March 2008 Town News, Events and Activities

Town News and Events March 2008

Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford
Dear Friends: As gasoline prices continue their unchecked upward climb, we can probably be sure of one thing. As certainly as the failure of some in business and government to do nothing to bring relief, there will be others who will step forward with new ideas and perhaps innovation.

In France during World War II, gasoline was not only expensive, it was very hard to get. A French Canadian engineer, Emile Gagnan, figured out a way to keep the cars running. Instead of a gas tank, cars had firewood or a jug of cooking oil in the trunk. Emile Gagnan determined that when burned, firewood or cooking oil would create a vapor which, when passed through a regulator on the engine, would fuel combustion and allow operation of the car. As a result, French drivers filled their trunks with firewood and cooking oil.

Emile had help from his friend Jacques. They continued work on the regulator and developed a workable regulator for compressed air. The regulator used for fueling automobiles with firewood became the first self-contained compressed air regulator used for scuba apparatus. Jacques, of course, was Jacques Yves Cousteau.

We should all hope that such intelligence and invention be hard at work now.

Firewood in the Tank,
Bill Dickinson - Mayor



Meriden Park and Recreation Department
LEPRECHAUN HUNT
Patsy the Leprechaun is at it again! To avoid being found, he has chosen four hiding spots this year. Clues to the four locations will be given on the Recreation Activity Line (630-4279) on the following dates: 3/4, 3/5, 3/6, & 3/7. Children are asked to identify the locations on paper and submit them to the Parks & Recreation office(460 Liberty Street) by 4:00PM on Thursday, March 13th. Entries can be mailed or delivered in person and should contain the child’s full name, address, phone, school, and grade. One winner will be selected by drawing to receive a special St. Patrick’s Day prize package. (Please note Patsy
is not physically at the hiding spot locations.)

MASA REGISTRATION
Rules & roster forms for the 2008 Meriden Amateur Softball Association season are currently available at the Parks & Recreation office. The league registration meeting will be held Monday, March 3rd at the Washington Middle School cafeteria from 6:00-7:00PM. This is the only opportunity teams will have to register for the 2008 MASA season.

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
The Meriden AOH will present the 2008 St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15th at 2:00PM. The parade begins at the East Main Street/Parker Avenue intersection and concludes at the West Main Street/Bradley Avenue intersection.

2008 EASTER EGG HUNT
The Easter Bunny will be at the Hubbard Park bandshell on Saturday, March 22nd to give children an early start to their egg collecting. The following indicates age group participation times:
Age Group Time Age Group Time
Birth-3 10:00AM 6-7 11:00AM
4-5 10:30AM 8-10 11:30AM
Children are asked to please bring a basket or bag. The event will be held rain or shine. Adult assistance will only be permitted in the first age group. Facepainting will also be available.

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!

Town’s Sidewalk Ordinance
Mayor William W. Dickinson, Jr. has issued a reminder to all Town residents about the Town’s Sidewalk Ordinance.
Property owners, tenants or occupants responsible for the care of properties with sidewalks are required by Municipal Ordinance to protect and maintain the sidewalk in a safe and convenient condition for use by the public.
This Municipal Ordinance also requires that snow and ice be removed from the sidewalk following the end of the storm. In the event that the ice can not be removed, the sidewalk shall be made as safe as possible, including the placement of sand or other suitable deicing materials. Sidewalks must be cleared of any snow or ice, within eighteen (18) hours after the end of the storm. If the storm ends at night, the deadline for cleaning the sidewalks is 18 hours after sunrise. The cleared path must be a minimum of three (3) feet wide.
Failure to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance can result in a fine and also the actual colts for the Town to clear the sidewalk
The Mayor has asked for everyone’s cooperation on this important issue.



Wallingford Senior Center

LAKE VIEW CAFÉ SCHEDULE
Please note: Lake View Café will close at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 13 (no lunch will be served that day) and on Monday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m., in order to serve the special St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon.
COMPUTER LAB OFFERS FREE TIME
The Computer Learning Center is available to senior center members wishing to access a computer for personal use. Surf the web, send an email, write a letter, play a game – any appropriate use of our computers is allowed and a volunteer will be present if you need assistance. A small fee will be charged for printing documents. In addition, get guidance from Social Worker Marie Cunha finding useful and creditable Web Site resources. There is a world of valuable information on the Internet for seniors on programs, services, benefits, and health information, and it is just a click away! Open hours this month are Wednesday, March 12, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday, March 25, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Call the front desk (265-7753) to reserve your sessions.
SHAKESPEARE: THE LUNATIC, THE LOVER & THE POET
Live Theatrical Performance on Friday, March 14, 1:30 p.m.
Richard Clark returns to present a solo performance from Shakespeare’s greatest hits featuring twelve characters and twenty-five monologues and soliloquies. Eavesdrop on the intimate murmurings of Romeo, the obsessive passions of Anthony and Cleopatra, and the demented musings of King Richard. Laugh with the fools, cry with the afflicted, and dream with the poets! Following the performance, refreshments will be served. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale through March 12.
THE POWER OF PLACE on Wednesday, March 12, 7:00 p.m.
We all feel them: connections we make with a place because of its unique qualities. In Connecticut, we recognize localities from times spent turning rocks in streams, gathering shells at the shore, searching for arrowheads in freshly-plowed fields or visiting cultural landmarks. It’s not surprising that we sense the spirit of a place, but recently people have come to understand how it can enrich our lives and how our connections with places bring out the best in us. The Wallingford Land Trust and the Wallingford Senior Center will present The Power of Place, a slideshow program about connections people in our state feel to the places they call home, on March 12, at 7:00 p.m. Author Brendan Hanrahan will discuss how “spirit of place” can guide a community’s efforts to sustain its quality of life, conserve familiar environments and protect natural resources. The public is invited. Please call 265-7753 for information or to register.
POETRY CLASS
Want to write a poem? . . . read a favorite poem? . . . just sit and listen and learn – and enjoy? When was the last time you were totally relaxed, free from stress, able to express yourself and everything you said was right? Welcome to poetry! What you experience may surprise you! A six-week poetry class will be held on Thursdays, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m., beginning April 10. Instructor Patricia Mottola, who organized last year’s state-wide poetry contest for seniors, is the winner of the 2008 Leo Connellan Poetry Prize, named for the former poet laureate of Connecticut. The cost of this 6-week class is $15.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is required.
COED GOLF LEAGUE’S 9TH SEASON
The ninth year of the Senior Center Coed Golf League will begin on Tuesday, May 6 and run for ten weeks. Play will be held at Miner Hills Golf Course in Middletown. The cost for this session is $151.00 for senior center members and $156.00 for non-members. The fee includes nine holes, golf cart, and a cookout. An organizational meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 26, at 9:30 a.m., at the Senior Center. Members may sign up for the ten-week session beginning April 1. Non-members may sign up as of April 8.
BAND JAMS FOR YOU!
Our Senior Center Band, The Survivors, plays in the Great Room every Friday, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Come down to enjoy the fabulous sound. Sit and relax or get up and dance, but don’t let this wonderful music go to waste!!
VIRTUAL BOWLING: March Schedule
Our bowlers have been practicing and have established teams of four players. Our teams will hold weekly practice sessions and our league tournaments will be held on Thursdays 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. On Tuesday afternoons, 1:30 – 3:30, we will offer open sessions for anyone interested in experiencing virtual bowling.
AARP SAFE DRIVER COURSES
March 3 & 5, 9:00 – 1:00
Update your knowledge of the rules of the road; learn how to adjust for changes in vision and hearing; develop strategies to drive more safely; and qualify for an insurance discount at the AARP Driver Safety Course, which will be held Monday and Wednesday, March 3 and 5. (The next course at the Senior Center will be held May 5 & 7.) The fee for this eight-hour course is $10.00 which must be paid when you register. Make checks payable to “AARP.” Cash cannot be accepted.
WEDNESDAY WORKSHOPS
DR. PRAVDA TO SPEAK ON JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY on Wednesday, March 12, 12:15 p.m.
Orthopaedic surgeon Jeffrey T. Pravda, M.D. will present a program on joint replacement surgery on March 12, at 12:15 p.m., in the Activity Room. Dr. Pravda will focus on hip and knee replacement surgery. A question and answer session will be held following the presentation. Please call 265-7753 to register to attend.
MEDICARE AND SHORT-TERM REHAB INFORMATIONAL SESSION on Wednesday, March 19, 10:00 a.m.
How do you qualify for Medicare-covered care in a rehabilitation hospital? What therapies are offered? How much will Medicare pay? What will it cost you out-of-pocket? Join us to learn the answers to these important questions. Please call for reservations at 265-7753.
SOCIAL SERVICES
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP: NO MARCH MEETING
REBATE PAYMENTS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFICIARIES
Starting in May, the US Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million individuals. The payment will go out through the late spring and summer. According to the IRS, most taxpayers just need to file a 2007 tax return in order to automatically receive the stimulus payment. The IRS will use information on the tax return to determine eligibility and calculate the amount of the stimulus payments. In most cases, payments will range from $300 to $600 for individuals and $600 to $1200 for joint filers. Recipients of Social Security, railroad retirement benefits, and certain veterans’ benefits who don’t normally need to file a tax return, will need to do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment. The return must show at least $3,000 in qualifying income. The IRS has released a special version of a Form 1040A that highlights the simple, specific sections of the return that can be filled out. Please direct questions to 1-800-829-1040. Information obtained from www.irs.gov and www.socialsecurity.gov
PUXITAWNY PHIL PREDICTS 6 MORE WEEKS OF WINTER!!
Call for help with heating bills! ?
The Wallingford Senior Center assists people aged 60+ apply for help to pay oil and utility bills. Income limits are $28,767/single person and $37,619/two people. Asset limits also apply. Call Social Worker Marie Cunha to ask about energy assistance eligibility. Applications are scheduled by appointment only by calling 265-7753.
HOMEOWNER TAX RELIEF PROGRAM and PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL FOR THE ELDERLY
WHEN: February 1 through May 15, 2008 WHERE: Assessor’s Office – Town Hall Please call 294-2001 for more information.
ATTENTION ! CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS !
Fuel AUTHORIZATIONS or DELIVERIES from Basic Benefits, Crisis or Safety Net Assistance DEADLINE IS MARCH 14.
NEED HELP FINDING SUPPORT ON THE INTERNET?
Wednesday, March 12, 1 p.m.—3 p.m.
Tuesday, March 25, 10 a.m.—12 Noon
Reserve your 20 minute session with S.W. Marie Cunha in our Computer Lab Learning Center
BENEFITS CHECK UP: Tuesday, March 18, 10:00 a.m.
Ever wonder if you are eligible for help with:
Prescription costs? Paying health insurance premiums? Food costs? Medical costs?
Paying a utility bill? Veteran’s Benefits? Home Care Costs?
Call 265-7753 to make an appointment for your confidential Benefits CheckUP here at the senior center. A service of the National Council on Aging and the AARP Foundation.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! TIMETABLE FOR MEDICARE PART D (Prescription Drug Plan) ENROLLMENT
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Managed Care) Open Enrollment Period begins January 1 and continues through March 31.
Beneficiaries may:
Change from an MA plan with drug coverage to a different MA plan with drug coverage.
Change from an MA plan with no drug coverage to a different MA plan with no drug coverage.
Opt out of a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage and switch to regular Medicare. They have a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a PDP.
Opt out of a Medicare Advantage plan with no drug coverage and switch to regular Medicare. They may not enroll in a PDP.
Switch from regular Medicare with a PDP to a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
Switch from regular Medicare without a PDP to a Medicare Advantage plan with no drug coverage.
Beneficiaries may not:
Change from one PDP to another PDP
Add drug coverage, either through a PDP or an MA-PD


Mayor’s Corner Meriden
Dear Friends,

I hope you are doing well and avoiding the winter flu.

Recently, the company hired to conduct the high school feasibility study released their recommendation to the city and the public. The extensive report looked at code updates, “like new” renovations, and new construction. After taking into account the state reimbursement rates, the report recommends “like new” renovations. Even with the state contributing about 75% of the total cost, the city’s 25% share would still be in the range of $30 million dollars. This is a significant expense that would need to be bonded over a series of years. While most agree that we need to do something with our high schools, we must have a thorough discussion about how to best proceed. I look forward to your comments and await the exchange and discussion that will take place.

Speaking of our high schools, Maloney High School will be performing the Disney hit, High School Musical on March 6, 7, 8, and 9th and March 13, 14, 15, and 16th. Tickets are going fast, so call now to reserve your seat at the show. This is a fun musical that the whole family can enjoy. Also, Castle Craig Players will be presenting their Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. Up next for the Players will be the ever popular Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma!.

Coming in April, the Meriden Youth Theatre will be performing Annie, Jr. at their new home at the Meriden YMCA Childcare Center on Crown Street. It is truly exciting to see Broadway come alive in the City of Meriden. We also welcomed the Muzury Polish Deli to downtown Meriden. The owners did a terrific job preparing the space and they now offer a full selection of Polish specialties. It is always a pleasure to welcome a new business to our city. So stop by for lunch or for your shopping needs.

Enjoy the rest of winter and I will see you at the shows.

Thanks for all your support!

Sincerely,

Mark D. Benigni
Mayor, City of Meriden


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!
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The Economic Stimulus Bill passed by Congress and signed by President Bush will provide rebates to 130 million taxpayers starting in May. Taxpayers who file a 2007 IRS return will automatically receive a payment and will not need to do anything further to qualify. However, for people on Social Security, you must file IRS Form 1040A to receive a payment. If you had at least $3,000 or more in taxable income in 2007, or at least $3,000 in non-taxable Social Security or VA Disability benefits, you are eligible for a rebate check. By filing a tax return you will be eligible to receive a payment of $300 for a single person or $600 for a married couple. To receive assistance at the Senior Center from our trained AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers to file a 2007 IRS Form 1040A please call the Senior Center at 237-0066 for an appointment. Also, in late March 2008, the IRS will mail a packet of information to recipients of Social Security benefits who did not file a tax return last year with further information on the stimulus payment.
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On Wednesday, March 5 Terry Bongiovanni will make a presentation in Willene’s Place before lunch on the 2008 Medicare Programs for Connecticut including the Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Plan D Plans. He will summarize the details and special benefits of various programs and answer any questions that people may have about their health insurance coverage. He operates Bongiovanni Insurance located at 97 East Main Street in Meriden.
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On Wednesday, March 12 staff from Webster Bank in Meriden will speak at 11:15 in Willene’s Place about the free checking program the bank offers for seniors. They will also discuss the advantages of direct deposit for Social Security and pension checks and provide information on safe banking tips to avoid fraud, financial exploitation and other problems that are becoming far too common in society today.
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Free hearing aid assistance will be offered on Tuesday, March 11 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon. 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 “Move and Soothe” gentle movement class taught by Susan Sandel, Dance/Movement Therapist, will resume on Tuesday afternoon March 4 at 12:30 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center. New participants are welcome and 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 for “Move & Soothe” classes each week at the Senior Center.
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On Wednesday, March 19 at 11:15 Admissions Coordinator Norilsa Ramos from Westfield Care and Rehab Center will speak in Willene’s Place about the rehabilitation programs they offer following an illness, stroke, injury or surgery, including knee or hip replacements. Their programs are designed to help people return to independent living.
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On Wednesday, April 2 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM the Senior Center will host a book signing by local author Carol Christoffers. Her collection of poetry is entitled “Reflections” and contains her original poems written over the last seven years. Many of the poems have been published in the Record-Journal and in publications at St. Andrews Church. Signed copies of her book will be available that day for $17 and are also on sale at the Friends of the Library Bookstore. Please join us to congratulate Carol on the publication of her latest book! Coffee and refreshments will be served. John F. Hogarth 2/27/08