Walingford and Meriden Town News & Events September 2008

Meriden and Wallingford City News and Events – September 2008

MAYOR’S CORNER WALLINGFORD
Dear Friends:
Ah, September is upon us with shorter days and cooler nights. “Good sleeping” weather is a term often heard. Much better than the heat of August. It does begin a debate which has occupied a place in conversation for probably thousands of years.

Two travelers became embroiled in a debate at a small inn. According to written accounts, one fellow, late at night, loudly proclaimed that it was better to sleep with the window open because fresh air did wonders for your health. The other fellow was just as obstinate that the night air was cool and would make a person sick. The argument was accompanied by the noise of window opening and closing. Other guests did not appreciate the subject of the debate, the decibel level in which it was expressed, or the banging of the window in its frame. The inn keeper had to ask the two fellows to quiet down at midnight, and three more times after that. Yes, even John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were caught up in the good sleeping weather debate. September is here. Is everybody in good voice? Let the debate begin!

Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

_________________________________________________________________________

MAYOR’S CORNER MERIDEN

It’s hard to believe that summer has almost passed us by and fall is upon us. What a busy summer in Meriden – grand openings of the One Stop Employment Center on West Main St., the official opening of the Season’s Credit Union in the newly developed “green” center on East Main St, two events at the grassy Hub site – Neighborhood Block Party and the Health Fair. This year’s National Night Out event at City Park under the direction of Lt. Sal Nesci and Neighborhood Association President Dave Swedock was a record breaking success pulling together community residents, the Meriden police department, faith communities and local civic organizations to promote and celebrate safe streets and neighborhoods.

We are finally making progress on Colony Street with the long overdue demolition of the Wilcox building to make room for much needed downtown parking and some promising plans for 19 Colony St. which has been an eyesore for over a decade.

I will be continuing the Mayor’s Forum on Government Channel 14. This broadcast will highlight and showcase individuals and organizations that have made a positive contribution to the Meriden community. We will be taping the “Mayor’s Mic” twice a month and the shows will air just before the City Council Meetings on Channel 14. As part of the “Mayor’s Mic”, we will also feature Meriden city officials who will report on timely and interesting city initiatives, activities and events happening in Meriden.

We expect a busy fall as our city plan of conservation and development will receive a thorough review by the public and council committees. This plan will chart the future land use of Meriden.

The new Falcon Field complex will officially open on Wednesday September 10th. The first game at this new state-of-art facility is a Maloney High School game on September 11th and Platt High School will play their first game of the season on Friday September 12th. More upcoming events include a dedication and unveiling ceremony for the new street signs honoring Albert Owens. This event will be held in the Library parking lot on September 12 at 5p.m. I am looking forward to honoring a man who spent a lifetime of unselfish devotion to better the lives of others. I hope to see you there.

This year’s Back to School Expo was an enormous success this year. Over 1100 book bags were distributed to Elementary and Middle School students. Thank you to Beat the Street, the Meriden Wallingford NAACP, the Meriden Rotary Club, and everyone who made this event possible. Without your help many of our children would not have the opportunity to begin the school year outfitted with a new book-bag filled with school supplies.

And finally, please remember “Safety First” as school opens the week of August 25 in Meriden. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers, please talk to your children about safety especially when walking and biking to school as well as school bus safety. Meriden is fortunate to have an organization lead by Gwen Samuels that works with the Meriden Public schools to educate Meriden’s children about safe walking and bicycling within the community, and to and from school. You can contact Gwen at http://www.meridenkidsafe.org/ with any questions or concerns.
All the best. Mike Rohde - Mayor of Meriden

___________________________________________________________________________

CITY OF MERIDEN EVENTS

MERIDEN ELKS SOCCER SHOOT
The Meriden Elks Lodge #35 will present the local Meriden “Soccer Shoot” on Sunday, September 7th at Baldwin Pond Park. Registration for this free event gets underway at 12:00PM with the competition to follow at 12:30PM. Boys & girls ages 13 & under are invited to test their ability in such soccer skills as kicking, dribbling, & throwing. All participants will receive shirts & refreshments. Dribbling & throwing winners will receive medals, and goal shooting winners will get trophies and the right to participate in the district championship.

PUNT, PASS, & KICK COMPETITION
Boys & girls ages 8-15 are invited to test their football skills at the local Meriden competition of the 2008 NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass, & Kick Program. This free event will be held at Falcon Field on Monday, September 15th. Registration/warm-ups will be from 5:00-5:15PM with the competition to begin at 5:15PM. Entrants must wear sneakers and have a parent/guardian complete a waiver form to be eligible for advancement. All participants will receive certificates and winners will qualify for the state championship in October.

WASHINGTON PARK JUNIOR DRUM CORPS
The Washington Park Junior Drum Corps is looking for new members ages 10 & older. No experience is necessary and instruments are provided. There are openings for fifes, bells, trumpets, baritones, color guard, and drums. Members learn to play an instrument, read music, march in parades, and take part in competitions. Meetings are at John Barry School on Wednesday nights from 6:30-9:00PM during the school year and at the SMVFD during the summer. All recruits, experienced or not, are welcome. Stop in Wednesday night or call 294-1430.

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, through October 31st. The entrance to the road is located under the eastern Interstate 691 overpass in Hubbard Park.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Wallingford Senior Center News
SEPTEMBER IS . . . .
National Biscuit Month, National Jazz Month, National Coupon Month, Mold Awareness Month, AND, Senior Center Month! Sponsored by the National Institute of Senior Centers, the theme of this year’s celebration is “Senior Centers Work!” The Wallingford Senior Center works to keep our members active, healthy, informed, and happy
Our senior center works!

VARIETY SHOW on Thursday, September 18, 7 PM
A night of great local entertainment is in store for you on September 18. Our show this year features song, dance, magic, comedy, and more, provided by town officials (guess who), members of the community, and senior center members too! Tickets are $5.00 per person and the proceeds will benefit Holiday for Giving. Don’t miss out – buy your tickets today!

A TASTE OF RETIREMENT LIVING on Wednesday, September 24, 10 AM—12 PM
Join us for a special program featuring the culinary skills of local retirement and assisted living facilities’ dining services. Brunch items will be available for your tasting delight. 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 today by calling 265-7753.

CLASS REGISTRATION WEEK of September 8—12, 2008
Registration for all classes is on a first come, first served basis. Sign up between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, September 8—12. Present your Senior Center ID card when registering to get the membership rate. Special note:
Computer Class registration will be held September 9, 9:30—11:30 AM, and September 10, 1:00—3:00 PM.

ASK YOURSELF: DO I . . .
use my arms to get out of a chair? . . . have difficulty reaching up into my kitchen cabinets? . . . struggle with grocery bags? . . . notice that my balance isn’t what it used to be? If you answered yes to just one of these questions, you probably could benefit from one or more exercise classes. Our fitness programs are designed to help you engage in your daily activities by strengthening your bones and muscles, increasing your flexibility, energy and endurance, and improving your balance. Sign up for the fitness classes that are right for you.

IDENTITY THEFT: DON’T BE A VICTIM on Monday, September 8, 1:30 p.m.
Following a press conference given by the CT Department of Consumer Protection at the Senior Center on September 8, at 1:00 p.m., Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. will offer a short program on identity theft. Learn how your identity can be stolen and how you can protect yourself and your assets. Shredding your unneeded junk mail, documents, and personal papers is essential!

SHRED IT DAY on Saturday, September 13, 9:00 a.m.—–1:00 p.m.
The CT Department of Consumer Protection and Shred-It are teaming up to host September Shred 2008. Bring up to three (3) large boxes or heavy duty trash bags of your unneeded personal papers to be shredded to the blue and white Shred-It truck at the Senior Center between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This free service is offered on a first come, first-served basis.

DIGITAL TV: WILL YOU BE READY? On Wednesday, October 8, 10:30 AM
Are you uncertain about the new federal law concerning the February 17, 2009 switch to digital television broadcasting and how it will affect you? A speaker from the Federal Communication Commission will give a presentation on why the switch is being made, what we can expect and how we can prepare for the transition to digital television broadcasting. He will be available to answer your questions and address issues you may have. Sign up at the front desk to attend.

TURN YOUR HOME EQUITY INTO CASH on Wednesday, September 17, 10:00 a.m.
If you are 62+, you can turn your equity in your home into cash with monthly or lump sum payments to meet unexpected medical expenses, to meet long-term care needs, or to make home improvements. You do not need to repay the loan as long as you live in the house and keep the taxes and insurance current. You can never owe more than your home’s value. Hear more at this FREE seminar. Please register by calling 265-7753.

CELL PHONE TRAINING on Monday, September 15, 1:00—3:00 PM
Here is your chance to learn all about cell phones. Representatives from the local AT&T Mobility Store will teach you all the basics of using a cell phone (any make or model). Topics will include: making and receiving calls; voice mail; storing numbers in the address book; speed dial; and more. There will be hands-on demonstrations and one-on-one instructional support. Bring your own cell phone or use one of the practice phones. Come with your questions to this free program that will also feature handouts and give-a-ways.

SOCIAL SERVICES
CONNECTICUT ENERGYASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP)
WHAT? Money to heat your residence if you heat with oil, kerosene, electric, or gas.
WHO? People whose income and assets fall within the guidelines.
HOW? FOR OIL HEAT ONLY: Call 235-0278 starting Monday, September 15, 2008 for an appointment. (Gas and electric can call beginning in December.)
WHEN? November 1, 2008 is the first day fuel deliveries will be paid by the CT Energy Assistance Program.

Struggling to Pay Monthly Bills?
BENEFITS SCREENING Tuesday, September 16, 10:00 a.m.—12:00 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’swebsite at http://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.

DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE
Do you have a loved one in need of socialization and guidance throughout the day?
The Daily Activities for Independence Program is a small, structured environment designed for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over, who may be experiencing memory loss, physical and social difficulties. With appropriate support, these individuals can continue to be highly active and independent. D.A.I. provides the following:

*Recreation *Nutrition *Exercise *Companionship *Health Services *Transportation
Clients must be able to participate in activities and self-administer medications. Those who are prone to wandering, anti-social, or violent behavior will be referred to other programs. The program operates Monday through Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Transportation is provided for Wallingford residents. If you would like to learn more about the D.A.I. program, contact Melinda Welch, D.A.I. Coordinator at 203.265.7753 Ext. 205. Space is limited.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
A revised edition of the “How Do I Get There?” Transportation Guide is now available. Call 265-7753 for a free copy, or stop by.


__________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

Move & Soothe with Dr. Susan Sandel will resume on Tuesday, September 9 at 12:30 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center. This creative movement, exercise and relaxation program has been quite popular in the past and we hope that interested people will attend to welcome Susan back for the next quarterly session of Move & Soothe at the Senior Center!

On Wednesday, September 10 at 10:30 AM Meriden Center will sponsor a “Home Safety Tips” program in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center. The speaker will focus on steps you can take to make your home and yard safer to avoid falls, accidents and other mishaps. Attend this free program to learn valuable safety tips to protect yourself and continue living at home as long as possible! Light refreshments will be served. To register call Victoria at Meriden Center, a division of Genesis Health Care, at 238-2645.

The next program sponsored by the Meriden Triad to help protect Meriden seniors from fraud, scams and other crimes will be “Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft” with Tina Gabriel, Director of Crimes Investigations for Corporate Security at People’s United Bank in Bridgeport. According to Ms. Gabriel, during 2006 more than 670,000 cases of fraud and identity theft were reported in the United States. The most common frauds were credit card fraud (25%), phone or utilities fraud (16%), bank fraud (16%) and employment fraud (14%). The average victim loses $5,900 and spends 600 hours recovering from the crime, often over a period of years. Learn how to avoid being a victim of fraud and identity theft by attending this program on Wednesday, October 8 at 10:30 AM in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center. The program is sponsored by the Meriden Triad. Sergeant Darrin McKay is Chairman of this local partnership between the Meriden Police Department and the Senior Center to help prevent crimes against the elderly. Refreshments will be served.

The Connecticut AARP Tax-Aide program is seeking volunteers to provide one-on-one help in the preparation of income tax returns. Computer literate volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Tax Counseling for the Elderly is a free, confidential service run by volunteers who prepare Federal and Connecticut tax returns. The service is offered by appointment on the mezzanine level of the Senior Center on Wednesdays from February to April each year. If you would like to join the Meriden AARP Income Tax Team to help in this rewarding volunteer work, please call Meriden Tax-Aide Coordinator Frank Spinelli at 237-6978.

Sign-ups are now being accepted for the next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center on Wednesday, November 5 and Friday, November 7 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Class participants will learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and much more in this 8-hour course. Successful completion of the classroom course also entitles you to a discount on your automobile insurance premiums. The course fee is $10 and reservations can be made in the front office or by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066.

The Meriden Public Library Bookmobile will visit the Senior Center again on Thursday, September 4 from 10:00 -11:30 AM in our front mini-bus parking area. The Bookmobile carries a variety of books including large print, best sellers and books in Spanish so please take this opportunity to see what the Bookmobile has to offer for you!

There is still time to sign-up for the $300 economic stimulus checks ($600 for a married couple) being distributed this year. If you had more than $3000 in Social Security benefits in 2007, not including SSI, and have not filed an IRS 1040A tax return to receive your stimulus check please see me in the office and I will be glad to complete your tax return on my computer. The deadline to sign-up for the stimulus payment is October 15.

The deadline for elderly and disabled people to sign-up for the State of Connecticut Rent Relief Program is September 15. The program gives eligible renters money back on their 2007 rent and utilities. For more information or to arrange for us to visit a homebound applicant, please inquire in the front office or call the Senior Center at 237-0066.


John F. Hogarth
Senior Center Director
August 27, 2008