Walingford and Meriden Town News & Events November 2008

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MAYOR’S CORNER MERIDEN
Lots of positive things are happening in the Meriden Community. We just hosted the Mayor’s 6th Annual Cleanup day with over 300 helpers and lots of smiles and enthusiasm while cleaning up our city’s streets. It was very heartening to see so many eager volunteers showing pride in their community. After the cleanup, the city hosted a picnic in Hubbard Park to thank all our volunteers. Over 300 hot dogs were distributed. A job well done! Kudos to Mayor’s office staffer, Jackie Fordiani, ajnd the cleanup committee for their excellent organization and coordination for this successful day.

Our Meriden Soup kitchen, generously hosted by St. John’s First Baptist Church on Broad St. is a marvel to see in operation. Volunteers from seven Meriden faith communities, come together every weekday to prepare and serve over 150 meals a day to needy residents. The numbers are growing and we are seeing more working families coming for meals. One volunteer recounted the story of a man who approached her after his meal and said that he had visited soup kitchens all over the country and this was the best meal he has had. This story made her day! Hats off to the wonderful volunteers who make this possible.

Another awesome volunteer effort is the BABES of Meriden (Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies) sponsored by the Meriden/Wallingford Substance Abuse Council. The BABES program teaches positive life skills using puppets to 1st and 2nd graders in Meriden’s public and parochial schools. The puppet shows are interactive with the children and address issues of bullying, self esteem, self image, decision making, peer pressure, and alcohol and drug abuse. The seven BABES volunteers (five of whom are Meriden Kiwanis Club member), show up at schools on Monday mornings from September to June to perform the puppet shows. The kids thoroughly enjoy the BABES and their puppets and they gain valuable life skills in a fun environment. What a way to have a positive impact on our future! BABES, you rock!

With Thanksgiving approaching, we do well to take stock of our blessings and to reach out to others with a helping hand. We are so fortunate to have community volunteers like those I have touched upon who give of themselves to enrich Meriden in countless ways. I thank each and every one of you and have a happy Thanksgiving.

Michael S. Rohde
Mayor of Meriden



MERIDEN EVENTS

South Meriden Christmas In The Village
The 10th annual Christmas In The Village celebration is quickly approaching. On Saturday December 6th 2008 the Village of South Meriden will bring our community together free of charge to celebrate this holiday season. This year look up into the sky just before 2:00pm and you may see Santa flying high in the sky above South Meriden. A Santa Parade with local marching bands and organizations will start at 2:00pm. From the festival’s opening parade down Main Street with its two horse drawn carriages and the sight of Santa, Rudolph, Frosty and Santa’s Elves our 2008 event promises to be the best gathering yet. We will serve over 1200 baked cinnamon apples, pounds of roasted chestnuts, tons of popcorn and gallons of hot chocolate.

We ask that all in attendance bring at least one canned food item to be donated to the Meriden YMCA. Show your holiday spirit by helping out those in need in your community. Every person that brings a non perishable food donation will be entered into a raffle to win prizes throughout the day.

Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be located at the South Meriden fire house. Also at the fire house there will be live entertainment, face painting, and hot chocolate. The Meriden Police department will register children and take pictures for the Amber Alert program at the fire house.

The Main Street Stage will be filled all day with great entertainment for all ages. Pulaski School Chorus will perform at 2:30 to start the festivities on stage followed by The Bell Ringers, Sliver City Tree -O, and the Hanover School Chorus will close the stage activities with a procession to Village Park for the tree lighting. A student from Hanover School will light the tree while seasonal songs are sung with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and the community. While you are in the park enjoy the warmth of the Bon Fire controlled by the South Meriden Vol. Fire Fighters.

As you walk down Main Street local businesses will be handing out giveaways. In the heated tent children can make ornaments and crafts to take home with them. Children games and CLC Petting Zoo will also be on Main ST. The Meriden Public Library Bookmobile and the Meriden Police department mobile command center will be set up for viewing. Flu shots will be available at Data Link. Hanover School and the South Meriden United Trinity Methodist church will have baked goods, crafts, food and children activities. New Life Church always does the holiday season proud with special events and goodies to munch on.

Luminaries will be sold this year by the new South Meriden Lions Club with proceeds to benefit the Food Bank of Meriden. You can purchase these bags during the event or before hand at Tom’s Place or through any South Meriden Lions Club member. As the evening draws near these bags will be lit and placed along Main Street for all to view.

Our annual House Decorating contest is open to all houses in the greater South Meriden area. Prizes will be awarded to the top three houses. Houses will be judged on Friday December 5th between 5 – 9pm. Winners will be announce Saturday around 4:30pm on the Main Street stage. You may register your house at Tom’s Place 203-238-9029 or by calling 203-634-8173 or online at http://www.southmeridenevents.org/ you must register to win. Good luck and have fun.
Volunteers are needed and welcome to help out this growing event. The committee is always looking for new ideas and help to keep this event growing. On Sunday November 23rd the committee and volunteers will be hanging 49 Christmas wreaths on the lamp posts down Main Street. These wreaths and the American Flags for the summer have been purchased and maintained by the Christmas In The Village committee. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and the funds that are collected from our annual Lovers in the Village Dance we are able to celebrate this holiday season with our friends, neighbors and family. Without our wonderful sponsors and volunteers all of this would not be possible. If you would like to volunteer you may call Shannon at 203-440-2527 or become a sponsor call Ed at 203-235-5653 or visit our web site at http://www.southmeridenevents.org/
Christmas In The Village Committee


Festival of Silver Lights Lighting Ceremony
Hubbard Parks Official Lighting will take place Tuesday November 25 - 6:00 PM.



MAX E. MURAVNICK
MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER NEWS AND EVENTS

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 AM and 5:00 PM 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 Senior Center will sponsor a free seven week Creative Writing Class starting on Wednesday, November 5 at 1:00 PM. Susan Sandel, Ph.D. will again lead the group in weekly sessions designed to help you put your thoughts and ideas on paper and express yourself effectively using the written word. No prior writing experience necessary, for those who do write the class will provide tips for becoming more spontaneous. Classes will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center from Wednesday, November 5 to Wednesday, December 17 from 1:00 to 2:15 PM. People interested in taking this Creative Writing Class are asked to sign-up in the Senior Center Office or by calling 237-0066.

A special Veterans Day Salute will be held in Willene’s Place on Monday, November 10 at 11:00 AM. Our own Meriden Antique Veterans, World Post #1, will appear in uniform for a Flag Ceremony and then join us all for lunch in honor of Veterans Day. Please plan to attend as we recognize the Meriden Antique Veterans!

A Financial Consultant from Johnson Brunetti will hold a Financial Planning Seminar here on Wednesday, November 12 at 10:30 AM. He will speak in the first floor meeting room covering such topics as the seven tips you need to know for a secure retirement, avoiding unnecessary taxes and protecting your retirement income. This no cost or obligation seminar will be an opportunity to get a free financial tune-up to double check your retirement income situation. The program is open to the public and interested people are asked to sign-up at the Senior Center or by calling 237-0066. The program will be informative and in only 30-40 minutes people can learn some helpful and valuable retirement tips!

On Wednesday, November 12 at 11:15 AM Jessica Sirella from the Agency on Aging will speak before lunch in Willene’s Place about the Home Share Program. This program offers a practical housing alternative for compatible people who choose to share a residence based on common needs, interests and preferences. Homeowners receive extra income, security and possible assistance with chores and housing seekers get a reasonable rent in a homelike environment. To learn more plan to attend this program!

The Senior Center has again received funding from the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut to provide medical transportation services for Meriden residents aged 60 and over to their in-town medical appointments. The service is provided by the Senior Center Mini-Bus and appointments must be scheduled several days in advance by calling 237-3338. The grant also covers out-of-town rides, which are provided by the Wallingford -Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross. To schedule the out-of-town rides, call the Red Cross at least one week in advance at 265-6721. For further information on transportation to your medical appointments, please see Transportation Coordinator Becky Racine in her office at the Senior Center or give her a call at 237-3338.

On November 19 at 11:15 Jeff Sederquist, physical therapist, will speak before lunch in Willene’s Place about “Arthritis and the Benefits of Exercise”. He is an educational speaker for the Arthritis Foundation and his presentation here is sponsored by Westfield Care & Rehab Center in Meriden.

The Thanksgiving Special Luncheon in our Senior Community Café will be held on Thursday, November 20. The menu will feature roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mixed vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll and pumpkin pie with topping for dessert. Musical entertainment will be provided by Eric Buggie, keyboardist, guitarist, singer and songwriter starting at 10:30. Please sign-up for the special Thanksgiving luncheon at the Senior Center or by calling 235-8052 one week in advance.

There are still several openings for the trip on Friday, November 21 at 10:00 to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Wethersfield for people who are interested in obtaining a Non-Drivers License Photo ID. The cost of the ID card is $15 and you must bring a certified birth certificate or valid passport plus one additional form of identification like a Social Security card. Triad members Sgt. Darrin McKay and Sgt. Glen Milslagle will accompany the mini-bus and provide assistance at the DMV. For further information or to sign-up contact the Mini-Bus Office at 237-3338.

The Meriden Health Department administered more than 200 flu shots at the Senior Center at a Flu Shot Clinic in October. Plenty of vaccine still remains at this time and the staff at the Health Department encourages local citizens to call 630-4234 to schedule an appointment for this important annual inoculation. The $30 cost is covered by Medicare and certain Medicare managed care plans or payable by cash at the time of the flu shot. For further information contact the Meriden Health Department at 630-4234.

The 2008 Senior Center Holiday Fair and Bake Sale will be on Wednesday, December 10 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Handmade items will be sold by the Knitting and Ceramic classes and bake sales and raffles will also be held. Senior Center members willing to bake for the Bake Sale are asked to sign-up in the main office – we appreciate your help! All proceeds will benefit the Meriden Senior Citizens’ Award Scholarship.

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
Senior Center Director
October 29, 2008




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MAYOR’S CORNER WALLINGFORD

Dear Resident:

Along with Thanksgiving and other pleasurable occasions in November, we experience the annual fall of leaves. The crowning glory of summer becomes the crinkled brown litter of the fall. The good news is that the Town Public Works Department picks up leaves. For them to assist residents and dispose of the leaves, it is necessary to obey certain rules. If there were not standardized rules, the Department would never be able to complete the work of leaf pick up given the 240 miles of local roads and homes.

Please put leaves in paper yard waste bags and use masking tape to seal them. Only leaves should be placed inside the bags. Sticks and other trash will not allow the successful mulching of the leaves. Our effort is based on the goal of recycling the leaves. Please place your bagged leaves at the curb on November 23rd. Public Works will pick up the bags starting Monday, November 24th. Bagged leaves can also be taken to the Compost Center on John Street at no charge.

The leaf pickup is an important part of our effort to comply with State of Connecticut recycling guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing the buds of spring reappear.

Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr.
Mayor

Wallingford Town Events

Wallingford Park and Recreation Special Events
Register at our office located at 6 Fairfield Boulevard 203.294.2120
For more information and a complete listing of programs check us out at www.town.wallingford.ct.us

Double Feature Friday o Ages 6-11
Movie night just got a whole lot better. Grab your favorite chair, bean bag or pillow and come on down to the Recreation Department on Friday night, 6pm-10pm and
enjoy two feature films on the big screen, popcorn,
pizza and drinks. Relax, sit back and enjoy the film.
When: Friday November 7th 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: Gymnasium Fee: $12
Movies: Happy Feet & T.B.D.

SKI BUMS MT. SOUTHINGTON
Whether you're a skier or a boarder, this is five nights of
fun on the slopes that you do not want to miss. Registration for all Ski Bum programs will begin on Wednesday, October 29th and will end November 14th at the recreation department. Each program will be limited to 100 participants.
Complete fee schedule is not available as of this printing. Please call the recreation department in October for a complete listing of program options and fees. Any parent that is interested in becoming a chaperone should contact Kenny at the recreation department (chaperones taken on first come first serve basis). Chaperones will have the opportunity to ski/snowboard at no cost. Please note that registration will only be held for two weeks during the dates provided above.
Program breakdown:
4th & 5th grades Wednesdays 4pm-8pm
6th, 7th & 8th grades Wednesdays 4pm-8pm
9th & 10th grades Wednesdays 4pm-8pm

9 and A Chicken
This year's hunt will be one for the ages. Participants will be required to go to the Recreation Department to pick up a packet of CERTIFIED clues. (We want to make sure that all participants start from the Recreation Department so everyone has a fair shot) These clues will lead you to 9 cardboard turkeys and the bonus chicken. All cardboard turkeys and chicken will be hidden on Wallingford town property. The object is to locate a turkey and return it to the Parks and Recreation for the gift certificate.
Awards: To be awarded to the first three families.
Clues must be handed in at time of redemption.
When: Friday November 14, 2008
Time: 7:00p.m. Where: Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department Fee: Free

4168.400 11th Annual Shoot for Success Pre-Season Basketball Tune Up
Learn the mechanics and techniques required for basketball and take yourself to the next level! Clinic includes: form & drill, defensive techniques, contests and games. Clinic is for Boys and Girls grades 2 - 9.Friday and Saturday Nov. 28 and 29 2 days 9:00am-12:00pm
Fee: $50 (includes clinic t-shirt)
Instructor: Joe Gaetano and Greg Morrone and Hoop Mountain Basketball Staff

NEW PROGRAMS AT THE WALLINGFORD PARKS AND REC. THIS FALL
Investment Strategies in Uncertain Times
This presentation will explain the keys to "Investment Success" during market fluctuations and uncertainty. Learn how to take advantage of the markets ups and downs through dollar cost average. You will also learn ideas on how to manage your personal finances in times of rapidly rising costs.
When: Monday December 1st for one night 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Fee: Free Location: Exit 4.5
Instructor: Laura Palumbo, CFP and C. Gary Drake

2022.400 Simple Strategies for Creating Balance in Your Life
We're living in an increasingly chaotic and stressful time. As we are more stressed and anxious, our health is compromised and we are less able to cope with everyday activities. We're at our best when we are calm and relaxed. You can learn simple ways to cope with stress and feel more control over your life in this one night seminar. Join Karen Caplan to learn the four simple techniques to rewire your thinking and respond to stress more effectively.
When: Tuesday November 18th 6:30pm - 8:30pm One Night
Fee: $20 Location: Exit 3
Instructor: Karen Caplan, MSW (LCSW), Certified Professional Empowerment Coach (CPEC), and Oasis in the Overwhelm Trainer


2046.400 Buying An Investment Property
or Second Home
How much money do you need to buy that 2nd home or investment property? Will the rents pay the mortgage on a multifamily? Is a fixer upper a good investment? Will owning a second home or investing property increase my income and help towards my retirement? What are the pitfalls? These questions and many more will be answered in this informative one night workshop on what to expect in buying a second home or investment property.
Fee: It's Free Tuesday November 11th 7:00pm - 9:00pm One Night
Location: Exit 3
Staff: Representatives from Dan Combs Real Estate and Cambell Mortgage


Wallingford Senior Center News and Events

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

VETERANS DAY PROGRAM on Monday, November 10, 11:00 AM
Join us as we salute our veterans on November 10, at 11:00 AM. The program will feature a keynote address, patriotic music by the Vintage Voices and participation by local veterans groups. Come help us honor those who have served our nation.

WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP: ARTHRITIS & EXERCISE on Wednesday, November 12, 10:30 AM
Physical therapist Jeff Sederquist, a speaker for the Arthritis Foundation, will present a program on November 12, on the benefits of exercise for persons coping with arthritis. Find out what kind of exercise can help minimize the effects of arthritis. Please sign up in advance to attend this program which is sponsored by Westfield Care & Rehab Center. Open to the public.

WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP: WHAT IS A HOSPITALIST? - AND WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW!
Wednesday, November 19, 10:00 AM
If you ever require hospitalization, you need to know what a hospitalist is. MidState Medical Center introduced its Hospitalist Service in 2003, yet many people do not understand how the program works. Join us on November 19, to hear Dr. Howard Dubin explain MidState’s Hospitalist Program and why it is important for you to know about it. Please sign up if you plan to attend. Open to the public.

GIFT WRAPPING SERVICE
Bring in your holiday gifts and let us gift wrap them for you! This service includes a gift box, tissue, wrapping paper, bow and gift tag for just 50¢ for small and medium items, $1.00 for large items, and $2.00 for extra large packages. Gift bags will also be available. This service will be offered November 19-21, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and then Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, November 24 through December 10. All proceeds from this service will benefit the senior center’s program account.

STATE Wii BOWLING TOURNAMENT
Friday, November 14, 10:00 AM
HealthNet is sponsoring the statewide Wii bowling tournament at the Wallingford Senior Center on November 14. Join us to watch the state’s top virtual bowlers in action! Refreshments will be served. Open to the public.

MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY VAN
Monday, November 24
A mammogram is a vital step in a woman’s overall preventive health care. Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer. The Yale New Haven Digital Mobile Mammography Van will be at the Wallingford Senior Center on November 24 from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. If you have not had your annual mammogram, call 688-6800 to schedule your appointment.

SOCIAL SERVICES

CONNECTICUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) 2008-2009 HEATING SEASON
Appointments for assistance with Oil, Kerosene and Wood heat continue to be scheduled at the Wallingford Senior Center. Anyone 60 years of age and over is encouraged to apply. Income limits for a single person is $29,272.36 and for a couple is $38,279.24. Asset limits also apply.
Applicants MUST bring two (2) photocopies of the following to the appointment:
1. Most recent checking, savings, CD, Annuity, IRA, stocks or bonds statements or any other financial information.
2. Verification of Social Security benefits, Pension, dividend and/or interest income.
3. Four most recent pay stubs, if employed.
4. Rental Income: rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account
5. Most recent utility bill.
6. Electric bill.
APPLICATIONS ARE TAKEN
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
To schedule an appointment, please call 265 7753.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE DATES
WALLINGFORD SENIOR HOUSING
Applications will be completed on the following dates and times. Please see your Community Room bulletin board for information on documents needed to complete the application.
? Wednesday, December 3
McKenna Court 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Southside Terrace 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
? Friday, December 5
John Savage Commons 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Eastside Terrace 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
? Tuesday, December 9
McGuire Court 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

BENEFITS SCREENING
Tuesday, November 18, 10-12 noon
Only a few individuals age 60 and older have called for Benefits QuickLINK, a private, free and confidential program which quickly screens your eligibility for these available state and federal programs:
. Medicare: Savings, Prescription Drug coverage, & Rx Extra Help
. State Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
. State Property Tax Relief/Rebates
. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
. Telephone Assistance (Link-up and Lifeline)
Supporting documents not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: l. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses note covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions.
Pre-registration required. Call now 265 7753 to schedule an appointment.

MEDICARE PROGRAMS and SOCIAL SECURITY
Tuesday, DECEMBER 9, 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
It’s that time of year again when decisions need to be made regarding next year’s Medicare. The Medicare RX Express will be at the Wallingford Senior Center to answer your questions and assist you. If you have any questions, such as: Should I have traditional Medicare with a Supplemental or Medigap policy? If so, which Medigap policy is right for me? Is a Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO) right for me? Am I on the right Prescription Drug Program? Does the formulary list all of my medications? Am I eligible for ConnPACE Prescription Drug Program? Am I eligible for the Medicare Savings Program which pays part or all of my Medicare premium? If you have any of these questions or others, please call to schedule and appointment. Please call 265-7753 to schedule.
Appointments are required and limited.

SOCIAL SECURITY: On the same day, someone will also be available to answer any questions you may have about your Social Security. No Appointment is necessary.


DIABETES SUPPORT
Wednesday, November 12, 1:00 p.m.

LOW VISION SUPPORT
Friday, November 21, 10:15 a.m.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE SUPPORT
Friday, November 21, 10:15 a.m.

AARP TAX AIDE: JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM!
The Connecticut AARP Tax-Aide program is seeking volunteers to provide one-on-one help in the preparation of CT & Federal income tax returns. Computer literate volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome; training begins in December. Tax counseling for the elderly is a free, confidential service offered to low and middle income people of all ages, with special attention to those age 60 and over. Volunteers do not need to be an AARP member or retiree. Interested persons should e-mail ctvoltaxaide@juno.com. Provide your name, address, and telephone number.

INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE
In the event of inclement weather, we urge you to watch WVIT-Channel 30, WTNH-Channel 8, or WFSB-TV Channel 3 for information on the cancellation of activities at the Wallingford Senior Center. If the Center should remain open in questionable weather and you are unsure as to whether you should venture out, we urge you to consider your own safety and well being and remain at home. We will make every effort to reschedule to a later date any event or activity that may have to be postponed.

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.

To read THE PEOPLES PRESS in image form or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com.