Wallingford and Meriden Town Events and News

Sponsored by the Wallingford YMCA

Welcome to The People's Press - Your Town, Your News, Your Views! We are the #1 Single Copy Newspaper for Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut – Town news and Events for October 2007 Mayor’s Corner - Meriden Dear Friends, I hope you are enjoying the warm Fall weather. The City of Meriden has an array of programs available for all our citizen’s enjoyment. The Trailblazer Hiking Program returns on Thursdays for six scenic hikes throughout Meriden. The 2007 Autumn Fest will take place on Saturday, October 20th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Hubbard Park. Hayrides, children’s entertainment, arts and crafts, and several refreshments will be available. Children ages 12 and under who bring a canned or boxed food item will select a pumpkin from the “Peoples Press Pumpkin Patch.” We will also, once again, have the annual Halloween House Decorating Contest. Please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 630-4259 to enter your home. Castle Craig is open daily through October 31st from 10:00 AM to 4:45 PM, weather permitting. On October 4th, you can view Meriden under the lights from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. We do hope you will join us for Halloween at City Hall from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 31st. You can get a special bag for candy collection at the Meriden Public Library before coming to City Hall. The Indoor Public Swim Program will begin at Maloney High School on Monday, October 1st. The pool will be open on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 3:45 PM. The Co-Ed adult recreation Volleyball Program will take place every Wednesday night at the Meriden YMCA from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The program will run from October 10th through March 20th and there is a one time $35.00 registration fee. I had an opportunity to tour the new Lowe’s Plaza. This nineteen acre retail site will soon be home to a new Ocean State Job Lot and Lowes. It will also retain longstanding tenants including Valencia Liquors. Lowe’s will open its 130,000 square foot store this January. Lowe’s alone will cost over 12 million dollars and bring 120 new jobs to our City. In closing, Meriden said good bye to a dear friend, excellent leader, and an inspiration to all of us. I wish the Szymaszek family peace and happiness. Meriden will never forget Rob Szymaszek. Thanks for all the great memories. Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni Wallingford Park and Recreation Fun Events 30th Annual Wallingford Community Road Race “Fishbein 4 Mile”, ¼ Mile Little Kid s Fun Run and Wallingford School Relay 4x1 mi le for Elementary and Middle Schools. Race Times: 4-Mile 9:00a.m., 1/4mile Fun Run 10:15, School Relay 10:30. Sponsored by Wallingford Public Celebrations, Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department, The Wallingford Foundation, Charitable Arm of The Wallingford Rotary and the Wallingford Education Association. For more information contact 294-2120 or visit the website www.fishbein4miler.com DOGTOBER FESTIVAL SATURDAY OCTOBER 27, 2007 1:00-3:00P.M. AT DOOL ITTLE PARK Doggie Lovers Unite. Join us for a fun filled afternoon of doggie activities. Paws n’ Effect of Hamden will set up an agility course to allow dogs to practice their jumps, tunnel runs and various talents. Also local dog obedience experts, trainers, dog bakeries, vets, pet stores, pet spas and more will be available for questions and purchases. This event will not be judged however; - participants are welcomed to dress their dogs in their favorite costumes. All dogs not participating in the agility and Frisbee event must be leashed. A GOBLIN GATHERING – FRIDAY OCTOBER 26, 2007 6:45P.M. A gathering for all Wallingford Goblins! Gather in front of theWallingford Town Hall for an evening of fun activities, d.j. monster mash music and ghoulish games by “Jock in the Box,” prebagged candy, cider and donuts. Activities to include art projects, glow necklaces for the first 500 children and more. This event is sponsored by the Wallingford Public Celebrations Committee and the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Dept. NINE AND A CHICKEN This year’s hunt will be one for the ages. Participants will be required to go to the Recreation Department to pick up a packet of CERTIFIED clues. (We want to make sure that all participants start from the Recreation Department so everyone has a fair shot) These clues will lead you to 9 cardboard turkeys and the bonus chicken. All cardboard turkeys and chicken will be hidden on Wallingford town property. The object is to locate a turkey and return it to the Parks and Recreation for the gift certificate. Awards: To be awarded to the first three families. Clues must be handed in at time of redemption. When: November 16, 2007 Day: Friday Time: 7:00p.m. Where: Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department Fee: Free 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 Meriden Health Department has scheduled a Flu Shot Clinic at the Max Muravnick Senior Center on Wednesday, October 17 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. The flu shots at the Senior Center will be given by appointment only again this year. Appointments must be made by calling the Meriden Health Department at 630-4234 to schedule a time for your flu shot on Wednesday, October 17. According to Meriden Health Director Beth Vumbaco, flu shots are strongly recommended for all people aged 65 and older, all residents of nursing homes or chronic care facilities and all adults with chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma. The flu shots at the Senior Center are for Meriden residents over 60 or those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, severe anemia, severe asthma, heart disease or lung disease. Please note that the flu shot does not contain live virus and cannot give you the flu and a new, sterile needle is used for each person. To make an appointment for your flu shot at the Senior Center call the Meriden Health Department at 630-4234. Remember to bring your Medicare card too! * * * * * * * * The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center will be on Wednesday, November 7 and Friday, November 9 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Five good reasons to take the class are: Learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and much more in this 8-hour course. Find out how to adjust to age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Get an insurance discount. You don’t have to take a test. Millions of people have taken advantage of this valuable course. The course fee is $10 and people can sign-up by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066. The program will be limited to the first 30 people who register so sign-up today! * * * * * * * Meteorologist Art Horn will again visit the Senior Center to put on his latest weather show, “The Weather of the U.S.A.”. Art’s fun and informative show will be on Wednesday, November 14 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the first floor meeting room. His 45 minute slide show will cover such topics as historic weather events and extreme weather conditions that have taken place in the history of the United States. Following his slide show Art will conduct a 10 to 15 minute question and answer session. Be sure not to miss “The Weather of the U.S.A.” with former TV weatherman Art Horn on Wednesday, November 14 at 10:30 AM! * * * * * * * * The Senior Center has been notified that we will again receive funding from the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut to provide medical transportation services for Meriden residents age 60 and over to their in-town medical appointments. The service is provided by the Senior Center Mini-Bus and appointments must be scheduled several days in advance by calling 237-3338 or by making a reservation in the Mini-Bus Office. The grant also covers out-of-town rides, which are provided by the Wallingford Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross. To schedule the out-of-town rides, call the Red Cross at least one week in advance at 265-6721. Services are provided to local residents age 60 and over, or the disabled free of charge and voluntary contributions are accepted. For further information about transportation to your in-town and out-of town medical appointments call the Senior Center Mini-Bus Office at 237-3338. * * * * * * * * As a member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Coalition on Aging, I would like to encourage People’s Press readers to complete the CCOA 2007-2008 Survey of State Legislative Issues. The Coalition on Aging’s annual legislative survey is a very important means of determining which issues are priorities for Connecticut seniors. We distribute the results to every Connecticut State Legislator. We testify in public hearings in support of proposed legislation based on the top priorities of the survey. Just go on-line to www.CoalitionAgingCt.org, click on legislative survey, pick the five issues most important to you and submit the survey. If you prefer to fill out a printed copy the surveys are available now at the Senior Center. The Connecticut Coalition on Aging has been working to improve the quality of life for Connecticut’s senior citizens since 1974 and you can help by completing our annual survey on the Internet or by picking up a copy at the Senior Center. * * * * * * * * 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 Mayor’s Corner – Wallingford Dear Friends: Every month has many opportunities for enjoyment and encouragement of good health. Everyone has problems and difficulties that at times come in waves. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn says, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” There are at least two events in October full of enjoyment and healthy activity. One is Red Ribbon Week, the week of October 23rd to October 31st. During that week we encourage good decisions. On October 23rd, a public event with students from the public schools will highlight the need for everyone to set a good example and stay away from drugs and alcohol. Red Ribbons will be distributed to advertise the importance of the week. The other event is the 30th Annual Wallingford Road Race. On Saturday, October 13th, the “Fishbein 4 Mile” for serious runners will start at 9:00 a.m. at North Elm Street and Christian Street. The Fun Run starts at 9:15 a.m. and the School Relay at 10:30 a.m. Johanna Fishbein continues to be the inspiration for these races. The relay races have relay teams from the elementary schools competing with one another! So, if the waves keep coming and you can’t surf, at least run through the water and laugh with everyone else. Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. Mayor CITY OF MERIDEN OCTOBER EVENTS TRAILBLAZER HIKING PROGRAM The Trailblazer Hiking Program returns to Thursdays for six exciting hikes in 2007 to explore Meriden’s scenic areas. Dates & sites include(4:00PM start): Date Site 10/11 North Meriden(Cuno Camp parking lot) 10/18 Quin. River trail(Platt HS tennis court side parking lot) 10/25 Beseck Mountain(Black Pond parking lot) 11/1 Higby Mountain(end of Old Preston Avenue) 11/8 Hubbard Park(pool parking lot) All hikes will last approximately 1.5-2.0 hours. Hiking boots or other comfortable footwear is strongly suggested. AUTUMN FEST The 2007 Autumn Fest will take place at Hubbard Park on Saturday, October 20th from 1:00-4:00PM. This free event features hayrides, kids’ entertainment, arts & crafts, amusements, a pie-eating contest, seasonal refreshments, and lots of fall foliage! The first 250 children ages 12 & under bringing a canned or boxed food item will have the opportunity to select their very own pumpkin from the “People’s Press Pumpkin Patch.” HALLOWEEN HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST Meriden homes are invited to enter the 10th Annual Halloween House Decorating Contest. Phone entries will be accepted at the Parks & Recreation office. (630-4259) from October 2nd-23rd. Judging will take place on October 24th. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: “Most Creative,” “Scariest Entry,” “Best Autumn Theme,” & “Best Overall.” CASTLE CRAIG & NIGHT VIEWING 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. Do not miss a special opportunity to see Meriden and the surrounding area “under the lights.” Weather permitting; the castle access road will be open from 7:00-8:30PM on Thursday, October 4th. HALLOWEEN AT CITY HALL Want to get an early start to candy collection this year? Then come to “Halloween at City Hall”! Departments will be distributing candy to costumed trick-or-treaters ages 12 & under from 3:00-5:00PM on Wednesday, October 31st. Make sure to begin at the Meriden Public Library(105 Miller Street) to get a special bag for candy collection! INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM The 2007-2008 Indoor Public Swim Program will begin at the Maloney HS pool on Monday, October 1st. The pool’s weekly schedule will be as follows: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM. 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. 2007-2008 CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 & older will take place every Wednesday night at the Meriden YMCA (110 West Main Street) from 6:00-8:30PM. The program will run from October 10th – March 26th. A one-time $25.00 registration fee can be paid onsite any night the program is in session. MERIDEN MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE Team registrations for the 2007-2008 Meriden Men’s Basketball League will be accepted October 1st – November 7th at the Parks & Recreation office. The entrance fee is $475.00 per team. Games will begin in late November and run through March. Games are played on weekday nights at Washington Middle School, Lincoln Middle School, and the Meriden YMCA. Teams interested in obtaining a registration packet are asked to call 630-4259. 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 Wallingford Senior Center News and Events WEDNESDAY WORKSHOPS A series of informational workshops are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Join us for “Spirituality of Aging” on October 10 and “Promoting Your Mental Health” on October 24. SPIRITUALITY OF AGING on Wednesday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. MidState Chaplain Doreen Bottone will speak about how spirituality informs our aging process. Be sure to register in advance for this interesting program by calling 265-7753. PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH STRESS MANAGEMENT on Wednesday, October 24, 10:00 a.m. Protect your mental health by learning how to reduce stress. Vicki Spiro Smith, MSW, LCSW, of the Mental Health Association of Connecticut will offer mental health strengthening skills including relaxation techniques, “new ways of thinking” tools, and resiliency strategies. Call 265-7753 to register to attend. SENIOR FAIR Friday, October 19, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. AND Saturday, October 20, 9:00 – 2:00 p.m. The Wallingford Senior Center will host the Record-Journal Senior Fair October 19 and 20. The Fair will feature more than fifty exhibitors as well as special activities including a cooking demonstration, a “taste of living”, self-defense demonstration, mobile mammography van, various health screenings, bingo, silent auction and so much more! Co-sponsors of the event are the Meriden and Quinnipiac Chambers of Commerce, MidState, Shop-Rite, and Masonicare. This Senior Fair will offer something for everyone. Don’t miss it! INTERGENERATIONAL MUSIC EXPERIENCE Saturday, November 3, 10:30 a.m. What could be more fun than singing, dancing and giggling with your grandchild? Come experience the joy of family music making on November 3, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. With songs, creative movement activities, rhythmic chants, and an instrumental jam session, this playful environment is designed to develop musical skills and foster a love of music. The program, which is sponsored by Wallingford Early Childhood Alliance Resource and Education, is free and open to the public and is especially geared toward children ages 0 - 5 who must be accompanied by a grandparent or parent. PUMPKIN DANCE PARTY Friday, October 26, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Vinnie Carr will provide the dancing and listening music in our pumpkin-themed Great Room. This monthly dance party is free. Refreshments will be provided. Bring your friends! BILLIARD ROOM UPDATE The 2007-08 billiards tournament schedule is underway. Our team players this year are Rennie Mattei (Capt.), Charlie Kent, Jerry Fortier, Mike Allen, Bob Heidgerd, Jim Logan, Jack Winkleman, Frank Gagliardi & Alfred Sprincis. The next 8-Ball Tournament vs. Meriden Senior Center will be held Friday, October 19, at 1:00 p.m. The monthly Coed Billiard Tournament will be held Monday, October 15, at 1:30 p.m. Interested players are asked to sign up in the Billiards Room. SOCIAL SERVICES THE BENEFITS OF APPLYING FOR BENEFITS EARLY— AND ONLINE By Paul Gilfillan, Social Security District Mgr., Meriden Ct Record numbers of new retirees will apply for Social Security benefits in the coming years. Why? This January the first wave of the 77 million strong baby-boomer generation will turn 62 and become eligible for reduced Social Security retirement benefits. That means that about 10,000 people per day will be newly eligible to apply for benefits. Social Security wants the experience for each of them to be as convenient as possible, so we are encouraging people to be aware of the benefits of filing online. You can apply online for your retirement benefits from the comfort of your own home or office. Just logon to your computer and visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. MEDICARE PART D OPEN ENROLLMENT INFORMATION SESSION Monday, October 22, 10:00 a.m. The next opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan is November 15 through December 31, 2007. Even if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, please come learn about: How the Medicare Prescription drug coverage works How and when to switch from one drug plan to another. Who gets “Extra Help”. How the “Coverage Gap” works. How to delay or avoid reaching the “Coverage Gap”. Late enrollment penalties. Please register for this program by calling 265-7753 This program is FREE and open to the public. LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP Andrew P. Swan, M.D., an Ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and lens implant surgery as well as comprehensive eye care, will be our guest speaker. Please join us Friday, October 19, at 10:15 a.m., and register by calling 265-7753. Alzheimer’s Support Group Regency House of Wallingford, in association with the Alzheimer’s Association, sponsors an Alzheimer’s Support Group for families who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease. The support group meets at Regency House of Wallingford on the first Wednesday of every month, at 5:30 p.m. Please register by contacting Teresa Mowry, Alzheimer’s Program Director, at 265-1661 Project Home Share Project Home Share is an arrangement between two or more people in which one shares his/her home with another in exchange for companionship, a financial contribution to household expenses, or some combination. Some benefits of Project Homeshare include increased security, friendship, and affordable housing. Project Home Share doesn’t meet the needs of every applicant, but when a good match is made, it is a joy for the provider and the seeker. Project Home Share has made matches that have lasted for years and friendships that last a lifetime. If you would like to receive more information about Project Home Share, please call 1-800-994-9422 and ask for the Home Share Coordinator. CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2007-2008 HEATING SEASON The Wallingford Senior Center is an intake site for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. The program provides financial assistance to income-eligible households to pay for a portion of their heating costs. We will begin taking applications for deliverable fuel (oil and kerosene only) on October 3. First day for fuel deliveries which can be paid for by CEAP is November 1. Gas and electric customers can call beginning December 3 for an appointment. Income limits are: $28,767/single person; $37,619/two people. Asset limits apply. Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following checklist documents: Most recent bank statement showing Social Security deposit amount, or a copy of a 2007 Social Security check, or Social Security "Your New Benefit Amount” letter for 2007. Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents. 2007 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income. Four most recent pay stubs, if employed. Rental Income: rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account. Most recent heat utility bill. Electric bill. Applications are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call 265-7753.