Wallingford and Meriden Town/Munipal Events, News and Activities July 2007

Wallingford and Meriden Town/Munipal Events, News and Activities for Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut - from the July 2007 issue of The Peoples' Press – The Number 1 Single Copy Newspaper serving Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut.

MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER NEWS AND EVENTS The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center! The Special Day for Special People Committee would like to thank the contributors to this year’s 37th annual picnic in the park for Meriden’s senior citizens held on June 16. This year’s sponsors were AARP Chapter #2954, American Legion Auxiliary #45, Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, Thomas Bruenn, Carabetta Management Company, Castle Bank & Trust, City Mission Trustees, James LaRosa-Meriden Construction Inc., Franco American Club, First Congregational Church Women’s Fellowship, Jonal Laboratories, Health Net, Hunter’s Ambulance Service, Knights of Columbus, Lena Rovinsky, Meriden Federation of Teachers, Meriden Kiwanis Club, Meriden Parks and Recreation Department, North End Restaurant, Suzio Insurance Center, Suzio York Hill, and the Young at Heart Group. Special Day for Special People is always a wonderful day for Meriden’s senior citizens to enjoy Hubbard Park and we appreciate your financial support for this annual event! The 2007 Meriden Senior Citizens’ Award Scholarship of $500 was presented at the Senior Center on June 6 to Tricia Zawacki who graduated in June from Wilcox Technical High School. Tricia will attend Southern Connecticut State University this fall. Scholarship committee members were Lena Rovinsky, Josephine Najduch, Ellie Dessureau, Ann Aniskiewicz and Jenny Corriveau who raised money for the scholarship throughout the year and also reviewed the scholarship applications and picked the scholarship winner. Congratulations to Tricia Zawacki! Also, on June 21, 2007 Willene Everett Scholarship of $500 was presented to Jenna Crooms. The scholarship was established in 1998 in honor and memory of Mrs. Everett for her many years of dedicated service to the community as the Director of Elderly Nutrition at the Senior Center and for her 31 years as a valued employee of the Meriden Community Action Agency. Jenna graduated from Maloney High School in June and will attend Quinnipiac University in the fall. Congratulations to Jenna Crooms! Senior Center staff members are continuing to take applications for the Rent Relief Program (“Circuit Breaker”) 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. If you were a renter age 65 or over during 2006, or on Social Security Disability, you may be eligible to receive a benefit. Application hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Now that it is July, the hottest month of the year, try to avoid the sun between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, drink plenty of fluids, wear loose & lightweight clothing, keep your home cool with a fan or air conditioner and, most importantly, remember that the Senior Center is air conditioned for your comfort during the summer months. Have a great summer! John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director Mayor’s Corner - Meriden Dear Friends, Summer has arrived! It is exciting to see all the positive changes and renovations at Hubbard Park. We are so fortunate to have a gorgeous park to spend time celebrating family events, fishing, hiking, swimming, or just relaxing reading a good book. I would also like to thank the Fairview Observatory Committee and the Lion’s Club for bringing back some of Hubbard Park’s grandeur. The City offers a series of free concerts at the park. For more details contact the Parks Department at 203-630-4259 and enjoy some great music at the Hubbard Park Band shell. Special congratulations to Maloney Scholarship winner Michael Tidmarsh. I would also like to thank Irene Masse and the Scholarship Committee for their fine work. Congratulations to all the Rotary Scholarship winners and President-Elect Dan Hunter. I thank Past President Craig Nielsen and all the Rotary Club members for their generous donation to Noah’s Arc of Hope. With the long and hard work of the Hubbard Park Playground Committee that I appointed and with the help of so many…including Noah’s Ark of Hope, we will soon be breaking ground on a new playscape at Hubbard Park.. Amy, Bria, and I just welcomed our son, Blake, to the family. Thank you to all those who sent cards, gifts, and warm wishes. Everyone is doing well and just excited for summer. I am sure Blake and Bria will look forward to visiting the new playscape at the park. The summer brings some exciting events to our City. The 40th Anniversary of the Puerto Rican Festival and the Mt. Carmel Festival will also take place during July. Stay tuned for details about these and other exciting city events. July is a month where we celebrate the freedoms we have as Americans. None of this would be possible without those who served and those who continue to serve. We should all take a moment to send our thoughts and hopes to the women and men of our armed forces who are serving here and overseas to preserve those freedoms. I wish them all a safe and quick return from duties that we all should appreciate. I also think we should take the time to remember those who have passed in this great service to our country. We continue to work hard to keep our city clean and free of blight. I was pleased to see the three blighted homes on Cook Avenue finally being demolished. The neighbors have waited long enough. Let’s all chip in and keep our city clean. If you see graffiti or excessive litter, please call the Mayor’s Hotline at 203-630-4000. Together, we can make a real difference. Enjoy the summer weather. Thanks for all your support! Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni - Mayor Wallingford Senior Center News and Events EVENING “R” BAND CONCERTS Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26, Aug. 2 The Wallingford Senior Center will host Wallingford’s own “R” Band for four summer evening concerts in our air-conditioned Great Room on Thursdays, July 12, 19, 26, and August 2. The public is invited. Each concert begins at 6:30 p.m. PIZZA SUPPER Thursday, July 19, 5:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through July 18 for a pizza supper to be held Thursday, July 19, at 5:30 p.m. Supper includes 3 slices of pizza and soda. Tickets cost $3.00 for members and $5.00 for non-members. Following the pizza supper, the “R” Band will present an evening concert at 6:30 p.m. BARRYMORE! Monday, July 30, 1:00 p.m. Enjoy the life and times of the “bad boy” actor of the early 20th century, John Barrymore. Have a rollicking good time as Barrymore (actor Richard Clark) takes us down memory lane to the era of the roaring 20’s and 30’s. Following this live theater performance, ice cream sundaes will be served. Tickets are $3.00 for senior center members and $5.00 for non-members, and are on sale now through July 27. MAH JONGG ANYONE? Interest has been expressed in a weekly Mah Jongg game at the Senior Center. Anyone who would like to play this ancient Chinese tile game is asked to sign up on our interest sheet and then you will be contacted regarding possible playing times. SUMMER DRAWING CLASS Learn to draw a picture and have it look more professional. Learn shading, depth and how to bring out the focus point. This class meets Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., from July 11 through August 29 (8 classes). Fee: $15.00. Instructor: Stephanie Juliano. Advanced registration is required. DANCE PARTY with VINNIE CARR Tuesday, July 31, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Our July Dance Party will feature Vinnie Carr who will provide dancing and listening music. Bring your friends to this free event! Beverages will be provided. SOCIAL SERVICES MARIE CUNHA, SOCIAL WORKER “HUMOR AS A COPING MECHANISM” Monday, July 23, 10:15 a.m. Laughter as a way of coping with stress and anxiety is used by people all over the world. There are emotional and physical benefits of laughter and, yes, there is a place for humor by family members who are caregivers. Join us and learn: ♥ Guidelines for developing humor ♥ Common Caregiver Emotions ♥ Examples of Wit used by Caregivers Your reservation (265-7753) helps the Hospitality Committee know how many goodies to bake. This program is free and open to the public. COPING WITH HEARING LOSS Thursday, August 9, 10:00 a.m. A workshop to learn more about hearing loss and coping with hearing loss, will be held August 9, at 10:00 a.m. The presentation will include coping strategies, communication tips for the hearing and the hard of hearing person, and a “show and tell” about the different types of assistive listening devices available – including the new captioned telephone. Our speakers will be Mike Gravitz, founder of the Southwestern CT Chapter of SHHH (Self Help for Hard of Hearing People) and other members of the HLAA team. Please call 265-7753 to register to attend. YOUR RED WHITE AND BLUE Planning a vacation? Don’t forget to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card. What if you can’t find your card? Solution – request a replacement Medicare card online at www.socialsecurity.gov. The website is fast, easy and secure; or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a new card. BRIDGING YOUR PRESCRIPTION GAP If your Medicare Drug Plan has a coverage gap, here are some ways you can avoid or delay entering the gap and continue to save money on drug costs while in the gap. Consider switching to generics, over-the-counter, or other lower-cost drugs. Keep using your Medicare drug plan card, even while in the coverage gap. A flyer with helpful tips to bridge the coverage gap is available at the Senior Center Front Desk. Phone 265-7753 to request a copy; or go on the Internet and type www.medicare.gov and look for CMS Publication No. 11213. SHARE YOUR FREE TIME Sharing your time, even if it’s only one hour here and there with a friendly visit, phone call, escort to a medical appointment, or grocery shopping is mutually rewarding for the volunteer and for the recipient of services. Please call Marie Cunha at 265-7753 and say you want to be an Interfaith Volunteer Care Giver. CAREGIVER COURSE The Alzheimer’s Association is offering a free four-part caregiver education series designed to help caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Caregiver Course will be held on Tuesday evenings at Pond Ridge at Ashlar Village Masonicare of Wallingford. The first session was held on June 12. Upcoming dates are July 10, August 14, and September 11. Pre-registration is required. Please call 1-866-363-6679. NEWS FROM THE DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE VICTORIA THULIN, DAI PROGRAM COORDINATOR The Daily Activities for Independence Program is truly an asset not only to the Wallingford Senior Center, but to the Wallingford community as well. We operate Monday through Friday, from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., with wonderful structured programs for people with mild to moderate memory loss. During the time each participant is here, they get quality time with the staff and other peers in the program through music, arts and crafts, word games, and the utilization of one’s own leadership qualities. If any of you would like to visit us to gain knowledge as to what goes on behind these closed doors, please feel free to call to make an appointment. We can be reached at 265-7753, Monday through Friday, from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. VOLUNTEER FOR THIS SPECIAL PROGRAM: The Daily Activities for Independence (DAI) is in need of volunteers. If you are interested in making a difference, volunteer for this special social-model day program, by calling Victoria Thulin, DAI Pr GOLF LEAGUE SECOND SESSION BEGINS TUESDAY, JULY 24 The second ten-week session of the Senior Coed Golf League will begin on Tuesday, July 24. Play will be at Miner Hills in Middletown. The cost is $140 for members and $145 for non-members. This fee includes nine holes with a cart and a cookout on week #10 at the course. Senior Center members may sign up beginning July 9. Non-members may sign up as of July 16. Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford Dear Friends: We wish you a wonderful July with lots of fun. The warm days and bright sunshine give us a chance to enjoy the outdoors. I like a comment attributed to an elementary school student. “Most books say our sun is a star. But it knows how to change back into a sun in the daytime.” Whether a sun and/or star, it sure makes for beautiful weather in the summer. As you plan activities, be sure to remember the Twilight Tunes concert series on the Parade Ground. The first concert is on Wednesday, July 11th at 7:00 p.m. The concert ends by 8:30 p.m. There will be a concert every Wednesday until August 22nd. The July 25th event, involving Frisbee catching dogs, will be held at Doolittle Park. As another student said, “some people can tell what time it is by looking at the sun. But I have never been able to make out the numbers.” Regardless of what time of day it might be, be sure to put some fun in each day. Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. Mayor Invitation to a Public Meeting - US Environmental Protection Agency Grants The public is invited to review and comment on 3 City grant applications to the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Program The grants are: $200,000 community-wide assessment grant with focus on the factory H neighborhoods; $200,000 clean up grant for 77 Cooper Street (Factory H site); $200,000 clean up grant for 104 Butler Street (Factory H site). A public meeting will be held at noon on Weds, July 11, 2007 at the Women and Families Center, 169 Colony Street, Meriden. A link to the applications may be found on the City’s website- www.cityofmeriden.org. or you may view them on weekdays at the Economic Development Office, City Hall, 142 East Main Street or the reference room of Meriden’s public library, 105 Miller St. Library hours- Mon. to Weds. 10AM - 9PM; Thurs. to Sat.10AM to 5PM. Public comment period will end on July 23, 2007. Contact Peggy Brennan (203-630-4152) or by email pbrennan@ci.meriden.ct.us with questions. CITY OF MERIDEN JULY EVENTS SWIM LESSONS Free swim lessons for children ages 4 & older will be held weekdays from 7/16-7/26. Registration will be held at the Hubbard Park pool (10:30AM) on Saturday, July 14th. Children must have a valid 2007 pool pass and bring a bathing suit and towel to register. MERIDEN RAIDERS REGISTRATION Registration for the upcoming 2007 Meriden Junior Football League season will be held at Washington Park’s Pete Sini Field house (rear of park) on July 21st from 10:00AM-2:00PM. SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERTS The Summer Sounds Concert Series delivers three exciting performances for the month of July(all shows take place at Hubbard Park’s James J. Barry band shell). On Friday, July 13th, the modern rock sounds of Gaiah can be heard from 7:00-8:30PM. On Friday, July 20th, the rock & pop melodies of Riverstreet can be heard from 7:00-8:30PM. The Beatles tribute band Number Nine takes the stage on Friday, July 27th from 7:00-8:30PM. All concerts are free to the public with refreshments available for purchase. SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM The 2007 Summer Playground Program will operate from June 25th – August 3rd at Baldwin Pond Park & Habershon Park for children ages 6-12. Both locations will feature fun-filled days of games, activities, crafts, and field trips. There is no cost except for field trips. The playgrounds will be open Monday-Friday; 8:30AM-3:00PM (please note that on certain days the program will not be available for non-trip participants). Interested participants can register at the two sites any time the program is in session. PUBLIC SWIM The 2007 Outdoor Public Swim Program at the Hubbard Park pool is underway! Daily updates on the program’s hours of operation can be found by calling the Recreation Activity Line at 630-4279. All interested participants must possess a valid 2007 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office, it costs $5.00 for adults & $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. SUMMER FUN RUNS PROGRAM The 2007 Summer Fun Runs Program will be held on Wednesday nights at the Platt High School track from June 20th – August 22nd (no run on 7/4). The free runs will get underway at 6:30PM and feature a ¾ mile race for children and a 5K race for adults. Refreshments and prizes will be available. SUMMER ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION Registration is currently underway at the Parks & Recreation office for the Spike It! Volleyball Camp and the three remaining Meriden Nature Camp sessions in August. 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 CASTLE CRAIG The vehicle access road to Castle Craig is open daily from 10:00AM-4:45PM, weather permitting. The entrance to the road is located under the eastern Interstate 691 overpass in Hubbard Park. SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERT SERIES AT HUBBARD PARK REMAINING SHOWS Friday, July 13th Gaiah (modern rock) (7:00-8:30PM) Friday, July 20th Riverstreet (rock/pop) (7:00-8:30PM) Friday, July 27th Number Nine (Beatles tribute) (7:00-8:30PM) Wednesday, August 8th 102nd Army Band (patriotic) (7:00-8:30PM) Wednesday, August 15th Island Rhythm (beach music) (7:00-8:30PM) Wednesday, August 22nd Eddie Forman Orchestra (polka) (6:30-8:00PM) Presented by Logan Steel REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. PLEASE BRING CHAIRS OR BLANKETS Wallingford Park and Recreation News, Programs and Events Wallingford (55-years- old and Over) Sports: Softball and Basketball sponsored by Wallingford Parks & Recreation Department WE HAVE PLAYERS 55 TO 80-YEARS-OLD REGISTER BY CALLING (203) 294-2120 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT FEE: RESIDENTS………. $25 NON-RESIDENTS………. $30 SOFTBALL MID-APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER A Special Event: August Softball Tournament. Teams may enter in age divisions: 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74 and 75+. Older-aged players may join a younger-aged team. ASA rules. BASKETBALL 7TH SEASON STARTS IN OCTOBER Original Organizer and Founder: Jack Doyle, Commissioner Players from all towns are welcome: Wallingford, North Haven, Hamden, Meriden and other towns near and far. Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Players from all towns are welcome. P.L.A.Y Page Programs and Leisure Activities for Youth Kids Off Road Triathlon This fun-filled day includes swimming, biking and running for kids ranging from ages 7-14. Each participant will receive a T-shirt as a souvenir and entered in a free raffle to win prizes. There will be two distances for the event. Ages 7-10 participate in a 50 meter swim in the pool, 1.2 mile mountain bike and 0.5 run on dirt trails and grass. Ages 11-14 compete in distances of 100 meter swim, 2.2 mile bike, and 0.75 mile run. All participants will be required to ride fattier bikes (tires should be at least 1.25 inches wide and have knobs to grip loose gravel) and wear a bicycle helmet. The course will be monitored and closed off to traffic. All finishers will receive a medal for their efforts. Finishing places will not be awarded. Kids will need to bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles (suggested), bike helmet-Mandatory for Participation, a bike and running shoes. Participants will be separated in different heats by age: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14. Sunday, September 9th 9:00am Location: Choate Rosemary Hall Fee: $20 Wallingford residents / $25 Non residents ***Sign up for the Mini-Triathlon course held in July and taught by Kelli Montgomery, certified USA Triathlon Coach and Elite Triathlete. Meet ‘n’ Mingle Social This event is inviting all incoming 6th graders to Moran, Dag and Holy Trinity Middle Schools to a night out to meet your new classmates. Come meet and mingle with all of your new classmates before school starts. Festivities include DJ, game show, contests and pizza. Don’t miss out on this fun filled Friday Night. Participants can start registering on June 1st. Registration Deadline is Thursday August 23rd. When: Friday August 24th Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm Fee: $10 Kids Mini Triathlon Training Kids will have fun learning the basics of triathlon. Session 1: Swim Skills (Location: Community pool) Session 2: Bike Skills (Location: Linear Trail) Session 3: Running Skills and Putting it All Together (Location: Community Pool) Date: 7/25, 8/1, 8/8 Wednesdays 5:45-6:30pm Price: $20 It’s Back!!!! The Rec-ing Crew It’s the return of this once successful Middle School program. The Rec-ing Crew is a Friday night program that meets once a month. Activities include trips to such places such as Lake Compounce Night of Fright, a Night of Laser Tag, etc. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity. Participants meet at the Parks and Recreation Department. Schedule not established at time of production. When: September – December (One Friday Night a Month) Fee: $95 Staff: Kenny Michaels, Program Specialist NFL Punt, Pass & Kick The Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club, NFL Flag league and the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department would like to invite all boys and girls ages 8-15 to come be part of the nationwide skills event sponsored by the National Football League. Winners from our local contest will advance to the sectional competition and then possibly to the state. This could just be the first step on the way to a team championship at a NFL game. There is absolutely no cost for this program. The 2006 competition, Wallingford was well represented at Foxboro Stadium. Kaitlyn Reed made her first appearance in the 8 – 9 year old age group, and two time representative Briana Mastel competed in the 12 – 13 year old division. A strong showing by both girls at Foxboro will hopefully lead them back to the competition this year! For more information, call Kenny Michaels, Program Specialist at 294-2120 or Phyllis Murray, Director Boys & Girls Club at 269-7535. Thurs. Night Aug. 30th Reg. starts at 6:00 pm Location: Pragemann Park