Walingford and Meriden Town News & Events August 2008

Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford
As the summer quickly evolves, many recreational events are still scheduled to take place. August brings much excitement as Wallingford will host two major athletic tournaments. First is the 24th Annual TWIST Youth Soccer Tournament. This tournament begins August 16th and hosts many local teams as well as teams from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. We will see talented soccer players demonstrate their outstanding skills as they play on Town fields as well as Choate fields

Second is the 12th Annual Tri-Town Classic Adult Softball Tournament hosting the top men and women’s softball teams from Wallingford, Meriden, and Southington. This tournament will be held on August 23rd at Westside Field.

If you want to support a good cause and enjoy good food, be sure to attend the Rotary Chicken Barbecue on the Gaylord Hospital grounds on Wednesday, August 6th starting at 4:30 p.m. The Town’s Rec Band will provide music.

A reminder that Weber and Gannon Youth Basketball registration for Wallingford residents will be taking place July 28th through September 12th at the Parks and Recreation Department. This league has had 1100 participants in each of the past two years.

The Fall 2008 Parks and Recreation Guide will be in your homes in mid August. You can look forward to many interesting, relaxing and fun offerings for the whole family.

Enjoy the month of August!

Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson, Jr.
Mayor

MAYOR’S CORNER - Meriden
Dear Friends

Hi! I am Meriden’s new mayor, Mike Rohde. The previous mayor, Mark Benigni has been writing this column for the last 5 years or more and I plan to continue to carry-on the tradition. I look forward to sharing my views of Meriden with all of the People’s Press readers each month.

I would like to start by telling you a few things about myself. My wife Nancy and I have lived in Meriden for over 30 years and raised our two children here. I have served on the Meriden City Council for 19 years. Most recently I was the council majority leader and chairman of the Public Works Parks and Recreation Committee. Meriden’s Mayor is a part-time position so I have another job just like previous mayors. I am the Director of Development at Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut in New Haven Connecticut.

I believe it is important to serve the community I live in. For many years I have been a member of the Meriden Kiwanis Club, Meriden Black Expo Committee, Dr. Martin Luther King/Albert Owens Scholarship Breakfast Committee, New Opportunities of Greater Meriden Advisory Council and a member of the Flood Control Implementation Agency.

I thank former Mayor Benigni for his legacy of passion, integrity, honesty and zeal and setting the City of Meriden on a progressive course. I look forward to leading the city and continuing the good work that has begun. I truly believe that Meriden has a bright future ahead of us and I am confident that we have the vision and the will to make a better Meriden for all of us.

We will be completing the next phase of the Quinnipiac River Gorge Trail and unveiling a new world class sports complex at Falcon Field in September. We will soon begin the process of renovating the city’s two high schools. The old Meriden HUB site is poised for development, and the West Main Street new streetscape will soon be a reality, thanks to some federal funding.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. I look forward to keeping you updated on the positive happenings in Meriden.

Sincerely,
Mike Rohde - Mayor, City of Meriden

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Wallingford Senior Center News and Events

The Wallingford Senior Center is open on Thursdays until 8:30 p.m. After 4:00 p.m., continue to enjoy casual activities (cards, billiards, ping pong, games, virtual bowling, reading, and socializing), as well as classes, special events, and supper at Lake View Café.

SENIORNET COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER CLASS SCHEDULE Registration Dates: August 8, 9:30—11:30 a.m. and August 11, 1:30—3:30 p.m.

DESTINATION CHINA: CULTURAL PROGRAM & CHINESE LUNCHEON Wednesday, August 13, 10:30 a.m.
China is in the news as host of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Come learn more about China and enjoy a Chinese buffet luncheon on August 13. Guest speaker Jing Zhang will give us a glimpse into China, its culture and history. Following the free program, a buffet lunch featuring a variety of Chinese dishes will be served. Tickets for the lunch, which are $4.00 for members; $6.00 for non-members, are on sale through August 12.

GUIDED MEDITATIONS on Thursdays, August 7, 14, 21 Feeling stressed? Need to relax? Join us for guided meditation workshops Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m., led by Diane Esposito, Reiki Master Teacher and Holistic Coach. The cost is $10 each session ($15 for non-members). Advanced registration is a must! Do yourself a favor and sign up today to reduce your stress!

REIKI: WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? on Thursday, August 21, 6:00 p.m. What is Reiki? What can it do? How can it help you, your family, friends, pets, and more? Join us and bring a friend to explore energy balancing through Reiki. Learn how this ancient hands-on or hands-over the body technique helps to support and maintain wellness and balance the body, mind, spirit connection through stress release and relaxation. Demonstrations will be offered. Call the senior center at 265-7753 to register.

WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP: SEVEN SMART IDEAS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Wednesday, August 20, 10:00 a.m. Financially successful individuals know how to safeguard their money and manage their assets. Join us on August 20, for the program, “Seven Smart Ideas You Need to Know”, presented by a local financial consulting firm. Refreshments will be provided. Please call the senior center to register to attend this program. This program is open to the public.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Struggling to Pay Monthly Bills? BENEFITS SCREENING
Tuesday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. – Noon RSVP of South Central CT will offer free benefits screenings to individuals age 60 and older to determine benefits eligibility. Benefits QuickLINK is private, free, and confidential! Supporting documents not required, but please bring the following information with you to the screening:
Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest.)
Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance.)
Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits.)
List of all current prescriptions.
Pre-registration required for Benefits Screenings by calling 265-7753.

CONNECTICUT’S NEW AFFORDABLE CHARTER OAK HEALTH PLAN “For the first time, Connecticut residents who are not able to get health insurance through their jobs now have access to decent, affordable coverage,” said Governor Rell on July 1. The new Charter Oak Health Plan is affordable health coverage geared to Connecticut residents employed by small businesses, people between jobs, young graduates, early retirees and people too young for Medicare. Monthly premium and annual deductible depends on household income. Individual premiums range from $75 to $259 and annual deductibles range from $150 to $900.
Get details at 1-877-772-8625 or visit Charter Oak’s
website at www.charteroakhealthplan.com.

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES Where can you go to get $70-$75 worth of food for $30? The answer is Angel Food Ministries, based out of Good News Christian Church in Wallingford. This great program has been a huge success in helping families “make ends meet” all over the country. Angel Food Ministries offers restaurant grade food without meeting income qualifications or completing applications. Food Stamps are accepted. Look for menus and information at the senior center on the Member Interest Table.

THANKS FROM MASTER’S MANNA FOOD PANTRY Cheryl Avery, President of Master’s Manna, sends thanks and appreciation to each and every person who donates Shaw’s grocery receipts to benefit Master’s Manna. Services include community outreach, food pantry, clothes closet, soup kitchen and resource center. Located at 316 North Colony St., in Wallingford, food pantry hours are Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monetary donations, tuna, cereal, and paper goods cheerfully accepted. Cheryl can be reached at 678-3042.

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP HOME HEALTH CARE:

WHAT DOES MEDICARE COVER? When recovering from an illness, wound, surgery, stroke, or other disabling event, your doctor may prescribe home health care. Medicare pays for home care services under certain circumstances. Our speaker this month will explain Medicare rules for homecare. Please join us Friday, August 15, at 10:15 a.m. Pre-registration appreciated and transportation available by calling 265-7753.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AGAIN THIS SUMMER! We hope to collect items for care packages for our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea. Needed items this time include: paperback books, CD’s and DVD’s. Bring your donations to our collection box located in the Senior Center lobby.
Thank you for all your support!

THINKING ABOUT . . . a donation or bequest? The Wallingford Senior Center (Wallingford Committee on Aging, Inc.) is recognized by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) and all donations are both greatly appreciated and fully tax deductible.


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Meriden Park And Recreation News and Events

SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERTS

The Summer Sounds Concert Series concludes with four exciting performances for the month of August(all shows take place at Hubbard Park’s James J. Barry bandshell). On Thursday, August 7th, southern rockers the Whiskey River Band can be heard from 7:00-8:30PM. On Thursday, August 14th, the country sounds of the Monthei Brothers Band can be heard from 7:00-8:30PM. The Eddie Forman Orchestra brings polka to the stage on Tuesday, August 19th from 6:30-8:00PM. The Beatles tribute band Number Nine will have their rescheduled performance on Thursday, August 28th from 6:30-8:30PM. All concerts are free to the public with refreshments available for purchase.

PUBLIC SWIM

The 2008 Outdoor Public Swim Program at the Hubbard Park pool will take place through Friday, August 22nd. The pool’s daily hours of operation are from 12-6:30PM(open swim). Adult swim(6:45-7:45PM) will take place through Friday, August 8th. 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 through 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.

LIONS CLUB WATERPARK

The Meriden Lions Club Waterpark, located on the corner of Park Avenue & Franklin Street(City Park), has the following hours of operation(weather permitting):
Mondays-Saturdays 12:00PM-4:00PM
Sundays 2:00PM-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.


Wallingford Park and Recreation News and Events

NFL Punt, Pass & Kick

NFL Flag League, Wallingford Vikings Junior Football and the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department would like to invite all boys and girls ages 8-15 to come be part of the nationwide skills event sponsored by the National Football League. Winners from our local contest will advance to the sectional competition and then possibly to the state. This could just be the first step on the way to a team championship at a NFL game. There is absolutely no cost for this program. The 2007 competition,
Wallingford was again represented at Foxboro Stadium. Three time representative Briana Mastel competed in the 14 – 15 year old division. Briana finished with a strong showing and Second in the North East Region. For more information, call Kenny Michaels, Program Specialist at 294-2120.
When: Wednesday, August 20th 6:30 pm
Location: West Side Field
Fee: IT'S FREE
**Participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate to registration. Competitors must also compete in comfortable sneakers. No cleats.

Hip House Dance Series

Once again the Hip House Dance Series is back for another year of fun and excitement. The Parks and Recreation Department would like to welcome back all of the returning 7th and 8th graders while also
welcoming the new 6th graders. To ensure that you are able to attend all of the dances, you must purchase a photo ID pass.

NEW FOR 2008-09…ALL PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE A PASS FROM THE 2007-08 SEASON CAN HOLD ONTO THEIR PASSES. UPON REGISTERING FOR THIS COMING YEAR A STICKER WILL BE PLACED ON THE BACK OF THE EXISTING CARD. NO MORE PICTURES, NO MORE FILLING OUT AN ID CARD AGAIN.

The dance pass allows you entry to 7 dances. No passes will be sold in the schools or on the day of the dance. Photo ID’s will go on sale June 1st for $25. As of July 1st, all dance passes will be $40. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the discounted price. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE DANCE WITHOUT A 2008 – 09 HIP HOUSE DANCE PASS

Back to School Bash – September 12
Halloween Havoc – October 24
Jingle Ball – December 12
Jump Off – January 23
Valentine’s Day Vibe – February 20
Spring Fest – April 10
Last Blast – May 22

Family Day - Saturday September 13, 2008

This event is designed for you to spend the day with your family at Community Lake Park. Family Day is co-sponsored by the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department, YMCA and the Wallingford Youth and Social Services Department. The day will be filled with canoe rides, walks down the Linear Trail, moonwalks, entertainment. Wallingford Family Day begins at 11:00a.m. and ends at 3:00p.m. For more information call 294-2120 or 294-2175

There is so much more that we offer. Stop by the Park & Recreation Building located on Fairfield Blvd. in Wallingford or call 294-2120.



What’s happening in Downtown Meriden?

Actually, there’s been a lot of activity – new faces to recognize, new feet walking the street, new places to go where you can eat lunch or dinner, or where you can buy a used book to read at Friends of the Library Bookstore. You can browse through an art gallery at the Arts & Crafts Association on Colony Street or you can take your favorite picture to the Sandman Gallery & Frame Shoppe and have it framed. You can even practice your drums and electric guitar at the loudest decibels possible and no one will complain if you go to Studio’s at 55.

Next to Studio’s is Butler Paint & Decorating where you can buy your paint, wallpaper or stain and work on a home improvement project. You can have your hair cut or styled or you can have your sore back diagnosed and treated. You can gossip over a good cup of cappuccino or espresso. Need a special gift for a special person? There’s Rivera’s Jewelry Store with lots of choices. Or, you can work out or play a game of racquet ball at the YMCA. Don’t forget there’s always something going on at the Senior Citizens Center.

And if you want to get involved with the downtown business owners and merchants, working together with them to build a better downtown, you can always join them at their monthly meetings held on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:00.

That’s a small sample of what’s available now. But what does the future hold?

We know an upscale restaurant, nightclub and events center with ballroom dancing is on the horizon. This will offer a refreshing night out in downtown Meriden. There are two buildings that are on the verge of demolition or major repairs and we will see the results of these two projects before the end of the summer. This will make a huge difference in our surroundings.

There are several storefronts available for lease. Opportunities abound for a savvy entrepreneur. The prominent 15,000 square foot office building on the corner of West Main and Hanover Street is available for sale. Maybe we will get an ice cream shop, an antique store, a hat boutique, or a pharmacy. Maybe it will house a doctor, a lawyer, a butcher or a baker. We can only wait for more exciting activities and people to join us in making our downtown even more vibrant. Surely, they will come.

Are you wondering what’s happening at the former HUB site now that the building is down? The 15 acre site is the focus of a multi-million dollar flood control and redevelopment effort being led by the City. The development of transit oriented opportunities will provide linkages to local bus, taxi, corporate van services, and the proposed New Haven to Springfield Amtrak service will complete the intermodal transportation center now in the talking stages.

Stay positive, great things are happening in downtown Meriden.

Trudy Magnolia, Economic Development Office