Meriden and Wallingford CT Town 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. Mayor’s Corner – Wallingford Dear Friends: At this time of year our thoughts turn to Graduations and Summertime fun. This year Wallingford’s Project Graduation marks the 21st year of a community wide effort to make graduation night safe for all Wallingford high school graduates. The alcohol and substance free celebration will be held immediately following commencement ceremonies. The event is held at the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Facility and is free of charge to all Wallingford graduates. Those interested in supporting this program may mail donations to: Project Graduation 2010, c/o Wallingford Youth and Social Services, 6 Fairfield Boulevard, Wallingford, CT 06492. Wallingford’s Parks and Recreation Department will once again sponsor The Twilight Tunes Concert Series beginning on Wednesday July 7th on the Wallingford Parade grounds at 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesday Concerts will run through August 25th except for the evening of Wednesday, July 28th when the Hyperflight Frisbee Dog Contest will be held at Doolittle Park—always a great fun event. The “R” Band Concert series held at the Wallingford Senior Center begin on Thursday, July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. All concerts will begin at 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Wallingford Center Inc. will also be promoting summertime with their annual Gardeners’ Market which begins Saturday July 17th through September 25th from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at the Johanna M. Fishbein Park on Route 5. Over 50 vendors are expected this year. For information regarding additional events, please contact WCI at 203-284-1807 or wallingfordcenterinc.com. We extend Congratulations and Best Wishes to the graduating Classes of 2010 and wish everyone an enjoyable “summertime in Wallingford”. William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor Wallingford Compost Center Schedule - June 1 through the end of September Reminder to Wallingford Residents: The Compost Center will operate on a 3 days per week from JUNE 1 through the end of SEPTEMBER as follows: Monday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the Program Planning Office at 203-294-2060 MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER News and Events The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center! The 40th annual “Special Day for Special People” will be held in Hubbard Park on Saturday, June 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The free picnic in the park for Meriden senior citizens 60 and over features hot dogs, chips, popcorn, soda, watermelon and ice cream served by student volunteers and funded by contributions from Meriden businesses, clubs, civic organizations and the Meriden City Council. More than 300 people attend the picnic each year and all Meriden seniors are invited to attend Special Day! The Meriden Antique Veterans will open the program with a flag raising ceremony followed by a welcome by Mayor Mike Rohde. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day by Vinnie Carr, popular keyboard player and vocalist who knows all of your favorite songs! Free bingo with prizes will start at 12:30 pm under the pavilion. For information on transportation to Hubbard Park call the Senior Center Mini-Bus Office at (203) 237-3338. Be sure not to miss this year’s Special Day for Special People on Saturday, June 12! The next AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center will be on Wednesday, July 21 and Friday, July 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The course fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. People can sign-up in the front office or by calling us at (203) 237-0066. The program will be limited to the first 30 people who register so sign-up today! Senior Center staff are continuing to take applications for the Rent Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut. The program provides eligible renters with money back on their rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. To be eligible you must have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2009 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability. Proof of 2009 income must be presented, including a copy of your 2009 income tax return, if filed, Social Security 1099, and all other income. Income limits are $32,300 for a single person and $39,500 for a married couple. Proof of rent and utilities must also be presented. Applications are taken Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 PM on a first come, first served basis. Congratulations to Senior Center Volunteers of the Year Jennie Padick and Dorothy Ritchie who were honored at our Volunteer Recognition Day on April 21. Both Jennie and Dotty have been long term volunteers here and are very deserving of this special recognition. We thank you for all you do for the Senior Center and our members! The 2010 Meriden Senior Citizens’ Award Scholarship of $500 was awarded to Steven Kusek, a graduating senior from Wilcox Technical High School, in a ceremony on Wednesday, June 2 at the Senior Center. Steven will attend Central Connecticut State University in the fall majoring in Criminal Justice. Since 1989 the Senior Center has awarded $11,700 in scholarships to graduating high school students in Meriden! For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby. John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director Mayor’s Corner - Meriden Our community has had an amazing series of recent, positive community events and happenings with many more scheduled throughout the summer. The Boys Scouts of America celebrated their 100th Anniversary with a weekend campout at Hubbard Park. This was a phenomenal honor for Meriden to host this event for over 600 scouts. It brought many families to our beautiful Hubbard Park for a wonderful weekend. The scouts completed some hands on improvement projects including marking the trails leading to Castle Craig. Kudos to the scout organizers for a masterful job of organizing this event! The Meriden Lions Club held their annual Duck Race and Fishing Derby under sunny skies. Both the Fishing Derby and Duck Race were well attended providing pleasure for numerous children and families. Another fine accomplishment by our local Lions Club members. The Hubbard Park Bandshell was the place for the city wide School Music Program featuring the music of Meriden's talented Middle School and High School musicians and singers. Over 1,500 attendees gathered to enjoy the fruits of Meriden's schools' music programs. Our national award winning elementary school, Thomas Hooker, presented "High School Musical Jr." at Maloney High School to an enthusiastic crowd. The students did themselves proud with an energetic and entertaining performance. The annual Kiwanis Peanut Day will be on June 10 throughout Meriden. The Meriden Rotary Club will host their Annual Motorcycle Megaride in memory of Dan Hunter on Sunday June 27, 11:30 AM at Hubbard Park. This event will donate proceeds to the Dan M. Hunter Memorial Fund. The Cole Brothers Circus is coming to town at the downtown Hub on Wednesday and Thursday, June 30 and July 1 for four shows. Children 12 and under accompanied by an adult are free. This circus makes 200 appearances across 26 states and is a wonder for all to see. Bring the family out for a great time! Westfield Meriden will be having a fantastic fireworks display and a party with live entertainment at the Westfield Parking Deck on Friday, July 2 at 6 PM. Come out and enjoy a great seat for a BIG fireworks extravaganza! Enjoy all that Meriden has to offer during the summer. Mike Rohde Mayor of Meriden Wallingford Renter's Rebate Program - Application Period Underway Office of the Assessor Filing Period: May 17, 2010, through September 15, 2010. Basic RequirementsTo qualify for the program, a person must be 65 years of age or over, or totally disabled if under the age of 65 and renting an apartment or land on which their residence is situated (mobile home).Applicants must meet income limits to qualify for this program. Income limits are based on the 2009 calendar year.Annual income, including Social Security, cannot exceed:$32,300 Single;$39,500 Married Couples. These amounts are subject to change from year to year. Applicants must provide proof of all income for the 2009 calendar year. Proof of income would be a copy of their 2009 income tax return along with their 2009 Social Security Benefit Statement (SSA-1099). If no income tax return was filed, proof of income such as pensions, interest, dividends, etc., including Social Security Benefit Statement (SSA-1099), must be provided. Applicants must provide rent receipts for the entire year along with related expenses such as utility bills, including electric, gas, fuel and water payments, if applicable. Filing PeriodApplications will be accepted May 17, 2010, through September 15, 2010, at the Assessor's Office, Room 101, Wallingford Town Hall, 45 South Main Street. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. To apply or learn if you qualify for this program, you may call the Assessor's Office at 203-294-2001. WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER SOCIAL SERVICES IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SOCIAL WORKER, EILEEN FLYNN, AT 265 7753. THANK YOU. Health Reform and Medicare Part D The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law March 23, 2010 makes several changes to Medicare Part D to reduce your out-of-pocket costs when you reach the coverage gap (donut hole). Included in these changes are the following: ♦ Year 2010: If you have expenses in the coverage gap, you will receive a $250 rebate from Medicare. Your Plan D (Prescription Drug Insurance Company) will notify CMS of beneficiaries who qualify for this rebate. No action needs to be taken on the part of the beneficiary. The first round of checks will be sent to the beneficiary in June 2010. ♦ Year 2011: If you reach the coverage gap (donut hole), you will be given a 50% discount on the total cost of brand name drugs while in the gap. Medicare will phase in additional discounts on the cost of both brand name and generic drugs. By 2020, these changes will effectively close the coverage gap (donut hole) and rather than paying 100% of the costs, your responsibility will be 25% of the costs. Are You Without Health Insurance? Governor Rell’s Charter Oak Health Plan is available to uninsured Connecticut residents who currently lack access to affordable healthcare. This insurance is available to individuals who are between the ages of 19 and 64 and have been without insurance for at least six months. Exceptions to this waiting period could be financial hardship, job loss, etc. Premiums are based on income and start at $75.00. For additional information, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker at (203) 265-7753. Important Notice Regarding Connpace Please be aware that if you do not renew your ConnPACE when it is due, you will not be able to re-enroll until November 15th. This is due to changes that have been made in the ConnPACE program. New enrollment in the ConnPACE Program will be limited to November 15th through December 31st. A few exceptions do apply. You will be able to join ConnPACE 31 days after turning 65 or after becoming eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or State Supplement Insurance (SSI). Ask an Attorney Thursday, June 10, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Appointments are available to get free legal advice from Attorney Daniel Tully. Please call (203) 265-7753 to schedule an appointment. Low Vision Support Group Friday, June 18, 10:15 – 11:15 AM A trip to the Wallingford Library is planned for this meeting. Bev Devlin will provide a library tour as well as provide a focus on library material available to assist individuals with low vision. Transportation will be provided. Please call 203 265-7753 to register. Veterans Services Tuesday, June 29, 1:00 – 3:00 PM George Messier, Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Wallingford, will be available to answer questions and assist with benefit information. An appointment is required. Please call 203-265-7753. Renters Rebate Program Must be 65 years of age or over, or have proof of Total Disability when under age 65. APPLICATION PERIOD: May 15 – September 15 WHERE: Assessor’s Office – Town Hall TELEPHONE: (203) 294-2001 Food Pantries in Wallingford Need a little help with your food bill? Listed below are the names, addresses, and times you can visit. •Angel Food Ministries: Get $75.00 worth of food for $30.00. See member interest table at the center, or call 203-284-8975 for additional information. •Master’s Manna: 46 North Plains Road (in back). ID required (Photo ID, Birth Certificate or medical card). Distribution times: Tuesday & Thursday, 9-12; Fridays, 4-8 p.m. •Good News Food Pantry: 46 John Street (Good News Church). Distribution time: Wednesday, 11:00 a. m.–1:00 p.m. •Local churches: Call your church to find out if there is a food pantry available. PROGRAMS Resources for Your Job Search - Thursday, June 3, 6:30 PM Bryce Rathbone, AARP CT Coordinator for Benefits Outreach, will offer an informative presentation for those over age 50 looking to re-enter the work force. He will share his personal experiences as well as online resources including a site that has actual jobs for folks over 50. Cruise Night - Thursday, June 17, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Don’t miss the first Cruise Night of the season – when our parking lot is filled with cars that will take you back in time! We thank Mike Savenelli for organizing this event. “At the Hop” Dance Party - Thursday, June 17, 6:30 PM Get out your poodle skirts and your saddle shoes (only kidding!) and join us in the Great Room for our dance party featuring music of the 1950’s with Randy Holloway. This party promises lots of fun for dancers as well as listeners! Do You Love To Eat? Cooking Demo Series - Thursday, June 17, 10:00 AM Join us for the first of a four-part series on easy and healthy cooking offered by Genesis HealthCare. On June 17, enjoy a healthy breakfast cooking demo and enjoy some sampling! This fun event promises to be educational, too! Please sign up to attend. Brain Healthy Foods - Tuesday, June 15, 10:00 AM If you give your brain the right nutrients, you will be able to think quicker, have a better memory, be better coordinated and balanced, and have improved concentration. Learn the three key brain foods to boost your brainpower at this program presented by Nancy Gierwielaniec of Arden Courts. Please sign up to attend. Credit Health Workshop - Thursday, June 24, 6:30 PM Mike Savenelli will present a workshop on the basics of credit reporting and scoring. Topics include: how reports are developed; the big three credit reporting agencies; what affects consumers’ scores; consumers’ access to their data; the process to dispute and correct data; and do’s and don’ts in the credit world. Please register to attend. Mind and Medicine - Tuesday, June 22, 10:00 AM Dr. Marianne Murray Urbanski, a local specialist in periodontics and implant dentistry, has spent years studying the connections between the mind and the body. Her new book, Mind and Medicine: In Harmony for Healing, explores how our thoughts can affect our body’s ability to heal. Dr. Urbanski will discuss her findings with us on June 22, at 10:00 AM. Please sign up to attend. 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.