Wallingford and Meriden Town Events and News

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Wallingford Park & Recreation Department News and Events HIP HOUSE DANCE The Hip House Middle School Dance Series is continuing its success and we are reaching record numbers for ID PASSES. We are closing in on our maximum number of ID’s sold, 750. Act fast if you already do not have one. ID cards for the remaining dances are $35. Remaining Dance Schedule: May 25th *Students must have ID card to enter Hip House Dances. Replacement ID’s are available and will not be sold the day of dances. Please plan ahead if your ID is missing. Replacement ID’s $5 VOYAGERS – TRIPS All trips are subject to change in price and itinerary. Day tour cancellation policy applies to all Wallingford Park & Recreation day tours operated by Getaway Tours Inc. Any passenger that cancels a reservation 7 days or less prior to departure will not be eligible for a refund. We will examine cancellations on a case by case basis to determine any exceptions to this rule. Please note the Recreation Dept. will make every effort to send a representative from the office to see off the trip to and from our destination and to hear any complaints, concerns and or recommendations. It should be understood that this person is not a tour guide. Please retain the same seats throughout the trip. The tip for the coach driver is a voluntary contribution. Please contribute only if you wish since the gratuity is included in the trip fees. Trips are rain or shine, unless the tour company cancels, children must be accompanied by an adult unless otherwise specified. Each participant must occupy their own seat. Complete trip itineraries are recommended and available at the office. Travel insurance is recommended for overnight trips and is offered through Getaway Tours. Forms are available at the Recreation Dept. front office. The Wallingford Parks & Recreation and the North Haven Parks & Recreation participate in a Share-a-Bus program to ensure trips will run. Please register early! MEADOWLANDS FLEA MARKET SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, May 19 Bus departs Recreation Dept. 8:00am returns 8:00pm Fee $32 pp TOP OF THE ROCK, NEW YORK CITY Saturday, June 2 Bus departs Recreation Dept. 7:15am returns TBA. Coffee stop enroute Includes: Tour observation deck of the newly renovated 70th floor of Rockefeller Plaza. Lunch at Da Rosina, tour of Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum Fee: $106 pp TALL SHIPS IN NEWPORT, RI Saturday, June 30 Bus departs Recreation Dept. 8:00am. Returns TBA Coffee stop enroute. Includes Lunch at La Forge Casino Restaurant located in the Newport Casino, home of the Tennis Hall of Fame and Tennis Museum, time on your own downtown and Bowens Wharf Area and one hour harbor cruise to view the tall ships. Fee $87 Bus depart Recreation Department 8:00am on June 30th LOOK AHEAD TO THE SUMMER AND FALL 2007 TOUR SCHEDULE Itineraries and pricing are available upon request or visit your Wallingford Recreation Dept. July 14 Long Island Pindar Vineyards, Soundview Inn East End Maritime Museum July 28 Hammond Castle, Gloucester House Restaurant and Rockport August 11 Saratoga September 15 Lexington and Concord, Lunch at the Colonial Inn September 29 Colors in the Catskills, Lunch at the Catskill Rose, Scenic Train ride October 13 Berkshire Historic Train ride, the newly restored home of Pulitzer Prize author Edith Wharton “The Mount”, lunch at Jack’s Grill October 20 Meadowlands Flea Market shopping extravaganza November 3 Boston on Your Own December 8 New York City on Your Own December 15 Boston Pops at Symphony Hall – Holiday Show, Lunch at Skip Jack’s SUMMER FAVORITES REGISTRATION INFO Tiny Bubbles, Pop Shots, NEW Summer Sizzler’s Registration Sign-up. Registration will begin on Monday March 10, 2007 for all these programs. Tiny Bubbles for children ages 3-4, Pop Shots for children ages 5-6. Summer Sizzler’s for ages 12-15. Due to the lack of enrollment there will be no Summer T’reckers for 9th and 10th trades. Registration is open to all Wallingford residents. Consideration will be given to non-residents closer to the start of the program. Summer Playground Program for children ages 6-11. Please note facility permits were submitted to all schools in January – at this time no permits have been approved for school sites. Please call 294-2120 for more information. A.S.A.P. A Summer Art’s Program registration sign – up. Registration will begin on the Monday April 2, 2007.A.S.A.P. is for children grades 2 – 7. Fee: $45.00 per block . Please look for a separate brochure to be distributed for the ASAP program. Residential Electronics Recycling EventNews from the Office of Program PlanningWallingford Project Coordinator(203) 294-2061Saturday, May 129:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Cheshire High School525 South Main Street, Cheshire Items AcceptedComputers, monitors, telephones, televisions, VCRs, copiers, faxmachines, printers, radios, stereos, video camcorders, microwave ovens. Items NOT AcceptedElectronics containing mercury, refrigerants or radioactive substances.Available to residents of Wallingford, Cheshire, Hamden, Meriden, and North Haven.NO COMMERCIAL ELECTRONICS ACCEPTED. For additional information, please call:Wallingford Project Coordinator: 203-294-2061Cheshire Department of Public Works: 203-271-6650Hamden Recycling Coordinator: 203-287-7021.Meriden Recycling Coordinator: 203-630-4018North Haven Department of Public Works: 203-239-5321, ext. 750 - Wallingford Points of Interest +George Washington made two trips through Town, one in 1775 gathering provisions for his troops and the other in 1789 as President. His route to Durham, known as the George Washington Trail, runs from the center of Town through East Wallingford. Cement markers can be found along the trail. +Johanna Manfreda Fishbein Park - In 1987 the Park was completely restored. The Park boasts our popular gazebo built in 1986, a popular site for weddings, photographs, and many Town gatherings. Adjacent to the park is the historic Railroad Station, built in 1871 for the Hartford New Haven Railroad. It is an excellent example of Second Empire architecture. Today, rail service is provided by Amtrak. +Hall Elton Building Hall Avenue Built in 1847 this edifice is done in the Second Empire style. It was the home of a number of small silver companies. The building was restored in 1988 and now houses offices. +Wallace Hose House-9 S. Cherry Street Erected in 1895 on land donated by local silverware industrialist Robert Wallace, this firehouse offered the growing urban neighborhood professional fire fighting. The tower in which the hoses were hung to dry is a distinctive feature of the building. Since having been vacated by firefighters, it has been converted to offices. +Center Street Cemetery Located east of the Johanna Manfreda Fishbein Park. This burial ground may help you understand Wallingford’s heritage. Many of our early settlers are buried here, dating as early as 1673. +Simpson Court Area-This area along with several blocks of North and South Main Streets has undergone a major reconstruction plan. Period lights, wrought iron benches of Victorian design, trees, plantings and unique brick walkways grace the streetscape. Engraved bricks with special messages are interesting to read. +Town Hall - Built in the Beaux-Arts style as the Town high school in 1916, the building was named after Lyman Hall, a Wallingford native who signed the Declaration of Independence. It was rededicated as our Town Hall in the fall of 1988. +Judd Carriage House - Located on the Town Hall property to the rear, it is a reminder of the lovely H.L.Judd mansion which was demolished in the 1930s. Its carriage house remains as a reminder of the mansion’s Victorian style. +Choate Rosemary Hall - This magnificent campus situated along Christian and North Elm Streets has many fine examples of architecture. It’s Georgian and Modern academic buildings are the work of three famous architects: Robert Polshek, Ralph Adams Cram, and I.M. Pei. This school, founded in 1890, has produced leaders and government, industry and the arts. +Paul Mellon Arts Center - Christian Street is the home of many fine theater productions and art exhibitions. Wallingford is particularly proud of having its own symphony orchestra, which performs throughout the year. The Orchestra is in residence here. +Lyman Hall’s Birthplace - Located next to 355 South Elm Street Lyman Hall was a prominent citizen of eighteenth century Wallingford. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, representing Georgia. The tablet from his Georgia grave is displayed in our Center Street Cemetery. +Masonic Geriatric Heallthcare Center - Located on Masonic Avenue - A multi-licensed geriatric facility founded in 1895. It is situated on a 200-acre hillside overlooking Community Lake Park. The lovely grounds and fountains provide a wonderful setting for the only life-size statue in New England of George Washington in his Masonic garb. +Gaylord Hospital - Located on Gaylord Farms Road - It was founded in 1902 and is set on 500 acres of land overlooking the Quinnipiac River Valley. The hospital has an international reputation for its long-term rehabilitation facilities, including a transitional living center for traumatically brain injured individuals. +Britannia Spoon Company Building - Intersections of Routes 68 and 150 - It is the site of the original Yale Brothers Mill where Britannia ware was manufactured. The original mill wheel is located on the first level. +Yalesville Underpass - A 30 degree skew arch at the intersections of Routes 150 and 71 - Built in 1838 for the railroad by William MacKenzie, it is reported to be the first skew arch underpass in America. The central arch allowed tall hay wagons to pass through. Today a traffic light coordinates one way traffic. +Yankee Silversmith Inn - North on Route 5 - At this restaurant, a restored 1894 wooden railroad coach can be seen. Original fixtures, inlaid woods and fancy ceiling have been preserved. The Inn was originally the site of the Hiram Silas Yale families, famous for their pewter and silver making and later the Hough Family homestead. Notable Historic and Architecturally Significant Homes All of the homes listed below are privately owned, with the exception of the Samuel Parsons’ House, which is open to the public. +Reverend James Dana House—100 South Main Street, circa 1760—Dana served as pastor of the First Congregational Church during the Revolutionary War period and played an important role in the politics of the day. +Samuel Parsons’ House—180 South Main Street, circa 1759—Once served as a tavern and stage coach stopping point during the late 18th century, it now serves as the home of the Wallingford Historical Society. + Reverend Samuel Street Home—238 South Main Street, circa 1673—It was constructed as the residence of Reverend Samuel Street, the first minister of Wallingford’s Congregational Church. +Nehemiah Royce House—538 North Main Street, built in 1672—It is the oldest house in town and one of the most notable examples of saltbox construction in Connecticut. A nearby ground marker records its history. The house is owned by the Historic Preservation Trust. +Nathaniel Hall Homestead—338 Williams Road, circa 1833—According to local legend this home’s Yankee owner was against his mason’s gambling. As a retaliatory measure, the masons set stones in the shape of a heart, a spade, a diamond and a club into the south wall of the house. +Samuel Simpson House—1370 Scard Road--Home to 19th century industrialist Samuel Simpson, this structure was designed by nationally known architect Henry Austin. +John Barker House—900 Clintonville Road, built in 1756—It is reported to be the oldest brick house in Connecticut. This house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. +Old Gungywamp—892 Clintonville Road, circa 1670—It was originally located in Groton and moved to its present site in the 1920s by a local antiquarian. The style of this house is an added on, center chimney with lean-to. +The Octagon House—37 New Place Street, Yalesville, circa 1855—This interesting and unusual structure is one of two built in Yalesville around 1850-60 when the octagon plan enjoyed a sporadic popularity. The rooms fan out from a central staircase, passage, and chimney. Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford Dear Friends:The month of April is the home of the celebration of Earth Day. In May, we continue our celebration of our environment with Open Space Day. On May 19th at 2:00 p.m., we offer a hike over town property located on Tamarac Swamp Road. The guide and speaker for the event, which is planned by the Wallingford Conservation Commission, is Erin O’Hare, the Environmental Planner for Wallingford. The two-hour hike will traverse a stream corridor, hayfield, early successional woodlands, a freshwater marsh, wetlands, hedgerow borders, pastureland and cornfield. Participants may see bobolinks, eastern meadow larks, savannah sparrows and many other species. Organizers request that pets not be brought along on this hike. Please bring your own water and boots as mud can be expected. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the warmer weather and learn about open space, its management, and the encouragement of different wild life species with habitat. Don’t forget the Residential Electronics Recycling Event scheduled for may 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cheshire High School, 520 South Main Street, Cheshire. Recycling of electronics is a great way to help protect the environment by reusing products rather than disposing by burning or burying. Please telephone the Mayor’s office at 294-2070 or the event coordinator at 294-2061. We have much to celebrate! Have a wonderful May! Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. Mayor Wallingford Senior Center News and Events A SPECIAL DAI PROGRAM PRESENTATION: G.A.P. Thursday, May 17, 7:00—8:00 p.m. Feeling overwhelmed by the increasing needs of an older family member who is less and less able to care for themselves? G.A.P. can help! Recognized for her writings and presentations on the moral dilemmas of caregiving, Marj Haas, CASW in Gerontology, from Masonicare, will explain how the Geriatric Assessment Program (G.A.P.) features a comprehensive evaluation of your loved one by a team of experienced healthcare professionals that addresses their physical, psychosocial, and functioning capacity and can be a key to accessing a wealth of practical approaches to restore your loved one’s vitality, including coping skills, problem solving, care planning and assessment of medically reversible issues which can significantly enhance quality of life. This program also provides community referral for services, one of which is the Daily Activities for Independence Program offered at the Wallingford Senior Center. Victoria Thulin, DAI Coordinator, will offer additional insight into this unique “social-model” adult day program and what it can offer to participants and their families. This event is open to the public—call 265-7753 to reserve your seat. There is no fee but seating is limited. SOCIAL SERVICES ASK ME 3 GOOD QUESTIONS FOR YOUR GOOD HEALTH on Tuesday, May 22, 10:00 a.m. DO YOU have trouble understanding or remembering your doctor’s instructions? WOULD YOU LIKE help understanding the answers your doctor, nurse or pharmacist give you? You are not alone if you find medical information confusing at times. Learn three simple key questions to ask at your next medical visit. Sign up for the ASK ME 3 Workshop planned for Tuesday, May 22, at 10:00 a.m. Call in your reservation to 265-7753. ENERGY SEASON IS NEARLY OVER! Deliverable fuel bills dated prior to March 15, 2007 need to be submitted to New Opportunities of Greater Meriden, 191 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT by Thursday, May 31. RENTER’S REBATE PROGRAM Starting May 15 through Sept. 15, this program provides a partial refund of rent and/or utility bills (excluding telephone bills) to individuals who meet criteria for tax relief. Please direct questions to the Assessor’s Office at 294-2001. NEW QUALIFYING AMOUNTS CT HOME CARE PROGRAM FOR ELDERS Connecticut gives seniors age 65 and over in need of supportive services an opportunity to remain independent in the community through the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders. There is no income limit for the State Funded Program. Asset Limits are: Individual: $30,492.00 Couple Combined Assets: $40,656.00 Need more information? Call the Agency on Aging of South Central CT Home Care Program Office at (203) 752-3040. LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP Are We What We Eat? Dr. Keith F. Zeitlin, Naturopathic Physician, will talk to our group on Friday, May 18, at 10:15 a.m. about how the foods we eat effect our health. Dr. Zeitlin will guide us towards making good nutritional food choices. New members always warmly welcomed. Call 265-7753 to register. HOMEOWNER TAX RELIEF PROGRAM February 1 through May 15, 2007 Who should apply? People sixty-five years of age, or Totally Disabled as of December 31 preceding the application period. Applicants must own and reside, or hold Life-Use of property. Annual income (including Social Security) cannot exceed $28,800 in 2006 for a single individual or $35,300 in 2006 for married couples. Property Tax Deferral for the Elderly February 1 through May 15, 2007 How does Property Tax Deferral Work? The tax on your property is postponed, to be collected at a future date. Who qualifies for Property Tax Deferral? Any homeowner who is presently receiving benefits under the Elderly Homeowners Program qualifies for tax deferral. Please apply at the Assessor’s Office, or call 294-2001 for more information on the tax deferral programs listed above. WANT TO SAVE $1,122 THIS YEAR? Connecticut provides assistance with health care costs for low-income individuals covered by Medicare through the MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM. This program pays Medicare Part B premiums, and in some cases, co-payments and deductibles. Generally, if your monthly income is at or below $1,375.85 for a single person; or below $1,994.35 for a couple and you meet the asset limit guidelines, you may qualify for the MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM. Call Marie Cunha at 265-7753 for information and application assistance. CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES BRIDGING THE COVERAGE GAP If your Medicare Drug Plan has a coverage gap, there are some ways you can avoid or delay entering the gap and continue to save money on drug costs while in the gap. A publication flyer with helpful tips is available at the Senior Center Front Desk, or call us (265-7753) and we will be happy to mail a copy to you. Or go to www.medicare.gov on the web and look for CMS Publication No. 11213. PROGRAMS MAY IS NATIONAL OLDER AMERICANS MONTH The theme of this year’s National Older Americans Month is “Making Choices for a Healthier Future.” Your Senior Center offers a variety of classes and special programs to help you make these important choices. This month, be sure to take advantage of the Health Fair on May 9, and the Nurse’s Corner program on Nutrition and Weight Loss for Seniors on May 21. And, come celebrate all the wonderful aspects of being an “older adult” by participating in the many social and recreational activities this month! THE NURSE’S CORNER The VNA of Wallingford will present a 3-part series beginning Monday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m. on Nutrition & Weight Loss for Seniors. The focus of the first program will be on a balanced diet with portion control for weight loss. Part two on June 18 will focus on understanding the dangers of saturated fats and cholesterol. Part three on July 16 will deal with creating a healthy meal by learning to interpret food labels. Please sign up if you plan 6TH ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF ART & TALENT from May 10—11, 2007 The Great Room will be transformed into an art gallery showcasing the talents of many of our members. Paintings, woodcarving, quilting, and calligraphy are just some examples of the original artwork that will be displayed. A reception honoring our artists will be held Thursday, May 10, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Anyone interested in displaying artwork or handcrafts in our showcase is asked to contact Debby Voelker immediately. PIZZA SUPPER & THE HI-LITERS SHOW on Monday, May 14, 6:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale through May 11 for Pizza and the Hi-Liters. Pizza will be served at 6:00 p.m., and the Hi-Liters 55th Annual Variety Show, directed by Richard Fontanella, will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the pizza and soda supper are $2.00 for Senior Center members and $4.00 for non-members. The “Hi-Liters’ 55th Anniversary Show” is free and open to the public. PARKINSON’S DISEASE &THE ART OF MOVING Wednesday, June 6, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. The CT Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association is sponsoring a special program on June 6, at the Wallingford Senior Center, which will feature John Argue, actor, director, and theater arts teacher, who conducts movement and voice classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Mr. Argue’s exercises improve flexibility, strength, balance and coordination, and his program helps individuals learn strategies to prevent falls, improve facial expressiveness, and enhance intelligibility of speech. Advance registration forms are available at the front desk. There is a $5 registration donation. Refreshments will be served following the program. PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP Friday, May 25, 10:15 a.m. The group, which is facilitated by Irene O’Brien, LCSW, VNA of Wallingford, meets in the Volunteer Room. Sessions include members sharing their difficulties living with Parkinson’s as well as speakers discussing treatments, medication management, nutrition and exercise. This support group is for people affected by the disease. Although caregivers are welcome to attend, care-giving will not be the primary focus. Register by calling Irene O’Brien at the VNA (269-1475). DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? Interest in forming a Senior Center Band has been expressed by some of our members. If you play a musical instrument and would enjoy jamming at the center with other music enthusiasts, please sign up at the front desk and indicate the instrument(s) that you play. MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM Wednesday, May 30, 11:00 a.m. Join us for a program of remembrance for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. Our program will include a color guard, guest speakers, and the Vintage Voices. Mayor’s Corner - Meriden Dear Friends, Softballs, baseballs, and soccer balls are sure signs that spring has finally arrived. It was a great honor to have the opportunity to officially celebrate opening day with our little leagues and girls softball league. So many Meriden youngsters benefit from these quality sports program. A special thank you to the league representatives, coaches, and parents. I would also like to thank the Girls Softball League for the “Benigni 1” t-shirt for our daughter Bria. With any luck, she will get her athleticism from her mom. We also once again celebrated the Daffodil Festival at Hubbard Park. While the fountains in Mirror Lake look terrific, I am afraid the ducks are overstuffed. Our daughter Bria and I are part to blame for that. The Daffodil Festival helps remind people how fortunate we are to have a gorgeous park and so many dedicated organizations and volunteers. A special thank you to the Daffodil Festival Committee who are all volunteers who give freely of their time and talents. The City appreciates all you do to put Meriden in a most positive light. The new plaza on South Broad Street is opening to rave reviews. Starbucks is open for business and ribbon cutting ceremonies are in the works for Fedex/Kinkos and Coldstone Creamery. I can not wait to have the ice cream cake mix from Coldstone Creamery. It is absolutely delicious. Soon the Japenese hibachi restaurant will add another quality eatery to the area. In closing, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. A special Mother’s Day to my mom, Gail and my wife Amy. Enjoy the warm weather. Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni - Mayor MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER NEWS & EVENTS Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Masonic Healthcare Center are sponsoring a “Spring Fling Health Fair” at the Senior Center on Wednesday, May 16 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Willene’s Place, the first floor dining room at the Senior Center. A free box lunch will be served to the first 300 participants and the event will feature vendor tables, free samples, health screenings, and information about health and well being opportunities. Educational presentations will be made by speakers from Masonic Healthcare Center and the Connecticut VNA. Dr. Javier Salabarria will speak on “Use it or Lose it, Simple Exercises for Your Brain” and Sue Jennings, RPT, on “Maintain Your Independence”. The “Spring Fling Health Fair” also features displays from Meriden agencies serving the elderly and is an opportunity for seniors, caregivers and family members to learn about the many fine services offered for senior citizens in our community. Participating agencies at the Health Fair include Masonic Healthcare Center, Anthem, Connecticut VNA, MidState Medical Center, LaPlanche Clinic, Arthritis Foundation, MidState VNA, Walgreens, Lifeline, CRIS Radio, Eye Center, Pfizer, The Scooter Store, Bayer, Elder Law Attorney Dan Tully, the Meriden Health Department, the Village at Kensington Place, Silver Springs Care Center, Assisted Living Services, Franciscan Home Care and more. Join us on May 16 for the “Spring Fling Health Fair” at the Senior Center. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend! Starting Tuesday, May 15 Senior Center staff will begin taking applications for the Rent Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut. The program provides eligible renters with money back on their 2006 rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. To be eligible, applicants must have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2006 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability. Proof of 2006 income must be presented, including a copy of your 2006 income tax return, if filed, Social Security 1099, and all other income. Income limits are $28,800 for a single person and $35,300 for a married couple. Proof of 2006 rent and utilities must also be presented. For further information contact the Senior Center at 237-0066. The Meriden TRIAD Program is excited to announce that Attorney John DeMattia from the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office in Rocky Hill will speak at the Senior Center on Thursday, May 24 at 10:30 AM. Mr. DeMattia is an expert in investigating and prosecuting crimes against the elderly and the topic of his presentation will be “Preventing Elder Abuse, Financial Exploitation and Identity Theft”. According to Meriden TRIAD Chairman Captain Timothy Topulos from the Meriden Police Department, financial crimes, including abuse and exploitation of the elderly, particularly by family members, are underreported and difficult to investigate. The Meriden Triad would like to bring attention to this important issue, as well as educate seniors about these problems, by sponsoring Attorney DeMattia’s presentation at the Senior Center. The program will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center and is open to the public free of charge. Refreshments will be served. The Meriden Triad is a crime prevention partnership between the Meriden Police Department, the Meriden Senior Center and People’s Bank formed in 2003 to protect and educate Meriden seniors and to reduce crimes against the elderly. “Is A Reverse Mortgage Right For You?” will be the topic of a talk on Wednesday, May 23 at 10:30 AM at the Senior Center. Michael Santillo from Campbell Mortgage will be here to discuss what a reverse mortgage is, whether you and your property qualify, what determines how much cash you will receive, and how the funds may be taken. The brand new FHA Fixed Rate Reverse and new lower HECM 100 products will be discussed. Coffee and refreshments will be served and the program will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center. John F. Hogarth – Director, Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center CITY OF MERIDEN MAY EVENTS YOUTH ATHLETIC CONTESTS Hershey Track & Field Games - Youths ages 9-14 are invited to participate in the local contest of the nationwide Hershey’s Track & Field Games program taking place on Saturday, May 12th at the Maloney High School track. Registration will be from 9:45-10:15AM with the competition to follow at 10:30AM. All participants will receive certificates & refreshments. Winners will receive ribbons and qualify for the district meet in June. Pepsi Pitch, Hit & Run Program - Youths ages 7-14 can test their baseball skills at the local Meriden competition of the national Pepsi Pitch, Hit, & Run program held on Saturday, May 12th at Ceppa Field. Registration will be from 2:00-2:15PM and the competition follows at 2:30PM. Participants will receive refreshments and winners will receive ribbons & qualify for the sectional championship. This contest was originally scheduled for April 16th but postponed due to inclement weather. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE The Meriden United Veterans Council will present the 2007 Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 26th at 10:00AM. The parade will begin at Washington Park and proceed to City Hall via Liberty, Cottage, and East Main streets. There will be a brief ceremony held in front of the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center(across from City Hall) at the parade’s conclusion to honor the citizen soldiers who have protected & defended America. Participants wishing to march are asked to call 630-4259 for an application. SUMMER ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION & INFORMATION Registration for Summer Tennis Lessons and the four Meriden Nature Camp sessions begins Tuesday, May 1st at the Parks & Recreation office. Information on the 2007 Summer Playground Program can also be obtained. MERIDEN SKATEPARK The Meriden Skatepark, located on the corner of Coe Avenue & Hamilton Street, has the following hours of operation(weather permitting): School Days 2:00PM-Dusk Non-School Days 11:00AM-Dusk INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM May is the final month for the 2006-2007 Indoor Public Swim Program at the Maloney HS pool. The pool’s weekly schedule is as follows: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM. Daily updates are available on Recreation Activity Line(630-4279). May 31st will be the final night for the program year. All interested participants must possess a valid 2007 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office, passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office in-person and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass. Passes are valid for the Outdoor Public Swim Program at the Hubbard Park pool. Avoid those long lines in the summer and get your pass today!