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The People's Press October A 11

2011-10-08T12:06:00.000-04:00

Read the Early June 11 issue of The People's Press in a Magical Digital Way

2011-06-09T12:37:00.000-04:00

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The People's Press Early June 2011 Issue in Readable Image Form

2011-06-09T11:21:00.000-04:00

Simply click on the pages to enlarge and enjoy. Remember you can read The People's Press in many different forms and get bonus fun at www.peoplespressnews.com The deadline for our Mid-June issue is the 15th. Email your submissions to andy@peoplespressnews.com

May 2011 Issue in Readable Image Form

2011-05-31T02:31:00.000-04:00

Simply Click on the page to enlarge and read with ease. Visit our main website at www.peoplespressnews.com for even more.

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The May 2011 Issue of The People's Press in Searchable Text

2011-05-31T02:14:00.000-04:00

Your Stories Mid-May 2011

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Your Stories Mid-May 2011

2nd Annual “Burgers for a Cause” Event

Last year, the “We are Family” Relay for Life team held the first “Burgers for a Cause Event”. The 2nd annual event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Ted’s Steamed Cheeseburgers will again be hosting this fundraiser.

Relay for Life is an important event to the Underwood and Moynihan family members, the organizers of the event. Fran Moynihan, the matriarch of the family, is a breast cancer survivor and is actively involved in Relay for Life. Carleen Underwood battled cancer for 8 years. She underwent numerous surgeries and treatments. However, she lost her battle in 2008 at the age of 43. The “We are Family” relay team was formed in honor of Fran and in memory of Carleen, two remarkable women.

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

For more information visit the “2nd Annual Burgers for a Cause Event” on Facebook.

Wallingford Memorial Day Parade and Events

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

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

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

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

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

IT'S IN THE BAG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But I digress.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm glad we did. It was Wonderful!

One Woman's Journal Audrey C. Linke

Broadway Bound!

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

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

The students had the opportunity to work very hard creating a finished product from nothing. Work was completed in sections, a month to do the chorus music, a month on solos and a month on reading fluency to help with script writing.

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

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

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

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

For My Mom

Mom, you've grown so wise

and learn'd o'er the years;

I see it in your knowing eyes,

the love you hold for me so dear.

Let me take your hand so gently,

tell you of all the happy times

that I've cherished all a plenty,

and felt the kindred love that binds.

Smile with your dreams a glowing.

Comfort me in pain and sorrow

wherever I be a going;

Today, and all the 'morrows.

You are my mother, my haven;

I turn to you for visions

of what new things I be a cravin'

For I know you'll guide my missions.

For this I give you blessed glory,

And thank you from my heart -

For all the things in my life's story.

Close we'll be, and never far apart.

George Arndt / gogant

Wallingford YMCA as a LIVESTRONG YMCA??? It’s up to you!

Make a difference for our community by Voting for the Wallingford YMCA

VOTE TODAY & Make a great IMPACT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY!

A collaboration of YMCAs in Central CT and MA has qualified to compete for the chance to become LIVESTRONG YMCAs, as determined by an online voting process between May 11 – May 31. Only one of eight final YMCAs will win in 2011. Please help us bring this unique opportunity to Central CT by voting today and encouraging others to do so as well.

Please go to http://livestrong.secondreading.com/regions/8/204-wallingford-family-ymca/vote/?back=/regions/8/204-wallingford-family-ymca/ or find the link at our website www.wallingfordymca.org or at www.peoplespressnews.com

What is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA?

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a twelve week small group program designed for adult cancer survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or disease. The program is offered without cost to the participants.

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

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

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

Why is LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Important?

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

Thank you for your support!

ONE MORE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

By Paul Gilfillan

Social Security Manager, Meriden Ct

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

By law, employers must withhold from a worker’s paycheck Social Security taxes. While usually referred to on an employee’s pay statement as “Social Security taxes,” sometimes the deduction is labeled as “FICA taxes” which stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, a reference to the original Social Security Act.

The taxes you pay now translate to a lifetime of protection, for retirement in old age or in the event of disability. And when you die, your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work as well.

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

Because you’re a long way from retirement, you may have a tough time seeing the value of benefit payments that could be many decades in the future. But keep in mind that the Social Security taxes you’re paying can provide valuable disability or survivors benefits in the event the unexpected happens. Studies do show that of today’s 20-year-olds, about one in four will become disabled and about one in eight will die before reaching retirement.

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

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

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

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

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

Masters Manna Resource Center News and Reviews

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

Many of you have heard or read that Master’s Manna is moving to Johnsonville. This is incorrect. Johnsonville is a 74 acre piece of property for sale in East Haddam. This may become the future home of Master’s Mansions. “Master’ Mansions” will become an entirely separate entity from Master’s Manna and will not utilize or reduce resources given to Master’s Manna.

Master’s Manna will remain at 46 No. Plains Industrial Rd. where we hope to one day utilize the entire building. Expansion of programming at Master’s Manna is planned with Labor Ready of Middletown beginning on-site ”job fairs” to assist with matching those seeking employment with local employers. The first “job fair” is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 2011 and every three weeks thereafter.

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

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

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

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

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

My Mom…

Her beautiful face, her wonderful smile,

Those sparkling blue eyes, how they could take me a mile.

Her warm gentle hugs, her soft spoken voice,

How could you not think, she'd be my first choice.

The way that she cares, the way that she listens,

The wonderful way, she makes my heart glisten.

I can tell her anything, for she's always true,

Honest, Dependable, and Reliable too!!!

She's wonderful, pretty, funny and smart,

And she will always have a special place in my heart!

Can't you see how, to me, there could be no other,

For you see, she's my idol, my hero, my best friend, my MOTHER!!!!

I LOVE YOU MORE MOM!!!

Carrie

May is busy at the QRWA

Life along the Q River… An Update from the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association

By JoAnne Grabinski

It seems that spring has sprung within this past week. Buds were preparing to burst forth, waiting for that perfect moment of time and temperature and then, BAM! Leaves and flowers shot out all in the space of a week. The QRWA is much like that, quiet and bidding its time and then, BAM! They present a plethora of events in May for members and the public to enjoy.

Sunday, May 15 is our 31st Annual Canoe and Kayak Race. The five mile race starts at the Southington DOT parking lot on Route 322, winding through Southington, Cheshire, down the Quinnipiac River Gorge and finishing at Red Bridge, into Hanover Pond. The event starts with registration and 9 am and usually finishes around 4 pm. There are numerous classes for the serious and not-so-serious racers; lunch is provided for all the participants, along with fun and fellowship. This is the longest running canoe race in CT, attracting racers from all over New England and beyond.

New this year is the First Annual Environmental Fair taking place also on Sunday, May 15 from noon to 4 pm. Environmental groups from all over CT have been invited to come and share information, resources contacts and ideas on the shore of Hanover Pond. The public is invited to visit among the participants, gathering information and being educated on the current environment issues.

And the Butterfly and Bee Garden planting rounds out the May events. The date has yet to be determined based on the current conditions of the garden, plants to be planted and the weather, of course. It should be noted that the Meriden Kiwanis Club, Key and Builders Clubs helped with the spring clean up in April. The garden has been cleared of winter debris and a fresh coat of compost has been added to the beds. During the month of May, we will see what perennial plants have returned, possibly what annuals too, and then assess what is needed for the upcoming planting season. New and different plants may be added based on what worked last year and what butterflies bees and other creatures can be attracted into the garden. Please visit the website for updated information.

Upcoming QRWA Events: To learn more about the QRWA and to confirm information, dates and times for upcoming events, please visit our website at: www.qrwa.org.

QRWA provides water activities, events in education, outreach, advocacy, scientific monitoring, conservation, restoration, recreation and public access to the watershed area. The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the Quinnipiac for the health and enjoyment of all citizens and communities along its reach and to educate all students, families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river.

What's going on at 540 Oregon Road...

Thanks to the generosity and support of the Cuno Foundation who has provided over $27,000 in grant funds for materials allowing us to complete the exterior portions of our restoration project, past presidents of the Meriden Lions Club, Art Forcier and Ed Haberli have combined their president projects and have provided $20,000 in materials to begin work on the interior of the building. They have already replaced all the plumbing and heating portions including the installation of the new furnace. But that's not all...construction of the science lab/class room and lobby is also underway. Wiring, lighting, framing you name it; it is all going on at 540 Oregon Road! Everyday there is another miracle.

Thank you for your support and remember your donations are tax deductible.

Downtown Wallingford

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

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

Good Job!

Sincerely, Carole Golitko

Frugal Living in America

By Gina Juliano

Using coupons has become more and more popular lately because of our crummy economy. Although I personally feel coupons are an excellent resource for stretching my money, many people don’t really want to bother with coupons for one reason or another. In light of this, I have nine easy tips that will help save you money at the grocery store, even without using coupons.

● Only buy what is on sale. Just sticking to this one simple rule will save you hundreds on your groceries every year.

● Plan meals around what is on sale and what you have in your freezer or pantry, not what you want to eat. Although this concept seems like a “no brainer”, many people create their shopping lists around what they would like to eat for the week and then go shopping. Often, this practice leads to spending more money because what is being bought isn’t on sale.

● Take time to plan your meals each week. Meal planning is an excellent way to reduce your grocery costs. Take the time to assess what you have in stock at home and then plan meals in advance. Even if you plan out just half of your weekly meals, you’ll save time and money because you won’t be running to the grocery store for last minute items, which often swells your monthly food budget.

● Buy extra when you shop. If you are a family who eats pasta once a week, for example, buy more than one box of pasta when it’s on sale. This way, you won’t have pay full price the next time. Recently, Swiss cheese was on sale at my grocery store for only $2.99/lb. Because my family eats lots of Swiss cheese, I bought three pounds, which was the maximum amount I could buy. To make it easy on myself, I had the deli person package the cheese into half pound units. I then froze all but one of the packages. For the next few weeks, I won’t have to pay full price for the cheese because I have 5 more packages in my freezer.

● Make extra when you cook. If you have to cook anyway, there’s very little additional effort needed to double the amount you cook. Making extra food can be a frugal endeavor in two ways. First, you can take the leftovers for lunch and cut down on the more expensive lunch items such as deli meat. Second, you can make enough extra to freeze for another meal at a later date. Then, on the days you don’t feel like cooking or are short on time, you have a complete meal that only needs to be defrosted.

● Shop like a man, not like a woman. For the most part, women like to browse and look at everything when they go grocery shopping, whereas men get what they need and get the heck out of Dodge. Grocery stores, just like any retail store, want you to buy as much as possible. There are pretty displays and end caps enticing you with products you really don’t need. How many times have you walked into a grocery store for bread and milk, and brought home three or four bags of groceries? It’s best to put your blinders on and get only what is on your shopping list.

● Make a shopping list and stick to it! Going to the grocery store without a list is like fighting a war without a battle plan. Without a shopping list, you are susceptible to overbuying. Having a list keeps you on track and focused.

● Buy bread at bakery outlet stores. Bread is a relatively expensive item at the grocery store. Some of the heartier whole grain varieties can be more than $4 per loaf. Take trip to your local bread outlet store such as Freihoffer's or Wonder to purchase bakery products for as little as $1 per item.

● Buy staple items such as flour, sugar, butter, milk, and eggs at a warehouse store. For the most part, staple items tend to be much less expensive at warehouse stores such as Costco and BJ's. Because the warehouse stores buy in such huge quantities, they get products for less and pass that savings on to the consumer.

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

Barbara's Bountiful Bouquet

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

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

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

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

So this was like one of the worst winters in my memory, and we came through it, thankfully. Some people were joking that the snow would not melt until July. It almost seemed that way, didn't it? I am thankful it is over with, as I am sure everyone else is. I am also acutely aware that Connecticut is very blessed. We had no tornadoes, hurricanes, mudslides, fires, earthquakes, or nuclear reactor meltdowns. Oh, sure, we had some caved in roofs, but those can be fixed. So many people have faced terrible devastation in our country, and in other countries too, and I am very thankful to be living in Connecticut. Yeah, we might have high prices, a high cost of living, but that's okay. I can deal with that. I feel fairly safe here. I am proud to be an American, but I am also very grateful to be living in Connecticut, honest, high prices or otherwise.

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

Barbara Sherburne

barndt49@yahoo.com

Just Outside the Doorway

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

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

My next instinct was to take him over to the bushes and let him go on his merry way. But did I do this? No. Instead I decided to pet him. It was awkward at first; not really knowing which parts would be suitable for petting. Petting on the back didn't seem to be to his liking much and rolling him over for a belly rub just didn't work out so, I treated him like a dog, well kinda. With my index finger I began to gently caress the spot behind the ears (I reckon those things are ears).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unkie Milt

Providing Comfort and Coffee to the Troops

HOLY JOE’S CAFÉ - First Congregational Church - Wallingford

Going for coffee these days seems as American as mom, baseball and apple pie. While it might actually involve grabbing a cup of whatever it is that gets us going, its primary purpose may be to strengthen social ties or show support for a friend in need.

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

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

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

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

Losing Tony

Margie Brown Ferreira

Losing Tony the way I did was so hard. We found out February 27, 2009 that he had small cell lung cancer and it was very aggressive. Stage 4...he went into the VA hospital on March 3rd to start having his chemo treatments starting the next morning. We talked every night on the phone and every night he said I Love you. Tina my daughter brought us there and his brother John his wife Regina and I went to pick him up that Saturday March 7th. When we arrived home first thing he did was get out of the car and go across the street to put the garbage cans on the sidewalk that the neighbors left out. He was like that. We gave him hell for it but he wouldn't listen he always did what he wanted to. My sisters Penny and Kelli came over to visit...he seemed really good. The next day was Sunday and I was picking up my granddaughter Cassie to take her shopping for the things she needed for school as she was going to Wilcox for electrical. He was so dam proud that his oldest granddaughter was going to be doing something of her life. He was very proud of all 3 granddaughters. He would call Cassie his "Fat Rat.” Janessa was his "Little Perogie" and Alexia was his "Peanut". That Sunday afternoon when I did get home he was breathing heavy but the paperwork he brought home from the hospital said he would. We didn't think anything of it. We talked for hours and it was him doing all the talking. He talked about his Mom and Dad and his great friend Walt. Why didn't I listen and understand everything? He needed to talk to his grandkids and Tina before he went to bed. Before he went upstairs he looked at me and said we really need to talk as I have to talk to you about things and I looked at him and said we could do it another day as he was so tired. He looked at me held my hand and said I Love You and I will see you in the morning. Not knowing that would be the last time I would ever see my husband of 38 years. We did have ups and downs in our marriage but everyone has. We stuck to it to make ours work. I just wish that I would have let him talk more so that I could have heard what he wanted to say. That Monday morning was the worst day of my life. I have lost 2 children full term and got over their deaths as I have my daughter but finding your husband is the worst thing that can happen to anyone and to this day I will never forget that moment in time. It has been a long 2 years since March 9, 2009 but I did it. Yes my daughter and I had problems but that was her Dad that was gone and my husband too. The hardest thing to see was the sadness in my granddaughter’s eyes when they came to the house and their "Papa" wasn't there anymore. They still are in pain but now they smile because of all the wonderful memories that they do have of him. He wasn't only their grandfather he was a special Dad to all 3 of them and they surely miss him a lot. We all miss him and always will. Thank you so much Tony for being my husband for 38 years. It was a journey for the both of us

Lions and Tigers and Teens

Teen Esteem

A pimple used to put a wrench in my entire day. That one little red spot would cause all kinds of insecurities. I would head out to school feeling ugly, even if, just hours earlier, I was feeling like a movie star. It’s funny how your perspective is drastically different during the teen years. Today, I just slap on concealer and call it a day.

However, insecurity regarding physical appearance is not the only esteem downer for teens. There are other issues that can cause your teen to feel less than valuable, and some may have long-term effects. Being cut from the team, a break-up with a significant other or rejection from the college he’s hoped to attend since the second grade can be catalysts to self-loathing.

Your teen’s mood is all over the place to begin with, so what’s a parent to do when her teen’s esteem seemingly plunges into a black hole?

Reflection in the Mirror

Many teens believe that “fitting in” is synonymous with “looking like.” This is why many adolescents try to conform to a desired crowd by physically dressing and acting like those in the group. Others might try to emulate fashion models or movie stars. Both of these scenarios can be destructive if taken too far.

“Wanting to fit in and look like other kids is part of adolescence. However, this desire can lead to stress and to unhealthy behaviors,” warns Wendy Grolnick, Ph.D, author of, Pressured Parents, Stressed- Out Kids (Prometheus Books, 2007) and director of the Frances L. Hiatt School of Psychology and Education at Clark University. Parents need to help their teens put appearance in perspective. Grolnick suggests, “Parents can help their teens by stressing and modeling the importance of a healthy lifestyle - healthy eating and exercise.”

Be a good role model. Mothers who constantly complain about their looks or their weight are setting a bad example for their young daughters. Parents with positive self images help their teens learn by example. This is much more powerful than merely telling your teen to feel good about herself.

Building Up

All parents want their children to be the best they can be. However, parental expectations and criticism can be damaging to a teen who is already unsure of himself. Parents should remember to build up, not break down, by focusing on their teen’s accomplishments, not their failures.

Grolnick says, “Given our very competitive environment, teens are under immense pressure to live up to their own and others’ standards. This pressure can lead teens to ultimately question themselves and their adequacy.”

Parents shouldn’t add to the pressure their teen is under by pushing too hard. Instead, Grolnick suggests the following for encouraging a positive self image:

Help your teen formulate realistic expectations – an important life skill

Focus on the process of your teen’s endeavors, rather than the outcome

Teach your teen multiple ways to be successful

Limit activities if overload is causing stress

Facing Failures

It’s inevitable that your teen will experience disappointments and failures. It is how she learns to deal with failure that’s important. Teach her how to put failure in perspective and that learning from failure is a path to becoming a better person.

Constructive criticism is effective if you focus on the action, not the person. You might say, “I know you could have done better on that exam if you had studied more,” instead of, “You have no work ethic.”

Encourage “reachable” goals. An average, varsity baseball player who has hopes to make the major leagues will have a difficult time when reality strikes. Be sure your teen understands that there is no such thing as perfection. Instead, communicate that putting in your best effort is a goal worth attaining.

Grolnick says that decreased engagement in pleasurable activities, increased time alone, frequent stomachaches or headaches, and persistent negative self-statements could be signs that your teen’s negative self image has spiraled out of control. Parents who believe this to be the case should seek professional help.

TIPS AND TALES

“This is what I tell my girls: Instead of putting yourself down, think of five things that you like about yourself." - Joan Larkin Bullock

“I give my teenage sons choices and ask for their input so that they are involved in decision-making. The more they are invested, the more they are likely to make a good choice for themselves. I firmly believe that giving them the freedom to make choices gives them confidence in their decision-making ability - a life skill!” - Sherry Hallenbeck

Want to share your ideas? Upcoming topic:

Summertime equals “freedom” for teens. Any special rules for your teen during summer months when things are more lax? Please send your full name, address, and brief comments to:

myrnahaskell@gmail.com Or visit: www.myrnahaskell.com

Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer and columnist for The People’s Press specializing in parenting issues and child and adolescent development. She is the mother of two teenagers.

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Local News and Events Mid-May 2011

To read The People’s Press in Image Form, Downloadable PDF and interact visit http://www.peoplespressnews.com/

Reading program gets visit from Miss Connecticut USA

Who was that young woman with the sparkling sash on? What was she doing at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School?

The young woman, the newly-crowned “Miss Connecticut USA,” was Regina Turner from Old Saybrook, a 21-year-old dental hygiene student at Tunxis Community College. She took some time out of her June Miss USA pageant preparations to visit the Senior Buddy Readers program at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School on May 11. While her career ambition is to become a dentist, she also wants to educate young children and she noted the importance of early literacy and instilling a love of reading early in life.

“I love working with kids and reading is definitely important,” Turner said.

How did the Senior Buddy Reader program begin? Ten years ago, when her niece was having reading difficulty and help didn’t come soon enough to avoid the youngster repeating a grade, Cathy Lewis and fellow Meriden parent Donna Mordarski came up with an idea. While attending a meeting at a local senior center, Cathy and Donna realized there was an untapped resource in their midst – the senior citizen population. Here was a wealth of information right in front of them, with so much to offer and time to share their talents and experiences, but not engaged to do so. With that, the “Senior Buddy Reader” program was born.

“We were two single moms with no budget,” said Lewis, Senior Buddy Readers program coordinator and co-founder. “Everything was donated – books, the space, volunteers.”

The program pairs older adults, usually retirees, with first- and second-graders identified by their teachers to need reading assistance. The program currently runs in four of Meriden’s elementary schools – Benjamin Franklin, Nathan Hale, Thomas Hooker and Hanover. At Benjamin Franklin and Nathan Hale, the program is for first- and second-graders; at Hooker and Hanover, it’s just for first graders. Most students in the program are considered middle readers. The children read to their senior buddies, and the buddies give the children extra support and help foster a love of reading.

“It’s a nice thing for the middle readers,” said Dan Coffey, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School’s principal. “They go to the same reader every week – they build a solid relationship.”

The co-founders worked with school principals and teachers and volunteers received training on using the strategies employed in the schools to help children improve reading skills.

“For me, it’s a treat,” said senior buddy Paul from Meriden. “They do more for us than we do for them.”

“Buddy Readers is a win-win-win situation – a win for the children; a win for the senior buddies, and a win for our schools,” said David Radcliffe, Executive Director of Meriden Children First, the program’s sponsor organization. “It’s this sort of early learning investment that helps children have successful school experiences.”

To date, more than 75 volunteers work with approximately 200 first and second grade students. For more information on the Senior Buddy Reader program, visit www.meridenchildrenfirst.org.

Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament

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

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

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

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

In 2010, the event drew 594 entries.

THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY TENNIS TOURNAMENT!

Please direct any questions to:

Wint Filipek Jr. wrfilipek@hotmail.com 860-621-5655

Apply on line NOW @ www.ymcafilipektennis.com

THE YOUNG BUSINESS LEADERS OF CT ARE HOSTING THEIR

3rd ANNUAL MINI GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Young Business Leaders of CT of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is hosting their 3rd Annual Mini Golf Tournament on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Golf Quest, 125 Jude Ln., Southington from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The cost is $20 per player or $75 per foursome. Hole Sponsorships are available for $50 each. Team Registration starts at 5:30 with a Shotgun start at 6:00pm followed by awards ceremony and refreshments at 8:00pm. Proceeds help support the Young Business Leaders Dan M. Hunter Education Award. (Rain date will be Thursday, June 16, 2011)

For more information, call the Chamber at (203) 235-7901, fax us at (203) 686-0172, email us at info@meridenchamber.com or visit www.meridenchamber.com.

My City Kitchen Needs You!

Do you have skills and time to dedicate to a growing non-profit? Are you interested in contributing to the MCK mission and have financial skills, fundraising knowledge, community organizing skills or non-profit board experience?

MCK is accepting applications for the 2011-2012 Board members. The MCK annual meeting will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2011, 6-8 p.m. at 384 Pratt Street, Meriden and new Board members will be voted in at this meeting. If you’re interested in serving on the Board, please obtain a Board member application: by emailing a request to kashia@mycitykichen.org. All applications must be received no later than May 31, 2011.

About My City Kitchen, Inc.

My City Kitchen, Inc. (MCK) is a 501(c) (3) tax deductible Public Charity Organization. Our mission at MCK is to instill healthy eating habits, build self-esteem, foster a sense of belonging, establish basic life skills in our children so that they may grow into healthy adults. To teach kids about food, and food products. We hope to encourage kids to take a keen interest in what they eat, where the food comes from, and especially how to prepare it.

Kashia Cave is the President / Executive Director. Her email is kashia@mycitykitchen.org and phone number is 1-203-630-2870. My City Kitchen, Inc. is located at 384 Pratt Street in Meriden. To find out more about this wonderful organization visit www.mycitykitchen.org.

The Wallingford Gardeners Market Celebrates Our 12th Year!

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

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

Our Market features: fresh produce - veggies and fruit, fresh picked flowers, potted flowers, herbs, and shrubs, fresh breads, freshly brewed coffee, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, candy, handmade soaps and balms

quilts and aprons, paintings and prints, gift baskets, inscribed garden stones, garden ornaments, T-shirts, aprons, and bags with Wallingford logos.

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

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, INC. HEALTHCORPS MEMBERS TO BIKE ACROSS CONNECTICUT AND LEAD WEEK OF COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

Meriden youth invited to prepare Beat the Street community garden with AmeriCorps members on May 18

As part of AmeriCorps Week (May 14-21), a national service week for all AmeriCorps members and alumni nationwide, 12 Community HealthCorps members from Community Health Center, Inc. are cycling and walking across the state of Connecticut to lead service projects alongside community members. On Wednesday, May 18, Beat the Street Community Center youth are invited to join the AmeriCorps members from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., to prepare the vegetable garden.

Beat the Street Community Center in Meriden is a youth center that offers after school and educational programming including amateur boxing, hip hop dancing, music fitness and community service programs. Among the activities offered is a vegetable garden, started as collaboration with My City Kitchen three years ago to instill sustainability and nutritional values in the local youth. “The AmeriCorps members will learn about planting vegetables from our youth who have been working on the garden in past years,” said Larry Pelletier, executive director of Beat the Street. “Leading the AmeirCorps members in the garden preparation will empower our youth.”

My City Kitchen, founded by Kashia Cave, President and Executive Director, is a Public Charity Organization and recreational culinary program targeted towards children that are obese or overweight, as well as children who have an interest in culinary arts. The mission is to instill healthy eating habits, build self-esteem, foster a sense of belonging, and establish basic life skills in our children so that they may grow into healthy adults.

During the Going the Distance to Build Healthy Communities event, AmeriCorps members will also stop in Enfield, New Britain, Meriden and Clinton to engage community members in local service projects.

For more information about the project, contact Julie Halpin at (203) 237- ext. 2227 or halpinj@chc1.com.

WHAT: Garden preparation joined by youth at Beat the Street in Meriden with AmeriCorps members from Community Health Center, Inc., who are cycling and walking across the state to lead service projects alongside community members during AmeriCorps Week.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Beat the Street, 121 South Colony Street, Meriden, CT

COST: Free

For more information about the event contact Julie Halpin, AmeriCorps HealthCorps member, at halpinj@chc1.com or (203) 237-2229 ext. 6439.

About Community Health Center, Inc.

Since 1972, Community Health Center, Inc. has been one of the leading healthcare providers in the state of Connecticut, building a world-class primary health care system committed to caring for uninsured and underinsured populations. CHC is focused on improving health outcomes for its more than 130,000 patients as well as building healthy communities. Currently, CHC delivers service in 173 locations statewide, offering primary care in medical, dental and behavioral health services. For more information, visit chc1.com.

WALLINGFORD STUDENT NAMED TO MAINE MARITIME ACADEMY DEAN’S LIST

Christopher Bates, Wallingford, Conn., was recently named to the Dean’s List at Maine Maritime Academy for outstanding academic achievement in the first semester of the 2010-2011 academic year. Students named to the Dean’s List earn a grade point average of 3.3 or above on a 4.0 scale.

Bates, a member of the class of 2012, is majoring in Small Vessel Operations. He is a graduate of Sound School, New Haven, Conn.

Maine Maritime Academy, a public, co-educational college specializing in ocean and marine-oriented programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, was founded in 1941. MMA enrolls more than 900 students from 35 states and several foreign countries. The college awards A.S., B.S., an M.S. degrees in 14 fields of study.

Come to the Cabaret!

Please join us for a Family Fundraiser supporting the Meriden Youth Theater

The event features a Buffet Dinner, Dancing and Performances by members of the Youth Theater with a special guest appearance by the Maloney High School Allegrettos.

It will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 7:00 PM – Midnight at the Four Points by Sheraton Meriden

This fundraiser will help off-set the costs of licensing, sets, props, lighting, sound and the continued upkeep of our new space at 14-16 West Main Street

Reserve an Adult Table of 10 to the Cabaret and receive premium reserved seating for the show

To Purchase individual tickets:

___Adult Ticket $25 ___Child (under 12) Ticket $10 ___Performers Tickets $8

Tickets are limited so get yours today!!!

___ I would like to make a donation for the raffles (Please describe)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please select the choices you would like, and e-mail to Yvonne DeAngeli at zaccessa@aol.com

Please feel free to call Yvonne at 203-238-4535 if you have any questions or would like to know how you can help support the Meriden Youth Theater.

Sponsorships also available – please contact Yvonne at the phone number and email above for further information.

Thank you in advance for supporting the Meriden Youth Theater and the children who gain so much from it.

Travelers Chorale 87th Annual Spring Concert

From Broadway to the Emerald City

Travelers employees, family and friends are warmly invited to the Travelers Chorale (TC) 87th Annual Spring Concert entitled From Broadway to the Emerald City. The curtain will rise at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 13. The Chorale will perform a popular musical program featuring Danny Boy, Summertime, Nella Fantasia (In My Fantasy), a medley of Beatles love songs and selections from award-winning Broadway musicals including A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast and Wicked. Noted Director Kenneth Ferris will conduct and gifted pianist Stacy Cahoon (celebrating her 15th year with the TC) will accompany the 80-voice choir. The ensemble will also be joined by a group of accomplished instrumentalists. At spring and holiday concerts each year the TC teams with our generous Bushnell audiences to collect thousands of pounds of non-perishable food in support local food banks. Travelers employees and their families are once again invited to support this long-standing Chorale tradition in lieu of paid admittance. TC concerts are inspirational performing arts events perfectly suited to become a semi-annual family tradition. For more information, visit us at www.travelerschorale.org.

Scholarships to be Awarded

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

Scholarship applications will be at the school’s guidance counselor office. Those attending the following schools are welcome to apply:

Platt, Maloney, Lyman Hall, Sheehan, Cheshire, Xavier and Mercy

The Heveder Band Comes To Town!

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

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

To RSVP, please call Lajos at 203-530-3557 or Linda at 203-634-0602. You can also contact us at HCCofWallingford@gmail.com.

VASA Park Available For Rental

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

Volunteers NEEDED!

Volunteers are needed to visit elderly people, to shop with or for an elder, to drive an elder to and from their medical appointment, and to provide respite care to family members caring for a loved one who needs constant care. All that is required is a warm, loving heart and one or two hours of your time each week. A two hour training session will provide you with information and basic skills to make a difference in someone’s life. Please call IVCG for the next training date at 203-230-8994 or email carenh@snet.net for more information and to register.

Upcoming Craft Fair at VASA Park

A Craft Fair will be held on Saturday July 30, 2011 from 10 to 4 P.M. For more information please contact Linda at gsteinmiller@cox.net

WalkCT Family Ramble: Flat Stanley’s CT Outdoor Adventure

Saturday, May 28, 2011 10:00a.m.– 2:30 p.m.

Mattabesett Trail, Middletown

Help find Flat Stanley! Flat Stanley has gone missing on the Connecticut portion of the New England Trail (NET) and we need your help to find him. Join us for a fun adventure as we embark on a scavenger hunt and search for clues to find the hidden CT Flat Stanley letterbox. Find Flat Stanley as we hike the NET and have your picture taken with him to be entered into a random drawing for a CT Walk Book. Fun for all ages. Bring your own letterbox stamp and journal if you have one or borrow one of ours. Wear waterproof/ comfortable shoes; bring your camera (optional). Stay tuned for Flat Stanley's CT Outdoor Adventure # 4 during the last weekend of June.

RSVP: Advanced registration recommended due to limited parking; contact

info@ctwoodlands.org or (860) 346-2372. Rain postpones event until May 29, 2011, same time.

Directions: To the Aircraft Road trailhead: Route 9 to Exit 10, Aircraft Rd; Straight through traffic light for 0.8 miles, look for blue oval Mattabesett Trail sign

The Meriden Arts Council News and Events

MAC Arts and Education Awards

Education Awards

The Meriden Arts Council's Education Awards grant money to encourage high school students to pursue the arts or an arts career beyond graduation from high school. This year's recipients are: Emma E Czaplinksi, studying musical theatre at Plymouth State University, Lauren G Klein studying art education at Ohio Northern University, and Steven R Duchesne studying graphic design at Paier College of Art. We will honor them, along with our Artist of the Year recipients at an awards ceremony to be held at the Art of Collaborative Giving, 128 Center St, Wallingford Ct on Sunday 05/22 from 2-4. Anyone interested in contributing to our award fund for next year can mail donations to The Meriden Arts Council, PO Box 2334, Meriden, CT 06451, or can make a donation via our website, www.meridenartscouncil.org.

Artist of the Year Awards

The Meriden Arts Council Artist of the Year Awards acknowledge one or more adults for their contribution to our community and the world of the arts. The artists to be honored have excelled in or made other notable contributions to one or more of the arts. This year's recipients are Ellie Bender, Christine Ivers and John O Kenney. We will honor them, along with our Education Award recipients, at an awards ceremony to be held at the Art of Collaborative Giving, 128 Center St, Wallingford Ct on Sunday 05/22 from 2-4.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course

When: 6/1, 6/8, 6/9, 6/13, 6/15, 6/16 = 6pm-9:30pm and 6/5, 6/12 = 9am-1pm

Where: Platt High School, 220 Coe Ave. Meriden, CT 06451

Instructor: Coach Eric Lopez Cost: $200.00

*$100 non-refundable deposit due by 5/18/11 to reserve a spot*

*$100.00 balance due by 5/25/2011*

*Must be 15 years of age by the last class*

*Contact Coach Eric Lopez for more details* 203-886-6425 gilbert.lopez@meriden.k12.ct.us

“2011 EVENING MERIDEN PUBLIC SOCIALS”

In an effort to BETTER SERVE YOU; Community Police Office Fred Rivera, City Councilor Bob Williams and City Councilor Keith Gordon will be hosting Twelve Social Gatherings, throughout the year between 6:00pm and 8:00pm at the NEW Police Sub Station located at; 113 Main St, in South Meriden, Area 4.

Upcoming Schedule – Please Call To Confirm!

June 23 and July 28

A mail drop box will also be placed outside the Substation for your comments if you can’t make it. However- PLEASE Stop in and let us know - What’s on your mind? Your suggestions? Any concerns? What’s working? Or just drop in for a coffee!

“ALL ARE WELCOME”

Contact Information

Community Police Office Fred Rivera

203 815-2506 – wrivera@ci.meriden.ct.us

City Councilor Bob Williams

203 639-0770 – bobwilliamsjr@ci.meriden.ct.us

City Councilor Keith Gordon

203 686-1108 - kgordon@ci.meriden.ct.us

THE NAPIER COMPANY: SUNDAYS IN MAY AT THE ANDREWS HOMESTEAD

424 W. Main St, Meriden, CT (next to Ben Franklin School) EACH SUNDAY IN MAY 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Although the city is in the process of refurbishing the Andrews Homestead, we will be holding our bi-annual open house as planned. Jones New York and the Victoria & Co. in Rhode Island, the company that bought out Napier, have donated a substantial amount of large, glamorous photos used for marketing their jewelry. Also in the collection are catalogs dating back to the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, as well as a large scrapbook, compiled in 1948, with interior and exterior photos of the factory and office, along with a presentation binder from June 1953. To reflect the company's contribution to American costume jewelry, we have assembled a collection of Napier Jewelry representing the many years of the company’s operation. All will be on display in the main room at the Andrews Homestead. Come visit the Homestead, share your stories, and help celebrate Meriden’s past. Free admission though donations are always appreciated.

SUMMER-LONG TAG SALE

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

The Society plans on having its own booth at the sale. We need both donations for the sale and volunteers to man the booth. Your much-needed donations can be dropped off at Fair Weather Antiques (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), at the Research Center (on Wednesday afternoons). To arrange for a pick-up, or to volunteer call Neda Weathers 203-237-4636 or Bill Siegel 203-235-2217. No appliances please – collectibles and smalls only.

The Meriden Historical Society is a not for profit organization staffed by volunteer researchers.

Your financial support will be greatly appreciated.

You may do so directly through our website: http://www.meridenhistoricalsociety.org/

or by mail: MHS, PO Box 3005, Meriden, CT 06450.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, INC. AWARDED HIGHEST LEVEL OF

NATIONAL PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOME RECOGNITION

CHC has largest number of sites in Connecticut recognized by the program

Community Health Center, Inc. has received the highest level of recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for Physician Practice Connections® Patient-Centered Medical Home Program™. This recognition acknowledges CHC’s adoption and implementation of the patient-centered medical home model across its 11 centers offering primary care in Connecticut. CHC has the largest number of sites in the state recognized by the program.

The patient-centered medical home model emphasizes ongoing partnerships between patients, doctors, dentists and/or behavioral health providers and their families. Each patient works with their own provider, who leads a team that takes collective responsibility for that patient’s care. The team is responsible for providing for all the patient’s health care needs, arranging care with specialists as necessary and coordinating care across the health care system. The latest in technology is used to ensure patients get the care they need when they want it, how they want it and in a language and manner they understand.

“The primary care community has realized that we’ve gone far from the exam room to a lot of bureaucracy and fragmented, expensive, duplicative care,” said Dr. J. Nwando Olayiwola, chief medical officer of Community Health Center, Inc. “The patient-centered medical home model gets primary care providers back to the exam room, where the focus is on the patient.”

“The patient-centered medical home promises to improve health and health care,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “The active, ongoing relationship between a patient and a physician in medical homes fosters an all-too-rare goal in care: staying healthy and preventing illness in the first place. PPC-PCMH recognition shows that Community Health Center, Inc. has tools, systems and resources to provide its patients with the right care at the right time.”

PPC-PCMH recognition, which is valid for three years, is awarded in three levels. To receive Level 3 recognition, CHC had to demonstrate the ability to meet the program’s key criteria for a medical home: written standards and measurement for patient access and communication; electronic charting tools to organize clinical information; electronic prescription management; evidence-based care management for chronic conditions; patient self-management support; systematic tracking of test results and referrals; measurement and reporting of clinical and service performance; and the availability of an interactive website (MyCHC.com) that allows for electronic care management support.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to deliver an advanced level of coordinated care,” said Mark Masselli, president and CEO of Community Health Center, Inc. “We have always provided team-based care and built strong relationships with patients. But through improvements and innovations like electronic medical records; a new website where patients can access their records, communicate with doctors and more; and Language Line—which provides medical translation in more than 170 languages—we have built a medical home that empowers patients and improves health outcomes.”

“This new model of care benefits everyone,” said Dr. Daren Anderson, vice president and chief quality officer with CHC. “Patients are more satisfied with their experiences, the patient-provider relationship is strengthened, and providers see their patients taking an active role in managing their health.”

The PCMH program standards are aligned with the joint principles of the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Association. For a full list of primary care medical practices and clinicians affiliated with practice sites in Connecticut that have been recognized by the program, visit recognition.ncqa.org.

About NCQA

Celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2011, NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.

About Community Health Center, Inc.

Since 1972, Community Health Center, Inc. has been one of the leading healthcare providers in the state of Connecticut, building a world-class primary health care system committed to caring for uninsured and underserved populations. CHC is focused on improving health outcomes for its more than 130,000 patients, as well as building healthy communities. Currently, CHC delivers service in 173 locations statewide, offering primary care in medical, dental and behavioral health services. For more information, visit chc1.com.

Martin I. Trueheart Memorial Golf Tournament

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

FAMILY ACTIVITY

The Visiting Nurse Association of Wallingford, Inc., located at 135 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford, invites adults and children to “WATCH ME GROW!,” a nutrition workshop which will be held on Tuesday, April 19 from 10:00 am until 12 o’clock noon. Grandparents, parents, guardians or any family adult and children who are between the ages of five and twelve years old are invited to attend the workshop which will be held during the Wallingford school vacation week.

The “WATCH ME GROW!” workshop will provide healthy snacks for adults and children which will be followed by activities for both age groups. Adults will attend a presentation featuring a wide variety of nutrition topics. There will be a focus on making healthy food choices for growing children. Learn about the latest government food guidelines including the importance of increasing fruits and vegetables in daily diets. Recognize proper portion sizes and receive grocery store shopping tips and how to make better choices when dining out. The new food pyramid will be on display and also the very popular fat vial collection which compares the amount of fat ingested when eating common foods. People are amazed when they see the difference in comparisons of fat consumed when choosing whole milk versus skim or see the differences when choosing regular salad dressing or the lite variety. Children will decorate a planter and plant seeds which they will take home. Coloring activities related to healthy eating and a film will be available. There will also be a door prize drawing.

Please call The Visiting Nurse Association of Wallingford, Inc., at 203-269-1475 for additional information and to reserve your spot. Space is limited and reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

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Town News and Events Mid-May 2011

Mayor’s Corner – Meriden

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

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

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

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

Also, put the circus on your calendar for June 27, 28, 29 at the Hub. There will be two exciting shows each day. And, the Westfield Deck Party with Fireworks will take place on Friday, July 1 on the Sears upper deck parking garage. Best view of the fireworks and lots of music, food, and entertainment for the whole family.

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

Regards,

Mike Rohde - Mayor of Meriden

Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford

Dear Residents:

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

NOTICE TO WALLINGFORD RESIDENTS

The COMPOST CENTER will be open the following hours during April and May:

Monday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Electronics Recycling Program - New for Wallingford Residents

Wallingford Electronics Recycling Program

For: Wallingford Households ONLY

Where: Recycling Center, 157 John Street

When: 2nd Saturday of every month, starting April 9, 2011

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.

Other ways to recycle electronics:

Goodwill – each Goodwill store in the area participates in the ReconnectPartnership recycling program with Dell. Computers and computer equipment of any make and in any condition will be accepted at Goodwill stores at no charge.

Best Buy – All stores will accept any make computer and TVs (up to 32 inches) for recycling. There may be a charge of $10/item, but you will then receive a Best Buy gift card valued at $10.

Wallingford Park and Recreation News and Events

9091.200 Gloucester & Rockport Lobster Bake, Cape Ann, MA

Saturday June 18th Bus Departs Rec. Dept. 8:15am Returns: 7:30pm Fee: $83

This adventurous day along the rocky coastline of Cape Ann in Massachusetts features a delicious lobster bake at the Gloucester House Restaurant on historic Seven Seas Wharf.

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

4205.300 Summer Adult Midnight Run Basketball League 2011

League begins in early June, date T.B.A. The league will consist of the first twelve teams to register. Games will be played on Monday and Thursday nights. TEA M ROSTERS MUST BE COMPLETELY FILLED OUT AND SIGNE D BY ALL PLAYER S ON ROSTERS. ROSTERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PAYMEN T AND SIGNATURES. Team entry fee is $450 per resident team and $500 per non-resident team. Shirts will be provided. For more info regarding the league please call the Rec Dept. and ask for Bill Farm, League Supervisor. Registration for Returning Resident Teams is until 4:30pm. May 20th New Resident Teams may register 4:35pm. May 20th New Corporate Teams may register 4:40pm May 20th Registration for Returning Non-Resident Teams may register 4:45pm. May 20th New Non Resident Teams may register 4:50pm May 20th

4101.200 Tennis Ladder for Ages 18+

Looking for a good, spirited, fun tennis match on a weekly basis then join Steve Pepe and the gang at the Doolittle Park Tennis Courts and the new courts at Choate Rosemary Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 6:30pm to get your rung on the ladder so to speak. Each week compete with someone of equal skill or better luck. Check out your standing online at www.ropeyladder.com.

When: Starts May 23 Mondays and Wednesdays 6:30-10:30pm thru Sept. for 22 weeks. Participants must call in to register or fill out registration form at Parks and Recreation Department or first night of play. No Fee to register

8272.200 Parent & Child Father’s Day Workshop

Let’s celebrate dad by making 2 great crafts for him! We will make him a grilling apron, stamped and painted just for him! We’ll decorate a serving tray with DADS stamps, sports stamps and more. It’s the perfect tray to serve him his favorites on Father’s Day! A $17 per team material fee made payable to instructor night of class.

When: Friday June 3rd One Night 6:30-9:00pm Location: Exit 7A Fee: $25 per team

Instructor: Kim Larkin, Visual Arts Supervisor

8276.200 Summer Mosaic Frame & Sea Glass Display Ball for Adults

Come learn how to use tiles, glass beads, cabochons, and sea glass to add a touch of summer to your home. We will use grout (with gloves!), embellishments and paint to create our works of art! **Participants must bring an apron and box to take art work home in.** A $9 material fee made payable to instructor night of class.

When: Friday June 10th One Night 6:30-9:00pm Location: Exit 7A Fee: $25 per team

Instructor: Kim Larkin, Visual Arts Supervisor

For more information and to register for any of the above – stop by the Wallingford Park and Recreation Department at 6 Fairfield Blvd # 6 or call (203) 294-2120.

South Meriden Events

Third annual Pet Food & Supply Drive, Saturday May 14, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, South Meriden Police Substation, 113 Main Street, Come join us to stuff a police cruiser and fire vehicle with your donations to benefit the Meriden Humane Society. Pet food, pet supplies and general cleaning supplies are welcome!

Please remember to recycle cans, bottles, cardboard and paper. Visit www.tunxisrecycling.com for more information.

THURSDAY EVENING PROGRAMS

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER CLASSES

Belly Dance This class is rooted in classic belly dance technique and meets weekly in the Fitness Room at 5:15 p.m. No experience needed to participate in this fun and low-impact class. Instructor: Aleenah Please sign up.

Scrapbooking Class: Learn to create beautiful keepsake albums that will be treasured for generations from your personal photos and memories. Meets weekly from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the Creative Arts Rm. Start Date: May 5, Instructor: Diane Soares, Cost: $25 plus materials. Please sign up.

Zumba Gold Zumba infuses Latin rhythms and simple dance moves to create a fun and exciting total body workout designed for the active older adult. Meets weekly in the Fitness Room at 6:00 p.m. Instructor: Kayt Keirn, Cost: $25. Please sign up.

Evening Tai Chi Promote improved health with relaxed physical movement with a peaceful but focused mind. Meets weekly in the Fitness Room at 7:15 p.m. Instructor: Kathy Brenner. Please sign up.

Texas Hold ‘Em Poker A competitive yet friendly card game. Must be a WSC member to play, men and women are welcome. Weekly games held in the Game Room from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Leader: Tom Burill, Cost: $2.00 per player.

SAVE THE DATES

The Hi-Liters Variety Show Richard Fontanella and his host of friends from the Meriden Kiwanis Club will be returning to the Wallingford Senior Center to present their annual talent show. Watch the children as they sing, dance and bring joy to all who see them. May 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Great Room.

Elm City Banjo Society will be here to perform jazz, vaudeville, riverboat, Broadway and Big Band music. Their music is delightful, danceable, up-beat and All American. May 19, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Great Room.

Twilight Concert NEW to W.S.C. - Robert Lupi is a vocalist and keyboardist, he will be singing music originally performed by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and others, while you enjoy dinner. May 26 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Great Room.

Newcomers Dinner - Sign up at the front desk for this get-together for New Members on May 26 at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the Lake View Cafe, meet new people, get a tour of our beautiful building, and find out what the Wallingford Senior Center has to offer! Limited to 10 participants.

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

Dressed in a shirt, tie and overcoat, Mayor William Dickinson walked into a preschool classroom at Wallingford Community Day Care and put on a hat. But it wasn’t just any hat – it was a red- and white-striped Dr. Seuss hat. And this was no ordinary day – this was “Read Across America Day.”

On March 2, with “Green Eggs and Ham” in hand, the mayor began reading the beloved story to the delight of the many children who soon circled around him to listen to his animated version of the story – complete with sound effects and acting out some scenes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER MID-LATE MAY 2011

May Is National Older Americans Month

The theme of National Older Americans Month 2011 is “Older Americans: Connecting the Community”. The theme pays homage to the many ways older adults bring inspiration and continuity to our communities. Come celebrate all the wonderful aspects of being an “older American” by participating in the educational, social and recreational activities scheduled this month just for you!

Celebrate 40 Years!

Wednesday, May 11, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

The Wallingford Senior Center is 40 years old this year and we have planned a fun party to celebrate the occasion. Musical entertainment, dancing, a game show, special refreshments and Senior Center memories are all part of the festivities. Tickets, which are available at the front desk, are free to members and $3.00 for non-members.

CT Alert Emergency Notification System

Tuesday, May 17, 10:00 AM

The Connecticut Alert Emergency Notification System (CT Alert ENS) allows state and local officials to help protect lives and property by sending critical information alerts to residents during emergencies. The Wallingford Police Department will present an informational program on the CT Alert ENS at 10:00 A.M., on May 17, and then will assist interested members with registering with the state their phone numbers (including cell phones, pda’s, text messaging and email). Please sign up to attend.

40th Anniversary Dinner Dance

Featuring Michael Dutra & the Strictly Sinatra Band

Saturday, May 21, 2011, 5:00 – 9:00 PM

We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Wallingford Senior Center in grand style with a delicious dinner and a fabulous Sinatra tribute band. The Chicken Marsala dinner will include salad, ziti, dessert and more. The Strictly Sinatra Band, starring Michael Dutra, performs more than 300 nights per year stunning audiences with its dead-on rendition of Frank Sinatra classics. Tickets to this gala evening are on sale to members only during the month of April. If space allows, tickets will be on sale to the general public beginning May 1. Tickets are $30.00 for members and $40.00 for non-members.

Memorial Day Observance

Tuesday, May 31, 11:00 AM

Our program of remembrance will feature readings and music in memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Please join us in the Great Room.

Forty Years of Fashion

Vintage Fashion Show & Display

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

COMING IN JUNE! MARK YOUR CALENDAR1

♦ Summer Sizzle Dance Party w/ Stan Scott Band

June 2, 2011

♦ Vintage Fashion Show & Display

June 8, 2011

♦ 10th Anniversary Celebration of our Building

June 9, 2011

♦ Senior Center Art Show

June 29 to July 1, 2011

MEMORY LANE

What is Memory Lane and where is it located? Memory Lane is an adult day program located within the Wallingford Senior Center, designed to promote and maintain independence for seniors with mild memory loss, cognitive, and/or physical impairments. This program offers a variety of pet-therapy, music, and baking activities as well as monthly day-trips, and physical activities. Hours of operation are 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Handicapped-accessible transportation is provided for residents of Wallingford at no extra charge. Eligibility is based on an assessment, interview, and medical clearance. If you are interested in an affordable, fun, and stimulating way to keep your loved one safe and independent during the day, stop by the reception desk for a brochure and tour of the center, or contact Melinda Welch, Program Coordinator, at 203.265.7753 for more information. *There are many benefits to adult day programs: caregiver respite, daily socialization with peers, integration into the community, and avoiding premature institutionalization. * Source: http://www.caring.com/articles/benefits-of-adult-day-care-programs.

SOCIAL SERVICES

IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SOCIAL WORKER, EILEEN FLYNN, AT 265 7753. Walk-In Schedule: The Social Worker will take walk-ins on a first come basis for one-half hour sessions ONLY (30 minutes). Sessions are on the half-hour from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. No regular appointments will be scheduled on Tuesdays.

Estate Planning and Medicaid

Thursday, May 12, 1:00 – 2:30 PM

Brad Davis, WDRC talk show host, will join Attorney Daniel O. Tully and Attorney Dean Kilbourne, of Kilbourne & Tully, P.C., to provide education on Estate Planning and Medicaid. To register for this program, please call 203-265-7753.

Exploring Senior Housing Options

Wednesday, May 18, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

SHOULD I STAY IN MY HOME OR SHOULD I GO? Many are faced with this choice. SRES Maureen Sperrazza and SRES Marie Borner of Coldwell Banker Real Estate will provide an educational seminar on senior choices in housing. If you are having mixed emotions about what you should do, you are not alone. Where do I begin? What questions must I answer before I make such an important lifestyle decision? What is Universal Design and how does it allow for someone to age in their home? Join us on Wednesday, May 18, 10:00 AM as these and other questions and housing options are discussed. Refreshments will be provided. To register, please call 203-265-7753.

What Kind of Life Insurance Do I Have?

Wednesday, May 18, 1:30 – 3:00 PM

Do you have life insurance policies and you do not know exactly what they are? You may question if they are Term, Whole Life or Accidental Life. You may be paying for what you believe to be life Insurance but have special clauses limiting coverage. If you have any of these questions, Laurie Shields, Financial Services Representative, MetLife Financial Group, will be available for 30 minute appointments starting May 18. To schedule a thirty (30) minute appointment, please call 203-265-7753.

Low Vision Support Group

Friday, May 20, 10:15 AM-12:00 PM

A trip to Vision Dynamics in Cheshire is scheduled for this month. Vision Dynamics is a provider for many devices available to individuals with low vision. Everyone is welcome. Registration is required. Please call 203-265-7753.

6th Annual New Haven Expo

Friday, May 20, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

You are invited to attend the annual expo sponsored by the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut and the City of New Haven which will be held at the New Haven Athletic Center, 480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, CT. Approximately 150 vendors are expected to provide information on a wide variety of topics related to seniors. Vinnie Carr, will provide entertainment. There will be free health screenings and a Wii bowling tournament. Transportation will be provided. To sign up for this event, please call 203-265-7753.

Veterans Services

Tuesday, May 24, 1:00-3:00 PM

George Messier, Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Wallingford will be available to answer questions and assist with benefit information. An appointment is required. Please call 203-265-7753.

Benefits Screening

Am I Eligible for Any Programs?

Tuesday, May 17, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for any State or Federal Programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for eligibility. Supporting documents are not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Registration required. Call 203-265-7753 now to schedule an appointment.

VISIT our website at www.wlfdseniorctr.com!

MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER

Mid-Late May 2011

Our annual Senior Expo and Health Fair will be Wednesday, May 11 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon on the lower level of the Senior Center. The event features information displays from agencies serving Meriden seniors, a free box lunch for the first 300 people, handouts and giveaways, health screenings and much more! The speaker at 11:45 upstairs in Willene’s Place will be Cindy Russo, Senior Vice President of Operations at MidState Medical Center, who will provide an update on all the improvements made at the hospital. The 2011 Senior Expo is sponsored by Meriden Center and Skyview Center, divisions of Genesis HealthCare, and I encourage you to attend to learn about all that is offered for seniors in our community!

Starting Monday, May 16 Senior Center staff will begin taking applications for the Rent Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut. The program provides eligible renters with money back on their rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. To be eligible you must have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2010 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability. Proof of 2010 income must be presented, including a copy of your 2010 income tax return, if filed, Social Security 1099, and all other income. Income limits are $32,300 for a single person and $39,500 for a married couple. Proof of rent and utilities must also be presented. Applications are taken Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 PM on a first come, first served basis.

A “Salute to Veterans” musical program with vocalist Karen Wagner and her husband Robert Iovanna will be held in Willene’s Place on Thursday, May 26 at 10:30 AM in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. Karen and Rob have performed here before and I know you will enjoy hearing them again. Members of the Antique Veterans and their wives are invited to attend and also join us for lunch that day compliments of the Senior Center!

On Wednesday, May 25 at 10:30 the Alzheimer’s Association will present a “Maintain Your Brain” program. The interactive program focuses on ways to keep your brain and memory healthy. You will learn some memory tips and remembering strategies. The program will be held in the first floor meeting room and refreshments will be served.

You’re invited to a Garden Card Party at the Bradley Home on Thursday, May 19 from 2:00 to 4:30 pm. Enjoy cards and refreshments, sign-up today in the Mini-Bus Office for transportation.

The next Mini-Bus trip to the DMV to get a Non-Drivers License Photo ID will be Friday, June 3 at 10:00 am, sign-up with Transportation Coordinator Becky Racine or call her at 203.237.3338.

John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director

To read The People’s Press in Image Form, Downloadable PDF form and interact go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/

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Library News and Events Mid-May 2011

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY – Mid-Late May

All Programs, Movies, and Events at the Wallingford Public Library are free and open to the public! The Library is located at 200 N. Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS!

Cooking with Chef Silvio: Stories and Authentic Recipes of Campania by Anthony Riccio

Wednesday, May 11 7:00 p.m. Community Room

Author, historian and photographer Anthony Riccio and award-winning Chef Silvio Suppa traveled to the farmlands of Campania, Italy, where they researched the origins of true Mediterranean cuisine. Join co-author Anthony Riccio and learn about life on Chef Silvio’s family farm in Sant'Agata de' Goti, and how Chef Silvio learned "l'arte della cucina," the art of cooking, from his grandmother. With its original recipes and first-hand research, the book presents the fascinating history of Campanian gastronomy, beginning with the ancient Samnites to the present-day dishes offered at Chef Silvio's Cafe Allegre in Madison, Connecticut. Join us for an author presentation and book signing.

The Gettysburg Chronicle: A Dramatic Change in Command by Matthew Bartlett

Thursday, May 12 7:00 p.m. Collins Room

Personifying the horrors of the Civil War, this volume of the Gettysburg Chronicle deals with the opening shots and early hours of the battle. Ranging from Willoughby Run to McPherson’s Ridge and the death of Major General John Reynolds, it is action-packed. From Doubleday, to General Archer, to John Buford and others you may not have heard about, this volume offers a great insight to the first parts of the battle of Gettysburg. Join us for an author presentation and book signing.

ROOTS MUSIC!

Alex Caton & Peter Winne In Concert

Wednesday, May 25 7:00 p.m. Community Room

The Virginia-based roots music duo Alex Caton and Peter Winne will perform a dynamic mix of energetic Appalachian fiddle tunes, classic country, gospel, and original songs. In the year-and-a-half they’ve been playing together, Alex and Pete have quickly established themselves as the newest link in central Virginia’s unusually rich acoustic music lineage.

Individually, the two have no shortage of kudos. Winne is a 2010 Berea College Appalachian music fellow and a former winner on A Prairie Home Companion’s “People in their Twenties” competition on NPR. Caton is an Orange County, VA Champion fiddler and was nominated for a 2009 Virginia Commission for the Arts Heritage Award. Together, the duo plays music that feels as much at home in a modern big-city venue as it would have at the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s. Alex plays fiddle and guitar and Pete plays guitar and banjo. Both musicians sing, delivering harmonies that recall the singing of fellow girl-guy roots music duo Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Although based in Virginia, Pete grew up in Wethersfield, CT.

E-Books At Your Library!

Monday, May 23 7:00 p.m. Collins Room

If you have an e-reader or are interested in e-book options, you won’t want to miss this informative program. Various types of compatible e-readers for library books will be discussed. How to checkout and download e-books from the Library web site will be demonstrated. Advance registration is appreciated; please contact the Library to reserve your seat.

Read and Discuss!

Mystery Alla Italiana

3:30 p.m. Collins Room Tuesday, May 10

Back to Bologna by Michael Dibdin

Tuesday, May 24

Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon

In each mystery, Italy is not just the backdrop of the story but in some ways, a participant in it. Discussion is led by Dr. Carole Shmurak. Books are available from the Information Desk. This program is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Humanities Council.

Thursday Night Book Club:

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers

Thursday, May 19 7:00 p.m. Collins Room

The Thursday Night Book Club is an informal gathering open to all who love to read and discuss fiction and popular nonfiction. Ask at the Information Desk for a copy of this book and join us for the discussion. Discussions are held the third Thursday of each month excluding August.

Healthy Living

Lunch and Learn: Chiropractic 101 Tuesday, May 17 12:00 p.m. Community Room

Please join us for a complimentary lunch as Dr. Kurt Marschner, of Advanced Spine & Sports Medicine in Wallingford, provides an introduction to chiropractic care and its health benefits. He will be available for a question and answer period at the conclusion of the program. Please register prior to May 11.

Women’s and Girls’ Self-Defense Workshop

Tuesday, May 24 6:00 p.m. Community Room

Women and girls twelve years and older are welcome to this introductory course on self-defense. Learn how to defend yourself using simple and easy techniques. Wear comfortable clothing and call ahead to register. This program is co-sponsored by Soroptimist International of Meriden, a non-profit women’s service organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in our local communities and around the world.

Saturday Mornings with Poetry

10:00 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m. Board Room May 14

In addition to sharing poems written since the April 30th meeting, a poetry walk through downtown Wallingford is planned, weather permitting.

May 28

The poetry of Frank O’Hara and the New York School of Poets will be featured. As always, everyone is invited to share their poems with option to receive comments and suggestions for further development. SMWP meets semi-monthly with the exception of July and August, is open to teenagers and adults, and is moderated by Al Mueller.

Wallingford Writers Community

Saturday, May 28 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Collins Room

This month’s topic is “Attending Writer’s Conferences: Members Discuss Personal Experience.” In addition, we’ll also have time for Open Mic at which time members may read up to 500 words of a current work. Open to all adults and teens interested in creative writing.

Friday Night Flicks: All films are shown in the Library’s Community Room

The Illusionist Rated PG May 13 6:30 p.m. Run time 80 minutes

Gnomeo & Juliet Rated G May 27 6:30 p.m. Run time 102 minutes

Cinema Club

The King’s Speech Rated R Monday, May 16 6:30 p.m .Run time 118 minutes Discussion to follow movie.

Solo Finding Peace: a documentary film Wednesday, May 18 6:30 p.m.

Teen Zone

Movie: Breakin’ Wednesday, May 11th 3:15 p.m. Community Room

Catch a glimpse of the break-dancing culture in this classic 80’s flick. Jump back in time and see the fashion and fast paced moves of 1984! This film is rated PG.

Break-dancing!! Thursday, May 12th

6:00-7:00 p.m. Community Room

Come and watch a break-dancing exhibition and try it yourself. Gain confidence and empowerment while having fun. Presented by Green Street Arts Center through the generosity of the Middlesex County Community Foundation and the George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation

Open to all teens in grades 6-12. Please register for this event.

STAR2 - Saturday, May 7 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Collins Room

The Wallingford STAR2 Club is the perfect way to share your love for robotics, rocketry and science with others. Open to all Wallingford students in grades K-12. This month’s theme is kites and hot air balloons. The STAR2 Club is run by Wayne Aguiar and is co-sponsored by the Wallingford Department of Youth and Social Services.

Drawing Workshop

Wednesday, May 20 3:30-4:30 p.m. Collins Room

Presented by Green Street Arts Center through the generosity of the Middlesex County Community Foundation and the George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation. Open to all teens in grades 6-12. Please sign up in advance; spaces are limited.

Wii Sports Resort Tournament

Wednesday, May 18 3:15-4:30 p.m. Community Room

Come to Wuhu Island where you can compete in island themed adventures. Open to all Teens in grades 6-12. Registration is required.

Anime Night:

Thursday, May 26 6:00-8:00 p.m. Community Room

Rozen Maiden and sushi - perfect combination. All teens in grades 6-12 are welcome to come watch and discuss anime, manga, artwork and cosplay. Open to beginner and expert manga fans.

New Schedule for Computer Tutoring Sessions at Wallingford Public Library

The Wallingford Public Library is offering free, one-on-one computer tutoring sessions through May 24 according to the following schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Each hour-long appointment gives individuals the opportunity to work on a computer with a volunteer and learn about email, on-line job applications, internet searching, word processing and various software programs. Appointments are free and open to the public. To schedule an appointment, please call the library at 203-265-6754 and specify your topic of interest.

Wallingford Children’s Library

Children’s Library Summer Volunteer Applications Available

If you are a Wallingford student going into grades 5, 6, or 7 in the fall of 2011, you are eligible to volunteer to help us run our summer reading program in the Children’s Library. This summer kids will be exploring the wonders of Ancient Egypt and we will have a fantastic new game setup as well as an online program. We are expecting many enthusiastic players and we need our volunteers to help us run the game.

Volunteers commit to working two hours each day for one week. If you have the time to commit, please pick up an application at the library or print one out from our website. Read the application carefully with your parent or guardian, fill it out and return to us by June 8.

Itty Bitty Babies for ages 12 months and under

This drop-in program for babies ages 12 months and under introduces babies and their grown-ups to the Library and each other in a program filled with songs, rhymes and books. The program will take place on Thursday, 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Collins Room.

Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5

Join us at Preschool Storytime in the Children’s Room of the Wallingford Public Library for books, rhymes, songs, flannelboard stories, movement and more for children ages 3-5 and their grownups. Younger interested siblings are welcome to attend. The programs will take place on Wednesdays, May 11 at 1:30 p.m. and Thursdays, May 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Free Homework Help Available

Students who need a little help with their homework are welcome to stop by the Library on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Cabrera is available in the Children’s Library to help children to understand their assignments and get them started when they are having difficulty.

This program is free and funded by the Wallingford Board of Education.

MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS Mid-Late May

Get Your Game On

Get your game on at the Meriden Public Library on Thursday, May 12 from 3:00 to 4:30 in the Griffin Room. The Wii will be set up with Wii Sports and Mario Kart for friends and family to challenge each other. Board games such as Scrabble, Candyland, Apples to Apples and many others will also be available for use.

All ages are welcome to attend including parents and guardians. Registration is not required. If you have any questions please contact Melissa at mmurphy@ci.meriden.ct.us or call (203) 630-6347.

FREE COMPUTER CLASSES IN MAY AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Sign up for one of the free computer classes at Meriden Public Library and learn how to use a computer, Word, email, and search the internet. The class schedule is as follows:

Introduction to Word –Saturday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m.;

Email – Monday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m.;

Basic Computers – Monday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m.;

Internet Searching –Saturday, May 28 at 9:30 a.m.

Computer classes in Spanish on Saturday, May 14, May 21, and May 28 at 10:00 am to 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to noon.

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.

SCRABBLE SESSIONS AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Meriden Public Library hosts sessions for people who enjoy playing Scrabble. The sessions will be on Monday, May 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Griffin Room. All skill levels are welcome. Scrabble boards will be provided, but people are welcome to bring their own boards. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have any questions about the library programs

Lego Club

Meriden Public Library will have its next Lego Club event on Thursday, May 26th from 3:00 to 4:30 in the Griffin Room. Children ages 6 through 12 are invited to bring their imagination and build on this month’s theme Robots. 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. If you have any questions or would like to be put on the Lego Club mailing list please contact Melissa at (203) 630-6347 or mmurphy@ci.meriden.ct.us

E-Reader Explosion

Trying to figure out which e-reader is best for you? Come to the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room on Tuesday, May 17 at 6:30 pm.

Local businesses will bring their latest e-readers. There will be time for you to touch and explore the different features on the models available.

Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions about this program.

Writer’s Network

The Writer’s Network will meet on Wednesday, May 11 and May 25 at 7:00 pm in the Griffin Room. 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.

Lunchtime Book Club

The Meriden Public Library’s lunchtime book club meets on Thursdays at noon in the Seminar Room. Bring your lunch and enjoy the discussion.

May 19 –Swamplandia by Karen Russell

June 16 - Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

All are welcome.

Chess Club

The Meriden Public Library Chess Club is looking for more players. The Chess Club meets the first Wednesday of the month. The next date is Wednesday, June 1st at 6:30 pm in the Seminar Room. Bring your chess boards. All ages and playing levels are welcome.

Hip Hop Program

Join instructor Leah Beth Maille for an hour of great hip hop moves to great music at Meriden Public Library on Thursday, May 19 at 3:00 p.m. in the Griffin Room. Class will move through basic steps, working towards a short choreography by the end of the hour.

This program is presented by Green Street Arts Center through the generosity of the Middlesex County Community Foundation and the George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation. This program is free and all are welcome. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or visit the library calendar at our web site www.meridenlibrary.org to reserve a place.

Movies in May

Justin Bieber “Never Say Never” Wednesday, May 18 Griffin Room 3:30 p.m.

“Gnomeo and Juliet” Saturday, May 28 Griffin Room 10:30 a.m.

BOOKMOBILE

The Meriden Public Library Bookmobile will be visiting the following facilities:

Wednesday, May 11 – Easter Seals 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Bradley Home 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.;

Thursday, May 12 – Kindercare 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; The Right Place 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.;

Friday, May 13 – St. Stan’s 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; St. John’s Nursery School pickup 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.;

Tuesday, May 17 – Headstart (Liberty St.) pickup 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.;

Wednesday, May 18 – First Congregational Nursery School pickup 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 pm. to 1:30 p.m.;

Thursday, May 19 - First Congregational Nursery School pickup 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.;

Friday, May 20 – Carriage House Day Care Center 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Meriden Center 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.;

Monday, May 23 – Meriden Child Care Center 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Midstate Christian Academy 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.;

Thursday, May 26 – Lil Rascals 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; Sunshine Day Care 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.;

Friday, May 27 – Stork Club 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; Miller Memorial 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.;

Tuesday, May 31 – Catholic Charities 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Have a Roaring Time at the Meriden Public Children’s Library!

Mid-Late May & Upcoming Wonderful Summer Programs

Reading programs start July 11th. Registration begins on June 13. Children must be of age by January 1.

Tuesday

10:15 a.m. 2 year olds (independent)

11:15 a.m. 3 – 4 year olds

2:00 p.m. Kindergarten – grade 2: Weekly crafts to make and take home.

6:30 p.m. 3 – 4 year olds

Wednesday

10:30 a.m. 2 – 3 year olds with parent/guardians

11:15 a.m. 3 – 4 year olds with parents

2:00 p.m. 3 – 4th grades: Learn to cook easy recipes for the whole family.

6:30 p.m. 2 year olds with parents/guardians.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

June 27 – 6:30 pm Dragon Dreams and Magic puppet show

June 30 – 10:30 am Take Two Performance Storytelling

July 7 – 6:30 pm Worm Program – Learn about the world of worms

July 11 – 10:30 am Mr. Gym Rocks – Sing & dance with Mr. Gym

July 14 – 6:30 pm Newberry Farms Animal Program

July 18 – 10:30 am Magic with Christina – for all ages

July 21 – 6:30 pm Birds on the Run – live bird show

July 25 – 10:30 am Woodland Cinderella Puppet Show

August 1 – 6:30 pm Juggling Workshop-learn how to juggle. Child MUST be accompanied by an adult. Limited seating available so please reserve your space as soon as possible.

August 4 – 10:30 am Sharon Family Traveling Petting Farm. Sign up for a time slot to see and pet the farm animals.

August 8 – 6:30 pm Nappy Puppets

August 11 – 10:30 am Papillion Pirate Show – Have a rollicking pirate time!

Programs may be subject to change. FREE tickets for the first week of programs will be available beginning June 13. Subsequently, tickets will be available the week before each performance. FREE tickets are available in the Children’s Library. If you have any questions please contact the Children’s Library at (203) 630-6347

To read The People’s Press in Image Form, Downloadable PDF and interact visit http://www.peoplespressnews.com/

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Health News and Events Mid-May 2011

To read The People’s Press in Image Form, Downloadable PDF form and interact go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/

Let’s Talk”…..About Your Health

Chris More, RN

Public Health Educator, Wallingford Health Department

Let’s talk about . . . . . . going beyond the “Bottle” for pain relief. (I mean the pill bottle of course)! There are many ways to attack all kinds of pain with many different drugs, from the little aspirin to the powerful narcotic. But let’s zero in on one specific “pain” (no not your mother-in-law) one disease that 95% of the population (young and old) experience is arthritis specifically osteoarthritis.

The past few years have not been easy for people with chronic osteoarthritis pain, because certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that seem to work so well on arthritis pain had serious risks associated with them and were taken off the market. (Other NSAIDS, prescription, and over the counter) are still available, but again carry some risks of heart disease and GI bleeding. The “big guns”, like morphine are often reluctantly given by doctors due to the risk of dependence and other serious side effects.

Millions of people suffer with chronic pain and more than half of them have an arthritic condition. Isn’t there some way to deal with this particular pain besides drugs? The answer is “yes”, but what could possibly help? Let’s see (a hammock, and a tropical drink, on the beach in Jamaica!) That could work, but how about a reality check, starting with Topical medication. There are gels, creams and patches. Some pain physicians are choosing to use these in conjunction with less “pill taking”, so the side effects are less. Topical medication side effects are localized (meaning you may have an allergy to the drugs in the creams, get a slight rash or an irritation, but they usually don’t “mess” with your head or stomach). Topical medications in general are less risky. Another choice for relieving osteoarthritis pain especially knee pain are flat, flexible shoes or sneakers (so get out those $1.99 flip flops). A study done with these types of shoes showed that the flexibility and flatness of these shoes put less stress on knee and hip joints, but as with all new thoughts and ideas come the risks, and the risks of flip flops stand out like a sore thumb. Number one risk, FALLS, also inflammation of the bottom of the foot (plantar fasciitis.) If you choose to buy these shoes, please go with sneakers first or a flat, flexible closed shoe with arch support. (I am way too clumsy for flip-flops).

My personal choice (prior to knee replacement) was the steroid injection. This treatment reduces the inflammation in the joint and very quickly relieves the pain. This injection (ouch!) can make you feel better for days or months. Again, the risks stand out, you can only do this 2-3 times a year and it does weaken ligaments and tendons, also there is a slight chance of infection as with any injection. Make sure you discuss this option in detail with an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Let me mention several other ways to try and reduce osteoarthritis pain, which does not involve medication. Exercise/Physical Therapy both can improve strength, posture function and range of motion. ALWAYS check with your physician first as to what is best for you and your particular degree of arthritis. Don’t ever over-do (you can’t relieve pain if you are causing yourself pain). Heat/Cold (heating pad, warm compresses, heat patches, warm baths OR cold packs, ice packs, “frozen vegetables”). Check with your physician or therapist as to which is better for you. Heat can sometimes cause more swelling to an acute injury, and overdoing either heat or cold can cause severe burns. NEVER apply heat or cold directly to your bare skin.

Meditation (guess what – no risks) can work for any kind of pain and regular practice reduces the brains’ response to pain. Assume the crossed leg Yoga position and chill out. (I would have to pass on the crossed legs, but chilling out sounds great) You don’t really have to get into a Yoga stance to meditate!!

I have touched on several ways to help you cope with chronic pain focusing on osteoarthritis. Talk with your caregiver about your daily battle with pain. Keep a log; let him/her know when you feel the worse, morning, night time? Are your activities limited, how much? (If you can’t shop that’s bad?) Over the counter or prescription medication you are taking for relief, have a pain number. 1= (little) 10= (emergency). Remember your caregiver is not a mind reader he/she cannot help you if you are vague or disorganized with your complaints. Last but not least, please don’t listen to the horror stories and remedies of friends and most importantly DON’T take Uncle Al’s medication. Everyone’s body is different and everyone’s pain level is unique to them.

Well that’s all for this month, I do hope you have found some new ways to relieve pain. Stay flexible and keep moving! Until next month . . .

“Let’s Talk”…..About Your Health

Chris More, RN

Public Health Educator, Wallingford Health Department

Let’s talk about . . . Childhood Obesity. “Fatty, Tubby, Blimpy”, all hurtful names that overweight children hear every day at school, camp and other activities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’ll talk again next month in the meantime be an advocate for your child and “Get Healthy.”

Meriden Health Department News

Riding a Bike? Wear Your Helmet!

Bike riding is a great way to get exercise and fresh air and share time as a family. The Meriden Health Department wants everyone to be safe - we are selling Bell brand bicycle helmets for $7.50 each. Both adult and child sizes are available, and there are many different styles and colors to choose from. The helmets are available for purchase Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Please call the Clinic office at 203-630-4234 if you have any questions. Be safe - always wear a helmet when riding a bike, no matter where you are or how short the ride!

CPR & AED Awareness Week Event

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

Save the Date! Community Wednesday Block Party and National Day of Play

This event is back for a second year! Over 1,000 residents enjoyed a day of sunshine, play, and community last year – will you be part of the crowd in 2011?

When: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 (rain date is Thursday, July 21), 10:00am-4:00pm

Where: Meriden HUB

What: A day of fun for everyone! Activities, games, food, health fair, info booths, petting zoo, hay rides, dunk tank, live broadcast by HOT 93.7. Sponsored by the Meriden Housing Authority, Meriden/Wallingford NAACP, and the City of Meriden.

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

Save the Date – National Trails Day is June 4!

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

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

The Meriden Health Department will be giving out free pedometers and walking logs to attendees (first come, first serve). Light refreshments will be served. If it rains the event will be cancelled (will be posted on the Health Department website – www.meridenhealth.com, as well as on their Facebook page). Bring the family and enjoy a great day outside! For more information call 203-630-4238.

MidState Announces the Blooming Pink Celebration Garden

MidState Medical Center is proud to announce the creation of the Blooming Pink Celebration Garden. This special garden, in the shape of an awareness ribbon, has been filled with thousands of pink tulips planted to honor, celebrate or memorialize those touched by cancer. Located on MidState’s campus, this garden is not only an inspiration but a symbol representing survivorship. The first annual “Blooming Celebration” is scheduled to take place in early May.

Bulbs are being sold for $25 and benefit The Cancer Center at MidState. For more information, please contact Tina Fabiani at 203-694-8744 or tfabian@midstatemedical.org. Your gift will not only bring awareness to breast cancer but will also help MidState continue to meet the needs of patients and families coping with the diagnosis of cancer.

Together we can make a difference in the lives of cancer patients… one bulb at a time.

About MidState Medical Center

In quarterly patient satisfaction surveys, MidState consistently rates among the top hospitals in Connecticut and the nation. Conveniently located just minutes off Rte. 691 in Meriden, CT, MidState offers free and safe parking, as well as private inpatient rooms. Services include general surgery, emergency medicine, MidState Medical Group Walk-in Centers for urgent care needs, and state-of-the-art care in centers dedicated to Cancer Care, Family Birthing, Balance & Hearing, Digestive Health, Pain Management, and Cardiac Care. Outpatient services conveniently offered at 61 Pomeroy Avenue include the Diabetes Center & Outpatient Nutrition Counseling, Sleep Care Center, Infectious Disease & Travel Clinic, Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine and Weight Management Program. MidState Medical Center is a member of Hartford Healthcare, a large, diversified health care system throughout Connecticut. For information, call 203-694-8200, or visit www.midstatemedical.org.

CPR CLASSES – SAVE A LIFE!

CPR classes are being offered by The Visiting Nurse Association of Wallingford, Inc., located at 135 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford. Please call 203-269-1475 for details and sign up today! CPR instruction will help you to save the life of a friend, co-worker or loved one. American Heart Association classes, following the newly updated 2010 guidelines, will be offered by a certified American Heart Association Instructor, Ginny Stewart, RN.

There are two types of courses being offered. Healthcare Provider CPR, specifically for health care workers is available on May 27 and throughout the summer. The other CPR course, Heartsaver CPR, available on June 6, has been designed to train any interested person in the community how to perform CPR. You will learn how to respond to cardiac arrest in adults, children or infants, how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) and how to correctly respond when someone is choking. The earlier CPR is started, the higher the risk of survival. Knowing how to perform CPR can save a life! Please call 203-269-1475 for more information.

The Healthcare Provider CPR course is for healthcare professionals who will be able to perform CPR as a team, and have access to various medical equipment. This course is five hours in length followed by a written test and skills evaluation. The Healthcare Provider card, often required through state regulations or OSHA for nurses and various people working in dental or physician offices, is valid for two full years.

The Heartsaver CPR course is specifically for anyone in the community who would like to learn CPR for Adult, Child and Infant. Heartsaver is a two hour course with no written test. There is much hands-on practice during the interactive course and after skills are evaluated, you receive a two year certification. Heartsaver CPR is for people who would be putting these skills to use while alone and waiting for healthcare professionals to arrive on the scene. The course will show the differences when providing CPR for adults, children and infants, how to use an AED, and how to best respond to choking. The list of persons who are welcome to take this training is extensive, including parents, friends, family members, coaches, sports groups, security guards, restaurant employees, store personnel, swimming pool users and owners, teachers, daycare providers, and many others. Some colleges offer PE credits upon completion of this course. Please call 203-269-1475 to register.

Workplace Travel CPR Courses are available for local businesses. Oftentimes someone from each department or floor is provided with CPR training. Please call 203-269-1475 for details.

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Your Stories - May 1st 2011 from The People's Press

2011-05-06T07:24:00.000-04:00

The May 1st Issue of The People’s Press in Searchable Text

Your Stories May 1, 2011

To read The People’s Press in Image Form, Downloadable PDF form and interact go to www.peoplespressnews.com

Your Stories May 1, 2011

Patrick M Bremer

‎20 years ago today I lost my Dad, my Father, Albert Bremer.
20 years…half my life has now been spent without the most amazing man to come into my life!
The measure of a man is often times measured by how many lives he touched. Through the South Meriden House restaurant, his Church, WWII buddies, and his family, Albie touched thousands of lives with his indelible spirit, compassion, and kindness towards others. If you remember my Father kindly take a moment to reflect on your favorite memory or image of him today. Feel free to share below.

Miss you Dad. Gone too soon.
“May the road rise up to meet you;
May the wind be always at your back,
the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.“

Dad behind the bar at the South Meriden House about 1984.

Dad and I on Parent's Weekend 1990. The only one he would make. One of my favorite photos

Quassy celebrates 103 years of affordable family fun in 2011!

History

Quassy, which was once called Lake Quassapaug Amusement Park, sits on a beautiful lake in Middlebury, Connecticut. Quassy was not always the amusement park it is today. Native Americans once populated this large area. The Native Americans translated Lake Quassapaug to mean "Big Pond" or "Big Rock".

In colonial days King George (1690-1770) granted one Abel Wheeler control of the lake. During this time a fisherman could rent a boat and leave his horse in a stall with plenty of hay for as little as 50¢ a day. Fisherman enjoyed the lake because they claimed that they caught fish by the buckets full.

By 1888, a man named Mr. Richards opened a Grove House. Clambakes became his specialty and only non-alcoholic drinks were sold.

In 1905, the sea wall was put in and the Wallace Hotel replaced Mr. Richard's Grove House. By 1908, a trolley line was put through Middlebury and Lake Quassapaug became a summer resort.

In 1937, three Waterbury businessmen, John Frantzis, Mike Leon, and George Terezakis, bought the property and formed Quassy. They soon added a picnic area, paddle boats and a carousel. Within the next few years a hot dog stand, a roller rink and a tearoom were added.

It was after World War II that Quassy established itself as an amusement park. Beginning in the late 1970s, new rides were added every year. The park has also designed its own clambake facilities and caters to business and organizational outings from 100 to 10,000.

Today, Quassy Amusement Park remains a unique family-oriented facility. We offer swimming, picnicking, a catering service, a huge family Redemption Arcade, "Saturation Station," and of course, more than 20 rides. Every year families can count on new attractions, new rides, and most importantly, quality service.

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Good Dog? Bad Dog?
Pit Bulls Are Much Maligned, but Do They Deserve The Bad Rap?
By Susan Israel
Ten-month-old Rusty wagged his tail and mooched dog treats from Meriden Humane Society staff members and was around for quite sometime- six months- to curry favor with them before finally being
adopted. The average wait for him- and other dogs like him- to be adopted is on the average four months longer than the cuddly cocker spaniels and feisty Jack Russell’s and mixed-breeds that toddle out the
door with their new owners. Rusty’s biggest sin was being born a pit bull terrier. Pit bull terriers have scary street cred; a city woman was bitten late last year by a pit bull when she bent to rescue her
small dog, which was injured severely and had to be euthanized. When potential adopters hear ‘pit bull’, many balk. “People want little fluffy dogs and are scared of their rep,” says Marlena DiBianco, director of the Meriden Humane Society.
    A lot of the pit bulls that wound up in Meriden Humane Society and in Animal Control were found wandering the streets. “They’re throw-away dogs,” says DiBianco. “People want them, then they neglect
them and leave them.” Some dog owners can’t afford to spay their dogs, so breed them and sell the puppies. One was selling the puppies from three different litters at the same time for $600 apiece.”
    Irresponsible breeding kills the breed and most of the puppies end up at Meriden Humane Society or at other rescues when their owners tire of them. One dog was found with cigarette burns all over him. Some can’t afford them during the economic downturn and don’t make emergency provisions so dogs are found abandoned in apartments after owners are evicted. DiBianco recommends people seek help for their pets before they have to leave them behind or let them run loose in the street. Owners don’t factor in the dog’s requirements. A pit bull left in a cramped city apartment while his owner works and then parties will
bounce off the walls. “Pit bulls are working dogs and need a lot of exercise and a job to do. If you let a working dog get bored, he’ll eat the couch,” says DiBianco. “Some people are just not aware of how to control their dogs or don’t care about their dogs. If they treat their dogs that way, how do they treat their kids?”
   If it’s a matter of struggling to supply the dogs with food, the Humane Society can help. Once a month on Monday and Tuesday, dog owners who are struggling financially can qualify for a month supply of
dog food. “We put them on a list and verify their IDs,” says DiBianco, stressing that this is for those who really need it. Seniors especially benefit; some will feed their dogs before they feed themselves. Many
are embarrassed, says DiBianco, adding “those we find out about through neighborhood associations and word of mouth and we help them.”
     “Most people don’t get pit bulls for the right reasons,” says Mandy Makein of South Meriden who has been a dog trainer for over 13 years and has owned pit bulls. “If not properly trained, they get frustrated and trash the house and drag their owners while walking.
    Most people don’t realize the necessity of training until they have their hands full.” Some have come to Makein in tears, afraid they would have to give up their dogs because they couldn’t handle them, and after
the dogs were trained- sometimes in classes as well as one-on-one- they became manageable. Makein also trains dogs at the Meriden Humane Society. Makein’s pit bull, Jack, earned the Canine Good Citizenship
Award from the American Kennel Club and earned therapy dog certification from Therapy Dogs International and served in that capacity for the last eight years of his life. In addition, Jack was the ‘Hanover Hound’, performing at Hanover Elementary School, and visited homes for the handicapped with Makein. “To properly train a dog, start at a young age and socialize him.” Makein recommends diverting strong-willed prey-driven dogs with inanimate objects. “Playing fetch or tug is play and the more you make work seem like play to a dog, the more he’ll want to keep doing it.”
    The Humane Society requires an application, in-home check and references and advises which dog will fit best with the applicant’s family and lifestyle, some- thing that doesn’t happen with a curbside sale. All dogs have the potential to bite and all dogs have the potential to become loyal pets.   “Every one of the pit bulls here- and all but two who are in Animal Control- I would leave with a baby without a problem,” says DiBianco. “They’re that good.”

SOCIAL SECURITY CELEBRATES EARTH DAY EVERY DAY

By Paul Gilfillan,

Social Security Manager in

Meriden Ct

This Earth Day (April 22) and every day, Social Security is committed to conserving energy and reducing waste. Social Security has buildings across the nation that boast high-efficiency lighting, solar hot water heating systems, high-performance windows, solar lighting in parking lots, improved HVAC systems, chilled water system improvements, and much more.

What’s more, Social Security offers many of our popular services online. These services are more than just convenient and easy-to-use. They’re also great for the environment!

You can do most Social Security business from the convenience of your home or on any computer. There’s no paper, printing, postage, or travel needed. Here are a few of our most popular online services:

Use our Retirement Estimator to get a quick and accurate estimate of your future Social Security retirement benefits. www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator

Prepare for your retirement by visiting our Benefits Planner page. You also can go here to use the disability and survivors planners to find out how much you or your family might qualify for if the need arises. www.socialsecurity.gov/planners

Retire online! You can complete and submit your retirement application in as little as 15 minutes. www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline

Apply for disability benefits. www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability

Apply for Medicare benefits. www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly

So, whether you’re interested in planning your retirement or applying for disability, our online office is the most convenient and “green” one to visit. Social Security’s online services also top customer satisfaction lists. For a complete list of our online services, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

Lions and Tigers and Teens

Teen Esteem

A pimple used to put a wrench in my entire day. That one little red spot would cause all kinds of insecurities. I would head out to school feeling ugly, even if, just hours earlier, I was feeling like a movie star. It’s funny how your perspective is drastically different during the teen years. Today, I just slap on concealer and call it a day.

However, insecurity regarding physical appearance is not the only esteem downer for teens. There are other issues that can cause your teen to feel less than valuable, and some may have long-term effects. Being cut from the team, a break-up with a significant other or rejection from the college he’s hoped to attend since the second grade can be catalysts to self-loathing.

Your teen’s mood is all over the place to begin with, so what’s a parent to do when her teen’s esteem seemingly plunges into a black hole?

Reflection in the Mirror

Many teens believe that “fitting in” is synonymous with “looking like.” This is why many adolescents try to conform to a desired crowd by physically dressing and acting like those in the group. Others might try to emulate fashion models or movie stars. Both of these scenarios can be destructive if taken too far.

“Wanting to fit in and look like other kids is part of adolescence. However, this desire can lead to stress and to unhealthy behaviors,” warns Wendy Grolnick, Ph.D, author of, Pressured Parents, Stressed- Out Kids (Prometheus Books, 2007) and director of the Frances L. Hiatt School of Psychology and Education at Clark University. Parents need to help their teens put appearance in perspective. Grolnick suggests, “Parents can help their teens by stressing and modeling the importance of a healthy lifestyle - healthy eating and exercise.”

Be a good role model. Mothers who constantly complain about their looks or their weight are setting a bad example for their young daughters. Parents with positive self images help their teens learn by example. This is much more powerful than merely telling your teen to feel good about herself.

Building Up

All parents want their children to be the best they can be. However, parental expectations and criticism can be damaging to a teen who is already unsure of himself. Parents should remember to build up, not break down, by focusing on their teen’s accomplishments, not their failures.

Grolnick says, “Given our very competitive environment, teens are under immense pressure to live up to their own and others’ standards. This pressure can lead teens to ultimately question themselves and their adequacy.”

Parents shouldn’t add to the pressure their teen is under by pushing too hard. Instead, Grolnick suggests the following for encouraging a positive self image:

Help your teen formulate realistic expectations – an important life skill

Focus on the process of your teen’s endeavors, rather than the outcome

Teach your teen multiple ways to be successful

Limit activities if overload is causing stress

Facing Failures

It’s inevitable that your teen will experience disappointments and failures. It is how she learns to deal with failure that’s important. Teach her how to put failure in perspective and that learning from failure is a path to becoming a better person.

Constructive criticism is effective if you focus on the action, not the person. You might say, “I know you could have done better on that exam if you had studied more,” instead of, “You have no work ethic.”

Encourage “reachable” goals. An average, varsity baseball player who has hopes to make the major leagues will have a difficult time when reality strikes. Be sure your teen understands that there is no such thing as perfection. Instead, communicate that putting in your best effort is a goal worth attaining.

Grolnick says that decreased engagement in pleasurable activities, increased time alone, frequent stomachaches or headaches, and persistent negative self-statements could be signs that your teen’s negative self image has spiraled out of control. Parents who believe this to be the case should seek professional help.

TIPS AND TALES

“This is what I tell my girls: Instead of putting yourself down, think of five things that you like about yourself." - Joan Larkin Bullock

“I give my teenage sons choices and ask for their input so that they are involved in decision-making. The more they are invested, the more they are likely to make a good choice for themselves. I firmly believe that giving them the freedom to make choices gives them confidence in their decision-making ability - a life skill!” - Sherry Hallenbeck

Want to share your ideas? Upcoming topic:

Summertime equals “freedom” for teens. Any special rules for your teen during summer months when things are more lax? Please send your full name, address, and brief comments to:

myrnahaskell@gmail.com Or visit: www.myrnahaskell.com

Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer and columnist specializing in parenting issues and child and adolescent development. She is the mother of two teenagers.

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Our Autism Story and Our Mission

It was 2009 and my family was planning a fiftieth birthday party for me. And I thought it would be fun to have a raffle to raise money for Autism .My granddaughter Mia was diagnosed with Autism when she was two. It was a blow to the whole family because you feel helpless knowing there is no cure. You want to help in any way you find with in your means. And having a raffle seemed like a easy enough task. And it was and it was fun. The whole family loved doing this and it was the way we felt we could help people also learn about Autism. This very complex disorder that has entered our family and our beautiful, happy, amazing child ,Mia.

    We all love Mia with all our hearts and we want everyone to know the only thing different about a child like Mia is they see the world in a way of their own. Without judgment, without stares. And if we can help educate people about Autism children like Mia will be more understood and easily accepted. As she and children like her do to others "accept" them for what they are and not for how they appear.
    Everyone needs to understand Autism comes in to every race, every sex, and every town. For this we have decided to have a fundraiser every year to raise awareness and money for Autism. And this year we are having it as follows.
The Third Annual Understanding Autism Fundraiser
May 5th, Thursday, 5-9 PM Rosie's Café Camp Street Meriden,Conn.
    "Understanding Autism "is a fund-raising event to bring about awareness for the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder Autism.
    This night you can help us to change the image of Autism with drinks , food, music, fun and knowledge !
We will be entertained by a Live DJ with one hour of Karaoke !Provided by the one and only Pattys Energized Karaoke

    There is a large raffle with great prizes!
Two Steel Guitars, Collectible Harley Davidson Items, Gift Certificates to local restaurants and Many more items to win!
    All tips and raffle donations will be donated to "Autism Speaks".
    Help us to change the world by bringing about a better understanding of this complicated disorder.
    Try to find it in your hectic day to day life to come and meet some wonderful people and enjoy a night out for a cause at hand that needs all the attention it can receive. Please join and you will wonder how you missed out on all this before!
Thank you, Donna Theriault

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Providing Comfort and Coffee to the Troops

HOLY JOE’S CAFÉ

First Congregational Church - Wallingford

Going for coffee these days seems as American as mom, baseball and apple pie. While it might actually involve grabbing a cup of whatever it is that gets us going, its primary purpose may be to strengthen social ties or show support for a friend in need.

Nowhere is this more evident — or more appreciated — than among

U.S.

military personnel taking part in the initiative known as Holy Joe's Café. Thanks to the First Congregational Church troops don't have to go for coffee; it's coming to them with over 550 chaplains receiving coffee in locations in

Kuwait

Iraq

and

Afghanistan

since beginning in 2006.

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

Donations of ground coffee or monetary donations can be dropped off at the church office at

23 South Main St, Wallingford, CT 06492

For more information, please call [203] 697-1042, http://www.holyjoescafe.blogspot.com/ or holyjoescafe@att.net.

The Lion’s Den

By Ralph Riello

Vol. 1.3

Spring is in the air and the Meriden Lions Club is bellowing a welcome roar. I am in my fourth year of Lionism, and am always excited by the emergence of spring, along with crocuses and daffodils. This is also the season where the good works of the Meriden Lions emerge from winter and into the sun-dappled days of April.

Today, I am going to report on a wonderful Palm Sunday Brunch, but first here are some upcoming events you should know about.

Rumbling in the Jungle…Coming Soon from The Meriden Lions!

May 13th Relay For Life…This year we move back to Wallingford. Celebrate with Past President Tom (4 years cancer-free!) and the Meriden Lions as we serve up some good grub into the wee hours. I will not sleep in my truck this year…

May 21st Day The Lions Roar…This rescheduled event has a new date and time, and a new format! This year, we are LIVE at Nest Egg Auctions http://www.nesteggauctions.com/ on

Research Parkway

in Meriden. Doors open at 6pm. You can now come with friends, enjoy refreshments and entertainment while you bid on some great items like a Florida Vacation Package, A Lions Dinner Package (we come to your home and treat you and your friends like kings with everything prepared fresh, from soup to nuts! And of course, lots of wine!) a starter Kayak Package from CT Outdoors, A Guitar and Amp package from Joe’s Music, and much more. WE STILL NEED ITEMS! Donate your item, or gift card as soon as possible by contacting me by e-mail (above) or at 860.681.9639, or Steve Richards at 203.235-5698. We will arrange for pickup, or you can bring the item directly to Nest Egg Auctions Thursdays between 10am and 5pm. Thanks in advance for your generosity and we hope to see you there!

May 22nd Duck Race and Fishing Derby…Start the morning at Baldwin Pond with your favorite fisherman 12 years or younger as they fish for great prizes and fish stories! Then head over to City Park for one of the most popular Lion events, The Duck Race. Get your tickets now by e-mailing me or contact any Lion that you know. One thousand dollars cash to the winner, with many other great prizes. And you can follow your duck downstream and cheer it on to the finish line. While there, enjoy the new addition of a Car Show this year to go along with a beautiful day outside with friends. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available CHEAP!

Preparing and Sharing a Meal…A Labor of Love

For me, and many other Lions judging by the attendance, the Palm Sunday Brunch is as much a harbinger of spring as daffodils at Hubbard Park. Sunday April 17th was another roaring success (pun intended) judging by what I estimate to have been over a thousand people who came together, family, friends, children, coworkers, to share a meal and catch up after the long cold winter. I’ve learned that most Lions are like me in that, we get a bunch of tickets to sell, and rather than hit the streets and sell them, we write a check for the tickets we have, and give them away to our family, friends, and neighbors. I remember as a kid, and even now as a husband, being fascinated at my mom and my wife whenever I watch them prepare a meal, in awe at the amount of work, care, and pride, and especially, love, that goes into preparing, cooking and serving food to their family. Until I became a Lion, I never truly understood what our moms and our wives get out of that labor. Spending an exhausting six hours on my feet in the kitchen at Platt High School ferrying trays of food from kitchen to warmer to serving station is a labor of love for me. The satisfaction that I get from seeing my family, neighbors, and friends laughing and enjoying the love and laughter that only a shared meal could bring is a direct result of the labor and generosity of all Lions, in Meriden, and around the world, as we do good works in each of our communities.

All year long, Lions appreciate and cherish the generous hearts of those in our communities who give to Lions projects throughout the year. For many of us, especially in our community, the Palm Sunday Brunch is an opportunity for the Lions to give back to you, as a thank you for all you do to help us make Meriden and the surrounding communities a better place to live and give. From our end, the brunch is the event where more Lions come out to lend a hand than any other event we organize. For some Lions, Palm Sunday is the one event they can commit to, and we appreciate seeing them. So for those of you who never get a peek into the kitchen, here is a roll call of the many Lions who work hard so that you can all share a meal, joy, love, and happiness with others. I apologize if I left anybody out…

The “Godfathers” (committee chairs)…Billy, Buck, and Vinny.

Taking tickets and making memories…Dave, Ted, Conrad, Vince

Java Station…Steady Eddie and mystery Lion (I forgot his name)

Flower Power…Al, all the way from NH!

Duck Race salesmen…Paul and Ziggy* (*also “The Gas Man”)

The Omelet King…Jack, with a little help from Joe.

Service with a smile…George “Mr. C.”, Ray, George Jr., Benny, John

“The Ferry Men”…Paul, Jack, Ralph, Tommy, Jimmy

In The Kitchen…

The Swamp…Donnie, “Lord of the Swamp”, Dave, & newbies, Ryan, Joe, Gary

Crackin’ Eggs…Bill, Steve, Brian, Joe

Makin’ Bacon (and sausages)…Steve and Dickie

The Hash n’ Eggs Brigade…Bob, Howie, Tony, Bruce, Jim

The Carb Department…Tom, Norm, Dave L, Dave M., Art F.

In the way…Art C., Ken

Working but not sure where…Mike, Ronnie, Keith, Jimmy B., Frank

Set up crew…Nelson, Mark

Honored Past Pres…David Parke

There in spirit…Mario, Charlie, Willie, Ron

Thanks also to the many wives and children of Lions who helped make this day a success, and special thanks to the Wilcox students, Boy Scouts, and the staff of Platt High School for their help and efforts! We couldn’t have done it without you! Hope to see you at a Lions event soon.

Thanks for listening.

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Roberta Ash Honored

On April 7 2011 Roberta Ash received the Greater New Haven Red Cross Heroes Award for Community Impact for her work with the Brian David Ash Memorial Fire Prevention Fundraiser. Meriden Fire Chief, James Trainor, nominated her for the award. Chief Trainer indicated that he was always inspired by the effort Roberta had taken to promote fire safety, after losing her son Brian in a fire. The event was held at the Omni Hotel in New Haven. Roberta was one of ten recipients to be recognized by The Greater New Haven Red Cross. This September 9, 10 and 11 will be the 25th anniversary of the fundraiser. The fundraiser started at Walbaums as a simple hot dog sale, with a hot dog and soda selling for fifty cents. Over the years, the event has grown significantly, and moved to The Stop and Shop Supermarket on

East Main St

. We now sell a hot dog, soda and chips for $2.00, we have added raffles, and have tables, which have many give a ways, donated to the fund. Brian died in a house fire on October 14, 1983 in home that did not have smoke detectors, and Roberta and her husband felt the need to do something to keep others from a similar tragedy.

Guilt, so many trips so little time?

By Caillin Murphy

Guilt, so many trips so little time? Why do we feel guilty for some acts or thoughts and not for others? Why do some people easily feel guilt while others appear not to know it exists? What is it that can cause 2 people in the same act to experience it so differently?! What causes you the most guilt? the least? When you feel guilty, how do you cope with it? Do you beat yourself up? Try to sweep it under the rug? Justify? Rationalize? Point fingers at others to diminish your own guilt? Do selfish desires overshadow others' needs and feelings?
    What causes us to feel guilty? Is it nature or nurture? Something you are born bearing the ability for? This would explain the differences in individuals that seem apparent...or is it something you learn...mama just bought you a ticket for the guilt express? Memories of a Catholic school girl...a force of 'habit'? A combination of both? Are the differences as wide as they seem? Or do we just express it differently?
    Are we wasting our time and energy feeling guilty? Is there nothing we can do about it? Thus causing ourselves undue stress? Do you just move on? not looking back or around to see the damage? Is it collateral damage...just the course of events? Surely there are some actions that we can not change...outcomes beyond our control? Events that truly had no intent? Is sorry enough? Is there restitution to be made?
    Can guilt be a motivator? Do we use the guilt of our actions to improve ourselves? Thus guilt could be a proponent of change and growth? a source of progress? When we neglect our duties, loved ones, selves...does guilt serve to insight change? Are the relationships we have actually serviced by guilt? Do we pay more attention hold on a little tighter or look forward with a more positive outlook?
   Unfortunately to some questions there are only more questions...but in there somewhere there are a few answers...some ideas...some peace?

Gina’s Frugal Living in

America

By Gina Juliano

How to Save for College or Get Amazon.com Gift Cards/Cash When You Do Your Regularly Weekly Shopping

I have a philosophy about shopping and most everything else that goes something like this:

“If I am going to do something anyway, I might as well get something extra out of it.”

Let’s face it. I go to the grocery store and drug stores at least once every week. Sometimes, I go multiple times if there’s good sale. Wouldn’t it be nice if I could save for college or get cash/gift cards just for doing my normal, everyday shopping? Guess what? There is!

There are two ways you can accrue money while doing your everyday shopping. First is a program called Upromise.com. With UPromise, you register your store courtesy cards (I registered every one I have) and then select the coupons you want. I always select all the coupons because I just don’t know if I will use them. It doesn’t hurt and takes very little time. (After you click on the coupons, make sure you hit “activate my coupons” on the right side of the page.) The coupons automatically get downloaded onto all your store cards and are activated when you shop. When you shop, you earn money for college. For example, say you buy Bounty paper towels. If there is a .50 coupon for Bounty towels at Upromise, download the coupon and then buy paper towels. Fifty cents goes into an account for college. You can still use regular coupons as well, so it’s not like you’re missing out on getting good deals. I don’t have any kids in college right now, but I signed myself up. I don’t have any real plans to go back to school, but I’m thinking my niece or nephews might be able to use this money in a few years. If you don’t want to give the money to someone for college, you also have the option of transferring the money over to a savings account or requesting a check.

The second way you can save is through a new website called SavingStar.com. Like UPromise, you can register all your grocery and drug store courtesy cards and download coupons onto them. The only difference is you can opt to purchase Amazon gift cards with your money in addition of having the money saved to your bank account. This is a fabulous way to pay for some of your holiday shopping. Just buy groceries and request Amazon gift cards from SavingsStar.

Because neither UPromise nor SavingsStar prohibits you from using paper coupons at check out, this is a win-win situation for you and me. Not only are we limiting the money we pay for food and toiletries with paper coupons, we’re saving money for college or earning gift cards. How cool is that?

Gina Juliano 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. She’s also happy to answer any couponing question you may have!

Home Country

Slim Randles

“We were a-doin’ okay ‘til Dewey showed up,” said Steve, behind the sale barn.

Doc and Bert were there to watch the Saturday sale.

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

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

Doc said, “Dewey’s helped out at brandings before this, hasn’t he?”

“Sure,” said Steve. “The last time, he inoculated ol’ Dud for blackleg. ‘Course, Dud hasn’t had blackleg since then, so there you go. Well, you know the problem with Dewey. It’s finding him something to do where he can’t hurt himself, livestock, property, other people, or the federal government. Bob said maybe Dewey could take pictures, but it wasn’t to be …”

“Not good,” said Bert.

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

“But that’s usually the boss’s job,” Doc said. Most of us know the corral protocols.

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

“I don’t want to hear this …” said Doc.

“…dabbed it over the head of this 400-pound calf and that calf ran around behind the horse and the rope went under the horse’s tail …”

“Oh no …”

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

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

The Best Easter Bunny Gift Ever.

We spent Easter Sunday 1977, after church services, at my Mother-in-law's place. She lived only a full block away from the church and we live just 1/2 mile from her place. My mother would have my sisters over for dinner and later that day at her place and she knew we wouldn't be coming to her house. After a HUGE dinner prepared by my mother-in-law we would go to my sister Mary's place for dessert. My wife was very much in a "family way" at that time and was due any day. Nonetheless that did not stop us from celebrating the holiday in the fullest. We left my mother-in-laws house and went a few blocks east to my sister's place.

We were having a nice visit and some "coffee and" with my sister and her family when suddenly my wife felt a rather strong "spasm", those of you who are mothers know what I mean! We decided that we best leave for home, "just in case"! Well those contractions started getting closer, we called the Obstetrician and he said when they get X minutes apart, head for the hospital. That we did and eventually drove over to the hospital which is maybe 3 or 4 miles from home, my only concern was that the route we would take meant that I had to cross a busy railroad track but I had a "Plan B" in the event we encountered a train. Well we got to the hospital with no problem, but just as quickly as the contractions started, they subsided for a while so we had a looooong wait in the labor room. But Fate was not to be denied and just after 8:00 AM, Stefanie Marie was formally introduced to her Mommy and Daddy and her Aunt Mary, at whose house we had been just a few hours before, my sister was an L.P.N. in the OB ward and she was able to be in on the delivery. April 11,1977 was a warm sunny spring day, the temperature was 85 degrees that day. Kathryn and I had just received the BEST Easter Gift ever.

MADRID--Spring, 1970

Our first meal in Madrid took place long after we should have dropped dead of starvation. Citisens of Madrid stop at a bar on their way home after work, wisely have a drink and a snack to hold them until dinner.

Dinner is at 9:00 or so, after a nap. We were fortunate that our hotel opened for dinner at 8:00 or 8:30. We were the only patrons there at that early hour, obviously wilting. I think they took pity on us and opened before they regularly would.

If you thought a dining room in Madrid might be a cozy, dimly lit bistro, you couldn't be more wrong. Every inch of ceiling was covered with lights and every one of them on. Ray wondered: "When do they operate?"

We ordered a salad. The waiters brought the ingredients on a portable table and mixed the dressing according to our directions. We didn't know how to make salad dressing either so we didn't get off to a very good start.

We ordered cold cuts and got cold slices of cold meat--some kind of roast beef. Not very appetizing but I was hungry so ate what I could.

Ray ordered a fish and a fish is what he got--head and all! The fish lay there, staring at him, challenging him to figure out how to eat it. Ray bravely stuck his fork into its mid-section and applied his knife to its head. The fish looked at Ray and then spoke to him! "Urgh!" it said. The fish had been cooked in olive oil and urgh was the only thing it knew how to say. Limited vocabulary, but it spoke loud and clear.

We ordered eggs after that. Ray reasoned that they couldn't do much to an egg to ruin it, so although he figured wrong, the eggs were undoubtedly a better choice than whatever else was on their menus.

One Woman's Journal by Audrey C. Linke

Trusted Journalist Ann Nyberg Promotes Sharing The Positive with Network Connecticut!

Shared by Andy Reynolds

For more than 30 years, Ann Nyberg has worked as a television news anchor and reporter. She is an anchor at WTNH and is a trusted and well respected journalist.

She and her husband have three daughters and a Lab named Savannah. They feel very strongly about making a positive impact in the community.

In 1993, Nyberg founded the Toy Closet Program at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Thousands of toys and other items are given to children of all ages upon admittance to the hospital to help ease their trauma.

A lover of the arts, Nyberg is a founding Board of Trustees member of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Theater in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

Anne Nyberg’s Network Connecticut

Anne says, “Wonderful inspiring ideas rarely happen in a vacuum. It is through the exchange of ideas and conversations that new things come to life. This is the case with “Network Connecticut.” As this site goes live today, it’s going to be a place where all in the Constitution State and beyond can come and see what people are doing to grow small business what they’re doing to reinvent their lives, what they’re doing for fun. You will also see the positive ways in which non-profits are enriching the daily lives of so many. Until now these stories have been shared with you on my blog, AnnieMame.com Annie Mame will be back in the future in a new way, but going forward bookmark this page, the Network, Network Connecticut. You know kind of like Bond, James Bond. (Some of you got that).

My message is keep it here, buy local, connect and network. I think we can accomplish a lot of things that other state’s will follow if we really, really work at this.”

Nyberg's website about all things brilliant and wonderful in the state of Connecticut as she shared above and is POSITVELY WONDERFUL and People’s Press Approved! You can check it out at http://www.networkconnecticut.com/. You can subscribe on the site so you don’t miss the good news she shares.

Not only can you find Ann at her website but you can like Ann Nyberg’s Network Connecticut on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NetworkConnecticut. She is also on Twitter at @AnnNyberg. Her email is ann.nyberg@gmail.com.

More About Ann

“I happen to believe the glass is half full, that there is magic in everything if you’re open to it. I believe in doing good for others, in enlightening people’s lives and in showing them the way.
    In Connecticut there are wonderful people and places I will introduce you to. This is a state rich in personality and in talent. I will share it all here with you. Think of me as kind of a one-woman living breathing CT Chamber of Commerce.
    On the air as a TV News anchor, I have covered the Nutmeg state for 25 years and it’s a wonderful place to call home.
    Life IS a party, and you will find it here in many ways.
    Favorite movies: “Auntie Mame” starring Waterbury’s own, Rosalind Russell and “Desk Set” starring Hartford’s own Katharine Hepburn.
    Talent, talent everywhere and you’re going to find it here in so many ways, oh and expect a lot of humor too.”

I am very humbled and honored to share this information about Ann. She is truly a wonderful and caring person that also was one of the few journalists that actually cared during a family trauma when I had the chance to first meet her. She was uniquely special as a journalist then and still is. Check out Ann Nyberg’s Network Connecticut – it is worth the click.

Still a Silver Lining in the Silver City
By Joshua P. Davenport
Although Meriden may not be the oldest, richest, or most famous city in Connecticut, its charm and natural beauty make up for the areas in which it lacks. Those unfamiliar with the city’s delightful qualities just do not know what they are missing.
    Meriden resident William Passarelli, 21, is a lifeguard at the local YMCA and has lived in Meriden all his life. When asked why he enjoys living there, Passarelli was quick to respond. “I love Meriden because of Hubbard Park, the old cemeteries, and the [historical] architecture downtown,” he said.
    Twenty-one year old Melissa Neville, also born and bred in Meriden, had no trouble conveying her fondness for the city either. “I love to go hiking in Giuffrida Park, because it has beautiful views,” she said, “and I love that Meriden has its own chocolate factory.”
    Indeed, even though Meriden encompasses only 24.1 sq. miles, the city has a lot to offer its more than 59,000 residents.[i] In all, Meriden has 26 public parks which combined equal 17.6% of its total land area, more than any other city in New England.[ii]
    Of course, like any city, Meriden does have its drawbacks. Neville, a salesperson at a toy store in the Meriden mall, said that [despite the variety of activities the city offers] “Meriden can seem a bit small sometimes, which makes me want to get out and travel.” William Passarelli, however, voiced concerns of a different nature saying he dislikes “getting caught downtown after dark due to the unsavory crowds that hang out at night.”
    Still, taking everything into account, Passarelli declared that he would eventually like to settle down in Meriden. “I might not work in Meriden,” Passarelli stated, “but I couldn’t stand to be alone and away from my friends and family.” After college, Melissa Neville said she “would like to travel to Nova Scotia and Europe,” but made it clear that Meriden would always be her home.
    In addition to the plentiful amount of public park space, the city is home to Hunter’s Golf Course, which is one of the best courses in New England as well as the aforementioned Thompson Candy shop.      Furthermore, one cannot talk about Meriden without mentioning the annual Daffodil Festival, which draws people from all over New England. Over 600,000 daffodils are in bloom during the month of April. Visitors come to view the daffodils, enjoy the concerts, eat at the food tent, buy crafts, and have fun on the carnival rides.
    Known as “The Silver City of the World,” Meriden did not gain its nickname until the manufacturing boom of the 1800s, when the city manufactured cutlery and various other products.[iii]
    Settled by colonists in the mid-1600s, Meriden was originally a part of the town of Wallingford but became an independent town in 1806.[iv] It was not until 1867, however, that Meriden was officially established as a city.[v]

In the Shade of the Old Oak Tree

Sweat, and lots of it was oozing from my pores. It was hot enough to fry an egg in the palm of my hand. There seems to always be things needing attention and on this day I was replacing a few rotted posts for an elderly neighbor. I had been at it for a couple of hours under the hot sun maybe pushing myself a bit too much. It was definitely time for a break. At the back of the house I found a plastic cup and headed for the water spigot. My cup now full to the rim it was time to find a shady spot to cool off for a spell. I reckon it was a hundred yards or so away that I noticed a solitary oak tree just out on the edge of the corn fields. That, I decided, would be my spot to find comfort. By the time I reached the tree I was feeling just a might woozy and glad to finally plant my butt in amongst some roots at its base. Slowly I eased my head back into the firm bark of the tree and closed my eyes.

Moments later my eyes opened, staring up into the many branches and leaves. A slight glimpse of sunlight glittering through was now welcomed as I was enjoying the magnificence of a tree that had obviously been around for many generations. It was strong but even this fine oak was showing signs of the ages. My eyes slowly drifted back down to earth as I reached for a cool sip of my water. Then I began to twittle. Twittle, a strange word I reckon that means you get just a tad busy doing nothing at all and in this case my I found my fingers rummaging through a pile of leaves. Even my mouth twittles on occasion and this held true as I placed a stick of straw into my teeth and held it there. As my hands continued I noticed a slightly larger pile of leaves and ran my fingers underneath feeling a slightly cooler temperature. My fingers then found what I thought was just a small stick but upon further twittling realized that it was a small oak, only protruding a few inches from the soil. It had been bent over and had been starving for fresh air and sunshine. Gently I pulled the leaves back and restored this little one to its natural position. The soil was dry and it had been quite some time since we had received any much needed rain. I crawled just a few feet away and grasped my cup of water. I knew this little oak could use it as much as I had only moments earlier. The soil actually made faint crackling sounds as the moisture was absorbed. As I poured what I knew would be the gift of life a warm feeling came over me. Then once again I drifted myself back into my own comfort leaning against the strength of the large oak. I would close my eyes for a moment or so.

Then, like a strong jolt of an earthquake I was startled. I had only fallen a mere two inches from a root but darned if it didn't smart a bit on my rear end. I had been jolted by the voice of a stranger. Never had I felt this much from a kind greeting such as "Howdy". He gave a slight chuckle as I tried now to wriggle my way into a sitting position amongst the roots of the tree. Upon finally gaining my composure I gave him a reply of "Howdy, back atcha". This response in these parts is kinda customary just meaning that we both recognize each other's presence in a kindly fashion.

My eyes were still getting focused from my snooze as I looked up at him. He was tall in stature and maybe just a bit on the thin side. The clothes he wore were a bit raggedy to look at but not too bad for someone who might have limited means. Besides, ain't nothing wrong with a hard working gent having a few holes ifn's they are all in appropriate places. I could tell he had some age behind him even through the thick beard of grey that he wore. What I saw next was his shoes which seemed a bit odd. The shoes were in good enough shape but they were mismatched. One shoe was showing its natural light grey coloring while the other was a solid pitch black and riding much higher up his leg. In a much softer voice now than the one that had awakened me he asked politely "Have you got a cool drink for a stranger?" Instinctively I reached for my cup of water but before I could turn completely I remembered that I had drank about half and poured the rest on the little oak tree. My hand continued towards the cup and my eyes finally caught up. To my astonishment this same cup, that I'm sure was empty moments before, was now slightly more than half full. I only paused for a second or two, figuring that the heat of the day had somehow played a trick on me, and handed the gentleman my cup of water. In a few short gulps his thirst was quenched and a response of being much obliged was given. He then asked if he could have a seat at the tree to rest his tired old feet. I let him know quickly that he was more than welcome to join me. As he sat down I looked towards the gate at the front of the yard that I was still planning on tending to. I thought to myself that I would get to it soon enough. It was still time to sit for a short spell. As I eased my way to my comfy root to sit something caught my attention. Dang if I didn't almost sit down on a beautiful green grasshopper. With cupped hands I reached out and gently gathered it into my hands. The words came out of my mouth to the little grasshopper in my own apologies of disturbing him as I placed it on a lower branch of the tree. Such a wonderful little creature and they always make me take the special time to watch and appreciate.

A moment later I turned back towards the stranger and sat down. There was a strange look on his face now as he looked me in the eyes. I had seen that look before and half expected the question that was coming. He glanced towards the little oak and then nodded with a slight rising of his brow in the direction of the grasshopper and the question came. "Are you one of them animal nature nuts?" My normal response to such a thing would be very short but something startling happened before I could begin my reply. The last ten years of my life flashed before me freezing my mouth even from twittling. I was remembering every creature, from the largest to the smallest that had entered into my life. Vivid images came to me of when I had nourished plants and relived my anger of watching some of our breathtaking surroundings destroyed for development. So many little ones have entered my life. The flashback that I was encountering was intense and very difficult to handle. It only lasted for a brief moment but left me drained.

My head once again found the comfort of the proud tree that was supporting me. In a soft voice I gave the gentleman my reply. "Yes Sir, some might would classify me as one of those animal nature nuts that you hear about." Still drained from my flashback I reached for my cup of water to cleanse a dry throat and drank. After only a sip, water embarrassingly came spitting from my mouth. I apologized to the stranger for my behavior but I knew, I just knew that this cup had been emptied moments earlier. Gotta be the heat and that weird flashback thing that just happened was all that I could figure. My eyes once again turned to the stranger and I saw those same questioning eyes. "What makes you into such a person, this animal and nature lover that you have become" he asked. My reply to this would not come easy. It's that same question that I have asked my own self for years. Some answers are so difficult to put into words and this has always been most difficult. I'm not sure why but I felt a comfort sitting with this stranger. He reminded me of my father who passed on only a few years back. It was something in his eyes that made me decide to come up with an answer to his question. I stated to him that it might take a while with my explanation of why my feelings are so strong. I asked if he had time to listen. Seemingly in the voice of a father to a son he said "Son, I have all the time in the world to spend with you". His eyes changed now and the look told me that he was ready to listen and intent on hearing the answer. With a deep exhale I searched for the words.

It was ten years ago that my own story began. Although I had a fondness for some animals by no sense of the word could I have been called an animal or nature lover. Sure, I had pets in my life at times but they were easy to care for. We bonded just as any other people who would own pets would do. I gave to them at my convenience and enjoyed having them. I also grieved with any loss of a pet that I "owned". Any animal other than a pet had little purpose for me to care deeply about. I was busy, wrapped up in my own world. I enjoyed many pleasures in life, most being selfish and materialistic but I was content, or so I fooled myself into believing. I had no idea that there was another side of life or the deep emotions that could come with it. I do feel that I was a giving person but sometimes I wonder if even in those times that it was done at my own convenience. I enjoyed attention such as when showing off a new car or a new boat or anything that would draw special attention. In a way, that's what may have brought me into the wonderful world that I now live in. A new pet, something exotic, something unique would be really exciting and different. A little skunk entered my life.

This is when my eyes looked up at the stranger. The mention of having a skunk as a pet usually catches folks off guard which is continued by a crazed look on their faces. What I had said to him had no effect, only a slight lean forward to listen further so I continued. My first thoughts were how cool it was to have such a different type of animal for a pet. But, nobody told me beforehand just how different it could be. The little skunk was downright cute! His antics were totally different than anything I could have ever imagined. I showed him off every chance I got to everyone, so proud to have something so different. But through all of this I was learning about a different type of care that I must give. The little skunk was not as easy to care for as a dog or a cat. It required special diets. Preparing its meal wasn't as easy as sitting down a bowl of cat food or dog food. I quickly learned too about the attention my little skunk required. This was no animal that liked to be left alone and it would require much time to mold its personality. I too, was realizing that this was a different type of animal that what I had been accustomed to and plenty of patience was required. This would require sacrifices like I had never before given to anyone or anything else in my life. These things I gave and I noticed with each little bit I could sense a closeness forming between us. There was a training happening and not only was the skunk being trained but I was being trained as well. I look back on this now and know how love is formed. Each day I learned more about giving and learned that by doing so another can give back freely in return. We all long for that feeling of loving warmth and acceptance. It's an unconditional love that can more easily be found in animals. Animals live their lives striving for warmth and security and we as humans are the same way.

The truest feelings of love had crept up on me and this was realized a short time later. At this point a tear came to my eyes in remembering my little skunk. There was a time in my life that my tears were hidden but I had grown to be proud of them, never again feeling a need to hold them back. I was reliving the most difficult day of my life. A hand from the stranger found my shoulder which brought me great comfort. Somehow he knew the tremendous amount of sorrow that I felt and live with each day. With his hand still resting upon my shoulder I continued. My life had been changed by, of all things, a little skunk. Through this little one I had learned the value of life and how precious each breath we take can be. Love is a teaching experience that I feel every day. Through many years now, I’ve learned it from other animals, large and small, each being unique in its own special ways. I've nurtured through injury and sickness and I've felt unsurpassable joy in releasing many others back to where God intended. Each of these little ones have left an impression in my life, a warmth that is indescribable.

My head now once again leaned back and found the strength of the great oak tree that held me secure and my eyes closed only for a brief second. I had found in myself the meaning of love. The words that I speak could never describe the emotions in my heart. I opened my eyes and glanced over to the young sapling of the oak tree and thought of the wee little grasshopper. All aspects of nature have given meaning to my life. My eyes then turned towards the stranger, the one who had been so intent on listening. In complete silence he had left me. My eyes searched the yard and even out into the corn fields but he was not to be seen. I had enjoyed my chat with him, although I was the one who seemed to have done most of the talking. He had left me without so much as a simple goodbye. One last swallow of water I thought and I would head back to my task at the gate. I reached down amongst the roots to retrieve the cup and was flabbergasted. Sitting with a balance that only a little one such as this could muster, a chittery little fella rested on the brim of the cup. It was a grey squirrel taking one drink after another.

By now seeing this cup each time filled slightly over halfway with water, I was not surprised. I would think heavily about it later for sure. After a moment or so the little squirrel seemed to have his fill, turned his back to me, and after a few twitches of the tail he scurried up the oak tree. I would remember this little one throughout my entire life for he had a distinct feature about him. His front paw held a marking that brought those tiny little bumps to my skin, something unique that will always have a special place in my memories. One little black paw riding high on a leg. I lost sight of the little fella high up in the leaves but it wasn't due to a lack of trying to keep up with him.

Howdy! I danged near jumped from my skin as I heard the voice behind me. It was my neighbor and although pleased to hear his voice it was getting a bit late in the day and I knew his gate still needed attention. "Thank you, thank you, thank you" rang out in his voice. He hurriedly pulled me by the arm and we headed towards his gate. Just before I could spit out my apologies for being so lax I saw it. To my knees I went staring in disbelief. My neighbor swung the gate open and closed it back and forth, over and over again. A fresh coat of grey paint covered its exterior along with, you guessed it, one lone picket on the end painted black. "How can I ever repay you for such kindness" he asked me. Under normal circumstances my reply would have been nothing, nothing at all, but I gave thought for a quick second or two. I did have one thing that I desired.

On the mantle above my fireplace rests something of a reminder of a day that I'll never forget. To some it may look out of place, just a dirty old cup, but to me it's a symbol of all of the wonderful things in our world to appreciate. There's a love surrounding that cup, one that I can never quite find the right words in describing.

To this day, my cup is always slightly more than half full. It's been I reckon about twenty years since that day under the oak and I still stroll past from time to time especially in those hot days of summer. The mighty oak tree is still lending its shade to those who would venture underneath. A somewhat younger tree rests too, seemingly cradled in its branches, and there's an old tire hanging from a rope beneath it. I kinda reckon we've got some new neighbors with kids. And danged if I don't see an old gate needing just a wee bit of attention.
Unkie Milt

Home Country
Slim Randles

We got a spring morning visit from the local art teacher, Janice Thompson. She’s the one who couldn’t get accepted into the regional art shows with her own work until she loaded a twelve gauge shotgun with paint pellets and blasted a sheet of plywood. She says she invented the “ballistic” school of art.

So in she came the other day, sauntering up to the philosophy counter at the Mule Barn truck stop and ordering coffee. She brought her own mouthwash-flavored cream stuff for it. We who regularly meet for summit conferences here at the world dilemma think tank are always grateful for these visits from Janice, because we like to see whether our ideas run in double harness with avant garde thinking. Avant garde, of course, is French for “putting on airs.”

“Boys,” she said, “it is an overwhelming pleasure to see you gathered here again within these hallowed halls to welcome the onset of spring. We haven’t seen this much philosophical talent gathered here since … yesterday?”

“That’d be about right, Janice,” said Doc. Doc is our unofficial leader because he has lots of initials after his name and he can cut people open and fix them.

“Yep,” she said. “Today I rake my leaves.”

“Little late on that, aren’t you?” Dud asked.

“Nope,” she said. “Just right.”

She took a sip and turned to us, focusing her avant gardity on us like a laser.

“Most of us rake leaves in the fall, right?”

A general nodding.

“And then we go out and buy mulch to put around the tender shoots coming up from below to protect them from snow, right? And then in the spring we rake away some of the mulch to allow sunshine in, right?”

More nodding.

“Well, I let the fall leaves do the mulching and only rake once a year. The way everyone else does it is like that silly woman I met who paid $30 to get her poodle clipped and then bought him a $40 sweater to keep him warm.”

I guess there’s a reason we have artists in this world.

Brought to you by Slim Randles’s outdoor memoirs, Sweetgrass Mornings, available at www.slimrandles.com.

SNOW DAZE...
by Sandy Naumenko
January 12, 2011 Snow Day #1

6:00am: check TV, school closed, YAY!, back to bed8:00am: kids wake up, school closed, YAY!!
8:30am: breakfast in pj's, cartoons on TV
11:00am: put on snow clothes, outside to shovel and play
12:30pm: lunch
1:00pm: first fight between kids over what video to watch
4:00pm: back outside to play
6:00pm: dinner
7:00pm: second fight between kids over which video to watch
9:00pm: bedtime

January 13, 2011 Snow Day #2

6:00am: check TV, school closed, oh no! back to bed6:30am: kids up6:45am: first fight between kids over which cartoon to watch7:00am: breakfast7:15am: second fight between kids over rest of cereal
7:30am: kids sent to rooms over fight about cereal
9:30am: kids take out all old blocks from containers, can't see living room floor
10:30am: "Mom, I want lunch!"10:31am: kids sent outside to play in snow12:00pm: lunch4:00pm: mom watching Oprah with barricaded bedroom door5:00pm: "did you do your homework?"6:30pm: dinner7:00pm: "Go practice your saxophone!"7:10pm: "Go practice your saxophone!"7:20pm: "GO PRACTICE YOUR SAXOPHONE!"7:30pm: mom watching "Access Hollywood" with barricaded bedroom door8:00pm: bedtime
January 21, 2011 Snow Day #3

6:00am: check TV, no school, Oh God, NOOOOO!
7:00am: mom watching "Today," all 4 hours, with barricaded bedroom door
11:00am: kids still in pj's, haven't eaten, don't know where bowls are
12:00pm: kids sent to shovel driveway
12:17pm: shoveling too difficult, back in to watch 7 hours of Nickelodeon
7:00pm: dinner
7:30pm: bedtime

January 27, 2011 Snow Day #4

6:00am: NOT AGAIN!!!!!7:15am: breakfast7:30am: mom on computer checking real estate in The

Bahamas

9:00am: mom shovels driveway, sidewalk, 12:00pm: mom collapses in exhaustion
12:05pm: "Mom, can you bake those cookies?"12:06pm: kids sent outside to play, mom barricades door 2:00pm: kids knocking on door, mom hiding under blankets3:00pm: mom relents, lets kids in, but they must be silent6:30pm: dinner6:45pm: bedtime
February 1, 2011 Snow Day #5

6:00am: HELP!!7:00am: Legos overtake downstairs8:00am: Barbie army fights WWE wrestlers on new couch9:00am: Mom goes to get firewood, falls through 4 feet of snow
10:00am: "Mom? Where are you?"12:00pm: kids make lunch, kitchen destroyed3:00pm: "Did you do your homework?"
4:00pm: Mom recovers, hacks away at ice for 2 hours
5:00pm: dinner
5:30pm: bedtime

February 2, 2011 Snow Day #6

6:00am: we'll be in school until July
7:00am: kids pull out farm and animals, construction trucks, puzzles, Bingo,
bouncy balls, and all Happy Meal Toys from the last 6 years
7:15am: mom goes to car to read
12:00pm: mom comes back in, hungry; lunch
3:00pm: fight over toys
3:30pm: fight over markers
3:45pm: fight over blankets
4:00pm: fight over breathing
4:15pm: dinner
4:30pm: bedtime

“FM” - A Mystery

By Sara E. Booker
“Turn the radio off!” Connor demanded.
“Since when do you not want music on?” asked his girlfriend Amanda. “I thought you were the biggest music fan on the planet.”
    “I am the biggest music fan on the planet. But I’m sick of all the chit chat.”
    It was Halloween at Amanda’s house. Orange and black streamers twisted and dipped across the ceiling. The kitchen counter was lined with steaming entrees and themed side dishes.
    Connor had fallen at a Halloween party the night before while doing the limbo and his ankle was wrapped in a tight bandage. It didn’t look broken, so the party hostess did the best job she could of keeping his leg from wobbling. He was hobbling from the kitchen to the living room on crutches to Amanda’s couch.
    “Somebody on the radio knows about my MyZone web page. They are playing all the songs that I shared with my friends and talking about my interests. It all started last night.”
     “That’s called coincidence my dear.” Amanda was spooning her Blackened Chicken dish into an orange bowl.
    “This is no coincidence. Don’t you think I’m smart enough to know the difference? People know about me now somehow. I never gave any strangers permission to look at my page. I thought I had it set to private. But apparently it got out there. Now I feel like I’m famous. Locally anyway. Or infamous. It’s hard to tell. But all I know is that I don’t like it.”
    “Are you sure you didn’t bump your head when you fell?” Amanda was in another room at the party last night piling her plate with appetizers when Connor took the tumble.
    “No, I just sprained my ankle. Don’t patronize me.”
    “Well, you have to imagine yourself in my shoes. This sounds ridiculous, like some kind of conspiracy theory…”
     “Ouch! Ice my ankle!” Connor interrupted, jerking his leg. “And then do the heating pad thing!” Amanda went to grab an ice pack.   “And I need a plate of food, STAT! I want that Burnt Chicken or whatever you call it. Just make sure you put enough onions and green peppers in it. And sauce. A lot of flavor to cover up what’s burnt.”
    “It’s not Burnt Chicken. It’s Blackened Chicken. There is a difference. What are you trying to imply about my cooking skills?”
    “Nothing. Just give it here. And don’t go easy on the salt and pepper.   Oh and get me some orange juice. And a piece of that Italian bread. Don’t skimp on the butter. Real butter, not margarine. And then can you dim the lights in here? The lights are really annoying. Halloween’s supposed to be spooky anyway.”
    “Who do you think you are?” Amanda snapped, throwing a pot holder down on the counter. “Just because you have a bandage on your ankle and need to be waited on doesn’t give you the right to act like a spoiled celebrity. Next you’ll be telling me to pick the green M&M’s out of the bag and hand feed them to you.”
    “Maybe somebody will come and interview me today,” Connor said looking out the window.
     “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
    “Oh really? I find that hard to believe.” Connor slowly hobbled down the steps of Amanda’s raised ranch with his crutches, sighing all the while, and then slammed the front door. He was having a cigarette on Amanda’s front steps when he started to wonder if he was going mad. Could all the stuff the DJs were saying on the radio be just a coincidence? Or had he officially gone off the deep end? Was he delusional?
    After the cigarette he returned. “The least you could do is tell me the truth. I know you listen to the same station that I do and you were always on my MyZone page. I don’t understand how you could hear what I hear and not make a connection. I’m not saying all this stuff because I need attention. As a matter of fact, I don’t want fame or infamy, especially if I can’t tell if it’s real or in my head.”
    Amanda shook her head. “I am telling the truth. You’re scaring me. I’ve never seen you act like this before. Until I am provided with some evidence of this radio phenomenon that you speak of I am going to have to keep telling myself that you must have hit your head but you don’t remember.”
     “On the drive over here they were playing a ton of songs that I put on my MyZone page. “
    “Big deal. You deleted your MyZone page. Are you saying some radio station made a list of all your favorite songs that you put on your web page? Where do you think you first heard those songs? Why, on the radio, of course. I make realistic connections. You connect dots that aren’t there.”
    Connor shook his head in frustration and wolfed down a Reese Peanut Buttercup that he had grabbed out of a plastic orange grinning pumpkin that sat on the coffee table. “That’s it. I’m leaving. I can’t sit in a house where the occupant thinks I’m crazy. Take me home.”
    “I’m not leaving you alone tonight,” said Amanda. “If you want to go back to your place I will hang out with you. I’ll just turn the lights off here and we’ll pass out the candy at your house.”
    On the drive home more songs from his webpage were playing. He pointed them out to Amanda.
    “Those songs always were on that station and always will be on that station.”
    “But five in a row?”
    “Not strange at all,” said Amanda. “Especially considering the fact that you played about five hundred on your page.”
    “And this one goes out to Connor,” said the DJ as they pulled into his driveway.
    “Did you just hear what she said?” Connor shrieked.
    “Yes. Big deal. You aren’t the only Connor in the world.”
    “My name is not that common. And this is a song I played on my page.”
    “Who cares about your stupid defunct web page? It’s your head I’m worried about!” Amanda screamed. She pounded her fists on the dashboard.
     “So you really think all these things I’ve heard are the products of paranoia? Well then fine. I’m officially paranoid and delusional. And I’m officially done with technology. I feel like my headspace has been pirated. I’m never going on a social website again. I’m unsubscribing from the internet and cable as soon as I get in the door. To save whatever sanity I have left. And no more radio. I’m going to live like a Transcendentalist like it’s the 1800s for now on. I’ll go live in a forest or near a pond or something like Whitman or Thoreau or one of those guys did. I don’t need technology. I don’t need society. And I don’t need you.” He got his crutches out of the car, slowly stood up and slammed the car door. Too slowly for it to be the dramatic departure he wanted. Heather drove away.
    Connor turned the lights off that night. He didn’t want to hobble down the stairs to give out candy.
    A day later the internet and cable were disconnected. Connor’s world was quiet. He began to notice things that he hadn’t noticed in years, like the way the sun lit up the bark on the oak tree outside. The way shadows on the carpet got bigger and smaller depending on which way he moved. But mostly he noticed how lonely he was without Amanda.
    He couldn’t call her. He broke up with her. It would wound his ego to go cowering back. After all, Amanda implied that she thought something was wrong with his mind.
    In the past when he would break up with a girl he would turn on the radio for comfort. Depending on where he was in his grieving process happy or sad songs could comfort him. But he didn’t want to turn on the radio because it was all that chit chat about him that caused this whole problem in the first place. He didn’t want to remove the radio from his car because he had no idea how to do that. So he fought turning on the tunes like a dieter fights to abstain from extra calories.
    About two days later Connor was curious. He went out to smoke a cigarette in his car which sat in his driveway.
    “This one goes out to Connor.” It was another song that he had put on his social networking page. The next song was also dedicated to Connor. And then the next song. And then the one after that.
    Connor tried to remain calm. He could not believe that this was happening. He looked around the street and up in the sky, not sure what he was looking for. He felt like he was being watched, or stalked or spied on. He felt violated.
    He pulled another cigarette out of his pack and then another. He was chain smoking even though he was trying to quit. “All Connor all the time”, the radio jingle sang.
    “This next song is going out to Connor,” the DJ said after the commercial. “What a big surprise! Like that doesn’t happen all day long here at WKRQ!”
    This was beyond surreal. Connor grabbed his cell phone. Who should he call? The police? No. What would he say? That a radio station is stalking his brain? They’d put him away. Should he call Amanda? No. She already thought he was nutty enough. She probably won’t even want to talk to him. He scared and hurt her too much.
    But he had to talk to Amanda. She was all he had in the world. He called her. It rang and rang. He forgot about caller ID. He should have blocked his number. He placed a second call with his number blocked. No answer. He placed four more calls both with and without his number blocked. He got nothing but her voice on her voicemail. He never realized how nice her voice sounded until now.
    When the next song ended the DJ said that she was taking requests and gave the station’s number. Connor thought about confronting the DJ and asking who she was and how she knew all his favorite songs and how she knew his name. How did she get a hold of his MyZone page? He had no friends that were DJs.
    The station phone rang. At the last second he decided not to be confrontational. That’s all he needed…to exacerbate this real or surreal problem.
    “What can I play for you tonight?” asked the DJ.
    “Play the song Amanda.”
    “Who is this?” the DJ asked.
    “This is Anonymous.”
    “Okay, Anonymous. Maybe we will play that song maybe we won’t. Depends on what we have in our inventory. Tell us….what’s the radio station that plays all your favorite songs?”
    “WKRQ,” Connor said, listlessly. He hoped that they would play the song and that Amanda would be listening. Maybe then she’d answer her phone.
    Connor stayed in his car for another two hours. But the song was never played. Freezing, he decided to go in the house.
    He couldn’t sleep. It was too early to sleep anyway. It was only five o’clock in the afternoon. He kept dialing Amanda. No answer.
    He decided to request the song on Amanda’s other favorite radio station. This time he gave his name. The song played within ten minutes. Within fifteen minutes his phone rang.
    “That was sweet,” she said when he picked up.
    “Amanda!” Connor yelled into the phone. “I’m so sorry about everything. Please turn on WKRQ.”
    “What?”
    “Wait until the song ends. It’s almost at the end. You’ll see what I’m talking about. They will dedicate the next song to me. They’ve been doing it all day.”
    “What are you talking about?” Amanda asked. “The song just started.”
    “Huh? It’s at the last chorus,” said Connor.
    “They’re playing Spirit of the Radio by Rush,” said Amanda. “It just started.”
    “No. They’re playing FM by Steely Dan. You must have the wrong station.” Connor bit his lip and felt his heart palpitate more forcefully.
    “No , you must have the wrong station,” said Amanda.
    “WKRQ,” his radio said. “All Connor all the time.”
    “Did you just hear them say my name?”
    “The song is still playing. You’re not making sense.”
    “Help me,” Connor whispered into the phone in a low voice. “I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell anybody else about this. They won’t understand. Something is seriously wrong. If you ever loved me then help me through this. I was wrong to break up with you.”
    “I’ll be right over,” said Amanda. “In the meantime just calm down. Turn the radio off.”
    “Okay.” Connor fumbled to get his keys out of the ignition. He then hobbled on his crutches to the front steps and stared at the oak tree. He saw Amanda’s car after about twenty minutes.
    “I just realized something,” she said as she got out of her car. She grabbed Connor’s keys out of his jacket pocket.
    “What?”
    “That you’re not the one who’s acting nutty.” She unlocked his car and turned his ignition.
    “This one goes out to Connor,” Connor’s radio said.
    “What is going on?” asked Connor. “I am freaking out.”
    “Let me see your cell phone,” said Amanda. “The song changed right in the middle when I got closer to your house.”
    Later that day Connor and Amanda spotted a couple of vans with antennas driving by.
    “I get the feeling that my radio show is coming to a close,” said the DJ. “I see the vans with antennas acting like they don’t sense me. I’m sure they can hear me right now. Pretty good for an amateur, eh? No static baby. None at all. In case you are listening Connor and wondering who I am, I’m one of your MyZone friends. I never commented on your page because you never commented on mine. You probably didn’t even notice I was there. I requested that we be friends on the website and you accepted me, even though I was just a friend of a friend. I met you in passing at a party once years ago. But I got to know you very, very well by checking out your MyZone page. And well, I like you. Or maybe like isn’t the appropriate word.”
    “I’m sorry I thought that you were the one who had lost it,” said Amanda, nodding at the radio. “She must have turned the signal down so that her broadcast did not stretch that far from your house.”
    “I don’t know who this person is,” said Connor.
    “I bet you still don’t know who this is,” said the DJ, as if she really could read his mind. “Maybe if you had ever visited my profile you would have learned that I was a ham radio operator. But you never cared to visit my profile. I thought we were friends? I guess I was wrong.”
    “Well, I’m glad I didn’t get to know her better,” said Connor. “She’s literally intrusive.”
    “Then why did you accept her as a friend?” asked Amanda.
    “Probably because she asked? I didn’t think people I hardly knew would care about my page since they don’t know me.”
     “I think you need to be more careful. With decisions in general. I think your mind needs to tune in better. Too much static.” Amanda looked down at the bandage on his ankle.
    “Maybe so. Needless to say I feel sorry for her. She’s obviously got major issues.”
    “Surprisingly I feel bad for her too,” said Amanda. “But that doesn’t mean that justice shouldn’t be served. Let’s keep this in perspective. She was making you think you were losing it.”
    “I guess you could say that I became obsessed with you Connor,” the DJ continued. “But then you just pulled the plug on your MyZone page. What did you expect me to do but want to get back in touch with you?”
    “A simple phone call would have been much more practical,” said Amanda.
     “And now I might be fined. Or go to jail. Or both. I was wrong to commit radio piracy. But you were wrong to let me think I was your friend when I wasn’t.”
    “She’s right you know. For now on, I will only have friends that I know.   He put his hand on Amanda’s forearm. She smiled at him.
    That evening the mystery DJ’s show faded out. The real WKRQ came back in.
    “Alright we’re taking requests here,” said the real DJ. “What can I play for you tonight?”
    “Can you please play I Need You for Amanda from Connor?”

SOCIAL SECURITY’S FINAL FOUR

By Paul Gilfillan

Social Security Manager,

Meriden Ct

This time of year basketball fans are gearing up for March Madness -- a time when the final four teams in the NCAA fight for the title of national champion. While basketball fans are excited about March Madness, Social Security already has a winning “final four” of online services to cheer about: the Retirement Estimator, Benefit Application, online Extra Help application, and Business Services Online.

The Retirement Estimator is an easy way to get an instant, personalized estimate of your future Social Security benefits. Just key in some basic information and the Estimator will use information on your Social Security record, along with what you input, to give you a benefit estimate on the spot. You even can experiment with different scenarios, such as changing your future earnings and retirement date. Check it out in English at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator or in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador.

The Benefit Application is the most convenient way to apply for Social Security retirement benefits. You can apply from the comfort of your home — it’s fast, easy, and secure. It’s so easy, in fact, that it can take you as little as 15 minutes to apply online. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. Try it out when you’re ready to retire at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.

The online Extra Help application is an easy way to save about $4,000 a year on your prescription drug costs. To qualify for the Extra Help, you must be on Medicare, have limited income and resources, and live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Learn more about it at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp.

Business Services Online is our one-stop shop for small businesses. The site allows organizations and authorized individuals to conduct business with and submit confidential information to Social Security. You even can use it to file your W-2s the fast, convenient, and paperless way — online. Visit Business Services Online at www.socialsecurity.gov/bso.

In the American Customer Satisfaction Index, Social Security received the highest ratings in both the public and private sectors.

To learn more about our winning services, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. Or, read our publication What You Can Do Online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10121.html.

Get to know our final four, and all of our online services. When you do, you will be the winner.

LIONS and TIGERS and TEENS

When teens are home alone

So your kids have reached their teen years and there is no longer a need for babysitters. You are thinking that you can finally go out on a worry-free “date” with your spouse. There is no babysitter to drive home and you can actually linger over coffee.

Think again! Are you really relaxing with your teen home alone? Teens are unpredictable and don’t always think things through. Even for those who don’t have bad intentions, things can go awry. I’ll never forget the time my neighbor invited a couple of friends over when her parents were away. Before she knew it, three friends turned into sixty teens bound and determined to have a good time. Things got out of hand – no surprise.

With teens the issue is not “can” they be home alone, but “should” they be home alone. This depends on your teen’s level of maturity and history with following rules and making good choices.

Gray Areas

What is an appropriate length of time to leave a teen home alone and does this depend on age? Steven L. Pastyrnak, Ph.D., division chief, Pediatric Psychology at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, says, “It depends on their maturity level and their previous track record more so than their age. A teen who has a history of not listening and making impulsive decisions may not do well with being home alone for more than an hour or two, if they can handle that time alone at all. The best way to predict future behavior is by considering past behavior.”

For concerned parents who are not sure how their teen will handle alone time, it’s good to start slowly. Dr. Pastyrnak suggests, “Sometimes teens can benefit from several dry runs in which parents leave them home alone for short periods and then gradually work up to longer time periods as trust is developed.”

The Rules

Be sure you’ve gone over all rules associated with this responsibility. Don’t assume he knows what is expected. Be honest with your teen about “why” your rules are important. Teens might be skeptical about the “Because I said so” reason.

Pastyrnak advises, “When home alone, it is important for teens to learn to be safe, to learn to be independent and to take advantage of the opportunity to build their parent’s trust. It’s also important for teens to continue to follow household rules. These might include computer use, telephone access, and having friends over past a certain time.”

Should teens be able to have a friend of the opposite sex over? Pastyrnak cautions, “This depends on the values of both sets of parents as well as the previous history of the teens. If you feel that the teens can handle this time without supervision, it is still important to discuss your expectations of them and to clear this with the other parents in order to avoid any potential hard feelings.”

Be sure you can reach your teen at all times. “With today’s technology, teens can check in with their parents with a quick text or phone call,” Pastyrnak says.

Checking Up

If your teenager has consistently demonstrated mature decision making, trust that she will make the right choices if she is left alone. Pastyrnak believes that in order to develop a sense of trust within the household, parents should assume that their kids are innocent until proven guilty. He explains, “Part of growing up is learning how to be independent and to take care of oneself, even when nobody is watching.” However, teens should also be aware that there will be strict consequences if they break the rules. Consequences might include losing driving privileges or restrictions on cell phone use.

For parents seeking extra insurance, especially with younger teens, consider asking a close friend or neighbor to check in if you plan to be away for several hours. However, resorting to setting up hidden cameras might be going overboard. If you feel the need to set up a camera, maybe she shouldn’t be left alone.

Pastyrnak agrees. “Although teens may have a tendency to test limits and rebel, they need opportunities to prove themselves and to learn important life skills. If they were to find out about a hidden camera, it might damage their trust of their parents.” Pastyrnak believes that the tangled road to independence has its benefits. “The more teens develop a sense of healthy independence, the more likely they will take ownership of their decisions.”

TIPS AND TALES

“Keep them busy with organized activities and sports. Idle time for teens is a bad recipe.” - Al Glaeser

“I checked in frequently and continue to do so. Try to raise a "trustworthy" kid. That's half the battle.” - Lee Ann Fatizzi

Want to share your ideas? Upcoming topic:

Ideas for summer internships for teens Please send your full name, address, and brief comments to: myrnahaskell@gmail.com or visit: www.myrnahaskell.com

Author Bio: Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer and columnist specializing in parenting issues and children’s and adolescents’ development. Her work appears in publications across the

United States

and

Canada

. She is the mother of two teenagers.

2011 is the Year of the Turtle
Life along the Q River… An Update from the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association
By JoAnne Grabinski
Turtles are in trouble. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes that 47% of all living turtle species as threatened. That’s why the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working in conjunction with Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) who has proclaimed 2011 as the “Year of the Turtle”.
Humans cause the largest harm to turtle populations, but we have the power to make positive changes toward turtle survival. The largest threats to turtle populations include: habitat loss and degradation; overharvest of wild turtles for food, traditional medicines, and pets; mortality from roads, agricultural machinery, fishing bycatch, and predators; exotic invasive species and diseases; loss of unique genetic make-up due to hybridization; and climate change.
Currently, 328 species of turtles are known worldwide -- 57 (20% of the world's turtle species) are found in the

United States

and

Canada

. The

United States

has more native turtle species than any other country; and it is a turtle biodiversity hotspot. Connecticut is host to twelve turtle species including 4 sea turtles. Seven of these turtles are currently on the state's List of Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species.
    Careful stewardship and conservation action can successfully slow or reduce the declining trend of turtles. Because turtles can respond well to population management and conservation, it is not too late to preserve our turtle heritage. Three basic approaches for species conservation include: 1) protecting rare species and their habitats; 2) managing common turtle species and their habitats so that they remain common; and 3) managing crisis situations, such as species in peril from acute hazards, such as oil spills.
    Turtles (which include tortoises) occur in fresh water, salt water, and on land. Their shells make them some of the most distinctive animals on Earth. Turtles are typically slow creatures. This isn’t limited to their speed; they also grow slowly. It may take 10-15 years before individuals of some species can reproduce. A thriving turtle population relies on turtles surviving many years, if not decades. But if a population loses adults and begins to decline, a slow recovery can be expected. Because of these “slow” characteristics, the primary threats to turtles are intensified.
    The QRWA has an ongoing Turtle Crossing Project spearheaded by board member Deb Mason. She and her volunteers actively assist turtles in crossing the road during their mating season of May and June, which can be a time of high mortality for these one-of-a-kind creatures. Deb also works with local authorities and experts in the rehabilitation of turtles and releases them in their native habitats. If you want to help Deb in the 19 towns of the watershed with Eastern Box and Wood turtles, please contact her at 203-494-7610 or 203-237-2237 or turtlecrossingproject@yahoo.com. Deb is actively investigating how the QRWA can partner with local agencies to aid in the efforts of these turtles.
    To learn more about turtles during the “Year of the Turtle” is to subscribe to the DEP’s Connecticut Wildlife magazine (www.ct.gov/dep/wildlifemagazine). You also can visit PARC’s web site at www.yearoftheturtle.org, as well as the Year of the Turtle page on the DEP’s web site (www.ct.gov/dep/yearofturtle). And don’t forget to check out your most local resource, www.qrwa.org.
Upcoming QRWA Events: Sunday, March 13, 1:30 pm – Winter Wildlife Hike. Meet at Quinnipiac River State Park at the end of

Banton Street

in North Haven, dress for the outdoors.
Saturday, April 23, Annual River Clean Up – contact David James at 203-237-2845 for staging area and times.
Saturday, May 1, 1:30 p.m. –Eagle Watch on Hanover Pond led by certified canoe instructor Dan Pelletier and Wildlife Biologist Peter Picone. Watch through binoculars or cruise around Hanover Pond. This event is for experienced paddlers only.
Sunday, May 15, 11:00 am – 31st Annual Canoe/Kayak Race, Down River Classic. Launch at DOT Lot, Route 322, Southington, CT.
QRWA provides water activities, events in education, outreach, advocacy, scientific monitoring, conservation, restoration, recreation and public access to the watershed area. To learn more about the QRWA and to confirm information, dates and times for upcoming events, please visit our website at: http://www.qrwa.org/.
The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the Quinnipiac for the health and enjoyment of all citizens and communities along its reach and to educate all students, families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river. Thank you for your support and remember your donations are tax deductable.

Circus Elephant Dies After Performance Here
My friend Kathy Marotta knows this fellow Billy Applegate, who has known her since she was a child. She ran into him in town in November and told him about the story I had written about Miss

India

. She had phoned before my story went to press, but he must not have gotten her message. He used to work in the Pierce Station Power Plant, and Kathy was positive he would remember about the elephant dying in Wallingford. Anyway, he told her that a front-page story was in the Record-Journal about the elephant when Miss

India

died. A front-page story? I had not seen one in my earlier research. So I went to the library and asked, "If such a story existed, why wouldn't it have been in the 'Circus' file in the Connecticut Room?" Amy really didn't know why, but she said searching through microfiche without having a specific date would be a very long and arduous process.
    Today, several days later, November 22nd, I was talking to Kathy about this again, and I asked her, "Did he say it was right after it happened?" And all of a sudden she remembered he did say it was right after. So that basically narrowed it down to July 1st or 2nd of 1953. As I was talking to her, a light bulb came on in my mind, and why I did not think of it before, I don't know. Remember that photographer Ziggy who told me he was there and took photos? So I said to Kathy, "If he was taking photos, Billy Applegate is probably right: There had to be a story."
    So off to the library I went on November 23rd, and Amy helped me with the microfiche machine. Well, the paper back in those days always began with front-page news from Meriden and pages that followed about Meriden news, and then the front-page news for Wallingford, and on July 1st, 1953, there was the front-page article. Unfortunately, no photos. I went as far as July 9th and found nothing more. I then checked the microfiche of the weekly paper, and all I found was an ad for Kaplan's Market with something about the Mills Bros. Circus is coming, and this and that. So Amy added the article and the ad to the library's circus folder in the Connecticut room. I feel good about that.
    Here's the thing, it's got some new information in it, and that gal Jean Regnier who called Andy (after my story was published, "An Elephant's Buried In Wallingford. What ???!!!," July 2010) about how we had the burial location wrong, she was right about where she showed me and Kathy she believed Miss India was buried, and it's not right in front of the hangars that are still there. Jean also claimed to hear the elephant kind of howling in agony, and she had part of that right. The elephant simply died of a heart attack, but after that, all the other elephants were trumpeting, as they called it. Jean took us to the corner of

Clifton Street

and

John Street

, and that is precisely where

India

is. What I was not thinking about, for whatever reason, is the hangar that was originally located in that section is no longer there. I was concentrating on the two hangars that are still there, just dismissing what was not there anymore. Dumb error on my part. Here is the front-page story from July 1, 1953. It's kind of a shame that the Peabody Museum did not have the staff to deal with Miss

India

.

Circus Elephant Dies After Performance Here - July 1, 1953
(Front page of the Wallingford section of the paper.)
(No author's name given. He probably wrote this on June 30th because the dates are off by one day.)

The Mills Brothers Circus moved out of Wallingford at 5 a.m. yesterday, but "Miss

India

," 2,600 pound cow elephant, didn't know it. She died several hours earlier.
    The youngest and reportedly most-pleasant-tempered of the 40 tons of elephants in the show she is believed to have died of a heart attack about 2:30 a.m.
    Trumpeting Heard
    Residents of South Cherry Street near the circus grounds, reported a great trumpeting about that time, in which all the elephants seem to have joined in.
    She was young for an elephant. These animals have been known to live 100 years, but the average age is about 50 or 60 years.
    She had made her last performance the night before, and acted normally, except that she lay down in the afternoon show. Some 60 people, mostly children, gathered to see her buried on the circus grounds yesterday, several standing on the carcass to be photographed.
    Posed Disposal Problem
    She posed somewhat of a disposal problem. A circus attendant who stayed behind to make arrangements had police here call rendering plants in New Haven and Bridgeport to see if the carcass could be turned into tallow.
    When these proved unenthusiastic, the Peabody Museum at Yale University was called, and although interest was expressed, it reported that the staff there were inadequate to deal with "

India

."
Finally it was decided to bury her where she fell, just east of the hangars on the old airport property, about 25 feet from

South Cherry Street

. [This is incorrect. The author must have meant

Clifton Street

South Cherry Street

is too far away. It's kind of funny, because even Ziggy said something to me about east of the hangars months ago.]
    The Audisio Excavating Company was called, and a gasoline operated shovel and diesel bulldozer were brought to the scene.
    Buried 18-Feet Deep
    A hole 480 cubic yards in volume was dug, and the shovel operated by Fred Audisio was used to roll the elephant into the grave. The animal was buried 18 feet deep at the direction of Edward W. Ferry, sanitary inspector. John Nolan, superintendent of the Borough Street Department, directed the operation.
    The Mills Brothers Circus gave two performances here yesterday, under sponsorship of the Wallingford Lions Club. The next stand will be New Britain.
    The entire operation took several hours, beginning before noon and lasting until after 4 p.m. when the bulldozer finally completed backfilling. It was necessary to cut a trench for the gasoline shovel so that it could dig down to the required 18-foot depth.
    Among the notables present, beside Mr. Ferry and Mr. Nolan, were First Selectman Edward H. Leonard and Fire Chief John J. Czine.
    Mr. Leonard quipped that the death might be an omen of the coming election. "Even the elephants are dying in Wallingford," he said.

    I am still hoping there is an interest in erecting something in Miss

India

's memory, a plaque or some kind of marker. Wallingford sure has some interesting history, part of which is Lyman Hall, one of 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, so Wallingford is one of 56 towns in the entire

United States

that can say it has a signer of the Declaration. Pretty special, indeed. But we also have an elephant buried here. Should Miss

India

be forgotten, or be a part of our family?

Barbara Sherburne
barndt49@yahoo.com

A TALE OF THE QUINNIPIAC RIVER

by Francis W. Lappert

According to Connecticut maps of the river systems of Connecticut, the Quinnipiac River originates in the north reaches of Plainville and empties into the Sound in East Haven Harbor. It has many feeder streams that empty into it, and keeps a well-balanced, level running water. Beginning with Southington, I know of Eight-Mile River and also Misery Brook. Then comes Ten-Mile River that originates in west Cheshire and joins the Quinnipiac in Mildale. Also Honey Pot Brook from Cheshire. Farther downstream is Ives Brook that begins above

Johnson Avenue

in Meriden. Also the overflow from Broad Brook Reservoir feeds the river. As the river flows through Meriden, it is joined by Harbor Brook, which flows into Hanover Pond, which is part of the river. I know of only one from Wallingford, Meeting House Brook. There are others I do not know about.

Since I was a young lad, I fished many of these smaller streams and caught many native brook trout. At this time the

Quinnipiac River was not known as having any trout in it. That came much later. The river then was clean enough to swim in. Our favorite spot was call Charlie's Rock, and we went there often. I remember when the river froze over in the winter, there was a group of men that would cut a large hole in the ice by Red Bridge and jump in the cold water.

They called themselves the Polar Bears. They enjoyed showing off to the crowd who watched them.

In later years the State Board of Fisheries decided to stock trout in the river from Carpenter's Dam down to Red Bridge. The fishermen in our area were quite happy about this. Shortly after, several fishermen from Meriden got together and formed the Quinnipiac River Water Association. I was invited to join the organization and was elected to represent Meriden on the commission. We had members from Southington, Cheshire, Meriden, Wallingford, and also North Haven. Our goal was to clean up as much of the river as we could and to improve the quality of the water.

Mike Roberts was also one of the group representing Meriden and was responsible for getting donations from all the towns to keep the organization going, and also getting new members to join. The State Board of Fisheries now stocks the river with a good many rainbow, brown, and brook trout.

The Meriden Rod and Gun Club also helps by putting many large sized trout in the river, and tags them so that when someone catches one, he will get a prize from one of the bait stores. When the fishing starts in April, it is hard to find a likable place to fish as some of the fishermen set up camp the night before in their favorite spot. I do not go there on opening day, as it is too crowded.

I have been informed that the State is now stocking trout in the river from Yalesville to Wallingford, and a few fishermen have caught some nice trout from here. I hope some day in the future the quality of the water in the river is mad