Meriden and Wallingford CT Town News and Events May 2010

To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to www.peoplespressnews.com The People’s Press is a community newspaper serving Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut. We invite you to join us by becoming a part of the family of our submitters and sharing your news, stories, photos and views that matter most to Wallingford, Meriden and Central Connecticut. We are YOUR newspaper. You will also find information from the Wallingford and Meriden Mayors, the Wallingford and Meriden Public Libraries, the Wallingford and Meriden Senior Centers, the Wallingford and Meriden Health Departments, other various town and city departments and events as well as information about the wonderful groups and civic organizations that help Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut to be a better place. Email andy@peoplespressnews.com or call 203-235-9333 if you have any questions. RESIDENTIAL Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding Event NO COMMERCIAL MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED Saturday, May 22 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Hamden Middle School2623 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 This event is open to residents of Cheshire, Hamden, Meriden, North Haven and Wallingford. No commercial waste is accepted. Please read the flyer for more details, including accepted items and directions. Should Wallingford residents have further questions, please contact the Resource Recovery Project Coordinator at 203-294-2061 (Tuesday through Thursday). Residents of other towns should contact their Town Hall for more information. Mayor’s Corner - Meriden Mark you calendars for a number of positive and fun family events and activities coming up in Meriden. The Mayor’s Annual Spring Cleanup is Saturday, May 15 from 10 AM to noon. Free T shirts for all participants and a lunch cookout immediately following. Join us and pitch in to keep our city clean! The 15th Annual Meriden/Wallingford Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society will be held on May 21, 22, and 23 at Platt High School. Attendees walk the track and partake in numerous activities and moving ceremonies. Help in the fight against cancer and spend some time with the Relay for Life in honor or memory of a family member or friend. The annual spring flower barrel program is in full swing. Main Street will soon be adorned with colorful flower barrels in front of businesses along the sidewalks. Contact Eddie Siebert at city hall (203-639-6595) to order your barrel. Italian Night will take place at Hubbard Park on Wednesday June 2 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM. Enjoy and dance to the live music of the East Chicago Quartet and Kevin Scarpati & the Goodfellas Band. Meriden Unison’s Club will be cooking peppers and sausages and fresh pizza will be offered from LaRosa’s Papa Joe’s Pizza Wagon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Meriden Boy’s and Girls Club. Sponsorships are available to support the event. Contact Eddie Siebert or the Unison Club for more information. The Circus is coming to town on June 30, July 1 at the downtown hub. The Coleman Bros. Circus has thrilled thousands of children and families in 26 states with trapeze acts, human cannonball, motorcycle cage, live animal shows and much more. Plan to bring the family for exciting entertainment in downtown Meriden! Once again, Westfield Meriden will put on a fireworks show and party. The date is Friday, July 2 at the upper parking deck at Westfield Square. The fireworks will be bigger and better than last year and the party will feature live bands, food, and children’s activities. We applaud Westfield for providing a helping hand in bringing back the fireworks show once again! Finally, Meriden is blessed with some of the finest hiking trails in New England. Dwight Needles, a member of the Meriden Land Trust, has produced four magnificent trail maps of the hiking trails in Hubbard Park, Hanover Pond, Higby/Beseck, and Giuffrida Park. These are available free of charge from the Meriden Land Trust at http://www.meridenlandtrust.org or by calling city hall. The four-color maps show the marked trails, the elevations, and a description of the trails and their difficulty. Take a hike! So get outdoors and enjoy what Meriden has to offer! Mike Rohde - Mayor of Meriden THURSDAY EVENING PROGRAMS AT WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER May 2010 CLASSES Book Club with Patty at 4:00 p.m. on May 20 in the Library. May’s Book Selection is Wedding Belles by Haywood Smith and will be distributed at the April 15 Book Club Meeting, or from the front desk, following the class. Please sign up to participate. Great American Best-Sellers Every week a different American Classic will be featured in the lecture, followed by a period of discussion, led by Nancy Hall. Meets in the Library, at 5:00 p.m. Please sign up for this excellent series. Zumba Gold taught by Donna Lopez meets weekly at 6:00 p.m. in the Fitness Room. Tai Chi taught by Kathy Brenner meets weekly at 7:15 p.m. in the Fitness Room. Computer Workshop with Kevin Ozer on May 27 at 6:00 p.m. Please sign up at the front desk. Cost $5 per class. Bananagrams Learn to play this fun, fast-paced and easy-to-learn word game. Meets May 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Card Room. Please sign up at the front desk. Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Sign up at the front desk to join the fun. Must be a member of WSC to participate. Men and women are welcome. Meets May 13 and 27 in the Card Room, at 6:00 p.m. Wii Games Meets weekly in the Fitness Room, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Ping Pong is available from 4:00—8:30 p.m. in the Creative Arts Room. SAVE THE DATE Hi-Liters Show This is an annual favorite, sponsored by the Meriden Kiwanis Club, featuring local talent. May 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Great Room. Spring Fling Dinner and Concert Catered Pasta Dinner, including pasta with meatballs, chicken, salad and Italian bread will be served at 5:30 p.m., $6.00 ticket purchase required . Following Dinner, Keir White, a talented, young vocalist will entertain us with the music of Josh Groban, Elton John and others. Newcomers Dinner Sign up for this get-together for New Members on May 27 at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious dinner, meet new people, find out what the Wallingford Senior Center has to offer. Limited to 10 participants. Reserve your ticket at the front desk. Wii Games Tournament Please sign up to compete on May 27 in the Great Room at 4:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded. LAKE VIEW DINNER Served from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased, in advance, from the front desk for $6.00. All meals include a beverage. 5/13—Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Buttermilk Biscuit 5/27—Roast Pork Loin, Sweet Potato, Broccoli, Corn Muffin Wallingford Senior Center 238 Washington Street Wallingford, CT 06492 203-265-7753 WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER NEWS AND EVENTS Daily Activities for Independence Program Did you know that the Wallingford Senior Center has a secret? It is a memory care program known to be one of Wallingford’s best kept secrets, Memory Lane (formerly Daily Activities for Independence). Companionship, socialization, nutritious meals, and daily exercises are just a few of the programs offered. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., with handicapped-accessible transportation provided for Wallingford residents. The daily fee is $18.00 per day for town residents and $23.00 per day for non-residents. Come and join us for a free trial day! Contact Melinda Welch, D.A.I. Coordinator, at 203-265-7753, Ext. 205, for more information and an appointment. SOCIAL SERVICES IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SOCIAL WORKER, EILEEN FLYNN, AT 265 7753. THANK YOU. $ Important Papers Reference Guide: Your Travel Log Tuesday, May 18, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. A key part to managing your financial journey is to know where you have been. This class provides you with a comprehensive guide detailing the value of your assets and where to find important documents when you need them. Are You Without Health Insurance? Governor Rell’s Charter Oak Health Plan is available to uninsured Connecticut residents who currently lack access to affordable healthcare. This insurance is available to individuals who are between the ages of 19 and 64 and have been without insurance for at least six months. Exceptions to this waiting period could be financial hardship, job loss, etc. Premiums are based on income and start at $75.00. For additional information, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker at (203) 265-7753. Want To Make A Difference? Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Training Tuesday, May 11, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Do you have some time and would like to make a difference in a person’s life? Many seniors have no family in the area and are unable to get to doctors or shopping without someone to provide transportation. Other seniors live alone, are isolated and would appreciate someone to visit and provide some socialization. You could make a big difference in someone’s life just by offering a few hours to meet some of these needs. Training is being provided by Barbara Barlok from Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers on Tuesday, May 11. Please consider attending by registering at (203) 265 7753. Low Vision Support Group Friday, May 21, 10:15 – 11:15 AM Stephan Deltato, owner of Silver Lining Technology, will be presenting updates on the newest advances in low vision technology. He will also provide the newest equipment available for members to try. New members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please call (203) 265 7753 to register. Veterans Services Tuesday, May 25, 1:00 – 3:00 PM George Messier, Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Wallingford, will be available to answer questions and assist with benefit information. An appointment is required. Please call 203-265-7753. NEW HAVEN EXPO Friday, May 21, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. You are invited to attend the annual expo sponsored by the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut and the City of New Haven to be held at the New Haven Athletic Center, 480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, CT. Approximately 150 vendors are expected to provide information on a wide variety of topics related to seniors. Vinnie Carr, will provide entertainment. There will be free health screenings and a Wii bowling tournament. Free lunch will be provided and there will be lots of prizes. Sponsors will provide transportation. To sign up for this event, please call (203) 265 7753. IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CONNPACE Please be aware that if you do not renew your ConnPACE when it is due, you will not be able to re-enroll until November 15th. This is due to changes that have been made in the ConnPACE program. New enrollment in the ConnPACE Program will be limited to November 15th through December 31st. A few exceptions do apply. You will be able to join ConnPACE 31 days after turning 65 or after becoming eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or State Supplement Insurance (SSI). FOOD PANTRIES IN WALLINGFORD Need a little help with your food bill? Listed below are the names, addresses, and times you can visit. •Angel Food Ministries: Get $75.00 worth of food for $30.00. See member interest table at the center, or call 203-284-8975 for additional information. •Master’s Manna: 46 North Plains Road (in back). ID required (Photo ID, Birth Certificate or medical card). Distribution times: Tuesday & Thursday, 9-12; Fridays, 4-8 p.m. •Good News Food Pantry: 46 John Street (Good News Church). Distribution time: Wednesday, 11:00 a. m.–1:00 p.m. •Local churches: Call your church to find out if there is a food pantry available. Benefits Screening Tuesday, May 18, 10:00 AM – 12 NOON Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for any State or Federal programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for eligibility. Supporting Documents are not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Registration required. Call 203-265 7753 now to schedule an appointment. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM (SNAP) The State Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly the Food Stamp Program) has changed its eligibility criteria effective July 1, 2009. Income limits have been increased and there is no asset limit when applying for this program. •Single Income: $1,669.00 month •Couple Income: $2,246.00 month For more information or to schedule an appointment to apply for this program, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker at 203-265 7753. May Is National Older Americans Month The theme of National Older Americans Month 2010 is “Age Strong; Live Long.” Your Senior Center offers a variety of programs and services to help you fulfill this goal! Come celebrate all the wonderful aspects of being an “older adult” by participating in the educational, social and recreational activities scheduled this month just for you! Guest Speaker Series with Maryann Meade, MS RD Wednesday, May 12, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM More than one third of Americans aged 65 and older fall every year. Falls prevention is an essential component of “Age Strong; Live Long”. Gaylord Hospital will conduct a free Falls Risk Screening at the Senior Center on May 12. The screening involves four simple tests to determine your risk of falling. Appointments, which run 15 to 20 minutes, are limited, so sign up today! Coping With Allergies Wednesday, May 19, 10:30 AM MidState Medical Center will present a program on allergies and how to cope with the symptoms. Whether you are bothered by seasonal or year-round allergies, this program presented by Jill Caiola, APRN, will offer some helpful information. Please sign up if you plan to attend. Falls Risk Screening Wednesday, May 12, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM More than one third of Americans aged 65 and older fall every year. Falls prevention is an essential component of “Age Strong; Live Long”. Gaylord Hospital will conduct a free Falls Risk Screening at the Senior Center on May 12. The screening involves four simple tests to determine your risk of falling. Appointments, which run 15 to 20 minutes, are limited, so sign up today! Memorial Day Observance Friday, May 28, 11:00 AM Our program of remembrance will feature relevant readings and music in memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Please join us. Computer Lab Open Door Sessions The Computer Learning Center is open on Thursdays from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Please feel free to come in to check your email, practice class work, browse the internet, or check your Facebook! A volunteer will be available for assistance, but knowledge of computers is required. Hi-Liters Show Thursday, May 13, 7:00 PM Richard Fontanella and the Kiwanis Hi-Liters will present their 2010 show, “No Biz Like Show Biz” on May 13. The variety show includes singers, dancers, magic acts, duets, piano music and more! Come support these great kids who work all year long to provide entertainment for local convalescent homes and senior centers. MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER NEWS AND EVENTS The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center! Our annual Senior Expo Information & Health Fair for Older Americans’ Month will be held on Wednesday, May 12 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center. A free box lunch will be served to the first 300 attendees and the event will feature vendor tables, free samples, health screenings, and information about health and well being opportunities. The speaker at 11:00 will be health care expert Earl Baker who will speak about changes in healthcare pertaining to seniors and long term care. The Senior Expo features displays from Meriden agencies serving the elderly and is an opportunity for seniors, caregivers and family members to learn about the many fine services offered for senior citizens in our community. This year’s event is again sponsored by Genesis Health Care and Meriden Center on Paddock Avenue and we appreciate their support! Participating agencies at the Senior Expo include New Opportunities of Greater Meriden, The Day Club, Westfield Care & Rehab Center, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Senior Go To Guide, Home Helpers, Alcasoft Computers, LaPlanche Clinic, Miller Memorial Community, Agency on Aging of South Central CT, Social Security Administration, the Bradley Home, BCI Financial Mortgage Corporation, Meriden Center, the Eye Center, RSVP of Central CT, Rushford Center, Elder Law Attorney Dan Tully, the Meriden Health Department, the Village at Kensington Place, Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers, Silver Springs Care Center, Assisted Living Services, Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care and more. Join us on May 12 for the Senior Expo at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center. Admission is free, the public is invited to attend and we hope you will join us for this big event! Starting Monday, May 17 Senior Center staff will begin taking applications for the Rent Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut. The program provides eligible renters with money back on their rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. To be eligible you must have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2009 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability. Proof of 2009 income must be presented, including a copy of your 2009 income tax return, if filed, Social Security 1099, and all other income. Income limits are $32,300 for a single person and $39,500 for a married couple. Proof of rent and utilities must also be presented. Applications are taken Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 PM on a first come, first served basis. A “Salute to Veterans” musical program with vocalist Karen Wagner and her husband Robert Iovanna will be held in Willene’s Place on Thursday, May 27 at 10:30 AM in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. Karen is a wonderful singer who has performed here several times in the past and I know you will enjoy this show. Members of the Antique Veterans and their wives are invited to attend and also join us for lunch that day compliments of the Senior Center. This program is sponsored by Health Net. On Wednesday, May 20 at 10:30 Masonicare will present “Advance Care Planning: Your Decisions Matter” about the importance of living wills and other medical directives. Learn the value of planning for future health care events and making your family aware of your wishes. Free living will and advance directive forms will be available at the program which will be held in the first floor meeting room. Refreshments will be served. Save the date for the 40th annual “Special Day for Special People” picnic in Hubbard Park on Saturday, June 12 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Music will be provided by Vinnie Carr, there will be free bingo with prizes and food served by student volunteers. It will be great day to enjoy beautiful Hubbard Park with your friends so don’t miss the 2010 “Special Day for Special People” senior picnic on Saturday, June 12! For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby. John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford Dear Friends: Hopefully, the nice weather of May will bring recovery from our economy woes. However, I’m reminded of an old cliché which states: Be careful not to cook your own goose! The expression, according to some, relates to the fable about the goose that laid the golden eggs. The farmer killed the goose to get the gold inside and was left with only a goose to cook. When analyzing the U.S. economy recession we should remember that laws enacted after the 1929 stock market crash resulted in a fairly stable financial structure until 1999. Those laws allowed the financial and investment geese to lay gold eggs. That changed in 1999 when laws such as Glass-Steagall were repealed. Within 10 years, we were giving gold back to the financial geese to keep them alive. Until we strengthen our financial institutions by separating banking, investment and insurance functions, we will continue to cook our geese with no long term gold for the people who need it. Whether economic or atmospheric weather, as sailors would say, in another cliché: always keep a weather eye. Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. Mayor To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to www.peoplespressnews.com The People’s Press is a community newspaper serving Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut. We invite you to join us by becoming a part of the family of our submitters and sharing your news, stories, photos and views that matter most to Wallingford, Meriden and Central Connecticut. We are YOUR newspaper. You will also find information from the Wallingford and Meriden Mayors, the Wallingford and Meriden Public Libraries, the Wallingford and Meriden Senior Centers, the Wallingford and Meriden Health Departments, other various town and city departments and events as well as information about the wonderful groups and civic organizations that help Wallingford, Meriden and all of Central Connecticut to be a better place. Email andy@peoplespressnews.com or call 203-235-9333 if you have any questions.