Your Stories May 2010 from Meriden and Wallingford's Newspaper - The People's Press

To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to http://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. Bobbie’s Bevy of Beauties Spring definitely has arrived. Pam has planted her circular bed of pansies with a raised container of them in the center of her front lawn. Living next door to her I see this beautiful display many times a day. This year I have to give her husband Ed some some of the credit for his helping hand. Assisting Pam with her flowers, berry patch and small veggie garden last season. He’ll become as knowledgeable with this labor of love as she is. Thought I saw some green on his thumb the other day. Most of the early bulbed flowers have gone their way. Perennials can be planted and trans-planted now. Wouldn’t have room to keep all the many varieties which reproduced this year. They’d be growing on top of each other. So no pretty display. It would be quite hampered. Have given many containers away already. And still have to find a few more homes before I am done. Now for the annuals and veggies. Wait! One, two or maybe even three weeks before planting them. With this crazy weather where one day it’s 90 degrees and the next just about fifty I wouldn’t chance it. There isn’t anyone more anxious to hit those nurseries then me. They become my second home during the flower season. Jimmy is getting around better than previously. He still has aches and pains and quite a bit of difficulty with both shoulders. He still continues with his therapy exercises. Is looking forward to the tomato season. Has cleaned out the large containers where he grows this veggie. Guess it will still be a while before I have my favorite sandwich. I’m sure by the time the June issue is out I’ll have written about my escapades to the nurseries. Really looking forward to those trips. Flowercerely yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien P.S. 1 May 5th Happy 54th Hubby. 1956-2010 Where did the time go? P.S. 2 May 8th Happy Birthday Jodie P.S. 3 May 9th Happy Mother’s Day Daughters Jaime and Jodie Our granddaughter Abby entered a national contest for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. She and another student from Lincoln Middle School took top honors. Not everyone may agree with what her feelings are but for someone to compose an essay such as hers at age 13 – I find truly amazing. And I did want to share it with the readers of The People’s Press. Congratulations Abby and love always from Grammie Bobbie and Gump Jimmy. Martin Luther King Essay By Abigail Schmidt – Age 13 One of the most preeminent speeches of all time was delivered two score and six years ago by a man who believed in peaceful means of communication and equality for all men and women of every shape and size. That honorable fellow, of whose name rings a bell to young and old, is Martin Luther King Jr. He believed that all people should be treated the same and not be shown bias because of the color of their skin. Within his speech he stated all these ideas, encoded in metaphors and linguistic word play, and captured the attention of every citizen of the United States. On that fateful day those forty-six years ago, he presented his opinion to and convinced the world that some wrong-doing was in occurrence, and that it needed to change. Now racial segregation is more or less just a chapter in our textbooks; very real but very distant. However, inequality still exists quite commonly in our nation, in more than one way. One of these issues revolves around the homosexual identities of our communities. Scoffed and laughed at, the gay, lesbian, and transgender community is looked down upon and treated quite like mud; stepped upon for amusement, just because they are not identical to us. I, standing upon the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in a way synonymous to the way King did, would discuss one single word, and that nation-changing word is tolerance. Gay rights and the establishment of them have been discussed for an extensive amount of time. The more this constant argument heats up, though, the more it seems the homosexual community is pushed down. To most of us, they seem just like dolls in a thrift store; a respectable toy, sure, but a bit battered up and not the same. Thus, the nation segregates against them, assuming that the fact they have a preference to the same gender is an excellent reason to depict them as a foul part of society. However, those of who are gay are still people, a fact that is often overlooked. They see, smell, touch, taste, hear, and stride about in clothing to their occupations each morning in the same way you or I would. They slip past our radars, on occasion, simply because they don't identify themselves as homosexuals on a regular basis. Why, you ask? It's simply because they are not allowed to be comfortable in their own skin, because we say they aren't supposed to be a part of our lives. They hide within their shells, like turtles, waiting for the day they can state their existence in a prideful way. As stated previously, homosexuals are still human beings, with a full set of emotions. Simply enough, they just direct their more romantic and intimate feelings towards members of the same gender in the exact way heterosexuals direct theirs to members of the opposite sex. The difference is minimal, in my mind; both are just following their hearts, and so what exactly is wrong with that? There is no error in their ways factually. People tend to disagree with that, however, defending themselves with the Bible and stating how gays were not approved by God. This is not a valid argument, you see, though, because a good part of the Christian community does in fact support gays, regardless to what the book of their religion states. Hypothetically speaking, if we are not all creations of the hands of God, why exactly is it that they have been rejected by Him? Is it, technically speaking, because homosexuals are different from all of the others molded within His hands? In which case, supposing that was the true reason, it is the twenty-first century, and by no means is it fair to ostracize someone for being different. If this was the case, society would not even exist at this point, because we are all individuals with differences, and while some of these differences do shape who we are, they do not truly define it. Our romantic preferences should not decide whether we are treated with utmost respect or have slurs thrown at us left and right. They should not be used to define if a couple can get legally married or not. Preferences to men or women are by no means a reason to physically assault, stereotype, or mentally torture a human being. An obvious example of a gay hate crime, Matthew Shepard was killed in the early nineties due to the fact he was a gay male, easily naive to two persuasive men of whom used his sexual preference against him. He is an example of how far this has all come, and how dangerous this nation has made it out to be to be an openly gay being within an American community. The battle for equality and elimination of homosexual discrimination is now a raging war, filled with violence and bloodshed. It is beyond understanding how we allowed it to get this far. Thus an offer for a solution is made; a solution I would preach out on the steps of that famous memorial, telling everyone in my presence one fateful word: tolerance. Regardless to our personal thoughts on gays and their lifestyles, we can lend a hand by simply not giving any extra attention towards homosexual couples and the like. It is not so hard to simply mind one’s own business and ignore Sally and Addie kissing in the movie theater, or to simply walk past Bill and Stan who are holding hands as they stride past. Americans must see that it’s not incredibly hard to realize that just carrying on with our business, regardless to our personal beliefs, is the solution here. We must fight off the urge to state our opinion in every situation, or preach to them our possible beliefs against their preferences, and the like. They are people, and we are not to judge them on one characteristic of which is beyond their control. Tolerance for their different way of life is the only time to gain peace and to stop the havoc of which this lack of respect is causing. Overall I would speak out a stream of simple words with a deeper meaning. We are all people within this nation, no matter our color, age, or sexual orientation. We are all Americans, united as one country, and we need to learn how to realize this unity of which bonds us. In this country, all should be able to walk the street with pride, and show their affection for one another. Days special for homosexuals should be no longer necessary; every day should be a day where they can have pride in who they are without fear of being mauled or have emotionally damaging terms spewed at them. No, though, I am not speaking about gay rights really; I would be speaking of human rights. Jon Peckman Playing At Jakes By Andy Reynolds Right after the Fireworks fundraising dinner on May 21st– well known drummer Jon Peckman and his band will be playing at Jakes in Wallingford. Jon was born and raised right here in Wallingford. His parents shared the joy of music with him at an early age and he was hooked. He started playing the drums when most of us were just learning to read. By the time he was in high school he was already playing in well known area bands and of course he was a force to be reckoned with in the Sheehan High band. Now some musicians don’t grow but that’s not the case with Jon. His talents blossomed more and more every year. Bands came calling for his special skills. He has played with the K-Man Band, Eight to the Bar, Sweeter than Wine, Tongue n Groove, Acoustica, and Feathermerchants, an original band based out of NYC. He was also a member of Disco Hell, a Worcester, MA spectacle that took place every Sunday night at the Lucky Dog Music Hall. It involved costumes, onstage mayhem, and of course, disco! That band could fill up an entire article on its own. Currently, besides working on his own, he is playing with Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood. He has also played with nationally known musicians Dana Pomfret, Jeff Pevar, Donna Martin, and Danny Kortchmar (who wrote a number of Eagles songs and has worked with many greats). All of this on top of doing session work with various artists. Kristin Pippin-Herbst had this to say about him “I have known Jon since 5th grade he was all about music and musically cool before that became trendy...he was the go to guy for what was cutting edge for music in high school...still exudes a subtle coolness regarding music without effort...always a pleasure to hear play in whatever venue he's in.” When I talked to Jake Kilroy he said, “I follow Jon wherever he goes. He never disappoints me because not only is he talented but he plays with all of his heart and soul.” Jon has even shared his talents in the book world. He wrote "Picture Yourself Drumming" in 2006. I wonder where he finds all of the time but then there is more. Jon has always felt the importance of teaching children music. He has taught at the Connecticut Valley School of Music and Dance for 10 years and has also started lessons in Wallingford. Now that you know about him – it’s time to experience him. Join me in enjoying the music at Jakes which is located at 179 Center St in Wallingford. He will be playing from 9:30 till close on Friday, May 21st as I previously mentioned. You can also buy me a drink or two. Shirley Temples of course. See you there! Wallingford Fireworks – A Reflection By Andy Reynolds Having been raised in Wallyworld – my family attended the fireworks every year. It is one of my fondest memories. When I was really young, my family – all 8 of us piled in the car and went. This is when they still allowed that fold up seat in the back of the car as there was no way all of us would fit otherwise. As we grew older, we all went on our own but there is one reflection I would like to share from that time. It’s about a truckload of friends, at least 15 of us piled in together. Right before the show the Bay City Rollers came on the radio singing the one hit wonder “Saturday Night.” We all screamed along with the song and all of the folks gathered enjoyed our wonderful melodies – NOT! Geeze – I think I just dated myself but let’s just say I was 5 when it happened or maybe not. Even later on in life – the fireworks changed to date night! I loved taking dates to the fireworks. The romance of it all. Finding that nice quiet spot and cuddling while fireworks went off in the air and in my heart. Sappy – I know. But the most important reflections of the Wallingford fireworks were and are in the eyes of children and yes, adults as well, as the show went off. It’s one of the few days of the year that all boundaries would come down. Blankets right next to each other with people you didn’t know but by the end of the night you were friends. Snacks and drinks being shared by all. Laughter and joy across the entire field and of course the chorus of oooos and ahhhhs heard as far away as Hartford. It’s not just about the celebration of our history. It’s a celebration of Wallingford. A celebration of the community we all share. A night when all of us are gathered as one – family and friends alike. But now as you know the fireworks are in danger of not taking place this year. Like so many towns and cities across the nation – economic realities have struck hard and Wallingford is no different. That does not and should not mean that the fireworks should end. An effort has started to save the fireworks. You can help by becoming a part of it. Your company can help by being a part of it. Look inside this issue for the information you need. It would be so sad if the reflections ended this year and that special time of community went away. I sincerely believe that we can make the fireworks happen but only if we work together. It’s up to all of us. Please help. Wallingford Memorial Day Parade and Events The Wallingford Veterans Memorial Committee, under the direction of Chairman Jerome J. Kennedy, has announced the schedule for ceremonies on Memorial Day weekend. Festivities begin with the placement of American flags on all the graves of the deceased veterans on Saturday, May 29th at 9:30 a.m. at each of the town’s cemeteries. A service will take place on Sunday, May 30th at 7 p.m. at the Good News Christian Church, 46 John St., in memory of those who gave their lives in service to the country. During the service the names of all deceased servicemen from the Town of Wallingford will be read. There will also be the presentation of the ceremonial American flag to the Parade Marshal, Sergeant Major William A. Kosche, U.S. Army Ret. The annual Memorial Day Parade is set for Monday, May 31st. The parade participants will meet at Dutton Park at 9 a.m. Ceremonies start at 9:20 a.m. before the parade. The Gold Star Sisters will lay wreaths, with a prayer ceremony and Taps to be played by Sheehan High School. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. and will proceed south on North Main Street to Center Street; they will then turn left and proceed to South Elm Street, turn right and proceed to Doolittle Park, where the parade formation will gather in front of the reviewing stand and ceremonies will commence. A flyover will be presented by the Connecticut Air National Guard. The committee is also pleased to announce that the Master of Ceremonies will be David Gessert, and the Guest Speaker will be Captain George Messier, U.S. Marines Ret. Dave Gessert is a 25 year SNET retiree; he also served on past Red Cross, United Way, SCOW, Big Brothers / Big Sisters and Mid State Community Board. He has served as honorary chairman of the Wallingford Vietnam Memorial. He is s\a member of Compass Lodge 9 Masons, Board of Directors for Ashlar Village, and he is on the Board of Trustees of Masonicare. His public service in Wallingford includes 14 years on the Town Council, more than four of those as Chairman; Public Utilities Commission for 17 years, with eight years as Chairman. He has been the Memorial Day speaker and has been Master of Ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. His military service was in the 344th Military Police Company USAR for five years, 163rd MP Battalion for a year and District of Columbia National Guard. George Messier was born and raised in Manchester, NH and graduated from high school in 1964. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1966 and joined the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Danang in 1969. After 19 months in Vietnam, he returned to the U.S. as Sergeant; he left active duty in 1970 and attended Central Connecticut State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree; he went back to the U.S. Marines and became a 2nd Lieutenant in 1972. He started flight training in Pensacola and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1974, and was assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing 74 in North Carolina, flying AH1 Attack Helicopters. He was then promoted to Captain and served with Cobra Helicopter Squadrons in the Western Pacific. He also served as a Forward Air Controller. He served as Commanding Officer of the Marine Recruiting Station in Hartford. His last operational assignment was Detachment Commander of the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 in North Carolina. He retired from active duty in 1988, taught high school for 11 years, and taught in the Navy Junior ROTC program in New York City and Norwalk, CT. He currently serves as Veterans Administrator for Wallingford and Meriden. Parade Marshal William Kosche was raised in New England, joining the U.S. Navy Submarine service after high school. He served 10 years abroad on submarines for 10 deterrent patrols. His last duty station was Groton, where as Chief Petty Officer he resigned to go to college under the GI bill. Bill with his wife Marilyn moved to Wallingford 37 years ago. He worked for Olin Chemical and then Northeast Utilities and took early retirement after 20 years. At the same time Bill joined the Army Reserve in East Hartford and served as a Drill sergeant. After 29 years he retired as Sergeant Major, Senior NCO for training in the 76 Division. He has been working with Veterans groups and holds positions with the American Legion Post 187, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9965 and AMVETS Dept. of Connecticut and Post 83. He also has been Scout Master of Troop 4 and worked with the troop for 17 years. Presently he works as a volunteer at the Veterans hospitals and as a service officer for Veterans organizations. Thank You Mr. Narducci Troop 10 - Meriden Connecticut Sleeping Giant District - Connecticut Yankee Council Boy Scouts of America Dear Mr. Narducci: As Scoutmaster of Troop 10 in Meriden I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your generous donation of fishing tackle. Your donation will be used to introduce and develop yet another outdoor activity to the scouts of Troop10. Troop 10 has a fifty two year history of being a high adventure Troop that brings a quality outdoor program to young boys in inner Meriden, who seek wilderness adventure in the mountains and on the rivers of the Northeast. The life skills that these young boys learn as scouts are brought back to our community in the form of service projects that enable others to achieve their goals, as well as future leaders of business. We, as Scout leaders, supply the leadership; guidance and the skills to guide these boys through their scouting adventure. Through your generosity we can deliver a program that these boys will remember all their adult years. A gain, I would like to express thanks to you on behalf of the Scouts and Leaders of Troop 10. Thank You Yours in Scouting, Keith Charette- Scoutmaster Paul Charest - Committee Chair 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 advice from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail at andy@peoplespressnews.com or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue. The phone number is 203.235.9333. - June and Flora Why would the City of Meriden spend so much money on the Daffodil Festival when they can be using that money to help our kids and save teacher's jobs? Shocked in Meriden FLORA: The City of Meriden spends money on the Daffodil Festival because it is important to have tradition and to celebrate. Can you imagine the complaints if it was canceled? Things are gloomy for many families right now with the down turned economy; families need to go to our beautiful park to celebrate spring, families and entertainment. As for the school's budget.........that is a teacher union issue and better left for another month. Breaking up the teacher's union is like breaking open a piggy bank (but with a lot more than pennies...) The Daffodil Festival helps our children. It helps build memories and family bonding. JUNE: I am not a fan of the Daffodil festival but I agree it is nice for communities to have public activities. In times like these I think the city could have suspended the festival until things are a bit better. There are many memories families can make with their kids. Dear Housewives - my kids want to be on Facebook and I just can't let them do it. How can I explain to them the dangers of being on the internet without scaring them too much? Someone from Wallingford JUNE: I think as everything technological, Facebook has gotten out of hand. I don't think children should be on Facebook until they are in high school. Unfortunately, it has become another vehicle for kids to bully and embarrass each other with and their isn't enough education about it. It isn't just the predators but their own peers they have to worry about. Facebook is pretty secure, you control who sees what but you can't control what others put on. Remember that when someone is taking your picture. FLORA: Depending on the ages. If your children are under the age of 13, get some backbone, set some boundaries NOW and follow through. Don't give in. Decades ago it was "Ginny has a Barbie pool, can I get one too?” Now it is all about putting all your personal information (pictures, school locations, likes, dislikes) on the web for all to see (even the child predators). And please spare the line that "only those I invite to view can see.” These are CHILDREN people. Children. Remember when you were young; you thought you had all the answers and that you were invincible. Keep your kids safe. Oh and by the way, if you as the parent are on Facebook and your face is staring at your cell phone every moment--get off. You model behavior for your children. If you are Facebooking and enjoying it, why won't they want to join in the fun with their friends. Get off the Cell Phone, Log-off your computer (unless you are working from home) and engage with your precious children. Talk with them, walk with them. Get to know them before you hear "Cats in the Cradle". Mom By Samantha L. Bastoni As Mother’s Day draws near, I find myself thinking of what my mom really means to me and the journey that we have taken together. The relationship between a mother and daughter is one that grows and evolves in time. When we are young, a mom is someone who looks over us, who protects us, who provides care for us. When we are teenagers a mom is someone who we defy, who we try our hardest to not be like and even harder to do exactly the opposite of what she wants. As the college years approach, there is a certain dynamic that changes. One realizes the importance that their mom holds in many different aspects. Going to college three hours away from my home was a time of great excitement and anxiety for me. I was in a new place with no one I knew. I expected to have to make friends, I expected to have a new work load that I had never experienced before, I expected to miss my home friends, but one thing I did not expect was the realization of how much I truly was dependent upon my mom. In high school I was always jealous of my friends whose moms did everything for them. I was always responsible for myself and anything I wanted to do. Until recently I never understood how much of a disservice my friends were at. I knew how to clean, I knew how to be responsible for myself and my money and I knew how to be on my own. All those years I resented my mom for making me do things for myself, and now I know she was only doing these things because she loved me. My mom had inadvertently been preparing me for my future and my future success by making me responsible for myself and my actions. I can actually pin point the day I knew our relationship had changed. We had never been the overly loving family, not saying there was not love, just that it was not verbalized or demonstrated very often. On May 13, 2008, at the age of 20 I had to undergo spinal decompression surgery. My freshmen year of college I was diagnosed with Chiari I malformation which is a genetic defect where the base of the skull is basically misshaped and puts pressure on my spinal cord. This compression can cause a variety of symptoms and problems that I had ignored for the majority of my life. On May 13, 2008, as I was waking up from a five hour brain surgery, my family was right by my side. I was in ICU for four days and my mom never left the hospital. My mom slept in the waiting room of the ICU because hospital policy would not let her stay in my room. When I was moved to the surgical recovery room, the hospital put a cot in the room with me for her. She slept in my room every night until I was released five days later. The physical pain I felt was indescribable and my mom did not complain once about having to help me. I could not move for close to a month and it would not be for months later that I realized the emotional pain that surgery had caused my mom. My mom later told me that nothing can compare to having a child in pain and being completely helpless in the situation. Now, as a 22 year old woman, preparing to enter the real world, I appreciate and respect my mom more than she could ever know. What started off as a caretaker and then as an opponent, evolved into an emotional and physical bond that words really cannot describe. Most of the time I would say I never want to be like my mom. This cliché notion, when I really think about it, is not true. My mom may not do the things I hope to one day, but I would be honored to say that I have a fraction of the tenacity and strength that she possesses. So as the time to reflect upon how much our mom’s do for us approaches, I would say that one day a year is not enough. Mothers everywhere, whether right or wrong, have influenced who you are today and we should be grateful for that. 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. South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department By Keith Gordon South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is in its 102 year of service to the Village of South Meriden and the City of Meriden. Last year the department responded to 760 calls of service to the community. At this point in time, in the beginning of May we are 45 calls a head of 2009 calls of service! The following are the types of calls we responded to: * Structure Fires * Brush Fires * Medical Emergencies * Vehicle Fires * Boat Rescues * Airplane Emergencies * Motor Vehicle Accidents * Hazardous Material Spills * Emergency Lockouts * Carbon Monoxide Emergencies * Electrical Emergencies * False Alarms * Storm Stand-Bys and * Stand-Bys to Help Cover and Assist the Meriden Fire Department. Approximately 61 % of the calls responded to where medicals and Motor Vehicle Accidents. This is our 10th Anniversary of Overnight Duty Crews. We are still one of the only fully volunteer fire stations in the state that has overnight duty crews. We have certified personnel that presently staff our fire station 6 nights a week. These dedicated members (Crews) allow us to respond quicker to emergencies in our area. We believe in providing good customer service to our customers, you our neighbors. South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department works hand and hand with the Meriden Career Fire Department. Meriden Fire Department has 5 career stations based thought-out the City. The two main stations that also cover the South Meriden area are Station 1 which houses Engine 1 located on Chamberlain Highway and Station 2 which houses Engine 2 and Truck Company 1 (The Ladder Truck). We usually get dispatched at the same time for calls in the South Meriden area. These incident can be serviced either by both of the departments or separately. When our station is manned either day or night depending on the severity of the incident we usually handle the incident ourselves, this frees the Meriden Engine Company up to handle other emergency incidents that might occur. I believe that Meriden has the best career firefighters in the State. We work with them everyday and I think we all learn from each other each day. Fire Education & Home Safety Check 18 years ago we introduced our annual Home Safety Check for the residents of our fire district. We are still providing this Free service to all our neighbors. Please call us to set up an appointment. We will come to your home and make suggestions on safety items that could protect your family and your home. We will suggest the proper locations for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and types of fire extinguishers to have in the home and other emergency equipment that can be used in case of a fire or medical emergency. Our fire education services are dedicated to developing fire prevention and education projects in the South Meriden community. Some programs involve pre-school and elementary school children while others involve adults and the elderly. Our department also helps businesses with fire extinguishing classes to educate employees in the event of a fire. This past year we had our first adult fire education night at Hanover School. Thanks to Principal Cardona we were able to share an evening with the PTO members and share and demonstrate home fire safety information. Our next Adult Fire Safety Night will be on Wednesday May 26st at Hanover School. FIRE/EMERGENCY SAFETY TIPS Have you checked your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this month? Working detectors do save lives. Please change your batteries once a year. It’s always a good time to practice E.D.I.T.H. (EXIT DRILLS IN THE HOME)  Keep matches and lighters away from children.  When using gas grills, keep them away from the house and garage. Spare tanks should be kept in a safe ventilated place and the safety plug should be kept screwed into the valve.  If your clothes catch on fire, cover up your face with your hands and drop to the ground and roll. “STOP DROP AND ROLL“  Do not leave children unattended near swimming pools, lakes or ponds.  Please help us keep the fire hydrants clear of snow during wintertime. Adopt a fire hydrant at the City Clerk’s Office, located in City Hall on the 1st floor.  Please have your furnace and chimney cleaned each year. Please remember that the 911 System Is for Emergency Response by Police, Ambulance and Fire Department Personnel. Please use the system, and teach your children how the system will work for them also. Annual Fund Drive Information We are presently in our 2010 fund drive season. We want to thank everyone who has already made a donation to us. We do not use an outside fund raising company. 100% of the funds donated to SMVFD stay with our department and are used for the betterment of our work to our community. If you want to help us so we can continue to help you and your family you can send your donation to SMVFD, PO Box 3030, Meriden, CT 06450 Your donations allow us additional time to be spent on training and serving our community. The Officers and Members again thank you for your years of continuing support to our organization. Membership Information After September 11, 2001 (911) we had a surge of memberships in Volunteer Fire Departments not only in CT but a cross the Nation. The numbers of volunteers has dropped in the last several years and we all need help to continue to serve our communities. We are looking for some eager, hard working and committed volunteer recruits to join our department. South Meriden Vol. Fire Dept now is accepting applications. We are recruiting citizens from Meriden over the age of 18 who are High School Graduates in good physical health and have a clean police record. No fire fighting experience is necessary; we will train you and send you for training. We also do recruitment for certified firefighters that live outside of Meriden as long as they can meet our bylaw requirements to do minimum one duty overnight crew a week plus meet our drill, meeting and squad duty requirements. While volunteering with our department you will gain the experience, knowledge and certification which will help your career search in the emergency service field or just enhance your present career. Our members that have served over two years with us and are in good standing with our department can receive enhancement points that could help them in the hiring process if they choice to apply and test for a City of Meriden Fire Fighters position. Information about our application process: We administer a written entrance exam in order to determine if applicants will be able to take and pass the required State of CT Fire Fighter I course and CT Emergency Medical Technician or Medical Response Technician courses which are also mandatory over the first 18 months of membership. We also administer an agility test that helps us determine if the applicants can perform the physical duties of a fire fighter. We also administer an oral interview and perform police and other background checks to ensure that the character and integrity of our prospective members meets our highest standards. South Meriden Vol. Fire is also a drug free environment and we test for drug use. Interested parties can pick up an application at 31 Camp Street, South Meriden on Monday evenings. FIRE LINE – DO NOT CROSS Are you committed enough to Cross This Line? If you are we want to talk to you! Join a Fine American Tradition of Honor, Bravery and Community Service. Chief Keith Gordon, of Operations Animal Cruelty, Why? Lori Peck, M.H.S. Dedicated Volunteer We've all seen the SPCA commercial about animal cruelty that features Sarah McLachlan and have gotten a bit misty eyed. Some of us have down right balled. I bet there are a lot of people that can't even handle watching it and change the channel whenever it comes on, because it makes them so angry. The sad and sickening truth about it is that it's happening right around us, in our own neighborhoods. I'd like to share a couple of our animals stories with you. About two weeks ago, late one afternoon during the week, a dog was brought in to the shelter wrapped in a blanket. She had been found in a Meriden neighborhood, wandering the streets and nearly starved to death. Rushed to the Meriden Animal Hospital, her body was so tired, her bones showing through her skin, but her will to live and to still trust people, truly amazing. She is called "Amazing Grace" and is receiving continuous care during her recovery at the Meriden Animal Hospital. Grace's condition was not something that happened overnight and it is beleived that someone must know how this beautiful, sweet dog got this way. Grace is not available for adoption at this time. If you'd like to make a donation towards her medical care, it can be sent to The Meriden Animal Hospital, 607 E. Main St.., Meriden, CT 06450 or The Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450. Then, last week we receive a call that a Beagle/Pug mix had been thrown from a second floor window. To make matters worse, this poor dog was kept in the apartment for a week before the drug addicted owner called us to come get it. "Wylie" was also rushed to the vet, where we found out that he had two broken hind legs. The vet reassured us that he is presently not in any pain and that with the proper surgery he will do well. Wylie's surgery will cost approximately $6,500.00. How can this dog be denied a chance to walk again, because of someone's stupidity in throwing him out of a window. So please, if you can find it in your heart to help us raise money for his surgery or if you'd like to do a fundraiser of your own, he needs your help. Donations for Wylie can be sent to the Meriden Humane Society. I welcome you to see their pictures and read their stories on our website at www.meridenhs.petfinder.org. I know it seems like we are always asking for donations, but these dogs really need our help right now. They were wronged by people and now we can make it right for them. We appreciate any little bit that you can help with. We are always looking for volunteers and fundraising help. Please visit us on the web, at 311 Murdock Ave. or call us at (203)238-3650. " Happy Mothers Day" to all the Mom's out there, but especially mine. Love Ya Mom! THE PLEASANT, PEACEFUL, RELAXING GAME OF GOLF One Woman's Journal by Audrey C. Linke I have occasionally watched some golf on TV and although I enjoyed it, I found it to be a little slow, rarely sticking with it to see who won and who were the runners up. But the day Phil Mickelson won the 2010 Masters golf match, I became enamored of the gentle game of golf and couldn't pull myself away from my TV until the joyful moment when Phil embraced his wife in triumph. The game is played on some of the most beautiful real estate in the world. Just being there, albeit only on television, renders the viewer relaxed from the get-go. That day we viewers enjoyed a pleasant stroll in the woods with a player retrieving his ball. We admired bushes in glorious colors. There were areas of white sand placed strategically around the course and lovely little ponds of water, as well. We got to walk over a bridge with some of the players. The men play the game at a leisurely pace and create a relaxed atmosphere for the viewers, as well. The fans watching from the sidelines encourage the players with polite applause after each play. In return, the player tips his hat in quiet appreciation. Basketball, by comparison, is a fast-paced, frantic activity. Twelve men, of wo9men, as the case may be, race back and forth across the basketball court, trying to get the ball in a basket. Fans have been known to jump out of the bleachers and attack members of the opposing team. It's an exhausting game for players and fans alike. Baseball is another tense game. Nine men on each team are concerned with a ball, the man who pitches it and the men who try to hit it with a narrow wooden bat. Every fan shouts instructions to every player as to just how to score a run. Football is downright dangerous. Several men on each team attack each other for several hours. Fans shout directions as to how to make each play of the game. One day I heard much noise and hollering from our living room. I went to check and found my son-in-law involved with a football game on TV. "Which position are you playing?" I teased. "All of them!" was his honest reply. He could no more relax while watching a game than he could if he were playing it. Golf is by far the most relaxing game to play and to watch. No one is in a hurry, even when the sun is setting and the shadows overtake each player in turn. One can almost feel the gentle breeze that moves the leaves on the trees ever so slightly. The game is played in a wonderfully peaceful setting, but I think the real reason the game of golf is so relaxing is that each player has his own ball. . REFLECTIONS OF THE SIXTIES AND EARLY SEVENTIES By Cathy Short I was born in 1958, so I was a child of the sixties. Toward the end of the sixties I was reaching adolescence. I grew up in a time of great turmoil in America. The Vietnam War started in 1965 under President Lyndon Johnson's administration. In 1968 the American people started anti-war protests. It was a vicious war and we lost many Americans. We got out in 1973 and in 1975 South Vietnam surrendered and North and South Vietnam became one country. I was 17 years old at the time. There were peace rallies and love rallies. In 1970 there was a huge outdoor concert in Woodstock, New York. It was the biggest outdoor concert in American history. It was called "Woodstock" and mainly Rock n' roll bands played.. It was very peaceful, but there was a lot of illegal drug use, mainly marijuana, LSD and Heroin. Haight Ashbury in California was a town that was one of the chief centers in America for psychadelic drug use, mainly LSD. Getting high on it was called "tripping." You would hallucinate and sometimes have wonderful spiritual experiences. The down side was that many people would have what they called "bad trips", They would think that they could fly and would try to fly off building tops, several falling to their deaths. Also. many would get extremely paranoid and frightened and many died of overdoses. A lot of the youth were trying to escape reality. It was extremely sad. Organized religion was not sought as much by the youth. They were more interested in rebelling against society, materialism and war. They would wear love beads and peace signs and bright neon colors. The women wore mini skirts, peasant tops and go-go boots. They were labeled as "Hippies", mainly because they were non-conformists and anti-society. Some lived off the land in communes. I personally attended Church every Sunday since I was very young. A lot of my close friends were from my church school classes. I then joined the youth group at church and taught Sunday school for a year. While in the youth group I learned to play the guitar. I loved it so I bought a guitar and then took private lessons. I would sing and play songs for my friends and relatives. I liked to play Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel. Most of the guys I dated were musicians and played in Rock bands. Long hair was very common among the guys. I went to many musical concerts with my friends. My favorite bands were the "Beatles", Dave Mason, "Yes", Neil Young, "The Moody Blues". Bob Dylan, Simon and Garfunkel, "Pink Floyd" and "Led Zeppelin". I also loved to read. My favorite books were "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings". I also liked anything by Goethe, Charles Dickens, Ursula LeGuin, George McDonald, CS Lewis and Virginia Wolfe. My favorite poets were Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, William Wordsworth, Edgar Allen Poe and William Blake. I worked as a nursing assistant part time throughout High School. I started when I was 16 years old and saved and bought my own car. I graduated from Sheehan High School in 1976. I wanted to be a nurse but instead became a medical transcriptionist. I had a large social circle of friends and also came from a large family. I have five brothers. The ocean was my favorite place to be, and still is. I did a lot of creative writing and wrote a lot of poetry. I painted, did pottery and even made a hammock. Creativity was my calling along with music. I was very upset about the Vietnam War and any war. I thought of myself as a peacemaker and I still feel that way. To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to http://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. A TRIBUTE TO MARION MABEL HILL ROGER MY MOTHER By Priscilla Reynolds Mom always stood tall. She could easily balance a book on her head even into her elderly years. She died in 1985--after 87 years on Earth. Picture an erect willowy long-legged woman always taking the time to change from house dresses to fresh skirts and blouses or best dresses before supper, always wearing high-heels. You would think her affect represented an attitude of pride but she was wise and very humble. Through the years her posture was a symbol of her strength. It was Mother's Day in 1940. "Mom, this is for you!" I said. I handed her a small glass vase filled with a few of her favorite flowers, lily of the valley. She was grateful and I was proud. Without any grown up pressure I had walked 1/4 of a mile down Main Street in Oakville and purchased a small vase for a quarter. I was so happy to be the "giver" at nine years of age. I knew the idea of giving came from her example and from the stories she read to me and to my three older siblings at bedtime. Dad bought books and how I loved the fairy tales and short stories as well as the poetry Mom read to us. Dad also purchased The Harvard Classics and Mom quarreled with him about "the money" spent in a tight household but the installment payments were well worth it as the years went by. These books were kept in a glass covered book case--not disturbed by crayons or dirty fingers. Mom was an English major and graduated from Normal School as a teacher. (New Haven Normal School is now Quinnipiac University) She actually taught many grades at once in a one room school house in Goshen, CT for a short time before her marriage to David, my Dad. She felt her talents lay more in organizing and doing secretarial work but at home she always taught us, her four children, Virginia Ruth, Everett David (Lefty), Nancy Joyce, and me. Thank God, it didn't stop here. Twenty grandchildren were blessed by her habit of teaching and reading. I was six years old when Mom fell down the cellar stairs. Her facial wounds healed but her teeth were jagged and ugly. My parents could not afford the denture repair. In today's world (2010) the cosmetic surgery would be essential. I never heard her complain or become moody or tearful. Instead, she kept up with her housework, her work as treasurer in the Oakville Congregational Church, her substitute teaching, her writing in "The Waterbury Republican" about Oakville events, her baking and sewing and her reading. She also was diagnosed with breast cancer but kept it hidden from us, or at least from me. I must have been twelve when she went to the hospital to repair her side. Dad told me four years later that she had a mastectomy. The good news was she no longer had cancer. Years later after all four of us married and left 18 Ball Farm Road another miracle happened. She surprised us with her smile of joy==Gone was the witch; instead her face was lovely with new dentures. Even now, I ache over so many years of her grotesque mouth. There is so much to write about my Mother. Each of my six children has his or her own story to tell. Mom and Dad welcomed two at a time to stay overnight. She catered to the needs and desires of each child and they will never forget. Cathy remembers the paper dolls she cut out of McCall's magazine every month of the year, the solitude in the imaginary doll house made from a circle of quince and lilac bushes and flox in the back yard (the same area I used as a child). Mom and Dad believed in God. They raised us as Christians in the Oakville Union Congregational Church. They celebrated 50 years of marriage at that same church with all six children and their spouses and twenty grandchildren along with many friends attending. I remember that bad times come in threes, but in the year of our Lord, 1974 to 1975 it seemed like much more went wrong. Keith, Virginia and Fred's oldest son died in an automobile accident in Nov. 1974, Fred and Ginny's marriage was disintegrating but Dad was not told because he was very sick from prostate cancer. Dad guessed that they were separating. Lefty became ill from asbestosis and died in Feb. 1975, leaving his wife, Eunice and six children, the youngest, two years old. In the latter part of the summer months Dad came home from the hospital. A hospital bed was set up in the dining room for him. Visiting nurses, friends and family helped in his care. You remember that my Mother stood tall. The next tragedy is very difficult for me to tell. Three buildings within 1 and 1/2 miles of each other in the Waterbury-Oakville area were set on fire that October night in the year of 1975. Rags and turpentine started the fires. Ambulance alarms rang as firemen rushed to 18 Ball Farm Road. Mom ran to Dad's side but smoke encircled him and ambulance attendants pulled her away. Dad escaped to Heaven. The homestead was gutted. The FBI investigated but never found the pyromaniacs. Mom lived on. Following the tragedy she stayed in an apartment in Oakville. Even though we were all devoted to her, she became very lonely. Her spirits were renewed when she moved to Avery Heights Church Home in West Hartford. Love surrounded her, love from family, love from the staff and ministry, love from other patients and Love from God. Now, in the year of our Lord, 2010, 25 years after her death, I still remember her as a very brave and strong woman who stood up to all the adversity of Life. People’s Press – Facebook Polls and Results: Best Vacation Ever - Tie between China, Costa Rica and Florida. What Movie will you seen in May - Iron Man 2. Hottest Woman and Hottest Man? Johnny Depp and Christina Hendricks from Mad Men. Best song ever? Stairway to Heaven and What a Wonderful World. Guilty or Innocent by Reason of Insanity - GUILTY. How old were you on your first date? - 14. Favorite Beach? - Cape Cod Beaches. McDonalds, Taco Bell, Wendys or Burger King? Taco Bell. What Superhero would you be? Wonder Woman and Diaper Boy. Favorite Beer? A tie between Sam Addams, Corona w/Lime and Blue Moon. Where do you want to travel - Austrailia. What would you do if you had a million dollars - pay off your mortgage. Toilet Paper top or bottom - Top wins by a roll. Favorite place to get glasses - Wallingford Optical. Favorite place to go as a kid - Tie between Grandparent's house, Riverside and Big Pond. Favorite Toy as a kid - Sprirograph. Favorite Cookie - Chocolate Chip. Favorite Car - Mustang by far! Favorite Monster - a tie between Godzilla and King Kong. Relay For Life Relay For Life is a major fundraising event for the American Cancer Society and a life changing event. During Relay For Life we all have an opportunity to Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back. It is an overnight walk to Celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, Remember loved ones lost, and Fight Back against the disease. Money raised for this event is directed towards cancer research, education, community programs for cancer survivors and caregivers, and so much more. This year the Meriden-Wallingford Relay For Life will take place May 21-22 from 3pm to 12pm at Platt High School in Meriden. Relay For Life is a community event and the success of this event would not be possible without the support and generosity of our Meriden-Wallingford community. At Relay For Life teams of people camp out at the high school track taking turns walking the track. Each team is asked to have a team member on the track at all times during the event. Relays are overnight because cancer never sleeps. Each Relay team has fundraised with the hope of some day having a cancer free world. This year team BIG GREEN will be celebrating its eighth year at Relay For Life. BIG GREEN is a family. It is a team made up of family and friends who are dedicated to fight cancer. We raise money for ACS individually and through team events. BIG GREEN participates in Relay events and is very proud to say we have a team member on the track for the entire event. When BIG GREEN is together at Relay, we laugh, cry and create lasting memories. Please join us for Relay For Life 2010 as we Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back. Survivors can participate in the Survivor Walk. As darkness falls, the Luminaries Ceremony lights the track so we can celebrate survivors and remember those who have lost their fight with cancer. When morning comes, we will all be out on the track again fighting back against cancer. See you at Relay. Jim and Sandy Comeau About South Meriden’s Hidden Park - VASA PARK 358 MAIN STREET in SOUTH MERIDEN By Robert Per a copy of the deed - Edwin Rhodin, on Nov 2nd, 1946 for $1 gave, granted, sold to District Lodge Connecticut, No 1, Vasa Order of America the certain parcel of land with improvements located in South Meriden, subject to an easement to the CL&P Co to maintain poles and power lines across the parcel. The property is as shown on a map entitled "Map of Vasa Park, the property of Vasa Order of America, District No 1, So Meriden CT. which is on file in the Meriden Town Clerk's office in Meriden, Ct. Art gave me a copy of what appears to be an outline, dated Nov 10, 1980, to apply for a building permit to construct the present pavilions (the earlier structure burnt down) and a sewer line to the City sewers in Main Street. It notes the address as 358 Main St., South Meriden with acreage of 12.45 acres. In the "Officer's reports for the 108th District Convention", Sept 26, 2009 the following is an excerpt from Art's report as Park chairman: "Our park remains a focal point for District One and the six local lodges; a shining light in the village of South Meriden-Central Connecticut. The park was established in 1946 with a vision of Vasa unity by the park founders. They cleared the land, built the original structures and began some of the park events that we continue to celebrate today. May of us recall the great crowds on Vasa Day thirty and more years ago, the children's competitive events and dancing under the lights well into the evening. Today we celebrate the same events with the same joy and enthusiasm. Perhaps not the same number of folks as thirty years ago... We miss them! They came from Sweden, established our park and events and passed on or perhaps for health reasons cannot continue at the park. However although we miss them we will continue to honor these founders and the Scandinavian traditions. Their vision is our future, joy and prosperity. We have tried to incorporate their love of Nordic customs by adding new events during the past year. The park and all District members seek to encourage and support our Grand Master in the vision to involve community and ethnic groups to support interest in Scandinavian study. In this endeavor we have chosen to establish our Scandinavian Arts and Literature room. At this time the Park's dedicated area for Arts is small, but we have room for expansion. I see the Park as a new light on Swedish study and interest; a draw upon people that can appreciate the endeavors of those who reach beyond the challenge of daily life and search out the Scandinavian heart and soul." My Guardian Angel Brittney Marie Winslow　 Most moms play one role in there child’s life. They spend the majority of there time nurturing and loving there children and doing there best to make sure they grow up to be a considerate caring individual and lead a great life that we can all only dream of. Not all of us can say that statement with complete truth, not all of us had the privilege to be loved by a mother, especially a mother like mine. So when I sit back and reflect on the 18 years I was granted with my mom I consider myself extremely lucky. Unlike most moms my mom played three roles in my life she was first and foremost my intelligent mother, second my beautiful sister and third my unconditional best friend. No matter what I was going through or where I was in my life my mom would be there for me and take me under her wing no questions asked and not because it was her obligation because she sincerely wanted to help in any way she could. Never in my life have I come across such an incredible, loving vibrant individual nor will I ever. When my mother was on this earth she turned my world upside down but in the best way possible. Her beauty both inside and out reflected with every action she’s ever made, her loyalty to her friends, her love to her family and her presence to the world was and will always be overwhelming. For my family there was no such thing as too much togetherness. Those who know us well could confirm, so it’s extremely difficult to go even a day without seeing her because before this we never had to or wanted to. From the many lessons I have learned from my mother the one that sticks out the most to me is always be yourself never follow the "crowd" only follow your heart, and that’s exactly how she lived her life. She was so unique and danced to the beat of her own drum...literally! I miss our conversations about boys and life and her impressions of people who will go unnamed, how when nobody can get me to smile she would have me laughing on the floor. Most girls would want to go to parties on a Friday night but I would make up excuses so I could go straight home and watch the food network with her on her bed or have one of her amazing dinners with her my dad and my brother. She was truly that amazing to be around. If there was ever an angel on earth it would be my mother, her wings might have been invisible to strangers but for those who were close to her they shined luminous and bright she was the exception. My family and I felt her love in every word she spoke, every laugh she let out and every embrace she gave us. No one could ever hold a candle to her and we would be foolish to try, without hearing her voice or holding her hand a part of me is truly missing. The day she left this earth so did half of me, as well as half the hearts of my family members. I know without a doubt Patricia is watching over us and waiting for the day when we can all be together again. Ill never understand why this tragedy happened to my mom out of all people, she was the last to deserve it. I use to be afraid of death of what exactly would happen, and who we would be with but knowing my mother is in heaven I am not any longer. I am so proud of her many accomplishments and even though it has left us with an indescribable pain I know I have someone waiting for me when its my turn to leave this earth and that puts me at ease. My faith has never been stronger not so much because my mom passed away but because the feeling she gave all of those around her makes me believe everything is possible, and that there is still good in the world you just have to look to the person or angel next to you. My mother will never be forgotten because she never really left I feel her every day with every breathe I take and I am eternally thankful for that. Rest in peace mom I love you always and forever. Frugal Living: Getting More for Less in Connecticut By Gina Juliano My family calls me the Queen of Free, and they aren’t far off with the moniker. My blog, Gina’s Kokopelli is dedicated to all things coupon, free, and cheap. I help people stretch their hard earned dollars farther by providing information and resources to do so. For example, did you know you can get free plants and seeds for your garden, free books for your Kindle or Sony reader, and free butter and eggs at Stop & Shop? (The links for the free stuff are below!) What’s more, you can always get free merchandise at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. Getting free stuff is just a matter of using coupons, store sales, and common sense. I was going over my budget for April, and realized I have saved over $2300 since January 1st for my family just by using coupons. It's hard to believe those little pieces of paper can rack up so much in savings. In my life before coupons, I would consider getting something on sale to be a pretty good deal. Now, I'm extremely shrewd about what I buy. Just because it's on sale doesn't mean I buy it. I usually insist there is a coupon to go along with the sale; and even then, I have to think it's a good bargain or a rock bottom price. When something is a rock bottom price, you better believe I stockpile that item. My sister-in-law always teases me about my "Nuclear Holocaust" stockpile in the basement, but rarely do I ever have to pay full price for anything because I've got one or two (or seven!) more I bought dirt cheap. There are a few pitfalls to having a stockpile, however. Don't over buy just because you can. I went a little crazy when I first started stockpiling. (What I have now is NOTHING, comparatively speaking.) Even though I would have 15 cans of green beans on the shelves, I would buy more because they were at a rock bottom price again. I've gotten much better about waiting until I'm down to my last 2 or 3 cans before I stock up again. For the most part, you can rely on sales going in 12 week cycles, so you won't miss out. Another pitfall is buying too many of one thing and having your family get sick of it. The item might be a great bargain, but if it goes bad because your family has had enough, it's just a waste of money. Now, I may buy something my family doesn't like, but it goes right into the bag for donation. Watch expiration dates! Make sure you check your stockpile ever month or so and use up or donate what may be expiring. You haven't saved yourself any money if you throw away food items that have expired. Even if you donate those items, you're still saving money because you can ask for a receipt for your taxes. I'm pretty lucky because I have room in my basement for a fairly substantial stockpile. Many of you, however, may not have a lot of extra room. I still advocate a small stockpile if you can spare some space. I've seen people use under bed storage containers and wire wracks on the backs of doors. Even if you only have one or two extra of things you use on a regular basis, you'll find you save money because you don't have to run out and pay full price for something you need. And NEVER forget the coupons! Some free stuff: Get free plants and seeds for your garden - www.greenthumbtrader.com Free book (including Sony and Kindle) and game downloads – http://booksontheknob.blogspot.com Free butter and eggs at Stop and Shop - https://www.stopandshop.com/account/registration/login?execution=e1s1 Free Couponing Classes - Contact Gina at ginaskokopelli@yahoo.com Find this and LOTS more on Gina’s Kokopelli http://ginaskokopelli.blogspot.com • Free Couponing Classes • Meriden Public Library June 29th 6:30 PM 203-238-2344 • Wallingford Public Library June 30th 10 AM - 203-265-6754 • or contact Gina at ginaskokopelli@yahoo.com to set up a date for your organization NATURE AS A MIRROR May 2010 Dorothy Gonick May Flowers The Earth blossoms wildly during the month of May. Warm breezes invite us to shed our heavy coats. Children embrace the freedom of outdoor play Gardeners are busy with spade, hoe and seeds. Violets, crocus and forsythia have greeted us; Baskets of fuchsia celebrate Mother’s Day. Flowers brighten our world and our hearts with cheer. Birdsong accents the warm spring day. We understand that it is important to exercise our brains to keep them alert. Perhaps you like crossword puzzles; word searches, or a companiable card game. Using the theme of flowers, I offer you a Scrambled Flower word game. Give your brain a challenge. Have fun! Unscramble each group of letters to reveal its hidden flower. The unscrambled words are found elsewhere in this issue of The Peoples Press Newspaper. Scrambled Flower Game 1. Laazea 2. Chytanith 3. Tenapiu 4. Hxpol 5. Ratanonic 6. Sehtryammuchn 7. Cilla 8. Orse 9. Yepno 10. Siri 11. Tares 12. Sydai 13. Lidedanon 14. Meinluboc 15. Dralgimo 16. Fiddolaf 17. Anizin 18. Aderigan 19. Sladugiso 20. Syapn Answers to Dot Gonick’s Scrambled Flower Game 1. Azalea 2. Hyacinth 3. Petunia 4. Phlox 5. Carnation 6. Chrysanthemum 7. Lilac 8. Rose 9. Peony 10. Iris 11. Aster 12. Daisy 13. Dandelion 14. Columbine 15. Marigold 16. Daffodil 17. Zinnia 18. Gardenia 19. Gladiolus 20. Pansy 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. WALLINGFORD ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT Monday, May 24, 2010 at The Farms Country Club (Includes lunch, raw bar, happy hour after golf and dinner lobster and turkey & beef carving station.) Did you know that the Wallingford Foundation, the charitable arm of the Wallingford Rotary Club, has, over the years, donated the Children’s Reference Room at the Library, a Teen house at the YMCA, vans to the Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club and awarded grants to Master’s Manna, the Thanksgiving Community Day Dinner, the Homeless Shelter, Fuel Assistance Program…just to name a few. Help support this worthwhile Foundation and meet your fellow business associates/professionals by joining us for golf and/or taking out a sponsorship. For information contact Jon Kaplan at jonathan.kaplan@edwardjones.com or call Pat at 203 640-9016. THE COURTSHIP OF NELSON AND CORA MAE (From Audrey C. Linke's book, THE GOOD OLD DAYS) He was twenty-eight, handsome, tall, and lean; She was pert, pretty, and practically eighteen. A strawberry blonde with eyes of blue, She wore a dressof matching hue. His dard, wavy hair was receding a bit, But it took from his charm not one whit. She was a guest from out of town; He was the most eligible bachelor around.. Martha Bell, their mutual friend, Could see how these two were going to end. He loved music and danced with grace; She knew he found her fair of face. She followed his lead to the banjo and fiddle; How to see her again, that was the riddle. Letters of wooing followed the dance; In no time at all t'was a full-blown romance. An elopement to Torrington, we find if we delve, Took place January twentieth, ninetee-twelve. From Millerton, New York, she came not in vain; He came from Oxford, by team, trolley, and train. The couple did wed, and right after the vow, It was back to the farm, for he must mild the cow. This started the marriage of forty-five years, Of Nelson and Cora, My parents, my dears. My Favorite Time of Day By Janet Althouse Isn't God great? I think Easter is a really good time to praise Him. Do you ever stop and think about all the beauty in the world? God gave us so many feasts for our eyes. We should stop to think on that while we are having our Easter feasts. No matter where you go in this world, there is always something of beauty that God created just for us. Be it at the extreme North Pole where everything is white, but so beautiful with the brilliant blue skies and the contrasting white snow and ice formations. It is also very colorful as can be seen with the ice bergs when the sun and shadows fall on them. Then we have the other extreme, the sweltering jungles with all their lush growths and mountains covered with verdant greens. But I have, for most of my life, lived in the hills of Western Pennsylvania. Although we are told we live in the Allegheny Mountains, the small town where I live is nestled between tree covered hills. The hills wrap themselves around our little town and we feel sheltered and protected. They are not so high we can't hike to the top, but still they are majestic and a feast for the eyes. Every season brings a new kind of beauty. But I ramble and I wanted to tell you about my favorite time of day. It is dusk. The first time I fell in love with this time of day was when I was a young girl. I lived in a different small town back then, in the south western part of Pennsylvania as apposed to the north western part where I now live, but it was just as beautiful. We lived more on the top of the hills there and were sometimes called "Ridge Runners". This one day has always stayed with me. Even though I was quite young, I still remember the awe of that moment. My mother had asked me to run to the grocery store for a couple items she needed for supper. It was winter and the snow was quite deep. Up to my knees. It was not far to the store and I trudged along but was suddenly aware of the glow that surrounded me. The sun was just setting and it cast an ethereal radiance over the mounds of snow. Everything was in shades of pink, lavender, yellow and many hues in between. So beautiful it made an lasting impression on my young soul. Now I live in the north western part of the state, but dusk is still beautiful. Our town has streets that climb the hills. I live on the south side as you go up the hill and have a perfect view of those houses on the north side going up that hill. These two hills overlap with another hill going from south to north and where they meet on level ground, the sun sets. I can look out my windows and see the beautiful colors of the sunset, pinks, reds, oranges, glowing on the houses and buildings in the main part of town. The street lights and the house lights are just coming on and they add to the mixture and make up that ethereal glow and beauty I love. I especially love it at Christmas when the Holiday lights add their festiveness to the earthly glow and enhance the whole scene. It always has a calming effect on me. It is a peaceful and spiritual manifestation on which to feast your eyes. Check it out in your area and see if I'm not right about the awe and wonder of that time of day when day is ending and night is just beginning. So, what is your favorite time of day? Or maybe you have a favorite season. Don't you want to share it with us? I'm glad I did and I hope you are too. Love’s Perfect Alignment By Diana Lewis Chapter 3 The next morning Josie woke up to the smell of bacon frying. She quickly got dress to go help her mother fix breakfast. “Why didn’t you wake me? I would’ve helped.” “That’s fine, Dear. You can check the biscuits if you’d like.” answered Amelia. Josie turned to do that but they needed a couple more minutes before they were done. She helped put the meals on the plates for everyone else who were driving the wagons. After the dishes were done and put away, they started their trek back to Montana. It would take them several weeks to get especially climbing over the mountains, They got into a routine on the trail, where Amelia and Josie walked part of the time and road part of the time, Towards the end of the day Amelia and Josie would collect twigs and wood they could use for the fire, where wood wasn’t available they would pick buffalo chips to use for their fires. Josie didn’t really like the smell of the buffalo chips but she endured it because knew they needed to eat. They ran into rain for two days at one of the rivers they were supposed to cross. It was too high for them to cross. They had to wait for it to crest before they could cross. They spent a week by this river. Amelia and Josie decided to do some of the laundry and bedding while they waited. It rained again while they waited and that had to make them wait longer for the river to crest. Mr. Hammond took inventory of what food supplies were left. They had enough for the week at the most before they would have to stop and replenish their supplies. Towards the end of the week and they still weren’t’ able to cross, Mr. Hammond started to worry. “We can eat cornmeal mush for a few days. We got plenty of cornmeal.” said Amelia. “I guess we will have to if this river doesn’t crest soon.” he replied. And what happens when we run out of that and we still can’t cross the river. I have all these people to worry about. He went over to his wagon and got his map out and sat down and started studying it. Here we go, there is a town about twenty miles on this side of the river. We could go there and get supplies and maybe cross over there. It might be easier from there. He got and went to talk to Amelia. “Miss Amelia, can we talk?” “Sure, Mr. Hammond, what’s up” “There is a town about twenty miles down on this side of the river. We could go there and get our supplies and maybe it would be easier to cross the river there.” “Good idea. Tell everyone we leave early in the morning as usual.” He bowed and went off to tell everyone. Everyone went to bed early that night so they could be up early so they could get back on the trail. A Day at the Shelter V.J. Peregolise – Co-Founder Bikers Against Animal Cruelty Recently a few of my B.A.A.C. friends and I had the privilege of spending a Saturday at the Meriden Humane Society. We were there to install a security camera system, and by 9am when we arrived, the place was in full swing. Dogs being walked, fed, crates and kennels being cleaned. All this organized chaos seemed to just flow around us, we knew we were in the way, but it really didn’t seem to effect the process unfolding in front of our eyes. Awesome dog after awesome dog was paraded by us to go for their morning walk. Little dogs, big dogs, old and young. Literally, after every dog I saw, and met, I would think to myself how on earth did this dog end up here, he’s great! Then again, I never really met a dog I didn’t like, but these guys were more then what the average person would expect in a shelter dog. They were friendly, obedient, and seemed genuinely happy, which is a huge feat, and a testament to everybody that works, and volunteers there. As the walks came to an end, the staff seemed to transition into the cleaning, organizing, and daily operations of the shelter. Plenty of families coming in looking for dogs or cats. Then a person came in surrendering their dog! I will just say the reason given was less then adequate and was very selfish. That’s when I had the question I had been asking myself about the dogs all morning answered, losers. A lot of these dogs ended up in the humane society, because somewhere along the way they got hooked up with a loser. Now I get it. As sad as I feel for any dog in a shelter, I started to think, maybe in some cases they were better off at the Humane Society. All the people there, genuinely cared for each and every one of them, walked’em and showed them affection. Plus they all had a chance at a better life Dogs require very little to survive, but the one thing they really can’t thrive without, is love. Sure they need water, food, shelter, but to thrive, to really be a dog, they need to receive affection and love. It doesn’t have to be on a level in which they give love! Lord knows they really set the bar high when it comes to that. I believe the saying is, I can only hope to become the person my dog thinks I am. I have no idea of the numbers, such as how many animals are currently housed there. How many animals get adopted out of there every year. What I do know, is there needs to be more places like this, and more people like this staff to run them. Not only would it make a lot of animals lives better, it would make the world in general a better place. Doing the right thing always does. It takes a certain kind of person to take on a task as important as this. As much as I admire the staff for the hard work, and the job well done they turn in day after day. I also admire them because they can do what they do, day in and day out, year after year. I honestly think it would break me, fast. I want to take all the dogs home. I also want to cause bodily harm to the abusers. For instance, while we were there, one of the volunteers had to run out to buy a bolt cutter, so he could cut a chain and master lock off the neck of a dog in the animal control office next door. Stuff like that enrages me. So, it just wouldn’t be a good fit for me, so thank god for the people that do it. They are all better people then me, and I know that. Of course, if you were to ask my dogs they would never agree. www.BikersAgainstAnimalCruelty.org ____________________________________________________________________________ A New Page Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom Candles are something that I constantly use in my life. I like all colors, scents, and sizes because each one has a purpose in my house. Some are used to deodorize certain rooms that tend to become a little unpleasant and I use others for meditation purposes. I was running low at one point and decided to buy locally in Middletown. A friend suggested a newly established store and I thought it would be a wonderful place to go to. I must admit that I was a bit nervous upon walking in. The displays looked very inviting to me as well as, my very young and inquisitive daughter. She is always touching things and I’m afraid that those little hands will wind up dropping something one day. Yvette however, put me at ease with a smile and a, “Why don’t you take her over to the crystals? Every child seems to love those. She can touch and hold as many as she likes.” A calm feeling came over me as I browsed. It could have been from the wonderful smells of the burning incense, or perhaps it was from the cozy fire and beat of the drums during circle. It may have even been from the beautiful displays of crystals, books, and other products geared to aid in the health of your mind, body, and spirit. The Tribal/Holistic online community that is connected to the store could also have something to do with my high spirits. I knew this was a store I’d come back to again and again, not only for candles, but for other products that would enhance my well being. Yvette Page opened A New Page doors on October 4, 2003 after a few setbacks in her life. A New Page was Yvette’s new chapter in life after recovery and a job layoff. She started this new path on Main Street in Middletown. It was a nice store filled with wonderful holistic products however, Yvette yearned for more. She wanted to tie holistic products with tribal healings, and so started the quest for a new store location. The new location was found recently and it boasts a huge outdoor space for Lunar Rhythm drum circle events. It also has a large interior for workshops on Reiki, Candle Making, and even Tarot sessions. A New Page has an online community page on Ning (http://anewpage.ning.com) and this gives one a sense of belonging as well. Yvette is a wonderful person who goes out of her way to provide great products and services to her consumers. I remember going there for some decorative bells that I keep by my front door. They may look pretty, but their purpose is for a much more practical reason. I have them there as an alarm. They let me know who’s opening the door and closing it, be that my husband, or my little ones. It’s a great product to have when you have small kids or even adults with Alzheimer’s that tend to wander. Yvette was nice enough to order a few more for me and I can’t wait to pick them up! A New Page is easy to get to off of Route 9 South (Cromwell Exit 19) and Route 372. It’s located on Route 3 at 1060 Newfield Street in Middletown Connecticut. CHORALE CONNECTICUT: A TRUE MUSICAL TREASURE By Phyllis S. Donovan “Come with me to Chorale Connecticut’s spring concert,” a former co-worker and voice student of Chorale director Dorothy Barnhart recently suggested. “Of course,” I readily agreed. Since we’ve long been impressed by former concerts offered by the Chorale, my husband and I were both eager to see what new surprises Dorothy and her 50-strong group had in store for us. We weren’t disappointed! (We never are.) This spring’s concert, entitled “Earth Notes” and dedicated to its May Day performance, was a treasure of musical surprises. With such joyous celebrations of their craft as their opener, “We are the Music Makers,” to the splendid closer, “How Can I Keep from Singing?” the wonderful harmonies of the Chorale soared in confirmation of their artistry. The versatile Timothy Moran added yet another dimension to the musical fabric with his playful flute in “Piping Down the Valleys Wild” and rich clarinet in the lovely Shaker tune “Simple Gifts” and later sing-along, “Down By the Riverside.” Ms. Barnhart delights in engaging and including her audience. Carrying out the earthy theme of the concert, an American Indian sequence complete with the surrounding sounds of rushing water, calling loons, hooting owls and an amazingly realistic (female) baying wolf transported the audience into a veritable wilderness, while later the persistent drumming of a woodpecker and even the annoying buzz of mosquitoes ended with a satisfyingly abrupt mid-buzz silence. Playing to an audience that packed the sanctuary of Meriden’s First Methodist Church, the event also showcased the Concert Choir of DePaolo Middle School, 25 lively young people who performed both with the Chorale and also in a delightful segment of their own, under the direction of Patricia Altieri. A mellow “As Time Goes By” was followed by a rousing “Rock This Town” with show choir moves worthy of “Glee,” then the talented youngsters exhibited their own “Electricity” in a “Billy Elliot” number. We love that Dorothy Barnhart encourages and nurtures the musical talent of the next generation of performers. Seven young people from surrounding high schools regularly expand the ranks of her Connecticut Chorale as “interns,” honing their own talent as they gain performance experience. At one point in the concert, each of these young Chorale members was introduced and praised individually by their proud director. As for the DePaolo Middle School Concert Choir, these youngsters, whose dedicated parents had transported them to the concert site and encouraged them with their interest and support, are so lucky to have had the chance to show off their talent in a professional setting. At a reception in the church hall following the concert, a long table of home made sandwiches and goodies plus punch were set up and waiting for concert-goers who wanted to mingle with the performers. We imagine this was the doing of Chorale members’ spouses working behind the scenes while the program was in progress. All of this doesn’t just happen. We always think of all the preparation, hard work and dedication that goes into an event such as this. Yes, it has to be soul-satisfying to perform with such an obviously well rehearsed and professional chorale such as this. And to create such a joyful noise unto the Lord is, to us less musically talented folks, nothing short of amazing. We are so thankful that the arts in our community are still alive and well. Dorothy Barnhart and her Chorale Connecticut are constantly doing their utmost to carry on this tradition. Our job is to support them any way we can. And the side benefit is the best part of all – pure unadulterated pleasure from an outstanding musical experience! Mark your calendars! Chorale Connecticut’s next performance, its Winter Concert, will take place on December 4 and 5. A long time to wait but don’t miss it. For more information about the Chorale and a sample of its wonderful harmonies, check out their website: www.choralect.org. 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. Saving Wallingford’s Fireworks By Jason Zandri Since Tuesday April 13th when I learned the fate of the budget for the Wallingford Fireworks, that these line items were to be cut once again as last year, I set out to try to save them. I knew this was not going to be a repeat of last year. Times are different now than last year – they are on the improvement side but they are lower and worse off than where we were this time last year. The Council was not going to be able to save the day this time like last year. I asked individual councilors; some I spoke to would not commit to trying at that point to save them. Others were convinced that had they tried there would be opposition from the Mayor for trying to put them back into the budget so they were not going to bother. Others supported the move and simply felt it was the prudent thing to do in this economy. Despite having that mindset some voted to keep some or all of the funding for other town sponsored events; only the fireworks were completely cut. That is a story for another day I suppose. I spoke with the Mayor and he did indicate that he would not be supportive of a move by the council to restore any funding, all or partial, for the fireworks celebration. So knowing all this and thinking no one was going to take any action I decided to see what I, Joe Citizen, could do. There have been some that have walked right up to me and said this is a fool’s errand and that it can’t be done in 40 days. I have politely disagreed and said “it can if the people really want it – there are enough citizens in this town that go to the show, I just have to find a way to reach them all.” Others have said “with all the gloom and doom, the layoffs of the teachers and what not, we should not be celebrating.” Again I disagreed. We are not blowing up fireworks and celebrating because the economy was effectively in a car wreck and that teachers were recently given notice of layoffs. We are celebrating the birth of our great nation and since it is a great nation we will pull out of this mess too – better and stronger than before. “This too shall pass.” You see, for me the fireworks mean many different things. At the base of it all – it is the celebration of the birth of our great nation. I love my country. There are days I certainly could do without our government but the government is not the country; the people are. Independence Day, as outlined in the write up at Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States) states: “In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States.” There is little I could do to improve upon that to make a point here as to why at a basic level I am doing what I am doing – I deeply believe in most if this (again – I could do without the political speeches but if I have to have them to keep the holiday I can turn up my Zune and drown them out.) There are other reasons too. I remember going to the show many years as a child with my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I remember when I got my driver’s license I went up there on my own with a girl I was dating steady at the time. I remember going less often as I got into my early 20s but I always knew the show was going on. I remember talking to my grandmother and my great / grand aunt about how they used to shoot them off in the 1950s at the old airport in town (which is now the closed landfill). I remember the one year my two children (at the time – I have four now) didn’t go to Poland for the summer and they went to the show with me. My son was frightened and excited all at the same time. My daughter cried after the show ended because we had to go home. Now there was the risk that we would never have this show again. My family leaves for Poland this year on June 1 – the very same day that is the drop dead date for us to collect all of the funds for this show and to get them over to the town. The cost of the fireworks and all the city services and overtime costs – we have to have it all. So I am sacrificing all of the remaining free time that I could be spending with my little ones trying to collect the funds so this show goes on. I am willing to make the sacrifice so that if I have to say to them someday “I remember when we used to do this in Wallingford” I can at least say it knowing I tried to do something about it rather than being another one of many saving “gee, I hope someone does something about this.” I am confident we can save it. We have some time (although tight), we have the consideration and support of the citizens that have been giving generously, and we have the interest of some businesses that are looking to help out however they can. I am doing this for me – for all the memories I have had of the event and all the ones I want to make going forward. I am doing this for my kids so that they will have the same opportunity I did to make memories at their home town fireworks celebration. I am doing it for all the families I know and all the ones I do not, from Wallingford and beyond, who come and enjoy our “Grand Event.” I am doing it for all the members of our military, past and present, all that gave some and some that gave all. Without them to nurture, protect and defend this great nation, from before day 1, it would not be turning 234 years old this year. I am doing this as an American and a Citizen of Wallingford, one who does not want to see yet another great tradition get piled into the ranks of “I remember when.” Not on my watch – not without a fight. Spring has sprung or has it? a musing by Ernie Larsen If one had to determine if spring were actually here, the calendar would indicate it was. Yet based on the weather of the last month it would be extremely difficult to figure out what season it was. From temperatures ranging from the 30’s with frost warnings to the high 70’s low 80’s; torrential rain storms with a few high winds mixed in challenged the most seasoned meteorologist. Even though I don’t hold many positive vibes toward the weather watchers – just last weekend we were heading for one of our cultural overnights in NYC and the prediction was for rain both days – not a very encouraging outlook – however, once again – the forecaster should have just looked out the window – it rained minimally with none of it affecting out outing. So, getting back to whether it is spring or not – the season arrived sometime in the early hours of March 20, the equinox and all that sky chat. I started my tomato and pepper plants, with the love apples definitely out-growing the peppers and my mini-tomato greenhouse kit from the Christmas Tree Shop doing the best of all. I’ve decided to plant three times the crop of tomatoes as last year; just in case we get another round of ‘late blight’ which limited my 2009 harvest severely. Other signs of spring; daffodils – their glory now all but gone – the early warm weather coaxed them into blooming way too early. Although I did see a good representation of the species at the Daffodil Festival which suffered a couple of days of rain - split on the first and second weekend of its run. Nothing new for the organizers, yet still a bit of a bummer. It would be great if they could have the good luck to have two consecutive days of warm, sunny weather. I understand the Saturday crowds at the Park were outstanding and there for fun; this was good news for the non-profit food vendors who use the Festival as their major fundraiser for the year; a few groups sold out both their Saturday and Sunday supplies of food the first day, so I expect many will exceed their profit expectations. I checked out a couple of bands in the Food Tent, the River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs and my favorite DF group, The Shiny Lapel Trio. At 5:00 PM the tent was jammed – the Craft Show, packed and the midway, jamming. Truly, Meriden’s premiere event. Another sign of the season, opening day of fishing season – haven’t been out yet myself, have a trip scheduled next week. Although the areas I normally fish are available all year, opening day still gets the old fishing genes cooking and the urge to drown a fly gets stronger and stronger. So I’ll get my gear ready, find my ‘lucky fishing hat’ already have my license – I’m ready to hit the river. Wish me luck. And now next Sunday, Mother’s Day; I just sent out my invitations for my annual brunch to the family, my daughter, s.i.l. and granddaughter; my daughter in law, son and granddaughter; my sister in law and my brother and nephew. It is usually a pretty low-key affair with a couple of quiches, fruit salad, sausages, chocolate chip pancakes etc. with Mimosa’s to wash everything down. And speaking of brunches, I think one of the most memorable was many years ago, we decided to take my mother to a buffet brunch at the Yankee Silversmith in Wallingford. It was my wife and I, our two children and Mom. The dining room was smartly set up, with sparkling glassware and shining silverware; napkins that matched the tablecloths and were done up in a fancy cone type configuration. As soon as we were seated each of the children took one of the napkins and placed them on their head, thinking they were party hats. Well, it was a special occasion! They’re going to ‘kill’ me when they read this recollection, but my wife and I and my mother thought it was extremely amusing at the time. And for me the next ritual that is spring, the planting of a vegetable garden. This year I probably will just stick to tomatoes, green peppers, some herbs and sunflowers. But I usually do some last minute plant buying and will add a couple of more things, cucumbers come to mind. So that pretty much sums us spring in my world – even though the weather is all over the place. The weather is on the TV as I write this and the guru’s are calling for temps in the mid 70’s and 80’s this weekend – well time will tell, however it would be a welcome surprise from the torrential rains and low temperatures of the week just past. Happy spring – hope you consider planting a vegetable garden – its good therapy and believe me there is nothing like a home-grown tomato! Hey, maybe I’ll see you at Vinny’s when I pick up my next flat of plants. Or if not, perhaps on the Salmon River; wherever you spend your spring – have some happy thoughts and most of all have fun. Wallingford Native and The art of making movies by Richard Neilberg. After writing the screenplay Love's A Killer, and learning that he couldn't use Myspace or Facebook as the social network that the serial killer uses to find his victims, Michael J Citak, while backstage at a local production of Detective Story, in New Britain CT, in where Michael played the Patrolman Gus, the idea for RUSocial was born. "I was looking at Vogue Magazine, and was searching for inspiration for the name of the university in the film", said Michael, ”because it was the schools social network that the serial killer uses, and I figured it needed to coinside with the name of the social network." So flipping through Vogue, he came across a picture of American born actress Reese Witherspoon, and without going any further, he knew right then, that the name of the university would be Reese, and the social network for the school would be RUSocial. "Upon researching," Said Michael, "to see if RUSocial.com was taken in the real world, I found that RUSocial.net was for sale, so I figured what better way to market the film then to create a real life rusocial, and promote it to the world!" Originally RUSocial was meant to be a private social network, for use by only the people involved in the making of the film, but with each passing day, and with ambitions far exceeding ordinary, Michael felt that the world should be able to see and interact with the stars of Love's A Killer. So now, once casting takes place in January, pictures will be uploaded, and potential castmates, crew and fans of the film, will be invited to join, making RUSocial, the next biggest thing since Facebook! "I've always been a dreamer," said Michael, "and I've always followed my dreams, no matter how far fetched, because I believe, if you don't dream big, and work towards those larger than life ideas, you'll never know if they were really larger than life, or just your reality!". In November 2009, Michael moved one step closer to his dreams, and became CEO of JustAHead Productions LLC, the production company he started to produce his screenplay Love's A Killer. "I never thought it would be possible," Said Michael, "that I'd be at the healm of my own film production company and when we complete filming Love's A Killer, I'll be at the verge of movie stardom." Michael will not only be producing/directing, but will also be acting in the film as well in a small role. FAQ- Q. Is RUSocial free? A. Yes, the social network is free, and is similar to that of Facebook, Myspace, Youtube and the like. Q. How can I contribute to the movie. A. There are multiple ways that you can contribute. 1. You can donate at least $1 to www.tinyurl.com/lovesakillerfund, and in doing so will be an accredited producer on the film. 2. You can simply publicize RUSocial.net to all your friends and family, and tell them by joining they are supporting a local filmmaker, and can chat and socialize with the stars of the film. 3. You can become an investor on the film by contacting Michael at justaheadproductions@yahoo.com. Q. What is the film about? A. The film is entitled Love's A Killer, and is a story about a University senior named Branden Montgomery Love, and what happens when a serial killer shows up on campus and friends everybody on RUSocial.net, the school's social networking site. With the deaths mounting, and the clues piling up, can the police chief solve the crimes and bring the serial killer to justice before his daughter is next? Can Branden avenge the death of his Brother without going to jail, and can Stacey keep her cool in the face of adversity? All these questions will be answered. Plot twists, buried treasure, and a serial killer who has more than one personality makes Love's A Killer more than your average 'who done it', and unlike any other horror comedy you've ever seen. Q. Where are you filming the movie? A. Filming of Love's A Killer will be predominately taking place in Wallingford, CT, featuring local businesses as locations in the movie, but locations all throughout CT will be utilized. Q. Can I be in the movie? A. If you're local to Connecticut, or will be in the area when we happen to be filming, I'd be happy to have you on set as an extra. If you join RUSocial, and stay tuned, I'll be posting events for when I need extras! Q. I have a product that I'd like to advertise, do you offer any type of advertising on RUSocial.net? A. Yes, we do. For a monthly fee of $25, we'll feature your product, or business on the front page of RUSocial.net in the rotating banners. Its a great way to promote your brand and raise awareness for your cause. Q.How long will my ad stay up? A. As long as you're willing to pay for it. . Q. Where does the money go for the advertising? A. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of advertising goes towards the budget of Love's A Killer. The rest goes to administrative costs. Contact Us. Administrator- Michael J Citak- mikecitak@yahoo.com 203-824-0558. Web Programmer- Janeice Janiese@gmail.com. Advertising Sales- Mikecitak@yahoo.com. To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to http://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. Home Country Slim Randles Oh, we could always just go ask Delbert Chin why he did it, but that would take all the fun out of it. You know. So we sat and sipped at the world dilemma think tank meeting of Everything Important down at the Mule Barn truck stop and talked it over. It was probably inspired by Jasper Blankenship bringing cookies down from the diggin’s and passing them out, along with a compliment for each recipient. Others in town did likewise, including Delbert Chin, whose immaculate Gates of Heaven Chinese restaurant is a favorite for special times. Delbert got in the spirit of cookies and passed out fortune cookies on the street to all concerned, wishing each of us a good fortune. He lit up when he did it, you could see. Maybe that’s what happened. It was less than a week later. Delbert brought out a large glass jar full of water and punched small holes in the lid. He set it on a small table outside the front door to the Gates and put a sign on it: “World Famous Invisible Golden Trout.” Problem was no one could see the fish. When he was asked about it, he said he caught it in Owens Lake, which is dry. He also added he caught it on a dry fly, naturally. He had a kind of smirk about his mouth when he answered these questions, but it didn’t stop every kid and half the adults in town from looking in that glass jar to see if they could spot the fish. It was a tourist lady who did it, though. She confronted Delbert directly. “Sir,” she proclaimed, “there’s no fish in that jar out there. That’s a lie!” “Oh no!” said Delbert and ran out front to the jar. “Whew!” he said with relief. “For a while I thought he was gone, you know.” “There’s no fish in there!” she said. “Ma’am,” Delbert said. “He’s more than eight inches long. You see those little-bitty holes? How he’s gonna get out?” We’re pretty sure Jasper’s cookies are responsible for starting this. ---------- Sponsored by: www.pearsonranch.com. Farm direct, delicious, California navel & Valencia oranges. Home Country Slim Randles Sure was good to see Jimmy back from the Middle East last week. He looks good in that uniform, too. He was running all over the place for a few days, visiting everyone he knows, but he finally came in to the Mule Barn and sat at the Fogey Counter to be with us. "Must be good to be home," Doc said. "You bet," Jimmy said. "But it isn't the same as it was." We thought about that. Thought back over the year he'd been gone. A few new babies born, a few old-timers gone to rest. Oh yes, they finally filled that pothole in front of the drugstore. But that was about it. "What do you mean it isn't the same, Jimmy?" "This is going to sound funny to you guys," he said, "but all that time over there, I kept thinking about how nice it was going to be to get out in the woods at night again with Ed Lakey and the dogs and go coon hunting, you know? It was so hot over there, I tried to remember what it felt like to wear Carhartt coveralls and feel that cold night air and hear those hounds bawling and running down along the river. Oh man, that was one of the things that kept me going." He looked at us and his mind came back home there for a minute. "Of course, I missed you guys, too. Thought about you a lot." "Well, sure you did," Doc said. "Anyway," Jimmy said, "I got home and the first thing I did ... well, almost the first thing I did... was call Ed and tell him I needed to get in the woods, and how about he throws those dogs in the truck, you know, and we'll go hunting? He told me he was sorry, but he didn't have a single hound any more. Had to quit coon hunting for good. "You know Ed. He lives to go hunting with those dogs, so I asked him what happened. He said his wife was upset at him for spending so much time with those dogs and not with her. She said he loved those dogs more than he loved her and she told him either the dogs would have to go or she would. "So Ed said, 'Doggonit, Jimmy. I flipped a coin and the dogs lost.'" ---------- Sponsored by: www.pearsonranch.com. Farm direct, delicious, California navel & Valencia oranges. “Sheltering and Animal’s Perspective” by Gregory M. Simpson I don’t mean to sound preachy. Really I don’t. So when someone asks me why I became a vegetarian, I offer simply, “I was tired of animals being killed so I could eat them.” The usual response is a subdued “Oh,” when perhaps for an instant, I break through the cultural mass denial that allows people to arbitrarily compartmentalize dogs and cats into companion animals while grouping cows, pigs, chickens and other animals for human consumption. My intent is not to preach, for goodness knows that as an avid cat lover, I rationalized for years that because my cats were carnivores, that it must be acceptable for me to eat meat, too. The day I finally admitted to myself that my life did not depend on the death of animals, which are just as sentient as the cats I treasure, was the day I finally became a vegetarian. As a vegetarian, one joins impressive company. Albert Einstein was a vegetarian, as were Leonardo da Vinci and Gandhi. Humanitarian Albert Schweitzer reflected, “While so much ill-treatment of animals goes on, while the moans of thirsty animals in railway trucks sound unheard, while so much brutality prevails in our slaughterhouses…we all bear guilt.” There are plenty of reasons to become a vegetarian besides caring about saving animals from horrendous factory farm conditions and from the pain and terror of slaughter. Start with self-preservation. Vegetarians have a 30% lower risk of death from heart disease than those who eat meat or fish. Vegetarian diets are typically 25% lower in fat than meat based diets. A diet heavy in processed meats raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes by about 50% in men. Vegetarians are also at lower risk of osteoporosis than non-vegetarians. According to the 12-year Oxford Vegetarian Study, cancer mortality was 39% lower among vegetarians. The American Cancer Society attributes more than one-third of cancer deaths to nutrition. William C. Roberts, M.D., editor of The American Journal of Cardiology, summarizes, “When we kill the animals to eat them, they end up killing us because their flesh, which contains cholesterol and saturated fat, was never intended for human beings.” Then there are the 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 U.S. deaths annually due to food-borne diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One more statistic that should be of interest – vegetarians outlive Non-vegetarians by about six years, according to William Castelli, M.D., director of the longest running epidemiological study in medical history – the Framingham Heart Study. What about vegetarianism for children? “Children who grow up getting their nutrition from plant foods rather than meats have a tremendous health advantage. They are less likely to develop weight problems, diabetes, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer,” says probably the best known pediatrician of all-time, Benjamin Spock, M.D. Most children spend their first year as vegetarians thriving on breast milk, fruits, vegetables and cereals. Says Harvey Diamond, author of Fit for Life, “You put a baby in a crib with an apple and a rabbit. If it eats the rabbit and plays with the apple, I’ll buy you a new car.” Vegetarians care about animals. Vegetarians care about their health. Vegetarians care about planet Earth. Although more than 840 million people worldwide are malnourished, over 70% of the U.S. grain harvest and 80% of the corn harvest is fed to farm animals. One estimate is that if half of the grain used to feed farm animals worldwide was instead fed to people, this would be sufficient to end world hunger. Raising animals for food also significantly contributes to increased carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. A report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization indicates that at least 18% of the global warming comes from livestock. This is more than is caused by all of the world’s transportation systems. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that American factory farms generate more than 350 million tons of manure yearly. For every pound of meat produced, grain-fed animals use over 13,000 gallons of water. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that hog, chicken and cattle waste has polluted over 35,000 miles of rivers in 22 states and contaminated groundwater in 17 states. In the U.S., yearly soil losses are as much as 44 tons per acre on steep slopes. Thousands of bison, coyotes, wolves and other wildlife are maimed, shot, poisoned, and even burned alive because the meat industry claims these animals interfere with raising animals for food. Marine life fare no better. Every day nearly 1000 dolphins, turtles and other sea creatures drown as they are entangled in fishing nets. My intent is not to preach. Vegetarianism is an ethical and health choice that each person must make in his or her own time. Paul McCartney summarizes it well: “If anyone wants to save the planet, all they have to do is just stop eating meat. That’s the single most important thing you could do. It’s staggering when you think about it. Vegetarianism takes care of so many things in one shot: ecology, famine, cruelty.” No preaching; just some things to think about. 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. 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. 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. Life along the Q River… An Update from the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association QRWA 30th Annual Canoe and Kayak Race It all started 30 years ago with a small group of canoe enthusiasts. It now attracts racers from all over New England and New York and it the longest running race in CT history. It’s sanctioned by the New England Canoe and Kayak Race Association, or NECKRA and is one of the nines races on their calendar. Last year, 35 boats raced with 70 participants. This year the QRWA celebrates the 30th anniversary of their Canoe and Kayak race on Sunday, May 16th. This five mile course begins at the Route 322 Department of Transportation parking lot on the Cheshire /Southington line. There is ample parking for all participants. The course consists of four miles of mostly twisting flat water and about a mile of whitewater, and one portage, continuing right past Boy Scout Island and concluding with a flat finish at Red Bridge. There are 17 classes available for racers of all levels of expertise from competition level to novice, for single person to duals, from male to females and mixed (one male, one female), from senior to junior. There is also a touring class for those just paddling for fun, not medals. There is even a class for politicians and local officials. If you want to race, there’ll be a class for you to race in. The day begins with registration from 9 – 10:30 am at the parking lot. From 11:00 on, boats will be launched at 30 second staggered intervals, getting everyone pretty much finished within 1-2 hours. QRWA Board members Paul Roy and Dan Pelletier and Executive Director Mary Mushinsky take on the officiating and record keeping tasks. Connecticut State law requires that each participant wear an appropriate life vest, footwear and each boat has a whistle, which will be provided with registration. Additionally at the portage, where you physically walk your boat in shallow areas, we will have QRWA members flagging and providing assistance to the tourist class if needed. The unofficial rule of helping when asked is a sign of respect for the racers and the water. Once the race is completed, the results will be tallied and the top three finishers in each class will receive awards, a medal for first place and ribbons for second and third place. There will be two additional awards for the overall canoe and kayak winners with the best time. Afterwards it’s time to celebrate with a cookout and music for the race participants. QRWA board member Deb Mason Meydag and her band ‘Highway 49’ will provide the live entertainment. The event usually winds down at 3 p.m. Dan Pelletier, event co-chair states, “This is a well respected race for the water enthusiasts. We are happy that this event draws people from all over New England to the Quinnipiac River in Cheshire and Meriden. It really showcases the best of the Q River and the great outdoor activities that are right in our own back yard.” Adds event co-chair Paul Roy, “As avid racers, both Dan and I enjoy being with others who appreciate a great course, the challenge to better your time and the opportunity to meet your fellow racers. This is one of those races that many racers look forward to and it’s a nice way to raise money for the QRWA.” “It’s amazing that our race is the longest running race in CT and has been one of the most anticipated races in New England for a long time,” noted Mary Mushinsky, QRWA’s Executive Director. “And regardless of the weather, we always have a great time.” QRWA President Ginny Chirsky added, “This event is great and I appreciate the efforts of all those who volunteer to make it come together so effortlessly, especially Dan and Paul. This is the type of event that shows how we can enjoy our natural resources while raising funds that protect those same resources. In the summer, we also have programs that introduce people to the adventures of canoeing or kayaking.” The registration fee to enter the race is $18 will be held rain or shine and QRWA will ensure that transportation will be available to get back to the parking lot. For more information about the 30th Annual Canoe and Kayak Race, including parking, registration forms, course map and other race details, please visit www.qrwa.org. Planting the Butterfly & Bee Garden - May 23 and 23, 2010. Do you have a slightly green thumb that you want to put to use to help nature's pollinators? Contact JoAnne Grabinski, Project Coordinator at (203) 235-0775. Water Trails Day - June 5 and 6, 2010. Mary Mushinsky and Dan Pelletier will be giving paddle lessons on Hanover Pond. Learn to steer and you may qualify for a cruise down the race course. To register, call (203) 237-2237. The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the Quinnipiac for the health and enjoyment of all citizens and communities along its reach and to educate all students, families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river. We provide water activities, events in education, outreach, advocacy, scientific monitoring, conservation, restoration, recreation and public access to the watershed area. To learn more about the QRWA and future events, please visit our website at www.qrwa.org. Thank you for your support and remember your donations are tax deductible. Rosa’s Deli Considered by many to be WALLINGFORD’S INSTITUTION, people will agree that Rosa’s Deli is one of the best places to come and eat. Rosa’s has been here since 1980 and brings a wealth of knowledge and southern Italian cooking, hence the reason why so many come back.. Rosa’s is a small family business that tries to maintain a friendly atmosphere, low prices and great food. You can ask the hundreds that come back every day and they will tell you how much they love it. We get personal with many of our clients, we exchange jokes, daily news and even family news. This truly makes Rosa’s Deli a community center. With many of our fellow local businesses, we all help build and make Wallingford the town it truly is. Rosa’s Deli 57 North Colony St., Wallingford, CT 06492 203-265-1487 www.rosasdeli.com Open Monday-Saturday 830-6pm Closed Sunday “Maggie’s Corner” Live in Interview with the Famous Vocal Performer on The Saturday Night Live Band, The Beehive Queen of blue-eyed Rock n’ Soul, Christine Ohlman By: Maggie Griffin For years we know Christine Ohlman, lead vocals on the band for Saturday Night Live. And for years her fans grew by the thousands, growing to love her in voice, talent and performance. And with Christine being a native of Bronx, New York, she was born to Rock n’ Roll with a lot of Soul. Coming from a musically talented family, she began to tune up the volume since she was a toddler. Amazement by her riff, Christine states “My parents were my inspiration through their encouragement to my siblings and myself in the music industry. Coming from a musically talented family and background, in the early 70’s, my brother and I had a band and made our first recording”. At the age of 17, “Wake Me, Shake me” was Christine’s first release, breaking the top 100 in singles. Amongst being the lead vocals in the band on Saturday Night Live, Christine recorded 6 albums, which includes the new release of her newest CD “The Deep End”. Christine feels strongly when she stated; “I love my fans. Their support means everything to me. What I do in the Music Industry is for them.” Music to my ears when Christine told me how much she loves her fans and what her fans mean to her, as I have been a fan of Christine Ohlman as far back as I can remember. Christine’s new release of The Deep End with Rebel Montez is; Christine Ohlman – vocals, acoustic and electric guitar; Michael Colbath – bass, vocals; Larry Donahue – Drums, percussion ; Cliff Goodwin – vocals, lead guitar. Christine is proud to be with these excellent performers as they too are well known names in the music industry. All of them combined are Rebel Montez. Christine Ohlman is still the current and long time vocalist, with the Saturday Night Live Band, who sang in their 25th anniversary telecast, Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary bash at The Garden with George Harrison and Chrissie Hynde. Christine, the queen of blue-eyed rock n’ soul , also made her special appearance at the 2009 Obama Inaugural Gala in Washington, DC, The Lincoln Center “American Songbook” series with Sting and Lou Reed. That’s not all. Christine Ohlman’s performances with many others in the music industry, draws her fans to her like a magnet. Christine will tell her audience, “I’ve come here to set your souls on fire”. With Christine’s Saturday Night Live “Swine Fever”, Raves for Re-Hive, interviews with the New York Times, this Beehive Queen also Rocked Elmore Magazine. Shall I mention Rolling Stone as well? She is everywhere. Members of The Rebel Montez are the most valuable people to her as for her new release of “The Deep End”, which is available on sale now. Along with Christine’s long standing history in Rock n’ Roll, she is deep in Soul with the members of Rebel Montez. It is a pleasure to introduce and give you a glimpse along with the names you already know. The members who work with Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez are: Cliff Goodwin: He is the legendary New England Rock n’ Roll gods The American Standard Band. Joe Cocker and Robert Palmer called Cliff to be their lead guitarist because of his legendary reputable signature in performance. The music industry fames Cliff; he not only shares the stage, Cliff rocks the House. Michael Colbath: He is the Jazz at the base of his own rhythm. Known as “Buddha of the Bass”, his stage presence goes deep. With Michael’s fingers at the bass, his performance with Duck Dunn, James Jamierson and John Paul Jones brought his rhythm to high inspirations. He delivers the inspiration in music at its original context. Larry Donahue: He can beat at 300 BPM. With his coordination beat and percussion moves, he has unshakable timing. A world of inspiration, at LA’s turbulent music scene, Larry has the elegant Stax styling of Al Jackson, Jr. to Wamack’s “Scratchy” and Frank Kirkland’s jungle-drum excursions with Bo Diddley. With Donahue’s Motto “Have Drums, Will Grove”, he is born again every time he picks up those sticks. Performing live at Meriden, CT’s Daffodil Festival in April, Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez are scheduled to appear in several upcoming concerts where you can find her appearances and buy tickets online at www.ChristineOhlman.net. Here are a few towns and States where we can spot the Famous Beehive, Blue-eyed Queen of Rock n’ Soul with her pride and joy Members of Rebel Montez: May 2nd in Goshen, MA; May 22nd in Westerly, RI; May 27th in Fairfield, CT; May 30th in Durham, CT; June 10th in Uncasville, CT; June 13th in Rochester, NY; July 3rd in Manchester, CT; July 23rd in Old Saybrook, CT We love Christine Ohlman! As a lifelong fan of Christine, after talking to her, I turned up the volume to Christine’s new release with Rebel Montez “The Deep End”. Moving and grooving in the privacy of my family room, my neighbors witnessed the beat of the tunes shake my house. Christine Ohlman……YOU ROCK! ORDER The Deep End ON AMAZON.com at: http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Christine-Ohlman-Rebel-Montez/dp/B00337KMEG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1263342796&sr=1-6 Download The Deep End on iTunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=336949082&s=143441 Stakes Are Too High When Death Is an Option More than sixteen years ago, two young men, Ronald Taylor and George Gould, were convicted of murder, largely because of the testimony of one witness. That witness has now recanted, and because the prosecution’s case hinged on that one testimony, both men were set free by Superior Court Judge Stanley T. Fuger, Jr. In setting them free, Judge Fuger vacated the finding of probable cause, set aside the guilty verdicts, and overturned the warrants of arrest and prison sentences. He stated, “George Gould and Ronald Taylor have been convicted and spent over sixteen years in the custody of the state of Connecticut Department of Correction for a crime that, based upon all of the available evidence, they did not commit.” This conviction error, which is not uncommon, resulted in what amounts to the theft of a substantial portion of these two men’s lives. Across the country, hundreds of convictions have been overturned because it was later discovered that the person convicted had not committed the crime. It is shocking—and a grave injustice—that innocent people have been sent to prison for crimes that they did not commit. As unjust as that may be, at least the innocent in prison can be released. Unfortunately, there is no recourse for the innocent who have already been executed. In Connecticut at least eight people have been convicted of serious crimes and sentenced to long terms in prison, only to be found innocent at a later date. One such case took place right here in Wallingford. In 1989, Kenneth Ireland was convicted of rape and murder and sent to prison. Because of the efforts of the Connecticut Innocence Project, new DNA evidence proved Ireland’s innocence, and he was exonerated in 2009. Had Kenneth Ireland been just two years older when he was convicted he would have been eligible for the death penalty. If so, in the twenty years that passed between his sentence and release, Ireland could have been executed. In the U.S., more than 135 people serving death sentences have been set free because of their actual innocence. The over 135 individuals who succeeded in proving their innocence and were released are the “lucky ones.” We probably never will know how many innocent people were not so lucky and were executed.” Admittedly, our criminal justice system is created and managed by human beings and we are inherently imperfect. Even the most well-intentioned, conscientious, moral of persons can err in judgment. When corruption, abuses, discrimination and inequities are added to the mix, mistakes are inevitable. The stakes are far too high when death is an option because the execution of a human being is irrevocable. The overwhelming data of “convicted innocents” summons us to strive more passionately to eliminate the death penalty in our criminal justice system in Connecticut. Submitted by Katherine Michel of Wallingford When I Was a Lad of Ten - George Arndt When I was a lad of ten, My dear mother said back then; Gather up your smiles Cling to all your wiles; Hold to those merry games, The ones only you can claim; Take your sticks and stones, Take all those that you own; Cherish your happy dreams, Hold tightly by the seams; Grasp the happy sounds From the garden grounds; Behold the morning dew There to dance with you. Don’t forget your smiling eyes… The ones that could hypnotize. Along with your amorous sighs. For these are things you’ll need, To grow to man, my boy, Indeed. MY MOM ELIZABETH WALTERS Mom, with each passing year my love and admiration for you continually grows in leaps and bounds. The life lessons you so lovingly bestowed on your five "kid-lets" have gifted each of us in every area of our lives. You raised FIVE children all alone on less than a paupers budget. Still, what we lacked in material items we gained in the creative and selfless time you shared. Perhaps I felt a little green with envy when my neighborhood chums showed us their new toys. Yet, that was swiftly forgotten by the swell of pride I felt when you sat on the front step on summer evenings and they all crowded around to listen to the stories "My Mom" shared with us all. You found frugal ways to entertain. You would pack up not only your five but also the neighbor kids in that beat up old station wagon for a day at the beach. Oh, the fun we had in the sand and the surf. The Wallingford library was our oasis. For you taught us that a book could take us on a thousand adventures free of charge. They did and they still do. What a gift! With the little you had you always gave to those in need. "You will get back ten-fold what you give" you always said and you were absolutely right. It is so very true. You have quietly lived your life as a shinning example of what Love truly is. Compassion, kindness, empathy, forgiveness, selflessness and most important Faith! "Put your trust in God Lisa" you told me time and time again. "He will never let you down. You will feel hurt at times. That hurt is so that you can grow and learn to depend on His good grace. He will never forsake you. ”Mom, this gift of knowledge HAS sustained me often, like you told me it would ..”time and time again." You have always looked at life with childlike excitement. The green fingers of plants emerging from the earth after a cold winters rest or the bowl full of stars in the nights sky winking and blinking. Both had you giddy as a schoolgirl and taught us that the real treasures are gifts to both the rich and the poor alike. It just depends on the view. Your brain has forever sought knowledge and your work ethics so strong and true. "Give more than they ask of you" was a phrase you always used. "If you give more you're free in the duty, not a slave to it." To this day Mom my favorite sound is that of your uncontrollable laughter. I always felt I grasped the Golden Ring when I did or said something that could elicit those happy, golden tones. For you lived a hard and often painful life. I could go on and on, write tomes detailing your attributes. Suffice to know I glean them all. I know that Patti, Mike, John and Jim do too. You always taught us to stick together. One pencil is easy to snap but put a bunch together and the task is almost impossible. We are all close .. the six of us "pencils." At times one or another of us falters but together we cannot be snapped. I'm sure we will face countless challenges in life but thank God we learned and are still blessed to learn from a mother that wears the title "MOM" so very, very well. So on this Mother's day Mom I would like you to recall the countless times you had to give your brood tough love. I also want you to remember the many times you said "Someday you will thank me for this!" Well, today's the day Mama. Thank you. Thank you so very much!! You have been and still are a blessing in my life and I know in the lives of countless others. With a heart Full of Love, Lisa Walters Seyler To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to http://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. Connecticut Outdoors Written By: Paul Narducci I am going to share a story with you that is simply cool. Stanley jigs has been a sponsor to my show for the past few years and I truly love their baits. When I first approached them to be a sponsor they agreed to be part of my show and I was very excited about this for obvious reasons. You see I have always used their products as a kid and always new about them. As a teenager I use to watch a show called The Sportsman Challenge on ESPN. Their were several people involved in this show and one of them was Lonnie Stanley. I came home one day and my wife says you have a message on the answering machine. When I listened to it , “holy crap Lonnie Stanley is on my machine” asking me to call him. How cool is that. You see I always watched his show and looked forward to it. For those who don’t know he co-hosted with people named Ron Franklin, Mike Dyes and Doug Hannon. This show was seen on ESPN for over eighteen years. There is no doubt this show was the most informative and educational show of its time. Lonnie founded Stanley Jigs in 1980 and is still going strong in today’s market. He is truly one of the true legends in the fishing industry as a whole. You can log onto www.fishstanley.com to check out some of their old and new lures. For those who watch my show, know I love fishing spinnerbaits and his are wonderful. In fact they have won me some money while fishing local tournaments. Lures I would recommend you trying are his bugeye jigs, wedge plus spinner baits, ribbits, buzzit , platinum jigs and check out his new lures for 2010. Well back to my story. After listening to his message I said to my wife,” How cool is that“. I watched and looked up to this guy as a teenager and I admired his story. So after taking a few deep breaths I called to talk to Lonnie about my show and of course fishing. Forty five minutes later I hung up and soaked it all in. I just spoke to Lonnie Stanley a fishing legend and owner of Stanley Jigs. I called Frank and Tony to tell them and we spent time talking how we all use to watch his fishing show. Stanley Jigs is a great company that has a long history of making wonderful lures that catch fish. I am very proud to have them as a sponsor and really love how Lonnie took so much time talking with me. I will forever remember our conversation and what it meant to me. A reminder to those fishing for trout this year the Quinnipiac River offers some great fishing. If you’re a lucky one to catch a tagged trout notify the QRWA for your prize. You may also want to try your luck at Black Pond and Wharton Brook. I have seen some huge stripers being caught in the Connecticut River and will be trying my luck for these fish within the next few weeks. I will keep you updated. Years ago I caught some huge stripers using some Sluggos and Zara Spooks on top while filming our show. It has been a while so me and the boys will be doing some striper fishing very soon. If your fishing for bass good reports are coming from Candlewood with some huge bags winning lots of money. Frank and I have our first tournament of the year on Candlewood Lake in May. I will keep you posted. Tony and Joey have been doing well trout fishing and have enjoyed some success using Yum Troutkrilla in the pellet form. Yellow and green seem to be the colors working for them the best. For those who own a boat you may want to try a product called BTS Wax. This is an all in one wax that will leave your boat looking better than ever. BTS is an all surface wax. If you would like more information log onto www.btsproducts.com. I spend a lot of time waxing my boat and this stuff is easy to apply and works great. BTS stands for bow to stern and they weren’t kidding. This can be used on everything and takes away the need to buy other products to keep your boat safe and protected from the elements. As always the team of Connecticut Outdoors wishes you the best of luck and good fishing. Memories of Wallingford Fireworks Moving onto Bertini Lane 5 years ago, meant a brand new house, a nice, quiet neighborhood, and a front row seat to the Wallingford fireworks each year! Every summer my husband and I plan our annual lobster party around the Wallingford fireworks. We invite our family and friends, buy large amounts of food and drinks and enjoy the day, knowing that we can see the fireworks in our front yard at night. Our neighborhood is a nice little cul-de-sac and it has become a tradition for most of the neighborhood to have their own Fourth of July parties. Our friends and families have actually come to count on our parties. We get together and rent bounce houses for all of the neighborhood children and the guests. Bertini Lane is practically impassable on the Saturday of the 4th of July weekend. Cars line the street and well as swarms of people anxious to have a good time and relax on our front lawns while watching the fireworks. After all of our picnics conclude, everyone gets their lawn chairs and sits on the lawns, the driveways, and even in the middle of the cul-de-sac. We all ooh and ahh and have a great time. This is why Bertini Lane will not be the same without the fireworks. Sincerely, Tracy Brunelle Public Invited to Help Boy Scouts of America Celebrate 100th Anniversary at 2010 First Aid Spring Camporee Sleeping Giant District will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouts of America at the 2010 First Aid Spring Camporee on May 14 -16, 2010 The City of Meriden, CT is allowing the Scouts to use Hubbard Park and Castle Craig for this event. Cub Scouts, family and the public are invited on Saturday May 15th from 2 PM to 10 PM. Shuttle bus parking will be available at this time from Ben Franklin School and Wilcox High School in Meriden. Activities open to the public include shuttles up to Castle Craig, fishing in the lake, radio controlled boats and a variety of Scouting, military, emergency preparedness and first aid related displays. Dan Deluca, author of the Old Leatherman - a true story about a hiker in Connecticut from the 1800’s, will be leading a trek to a cave that the Old Leatherman used at 3pm for Scouts and the public. Geocaching activities will also be offered. There is a Trading Post with hiking sticks, hiking medallions, a variety of books, a bandana of the Hubbard Park trail system, postcards and more. The US Postal Service has created a custom cancellation stamp. Food and drink are available. The Show will be held on Saturday from 7 PM to 10 PM in the Hubbard Park Band shell. Performers include The Quinnipiac Dancers, a Native American Dance Team, part of The Order of the Arrow Scouting Honor Society; “Celebrating 100 Years”, a video by Dave Lyons; The Fuse, a Youth Rock Band, "Magic Mike" Gagne and the River Band. This First Aid Camporee will help kick off National Emergency Medical Services Week (May 16-May 22 2010) in Connecticut. Hunter’s Ambulance in Meriden is one of the primary sponsors of the camporee and they have reached out to EMTs and Paramedics to provide training to Scouts for the First Aid Merit Badge. Additional first aid activities will be offered to older scouts who have already earned this Merit Badge. As part of the camporee, the district is completing several community service projects including… • Clean up project at Hubbard Park – Over 80 Scouts marked trails, cleaned the skate house and picked up trash in preparation for the annual Daffodil Festival. • Food Drive - Scouts have been asked to bring canned food to the Camporee, and the donations will be delivered to the food pantry in their own town. • Liberty Elm Memorial Project – 30 Liberty Elm trees will be planted by the Achewon Chapter of the Order Of The Arrow, Scouting’s Honor Society at the William ‘Bill” Dunn Sports Complex in Meriden. This project is supported by the Meriden Rotary Club. • Public Safety Boards are being built for the City of Meriden • Castle Craig & Hubbard Park souvenirs are being created and will be sold by Scouts at the Daffodil Festival and Camporee with extras to be donated to the City of Meriden Hubbard Park was the vision of one man, Walter Hubbard. He donated it to the citizens of Meriden over 100 years ago after laying the ground work of it's paths trails, lake, ponds, brooks, water fall and the famous Castle Craig, which stands at it's peak 1002 feet above sea level..Frederick Olmsted the first well known American Landscape architect, who designed Central Park NYC, had a son John, who assisted Mr. Hubbard in laying out the grounds of this 1800 square acre park out. Come explore Hubbard Park with the Sleeping Giant District at the 2010 First Aid Spring Camporee. Ticket Prices are Adult $10 donation; Youth $5 donation (5-16 years); Children under 5 Free. Tickets are available at the following locations: • Hunters Ambulance Training Center, 450-478 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451 • Meriden Chamber of Commerce, 3 Colony Street, Meriden, CT 06451 • Hancock’s Pharmacy, 840 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450 • The shuttle bus locations and for walk-ins, the Skate House in Hubbard Park. For more information about the Spring Camporee, call 203-514-5181 or visit http://www.ctyankee.org/districts/sleepinggiant/springcamporee. For more information about the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouts of America, visit http://scouting.org/100years/100years/. For more information about joining Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org. For more information about the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouts of America, visit http://scouting.org/100years/100years/. For more information about joining Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org. A Mother's Day Poem by Carol Carbutti owner of Comfort Keepers of Wallingford, CT Mommy! Where are you? I see your broad reassuring smile in the face of my Hospice client Your half opened glazed eyes in my dementia prospect The memory of your hearty laugh tickles me at senior bingo Mommy! Where are you? I see your tears of loss in my widowed senior resident Your determined stance in my hip rehab hopeful The memory of your love warms me at family gatherings Mommy! Where are you? I see your confused expression in the face of my Alzheimer innocent I’m warmed by the loving embrace of a family caregivers thankful hug The memory of your loving support helps define my career choice of caregiving Mommy! Where are you? I see you spying me everyday in my mirror Your approving wink bolsters my efforts to live life to the fullest The memory of you nourishes my mothering style “The Bus” [First Rights Offered] By Jeffrey Hamelin When I think of Meriden and my “Wonder Years” I will admit much of what went on in the fifties are a blur. Little episodes however come through loud and clear as if they had happened only yesterday. The times spent with “The Gang” which was comprised of my three brothers and me, as well as boys and girls of our quiet little neighborhood, are the fodder for what are my most vivid memories. Below is a modest example. I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! My brothers and I are the product of a mixed marriage. By that I mean that my mother was the daughter of Southern Italian parents and my father's ancestry was that of early French Canadian “Quebecquois” settlers. Due to this special mixing, the question of where we boys would go to school was an important one. Due to the fact that we were Roman Catholics, there was absolutely no question that we would attend a parochial school; however which one we would attend was the question. There were several in Meriden with most European ethnic groups being represented. For whatever reason I, and later we boys, were for a time enrolled at Saint Lawrence School on Camp Street. At that time my father operated an Atlantic Service Station at the corner of Camp and Center Streets. I suppose that because of the proximity of his business to both the school and the church and the fact my Dad and his brother were more than a bit friendly with Father Soucy a priest that resided there was a contributing factor. [I believe that their families were from either the same or neighboring villages in French Canada.] Well anyway, Father Soucy was the curate at Saint Lawrence Church and therefore headmaster of the school. Both the church and school were comprised of a mostly French-speaking congregation. These two facts more than helped to tip the scales and load the deck. Consequently, we went to Saint Lawrence School. Of the time spent at Saint Lawrence, I have some great memories and a few that are not so great. The one story that stands out to me like the proverbial shining star is that of a very special adventure ride home from the school one beautiful spring day on the bus. As a child in kindergarten I was transported to and from school by either one of my parents. We were considered fortunate because not only were both parents licensed drivers, but we also had two cars. During that time, at least in our neighborhood, families with more than one car were not that common an occurrence! Now the part of how I began riding the bus alone while in the first grade is a bit fuzzy. I do know that I rode to school in the mornings with Mom, Dad, or our “Aunt Beverly”. [Aunt Beverly was a “stray” that my parents took in. She lived in our home and helped my mother care for we four boys for a period of several years.] With one of them at the wheel, rain or shine, I was chauffeured daily cross town to school. The ride home once spring was upon us was an entirely different story. On school days the jaunt home was via public transportation. In Meriden in those days there were two forms of bus transport to and from school. One either rode on the McMahon Bus Company bus, known as the “School Bus”, or “The Bus” which was run by the Connecticut Company. I went to “Catholic School” so I rode “The Bus”. Now please keep in mind the fact that the time of which I speak is the spring of 1956 which would have made me seven years old. I along with schoolmates of various ages would line up single file in front of Saint Lawrence School and wait for “The Bus.” We stood and waited in a very orderly fashion. This was due to the fact that one of the “Sisters” diligently watched over us. Like clockwork just before “The Bus” arrived, Officer George Geere would magically, it seemed, appear on his colossal motorcycle in his uniform consisting of shinny high black boots, blue jodhpurs, and a magnificently starched shirt which was festooned with various patches. On his breast pocket he wore a gleaming badge that topped off his meticulously starched shirt. Atop his head was his “policeman's” hat which seemed to tilt ever so slightly. Between his clenched teeth was a wonderfully loud ivory whistle that was attached to his shirt at the pocket by a long black lanyard. Officer Geere would dismount his magnificent mechanical steed, walk proudly to the center of the street, whistle at the ready, and raise his gloved hand high commanding all vehicles to stop. Then and only then, upon the piercing chirp of his whistle, and the motioning flick of his wrist would we file onto the bus in an orderly manner. We would deposit our money into the pay box [I think the fare was fifteen cents], and ask Mr. Beuadry the bus driver for a transfer so that when we changed buses downtown we did not have to pay again. We then calmly sat down in our seats. The first part of our bus ride was rather short. We would go from the front of the Church to the light at the corner of Camp and Center, turn right to the intersection with Pratt Street, take that right and proceed to East Main Street. There we would take another right for the distance of about two hundred yards. The bus then took a turn to the right again and stopped across the street from the Railroad Station on State Street. I remember that at the time there was a two storey building at that corner of the block. The shop on the first floor was occupied by a cobbler or shoemaker. In my mind’s eye I can still see two of the signs that were displayed in the window as if it were yesterday. One read, “We Block Hats,” and the other proclaimed “Shoes Repaired and Shined”. I am not certain but I think that there was a roller skating rink above it on the second floor! [For some reason or other I have recollections of a steam pipe spewing its damp fog from somewhere along the side of the building.] There we would get off the bus and wait for direction from Officer Geere who always seemed to “beat” the bus and be there waiting patiently, yet intently for we children to arrive. With the chirp of his whistle and a motion from his gloved hand, then and only then, did we cross the street. Once we crossed, again we stood attentively by the railroad tracks until yet another officer signaled to us that it was safe to cross over the double sets of rails. Once on the other side we proceeded up the slight incline to the corner of West Main and Colony Streets. At this point, I would sometimes throw caution to the wind. Theoretically I was supposed to cross at the traffic tower. Remember the traffic tower? [For those of you that are not familiar with this symbol of Meriden’s bygone era the “Traffic Tower” was simply that, a squat wooden tower erected at the crossroads of the downtown. An officer would enter the tower via an iron ladder from below through a trap door. On its four sides were the various colored traffic signals. From this vantage point inside near the top a patrolman would sit and operate the light system.] The rule was that I was to go directly - and I do mean directly - across West Main Street to the Palace Block side and stand around the corner on Hanover Street [at that time Hanover Street was a two way street] and wait for the bus to South Meriden. But if I had a few pennies and was a bit adventurous I would quickly cross Colony Street and scurry into Liggett’s Drug Store, belly up to the candy counter and buy two or three cents of my absolute favorite candy in the entire world, “jujubes”! The woman behind the counter would dutifully scoop up and weigh out the treasure and then deposit it into a crisp white bag. She would collect my money and off I would dash out the doors on the opposite side of the store via the “short cut”. The store was located on the corner and it had entrances on both Colony and West Main Streets. I would then stand nervously at the crosswalk and wait until the officer who was stationed in the “Traffic Tower” stopped the cars and trucks that seemed to be coming from every which way. In my mind it always took an eternity for the officer to blow his whistle allowing me and everyone else to “cross-over” to the Palace block side. Remember that this was the mid-fifties and that downtown Meriden around three o'clock in the afternoon was really jumping! Once on the other side of the street I would race around to the Hanover Street side hoping to have beaten the bus or be there to catch it in the just the nick of time. If you missed the bus, the wait for the next trip to the village seemed to a first grader to be interminable! Well on this particular day, my recollection is that “lady luck” had showered me in her loving light. The sun, it seemed, was shinning down upon me and me alone. I rested my back snugly against one of the storefronts on the Hanover Street side of the block. Both of the cheeks of my mouth, as well as the pockets of my uniform pants were bulging with those wonderful “jujubes”. On this day, my dad had more than likely given me a whole quarter to take the bus. Remembering that the price of the bus ticket was only fifteen cents, meant that I had a whole dime to drop down and order “ten cents worth please”. Now at the time ten cents was to a boy of seven a small fortune! There was a smile on my face, contentment in my belly and most importantly the thought of adventure on my brain! I stood waiting with my right hand clutching my bus transfer. The fingers of my left hand were buried to the knuckle busily rolling about within the confines of the paper bag constantly fiddling with my sumptuous candy treasure. Right then and there, I decided that today I would go for it! I had been working on this plan long enough! Yes siree Bob today was the day! After all, I was old enough! Haven't I been crossing from State Street, over the tracks, up to the Traffic Tower in and out of Liggett’s, then all the way across the Palace Block and onto the South Meriden Bus up Hanover Street and then up the big, big hill, [Columbus Avenue] and gotten off all by myself and then made my way home successfully more times than I could count? Well hadn’t I? I will admit that in the beginning, the trek from the bus stop to the house was more than a bit confusing. I confess that there were some rather menacing overhanging monstrous trees that did all that they could to block out the sun. Added to that were a couple of dreadfully long straightaway’s and two sort of tricky turns, for a boy of seven. Well you be the judge! As time went on, however, I had even invented a few short cuts of my own. I now had the trip down to a science. I had the walking to the house part down pat. Well hadn’t I? I certainly did! That is it! No sweat! There was absolutely no question about it! I was going for it! This was going to be the day! That is right, I knew just what had to be done, and I knew just how to do it! I had the entire caper planned out in my head. First I was going to stroll down the aisle [I almost always sat in the front seat, the one on the right] and hide out in the back of the bus and try discretely to make myself very, very small. So small in fact that the bus driver won't even see me. I will then go past my stop. Then I like so many of my French explorer ancestors before me would begin my expedition. I will be on my magnificent safari! I will admit that I did not know the names of all of the streets, or just where the bus would go after it went past where I usually got off. Not to fear. Hadn't my father told me more than once, hadn't he drilled into my head that, “If by some chance you miss your bus stop, don't get excited, just stay on the bus till it works its way through the Village. It will automatically follow the same route back towards the City! If this happens, do not panic! Just wait till the bus comes back up the hill, and then pull the cord!” [The cord was just that, it was a cord that stretched the length of the bus on both sides. The Cord was connected to a buzzer, and it was used to signal the bus driver when one wanted to be let of the bus somewhere along the route other than at a predetermined stop.] Dad also told me that if for some reason or other this happened, I was to calmly and politely tell the bus driver as soon as I noticed my mistake. The bus driver would then make certain that on the way back I would be let off at the right stop. Now I had certainly been to “The Village” at least a million times before with the grownups that is. I had gone with my Dad more times than even he could count. We often went to the “Dump” [now known to the P.C. World as the Land Fill] to get rid of the family garbage or perhaps an old piece of furniture, building scraps, or leaves and yard debris. Why on several occasions I had even gone with our neighbor George to “The Airport” to watch the airplanes as they took off and landed. More than a time or two I would go with my uncle or with dad while he or they shopped at one of the local shops like the hardware store owned by Mr. Lehman. Occasionally my Dad would stop in at Barney's Gas Station and chat with the owner. [One time we stopped there to put air in my bike's front tire after my dad had fixed the tube with a patch.] I remember even stopping in at Terragna's, the village drug store. I would sit patiently at the soda fountain sipping on vanilla dishwater [a curious mix of vanilla syrup, milk, and soda water. When mixed together it would foam up and look like soapy glass of water.] While my Dad tested some of our TV tubes to find the “bad one” and replace it so that we all could watch Ed Sullivan and the rest of the Sunday night lineup. This day however was going to be an entirely new ball game. I had finally gotten up enough gumption to give it a try. I would take the plunge. To heck with whatever consequences would befall me. I would throw all caution to the wind. No matter what, I WAS GOING FOR IT! Well this was it. The bus rounded the corner from West Main onto Hanover Street and pulled up to its appointed spot not ten feet from where I was standing. Everyone including me moved closer to the curb and stood in line. I thought it best not to be at the front of the line or at the back, and that somewhere in the middle would be “safest. I must admit that my pulse quickened more than just a bit. My right palm became very moist when I reached into my right front pocket to grab hold of my transfer. I retrieved it, carefully folding the thin very porous paper and stuck it between my lips making certain not to get it wet. [If you got your transfer wet there was a very good chance that the paper would stick to your upper lip and when you went to yank it out of your mouth to give to the bus driver a bit of lip would more than likely go with it. If the truth were known this had happened to me more than once or twice. This action always resulted in a lot of pain and the loss of what seemed to be gallons of blood.] Where was I, ah yes, with my transfer between my lips, and my schoolbooks clutched under my left arm I boarded the bus. I nodded politely to the bus driver handing him my transfer averting my eyes so as not to be noticed. I made my way slowly down the aisle to the very back of the bus and deposited myself in the right rear seat. I must admit that I had never sat that far back in the bus before. Not only was the seat different, [it went the entire width of the bus] but the Cord [remember the cord] did not stretch all of the way to the back. The windows ended at the row of seats in front of me so the view was not quite as good. Who cares? I had made it all the way back here and I had completed at least two parts of my rather intricate plan without being discovered. I was positive that the bus driver had not noticed that I was not in my regular seat. What was more important was I had reached the back of the bus. Yes, yes! So far so good! The bus started out, my heart began to race so hard that I was certain that I could actually hear it beating. We passed the back of Grants Department store on the right, Good! Good! Across the street was The Charles Parker Company where my Uncle John worked [I hoped he didn't see me!], the bus built up steam, it’s wheels dancing as we crossed Cook Avenue with its remnants of exposed brick and trolley tracks. We easily made the light with time to spare. Suddenly the buzzer sounded. Someone had pulled the Cord. The bus driver took his foot off the accelerator then onto the brake and pulled to the curb while stopping. A tired looking old man wearing a Panama hat carrying his rumpled jacket over his arm exited the bus from the rear doors. This put him down directly in front of Fazio’s Barber Shop where he sluggishly made his way to the front door next to the twirling barber pole. As he entered the shop, one could hear the tingling of the little bell that was attached to the door. I crouched down so as not to be seen. Once again we started out chugging along on our way and progressed upon our preset route. We were really moving along, all the time picking up steam. Thank God, there was no one yanking on the Cord. We hit a green light and we started up Columbus Avenue. Boy-o-boy we were really rolling along now. I will admit that at this point my heart was pounding, and my mind was full of “what ifs”. What if I do get lost? What if someone I know sees me? What if the bus driver notices that I am still on the bus after my stop? What if it starts to rain? What if the bus brakes down? What if the bus driver “catches” me? Is what I am doing a sin? Is the sin mortal or venial? What if I bang my head and become unconscious or worse? What if something really bad happens to me and I die and this is a sin? What if because of this sin I die and can't get into heaven? Oh GOD! Wow! Just as quickly as my fears started; they stopped. As the bus began climbing towards the top of the hill all of my “What ifs” seemed to vanish like the vapors of steam that came from that funny store that “Blocked Hats”. A wonderful calm settled over me. I seemed to come to terms not only with my apprehensions but also with myself. Not only with myself but with the idea of the entire adventure. In that split second I knew what I had to do. I decided that today definitely was the day. Today I would become a man. Today for the first time I would be totally in charge of Me. True it might be for only a short bit of time, but the important fact definitely was that I would be in charge! This was it. I was going to do it. My mind was made up. The adventure was on! I reasoned to myself that if I closed my eyes and kept them closed really, really tight until we started our descent down the hill, I could always say that I had somehow missed my stop. I could then claim [another sin?] that I and had been more or less forced to continue on the ambling trek through the Village. I made myself as small as I could, so small that I was certain that no one except God could see me. I closed my eyes oh so very tight. I had closed my eyes so tightly in fact that they actually hurt. No matter what the pain I would keep my eyes shut very, very, very tight. I felt the bus reach the crest of the hill and as it had so many times before. It stopped. Stopped, but why? Why was it stopping? I was the only passenger that ever, ever got off at the top. I knew that the bus driver had not noticed that I was all the way back here because if he had he would have called me to the front way before this. He would have directed me to sit in my own seat, way, way up front. I just stayed sitting back there all “scrunched up” with my eyes glued shut. The doors, both front and rear opened [though even with my eyes shut I could hear them, and normally the bus driver only opened the back door when someone got off] and after what seemed to be the longest forever, ever, he shut the doors again. The wait for him to restart our journey seemed interminable. The engine raced as our driver fed it the gas and we started up again. With the roar of its engine, the bus found enough power to round the top of the hill and begin the decent down the other side. We were now gliding towards Hanover Street on the way to South Meriden. Finally my wonderful adventure had begun! Whew, I had made it, easy as pie, nothing to it, I was on my way! We were again moving. We were picking up speed. The bus was “hurling” itself down Highland Avenue. My first attempt at “totally solo” travel had just begun. Would I dare? Should I open my eyes? If I opened my eyes, would the bus driver somehow magically notice me? If I did open them, would my adventure be over? Would it end as suddenly as it began? If I opened them, would my trip be less exciting? With my eyes shut it somehow all felt so much more fantastically dreamlike! I was certain that somehow I had acquired a new superpower. With my eyes shut, I had by some means become “sort of “invisible! With my eyes shut, this adventure belonged entirely and totally to me and me alone! Sooner than later, my curiosity got the better of me. I began to gradually open my eyes just a bit. First to just a pair of tiny slits. I then opened them just a bit wider. I sat there with a little bit of light sneaking in. It was then and only then, that I could see the shadow of what I knew was an adult. Oh God! This was not just any adult. Even before I had opened my eyes, I had recognized the smell of a familiar perfume. Oh boy! Not only that, I recognized the woman’s coat. I recognized her leather handbag. Uugh oh! I knew that curious snorting- chortling sound! Oh no, my Aunt Beverly made that noise! It was Aunt Beverly who was looking down at me. Despite the fact that her brow was a bit wrinkled, her lips were fixed in a loving smile. Once again she chortled. In that moment I knew that though she was both puzzled and relieved, I was safe. Puzzled because when she met the bus with the expectation of joining up with me to do a little shopping in the Village, I was nowhere to be seen. Her plan was to go to White’s Department Store and then stop for an ice cream soda at Terragna's. Once finished we would then board the next available bus and retrace our route back to the top of the hill. From there a quick walk home. She was relieved to find me, after first boarding the bus at “MY Stop” and not seeing me in my usual seat.[If the truth were known, more than once Aunt Beverly had just happened to be out walking and “run into” me as the bus had reached My Stop!] She had experienced a moment of slight panic before noticing me sitting all of the way in the rear with my eyes tightly clenched. To her credit, Aunt Beverly just passed over the situation, never questioning me as to the why’s and the wherefore's. Instead, she told me why she was there and where we were going. Well actually, she did not mention the ice cream part, only the White’s Department Store part; My Mother had asked her to take me to White’s to pick out and purchase some sort of “dress clothes”. To this day, quite honestly, what I had to try on and what she had bought for me I do not know. I will say this, not all of my recollections of what went on in the Village that afternoon are forgotten. I do remember leaving White’s Department Store and going next-door with Aunt Bev to the soda fountain. We sat at the counter and I ordered what seemed to be the largest twenty-five cent triple scoop, double fudge banana split that anyone had ever seen. It was topped off with sprinkles, nuts, whipped cream and giant cherries. I will admit that Auntie Bev shared my prize with me, as my eyes were in those days so much bigger than my stomach. Well, the rest of the tale you can more or less figure out for yourself. To her credit, Aunt Beverly never “told” on me. She never quizzed me as to why I was at the rear of the bus all alone scrunched up with my eyes glued shut. I will admit that from that day on until her death many years later that at times she would look at me and wrinkle her brow, close her eyes very tight and make that little giggling sound of hers, and smile that warm, knowing, loving, comforting smile. 50th Anniversary By John Billings I just want to write to tell all of you about a special day coming up in Wallingford. The Wallingford Church of the Nazarene on 26 Parker Farms Rd will be in ministry for 50 years this year. In celebrating this milestone in the ministry there on Parker Farms Rd. The Church is opening the church for anyone to come and check the church out. On June 27 there will be a special service celebrating this milestone. The church members will be revealing their new church sign on this day. The church has a whole day of special events going on. For more information, please feel free to call us at 203-269-9313. You can also view the church website at www.WallNaz.org. The following is a testimony of me coming back to the Lord and starting to attend the church almost 20 years ago. I still go there now, even after I moved to Guilford with my wife some 16 years ago. Well, I will say that I will start my saying if it was not for the WallNaz, then I would never have married Amanda. My cousin is Mike Rolan. His mother in law was like a grandmother to me. I did not have any grandparents here in CT and she adopted me as her grandson. She was very sick in the hospital. Every time I would visit her, she kept on talking about this Pastor Eddy from the Nazarene church in Wallingford that kept on visiting her. She gave her life to the Lord in that Hospital room. The last time I saw her, she asked me to go to this church with my cousin Mike and his wife Maryann. She died two days later. That following Sunday I honored her wishes and attend my first service. It was weird because I grew up right on Apple St . I have walked and drove by this church so many times and never even thought coming here for church. I started coming here in 1990. I was so impressed when Pastor Eddy came to visit me every week. Then one day, my Jewish roommate Danny got sick and could not walk. Two men from the church come and knock at our door. They prayed for Danny and prayed using God name only instead of Jesus. When they talked to us they honored Danny and never used the name of Jesus but still witness to him using God name only. I was so impressed with that. I also told them that Danny has not been working for 2 months now. The landlord took half of the rent one month. I ask him to do it again and he said no. So in the mail 2 days later was a check for $475, the fill amount of the rent from the two guys from this churh. Praise the Lord. I have been going to church every Sunday and going to the alter during family prayer time. But one Sunday I was hurting so bad with all the stress of the only one working in the house. I sat in a pew and listen to this beautiful women with this awesome voice sing a song called “ Raining in the inside”. I just release all of my pain to the Lord. I do have to say that I love this woman. Her name was Amanda Stickley. That week I give my life completely over to the Lord. God healed Danny.. I started to get involved with the church here. Amanda took my hand in marriage right here in this chapel on May 28,1993. Marvin was Amanda’s dad also played a big part of my Christian walk. I miss him greatly. I know he is with our Heaven Father where he would love to be at. Georgianna has also open your heart to me and also played a big part of my walk. If these walls could talk. The concerts, revival services, Special speakers, funerals of two great men of this church. I saw 3 people go into full time pastor, and even a couple going to the mission field. Been involved with so much events like choir practice with Amanda leading it. Or hanging of the greens. So many times I come to this alter. I own so much to this church. The members help me see Jesus once again.. I have been a Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher and helper, served on the Social committee , and even had the honor to serve this church on the board. I even delivered a sermon a couple of years ago here. The first time since I was 17 in the church I grew up in, Church of Christ. It felt good and I was honored that the Pastor at that time asked me to do it. Here is where I heed the calling of Lord by going to Nazarene Bible College . I did stop my studies and with Amanda 100% better I will be returning to the books really soon. Wherever the Lord leads me to do. I will never, never , never forget this church. This church is where my heart is and will always be. I had to walk away from this church a year and half or so. I believed that God wanted to show me that there is so many people just hurting out there. He made me stop and totally lean on Him when Amanda was in the Hosiptal this past September. As Amanda was just laying there in a completed sleep, all hook up to machines helping her to breath and let the heart beat. In the ICU room, I spend so many hours talking to God. Telling him that my life would just fall apart if something happen to Amanda. I spend many hours months after the operation talking to God. In January, we came back to the church kick off celebrations of the church. The minute we walk back in here it felt like we never left. As Amanda and I was driving home that day, we talked about the church and how it changed in the past years. We felt the body was healed and all parts was working. We been coming almost every Sunday since then. I was truly blessed to be apart of the men’s minstry for the day. I am looking forward to spending more time with the men. Just for the record. I never really played sports. So I challege the men to teach this almost 40 old man to play sports. I am just looking forward in having some quality time with every one here. I am truly blessed by having a church family has this one. In closing I will say that with the support of Amanda, my in laws, brothers and sisters of this church, I am the Christian that I am now. Standing here knowing that I am doing is making our Heavenly Father so proud of me. I encourage you to go check out the Wallingford Church of the Nazarene if you are looking for a church to call home, or you need help walking with our Lord. Pastor Leon Drake and his staff will help you out. The people at the Nazarene Church are bunch of some awesome people. To read the current issue of The People’s Press in image form or download the latest pdf go to http://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.