-winning intergenerational literacy/ mentoring program for 1st and 2nd graders in the Meriden's elementary schools is seeking volunteers for one-two hours a week during the 2011-2012 school year at Nathan Hale, Thomas Hooker, Hanover and Ben Franklin schools For more information call Cathy at 203-599-8085 or 203-808-1672 Senior Buddy Readers is sponsored by Meriden Children First Initiative www.meridenchildrenfirst.org

Fly Fisherman's Monthly Meeting The monthly meeting of the Housatonic Fly Fishermen's Association will be held on Thursday, November 3, 7:00PM at the St Paul's Episcopal Church, 65 North Main Street, Wallingford, CT. The HFFA is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Housatonic River as well as furthering the sport of fly fishing. Monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month from September through June. Meetings include featured speakers on various fly fishing subjects, fresh- and saltwater fly tying demonstrations, as well as door prizes. At the November meeting, we will be talking about special trout flies that are very effective on the Housatonic during winter months. There will also be fly tying demonstrations. Refreshments will be served.

Crafters and Vendors Needed Crafters and vendors are needed for a Holiday Fair to be held at The First Baptist Church of Wallingford on Saturday, November 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will feature the crafters and vendors and also baked goods and a luncheon. Those interested in having a booth should contact Liz Davis at 203-265-4187.

Annual Christmas Bazaar Notre Dame Church at 280 Main Street (Route 17) in Durham will hold their annual Christmas bazaar on Saturday, November 5th 9am-6pm and Sunday, November 6th 9am-12pm.The tables in Notre Dame's Church hall will be overflowing with Christmas crafts, warm and cozy knitted and crocheted items, decorations for your home, plants, home made Christmas candy, toys, trims and treasures, stocking stuffers, grab bag gifts and a Special Gift area featuring decorations for the holidays and the year to follow. The Christmas Bazaar Committee has many wonderful Christmas gifts available and delicious baked goods including their traditional Jewish coffee cakes, giant cookies, apple and pumpkin pies and other wonderful treats from the kitchens of Notre Dame's great cooks. Notre Dame's Country Kitchen will be open all days serving breakfast, lunch, desserts and snacks. Plan to spend the day shopping and visiting in Durham at the bazaar. You're sure to find just the right gift for everyone on your list.

Now A ccepting R egistrations f or Classes - K inderart & Y oung A rtist Programs & A dult!

Try our Adult Art Classes at Easel Works & soothe the stress away. You’ll love it.

EASEL WORKS

Creative Art Studio & Gallery

294-1548

2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

Page 14 October B 2011

Dreams Can Come True

Wallingford Public Library Children's Fun Free Homework Help - Ms. Gina Cabrera, a bilingual teacher, will be available in the Children's Library of the Wallingford Public Library to help Wallingford students, grades K -8, get started on their homework and to help parents understand their child's assignment. Help is available for English and Spanish-speaking children on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Library when school is in session. This program is made possible thanks to the Wallingford Board of Education. In accordance with Ct. State law, children under the age of 12 should have a responsible family member in the building while the child is using the Library.

The Emblem Club - We are grateful to the many participants who took the time to fill out our online survey. The results of the survey will surely help us to plan for next year's offering!

Raising Readers Clubs are designed for parents, grandparents and caregivers. The clubs meet to learn ways to support children's literacy through a love of stories, books and activities. Adults who attend will learn fun ways to make reading with any child both enjoyable and beneficial while providing literacy development for the child. Several clubs will begin this fall and are open to Wallingford parents, grandparents and caregivers of children ages 2-8. For more info: contact WECARE Family Resource Center at 203-284-4019 or Veronica Casey at 203-294-4996.

Storytimes at the Wallingford Public Library - All storytimes include caregivers and are available on a drop-in basis; Wallingford residents are given priority. Please always bring your library card or proof of residency with you in the event that it is needed. Non-residents are always welcome when there is room. Nametags are available just prior to each program.

Preschool Storytimes for Kids ages 3-5 - These programs, for children ages 3-5 who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten, include books, flannelboard stories, fingerplays, songs and lots more.

Preschool story time is a great way to be sure your preschooler is experiencing activities that support school readiness! The programs take place in the Children's Program Room Mondays @ 10:00 a.m.- November 7 Wednesdays @ 1:30 p.m.- November 2, 9 Thursdays @ 6:30p.m.- November 3, 10 Musical Mother Goose for Ages 1 and 2 - Join us in the Community Room for a lively, interactive drop-in program filled with music and movement for 1's and 2's and their caregiver!

Tuesdays @6:30 p.m- November 1, 8 Wednesdays @ 10:00 a.m.-Waddling Ones for Ages 12-24 months Songs, rhymes, movement and a whole lot of fun! This special drop-in program is for Itty Bitty Baby graduates and their grown-ups and siblings. Thursdays@ 10:00 a.m. in the Collins Room- November 3, 10 Itty Bitty Babies for ages 12 months and under - This drop-in program introduces babies and their grown-ups to the Library and each other in a program filled with songs, rhymes and books!

Thursdays @ 1:30 in the Collins Room- November 3, 10 Something New for Kids ages 6-10 at the Wallingford Public Library FETCH Some Fun on Friday! Join us for a this special monthly program, just for kids ages 6 to 10 and their grown-up guest, which will start in October. We'll have everyone thinking like scientists and having a great time in the process. Each month will tackle a different topic and include hands-on activities like building catapults! We hope to feature different areas of the Library's non-fiction collection and whet your curiosity to explore the library and the world around you even more!This program, inspired by the PBS program FETCH, will be limited to 15 elementary school-aged students and their grown-ups and requires pre-registration* *Wallingford residents will be given priority; nonresidents may sign up for any openings the day before the program.

By Arlene Tessman Don't let anyone ever tell you that your deepest desires and dreams are out of reach. We are living in a society that has squeezed out all of our creative energies. The People's Press exists only because of a dream that has become a reality. This may not seem like a big deal to some‌but to others like me; it is nothing short of an 11 year miracle.

In today's society, dreams seem almost non-existent. Look around you. You will find a few gogetters that stop at nothing to obtain their goals. Yet more often than not we are a people exhausted from working long hard hours with nothing to show for it except an already spent paycheck. We feel like we are too old, too young, too busy, too tired, too inexperienced, too poor or too undeserving to do what we would most want to do in life. These are reasons we make up in our heads to justify why we are not achieving our dreams and goals. All these negative thoughts do not allow us to progress or find the success we all can easily create if we can believe it.

I am living proof that dreams can come true. For over 6 years, I have been living "outside the box". Leaving my profession as an x-ray technologist in 2005 to be a full-time musician is almost unheard of.

My desire to leave the so-called "safe" world of conformity stemmed not only from being unhappy and fed up with the status quo, but needing so desperately to become the person I was born to be. My dreams do not include being part of the 9-5 workforce. I am not demeaning those who are happy in their day to day work ethic. It's just not for me. This also may be true of many of you reading this article. I'm not here to tell you that what we do to keep food on our tables and support our families is not something to be proud of. It most certainly is. What becomes a travesty is to neglect ourselves from our true purpose. A huge burden of relief came over me when I made the decision to be myself and turn my back on conforming to someone else's idea of what life should be about. Yes, perhaps it has been a bit tough now and again when I've been faced with bills and unforeseen financial shakedowns. These are the challenges we all face. Somehow though, I have always stayed afloat because I have allowed myself to go with the current instead of against it. The Universe (or whomever you deem the greater or higher power) has always helped me see things through. Because I have genuinely stuck with my beliefs, my dreams of traveling abroad and performing in front of huge receptive audiences has now come to fruition.

The power of belief is underestimated. I truly believe that if we understand that life is meant to be joyful and we are open to achieving all possibility we could all be substantially happier. If we take a leap of faith and believe in ourselves incredible things start to happen. Life takes on deeper meaning. Opportunities become apparent. Relationships become stronger, health more vibrant.

Energy levels increase. The world is a better place when you wake up in the morning. Smiling is easier. Laughter fills the heart. Happiness becomes habit. If you'd like to take an interest in living your life to the fullest, please send me an email arlenewow1@gmail.com. I will personally invite you to a phenomenal club I belong to that is completely dedicated to making every member's dreams come true. The Global Information Network is comprised of like-minded, positive thinkers.

It is the fastest growing group of its kind. With only 2 years since the club's inception, there are over 150,000 members in 157 countries. I hope that everyone reading this will take full advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime.Trust me‌I'm living proof.

ArleneWow! Upcoming Performances - Thurs Nov 3 - Fairfield Public Library /1080 Old Post Rd/ Fairfield, CT / featuring Anne' Dubois "The Voice Of Love" 7pm-845pm Fri Nov 4 - Penny Lane Pub / 150 Main St./ Old Saybrook, CT 7pm-10pm

A SPOOKTACULAR EVENT!

The Paper Boy's Dream

It seems like only yesterday when the new-kid on the block came to town. He carried a large leather bag, a pen, a notebook, and a dream -- a dream to bring the world to the doorstep of each and every person living in the Central area of this great state of Connecticut. And, here we are in the midst of the 11th year of Andy and Dawn's creation -- The People's Press.

We have been presented with some of the most interesting articles, stories, poems, recipes, and all kinds of current events and happenings in and around the area.

The People's Press has shared oodles and oodles of wonderful photos from its readers and, of course, Andy's own unique pictures.

The Reynolds family has worked diligently and admirably to present us with one of America's truest forms of news -- news that is informative, and well received, by all who have picked up an issue and perused the pages of this respected icon.

I, for one, have been a loyal fan of this noble institution, and I can say that I am happy to be able to escape the bonds of the uninformed with each new addition that is there for me -- and besides all the glamour and glitter within, the one factor that makes it my newspaper is --IT'S FREE. My thanks go out to Andy, Dawn and his family for their persistent quest to bring us the best of the best.

George Arndt

Meriden Health Department November 17: The Great American Smokeout! Thinking about quitting smoking? Make November 17 your quit-day! The Connecticut Quitline offers free support 24 hours, 7 days a week to smokers looking to quit . When you call, your Quit Coach can provide counseling, quitting information, answers to your questions, and offer support. They can also help you determine if nicotine replacement therapy, such as the patch or gum, is a right choice for you. You can also register online at www.quitnow.net/connecticut.

Meriden Department of Health and Human Services 165 Miller Street * (203) 630-4226 (main number) www.meridenhealth.com Become a fan of the City of Meriden Health Department on Facebook!

VASA Park Available For Rental For more information or if you are intertested in becoming an exhibitor at this high profile community event - please contact The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce, Inc. at 203-235-7901 or by email at info@meridenchamber.com.

Learn about even more events by visiting www.meridenchamber.com!

VASA Park is available for company outings, family reunions and private parties. The park is located at 358 Main Street South Meriden. For more information please contact Linda at gsteinmiller@cox.net A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.

Page 15 October B 2011

Slices of Life - The evolution of Bigfoot Jill Pertler The legend of Bigfoot has existed for generations. The hairy, smelly creature has been sighted mainly in the northwestern United States and Canada, but his territory must be expanding because a documentary filmmaking crew from a national cable television channel recently expressed interest in coming to my remote corner of the universe to attempt to find Sasquatch. It seems someone in a nearby town discovered footprints showing evidence of a bipedal with elongated walkers ambling through the mud.

Bigfoot (or Sasquatch if you live north of the border) was so named for his large undertaking. Reported footprints measure from 14 to 24 inches. In human terms that's a heck of a big Nike.

My dad wears size eight-and-a-half shoes. My husband 10-and-a-half. In the last two months, my teenage son's feet morphed from single digits to a size 11and-a-half. I don't need a film crew to show me where Bigfoot lives. He's alive and well and hunkered comfortably in my family room.

In addition to his namesake mammoth feet, Bigfoot is reported to be a large, hairy, ape-like creature standing anywhere from six to 12 feet tall. Bigfoot fans also mention a foul odor emanating from the beast - or perhaps from his feet. No one's gotten close enough to determine for sure.

Large and hairy can describe many a teenage boy. And, anyone who's come within sniffing distance of a high school locker room knows all about foul odors. My son hasn't yet hit the 12-foot mark, but if his feet are any indication, a growth spurt is in his future.

He isn't alone. Like the legend of Bigfoot, humans have been spurting for generations. According to the Center for Disease Control, Homo sapiens are indeed growing taller. In the last 150 years, the average height of the average human has increased four inches.

Experts believe Bigfoot is omnivorous, largely nocturnal and often inactive during the cold winter months. They forget to mention he sleeps past noon on Saturdays, has a penchant for midnight snacks and a propensity for video gaming.

Those opposable thumbs sure can come in handy.

Bigfoot proponents differ in their opinions as to whether the big guy is an ape or early human being. At my house it is hard to tell some days, but I'm leaning toward the human being theory. Some days.

Bigfoot enthusiasts point to footprints as their largest piece of physical evidence. I have vast experience with footprints - in the bathroom, the kitchen, the bedroom and even sometimes on the walls. Don't ask.

Followers of Bigfoot have spotted the creature on thousands of occasions. Still, scientists discount its existence, saying climate and food supply issues would make survival in reported habitats unlikely. These scientists chock up the Bigfoot phenomenon to legend, folklore, misidentification and - at worst - a hoax. Besides, they point out, where is the real physical evidence of a large creature living in the wild - hair, bones and even Bigfoot dung?

They have a point. A big animal is bound to leave a big trail - including big doo-doo.

Bottom line: if Bigfoot is real, how does he find such big hiding places? Does he have a family? Has anyone ever spotted a Littlefoot? Why hasn't anyone brought our famous footed friend out of the woods and into the open by producing a high quality photo or video of this larger-than-life rural legend?

Good questions, for sure. But I have something even closer to home affecting each of us. Why are humans growing taller? What is the purpose of our feet getting larger? Is it true our bodies are becoming more hairy? And smelly? All these questions indicate something is most certainly underfoot. Something big.

I have a hypothesis regarding the answer. Could it be we are evolving - into Bigfoot?

Jill Pertler - visit her website at http://marketing-by-design.home.mchsi.com/.

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Tumbling Bones Concert at Wallingford Public Library The Tumbling Bones, purveyors of traditional American music will give a free performance at Wallingford Public Library Monday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. The twenty-something's who make up the trio - Peter Winne, Jake Hoffman, and Sam McDougle tour, record, and breathe folk music. Previously performing as a string band turned indie rock outfit The Powder Kegs, they toured Europe and the East Coast ending up in 2007 performing on National Public Radio's A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor where they played on the show's "People in Their Twenties Talent Competition" and won first prize. This past January in upstate New York, the trio recorded the EP Risk Not Your Soul which combines fiery American spirituals ("Banks of Jordan"), driving fiddle tunes ("Sally Johnson"), wistful folk ballads ("East VA Blues"), and rusty country blues ("St. Louis Blues"). Peter Winne's deep baritone lead, Jake Hoffman's cutting tenor, and Sam McDougle's fiddle and percussion showcase the band's versatility while staying true to their insistence that traditional American music is presented with a strong dose of grit and emotional intensity, even in the 21st century. For more information, please contact the Library at 203-265-6754.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Celebrating 26 Years of Baking Up the Goods!

What are you thankful for this holiday season? Starting in November Meriden Public Library is asking everyone to write or draw what they are thankful for this year. Paper and markers will be available in the library as well as as boxes throughout the library to collect all submissions. When we have enough squares, the library will create a wall hanging and put them on display. All ages are welcome to participate. If you have any questions please contact Melissa at mmurphy@ci.meriden.ct.us or call 203-238-2347.

Tasty Traditions at Marianna’s

Wallingford YMCA News and Events Red Cross Babysitter's Training Course - This certification course is offered to those boys and girls ages 11-15. This program provides the skills and confidence to safely and responsibly care for children. Through hands on activities, Interactive video and lively discussion, this course teaches young people how to make good decisions and create age appropriate play. They will also learn CPR and basic First Aid. This class will take place on Saturday, November 5 from 1:30-5:30PM. Pre-Registration is required. The cost for this class is $30 for YMCA Members and $60 for Community Participants. For more information, please contact Lisa Hoover at lhoover@wallingfordymca.org.

Motor Coach Trips Offered By The Wallingford Family YMCARegistration will start soon for our Fall trips! Some of the excited locations are: Bronx Zoo, Salem Haunted Happenings, Atlantic City& The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Many available pick up sites in Stratford, North Haven, Meriden & Newington. Pre-Registration is required. For more information on these trips and future trips, please contact Lisa Hoover at lhoover@wallingfordymca.org.

Wallingford Child Care Available The Wallingford Family YMCA Corporate Child Care programs are currently accepting registration for the 2011-2012 year. Register for full time (5 days per week) enrollment until October 14 and receive a free 6 month family membership at the Wallingford YMCA! For details on availability please call: Jan Donahue, at the Learning Community at Choate 203-697-2150 or Karen Wu, at The Early Learning Center at Gaylord 203-284-5920.

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

Page 16 October B 2011

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To advertise with The People's Press - Call Andy at 203.235.9333 or email andy@peoplespressnews.com. Check out www.peoplespressnews.com!

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It happened quite suddenly with an email that said, "Your grant request has been approved." I sat staring at the screen not trusting the words in front of me. Then it slowly started to sink in, "We got the grant! We got the grant!" How exciting, how wonderful! One heartbeat, then two. Then it hit me, "OMG, we got the grant and we have a ton of work to do!" It was late August and we had to get everything in place for the Fall. Only a few months to plan, organize, publicize, recruit and execute the QRWA 3M Rapid Bioassessment grant.

Essentially this is the program in a nutshell: we train everyday people or 'citizen scientists' to gather samples of micro invertebrates or bugs, which are in the water. The micro invertebrates are sensitive to the pollutants in the water, some more that others, so depending on what type of creatures you have in the various sample locations, can be a relatively good indication of the ecological conditions of that part of the Quinnipiac River. This program does not test the drinkability of the water.

So doing this over a period of time can give the DEEP a pretty good idea of what's going on in the water. If something seems out of whack, they the DEEP can look into the matter further, we're providing them the data in the form of samples, which they call vouchers. And the more representative our vouchers of the various locations are, provides an accurate picture of the health of the Quinnipiac River.

Ok, now it was time to PLAN and get ORGANIZED. First things first, a major planning session with Becky to get our bearings and get going. Becky was the inspiration for the grant. She had participate in this CT-DEEP program and thought it would be a good fit for the QRWA, I just found an organization to help us make it happen, many, many thanks to the 3M Foundation. The good thing was that the State had an existing plan for this Rapid Bioassessment for Volunteer Monitors, or RBV for short.

We went to a training class, got an overview for what needed to be done, then went out in the fiend to participate in an actual sampling. Mike Beauchene from the DEEP provided us with a ton of information, more than enough to have Becky do train-the-trainer sessions. A definite plus was asking other people there what worked for them and were they willing to share their documents. This resulted in a number of things that jump started our plans, checklists, letters and releases were one less thing for us to do.

I felt it was important for us to have our own 'intention statement', just a few sentences of what we wanted for this program, our personal goals to make this successful. In part it reads, "The intent of the program to provide the CT DEEP with the highest possible quality voucher samples from as many locations within the Quinnipiac River basin during the sampling events. We want everyday people who have an interest in the health of the Quinnipiac River to be able to participate in a positive, safe and fun learning opportunity as citizen scientists." This was then followed by a bulleted list of the things that we thought we needed to do to accomplish our goal. Everything from, "be a fun, enjoyable and informative event for all participants" to "create a master schedule so others can run the event" to "provide a timely and accurate progress report".

We each had our own tasks; Becky was to purchase all the items for the kits: the nets, buckets, trays, sieves, magnifying glasses and tweezers, while I focused on the more practical items, a small first aid kit, clipboard, gloves, hand sanitizer and such. We labeled everything and let me tell you I LOVED that part, I really, really did. Then I laminated a bunch of documents Becky had compiled, the macro invertebrate identification cards, the logic chart and the quick reference sheet too. I laminated little tags for the buckets and the bags, so all the equipment would be easy to identify and keep together. We even created car placards so others would at least have an inkling that the cars that are parked at the side of the road were there for a reason.

We did our due diligence, that's for sure. We visited each of the ten sites the DEEP wanted to sample to confirm the location and to see if it still accessible and if they were any hazards like poison ivy or brambles. Each team leader will receive directions and a map to the site, along with our comments of where to park and what to watch out for.

Additionally, they'll have a letter stating the project if they are any landowners questioning what they are doing. We are trying to be as prepared and proactive as we possibly can.

Safety is a concern for us, as we want all our volunteers to be safe while they are conducting the RBV sampling. Our tee shirts are a very bright neon yellow, we've ordered safety vests and cones and Becky stress the pitfalls of being in the rumbling water during her overview and hands-on training sessions. To that end we put together a list of emergency numbers that will include the cell phone numbers of Becky, myself and all the team leaders along with 9-1-1.

Throughout our planning process the underlying question we want to answer is, "What do we need to do to make sure the samples are good quality while providing a fun, safe and educational experience for our volunteers?" I like to think we have thought though things enough to make sure the goal is met. We've bounced ideas off each other to see if the make sense, are practical and add value. Of course, we created a little survey so the volunteers can provide us with feedback, which will help us to make sure we improve for the next time. Because that is our ultimate goal, to get continuous funding so we can do the RBV program for years to come.

Editor’s Note: JoAnne M. Grabinski goes above and beyond in all of her efforts not only to benefit the QRWA but to so many others as well. She is a true LocalMotivator and deserves special recognition for the difference she has made for our communities. I look forward to so much more from her in the future. No pressure JoAnne.

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Page 17 October B 2011

WHY MERIDEN HAS REMAINED OUR HOMETOWN FOR FIVE DECADES

By Phyllis S. Donovan Isn't it strange how people settle in a certain town or city, get involved with the community and spend the rest of their lives there?

I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders. ~Jewish Proverb

CELEBRATIONS

We've lived in Meriden since the spring of 1963, 46 years after buying the house in Carabetta's Birchwood Estates where we continue to happily reside.

Although we are still considered "newcomers" in the minds of people who have lived here all their lives and are privy to family relationships we still haven't been able to figure out, we feel that nearly half a century in this city has earned us some bragging rights.

It's funny how the city of Meriden played around the edges of our lives even before we moved here. I was born in the Massachusetts Berkshires and my husband grew up in Boston. We met at the University of Massachusetts at a time when the campus radio station was broadcasting on FM and most of us students still only had AM radios. I bought a new FM radio to listen to my future husband who was at the time regularly on air from the campus station and the only other program I could regularly pick up on it was WMMW's "Silver City Serenade." I listened to it regularly without having any inkling of where Meriden was way down there in Connecticut.

Anyone who took a geology course in those days would have seen photos of Meriden's unique "Hanging Hills" in their textbooks, and geology majors from UMass regularly journeyed down to Connecticut to actually see those hills.

When my soon-to-be husband joined the army and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ, he would drive up from New Jersey to the Berkshires (where I was living with my parents and working in the Springfield, MA library) every weekend he had off. En route back to Fort Dix in his little 1939 Pontiac coupe along route 10 in the dark of those Sunday nights he would drive past the blinking radio towers on the top of Meriden's West Peak and know that he was halfway back to camp…a LONG trip in those days before I-91.

Once we were married, we returned to New England after a stint in Bordeaux, France with the army. Merely by happenstance, one of his fraternity brothers, who was working at New Departure on Pratt Street here, suggested we come and visit. He set up an interview for my husband at the plant and soon he was working as a junior engineer there.

We lived in an apartment in Wallingford for five years but our burgeoning family led us to think about buying a house in the area. We fell in love with the view of West Peak and its radio towers from this Carabetta development, put down our money, and had our own house built here.

Our five children went to Thomas Hooker School which meant PTA and bake sales. I joined the Junior Women, which at that time in Meriden was so popular with stay-at-home moms who welcomed the company of other young women serving the community, the club had to limit membership to 125 women under 40. As our kids moved on to Washington Middle School and Maloney High, spelling bees, drama club and glee club, football, track and soccer figured into our lives.

Once my gang were all in school, I went to work as the Record-Journal Society Editor and over the next 25 years the pages evolved in the Features section during which time I covered the area theater scene and wrote travel pieces.

My husband worked out of the area, at GE Corporate Headquarters in Fairfield, but kept up his local ties as a reader at St. Rose Church. Later, after retiring, he joined the YMCA's Ys Men whose programs have continued to keep his interests piqued and his mind active.

Over the years, I have been regularly irked by people who feel they must badmouth our city. We have long ago evolved from the gritty factory town of a much outdated stereotype. Reputation certainly does lag the fact.

We couldn't ask for a better location, almost at the center of the state and at the junction of important east-west and north-south highways. We have always been delighted at the end of long trips that we don't have to travel miles and miles over back roads to get home. Five minutes off the highway and we're home.

We are convinced that the scenery in this part of the state ranks among the best in the state. Not only our hanging hills but the other rugged ridges that surround us are striking in all seasons, from the frosted snows of winter to the shades of velvet greens in the summer setting sun. (Let's keep our ridges protected! We should never allow anything to be built up there.)

We have some of the prettiest parks anywhere and our Hubbard Park is a special gem. We never miss a chance to take visiting friends and relatives there and show it off. It is a beautiful and restful place to relax on a hot summer's evening. The fairyland lights of the holiday season, the beauty of our spring daffodils, the excitement and pleasure afforded by all the activities held there from the Daffodil Festival to ethnic events and graduations are all points of pride.

People who scoff at the city's blue-collar image overlook its cultural offerings. For art lovers, downtown offers both Gallery 53 and the Sandman Gallery and the Meriden Public Library always showcases local art talent. Warren Stephan's Castle Craig Players regularly present comedies, dramas and musicals for the pleasure of theatergoers.

In good weather, concerts are held regularly across from the Courthouse and in Hubbard Park.

Sadly, after many years the curtain fell several years ago on the venerable Meriden Symphony but local chorales headed by Dorothy Barnhart and Nancy Stewart continue to bring pleasure to area music lovers.

Although we have lost our local movie theater, Wallingford's Holiday Cinemas offers a wide selection of the latest film releases to anyone venturing a few miles south.

All in all, we thank our lucky stars that all those years ago we opted to settle in Meriden with all it has to offer and, barring unforeseen circumstances, we're more than happy to live here contentedly for the rest of our lives.

MY NOVENA ROSE PRAYER O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and send it to me as a message of love.

O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God today to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands....

St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did, in God’s great Love for me, so that I might imitate your “Little Way” each day.

Amen, M.P.G.

Wallingford Election Information - Final Registration Session The Wallingford Registrars of Voters will hold a final registration session in the Wallingford Town Hall, Room 211, from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 1, 2011. After 5:00 P.M., please enter the building by the automatic door at the rear left corner of the Town Hall. Take the elevator to the second floor. The Registrar’s Office is in the opposite corner at the front right of the Town Hall. Registrants must appear in person. Voters wishing an absentee ballot should contact the Town Clerks’ Office for an application, and return it filled out to the Town Clerks’ Office

Wallingford Electronics Recycling Program For: Wallingford Households ONLY Where: Recycling Center, 157 John Street When: 2nd Saturday of every month Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

What is Accepted: Computers; computer monitors; laptops, printers; keyboards and mice; TVs; fax machines; VCR, DVD and CD players; iPods; Walkmen; PDAs; stereos; modems; routers; cables and wiring; and telephones.

Is there a Limit?: Each household will be limited to seven (7) items per visit.

Is there a Charge?: No, this program is FREE. Good for the body is the work of the body, and good for the soul is the work of the soul, and good for either is the work of the other. ~Henry David Thoreau

Riley and Joel The cutest cousins ever! We LOVE YOU! Love, MoMo and Grampa

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Page 18 October B 2011

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War & Caffeine: Holy Joe's Café supports the Troops 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 Air-Force 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."

Holy Joe's Café is a place where chaplains in the small Forward Operating Bases, hangar bays, hospitals, aid stations, and their makeshift cafes are able to bring a taste of home. They all can get gourmet coffee, a reminder that the world they willingly left behind still cares according to Navy Chaplain Andrew Sholtes located at the Role 3 NATO Hospital in Kandahar.

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 or holyjoescafe@att.net. Please visit our blog www.holyjoescafe.blogspot.com and as well our Facebook Fan Page:

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For safety reasons we do not publish or annouce the last name of artists/writers/video members that are under the age of 15.

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The People’s Press and the PPC are independently owned and operated and not affiliated with any other newspaper or company.

Contact Information To Serve Your Needs

LocalMotivater: Michelle Trenchard michelle@peoplespressnews.com 860-301-7755 Advertising: Andy Reynolds/Michelle Trenchard michelle@peoplespressnews.com 860-301-7755 andy@peoplespressnews.com 203-235-9333 Publishing Services, Digital Printing and New Media: Rupert Thomas and Jake Kilroy rupert@peoplespressnews.com 203-235-9333 jkilroy@peoplespressnews.com 203-235-9333 Owners/Publishers: Andy & Dawn Reynolds

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WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 11/2/11

$45.99 Taste of the Wild 30lb - Any Flavor

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 11/2/11

$33.99 $21.99 $32.99

Blue Seal Lamb & Rice 40lb - Compare to Nutro's!

Krunchies Dog Food 50lb Compare to Pedigree!

Canidae Chicken & Rice 30lb

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 11/2/11

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 11/2/11

WITH COUPON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. EXPIRES 11/2/11

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Page 20 October B 2011 Political Advertisement

NRA PISTOL CLASS CERTIFICATION Instruction by NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR & NATIONAL CHAMPION, David Lyman

Saturday, November 12th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Upon Successful Completion of the course, you will receive an NRA Pistol Certification which is required for carrying a permit!

Class Size Limited to 30 People - CALL NOW!

Attorney and Wallingford Town Councilor Craig Fishbein Dear Friends and Citizens of Wallingford, My first term on the Wallingford Town Council has been filled with many challenges, but has also been quite rewarding. There have been many issues: from the 2009-2010 budget to the Wallingford VNA, from the American Legion Building to the Wallingford Housing Authority, from the North Farms Firehouse to the 20112012 budget, there has never been a dull moment.

I thank everyone (once again) who made my first campaign for public office a success. I hope that I have served you well during my first term, and respectfully request the permission to do so once again. As with my last campaign, if elected, I will strive for lower taxes, attempt to bring a more common sense approach to government, and fight for less government intervention into the lives of our law-abiding residents.

I respectfully ask for your vote on November 8, 2011.

Sincerely, Craig Fishbein I believe that it is not the government’s responsibility to give us handouts or to tell us what to do. It is not the government's place to regulate and/or to tax us to death. As a member of the Wallingford Town Council, I will strive for smaller government, low taxes, and less interference in the day-today affairs of our law abiding citizens.

Learn more about what Craig stands for at www.fishbeinforcouncil.com Paid for by “FISHBEIN FOR COUNCIL”, THOMAS VITALI, TREASURER. This ad was approved by Craig Fishbein.

Topics Include: * Familiarization of Pistols and Calibers * Basic SAFETY on use of Pistols * Fundamentals of ACCURATE Markmanship * Training of Gun LAWS pertaining to Pistols We furnish the Guns, AMMO, Instructor and Targets.

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New England’s BEST Shooting Range!

The NATIONAL AWARD WINNING

Blue Trail Range 316 North Branford Road, Wallingford CT 06492 (203)269-3280 1-800-782-6879 www.bluetrailrange.com Shoot@BlueTrailRange.com