Walingford and Meriden Town News & Events December 2008
Town News and Events December 2008
To read THE PEOPLES PRESS in image or pdf forms go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/. We are a community newspaper serving Meriden, Wallingford and all of central Connecticut.
Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford
Dear Citizens:
The poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas describes how “visions of sugar -plums” danced in the heads of children. While growing up I often wondered about sugarplums and how delicious they must be when tasted. Part of the magic of this time of year is the delight and wonder and awe associated with light displays, and parties, and laughter, and family togetherness, and the deep spirituality of religious services.
Good ideas and wishes should be dancing in our heads. It is a time to make sure that those ideas become wonderful realities for the people in our lives. Take some time to contribute and help Holiday for Giving, or the Salvation Army, or a neighbor who needs to see a friendly face.
Of course, sugarplums are not plums. They were originally sugarcoated coriander (a spice). But that doesn’t mean they don’t dance. We all hope that they continue to dance in the heads of children of all ages.
Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor
South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department
South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is its 100th year of service to the Village of South Meriden and the City of Meriden. The Officers and Members wish all of our friends and family member’s health and prosperity this holiday season. We thank you all for your continual financial support over this past year. We look forward if necessary to serve you any way we can this up coming year.
Now its time for a several safety tips for our neighbors. We hope you all have working smoke detectors in your home. Working Smoke detectors save lives. Please make sure that you changed your batteries in the detectors. The best time to remember to change the batteries is when day light saving time comes. When you change your clocks back or forth change the batteries for safety.
Also if you do not have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home please purchase them. CO is a colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas that is produced by inefficient burning and incomplete combustion of fuel products in heating appliances, furnace, hot water heaters, and stoves. If you do not have efficient burning appliances in the home, over a period of time CO could be building up in the home which if unchecked could lead to medical conditions and even Death. Having your furnace cleaned and serviced each year will help keep the units running more efficiently. CO is the silent killer, please protect your family and yourself and purchase CO detectors for your home. CO is also produced by normal operation of your vehicles and comes out of the vehicles exhaust systems. Running your vehicle in the garage could cause CO to seep directly into the home.
With winter right around the corner we are asking for your assistance with a little maintenance item. If you have a fire hydrant near the front of your property we need your help. When it snows it would be helpful; if you could clear the snow and ice away from the hydrant. In a fire emergency it is very important that we can hook our hoses to the hydrant as quickly as possible in case we need additional water to extinguish a fire. During and after snow storms we do try to get out and clear hydrants, but we do not always have time to get to them all. It would be very beneficial to all our neighbor to have clean and clear fire hydrants. If you can help us out with this maintenance item we would appreciate your assistance.
A
nother health Tip. We urge all our residence to be careful during the winter months with shoveling snow. (That’s If we ever get any) Take it easy do not over do it. Use a good shovel and do not over load it when you lift it. Also for those of you that have snow blowers please be extremely careful not to put your hands near the blades of the blower unit while it is running. You might say who would do that, but each year Meriden's emergency service responders respond to several of these calls each year and it isn't a pretty sight so please take precautions.
If you can and have the time and the energy may be you can help a neighbor who is a little older or might be ill, give them a hand clearing away the snow from their walkways or driveway. It feels real good to be able to help them out during the winter months. Each year we lose friends and neighbors to heart attacks during the winter months from over exerting themselves shoveling snow.
We also want to thank all of our friends that have been helping clearing snow and ice a way from fire hydrants during storms. This allows the fire department during fire emergencies to hook up to fire hydrants quicker to gain access to a water supply if the fire is one of a substantial size.
And one more health tip. If you are under a doctor’s care and take certain medications keep a list of these medications handy just in case you have the need to call 911 for during a medical emergency. Also with this list you might want to give a little history of any medical conditions that you also might have. These are important things for emergency responders to have just in case you are unable to respond to our questions when we arrive at your home. A good place to keep this information is in an envelope on you refrigerator and note that it is Medical Info.
Information about Membership application process:
We are currently accepting applications for membership for individuals who live in Meriden over the age of 18 in good health and have a clean police records and can pass the application process.
We are also accepting application for those individuals who might all ready be certified as a State of CT Firefighter/EMT and do not live in Meriden but are willing to fill night crew positions at our station. These individuals will need to meet our by-law requirements for drills, weekly night crew and duty crew assignments.
We are one of the only Volunteer fire stations in the State that have sleep-in crews at our fire station we presently cover 6 out of 7 nights. Our nightly in-house status allows us to service our customers you our neighbors quicker.
Being a volunteer fire fighter takes a lot of commitment and time.
Our members make a lot of personal sacrifices to belong to our department, but they get great satisfaction of being part of terrific tradition of saving lives and property. We train and work hard but we love serving and protecting our friends and visitors.
Applications can be picked up at our station at 31 Camp Street, South Meriden in the evenings. We are a DRUG FREE Department and we TEST all applicants.
Good-bye for now, talk to you soon
Stay Safe and healthy
Keith Gordon, Chief South Meriden Fire
Wallingford Senior Center DECEMBER 2008 Edition
Our monthly newsletter can be read in its entirety the first of each month on our website at http://www.wlfdseniorctr.com/
LAKE VIEW CAFÉ HOLIDAY HOURS
Lake View Café will be open for breakfast only from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., December 24 through January 2. Lunch will not be served. Also, the Café will be closed Friday, December 26. The regular schedule (9:00 AM—1:00 PM) will resume Monday, Jan. 5.
RED HAT HOLIDAY PARTY
Wednesday, December 17, 1:00 PM
Crimson Cuties: Get into the holiday spirit with a festive party complete with buffet luncheon and seasonal music provided by Gary Andreadis at the keyboard. Tickets are on sale through December 12.
CHANUKAH PARTY
Monday, December 29, 1:30 PM
Learn about the history and traditions of Chanukah on December 29, at 1:30 PM. Play the dreidel game, and enjoy delicious potato pancakes and chutney prepared by Harriet Wilson. All are welcome, but please sign up by December 22.
GIRL SCOUT TROOP VISIT
Tuesday, December 30, 10:00 AM
Members of Girl Scout Troop 60196 will join us in the Great Room to sing Christmas carols and other holiday songs. Come join in the fun and stay for dancing with DJ Donald!
CELL PHONE ASSISTANCE
Stop by the AT&T table on Tuesday, December 9, 10:00—12:00 to have your questions answered about cell phones and cell phone services. Bring in your own cell phone if you need help operating it or using some of its features. This service is free to senior center members.
NOTE FROM THE CREATIVE WRITERS
Our last publication of Mirrors of Life is now being read by members of the senior center. We will try again in the spring to enroll new people in the Creative Writing class. We hope you have enjoyed our endeavors. Thanks for your support! We wish everyone happy holidays!
JUST FOR MEN BREAKFAST
Wednesday, December 17, 8:00 AM
Come learn about a little known incident that happened on December 7, 1941, on a small island involving a Japanese fighter pilot and a Hawaiian cowboy. The internment of West Coast Japanese Americans during WWII was in great part due to this event. Historian Colonel Frederick Herbert will present this story following a delicious breakfast served by Lake View Café. Tickets are $2 for members and $3 for guests and are on sale through December 16.
SOCIAL SERVICES
CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) 2008-2009 HEATING SEASON
Appointments for all forms of heating 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 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.
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.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
No meeting in December.
BENEFITS SCREENING
Tuesday, DECEMBER 16, 10:00 a.m.—12:00 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 &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 years’ 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.
Appointments are required and limited.
Please call 265-7753 to schedule.
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.
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
Thursday, DECEMBER 11
Appointments are available to get free legal advice from Attorney Tully. Please call 265 7753 to schedule your appointment.
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.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
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 8:30 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!
Our 2008 Senior Center Holiday Fair and Bake Sale will be held on Wednesday, December 10 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the main hallway of the Senior Center. Handmade items will be available for sale by the knitting, sewing and ceramics classes and bake sales and raffles will also be held. The fair is open to the public and people of all ages are invited to attend!
Northeast Utilities will present an Energy Bingo at the Senior Center on Wednesday, December 3 from 12:45 - 1:45 followed by our regular bingo from 1:45 - 3:15. Prizes will include energy efficient light bulbs, energy saving information and other gifts. Energy Bingo is presented as a free community outreach and public education program and all prizes are compliments of Northeast Utilities.
Free hearing aid assistance will be offered on Tuesday, December 9 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.
Manicures by students from Wilcox Technical High School will be offered at the Senior Center on Wednesday, December 10 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM. This complimentary service is done on a first come, first served basis and newcomers are always welcome. Special thanks to the students from Wilcox Technical High School who provide this much appreciated free service for Meriden seniors!
On Wednesday, December 17 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon ProShred will have their paper shredding truck parked in the Hanover Street Parking Lot for a free paper shredding event for Senior Center members. Protect your identity and the security of your old records by disposing of old bank statements, bills, financial documents and other personal papers at this free paper shredding courtesy of ProShred. Just drive into the Hanover Street Parking Lot and look for the big truck to safely dispose of those unwanted papers you no longer need!
Holiday entertainment at the Senior Center will include performances by Middi & the Country Gentlemen on Thursday, December 18 at 10:30 AM, Jill Riggles for a Holiday Sing-a-Long on Tuesday, December 23 at 11:00 AM for our Holiday Celebration Luncheon and the Christmas Show with Dean Martin and Marilyn Monroe on Wednesday, December 24 at 10:30 AM! The Christmas Show is sponsored by Health Net who will also provide complimentary popcorn! The Holiday Celebration Luncheon will feature roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, whipped potatoes, cranberry sauce, mixed vegetables, dinner roll and holiday ice cream for dessert. Sign-up for the Holiday Celebration Luncheon by calling our Senior Community Café at 235-8052 by December 16.
Our Holiday Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, December 18 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Entertainment will be provided by the Vinnie Carr Band. The dinner menu, served from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, will be roast beef with chef’s special sauce, baked potato with sour cream and chives, peas, 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 Holiday Dinner Dance!
During December Senior Center members are asked to help those in need in Meriden by contributing non-perishable food items to our collection box at the Senior Center. Our volunteer receptionists will be accepting donations of canned goods, pasta, coffee and other staples at the reception desk in the front lobby. We will then donate this food to a food pantry in Meriden to help those less fortunate than ourselves during the holiday season. Please consider making a donation of a non-perishable food item to help others here in Meriden during this special time of the year!
Our friends at the Meriden Kiwanis Club generously donated 100 free tickets for senior citizens for this year’s Kiwanis Kapers Show at Maloney High School on November 7 & 8. We distributed the tickets to Senior Center members and, on their behalf, I would like to thank the Meriden Kiwanis Club for this outstanding donation – we appreciate your support!
Save the date for our next Weather Show with meteorologist Art Horn, “Weatherwise: Myths and Misconceptions of Weather” on Wednesday, January 14 at 10:30 AM in the First Floor Meeting Room at the Senior Center. Art will examine the many sayings, folklore and myths of weather and climate in this entertaining and educational program!
Best wishes for a happy holiday season from the members and staff of the Max E. Muravnick Senior Citizens’ Center!
John F. Hogarth
Senior Center Director
November 28, 2008
________________________________________________________________________________________
Mayor's Corner - Meriden
I hope all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends. We were fortunate to have family visiting from California and Massachusetts and we took the opportunity to take the visiting children to Hubbard Park to explore the new boundless plays cape which included the new climbing wall and climbing tower. This kept them busy for over two hours. We also took in the sights of the dazzling Holiday Lights display at the Park. Meriden is blessed to have these free, community attractions.
Thanksgiving Day also featured the 51st Platt / Maloney Stoddard Bowl and the first played at the new Falcon Field complex. A huge crowd witnessed a hard fought game eked out by the Platt Panthers. The large, enthusiastic, and orderly crowd enjoyed the new stadium. The Meriden Parks Department and Police Department combined to make a smooth day for parking, traffic, and game logistics. Congratulations to the students and faculty of both Platt and Maloney High schools for a terrific event.
Meriden Fire Chief James Trainer and Fire Marshall Steve Trella visited the Mayor’s Mic recently to inform our residents of fire safety issues for the holiday season. They advised residents to be careful of not leaving candles unattended, using only approved lighting decorations, and not to overload electrical outlets. We want to ensure that all have a fun and safe holiday season.
Also, Larry Elliot of New Opportunities of Greater Meriden paid a visit to the Mayor's Mic and shared information about the many energy assistance programs available to eligible residents for help with their heating bills. This includes gas heat, fuel oil, and other heating fuels including propane and wood. Call Larry at 235-0278 to see if you may be eligible for some energy assistance help this season.
F
inally, at the November 17th City Council Meeting, the Council recognized Gary Shamock and his fellow volunteers with a Spirit of Meriden Award for their work to clear away overgrowth and spruce up the sadly forgotten East Side Cemetery. We are indebted to Gary and his supporters for their unselfish work on this project.
All best holiday wishes to our Meriden residents and their families.
Michael S. Rohde
Mayor
City of Meriden
To read THE PEOPLES PRESS in image or pdf forms go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/. We are a community newspaper serving Meriden, Wallingford and all of central Connecticut.
To read THE PEOPLES PRESS in image or pdf forms go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/. We are a community newspaper serving Meriden, Wallingford and all of central Connecticut.
Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford
Dear Citizens:
The poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas describes how “visions of sugar -plums” danced in the heads of children. While growing up I often wondered about sugarplums and how delicious they must be when tasted. Part of the magic of this time of year is the delight and wonder and awe associated with light displays, and parties, and laughter, and family togetherness, and the deep spirituality of religious services.
Good ideas and wishes should be dancing in our heads. It is a time to make sure that those ideas become wonderful realities for the people in our lives. Take some time to contribute and help Holiday for Giving, or the Salvation Army, or a neighbor who needs to see a friendly face.
Of course, sugarplums are not plums. They were originally sugarcoated coriander (a spice). But that doesn’t mean they don’t dance. We all hope that they continue to dance in the heads of children of all ages.
Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor
South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department
South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is its 100th year of service to the Village of South Meriden and the City of Meriden. The Officers and Members wish all of our friends and family member’s health and prosperity this holiday season. We thank you all for your continual financial support over this past year. We look forward if necessary to serve you any way we can this up coming year.
Now its time for a several safety tips for our neighbors. We hope you all have working smoke detectors in your home. Working Smoke detectors save lives. Please make sure that you changed your batteries in the detectors. The best time to remember to change the batteries is when day light saving time comes. When you change your clocks back or forth change the batteries for safety.
Also if you do not have carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home please purchase them. CO is a colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas that is produced by inefficient burning and incomplete combustion of fuel products in heating appliances, furnace, hot water heaters, and stoves. If you do not have efficient burning appliances in the home, over a period of time CO could be building up in the home which if unchecked could lead to medical conditions and even Death. Having your furnace cleaned and serviced each year will help keep the units running more efficiently. CO is the silent killer, please protect your family and yourself and purchase CO detectors for your home. CO is also produced by normal operation of your vehicles and comes out of the vehicles exhaust systems. Running your vehicle in the garage could cause CO to seep directly into the home.
With winter right around the corner we are asking for your assistance with a little maintenance item. If you have a fire hydrant near the front of your property we need your help. When it snows it would be helpful; if you could clear the snow and ice away from the hydrant. In a fire emergency it is very important that we can hook our hoses to the hydrant as quickly as possible in case we need additional water to extinguish a fire. During and after snow storms we do try to get out and clear hydrants, but we do not always have time to get to them all. It would be very beneficial to all our neighbor to have clean and clear fire hydrants. If you can help us out with this maintenance item we would appreciate your assistance.
A
nother health Tip. We urge all our residence to be careful during the winter months with shoveling snow. (That’s If we ever get any) Take it easy do not over do it. Use a good shovel and do not over load it when you lift it. Also for those of you that have snow blowers please be extremely careful not to put your hands near the blades of the blower unit while it is running. You might say who would do that, but each year Meriden's emergency service responders respond to several of these calls each year and it isn't a pretty sight so please take precautions.If you can and have the time and the energy may be you can help a neighbor who is a little older or might be ill, give them a hand clearing away the snow from their walkways or driveway. It feels real good to be able to help them out during the winter months. Each year we lose friends and neighbors to heart attacks during the winter months from over exerting themselves shoveling snow.
We also want to thank all of our friends that have been helping clearing snow and ice a way from fire hydrants during storms. This allows the fire department during fire emergencies to hook up to fire hydrants quicker to gain access to a water supply if the fire is one of a substantial size.
And one more health tip. If you are under a doctor’s care and take certain medications keep a list of these medications handy just in case you have the need to call 911 for during a medical emergency. Also with this list you might want to give a little history of any medical conditions that you also might have. These are important things for emergency responders to have just in case you are unable to respond to our questions when we arrive at your home. A good place to keep this information is in an envelope on you refrigerator and note that it is Medical Info.
Information about Membership application process:
We are currently accepting applications for membership for individuals who live in Meriden over the age of 18 in good health and have a clean police records and can pass the application process.
We are also accepting application for those individuals who might all ready be certified as a State of CT Firefighter/EMT and do not live in Meriden but are willing to fill night crew positions at our station. These individuals will need to meet our by-law requirements for drills, weekly night crew and duty crew assignments.
We are one of the only Volunteer fire stations in the State that have sleep-in crews at our fire station we presently cover 6 out of 7 nights. Our nightly in-house status allows us to service our customers you our neighbors quicker.
Being a volunteer fire fighter takes a lot of commitment and time.
Our members make a lot of personal sacrifices to belong to our department, but they get great satisfaction of being part of terrific tradition of saving lives and property. We train and work hard but we love serving and protecting our friends and visitors.
Applications can be picked up at our station at 31 Camp Street, South Meriden in the evenings. We are a DRUG FREE Department and we TEST all applicants.
Good-bye for now, talk to you soon
Stay Safe and healthy
Keith Gordon, Chief South Meriden Fire
Wallingford Senior Center DECEMBER 2008 Edition
Our monthly newsletter can be read in its entirety the first of each month on our website at http://www.wlfdseniorctr.com/
LAKE VIEW CAFÉ HOLIDAY HOURS
Lake View Café will be open for breakfast only from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., December 24 through January 2. Lunch will not be served. Also, the Café will be closed Friday, December 26. The regular schedule (9:00 AM—1:00 PM) will resume Monday, Jan. 5.
RED HAT HOLIDAY PARTY
Wednesday, December 17, 1:00 PM
Crimson Cuties: Get into the holiday spirit with a festive party complete with buffet luncheon and seasonal music provided by Gary Andreadis at the keyboard. Tickets are on sale through December 12.
CHANUKAH PARTY
Monday, December 29, 1:30 PM
Learn about the history and traditions of Chanukah on December 29, at 1:30 PM. Play the dreidel game, and enjoy delicious potato pancakes and chutney prepared by Harriet Wilson. All are welcome, but please sign up by December 22.
GIRL SCOUT TROOP VISIT
Tuesday, December 30, 10:00 AM
Members of Girl Scout Troop 60196 will join us in the Great Room to sing Christmas carols and other holiday songs. Come join in the fun and stay for dancing with DJ Donald!
CELL PHONE ASSISTANCE
Stop by the AT&T table on Tuesday, December 9, 10:00—12:00 to have your questions answered about cell phones and cell phone services. Bring in your own cell phone if you need help operating it or using some of its features. This service is free to senior center members.
NOTE FROM THE CREATIVE WRITERS
Our last publication of Mirrors of Life is now being read by members of the senior center. We will try again in the spring to enroll new people in the Creative Writing class. We hope you have enjoyed our endeavors. Thanks for your support! We wish everyone happy holidays!
JUST FOR MEN BREAKFAST
Wednesday, December 17, 8:00 AM
Come learn about a little known incident that happened on December 7, 1941, on a small island involving a Japanese fighter pilot and a Hawaiian cowboy. The internment of West Coast Japanese Americans during WWII was in great part due to this event. Historian Colonel Frederick Herbert will present this story following a delicious breakfast served by Lake View Café. Tickets are $2 for members and $3 for guests and are on sale through December 16.
SOCIAL SERVICES
CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) 2008-2009 HEATING SEASON
Appointments for all forms of heating 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 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.
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.
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
No meeting in December.
BENEFITS SCREENING
Tuesday, DECEMBER 16, 10:00 a.m.—12:00 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 &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 years’ 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.
Appointments are required and limited.
Please call 265-7753 to schedule.
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.
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
Thursday, DECEMBER 11
Appointments are available to get free legal advice from Attorney Tully. Please call 265 7753 to schedule your appointment.
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.
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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 8:30 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!
Our 2008 Senior Center Holiday Fair and Bake Sale will be held on Wednesday, December 10 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the main hallway of the Senior Center. Handmade items will be available for sale by the knitting, sewing and ceramics classes and bake sales and raffles will also be held. The fair is open to the public and people of all ages are invited to attend!
Northeast Utilities will present an Energy Bingo at the Senior Center on Wednesday, December 3 from 12:45 - 1:45 followed by our regular bingo from 1:45 - 3:15. Prizes will include energy efficient light bulbs, energy saving information and other gifts. Energy Bingo is presented as a free community outreach and public education program and all prizes are compliments of Northeast Utilities.
Free hearing aid assistance will be offered on Tuesday, December 9 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.
Manicures by students from Wilcox Technical High School will be offered at the Senior Center on Wednesday, December 10 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM. This complimentary service is done on a first come, first served basis and newcomers are always welcome. Special thanks to the students from Wilcox Technical High School who provide this much appreciated free service for Meriden seniors!
On Wednesday, December 17 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon ProShred will have their paper shredding truck parked in the Hanover Street Parking Lot for a free paper shredding event for Senior Center members. Protect your identity and the security of your old records by disposing of old bank statements, bills, financial documents and other personal papers at this free paper shredding courtesy of ProShred. Just drive into the Hanover Street Parking Lot and look for the big truck to safely dispose of those unwanted papers you no longer need!
Holiday entertainment at the Senior Center will include performances by Middi & the Country Gentlemen on Thursday, December 18 at 10:30 AM, Jill Riggles for a Holiday Sing-a-Long on Tuesday, December 23 at 11:00 AM for our Holiday Celebration Luncheon and the Christmas Show with Dean Martin and Marilyn Monroe on Wednesday, December 24 at 10:30 AM! The Christmas Show is sponsored by Health Net who will also provide complimentary popcorn! The Holiday Celebration Luncheon will feature roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, whipped potatoes, cranberry sauce, mixed vegetables, dinner roll and holiday ice cream for dessert. Sign-up for the Holiday Celebration Luncheon by calling our Senior Community Café at 235-8052 by December 16.
Our Holiday Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, December 18 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Entertainment will be provided by the Vinnie Carr Band. The dinner menu, served from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, will be roast beef with chef’s special sauce, baked potato with sour cream and chives, peas, 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 Holiday Dinner Dance!
During December Senior Center members are asked to help those in need in Meriden by contributing non-perishable food items to our collection box at the Senior Center. Our volunteer receptionists will be accepting donations of canned goods, pasta, coffee and other staples at the reception desk in the front lobby. We will then donate this food to a food pantry in Meriden to help those less fortunate than ourselves during the holiday season. Please consider making a donation of a non-perishable food item to help others here in Meriden during this special time of the year!
Our friends at the Meriden Kiwanis Club generously donated 100 free tickets for senior citizens for this year’s Kiwanis Kapers Show at Maloney High School on November 7 & 8. We distributed the tickets to Senior Center members and, on their behalf, I would like to thank the Meriden Kiwanis Club for this outstanding donation – we appreciate your support!
Save the date for our next Weather Show with meteorologist Art Horn, “Weatherwise: Myths and Misconceptions of Weather” on Wednesday, January 14 at 10:30 AM in the First Floor Meeting Room at the Senior Center. Art will examine the many sayings, folklore and myths of weather and climate in this entertaining and educational program!
Best wishes for a happy holiday season from the members and staff of the Max E. Muravnick Senior Citizens’ Center!
John F. Hogarth
Senior Center Director
November 28, 2008
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Mayor's Corner - Meriden
I hope all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday with family and friends. We were fortunate to have family visiting from California and Massachusetts and we took the opportunity to take the visiting children to Hubbard Park to explore the new boundless plays cape which included the new climbing wall and climbing tower. This kept them busy for over two hours. We also took in the sights of the dazzling Holiday Lights display at the Park. Meriden is blessed to have these free, community attractions.
Thanksgiving Day also featured the 51st Platt / Maloney Stoddard Bowl and the first played at the new Falcon Field complex. A huge crowd witnessed a hard fought game eked out by the Platt Panthers. The large, enthusiastic, and orderly crowd enjoyed the new stadium. The Meriden Parks Department and Police Department combined to make a smooth day for parking, traffic, and game logistics. Congratulations to the students and faculty of both Platt and Maloney High schools for a terrific event.
Meriden Fire Chief James Trainer and Fire Marshall Steve Trella visited the Mayor’s Mic recently to inform our residents of fire safety issues for the holiday season. They advised residents to be careful of not leaving candles unattended, using only approved lighting decorations, and not to overload electrical outlets. We want to ensure that all have a fun and safe holiday season.
Also, Larry Elliot of New Opportunities of Greater Meriden paid a visit to the Mayor's Mic and shared information about the many energy assistance programs available to eligible residents for help with their heating bills. This includes gas heat, fuel oil, and other heating fuels including propane and wood. Call Larry at 235-0278 to see if you may be eligible for some energy assistance help this season.
F
inally, at the November 17th City Council Meeting, the Council recognized Gary Shamock and his fellow volunteers with a Spirit of Meriden Award for their work to clear away overgrowth and spruce up the sadly forgotten East Side Cemetery. We are indebted to Gary and his supporters for their unselfish work on this project.All best holiday wishes to our Meriden residents and their families.
Michael S. Rohde
Mayor
City of Meriden
To read THE PEOPLES PRESS in image or pdf forms go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/. We are a community newspaper serving Meriden, Wallingford and all of central Connecticut.
Labels: meriden wallingford newspaper, meriden wallingford newspaper news connecticut, the peoples press
posted by The People's Press at
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