Saturday, May 17, 2008

May 2008 Town News and Events

Wallingford Senior Center News and Events

MAY IS NATIONAL OLDER AMERICANS MONTH
This year’s theme is “Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities.”

STUDENT ART EXHIBIT May 1—3, 2008
The Wallingford Senior Center is the site of the 24th Annual
Jordan Abeshouse Memorial Art Exhibit which showcases the artwork of local students.

A TASTE OF RETIREMENT LIVING on May 21, 10:00—12:00 noon
The chefs of area independent and assisted living retirement communities will share their culinary talents with us on May 21, from 10:00 to noon. Sample delicious fare provided by Ashlar Village and Pond Ridge; Atria Larson Place; Maplewoods at Hamden; and the Orchards at Southington. In addition to the great food, representatives will share information about the services and amenities each community offers. Information, food, and door prizes await you! Register after May 1 by calling 265-7753.

DCF CHILD MENTORING PROGRAM and FREE LUNCH on Thursday, May 22, 11:00 a.m.
The CT Department of Children and Families is celebrating National Foster Care Awareness Month and is holding a special event in our center on May 22. Come learn how you can make a difference in the life of a child by participating in the Youth Mentoring Program. Following the presentation, DCF will provide you with a complimentary lunch catered by Dylan’s Deli. Registration is required. Please call Paulette Limato at DCF (238-8464) by May 15.

MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM
Tuesday, May 27, 11:00 a.m.
Our program of remembrance will include a color guard, guest speaker Raymond Chappell, and the Vintage Voices. Mr. Chappell, President of the Wallingford Historical Society, will speak on the origin and solemn significance of Memorial Day, and will display a variety of commemorative artifacts.

SOCIAL SERVICES

SHINGLES VACCINE

Ever had the painful skin rash, Shingles? If you have had Chicken Pox, you are at risk for Shingles. The new Shingles vaccine reduces the risk of Shingles and its associated pain. Some Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) now cover the Shingles vaccine and administration fees as long as the vaccine is on the plan’s formulary. Check with your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan customer service center (phone number is on card) to find out if you’re covered, and consider being vaccinated.

CT STATEWIDE RESPITE CARE PROGRAM

Do you care for or know someone who has been diagnosed with an irreversible dementia? The Agency on Aging can help if the individual with dementia: has annual income of less than $30,000; has personal cash assets that are less than $80,000 (house is not counted). Services include: adult day care, home health aide, homemaker/companion, skilled nursing care, or short term nursing care. Please contact a respite care manager at 785-8533 for more information.

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

MEETING THE CHALLENGE
Friday, May 16 – 10:15
William Webb, Orientation and Mobility Specialist from Board of Education and Services for the Blind, will talk about safe travel in the neighborhood and community, especially crossing busy intersections. New members always welcome. Register after May 1 by calling 265-7753.

WHERE WILL I LIVE NOW? Affordable, Independent Housing Choices on Wednesday, May 14, 10:00 a.m.

Are you now, or will you be making a decision about a retirement community for yourself, for a parent, or for a family member? Hear a short description of each affordable residential community, ask questions, and pick up information. Housing forum participants include: Elim Park Residential Care Housing; Luther Ridge Independent; Assisted & Congregate Living; Tower One/Tower East; Masonicare Residential Care Housing; Silver Pond Apartments; and the Wallingford Housing Authority. Door prizes and refreshments. Free and open to the public. Please call after May 1 for reservations—265-7753.

IRS STIMULUS PAYMENT

Don’t normally file an income tax return?

People who don’t normally file income tax, and receive Social Security, railroad-retirement benefits, or veteran’s disability compensation are eligible to receive the stimulus payment. What could you get: A payment of $300 ($600 for married couples). What you need to do: Call the senior center and make an appointment for help from the AARP Tax-Aide Program on May 20; or drop by the senior center and pick up Form 1040A; or download a form and get answers to rebate questions at: www.irs.gov.

ELDERLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED TAX RELIEF AND RENTER’S REBATE PROGRAMS

Homeowners Tax Relief Program Deadline:
Elderly Homeowners: May 15
Totally Disabled Homeowners: May 15
Tax Deferral Program: May 15
Additional Veterans’ Program: Oct. 1

Renter’s Rebate Program: Starting May 15 through September 15, this program provides a partial refund of rent and/or utility bills (excluding telephone bills) to individuals who meet criteria for tax relief. Please direct questions to the Assessor’s Office at 294-2001.

CITY OF MERIDEN EVENTS

HERSHEY TRACK & FIELD GAMES

Youths ages 9-14 are invited to participate in the local contest of the nationwide Hershey’s Track & Field Games program taking place on Monday, May 12th at the Maloney High School track. Registration will begin at 5:00PM with the competition to follow at 5:30PM. All participants will receive certificates. Winners will receive ribbons and qualify for the district meet in June.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION & INFORMATION

Registration for Summer Tennis Lessons and the two Meriden Nature Camp sessions is underway at the Parks & Recreation office. Information on the 2008 Summer Playground Program & the Spike It! Volleyball Camp can also be obtained.

MERIDEN SKATEPARK

The Meriden Skatepark, located on the corner of Coe Avenue & Hamilton Street, has the following hours of operation(weather permitting):

School Days 2:00PM-Dusk

Non-School Days 11:00AM-Dusk

INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM

May is the final month for the 2007-2008 Indoor Public Swim Program at the Maloney HS pool. The pool’s weekly schedule is as follows: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM. Daily updates are available on Recreation Activity Line(630-4279). June 1st will be the final day the pool is open in the current program year. 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. Passes are good for the calendar year in which they are purchased, including the Outdoor Public Swim Program at the Hubbard Park pool. Avoid those long summer lines and get your pass today!

CASTLE CRAIG

The vehicle access road to Castle Craig is open daily from 10:00AM-4:45PM, weather permitting. The entrance to the road is located under the eastern Interstate 691 overpass in Hubbard Park.

SCRAPBOOKING

Creative Memories offers scrapbooking daycamps for youths ages 7-14 for ten weeks throughout the summer. Please call 379-8197 to register for this activity or to learn more about hosting a special “Kid’s Crop.” All materials are provided.


MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER

Meriden Center and Skyview Center are sponsoring a “Senior Center Health Fair” at the Senior Center on Wednesday, May 14 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center. A free box lunch will be served to the first 300 attendees and the event will feature vendor tables, free samples, health screenings, and information about health and well being opportunities. The keynote speaker at 11:00 AM will be author Lynn McPhelimy on the topic of Life Choices. She has been featured on the TV show Oprah with her book “In the Checklist of Life”. The “Senior Center Health Fair” also features displays from Meriden agencies serving the elderly and is an opportunity for seniors, caregivers and family members to learn about the many fine services offered for senior citizens in our community.

Participating agencies at the Health Fair include Anthem, MidState Medical Center, LaPlanche Clinic, Aetna, Health Net, Miller Memorial Community, Agency on Aging of South Central CT, Social Security Administration, Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council, Senior Whole Health, Companions and Homemakers, the Bradley Home, Water’s Edge Center for Health Rehabilitation, MidState VNA, BCI Financial Mortgage Corporation, Meriden Center, the Eye Center, RSVP of Central CT, Rushford Center, the Scooter Store, Elder Law Attorney Dan Tully, the Meriden Health Department, the Village at Kensington Place, Silver Springs Care Center, Assisted Living Services, Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care and more. Join us on May 14 for the “Senior Center Health Fair” at the Max E Muravnick Senior Center. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend!

Starting Thursday, May 15 Senior Center staff will begin taking applications for the Rent Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut. The program provides eligible renters with money back on their 2007 rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. To be eligible, applicants must have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2007 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability. Proof of 2007 income must be presented, including a copy of your 2007 income tax return, if filed, Social Security 1099, and all other income. Income limits are $29,800 for a single person and $36,500 for a married couple. Proof of 2007rent and utilities must also be presented. For further information contact the Senior Center at 237-0066.

The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program will be held at the Senior Center on Wednesday, July 23 and Friday, July 25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Five good reasons to take the class are:
Learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and much more in this 8-hour course.
Find out how to adjust to age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time.
Get an insurance discount.
You don’t have to take a test.
Millions of people have taken advantage of this valuable course.

The course fee is $10 and people can sign-up by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066. The program will be limited to the first 30 people who register so sign-up today!

Free hearing aid assistance will be offered on Tuesday, May 13 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.

Our Older Americans’ Month Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, May 22 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Entertainment will be provided by the Stan Scott and His Band. The dinner menu, served from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, will be a fresh fruit cup, chicken marsala, baked potato with sour cream and chives, petite peas and mushrooms, dinner roll and strawberry layer cake. Tickets are available now at the Senior Center for $6 per person for Meriden residents. Get your ticket today and join us for our Older Americans’ Month Dinner Dance!

For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.

John F. Hogarth
Director
Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center
April 25, 2008

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