June 2008 Town News and Events

June 2008 Town News and Events for The People's Press, Wallingford and Meridens Community Newspaper and News Source brought to you by Meriden Feed and South Meriden Car Wash. Mayor’s Corner Wallingford Dear Friends: Wallingford Project Graduation marks the 19th year of a community wide effort to make graduation night safe for all Wallingford high school graduates. The alcohol and substance free celebration will be held immediately following commencement ceremonies. The event is held at the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Facility and is free of charge to all Wallingford graduates. The event has become an important part of graduation. It provides a nightlong Celebration filled with fun, food, friendships and memories to last a lifetime. The Project Graduation Committee is made up of volunteers and is chaired by Kim Stein. It is sponsored by the Town of Wallingford Youth and Social Services Department and donations from citizens and various businesses in our community. Planning is underway for this years Project Graduation and everyone is looking forward to a wonderful celebration. Those interested in supporting this program may mail donations to: Project Graduation 2008, c/o Wallingford Youth and Social Services, 6 Fairfield Boulevard, Wallingford, CT 06492. Through the generosity of many we are able to provide wonderful prizes and entertainment for the graduates. CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO THE CLASS OF 2008 Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. Mayor Mayor’s Corner Meriden Dear Friends, I thank you for all your support and encouragement over the past ten years. I have truly enjoyed my time as your City Councilor and Mayor. I love our City and appreciate the confidence and trust you have shown in me. Thank You! As the school year winds down, I want to congratulate all our graduates and wish them much success in their future endeavors. I would also like to congratulate our 5th grade Project Excel winners, our Hicks Speaking and Essay contest winners, our top 10 honorees at Platt and Maloney, and all our students for another successful school year. A special thank you to the education staff and former staff who give so generously to support Project Excel. Thank you and congratulations on twenty-five years of making a difference in the lives of our children. There are a few exciting developments on the horizon. New chain restaurants will join West Main Street and East Main Street. The TI Building is close to having a new tenant and Midstate is closing in on a new east side location. We will also see new “Welcome to Meriden” signs appearing in the near future. Together, we are continuing to build a better Meriden. Thank you for all your support! Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni Mayor Wallingford Senior Center ART OF HEALING WORKSHOP featuring DR. BERNIE SIEGEL “HOW TO RECREATE YOUR LIFE” Monday, June 16, 6:30—9:00 p.m. Dr. Bernie Siegel, one of the world’s foremost physicians, authors, motivational speakers and advocates for individuals facing the challenges of chronic illnesses, will speak at our center on June 16. Inspirational and down-to-earth, Dr. Siegel’s presentation “How to Recreate Your Life”, is full of compassion, caring and humor. His message of hope and love is extended to all who seek a whole-person approach for living life fully each day. This event is open to the public and tickets are $15.00 per person. The first 100 members who present their senior center ID can purchase a discounted ticket for $10.00 \ In addition to Dr. Siegel’s presentation, our Art of Healing Workshop will feature several booths offering information on holistic and naturopathic medicine and alternative therapies such as Reiki, Reflexology, Acupuncture, Massage, and Chiropractics. Also, books by Bernie Siegel, MD will be available for purchase. WEDNESDAY WORKSHOPS LIFE IS SHORT: WEAR YOUR PARTY PANTS! A Fun-filled Presentation About How NOT To Take Life Too Seriously! Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 a.m. Once again, we join Loretta LaRoche as she shows us that life is not something to be endured, but something to be enjoyed. She helps us to see the joy and passion in our lives with a blend of old-world common sense and contemporary research in mind-body studies. Come and enjoy the humor of her talk and a meaningful discussion afterward facilitated by Edwina Ranganathan, Rushford Center. Please sign up to attend by calling 265-7753. UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE on Wednesday, June 25, 10:00 a.m. CVS Pharmacy and the National Council on Aging have teamed together to provide free health education programs at senior centers across the nation. Join us June 25 for a presentation on understanding and managing high blood pressure. Please sign up to attend by calling 265-7753. “PACK YOUR BAG”: FREE MEDICATION CONSULTATION on Wednesday, June 25, 10:15 – 12:00 Here is your opportunity to spend one-on-one time with a pharmacist to review your prescription and non-prescription medications. Sign up by June 20 to: ask questions about your medications; receive tips and tools for medication compliance; determine if there are any potential interactions between your prescriptions; and identify duplicate or out-dated prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. We have special bags for you to use to bring in your medications in their original containers. Pick up one when you register for your 15-minute appointment with a pharmacist. RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE Wednesday, July 2, 2008 An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on July 2, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the Senior Center. Volunteers are needed to help run the canteen, make sandwiches, and provide baked goods for the donors. Registration and escort volunteers are also needed. Please sign up if you can help in any way. Also, blood donors are desperately needed. There is no longer an upper age limit for blood donors. As long as you are in good health, you can donate blood. Please consider giving the gift of life. Call 1-800-448-3543 to schedule your appointment. Thank you! PEANUT SALE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Kiwanis Club needs our help with its Annual Peanut Sale on Friday, June 13, at Stop and Shop in Wallingford. Four volunteers are needed for each three-hour shift 8:00—11:00 a.m. 11:00—2:00 p.m. 2:00—5:00 p.m. 5:00—8:00 p.m. to sell bags of peanuts. Two volunteers will be stationed at each entrance. Please sign up if you are able to work a shift. This volunteer opportunity benefits the community and the Senior Center, too. The Kiwanis Club donates funds to the Senior Center in appreciation of our support of their Peanut Sale. SOCIAL SERVICES NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVER TRAINING Thursday, June 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. YOU Are Invited Share time with a neighbor for a friendly visit, phone call or help grocery shopping. Reach out and say you care. Call 265-7753 to sign up for training. Could You Use an Extra $96.40 Every Month? MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS COULD BE THE ANSWER A single monthly income limit of $1,411.45 or $2,057.45 for a married couple on Medicare Part A could qualify for this state benefit. Call Marie Cunha, Social Worker at 265-7753 to apply. ELDER LAW ATTORNEY APPOINTMENTS Appointments are available the afternoon of Thursday, June 12, to get free legal advice from Attorney Daniel Tully. Call 265-7753 today to reserve your appointment. LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP Friday, June 20 – 10:15 a.m. WHAT’S NEW IN LOW VISION PRODUCTS? Get answers. Get to know other people meeting a vision impairment challenge. Join us for coffee and refreshments. Everyone welcome always. Phone us at 265-7753 so we know you want be part of our friendly group. Struggling to Pay Monthly Bills? BENEFITS SCREENING Tuesday, June 17, 10 a.m. – Noon RSVP of South Central CT will offer free benefits screenings to individuals, age 60 and older, to determine if you are receiving all the benefits to which you are entitled. Benefits QuickLINK is private, free, and confidential! Documentation is not required. Please bring the following information with you to the screening: Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest.) Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance.) Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits.) List of all current prescriptions Pre-registration is required for Benefits Screening. Please call 265-7753. IRS STIMULUS PAYMENT Don’t normally file an income tax return? People who don’t normally file income tax, and receive Social Security, railroad-retirement benefits, or veteran’s disability compensation are eligible to receive the stimulus payment. What could you get? A payment of $300 ($600 for married couples.) Come to the senior center and pick up Form 1040A, or download a form and get answers to rebate questions at: www.irs.gov ELDERLY & DISABLED RENTER’S REBATE PROGRAMS Starting May 15 through September 15, this program provides a partial refund of rent and/or utility bills (excluding telephone bills) for people 65 years of age or over, or have proof of Total Disability. Annual Income (including Social Security) cannot exceed: Single $29,800/Married Couples $36, 500. Please direct questions to the Assessor’s Office at 294-2001. SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS DIABETES SUPPORT Wednesday, June 11, 1:00 p.m. LOW VISION SUPPORT Friday, June 20, 10:15 a.m. PARKINSON’S DISEASE SUPPORT Friday, June 27, 10:15 a.m. Wallingford Community Swim Program Prepared for 62nd Year of Service Looking for a great way for your kids to have fun, get exercise, and learn water safety? Enroll them in the American Red Cross Summer Swim Program and help them learn how to swim. The American Red Cross has been conducting water safety classes for the Wallingford Community for over 60 years, and we are looking forward to another successful summer. On the night of June 11, 1946, the Wallingford Red Cross Board of Directors discussed the details of initiating water safety classes for the local community. That summer the first classes were held by a Red Cross Instructor at Baldwin Pond in Meriden. Today, the tradition continues as the 2008 Wallingford Community Swim Program is gearing up to start on June 30 at the Wallingford Community Pool. Classes will run from June 2 through August 8 and are open to Wallingford residents only. Morning and evening classes will be offered. Our two Water Safety Instructors, Denise Murphy and Amanda Gaboury, will be working together to teach participants basic water safety and work with them to develop their swimming skills. The Wallingford Community Swim Program provides summer employment for youth and helps our community stay safe in, on and around the water. For more information contact Anna at the Wallingford Red Cross office at 265-6721, or visit our website at www.arcsct.org Anna Flint CITY OF MERIDEN JUNE EVENTS SUMMER ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION Registration is currently underway at the Parks & Recreation office for the Hot Shot Basketball Camp, Spike It! Volleyball Camp, and the two Meriden Nature Camp sessions. MERIDEN FISHING DERBY The Meriden Rod & Gun Club invites youths ages 15 & under to participate in the 2008 Meriden Fishing Derby. This year’s derby will be held at Baldwin Pond Park on Saturday, June 7th from 9:00AM-1:00PM. There will be lots of fish, food, & prizes. FLAG DAY CEREMONY The City of Meriden and the Meriden BPOE #35 will present the 2008 Flag Day Ceremony in conjunction with the Special Day for Special People on Saturday, June 14th at Hubbard Park’s James J. Barry Bandshell beginning at 11:00AM. Participants in this ceremony include local & state politicians, city color guards, and school essay contest winners. 38TH ANNUAL SPECIAL DAY FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE The Meriden Senior Center will present the 38th Annual Special Day for Special People on Saturday, June 14th from 11:00AM-3:00PM at Hubbard Park. Senior citizens ages 60 & older are invited to this free picnic featuring food, activities, bingo, and entertainment. SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERT SERIES The 2008 “Summer Sounds Concert Series” kicks off in June with the Beatles tribute band Number Nine on Thursday, June 26th(6:30-8:30PM). All “Summer Sounds” performances take place at Hubbard Park’s James J. Barry Bandshell and are free to the public. SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM The 2008 Summer Playground Program will operate from June 23rd – August 1st 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 2008 Outdoor Public Swim Program at the Hubbard Park pool begins on Sunday, June 22nd. 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 2008 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. SWIM LESSONS Free swim lessons for children ages 4 & older will be held weekdays from 6/30-7/11 and 7/14-7/24. Registration will be held at the Hubbard Park pool (10:30AM) on both Saturday, June 28th and Saturday, July 12th. Children must have a valid 2008 pool pass and bring a bathing suit and towel to register. SUMMER FUN RUNS PROGRAM The 2008 Summer Fun Runs Program will be held on Wednesday nights at the Platt High School track from June 18th – August 20th. 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. MERIDEN RAIDERS REGISTRATION Registration for the upcoming 2008 Meriden Junior Football League season will be held at Washington Park’s Pete Sini Fieldhouse(rear of park) on Saturday, June 14th from 10:00AM-2:00PM. A Punt, Pass, & Kick program will also be held during this registration session. Additional registration sessions will be held on July 5th & 19th. 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. MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 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 38th annual “Special Day for Special People” will be held in Hubbard Park on Saturday, June 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The free picnic in the park for Meriden senior citizens 60 and over was started in 1970 by Charlie Byron, assisted by Max Muravnick. Special Day for Special People is a picnic with hot dogs, chips, popcorn, soda, watermelon and ice cream served by student volunteers and funded by contributions from Meriden businesses, clubs, civic organizations and the Meriden City Council. More than 300 people attend the picnic each year and all Meriden seniors are invited to attend Special Day! The program will open with a Flag Day ceremony by the Meriden Antique Veterans. Mayor Mark D. Benigni will then welcome the crowd assembled in front of the band shell. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day by Vinnie Carr, popular keyboard player and vocalist who knows all of your favorite songs! DB Magic will also provide entertainment with Magician David Alan doing balloon sculptures assisted by Bogus the Clown! Free bingo with prizes will start at 12:30 pm under the pavilion. Shuttle buses will circulate through the downtown area that morning to provide you with free transportation to Hubbard Park. For further information on transportation call the Senior Center Mini-Bus Office at 237-3338. Be sure not to miss this year’s Special Day for Special People on Saturday, June 14! Senior Center staff members are now taking applications for the Rent Relief Program (“Circuit Breaker”) sponsored by the State of Connecticut. The program provides eligible renters with money back on their 2007 rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. Application hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. To be eligible, applicants must have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2007 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability. Proof of 2007 income must be presented, including a copy of your 2007 income tax, if filed, Social Security 1099, and all other income. Income limits are $29,800 for a single person and $36,500 for a married couple. Please note that recipients of cash assistance from DSS during 2007 will have the amount of that assistance deducted from their benefit check. Applicants must also provide rent receipts and utility bills or canceled checks for the entire year of 2007. Utilities include electric, gas, oil and water payments (cable TV, telephone and air conditioning are not included). For further information call the Senior Center at 237-0066. For people residing in other Connecticut cities and towns, contact your local Tax Assessor’s Office for information on the Rent Relief Program in your community. Free hearing aid assistance will be offered on Tuesday, June 10 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon. Hearing Aid Specialist Nick Wills from Miracle Ear at the Meriden Square will provide free hearing tests, ear examinations, hearing aid cleaning and checks, general assistance and answer any questions you may have about your hearing aid. This service will be offered on a first come, first served basis in an office on the first floor of the Senior Center. Enjoy the great weather and we’ll see you at Hubbard Park for Special Day for Special People on June 14! John F. Hogarth Senior Center Director