Wallingford and Meriden Town Events and News November 2007

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Wallingford Park and Recreation Fun Events
NINE AND A CHICKEN
This year’s hunt will be one for the ages. Participants will be required to go to the Recreation Department to pick up a packet of CERTIFIED clues. (We want to make sure that all participants start from the Recreation Department so everyone has a fair shot) These clues will lead you to 9 cardboard turkeys and the bonus chicken. All cardboard turkeys and chicken will be hidden on Wallingford town property. The object is to locate a turkey and return it to the Parks and Recreation for the gift certificate.
Awards: To be awarded to the first three families. Clues must be handed in at time of redemption.
When: November 16, 2007
Day: Friday Time: 7:00p.m.
Where: Wallingford Parks and Recreation
Department
Fee: Free

HOL IDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!!!

Visits with Santa, Frosty Parade and the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. All events will be held on Saturday December 1, 2007 beginning at 2:00p.m. The event will start at the Wallingford Town Hall!

Visits with Santa and Mrs. Clause 2:00-4:45p.m. ** You must be in line by 4:45 to assure your visit with Santa. Horse and Carriage Rides 2:00-5:00p.m. Music, entertainment, cookies and visits with Toy Soldiers. Frosty Parade will begin in front of the Town Hall at 5:15 and march to the Johanna Manfreda Fishbein Park followed by music from the Wallingford Chorus, reading of “Twas’ The Night Before Christmas” by Mayor William Dickinson and finally followed by the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. All events sponsored by Wallingford Public Celebrations and Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department.



CITY OF MERIDEN NOVEMBER EVENTS

TRAILBLAZER HIKING PROGRAM
The 2007 Trailblazer Hiking Program concludes in November with two hikes to explore Meriden’s scenic areas. Dates & sites include(4:00PM start):

Date Site
11/1 Higby Mountain (end of Old Preston Avenue)
11/8 Hubbard Park (pool parking lot)

The hikes will last approximately 1.5-2.0 hours. Hiking boots or other comfortable footwear is strongly suggested.

TURKEY HUNT

Tom the Turkey is trying something new! To avoid being found, he has chosen five hiding spots this year. Clues to the five locations will be given on the Recreation Activity Line (630-4279) on the following dates: 11/5, 11/7, 11/9, 11/12, & 11/14. Children ages 12 & under are asked to identify the locations on paper and submit them to the Parks & Recreation office (460 Liberty Street) by 4:00PM on Monday, November 19th. Entries can be mailed or delivered in-person and should contain the child’s full name, address, phone, school, and grade level. One winner will be selected by drawing to receive a special Thanksgiving prize package. Remember, Tom is not physically located at his hiding locations.

VETERANS’ DAY CEREMONY

The Meriden United Veterans Council will hold the 2007 Veterans’ Day Ceremony on Sunday, November 11th at the Stop & Shop Veterans’ Plaza (across from the Broad Street monuments) at 12:00PM. The public is invited & encouraged to show their appreciation to those who have given so much in protecting our freedom. Refreshments will be provided.

FESTIVAL OF SILVER LIGHTS ILLUMINATION CEREMONY
The 2007-2008 Festival of Silver Lights will kick off on Tuesday, November 20th with a special lighting ceremony at Hubbard Park’s pool parking lot at 6:00PM. The event will feature music, entertainment, costumed characters, refreshments, and the chance to see this year’s holiday lights illuminated for the very first time.

WASHINGTON PARK JUNIOR DRUM CORPS
The Washington Park Junior Drum Corps is looking for new members ages 10 & older. No experience is necessary and instruments are provided. There are openings for fifes, bells, trumpets, baritones, color guard, and drums. Members learn to play an instrument, read music, march in parades, and take part in competitions. Meetings are at John Barry School on Wednesday nights from 6:30-9:00PM during the school year and at the SMVFD during the summer. All recruits, experienced or not, are welcome. Stop in Wednesday night or call 294-1430.

2007-2008 CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM
Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 & older take place every Wednesday night at the Meriden YMCA(110 West Main Street) in South Meriden from 6:00-8:30PM. The program runs through March 26th. A one-time $25.00 registration fee can be paid onsite any night the program is in session.

INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM
The 2007-2008 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS pool on the following dates & times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM.
All interested participants must possess a valid 2006 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office, passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office in-person and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.

MERIDEN MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Team registrations for the 2007-2008 Meriden Men’s Basketball League will be accepted through Wednesday, November 7th at the Parks & Recreation office. The entrance fee is $475.00 per team. Games will begin in late November and run through March. Games are played on weekday nights at Washington Middle School, Lincoln Middle School, and the Meriden YMCA. Teams interested in obtaining a registration packet are asked to call 630-4259.

MERIDEN SKATEPARK
The Meriden Skate park, located on the corner of Coe Avenue & Hamilton Street, has the following hours of operation (weather permitting):
School Days 2:00PM-Dusk
Non-School Days 11:00AM-Dusk


BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE

The Bookmobile, or Library on Wheels, will be visiting Meriden communities according to the following schedule for
November:
Friday, Nov. 2 – Meriden Child Care Center 9:30 to 10:15 AM; Midstate Christian Academy 10:30-11:30 AM;
Monday, Nov. 5 - Carriage House Day Care Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM;
Tuesday, Nov. 6 – Catholic Charities 9:15 to 10:00 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:30 AM; Connecticut Baptist Homes 3:00 to 3:30 PM;
Wednesday, Nov. 7 – Easter Seals 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Bradley Home 10:15 to 11:30 AM;
Thursday, Nov. 8 – Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 AM; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 AM;
Tuesday, Nov. 13 – Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:15 AM; Women and Families Center 10:30 to 11:30 AM; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:15 PM;
Wednesday, Nov. 14 - St. John’s Nursery School 9:00 to 9:45 AM; Headstart (Liberty St.)10:00 AM to 1:00 PM;
Thursday, Nov. 15 - St. John’s Nursery School 9:00 to 9:45 AM; Headstart (Chamberlain Hts) 10:00 to 11:00 AM; St. John’s Nursery School 1:00 to 1:30 PM;
Friday, Nov. 16 - Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 AM; Miller Memorial 10:45 to 11:30 AM; Home deliveries 2:30 to 3:00;
Monday, Nov. 19 - First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM and
1:00 to 1:30 PM;
Tuesday, Nov. 20 - First Congregational Nursery School 9:00 to 10:00 AM; YMCA Kids Campus 10:15 to 11:30 AM and 1:00 to 1:30 PM;
Monday, Nov. 26 - Carriage House Day Care Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM;
Tuesday, Nov. 27 – Catholic Charities 9:15 to 10:00 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:30 AM;
Wednesday, Nov. 28 – Easter Seals 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Bradley Home 10:15 to 11:30 AM;
Thursday, Nov. 29 – Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 AM; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 AM;
Friday, Nov. 30 – Meriden Child Care Center 9:30 to 10:15 AM; Midstate Christian Academy 10:30-11:30 AM.


Meriden Movers
November Group Walk Schedule

Meriden Movers, a community walking program, will meet at the Platt High School track twice a week starting November 6, 2007.

The group will meet Tuesdays, from 10:00am-11:00am, and Thursdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm. In the case of bad weather (rain or snow), the walk will be cancelled.

All Meriden residents are encouraged to attend. The walk is done at your own pace. Wear comfortable clothing (dress for the weather); bring a water bottle and a pedometer if you have one. Additional pedometers and walking logs will be available at each walk.

Meriden Movers is a walking program started by the Meriden Health Department. The program encourages all Meriden residents to walk for better health. The program is funded by the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford venture grant program.

For more information, please call Lea Crown, Health Educator, at 630-4238.

Tis' The Season

Lori Peck, Senior Volunteer

In this season of giving and caring, won't you please open up your hearts a little wider and consider adopting one of our wonderful cats or dogs. They will in turn give you back all the love and thanks you are so deserving of. An animal is such a comfort at anytime and they don't ask for much in return.

Whether it's a dog to snuggle with or take a walk or a cat that curls up on your lap and purrs. Their companionship is so rewarding.

So please, come visit our friends at the shelter on Murdock Ave. or view them on our website at www.meridenhs.petfinder.org. While your there you can check out all of our upcoming fundraisers. We will be having pictures with Santa in December! As always, if you have any questions, you can reach us at the Meriden Humane Society at 238-3650.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Meriden Humane Society!


Wallingford Senior Center NOVEMBER 2007 Edition

VETERANS DAY PROGRAM on Friday, November 9, 11:00 a.m.

Join us as we salute our veterans on November 9, at 11:00 a.m. Our keynote speaker will be Roy Cannon, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was part of the First Marine Brigade in Korea. The program will also feature patriotic music by the Vintage Voices and participation by local veterans groups. Do come to honor all those who have served our nation.

ITALY TRIP SLIDE SHOW on Thursday, November 8, 1:00 p.m.

A Collette Vacations representative will present a slide show on November 8, at 1:00 p.m., depicting a 10-day trip to Italy that departs April 21, 2008. The slide show will take you to Rome, Florence, Venice, and other great destinations in between. Registration for this trip will follow the presentation. Please sign up if you plan to attend.

THANKSGIVING BAKE SALE Tuesday, November 20

We are planning a Bake Sale to raise funds for Moses Y. Beach School as part of our ongoing partnership with this local elementary school. We need bakers and buyers! Please call 265-7753 to sign up to bake for this event. The goodies will be on sale on November 20 (just in time for Thanksgiving) from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or until supplies run out! Thanks in advance for supporting this special project.

HARVEST DANCE PARTY Friday, November 30, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Vinnie Carr will provide the dancing and listening music and our Hospitality Committee will provide the refreshments at our Harvest Dance Party on November 30. Bring your friends!

FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM Tuesday, November 13, 10:30 a.m.

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of hospital admissions for trauma for people aged 65 and older. Each year, nearly one third of older adults experience a fall. A program presented by the Rehabilitation Professionals from Brook Hollow Health Care Center on November 13, will offer techniques to avoid falls both in the home and outside environments. Balance reaction techniques and compensation techniques to improve safety will also be demonstrated. Call 265-7753 to register to attend.

LONG TERM CARE WORKSHOP Thursday, November 29, 10:30 a.m.

How will you finance long term care if you should have a medical problem that requires it? A workshop to explain the mechanics of long term care will be held November 29. Learn about the Deficit Reduction Act of 2006 and how it affects the “look back” period. Understand how the Connecticut Partnership program protects your estate if you should need long term care. Find out if a long term care policy is something you should consider to protect your retirement savings. This workshop will be presented by long term care specialist John Baez. Call 265-7753 to register to attend.

CREATIVE WRITERS GROUP

The Creative Writers Group held a meeting to discuss our upcoming magazine. There were some wonderful stories and poems on many different subjects. Won’t you join us and submit something? We would love to have your submission. And, as always, please be sure to write your name and date on everything. Thanks to all who did submit a story, poem, essay, or just thoughts on a subject.

SOCIAL SERVICES

ENERGY ASSISTANCE DATES WALLINGFORD SENIOR HOUSING

Applications will be completed on the following dates and times. Please see your Community Room bulletin board for information on documents needed to complete applications.

Tuesday, November 27
McKenna Court from 9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
Southside Terrace from 12:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 29
John Savage Commons from 9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
East Side Terrace from 12:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 4
McGuire Court from 9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

Michele Tarantino from Masonic Healthcare Center’s Visual Rehabilitation Center invites you to attend our Low Vision Support Group on Friday, November 16, at 10:15 a.m. Michele will give an overview of the Visual Rehabilitation Center’s resources, services and training for those with visual impairments. Please register by calling 265-7753.

CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2007-2008 HEATING SEASON

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. Gas and electric customers can call beginning December 3 for an appointment. Income limits are: $20,420 for a single person and $27,380 for two people. Asset limits also apply.
Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following checklist documents:
Most recent bank statement showing Social Security deposit amount, or a copy of a 2007 Social Security check, or Social Security "Your New Benefit Amount” letter for 2007.
Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents.
2007 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.
Applications are by appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, please call 265-7753.

2008 MEDICARE PLANS: Informational Meeting on November 14, 1:00 p.m.

Well, it’s that time of year again when we need to tune in to find out more about the 2008 Medicare Plans. Maybe you were pleased with your Medicare Plan last year, or maybe you decided you will look into other Medicare Plan options for this coming year. Either way, whatever your particular plan options, features, and premiums were in 2007, the 2008 Medicare Plans have changed again. Hear about the changes, ask questions, and enjoy refreshments. Please RSVP by November 9 to 265-7753. This program is FREE and open to the public.

FOOD-DRUG INTERACTIONS on November 14, 10:00 a.m.
Did you know that medications need to be taken at different times depending on when you eat? Did you know that medications can interact with nutrients in food? Learn more about drug interactions with food and other drugs. Denise Romeo, R.Ph., Certified Geriatric Pharmacist from OSCO Pharmacy at Shaw’s will give advice, answer questions and provide handouts and giveaways. Register by calling 265-7753.


MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER

The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM 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!
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On Thursday, November 8 at 10:30 AM musician Bob Mel will perform in Willene’s Place in a Tribute to Veterans sponsored by Health Net. A professional entertainer, Bob has been making music for New England audiences in restaurants, night clubs and resorts, at weddings and other private celebrations for more than 25 years. His unique blend of song, warmth and a touch of comedy (just for fun) has endeared him to thousands and allowed him to build a career doing what he loves – making music! Don’t miss this special Tribute to Veterans by this popular entertainer on Thursday, November 8 at 10:30 AM. The lunch served at 11:30 that day in our Senior Community Café will be a fresh fruit cup, stuffed shells with marinara sauce, tossed salad with Italian dressing, garlic bread, and a flag cupcake! No reservation is needed to attend the musical program but if you want to join us for lunch please make a reservation by calling 235-8052.
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Meteorologist Art Horn will again visit the Senior Center to put on his latest weather show, “The Weather of the U.S.A.”. Art’s fun and informative show will be on Wednesday, November 14 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the first floor meeting room. His 45 minute slide show will cover such topics as historic weather events and extreme weather conditions that have taken place in the history of the United States. Following his slide show Art will conduct a 10 to 15 minute question and answer session. Be sure not to miss “The Weather of the U.S.A.” with former TV weatherman Art Horn on Wednesday, November 14 at 10:30 AM!
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The Thanksgiving Special Luncheon in our Senior Community Café will be held on Thursday, November 15. The menu will feature roast turkey with gravy, stuffing with gravy, cranberry sauce, mixed vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll and pumpkin pie with topping for dessert. Musical entertainment will be provided by Middi and the Country Gentlemen starting at 10:30. Please sign-up for the special Thanksgiving luncheon at the Senior Center or by calling 235-8052 one week in advance.
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Manicures by students from Wilcox Technical High School will be offered at the Senior Center on Tuesday, November 20 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM. This complimentary service is done on a first come, first served basis and newcomers are always welcome. Special thanks to the Wilcox students led by Mrs. Donna Marinan who provide this much appreciated service for the seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!
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The Meriden Health Department administered more than 250 flu shots at the Senior Center at a Flu Shot Clinic in October. Plenty of vaccine still remains at this time and the staff at the Health Department encourages local citizens to call 630-4234 to schedule an appointment for this important annual inoculation. The $20 cost is covered by Medicare and certain Medicare managed care plans or payable by cash at the time of the flu shot. Those eligible for the flu shot are Meriden residents who are senior citizens, chronically ill citizens, or persons 50 – 64 years old. The Health Department also offers a pneumonia vaccine to residents aged 65 and over at any time during the year by appointment only. For further information contact the Meriden Health Department at 630-4234.
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For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.


Dear Friends,

I hope all is well with you and your family. As I drive around the City, I can’t help but get excited about all the positive developments. Whether it is the new plaza going in at the former Spot site, the new Comfort Inn replacing the East Inn, or Diversified Physical Therapy at the former Garden of Eden location, positive tax generating development is occurring throughout our city. We are also anxiously awaiting the opening of the new Ocean State Job Lot and Lowes. In addition to the new tax revenue, these developments clean up the area, provide job opportunities, and add quality businesses to our city.

With development abound on the east side of town, I am pleased to see the renaissance of South Broad Street. Vacant buildings and lots have turned over into new businesses. National retailers and insurance providers have chosen Meriden as their new home. Over west, we welcomed a quality plaza with new commercial tenants. In downtown Meriden we have seen private investors renovating buildings and placing new tenants in them. We have also aggressively fought blight and championed key demolitions. The HUB site will provide an opportunity to recreate our downtown center. Public input, private investment and state support are critical components. I would love to see new businesses and restaurants join our downtown merchants.

In closing, congratulations to Joe Carabetta, Barbara White, and Ed Naamon on their induction into the Meriden Hall of Fame. This is Meriden’s most prestigious honor and Joe, Barbara, and Ed are most deserving recipients.
Stay safe and enjoy the fall weather.

I appreciate all your support.

Your Friend,
Mark D. Benigni
Mayor


BRAIN G.Y.M.M. – MIND AEROBICS Wallingford Senior Center November 28,

Let’s work on our cognitive health! Learn ways to improve your memory, attention, problem-solving, planning and language skills at the Brain G.Y.M.M. (Get Your Mind Moving) Mind Aerobics workshop on November 28. This program, presented by Patti Said, Executive Director of the New England Cognitive Center, was made possible by a donation from the Kiwanis Club of Wallingford. Be sure to register in advance if you plan to attend. This program is FREE and open to the public.


2007 HALLOWEEN HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST RESULTS

Results from the 2007 Halloween House Decorating Contest are as follows:
MOST CREATIVE SCARIEST ENTRY
52 Clinton Street 1. 85 Linsley Avenue
41 Swain Avenue 2. 48 Virginia Drive
248 Curtis Street 3. 142 Schwink Drive
BEST AUTUMN THEME BEST OVERALL
123 Collins Avenue 1. 67 Hillside Street
100 Sandy Lane 2. 502 Gracey Avenue
112 Westfort Drive 3. 13 Baldwin Avenue

The Meriden Recreation Division would like to thank all entrants in this year’s contest for their effort & enthusiasm and wish everyone a happy & safe Halloween!
10:00 a.m.

MERIDEN-CHILDREN'S THANKSGIVING SPECIAL
Monday, November 19th at 6:30 pm.Come along and have some fun. Make special placements for your family members, play games, listen to stories, do some other crafts, have a snack. Get ready for Thanksgiving at your house. This program is for children ages Kindergarten through third grade. Registration is required.