June 2008 Your Stories

Your Stories from The People's Press, Meriden and Wallingfords Community Newspaper and news source brought to you by Colony Opticians.

A Father’s Day Remembrance
By Ruth Miglierina Petrucci

My Dad Leo Miglierina passed away 27 years ago on March 7, 1981. He was a quiet man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He was happy with what he had and never wanted for more. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone.

He loved the Boston Red Sox and I thought of him last year when they won the World Series; I too love the Red Sox. We enjoyed a game in Fenway Park years ago. He enjoyed either listening to a game on his radio on his back porch or watching it on TV.

I inherited my love for animals from him. He grew up in North Haven on State Street where the old homestead is still standing after all these years. He would tell me of the pets he had growing up and how he took care of them. I always had a cat as far back as I can remember. When one of my cats, Pansy, died I remember my Dad and I crying for days at just the mention of her name. Our back yard was a final resting place for many a pet.

My dad worked at Wallace Silversmith’s in Wallingford from age 16 until he retired. He was in charge of the chrome plating department. I remember when I was a little girl he took me to work one Saturday morning to show me where he worked. I was so impressed and proud of him. He was a hard worker and took pride in everything he did.

He was the head usher at The Most Holy Trinity Church for many years until he took sick. Church was his second home. He spent a lot of time there every Saturday and Sunday. And also set up tables and chairs for different functions. Anywhere he was needed he was always available.

He took a great pride in his yard and loved a nice lawn. He also liked to putter around the yard weeding and planting when Mom would let him. After that he would sit on the back porch with his dog Donka and listen to the radio or take a nap. Donka was always by his side; he even went for rides with him in the car, and loved vanilla ice cream in a cup.

I have so many memories of my Dad that I am grateful for. I miss him and think of him often. I am happy that we did and said so many things together. That is a comfort to me. Anyone who is fortunate to have a parent or parents should take the time to appreciate them. Life is so short; once they are gone you can’t say or do the things you might have wished you had.

Stone Soup and The Peoples Press?
By Andy Reynolds

One of my favorite stories is about Stone Soup. Where a stranger comes to town and the people ignore him until he starts a fire, places a stone in a pot of water and starts to cook it. Naturally, the members of the community slowly come out one by one curious at what it is that he’s making and one by one they add something from their own home to the Stone Soup. Before long its stock filled with veggies and turns into a wonderful soup, this simple Stone Soup.

I am incredibly humbled by the amount of ingredients that you’ve shared for our little Rock Soup Newspaper “The People’s Press.” It is a true reflection of who you are and what our communities really stand for. I have received so many calls of support over the last few months – thank you all for that. Bottom line is that this paper is not about me – it’s about you. It’s not what’s important to me – it’s what’s important to you! Read the wonderful stories and look at the great photos in this issue. They are all about good news, pieces of your lives, and in the end a pretty good Stone Soup.

That does not mean there is not room to improve. If you have not shared the ingredients of your life – it’s about time you did. It could be a poem, a story, a photo, a recipe or some advice that would make a difference in someone else’s life. You will only add to the soup as every month more and more flavors come in and add to the taste.

If you are a community or civic group, we have always promoted your cause and will continue to do so. If you are on a mission, let us help you. If you want to celebrate what someone is or has done, let us help you. If you would like to wish someone a happy birthday or anniversary with a photo, let us help you. If your church has a fund raiser planned, let us help you. The People’s Press wants to give you the help you need before it happens, and not after.

What’s the cost for all of this? It’s FREE! Why is it free? It’s because of the LOCAL businesses that support this paper. They are the fire under the pot of Stone Soup that we cook every month. Notice that this is not a mall paper or jammed with 18,000,000 inserts. It’s just folks that love and support the towns that they work and live in. I hope you support them as they have supported you.

In the end, when all is said and done, this paper would be nothing without YOU! Thank you for making us Central Connecticut’s’ True Community Newspaper! If you would like to add some ingredients to our next issue which comes out in late June, there are several ways to submit:

Mail to: The People’s Press
P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
Fax to: 203 630-2581
Email to: carrie@peoplespressnews.com
Website: www.peoplespressnews.com and click on the submit button.

I hope you enjoy this month’s Stone Soup. It’s one of our best yet. Life is Good!

Sincerely,
Andy Reynolds – Publisher of The People’s Press


Spring Fever
Submitted by Gina Maurizio
“It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain.
Spring is here! The trees have turned green, flowers bloom and the birds are tweeting. Everything appears brighter. The scent of a freshly mowed lawn lays thick in the air. It just offers a reason to take a deep breathe in.

On long wearisome days it feels fine to know the heavy winter coat is away in the closet. The weighty garment is one less burden on our shoulders. A new season presents itself, only to eventually change again.
One great component of life is change. That’s a reality. The details of life go good to bad and sometimes from bad to horrific .Then it's fine again.

Even if we didn’t ever move a muscle once more, life would alter. The next season would arrive. The next day would come as we choose to be active participants. Often pushing the body to its limits and collapsing late into the night. Changing what we could. Enjoying what we could.After all, there is so much life to be lived in a mere 24 hours a day. Who wants to miss a minute of it? It is too good to miss.

Till the next season...



“Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective”
by
Gregory M. Simpson

It was more than six years ago, just after 9/11, that desperation set in. Having trapped, spayed/neutered and vaccinated 19 cats and kittens from my neighborhood, one last female cat was tenaciously eluding capture. She already had two litters which I trapped. I did not want to face a third litter and had exhausted my list of people to call for ideas and help. It was time to think creatively. Going for a long shot, the name of Ellen Perry Berkeley came to mind. She is the author of the seminal book on ferals, Maverick Cats, included by Cat Fancy in the “100 Great Moments of 20th Century Cats.” First published in 1982 and updated in 2001, this book mentions her hometown in Vermont, so directory information was summoned, and voila, her phone number was available!

Despite not knowing me, this warm, kind, soft-spoken, internationally known author graciously accepted my phone call. She provided me sage counsel and sustaining moral support until the female cat was trapped and spayed, without having an additional litter! What I did not know from the first phone call with Ellen Perry Berkeley was that our relationship was only just beginning.

As we grew to know each other through letters and phone calls, I described to Ellen my animal welfare avocation. Along the way, I began writing “Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective” in one newspaper which has since spread statewide. I would send the initial columns to Ellen and she generously commented, drawing on her impressive background as a writing teacher at Harvard, Columbia and UC-Berkeley, and as past senior editor of Architectural Forum. She is also the author of many books, and articles for such magazines at Cat Fancy, Cats Magazine and I Love Cats. Her 1984 article in Cat Fancy on the neuter-and-return of feral cats was the first in an American publication on this humane method of controlling the feral cat population.

In short order, I progressed from a man desperate to aid feral cats in my neighborhood to having a mentor for writing and animal welfare work. Ellen’s help did not end there. A few years into our phone calls, e-mails, and letters, Ellen suggested that I consider membership in the Cat Writers’ Association (CWA). Once again, she selflessly offered to assist me, this time through sponsorship into the association. Considering that membership in CWA was a perfect match with my animal welfare pursuits, I agreed, and am now a member. There is no person more than Ellen who better exemplifies the highest ideals of the CWA vision – to promote communal support, networking, and mutual respect between colleagues.

Ellen has continued to write and to tirelessly aid cats. She is on the advisory board of the national organization, Alley Cat Allies, and in 2004 published, TNR: A History of the Trap-Neuter-Return Movement.

To assist Protectors of Animals (POA) in Glastonbury, of which I am a member, she will generously donate $4 to POA for each copy of Maverick Cats sold through the shelter’s efforts. Please consider purchasing a copy of this book that The New York Times reports is full of “Amusing portraits….intriguing information.” Cat Fancy described the book as “first-rate in every way…entertaining, informative, well-researched, thorough…a definitive work.” One may order directly from Ms. Berkeley at Box 311, Shaftsbury, Vermont 05262. Indicate with your payment of $14.95 that you would like $4 of the purchase price sent to Protectors of Animals. I am deeply grateful to Ellen Perry Berkeley for making this fund raising activity possible for Protectors of Animals, Inc. and for being my mentor.

And remember, as Ellen Perry Berkeley says, “As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat.”

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.



“Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective”
by
Gregory M. Simpson

Remember the tale about the man downstream who keeps rescuing folks one by one from the swift flowing river? After plucking out dozens of floundering victims, he decides that he needs to go upstream to find out why so many are falling in. It occurs to me that it’s kind of like that with cats.

When Bryan Kortis, Director of Neighborhood Cats in New York City, mentioned at a conference on feral cats that about 80% of the kittens born each year are produced by feral and stray cats, it reminded me of the man pulling people from the river. Only this time, cats are “falling in upstream” with resulting kittens being found “downstream.”

My wife and I have adopted kittens found in much the same way; a ten day old kitten found with a puncture wound in its neck, kittens of a feral mother left under our doorstep, and a kitten found next to a cable TV technician’s truck. While volunteering with one rescue group, we found kittens literally floating down the Connecticut River in a plastic garbage bag!

We love the kittens we’ve adopted, but recognize that there are also millions of adult cats needing good homes. We’ve adopted our share of those, too, like the stray gray cat I was feeding one winter night that wrapped his two front legs around my leg and wouldn’t let go, or the orange male stray that was found starving due to being entwined in a flea collar.

If cat overpopulation is going to be successfully resolved, it will have to be through addressing the source – the cats left “upstream” that produce the kittens found “downstream.” It will take more than celebrities like Bob Barker reminding folks to “have your pets spayed or neutered.” When one thinks about it, responsible people already act responsibly and spay or neuter. It is the irresponsible ones that abandon cats, often not spayed or neutered, leaving them to fend for themselves. These cats reproduce, of course. University of Washington mathematicians calculate that a feral cat and her offspring could produce between 100 and 400 cats by the end of seven years.

Thinking preventively, government subsidies for free or low cost spay/neuter programs are vital. They are already in place in some parts of the country. Connecticut has the distinction of being the first and perhaps only state, to provide $40,000 to animal welfare groups for the past two years through its Department of Agriculture to sterilize feral cats. Legislation passed in 2007 replaces this $40,000 grant program in 2008 and provides up to 20% of the Animal Population Control Program’s income for sterilization of feral cats and cats belonging to low income residents. That should be just the beginning of such funding as studies show that the main reason that people do not spay or neuter their companion animals is lack of access to low cost sterilization.

The Animal Population Control Program has provided vaccinations and sterilization benefits to more than 19,000 dogs and cats since 2001 and over 50,000 companion animals since the program began in 1995. Cities should also get involved. New Britain already allocates funds for sterilization of feral cats through its support of the Animal Alliance Welfare League.

National animal organizations such as Spay/USA (1-800-248-SPAY) and Friends of Animals (1-800-321-PETS) offer low cost spay/neuter programs. Other national organizations that collect millions of charitable dollars should do likewise. In Connecticut, Team’s (Tait’s Every Animal Matters) Mobile Feline Unit has spayed or neutered 100,000 cats since 1997. TEAM can be reached at 1-888-FOR-TEAM.

If you care about cats, check to see if your donations go to organizations that promote, spay/neuter programs. With 80% of the kittens born each year produced by feral and stray cats, there is no more important issue than sterilization. In addition, encourage your local officials to enforce animal cruelty and abandonment laws and your legislators to strengthen them.

According to a 2002 “Guide to Cat Law” published by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), there are more than 60 million companion cats, fewer than half of whom are kept safely confined. HSUS points out that tens of millions more cats roam free, having been abandoned by their original owners or born in the wild. A 2001 HSUS study found that two out of three veterinarians recommend keeping cats indoors, to avoid dangers ranging from vehicles to disease.

There needs to be sterilization of all cats adopted from public/private shelters and rescue groups, as well as sterilization of all free-roaming cats. Laws and policies should also be enacted that are consistent with the humane management of feral cats, which means support of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.

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.


Medical Transportation for Meriden Seniors

The City of Meriden Advisory Board on Aging is currently publicizing transportation resources for Meriden senior citizens who are going to medical appointments. Information is being sent to medical offices, churches and other common community organizations. The Board has identified the following medical transportation options for Meriden seniors. You may wish to clip this article to keep for future reference. Please call the number(s) listed for the service you desire.

1. Meriden Senior Citizens Center (237-3338). Transportation for Meriden residents aged 55 and over to medical appointments in Meriden. 24-hour advance notice required. Funded by the City of Meriden, the Agency on Aging of South Central CT and the CT Dept. of Transportation. No fee for the service, contributions accepted.

2. American Red Cross, Wallingford/Meriden branch (265-6721). Transportation to out-of-town (outside Meriden) medical appointments. One week advance notice requested. Partially funded by grants from the Agency on Aging of South Central CT and United Way of Meriden and Wallingford. No fee, contributions accepted.

3. Northeast Transportation Co. (ADA Paratransit Program) (1-800-441-8901). Transportation to medical appointments in Meriden and Wallingford. Riders must complete an application to verify that a disability makes it difficult to use the fixed bus route. Fee charged.

4. American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345). Volunteer drivers provide transportation for cancer patients to medical appointments. Three business days advance notice is requested.

5. Meriden Transit District (235-6851). Fixed route local bus service in Meriden with connections to Wallingford, Middletown, New Britain and New Haven. Special fare for senior citizens aged 65 and over with Medicare card or Transit ID card.

The Meriden Advisory Board on Aging meets monthly at the Meriden Senior Center, 22 West Main St., Meriden. Please call the Center at 237-0066 for questions about the Board's activities.
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GETTING AND STAYING ALOFT

In a previous article I demonstrated a lifelong interest in things that fly, and how I converted that
interest into flying model helicopters and aircraft via radio control, and I joked that
if I experienced a crash I could do it from a distance….all joking aside, the radio control experience
was for me a very satisfying involvement in aviation…. But I wanted to experience the joy of
flying lessons and licensing and then building and piloting my own full-size aircraft…

I did not undertake this lightly, and did a lot of research first as to the requirements involved…

A prospective pilot must be in good health and undergo an initial medical exam and a medical exam every 2 years thereafter by a doctor licensed by the FAA to perform these tests… a typical exam takes about 2 hours and costs $120 or so… eyes ,ears, heart and good general health are stressed.

Flying lessons to get a private pilot’s license include 16 weeks of ground school and an FAA-
administered test, of which you need a minimum grade of 70, but I studied hard and got a 98…you will get dual instruction in a trainer aircraft with an FAA-certified flight instructor for at least 20 hours and then solo flight until you are deemed ready to get a flight test with an FAA-certified check ride examiner. I chose Meriden Aviation Services for my instruction….

Private pilots are re-examined every 2 years thereafter to sharpen their skills qnd demonstrate their
Continuing adherence to FAA regulations and flying abilities.

It is also necessary to completely inspect the aircraft every year to insure the overall health of the aircraft.. this usually take about 20 hours to complete

I spent a total of 60 hours and about $6000 to get certified as a private pilot.. I then rented aircraft
Both in Meriden and Middlebury, Vermont sight-seeing and carrying passengers ranging from my 88 year old Mom to my 8 year old grandson and have over 450 hours of flying under my belt.

I started building my own aircraft in the fall of 1995 from a kit and plans from a well-established supplier with a history of quality and 5000 flying planes. I finished in the fall of 2003. I could have
Finished sooner but I have a lot of other things to do and a family life.. An airplane that you build yourself is classified as EXPERIMENTAL, but by no means does the FAA allow you to build an
unsafe plane and start whizzing around the sky. My airplane had 6 separate inspections during the
Course of building, and was given an airworthiness-certificate after a rigorous inspection by an FAA
Designated airworthiness inspector… My tech counselor flew the aircraft 3 times to determine its flight characteristics. I was given flight instruction by an owner of an aircraft of the same type as mine and after being deemed ready by my counselor, I flew the airplane November 1, 2003, and it was one of the most gratifying experiences of my life.

A typical flight starts with pulling the airplane out of the hangar and giving it a overall look.
Then a very specific look at all systems to the dictates of a checklist…this would include gas, oil
Control surfaces, radios, gages etc…. the engine is then started and gages checked and the engine is
Run up to check if power is up to par. I will taxi to the runway in use due to wind direction,so as to take off into the wind and make a radio call to announce my intentions and pull out onto the runway…..

I push the throttle in and 190 horsepower pulls the plane forward and pushes me back hard into the seat. I keep the plane centered on the runway, and at 40 mph I push the control stick forward and lift the tail, then at 80mph move the stick back slightly and the plane roars off the runway and climbs at 2500 feet per minute… while aloft I am kept busy monitoring fuel, looking for a place to put down should the engine quit, looking out for other aircraft and respecting the various classes of airspace that the FAA has put in place, and also enjoying the view… all the while navigating to my final destination. After completing the flight, I enter the airport traffic pattern and approach the runway with the power low and gradually the plane settles on the runway and we stop.

A favorite trip for me is to the small state airport in Middlebury Vt where my wife Kathy
And I have a house on Lake Dunmore.. 55 minutes by air, 4 hours by car…..

This gives a brief and non-detailed view of what the sport of flying is about.. getting aloft, staying aloft and returning safely while enjoying the ride. If all of the above seems a lot of work, well, it is, but worth it in my opinion.

Thanx to Andy Reynolds and his “vox populi” newspaper for the forum….the attached
Picture is Lake Pocatapaug in East Hampton, Conn at 1500 feet above the ground


Dave Pepe Meriden Ct
May 13, 2008


World Famous Naturalist comes to Roaring Brook Nature Center

On Saturday, June 7th, Roaring Brook Nature Center will present world-famous naturalist “Wildman” Steve Brill, who will provide both a one-hour morning lecture and an afternoon hike through Werner’s Woods in search of wild edibles. Brill is best known for having been handcuffed and arrested by undercover park rangers for eating a dandelion in Central Park. He is the author of Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not-so-wild) Places and The Wild Vegetarian Cookbook and stars in Wild Edible Basics, the first of a video/DVD series on foraging.

"We're very excited about hosting “Wildman” Steve Brill here at Roaring Brook Nature Center,” says Nature Center Director Jay Kaplan. “Beyond learning about and foraging for wild edible plants, his program provides an opportunity to learn about the environment and get back in touch with nature. In today's world, when we are spending an ever-increasing percentage of our time indoors, this is so very important."

According to “Wildman,” by studying nature and foraging, we can enjoy our renewable resources and reaffirm our commitment to preserving and rebuilding our non-renewable ecological riches. Steve has written numerous books and magazine articles on edible plants and has had appearances on local, national and international news and talk shows including David Letterman, the Today Show and The Food Network. To learn more about Steve Brill visit www.wildmanstevebrill.com.

Brill will offer a lecture in the Center’s auditorium beginning at 10:30 AM. One hour afternoon walks will begin at 12:30 and at 2:00 PM. The cost for both lecture and one of the walks is $5.00 per person. Pre-registration with payment is required. The program is co-sponsored by the Canton and Simsbury Land Trusts. Participants are limited and additional information is available by calling the Roaring Brook Nature Center at (860) 693-0263.

The Children's Museum has a long history of providing hands-on learning focused on science based education for younger children and families. One of the state’s major attractions, each year it serves nearly 200,000 children and their families. The Children’s Museum is also home to the new Travelers Science Dome at the Gengras Planetarium, wildlife and interactive science exhibits, as well as science based outreach programs in the elementary school system statewide. The Children’s Museum offers one of the longest running early childhood education centers in the nation at The Children’s Museum Preschool. Additionally, the Museum’s Roaring Brook Nature Center in nearby Canton offers natural science and history exhibits and programs, a wildlife sanctuary, nature trails and outdoor gardens. With the recent recommitment of support from the State of Connecticut and the Town of West Hartford, The Children’s Museum is poised to begin an exciting new chapter in its 80-year history with plans to relocate and expand at a new facility over the next few years.


Submitted by George Arndt

The woman often credited with starting Father's Day is Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Wash. In 1909, she sought a special day to honor her father, who became a single parent when his wife died giving birth to their sixth child.

I came across that paragraph in my search for my family roots. My great grandmother, Mary had written it in her family Bible. Her father, Levi Hicks (my great great grandfather) came to Pennsylvania, with his wife Sarah. This adventurous couple came from Württemberg, Germany in 1876, and settled in the lumber-rich county of Cameron. He and his wife must have been a rough-hewn team.

I guess when Levi wasn’t felling trees, he and Sarah would spend some special times together. Over the years they were blessed with twelve children. Mary was thirteen years old when the sad news of the death of her father came knocking at their door. Mary’s three older brothers had left the family, and had gone out into the world seeking gainful employment. Sarah relied heavily on Mary’s help to keep the rest of the family together. Mary loved her father deeply, and missed him terribly.

I found this short poem she had written, and had placed it between the pages of her Bible.

Daddy, I loved you so;
Why did you have to go?
The fun times we shared together,
I’ll cling to so dearly, forever.

In Germany there is no such thing as Father's Day as celebrated throughout the western world. There are two terms and/or events of an older origin that while similar in name, have entirely different meanings. Manner tag, is always celebrated on Ascension Day (the Thursday forty days after Easter), which is a federal holiday. Regionally, it is also called men's day, Manner tag, or gentlemen's day, Herrentag. It is tradition to do a males-only hiking tour with one or more smaller wagons, Bollerwagen, pulled by manpower. In the wagons are wine or beer (according to region) and traditional regional food, Hausmannskost, which could be Saumagen, Liverwurst, Blutwurst (Blood Sausage), vegetables, eggs, etc.



South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating its 100 year of service to the Village of South
Meriden and the City of Meriden. Last year the department responded to 725 calls of service to the community. That was 48 calls more than 2006.
The following are the types of calls we have responded to:
* Structure Fires * Brush Fires * Medical Emergencies * Vehicle Fires * Boat Rescues
* Airplane Emergencies * Motor Vehicle Accidents * Hazardous Material Spills * Emergency Lockouts * Carbon Monoxide Emergencies * Electrical Emergencies * False Alarms * Storm Stand-Bys and
* Stand-Bys to Help Cover and Assist the Meriden Fire Department.
Approximately 61 % of the calls responded to where medicals and Motor Vehicle Accidents.

We are one of the only fully volunteer fire stations in the state that has overnight duty crews. We have personnel that presently man our fire station 6 nights a week. This has been going on for over 7 years now. This allows us to respond quicker to emergencies in our area. We believe in providing good customer service to our customers, you our neighbors. South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department works hand and hand with the Meriden Career Fire Department. Meriden Fire Department has 5 career stations based thought-out the City. The two main stations that also cover the South Meriden area are Station 1 which houses Engine 1 located on Chamberlain Highway and Station 2 which houses Engine 2 and Truck Company 1 (The Ladder Truck). We usually get dispatched at the same time for calls in the South Meriden area. The incident can be handled either by both of the departments or separately.

When our station is manned either day or night depending on the severity of the incident we usually handle the incident ourselves, this frees the Meriden Engine company up to handle other emergency incidents that might occur. I believe that Meriden has the best career firefighters in the State. We work with them everyday and I think we all learn from each other each day.

100 Year Anniversary Information

During our Anniversary this year we will be celebrating with different events throughout the year. The City’s annual Independence Day Fire Works Display on July 3rd weather permitting will also be dedicated in the honor of our 100th Anniversary. In August we will be celebrating by sponsoring a Carnival starting on Thursday August 21st thru Sunday August 24th located next to our Fire Station located at 31 Camp Street in South Meriden. Our neighbor and friends at AGC Inc., located next to our fire station have allowed us to use their property during the carnival and we want to thank them again for stepping up as great corporate leader by supporting us each year.

On Saturday August 23rd from 10 am to 3:00 pm we will be having an open house at our fire station. During our open house we will be having extrication demonstration, fire extinguishing training and we will also have the State of CT children’s smoke house survival training trailer to demo safe exit during a fire emergency from your home.

Fire Education & Home Safety Check

16 years ago we introduced our annual Home Safety Check for the residents of our fire district. We are still providing this Free service to all our neighbors. Please call us to set up an appointment. We will come to your home and make suggestions on safety items that could protect your family and your home. We will suggest the proper locations for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and types of fire extinguishers to have in the home and other emergency equipment that can be used in case of a fire or medical emergency.

Our fire education services are dedicated to developing fire prevention and education projects in the South Meriden community. Some programs involve pre-school and elementary school children while others involve adults and the elderly. Our department also helps businesses with fire extinguishing classes to educate employees in the event of a fire

FIRE/EMERGENCY SAFETY TIPS
©Have you checked your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this month? Working detectors do save lives. Please change your batteries once a year.
©It’s always a good time to practice E.D.I.T.H. (EXIT DRILLS IN THE HOME)
© Keep matches and lighters away from children.
© When using gas grills, keep them away from the house and garage. Spare tanks should be kept in a safe ventilated place and the safety plug should be kept screwed into the valve.
© If your clothes catch on fire, cover up your face with your hands and drop to the ground and roll. “STOP DROP AND ROLL“
© Do not leave children unattended near swimming pools, lakes or ponds.
© Please help us keep the fire hydrants clear of snow during wintertime. Adopt a fire hydrant at the City Clerk’s Office, located in City Hall on the 1st floor.
© Please have your furnace and chimney cleaned each year.
Please Remember that the 911 System Is for Emergency Response by Police, Ambulance and Fire Department Personnel. Please use the System, and Teach Your Children How the System
Will Work for them too.

Membership Information

After September 11, 2001 (911) we had a surge of memberships in Volunteer Fire Departments not only in CT but a cross the Nation. The numbers of volunteers has dropped in the last several years and we all need help to continue to serve our communities.

We are looking for some eager, hard working and committed volunteer recruits to join our department. South Meriden Vol. Fire Dept now is accepting applications. We are recruiting citizens from Meriden over the age of 18 who are High School Graduates in good physical health and have a clean police record. No fire fighting experience is necessary; we will train you and send you for training.

We also do recruitment for certified firefighters that live outside of Meriden as long as they can meet our bylaw requirements to do minimum one duty overnight crew a week plus meet our drill, meeting and squad duty requirements.

While volunteering with our department you will gain the experience, knowledge and certification which will help your career search in the emergency service field or just enhance your present career. Our members that have served over two years with us and are in good standing with our department can receive enhancement points that could help them in the hiring process if they choice to apply and test for a City of Meriden Fire Fighters position.

Information about our application process:

We administer a written entrance exam in order to determine if applicants will be able to take and pass the required State of CT Fire Fighter I course and CT Emergency Medical Technician or Medical Response Technician courses which are also mandatory over the first 18 months of membership. We also administer an agility test that helps us determine if the applicants can perform the physical duties of a fire fighter. We also administer an oral interview and perform police and other background checks to ensure that the character and integrity of our prospective members meets our highest standards. South Meriden Vol. Fire is also a drug free environment and we test for drug use.

Interested parties can pick up an application at 31 Camp Street, South Meriden on Monday evenings.


Are you Committed Enough to Cross This Line?
If you are we want to talk to you!

Join a Fine American Tradition
Of Honor, Bravery and Community Service.

Chief Keith Gordon, of Operations


For Father’s Day

My dad was sick with cancer & dying in early 1999. My dad was a very religious man & had very strong beliefs. I do have my own beliefs but they are nowhere as strong as his, As a young child of about 5 or 6 I along with my dad , my grandfather, & a couple of uncles got to go to & was introduced to stock car racing at the old Savin Rock speedway in W, Haven. I became addicted to it. My dad always liked it but I loved it. I also loved the fact that at that young age I got to hang with "The big guys”. it was always a special time in my memory. That Feb. in 1999 we all knew pop wouldn't be around much longer. I called my dad & asked him if I could come over & watch the Daytona 500 on tv with him. I knew it would be the last time we could do that together. During the course of the race with him falling in & out of sleep there was a big wreck & the race was red flagged for awhile. During the break the tv people went to some interviews of some of the drivers, one was a fellow named Randy Lajoie. he was a champion in a lower series & only drove in the "cup cars" once in awhile as a backup or fill-in driver, he had many offers to move up to the top series but when asked in this interview why he didn't his answer was because "he had been brought up to believe that Sundays (the day most of the "cup" races are run) are to be used for spending time with family & going to church & so forth. The other series that he was a champion in ran mostly on Sat. nights & he preferred that schedule better. My dad upon hearing that said “you have to respect a man that can hold on to his beliefs like that even if it means he won't move up the ladder of success any higher." Fast forward a bit. My dad died that May, & I was left to clean up all his left over things. He was self employed & one of his projects that he was designing & building was a prototype of a special 3 sided car carrier trailer for hauling crushed cars. (They are all over the place now but at the time where a new idea & pop had some thoughts on how to make them better) it was about 3/4 done & parked in a side yard loaded with a bunch of junk. It had been sitting for at least 2 years, untouched. I didn't know what I was going to do with it. About 2 months after pop had died I got a phone call out of the blue from a guy named Dick Lajoie. Turns out the man owns a junk yard in Norwalk Ct & is Randys father. He was looking for a special trailer like the one he heard we had & wanted to buy it. We had not advertised it anywhere or told anyone that it was for sale. I don't know how he found about it but it sure seems like my dad & that family somehow made some connection. Dick just said he heard it through the grapevine somewhere & didn't even remember who had told him. It sure makes a person stop & think about an awful lot. I became friendly with the man; he bought our trailer & even got me some tickets to a race in New Hampshire. I still go to that race every year. I miss you pop Happy Fathers Day Walt Sawallich Jr



Helping Hands Thrift Store

I would like to remind the people that their “no longer needed” items can and do help others. By donating articles from clothing to furniture at the Helping Hands Thrift Store located at 22 No. Turnpike Road in Wallingford victims of Domestic Violence at the Chrysalis Center have been able to receive any help needed from us which has been anything from clothing, toys, furniture at no cost with proof they have been referred to us. Being our main concern we would like to help get the word out that there is help available as no one should have to live in fear of physical and mental abuse from another person. If someone wants to get out of such a situation a phone call is all that is needed for help.

Donations offered to the store also help the Childhood Dreams Organization and the Meriden Humane Society. The Meriden Humane Society has been given items for different fundraisers they have organized to help with the care of so many homeless, mistreated animals and have a no kill policy for their organization. Right now we are helping them by offering the public hand made beautiful pillows with different pictures of cats, dogs, horses and even Clifford the Big Red Dog at only $3.00 each!

It is that time of the year to clean your basement, attic or buy new furniture so why not donate it if it is in good condition and can help others. Helping Hands Thrift Store offers Free pick up for donations of furniture in good condition or other large quantities of donations by calling the store at (203) 284-0300 Tues.-Sat. 9a.m.-5p.m. and Sundays 10a.m.-3p.m. The public has been great in responding knowing our store supports these organizations and will offer help to the Community when referred to us with PROOF of their need at no cost to the client.

It is a wonderful feeling knowing that you are helping others by donating no longer needed items to help someone else.

Remember at tax time you are allowed to claim donations made even without a tax receipt up to a certain amount!

The above mentioned Organizations and Helping Hands Thrift Store would like to say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

EARTH TALKFrom the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What is the status of wetlands in North America? Years ago I remember that wetlands loss, due to development and sprawl, was accelerating fast, but I haven’t heard much on the topic of late. -- John Mossbarger, La Jolla, CA

Wetlands serve as primary habitat for thousands of wildlife species—from ducks to beavers to insects—and form an important ecosystem link between land and water. They also play a key role in maintaining water quality, as they filter out agricultural nutrients and absorb sediments so that municipal water supplies don’t have to. On and near shorelines, wetlands provide a natural buffer against storm surges and rising floodwaters, helping to disperse and absorb excess water before it can damage life and property.

The eradication of wetlands in the so-called New World began when white settlers, intent on taming the land, started developing homesteads and town sites throughout what was to become the United States and Canada. Researchers estimate that at the time of European settlement in the early 1600s, the land that was to become the lower 48 U.S. states had 221 million acres of wetlands. By the mid-1980s, following another great period of loss after World War II when army engineers drained huge swaths of formerly impenetrable marshes and swamps, the continental U.S. had only 103 million wetland acres remaining.

Across the U.S. and Canada, the vast majority of wetlands—about 85 percent—have been destroyed in the name of agricultural expansion. Other major factors include road building, residential development, and the building of large facilities like shopping malls, factories, airports and, ironically, reservoirs.

But growing awareness about the importance of wetlands has led to new regulations aimed at protecting those that remain. A variety of state and federal programs, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wetland Reserve Program (whereby landowners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their own private property), have been effective in stemming the tide of wetlands loss. During the 1990s the rate of wetlands loss in the U.S. declined by some 80 percent over previous decades. But the nation is still losing upwards of 50,000 wetland acres per year, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The issue is of even greater concern in Canada, which harbors a quarter of the world’s remaining wetlands in its northern boreal forests. According to Natural Resources Canada, fully 14 percent of Canada’s total land mass is in the form of wetlands. Researchers believe that about 50 million acres of wetlands have been lost in Canada since European settlement. Underscoring the correlation between urbanization and wetlands loss, less than .2 percent of Canada’s wetlands lie within 25 miles of major urban centers today.

On the global level, 158 governments are signatories to the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty that provides a framework for international cooperation in the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Some 1,743 wetland sites—totaling almost 400 million acres—have been protected as “Wetlands of International Importance” under the terms of the treaty. Although the Ramsar treaty can do little to stop illegal or legal draining of wetlands, its very existence highlights how seriously the majority of the world’s countries take protecting land formerly thought of as God-forsaken and useless.



Study Shows Children's Web Sites May Be Entertaining, But May Also Make Kids Cry; Most Popular Sites Commercialized; Some 'Sell' Kids' Creations Back to Them

Publishers of many major children's Web sites should do a better job disclosing sales and advertising information to parents, especially as more kids at younger ages go online to play and meet friends, says a study released today by Consumer Reports WebWatch and the Mediatech Foundation of Flemington, N.J. For the study, parents in 10 families used video cameras to keep journals, providing insights into the way children use sites such as Club Penguin, Webkinz, Nick Jr., Barbie.com and others. Footage from those journals, which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/cwwkids, illustrates how young children respond to advertising and marketing tactics online.

The study, "Like Taking Candy from a Baby: How Young Children Interact with Online Environments," used ethnographic methods and focused on young children, ages 2? to 8. It can be found in its entirety online at: http://www.consumerwebwatch.org/pdfs/kidsonline.pdf

Some key findings:

- Children as young as 2 1/2 years of age are able to go online.

- The most popular young children's sites are moderately to heavily commercialized. When rated by our test parents on a scale from 1 (not commercialized) to 5 (extremely commercialized), the 21 sites considered in this study scored a mean rating of 3.47.

- Web sites frequently tantalize children, presenting enticing options and even threats that their online creations will become inaccessible unless a purchase is made. Some sites show attractive options that invite a click, but lead to a registration form instead. Some sell a child's prior experience - a room they've built for a virtual pet, for instance - back to them, using statements such as, "If you cancel your membership, then your belongings will go into storage and will be automatically retrieved when you re-subscribe."

- Most sites we observed promote the idea of consumerism. The most common technique uses a reward-for-work basis, awarding "points, coins or dollars" for success and achievement that can then be used to "buy" items such as clothing, makeup, big-screen TVs or other accessories for virtual pets or avatars.

- The games we observed vary widely in quality, in educational value, and in their developmental match with children's abilities. Such mismatches often result in frequent cries for help.

"There's no doubt young children love to go online, and we observed examples of wholesome, good quality, Web-delivered content," said Warren Buckleitner, the study's author. "But after watching ten hours of typical online play, we were shocked at the extent of manipulative behavior. This study shows that no one - neither parents nor publishers - really knows what is going on when children start up a browser. Ideally, the sites kids encounter should be designed by people with degrees in child development instead of MBAs."

"There's nothing more painful than watching a young child cry," Buckleitner said. "But unfortunately, that's the end result for too many children who are spending time with 'state-of the-art' children's online content."

The study makes these and other recommendations for parents:

- Keep an eye on the screen. Set up the home computer in a central location so you can see what your child is doing. Lend a hand or suggest an activity that matches your child's interests or abilities and pay attention to the directions his or her activities take.

- Be suspicious of "free" offers. As in the real world, free lunches are rare, and this is a concept children can't understand. Don't expect young children (and many adults) to understand the well-worn caution: "If something looks too good to be true, it probably is."

- Read before you click. Before you or your children click on the "I agree" button, scour terms-of-use agreements and privacy policies to make sure you aren't agreeing to share information you don't want known. At worst, publishers make such disclosures inconvenient to read and awkward, so you are tempted to click an agreement and move on. Those emotions can be amplified when you have an anxious toddler pressing you. Also, don't download software before verifying it won't alter your computer's settings.

"We believe parents need a more complete picture of the Web sites where their young children are spending an increasing amount of time," said Beau Brendler, director of Consumer Reports WebWatch. "One test family spent $1,316 in a year on stuffed animals on a single site. Some sites play for profit on a child's emotions to the degree we saw begging, tantrums and even tears in the videos."

Dear Housewives – Central Connecticut’s Know It All Gals!
Dear Readers,

Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue.

Let us all make this summer a summer filled with adventure.

June and Flora

Dear Housewives,

Can you two tell me what makes a parent an involved one. I have toddlers and I want to be involved and I just don't know how. I don't want to be overbearing though, I have seen that unfold. And tell me why are some parents interested and involved and others are not.

Mother of two toddlers in Meriden

FLORA: An involved parent is one that is interested in their child's life. Listen to them. Find out what their strengths are, the things that make them excited not depleted. Communicate with them from the beginning and do not stop the dialogue. Lay off the cell phone and have conversations in the car and while you are walking around.

Read-Read-Read. Read to your children from birth and you will develop a bond for life. No matter how busy a parent is, they can and should take some time to sit and read to their child.

Who are the involved ones? Perhaps it's a parent that likes to have some sort of control on things in life. Control, but in a healthy way. The ones that want to know, that seek answers, the ones that wonder. You may have friends like that. The friends that you can have lengthy discussions about life. They are the change makers in life, doing their little bit to make the world better by raising children that will be productive citizens. Informed parents usually are more involved.

JUNE: Wow, this is a question! Common sense will tell you if you are involved. Do you know where your kid goes, what they do in school or who their friends are? Do you know their teacher? You don't have to be overbearing, you can allow your child to have their own time and you don't have to know every little detail of their day. If you take the time to play with your child, read to your child and do the things I mentioned above, you are pretty involved in their lives.

I can't answer why some parents are interested and some aren't. Some may not have had the type of parents to set an example when they were growing up or some are selfish and self absorbed. I often wondered why these people have kids. I think they think they have to. Keep up the good work mom, I bet you are doing a great job.

FLORA: Yes, some may not have had the role models growing up to set a good example. When you become an adult (the time to have children, not before...) you can break the cycle of any family issues that were not positive. It can and will be challenging, but a committed person, with support can break destructive, unhealthy patterns from childhood. So, if you did not have parents that were interested in you and involved, you can change your family tree.

Children only know what they see in our actions, not by what we say. So listen to them, ask questions, read to them and encourage them to blossom in where their strengths are.

Dear Housewives,

How do I fit exercise into my life. I do not work outside the home but have 3 children under 8 and baby-sit a few hours a week for a friend. I need a routine. Can you offer any tips?

Waist is not wasting away in Wallingford

JUNE: It is hard once you have more than one child to get into a work out regime. Energy is a big issue too. I have found if I make plans to walk or work out with a friend I will not be as apt to skip it because someone else is counting on you. Try to get enough sleep at night and eat healthy. This will give you more energy. There are local gyms that have very affordable rates and if you can get a friend to go with you then you can lose the weight together. No need to be in competition, you can help each other. Especially if you are both similar in the amount of weight you want to lose. Flora and I had a our first walk together "date" and it was fun and we got a good walk out of it. See you next time Flora.
FLORA: Invest in some DVD's. Browse around the Fitness Section of your local book store. If a workout is 30 minutes or less, you may be more committed to it. Get the sleep as June mentioned but rise 40 minutes earlier and do your DVD before the day begins to get moving. If your children are early risers, let them watch you. I remember doing ab exercises with my toddler crawling all over me.

JUNE: I look forward to our next 'walking date'. What a workout!


HW Chit Chat

Hi there June, I saw a good movie and it was only 4 years old! It was a 2004 film titled "A Love Song for Bobby Long" that starred John Travolta and Scarlett Johansson. I loved the characters and was lost in the movie. It was the story of an 18 years old young woman returning home to New Orleans after her estranged mother died. The house she sought to reclaim is inhabited by two alcoholics. The movie develops the characters and the relationships between all three of them. It showed me once again that everyone has a story and when we pass a stranger and wonder why would they live like that or wonder why people make the choices they do, it all has to do with 'their story'. this is one story that I enjoyed.

Wow Flora, are you up to the 2004's already? This is one I never saw too. Maybe I will give it a try. Here is a movie for you. "Juno". We watched it this past weekend and it was pretty good actually. It is the story of a 16 year old girl who gets pregnant and decides to give the baby to a couple who can't get pregnant. There are some surprises in the movie and the actors did a nice job developing their respective characters. All in all a pretty good Indy to rent.

Also, my oldest Junebug and I went to his friend's birthday party and saw "Narnia II: Prince Caspian". It was very good. A lot of fighting though. My son loved it and I have to say, so did I. Go see it everyone. It is a good one for the big screen.


Porcupine story
By Dorothy Gonick

Recently a 2nd grade friend, Jacob, gave me his drawing of a porcupine, for which I have written this story.

The full moon was rising when Jake and Porky awoke hungry for food. Mama porcupine was brushing her quills after a day’s sleep. She gazed fondly at her young ones who were growing bigger and had been begging to spend the night with her as she wandered in the forest. They were so excited when mother said, ‘Tonight is the night!”

After tumbling from the hollow tree trunk that was their home, Jake and Porky followed closely behind mama. Mama cautioned them, saying “Remember what our home smells like, and you’ll find it easily when we come back.” As they waddled along, mama led them to patches of clover and skunk cabbage for delicious food. They tried other leaves and then Mama began gnawing on a twig, reminding them that they had sharp teeth and could gnaw small tasty twigs. She said that as they grew older, they would find that tree limbs and bark would make a good meal, especially when winter snows covered most shrubs and plants. There were many strange sounds in the night which scared them and caused their quills to rise, so they looked like walking pincushions. They kept close to Mama who explained that animals seldom bothered porcupines because they feared their spiny quills, and the noises were part of the night world.

On another outing Mama called them to follow her as she chose a nearby pine tree and began climbing. Jake and Porky looked at each other in surprise. ‘Oh, come on my porcupettes, you’ve got sharp claws that will bring you up this tree. Jake began climbing and said, “Wow! This is great, come on Porky—we can do it.” And Porky did. Mama was sitting in the crotch of the tree waiting for them to clamber onto it. She told them that this was one of her favorite perches for sleeping during the daytime, away from any danger on the ground. It was safer to search for food during the nighttime, when dogs and
big creatures were usually asleep. After resting and nibbling on the spicy pine needles, Mama led the way down the tree and they slowly waddled along the path to their home, where they sleepily curled into prickly balls and slept their tiredness away.

After several excursions with Mama, Jake and Porky felt bold enough to wander outside all by themselves. Mama smiled as she watched them go. Finding tasty food to nibble was easy. Nighttime noises sounded eerier without Mama along. They came to a young tree whose bark showed it had been gnawed. Jake said, “this must be a tree that Mama’s chewed on, let’s climb up and have a meal in safety.” They climbed that young tree; found a sturdy branch to sit on and began to nibble its bark. From their high perch they looked below and saw an animal emerge from nearby Beaver Pond and stop below them. It was big and looked like Papa, but had no quills. To their surprise, it began gnawing on the base of their tree. Jake and Porky sat as if frozen to their branch quivering with fear. Suddenly the tree began swaying and landed into the water with a big splash! The little porcupines were thrown from their perch and dunked into the pond. Because their quills were hollow and filled with air, Jake and Porky popped to the surface like balloons, and quickly began paddling like crazy to reach the shore and clamber up the muddy bank. Shaking off the water, they hurried home to tell Mama of the frighteningly huge animal that dumped them into the pond and of how they escaped by paddling across to safety.

What a tale they had to tell their mother!


“I’M THE BABY!”
by Audrey Linke

The new mothers in the maternity ward passed around an innocent looking sewing box. When the nurses were out of the room each mother would locate the hidden make-up in the box and quickly transform their pale lips and cheeks to a healthy-looking pink. It was against hospital rules to wear make-up, but husbands and other family members would soon arrive and each mother wanted to look her best.

Gram had come up from New York to take care of Bob, Jeannette, and Alice and they all came to the hospital with Papa to visit me and Mama. Bob had planned to ask Mama to send me back and get a boy, but when he saw me he changed his mind. “Let’s keep her,” he said, and from then on he was my willing slave. Bob was ten years old when I arrived, a devoted big brother. Jeannette, at eight, was my second mother, loving and attentive, always. She and Bob fought over who would carry me upstairs and they fought over who would carry me upstairs and they fought over who would carry me downstairs. Alice had mixed emotions—she was five and a half and used to having things pretty much her own way. She proclaimed that she “wasn’t going to be any ‘servant’ to that darned little baby!” Later, when she was finally allowed to start school she conceded that it was a “good thing that Mama had the baby or she would never let me go to school.” It was probably true-Mama didn’t like to be left home without a child to keep her company.

Bob, Jeannette, and Alice had been born at home, but Doctor Harvey sent Mama to Griffin Hospital in Derby to await the arrival of her fourth child—me, Audrey Lucille Cable, and arrive I did, on May 20, 1923. Mama spent a whole week in the hospital waiting for me, and although she kept busy rolling bandages and helping in other ways, for her it was like a wonderful vacation, the rest Dr. Harvey knew she needed.
On May 29th, Mama’s 30th birthday, Dr. Harvey drove us home to the farm behind the Episcopal Church in Oxford Center. He said he wished he was taking home a baby just like me. Who could blame him?



Food for thought…..redux!
by Ernie Larsen

My last article somewhat established my emergence as, well I guess I’d be considered a ‘foodie’. Maybe that’s not the correct connotation, but I do like to cook, collect recipes, entertain, enjoy different dining experiences and once a year compete in the Durham Fair baking competitions; so now what? Well with the price of gas going beyond belief, a lot of people are opting to stay home – not eating out – time for some good home cooked chow.

And then I realized a lot of people really do not have a basic knowledge of food preparation and meal planning. An easy way to plan meals is ask everyone their favorite dish and feature it a different night each week, or even better have people involve themselves with the meal prep. Cooking really isn’t that intimidating – as long as you have the right ingredients and basic cooking implements.

I could suggest some of our ‘staples’ of the past and of late – may not be to everyone’s taste – here goes:
1. American Chop Suey (goulash)
2. Cube Steaks
3. Tacos/beef/chicken/tuna
4. Sautéed chicken w/artichokes, capers, etc…
5. Macaroni and cheese
6. Hungry Jack casserole
7. Kielbasa, kraut and mashed potatoes
8. Pork chops in the Crock Pot/slow cooker
9. Stuffed peppers
10. Pasta, sauce, sausage, meatballs

Most of the dishes revolve around a main ingredient, be it beef, chicken, pork or tuna. My son was never a fan of red meat and we always made sure he had chicken or tuna dish. Believe it or not, a tuna taco is pretty tasty.

So, you say you don’t want to spend all that time preparing food – well there are a lot of convenience foods out there, I remember when I was a little tyke, shopping with my mother Franco-American spaghetti was as convenient as food got; then Chef Boy-Ar-Dee came on the market with ‘authentic’ Italian pasta packaged with sauce and cheese as an easy way to prepare a meal. Just add a salad and loaf of crusty breads and you’ll think you are in Venice. Then it was the advent of the TV dinner – the premise being food that was already prepared, portioned and packaged – so you just heat it and sit in front of the tube and have your evening or whatever meal. That was a novelty in our house, my mother cooked and the guys ate and it wasn’t TV dinners or prepared food – the only ‘food from outside’ we had on a regular basis was pizza and then only from the Little Rendezvous on Pratt Street, a tradition which continues to this day.

So, getting back to convenience foods, well, nowadays, they’ve rounded the corner and some, in my opinion, border on the ridiculous. Just yesterday in the supermarket I noticed already garlic mashed garlic potatoes, one pound for $2.99 when just steps away a bag of ten pounds of potatoes was selling for $1.89….yes that’s right. And another ridiculous item, in my eyes, is already cooked bacon or how about already chopped onions, although they’ve been around a while; there are a few more things that are available, some are just pure laziness, however there must be a market or they wouldn’t be on the shelves. So you see, if you really don’t want to cook, there are alternatives. One of the most popular convenience foods in markets these days are the store roasted chickens. Almost every supermarket you enter offers some version of this item, some whole chickens, some featuring turkey breast/parts, various flavorings and sizes.
I have to admit we have taken advantage of these chickens for a quick meal – either with just a salad or some potato salad (home made) but you could go the all-convenience route, buy the chicken at the deli, a container of potato salad or Cole slaw, add some grilled veggies from the deli case – I’d estimate you could do a meal for 4 for about $10-12. And there are so many more foods that require little or no preparation available in the grocery store, it’s mind-boggling. I remember another meal from the past, fish sticks and mac and cheese. Real baked macaroni, not the boxed imitation cheese stuff, this was a Friday night special. So many memories, all centered on food, which real life seems to be revolve around, remembering my thoughts from my first food writings..
So, I gave you some hints for meal planning and I was thinking someone may want an easy recipe; well here’s one with two main ingredients, couldn’t be easier and I’m happy to share it with you:


Crock Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients:
Four (4) boneless pork chops, 1” thick*
One (1) can of cream of mushroom soup, condensed
Method:
Season chops with salt, pepper or pepper blend
Brown each side in skillet or on grill
Scoop out soup mixture into Crock pot, place chops in pot
(if browned in a pan deglaze with wine and pour mixture into crock pot)
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours
Serves up to 4 depending on portion size
Serve this with mashed potatoes and canned yellow corn

I made this recipe just last week, went home at lunch, seasoned up the chops, browned on a grill pan with ridges, deglazed the pan put the soup mixture and deglazing liquid in the pan added the chops and set it on high for 4 hours. You get fork tender, tasty chops. For a variation on the cooking use a can of stewed tomatoes instead of the soup. Or you can use different types of condensed soup; the soup actually makes a nice sauce to accompany the chops.

If you don’t have a Crock-Pot, they are available in many department/discount stores, saw one the other day for just $12.00. On the Rival, inventor of the slow cooker Crock Pot, they have a 3.5 quart model for $19.99 and I’m sure the discounters will sell this for a lot less.
Now you see making a home-cooked meal is not really that difficult, even from scratch. Give it a try, get the family together, have some good conversation, find out what the kid’s are doing, how school or work is going; remember, talk is good.

Enjoy……

* I wait until these go on sale and buy the family packs and break them down into 4 chops packages and freeze them, very economical, okay cheap, but nowadays, every penny counts, eh?.


Harriett
By Anthony Di Pietro

Harriett was a young female different from all the others. She had been very choosy when it came to males. She chose the best looking of the pack when the time came to choose a father for her children. She also chose the best neighborhood where to set up her dwelling. There were so many houses and she couldn’t make up her mind in which to dwell. It had to offer all the beauty and all the amenities her youngsters would enjoy. The one she finally chose had beautiful landscape and there was a huge Chinese lantern under the weeping cherry; and she loved that. She liked the idea that when her babies looked out at night they would see not only the moonlight but also the light from the Chinese lantern.

As she located the right spot where to build her dwelling a strange soft wind started to blow from the forest nearby lifting up all the dead leaves. She knew that’s something was up because suddenly all the animals in the forest were quiet. The big wise barn owl that was perched up on the oak tree warned all of them that they had just about one week to fortify their dwellings. A big storm like a hurricane was coming upon them and they needed strong refuges.

Harriet knew that her babies would arrive very soon and therefore couldn’t waste too much time. In the house with the weeping trees lived four beautiful and trustworthy women. She knew that if something happened to her somehow they would raise her babies. That night under the watchful eyes of the moon she dug the most beautiful borough. Then she collected the softest twigs and beautiful leaves and made a beautiful and comfortable bed. Then in order to make it cozy she started to remove chunks of her fur and made the bed soft and warm. Then, she rested. She was very tired and needed to sleep. When she woke up she realized she had given birth to four beautiful babies. They were all different. One had a white spot on the head that looked like a star; just like the father. She was very proud of herself. She tended to those babies day and night and was so very happy when she saw that they had grown a fur.

That night the wind started howling and all the trees bent because of the strength of the wind. Harriett rushed to her babies and stayed with them reassuring them that everything was all right. Then the rain came and it rained for days and two nights. It rained so much that her dwelling filled with water. Harriett tried so hard to remove the water but she just couldn’t. At daybreak with the fear of being spotted she left the borough heart broken leaving her children behind. The babies being so young tried to swim out but almost drowned. They were found on top of the lawn cold, wet and almost dead. The women of the house took the heaving bunnies inside the house, dried them all up with towels. Then used a hairdryer to keep them warm. Even the small dog that lived in the house took pity on the little bunnies. She tried to be part of the rescue team but was told to stay away. That really offended her because she really had noble thoughts. It took them a few days to get accustomed in raising four wild little bunnies. Nonetheless they succeeded. The little rabbits grew and grew and they moved from baby formula on to the best hand picked grass that they loved to eat. Irol, the youngest of the four women found a great patch of clover. She would pick the tenderest leaves for her new friends. She also made little bouquets of clover flowers and placed them in the center of their box. The rabbits loved the flowers so much that they didn’t dare eat. Well once in a while when Irol didn’t look, they did.

Harriett went back to her borough after the big rainfall but found nothing. No sign of her children, nothing. She made many suppositions; maybe her babies had drowned, maybe a big animal had eaten them; maybe…. she didn’t want to think anymore. She was desperate and went to live in the forest for fear of being seen. She spent lots of time at the edge of the forest hoping that somehow by magic her babies would appear. She kept a watchful eye on the house with the weeping trees. What she found very odd is that the girls would go out to pick dandelions and lots of clover. Humans don’t eat such grass. Could her babies be alive in the house? By this time she had built a much stronger and more secure borough in the woods; this one would not get destroyed easily and all she needed now was for her babies to be with her.

A month went by and the bunnies had really gotten big and now were eating on their own. It was decided that on that colorful fall Sunday the bunnies would be released at the edge of the woods. After all they were born in the wild and could not be held captive. The rabbits had grown attached to the girls and loved to play with them. They also longed to play in the open by the woods and knew that they belonged there.

That Sunday as usual, Harriett was at the edge of the woods when the girls appeared with a big brown box in their hands. She could not imagine what was inside the box therefore she moved deeper into the woods in order not to be seen. When the girls reached inside the box one the bunnies let out a loud squeal, Harriett heard it and her heart began to pound like a crazy drum. Could those be her babies? The girls said good-bye to the bunnies. Kissed them gently on their head and then placed them on the grass near the woods. At first the bunnies didn’t know what to do. Then realized that they were free and ran for cover in the woods. Harriett without being seen had come closer and when her babies entered the woods hurriedly she gather them together. She couldn’t stop licking them and the babies in turn recognizing their mother playfully were jumping over her not being able to contain their joy. The girls saddened at first saw that Harriet had gathered her babies. They were happy to see they were reunited with their mother. Then they disappeared in the vegetation.

It was a long winter and the girls and the girls always left plenty of food outside hoping that their little friends in the woods would come out and eat. Then spring came and the snow melted. The grass began to grow and along with the grass the beautiful patch of clover with many many flowers.

Once in a while in the morning when the girls open the back door that leads to the woods; in front of the door the girls find bouquets of flowers of clover. Just like the ones they used to make and place in the boxes of their furry friends.




Emily Schmidt, Age 13, 8th grade at Lincoln Middle School
Eight in the morning on April 12th, my family all woke. We put the finishing touches on our luggage, ensured that the house was tidy, and finally hopped into a limousine service vehicle. After two hours, we atlast arrived in the JFK airport of New York. We passed through security quickly, and were soon on the runway. for two hours! When the delay was finally over, we took off for a six-hour flight that would take us to Paris, France.
Since long before I was born, my Uncle Keith has lived in an apartment in Paris. We always had talked about visiting, but I had never dreamed I would actually go there, not until I was an adult anyways. But when, at the beginning of seventh grade, my parents flew over without us kids, things looked promising. They were barely home before we were talking about flying the whole family out. We finally did arrive in Paris the morning of the thirteenth. Because of the time difference, we were on the plane at five in the evening and arrived at six in the morning. If you didn't sleep on the plane, there was no chance of sleeping in Paris. My uncle, my mother's brother, had arranged for a taxi to pick us up. He was there on time, and despite his rather reckless driving, we arrived at our hotel promptly. In several minutes, our Uncle arrived.
Paris was nothing like I expected. Truth is, I didn't know what to expect. The streets were impossibly narrow, with buildings hundreds of years old towering above us. It was a peculiar set up, with endless winding streets and alleys. The streets were crowded with shops, apartment buildings, and hotels. It was beautiful.
We stayed in Paris for three full days. During this time, we visited Notre Dame, the Louvre, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. The city is immense, but set up so that you can walk or take the metro anywhere you need to get. Other than several taxi rides to and from the airport, these were our only forms of transportation. Well, unless you count the boat trip down> the river running through Paris. And, believe it or not, all that walking wasn't half bad.
Then, it was finally time to fly out again. This time, we were only on a plane for an hour or so, bound for Corsica. My uncle owns a condo on this small island off the coast as well. Flying over, you got the most beautiful view of the mountains.
When we arrived, a taxi service brought us to my uncle's condo. We settled down very quickly, and then took off on a walk down "snake path," a small dirt footpath. My mother and uncle stepped on a snake on this path during my parents' first visit. And so, its name was born. It was, though, a very convenient path. By taking it, and then several short roads, you could be at the beach in five minutes. The water? Clear turquoise. The sand? Incredibly fine. The view? Indescribable: the Citadel, mountains topped with snow, and most of the island were within view. It was beautiful!
Much of that week in Corsica was spent at the beach, eating at restaurants and enjoying the sun. In Corsica, there are restaurants lined all the way down the beach. you can eat ten feet or less from the water. And the food is delicious. Nothing's artificial like it is here. It's all natural, French goodness. It's a small island, not very well developed just yet. The Corsicans do their very best to keep the big chain hotels off the island, and succeed. It's such a beautiful, preserved place. I could have stayed there a year! But, alas, came Thursday. We had to fly back to Paris. Once again in the great city, we spent the rest of our day wandering the streets, shopping, and doing other little things of the sort. We spent that Friday morning there as well. Around one in the afternoon on Friday, we had to leave Paris behind.
There was no delay getting off the runway, but the flight was longer. We have to go against the wind to get back, so it was seven and a half hours. I could not sleep for most of that time. When we finally did arrive, though, I got a bad case of motion sickness. I was incredibly miserable, and didn't think I could make it all the way home. But, I ended up sleeping, and before I knew it, I was back under the covers, my cat curledup beside me, in the comfort of my own bed.
Bobbie’s Bevy of Beauties
By Bobby Vosgien

Supposedly this is spring? The furnace still goes on eating up the oil that was meant for next winter. When I walk Litl’Bit early in the morning or later in the evening back to the heavy jacket. What happened to our four seasons? The last few years spring has all but disappeared. The only annuals I’ve purchased so are two six packs of salvia. Wouldn’t dare to attempt to plant any annuals yet. They may not freeze but because of the cool weather, their growth could be hindered. Let them stay in the greenhouses where they’ll be warm and comfy cozy. Once the weather is given the okay I shall attach my fingernails have been too clean lately. Am looking forward to getting them dirty once again. The rhododendrons are coming into bloom. So beautiful. Wish the rhodos as well as the other bushes and trees had a longer flowering period. Jimmy hasn’t gotten any of the veggie plants yet. His garden and large pots are waiting to start to produce those great string beans, cukes and tomatoes. Probably are six or more weeks before I can have my favorite sandwich.

Congratulations to our granddaughter Abby who came in 5th in the 5-6 grade state championship spelling bee contest which was held on Saturday, May 10th in Vernon, Connecticut. We are all so proud of her.

The three granddaughters and three parents went to Europe to visit our son. Emmy “MeO” has written a story about their wonderful experience. A family snapshot is also included.

Until the next issue. By then the annuals and veggies should have taken up residence in the gardens once again.

Flowercerely yours,
Bobbie G. Vosgien
P.S. Love and best wishes to our daughter Jodie and son-in-law John on their 20th anniversary on June 11th.


Home Country
Slim Randles

Doc was out back of his place the other day, pruning his grapevines with the kind of precision only a semi-retired practicing surgeon can do. Steve was standing nearby, sipping coffee and watching Doc work. Doc makes good coffee.

There was a rasping sound then, dopplering over Doc’s yard from east to west. Doc, without looking up, said, “Morning Wheezer.”

“Didn’t catch that, Doc.”

“That’s ol’ Wheezer,” Doc said, waving his hand up toward the heavens. “Didn’t you hear him? Mourning dove. Lives here and in the yards on either side. Something’s wrong with his voice.”

“Ah,” said Steve, the cowboy philosopher. He nodded and tried to look wise, but only managed a tilt-headed owl look. But at least he does it well.

Doc sat back and smiled up at Steve. “Ol’ Wheeze there, he’s been around for three years I know of. When he flies over, I always say hello to him. Must be getting old, talking to doves, huh?”

“What’s wrong with his voice?” Steve asked.

“I’m no vet,” said Doc, “but if you’ll go catch him, we can check him out.”

They both laughed.

“The only reason I know he’s a he is because I saw him courting this cute little lady dove this spring. She thought his raspy ol’ voice was charming and wonderful,” Doc said.

“He goes over on Vivian’s roof sometimes, and then back over to Rob’s place, but mainly he lives on my roof and in the tree branches.”

Steve owled up his face and was philosophizing real hard, as anyone could see.

“Whatcha thinkin’, Steve?”

“Just occurred to me, Doc,” he said. “You’ve learned a lot about this bird, and have made him your friend, in a way. And you’ve been able to follow his actions and family life and everything. And none of that would’ve been possible if ol’ Wheezer didn’t have a speech impediment. Without that, he’d be just another bird. Looks like one time when a handicap made life a bit more interesting.”

“It happens that way sometimes,” Doc agreed.
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Brought to you by the good folks at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Give them a hand at www.stjude.org.


My Grammy and Me by Carol Carbutti

I wanted to try and cure my Grammy and even though I was only ten years old I thought I could accomplish that feat. The parlor was empty and Grammy was sitting in her usual large brocade wing chair by the window that overlooked the outdoor entrance to the large kitchen. Her face was beautiful and smiling kindness as if she would say yes to anything I asked of her. Her hands and head were calmly shaking with Parkinsons disease and her cheeks were very pink with a plumped flush look. I pulled my chair over in front of her and asked if I could talk with her and she motioned me forward. My explanation began with a TV show I had watched the day before. The show was Oral Roberts and a parade of healings he performed that day. It impressed me so much I began to think of my Grammy. If Oral Roberts could heal all those people on the show couldn’t he cure my trembling grandmother? I remember her listening so intently to my ramblings and now realize how kind she was not to extinguish my hope. We prayed together that day. Our hands were entwined and I was so earnest in my prayers. She kissed me on the cheek and thanked me for my wish. As I left my grandmother’s house that sunny day with my mom, I believed a miracle was going to happen. I never stopped believing that. Every time I saw her I’d look for a positive sign and hope that Mr. Roberts had read my letter and was working his miracles from afar. Although she died ten years later just before my wedding, I think the childlike belief within me never left me. Hope is a gift I thought I gave her but she really gave it back to me.


A Special Thanks

My Grandfather Robert F. Meyer opened the Yankee Silversmith Inn in 1953. He was an extremely charitable member of the community and brilliant restaurateur. Anyone who knew him was touched by his spirit of generosity. The Yankee Silversmith Inn , it’s charm, history, POPOVERS, thousands of couples wedding , special occasions and holidays memories will remain in the hearts of those who share them. Then there are the hours and hours of singing and fun around the piano bar in the Parlour Car. How could we ever forget about the St Patty’s day , Mardi Gras parties and amazing wine cellar that my uncle Robert A. Meyer made available for us here in Wally world!. I have met people from all over the country with stories of special times spent at this very special Restaurant.

I would like to thank the Mesite family for keeping the Yankee Silversmith Inn as a Wallingford Icon until now. With out the Mesites stepping in at troubled times in 1991 we would of lost our special place 16 years ago. They did a great job cleaning it up and keeping it going. I know my sentiments are shared by the community and of course the members of our family when I express what a very sad time this is to hear it will not be re-opening

In the spirit of my grandparents legacy, I will be honoring them with a tribute story and need your help. I would love to hear from any one with any pictures, funny stories or sentiments to share about a special experience at The Yankee Silversmith Inn. Past employees are strongly encouraged to contact me with stories as well as your contact information if you would be interested in a reunion gathering.


The Best Dad A Daughter Could Ask For

My father, Walter Hafner, is the best dad a daughter could ask for. Born in Germany in 1928, he sure has been through a lot. He moved to the United States in 1957. He was married to my mother for 48 years until she had passed away from cancer in 2005. He also had a son, Hans Hafner, who had passed away in 2004 from complications with his diabetes. He was a very active man with both the Meriden Turner Society and the Meriden YMCA (Meriden Y’s Men). He had been a member of the Meriden Y for 8 years and enjoyed the relationships that he had made there. He now resides at CT Baptist Home in Meriden to get back on his feet after being in rehab at Cocomo post surgery.

My father, whom I call Schmattie, is one in a million. I do not know where I would be without him. He is smart, funny, wise and an all around great man. He is my life! This year in June will be his 80th birthday and ever since I was a child he promised me that he would live to be 100. I look forward to 20 more good years with him. I love him dearly! So on that note, I salute my father on this Father’s Day and look forward to the future with him.

Thank you,
Linda Murphy

Barbara's Bountiful Bouquet
It's hard to believe that another month has come and gone. Between my work schedule and the unusually cold weather, I never had a chance to get to the Community Garden until Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend, May 25th. Oh, my goodness, but the weeds were flourishing. Despite having put down a tremendous amount of hay last fall, there were still weeds coming up all over the garden. Fortunately, the ground was moist, so most of the weeds came out easily. So as I weeded, I started to plant, and by the end of three and a half hours, the garden was transformed. I planted six cherry tomatoes, six unmarked tomatoes (probably Big Boys or something that I had been growing in pots in my "sun room" since mid-April), six artichokes (an experiment for me this year), six basils, and a few zinnias that I had planted in a pot at home. I planted a bunch of seeds, but only three plants emerged. I filled the wheelbarrow three times with weeds and deposited them in the compost section of the Community Garden. Before I left, rather tired, I carefully put hay around all the plants, especially the basil, to protect them from cool nights we are still having. I don't usually start planting until May 30th, but I am hopeful we will not have a frost in the next week or so. I have lots of plans for planting seeds, and that is, of course, the next step. I have two kinds of corn, sunflowers, cucumbers, and wildflowers. I will also be buying lots of marigold six-packs. I do love marigolds. My garlic is almost ready to be pulled, although I think you are supposed to wait until the end of June to harvest it. My one daylily and my catnip are doing okay, although looking slightly iffy at the moment. There were not a lot of gardeners out there on Sunday, but my friend CJ was hard at work, and I brought seed to his garden to fill my bird feeders and got to chat with him for a while. I was just very happy to accomplish as much as I did, but boy am I sore. I thought Monday was bad. Today is Tuesday, and I can just about walk. The joys of getting older! Notice I did not say old. Until next month, I wish everyone a great June, and to all the dads out there, Happy Father's Day! And keep those US flags flying on June 14th, Flag Day. Oooo, I think it's time for some Ben-Gay.
Barbara Sherburne barndt49@yahoo.com


Rescued Cats Need HomesLori Peck, M.H.S. Dedicated Volunteer
First of all, thank you to all of you who have recently adopted from our shelter, donated your time, food and bedding for our animals and for any monetary donations. Many of you have seen or heard on t.v. that the Meriden Humane Society stepped up to the plate in April and rescued 48 cats, kittens and pregnant cats from a New Britain home. These cats were not spayed or neutered, needed their shots and some needed surgery. Because they were all indoors, they were living in their own feces. Now that they are clean and healthy, most of these cats are available for adoption.
One month later, the M.H.S. gets yet another alarming call. To rescue possibly 50 cats, at a Summer St. home in Meriden. There ends up being over 65 cats, kittens and pregnant cats. Some are emaciated and dehydrated, have decayed teeth or upper respiratory infections. Again, these cats are not spayed or neutered. This will cost approximately $175.00 per cat, for shots, neutering, defleeing and deworming. This does not include food or any additional medical costs.
You can imagine how hard the staff and volunteers are working to help all of these animals and to keep our facility clean, but we are desperately in need of monetary funding to do so. We are also looking for volunteers, especially in the morning. We need your help now!
As always, we can always use Purina Cat & Kitten Chow, wet cat food (no fish please), any Lysol products, laundry detergent, paper towels, etc. Please keep us in mind when discarding your old bedding or towels. We use towels, blankets and sheets for animal bedding.
Anything you can do right now, will be appreciated. Please call us at (203)238-3650 or stop by the shelter at 311 Murdock Ave. You can also view some of our animals on our website @ www.meridenhs.petfinder.org. See you at the shelter!