April 2010 Town News and Events
Mayor’s Corner - Meriden
As the warm days of April and longer days of sunshine take hold, I'm happy to be spending more time outdoors taking advantage of spring activities. I'm sure you are too!
Planning is nearly completed for this year's Daffodil Festival at Hubbard Park. The parade will be on Saturday April 24 and the festival will be in full swing on Saturday and Sunday the 24th and 25th. Make plans to join the fun at Hubbard Park! Check the newspaper or Meriden Parks Department for the days and times of all the activities that are scheduled.
The area Little Leagues have their opening days this month to kick off their seasons. Best of luck to all the little leaguers and their coaches for a successful season.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 15, 10 - 12 for the Mayor's Spring Cleanup. This is shaping up to be the biggest spring cleanup event ever. Call city hall, Ed Siebert at 203-639-6595 to sign up to help. Tee shirts will be given to all helpers. There will also be a free cookout downtown for the volunteers following the cleanup event.
The Flower Barrel Program starts this month. If you're interested in getting a flower barrel for your business, call city hall to order. We are hoping to double the number of flower barrels that beautify our main streets.
Spring is sprung. Take advantage of all Meriden has to offer to you and your family!
Mike Rohde - Mayor of Meriden
Wallingford Senior Center
238 Washington Street Wallingford, CT 06492 203-265-7753
THURSDAY EVENING PROGRAMS
April 2010

NEW CLASSES
Brain Aerobics Challenge your mind with Debby at 4 p.m. on April 22, in the Creative Arts Room. Please sign up.
Book Club with Patty at 4 p.m. on April 15 in the Library. April’s Book is The Spare Room by Helen Garner.
Great American Best-Sellers Nancy Hall will lead this DVD-based Lifelong Learners Series. Meets weekly in the Library at 5 p.m., beginning April 15.
NEW Zumba Gold Zumba infuses Latin rhythms and simple dance moves to create a fun and exciting total body workout. Come and see what Zumba Gold is all about with a FREE demonstration on April 22 at 6 p.m. Weekly classes begin April 29. Space is limited, please sign up. Cost $25
Tai Chi with Kathy Brenner begins at 7:15 p.m. on April 15, and meets weekly. Please sign up at the front desk. Cost $25.
Computer Workshop with Kevin Ozer on April 22. Please sign up at the front desk. Cost $5.
Bananagrams Learn to play this fun, fast-paced and easy to learn word game. Meets April 22 at 6 p.m. in the Card Room. Please sign up at the front desk.
Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Sign up at the front desk to join the fun. Must be a WSC member to play, men and women are welcome. Meeting April 29 at 6 p.m. in the Card Room. Please sign up.
Wii Games in the Fitness Room 4-6 p.m.
Ping Pong is available from 4-8:30 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE
A Night on the Town with John Banker’s “Jazz Alive” Band at 6:30 p.m. April 15, in the Great Room. The Band will be playing the music of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Show Tunes and more. FREE dessert will be served. Dress to impress for our Opening Night!
New Release Movie featuring Amelia, the story of the famous aviatrix, Amelia Earhart. Showing at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room , April 22. Starring Hillary Swank and Richard Gere. Rated PG.
Guest Speaker Series Attorney Daniel O. Tully will be giving a presentation on “Estate Planning and Asset Protection” 6:30 p.m. April 29 in the Activity Room. Please sign up at the front desk.
Newcomers Dinner Are you NEW to the Senior Center? Call 203-265-7753 to sign up for this month’s Newcomers Dinner on April 29 at 5 p.m. in the Volunteer Room. Enjoy a delicious meal, meet new people, find out what the Wallingford Senior Center has to offer and get a tour of our beautiful facilities.
LAKE VIEW DINNER
Served from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased, in advance, from the front desk for $6.00.
4/15—Roast Beef with Mushroom Au Jus, Baked Potato with Butter and Sour Cream, Green beans Almondine, Dinner Roll
4/22—Lemon Tilapia with Ritz Cracker Topping, Rice Pilaf, Cole Slaw
4/29—Chicken Vegetable Stew, Buttermilk Biscuit, Caesar Salad
All meals include a beverage.
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford
Dear Friends:
This year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd. What once began as a day of national recognition of environmental concerns has evolved into a world wide campaign to protect our environment.
Wallingford will also be celebrating Earth Day. On April 24th we will have an EARTH DAY SPECIAL with “soil maker composters” for sale at the Town Hall Carriage House from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The unit will turn your yard and food wastes into nutrient rich soil. The composters are priced at $20, payable by check only made out to CRRA. There are limited quantities available. The composters will be on display during April on the second floor of the Town Hall.
Another great way to help protect the environment is by reusing products rather than disposing by burning or burying. Save the date of May 22nd for a Residential Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding Event at Hamden Middle School, 2623 Dixwell Avenue, from 9:00 a.m. t0 1:00 p.m. Items for recycling include computers, monitors, phones, TVs, VCRs, copiers, fax machines, printers, radios, stereos, camcorders and microwave ovens. If you have questions regarding these events, please call Program Planning at 203-294-2061.
Through everyone’s efforts at home and throughout our community, we can help to reduce the environmental impacts which will affect our quality of life now and in the future.
Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor
City of Meriden NO SPRING LEAF COLLECTIONS
As a reminder, the City does not collect leaves, brush or Christmas trees in the spring. It is the responsibility of each property owner to deliver leaves, brush or Christmas trees to the transfer station located on Evansville Avenue in South Meriden. The transfer station hours are:
Mondays – 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Wednesdays – 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturdays – First and Third – 7:30 AM to Noon
Please note that the transfer station will have temporary hours (7:30 A.M to noon) on the second and fourth Saturdays during the month of June for the disposal of leaves, brush and Christmas trees. Materials such as unwanted furniture, broken toys, etc. will only be accepted on the first and third Saturdays. Earlier Saturday hours are not available this year due to construction activities at the transfer station.
Lastly, there is no charge for the disposal of leaves, brush and Christmas trees.
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WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER NEWS AND EVENTS
DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM
Did you know that the Wallingford Senior Center offers a social-model day program designed for seniors with memory impairment? We offer companionship and support that are developed and supervised by a Certified Recreation Therapist, an assistant and many helpful volunteers. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Transportation is provided for Wallingford residents and is handicapped accessible. The daily fee is $18.00 per day for Wallingford residents and $23.00 per day for non-residents. A sample of programs include: Current Events, Group Word Games, Arts & Crafts, Pet Therapy, Old Fashion Sing-A-Longs, Card Games, Baking, and Daily Chair Exercises. Eligibility is based on the physical, mental and social functioning of the prospective participant. If you know someone in need of socialization and guidance throughout the day and experiencing mild memory impairment, please contact Melinda Welch, D.A.I. Coordinator for more information at: 203-265-7753 Ext 205. In an effort to enhance our memory impairment program, we are in the process of changing our program name. Please watch for the official announcement in the May newsletter. Many exciting changes are coming…!
SOCIAL SERVICES
IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SOCIAL WORKER, EILEEN FLYNN, AT 265 7753. THANK YOU.
NEW HAVEN EXPO Friday, May 21, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
You are invited to attend the annual expo sponsored by the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut and the City of New Haven to be held at the New Haven Athletic Center, 480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, CT. Approximately 150 vendors are expected to provide information on a wide variety of topics related to seniors. Vinnie Carr, will provide entertainment. There will be free health screenings and a Wii bowling tournament. Free lunch will be provided and there will be lots of prizes. Sponsors will provide transportation. To sign up for this event, please call (203) 265 7753.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CONNPACE
Please be aware that if you do not renew your ConnPACE when it is due, you will not be able to re-enroll until November 15th. This is due to changes that have been made in the ConnPACE program. New enrollment in the ConnPACE Program will be limited to November 15th through December 31st. A few exceptions do apply. You will be able to join ConnPACE 31 days after turning 65 or after becoming eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or State Supplement Insurance (SSI).
WALLINGFORD ELDERLY NUTRITION INFORMATION - The Town of Wallingford is able to provide meals to seniors who meet the criteria. Call the Wallingford Program Planning Department at 203-294-2060 for more information.
FOOD PANTRIES IN WALLINGFORDNeed a little help with your food bill? Listed below are the names, addresses, and times you can visit.
•Angel Food Ministries: Get $75.00 worth of food for $30.00. See member interest table at the center, or call 203-284-8975 for additional information.
•Master’s Manna: 46 North Plains Road (in back). ID required (Photo ID, Birth Certificate or medical card). Distribution times: Tuesday & Thursday, 9-12; Fridays, 4-8 p.m.
•Good News Food Pantry: 46 John Street (Good News Church). Distribution time: Wednesday, 11:00 a. m.–1:00 p.m.
•Local churches: Call your church to find out if there is a food pantry available.
HOMEOWNERS TAX RELIEF PROGRAM & PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL FOR THE ELDERLY - When: February 1 through May 15 Where: Assessor’s Office – Town Hall Phone: 203-294-2001
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP - Friday, April 16, 10:15 – 11:15 AM
Michele Tarantino, MPH, OTR/L, Certified Low Vision Therapist will be the speaker for this meeting. She will provide updates on the Library for the Blind. New members welcome! Please call 203-265-7753 to register for this meeting.
VETERANS SERVICES Tuesday, April 27, 1:00 – 3:00 PM - 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 203-265-7753.
MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM - The Medicare Savings Program assists individuals who meet the income guidelines to pay their Medicare Part B premium. Income limits for a single person range from $1778.91 to $2091.67. For a couple, the income limits range from $2393.55 to $2816.67. There is no asset limit. If you fall within these guidelines, the State may be able to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Income verification is all that is necessary. This includes gross Social Security benefit (gross is before the $96.50 is taken out of the check), pension, dividends, interest, rental income, gross wages, etc. To schedule an appointment for completing the application, please call 203-265 7753.
BENEFITS SCREENING Tuesday, April 20, 10:00 AM – 12 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: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Registration required. Call 203-265 7753 now to schedule an appointment.
FOOD STAMP PROGRAM (SNAP) - The State Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly the Food Stamp Program) has changed its eligibility criteria effective July 1, 2009. Income limits have been increased and there is no asset limit when applying for this program.
•Single Income: $1,669.00 month •Couple Income: $2,246.00 month
For more information or to schedule an appointment to apply for this program, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker at 203-265 7753.
2010 GOLF LEAGUE - Our Coed Golf League, held at Miner Hills Golf Course, will begin its 11th season in May. This year, there will be one sixteen-week session, running from May 18 through August 31. The cost for play and the final week cookout is $235.00 for members and $240.00 for non-members. Member Sign-Up begins May 3 (May 10 for non-members). A meeting for all golfers will be held Tuesday, May 11, at 9:30 AM. If you have any questions, please call League Coordinator Howie at 203 265-0412.
COMPUTER LAB OPEN DOOR SESSIONS - The Computer Learning Center is now open on Thursdays from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Please feel free to come in to check your email, practice class work, browse the internet, check your Facebook, and register to our websites! A volunteer will be available for assistance, but knowledge of computers is required.

THURSDAY EVENING HOURS RESUME! - Thursday, April 15, 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
April 15th begins our Extended Hours at the Senior Center. Stay and enjoy a delicious meal, prepared by Lake View Café and served between 4:30-6:30 PM (meal ticket purchase required). We have a lot of exciting programs and classes scheduled, including Live Entertainment, Guest Speakers, Cooking Demonstrations, New Release Movies, Tai Chi and Zumba Classes, Texas Hold’em Poker, Bananagrams, Computer Workshops, Great Courses Lectures, Book Club and so much more. The Wallingford Senior Center is the place to be on Thursday Nights!
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To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
Senior Permits for Delivery of Household Trash to Wallingford Disposal Site
Department of Public Works203 294-2105Senior Citizen Permits Expire April 10, 2010
Any Wallingford senior citizen (sixty-five years of age and older) or resident having a Medicare card who plans to deliver his or her household trash to the Wallingford Disposal Site (landfill) must obtain a new permit in order to use senior coupons.
The new permits may be secured Monday, April 5, through Thursday, April 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Wallingford Senior Center, 238 Washington Street.
The permit cost is $5.00. Applicants must bring their driver's license, proof or residence, and the current registration for the vehicle that will be used to deliver trash to the disposal site. Permits will be issued only on these dates and times. There are no exceptions.
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Composter Sale for Wallingford Residents
Earth Day Special Saturday, April 24 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Town Hall, Carriage House 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492
Change in Hours at Compost Center
Reminder to Wallingford Residents:The Compost Center will be open 6 days per week during the months of APRIL and MAY as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Wallingford Senior Center to Offer Extended Hours
Beginning Thursday, April 15, 2010, the Wallingford Senior Center will offer extended hours of operation, with a variety of evening programs, special events and classes. The Senior Center will be open until 8:30 p.m. on Thursday nights, April 15 through the end of October. We will be celebrating our extended hours with a Kickoff Party entitled “A Night on the Town,” featuring John Banker and his “Jazz Alive” Duo performing the music of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, as well as assorted Show Tunes. This is a FREE performance. We are also pleased to offer a large selection of classes, to appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities. Residents of Wallingford, 60 years and older are invited to participate. Classes will include Book Club Discussions, Zumba Gold and Tai Chi exercise classes, Computer Workshops, Brain Aerobics, Lifelong Learners Series featuring Great American Best-Sellers, Bananagrams and Wii Games. In addition to our classes we have an exciting lineup of Seminars, Special Guest Speakers, Live Cooking Demonstrations, Concerts, New Release Movies and even Cruise Nights, featuring vintage cars in our parking lot. The Lake View Café will be serving dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Menu changes weekly. Tickets for dinner can be purchased, in advance, for $6.00 each. There’s so much to do at the Wallingford Senior Center on Thursday Nights. Come join the FUN! For additional information, call 203-265-7753.
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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 Senior Center Volunteer Recognition Day will be held on Wednesday, April 21 at 11:15 AM in Willene’s Place. We will recognize all of our volunteers and also announce the 2010 “Volunteers of the Year”. Please join us for this special event and thank you to all of our volunteers for your work all year long!
Creative Writing Classes with Susan Sandel will resume on Wednesday, April 14 at 1:00 PM. The seven week class will help you learn to express yourself more easily and improve your writing skills. No prior experience is necessary and newcomers are welcome. Please sign-up for this free class in the front office or by calling us at 203.237.0066.
Franciscan Home Care & Hospice Care will present “Aging and Nutrition” in the first floor meeting room on Wednesday, April 14 at 10:30 AM. Sister Suzanne Gross will present an interesting and refreshing synopsis of “aging” as an attitude and a journey of life. Marie Laffin, RN, Clinical Director, will share healthy aging and nutrition. Be sure not to miss this informative and entertaining program, refreshments will be served.
The CT Money School will present “It’s a Long Month – Living on a Fixed Income” on Thursday, April 22 at 10:30 AM in the meeting room. Learn to “stretch” your income by setting priorities, planning and saving. Attention will also be paid to the importance of budgeting. You will learn to establish a budget and the impact it has on successfully living on a fixed income. Sponsored by the Agency on Aging of South Central CT, refreshments will be served.
On Thursday, April 15 we will have our 2nd annual “Grandchildren Day” during school vacation week. A special $2 hot dog lunch will be available for the kids followed by a free bingo open to everyone with $5 gift cards to McDonald’s as prizes. Please invite your grandchildren/great grandchildren and sign-up in Willene’s Place to join us for this special intergenerational event on April 15!
Special thanks to everyone who helped me raise $200 for the Walk for Warmth including Gladys Barnes, Wendy Ortiz, June Salay, Ann Cherney, Helen Rossi, Lillian Semolic, Dorothy Ritchie, Roman & Micki Sikora, Anne Aniskiewicz, Mary & Henry Peczynski, Diana Naimo, Peter & Sharon Burch, Madelyn Muniz, Kay Janiga and Vicki Slowkowski. The event annually raises $20,000 to help people in need in our community.
Free tickets for the May 3 Kiwanis Hi-Liters Show at 7:00 PM are now available at the Senior Center. This year’s show directed by Richard Fontanella is “No Biz like Show Biz”. The show features a cast of 18 youths who have been rehearsing since September and includes two production numbers. Other upcoming events include the Salvation Army Teddy Bear Silent Auction on May 5 and our annual Senior Expo on May 12.
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
April 1, 2010
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
RESIDENTIAL Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding Event
NO COMMERCIAL MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED
Saturday, May 22 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hamden Middle School 2623 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06518
This event is open to residents of Cheshire, Hamden, Meriden, North Haven and Wallingford. No commercial waste is accepted. Please read the flyer for more details, including accepted items and directions. Should Wallingford residents have further questions, please contact the Resource Recovery Project Coordinator at 203-294-2061 (Tuesday through Thursday). Residents of other towns should contact their Town Hall for more information.
CELEBRATE OPEN SPACE DAY
Co-sponsored by the Wallingford Conservation Commission and the Wallingford Land Trust
Sunday, May 2, 20101:00 p.m.Rain Date: Sunday May 16; 1:00 p.m.
Hikes will take place at the northern end of Tyler Mill.
Park at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Field, 1151 East Center St., by the community gardens (look for sign).
Those attending are asked to wear clothing and footwear appropriate for hiking and the weather, and not bring pets or strollers on hikes. Hikes will be held light rain or shine.
For additional information, please call the Environmental Planner at 203 294-2093.
Call 203 294-2063 the day of the event for cancellation information in case of severe weather conditions.
Open Space Day was originally conceived of as a method to increase awareness of the varied open space parcels in the Town, and the opportunities they present for recreation. Each year a different parcel is showcased, either to present recreation opportunities or to display the varied forms that open space takes in Town, and management methods used on these properties. The Tyler Mill Preserve is the “crown jewel” of Wallingford’s open space properties. It is nearly 1,000 acres of forest, fields, trap rock ridge and wetlands surrounding the Muddy River, and comprises some of the most interesting flora and fauna in the Town.
Spring Clean Up Schedule - Begins April 19
The Department of Public Works will begin the Spring Clean Up on Monday, April 19, 2010, for public streets in all sections of Wallingford.
Only brush, wood and leaves will be collected. These materials must meet the following guidelines:
Branches and twigs only. No branch more than four feet long or six inches in diameter will be accepted. Brush must be tied separately in small bundles.
Dimensional lumber, such as two-by-four-inch lumber or plywood, may not exceed four feet in length or width. Wood must be tied separately in small bundles.
Absolutely no wood containing creosote will be picked up.
Leaves must be in paper yard waste bags. No brush, twigs, debris or plastic bags will be accepted. Masking tape only is acceptable to seal bags.
Items placed at the curb must be light enough for one man to put in a truck.

This will be a one-time collection. The Department of Public Works will not return to a street that has already been visited for the collection. Those residents who miss the pick up may take their leaves and brush to the Compost Area at the Recycling Center on John Street.Information Department of Public Works: 203 294-2105.
To read The People’s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct’s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
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