To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
“Maggie’s Corner”
Happy Birthday America!
By: Maggie Griffin
Destiny took over to destination for me after wishing to visit the Statue of Liberty for the past 30 years. The irony of this wish is through my son, who was born on the 4th of July, and his school, Dag Middle School, where his teacher, Mrs. Fig asked me to attend this trip, a trip to the Statue of Liberty.
They had no knowledge of my wish until Tommy, my son, and I told them. I believe in my heart that my wish was meant for my son, a real live Nephew of Uncle Sam, born On the Fourth of July, to be the one with me to visit this remarkable statue. I found it to be a “miracle wish come true” when Mrs. Fig asked me to go on this trip with the school and her class.
Visiting the Statue of Liberty was not only the most thrilling experience the children and I saw, but an educational experience as well. In the lower level we saw the original Torch that once was held by Miss. Liberty before the reconstruction of a new torch was complete. I have to admit, after climbing 25 flights of stairs inside the statue to reach the upper deck, the pain in my legs the next day was worth the climb. The interior of the Statue is amazing. When we reached the upper deck, the view of the New York City skyline is absolutely breath taking. However, we need to keep in mind that the view, although beautiful, what this Statue truly represents – Unity, Friendship, Freedom and Justice.
The Statue of Liberty is a National Monument. She celebrated her 100th birthday on October 28, 1986. The people of France gave the Statue to the people of the United States of America well over one hundred years ago in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution. Over the years, the Statue of Liberty's symbolism has grown to include freedom and democracy as well as this international friendship. This statue represents our freedom. It also is known as a land mark for ships with immigrants coming into the United States when their ships docked at Ellis Island. Through this trip, we also took the ferry boat to Ellis Island as well, where we viewed the history of Ellis Island and the Large Wall of Honor that is the size of two foot ball fields, displaying so many last names of our ancestors.
According to information provided at Ellis Island, The Baggage Room is where thousands of immigrants crowded on a daily basis. There is where they checked on their baggage before climbing the steps to the Registry Room. The Railroad Ticket Office is where immigrants made their travel arrangements to their final destinations in the United States. It now contains exhibits covering 400 years of immigration history
The historic Great Hall, once filled with new arrivals waiting to be inspected and registered by immigration officers, now contains historic benches and reproduction inspector desks. Visitors can re-live the experience of 12 million people processed through this cavernous space. In later years, The Great Wall of Honor was built, carved with the names of millions of people who first arrived to the United States of America. On this wall is where I found my own ancestors names on both sides of my family. The funny thing was I even found my husband’s name to prove to my son that Dad really did come off the “May Flower”. Actually, the name must have been an ancestor, but I had to have a little fun with it.
Did you know that during the World Wars, immigrants that came to America had to stay on Ellis Island until the wars were over? They were considered illegal because of the wars. Did you know that many, who arrived to America on Ellis Island when no wars took place, were asked over 30 questions and each had to go through medical inspections as well? Many were denied access and shipped back to where they came from.
After all was viewed and learned about, we took a trip into the city. We stopped for dinner where I met this nice clown who told me I looked 29. Obviously that made me very happy. But I talked to him. He lost his job because of the economy; he was laid off without notice recently. Since, he dresses as a clown and makes animals out of balloons just to hand out on a street corner in NYC.
Although he didn’t ask, I gave him a donation for making a poodle out of a balloon for me, then a kiss on the cheek for complimenting me about how old I look. I figured a kiss on the cheek from me is worth a million because that is not like me to do that. But the truth is I gave him a kiss on his cheek simply because he told me it makes him happy to use his talent to make people smile.
He has a college degree; he has been applying for jobs everywhere. However, he set an example, dressed as a clown, when he told the children the importance of education and why college is important. His way of telling them the importance of education was “If you don’t do well in school and get a college education, you may end up like me, a clown on a street corner, making animals out of balloons”.
To continue, we took a drive by visit to the location of Ground Zero. All the children, teachers, chaperones, including myself, had a moment of silence. After seeing Ground Zero and traveling down the street of what happened on 9/11, my thoughts went to work about that day. I will never forget 9/11 and I know many who are reading this will never forget that day as well.
My thoughts were about the people who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. My thoughts were about the people who lost their lives because of National Disasters. My heart became a sudden door filled with tears. What The Beautiful Statue of Liberty stands for means more than a National Monument, it defines why people came to America, and it defines why our veterans that sacrificed to protect and to save our freedom along with our current military who continue to sacrifice to keep our freedom. It defines the American People who come together as one Union of humanity to help others, or simply do something out of the goodness of their hearts to make another person smile. Like the young man who dresses as a clown, an educated man who lost his job, loves making animals out of balloons on his free time, between interviews for other jobs, just to make people smile.
On the day of 9/11/2001, a day nobody will forget, all Fire Departments, Police Departments, our Military, the American People, our Legislators and most important – our Red Cross, all stepped up to the plate and we all felt inside our hearts what being one Union of The United States of America really is. No matter what happens, through all of the wars Americans have faced, through our economy trials, we all need to be thankful for one thing, people that are there for the people.
There is nowhere in the world that I would rather be. There is nothing in the world that I would rather see then what I saw when I took the trip to NYC - The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, for in America, United We Stand, Divided We Fall. If our backs should ever be against the wall, American People will stay together, forever, that means you and me. It also means we need work the problems to come to resolution. Example: Apollo 13. Think about it. NASA worked the problem as a team to bring those Astronauts home. They didn’t argue who is right and who is wrong, because if they did, the problem would have affected the lives of those Astronauts on Apollo 13 and their families.
If the world should fall apart, look at the ones that will still be there for us. When the going gets hard, calling out for help is how we represent Unity, not just as Americans, but as Citizens in Connecticut and our Country. Think about our non-profits, hospitals, veterans, military, law enforcements, fire fighters, EMT’s, RED CROSS, Legislators that care for the American People, our Mayors in our local communities and more. Look at what they all do for US as one union of Citizens in America, citizens that are human beings.
The Statue of Liberty is more than a symbol of what America stands for. Just looking at Miss. Liberty, somehow you can hear the words - friendship, freedom, peace and unity. On Ellis Island, The Great Wall, our backs should never be against that wall. That wall represents the courage of our ancestors and why they came to America; to establish the American Dream by settling to their destination of location, land and build a home, employment and freedom for their family and generations following. That Great Wall of Honor represents Family Unity.
Until you take the trip to NYC, get on the Ferry to Miss. Liberty then to Miss. Ellis Island, it is there that you will clearly understand what The United States of America is and what it took to gain our freedom stemming back from our ancestors and those who fought for the birth of America. It is there you will understand why we need to continue to support our Military, Fire Fighters, Legislators and our Red Cross and most of all, each other.
Together we will remain United and we will rise above anything and everything. Just look at the smile on the Statue of Miss. Liberty, look at the names on The Great Wall, look at Ground Zero and remember through all the wars America has battled, through all the economical changes, through everything America has faced, we rose above and remained by standing United together just by listening to the needs of others.
This trip was not only a learning experience, but a lesson learned as well. I want to say Thank you to Dag Middle School, Mrs. Fig and the students at Dag for asking me to go on this trip. Most of all, thank you to my son Tommy. I knew there was a reason he was born on the 4th of July. All of you made my wish come true, but all of you, including myself, learned something very valuable on this trip. That value is what it means to be a citizen of The United States of America. Today’s youth is tomorrow’s future. As generations of families grow, what we do today to make a difference, are changes that today’s youth will lead tomorrow for generations to come.
Mostly, let’s not forget our bus driver who got us there in the traffic jams that day – thanks John, you got us there and home safe! What a guy he is.
*This column is dedicated to The United States of America, our Towns and State Legislators who dedicate themselves to do what is right for the people, CAR and The Legislative/Political Affairs Committee Members, Our Military, Police and Fire Fighters, EMT’s, Hospital Workers and Medical Professionals, our United States Veterans and our Red Cross; Our Educators, Mrs. Fig and the students and staff of Dag Middle School in Wallingford. Most of all, GOD, for In God I Trust!
Happy Birthday, Son. Uncle Sam is giving you your Xbox 360 live!
If you would like to send Maggie Griffin a comment, please email Andrew Reynolds at Andy@PeoplesPressNews.com
The historic Great Hall, once filled with new arrivals waiting to be inspected and registered by immigration officers, now contains historic benches and reproduction inspector desks. Visitors can re-live the experience of 12 million people processed through this cavernous space. In later years, The Great Wall of Honor was built, carved with the names of millions of people who first arrived to the United States of America. On this wall is where I found my own ancestors names on both sides of my family. The funny thing was I even found my husband’s name to prove to my son that Dad really did come off the “May Flower”. Actually, the name must have been an ancestor, but I had to have a little fun with it.
Did you know that during the World Wars, immigrants that came to America had to stay on Ellis Island until the wars were over? They were considered illegal because of the wars. Did you know that many, who arrived to America on Ellis Island when no wars took place, were asked over 30 questions and each had to go through medical inspections as well? Many were denied access and shipped back to where they came from.
After all was viewed and learned about, we took a trip into the city. We stopped for dinner where I met this nice clown who told me I looked 29. Obviously that made me very happy. But I talked to him. He lost his job because of the economy; he was laid off without notice recently. Since, he dresses as a clown and makes animals out of balloons just to hand out on a street corner in NYC.
Although he didn’t ask, I gave him a donation for making a poodle out of a balloon for me, then a kiss on the cheek for complimenting me about how old I look. I figured a kiss on the cheek from me is worth a million because that is not like me to do that. But the truth is I gave him a kiss on his cheek simply because he told me it makes him happy to use his talent to make people smile.
He has a college degree; he has been applying for jobs everywhere. However, he set an example, dressed as a clown, when he told the children the importance of education and why college is important. His way of telling them the importance of education was “If you don’t do well in school and get a college education, you may end up like me, a clown on a street corner, making animals out of balloons”.
To continue, we took a drive by visit to the location of Ground Zero. All the children, teachers, chaperones, including myself, had a moment of silence. After seeing Ground Zero and traveling down the street of what happened on 9/11, my thoughts went to work about that day. I will never forget 9/11 and I know many who are reading this will never forget that day as well.
My thoughts were about the people who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. My thoughts were about the people who lost their lives because of National Disasters. My heart became a sudden door filled with tears. What The Beautiful Statue of Liberty stands for means more than a National Monument, it defines why people came to America, and it defines why our veterans that sacrificed to protect and to save our freedom along with our current military who continue to sacrifice to keep our freedom. It defines the American People who come together as one Union of humanity to help others, or simply do something out of the goodness of their hearts to make another person smile. Like the young man who dresses as a clown, an educated man who lost his job, loves making animals out of balloons on his free time, between interviews for other jobs, just to make people smile.
On the day of 9/11/2001, a day nobody will forget, all Fire Departments, Police Departments, our Military, the American People, our Legislators and most important – our Red Cross, all stepped up to the plate and we all felt inside our hearts what being one Union of The United States of America really is. No matter what happens, through all of the wars Americans have faced, through our economy trials, we all need to be thankful for one thing, people that are there for the people.
There is nowhere in the world that I would rather be. There is nothing in the world that I would rather see then what I saw when I took the trip to NYC - The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, for in America, United We Stand, Divided We Fall. If our backs should ever be against the wall, American People will stay together, forever, that means you and me. It also means we need work the problems to come to resolution. Example: Apollo 13. Think about it. NASA worked the problem as a team to bring those Astronauts home. They didn’t argue who is right and who is wrong, because if they did, the problem would have affected the lives of those Astronauts on Apollo 13 and their families.
If the world should fall apart, look at the ones that will still be there for us. When the going gets hard, calling out for help is how we represent Unity, not just as Americans, but as Citizens in Connecticut and our Country. Think about our non-profits, hospitals, veterans, military, law enforcements, fire fighters, EMT’s, RED CROSS, Legislators that care for the American People, our Mayors in our local communities and more. Look at what they all do for US as one union of Citizens in America, citizens that are human beings.
The Statue of Liberty is more than a symbol of what America stands for. Just looking at Miss. Liberty, somehow you can hear the words - friendship, freedom, peace and unity. On Ellis Island, The Great Wall, our backs should never be against that wall. That wall represents the courage of our ancestors and why they came to America; to establish the American Dream by settling to their destination of location, land and build a home, employment and freedom for their family and generations following. That Great Wall of Honor represents Family Unity.
Until you take the trip to NYC, get on the Ferry to Miss. Liberty then to Miss. Ellis Island, it is there that you will clearly understand what The United States of America is and what it took to gain our freedom stemming back from our ancestors and those who fought for the birth of America. It is there you will understand why we need to continue to support our Military, Fire Fighters, Legislators and our Red Cross and most of all, each other.
Together we will remain United and we will rise above anything and everything. Just look at the smile on the Statue of Miss. Liberty, look at the names on The Great Wall, look at Ground Zero and remember through all the wars America has battled, through all the economical changes, through everything America has faced, we rose above and remained by standing United together just by listening to the needs of others.
This trip was not only a learning experience, but a lesson learned as well. I want to say Thank you to Dag Middle School, Mrs. Fig and the students at Dag for asking me to go on this trip. Most of all, thank you to my son Tommy. I knew there was a reason he was born on the 4th of July. All of you made my wish come true, but all of you, including myself, learned something very valuable on this trip. That value is what it means to be a citizen of The United States of America. Today’s youth is tomorrow’s future. As generations of families grow, what we do today to make a difference, are changes that today’s youth will lead tomorrow for generations to come.
Mostly, let’s not forget our bus driver who got us there in the traffic jams that day – thanks John, you got us there and home safe! What a guy he is.
*This column is dedicated to The United States of America, our Towns and State Legislators who dedicate themselves to do what is right for the people, CAR and The Legislative/Political Affairs Committee Members, Our Military, Police and Fire Fighters, EMT’s, Hospital Workers and Medical Professionals, our United States Veterans and our Red Cross; Our Educators, Mrs. Fig and the students and staff of Dag Middle School in Wallingford. Most of all, GOD, for In God I Trust!
Happy Birthday, Son. Uncle Sam is giving you your Xbox 360 live!
If you would like to send Maggie Griffin a comment, please email Andrew Reynolds at Andy@PeoplesPressNews.com
A summer place……
by Ernie Larsen
My earliest recollection of spending time at a summer cottage is at Bantam Lake in Northwestern Connecticut. I’m not sure if it was rented by my aunts and uncles on my Mother’s side or if was owned by Mom’s relatives in Torrington and we had the use of the place.
The memories are pretty fuzzy it was probably in the late 1940’s or early 50’s; what I do remember is the ice man – every other day they received an ice delivery for the ‘ice box’. I guess that’s why when I was growing up, my elders sometime referred to the refrigerator as the ice box; while on this subject – anyone remember their family members or friends calling the refrigerator a ‘Frigidaire’ even if it was another brand?
So, back to Bantam, yep the same lake where just a while back made the news – that’s where former governor John Rowland had a summer place that was the center of some shady remodeling activities etc. Well, even though my memories of the place are fuzzy – I’m sure the cottage was not as opulent as the one occupied by Mr. Rowland. I remember fishing and rowing around the lake and not much more, oh yes, my relatives warned my brother and me to watch out for snakes while walking around the area; this is something I do recall with certainty. Then it was mentioned that Aunt Barbara (Auntie Bobbie) was afraid of snakes so, kids being kids we used to tease her with our version of fake reptiles. I guess when you’re a kid that type of thing was a fun thing to do.
Another summer place, this one unique, is when my Uncle George and some of his friends purchased or procured a tent and set it up for the summer at Hammonasset State Park in Madison (Ct) back then, you could secure a spot for the entire summer – a practice that is no more, or so I’m told. This tent was a 16x16’ Army surplus squad tent. Heavy olive drab canvas; that particular summer was quite sunny, hot and humid. This tent soaked up the heat like a bag of dry sponges. During the day we rolled up the walls to let the heat dissipate so we could actually sleep in somewhat comfortable conditions – yet I do remember it being pretty hot day and night. It certainly was an adventure. We only stayed for a few days, most of the time spent on the beach and exploring the more remote areas of the park. As for memories, one that I’ll never forget is the outhouse detail. The ‘facilities’ were quite primitive in that campground area, basically outhouses with a pail for the waste to collect. I know, ‘eeeowww’, but that was all there was – except at the pavilion on the boardwalk where there were flush toilets – but that was quite a distance from the camping area. So, getting back to the nitty-gritty, every morning a State Parks truck and crew would ride up and down the rows of tents and a couple of lucky summer workers would open the access door on the back of the outhouse and empty the bucket. Not sure if this was done just once a day – but I guess it put a few bucks into someone’s college fund or whatever. Other than that we never used to go on summer vacations unless my father wasn’t working; he was a construction carpenter and most of his work had to be accomplished in good weather, usually summer. After he settled into more steady maintencnce carpenter work new did go on vacations – but never rented summer places.
After we were married, Mary and I used to visit Uncle Tom and Aunt Fran down in Clinton. Fran’s family had a cottage in an area called Harbor View. We also visited Uncle Bob and Aunt Ruth at their place in Madison. So, after Catie was born, I checked with one of the guys I worked with at International Silver and he hooked me up with a couple who rented their place in Clinton at Harbor View, just around the corner from where Uncle Tom and Aunt Fran stayed. The beach there was ideal for children and the cottage itself was located just across the street from the beach on a corner. It couldn’t have been more ideal. We rented from the Footit’s of Middletown and I remember it was $125.00 for the week; Mrs. Footit was very apologetic the year she had to raise it up to $135.00, boy she’d flip at today’s rents. We did this for several years. One of the most memorable events I remember from that place was in 1974 – we were watching TV when a bulletin came on President Nixon resigned and there was live coverage of him leaving the White House; the haunting image of him on the steps of the aircraft which would take him to who knows where, him turning, arms upraised giving the ‘peace sign’ with both hands. I sort of felt sorry for him, what a disgrace, yet he was keeping a stiff upper lip, even though being somewhat of what our family would classify as a ‘dufus’. Kevin was just 6 months old at the time and I guess that’s how this event sticks in our minds. I’m not sure how long we rented in Clinton the children loved it and it was a great time and we’ll have lots of memories for years to come.
We still visited people at the beach, Fran and Nancy would usually get a place and we stopped in at Bob and Ruth’s occasionally. One summer when the children were around 8 and 6 we trekked up to Maine, Damariscotta to be exact – a village about 45 minutes Northeast of Freeport. My high school buddy and his family have been renting a place here, on Pemaquid Pond, for over 45 years. They offered an invitation and we packed the car for the 6 hour ride to their cabin in the woods. The ‘complex’ is directly on the lake with cottages bearing the names Rocky Point, The Boathouse, Whisper Pines, well you get the drift. Pemaquid Pond is about 5 miles long and a great place for swimming, fishing and general relaxation. Well, the children loved it, sop did I; my spouse tolerated it, she’s not really a ‘roughing it’ person; a friend of mine had a saying he often shared – ‘her idea of roughing it was black and white TV’ – anyway we stayed a few days – I think having to walk to the ‘shower house’ may have been the kicker – I told her that when Pam and Charles first rented in the 60’s they had to bathe in the lake – that didn’t phase her. We were invited in subsequent years, never made it back as a family. I made the trip several times, it was a neat place and Charles and I made many an ‘adventure’ trip – also the photographic opportunities were endless. I combined a couple of my trip with journalistic assignments and had a few articles published. One year when I drove in to the ‘complex’ I was greeted with a somber looking Charles – seems the boys and their girlfriends wanted to get a head start on fishing and went out without procuring Maine fishing licenses. Pam had just returned from court a few hundred dollars lighter; not exactly the way she wanted to start her vacation. She sought clemency from the magistrate and was given the explanation that this was a main revenue source for the town. I guess rules are rules and a lesson learned. Charles and his family are once again headed up, or I should say Down East, as my grandfather characterized the area, next week. I, once again, have an invitation, seriously thinking of gracing them with my presence. Time will tell.
Then we went through a period where we took some time off from renting – went on regular vacations and such. Alas, one summer weekend we were invited to visit with our good friends Fran and Nancy at a place they were renting in Chalker Beach in Old Saybrook. It belonged to a colleague of theirs, Ken; as soon as we arrived and got the lay of the land, as it were, I said I’d like to rent this place. Well it was a very popular venue and it wasn’t until the next year that we had the option to stay for a week. And so it went – I think we rented for 4 years and then Ken sold the place so that was that. This cottage was at the end of the road at a spot where people could access the condos across the marsh and the bridge to another area of beach. It too was a great place for children and we certainly had some wonderful times there. Our children were older then but I remember Catie having some of her babysitting charges (well they were more au pair clients) come visit and it was ideal for their antics. I don’t recall any major events that stand out about Ken’s place, we celebrated some August birthdays there; it was just a great place to sit around, read, play SCRABBLE or just do nothing.
Since then, we still aren’t too happy with Ken for selling, but as they say ‘you’ve gotta do what you gotta do’, we haven’t rented, however Catie, Nick and Riley have been taking a place on Chalker Beach for the last 3 years. Another spot owned and recommended by Fran and Nancy. Right at the end of Chalker Beach Road – twin cottages of which Sue, F&N’s colleague rents the one formerly called Port, as in port and starboard. And this week Kevin and Sarah will be in for a week, a wedding present from Mom and Dad. Then in August, Catie and her family will again be ensconced and we’ll go back to visiting just like we did back then.
I’m glad we had the chance and means to stay ‘at the beach’; it was a good growing up experience for the children and a chance for us to be together spending time as a family which nowadays is somewhat of a lost art or so it seems. I’ve provided a photo of Ken’s on ‘moving in day’ – you wouldn’t recognize it now – the new owner put up this ugly fence around the place, oh well.
Enjoy your summer – whatever you choose to do.
Mama Carey’s Beach Soup………..
By Ernie Larsen
One of the legacies that remain of our adventures ‘going down the beach’ is this soup. First served to us at Uncle Tom** and Aunt Fran’s rental cottage in Old Saybrook; a bit of background; Mama Carey was Aunt Fran’s mother, she of course was the ubiquitous Italian mother who always made sure everyone had something to eat and was not happy if everyone did not clean their plates. She was the one who ‘came up with the recipe for this soup and kept on hand as it went with almost everything and could be served very quickly, as a side dish or main course. We serve it as a meal with rolls or crusty bread. It’s easy to make, not an expensive proposition, with readily available, not very any exotic ingredients. Here’s Mama Carey’s recipe – enjoy!
Ingredients:
One and a half cup of dried lentils
One cup of orzo noodles
One medium onion, finely diced
One 6 ounce can of tomato paste
Olive oil for frying
2 cups water or more as needed
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
One teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste
One teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
Method:
Prepare noodles and lentils – boil lentils until tender, about 15 minutes, the same with the noodles about 10 minutes or until al dente.
In a large pot sauté onion in olive oil until translucent – add the tomato paste and cook until fragrant – add water, noodles and lentils, bring all ingredients to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
For service place a portion in a bowl topped by a grating of Parmesan cheese; we accompany ours with crusty bread or rolls. I like to kick my serving up a notch and add a couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce.
**Tom Griffin was my wife’s mother’s brother
by Ernie Larsen – 6.23.09
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
A Summer’s Day Love
By George Arndt
A pleasant day was unveiling itself before our senses, as we strolled down the path to an open glen in a secluded park. We placed a blanket on a grassy slope for the two of us to sit upon and ponder about the tomorrows that awaited our visit. So many soft lullabies of nature’s offerings floated by for our hungry hearts to revel in. I casually shucked my shirt and lay down apprehensively. Words were said in murmurs, and hearts pounded with a muted beat. Her lips softly mirrored that of an angel’s smile as she gazed down upon me--her bronzed lover. As my heart spoke of things to come, she tempered her thoughts and lay next to me. It came like the sound of hammered metal...the words of forlorn from this chiseled mouth...
"Love me sweetly, but sing me no sad songs."
She knew the words spoken were nurtured from memories past. She pondered over the memory of how my wayfaring jauntiness had engulfed her entire being. Her cheeks blushed as she thought about how this entangled journey had begun--not so long ago. She had wondered about the moments that had held the two of us close…too close perhaps back then.
She poised herself up on one elbow, paused, and gently but firmly whispered,
“But I may have some woeful things to say in the coming days…please don’t deny me my sadness of days of rain.” She sensed an air of misgivings emanating from this happy
man--this boy whom she loved so dearly.
“You say there will be cloudy days ahead…is that what you are saying?”
“No.” Her lips pouted. “ I only want to know that if days are not idealistic for me at times, that I can come to you and be comforted by your love.” My eyes glistened with a spark of discomfort.
“My lady, I am here…you know me, and you surely know what dreams may come-- without thoughts of rainy days.”
We slowly gathered up the blanket; shook blades of new-mown grass from it, folded it ever so neatly, and walked back to the car. As I turned the key in the ignition, she reached over and softly touched my knee. Quietness so smooth and gentle animated our thoughts. But even with chords of pretentious mannerisms, the mysticism of her subconscious slowly crept in. She fumbled blamelessly to open the clasp of her purse. Deftly she withdrew the snub-nosed .38 from deep within the shadowy secrets of that leather bag. Her eyes spoke of silence…this dreamer, this sometimes Peter Pan. Her delicate finger squeezing tenderly on the blue-black trigger ached to be loosed. As I gazed leisurely at her, my mouth twitching at the corners…
”What are you up to?” I asked ever so hesitantly.
“Happy birthday, babe…I hope you like it.” She smiled, and as gentle as soft rain, kissed me on the cheek. Then tenderly whispered she…”I love you dearly.”
Where Did You Go? Where Are You Going?I have pondered these questions for a number of years, and was only discussing this subject yesterday, June 16th, the 31st anniversary of my mom's death, with a teacher of mine. I often characterize myself as having two lives: The one I already lived, and the one I am living today, and they are quite different. One feels more successful than the other, but possibly only through my eyes, and it's hard to get past my own viewpoint. I wonder, too, how many people think that they never accomplished as much as their mom or dad did. I go through spells of that, believing my mom was a better person than me, creative and talented in so many ways, talents I never had. I have to shake myself loose from those thoughts and concentrate on what I have done in my life and try not to make negative comparisons. I am my own person after all, and I will never be my mom, so I need to just accept that and move ahead.Where did I go? It seems so long ago, like a distant memory. I was on stage a lot. I studied voice and acting, and was involved in many singing organizations, went to auditions, gave recitals, and was performing every week in Fairfield County, Pelham, New York, or New York City. I was hardly famous, but I was fairly well known. I even had the opportunity to study three different summers in either Freiburg, Germany or Graz, Austria, and I performed on stage there also. It was an exciting time. I was never able to make a living singing, so I was always working at one job or another, whether as a music teacher, waitress or as a secretary. Along the way, when I was about 32, I searched for my biological family and located them, and that was another exciting time. Imagine finding out I had two sisters and three brothers I did not know about? Although intuitively I had known it for years in my heart. And then there was the Mother's Day Reunion in 1986 with my biological mom and my siblings that made headlines, and that was all printed in this paper.Believe it or not, it was only a couple of years ago that I realized I had never really stopped going to classes. I had just never thought of it until one day it kind of popped into my mind. I studied acting and voice with a number of people, and I would never be able to list them all, but among them were Ed and Dorothy Bryce, Joan Brainard, Felix Knight, Jeanne Kimball, Sheila Harms, Irma Cooper, and many more. Maybe some of you will recognize those names. When I was about 34, and still deeply involved with my singing career, I decided to go to school to become a court reporter. Ha! Two long years later, I got a certificate, but went into the scoping/proofreading field instead, and I have been working with court reporters for 23 years now. I've been learning new words practically every day since. So time marched on, and I kept working and singing and enjoying vacation time with my new family. We did so many things together, trying to catch up on 32 years. I have wonderful memories from those years. When the superb organist and choirmaster resigned from Church of Christ the Redeemer, Jack Hennigan, he was replaced by several men in succession who were just not very good, and I got weary of it. I wanted to be remembered for my voice which was still in its prime, so I quit before I turned 50. "Why?", people ask. "Don't you miss it?" No, I really don't. I had fabulous times on stage, and I'll never forget any performance I was in, but that was then, and this is now.Where am I going? I decided to go back to school in 2003 to study energy healing. It was my goal that I would go into that field and have my own practice in case the court reporting work fizzled out. I wanted to have something in my back pocket, so to speak. I studied at the Connecticut Healing Institute, now CHI, under the tutorage of Barry Gordon. I went for three years, the third year of which I was mentoring first-year students. It was an amazing adventure and journey, and that's another story for some other day. I also took classes in hypnosis with Barry, and then took Reiki I, II, and III with Barbara Fasulo. I never did open a healing practice, but I'm glad I took the classes, and I do use energy healing and Reiki once in a while at Reiki shares. About three years ago I also got interested in intuition, and so I went to classes for that also. That was an eye-opening experience, literally. I tend to be hard on myself, and I'm sure there are many of you who can identify with that. I have a tendency to think I'm not doing enough, like I should be doing more. I should be building something like the Eiffel Tower. I should be a master chef. I should be writing an unprecedented novel. We can't all be famous, can we? We can't all be millionaires, can we? I have got to stop measuring my worth by what's in my bank account or because I'm renting an apartment rather than owning a home. We are not all destined to own a home. It's not that important. We are not all destined to be married or to have children, and it's okay.So where am I going? I am going down the path that I was meant to be traveling along. I don't know where it's going to lead ultimately, but I know everything is placed before me for a reason. There are no coincidences. I truly believe that. I am not my mom, but she loved me and I loved her with all of my heart. I keep her spirit alive every day I show love to someone, even if it's with just a smile. So smile, love deeply, laugh, and be positive. You are where you are supposed to be, and you are going where you are destined to go.Barbara Sherburnebarndt49@yahoo.com"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of a battle."
After we were married, Mary and I used to visit Uncle Tom and Aunt Fran down in Clinton. Fran’s family had a cottage in an area called Harbor View. We also visited Uncle Bob and Aunt Ruth at their place in Madison. So, after Catie was born, I checked with one of the guys I worked with at International Silver and he hooked me up with a couple who rented their place in Clinton at Harbor View, just around the corner from where Uncle Tom and Aunt Fran stayed. The beach there was ideal for children and the cottage itself was located just across the street from the beach on a corner. It couldn’t have been more ideal. We rented from the Footit’s of Middletown and I remember it was $125.00 for the week; Mrs. Footit was very apologetic the year she had to raise it up to $135.00, boy she’d flip at today’s rents. We did this for several years. One of the most memorable events I remember from that place was in 1974 – we were watching TV when a bulletin came on President Nixon resigned and there was live coverage of him leaving the White House; the haunting image of him on the steps of the aircraft which would take him to who knows where, him turning, arms upraised giving the ‘peace sign’ with both hands. I sort of felt sorry for him, what a disgrace, yet he was keeping a stiff upper lip, even though being somewhat of what our family would classify as a ‘dufus’. Kevin was just 6 months old at the time and I guess that’s how this event sticks in our minds. I’m not sure how long we rented in Clinton the children loved it and it was a great time and we’ll have lots of memories for years to come.
We still visited people at the beach, Fran and Nancy would usually get a place and we stopped in at Bob and Ruth’s occasionally. One summer when the children were around 8 and 6 we trekked up to Maine, Damariscotta to be exact – a village about 45 minutes Northeast of Freeport. My high school buddy and his family have been renting a place here, on Pemaquid Pond, for over 45 years. They offered an invitation and we packed the car for the 6 hour ride to their cabin in the woods. The ‘complex’ is directly on the lake with cottages bearing the names Rocky Point, The Boathouse, Whisper Pines, well you get the drift. Pemaquid Pond is about 5 miles long and a great place for swimming, fishing and general relaxation. Well, the children loved it, sop did I; my spouse tolerated it, she’s not really a ‘roughing it’ person; a friend of mine had a saying he often shared – ‘her idea of roughing it was black and white TV’ – anyway we stayed a few days – I think having to walk to the ‘shower house’ may have been the kicker – I told her that when Pam and Charles first rented in the 60’s they had to bathe in the lake – that didn’t phase her. We were invited in subsequent years, never made it back as a family. I made the trip several times, it was a neat place and Charles and I made many an ‘adventure’ trip – also the photographic opportunities were endless. I combined a couple of my trip with journalistic assignments and had a few articles published. One year when I drove in to the ‘complex’ I was greeted with a somber looking Charles – seems the boys and their girlfriends wanted to get a head start on fishing and went out without procuring Maine fishing licenses. Pam had just returned from court a few hundred dollars lighter; not exactly the way she wanted to start her vacation. She sought clemency from the magistrate and was given the explanation that this was a main revenue source for the town. I guess rules are rules and a lesson learned. Charles and his family are once again headed up, or I should say Down East, as my grandfather characterized the area, next week. I, once again, have an invitation, seriously thinking of gracing them with my presence. Time will tell.
Then we went through a period where we took some time off from renting – went on regular vacations and such. Alas, one summer weekend we were invited to visit with our good friends Fran and Nancy at a place they were renting in Chalker Beach in Old Saybrook. It belonged to a colleague of theirs, Ken; as soon as we arrived and got the lay of the land, as it were, I said I’d like to rent this place. Well it was a very popular venue and it wasn’t until the next year that we had the option to stay for a week. And so it went – I think we rented for 4 years and then Ken sold the place so that was that. This cottage was at the end of the road at a spot where people could access the condos across the marsh and the bridge to another area of beach. It too was a great place for children and we certainly had some wonderful times there. Our children were older then but I remember Catie having some of her babysitting charges (well they were more au pair clients) come visit and it was ideal for their antics. I don’t recall any major events that stand out about Ken’s place, we celebrated some August birthdays there; it was just a great place to sit around, read, play SCRABBLE or just do nothing.
Since then, we still aren’t too happy with Ken for selling, but as they say ‘you’ve gotta do what you gotta do’, we haven’t rented, however Catie, Nick and Riley have been taking a place on Chalker Beach for the last 3 years. Another spot owned and recommended by Fran and Nancy. Right at the end of Chalker Beach Road – twin cottages of which Sue, F&N’s colleague rents the one formerly called Port, as in port and starboard. And this week Kevin and Sarah will be in for a week, a wedding present from Mom and Dad. Then in August, Catie and her family will again be ensconced and we’ll go back to visiting just like we did back then.
I’m glad we had the chance and means to stay ‘at the beach’; it was a good growing up experience for the children and a chance for us to be together spending time as a family which nowadays is somewhat of a lost art or so it seems. I’ve provided a photo of Ken’s on ‘moving in day’ – you wouldn’t recognize it now – the new owner put up this ugly fence around the place, oh well.
Enjoy your summer – whatever you choose to do.
Mama Carey’s Beach Soup………..
By Ernie Larsen
One of the legacies that remain of our adventures ‘going down the beach’ is this soup. First served to us at Uncle Tom** and Aunt Fran’s rental cottage in Old Saybrook; a bit of background; Mama Carey was Aunt Fran’s mother, she of course was the ubiquitous Italian mother who always made sure everyone had something to eat and was not happy if everyone did not clean their plates. She was the one who ‘came up with the recipe for this soup and kept on hand as it went with almost everything and could be served very quickly, as a side dish or main course. We serve it as a meal with rolls or crusty bread. It’s easy to make, not an expensive proposition, with readily available, not very any exotic ingredients. Here’s Mama Carey’s recipe – enjoy!
Ingredients:
One and a half cup of dried lentils
One cup of orzo noodles
One medium onion, finely diced
One 6 ounce can of tomato paste
Olive oil for frying
2 cups water or more as needed
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
One teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste
One teaspoon oregano or Italian seasoning
Method:
Prepare noodles and lentils – boil lentils until tender, about 15 minutes, the same with the noodles about 10 minutes or until al dente.
In a large pot sauté onion in olive oil until translucent – add the tomato paste and cook until fragrant – add water, noodles and lentils, bring all ingredients to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
For service place a portion in a bowl topped by a grating of Parmesan cheese; we accompany ours with crusty bread or rolls. I like to kick my serving up a notch and add a couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce.
**Tom Griffin was my wife’s mother’s brother
by Ernie Larsen – 6.23.09
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
A Summer’s Day Love
By George Arndt
A pleasant day was unveiling itself before our senses, as we strolled down the path to an open glen in a secluded park. We placed a blanket on a grassy slope for the two of us to sit upon and ponder about the tomorrows that awaited our visit. So many soft lullabies of nature’s offerings floated by for our hungry hearts to revel in. I casually shucked my shirt and lay down apprehensively. Words were said in murmurs, and hearts pounded with a muted beat. Her lips softly mirrored that of an angel’s smile as she gazed down upon me--her bronzed lover. As my heart spoke of things to come, she tempered her thoughts and lay next to me. It came like the sound of hammered metal...the words of forlorn from this chiseled mouth...
"Love me sweetly, but sing me no sad songs."
She knew the words spoken were nurtured from memories past. She pondered over the memory of how my wayfaring jauntiness had engulfed her entire being. Her cheeks blushed as she thought about how this entangled journey had begun--not so long ago. She had wondered about the moments that had held the two of us close…too close perhaps back then.
She poised herself up on one elbow, paused, and gently but firmly whispered,
“But I may have some woeful things to say in the coming days…please don’t deny me my sadness of days of rain.” She sensed an air of misgivings emanating from this happy
man--this boy whom she loved so dearly.
“You say there will be cloudy days ahead…is that what you are saying?”
“No.” Her lips pouted. “ I only want to know that if days are not idealistic for me at times, that I can come to you and be comforted by your love.” My eyes glistened with a spark of discomfort.
“My lady, I am here…you know me, and you surely know what dreams may come-- without thoughts of rainy days.”
We slowly gathered up the blanket; shook blades of new-mown grass from it, folded it ever so neatly, and walked back to the car. As I turned the key in the ignition, she reached over and softly touched my knee. Quietness so smooth and gentle animated our thoughts. But even with chords of pretentious mannerisms, the mysticism of her subconscious slowly crept in. She fumbled blamelessly to open the clasp of her purse. Deftly she withdrew the snub-nosed .38 from deep within the shadowy secrets of that leather bag. Her eyes spoke of silence…this dreamer, this sometimes Peter Pan. Her delicate finger squeezing tenderly on the blue-black trigger ached to be loosed. As I gazed leisurely at her, my mouth twitching at the corners…
”What are you up to?” I asked ever so hesitantly.
“Happy birthday, babe…I hope you like it.” She smiled, and as gentle as soft rain, kissed me on the cheek. Then tenderly whispered she…”I love you dearly.”
Where Did You Go? Where Are You Going?I have pondered these questions for a number of years, and was only discussing this subject yesterday, June 16th, the 31st anniversary of my mom's death, with a teacher of mine. I often characterize myself as having two lives: The one I already lived, and the one I am living today, and they are quite different. One feels more successful than the other, but possibly only through my eyes, and it's hard to get past my own viewpoint. I wonder, too, how many people think that they never accomplished as much as their mom or dad did. I go through spells of that, believing my mom was a better person than me, creative and talented in so many ways, talents I never had. I have to shake myself loose from those thoughts and concentrate on what I have done in my life and try not to make negative comparisons. I am my own person after all, and I will never be my mom, so I need to just accept that and move ahead.Where did I go? It seems so long ago, like a distant memory. I was on stage a lot. I studied voice and acting, and was involved in many singing organizations, went to auditions, gave recitals, and was performing every week in Fairfield County, Pelham, New York, or New York City. I was hardly famous, but I was fairly well known. I even had the opportunity to study three different summers in either Freiburg, Germany or Graz, Austria, and I performed on stage there also. It was an exciting time. I was never able to make a living singing, so I was always working at one job or another, whether as a music teacher, waitress or as a secretary. Along the way, when I was about 32, I searched for my biological family and located them, and that was another exciting time. Imagine finding out I had two sisters and three brothers I did not know about? Although intuitively I had known it for years in my heart. And then there was the Mother's Day Reunion in 1986 with my biological mom and my siblings that made headlines, and that was all printed in this paper.Believe it or not, it was only a couple of years ago that I realized I had never really stopped going to classes. I had just never thought of it until one day it kind of popped into my mind. I studied acting and voice with a number of people, and I would never be able to list them all, but among them were Ed and Dorothy Bryce, Joan Brainard, Felix Knight, Jeanne Kimball, Sheila Harms, Irma Cooper, and many more. Maybe some of you will recognize those names. When I was about 34, and still deeply involved with my singing career, I decided to go to school to become a court reporter. Ha! Two long years later, I got a certificate, but went into the scoping/proofreading field instead, and I have been working with court reporters for 23 years now. I've been learning new words practically every day since. So time marched on, and I kept working and singing and enjoying vacation time with my new family. We did so many things together, trying to catch up on 32 years. I have wonderful memories from those years. When the superb organist and choirmaster resigned from Church of Christ the Redeemer, Jack Hennigan, he was replaced by several men in succession who were just not very good, and I got weary of it. I wanted to be remembered for my voice which was still in its prime, so I quit before I turned 50. "Why?", people ask. "Don't you miss it?" No, I really don't. I had fabulous times on stage, and I'll never forget any performance I was in, but that was then, and this is now.Where am I going? I decided to go back to school in 2003 to study energy healing. It was my goal that I would go into that field and have my own practice in case the court reporting work fizzled out. I wanted to have something in my back pocket, so to speak. I studied at the Connecticut Healing Institute, now CHI, under the tutorage of Barry Gordon. I went for three years, the third year of which I was mentoring first-year students. It was an amazing adventure and journey, and that's another story for some other day. I also took classes in hypnosis with Barry, and then took Reiki I, II, and III with Barbara Fasulo. I never did open a healing practice, but I'm glad I took the classes, and I do use energy healing and Reiki once in a while at Reiki shares. About three years ago I also got interested in intuition, and so I went to classes for that also. That was an eye-opening experience, literally. I tend to be hard on myself, and I'm sure there are many of you who can identify with that. I have a tendency to think I'm not doing enough, like I should be doing more. I should be building something like the Eiffel Tower. I should be a master chef. I should be writing an unprecedented novel. We can't all be famous, can we? We can't all be millionaires, can we? I have got to stop measuring my worth by what's in my bank account or because I'm renting an apartment rather than owning a home. We are not all destined to own a home. It's not that important. We are not all destined to be married or to have children, and it's okay.So where am I going? I am going down the path that I was meant to be traveling along. I don't know where it's going to lead ultimately, but I know everything is placed before me for a reason. There are no coincidences. I truly believe that. I am not my mom, but she loved me and I loved her with all of my heart. I keep her spirit alive every day I show love to someone, even if it's with just a smile. So smile, love deeply, laugh, and be positive. You are where you are supposed to be, and you are going where you are destined to go.Barbara Sherburnebarndt49@yahoo.com"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of a battle."
This came to mind today also, "Where've You Been," by Kathy Mattea. You might want to check it out on YouTube. I used to play this on my guitar and sing it myself. I didn't play it as well as Kathy Mattea played it on her guitar, but that's okay. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHzMGM9qyZw
Grandma’s Aprons
Grandma had aprons, quite a few.
Frilly, dotted Swiss; neat striped chambray;
Sturdy blue muslin; and bright flowered ones
Made from feed sacks she’d saved.
Each morning, two aprons she chose.
One folded neatly ready to don,
To look fresh and pretty
If guests came along.
Other tied neatly, ready for work.
And work there would be!
Bustling around, dust cloth in hand,
Directing us kids on a cleaning spree.
Scrubbing, polishing—out with the dirt.
Broom, mop and polishing cloth-
Routing the cobwebs that dared appear.
And no dust bunnies under the beds!
Apron pockets were spacious
Holding treasures she found—
Toys we had lost,
And marbles, smooth and round.
Her apron, an oversized kerchief
Had wiped many a tear,
As she examined our bruises,
Warm hugs soothed our fear.
Her lap was ample,
And just right for a cuddle.
When wrapped in her apron
All was right with the world.
When up the path, a visitor came,
Quickly she switched to the dotted Swiss,
Smoother her rumpled hair,
And smiled a warm greeting.
While Grandma’s guests chatted,
Having hot tea and cake,
It was playtime for us-
We kids loved the break.
Dorothy Adair Gonick
My favorite place. My Aunt & Uncle owned an Inn called The Wonderview Lodge.It served food had rooms a snack bar & a restaurant. It was on RT 9 in New York State I believe North Hudson. I went every summer. The memories I have from there, the views, playing with my cousins, the clear water & unending mountains all of these are brought to my mind when times are difficult for me. It’s long gone but not in my mind & the love I had for my Aunt Rose. I wish everyone had a place like this to mentally go to.
Carole Golitko
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
Home Country
Slim Randles
Marvin Pincus heard the knock and went to answer it. He knew who it would be. This would be the Jones boy, Randall, after finishing his chores at home. Marvin had worked out how he was going to approach the issue of Randy Jones’s passionate but futile worship of that glamour teen, Marcia Fleming.
“You wanted to see me, Mr. Pincus?”
“Sure did, Randy, come on in.”
They went on into the den. Marvin waved Randy to a chair and put a hook in the fly tying vise.
“You know how to tie flies?”
“No sir.”
“Well, son, it’s a metaphor for life and love and that’s why I asked you to come by today, Randy. Now watch.”
The puzzled look on Randy’s face remained as Marvin deftly wrapped the tail, the dubbed body and the hackle on a dry fly.
“There now, you see this fly?” Marvin took it from the vise and handed it to Randy. “This is a good pattern. A good solid pattern. This one catches fish. Regular good ol’ dependable salt-of-the-earth fish. You know why?”
Randy didn’t.
“Because it looks just like one of the plain ol’ brown bugs that fish like to eat. Substance, you see? Substance. Now I’ll tie you another one.”
From the depths of the tying drawer came flashy feathers, neon hackle, bombastic tinsel and other eye-straining ingredients. Marvin soon had these festooned on a hook and looking like something between a circus clown and a lady of the evening.
“This fly,” Marvin pronounced, tossing it to Randy, “is what we call an attractor. There are a number of them: Parmachene Belle, Silver Doctor, the old standby Royal Coachman and a lot more. They don’t replicate any bug known to man. They catch fish, but do you know what kind of fish?”
Randy didn’t.
“Foolish fish. Fish whose heads are turned by glamour and flash, rather than substance.”
Marvin stood and escorted Randy to the door.
“I hope this has been educational for you, Randy. A word to the wise is sufficient, eh, guy?”
Randy still had that puzzled look on his face as he left, but he shook hands with Marvin and thanked him for the flies.
“Uh, Mr. Pincus…?
“Yes?”
“Will these work in Lewis Creek?”
-----------------
Brought to you by Orvis fly fishing gear. Visit them at http://www.orvis.com/.
What Father’s Day means to me
By Jason Zandri
Father’s Day means a lot of different things to different people, myself included, and it really depends on your perspective.
Father’s Day to me is taking out the garbage and having my oldest son Andrew (who will be five this August) ask me not to put all the plastic shopping bags of garbage from all the little pails around the house into the larger bag – because then it’s too big for him to help with throwing them into the dumpster.
It’s about my three year old daughter Angela (whose name I need to change to “Me Too”) who wants to go along for the ride as well to throw away the trash.
Never did I ever think that taking the garbage to throw away was going to be an excursion type event that was going to become wholly inefficient in the amount of time it takes to get the job done because I have two little helpers that really can’t help but who want to try anyway. All that and I actually look forward to it like getting my paycheck – “wee, let’s go for a ride in the car to get rid of the trash.”
It’s also about my one year old son Adam who is looking at me and desperately trying to figure out if it’s going to be OK this time to let the table go and try to make it to the couch where I am sitting; laughing and giggling with every attempt, successful or not.
It’s about leveraging my inability to carry a tune if it had a handle on it and having my kids squeal in glee as if I was the greatest performer on the planet. That comes in a close second to my lack of rhythm with respect to dancing that they also seem to enjoy so much.
It’s watching them all get ready to leave for their annual expedition to Poland for two months and knowing that while my daughter says she’s going to miss me I know I am going to miss her more. (Andrew gets to ride all over my in-laws farm on a tractor so I am pretty sure after a day or two he’s thinking “Dad who?”)
It’s taking them for a ride down Wallingford's Whirlwind Hill Road (known to my kids as “The Bumpy Road”) and listening to them scream in delight enjoying the 25 mile an hour “jostling roller coaster.” I never thought I could thoroughly enjoy a neglected road in such a fashion and it was only because I ended up with kids that I could to the fullest extent possible.
It’s about working all day onsite at a customer, doing the impossible for the ungrateful, and coming home to eardrum shattering screams of “DADDY!” as the real reminder why I get up in the morning to do it all over again.
It’s understanding that even though the box spring and mattress is sitting flat on the floor that somehow there is still a monster under there and that I can save the day by just lying in that bed which seems to keep the monsters at bay.
It’s having someone my own age to play with.
It’s knowing that while Superman can fly and Batman has all the cool gadgets, my kids would rather sit with me and listen to me explain why a circle is not an oval and an oval is not a circle and to see that somehow they seem to be really interested in trying to understand that. (That and I equally enjoy trying to figure out new and entertaining ways to explain it for the tenth time).
It’s enjoying an eight dollar Amtrak ride from New Haven to Wallingford with them as if it were a million dollar safari adventure to Africa.
Father’s Day for me is about knowing that I’ll probably have the opportunity to repeat favorite things again and do some missed adventures that the others are now too old for once #4 arrives in September.
It understanding that I don’t have the kind of luck that allows me to win $2.00 in the Powerball drawing, let alone the grand prize, all the while somehow knowing I am already rich beyond my wildest dreams.
It’s having the perspective that working 12 to 14 hours a day in my field of expertise and my knowing my wife is fully loaded down in her field as a domestic engineer means that some scarifies must be made and being OK with it because in the end we have everything we want by living within our means and keeping an eye on the more important and practical things.
These were just some of the things at the front of my mind when I sat down to write this; the real beauty of it is that there are some that I didn’t remember and there are many others that haven’t happened yet.
The best part of Father’s Day for me is knowing that somehow I have uncovered a secret that seems to me to be something that is hidden in plain sight and enjoying it more than should allowed by law…
Every day is Father’s Day.
Senior Safety – Falls
Submitted by Carol Carbutti of Wallingford Comfort Keepers
More than one-third of the people in the United States over the age of 65 fall each year, according to the CDC, and falls are now the leading cause of injury deaths in this population. The most common cause of falling is lower extremity weakness, which makes activity difficult and, unfortunately, can create a downward spiral of decreased activity leading to even further weakness and greater fall risk.
Her lap was ample,
And just right for a cuddle.
When wrapped in her apron
All was right with the world.
When up the path, a visitor came,
Quickly she switched to the dotted Swiss,
Smoother her rumpled hair,
And smiled a warm greeting.
While Grandma’s guests chatted,
Having hot tea and cake,
It was playtime for us-
We kids loved the break.
Dorothy Adair Gonick
My favorite place. My Aunt & Uncle owned an Inn called The Wonderview Lodge.It served food had rooms a snack bar & a restaurant. It was on RT 9 in New York State I believe North Hudson. I went every summer. The memories I have from there, the views, playing with my cousins, the clear water & unending mountains all of these are brought to my mind when times are difficult for me. It’s long gone but not in my mind & the love I had for my Aunt Rose. I wish everyone had a place like this to mentally go to.
Carole Golitko
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
Home Country
Slim Randles
Marvin Pincus heard the knock and went to answer it. He knew who it would be. This would be the Jones boy, Randall, after finishing his chores at home. Marvin had worked out how he was going to approach the issue of Randy Jones’s passionate but futile worship of that glamour teen, Marcia Fleming.
“You wanted to see me, Mr. Pincus?”
“Sure did, Randy, come on in.”
They went on into the den. Marvin waved Randy to a chair and put a hook in the fly tying vise.
“You know how to tie flies?”
“No sir.”
“Well, son, it’s a metaphor for life and love and that’s why I asked you to come by today, Randy. Now watch.”
The puzzled look on Randy’s face remained as Marvin deftly wrapped the tail, the dubbed body and the hackle on a dry fly.
“There now, you see this fly?” Marvin took it from the vise and handed it to Randy. “This is a good pattern. A good solid pattern. This one catches fish. Regular good ol’ dependable salt-of-the-earth fish. You know why?”
Randy didn’t.
“Because it looks just like one of the plain ol’ brown bugs that fish like to eat. Substance, you see? Substance. Now I’ll tie you another one.”
From the depths of the tying drawer came flashy feathers, neon hackle, bombastic tinsel and other eye-straining ingredients. Marvin soon had these festooned on a hook and looking like something between a circus clown and a lady of the evening.
“This fly,” Marvin pronounced, tossing it to Randy, “is what we call an attractor. There are a number of them: Parmachene Belle, Silver Doctor, the old standby Royal Coachman and a lot more. They don’t replicate any bug known to man. They catch fish, but do you know what kind of fish?”
Randy didn’t.
“Foolish fish. Fish whose heads are turned by glamour and flash, rather than substance.”
Marvin stood and escorted Randy to the door.
“I hope this has been educational for you, Randy. A word to the wise is sufficient, eh, guy?”
Randy still had that puzzled look on his face as he left, but he shook hands with Marvin and thanked him for the flies.
“Uh, Mr. Pincus…?
“Yes?”
“Will these work in Lewis Creek?”
-----------------
Brought to you by Orvis fly fishing gear. Visit them at http://www.orvis.com/.
What Father’s Day means to me
By Jason Zandri
Father’s Day means a lot of different things to different people, myself included, and it really depends on your perspective.
Father’s Day to me is taking out the garbage and having my oldest son Andrew (who will be five this August) ask me not to put all the plastic shopping bags of garbage from all the little pails around the house into the larger bag – because then it’s too big for him to help with throwing them into the dumpster.
It’s about my three year old daughter Angela (whose name I need to change to “Me Too”) who wants to go along for the ride as well to throw away the trash.
Never did I ever think that taking the garbage to throw away was going to be an excursion type event that was going to become wholly inefficient in the amount of time it takes to get the job done because I have two little helpers that really can’t help but who want to try anyway. All that and I actually look forward to it like getting my paycheck – “wee, let’s go for a ride in the car to get rid of the trash.”
It’s also about my one year old son Adam who is looking at me and desperately trying to figure out if it’s going to be OK this time to let the table go and try to make it to the couch where I am sitting; laughing and giggling with every attempt, successful or not.
It’s about leveraging my inability to carry a tune if it had a handle on it and having my kids squeal in glee as if I was the greatest performer on the planet. That comes in a close second to my lack of rhythm with respect to dancing that they also seem to enjoy so much.
It’s watching them all get ready to leave for their annual expedition to Poland for two months and knowing that while my daughter says she’s going to miss me I know I am going to miss her more. (Andrew gets to ride all over my in-laws farm on a tractor so I am pretty sure after a day or two he’s thinking “Dad who?”)
It’s taking them for a ride down Wallingford's Whirlwind Hill Road (known to my kids as “The Bumpy Road”) and listening to them scream in delight enjoying the 25 mile an hour “jostling roller coaster.” I never thought I could thoroughly enjoy a neglected road in such a fashion and it was only because I ended up with kids that I could to the fullest extent possible.
It’s about working all day onsite at a customer, doing the impossible for the ungrateful, and coming home to eardrum shattering screams of “DADDY!” as the real reminder why I get up in the morning to do it all over again.
It’s understanding that even though the box spring and mattress is sitting flat on the floor that somehow there is still a monster under there and that I can save the day by just lying in that bed which seems to keep the monsters at bay.
It’s having someone my own age to play with.
It’s knowing that while Superman can fly and Batman has all the cool gadgets, my kids would rather sit with me and listen to me explain why a circle is not an oval and an oval is not a circle and to see that somehow they seem to be really interested in trying to understand that. (That and I equally enjoy trying to figure out new and entertaining ways to explain it for the tenth time).
It’s enjoying an eight dollar Amtrak ride from New Haven to Wallingford with them as if it were a million dollar safari adventure to Africa.
Father’s Day for me is about knowing that I’ll probably have the opportunity to repeat favorite things again and do some missed adventures that the others are now too old for once #4 arrives in September.
It understanding that I don’t have the kind of luck that allows me to win $2.00 in the Powerball drawing, let alone the grand prize, all the while somehow knowing I am already rich beyond my wildest dreams.
It’s having the perspective that working 12 to 14 hours a day in my field of expertise and my knowing my wife is fully loaded down in her field as a domestic engineer means that some scarifies must be made and being OK with it because in the end we have everything we want by living within our means and keeping an eye on the more important and practical things.
These were just some of the things at the front of my mind when I sat down to write this; the real beauty of it is that there are some that I didn’t remember and there are many others that haven’t happened yet.
The best part of Father’s Day for me is knowing that somehow I have uncovered a secret that seems to me to be something that is hidden in plain sight and enjoying it more than should allowed by law…
Every day is Father’s Day.
Senior Safety – Falls
Submitted by Carol Carbutti of Wallingford Comfort Keepers
More than one-third of the people in the United States over the age of 65 fall each year, according to the CDC, and falls are now the leading cause of injury deaths in this population. The most common cause of falling is lower extremity weakness, which makes activity difficult and, unfortunately, can create a downward spiral of decreased activity leading to even further weakness and greater fall risk.
Other intrinsic factors leading to increased fall risk include decreased balance, dizziness, dementia, impaired vision, as well as many other disease processes. Extrinsic or environmental factors which increase fall risk include medication side-effects, tripping hazards such as slippery floors, clutter in a walkway, loose stairway handrails, thick or loose carpet, or poor lighting. The greater the number of risk factors, the higher the likelihood of falls. Education is the key to reducing these risks and keeping your senior safer at home. Sometimes asking a physical or occupational therapist to walk through the seniors house could prove helpful with certain suggestions for accommodating for your loved ones needs.
How can you tell if someone has a significant risk of falling? The following 5 indicators can give you a heads-up that your senior is at increased risk:
1. A history of falling at least once during the previous 6 months is the greatest fall risk factor. Besides the underlying cause of the fall, once someone falls they often develop a fear of falling again, and severely curtail their physical activities. This leads to increased weakness, which increases fall risk. Unexplained bruises may indicate undisclosed falls.
2. Lack of physical activity, which leads to osteoporosis, weakness, and decreased balance. Lower extremity weakness can be observable by difficulty getting in and out of chairs and often “plopping” down to sit. Decreased balance can be spotted by tendency to hold onto furniture when walking. Osteoporosis can actually cause bones to fracture, leading to falls as well as falls causing increased fractures of brittle bones.
3. Impaired vision can impact depth perception, night vision and general visual clarity.
4. Use of multiple medications may impact balance, mental clarity, and vision. Some over-the-counter medications may produce adverse effects when combined with prescription medications. Keeping track of multiple medications is difficult and frequently leads to mistakes in dosage or frequency.
5. Use of alcohol, especially in combination with medications.
Many falls can be prevented by: performing a regular, age-appropriate exercise program for strengthening and balance; reviewing all prescription and over-the-counter medications with your doctor or pharmacist; having yearly vision checks; avoiding alcohol; and modifying the home environment to lessen tripping hazards.
Before beginning an exercise program, check with your doctor for clearance. A physical therapist can give input to determine fall risk and initiate an exercise program. A sudden tendency to trip or lose ones balance could signal a serious underlying pathology and warrants immediate attention by a physician.
The senior may have a family member as their main caregiver or a hired companion and caregiver, like a Comfort Keeper, who can help facilitate this safety checklist. The most important factor here is to make sure someone is helping this senior to ensure they are in a safe environment and assisting them to live productive independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.
1. A history of falling at least once during the previous 6 months is the greatest fall risk factor. Besides the underlying cause of the fall, once someone falls they often develop a fear of falling again, and severely curtail their physical activities. This leads to increased weakness, which increases fall risk. Unexplained bruises may indicate undisclosed falls.
2. Lack of physical activity, which leads to osteoporosis, weakness, and decreased balance. Lower extremity weakness can be observable by difficulty getting in and out of chairs and often “plopping” down to sit. Decreased balance can be spotted by tendency to hold onto furniture when walking. Osteoporosis can actually cause bones to fracture, leading to falls as well as falls causing increased fractures of brittle bones.
3. Impaired vision can impact depth perception, night vision and general visual clarity.
4. Use of multiple medications may impact balance, mental clarity, and vision. Some over-the-counter medications may produce adverse effects when combined with prescription medications. Keeping track of multiple medications is difficult and frequently leads to mistakes in dosage or frequency.
5. Use of alcohol, especially in combination with medications.
Many falls can be prevented by: performing a regular, age-appropriate exercise program for strengthening and balance; reviewing all prescription and over-the-counter medications with your doctor or pharmacist; having yearly vision checks; avoiding alcohol; and modifying the home environment to lessen tripping hazards.
Before beginning an exercise program, check with your doctor for clearance. A physical therapist can give input to determine fall risk and initiate an exercise program. A sudden tendency to trip or lose ones balance could signal a serious underlying pathology and warrants immediate attention by a physician.
The senior may have a family member as their main caregiver or a hired companion and caregiver, like a Comfort Keeper, who can help facilitate this safety checklist. The most important factor here is to make sure someone is helping this senior to ensure they are in a safe environment and assisting them to live productive independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.
Dear Housewives – Central Connecticut’s Know It All Gals
Dear Readers, Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue. - June and Flora
Dear Housewives,What do you think about people knitting during meetings or even church? My friend and I are in disagreement and you may sway one of us...To knit or not to knit?
FLORA: I used to think it was inappropriate but now that I am enjoy crocheting and knitting, I can see why people do it. For me, I listen and absorb material when I doodle or knit
JUNE: Dear to knit or not to knit, now that /is /the question! Flora, I have to say, I think it is funny that you thought it was inappropriate until you started doing it. It is rude to do one thing while someone is expecting you attention on another thing whether or not you enjoy doing it. Even if you think you are absorbing, the message you send is that the person is not important enough for your full attention. Knit later. Text later. Read later. Shhhh.
FLORA: I said that I can /see/ why they do it not that I condone it. I would not do it during church or a meeting. But when I watch TV and crochet, I absorb better. I crocheted during a video presentation of my pal, Dave Ramsey and found that I listened better. It must be a brain thing. But I would not do crafty things during a face to face. I should have been clearer dear.
Dear Housewives, What do you think of two families going on vacation together? I have heard it is not a good idea. Savvy traveler
JUNE: Dear Savvy traveler, You must live up to your name and be savvy. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT GO on vacation with friends. What everyone says is true. Your two families will but heads and your friendship will end. I would not recommend going with any other family for more than two days.
FLORA: I have never done it but know many families and friends that do it. It would be hard for me to share the time and activities if we have different ideas of fun.
JUNE: Hi Flora, I am reading, "I'm Chevy Chase and you're not" but Chevy Chase. Pretty good read but nothing shocking or new in it. Just got back from Martha's Vineyard. Rained all week but we had some good times anyway.
FLORA: Hi June, I always liked Chevy Chase. You have to get creative when it rains. I hope you had some cloudy days to venture to the beach. And if there is just rain, without the storm factor, time at the beach can be exciting! After all, we are waterproof!
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
20 Tips for Fall Prevention for
Comfort Keepers® Clients and their Families
According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
In the United States, one of every three people 65 years and older falls each year.
60 percent of seniors fall in their own homes
Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes.
Of those who fall, 20-30% suffer moderate to severe injuries that reduce mobility and independence, and increase the risk of premature death.
The client’s family can help our clients by remembering to follow these 10 fall prevention tips:
Make sure they have an annual medical check-up.
Make sure they have an eye examination at least once a year.
Have a pharmacist or physician review their medications to reduce interactions or side effects that might impede alertness and balance.
Install rails in appropriate places. (Towel racks may not be strong enough)
Replace the toilet with a higher toilet and/or install handrails.
Store eyeglasses within easy reach of the bed.
Arrange furniture so that outlets are available without the use of extension cords.
Wear proper footwear. Shoes, boots and slippers should provide good support and have good soles. Avoid loose slippers or stocking feet.
Add a strip along the edge of each step in a contrasting color to make it easier to see or use reflective anti-skid treads.
Keep often used items in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
Comfort Keepers® can help our clients by remembering to follow these 10 fall prevention tips:
Involve them in regular physical exercise to increase their lower body strength and improve their balance.
Eliminate tripping hazards in the home such as throw rugs and clutter.
Improve lighting in all rooms, including night-lights along walkways.
After a shower or bath, wipe up water immediately to prevent slipping. Suggest non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the shower floor.
Suggest a shower seat. It will allow the client to shower without getting tired.
Make sure the hand rails of all stairs are sturdy and encourage the client to use them.
Suggest a portable commode near the bed to eliminate nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Use walking aids and other safety devices for extra safety.
Keep a telephone near your bed.
Store heavy items in lower cupboards.
There are many tools and materials available for teaching your clients and their families how to prevent a fall. Checkout the following websites for ideas:
- http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/fallsmaterial.htm
- http://www.nsc.org/issues/fallstop.htm
- http://www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org/injury_prev/senior.html
Barb’s Family
Submitted by Alan Murphy
Foster Adoptive Mission
You may have seen her on her way to work or in a grocery store and noticed her friendly and welcoming smile. She may look a lot like one of your friends or neighbors. She might even look a bit like you. What sets her apart is that this woman, Barbara, has been a foster parent since 2002.
“I always knew I wanted to work with children,” Barbara explains. “And the 30 years I spent teaching special education were tremendously gratifying. Yet I always wanted to do more. Being a foster parent has allowed me to make more of an impact. Together with my family, I have been able to change the lives of children from all different backgrounds and a variety of circumstances. There are challenges, to be sure—as every foster parent will tell you—but the rewards have been beyond what I would ever have expected.”
There are currently 513,000 children in the foster care system in the United States, and there is a dire need for committed, caring adults willing to take these children into their homes over the short or longer term. In her seven years as a foster parent, Barbara and her husband have taken in 25 children for stays ranging from a few days to nine months. They have adopted two of these children (one a toddler and the other a teenager), who are now a permanent part of a family that also includes Barbara’s two college-age biological sons and, at present, one additional foster child.
After having done this for seven years, Barbara tells us: “Now, I wish we had made the decision to start even earlier. Each one of these children has contributed to our home and family life in a special way.”
Barbara is especially grateful for the FAST program, which sends professionals into foster homes to help address the children’s unique needs. She tells us that the first few days of a placement can be especially trying, as children act out in different ways and can be particularly needy when first separated from a parent. FAST provides the information and support Barbara and her family need to make the transition as smooth as possible. “The reward is when the child begins to trust you,” Barbara says. “The first time he comes to you for comfort or she places her head on you. Those are the moments that make everything worthwhile—just knowing that you have created a safe and loving place for this youngster. For some of these children, the time they spend in our home is their first experience of a healthy, nurturing environment. We show them the sort of home life they deserve. And I don’t mean with regard to home size or material possessions; I mean having a place to live where everyone has your best interests at heart. A place where you know from one moment to the next what to expect and don’t have to live with fear or hunger or neglect.”
Barbara’s eyes light up as she speaks of a three-year-old currently in her care: “She is so bright and says the funniest things. She has been identified as gifted by the teachers at the nursery school she attends, which doesn’t surprise me at all. I’ve met with this little girl’s mother, and she has so much potential. We are all hoping she will be able to turn things around and be reunited with her child. Until then, she knows her child is in a loving home.”
The most difficult part of being a foster parent, according to Barbara, is seeing the children leave, especially when there is no contact afterwards. “It’s not possible to adopt every child,” Barbara says, “and of course we worry about the children after they’ve left our home. We just have to take comfort in the fact that, for as long as we had them, we loved them and gave them a stable, structured family life. Sometimes, we are able to keep track of a child when he or she leaves. One of the children was adopted by her grandparent, and we get together and talk on the phone often. It is such a joy to know this child is in a caring home and is being given a good chance for a healthy and happy life.
”
What makes an ideal foster parent? According to Barbara, there is no one formula other than enjoying children, being able to provide a loving home, and being willing to fight for what they need. Barbara considers foster parenting her calling and encourages others to join her in providing a temporary home for one or more of the thousands of local children in need.
Foster parenting is a commitment—and an opportunity to make a big difference in a child’s life. FAM (Foster Adoptive Mission) has presented this vignette of Barbara’s experiences as a foster parent in hopes of encouraging other caring adults to reach out to children in difficult circumstances. If you have any interest in becoming a foster parent, please call FAM today for more information. There is no obligation. Your timing couldn’t be better: May is National Foster Care Month. Please call FAM at 860.949.4061 or 203.706.0101. There is a child out there who needs you.
Please note: To protect the privacy of children in the foster care system and their foster families, FAM (Foster Adoptive Mission) prefers they remain anonymous in most instances. In the case of this article we have omitted the last name of the foster parent and have been given permission to use the foster parent’s first name.
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival
This is the 23rd year of the festival, in a new location this year, just 4 minutes from
I-91. The music is played simultaneously in 4 indoor and outdoor venues all
weekend, featuring 18 top jazz band from all over the US and CT and one directly
from New Orleans, LA. You’ll hear New Orleans style jazz, hot jazz, swing and
big band sounds. It’s a fun weekend for the whole family at a lovely resort with
large swimming pool, tennis and outdoor activities for children and adults, dance
lessons and dancing in all venues
Date: Friday, July 31 - 3pm to 11:30pm
Saturday, August 1 - 11:00am to 5:00pm and 6pm to 11:30pm
Sunday August 2, 2009 - Gospel Service 9am, Antique Car Display 11am,
Bands start 11:00am to 5pm
Place: Mountain Ridge Resort
High Hill Road
Wallingford, Connecticut 06492
Details: See www.greatctjazz.org and call 1-800-468-3836 (or 1-800-HOT-EVENt)
for early ticketing. There are special Festival prices at the following hotels
Host Hotel: 4 Points by Sheraton, Meriden, CT
Also: Homewood Suites by Hilton, Fairfield Inn and Courtyard by Marriott
Gate Pricing: $95/weekend pass, $45/session, $60/all day Sat., Children $6
Save $ before July 24: $90/weekend, $40/session, $50 all day Sat.
Special Sponsor: Be a Jazz Angel $160/3-day pass, special seating
Note: The Great Connecticut Jazz Festival (TGCTJF) sponsors a charitable
program, Horns for Kids (see www.hornsforkids.org) which provides
instruments which have been donated and refurbished to CT schools as
well as grants to promote music in schools.
TGCTJF seeks new volunteers, sponsors, and benefactors.
Call 1-800-HOT-EVENt (1-800-468-3836) or see http://www.greatctjazz.org/
Robert N. Pederson Memorial Scholarships Awarded
Wallingford – Rick Vanski, president of the Wallingford Supervisors Local 424, Unit 17, has announced this year’s recipients of the Robert N. Pederson Memorial Scholarship award. Stephanie Barchewski of Meriden and Adam Lyon of Wallingford have each been awarded a scholarship in the amount of $250.
Barchewski will be attending Central Connecticut State University in the fall, while Lyon will be attending the University of Hawaii.
The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the Health & Wellness Council of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is to identify and promote best practices in community and employee health & wellness through advocacy, literacy, healthcare access, policy and programs.
In line with “identifying and promoting best practices…” the council members and the Chamber invite ALL businesses in the Central Connecticut area to apply for their Worksite Wellness Award.
The awards will honor businesses that support wellness through written materials, seminars, and a demonstrated commitment to wellness and education through development and policy change. Three award levels will be recognized:
- Forerunner: Superior leadership in health and wellness programs;
Mover & Shaker: Innovative ideas in workplace health and wellness
Trailblazer: New (under 1 year old) health and wellness program
Don’t have a program at work? Don’t worry! Start a Pedometer Challenge, then apply for the Trailblazer Award! The program is easy and you can make a fun competition among staff, or between neighboring companies! Of course, walking and other physical activity helps to control weight, relieve stress, lower blood pressure/high cholesterol, control diabetes and more. And, it helps increase productivity at work!
Visit the Health & Wellness page at http://www.meridenchamber.com/ to download information on the Pedometer Challenge and the Workplace Wellness Award! Again, ANY company in the Central Connecticut area is welcome to participate in order to reach our ultimate goal: to make our communities healthier places to live, work and play!
The Chamber’s Health & Wellness Council held a successful event on June 19th at Club 24 in Meriden. The morning event included interactive displays of various health club equipment, an eye-opening demonstration of how much sugar is in the beverages we drink, and a presentation by a club member that illustrated how she has changed her life through exercise and other habit changing activities. Over 25 business people attended the event, some who have never stepped foot in a gym! The event provided everyone with an un-intimidating look into a health club, features and facility.
The Greater Meriden Chamber is continuing their activity throughout the summer. Yes, we all need to take some time to re-charge the batteries, relax, and spend quality time with family and friends, but we still need to network to promote our businesses! We continue to have Business After Hours Events through July and August, along with our 1st Annual Summer Celebration on July 1st. Check the dates below and visit http://www.meridenchamber.com/ for details and to RSVP. These events are OPEN to all members of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce. Not a member? Come check out an event, and you’ll see why you should become a member of Central Connecticut’s leading business organization!
Thu., July 9th: Business After Hours Hosted by MagnaKleen. 5-7 p.m. Free admission. Refreshments, Networking, Prize Drawings and more!
Thu., July 23rd: Business After Hours Hosted by Hampton Inn Meriden –Wallingford, 10 Bee Street, Meriden, CT 06451. 5-7 p.m. Free admission.
Refreshments, Networking, Prize Drawings and more!
The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is located at 3 Colony Street, Suite 301, Meriden, CT 06451. Ph.: 203.235.7901 / Fx.: 203.686.0172. Visit http://www.meridenchamber.com/ or email: info@meridenchamber.com
The MidState Medical Center Auxiliary Hosts the “Swing and Sway Gala”
Proceeds Benefit Hospital Programs and Services
MidState Medical Center together with the MidState Auxiliary is pleased to announce its upcoming biannual fundraising event, the 2009 “Swing and Sway Gala.” This year’s event has a 50’s theme and is set for Saturday, October 10, 2009, 7 PM to midnight at the Aqua Turf. The gala is one of the hospital’s premier fundraising events and typically draws over 500 guests in support of MidState.
The “Swing and Sway Gala” promises to be a rock n’ roll of a time. This fun filled evening will feature:
Cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres
Contemporary reception
Silent auction
Musical entertainment
Retro-chic attire
DJ Rico from Rico’s Entertainment and the Nifty Fifties Band will provide toe-tapping 50s rock-n-roll tunes as well as today’s hits for your enjoyment.
Tickets are $150 per person and $300 a couple. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Tina Fabiani in the hospital’s Development office at 203-694-8744 or email at tfabian@midstatemedical.org.
Come swing to the tunes of the 50s and support your community hospital—MidState Medical Center.
Bobbie’s Bevy of Beauties
First things first. In my last article I made a boo-boo. I stated that the black and blue salvia was one of my favorite annuals. Which is very true. But it does not grow only four inches high instead to almost four feet in height. Now since that is off my mind I can begin my article for July.
Flowers, flowers everywhere and so very beautiful. There are many varieties of primrose. Annual as well as perennial. My evening one is exceptional. The bud if ready for its blooming will open in the evening. If there is a sunset will come into flower then. Otherwise the flower will appear about one hour before sunset time. This will occur if the weather is cloudy or rainy. The bud is very narrow and elongated and the size of a huge buttercup. The flower a bright yellow. Each flower blooms just once and closes up usually between six and eight in the morning. If you can catch the stem as it begins to quiver and the petals unfurl, about ten minutes for this procedure, you will truly be amazed. One of my beds had sixteen blossoms one night. What a gorgeous display. Many people have come over to watch this unique blooming. And I’ve given this plant to anyone who wanted one for his or her garden. Quite a favorite.
Our lawn man Carl and his two adult sons have not mistaken one flower for a weed this mowing season. Maybe because he has become quite a gardener at his house. Or could they have gone to flower school? Just kidding. Some of the plants here now reside in his yard. Have so many am happy to share them with whomever would like to add them to their beds.
Since a few of the older dahlias have seen better days I decided to replace them. But something and I think it might be the young woodchuck we spotted in the yard chomped three plants off right to the ground. Will try to trap this little creature and if we do will let him go in some distant wooded area. Also their leaves as well as the hibiscus are quite holey. Usually I have good luck when powdering the plants but with this almost never ending rain it gets washed off.
When will the veggie gardens start producing? Spring has ended. What spring? Summer is here. Cool weather, clouds, rain and so little sun. Jimmy’s tomato plants have thick stems, nice green full leaves and a few blossoms. Probably will be close to labor day before anyone can pick their home grown vegetables. I remember when Jimmy and our very dear neighbor friend Mary had a tomato contest. Her birthday was on July 4th and both of them would try to grow and pick the first tomato by this holiday. Looks like I have a long way to go before I can bite into a tomato sandwich.
Janice and her husband Jason live up the street and around the corner from us. They own a beautiful, friendly rescue greyhound named Highnote who is about five years old. With her pet dog she walks by our house lots of times. She is also a gardener so many of my extra plants go home with her. Highnote and LitlBit have become good friends. Of course he towers over our dog with those long legs. But LitlBit stands up on his short hind ones and Highnote puts his head down so they can give doggie greetings. Was so sorry to hear that Highnote had a rather severe accident. Now he is on the mend. Though not well enough to come by and say hello. A favorite of his is cheese. We’ll make sure we have some on hand when he is able to visit.
If I have forgotten something will put it in next months issue. Mommie and Daddy do want to wish LitlBit a very happy 3rd birthday on July 17th. I would also like to thank Paula for the photos of the evening primrose and LitlBit.
Flowercerely yours,
Bobbie G. Vosgien
P.S. Congratulations to our two granddaughters. Emmy “MeO” 9th grade at Platt. An award for straight “A’s” and student of the month in June for geometry. Abby 7th grade at Lincoln. An award for straight “A’s” and an art award and the Project Excell Award. We’re very proud of you both. Love, Grammie Bobbie and Gump Jimmy
The First of Nine
By Bobbie G. Vosgien
I was the last to be born into the Kronenberger family. There were four other girls and four boys. My birth mother died when I was four weeks and four days old. About two weeks later I was adopted by my second cousin and her husband. My last name then became Grimes until I married Jimmy. My siblings remained with my birth father until they were able to live on their own or married. A short while after my nineteenth birthday he passed away. To this day when a gathering or special occasion comes up all are invited. But of course distance, illness and whatever else may prevent one or more from not attending. Rosalie, the second oldest girl, short and small of frame with and overabundance of energy had some medical problems the last few years. But that didn’t stop her from trying to keep up and active life. Until the last year or two. When I go to Dr. Lefkowitz for my annual check up she always asks me about my siblings and if all nine of us are still here. For the first time my answer will be no. Rosalie left us on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Now we are eight.
Dear Rosalie,
May you rest in peace and enjoy the company of your family, relatives, friends and beloved pets who have made the journey before you.
Love, Bobbie
Family Gong Show Rings A Bell
One Woman’s Journal
By Audrey C. Linke
“We could do better than that!”
“Let’s!”
My niece, Joanne, was visiting from California with her three children, Amy, Sean, and Randy. They had seen The Gong Show on television for the first time and couldn’t believe what they saw. Joanne kept saying, “Our kids can do better than that!” and finally I challenged her.
And so the Great Family Gong Show got underway.
My daughter, Sharyn, volunteered to provide the place. Joanne wrote the invitations, giving the date, place and directions. Each family was to bring something for the pot-luck meal and each person was to ‘get their act together.” For five weeks we talked about and prepared for the big event. We are about thirty or more when we get together so this was to be no small undertaking.
The preparation was as much fun as the show, but the day finally arrived and the big event moved forward. We ate our picnic supper outside and then moved into the large living room for the show. It had been set up with chairs and a stage area in the front of the room.
Seventeen-year-old Sean was the Master of Ceremonies. His opening remarks were about his little brother, Randy, “flown in at great expense” for the occasion. Ten-year-old Randy played reveille on his trumpet to open the show and later played Matchmaker from his repertoire of two songs.
Uncle Henry, poet laureate of our family, recited his original poem, The Frog. This was followed by Cousin Dan’s harmonica solo. Alicia and her neighbor (both 12 years old) sang and danced Ain’t She Sweet? In costume and were a hard act to follow.
Sharyn sang I Enjoy Being An Oyster in a bland-colored garbage bag – very clever if I do say so myself. Six-year-old Meredith followed with On The Good Ship Lollypop in typical Shirley Temple fashion, ruffles and all.
After a brief intermission, Ray and I dressed up as children and rendered two radio commercials from our childhood days. Remember the Moyland Sisters singing “I feed my doggie Thrivo” or Betty and Bob’s “Here comes the milkman?” They were from programs that were big in the thirties.
Jack, dressed in a gaudy orange and white floral gown, a blue velvet cape Mother Randel had worn to the opera, and a lovely wig, favored us with a falsetto version of his theme song, Villia. Jeannette accompanied him on the accordion as Amy, their granddaughter, blew bubbles from behind a chair, giving the illusion that Jack was a “lovely Little Champagne Lady,” a popular performer from the Lawrence Welk show.
Ed Birdsey proffered a remarkable impression of Truman Capote. His daughters, Meredith and Allyson, sang and recited original works.
Eight-year-old Danelle played the piano and nine-year-old Timothy, the only stand-up comic in the crowd, got the gong. Well, somebody had to get it, and Randy decided it should be Timmy, who took it very well.
Randy blew taps and the program ended, reluctantly, with two favorite hymns, Amazing Grace and Till We Meet Again. Tears flowed openly as we sang, each of us realizing that there would never again be a family gathering like this one. We did, as Joannne and I agreed, make some wonderful memories that day.
Summer Fun Runs - FREE
The free fun runs are every Wednesday during summer vacation starting June 24th and ending on August 19th. The weekly race begins at the Platt High School Track, Meriden CT., with a 3 mile race (all ages welcome, relatively flat course, all grass and sidewalks) and a 3/4 mile child race. The starting time for all races is 6:30 PM. Results are posted on line at http://pages.cthome.net/jbll/maloney.htm and listed in the Record-Journal newspaper on Thursday, in the sports section. Call Fred at 203-235-5259 if you need additional information.
Kudos to D.A.R.E.
By Gifford Roberts
Where was the D.A.R.E. program back in the 60’s when we needed it?!
I recently attended my oldest grandson’s D.A.R.E graduation ceremony at Hanover Elementary School in South Meriden. I was very impressed with the way Principal Cardona, Officers Tom Cirillo and Kathyria Maldonado and the rest of the staff and administration at Hanover presented the awards and explained the program.
The 4th, 5th and 6th graders were each given personal graduation certificates to take home. They were each required to write a D.A.R.E. related essay in order to graduate. And the best two essay writers from each class were called up during the ceremony and given special awards. The top overall student from each class was also given a special award, and the top D.A.R.E. student overall from all three grades combined was given a special award.
Officer Cirillo shared with everybody that he’d been on the force for about twenty-five years and been involved with the D.A.R.E. program for more than twenty years.
The key ingredient to the D.A.R.E. program’s success, relevance and importance is in my opinion the fact that is based on the decision making process. It teaches the kids to make the right decisions. If the D.A.R.E. program had been around when I was in elementary school perhaps I wouldn’t have made some of the bad decisions I did as I got older.
Officer Cirillo encouraged parents to take the time to read their child’s essay and talk about it with them. He also challenged parents to hold their child responsible for their actions by waving the D.A.R.E. certificate in their face if they’re tempted to make a bad decision.
Fortunately, my daughter is an excellent mother and I don’t have to worry too much about that. We grandparents have to tread lightly, step back and let our grown children parent their children.
Still, I am looking forward to reading my grandson’s essay, (his teacher hasn’t handed them back yet). I see talking to him about it as a way of bonding with him and telling him how proud of him I am.
A sincere thank you to the Hanover School teachers, administration, support staff and the Meriden Police Department for making the D.A.R.E. program and graduation ceremony a wonderful experience for me and for providing such a valuable community service.
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ . We are your NewsMagazine!
FACE TO FACE WITH THE ENEMY
A true story by John A. Albanese
Sumbitted by his wife Carmela L. Albanese
During the battle for oKinawa (April – June 22, 1945) I was checking out the area where our regiment, the 15th Marines, was bivouacked. I came upon a small mountain-like affair that was 15-20 feet high and approximately 50 x50 feet. A dead Japanese soldier was lying at the base. I found a US Marine Corps 2nd lieutenant’s bar on him. Assuming that he had fallen from the top of the small mountain, I decided to work my way to the top.
It had sheer sides all around and was covered on top with trees and brush. I made several attempts to claw my way to the top but kept sliding back down. I finally managed to grasp some brush and pull myself to the top. As I got into the upright position I came fase to face with a Japanese soldier. He was crouched 4 to 5 feet from me, with a .32-caliber aimed at my head.
To say I was startled would be a gross understatement. It took me 10-15 minutes to claw my was to the top, but only about a half-second to dive off the top into a cornfield. I was surprised that the Japanese soldier didn’t shoot me when had had a golden opportunity. In any event, I scurried through the cornstalks to a safe distance and looked back.
At that moment, the Japanese soldier jumped off the small mountain and disappeared into the cornstalks. His head bobbed up about 50 feet from me. He aimed his pistol at me but made not attempt to shoot at me. We had a stockade within sight. I pointed toward the stockade, trying to convey to him that if he surrendered I would take him to the stockade. He gave me an are-you-kidding-me? Smile, exposing a mouthful of gold teeth.
I shouted to three marines about 300 feet away. As they made their way to me, the Japanese soldier became extremely agitated. H surprised me, to say the least, by coming up with a hand grenade. He tapped the grenade on his pistol to activate it. I noted a wisp of smoke coming from the grenade, indicating that it was ready to explode. The Japanese soldier raised his arm back, indicating that he was about to throw the grenade at me. I braced myself in order to dive in the opposite direction, but the grenade went off before the Japanese soldier had a chance to throw it. The explosion blew his head and arm off.
I retrieved his pistol just as the three marines arrived on the scene. The pistol, a German .32-caliber Mauser, had just one bullet in the chamber. I assume that the reason the Japanese soldier did not shoot me when he had the opportunity was because he was saving his last bullet for himself. As for the grenade, I’ll never know if it went off prematurely or, when he observed the three marines about to join me, he elected to commit suicide. I wish he had just surrendered.
John A. Albanese,
Wartime Private 1st Class, 15th Marine Regiment, Sixth Marine Division from Wallingford Connecticut.
Will Rogers Never Knew Them
Opinion Piece by Guy P. Beach
The dust is a last beginning to settle as we attempt to recover from our worst economic meltdown since the 1930s. This is a propitious time to initiate a comprehensive analysis of its root causes. There is a plethora of blame to spread around. Certainly, the failure of our Federal financial regulators to regulate was one major cause of our distress. But most observers concur that if one had to identify the single most important cause of our monetary ills, it would be sub-prime lending practices. In their crass cupidity for quick profits, banks and other lending institutions ignored long standing, common sense principles and conned gullible citizens into taking out home mortgages far beyond their means. When real estate tanked, millions of families were left holding mortgages far greater than the market value of their homes; and an inability to keep up their monthly payments. One of the eventual chain reaction results was that $2.8 trillion in citizens’ savings vanished.
As we know, more than $400 billion in loans from taxpayers were rushed to bail out banks and Wall Street investment firms. Nevertheless, Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain thereupon spent $1.2 million to spiff up his office which included a $3,500 commode on legs. In January, Bank of America took over Merrill with a $20 billion Federal loan. What Thain did not announce was bonuses of $3.6 billion to top executives, including $1 million to 696 of the firm’s 39,000 employees. (Note: The preceding figures were extracted from AARP’s March ’09 Bulletin>)
Merrill is just one example of corporate greed gone unrestrained and out of control. Equally egregious is the case of AIG whose executives have shown no compunctions about going to the trough for more bailout taxpayer billions not once but four times.
Despite their outrageous conduct, the banking community seems befuddled by why they have an image problem. In Japan, when industry heads mess up they are hauled before government leaders, they often bow deeply, a movement meant to convey respect and humility. This would be anathema to most Americans but particularly to bankers. The truth is that bankers are perceived by much of the public as the type of people that Dale Carnegie would have loved to punch. Will Rogers never knew them.
Draconian measures are needed to restore confidence and credibility to the banking and investment community which, after all, are essential to the conduct of commerce and business. As Calvin Coolidge once succinctly stated: “The business of America is business.” Personally I preferred to paraphrase Cal’s statement and say that: “The business of business is business.” I therefore propose that Congress enact legislation requiring that all bankers and other members of the financial community, as a condition of employment, complete courses in: 1.) Economics; and 2) Humility Training. It is essential that top notch trainers be recruited as many members of this group suffer from a condition known as maximum density, (i.e. a learning disability.)
Upon completion, the trainee would be awarded a certificate which would be mounted on the wall of his office. And, as evidence of his/her humility behavior modification, the graduate would be awarded a pin with the letters “MC” standing for Mea Culpa which could humbly be worn in the lapel. I estimate that this program could be implemented for roughly $25 billion which, in today’s climate, is little more than pin money. If you agree, I urge you to express these sentiments to President Obama, to Senator Leiberman, Senator Dodd, Representative Murphy or DeLauro. Tell them you want them to act as quickly as they did in granting all the taxpayer bailout loans.
Guy Beach is a local non-syndicated satirist.
“Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective”
by Gregory M. Simpson
Several years ago, The Denver Post reported about twelve-year-old Eric Smith who strangled a cat with a garden hose. At the time, it was dismissed as a childhood prank. One year later, Smith murdered four-year-old Derrick Robie.
The link between violence to humans and violence to animals is now well established. Psychologist Randall Lockwood, in his role as Vice-President of the Humane Society of the United States, stated, “Not all abused individuals become abusers, but virtually all animal abusers were abused.” Criminologist Jack Levin concluded that people who are violent against animals are five times as likely to be violent against humans. There are many infamous examples.
Jeffrey Dahmer impaled frogs and cats and decapitated a dog as a child, and went on to kill and dismember seventeen people. David Berkowitz killed neighborhood pets and became New York City’s “Son of Sam” killer. A study of 28 convicted sexual homicide perpetrators found that prevalence of cruelty to animals was 36% in childhood and 46% in adolescence.
Numerous U.S. cities and states now have mandatory cross-reporting laws. Connecticut should be one of them. In these places, when individuals legally mandated to report child abuse suspect animal abuse in a home, they must report it to the animal protection agency. Likewise, if animal control officers suspect child abuse in a home, they are mandated reporters of that information to child protective services.
The American Humane Association (AHA), the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals from cruelty, neglect, abuse and exploitation, has long recommended that in every state there be cross-training and cross-reporting among law enforcement officers, humane investigators, veterinarians, health professionals, domestic violence advocates, and child protection workers. In addition, AHA has recommended systematic tracking of national animal abuse data.
Animal abuse often occurs in concert with other types of family violence, including spouse and elder abuse. A New Jersey study found that when child abuse was present, animal abuse was also noted 88% of the time, sometimes by an abusive parent and sometimes by the abused child. Another study of women seeking shelter at a safe house showed that 71% of those having pets indicated that their partner had threatened, hurt or killed their companion animals and 32% of mothers reported that their children had hurt or killed their pets.
Adults model violence to children in multiple ways. Where incest or sexual abuse is involved, an offender can use actual or threatened animal torture or death to silence a child about the sexual abuse. Most common is the modeling that violent adults provide through the abuse of a spouse, the elderly, animals, or the child himself. Although violence is everywhere in our society, most child and/or animal abuse is insidious and occurs behind closed doors. In 2001, 80.9% of the perpetrators of child abuse or neglect were parents, with another 15.9% including other caregivers, babysitters, and extended family members.
To date, the reason why there is no mandatory cross reporting law in Connecticut may reflect our society’s English common law precedents related to the “ownership” of children and animals, i.e., the “how I treat my children or pets is my business” kind of attitude. The first laws related to child abuse in the U.S. actually came after the laws on the books against animal cruelty, in the Mary Ellen Wilson case of 1874. As Jacob Riis wrote at the time, “…I was where the first chapter of children’s rights was written, under warrant of that made for the dog….”
Because children and animals are frequently mistreated in the same household, police officers, social workers and animal control officers all need to learn what to look for and how to deal with abuse when encountered. There were 2.7 million referrals of child abuse or neglect nationwide in 2001, with a little less than one million confirmed cases. Over one-half (56.5%) of 2001 reports of suspected maltreatment came from mandated reporters.
For animal abuse, Connecticut has a felony anti-cruelty statute and allows court ordered psychiatric counseling or anger management training for those convicted of animal cruelty. The Third National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect estimates that there are almost three times as many children maltreated as the number reported to child protective services. Connecticut needs a mandatory cross reporting law to help prevent child and animal abuse. In instances where it cannot be prevented, it needs to be reported and addressed.
For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson
Gregory Simpson’s animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S. He is also a member of the Cat Writers’ Association.
Wait ‘til Your Father Gets Home
“Wait ‘til your father gets home,”
a statement
to instill fear, desperation.
and I hoped that the day
would never end,
that he’d never come home.
Many times he came tired, exhausted,
Too tired even to exchange
The smallest of attention, a kind word.
And time flies.
The bridge that separated us
Grew, longer and longer,
The wall thicker and thicker,
Then indifferences settled in.
Two men so close in blood,
So far apart,
Never having anything
To say to each other
You, the Master;
I the pawn.
Yet many times I wanted
To throw my arms around your neck.
It would have felt so good,
But such behavior is unmanly
And many things were left unsaid
Ah, mothers,
Don’t threaten your children!
Dad also wants to be a teddy bear,
The lion in the den
Playing with its cubs,
The bird who takes its youngsters to flight.
I got a call this morning,
From the hospice;
I was told you misbehaved
And that you were told
“Wait ‘til your son gets here.”
Well, I am here,
That look of fear and desperation
On your face is so familiar.
Don’t be afraid, come here.
Rest that silver head on my shoulder.
Maybe through the confusion
That reigns in it
We can still say what was never said.
“I love you, daddy”
As difficult as these words seem
At long last, they were said.
My only hope is
That you have understood them
Tony Di Pietro
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ . We are your NewsMagazine!
Protecting the Children from Tobacco
Keith Gordon, Majority Leader City of Meriden
Recent news that our Federal Government just passed additional legislations to try to protect children from the use of tobacco products, brought back up an issue about children under the age of 18 being allowed to even posses tobacco products.
Back in November 1998, I sponsored a resolution which was adopted by the Meriden City Council to petition our State Representatives to lobby for the enactment of a law making possession and use of any tobacco products by minors illegal and that this law should mirror the present laws that are presently in effect for the possession and/or use of alcohol by a minor. Meriden’s Senator Gaffey and State Representative Altobello attempted to get this law passed in 1999 but it did not make it through the process.
So recently I made a contact to our State Delegation about trying to approach this law again since it only made common sense. State Representative Buddy Altobello contacted me and informed me that effective October 2008 the same law which we tried to get enacted back in 1998/99 was finally enacted by the State of CT.
I want to thank Senator Tom Gaffey and Meriden’s State Representatives Buddy Altobello, Cathy Abercrombie and Chris Donovan and all other State Legislators for their assistance in getting this law passed.
There also seemed to be NO announcement about the New Law through any media agency. I would hope that all law enforcement agencies, local municipalities and news/media agencies would start communicating this message to parents and their children. In order to fund the education and public awareness announcements about this New Law, I suggest using funds made available from the settlement the Tobacco Industry had to pay CT after CT was successful in it’s litigation against the Tobacco Industry.
Working Together We Can and Will Make a difference
The New Law is as follows:
PA 08-184—sHB 5701
Public Health Committee
AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO STATUTES PERTAINING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SUMMARY: This act makes a number of substantive and technical changes to Department of Public Health (DPH) and other related statutes concerning health care practitioner licensing and regulation and DPH programs. Among its substantive changes, the act (1) broadens the requirement to notify neighbors about subsurface sewage disposal system work, (2) increases the amount health care providers can charge for providing copies of patient records, (3) allows towns to regulate outdoor smoking on public property, (4) eliminates a requirement for physicians and hospitals to order specific kidney function tests, (5) shifts responsibility for hospital community benefits reports from DPH to the HealthCare Advocate's Office, (6) requires newly matriculating college students to show proof of mumps and chickenpox immunization, (7) expands the use of an organ transplant account to include helping donors pay for travel and lost wages, and (8) authorizes fines for minors for possessing tobacco products.
62 — MINORS' POSSESSION OF TOBACCO
The act prohibits an individual under age 18 from possessing tobacco in any form in a public place. It imposes a fine of up to $50 for the first offense and between $50 and $100 for each subsequent offense. The act defines “public place” as any area used or held out for use by the public, whether owned or operated by public or private interests.
Existing law requires purchasers of tobacco products to be age 18. Persons under age 18 who buy tobacco products or misrepresent their age to buy such products are subject to the same fines noted above.
Bee Stings and Spider Bites
When the warm weather arrives, so do the insects that share our outdoor living spaces. While in most cases humans and insects can peacefully co-exist, sometimes encounters end with people suffering bites or stings.
Wasps and bees are common flying insects that can be very beneficial. Bees pollinate flowers and wasps generally feed on other insects. Wasps (which include the yellowjacket) and bumblebees can sting repeatedly because their stinger is not left behind. A honeybee's stinger is barbed, so it is left behind in its victim, resulting in the bee's death. Unless a person is severely allergic to bee or wasp stings, mild irritation will occur at the sting site and itching, swelling, nausea, and other minor effects may crop up.
Spiders are also common in backyards and around homes in the warmer weather. Pets, children and adults may come across several different varieties of spiders. Many spiders have the ability to bite but will not do so unless provoked or feeling threatened. Some people are caught off-guard that a seemingly innocuous spider can bite. Case in point is the common jumping spider. This pint-sized jumping wonder that many encounter in and around their home is entertaining and bold. It will follow your movements with its large eyes and many people are surprised at how high and fast it can jump. Jumping spiders pack a painful bite that has been described as a burning bee sting -- though most will not bite just for the heck of it.
For those concerned about a bee sting or spider bite, it always pays to be cautious and promptly visit a doctor or hospital, especially if reactions to the bite get worse or if a person is having difficulty breathing.
Did You Know?
Sweet corn on the cob is a favorite at mealtime. However, sometimes those pesky silks that get trapped in between the kernels can be hard to remove when preparing the corn. The easiest way to remove the silks from freshly shucked corn is to gently brush the corn with a clean terry cloth kitchen towel. Then cook and enjoy!
Green Facts and Figures
As the green movement grows in popularity, the following facts and figures could open even more eyes to the growing problems pertaining to the environment.
* About 110 million Americans live in areas with levels of air pollutants the federal government considers to be harmful.
* Each year, 1 million sea birds, 100,000 marine mammals and 50,000 fur seals are killed as the result of eating or being strangled in plastic.
* Eighty-four percent of a typical household's waste -- including food scraps, yard waste, paper, cardboard, cans, and bottles -- can be recycled.
* A single quart of motor oil, if disposed of improperly, can contaminate up to two million gallons of fresh water.
* Americans throw away about 40 billion soft drink cans and bottles every year. Placed end to end, they would reach to the moon and back nearly 20 times.
Enjoy Some Hot-Dog History
"Hot dog! Get your hot dog here!" Such is the shout heard at sports stadiums across the country. Hot dogs are portable, inexpensive and easy to prepare, not to mention tasty. It's no surprise that they are eaten most often between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and that they are an ideal treat to eat while watching your favorite sporting event.
Beef up on your hot-dog trivia in honor of National Hot Dog Month, courtesy of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
Where did the name "hot dog" come from?
Legend says that cartoonist Tad Dorgan saw a vendor selling "hot dachshund sausages" at a baseball game at the New York Polo Grounds. He shouted, "Get your red-hot dachshund sausages!" In his cartoon, Dorgan drew a dachshund dog, resting in a bun. But he didn't know how to spell dachshund, so he gave the cartoon the caption, "Get your hot dogs." However, no one has ever found a copy of this cartoon. Others say the name was a joke about German immigrants being small, long, thin dogs. And some say that students at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, referred to the wagons outside their dorms that sold hot sausages, as "dog wagons." That name soon became "hot dog." Indeed, the exact origin of the term is unknown.
When was the first hot dog served with a roll?
That question is under debate. However, since the sausage culture is German, these folks most likely introduced Americans to the practice of eating hot dogs in buns. Still others say it was introduced at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. A concessionaire loaned white gloves to his patrons so they could hold the hot treat. When he ran low on gloves, he asked his brother-in-law, a baker, for help. The baker created the bun out of long soft buns.
What is in a hot dog?
Hot dogs are cured and cooked sausages that consist of mainly pork, beef, chicken and turkey, or a combination of meat and poultry. Other ingredients include water, curing agents, and spices such as garlic, salt, sugar, ground mustard, nutmeg, coriander and white pepper. If other meats are used in the hot dog, federal law mandates that they be listed on the package.
Which baseball stadium attendees eat the most hot dogs?
Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles is predicted to be the top hot-dog eating stadium for 2005 at 1, 674,400.
How many hot dogs do Americans eat each year?
It is estimated that Americans consume 20 billion hot dogs a year, or about 70 hot dogs per person each year. Hot dogs are served in 95 percent of homes in the United States.
What is the most popular condiment for a hot dog?
For adults, mustard is the most popular condiment for a hot dog, but for children, it is ketchup. Topping preferences do vary by region. In New York, hot dogs are often served with a light mustard and steamed onions. In Chicago, hot dogs are served with mustard, relish, onions and tomato slices.
Understanding Your Parent's Layoff
If your mother or father has been laid off, it can make the economic crisis that so many people have been talking about really hit home.
A layoff can be a nerve-wracking experience for any family. There are many questions circling, and as a member of the family you may wonder just what you can do to help out.
Families who stick together are better able to weather any storm, be it a financial situation or another challenge facing the household. By sitting down together, you can come up with joint ideas how to best cope with the layoff.
1. Expect that the layoff will require a big shift in spending. Depending upon an number of factors, including the amount of savings or "rainy day" funds, a layoff will result in curbed spending. Every penny has to be accounted for, and Mom and Dad will be looking for ways to reduce expenses. Some of the luxuries to which you've grown accustomed will have to be sidelined indefinitely. These may include cable television, mobile phone plans, or vacations. You may have to make sacrifices on clothing allowances or extracurricular activities if they put a considerable dent in the budget.
2. Mom and Dad may seem on edge. With the weight of responsibility on their shoulders, your parents may be stressed considerably and wondering what choices will be the best for their family. While they certainly may not mean to, your parents may seem angry or snippety when you approach them on occasion. Realize that this probably has nothing to do with you, but rather the weight of finding a job and making sure the bills continue to be paid. If you lead by example with an upbeat attitude, you may help to inspire your parents to think positively as well.
3. Consider talking to younger siblings. Every member of the family may feel the impact of a job loss. However, it could be difficult for Mom and Dad to convey their feelings to a younger child. Step up to the plate and let your kindergarten- or preschool-aged brother or sister know a little of what is going on. Make sure your conversation is age-appropriate. All they may need to know is that Mom or Dad is not working, but they will continue to be safe and loved.
4. Figure out other ways you may be able to help. Are you old enough for a part-time job where you can contribute your paycheck to the family? Can you talk to kids at school to see if their parents know of any job opportunities for your folks? Can you think of money-saving techniques, such as carpooling, shorter showers, clipping coupons, etc. with which you can help your family?
5. It's OK to feel angry. As the child you expect to be taken care of, and a layoff that upsets the lifestyle that you've known can elicit anger. You may wonder why your parent was chosen over another. You may even blame your parent for the family's misfortune. All of these feelings are justified. However, letting anger take control too long will do nothing to help your family. Talking about how you feel with your parents -- and learning that they may feel the same way -- can help everyone reach an emotional resolution.
6. Understand that you are not alone. There are thousands upon thousands of families going through just what you are experiencing right now. Other kids are looking for answers and feeling the very same emotions. You may be able to go online and blog about your experiences, or visit a chat room where other kids are discussing their financial concerns. Who knows, you may learn some tips that can help your family cope much better.
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
