Meriden and Wallingford CT Local News and Events June 2010

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. Wallingford Land Trust Work Party Date: Saturday June 19, 2010 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Saturday. Type: Club Event (Public) Location: Meet at the cul-de-sac on Barns Road North (entrance to Spruce Glen property). The work party will start at 9:00am and last about 3 to 4 hours. We will meet at the cul-de-sac on Barns Road North (entrance to Spruce Glen property), unless another location is indicated on the web site.For more information contact David Ellis at 203-269-9779. Hope to see you there. 21st Annual Meriden Black Expo Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 12:00 PM–8:00 PM At City Park Description: Enjoy this yearly celebration with music performances from local church choirs, a wide selection of food, clothing and merchandise vendors, dancing and music entertainment and many activities & rides for the children. Location Info: Center St. / Bunker Ave., Meriden Contact Info: For more information contact Marie Roderick at 203-235-0278. 3rd Annual Music for a Summer's Eve Scholarship Concert Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 6:00 PM–9:00 PM Enjoy this Gala 3rd Annual concert for both the Central CT Civic Youth Orchestra and the Q. Walter Peabody Foundation. Professional musicians who give their time and create a wonderful program. For more information contact Katrina Axelrod at 203-235-7445 Celebrate Independence Day with Westfield Meriden Friday, July 02, 2010 at 6:00 PM–10:00 PM At Westfield Meriden Description: Celebrate Independence Day with Fireworks, Food, and Fun. RAIN DATE JULY 3, 2010 Location Info: 470 Lewis Ave., Meriden, CT Join the Fun! Summer Daisy Girl Scout Programs Girls entering grades K-1 who are new to Girl Scouts are invited to our Girl Scout Summer Program! Girls, along with their parents/ guardians, will have an opportunity to meet new friends, learn about Girl Scouting, and earn their first pin! This 4 week session will take place on Thursdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6:30-7:30. The fee for this program is $20, includes supplies, pins and certificates. For more information and location information, please contact Melissa McLeod at (203) 239-2922 ext. 3366 or mmcleod@gsofct.org. I look forward to hearing from you! Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers Volunteers are needed to visit frail, elderly people, to shop with or for an elder, to drive an elder to and from their medical appointment, and to provide respite care to family members caring for a loved one who needs constant care. All that is required is a warm, loving heart and one or two hours of your time each week. A two hour training session will provide you with information and basic skills to make a difference in someone’s life. The next training date sponsored by Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers of Greater New Haven is June 29th 6:30-8:30 pm IVCG office 30 Gillies Rd. Hamden. Please call IVCG at 203-230-8994 or email carenh@snet.net for more information and to register. Meriden Rotary Club Plans the Third Annual Motorcycle Megaride. The 3rd Annual Meriden Rotary Motorcycle Megaride will be held on June 27th at 11:30 am in Hubbard Park, Meriden. The Ride this year will benefit the Dan M. Hunter Memorial Fund and Meriden Rotary Charities. This year the ride will be two continents as our sister Rotary Club in Meriden, England is having their Megaride on the same day. You can check them out at www.megaride.co.uk. The Meriden Motorcycle Megaride was started by Dave Liseo and Dan Hunter in 2008. That same year, Dan was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident when a motorist pulled in front of him and he was unable to stop, suffering injuries that took his life. Last year the ride raised $50,000 for the Hartford Hospital Neurotrauma Unit in Dan’s name. Over 450 riders and passengers participated in last years event. The Megaride features an hour long ride through Meriden, Berlin, Kensington, New Britain and Middletown. It starts and ends in Hubbard Park. Pre registration for the event can be through application which can be found on line at www.meridenrotary.org or you can pre register on Saturday June 19th between 12-5pm at Quality time on Broad Street meriden. The Megaride has vendors who sell their wares before and after the event. There is a barbecue upon completion of the event and award, raffles and commentary from local representatives. The Dan M. Hunter Memorial Fund supports local charities and organizations that Dan Hunter as a Rotarian, Philanthropist and Business leader championed when he was alive. It also funds financial assistance to students through scholarship opportunities. The Megaride has emerged as one of Meriden Rotary’s Largest Fund Raising events and it is through the generosity of the participants that this exciting event can touch the lives of so many. We look forward to those who have supported us in the past and wait in anticipation to make new friends this year. Greater Meriden Chamber News and Events In the last issue, we highlighted the Greater Meriden Chamber education awards and the fact that the Chamber’s 23rd Annual Golf Tournament is the major fundraiser for the awards that are given to students each year. A respectable $70,000 has been given back over the past to our future leaders. By the time you read this, the golf tournament will have passed and we’ll be discussing and planning for the 2011 tournament! The awardees are honored at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Dinner which was held on April 8th at Mountain Ridge. 250 people attended the wonderful event this year that was truly a “Celebration of Successes”. We wanted to share some of the photos of the event with the People’s Press readership and we thank and credit Lifetiled LLC for being the official event photographers that evening. 2010 Student Award Winners pictured with Chamber Board Chairman Frank Ridley (left) and Sanford Shorr (far right); Prisca Maebry, Ian Stankiewicz, Heather Vicenty, Christina Ward, and Lauren Gomez. Not pictured: Gabriella Reyes, Amber Jones and Amanda Rivers. 2010 Small Business Leadership Award Honorees – the Bongiovanni Family of Bongiovanni Insurance & Financial, LLC. 2010 Community Partnership Award Honoree: Larry Pelletier 2010 Large Business Leadership Award Honoree – Four Points by Sheraton Meriden Become a FAN of Greater Meriden Chamber on Facebook! Join the over 170 Facebook Friends who are already FANS of the Greater Meriden Chamber! The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is located at 3 Colony Street, Suite 301, Meriden, CT 06451. Ph.: 203.235.7901 / Fx.: 203.686.0172. Visit www.meridenchamber.com or email: info@meridenchamber.com COLE BROS. CIRCUS 126th Edition Is Coming Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars celebrates it's 126th Edition. This year it's bigger and better than ever. Soon the ginormous big top will be moving into town bringing all the excitement of the traditional circus. The circus is truly the place where families come together and sharing in memories that last a life time. The Hub Meriden, CT Wed, June 30 & Thu, July 1, 2010 Tickets on sale NOW at Meriden City Clerk Office, Luna's Pay A Bill, & Tickets.com Showdays on the Circus Midway Showimes: 4:30 & 7:30 p.m. daily Free Kids Tickets available at Area Merchants & www.freekidstickets.com Walk CT – Father’s Day Family Ramble! Sponsored by the Connecticut Forest & Parks Association Where: Hubbard Park/New England Trail, West Main Street, Meriden When: Father’s Day – June 20, 2010 from 10:00am – 1:00pm Admission: Free, but please pre-register by contacting the CT F&P Association at 860-346-2372 or info@ctwoodlands.org Highlights Bag some peaks with your father, uncle, grandparent, or other important male figure to celebrate Father's Day. This peak-bagging Ramble, or climbing up to summits, is suitable for kids from age 9 years and up. The purpose of this hike is for dads and sons (or daughters!) to bond in this beautiful slice of Connecticut traprock. Enjoy beautiful views of New Haven Harbor if the day is clear (West Peak) or climb Castle Craig for photo opportunities of Sleeping Giant. Directions Follow road around lake, through stop sign. Park on right across from public pool. Look for a big, red Ford F-150 and the Family Guide holding "WalkCT Family Rambles" sign. Further information: End time is approximate, depending on participants' interest in staying on the "Low Loop" (about 1 hour) or hiking West Peak & Castle Craig which will be approximately 3 hours. Event notes or comments: There will be some rugged sections of trail, so hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Bring at least 24 oz of water for "Low Loop", double that for extended peak bagging trip. Back pack with snacks or lunch for longer trip. Rain cancels. To prepare for a safe and enjoyable time: 1. Bring water, snack, and your excitement; 2. Leave pets at home; 3. Wear sturdy shoes; and 4. Kids, please remember to bring your parents or caregivers Join Us for Family Fest at the Meriden YMCA Mountain Mist Outdoor Center The Meriden YMCA is having a Family Fest on June 12th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at our Mountain Mist Outdoor Center on High Hill Road. Join us for a fun day for the whole family including: swimming, pony rides, bounce house, face painting, and Curious Creatures show. This event is open to the public. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Call us today for free tickets at 203-235-6386 203-235-6386. About the Meriden YMCA Since1866 the Meriden YMCA has helped its members build strong kids, strong families, and a strong community. The Meriden YMCA is located at 110 West Main Street in Meriden. Visit us on the web at www.meridenymca.org Local Legislators Honored by CT Early Childhood Alliance The CT Early Childhood Alliance recognized 57 state legislators for their engagement on issues related to early childhood on May 26, as part of its annual “Children’s Champions” event. From the central portion of Connecticut, several legislators were honored, including: Rep. Christopher Donovan (D-Meriden), Rep. Cathy Abercrombie (D-Meriden), Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-Cheshire), Rep. Mary Fritz (D-Cheshire/Wallingford), Rep. John Geragosian (D-New Britain), Rep. Gail Hamm (D-East Hampton), Rep. Matthew Lesser (D-Middletown), Rep. Sandy Nafis (D-Newington), Sen. Sam Caligiuri (D-16th District), Sen. Paul Doyle (D-9th District) and Sen. Tom Gaffey (D- 13th District). “We wanted to thank the legislators who have been a positive force for early childhood, by engaging programs in their communities and supporting early childhood here at the Capitol,” said Ann Pratt, the CT Early Childhood Alliance’s executive director. House Speaker Christopher Donovan (D-Meriden) was chosen to receive the Alliance’s “Legislator of the Year” award. He has been a consistent champion for Connecticut’s children this year, forming the “Task Force on Children in the Recession” and has shown unwavering leadership in supporting children. “We know when our kids see a bright future, and when they’re excited about the world, it makes our world that much more exciting,” said Donovan.Special Recognition was given to four legislators – Rep. Cathy Abercrombie (D-Meriden), Rep. Beth Bye (D-West Hartford), Rep. Karen Jarmoc (D-Enfield) and Rep. Diana Urban (D-North Stonington) for the tremendous leadership role they played in elevating the importance of early childhood issues. The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance, a group of organizations and individuals committed to improving developmental outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security for children ages birth to eight. Member organizations provide care and education for nearly 20,000 children. The Alliance’s goal is for all children born in Connecticut to enter kindergarten healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school success. Twilight Tunes 2010 Wednesday evenings on the Wallingford Parade Grounds Sponsored by Wallingford Parks & Recreation and Stop and Shop Supermarkets from 7:00-8:30pm. Wednesday July 7, 2010 - Funk Brokers Band The primary objective of Funk Brokers Inc. is to inject the songs you know with bodacious amounts of groove, funk, soul and vibe. Agents of the FBI pledge to protect you from stale, note-for-note renditions of tunes you’ve heard so many times. Our detectives uncover the best tunes then put a funky spin on them. Wednesday July 14, 2010 - Disco Inferno Band The music of KC and The Sunshine Band, The Village People, Gloria Gaynor, Donna Summer, Kool & the Gang and more. The parade grounds will be turned into a Boogie Wonderland. Wednesday July 21, 2010 - Late For Dinner Band Late For Dinner is a 5 piece Connecticut based band who have been performing rock, blues and R&B in the Connecticut area for the past 10 years. Come and see what everyone is talking about. Wednesday August 4, 2010 - Latanya Farrell & The Bookman Styles Band” The unmatched vocal talent of 2003 Connecticut Star Search winner Latanya Farrell, great instrumentation and a ton of charisma. With a focus on soulful rhythms and a highly popular set-list, this group truly shines every time they are on stage. From smooth vocal favor-ites, to upbeat dance tunes – classic to contemporary. Wednesday August 11, 2010 - Benny and the Jets Benny and the Jets is the world’s premiere Elton John Tribute band. Enjoy the music, entertainment and costumes by Massachusetts performer Greg Ransom. Wednesday August 18, 2010 - The Blue Agaves The Blue Agaves rock music, ranging from the Beatles to Pat Benetar. You will be greeted with the powerful, yet, soulful vocals. The Blue Agaves appeal to a wide range of audiences and are perfect for an August evening. Wednesday August 25, 2010 - The 101 Band Original, contemporary, feel-good music at it finest. Six veteran musicians blend intricate chord structures, detailed arrangements and precision vocal harmonies with great lyrics, to deliver memorable, toe-tapping, tune-humming songs. The song styles are full range, from the Beatles, to Steely Dan, the Grateful Dead to The Band and Leonard Cohen to the Beach Boys. HYPERFLITE FRISBEE DOG COMPETITION Wallingford Park and Recreation Department Since 1993 our department has been offering this spectacular event. We started in 1993 with 6 dogs and their owners and have grown this event to over 50 dogs. We look forward to new participants and welcome back our old friends. Join us at Doolittle Park on Wednesday July 28th at 6:00p.m. Rain date: July 29th. Pack you picnic dinner, and watch unbelievable leaps, bounds and catches by our four-legged friends. Please all dogs must be leashed when not participating…Plaques for the top three finishers provided by Hyperflight. Free Airplane Ride! EAA Chapter 27 presents Young Eagles Day Meriden-Markham Airport Saturday, June 12, 2010 9 am - 3 pm (Rain Date June 13) All kids ages 8 thru 17 are eligible Parent or guardian must be present in order to participate For more information Contact Fran Uliano, the Chapter 27 Young Eagle Coordinator at 860-347-0412. The Second Annual Wallingford Vikings Golf Tournament On Friday, June 25, 2010 it will be a 12:30 PM Shotgun Start and registration starts at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be served until 12:15PM with a Reception & Dinner following the tournament at 5:30 PM Tournament and dinner will be held at The Tradition Golf Club located at 37 Harrison Road in Wallingford. The phone number is 203-269-6023. Price is $125.00 Individual Golfer Donation which includes: 18 Holes of Golf includes lunch, cart, gift and dinner Traditional Scramble Format Hole in one chance to win a CAR Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin and other on course contests Raffle & Golf Prizes at Dinner If not a golfer then attend the dinner later that day for Reception & Dinner Only: $30.00 Adults $15.00 Children/Teenagers All Donations go towards the support of the Wallingford Vikings Football and Cheerleading teams. If interested or to register please contact: PJ O’Malley, President 203-627-7195 or Diane Chadderton 203-627-9282 Credit Health Workshop The Wallingford Senior Center will feature Michael Savenelli, Sr., in our Guest Speaker Series on June 24 at 6:30 p.m. Mike, who is a 25 year veteran of the credit reporting industry will present his Credit Health Workshop, offering information about credit reports, how credit scores are calculated, how to dispute incorrect data and tips on the “do’s and don’ts” of the credit world. This program is FREE and open to the public, ages 50 and older. For additional information, please call 203-265-7753. United Way of Meriden and Wallingford Presents “Days of Action” June 21 – 25, 2010 On June 21st (the longest day of the year) United Ways across the country are once again participating in a nationwide “Day of Action.” With more daylight hours than any other, June 21st is the perfect day to let your actions speak louder than words by showing what it means to LIVE UNITED. The Volunteer Center of the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford is encouraging local companies and groups to serve the community during our “Days of Action,” which will be held the week of Monday, June 21 – Friday June 25, 2010. Our focus for this year is once again for local companies to respond to this “call to action" by collecting various toiletries, paper goods and household items to help the families our agencies serve. If you are interested in getting your coworkers involved, please let me know as soon as possible! DAY OF ACTION Details: Monday June 21st – Friday June 25th Companies should individually decide what creative means they want to use to encourage employees to contribute items that will go to local families in need in our community. As a part of this “call to action,” we are asking that a volunteer from each company deliver the collected items to a local agency. We will help direct you to the closest agency with the most need when it comes time to deliver. (Drop-offs to agencies should be scheduled for Thursday or Friday of that week) The items that our local agencies really need for their families are: Diapers (baby and adult) Baby wipes Depends and Poise Pads Laundry detergent Toilet paper Paper towels Tissues Toiletries/Personal care products Shampoo & Conditioner Deodorant Feminine care products Dental Care Products (toothpaste, toothbrushes – both adult & children’s needed! – floss, mouthwash, etc.) Q-tips, etc. Children’s books (in good, clean condition) Baby Food Healthy cereals (i.e. Cheerios, Quaker Oatmeal Squares, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran, etc.) Please contact me if you would like to help or if you have any questions: Sarah A. Chorzempa - Coordinator, The Volunteer Center United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, 35 Pleasant St., Suite 1E, Meriden, CT 06450 Tel: (203) 235-4403, ext. 12 sarah@unitedwaymw.org

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. Celebrations As I write this we are awaiting the arrival of a grandson. My son Jarad & his wife are having their first child. His first Fathers Day .My husband & I are hoping for May 30th as the date he appears to his world as this date is our 40th wedding anniversary. What a wonderful gift, along with the two other grandchildren given to us by my daughter. Life is Good. - Carole Golitko Meriden Motorcycle Megaride The Meriden Rotary Club is proud to present the Meriden Motorcycle Megaride on June 27th, 11:30 am at Hubbard Park Meriden. The Ride this year benefits the Dan M. Hunter Memorial Fund and Rotary Charities. Registration begins at 9:30am. This year the Megaride will be held on the same day as our sister Rotary Club in Meriden, England. UK. There will be vendors, Classic Cars on display, food, music and fun for everyone. Last year’s event had over 450 participants. The ride is about an hour long and runs a scenic route from Meriden to Berlin, New Britain, Southington, Middletown and back to the park. A pre-registration event will be held at Quality Time on June 19th from 12-5pm. For information, sponsorship opportunities or if you’d like to be a vendor, please contact Cliff at 202-537 2728. HOLY TRINITY PARISH BAZAAR This year’s Bazaar will take place June 7-12, in the church parking lot at 84 North Colony Street (Rt. 5), Wallingford. NEW THIS YEAR: Wristbands to Ride-All-Rides will be available EACH NIGHT of the bazaar, and at the Saturday MATINEE. Wristbands are only sold on the midway during bazaar hours. However, advance sale of sheets of bazaar ride tickets, and food tickets, will be available at the church, after all weekend Masses (Sat.4 PM; Sun. 7:30, 9:00, 10:30 AM) until June 6. Come join us for Tufano Amusement rides for adults and kids; food specials; games of chance & skill; 50/50 drawings; and our main bazaar drawing on Saturday evening, June 12. It’s full of excitement...don’t miss the fun...There’s something here for everyone at the Holy Trinity Annual Bazaar, celebrating our 40th year !!! Bazaar hours will be Monday through Thursday, 6-10 PM; Friday 6-11 PM; Saturday Matinee, 2-5 PM; and Saturday Evening 5-10 PM. Call 269-8791 for sponsorship opportunities or for more information on the bazaar. Vasa Park Events The Village Arts' and Craft Show will be held Sunday July 25, 2010 10 AM to 4 PM. The park is located at 358 Main Street South Meriden. Local crafter's are welcome. Please contact Linda at gsteinmiller@cox.net or 860-563-0040. Midsummer Festival will be held on Sunday June 27, 2010. A Swedish Meatball dinner will be served at 1:00 PM. There will be a clown and games for the children. Bring lawn chairs. For more information please contact Linda at gsteinmiller@cox.net or 860-563-0040. Registration is now open for Vacation Bible School at Immanuel Lutheran Church.164 Hanover St. Meriden. Kids will have a fun time at our 2-week evening Vacation Bible School. July 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) 6:15 to 8:00 pm. Light supper followed by program - games, singing, bible stories, crafts. Pre-K through Grade 6 (under age 6, parents must stay) To sign up or for more info email us at office@immanuelmeriden.com or call 203-238-1248.---------- A Musical Afternoon - Sunday, June 13th, 4pm Immanuel Lutheran Church and All Saints Episcopal Church/Todos Los Santos will join together for a joint recital/musical afternoon. Piano music by Chopin will be played by Corbin, the Immanuel Music Director. Classical guitar pieces will be performed by Tito, from All Saints. Choral music will also be performed. Refreshments will be served. A donation of $10 is requested. Proceeds will support the Lutheran World Hunger Appeal and the Ministry of All Saints Parish. The churches are co-located at 164 Hanover St. Meriden. (parking in Cook Ave. lot) Please join us and bring a Friend. For more info email us at office@immanuelmeriden.com or call 203-238-1248. Tag Sale The Meriden Historical Society will begin our monthly tag sale on Saturday, June 12th at the Research Center, 1090 Hanover Road in So. Meriden from 9am to 1pm. We are starting a new season with a fresh selection of antiques, collectible, household and miscellaneous items. If you would like to join us, spaces are available at $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Please call 203-237-4636 or 203-235-2217 for information. As always, donations for the society table are welcomed. Heavy rain cancels Franciscan Golf Classic The 15th Annual Franciscan Golf Classic, sponsored in-part by Webster Bank, will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010, at Tunxis Plantation Golf Club, Farmington, Connecticut. Join us for a day of fine golf, delicious food and great prizes. Cost to play is $195.00. Proceeds benefit the mission of the Franciscan Life Center and Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care. For information, reservations or sponsorship opportunities call 203-237-8084 or visit www.flceter.org. Upcoming Courses from CEDF Introduction to QuickBooks, June 15, 17, 22, 24; 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Community Economic Development Fund at 965 East Main St., Meriden, will hold a four-night workshop on QuickBooks, an accounting program that helps business owners track a wide range of complicated financial issues. This training will enhance your ability to understand cash flow, control costs and simplify record keeping and will be taught by taught by small business consultant Dennis Gruell. Cost: $115 for CEDF clients, $150 general public. Training includes a copy of Quickbooks Pro, a $199 value. Prerequisite to this course is CEDF’s Understanding Business Finances workshop. Participants must attend all four QuickBooks classes to gain knowledge and a certificate of completion. Limited to 10 participants; pre-registration required. Call Rina Bakalar, 203-235-2333 ext. 2040, or visit www.cedf.com. The 24th Great CT Traditional Jazz Festival The Festival has moved just up the road to Meriden. Top traditional jazz bands playing New Orleans style jazz, blues, hot jazz, swing, and stride piano, among other interpretations of the early 1900's through 1940's music, will be coming in from all over the United States to play at the 24th annual Great CT Traditional Jazz Festival. This year it will be held at the Sheraton Four Points in Meriden over the weekend of July 30, 31, and Aug. 1. There will be music played simultaneously in 4 venues, 2 air conditioned indoors and 2 outdoors in tents. A variety of food and drinks will be available at each venue. It's a fun weekend for the whole family. There will be dance lessons and dancing in all venues. For more information see http://www.greatctjazz.org. The music will start on Friday at 4pm and continue till 11:30pm. Saturday the first session starts at 11am until 5pm and a second session starts at 6pm to 12:30pm. Sunday will begin with a Gospel Service at 9am. The music will start at 11am and end with the spectacular Finale starting at 4pm. New to the Festival this year will be an "After Glow" party that will include dinner and dancing with music by Dan Levinson's Swing Wing orchestra with Molly Ryan at the Four Points Grand Ballroom. The Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival brings 14 bands together for three days of fun, music and dancing. The favorites coming back include Louis Ford and his New Orleans Flairs direct from New Orleans, LA, The Blue Street Jazz Band from Fresno, CA, and Cornet Chop Suey from St. Louis, MO. The local favorites will also be there including The Galvanized Jazz Band, Jeff Barnhard and The Heartbeat Jazz Band as well as the Festival's Youth Band, The Sugarfoot Jazz Band. This year the Festival is excited and proud to announce that they have booked Stephanie Trick, one of America's premier young stride pianists, who has played with Jeff Barnhard and Louis Mazetier of France. Stephanie recreates the music of stride masters James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Willie "The Lion" Smith, Art Tatum, and Jelly Roll Morton. Tickets AT THE GATE: $95/weekend, $45/session, $60 all day Sat., Children $6. EARLY discounts BEFORE July 24: $90/weekend, $40/session, $50 all day Sat. Special pricing for groups of 20 or more. Call 1-800-HOT-EVENt (1-800-468-3836). Free Parking and shuttle. New this year: AFTER GLOW PARTY - $30 dinner and dancing with Dan Levinson's "Swing Thing”. The Festival is a non profit organization run by volunteers and sponsors the Horns for Kids program, which take donated instruments, refurbishes them and awards them to schools in CT (www.hornsforkids.org), the Festival's Youth Jazz Camp and the Sugarfoot Jazz Band, the Festival's Youth Band. For more information about the festival including video clips from last year's festival, see www.greatctjazz.org or check us out on Facebook. Annual Statewide Picnic The Polish Nat'l Alliance is holding their annual statewide picnic on Saturday, June 12, 2010 @ beautiful PNA Park on North Plains Industrial Road in Wallingford. Everyone is welcome and all the fun begins @ 12 noon. There'll be music, dancing, and home made Polish Food. Proceeds from this event benefit our scholarship fund. So please support our event and thank you in advance for your publicity support. You may call the PNA in Wallingford @ (203) 269-9405 with any questions. Sincerely, the PNA Picnic Committee MID-WEEK OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT COMES TO DOWNTOWN MERIDEN Starting on June 9th at noon there will be music on the green in downtown Meriden brought to you by Sandman Productions along with a host of local merchants. While listening to music and getting reacquainted with your downtown, enjoy special picnic lunch specials prepared for you by three of our culinary sponsors. Prepare yourself for 12 weeks of entertainment free of charge. The music spans all styles and eras of music from swing to jazz to top 40 cover music and more. If you’re concerned with where to park….not to worry! There is free parking at lots on Colony St. and Church St. and of course the old Hub just on the other side of the tracks. And if you’re early enough you should be able to get two hour validated parking in the garage behind the green off Grove St. or in the Butler St. parking lot. Now you don’t have any excuse for not showing up to take advantage of the best family fair starting Wednesday June 9th and running straight through the summer till August 25th. Bring a blanket or folding chair and a friend and prepare to be entertained. A listing of dates and musical entertainment will be available at sponsor locations and selected retailers. The Southington Genealogical Society June Meeting On Tuesday, June 22nd, Professor Ruth Glasser of UConn will be speaking on "Oral History Nuts and Bolts" at the Southington Genealogical Society meeting at 7:30 pm in Southington Police Headquarters. Her presentation will cover what oral history entails, what people need to know about planning and executing oral history interviews and, as time allows, practice interviewing and Q&A. Learn what it takes to gather and preserve those songs, stories, and personal accounts from family and loved ones before it's too late! As always, the public is invited, no reservations are required, no strings are attached, and the meeting is free of charge. Ruth Glasser received her Ph.D. from Yale University in 1991 and is a lecturer in Urban and Community Studies at the University of Connecticut. She is the author of My Music is My Flag: Puerto Rican Musicians and Their New York Communities, 1917-1940 and Aquí Me Quedo: Puerto Ricans in Connecticut. She is the co-editor of Caribbean Connections: Dominican Republic. Her work also includes documentary films, curriculum materials and oral history archival materials related to Latino and other immigrant/ethnic communities. The Southington Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization located in central Connecticut that promotes the accurate recording, research and preservation of family history. The society regularly meets at 7:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of every month, except December, at Southington Police Headquarters, 69 Lazy Lane, Southington, Connecticut. CHORALE CONNECTICUT'S SPRING CONCERT TO AIR ON COX CABLE - CHANNEL 15 Chorale Connecticut's spring concert, "Earth Notes," will air on Cox Cable Network, Channel 15, on the following Saturdays at 8 PM - June 5th, June 12th and June 19th. This is a perfect opportunity to experience this delightful May 1st concert for those who were not in attendance. 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. Vasa Park Events The Village Arts' and Craft Show will be held Sunday July 25, 2010 10 AM to 4 PM. The park is located at 358 Main Street South Meriden. Local crafter's are welcome. Please contact Linda at gsteinmiller@cox.net or 860-563-0040. Midsummer Festival will be held on Sunday June 27, 2010. A Swedish Meatball dinner will be served at 1:00 PM. There will be a clown and games for the children. Bring lawn chairs. For more information please contact Linda at gsteinmiller@cox.netor 860-563-0040. June/July Events at the Augusta 2010 Sunday, July 11th---JC Music Vocal & Instrumental Recital at the Center in the glass room. Tickets $5.00, and enjoy and afternoon of the student’s of JC Music performing. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE AUGUSTA, TO DONATE TO THE CENTER, OR TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ACCC VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CURTISCULTURALCENTER.ORG Were not DONE yet! With the Sale of the NEW CASTLE CRAIG T-shirt created for the City of Meriden & Parks & Recreation RIGHT NOW $15.00…. $5.00 will be donated to THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY “Relay for Life” There were Only 288 created and signed by the artist Sizes vary so, Provide your 1st & 2nd choice of sizes and colors; Royal Blue, Dark Blue, Gray, Pink, Dark Pink, light purple, Dark Purple, Tan. Yellow is in youth sizes only Black is also available- though special for those Guinness Nights on the Back Deck PLEASE STOP IN AT THE HUNTER’S TRAINING CENTER or Send a Purchase Confirmation stating “I WANT ONE” Purchase one for your entire the whole family Make sure your staff at the counter is making the statement of MERIDEN PRIDE, when serving customers Send one to a relative as a souvenir from our city Dark – looks good for Father’s Day Having a picnic, going on a hike at the park? Time to dress for the occasion DO A GOOD DEED DAILY…, it does not hurt SEE YA AT HUNTER GAME DINNER 2011 “GAMING FOR A CURE” Where Pink is not Just a Color johng@huntersamb.com Thursday Evening Programs Wallingford Senior Center June 2010 LAKE VIEW DINNER Served from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased, in advance, from the front desk for $6.00. Includes a small beverage. June 3 – Meatloaf, Baked Potato, Peas, Dinner Roll June 10 - Grilled Chicken, Pesto Pasta, Salad, Bread June 17 - Hot Turkey Sandwich, Mashed Potato, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce June 24 - Beef Stroganoff, Rice, Corn, Corn Muffin CLASSES Book Club at 4:00 p.m. on June 17 in the Library. June’s Book Selection is Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time by Greg Mortensen and will be distributed at the May 20 Book Club Meeting, or from the front desk, following the class. Please sign up to participate. Brain Aerobics Research has shown that learning new things can improve brain function at any age. Join Debby on June 24 at 4:00 p.m. in the Volunteer Room. Please sign up at the front desk. Great American Best-Sellers Every week a different American Classic will be featured in the lecture. Meets in the Library, at 5:00 p.m. Please sign up for this excellent series led by Nancy Hall. Zumba Gold taught by Donna Lopez meets weekly at 6:00 p.m. in the Fitness Room. Evening Tai Chi taught by Kathy Brenner meets weekly at 7:15 p.m. in the Fitness Room. Computer Class Intro to Excel will meet June 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Cost $25, pre-registration is required. Taught by Kevin Ozer. Bananagrams Learn to play this fun, fast-paced and easy-to-learn word game. Meeting June 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the Card Room. Please sign up at the front desk. Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Sign up at the front desk to join the fun. Must be a member of WSC to participate. Meets June 10 and 24 in the Card Room, at 6:00 p.m. Bridge group led by Mike McDermott meets June 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the Card Room. Wii Games Meets weekly from 4:00-6:00 p.m. SAVE THE DATE Social Singles will be meeting in the Creative Arts Room at 6:00 p.m. on June 3. Resources for Your Job Search Bryce Rathbone, AARP Statewide Coordinator of Benefits Outreach will give an informative presentation on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room. Cooking Demonstration Join Steve Belli, owner of Gabriella’s Pizza Restaurant as he prepares Sweet and Savory Grilled Pizzas. Free samples for all who attend. June 10 at 4:00 p.m. in the Great Room. Please sign up. New Release Movie featuring Sandra Bullock’s Award-Winning performance in The Blind Side. Showing on June 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room. Rated PG-13 Cruise Night Come to the first Cruise Night of the summer season. Enjoy the collection of vintage cars in the WSC parking lot, June 17, from 5:00 p.m. to sundown. Hot dogs will be available for purchase after 6:00 p.m. Open to the Public. At the Hop Dust off your poodle skirts and polish your saddle shoes! We are having a dance party featuring the lively music of the 50’s/60’s with Randy Holloway on June 17. Entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Room. Newcomers Dinner Sign up at the front desk for this get-together for New Members on June 24 at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy a delicious dinner, meet new people, and find out what the Wallingford Senior Center has to offer. Limited to10 participants. John Geida will be here to share his various talents of keyboard, vocals, comedy and sing-a-longs on June 24 at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Great Room. Guest Speaker Series features Mike Savenelli presenting his “Credit Health Workshop”. Learn about credit reporting, credit scores and tips on the do’s and don’ts in the credit world. This program will be held on June 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room. WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER 238 WASHINGTON STREET WALLINGFORD, CT 06492 203-265-7753 Wallingford Senior Center presents Second Annual Cruise Night The Wallingford Senior Center and BCI Financial will co-sponsor a series of Cruise Nights, featuring vintage cars, on June 17, August 12 and September 2. Cruise Nights will be located in the Senior Center Parking Lot at 238 Washington St. Wallingford from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Cars built before 1979 are welcome to participate, trophies will be awarded to the top 3 cars. This FREE event is open to the public. Refreshments will be available for purchase. No pets allowed. No rain date. A Sock Hop with musical entertainment by Randy Holloway, will be located indoors on June 17, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Stop by and enjoy music of the 50’s/60’s. For additional information, please call 203-265-7753. Before School and After School programs The Wallingford Family YMCA is now accepting enrollment for their Before School and After School programs. Programs are state licensed; provide morning and afternoon snacks, homework mentoring, and a variety of activities. Programs are offered and located at all 8 elementary schools. The Before School program runs from 6:45 until the first bell, and the After School program lasts from school dismissal until 6pm. The YMCA also offers programs during most school vacations and when school is closed due to inclement weather. The YMCA Kinderhouse provides wrap-around Before and After School Care for students enrolled in kindergarten. Care is also available for children attending Holy Trinity School. There are also very limited openings in our All Day Kindergarten, located in the YMCA Kinderhouse. Please contact the YMCA at 203 269-4497 or Jane Rynaski at 203 697-2383 with any questions. HUNGARIAN COOKIE MAKING LESSONS June 18, Friday at 6:30 pm. preparing the dough and the fillings June 19, Sat. at 9:30 am rolling, making and baking the cookiesCost: $25.00 paid to the E & R U.C.C.includes: taking home 1 dz. cookies. Place: E & R. UCC 105 So. Cherry St.Wallingford, Ct. Church's kitchen Registration by June 10: Please call: Csilla 203-206-2002 THE ANNUAL PICNIC OF THE E & R U.C.C.WILL BE HELD ON JUND 20TH, NOON TILL 2:30 PM COME AND JOIN US FOR A LITTLE "TASTE OF HUNGARY" For more information please call: Esther at 269-2708 AMERICAN RED CROSS BABYSITTING CLASS AGES 11-15 YEARS OLD FRIDAY JUNE 25, 2010 9:00AM-4:00PM at the MERIDEN YMCA located at 110 WEST MAIN STREET$29.00 Full Meriden YMCA Member $59.00 Program member (Must be registered by June 18th)Includes: Babysitter’sTraining Handbook, DVD & Emergency Reference Guide. Learn leadership skills, how to diaper and feed infants, age appropriate play, how to handle choking emergencies, rescue breathing, basic first aid and lots more. Bring a pen, note book and a bag lunch. Contact Carrie Marquardt @ 203-235-6386 ext. 18 or cmarquardt@meridenymca.org LYMAN HALL CLASS OF 1968 Class 60th Birthday Party Hard as it is to believe, time is marching on as may of us reach or have reached our 60th Birthday this year. During those years we have faced good times, bad times, opportunities and challenges. We have enjoyed our children, grandchildren and maybe even great-grandchild or two and have seen modern technology change all of our lives. Now is the time to celebrate this milestone of 60 years!!! Join us for a Class Birthday Party Picnic on June 26, 2010 from 1-6PM at the Wallingford Rod and Gun Club (rain or shine) located at 411 No. Branford Road for good food, good fun and good friends. – Cost $25. per person. Contact Dottie Celata (203-265-2268) or email:dottiec693@sbcglobal.net Free Event June 13 At Quassy Amusement Park Travel Expo Will Showcase Great Things To Do Close To Home MIDDLEBURY, Conn. – A sampling of the many great things to do close to home will be right at your doorstep on Sunday, June 13, at the “One Tank Travel Expo” at Quassy Amusement Park , Route 64, here. The 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. travel show will take place along the walkways at the lakeside park with no general admission charged. Parking is $5 at Quassy with fees for the rides, beach, waterpark, food, attractions and games. The dozens of booths will feature everything from museums, boat and train excursions, parks, campgrounds, hotels and resorts and other attractions. A number of vendors will have drawings for prizes as well as other giveaways. “We presented the first travel expo last year,” noted George Frantzis II, a co-owner of Quassy. “It was such a huge success in promoting tourism and its related businesses, that numerous requests came in asking us to host it again.” Sponsors of the “One Tank Travel Expo” – “one tank” meaning family getaways close enough to home to use no more than a tank of gasoline – are: AAA Allied Group, Inc., radio station WATR of Waterbury, WTNH News Channel 8 of New Haven and Quassy. Guests can also enjoy free magic shows at the Lakeside Theatre during the afternoon. The concept of hosting a free regional travel expo was initiated by Quassy’s marketing staff several years ago and came to fruition last year. “The travel show didn’t’ happen overnight,” Frantzis said of the strategy. “We actually spent a great deal of time creating a plan that would not only entice vendors, but also the public.” By securing key sponsors to help promote the event and by canvassing the tourism community, Quassy decided in the fall of 2008 to host its first expo in June of last year. “We put our best foot forward by not charging businesses for booth space,” said Eric Anderson, another owner of the landmark amusement park. “This is about promoting things to do in the region which benefits all the businesses and not-for-profit entities that rely on discretionary spending to survive. It turned out to be a win-win and we are glad we can be the catalyst of such an event.” Among the booths slated to be at this year’s “One Tank Travel Expo” are: The Dinosaur Place, Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Hemlock Hills Camp Resort, Connecticut Campground Owners Association, Heritage Hotel of Southbury, The Big E, Holiday Inn Coco Key Water Resort, Connecticut Trolley Museum, Kent Chamber of Commerce, , Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, Post University. Also, Weir Farm National Historic Site, Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, Laser Planet, Connecticut Service Plazas, Crowne Plaza of Southbury, Danbury Rail Museum, Visit New England, Mystic KOA, Vintage Radio & Communications Museum, Elm City Parent Dot Com, My Connecticut Kids, Danbury Whalers Professional Hockey, Railroad Museum of New England, Roller Magic, Connecticut Army National Guard and others. In Its 102nd Year In its 102nd season of operation, Quassy Amusement Park features more than two-dozen rides and attractions including the new “Free Fall ‘N’” drop tower, thrilling “Monster” roller coaster, “Music Fest,” “Yo-Yo” super swings and kiddyland. The park is now open weekends and daily starting June 14. The popular 50-Cent Fabulous Friday Nights – rides, Pepsi and cotton candy are only 50 cents - start May 28 with $25 carload Saturday nights kicking in for the summer on May 29. Quassy Beach and “Saturation Station,” the interactive family water play area, both open for the summer season on May 29. In addition, there is a redemption arcade, games, restaurant, and boat rides on the lake. Free entertainment is provided at the Lakeside Theatre in the park and numerous special events and held throughout the season. Featured attractions at the stage this summer will be the “All American Thrill Spectacular,” July 4 -Aug. 1 and the “Kent Family Magic Circus,” Aug. 2-15. A complete entertainment and special events calendar is available at www.quassy.com. School educational programs and catered outings are currently being scheduled through the Quassy office by calling (203) 758-2913 or 1-800-FOR-PARK. Season passes, single day passes, discount meal deal and parking vouchers are available on the park’s online store. 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. “Free Booster Seat with Workshop” The Visiting Nurse Association of Wallingford, Community Service Department, will be hosting a “Free Booster Seat with Workshop” for adults on Thursday evening, June 24th, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Pre-registration for this “adults only” event is required. You are invited to call 203-269-1475, Monday through Friday, until June 18th to make your reservation. The training session will be held in the Clinic Area of the VNA of Wallingford, which is located at 135 North Plains Industrial Road. The VNA is pleased to be teaming up with presenter Karen Brock of Safe Kids Connecticut, the CT Department of Public Health and Spanish interpreter Olga Fuster to offer free training on booster seats with a booster seat giveaway. Adults will be offered a two hour training session to help answer questions about kids in booster seats, current laws, and to be updated about children’s safety while riding in a car. The class will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. When registering, please provide the age, weight and height of the child who will be using the booster seat. Eligibility requirements for children who will be using the booster seat must meet the following three criteria: 1) the child must weigh between 40 and 80 pounds, 2) the child must be between 42 and 57 inches tall, and 3) the vehicle to be used must have lap-shoulder seat belts in the back seat. Enrollment will be capped at 20 booster seats, but a wait list will be taken for families after that. Your attendance at the entire two (2) hour class is mandatory to receive the booster seat. Please note that children will not be admitted to the presentation, so be sure to make alternate childcare arrangements. Parking will be free and a light supper will be served. To register, or if you have further questions, please call the Visiting Nurse Association of Wallingford at 203-269-1475. LEARN HOW TO SWIM IN YOUR OWN HOME! The Wallingford Family YMCA Aquatics Staff will come to you this summer. All you need is a swimming pool and a little time…..The YMCA will send a swim instructor to your home to teach your children and/or your neighbor’s children. This package will include four classes that are forty five minutes long. Classes can be scheduled once or twice a week. For more information; please contact Lisa Hoover at (203) 269-4497; ext. 20 or lhoover@wallingfordymca.org Wallingford Family YMCA Brings Dolphin Excitement! The Wallingford Dolphins Swim Team has recently begun their summer season. The summer season will run thru the last weekend in July. This co-ed program invites children ages 5 thru 18 to join the fun. Practices will consist of stroke development and conditioning. The Junior and Senior program will also include strength training and dry land conditioning. All children are given the opportunity to compete in swim meets which are held on Friday evenings. Pre-Registration is encouraged. For more information; please Contact Keith Cargan, Head Swim Team Coach at kcargan@wallingfordymca.org or (203) 269-4497; ext. 30 REGISTER TODAY FOR SUMMER SWIM LESSONS! The Wallingford Family YMCA is announcing it’s Aquatic Summer Registration Dates! YMCA members who are enrolling in the same class can begin registering on Mon, June 7th. YMCA Members registration begins Mon, June 14th Community Registration (Non-Members) begins Mon, June 21st.. Classes begin the week of Mon, June 28th. Aquatic Options: Youth (6 months and older) and Adult group classes, Private and Semi Private Adult and Youth Lessons and new this summer; Back yard Swim Lessons. Pre-registration is required due to small student to teacher ratio classes. For more information; please contact Lisa Hoover @ lhoover@wallingfordymca.org or (203) 269-4497; ext. 20 Openings for Land-based Summer Experiences and Youth Leadership The Franciscan Land-based Summer Experiences and the Youth Leadership Program of the Franciscan Life Center, Meriden, Connecticut, have openings in both programs for the week of June 28-July 2, 2010. Children ages 6-12 are invited to join the Land-based Summer Experiences and youth ages 13 and 14 are welcome to register for Youth Leadership. Enjoy a week of educational and personal enrichment. Both programs begin at 9:30 am and end at 3:00 pm. Scholarships are available. For information visit the web site at www.flcenter.org or call Rosellyn Giampietro at 203.237-8084. Wallingford's Beth Israel Synagogue Hebrew School Enrollment Now Open for Fall Beth Israel Synagogue's growing Hebrew school has now opened enrollment for the Fall term. Led by Deborah Edery, with over 20 years of religious school teaching experience, students of any level are welcome to join the group. Learning takes place in a communal setting, with older students partnering with younger to help each other and build friendships to last a lifetime. Cost is free for synagogue members, and for non-members, there is a special $300 per child rate for one year. After the first year, synagogue membership is required. Beth Israel is need sensitive, and open and supportive of interfaith families. Time to start thinking pink MidState Medical Center Announces its Pink Partini Fashion Show It’s that time of year again, time to start thinking pink! MidState Medical Center is delighted to announce its highly anticipated Pink Partini Fashion Show to be held on Thursday, October 14, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. In 2008, MidState hosted a sold out event with 800 guests. Governor M. Jodi Rell is the event’s honorary chair, and back by popular demand, Channel 3’s Scot Haney will serve as the fashion show’s emcee. This exciting evening will be filled with fabulous fashions, family and fun. Cancer survivors, hospital employees, their children, dignitaries, physicians and hospital administrators will all walk the runway. Fashions are courtesy of Kimberly Boutique, with stores in West Hartford & the Guilford Green, The Dressing Room in Wallingford, Kuboo’s, a children’s boutique in West Hartford, the Red Door Boutique in East Hampton and Modern Formals of Meriden, North Haven and Southington, with hair design by Salon Nathaniel in Meriden and makeup by Motives. Our 2010 Pink Ribbon Sponsor is Medical Oncology & Hematology P.C. Tickets are $65.00 per person. All proceeds directly benefit the MidState Cancer Center. For more information, please contact Tina Fabiani in the hospital’s Development office at 203-694-8744. MidState Medical Center to offer Support Group for Stroke Survivors MidState Medical Center announces the initiation of its Stroke Support Group, an interactive group designed to assist stroke survivors and their caregivers in learning more about stroke and recovery issues, as well as share common challenges and experiences. The group will be facilitated by Pat Giannelli, ACNS, PMHCNS, FNP, MidState’s Neurology Services APRN. The Stroke Support Group will be held the first Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room 7 at MidState Medical Center. The first planned session is scheduled for June 2nd. Golf Tournament The 12th annual Meriden/Wallingford Civitan Club Golf Classic will be held August 11th at the Tradition Golf Club in Wallingford beginning with registration and a full American breakfast set for 7:30 A.M. A scramble shotgun start will be at 8:30 A.M. All proceeds will benefit the club’s special education scholarship fund. The $125.00 fee includes 18 holes w/cart, tee package, cash awards, pro shop gift certificates, $1500 hole-in-one, and awards dinner of chicken parmigiana/Italian buffet. Make checks payable to M/W Civitan Club with entry form no later than August 1st and mail to 174 Highland Ave. Wallingford, Ct. 06492. For more information call George Paradis at (203) 440-4728 or Matt Oblon (203) 284-1685. WALLINGFORD CONNECTICUT HAPPINESS CLUB Date & Time: Meetings are held on the Last Tuesday of each month, from - 7:00- 9:00 P.M.Place: Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT – Ruuz Rees BuildingAdmission is free and all are welcome.Jim & Chris Rinere are the facilitators. E-mail Chris at: crinere@comcast.net For additional info or questions, contact Jim at: (203) 985-5994 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Sheehan Class of 85 Reunion Planned Attention Mark T. Sheehan High School Class of 1985 grads: The 25th class reunion is planned for Friday, November 26, 2010. Additional information can be found online at: www.MTS85.info. Alumni are encouraged to register for reunion updates and information while visiting the site. Our 25th reunion is coming and we still need to get the word out to about half of our fellow graduates. Would you take a few minutes to look over the list of missing alums below or under the "Missing Classmates," tab on www.MTS85.info to see if you know where any of these folks are? If you have their contact information, would you please call, email, or write them and encourage them to register at www.MTS85.info? Maybe you know their relatives, or any other connection? Even if they don't think they'll attend our 25th Reunion in November, it would be great to have them register to stay up to date on the Reunion and on other Class of '85 news.Thanks for your help, and don't hesitate to contact any of the Reunion Team Members (look for the listing on www.MTS85.info) with any questions. Be on the lookout for early bird reunion registration information to be posted on the website (http://www.facebook.com/l/6d410;www.MTS85.info) in June. Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament The biggest and premier community tennis tournament in New England is right here in CT! The 6th annual Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament is scheduled for June 12th – 20th. The venue in 2010 will be the Cheshire Academy tennis complex. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit Wallingford YMCA youth programs and the Winton S. Filipek Sr. scholarship fund. All players receive a tournament t-shirt, players handbook, players gift bag, ticket to “Breakfast at Wimbledon” and tennis balls & water for every match. Prizes are awarded to 1st & 2nd place in every division. The 9-day event in 2010 will feature: 21 divisions for all levels, a Free Kids & HS Clinic & Fun Day (at capacity in 2009), 5 high school divisions, a junior boys & girls round-robin and special events daily. In 2009, the event drew 592 entries. THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY TENNIS TOURNAMENT! Please direct any questions to Wint Filipek Jr. wrfilipek@hotmail.com 860-621-5655 Apply NOW @: www.ymcafilipektennis.com HOLY TRINITY PARISH BAZAAR This year’s Bazaar will take place June 7-12, in the church parking lot at 84 North Colony Street (Rt. 5), Wallingford. Wristbands for rides will be available nightly, and at the matinee, on the midway during bazaar hours only. However, advance sale of sheets of bazaar ride tickets, and food tickets, will be available at the church, after all Masses from May 22 to June 6. Come join us for Tufano Amusement rides for adults and kids; food specials; games of chance & skill; 50/50 drawings; and our main bazaar drawing on Saturday evening, June 12. It's full of excitement...don't miss the fun...There's something here for everyone at the Holy Trinity Annual Bazaar, celebrating our 40th year!!! Bazaar hours will be Monday through Thursday, 6-10 PM; Friday 6-11 PM; Saturday Matinee, 2-5 PM; and Saturday Evening 5-10 PM. Call 269-8791 for sponsorship opportunities or for more information on the bazaar. The Thirteenth Annual Town of Wallingford ‘Doherty Cup’ Golf Championship 2010 The Thirteenth Annual Town of Wallingford ‘Doherty Cup’ Golf Championship 2010 This year’s event will be held on Tuesday, July 6th at the Wallingford Country Club. The popular tournament raises monies for the Doherty Scholarship Fund., a scholarship that was created in 1997 upon the untimely death of David J. Doherty, a popular town councilman and Sheehan High School Civics teacher. The Doherty Scholarship Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing two $2,500 scholarships to eligible Sheehan High School Seniors and donating $1,000 annually, to the Wallingford YMCA’s Youth and Government Program, David established at the Y many years ago. The Doherty family, which hosts the tournament, extends the invitation to all to come and support its event and enjoy a day of comrade and fun! The tournament not only has its traditional individual medal play championship, but also features a four-person team scramble event championship! The day is highlighted with special events and prizes, and features our special Doherty Cup presenter, Mayor William Dickinson. For more information on the tournaments and a copy of this year’s brochure, please contact John and Elaine Doherty at 203.265.7349. 11th annual Golf Tournament Our Lady of Fatima Men’s Club will hold its 11th annual Golf Tournament on Monday, June 21st, at Hunter Golf Club, 688 Westfield Rd, Meriden. The Tournament, which benefits the many Men`s Club programs in the Parish and Community and two annual $1,000 scholarships to High School students, is a scramble format with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. The $135.00 entry fee includes, golf, cart, gift bag, lunch, on course refreshments, cocktails and dinner following golf. A raffle will conclude the festivities. For information and entry forms, or to be a sponsor, please call Dave Corriveau at (203) 284-1615. Wallingford Family YMCA Conducting Lifeguard Training Course This certification course prepares those 15 years of age and older for employment as a lifeguard. This class will cover professionalism, surveillance, victim recognition, equipment based rescues, spinal injury management and post rescue care. In addition; CPR/FPR, First Aid, AED and Oxygent certifications complete this Lifeguard Training Package. Classes will take place on May 25, 26, 27 6:00-9:00p.m. June 1, 2, 3> 6:00-9:00pm and June 5th > 10:00-2:00p.m. Participants must attend all class. Pre-Registration is required. Class size is limited. For more information; please contact Lisa Hoover @ lhoover@wallingfordymca.org Or (203) 269-4497; ext. 20 MYSTIC PASS CARD OFFERS TRAVELERSMORE SAVINGS THAN EVER THIS YEAR Unique savings program offered by Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport and more than 40 area businesses provides over $250 value for only $59; Card on sale beginning May 26 With gasoline approximately 55 cents higher per gallon than this time last year, according to AAA, and unemployment rates at record highs, travelers are looking for savings this summer – and the greater Mystic area is the place to go. The Mystic Pass Card, a unique promotion launched in 2008 by Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium in partnership with more than 40 Mystic area businesses, provides discounts and added value during the summer vacation season and beyond. This year, the card offers discounts at additional attractions and businesses across the greater Mystic area – a result of the recent formation of the Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau. The GMVB streamlines the long-standing collaborative efforts of the region’s public and private tourism marketing organizations and extends the region from municipalities in eastern Connecticut to coastal Southwestern Rhode Island and the Connecticut shoreline area between North Stonington and Clinton. Priced at $59 for adults, the Mystic Pass Card includes one-time admission to both Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium (including free next-day returns with ticket validation); a complimentary fountain drink at Mystic Aquarium; free admission to the planetarium show at Mystic Seaport; a limited-edition reusable aluminum Mystic water bottle; up to 20 percent off rates at local lodging properties and restaurants; discounts and free gifts at Mystic shops; discounted admission to the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center; and – new this year – discounted admission to the Florence Griswold Museum, The Dinosaur Place, Essex Steam Train and Riverboat and the Mashantucket Museum & Research Center. Together, these offers provide a value of more than $250. All offers are good through March 31, 2011. “The Mystic Pass Card pays for itself,” said Peter Glankoff, senior vice president of marketing and public affairs at Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation. “Those who visit Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport and just one other Pass Card partner will save money. This program is designed to serve the needs of visitors, and they have responded enthusiastically.” Last year, 16,153 Pass Cards were sold, a 39 percent increase from 2008, when 11,646 were sold. “With more attractions and businesses offering significant discounts this year, we anticipate Pass Card sales will continue to increase,” said Steve White, president of Mystic Seaport. “We also hope that the increase in Pass Card partners will encourage more overnight stays in the area, as visitors explore more of the greater Mystic area.” The Pass Card is $59 for adults, $55 for seniors age 65 and older, $45 for youth ages 6 to 17 and $23 for children ages 3 to 5, and is available for purchase at Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, mystic.org, the Tourist Information Center in Olde Mistick Village and the Mystic Depot Welcome Center in Mystic through October 2010. For a list of participating businesses and their discounts, as well as information about Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, visit mystic.org. 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.