July 2008 Town News and Events

Town News and Events July 2008
Meriden Mayor’s Corner
Mark Benigni
Dear Friends,

I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to be your mayor. You have given me so much and I am very grateful. Thank you Meriden!

Thank you to the Meriden City Council and our dedicated city staff. You have done an amazing job of improving Meriden and you deserve all the credit. Meriden is in good hands.

I am not going to discuss improved finances, creative public safety initiatives, educational improvements, or new homes and businesses. I know you are all saying no, not that again! What I want to share are some reflections on the important things in life, people and the connections we make with them.

This job, and it is a great job, gave me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. I will never forget all the ribbon cuttings, ceremonies, and conversations that I shared with Meriden citizens.

As I say farewell, I fondly remember: my council colleagues, Mayor’s Corner guests, Spirit of Meriden Award winners, state and national championship teams, Diner Tour visitors, and all the citizens, (children, adults and seniors) who have dedicated their time and talents to make Meriden a better place for all of us.

Thank you to Jackie Fordiani and Lori Canney, my loyal team at City Hall. You two are terrific, you make me and the City of Meriden look good every day. I will miss the laughs and good times that we have shared together. I would also like to thank my friends who stood by me through the tough times and celebrated with me during the good times.

To my family, you are never alone when you have a wonderful family. My aunts, uncles, in-laws and relatives have always been an excellent support network.

To my beautiful wife Amy, you taught me how to trust and love and you gave me the greatest gifts of all, Bria and Blake. I love you all very much. To my brothers, John and Brian. I probably never told you that I am lucky to have you as brothers and very proud of you both.

Mom and Dad, you may not win awards or get public notoriety for all you have done. But you are my heroes! It’s not a degree or job title that matters. The title that matters most is that of Mom & Dad! I hope I can be half as good a parent as you have been to me. I am so proud of you.

I’ve walked everyday, proud to be your mayor, and excited about my job and the future of our city. I loved every minute of it. Thank You! I never did this job for a newspaper picture or T.V. news story. It was never about making money. It was about making a difference. I did it because I love this city and I am inspired by our citizens.

Nobody will ever tell me or convince me that Meriden is not a great place to grow up. No negative letter to the editor or rude comment will sway me from not believing in our city or challenging our citizens to fight for our hometown.

Meriden is and will continue to be my home.

I am honored to have had the opportunity to be your mayor and thankful to live in such a great city.

Thank you Meriden – For believing with me!
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Wallingford Mayor’s Corner

Dear Friends:
Summer is here again. Our Parks and Recreation Department and Stop and Shop are sponsoring, Twilight Tunes, a series of wonderful concerts for this summer. On Wednesdays, July 9, July 16, July 23, August 6, August 13 and August 20, at 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each night, people will enjoy listening to the concerts on the Parade Ground beside Town Hall.

At 7:00 p.m. The Blue Agaves, Changes in Latitudes Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band, and the Latanya Farrell & The Bookman Styles Band will fill the air with their wonderful music on respective Wednesdays in July.
In August, the Wednesday lineup begins at 4:30 p.m. with the Rotary Chicken BBQ on Wednesday, the 6th at Gaylord Hospital. The concert scheduled for August 6th at the Parade Ground features The Musical Mystery Tour. Don’t miss The All Star Disco Review, and Airborne Jazz Band on the following Wednesdays.

The “R” Band Concert Series will present 6 performances on Thursdays, July 10trh, July 17th, July 24th and July 31st at the Wallingford Senior Center from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

New for this summer is the Sunday in the Park With John series of concerts sponsored by Wallingford Center Inc. The John Oblon Orchestra will perform July 13th, July 20th, and July 27th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Gazebo at the Johanna Manfreda Fishbein Park. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon.

We express our thanks to the talented musicians who will participate and to the people who have planned this very enjoyable series of concerts. We hope to see you at the various events.

Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson, Jr., Mayor



South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department
South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating it’s 100 years of service to the Village of South Meriden and the City of Meriden.

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. The American Red Cross will also be at our station doing a blood drive. Please donate and give the gift of life.

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

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“SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH JOHN”

“Sunday in the Park with John” summer concerts on Sunday afternoons, July 13th and continuing July 20th and July 27th from 4 – 6PM. The free concerts at Wallingford’s Fishbein Park on the railway station green will feature the music and vocals of the John Oblon Orchestra.

The John Oblon Orchestra was formed more than 15 years ago by John Oblon, a retired music educator and administrator in the Meriden School system. The 18 piece orchestra is made up of musicians from a variety of backgrounds, with members who are educators, businessmen, computer programmers, students and retirees. You’ll be able to hear your favorite standards as well as contemporary tunes with a repertoire that spans nearly 5 decades.

The free summer concert series is a production of Wallingford Center, Inc., a non-profit corporation formed to stimulate cooperation between public and private entities to enhance the restoration, preservation, beautification revitalization and utilization of the town’s center. Its purpose is to increase community pride in its historic heritage making the downtown area a focal point and center of community activity.

Bring your lawn chairs, bring a picnic basket and enjoy a warm summer afternoon with great music, family and friends!

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WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER NEWS AND EVENTS

Our monthly newsletter can be read in its entirety the first of each month on our website at www.wlfdseniorctr.com

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE Wednesday, July 2, 2008
An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on July 2, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Senior Center. Volunteers are needed to help run the canteen, make sandwiches, and provide baked goods for the donors. Registration and escort volunteers are also needed. Please sign up if you can help in any way. Also, blood donors are desperately needed. There is no longer an upper age limit for blood donors. As long as you are in good health, you can donate blood. Please consider giving the gift of life. Call 1-800-448-3543 to schedule your appointment. Thank you!

WEDNESDAY WORKSHOPS: THE CAMPAIGN FOR WISE AND SAFE INVESTING
Wednesday, July 16, 10:00 a.m.
Investors and potential investors are urged to attend this program sponsored by AARP-CT and the Connecticut Department of Banking (DOB). A fun and interesting program format will provide information about: common scams and ways to avoid becoming a victim; how to protect your retirement nest egg; and how to make sure an investment opportunity is registered with the State and the seller is licensed. Refreshments will be served. Please sign up if you plan to attend.

HOW TO SHOP SMART FOR INSURANCE
Wednesday, July 23, 10:00 a.m.
The word insurance makes most people glaze over, tune out, and run for the hills! But wouldn’t you like some unbiased information on how to shop smart for insurance from the Connecticut Insurance Department to find out:
How to qualify an insurance agent/company?
What you need to know when shopping for auto, homeowner, life,
long-term care and Medicare supplement insurance?
What types of insurance problems seniors encounter, including scams, and how to avoid them?
Learn how to get the most for your insurance dollar by attending this workshop.
Pre-registration appreciated by calling 265-7753.

JUST FOR MEN BREAKFAST
Wednesday, July 16, 8:00 a.m.
Join us for blueberry pancakes and a program about the volunteer Connecticut Civil Air Patrol and the role it played in fighting submarines along the East Coast during WWII. Colonel Frederick G. Herbert, a Civil Air Patrol historian, will present “The Connecticut Civil Air Patrol and German U-Boats in Maine”. Col. Herbert will share information about Major Ernest L. Markham (for whom the Meriden airport was named) and his aviators who played a significant role in the anti-German submarine warfare. Tickets are $2 for members and $3 for non-members, and must be purchased by July 15.

ANGELSPEAKE™ CLASSES
Thursdays, July 10 & 17, 10:00 a.m.
Open a communication link to your angels with Angelspeake™ classes. Learn to connect with your angels, your divine messengers, through fundamentals that have succeeded for thousands. Come discover the letting go process and the signs of inner peace. The sessions, held July 10 and 17, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., will be led by Diane C. Esposito, certified Angelspeake™ Facilitator. The fee, which is $20.00 per class, includes class materials.
Advanced registration is required.
Join the Angelspeake™ Share on Thursday, July 24, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Fee: $15.00. Pre-requisite: Angelspeake™ class.
Book your 15-minute Angelic Reading with Diane on Thursday, July 31. Fee: $15 per reading. Call Diane at 284-1204 to make your reading appointment.

BOOK CLUB
Last month, the members of the Book Club enjoyed a lively discussion about Water for Elephants. Our next meeting will be held Thursday, August 7, at 7:00 p.m. We are reading John Adams by David McCullough.

GOLF LEAGUE 2ND SESSION
The second ten-week session of the Coed Golf League will begin on Tuesday, July 29. Play will be at Miner Hills Golf Course in Middletown. The cost is $151 for members and $156 for non-members. This fee includes nine holes with a cart and a cookout on week #10 at the course. Senior Center members may sign up beginning July 7. Non-members may sign up as of July 14.

INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVERS
July 15, 1:30—3:00 p.m.
YOU Are Invited
Ever wonder who your fellow Interfaith Volunteers are? Do you have a rewarding volunteer experience you want to share? Please join Barbara Barlok, Executive Director of Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers, and Marie Cunha, Social Worker, on Tuesday, July 15. Refreshments and camaraderie will be in abundance! Register at 265-7753 and prepare to smile and socialize.

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, July 18, 10:15 a.m.
What is low vision? It is a condition that cannot be corrected with surgery, medication, eyeglasses, or contact lenses. People with low vision may experience partial sight, tunnel vision, or blind spots in their vision. Anyone experiencing low vision is welcome to join our friendly group. Next meeting is Friday, July 18, at 10:15 a.m. Kim Garvey from Masonicare is the Director of Group Practice Operations. She will tell us about Masonicare Outpatient Physician Services—primary care physicians specializing in the care and treatment of adults.
Please call 265-7753 to register.
Senior center transportation is available.

Do You Care For Someone Who Has Been Diagnosed With An Irreversible Dementia?
The Agency on Aging can help if the individual with dementia:
Has an annual income of less then $30,000
Has personal cash assets that are less than $80,000 (house is not counted)
The CT Statewide Respite Care Program helps families by assessing what services are needed and paying for some care. Services may include: adult day care, home health aide, homemaker/companion, skilled nursing care, or short-term nursing care. Respite care gives caregivers a break and some relief from the constant physical and emotional stress of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease, or related disorders. Please contact a respite care manager at 785-8533, or Marie Cunha, at 265-7753, and learn what respite can do for you.

PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANCE
Individuals with a disability between the ages of 18 and 64 who require hands-on help with at least two of the following activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, or toileting, may be eligible for assistance under Medicaid to pay for a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). Monthly income cannot exceed $1,869. Assets cannot exceed $1,600. Counted assets include bank accounts, some life insurance policies, savings bonds, and stocks. To request more detailed information, call the Dept. of Social Services at 974-8038

DISCOUNTED TELEPHONE SERVICE
Lifeline is an AT&T discount program for landline customers receiving assistance from one of the following benefit programs: Energy Assistance, ConnPACE, Food Stamps, Personal Care Assistance, Rental Assistance, State Supplement, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Receive $7.00+ off your phone bill.
Please call 1-800-ATT-2020 for details and to apply.

VOLUNTEER FOR A SPECIAL PROGRAM
The Daily Activities for Independence (DAI) is in need of volunteers. If you are interested in making a difference, volunteer for this special social-model day program by calling Melinda Welch, DAI Coordinator at the Senior Center (265-7753).
You’ll be glad you did!
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MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER

The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!

The Special Day for Special People Committee would like to thank the contributors to this year’s 38th annual picnic in the park for Meriden’s senior citizens held on June 14. This year’s sponsors were AARP Chapter #2954, Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, Broad Street Dairy Queen Brazier, Castle Bank & Trust, City Mission Trustees, James J. LaRosa, John J. Ferry & Sons, Franco American Club, First Congregational Church Women’s Fellowship, GT Tire, Jonal Laboratories, Health Net, Hunter’s Ambulance Service, Lena Rovinsky, Marianna’s Belltop Bakery, Meriden Lions Club, Meriden Parks and Recreation Department, Suzio Insurance Center, L. Suzio Concrete Company, Inc. and United Oil Recovery, Inc. Special Day for Special People is always a wonderful day for Meriden’s senior citizens to enjoy Hubbard Park and we appreciate your financial support for this annual event!

The 2008 Meriden Senior Citizens’ Award Scholarship of $600 was presented at the Senior Center on June 13 to twins Rebecca and Stacey Mills who graduated in June from Orville H. Platt High School. They will attend Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island this fall. Members of the scholarship committee are Senior Center members Anne Aniskiewicz, Lena Rovinsky, Ellie Dessureau, Jenny Corriveau and Josephine Najduch who raise money for the scholarship throughout the year and also choose the scholarship winner.

Senior Center staff members are continuing to take applications for the Rent Relief Program (“Circuit Breaker”) 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. If you were a renter age 65 or over during 2007, or on Social Security Disability, you may be eligible to receive a benefit. Application hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

Now that it is July, the hottest month of the year, try to avoid the sun between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, drink plenty of fluids, wear loose & lightweight clothing, keep your home cool with a fan or air conditioner and, most importantly, remember that the Senior Center is air conditioned for your comfort during the summer months. Have a great summer!
John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director

CITY OF MERIDEN JULY EVENTS

SWIM LESSONS

Free swim lessons for children ages 4 & older will be held weekdays from 6/30-7/11 and 7/14-7/24. Registration will be held at the Hubbard Park pool (10:30AM) on both Saturday, June 28th and Saturday, July 12th. Children must have a valid 2008 pool pass and bring a bathing suit and towel to register.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
The City of Meriden’s 2008 Independence Day Celebration will take place on Thursday, July 3rd at Hubbard Park. Food & special entertainers will be available beginning at 5:00PM, the Augusta Curtis Concert Band will be performing in the James J. Barry bandshell at 5:30PM, the Billy Joel cover band 52nd Street will be performing at 8:00PM, and the fireworks display will be shot from atop East Peak at approximately 9:30PM.

SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERTS
The Summer Sounds Concert Series delivers four exciting performances for the month of July(all shows take place at Hubbard Park’s James J. Barry bandshell). On Sunday, July 6th, the patriotic sounds of United States Air Force Band of Liberty can be heard from 7:30-9:00PM. On Thursday, July 17th, the rockin’ blues melodies of EZ Street can be heard from 7:00-8:30PM. The popular band Riverstreet takes the stage on Thursday, July 24th from 7:00-8:30PM. A return to the ‘50’s & ‘60’s will come courtesy of Squeaky Clean on Thursday, July 31st from 7:00-8:30PM. All concerts are free to the public with refreshments available for purchase.

SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM
The 2008 Summer Playground Program will operate from June 23rd – August 1st at Baldwin Pond Park & Habershon Park for children ages 6-12. Both locations will feature fun-filled days of games, activities, crafts, and field trips. There is no cost except for field trips. The playgrounds will be open Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-3:00PM(please note that on certain days the program will not be available for non-trip
participants). Interested participants can register at the two sites any time the program is in session.

PUBLIC SWIM
The 2008 Outdoor Public Swim Program at the Hubbard Park pool is underway! Daily updates on the program’s hours of operation can be found by calling the Recreation Activity Line at 630-4279.
All interested participants must possess a valid 2008 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office, it costs $5.00 for adults & $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office in-person and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.

SUMMER FUN RUNS PROGRAM
The 2008 Summer Fun Runs Program will be held on Wednesday nights at the Platt High School track from June 18th – August 20th. The free runs will get underway at 6:30PM and feature a ¾ mile race for children and a 5K race for adults. Refreshments and prizes will be available.

MERIDEN LIONS CLUB WATERPARK
The Meriden Lions Club Waterpark at City Park, located on the corner of Park Avenue & Franklin Street, has the following hours of operation(weather permitting):
Monday-Saturday 12:00-4:00PM
Sunday 2:00-5:00PM

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

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. Please note the access road will be closed on Thursday, July 3rd.


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