Town News and Events February 2008


January 10, 2008 Jessica Stewart, 630-4236 School Readiness Program Department of Health and Human Services 165 Miller Street Meriden, CT 06450
School Readiness Program Grant Application
The Meriden School Readiness Program is currently accepting grant applications for fiscal year 2008-2009 for licensed child care centers that are NAEYC accredited or programs in the process of NAEYC accreditation. The application deadline is February 29, 2008. Call Jessica at 630-4236 for more information.


“Mother-Daughter Book Group Announces 2008 Winter Schedule”
The Wallingford Public Library’s Mother-Daughter Book Group welcomes new members to join their book discussions this winter. Mothers and their middle school or high school aged daughters are welcome to read and discuss the following good books for teens.
Monday, January 28th:
“Elsewhere,” by Gabrielle Zevin: After fifteen-year-old Liz Hall is hit by a taxi and killed, she finds herself in a place that is both like and unlike Earth, where she must adjust to her new status and figure out how to "live."
Monday, February 25th
“Twilight,” by Stephanie Meyer: When seventeen-year-old Bella leaves Phoenix to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she meets an exquisitely handsome boy at school for whom she feels an overwhelming attraction and who she comes to realize is not wholly human.
Monday, March 24th
“Life as We Knew It,” by Susan Beth Pfeffer: Through journal entries sixteen-year-old Miranda describes her family's struggle to survive after a meteor hits the moon, causing worldwide tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
Wednesday, April 30th
“The Case of the Missing Marquess,” by Nancy Springer: Enola Holmes, much younger sister of detective Sherlock Holmes, must travel to London in disguise to unravel the disappearance of her missing mother.
The group is open to adult females and teenaged girls. Each book discussion will take place in the Small Conference Room at the Wallingford Public Library. All discussions begin at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Please call the Library at 203-265-6754 to register



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 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!
A Valentine Dinner Dance will be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, February 14 with music provided by Stan Scott and his Band. The dinner menu of a fresh fruit cup, top round of beef, baked potato with chives and sour cream, peas with mushrooms, dessert and coffee will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 with dancing from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets are available now for Meriden residents at a cost $6 per person and may be purchased at the Senior Center.
Free hearing aid assistance will now be offered on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:30 AM -12:00 noon at the Max Muravnick Senior Center. Hearing Aid Specialist Nick Wills from Miracle Ear at the Meriden Square will provide free hearing tests, ear examinations, hearing aid cleaning and checks, general assistance and answer any questions you may have about your hearing aid. This service will be offered on a first come, first served basis in an office on the first floor of the Senior Center. The next scheduled date for free hearing aid services is Tuesday, February 15 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon.
The “Move and Soothe” gentle movement class taught by Susan Sandel, Dance/Movement Therapist, will resume on Tuesday afternoons in March from 12:30 to 1:30 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center, starting on Tuesday, March 4. The class will feature gentle movement set to music to stretch, relax and strengthen your body and, most of all, to have fun! Participants should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and sneakers or rubber-soled shoes. Ms. Sandel is an accomplished dance therapist and we are glad to welcome her back to the Senior Center in March for “Move & Soothe” classes each week at the Senior Center.
The 18th annual “Walk for Warmth” will be held in downtown Meriden on Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 AM. This two-mile walk raises money to provide energy assistance to people in need who would otherwise not qualify for help. Last year’s walk raised $20,000 which helped more than 125 households with their winter energy bills. I will be walking in the 2008 “Walk for Warmth” and ask that concerned people consider donating to this worthwhile cause or walking themselves in this community event. To make a pledge, please contact me at the Senior Center at 237-0066 or call New Opportunities of Greater Meriden at 235-0278.
AARP’s trained volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are once again ready to help local seniors with income tax advice and actual preparation of their 2007 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Max Muravnick Senior Center each Wednesday, from Wednesday, February 6 until Wednesday, April 9. This free service is offered by appointment which may be made by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066.
The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center will be on Wednesday, April 23 and Friday, April 25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Class participants will learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and much more in this 8-hour course. Successful completion of the classroom course also entitles you to a discount on your automobile insurance premiums. The course fee is $10 and reservations for the class are now being accepted by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066. Additional AARP Driver Safety Classes this year at the Senior Center will be held on July 23 & 25 and November 5 & 7, 2008.
The Elderly and Disabled Homeowners’ Tax Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut has now started. Any elderly or disabled Meriden homeowner can apply for a credit to their local property taxes at the Meriden Tax Assessor’s Office at City Hall between February 1 and May 15, 2008. To be eligible applicants or their spouse must have been 65 or older by December 31, 2007 or be on Social Security Disability. You must own and live in the house for which you claim a tax credit and the income limits are $29,800 for a single person and $36,500 for a married couple. Applications for tax relief are also available for qualified veterans. For more information contact the Tax Assessor’s Office at 630-4065.
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.


“An Evening with Nat King Cole”
How Long has it been Since You Got a Valentine? Here's Your Chance! SAVE THE DATE! February 16th, 2008!!This e-mail Valentine Cordially Invites You to come and feel “An Evening with Nat King Cole” a fund raising event for the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center 175 East Main Street, Meriden, CT 6:30- 10:30 PM, Saturday, February 16th With the music of Nat King Cole and a fine, easy gathering of folks- Casual dress, comfort food- What better way to celebrate a Valentine’s Day? No hassle, no cooking dinner, just a relaxed, social time to get re-acquainted with friends and family. The music starts at 6:30 and ends at 10:30 6:30-7:30 Appetizers- an assortment of delectable small bites to get you ready for- 7:30-9:00 Dinner- Delicious soups, Served in bread bowls with salad, which leads you right into-8:30-10:30 Dessert- an assortment of cakes, cookies and other Valentine treats $30 per person for hours of sweet melody, great musicianship and Love. Also included in this package is a full-year membership to the Augusta! Use this invitation to save the date and to invite your favorite Valentine! As part of the package, A real Valentine will be sent to your favorite Valentine(s) via snail mail- send the name and address by e-mail to Katrina Axelrod at meridenartstrust@yahoo.com, and your Valentine(s) will get a beautiful Valentines Day Card/ Ticket/Save the Date Card! For more information, call party coordinator Katrina Axelrod at 235-7445 or Staci Roy at 639-2856 “at the Augusta!” A few tickets will be available at the door, but PLEASE register by e-mail or phone before, so we get an accurate count for the caterer.


CITY OF MERIDEN
FEBRUARY EVENTS
VALENTINE’S DAY CARD CONTEST
Grades K-5 students are invited to enter the 2008 Valentine’s Day Card Contest. Original, hand-produced cards can be brought or mailed to the Parks & Recreation office between February 1st – 12th. Winners will receive a special prize package. All entries must include the child’s name, phone number, school, & grade.
WINTER VACATION WEEK CAMP
The Recreation Division’s “Winter Vacation Week Camp” will meet from 9:15AM-3:00PM at Hanover School from February 19th-22nd. It features games, puzzles, educational sessions, arts & crafts, and videos in addition to skating, swimming, movies, & arcade field trips. Boys & girls currently in grades K-5 are eligible to attend. Beginning February 4th, interested participants can register at the Parks & Recreation office. The cost is $40.00 for the week. Please register soon, as there are only 40 openings available for the program.
MASA REGISTRATION
Rules & roster forms for the 2008 Meriden Amateur Softball Association season will be available at the Parks & Recreation office beginning Monday, February 11th. The league registration meeting will be held Monday, March 3rd.
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 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 2008 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.
21ST ANNUAL “DAFFODILS ON PARADE”
The 21st Annual “Daffodils on Parade” will take place on Saturday, April 26th. Groups, clubs, schools, businesses, or individuals wishing to march in Meriden’s largest parade are asked to call the Recreation Division office at 630-4259 for an entry form. Creative participation is always welcome!


LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP Friday, February 15 - 10:15 a.m. Wallingford Senior Center
Masonicare Healthcare Audiologist will talk about “hearing healthcare” including safety and communication devices, amplified telephones, smoke detectors, and specially designed answering machines for people with hearing loss. Please call 265-7753 to register.
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IT'S NOT TOO LATE ... TO REVIEW YOUR MEDICARE PLAN, COMPARE OTHER MEDICARE OPTIONS, CHANGE YOUR MIND, AND MAYBE EVEN REDUCE YOUR EVER INCREASING PREMIUMS !!!!!
From January 1st through March 31st Medicare allows you to review your Medicare coverage and make a one time change in your Medicare plan. If you already have Prescription Drug Coverage, you may change it. If you do not have Prescription Drug Coverage, you may not add coverage during this period. Attend this Medicare workshop Wednesday, February 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the Wallingford Senior Center and learn your options. Receive valuable information to help you compare your present Medicare coverage and help you to decide if you should keep your present coverage, or consider changing your present plan. Please call 265-7753 to reserve.


End of Life Care Health Care Decisions Wednesday, February 20 10:00 a.m. Wallingford Senior Center PART ONE
In her role as Chaplain at MidState Medical Center, Doreen Bottone offers spiritual support, resolves ethical issues and provides patients and families information on end of life care and choices. Deciding to accept or refuse medical treatment is a difficult decision. Doreen will discuss the benefits of stating your wishes clearly in writing through a legal document called Advance Directives. The importance of this document cannot be overstated. Please treat yourself to this memorable informational session and call 265-7753 to make your reservation.



End of Life Health Care Decisions Wednesday, February 27 1:00 p.m. Wallingford Senior Center PART TWO
You’ve probably heard and read that having Advance Directives consisting of a Living Will and/or the appointment of a Health Care Representative to communicate your wishes concerning life support systems is important. Here’s your chance to hear Attorney Kate McEvoy explain how to express your wishes concerning end of life health care decisions using advance directive forms. The required forms will be distributed along with an explanation of how to complete the forms. Please call 265-7753 to sign-up.


Mayor’s Corner Meriden
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! I hope the new year brings you and your family much joy and happiness. I am also excited about the opportunities that await the City of Meriden in 2008.
As we rebuild areas of our City, we welcome new retailers, Lowes and Walgreens. We have also been greeted by new quality restaurants in South Meriden and the west side of town. Amy and I had an opportunity to enjoy great food, fair prices, and a comfortable atmosphere at Avanti’s in South Meriden. It is definitely worth a visit! My in-laws, Amy, and I also welcomed Ilianno’s to Castle View Plaza on the corner of West Main Street and Centennial Avenue. They did a fine job with the interior decorations and the food is absolutely terrific. Another good spot to put on your restaurant check list.
At the Stop & Shop Plaza on the west side of town, Centennial Plaza, as we know it, we have seen façade improvements and blighted properties making way for a new Stop & Shop gas station. It is good news to see this plaza get some needed attention and improvements!
As I attended events throughout the city, I was inspired by our citizens’ positive outlook and desire to see Meriden continue to rebuild itself. I was most impressed with the number of new Eagle Scouts that have completed their requirements in our city. Meriden is fortunate and should be proud of all the Eagle Scouts that we have living and working in our city.
The Girl Scouts are in the midst of their annual cookie drive fundraiser. So, buy a few boxes of tasty treats and support an organization that does so much for our young ladies and our community. A special thank you to all the Girls Scouts and their advisors. I appreciate all your help at the Mayor’s Clean Up Days.
In closing, Happy Valentine’s Day to my beautiful wife Amy, my wonderful mom, and our two little Valentines, Bria and Blake.
Thank you for all your support!
Sincerely,
Mark D. Benigni
Mayor



MAYOR’S CORNER WALLINGFORD
Dear Friends:
Guess what! It’s out! Yes, I know it’s out because I’ve received one. You must know what I’m talking about. It’s the Spring 2008 Guide to Leisure and Fun published by the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department. What a list, a veritable cornucopia of fun and enjoyment.
For children 6-11 years old, Spring Stingers offers a chance to go on trips, participate in gym activities, and much more. Winter Warriors puts 6-11 year olds on the bus headed for fun during Winter break from February 18-22nd. There are trips to Macy’s 34th Annual Spring Flow Show in New York City and Lobster and Cranberries in Plymouth, Massachusetts. If your interest is financial, enroll in courses explaining strategies for retirement, home buying and financial stability after divorce. There are sport leagues and instruction for bowling, volleyball, tennis, golf, baseball, and basketball.
You can take ballroom dancing and head straight for Dancing for the Stars. Learn swing or Latin and finish with Country/Western. Before these classes, however, you may want to take some of the health and fitness courses.
This guide for 2008 is a wonderful opportunity for fun. Sign up now!

Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor