Walingford and Meriden Town News & Events February 2009

To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper.

Mayor’s Corner – Wallingford

Dear Friends,

Isn’t it wonderful to have daylight at 5:00 p.m. each day. Just to know that the days are getting longer puts a smile in our minds if not our faces. Mother Nature is making a major effort this year to remind us what winter is all about. Sleet, ice, snow and cold temperatures lurk in and around whenever each day takes us…unless we head for southern climes. There, temperature may have a different meaning. Someone once told me that, if you plan to drive to Texas, remember that people drive the temperature, not the speed limit.

Whatever discomforts the winter wind may bring us, that wind is being warmed by a sun which shines longer each day. Now is the time we plan for warm weather events like the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. But please drive the speed limit, not the temperature.
Yours truly, William Dickinson - Mayor


Mayor’s Corner - Meriden

Now that we are in 2009, I'm sure many of us have made some New Year's Resolutions. Seems like most people would like to get in better shape and lose some weight. A few years ago, my wife Nancy and I were realizing that because of my hectic work and commuity schedule, we could go for long stretches without talking to each other. So we decided to commit to walking an hour for 3 or 4 times a week together. We started out doing our walks at 5 AM before work but over time we switched to the evenings. Sometimes we walk as late as 9:30 PM. What a nice way to make sure we connect regularly and also get some beneficial and enjoyable exercise. I bought some bright flashers, blue and red, that I wear front and back for safety. Nancy thinks I look like a geek wearing the flashing lights but I say "Safety First!

I continue to be amazed at all the activities and events happening in Meriden. Since I was sworn is as Mayor in July, I have been privileged to make 150 Mayoral appearances throughout the community. This gives me a good perspective on the richness of Meriden's spirit and pride. In the short run, we need to work our way through these difficult economic times with tough and courageous decisions. But, I feel very confident that Meriden's future is indeed very bright. We have many resources and assets that will bode well for our community in the years ahead.
Best to all. Michael S. Rohde - Mayor of Meriden


MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER NEWS & 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 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!
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MidState Medical Center and the Senior Center will jointly present a “Recession Rescue for Seniors” program on Wednesday, February 25 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at the Senior Center. The program will feature celebrity guest Brad Davis from WDRC AM 1360 radio who will offer his perspective on the current economy, followed by keynote speaker financial advisor Chris Beale, CFP, of Meriden’s New England Capital Financial Advisors, LLC. Mr. Beale will discuss how people can better manage their money and take control of their finances during difficult economic times. Angelfood Ministries, RSVP of Central Connecticut, New Opportunities and Connecticut Light & Power will also have information on food and fuel assistance, energy savings and more. A complimentary lunch will be served to those 60 and over at 11:30 who are attending the program and people can sign-up for the free lunch by calling 237-0066 by February 20. Otherwise, if not interested in lunch, just join us for the program starting at 1:00 PM.
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A Valentine Dinner Dance will be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, February 12 with music provided by Vinnie Carr. The dinner menu of Chicken Marsala, baked potato with chives and sour cream, peas with mushrooms, dessert and coffee will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 with dancing from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets are available now for Meriden residents at a cost $6 per person and may be purchased at the Senior Center.
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Free hearing aid assistance will now be offered on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:30 AM -12:00 noon at the Max Muravnick Senior Center. 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 in an office on the first floor of the Senior Center. The next scheduled date for free hearing aid services is Tuesday, February 10 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon.
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The “Move and Soothe” gentle movement class taught by Susan Sandel, Dance/Movement Therapist, will resume on Tuesday afternoons in March from 12:30 to 1:30 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center, starting on Tuesday, March 3. The class will feature gentle movement set to music to stretch, relax and strengthen your body and, most of all, to have fun! Participants should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and sneakers or rubber-soled shoes. Ms. Sandel is an accomplished dance therapist and we are glad to welcome her back to the Senior Center in March for “Move & Soothe” classes each week at the Senior Center.
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The 19th annual “Walk for Warmth” will be held in downtown Meriden on Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 AM. This two-mile walk raises money to provide energy assistance to people in need who would otherwise not qualify for help. Last year’s walk raised $20,000 which helped more than 125 households with their winter energy bills. I will be walking in the 2008 “Walk for Warmth” and ask that concerned people consider donating to this worthwhile cause or walking themselves in this community event. To make a pledge, please contact me at the Senior Center at 237-0066 or call New Opportunities of Greater Meriden at 235-0278.


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AARP’s trained volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are once again ready to help local seniors with income tax advice and actual preparation of their 2008 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Max Muravnick Senior Center each Wednesday, from Wednesday, February 4 until Wednesday, April 15. This free service is offered by appointment which may be made by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066.
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The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center will be on Wednesday, April 22 and Friday, April 24 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 $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Reservations for the class are now being accepted by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066. Additional AARP Driver Safety Classes this year at the Senior Center will be held on July 22 & 24 and November 4 & 6, 2009.
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The Elderly and Disabled Homeowners’ Tax Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut has now started. Any elderly or disabled Meriden homeowner can apply for a credit to their local property taxes at the Meriden Tax Assessor’s Office at City Hall between February 2 and May 15, 2009. To be eligible applicants or their spouse must have been 65 or older by December 31, 2008 or be on Social Security Disability. You must own and live in the house for which you claim a tax credit and the income limits are $30,500 for a single person and $37,300 for a married couple. Applications for tax relief are also available for qualified veterans. For more information contact the Tax Assessor’s Office at 630-4065.
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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
January 22, 2009

MAX E. MURAVNICKMERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER
22 WEST MAIN STREET
MERIDEN, CT

SENIOR CENTERS ARE WELLNESS CENTERS!

The National Council on the Aging has used this slogan for many years to let people know that senior centers are a great place for fitness and wellness activities. Combined with our on-site LaPlanche Clinic, sponsored by MidState Medical Center, we put a strong emphasis on the value of regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Classes are offered free for Meriden seniors 55+ on the lower level of the Senior Center according to the following schedule:

Gentle Aerobics, Myrta Clark and staff Aerobics for seniors set to music.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00 – 11:30 AM

Sit Down/Tone Up, Jennie Padick A videotape chair exercise program.
Monday 10:30 – 11:00 AM

Line Dancing, Jim Gregory Learn some dance steps and enjoy the music.
Monday, 1:30 – 2:15 PM

Blast Off, Chris Fontaine A 20 minute energizing video with
Tuesday, 10:00 – 10:20 AM Richard Simmons.

Physical Fitness Easy chair exercises suitable for all.
Tuesday, Friday 10:30 – 11:00 AM
Thursday 10:15 – 10:45 AM

Weight Training Fitness class using one and two pound weights.
Tuesday, 11:00 – 11:30 AM

Tai-Chi Gong, Rich Hamel Flowing movements blend body and mind.
Tuesday, Thursday, 1:30 – 2:15 PM

Chair Dancing Chair exercises with music.
Thursday 10:45 – 11:15 AM

Strength and Tone for Seniors, Karen Zeoli
Thursday, 12:45 – 1:30 PM Active fitness class using weights and music.

Yoga, Donna Sause Regular yoga for managing stress.
Friday, 9:30 – 10:15 AM

Learn how “Senior Centers are Wellness Centers” and join us for some of these fitness classes this week. No pre-registration is required and class participants must be residents of Meriden age 55+. See how the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center can help you get fit and be healthy in 2009! Free parking is available in the Hanover Street Parking Lot across from the rear entrance to the Senior Center. For further information or any questions you may have just give us a call at 237-0066. We hope to see you here soon!

John F. Hogarth
Senior Center Director
January 22, 2009

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/

VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION - Friday, February 13, 10:30 AM
Don’t miss our annual salute to love at our Valentine’s Celebration on Friday the 13th! The festivities include fabulous musical entertainment provided by Roger Young, pianist, and vocalist Alexa, as well as Valentine’s Day treats and activities. Please sign up if you plan to attend.

VALENTINE LUNCHEON - Friday, February 13, 12 NOON
Following our Valentine’s Celebration, Lake View Café will serve a special luncheon. The menu includes: Tomato Rice Soup, Shrimp Salad on a Croissant, Fruit Punch, and Strawberry Shortcake. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale through February 11.

MARDI GRAS PARTY - Tuesday, February 24, 10:30 AM
Beads, cake and a Dixieland Band will make you feel like you are in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Come early (10:00 AM) to make a festive mask! There is no fee for the party, but pick up your free ticket by Friday, February 20. Wear green, gold or purple and have fun at our Fat Tuesday Party!

MARDI GRAS LUNCHEON - Tuesday, February 24, 12:00 NOON
Following our Mardi Gras Party, enjoy a delicious Mardi Gras luncheon prepared by Lake View Café. The meal includes Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Bananas Foster and a hot beverage. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale through February 20.

MAYOR BILL & FRIENDS SHOW
Friday, February 27
Saturday, February 28
Showtime 7:30 PM
Tickets ($5.00 per person) are on sale for Mayor Bill’s musical show featuring a band, dancers and performers. The show, entitled “What’s A Guy Gonna Do?” is a fund raiser to benefit the Wallingford Senior Center! Come out either Friday, February 27 or Saturday, February 28, for a night of fun and support your center! The public is invited.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER - Our Computer Learning Center (CLC) is celebrating ten years of offering low-cost computer classes to adults aged 50 and over. Our learning center is operated by a team of dedicated volunteers and we are looking for additional people to join in this worthwhile endeavor. Specifically, the CLC Council is looking for a recording secretary to record, type and distribute (via e-mail) the minutes of our monthly meetings. We also need someone to take care of publicity for the CLC and its computer classes. And, we always welcome prospective new teachers and coaches for our classes. If interested, please contact Debby Voelker or CLC President Ralph Camera.

WRITERS & CALLIGRAPHERS! - Please sign up at the front desk if you have any interest in participating in Creative Writing or Calligraphy Workshops at the senior center. Remember, creative activities are food for the brain!

DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM - Looking for a volunteer to help with arts and craft projects, preferably between the hours of 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., or 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., once or twice a month. Please contact Melinda Welch, D.A.I Coordinator, for details.
SOCIAL SERVICES

CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) CALL 265-7753 FOR FUEL APPOINTMENT BENEFITS SCREENING
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.

ATTENTION SENIORS: JOIN US TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1:00—3:00 PM
Daniel O. Tully, Esq. is a partner in the Bristol, Connecticut Law Firm of Kilbourne & Tully, P.C. with offices in Glastonbury and North Haven. Attorney Tully will speak about the new Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 and how it affects seniors. He will give an overview of the new Medicaid (Title 19) law changes and how these changes could affect Medicaid benefits. Call 265 7753 to sign up for this program.

ELDER LAW ATTORNEY APPOINTMENTS on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Appointments are available in the afternoon to get free legal advice from Attorney Daniel Tully. Please call 265 7753 to reserve an appointment.
CONNPACE: ConnPACE is a state-funded prescription drug program. Each year the income limit guidelines are adjusted. In January 2009, the changes are as follows:
$25,100 for a single person
$33,800 for a couple
Beneficiaries who have ConnPACE must select a Medicare Part D plan. ConnPACE will still allow beneficiaries to select the Medicare D plan of their choice. There are no asset limits. For an appointment or additional information, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker, at 265 7753.

HELP WITH SNOW REMOVAL
Need assistance with snow removal? The YOUTH JOB BANK of Wallingford’s Youth and Social Service Department can help. They will find a student from Wallingford to shovel snow for a fee you negotiate directly with the student. Please call 294-2175 for more details.

HOMEOWNERS TAX RELIEF PROGRAM & PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL FOR THE ELDERLY
WHEN: February 1 through May 15, 2009
WHERE: Assessor’s Office—Town Hall
Please call 294-2001 for more information.

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES INFORMATION
Available on WSC Member Interest Table.

LOW VISION SUPPORT & EDUCATION GROUP
Friday, February 20, 10:15 a.m.
“Safety Awareness” will be the topic for this meeting. A light breakfast will be served. Please call 265-7753 to sign up. You can also schedule transportation at that time.

CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP) 2008-2009 HEATING SEASON
Appointments for assistance with fuel 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. Liquid asset limit for homeowners: $10,000.00; non-homeowners $7,000.00. Please call 265 7753 to schedule an appointment.


To read The People’s Press in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ . We are Wallingford and Meriden Connecticut’s Community Newspaper.