Sunday, March 8, 2009

March 2009 Town News and Events

To read The People’s Press – Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com


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/

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY
Tuesday, March 17, 10:00—12:00

A wee bit of Ireland is what The Great Room will be transformed into when we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Gary Andreadis will provide dancing and listening music for your entertainment; our own Vintage Voices will mark the day with favorite tunes and ballads; and the Viola Family will delight you with their Irish Step Dancing. There is no fee for the party, but please sign up at the front desk. ST. PATRICK’S LUNCHEON on Tuesday, March 17, 12 Noon Tickets are on sale for a special St. Patrick’s Day lunch offered by Lake View Café. Suzanne is preparing Corned Beef Reubens, Split Pea Soup, Crème de Menthe sundaes, and a beverage for $5.00. Tickets must be purchased at the front desk by March 13.

A TRIP THROUGH THE G.I. TRACT on Tuesday, March 24, 1:00 PM
MidState Medical Center will present a fascinating program on March 24: A trip through your G.I. tract! Learn about everything from acid reflux to Crohn’s Disease to diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Please register to attend.

THE REPTILES ARE COMING!
Wednesday, March 25, 7:00 PM
The Wallingford Land Trust and the Senior Center are sponsoring a fun program for the whole family on March 25. Join us for a night of snakes, turtles and lizards presented by the Hamden High School Reptile Club. The club was formed with a grant which allowed the transformation of a school room into a Reptile Room housing approximately 80 snakes, lizards and turtles. Members of the club educate others on the care, feeding and life cycles of their amazing charges. Come see 12-foot snakes up close and personal! The event is free and open to the public.

THURSDAY EVENING HOURS RESUME!
The Wallingford Senior Center resumes its extended hours to 8:30 PM on Thursdays beginning March 19. (Daylight Savings Time resumes March 8!) After 4:00 PM, continue to enjoy casual activities (cards, billiards, ping pong, games, virtual bowling, reading, socializing), as well as classes, special events, and a light supper at Lake View Café. Lake View Café will offer soup and sandwiches on Thursdays until 6:30 PM, on March 19, 26, and April 2. Lake View Café’s full supper menu will start on April 16

LAKE VIEW CABARET
§ Thursday, March 19, 6:00 PM
Pierce Campbell, CT State Troubadour 2007/2008, will be on hand to mark the opening of the 2009 Thursday Evening Lake View Cabaret program. Mr. Campbell is scheduled to perform from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. The Lake View Café will be offering soup and sandwiches until 6:30 PM.
§ Thursday, March 26, 6:30 PM
Lake View Cabaret will feature John Geida from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Mr. Geida is an accomplished entertainer who engages his audience with his music and lively banter. Mr. Geida is sure to bring a smile to your face whether you sing along or simply sit back and take a stroll down memory lane.
§ Thursday, April 2, 6:30 PM
Sophistication will be on hand from 6:30 to 7:30 PM for your listening and dancing pleasure.

SOCIAL SERVICES

URGENT!!! URGENT!!!
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program participants. Fuel authorizations or delivery from basic benefits, crisis or safety net assistance deadline is March 16.

ARE YOU WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE?
Governor Rell’s Charter Oak Health Plan is available to uninsured Connecticut residents who currently lack access to affordable health care. This insurance is available to individuals who are between the ages of 19 and 64 and have been without insurance for at least six months. Exceptions to this waiting period could be financial hardship, job loss, etc. Charter Oak insurance will cover enrollees with pre-existing conditions with no exclusions. Premiums are based on income and start at $75. For additional information, please call Eileen Flynn at 265 7753.

NO-CHARGE DENTAL SERVICES
Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18
The Connecticut “Mission of Mercy”, a dental clinic for people of all ages in Connecticut will be held: Friday, April 17 and Saturday April 18 from 5:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. at the Yale University Athletic Center, 70 Tower Parkway. Appointments CANNOT be made in advance. Dentists will be available to provide x-rays, fillings and extractions at NO CHARGE. This is offered once a year by the State of Connecticut.

VETERANS SERVICES
Wednesday, March 25, 1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m.
George Messier, Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Wallingford will be available to answer questions and assist with benefit information. An appointment is required. Please call 265 7753.

BENEFITS SCREENING
Tuesday, March 17, 10:00 a.m.—12:00 noon
Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for any State or Federal Programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for eligibility. Supporting documents are 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 265 7753 now to schedule an appointment.

CONNPACE PROGRAM
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. Anyone who meets these guidelines is encouraged to apply. For an appointment or additional information, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker at 265 7753.

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP on Friday, March 20, 10:15 a.m.
Stephan Deltatto, of Silver Lining Technologies, will present high tech devices which are available for use to assist people in reading small print and in using the computer. Please call 265 7753 to register.

To read The People’s Press – Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s community newspaper in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/



Wallingford Park and Recreation News and Events

Message from the Director

Spring is right around the corner and the staff at the Parks & Recreation Department hopes you all enjoyed a joyous holiday season.

The state of the economy has and will continue to impact our lives in many ways. So with this in mind, it’s important to live healthier and productive lives. Now that the holiday season is behind us I urge you to take advantage of our many program opportunities and make a difference in your daily life or the lives of loved ones around you. Let us help contribute to your social and physical well being and get out to your parks recreation department and par­ticipate in a program.

Department of Public Works and the Recreation Department cooperated in delivering some noticeable park improvements this past year at Westside Park, Community Lake, Vietnam Vets and Pragemann Parks.

We have begun preparing for the FY2009-2010 budget which for the town will be challenging to maintain current services however; we have been working hard to get consideration for two projects the gymnasium expansion and roller sports park. As of this writing bid documents for the Recreation Center Gymnasium expansion are completed and the Roller Sports Park Committee is working through the final stages of design and material concept to get an estimated project cost.

Finally, this fall join us, the YMCA and Public Celebrations as we bring to the Community the New Fishbein YMCA Community Day Race as a part of Family Day at the new location Doolittle Park sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, Youth & Social Services and YMCA! If you have a program idea or a talent to lead a program, please contact us. We continue to look forward to serving you and meeting your leisure needs.

Parks and Recreation does more than provide leisure venues and activities in the parks….we also provide a “lifetime of memories".
John Gawlak CPRP
Director of Parks & Recreation

To pick up the latest brochure go to: 6 Fairfield Blvd.,
Telephone: 203-294-2120
FAX: 203-294-2127
Web site:
www.town.wallingford.ct to read the latest brochure on-line.

Publisher’s Note: Listed below is just a small sampling of what you will find in the Park and Rec brochure. There is a huge amount of classes, courses and events in the latest brochure. Remember to pick one up or visit online.

P.L.A.Y.
0041.200 Spring Stingers• Ages 6-11
Come join your friends in this very pop­ular program over April break. We will be hopping on the bus this spring and we will be going on various trips each day. This will be a fun filled week for all participants ages 6-11. Trip sched­ule is not available at time of print.
Program Date: April 20 - 24 8:30am - 4:30pm
Fee: $180 per child.
Guaranteed T-Shirt for everyone regis­tered by Wednesday April 8th.

0175.400 Party Place • Ages 2-8
Let the recreation department throw your child’s birthday. We provide the decorations, paper goods, party planner and fun. $160 per party (up to 10 chil­dren ages 2 to 8) $7 each additional child. Party Location and time based on availability. For more information, please contact the recreation depart­ment at 294-2120.
Party Coordinator: Amy Pajor

VOYAGERS


9040.200 ELLIS ISLAND& SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
Saturday April 18th
Bus Departs: Recreation Department at 6:30am
Returns: 8:30pm
Fee: $56 per child / $61 per adult
Trace your family roots right at Ellis Island. From 1892 – 1954, millions of immigrants began their American dream here: the Great Hall, where the immigrants were processed, the four rooms where immigrants were detained. When today’s visitors disem­bark at Ellis Island, they stand under the recreated canopy – the same point where immigrants began the process toward American citizenship. From the island, the tour will conclude at the his­toric docks and shops of the South Street Seaport. No better way to end your day of sight seeing with some shopping!

SPECIAL INTEREST
2007.200 Basics of Organic Gardening

Learn to grow healthy, lus­cious produce in your own garden no matter how small. Learn how to com­post and companion planting can improve the productivity and beautify your space. We will explore the simple steps to success for the novice garden­er.
When: Saturday March 21st 10:00 - 1:00pm One Day
Fee: $15
Location: Exit 7
Instructor: Leila Edgar

ADAPTIVE RECREATION
0101.200 Ladybug Melodies

Ages 6-11 Green
Learning social skills has never been so much fun! Laura McClam has over 20 years experience working with children using movement, singing and playing basic musical instruments to make learning to socialize exciting and easy! Laura has written and recorded her own music that is designed to keep fol­lowing directions fun and meaningful! Age appropriate activities, visual cues and mentors make the class comfort­able and exciting!
When: Thursday 6:00-6:45pm March 12th to May 14th (no class April 9th and 23rd)
Fee: $50
Instructor: Laura McClam of Ladybug Melodies

EARLY CHILDHOOD
3005.200 Future Picasso • For 3-5yrs Without Parent

If you think your child is a budding art­ist who would rather do art than watch TV or play ball, then this is the class you have been looking for.
Thursdays Feb. 26th
Fee: $40
Location: Exit 8
Instructor: Debbie Tansino, Preschool supervisor

SPORTS AND LEAGUES
Little Ninjas• For 3-4 yrs
Karate techniques incorporated with essential motor skills for 3-4 yr. olds. The curriculum includes balance, memory, team work, coordination, focus, and other age specific skills training.

Often young children want to do what the big kids do but don’t have the essential motor skills. This class teach­es those while building self-esteem and respect for self and others.
All Classes 12 Weeks
When: 4052.207 Mondays March 9 - May 25 5:30 - 6:00pm


Adult Slo-PitchSoftball Calendar of Important Dates 2009 Season
Softball leagues are offered for men’s, women’s and co-ed recreational teams. ASA rules with modifications and Wallingford Parks & Recreation Dept rules apply. The Dept. reserves the right to place teams in divisions to maintain the quality of competition. Teams must be prepared to play on these days of the week Mon-Fri and Sundays for sched­uled or rescheduled games.
Division Schedules Is As Follows:
Monday: Make Ups (Sundays may be used if needed)
Tuesday: D Division/E Division
Wednesday: A Division/Women’s Division
Thursday: B Division/C Division
Friday: F Division/G Division

HEALTH AND FITNESS

5500.200 Yoga for Every BODY

This yoga series is designed to meet the needs of everyBODY. Fundamentals will be the focus as each class will build and grow throughout the session. Shoulder openers, hip openers and some fun arm balances will be added to complete this offering. Strong empha­sis will be placed on breathing and each class will finish with relaxation. Experience freedom within your body!
Instructor: Shelly Welch R.Y.T.
Date: 3/18-6/17 for 14 weeks
Class Time: Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 PM
Location: Exit 16
Fee: $75

SPECIAL EVENTS
GLOW IN THE DARK“EGGSTRAVAGANZA” HUNT

The event will be held at Doolittle Park Playscape. (Across from the YMCA)
The event will be divided into two age groups children 1-5 and children 6-11. Toy eggs along with other Easter sur­prises will be scattered throughout the playscape.
Thursday April 2nd rain date Friday April 3, 2009.
Younger children hunt will begin at 7:15p.m.
Older children hunt will begin at 7:30p.m.
***Please be considerate of age break­down we want everyone to have an equal opportunity. Parents should be aware that if they have a young child and an older child two adults will be required to participate in both events.
Parents are asked to bring a flashlight and basket for their children.

VISUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS
8707.023 Edible Creations - Easter Bunnies & Bunny Garden
These adorable bunnies are made from dough, candies and frosting. The gar­den is made with frosting, jelly beans and various candies. Perfect for your Easter table!
When: Saturday April 4th 11:00am - 12:00pm for one day
Fee: $12 per person ($4 materials fee made payable to instructor day of class)
Location: Exit 7
Instructor: Sherry Rimkoski and Debbie Terrusa

PERFORMING ARTS AND CRAFTS DANCE AND MUSIC
6010.200 BallroomDancing Beginner and Intermediate
Beginner ballroom is an introduction to Ballroom dancing, Fox Trot, Waltz, Swing, Rumba, and Cha Cha Cha, more if time permits. Intermediate ballroom is more in depth with more technique and adding tango and others if time permits. Partners preferred, but not necessary.
6010.201 Fridays March 13 6:30-7:30pm beginners for 8 weeks
6010.202 Fridays March 13 7:30-8:30pm intermediate for 8 weeks
Fee: $60 per couple / $40 per single
Location: Exit 15
Instructor: Don Dietle


To read The People’s Press – Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s community newspaper in image or pdf form go to http://www.peoplespressnews.com/


Mayor's Corner – Meriden

March has arrived and that means we begin the city budget process. This year will undoubtedly be the most challenging budget deliberations we have experienced in several decades. Meriden’s revenue streams are reduced and many expense areas have risen. The negative impact of the struggling economy with increasing job losses, tax receipts and collections forecasted to decrease and stagnation in economic development activity all point to a very gloomy picture for 2009.We are awaiting details on two important sources of revenue – the Connecticut state budget and the federal stimulus package. If we receive good news on these fronts, it could help to mitigate the pain to our city budget. But it’s not likely that these revenue sources will lesson the need for service cuts and many painful decisions affecting our city.There will be a series of budget meetings and public hearings beginning in March. We welcome public comment to help us determine the public’s priorities during this most difficult budget year.Please make your views known to the elected officials on the city council and board of education by attending budget meetings and communicating your thoughts and suggestions.We also have to bear in mind that this budget crisis will not last forever. Economic cycles go up and down over time. Fortunately, we have taken steps to build strong fiscal stability in Meriden over the past several years with balanced budgets and annual surpluses. Looking out beyond this current malaise, Meriden is poised to make major strides on many fronts. But we must first address the current fiscal challenges at hand.














Michael S. Rohde


Mayor's Corner – Wallingford

Dear Friends:

It is said that there are things you can’t lose. Things that cannot be taken away from you. I’m not so sure after reading about a sailor on a U.S. Navy ship, headed for Japan, who was busted one rank, fined, and given extra duty for several weeks. His birthday was on July 2nd. During his hours of extra duty he recited, “They can take away my rank, they can take away my pay, but they can’t take away my 21st birthday.” On July 1st he excitedly repeated his incantation of consolation. “They can take away my rank, they can take away my pay, but they can’t take away my 21st birthday.” The next morning he found out that the ship had crossed the international dateline. The day’s date was July 3rd.

We should all be thankful no one can take your sense of humor unless you give it away.

Be happy,


Bill Dickinson
Mayor



February 26, 2009


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 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!

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Economic Stimulus Bill) passed by Congress and signed by President Obama in February provides for the one-time payment of $250 to individuals who get Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). According to the Social Security Administration, everyone who is entitled to a payment will receive it by late May 2009. No action is required on your part. You will get the money the same way you get your regular Social Security check, either through direct deposit or a check in the mail. Social Security will issue nearly 55 million one-time payments to beneficiaries and, again, all you have to do is wait to receive your $250 check or direct deposit by late May, 2009!

On Wednesday, March 11 at 10:30 AM the Meriden Triad will sponsor a Personal Safety Program and distribute free Neck Wallets to those in attendance. Leslie Pruitt from the Agency on Aging of South Central CT will discuss ways to safeguard your personal information by using a neck wallet instead of a purse or large wallet when you go shopping. Other tips include carry only one credit card, a driver’s license or photo ID and leave other cards in a safe place at home – less is better than more! To learn these and other safety tips, and receive a free neck wallet, plan to attend this program in the first floor meeting room.

The “Move and Soothe” gentle movement class taught by Susan Sandel, Dance/Movement Therapist, will resume on Tuesday afternoon March 4 at 12:30 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center. New participants are welcome and 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 for “Move & Soothe” classes each week at the Senior Center.

The Meriden Police Department, the Senior Center, the Center for Successful Aging and the Meriden Triad are sponsoring another session of Senior Citizen Police Academy starting on Friday, April 17. The program will run for five weeks and will give you an inside look at the Meriden Police Department and how it works to promote crime prevention and public safety for all Meriden residents. The meetings will be held in the Police Department Training Room on Fridays from 1:00 to 3:00 PM as follows:
Friday, April 17 Tour of the Meriden Police Department, Captain Mike Zakrzewski
Introduction to Community Policing, Lt. Sal Nesci

F
riday, April 24 Tour of the Meriden Fire Department, Deputy Chief David Bowen
Fire Safety Video Presentation

Friday, May 1 Tour of the State Police Forensic Lab on Colony Street

Friday, May 8 SWAT Team demonstration, Lt. Lawrence Guidobono
Hunters Ambulance, Fall Prevention Program
View SWAT vehicle and ambulance equipment

Friday, May 15 Fraud and Scam Prevention, Lt. Sal Nesci
Presentation of Certificates, Deputy Chief Timothy Topulos
Refreshments (final session held at Senior Center)

To enroll in Senior Citizen Police Academy please sign-up in the Senior Center office or call us at 237-0066. The first 25 people who sign-up will be accepted into the program. We are excited to again offer this educational and entertaining program with the Meriden Police Department and encourage you to sign-up today!

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.

John F. Hogarth
Senior Center Director

To read The People’s Press – Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s community newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com

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