Your Stories January 2010

To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! Dear Housewives – Central Connecticut’s Know It All Gals Dear Readers, Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customerservice issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We willgive you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question andwe will answer it in the next issue. June and Flora Dear Housewives, I think I blew it. My mom, daughter and I were on a train next to a family (mom and dad and two teen aged kids). They 'looked' as though they were proper and upper middle class, but I learned and so did my daughter that outward appearances can and will trick you. They were passing around Werther Originals-you know the hard candy in the gold wrapper. Well, the dad had a few in his pocket. During the ride, he unwrapped 4 candies and dropped the wrappers on the floor. We all saw and after the first time, we were prepared to politely mention that he dropped something. We never did. But in NYC, we did see a woman leave here fancy apartment, pick up some stray trash and dispose of it down the block on a receptacle. Should we have meddled in this affair? To interfere or not to interfere, that is the question FLORA: We are to mind our own business unless the offense is harmful to another. You could have said "you dropped something" immediately after the first offense. At least your daughter saw the polar opposite when the woman picked up trash that was not even her own. We learn by example, hopefully his children aren't littering the planet the way their father does. I too am irked by litterers. Littering is lazy and inconsiderate.June? JUNE: I think it is weird that this person is still thinking of this ridiculous situation. I agree with you that it is better to mind your own business unless it is something big. Littering is annoying and dirty and bad manners but not going to hurt anyone. There is someone that works for the train company that has the job of cleaning up. I would have said, "I think you dropped something" and left it at that. The important thing is to do the right thing and that included minding your own business. Dear Housewives,I am potty training my three year old. Should I use candy as an incentive, I don't want to rot his teeth? Sweet tooth JUNE: Fear not sweet tooth, your child's teeth will be fine. I have found that a few skittles or M&M's work great as a treat for your child. You can try stickers and little prizes but good old fashioned sugar seems to work best. Just keep brushing. FLORA: I would not use candy as an incentive. Your child may equate success with food; not good. Good old fashioned praise may workas well as an super hero underwear shopping spree. New Years Resolutions Flora: Dear Readers, I hope that each of you have a healthy and happy 2010. If you have anything you need to work on, now is the time.Just pick one or two things be it, eating healthier, reading more, seeing friends more often...Make your mind up to do it in 2010.My commitment in 2010 will be to walk more and to practice patience. June: Happy New Year to all. Let’s hope that twenty-ten will bring a healthy, safe and prosperous year to all of us. Book/Movie Review Flora: A book came highly recommended that I must share with you Dear Readers. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. The bookis narrated by Enzo, a dog. We have two dogs so and after reading this book, I look at them in a much different way. This is a book about family, love, trials and understanding. Get your hands on this smooth read and let us know what you think of it! June: I have been in a true crime niche lately. I just read a book by Ann Rule, Every Breath You Take. It was a tragic story about a woman who was stalked, hunted down and eventually murdered by her ex-husband. It was a horrible story and yet well written and interesting to read. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! Southington Genealogical Society In 1630 several hundred English Puritans under the leadership of John Winthrop came to establish the colony of Massachusetts Bay. This was the first group of sufficient size to establish a long-time sustainable and growing colony, which in only thirty years extended over much of the present state of Massachusetts, and into Connecticut and New Hampshire as well. But who were these people and what was their contribution to history? On January 26th, the Southington Genealogical Society welcomes Dr.Richard A Eppler who will speak on "The Founding of New England – The Winthrop Fleet of 1630". The meeting will take place in the meeting room of Southington Police Headquarters. Ample parking is available. Refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge and no obligation to become a member. No reservations are necessary. Dr. Eppler has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, and has been involved in chemical and ceramic research and consulting for almost fifty years. He has been interested in genealogy for forty years or so, and has traced his mother's family back to several of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. 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. ______________________________________________________________________________ Genevieve Kokoszka Barchewski This is a story to celebrate the life of Genevieve Kokoszka Barchewski, my mom. Born February 1, 1923 in Rockfall CT, to Louis and Katie Kokoszka. She was the fifth of twelve children following John, Jane,the twins Mary and Anna and coming before Joseph, Chester, Irene,Charlotte,Stanley ,Camille, and Rita. I'm sure she was full of joy and spirit, and so was the household. A daughter, a sister, Genevieve, affectionately called Jenny, spent her childhood growing up in Middletown, CT on south main street, and we heard stories about the ice house on Pamecha pond across the street and how my mom fell in the ice while skating there and at Uncle Johns farm in Rockfall where we visited as children, while they made apple cider, picked berries and raised animals to live. One exceptional story was when Jenny came down with scarlet fever and how everything she owned even her favorite doll was taken away and burned to stop the spread of this deadly disease. what courage, faith and strength she must have had even as a child. Jenny always worked to support her family. She became a care giver for her mom when she became ill, a cook, a teacher, a nurse; always very close to her brothers and sisters, sacrificing her own personal desires and putting her families needs before her own, that was the most important part of Jennys life.She loved children and became an aunt, a wife , married to Aloysious John Barchewski on january 4, 1947,buying a home and moving to Meriden on April 16th,1948. A mother of three, a son John, a daughter Susan and a daughter Linda(thats me "the baby" not to be confused with Susan, as my mother often did.) Mother also took care of others along the way and included Chester her brother and nephew Chester Allen,and others including a future son in law Mike and daughter in law Ines. My mom worked as a weaver for Russell-Fenner company in Middletown for about twenty years and found time for visits for all her sisters and brothers homes on a regular basis, even traveling to Texas to visit Aunt Charolette and Aunt Rita. We also became closer to all of our cousins thirty three, including us thirty six, and gathering at my grandmothers home was weekend trip to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, showers, and yes new life, gandchildren, or grandson Todd and six granddaughters, Lisa, Katie, Jennifer, Renae, Christie, and Stephanie, This brought a whole new generation of children that Jenny helped raise. Also enjoying Natasha and Amanda’s childhood years along the way. My mother loved the holidays, expecially Christmas. It was a special time gathering at my grandmothers home singing Christmas songs and enjoying Christmas treats, like my Aunt Marys nut cookies and my moms home made apple pie, which we will always remember at Christmas time. My mom tried her best to give us a wonderful Christmas hoilday every year. How appropriate that god called her home at this special time, so she could be pain free, so she could be at peace, so as to be a gift for her, a gift for us. I think about the courage my mom had over the past two years fighting this disease, yet doing what she could to enjoy life. My mom had tremendous faith throughout her life, arriving early to mass-often being first- after all thats how you get the best seat. Children all raised catholic share her faith in god, but my mom had a definite connection which was proven the day she passed away. She had a love for animals, as she was kind to them and I am sure she is surrounded by all who shared time with her. As I think about my mom, I think about so many things, especially her laugh, smile and how smart and witty she was, also fun to be with and laugh with.. And oh yes a very good card player. My mom always made time for her children and grandchildren, to listen to their problems, to lend advice, to be there for every special event and to help whenever needed. She always saw the positive side and most of all she was a friend for life, and loved us dearly. In the words of elvis her favorite singer, "Ill have a blue Christmas without you" God bless you mom, love you too, you will be truly missed by all. May you rest in peace. AMEN From Linda Albert and family OUT & ABOUT by Ernie Larsen An occasional article on unusual and interesting short trips in Connecticut and other diverse venues and attractions within an easy commute from the Meriden area<< So, nothing to do or planned for the weekend? How about some wine & cheese? Mmmmm! Sounds good,eh? Well It’s not what you think – I’m talking of heading right to the source, a farm that produces some really tasty artisanal (def: one that produces something (as cheese or wine) in limited quantities often using traditional methods) cheese and a winery about a 5 minute drive from the farm. A big plus, from the Meriden/Wallingford area it’s easy to find; just about a 40 minute drive, all on well maintained secondary roads. So, gas up the car and head East on Rte. 691 to Middletown and head over the river, via the Arrigoni bridge, to Rte. 66 in Portland to Rte. 16 and on to Colchester. Cato Corner Farm is a pretty unassuming place – one of those places that you see while driving in rural area and would never give it a second thought. This place is a typical farm setting, cows, barn, tractors and some of the best cheese this side of East Sedalia, wherever that is and what does it have to do with cheese anyway. When you enter the short dirt driveway there is a handwritten directional sign that states “CHEESE” to direct you to the sales room; which is more like small shack attached to a barn. Not that it isn’t functional, I think what I’m trying to get across is that this is pretty much of a nondescript place producing some really and I mean really good cheese. There were about 10 different type of cheeses available on the day of our visit. You are probably familiar with Colby, cheddar, Muenster, Swiss and bleu cheeses – well the only one of those you’ll get at Cato Corner is a really unique bleu, named Black Ledge bleu after a spot in the area of the same moniker The day we visited the inventory offered about 12 different varieties to sample. The woman helping us, I presume she was one of the owners, could not have more helpful or knowledgeable about her products. The cheese is made from cow’s milk, the descriptive literature gives a complete breakdown on the herd of “40 happy, Jersey cows” their treatment and the health benefits of Cato’s cheeses. The varieties we sampled were quite unique – there were two or three offerings that were relatively new production and the same styles presented after aging for 8 to 12 months. Boy what a difference a few months make. And back to that fantastic bleu cheese, Black Ledge Bleu – unbelievable, like nothing I’ve tasted before, earthy, robust – distinctive. As mentioned, these are all artisanal cheeses, from this small producer and pretty much organic. Cato Corner Farm is a proud supplier to several restaurants in CT; New York etc. that feature locally produced goods. One of them is the FIREBOX in Hartford. And according to the CC website they are also a supplier to Murray’s Cheese shop (sort of a cheese Mecca) in NYC, an outlet we have regularly patronized. Some of the cheeses we tasted beginning with their self proclaimed best-seller (and I could taste why) was Bridgid’s Abbey, based on a traditional Belgian recipe; it is a creamy, medium mild selection – a fine offering to serve on stoned wheat or water crackers and enjoy with a hearty red wine. We also tried the Bloomsday, both new production and the 1 year aged variety. Two distinctly different tastes – I liked both. It’s really difficult to describe how things taste in print – however if you are a cheese aficionado or just appreciate good food that is made with care and love – you deserve to take a trip to Cato Corners – a really nice weekend diversion. We purchased our share of cheese, my wife and I for immediate consumption and my daughter for her Christmas day cheese tray. We had just planned to go to the cheese farm – and traveling up Rte.. 16 noticed a sign for the Connecticut Wine Trail which meant there was a winery nearby. Lo and behold after turning into Shailor Hill Road we passed the winery on our way to Cato Corner Farm. So on our way back we stopped into Priam Vineyards. We were familiar with their wines as they have been to a couple of local wine tastings. As is the practice of most wineries nowadays they charge a nominal amount for tastings. We opted for ‘Tasting Level One’ which included samplings of 5 varieties and a logo wine glass to take home. We tried two reds and three whites. The Salmon River White had an oaky taste with a fruity finish – very nice. The other vintage that struck us as a good all around red was the Salmon River Red (they weren’t very creative in their naming, whatever) Very fruity and robust with a nice oaky finish. I tried the Gewurztraminer, one of my old time favorites, nice and citrusy, with a semi-dry fruity finish. Bought a bottle of this for Christmas day – it was delicious. So our road trip turned a very rainy Saturday into an unexpected melding of two of our favorite food groups – cheese and wine. All locally produced with care by some very talented folks over in Northeast Connecticut. The principals of both Cato Corner and Priam started their careers in other disciplines then decided to ditch the ‘rat-race’ and do something they both enjoyed. Well, let me tell you they make a good choice and should be thanked for their efforts. The best way to do this is to do what I did with my family – get on the road and visit these places, buy their cheese and wine – they will appreciate your patronage and you’ll be enjoying some great locally produced products. We’re going back – we loved both places!! Both establishments are “”Weekend Only”” operations for visitors; here’s the breakdown of opening hours and other pertinent information: Cato Corner Farm 178 Cato Corner Road Colchester, CT 06415 (860)537-3884 www.catocornerfarm.com Priam Vineyards LLC 11 Shailor Hill Road Colchester, CT 06415 priamvineyards@sbcglobal.net Cato Corner in normally open on Saturdays and Sundays and Priam Vineyards, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – however it is best to call ahead to be certain. As for directions, MapQuest or GOOGLE would be a good choice – although if you are familiar with the area – both venues are directly off Rte. 16 in Colchester. And, as a caveat, artisanal cheeses and the locally produced wines are more expensive than local supermarket and mass produced wine varieties, but you’ll soon forget what you paid after enjoying these fine cheeses they could be called works of art. The same goes for the wine, one glass and the price goes out the window,,, if you know what I mean and for your convenience, both places accept credit cards and of course cash. See you “on the road”! To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! JANUARY – A TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS By Phyllis S. Donovan January is not only the start of a new year for optimists like me. I always feel that this could be the start of something big! I love the anticipation of all the wonderful things that could happen in a promising new year and, in this case – DECADE! The week between Christmas and New Year’s is my favorite time for recapitulating. I like to think back on everything that happened during the past year and wonder about what can be accomplished in the next. Both at home and around town, the Christmas decorations are still gracing the scene and people remain in a happy, sharing spirit. Our church, St. Rose, has never looked so beautiful, the altar banked with poinsettias and a procession of wreaths with red bows and candles lining the walls and hanging from the balconies. Adding to the beauty of Christmas Day was music by our full choir accompanied by organ and trumpet. I LOVE trumpets in church! Talk about a joyful noise. Strong voices raised in song and backed by a trumpet is like heaven to me. That Christmas Day Mass certainly was the high note of my holiday season. With nothing on our personal agenda for the full week after Christmas, we had time to consider how we would make the most of the coming new year. I always hate the cartoon depiction of the aged, bent and physically spent old year being unceremoniously ushered out to make way for the young and expectant new year which by next year will be as old and haggard as his predecessor. Makes the whole process seem futile somehow. Better to think of the new year as a gift filled with untold possibilities to improve the world we live in. For some time now the NBC network has been running its “Making a Difference” series about individuals who have improved the lives of others. With a good idea, single-minded passion and unflagging dedication and energy, some of these folks have worked against the odds to help others in truly meaningful ways. I really believe that every one of us can change things for the better, even in small ways. Let’s think about how we are spending the limited time we have on earth. Too many people are so caught up in self-gratification that they “don’t have time” to volunteer their services to help change things in positive ways for others. Think about your New Year’s resolutions? Are they just to improve your own status, image or wealth or could you squeeze in a bit of time to help your neighbors, church or town? Number one on so many people’s resolution list is to lose weight and get into shape. That’s admirable and as a result, if you stick to it, could keep you around a few more years…but how will you spend all that time you gain? If you really want to feel good, think about how you can share your time helping others. Volunteer at the hospital, soup kitchen or animal shelter. Decide on where you could best use your talents and get in touch with someone at that agency to offer your time. Do it now while the year is young. We always tried to bring up our children with an interest in volunteering. To do this, you have to offer your own services freely. For decades, my husband volunteered untold hours of his time with Connecticut Public Television. At one point, when our youngest son was a tiny tot watching his Dad on TV, he said, “If that glass wasn’t there, I could touch Daddy.” Well, a few years later, he was in the studio with his Dad helping out with the annual on-air CPTV Auctions which ran every spring and loving every minute of his backstage work. When I was young and involved with the Meriden Junior Woman’s Club, many of us “stay-at-home moms” had to bring along our little ones when we were working on community projects. In that way, the youngsters got to watch first-hand the work their mothers were doing for the community. People are quick to say, “Oh, kids today are too self-absorbed with their iphones, ipods and video games to want to get involved with helping others. I beg to differ. With service clubs like the local Kiwanis as sponsors, a whole new generation of volunteers is “getting involved.” The high school Key Clubs and middle school Builders Clubs are already working to better the community. All young people need to get started sharing themselves and their talents is a little adult direction. As we were told in church on New Year’s morning, giving of yourself is doing God’s work. Let’s hope that many more people this year will find it in their hearts to do God’s work by giving of themselves to make the world better for others. Have a happy and blessed New Year and a productive decade. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! California Gold Rush—an Otter’s story By Dorothy Gonick The setting sun shot rays of gold and mauve into Olivia Otters’ snug hollow den awakening her and her twin youngsters, Ollie and Olive. She was anxious about the safety of their part of the woods, and cautioned the twins to wait until she whistled before following her. As soon as they heard the whistle, the twins scurried to the slide and swiftly reached Olivia. All three dove underwater to find crayfish, their favorite food. “Can we go down to where the alien creatures are? We’ll stay out of sight.” The twins wanted to swim down the river to where they’d seen the ‘aliens’ tearing down trees and stacking them in a strange way, a sign saying ‘Sutter’s Mill’ meant nothing to them. They had never seen people before and were curious. “They look dangerous, we’d better go upstream” Mother Olivia warned, but she too, was curious and finally led them downstream for a closer look. Bright moonlight lit up a circular encampment of tents with a fire at the center. To the otters, these tents seemed to be hollow structures like an above ground cave. Aliens went in and out of the ’cave’ openings and squatted around the fire talking excitedly about something called gold. Two banjo players struck up a lively tune and Olivia felt it was time to head for home. “I don’t like what’s going on. Let’s go farther up this stream and choose a new home where it will be quieter and safer.” Away they swam until they reached a shimmering waterfall that splashed into a pool. There were mudslides down the bank so they knew other otters lived nearby. The twins dove in and soon found crayfish which they quickly ate. Olivia swam around the pool’s edge searching for a new home; and when she discovered an abandoned muskrat den, that she knew that would be fine. After a bit of clearing out, the den was ready for all three to snuggle in and sleep before they began exploring the woods around the pool. There’d been enough excitement for one night. In their wanderings next day, they came upon an outcropping of rock that gave them a good view of the river downstream and the activity going on. Several aliens were in the stream scooping rocks into a box and shaking it so that the water ran out. They seemed to be searching for something. After dumping that load, they’d scoop up more. One of them got quite excited about one of the pebbles and kept on searching. It didn’t look like anything the otters would have wanted to eat. Ollie was puzzled when he saw them tossing out some crayfish that would have made a good meal. Soon the otters were joined by other curious animals as a pair of woodchucks and a young doe came by. Each had a tale about what they had seen. Woody and Wilma Woodchuck told how they had been awakened when their home had caved in after something smashed it and were glad they’d been able to escape; a young doe told about watching one of the aliens remove its covering and spend time in the stream rubbing its naked body before getting out and putting on another covering. She saw it no fur except on its head and there was no tail of any kind. It just changed its skin to another color, and then took the first skin to the stream and bobbed it up and down, before hanging it on a bush. Very strange! Freddy Fox came limping by and warned them not to go into the camp. “Certainly, do not touch the place where I saw flames leaping up high. The flames were gone, but it bit my paw when I reached in. Look at this blister!” Two rabbits came hurrying by, looking very frightened, and stopped to warn the animals that the strange aliens had magic powers. “We’d been playing with friends when one of the strangers looked toward us and pointed. We heard a loud bang and Bobby fell over dead! We’re not going near them again and we warn you to stay away!” A blue jay flew onto an overhanging branch with the news that the alien creatures were people, and that there were a lot of them living nearby. Jay said “Instead of living in caves or burrows, they cut down trees to build houses to live in. Two days ago they got excited when one of them found something called ‘gold dust’ in the river where they were building a sawmill, That made everyone grab tools and hurry to start digging for this gold. More people have come, setting up tents near the river to live in.” Then Jay answered their questions about ‘people’ by telling them that, “No, they do not have fur or tails. Instead, they make coverings to wear. In some ways they are like animals, but very different in the way they live. They can be very dangerous. We jays think this place will soon be a wasteland after the trees are cut down and the rivers are torn up.” The otters and other animals listened in fearful awe at this report, each deciding to move further into the woods and find a safer place to live. Little Ollie nudged his mother and said, “I’m hungry; let’s go back to the pool for some crayfish.” Back at the pool, they were greeted by another family of otters whose three youngsters were splashing and squealing in play. They called for the twins and Olivia to join them. Soon there was laughter and chuckles of joy as they went sliding down the slippery mud slides and scrambling back up again. Life again looked hopeful as the waterfall sang its way into the pool and the woodland birds greeted them with song. A pool with fish and crawfish, new friends, and a snug den for sleeping, suited the family of otters just fine. Dorothy Gonick To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! “Maggie’s Corner” What is it like you ask? By: Maggie Griffin Out of all the places I’ve been and all the things I’ve seen, obviously I enjoy socializing. I will admit, as much as I enjoy Real Estate, the adventures in travel takes me to another dimension. The question is how do I do it? My answer is “What?” It became obvious that many people knew about my trip to the NTDC. The NTDC is a National Competition where Professional Drivers are given the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge. My husband, Tom, was amongst those drivers, again. I must say I am more than proud my husband came home as one of the champions. Supporting him in this competition was an experience as he was lucky number 7; Tom Griffin is on the course. My use of Pom-Poms, Duck Horns and Rattles obviously did not distract him. So that is a good thing. Watching the competition was very rewarding. Staying at the Westin was filling as every night there was a dinner function that was attended. But, who did I meet when I was there? I met Professional Drivers across the country of whom many were excited to be there for the first time along with those who were there multiple times. Taking a trip down the Allegany River one night singing and dancing on the boat, it’s a good thing I only drank diet soda. However, although I had the pleasure of “hanging out” every evening with this man who looked like Tommy Chong, it made my nights filled with laughs, hoping I make my wake up time for the next day of the competition. But another evening of another dinner function, along with meeting so many people across the country, to my surprise, there standing in front of me was a Legend of Football, Franco Harris, who is #32 of The Pittsburg Steelers, a Champion of Champions, cheering on the Drivers. Had I known this, I would have had my hair done and fix my make-up as every day and every night there was a schedule to follow. Like the evening I spent with Ryan Cabrara 4 years ago, teen idol and music performer, prior to his performance at Toad’s Place, here is the bottom line to meeting these people we know as famous. They are human beings like the rest of us. They set an example of reaching goals to achieve the possible. We all know anything is possible if we really focus and put our minds into a frame of thinking that we shall never give up any dream we have. All it takes is a dream and the courage to make anything happen. I do want to thank Denny Hamilton for allowing me to sit on the hood of his race car and take a picture. There was no way I wasn’t going to go home without one. Watching him lead the convoy parade at the end of the competition was thrilling as behind him, a pre-arranged state trooper was flashing those red and blues. The media was there. But let’s touch on media for one moment. Media is a source where it needs to be touched delicately. I for one know what it is like to be interviewed by Authors who write about the Real Estate Industry and every word I say must be carefully said, written and reviewed. As a Columnist, I enjoy meeting people in my journey and interviewing them. As a Real Estate Professional, I am very serious in this industry to achieve goals and bring results to those I represent, whether they are sellers or buyers, no client of mine is left behind; as the media promotes me based on my knowledge, skills, experience, professionalism and dedication in The Real Estate Industry. Going back to what was it like meeting these people and talking to them? It was rewarding. I learned about them in more ways than I can imagine, and I talked about Real Estate. But I made sure, as a columnist many knew I was there to cheer and support my husband in this competition. You see, opportunities come when one strives in earning to achieve them. And with that being said, discipline in oneself will bring success in any venture. Success comes to those who reach for those goals through dedication. If you reach, you will achieve. It was my pleasure to watch my husband achieve another success in victory through his skills, knowledge, dedication and self discipline in driving, taking his job very seriously. It was my honor to meet the people I met and spoke to along the way. These examples only prove that destiny is not written, it is in the palms of our hands. To conclude, what is it like to live with a Professional Driver? We go through a lot of tires. Road safety is something my husband promotes and lectures. Most of all, through these competitions, it’s not about winning, it’s how you compete on a professional level when showcasing the skills, safety, knowledge and dedication anyone, in any field, competition or game are trained to exercise. This is another example of earning opportunities. Just like football and running those yards to score a touchdown, as Franco’s determination, skills and knowledge proved when reaching that goal for the Pittsburg Steelers. Or if not done with caution, as Tommy Chong would say “Dude, who called the cops”. No More Cooties! The school cafeteria often serves as a snapshot of the state of relations between the students from Mars and the students from Venus. In the primary grades, you would likely see boys and girls sitting together sharing Sun Chips and poking at each other playfully. However, by the fourth grade things are drastically different. For the most part, the cafeteria becomes segregated with “boy” and “girl” tables. When we were kids we used to see it as a parasite thing. Those of the opposite sex definitely had a bad infestation of cooties, so you steered way clear! Today, the polarization is emphasized with rhymes, “Girls rule, boys drool,” or the other way around, depending on your perspective. Then, something astonishing happens around the end of 7th grade. Boys and girls start to pair off and sit together – imagine that! For young teens, it’s a time when every day offers equally exciting and confusing signals that are sent back and forth from boy to girl like errant ping pong balls. For parents, it’s a time of high anxiety and stress as memories of their own trials and tribulations with the opposite sex are painfully remembered. How does one know when her teen has dipped his toe into uncharted waters? Is he starting to fix his hair and check himself out in the mirror? It’s necessary to be aware of subtle changes because your teen might not share his private thoughts with you. Sarah Burningham, author of Boyology: A Teen Girl's Crash Course in All Things Boy (Chronicle Books, 2009) and How to Raise Your Parents: A Teen Girl's Survival Guide (Chronicle Books, 2008), says, “Most teenagers probably won't come out and say they’re interested in someone. In fact, denial is a good first sign. You might notice that your teen is talking about a certain someone a lot; yet, he insists that he doesn’t ‘like’ that person. Other clues to look for are lots of texts and phone calls from one person.” Once you know, you might find it difficult to communicate with your teen about his new attraction. Burningham suggests, “It's important not to trivialize your teen's relationships. Even though it might seem like puppy love, those feelings of first love are real, and dismissing them will only make your teen feel like he can't talk to you. The best thing you can do is to listen. Don't offer too much advice. Instead, you can help your teen come to his own realizations about relationships by asking questions about what your teen is getting out of a relationship. Remember, the goal is to help your teen build healthy relationship patterns.” Parents should tune in to a heightened awareness – of all friends, both male and female, and of her whereabouts. Teens will fight this because they want to be independent. There has to be a level of trust, as well as a specific set of rules. Burningham comments, “Every family has different rules. Be sure to set them early and stick by them. Make it a tradition that dates come into the house to meet you before your teen goes out. If it's expected and started early, it doesn't have to be a fight every time.” She also suggests setting a private texting code that your teen can send if something goes wrong or she needs your help. “A lot of the teenagers I interviewed used their parents as excuses to get out of uncomfortable situations,” Burningham reports. Be prepared that this is the beginning of an endless period of testing out new boundaries and finding that middle ground where both you and your teen can feel comfortable. TIPS AND TALES “Rules are a definite! No entertaining guys in the bedroom - even when you are home! Curfew is a must. If they change locations, they better call!” Gail McGann – Bomoseen, VT “My fourteen year old son is good about telling me things that happen. I just hope he always feels comfortable to talk to me so I know what's going on…or at least some of it! We keep an eye on the computer, too.” Lori Ann Jones – Salt Point, NY Want to share your ideas? Upcoming topic: Test Anxiety – SATs, ACTs and the stress that goes along with it Please send your full name, address, and brief comments to: myrnahaskell@gmail.com Or visit http://home.roadrunner.com/~haskellfamily/myrna/ Home Country Slim Randles Some of the earlier knights of the coffee table arrived just before daylight, flipping their cups to the upright and fillable positions, and were joined quickly by Dewey, which is an unusual occurrence. Doc was the only one of us downwind from Dewey, and we watched to see if any fainting took place, but evidently Dewey had not yet begun his job of transferring soil nutrients from the dairies to people’s yards. “How’s it going, Dewey?” Dud said. We all like Dewey. “Finer’n frog hair, Dud. My shoulder’s in shape for a shovel and I’m sure gonna shovel…” “Well, yes you are,” Doc said, quickly. “Dewey’s an interesting name,” Dud said. “Was your mother … dewy eyed when you were born?” “That’s D-E-W-Y. My name has the extra e in it. Actually, I was named for a famous man.” We sipped over that one for a minute. “Thomas E. Dewey!” shouted Doc. “Governor of New York. Candidate for President. Your mother was a Republican, right?” “Uh, no … not him, I’m afraid.” “I know …” said Steve. “Admiral Dewey. Whats-his-name … George. George Dewey of the Spanish-American War! Your dad was a fan of the Navy.” “Well, not exactly,” Dewey said, although privately he thought that would’ve been a good guy to be named for. “Well?” said Doc. “I’ve run out of Deweys. Who was it?” “Melvil.” “Who?” “Melvil Dewey,” Dewey said. “You know … Dewey Decimal System? My mom was a librarian.” -------------- Brought to you by “Raven’s Prey,” Slim Randles’ thriller set in the Alaska Bush. See it at www.slimrandles.com. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! ______ WINTER BY: SHAINA CARROLL December 15th was a dreaded day in Maine. A huge storm was going to hit the city of Bangor. Almost everyone was expecting it. One house wasn’t….The family that lived on the street of Louis Avenue. The family had just moved from California and was still adjusting to the move. The date was December 14th and the storm was headed their way. It was no lie that there was a storm coming. “Alex! Get down here and get your dinner!” yelled Kathy. Alex ran downstairs before getting into trouble. She was already going to be in enough trouble. “You better watch out. If you tell Mom, I will use your makeup case” said Alex. “Tell Mom what?” Kathy said with a smirk. “That her daughter bought a dog? Why would I do that?” This was followed by another smirk then a fit of giggles. “I already did!” Oh man! A secret that was revealed by her 10 year old sister. Kathy’s face said it all. Before she could even say anything, a firm voice yelled at the top of its lungs, “ALEX! WHY IS A DOG IN YOUR ROOM?!” Alex ran upstairs at top speed hoping her mother didn’t see the dog and only believed Kathy. When Alex got to her room, her hopes were brought down. In the middle of her floor her mother stood along with Kathy. On her bed sat Winter. “Why is there a dog on your bed?” Alex told her about how he was about to be taken to the pound when she found him. Her mother understood and let her keep him, as long as Alex took care of Winter. The next morning, Alex took Winter for a walk. As they were turning back, the wind started to get hard, the sky was getting gray, and snow started to fall faster and faster. Alex panicked while Winter stayed calm. Winter knew what to do. He had been through many storms before. Fighting the storm, he led her home. Once they were on the right street, Winter ran up to the blue house that they lived in. Alex and Winter ran all the way up to the door. They tried to get in but the door was locked. Alex banged on the door while Winter pawed noisily. From inside, they could hear Alex’s mother yelling, “ALEX! ALEX! WHERE ARE YOU?” Above Mom, Alex could hear Kathy yelling, “WINTER! WINTER! WINTER!” “Of course Kathy yells for Winter”, thought Alex. He is a dog. She loves dogs. Mostly Winter. After ten minutes of banging and pawing, Alex’s mother heard the racket and let them in.. Alex was freezing. Winter wasn’t as cold. The two friends were covered in snow. Luckily, they bought the house that had the biggest and warmest fireplace. Alex was the first to run for the fireplace. Winter slowly followed. Alex thanked her mother who was giving her hot chocolate. The next day, Winter was awarded by the Mayor for saving Alex’s life. Winter was also moved with his family to a five star hotel. Not only now do they live there, they own it. During the ceremony Alex told everyone what happened. “Winter lived the beginning of his life hunting for food. Afterwards, I found Winter being chased by a dog catcher. He was about to be caught when I stepped in and told the dog catcher that Winter was mine. The dog catcher surprisingly let me take him. I guess he wanted me to go away and stop bothering him. Winter was amazed at how fast he was put down on the ground. I took him and ran home to hide him in my room. When I came in the house, Kathy was eating cookies and drinking milk. It was too late to turn back. Kathy had turned her head and saw Winter. She looked at him with curious eyes. Then a grin came across her face. She asked if I had asked our mother. My response, well, was running upstairs like a scared little chicken with Winter on my heels. That’s about it. The rest you are sure to know.” She had made her speech. Now the ceremony was over. Everyone went home. Not everyone actually. Winter and his family went out to eat. They even got in for free since Winter was with them. The staff got wide eyed and brought them to their seat instantly. Winter also got to stay in the restaurant instead of getting kicked out. He became very famous and saved many more lives. One day winter found a mate and had puppies. The puppies lived a life of luxury and grew up as their father did….saving as many lives as he did. The puppies lived with their father until the end of his life. Their names were Summer, Spring, Winter, and Fall. Of course, everyone lived happily ever after. ____________________________________________ “Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective” by Gregory M. Simpson It was a banner first year for Connecticut Votes for Animals (CVA), for which I am proud to say I am a member of the advisory board. Under the leadership of ASPCA attorney Debora Bresch and Our Companions Animal Sanctuary CEO Susan Linker, CVA saw one of the first bills it lobbied passed and signed into law by Governor Jodi Rell on July 8th, the Puppy Lemon Law Bill. The Puppy Lemon Law Bill will provide greater protection for consumers and animals sold in pet stores. This new law encourages the sale of healthy animals in several key ways. It increases the potential veterinary reimbursement from $200 to $500 and allows this reimbursement for congenital defects without the need to return the animal. The law also increases the window for this reimbursement from 15 to 20 days. Critically, pet stores will now be required to purchase out-of-state animals only from USDA and state licensed breeders. As an important consumer measure, pet stores will be required to provide consumers with breeder/dealer information to fully disclose the source of the animals. Connecticut Votes for Animals is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(4) organization, whose aim is to mobilize the public to support animals through their political choices. It serves as the political arm of the state’s animal protection movement by advocating pro-animal policies and engaging public support for the passage of animal friendly laws and opposition to proposals harmful to animals. CVA is Connecticut’s only grass roots organization that gives animals a voice in the Legislature. Members are provided with political “scorecards” so that they can make a difference at the polls by electing animal friendly legislators. Connecticut Votes for Animals educates the public regarding animal protection issues and safeguards the interests of animals by making their well-being a priority for elected leaders. During this past legislative session, CVA tracked over 20 bills, ranging from acts concerning humane education and the treatment of elephants to an act requiring court ordered counseling for juveniles charged or convicted of animal cruelty. Most proposed bills do not become law, especially the first time they are raised. In the last legislative session, CVA also lobbied to pass a bill to prevent the constant tethering of dogs, i.e., chaining or confinement. The current law is vague and animal control officers are not able to enforce it. As a result, dogs in Connecticut can be chained or confined day and night. This is not only cruel to the dogs but also poses a public safety threat as chained dogs are three times more likely to bite people. Unfortunately, the draft Tethering and Confinement Bill required additional work. With your assistance as a CVA member, a Tethering and Confinement Bill can be passed in the next legislative session, ensuring that the outcome of cases like the one in Hartford, where dogs were found stacked in crates in a shed, are very different. Currently, excessive confinement alone is not sufficient to warrant charges under Connecticut’s animal cruelty law. Next session, Connecticut Votes for Animals, with animal control officers and the ASPCA, will work to get the Tethering and Confinement Bill passed. But it cannot be done without grass roots power. As the anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Animals don’t vote, people do, so share your support by becoming a member of Connecticut Votes for Animals. A $25 non-tax deductible donation can be mailed to Connecticut Votes for Animals, P.O. Box 266 Cheshire, CT 06410. Or you may sign up on-line at: www.ctvotesforanimals.org For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson Gregory Simpson’s animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S. He is also a member of the Cat Writers’ Association. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! __________________________________________________________________ ROBERT MILES AND DAVID S. MILES I was in the Army for four years, one-and-a-half years on The Aleutian Islands in the Pacific. The wind was so bad we dug our huts in the ground. If we built them on top of the ground, the wind would have blown them away. There was snow all the time. We had to be dug out every day so we could go to the mess hall. It was cold but we had everything we needed to keep us warm. The weather was nice in July, but mostly it was cold and dark as the sun didn't come up. We learned a lot, and we came home. My Mother was a 5 star mother with 5 sons in the service. We all came home except my brother David. The American Legion Hall in Oxford is named for him. He went down on the ship, the U.S.A.T. Dorchester with the Four Chaplains who have become quite famous. Note: I knew Bob Miles in Grammar School. We met again recently at our 60th Seymour High School Class Reunion where Bob shared his experience in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. .....Below, I quote from a news clip from The Advisor, dated February 13, 1996. The Advisor is published weekly in North Haven, Connecticut.. FOUR CHAPLAINS' MEMORIAL DAY PROCLAIMED IN NORTH HAVEN Last week I was pleased to join with Wally Bassett, Religious Emphasis Chairman and Americanism Chairman. and the entire Murray Reynolds Post 76 American Legion in commemorating Four Chaplains' Day in North Haven. A special Memorial service took place at the Recreational Center on February 8th. At the ceremony we recalled the account of the Four Chaplains' heroic sacrifices. On February 3, 1943, the U.S.A.T.. Dorchester, with 900 passengers, was torpedoed by an enemy submarine in the Atlantic Ocean, about one hundred miles off the coast of Greenland. The Dorchester was ill-equipped, with only twenty usable lifeboats and an inadequate supply of life jackets. Understanding that their own lives would not be saved, the Four Chaplains distributed the limited gear to their fellow seamen. They are credited with saving the lives of about 200 men. The last survivors recalled this terrifying experience. Their final observation is that of the Four Chaplains submerged in the ocean, with their arms linked in prayer as the U.S.A.T. Dorchester went down in a blaze of steam and fire. The Four Chaplains, representing different faiths, were united in their self-sacrifice, compassion and humanity. The Four Chaplains are First Lieutenant, Reverend Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformist; First Lieutenant, Reverend George I. Fox, Methodist; First Lieutenant, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, and Father Johnny P. Washington, a Catholic Priest. A Chilling wind The sky distinctly hued in pink, Held echoes of soft peeping sounds rolling smoothly o’er the brink. As weathered leaves cascaded to the ground, This dark and creepy old man, strolled in. His balding pate flashing conspicuously, Shattering the pitch-black sanctuary of these who feared him in stoic awe. For he, this thing, was dying autumn. And bringing the knowing of time, a cold and dreary omen for all to see the sprightly warmth of mellow, adoring days of merriment, tumble towards its end. For soon will come the chilling news That old man winter has come again. - George Arndt - To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!

Town News and Events January 2010

To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! MAYOR’S CORNER MERIDEN Mayor's Column, We have rung in the New Year - 2010. Now, we have to get used to using the new date on our correspondence and checks. Hopefully, 2010 will be a year of positive happenings for our residents and our city. We certainly have been challenged by the economic downturn with job losses, home foreclosures, and stagnation in many sectors of our business community. There are some signs of a beginning recovery but most economists say it will be slow and uneven this year. We can look forward to continuing Meriden's forward progress on flood control, the downtown initiative, and the intermodal transportation hub. Partial has funding has been approved to continue planning efforts on these projects. We have also had encouraging discussions with a number of private developers who are interested in expanding development activity in Meriden. The city will aggressively work with these companies to encourage and assist their efforts. In January and February, there will be important informational meetings on Meriden's High Schools renovation projects. Please take the time to become familiar with the options that the city council will be voting on in February. Also, the 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. / Albert Owens Scholarship Breakfast will take place on Monday, January 18, 8 AM at Maloney High School. This is a great event for our community. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. I wish all of you a New Year filled with peace, health, and fulfillment. Mike Rohde, Mayor MAYOR’S CORNER WALLINGFORD Dear Friends: A story is told about a college student who needed part-time employment while attending school. One company offered a stenographer’s position. He quickly accepted and then said he could start work the end of the next week. The employer agreed. On the appointed day, the young man arrived right on time. The employer was pleased with the young man’s enthusiasm and asked him why he needed the week’s delay. The student replied, “Well, I had to find a typewriter and learn how to use it.” The young man was Herbert Hoover, who reportedly stated later in life, “No difficult or simple job ever gets done until someone decides to do what it takes to get the job done. Unfortunately, too many people stand by ready to carry the stool when there is a piano to be moved.” Our new year represents the opportunity to perform tasks that must be accomplished. We can move our pianos by all working together. Have a wonderful new year. Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. Mayor MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER 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! Art Horn will present another weather show at the Senior Center on Wednesday, January 13 at 10:30 AM to be held in the first floor meeting room. In “Weather Dominates our World” Art will explain how everything we do is affected by the weather. From the launching of the space shuttle, to fireworks on the 4th of July, to the weekend trip to the shore, to your grandchild’s outdoor wedding, weather conditions will make or break the event. Billions of dollars of products are shipped around the world yet storms can divert tankers and cargo ships causing delays or worse. The price of food is strongly affected by droughts, heat waves, floods and killing frost and freezes. There’s no doubt about it, weather dominates our world! Don’t miss this entertaining and educational show with many color slides. Refreshments will be served. The Senior Center is now recruiting students for a new Introduction to Computers Class to be offered soon in our Senior Computer Center. We have a new Microsoft Certified Teacher who has taught in a variety of community settings and is a well experienced and patient teacher. Learn Windows, Word, Email and other computer basics in this two day/four hour class. The cost is $15 per person and the classes will start as soon as we get enough people signed up. Please register in the front office or by calling us at (203) 237-0066. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of our longtime Art Teacher Bruce Raven who passed away on December 6. Bruce was an exceptional artist who taught seniors here for more than 30 years and he will be greatly missed. Classes will resume on January 4 at 9:00 AM with the capable Doe Bartlett as teacher. AARP members affiliated with the national Tax-Aide Program will again be offering free income tax assistance at the Senior Center starting on Wednesday, February 3. Trained volunteers will prepare your federal and state tax returns for 2009. Appointments can be made by calling 237-0066 beginning Monday, January 4. Meriden AARP Chapter #2954 will meet on the lower level of the Senior Center on January 13, 2010 at 12:30, general meeting at 1:30, and entertainment at 2:00. Ballroom dancers Valerie Bubon and Donald Antonio will present a dance program with highlights from the 1930’s to the present. It will be about a forty-five minute program. For members of our club, we will have a bargain table featuring costume jewelry. Any questions, call Betty Fisette at 203 238-4478. If you've gained a few "Holiday Pounds" or are just interested in learning more about healthy eating, plan to attend the Diet Watch Series sponsored by LaPlanche Clinic on Wednesdays in January and February from 10:00 - 10:45 outside of the Clinic. Classes will begin on January 13th. Come a little early to get weighed and then attend our class. To register, please call 203-237-0300. Special Mardi Gras entertainment with Bob Mel and Karen Wagner will be held on Wednesday, January 27 at 10:30 in Willene’s Place. The program is sponsored by Health Net and reservations for lunch following the show can be made by calling 203-235-8052. The menu will feature baked chicken with wild rice and vegetables. Our annual Valentine Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, February 11 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM with the popular Vinnie Carr. Tickets will be on sale starting on January 21 at a cost of $6.00 for Meriden residents and $7.00 for out-of-town guests. Special thanks to all of the local businesses who donated prizes for our holiday luncheon on December 22 including Walgreen’s West Side, Valencia Liquor Store, Checkered Flag Auto, Brown Jug Liquor Store, Thompson’s Candy, Kaye’s Pharmacy, G.T. Tire Company, Marianna’s Bakery, Stop & Shop West Side, Stop & Shop East Side, Walgreen’s East Side, Sans-Souci Restaurant, Panera Bread and Jacoby’s Restaurant. Thank you all for your generous support and for your concern for Meriden’s seniors! Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year from the members and staff of the Max E. Muravnick Senior Citizens’ Center! John F. Hogarth Senior Center Director December 29, 2009 To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER JANUARY 2010 EDITION DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM Do you have a loved one in need of socialization and guidance throughout the day? The Daily Activities for Independence program is a small, structured, social-model day program designed for seniors age 60 and over. With additional support of this type seniors can be highly active and independent. Program is open Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. with transportation available for Wallingford residents. Contact Melinda Welch, DAI Coordinator at 203-265-7753 Ext. 205 or e-mail mwelch@wlfdseniorctr.com. WSC GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Looking for a gift for your special senior? Consider purchasing a Wallingford Senior Center Gift Certificate for a family member or friend. Our gift certificates, which are available at the front desk, may be used toward senior center classes, trips, special events, and Lake View Café meals. WANT AN EMAIL ACCOUNT BUT DON’T HAVE A COMPUTER? Thursday, January 21, 2:00 – 4:00 PM Would you like to communicate with family and friends and share photos via email; go shopping online; or pre-register for that cruise you’re taking? Sign up now for our email workshop on January 21, where you can set up a free email account even if you don’t have your own computer. Once you have your account, you can communicate with the world from any computer with Internet access (including those in our computer lab and the public library). The fee for this workshop is $5.00. Class size is limited; sign up now! BEAT THE WINTER BLUES PARTY Friday, January 22, 1:00 PM Join us for musical entertainment featuring Karen Wagner and Bob Mel, dancing, refreshments, and fun on January 22, and beat those winter blues! Be sure to sign up by January 20, so that we may plan the refreshments accordingly. THE LATEST ADVANCES IN CANCER TREATMENT AND TESTING Wednesday, January 20, 10:30 AM The field of oncology is constantly evolving. Explore the newest treatments and diagnostic testing in this cancer care update. This program, sponsored by MidState Medical Center, will be presented by oncologist Gerard Fumo, MD. Please call 203 265-7753 to register to attend. ARE YOU IN THE FLOW? Friday, January 22, 10:00 AM We are all impacted positively or negatively by the spaces in which we live and work. Learn simple ways to diagnose and realign your home and/or office so you’ll be “in the flow”! This Feng Shui program will be presented by Krista Polinsky, Certified Feng Shui and Energy Medicine Practitioner. This program is sponsored by Regency House of Wallingford. Please call 203 265-7753 to register to attend. MEET & GREET OUR NEW SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT Thursday, January 21, 11:30 AM Wallingford Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Salvatore F. Menzo, will visit the Senior Center on January 21, at 11:30 AM, to introduce himself to our members, provide an update on our local school system, and answer your questions. Do join us! SOCIAL SINGLES Thursday, January 7, 6:00 – 8:00 PM Our monthly gathering of Social Singles (for singles aged 60 – 74) will be a Fun with Music Night. Join us for singing, dancing, karaoke and refreshments. Senior Center members are welcome to bring non-member friends. Social Singles meets at the senior center on the first Thursday of the month and plans additional activities such as movies, happy hours, dining and other social events. SOCIAL SINGLES VALENTINES PARTY Thursday, February 4, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Attention singles aged 55+! Tickets are on sale for a Valentine’s Day Party with DJ Todd from Jock in the Box featuring music of the 50’s and 60’s. Refreshments will include hors d’oeuvres, punch and dessert. Advance tickets are $10.00 ($12.00 at the door). Invite your single friends! For more information call Ruth at 203-269-5492. 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. 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. – 2:00 p.m. •Elderly Nutrition Meals: The Town of Wallingford is able to provide meals to seniors who meet the criteria. Please call 203-294-2060 for additional information. •Local churches: Call your church to find out if there is a food pantry available. LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP Friday, January 15, 10:15-11:15 a.m. The topic for January will be about Macular Degeneration. Michelle Tarantino, MPH, OTR/L, CLVT, Low Vision Therapist will provide information on this degenerative vision diagnosis. She will describe what it is, and how it affects vision. Please call to register at 203-265-7753. VETERANS SERVICES Tuesday, January 26, 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. MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM The Medicare Savings Program assists individuals who meet the income and asset guidelines to pay their Medicare Part B premium. Effective October l, 2009 income limits greatly increased and there is no longer an asset limit for any of the programs. This change is especially important since there will not be any COLA in Social Security for 2010. Many individuals who did not qualify for this program in the past can now qualify. The income guidelines are as follows: INCOME ASSETS Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) Single $1,778.91 NO CAP Couple $2,393.55 NO CAP Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Single $1,959.51 NO CAP Couple $2,636.55 NO CAP Additional Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (ALMB/QI) Single $2,091.67 NO CAP Couple $2,816.67 NO CAP If you fall within these guidelines, the State may be able to pay the Medicare Part B premium. Please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker, at 203-265-7753 to schedule an appointment or to receive additional information. CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2009-2010 HEATING SEASON **IMPORTANT: Please note New Opportunities of Greater Meriden has 45 days from the date of application to send a letter of certification to the individual. Please keep this in mind when considering when to schedule your appointment. The Wallingford Senior Center is an intake site for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. The program provides financial assistance to income-eligible households to pay for a portion of their heating costs. Applications for deliverable fuel (oil and kerosene only) began Tuesday, September 8 and are ongoing. First day for fuel deliveries which can be paid for by CEAP is November 1. Gas and electric customers can call beginning November 10 for an appointment. Income limits are presently $30,485 for a single person and $39,865 for a couple. Asset limits also apply. Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following checklist documents: · Most recent bank statement (all pages FRONT AND BACK) · Verification of Social Security check 2009, or Social Security “Your New Benefit Amount” letter for 2009. · Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents. · 2009 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income. · Four most recent pay stubs, if employed. · Rental Income – rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account. · Most recent heat utility bill. · Electric bill, if applicable. Applications are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 203-265-7753. BENEFITS SCREENING Tuesday, January 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for any State or Federal programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for eligibility. Supporting Documents are not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Registration required. Call 265 7753 now to schedule an appointment. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM (SNAP) The State Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly the Food Stamp Program) has changed its eligibility criteria effective July 1, 2009. Income limits have been increased and there is no asset limit when applying for this program. •Single Income: $1,669.00 month •Couple Income: $2,246.00 month For more information or to schedule an appointment to apply for this program, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker at 265 7753. HELP WITH SNOW REMOVAL Need assistance with snow removal? The YOUTH JOB BANK of Wallingford’s Youth & Social Services Department can help. They will find a student from Wallingford to shovel snow for a fee you negotiate directly with the student. You can call the JOB BANK to request assistance before it snows, this way a student will be assigned to assist you prior to a snowfall. Please call 203-294-2175 to request a student or to get additional information. VISIT our website at www.wlfdseniorctr.com! Peoples Press January 2010 South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is its 102 year of service to the Village of South Meriden and the City of Meriden. In 2009 our department responded to 753 calls of service to the community. Approximately 61 % of the calls responded to were medicals and Motor Vehicle Accidents. The Department held elections in December below are the names and positions: Operations Division Keith Gordon: Chief of Operations Steve Legere: Deputy Chief Gary Manson: Captain Jeff Benson: Lieutenant Bill Barry: Lieutenant Administrative Positions George Wruck Recording Secretary Alan Dempsey Financial Secretary James Cournoyer Treasurer Apparatus Lieutenants Mike Benson Bruce Krause David Noyes Bret Siegel Trustee Sue. Bolenbaugh Now its time for a several safety tips for our neighbors. We hope you all have working smoke detectors in your home. Working Smoke detectors save lives. Please make sure that you changed your batteries in the detectors. The best time to remember to change the batteries is when day light saving time comes. When you change your clocks back or forth change the batteries for safety. Also if you do not have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home please purchase them. CO is a colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas that is produced by inefficient burning and incomplete combustion of fuel products in heating appliances, furnace, hot water heaters, and stoves. If you do not have efficient burning appliances in the home, over a period of time CO could be building up in the home which if unchecked could lead to medical conditions and even Death. Having your furnace cleaned and serviced each year will help keep the units running more efficiently. CO is the silent killer, please protect your family and yourself and purchase CO detectors for your home. CO is also produced by normal operation of your vehicles and comes out of the vehicles exhaust systems. Running your vehicle in the garage could cause CO to seep directly into the home. With winter upon us we are asking for your assistance with a little maintenance item. If you have a fire hydrant near the front of your property we need your help. When it snows it would be helpful; if you could clear the snow and ice away from the hydrant. In a fire emergency it is very important that we can hook our hoses to the hydrant as quickly as possible in case we need additional water to extinguish a fire. During and after snow storms we do try to get out and clear hydrants, but we do not always have time to get to them all. It would be very beneficial to all our neighbor to have clean and clear fire hydrants. If you can, please help us out with this maintenance item we would appreciate your assistance. With the snow storms we have already had in December we did notice a substantial amount of hydrants cleaned already when we did our rounds after the storms. ALL of the Cities Fire Fighters thank you for your HELP, by keeping the hydrants clear. Another health Tip. We urge all our residence to be careful during the winter months with shoveling snow. Take it easy do not over do it. Use a good shovel and do not over load it when you lift it. Also for those of you that have snow blowers please be extremely careful not to put your hands near the blades of the blower unit while it is running. You might say who would do that, but each year Meriden's emergency service responders respond to several of these calls each year and it isn't a pretty sight so please take precautions. If you can and have the time and the energy may be you can help a neighbor who is a little older or might be ill, give them a hand clearing away the snow from their walkways or driveway. It feels real good to be able to help them out during the winter months. Each year we lose friends and neighbors to heart attacks during the winter months from over exerting themselves shoveling snow. Important health tip. If you are under a doctor’s care and take certain medications keep a list of these medications handy just in case you have the need to call 911 for during a medical emergency. Also with this list you might want to give a little history of any medical conditions that you also might have. These are important things for emergency responders to have just in case you are unable to respond to our questions when we arrive at your home. A good place to keep this information is in an envelope on you refrigerator and note that it is Medical Info. Information about our application process: We are currently accepting applications for membership for individuals who live in Meriden over the age of 18 in good health and have a clean police records and can pass the application process. We are also accepting application for those individuals who might all ready be certified as a State of CT Firefighter/EMT and do not live in Meriden but are willing to fill night crew positions at our station. These individuals will need to meet our by-law requirements for drills, weekly night crew and duty crew assignments. We are one of the only Volunteer fire stations in the State that have sleep-in crews at our fire station we presently cover 6 out of 7 nights. Our nightly in-house status allows us to service our customers you our neighbors quicker. Being a volunteer fire fighter takes a lot of commitment and time. Our members and their families make a lot of personal sacrifices to belong to our department, but they get great satisfaction of being part of terrific tradition of saving lives and property. We train and work hard but we love serving and protecting our friends and neighbors. Applications can be picked up at our station at 31 Camp Street, South Meriden in the evenings. We are a DRUG FREE Department and we TEST all applicants. Chiefs Line 203-630-4499 Keep Safe, Stay Healthy and Happy New Year Chief Keith Gordon, South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! ___________________________

Local News and Events January 2010

To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue serves Wallingford and its surrounding communities. This active little congregation has recently undergone a revival and is pleased to present the following calendar of events: Pot Luck Tot Shabbat – January 22, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Tu B’ Shevat Services – January 29, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Adult Learn Hebrew Class – February 5, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. Martini and Movie Night – February 6, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Purim Pot Luck Service with Israeli Dancing – February 27, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. Havdallah Pot Luck Family Movie Night – March 13, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Women’s Rosh Hodesh Services – March 15, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Passover 2nd Night Seder – March 30, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Historic Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford is the little congregation that CAN. This friendly congregation, over 110 years old, has a diverse and active membership of about 60 families. Our calendar is full and attendance is high. Programming highlights the Congregation’s desire to encompass all the elements of Judaism – prayer, learning and gathering – into meaningful and fun filled events. For more information, please contact Alida Cella at 949-8656, or alidacella@hotmail.com (ask her to put you on our synagogue mailing list). Information can also be found on our new website, www.bethisraelwallingford.org. You can also follow our news updates at www.twitter.com/BethIsrael ___________________________________________________________________________________ SPRING 2010 REGISTRATION SET FOR JACK BARRY LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL The Jack Barry Little League will be holding registration for the spring 2010 season on January 20TH and 21ST at the Nathan Hale Elementary School and on February 4th at the John Barry Elementary school . Sign-ups will be from 6:30 to 8 PM, in the school cafeteria and are open to boys and girls 5-16 years of age. Birth certificate and proof of residency required for all players. Please attend one of the earlier signups to avoid the “last minute rush”. School closings or early dismissal due to bad weather will cancel registration that night. Call 235-8766 or visit us on-line at www.jbll.net for more information. Happy New Year from The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce! Our Members and the Greater Meriden Community can look forward to a very active Greater Meriden Chamber in 2010 in the areas of Promotion, Leadership, Education & Networking! Kicking off the New Year with something NEW…we are now LIVE on Facebook! So, check us out, become a fan, and visit often! Our stellar, award-winning website, www.meridenchamber.com is always chock full of events, news, resources, photos and more! It is THE place to visit when you are looking for a product or service. All of our members are listed by category or they may be found through name searches. The site averages well over 32,000 unique visits per month and our most visited areas include the member directory, member news, and calendars of events! November 2009 kicked off our NEW Breakfast Club Celebrates…Series! Below is a recap of past and future events along with some photos – attendance is averaging 65 at each event and it’s a GREAT way to start your day! Visit the special event pages for updates on www.meridenchamber.com. The series is also videotaped and will begin airing on Cox Channel 15 in January and the videos will also be available for viewing on the Chamber’s website! Pizza, Pasta, & Politics will be held on Monday, January 25, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. sponsored by at&t and held at Hunter’s Ambulance Service Training Center, 450-478 W. Main St., Meriden, CT. One of the many charges of the Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce includes providing access and forums to meet one on one and in groups with our elected officials. This event brings our diverse membership base and City of Meriden legislators together to discuss issues important to the business community. Invited guests include Mayor Mike Rohde, and Meriden City Councilors. Doors open 5:00, Refreshments (salad, pasta, pizza, beverages) at 5:30, Program begins at 6:00 including Q & A, and ends at 7:30. Bring plenty of business cards to promote and make new contacts for your business! This event cost $15 per person if reserved by Jan. 20, 2010. After Jan. 20th, the cost is $20 per person. For more information and to RSVP, call the Chamber at (203) 235-7901, fax us at (203) 686-0172, or email us at info@meridenchamber.com. *** The deadline to return applications for the Chamber’s Annual Awards is Friday, January 29th. *** Applications for the Chamber’s Education Awards are at all Meriden High Schools and may be downloaded at www.meridenchamber.com. Click Resources Tab, and Community Services. Awards are given to Meriden residents graduating from area high schools. Another award is available for a student returning to college for another year. We are pleased to offer additional awards from the Chamber’s Hispanic Outreach Leaders in Action Committee that was formed in October 2005. Applicants must be Hispanic Meriden students graduating from high school or returning to college. Proceeds for this award are generated through the golf tournament and additional fund-raisers through the Hispanic Outreach Leaders in Action Committee. Additionally the Young Business Leader of CT is offering the Dan M. Hunter Community Service Education Award to an area graduating student who shows exemplary grades in the classroom, above average participation in school-related activities, and has proven to be a valued asset to the community in which he/she lives or attends school. The guidelines of this award are based on the ideals of Dan Hunter who believed in hard work, family, and serving his community. Over the past 20 years, over 88 awards have been presented to area residents, totaling close to $80,000. Applications for the Chamber’s Community Partnership & Business Awards may also be downloaded at www.meridenchamber.com. Nominations are accepted for the Small and Large Business Leadership Awards with the following eligibility : Any Meriden Chamber member business in good standing in the Greater Meriden area! The following criteria may be used to determine which business will be recognized with this award: Innovation by investment in technology, Community Relations to improve business climate, Customer Satisfaction by improving customer relations efforts, Employee Relations by exhibiting exemplary labor-management relations. Past recipients of the large business award include: 2006: Thompson Brands; 2007: Record-Journal Publishing Co., Inc.; 2008: BL Companies; 2009: Ragozzino Foods. Past recipients of the small business award include: 2006: Colonial Flooring Plus; 2007: Moran’s TV & Appliance; 2008: Fiderio & Sons; 2009: Kelli’s A Salon. The Chamber also honors an individual(s) with the Community Partnership Award. Eligibility: Anyone who lives or works in Meriden! The following criteria may be used to determine which person will be recognized with this award: Dedication to the community, Volunteerism without seeking personal gain, High Professional Standards in the work place and on community projects, Community Enhancement in activities which have improved Meriden's quality of life. Past recipients include: 2006 David Lowell & James Ieronimo 2007 Lawrence McGoldrick & Ric Suzio 2008 Michael Barker & Steven Zerio 2009 Dan M. Hunter (Posthumously) & Anthony (Tony) Tomassetti 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 To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! Healthy Balance The Wallingford Family YMCA will be starting its Healthy Balance program on Tuesday, January 19th , from 12-1 pm. This program will teach you how to improve your eating habits and how to easily incorporate more effective, calorie-burning activity into your already busy lifestyle. The program is led by a Licensed Nutrition Manager and certified personal trainer. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 203-269-4497. Space is limited. The Wallingford Family YMCA is located at 81 S. Elm St, Wallingford, CT. START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT! SHOPPING AT HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE 22 NO. TURNPIKE RD IN WALLINGFORD WILL BUY YOU MORE FOR LESS MONEY. We have many BRAND NEW clothing items, toys, gifts, shoes added! EVERY THURSDAY we have a "SPECIAL IN STORE SALE." Stop by to see what will be on sale! Sales will include 15% off jewelry priced over $2.00, buy l get l FREE items. EVERY WED. is our $5.00 FILL A BAG OF CLOTHING ONLY(some restrictions apply)COATS ARE ALLOWED IN THE BAG! EVERY TUESDAY SENIORS (55+) RECEIVE 20% OFF THEIR TOTAL PURCHASE! 2 FLOORS OF LINENS,SHOES,HOUSEHOLD ITEMS,MOVIES,CDS,DVDS,BOOKS,SMALL APPLIANCES,ELECTRONICS,TOYS,GIFTS,JEWELRY,COLLECTIBLES,CLOTHING,PURSES,MISC. ITEMS,LAMPS,SEASONAL ITEMS & FURNITURE AGAIN! HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE ASSISTS THE CHRYSALIS INC. IN HELPING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. WE ALSO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL AGENCIES FOR FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY. We ask that donations be clean, free of stains or rips, in working condition & in season. Due to very limited funds we ask these requests be followed as items that are unuseable causes an extra expense to dispose of to the store. Once again in mid January we will be offering FREE pick ups in the local area for furniture or large appliances being donated, please remember the truck driver has the last say if an item will be taken based on room we have available & condition of item. We would like to THANK all that give monetary gifts & provide their services to the store so that we may continue helping others in need. Our store hours are Tues.- Sat. 9a.m.- 5p.m. We accept M.C.,Visa, debit and cash. Our phone number is 203 284-0300. We ask that donations be brought to the store BEFORE 4p.m. We hope everyone has a happy, healthy New Year! SECOND ANNUAL PRESCHOOL INFORMATION FAIR On Saturday, January 30, 2009 the Wallingford Public Library and the WE CARE [Wallingford Early Childhood Alliance Resource and Education] Council will host the second Preschool Information Fair in the Community Room at the library, 200 North Main Street. The event will run from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and is free to families. All the 24 licensed child care centers in Wallingford have been invited so that families can learn what is available for their preschool age children. Community social service agencies will also be offering information on the services they provide for families with young children. This is a wonderful way to visit with the early child development specialists in Wallingford and to discuss the many options available for getting your children ready for kindergarten.. For more information you can call the Wallingford Public Library/Children's Dept at 203-284-6436 or the WE CARE Family Resource Center at 203-284-4019. SPRING 2010 REGISTRATION SET FOR JACK BARRY LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL The Jack Barry Little League will be holding registration for the spring 2010 season on January 20TH and 21ST at the Nathan Hale Elementary School and on February 4th at the John Barry Elementary school . Sign-ups will be from 6:30 to 8 PM, in the school cafeteria and are open to boys and girls 5-16 years of age. Birth certificate and proof of residency required for all players. Please attend one of the earlier signups to avoid the “last minute rush”. School closings or early dismissal due to bad weather will cancel registration that night. Call 235-8766 or visit us on-line at www.jbll.net for more information. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! Boating course begins in JanuaryA public boating course will be taught by members of the Meriden Power Squadron on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning Jan. 12. The course will take place at Southington High School, 720 Pleasant Street, Southington. Passing the course qualifies participants to get a Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate or a personal watercraft license. State law requires boat operators to have a Safe Boating Certificate while Jet Ski operators must have a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO). The Power Squadron course will cover boat handling under normal and adverse conditions, navigational aids and how to identify them, navigation rules, legally required and suggested equipment to have on board, knots and lines used aboard a boat, and other topics. The course is offered over five weeks or for students interested in learning how to read a chart, plot courses, and identify your position on the water, including the use of electronic chart plotters, over seven weeks. The cost is $40 for the five-week course, and $50 for the seven-week course plus school administration fee. Registration will be the evening of January 12th. The Meriden squadron is a local chapter of the United States Power Squadrons, known for its safe boating courses. For additional information call Ken Bell at 860 628-9758.Youth Basketball Signups at the Meriden YMCA Sign up today for Parent and Child Basketball Training for 3 year old boys and girls, and for Youth Basketball Training for boys and girls ages 4 to 12. Classes are grouped by age and begin the weekend of January 9th and 10th. For more information, about basketball class times and fees and our other Winter Session programs, call us at 203-235-6386, visit us at 110 West Main Street, or check us out on the web at www.meridenymca.org. SINGERS TAKE NOTE! Chorale Connecticut will begin rehearsals on Monday, January 25th, at 7:30 PM, First United Methodist Church, 159 E. Main Street in Meriden. This will be an Open Rehearsal and all interested in joining this select regional group of mixed voices are invited to sit in on this rehearsal to see what the Chorale is all about. If you are interested in joining the Chorale, plan to stay after rehearsal and talk with Dorothy Barnhart, Artistic Director. The Chorale will be rehearsing for their spring concert that applauds the "Gifts of Life" that nature brings to be presented on Saturday, May 1st. For this concert, the Chorale will be joined by the Concert Choir from DePaolo Middle School, under the direction of Patricia Altieri. This concert promises to provide an evening of whimsy and fine music making. For more information, call (860)621-1653. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMaga

Library News and Events January 2010

To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! January Programs in the Wallingford Public Library Storytimes Join in our fun, FREE and interactive programs - and help make sure your children are ready for kindergarten when they start school! Itty Bitty Babies : for children ages 12 months and under Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. starting January 14th This drop-in program introduces babies and their grown-ups to the Library, and each other, and is a program filled with songs, rhymes and books. Stories and songs are for children 12 months and under but siblings are welcome. This is a great way to meet other parents and caregivers! Everyone is welcome. Musical Mother Goose: For Ones and Twos Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. beginning January 12th Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. beginning January 13th Join us for a lively, interactive drop-in program filled with music and movement. This program is limited to 60 people. Wallingford residents are given priority. Please be prepared to show proof of residentcy if required. Non-residents are welcome to attend if there is room. Preschool Storytime: For Three to Five-Year-Olds Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. beginning January 12 Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. beginning January 13 Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. beginning January 14 Books, flannelboard stories, rhymes, songs and more are offered in this interactive program for children ages 3-5 and their grown-ups! Younger interested siblings are welcome to attend. No registration is necessary – just drop-in. All are welcome. !Me Gustan los Libros! Maria Ruiz offers a storytime with lots of bilingual fun on January 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room. Songs, stories and more will be shared with children and their families. This is an interactive program that incorporates Spanish and English. No registration is required and everyone is welcome! Wallingford’s 2010 Early Childhood Education and Information Fair Sponsored by Wallingford Public Library and WECARE Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wallingford Public Library Community Room [snow date: Feb. 6] Families of young children are invited to learn about Wallingford’s preschools, licensed childcare centers, family childcare and town services available for our preschool population. At the Wallingford Early Childhood Education and Information Fair co-sponsored by the Wallingford Public Library and WECARE. Choosing the right setting that offers quality programming, age- appropriate instruction, and a caring environment is every parent’s goal. Come to the fair and meet the people who provide these services. This is your chance to come to one location and ask all the questions you have about the different childcare and child education offerings. With the information you gather, you will be able to make the best choices for your child. As a bonus, you will also be able to learn about the opportunities provided for young children by a variety of Wallingford agencies. It’s Free..It’s Fun.. It’s Informative. Everyone is welcome. FREE HOMEWORK HELP Get the year off to a good start. If your child needs a little help with homework, please note that there are two options available at the Wallingford Public Library. Ms. Gina Cabrera, a bilingual teacher in the Wallingford School system, is available each Monday and Wednesday that school is in session, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Choate Rosemary Hall students are available to help with homework on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Children’s Room from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. January 5 – February 22. SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS AT WALLINGORD PUBLIC LIBRARY: All of our programs are free, all of the time! Book Discussion: The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton Part 3 of the Range of Realism: The Novel in the 19th and 20th Centuries Wednesday, January 13 3:30 p.m. Collins Room Edith Wharton’s secular tragedy of a materialistic society presents us with the somber economics of marriage and the powerlessness of the unwedded woman in the late 20th Century. Lily Bart is 29 years old and unmarried. Wharton charts the course of Lily's life, providing, along the way, a wider picture of a society in transition, a rapidly changing New York where the old certainties of manners, morals and family have disappeared and the individual has become an expendable commodity. This novel is part of the four-part discussion series on the “Range of Realism.” The discussion will be led by Marsha Bansavage, discussion facilitator for the Connecticut Humanities Council. Copies of the book are available from the library’s Information Desk. All are welcome to any and all of the discussions in this series co-sponsored by the Connecticut Humanities Council and made possible by the Faustman Fund. The final discussion in this series will take place on February 10 when Mary Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein will be the topic. Dessert with a Doc: Top 10 Weight Loss Tips Wednesday, January 13 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Collins Room No need for fad diets--you can make simple changes that will have big results! This program is presented by Lisa Pranger, RD (Registered Dietician) from MidState Medical Center. Come learn how you can promote and maintain healthy eating habits that can help you achieve your weight loss goals. A healthy dessert will be served, please call and let us know you are coming! Career Express: It’s time to get back on board! Tuesday, January 19 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Library Parking Lot The Career Express is the Department of Labor’s mobile one-stop career center providing the latest workforce and job skills development services to individuals across the state. It is equipped with eight computer workstations with Internet access, the latest audio-visual systems including a plasma TV with SMARTBoard technology and a hydraulic wheelchair lift to provide full access to persons with disabilities. Information about the DOL/CT Works Career Centers is also available. Free, professional help is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Areas of expertise include: · Online job searches · Career exploration · Finding good job sites · Interviewing · Resume writing Thursday Night Book Club: Mudbound by Hillary Jordan January 21 7:00 p.m. Collins Room This first novel and winner of the Bellwether Prize for Fiction, an award founded by author Barbara Kingsolver to promote literature of social responsibility, is a story of racism and well kept secrets. Set on a desolate farm in the Mississippi Delta at the end of World War II, the novel explores the complex relations between two families: the owners of the land, and the sharecroppers who live and work on it. (NPR) Copies of the book are available from the Information Desk on a first-come-first-served basis or by reserving through our catalog. All are welcome for conversation and refreshments. Our informal book discussion group meets on the third Thursday of each month. No registration is necessary. HeartSounds: A Morning of Music and Poetry Saturday, January 23 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Collins Room The poetry group’s second meeting this month is a special event featuring Julie Cook, musician and poet. This program is open to anyone who loves music and poetry and would like to explore ways in which these two arts enhance one another however, reservations are required and enrollment is limited to 20 participants. No prior experience with either poetry or music is required and poems and instruments will be available. Participants are welcome to bring their own poems and/or instruments as well. Please call the library for more information and to reserve your spot! JANUARY COMPUTER CLASS: Mail Merge Thursday, January 14 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Board Room Mail Merge can be used for creating many documents at once that contain identical formatting, layout, text, graphics, etc., and where only certain portions of each document varies. Register in advance by calling 203-265-6754 or online at www.wallingford.lioninc.org COMPUTER TUTORING SESSIONS Tuesday and Thursday afternoons: 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Thursday evenings: 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Computer novices are encouraged to sign up to learn keyboard or mouse skills, word processing, Internet searching, online job applications, or e-mail at these 1-on-1 sessions. Please contact the library to register or for more information. WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE MOVIE EVENTS Friday Night Flicks: District 9 Friday, January 22 6:30 p.m. Community RoomDistrict 9 is very smart sci-fi, but that's just the beginning; it's also a scathing social satire hidden inside a terrific action thriller teeming with gross aliens and regrettable inter-species conflict. And it's a blast. . .Los Angeles Times. Rated R Movie Matinee: Frankenstein Wednesday, January 27 2:00 p.m. Collins Room Director James Whale's 1931 film adaptation of Mary Shelly's masterpiece novel remains a timeless classic. All are welcome. This film is not rated. Run time: 71 minutes. (Frankenstein the novel will be the topic of our book discussion on February 10th at 3:30 p.m.) To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! NEWS FROM WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY: 200 North Main Street 203-265-6754 Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed: January 18 Yalesville Branch 400 Church Street 203-269-3688 Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. VISIT OUR BOOK SHOP: The Book Seller The Book Seller, a cozy book shop located in the Main Library, features used books, CDs, etc. in excellent condition. Look for the entrance under the green awning at the back of the Library. Regular hours are Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Book Seller will be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Day. All proceeds benefit the Wallingford Public Library Association. Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CAN YOU HELP US? The library is in need of two high school yearbooks for our collection. We are looking for the Mark T. Sheehan High School 2007 and the Lyman Hall 1949 yearbooks. The nostalgic resources are great fun to browse through, as well as to mine for reunion information. The library keeps the yearbooks in our Connecticut Collection and may be used in the library. If should discover one of these volumes in your attic or closet, pleae bring it in to the library’s Information Desk. Thanks! NEW HELP FOR JOB SEEKERS JOB NOW: Live Job Assistance Wallingford Public Library announces an exciting new service for job seekers and career changers: JobNow. This unique online service gives job seekers on-demand access to trained career coaches and job resources. JobNow’s free professional services are available on any of our public Internet computers; ask for more information at the Information Desk. Wallingford Library cardholders can also access JobNow from home by linking to http://main.wallingford.clc.jobnow.brainfuse.com. Job seekers should register for an account after using their Wallingford Library card to enter the site. JobNow is the first service of its kind to provide live career coaching from any computer with Internet access. Services available are live interview coaching, with interview tips and resources; a resume lab with sample templates, along with resume analysis within 24 hours by a JobNow expert; assistance with writing cover letters; and a career resource library that includes links to current job openings locally and nationally, as well as career and personality assessment instruments. ADAPTIVE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY The Library now offers adaptive technology for our patrons with vision impairment. If you are interested in learning more, ask about the trackball mouse, large print keyboard, and iZoom screen magnifier/reader. They are available in the Adult Computer area. We also have an Optelec video magnifier for anyone wishing to manipulate the size of print while reading books, magazines, and newspapers. It is located by the Periodicals Area of the adult section. CELL PHONE RECYCLING AND DON’T FORGET THE EYEGLASSES! Remember that you can bring in your old cell phones for recycling. Drop them in the box near the copier across from the Circulation Desk. The Library receives a percentage for each phone. Thanks! Eyeglasses can be recycled too. The Lions Club collects all the eyeglasses collected at the library. Just Fax It! In response to popular demand, we have installed a self-service public fax machine next to the photocopier by the Circulation Desk. It transmits faxes for $1.50 per page with a credit or debit card, but does not receive faxes. Librarians at the Information Desk can help you get started. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! SECOND ANNUAL PRESCHOOL INFORMATION FAIR On Saturday, January 30, 2009 the Wallingford Public Library and the WE CARE [Wallingford Early Childhood Alliance Resource and Education] Council will host the second Preschool Information Fair in the Community Room at the library, 200 North Main Street. The event will run from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and is free to families. All the 24 licensed child care centers in Wallingford have been invited so that families can learn what is available for their preschool age children. Community social service agencies will also be offering information on the services they provide for families with young children. This is a wonderful way to visit with the early child development specialists in Wallingford and to discuss the many options available for getting your children ready for kindergarten.. For more information you can call the Wallingford Public Library/Children's Dept at 203-284-6436or the WE CARE Family Resource Center at 203-284-4019. Meriden Public Library News and Events RESUME WORKSHOP PROGRAM AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Meriden Public Library has a drop-in resume program to assist those who are out of work, need help using the internet for job searching and creating resumes. A skilled resume writer and job placement professional will meet with people on a first come, first serve basis each Monday in January from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Seminar Room. Stop at the Information Desk to sign up. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions about the library programs. CAREER EXPRESS BUS COMES TO MERIDEN LIBRARY JANUARY 6 The CT Works Career Express Bus will be at Meriden Public Library on Wednesday, January 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Career Express Bus is equipped with 8 computers and provides services to unemployed individuals and people looking for a career change. It is staffed by trained professionals who will assist with resume writing, job seeking strategies, interview techniques, and career exploration. The bus will be parked in front of the library on Miller Street. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions. ST. ROSE HISPANIC CHOIR TO PRESENT “THREE KINGS PROGRAM” JANUARY 9 The Meriden Public Library will host a Three Kings Day Program on Saturday, January 9 at 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room. The St. Rose Hispanic Choir will present a holiday concert for people of all ages. The St. Rose Hispanic Choir will present traditional Puerto Rican “aguisnaldos” or Christmas carols, followed by a visit from the Three Wise Men. Donations of unwrapped gifts, suitable for boys and girls up to the age of 10, will be collected at a specially marked box inside the library during December. The event is free, but seating is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at 203 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com, or log onto our homepage at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on “Adult events” to reserve a seat. “ASK THE ORGANIZER PANEL” JANUARY 11 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY January is “GO (Get organized) Month! On Monday, January 11 at 6:30 pm in the Griffin Room of the Meriden Public Library, members of the Connecticut Chapter of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) will speak on “Organizing Basics, Got Photos?” “How a Professional Organizer Can Help” and “Organizing for the Caregiver.” NAPO is a nonprofit professional educational association dedicated to serving its members through education, networking, industry resources, and promoting the profession to the public. The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 to reserve a seat. TEEN ANIME CLUB STARTING AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY A new Teen Anime Club for teens between the ages of 13 and 18 will be starting at the Meriden Public Library on Tuesday, January 12th at 6:30 pm in the Griffin Room.. Come and join us as we watch a movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki on the big screen. Snacks will be provided. If you are interested you can sign up at the Information Desk or online at www.meridenlibrary.org. If you have any questions or are interested but cannot attend please contact Melissa at (203) 630-6347 or e-mail mmurphy@ci.meriden.ct.us. MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY TO CLOSE JANUARY 18 TO OBSERVE MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY Meriden Public Library will be closed on Monday, January 18 to celebrate Martin Luther King Day. The library will reopen for business on Tuesday, January 19. The library’s regular business hours are: Monday through Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.. to 5:00 p.m. and closed Sunday. BLACK BEAR PROGRAM JANUARY 25 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Meriden Public Library will be hosting the program “Black Bears in Connecticut” on Monday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Griffin Room. Felicia Ortner, a master wildlife conservationist in Connecticut, will be the featured speaker. The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 to reserve a seat. FREE COMPUTER CLASSES AT MERIDEN LIBRARY The following free computer classes will be held at Meriden Public Library. Email Class on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – January 2 and January 23 Internet Class on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. –January 9 and January 30 Learn Microsoft Word on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – January 16 and February 6 Class size is limited. Contact the library at (203) 238-2346 or (203) 630-6349 to register for any class. SOCIAL EVENING OF KNITTING AND CROCHETING JANUARY 27 AT MERIDEN LIBRARY The Silver City Knitters would like to invite anyone who is experienced in knitting and crocheting to come to the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room on Wednesday, January 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.. You are encouraged to bring along any project you are currently working on as well as your favorite completed project. Come and share tips and ideas with others and make some new friends. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions about the library’s programs. THURSDAY LUNCH TIME BOOK CLUB AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Meriden Public Library will be hosting a book club which will meet one Thursday of the month at noon in the Seminar Room. Bring your bag lunch and enjoy lively discussions. The schedule will be as follows: February 11 – Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger March 11 – Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez April 15 – The Sari Shop Widow by Shobhan Bantwal May 13 – The Reader by Bernard Schlink June 10 – Lit: a memoir by Mary Karr Contact the Community Services at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com to join the book club. ONCE BANNED, NOW CLASSIC BOOK DISCUSSION SERIES AT MERIDEN LIBRARY Meriden Public Library and the Connecticut Humanities Council will begin the book discussion series “Once banned, now classic” in January 2010. A book, it is often said, reflects the society in which it was written. This may be especially true when the society denies the reflection and censures the book. The four works in this series, all banned at the time of publication, are now accepted as classics of American literature. Join moderator Marsha Bansavage on Tuesdays in the Griffin Room from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. to examine questions about changes in attitude, what led the authors to create these works, censorship, rights and creativity. The schedule will be: January 26, 2010 – “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger February 23, 2010 – “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain March 23, 2010 – “Native Son” by Richard Wright April 27, 2010 – “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com to sign up for participation in the book discussion series. To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine! MERIDEN LIBRARY BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY The Meriden Public Library Bookmobile will be visiting the following locations in January: Monday, Jan. 4 – Midstate Christian Academy - 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 5 – Lil Rascals Day Care Center 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.; Sunshine Daycare 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 6 – Head Start (Liberty St.) 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 7 – Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.; Connecticut Baptist Home (box drop off) 3:00 to 3:30 p..m.; Friday, Jan. 8 – Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Miller Memorial 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.; Monday, Jan. 11 – Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 a..m.; Women and Families Center 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 12 – Catholic Charities 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 13 – Easter Seals (Broad St.) 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.; St.. John’s Lutheran Preschool 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.; Bradley Home 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.; Thursday, Jan. 14 – St. John’s Lutheran Preschool 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.. and 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 15 – Carriage House Day Care 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.; Meriden Child Care Center 10:15 to 11:30 a.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 19 – Midstate Christian Academy 10:15 to 11:30 A.M.; Wednesday, Jan. 20 – First Congregational Nursery School 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. and 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 21 – First Congregational Nursery School 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.; Y Kid’s Campus 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 22 – St. Stan’s 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 26 - Lil Rascals Day Care Center 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.; Sunshine Daycare 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.; Thursday, Jan. 28 – Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.; Friday, Jan. 29 – Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Miller Memorial 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.; To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!