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CITY OF MERIDEN SEPTEMBER EVENTS
PUNT, PASS, & KICK COMPETITION
Boys & girls ages 8-15 are invited to test their football skills at the local Meriden competition of the 2007 NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass, & Kick Program. This free event will be held at Ceppa Field on Saturday, September 8th. Registration/warm-ups will be from 10:00-10:15AM with the competition to begin at 10:30AM. Entrants must wear sneakers and have a parent/guardian complete a waiver form to be eligible for advancement. All participants will receive certificates and winners will qualify for the state championship in October.
MERIDEN ROTARY’S “HOOPIN’ IT UP”
Basketball players of all ages & abilities are invited to compete in this 3-on-3 street tournament held on Saturday, September 22nd. Entrants receive shirts and winners receive trophies. Registration forms are available at the Parks & Recreation office and the Meriden YMCA. Completed registration forms must be returned to one of these locations by 6PM on Thursday, September 20th.
MERIDEN ELKS SOCCER SHOOT
The Meriden Elks Lodge #35 will present the local Meriden “Soccer Shoot” on Sunday, September 23rd at Baldwin Pond Park. Registration for this free event gets underway at 12:00PM with the competition to follow at 12:30PM. Boys & girls ages 13 & under are invited to test their ability in such soccer skills as kicking, dribbling, & throwing. All participants will receive shirts & refreshments. Dribbling & throwing winners will receive medals, and goal shooting winners will get trophies and the right to participate in the district championship.
FIRST TEE GOLF LESSONS
The First Tee of Hartford will be conducting golf lessons for youths ages 8-14. Lessons will be held at Hunter Golf Course on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:20PM during the period of September 19th – November 7th. Interested participants can register at the Parks & Recreation office beginning Monday, September 10th. The cost is $10.00 for the program. Please register soon, as there are only 12 openings available for the program.
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, through October 31st. The entrance to the road is located under the eastern Interstate 691 overpass in Hubbard Park.
Wallingford Senior Center News and Events
NATIONAL SENIOR CENTER MONTH
September has been designated National Senior Center month. This year’s theme is “Senior Centers Work!” They work in delivering needed services and programs to older adults of the community, AND, they work in delivering FUN, too! Be sure to read this newsletter to discover all the programs, services and activities that have been planned this month just for you! Help us celebrate National Senior Center month by visiting YOUR senior center!
PIZZA & A CONCERT: ELM CITY BANJO SOCIETY on Tuesday, September 18, 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now for $3.00 for members and $5.00 for non-members for our end-of-summer pizza supper and concert. Supper includes three slices of pizza and soda, and the concert, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will feature the Elm City Banjo Society. Tickets are on sale through September 14.
WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP
A series of informational workshops on a variety of topics has been planned for the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. (Mark your calendars for the October 10th program: “Spirituality of Aging” presented by the MidState Chaplain.) September workshops include:
MIDSTATE SPINE & PAIN CENTER on Wednesday, September 26, 10:00 a.m.
Learn about our local hospital’s Spine and Pain Center. Stephanie Laude, Nurse Manager, will discuss the purpose of the pain center, the types of illnesses that are treated, qualifications for receiving treatment, methods of treatment, what insurances cover the care, and more. Advanced registration requested.
IGOR SIKORSKY, JR. TO ADDRESS JUST FOR MEN BREAKFAST on Wednesday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.
Our special guest speaker will discuss aviation history as illustrated by his father’s career which began in 1909. Join us for a hearty breakfast and interesting program. Tickets are $2.00 for members and $3.00 for non-members and are on sale through September 18.
RETIREES BRASS BAND
Interest has been expressed in forming a brass band at the senior center (this is in addition to the band jam sessions held on Fridays). Band rehearsals and performance engagements would be held during the day. Any retiree musician interested in playing in a brass band is asked to call to indicate your interest and your instrument.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
We are continuing to collect items for care packages for our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea. Needed items include: hygiene products for men and women; tube socks (black, green or brown); popcorn, nuts, hard candy, oatmeal, cookies, canned fruit; baby wipes, dry wipes; paperback books, sports and car magazines, pens, CD’s, small games. Bring your donations to our collection box in the lobby. The Stanley Budleski VFW Post 9965 will mail the care packages to our troops.
Viva Italia! on Wednesday, October 10, 2007, 5:00 p.m.
Celebrate Columbus Day with a sit-down Italian-style dinner along with musical entertainment and featured singers. The price is $25.00 per person and non-members are invited. Tables of eight may be reserved in advance with full payment ($200) and written list of names at the time of ticket purchase. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 17, 9:30 a.m., at the Senior Center. This special evening is sponsored by the Wallingford Committee on Aging, Inc. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. the day of the event.
SOCIAL SERVICES
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVERS
TRAINING SESSION
YOU Are Invited Thursday, September 20 1:00 p.m.
INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER SOCIAL
Ever wonder who your fellow Interfaith Volunteers are? Do you have a rewarding Volunteer experience you want to share? Please join Barbara Barlok, Executive Director of Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers, and Marie Cunha, WSC Social Worker, on Thursday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments and camaraderie will be in abundance! Register at 265-7753 and prepare to smile and socialize.
FREE Legal Assistance
Consumer Law Project for Elders provides FREE legal assistance to CT residents, age 60 and older, who have problems with consumer issues. Individuals can call the CLPE hotline with ANY consumer problem, including debt collection, home improvement, auto fraud, and identify theft. Please call 1-800-296-1467, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
CONNECTICUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP)
WHAT? Money to heat your residence
WHO? people whose income and assets fall within the guidelines
WHEN? OIL HEAT only—call starting Monday, 9/17/07 for an appointment
HOW? Requests for oil heat deliveries will not be accepted until 11/1/07
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
A special guest speaker from the State of CT Board of Education and Services for the Blind will talk about the many services and benefits available to people with low vision. Please join us Friday, September 21, at 10:15 a.m. and register by calling 265-7753.
SAGE ADVICE FROM SOCIAL SECURITY
Does the high cost of prescription drugs have someone you love feeling low? What better way to help raise their spirits than by showing them how to get extra help with their Medicare prescription drug costs. Extra help, available through Social Security, can pay part of their monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help could be worth more than $3,300 per year. Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that anyone can complete. You can find it at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/, or call Marie Cunha at the Senior Center – 265-7753.
BRIDGING YOUR PRESCRIPTION GAP
If your Medicare Drug Plan has a coverage gap, here is a way you can avoid the gap: ConnPACE is a state program that helps seniors pay for prescriptions.
Who Qualifies: Low-income residents age 65 and older, or 18 to 64 with a disability
Income Restrictions: Annual income limits of $23,100/individual; $31,100/couple
The Deal: maximum prescription copay of $16.25 and ConnPACE pays your monthly Medicare Part D drug plan premium.
Cost to Join: $30 per year
How to Join: Call your Senior Center Social Worker at 265-7753.
RENTER’S REBATE PROGRAM: September 17 is the deadline to apply for the Renter’s Rebate Program. Please direct questions to the Assessor’s Office at 294-2001.
Annual Meeting of Meriden Children First
The Meriden public is cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of the Meriden Children First Initiative. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 6:00 p.m. at the Curtis Cultural Center.
The evening will include:
· Introduction of the 2008 Meriden Children First Board of Directors.
· Status of 2007 priority issues and presentation 2008 priorities for Meriden children and families.
· Recognition of this year’s ‘Children’s Champions’.
· Celebration of ten years of quality preschool through the School Readiness Program, and a special tribute to the Meriden preschool teacher of the year.
The annual meeting will be immediately followed by a lively debate of those candidates running for the Meriden Board of Education.
Refreshments will be provided. On-site professional childcare is available upon request. To RSVP or more information about the event, contact David Radcliffe at Children First at 630-3566 or via email at dwradcliffe@juno.com
Mayor’s Corner - Meriden
Dear Friends,
As summer has officially come to an end, I wish our students, teachers, and school staff a successful start on another exciting school year. I hope that those children attending school for the first time enjoy learning and spending time with their classmates.
Recently we broke ground on a new playscape for Hubbard Park. The playscape will be across from the pool and feature activities for all children. A special thank you to the Playground Committee for looking ahead and seeing the need for a handicap accessible playscape for our fine park and working so hard to get the playground approved. I would also like to thank Noah’s Arc of Hope and the sponsors and donors who gave to the Hubbard Park Playground Committee and Noah’s Ark of Hope who have made this playscape a reality. This is a great project for the City and will be fully funded with private donations.
As Roberta Ash continues to raise fire awareness funds in memory of Brian David Ash, a recent Meriden fire reminds all of us the importance of having operable smoke detectors. My prayers and condolences go out to the Jandreau family. I wish the D’Aniello children a safe and speedy recovery. We are very fortunate that our fire department responded in such a timely manner. I hope for a quick recovery for firefighters Dan Lyons, Jr. and Lt. John Paczek. I also would like to thank Michael Castro, Jendry Sepluveda and Vincente Torres for their heroic efforts.
In closing, I wish the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford a most successful campaign. The kickoff celebration was held at the newly renovated beautiful MountainRidge facility. I would also like to thank Midstate for hosting Cancer Survivors Day for all our citizens. It is truly amazing to see the number of individuals who are successfully battling cancer. Keep up the good fight. Congratulations to you and your family.
Thank you for all your support.
Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni - Mayor
Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford
Dear Friends:
September 29th from 11:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and September 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, we will Celebrate Wallingford 2007. The event this year is centered at Fishbein Park around the railroad green. Wallingford Center Inc. with the assistance of Town departments has planned a wonderful time for everyone.
On Saturday, from noon till 3:00 p.m. the Blues Alley Band will entertain, and from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Changes In Latitudes will provide music. As always there will be lots to see and do, including demonstrations by the Police, Fire and Public Utilities departments including “Touch a Truck”. Sample the food provided by many restaurants and civic groups and then walk up Center Street viewing the “Art” on the Center Street Cemetery wall. At the top of the hill on South Main Street, the Connecticut Street Rod Association will host a car show from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Flashback Band will provide entertainment.
On Sunday, Eight to the Bar will play from Noon to 2:00 p.m. and DeNova, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The Congregational Church will host an interfaith service to Bless the Animals at 2:00 p.m. Other planned activities include a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Arts and Crafts Show, and booths for a variety of civic and non profit groups to provide information and give-aways.
This should be a wonderful time to enjoy the Downtown and meet friends.
Another date to keep in mind is Friday, September 28th at 6:00 p.m. at Mountain Ridge. The co-owner of the Peoples Press, Andy Reynolds, will celebrate his 40th birthday by helping the American Red Cross. Andy would like us all to be there so I think we should do something he would like, especially as it benefits the Red Cross.
I am looking forward to seeing you at these events.
Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor
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 AM and 5:00 PM 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 3rd Annual “Red Hat Follies” variety show will be held at the Senior Center on Monday, September 17 at 1:30 PM in Willene’s Place. Be sure not to miss this entertainment extravaganza with all of the talented Silver City Red Hatter’s and other special guests! Free tickets are available from any Red Hat officer or in the main office at the Senior Center.
“When Bad Things Happen to Good Ears”, a program on hearing loss and coping issues dealing with hearing loss, will be held here on Wednesday, September 26 at 10:30 AM. The speaker will be Mike Gravitz, founder of the Southwestern CT Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America. His presentation will include slides, videotapes and a display of assistive listening devices. Subjects to be discussed include how the ear works, causes of hearing loss, why audiograms are so important, types of hearing aids and how they work, strategies for coping with hearing loss and communication tips for the hearing and non-hearing person. The program will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center and all interested people are encouraged to attend this informative presentation.
Cindy Hamel from Miller Memorial Community will present a program on Wednesday, September 12 at 10:30 AM on “Medicare Coverage and Short Term Rehabilitation”. She will cover the details of short term stays in facilities like Miller Memorial and the options for homecare, how your Medicare insurance covers your care and other important details you should know to best utilize your insurance plans. This program will be held in the first floor meeting room.
The Meriden Triad will sponsor another session of the “Yellow Dot Program” on Thursday, September 20 at 10:00 AM at the Senior Center, according to Meriden TRIAD Chairman Captain Timothy Topulos from the Meriden Police Department. The “Yellow Dot Program” consists of medical and personal information that is placed in the glove compartment of your car and a yellow dot which is affixed to the inside of your driver’s side rear window. This information will assist the first responders in providing the necessary medical aid to you at the accident site and will also be useful to medical personnel at the hospital. You cannot put a value on the time saved in an emergency situation! To sign-up for the free “Yellow Dot Program” please join us at the Senior Center, first floor meeting room, at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 20. We urge you to take advantage of this free safety program sponsored by the Meriden TRIAD!
The deadline for the city’s elderly and disabled renters to sign up for the Rent Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut is September 17. 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, rent and utilities must be presented at the time the application is filed. Income limits are $28,800 for a single person and $35,300 for a married couple. Applications may be filed from 9:00 AM to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 PM daily at the Senior Center until September 17. For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.
John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director
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