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!
LOCAL BUSINESSES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
By Andy Reynolds
I have not written in about 2 years now but I was inspired to write about how our local businesses make a difference for all of us every day. As you are probably aware, this paper has never allowed the big box stores and national chain stores to advertise with us. It was always very clear to us who mattered and that was our local business owners.
Who else works as hard as they do to make sure you are happy with the service they provide? Who else knows you and your family? Who else supports every aspect of the community? NO ONE!
As a child my father would bring me into all of the locally owned shops and he would only shop or use the services of local businesses. He knew them and they knew him. We would sit down with them and just talk. If you go into a local business today - the way they treat you has not changed from when my father brought me with him over 30 years ago.
My father told me that our hometown is like an apple. If there were no local business owners and only chain stores left - the apple would look shiny for a while but then collapse upon itself because the inside of the apple was gone. He strongly felt that local business are the core of our community and so do I.
Local business owners are the first to create new jobs and to hire local people. They care about employees and in turn the employees are committed to doing the right thing for customers like you and I.
The offer better services, better products and yes - better prices. They support the local economy by shopping at other local businesses for their needs and of course they are a huge part of our tax base which supports what we have come to expect from our towns.
And let’s not forget that most of the owners live right here in town. They are the ones who support our schools, sports teams, events, non-profits, organizations and more. You don’t see any big box stores putting in a high school booster ad do you?
Starting with this issue, along with what you have always expected of us, you will get a chance to learn more about the local businesses in our towns.
So don’t get boxed in or chained up - stop by a LOCAL business instead. You won’t regret it and you’ll help keep the core of our towns alive and well. Visit http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ to see all of your local business sponsors.People’s Press – Facebook Poll Results
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Ketchup or Mustard on your Hamburger or Hot Dog? Mustard for the Dogs and Ketchup for the Burgers. Hamburger or Hot Dot on the grill? Hamburger by a landslide. Yankees or Red Sox? - a tie, Favorite Easter Candy - a tie between Peeps and Jelly Beans, Favorite Alcoholic Beverage - Wine of all types, Favorite Pizza topping a tie between Pepperoni and Mushroom- Favorite Sport is Football - Favorite Hike is Sleeping Giant - Favorite President by a landslide was Reagan. First concert that you went to was won by the J. Geils Band. Favorite Teacher in High School it was a tie between Mr. Mannion and Mr. Cook, Middle School was Mr. Cyr - no clear winner on Elementary. Favorite Ice Cream was a tie also with Cookies and Cream, Coffee, Pistachio and Fudge Tracks/Moose Tracks. Favorite Comedian was a tie between Robin Williams, Tater and yes, Paul Reynolds. Favorite TV Show was a tie between The Brady Bunch and Little House on the Prairie. Favorite Movie was It's a Wonderful Life. Favorite Actor and Actress were Sam Elliot and a tie between Meryl Streep and Drew Barrymore. Favorite Music Group and Indvidual - Beatles and Billy Joel. The winner for favorite food is Pizza.
WALLINGFORD ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Monday, May 24, 2010 at The Farms Country Club
(Includes lunch, raw bar, happy hour after golf and dinner lobster and turkey & beef carving station.)
Did you know that the Wallingford Foundation, the charitable arm of the Wallingford Rotary Club, has, over the years, donated the Children’s Reference Room at the Library, a Teen house at the YMCA, vans to the Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club and awarded grants to Master’s Manna, the Thanksgiving Community Day Dinner, the Homeless Shelter, Fuel Assistance Program…just to name a few.
Help support this worthwhile Foundation and meet your fellow business associates/professionals by joining us for golf and/or taking out a sponsorship.
For information contact Jon Kaplan at jonathan.kaplan@edwardjones.com or call Pat at 203 640-9016.
Bobbie’s Bevy of Beauties
Those of you who are readers of my articles know my exit from hibernation is set for March 1st. If the weather doesn’t cooperate my return could be as late as April 1st. This year it ended on January 30th.
With my underground friends I had just finished watching the UCONN women with another game when I heard scratching and digging above my head. Then I heard barking which I knew was “LitlBit.” I said to myself something must be wrong. So with his help I dug my way out. Was met by Jimmy’s friend who lives across the street from us and who Jimmy was visiting. On his way home Jimmy tripped, fell, got up but collapsed in the street. When I reached him he was unconscious. I immediately call 911. Taken by ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. Almost 2 weeks was spent there. Then eight days at Miller Memorial for therapy. When he returned home, a therapist from the Franciscan Home Care was sent here to continue his treatment. His recovery is almost complete but was a slow one. Some very special thank yous. Family, friends, neighbors and Mark for CPR, get well wishes, cards, prayers, fruit basket, food, warm throw, taxi service, snow shoveling, baby sitting and walking “LitlBit”. May God bless you all.
I would have sent my reader’s opinion to the Record-Journal but since I write for The People’s Press decided to express my feelings in my column. Can’t stand seeing Steven Hayes’ mug shot in the paper again and reading about what a rough time he is having. I consider him and his accomplice garbage. When are they going to trial? It’s been almost three years. And there hasn’t even been a jury selection. Plus what the tax payers are shelling out for them. I’ll never forget this one summer day in 2007. Was with my girlfriend and we were on Route 10 in Cheshire making the rounds of nurseries. Coming towards us was a large motorcade. I realized it was the funeral procession for the three female Petit members. What this family had to endure and still is shouldn’t be. But this has been bugging me and I just had to write how I felt about this terrible tragedy.
I’m going to try to put a smile on my face and think of chipper things. I have mentioned Danny and his two beautiful golden retriever pups before. Guess I should say dogs now. Blondie – the sister and her brother Boone are a little over two. Since they live across the street, LitlBit and I see them quite often. They tower above him, almost outweigh me and when they stand and place their front paws on my shoulders they are even taller then I am. Now they have been joined by their Mother Bell and another sister named Ivy. Along with two cats, two parrots and a pet rat. A couple of humans have also entered the picture. I thought my three granddaughters had quite a menagerie. But Danny has them beat.
Good ole clean up time. What fun! It is nice to see some trees showing buds and the bulbed flowers popping up. Cut down you grass plants and the butterfly bush as low two to three feet. The flowering shrubs leave alone until they are through blooming or you’ll lose the flowers. Some of the perennials can also be seen if one looks closely.
Eight years of writing. Can’t believe I could have that much to write about. Originally I just stuck to gardening. Glad I have the opportunity to write about family, other people and make a comment now and then. Until the next issue.
Flowercerely Yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien
P.S Happy 24th Birthday to our grandson Kevin Jr. on April 17, 2010. Love and best wishes from Grammie and Grampie.
I have a photo above of the Golden Retrievers. Front row left to right is Bell and Blondie. Back row left to right is Ivy and Boone.
Wallingford Flower and Gift Shoppe
What is a LOCAL business?
Think about it, a small, hometown business, or a “Mom & Pop” business as it is often referred to is a lot of things to a lot of local people. It employs local people, it purchases products and services from other local merchants, it participates in community activities, it lends a hand to those in need, it supports fundraisers and charitable events, the owners and employees develop personal relationships with their customers and together with other businesses it strengthens our community as a whole.
In 1950, Sal and Ann Greco opened the Wallingford Flower Shoppe on Center Street in downtown Wallingford and they have made it a way of life to follow that recipe. They have provided beautiful flowers for every event imaginable – most happy and some sad, but always as a neighbor and friend. They have given “First Jobs” to countless local teenagers, which is one of their most prideful achievements, one of whom is still there going on 38 years, others who still come back for a day here or there just for the fun of it. When asked, they are always willing to help people or organizations in need. “It’s a great way of life and we have been fortunate to have been a friend, neighbor and Mom & Pop business in this great town of Wallingford”, said Ann Greco.
Unfortunately in 2007, Mr. Greco passed on, but today his mission is still being carried on by his lifelong partner Ann, his son Sal along with his wife Donna and his grandson Salvatore.
“My parents love this town and the people who have always been so kind to us, they have taken immense pride in helping people for sixty years and we will continue to do our very best to always be there for our neighbors. You can’t get that at a cold, box store!” said Sal Greco.
Wallingford Flower and Gift Shoppe is located at 190 Center Street in Wallingford. The phone number is 203-265-1514. Our website is www.wallingfordflower.com!
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!
THE COURTSHIP OF NELSON AND CORA MAE (From Audrey C. Linke's book, THE GOOD OLD DAYS)
He was twenty-eight, handsome, tall, and lean;
She was pert, pretty, and practically eighteen.
A strawberry blonde with eyes of blue,
She wore a dressof matching hue.
His dard, wavy hair was receding a bit,
But it took from his charm not one whit.
She was a guest from out of town;
He was the most eligible bachelor around..
Martha Bell, their mutual friend,
Could see how these two were going to end.
He loved music and danced with grace;
She knew he found her fair of face.
She followed his lead to the banjo and fiddle;
How to see her again, that was the riddle.
Letters of wooing followed the dance;
In no time at all t'was a full-blown romance.
An elopement to Torrington, we find if we delve,
Took place January twentieth, ninetee-twelve.
From Millerton, New York, she came not in vain;
He came from Oxford, by team, trolley, and train.
The couple did wed, and right after the vow,
It was back to the farm, for he must mild the cow.
This started the marriage of forty-five years,
Of Nelson and Cora, My parents, my dears.
NATURAL MEDICINE EXPERTS OPEN IN WALLINGFORD
Natural health therapies are expanding exponentially throughout the country, as people are recognizing that integrative health care is the fastest way to feel better and heal disease. Popular in Western Europe and Asia, the healthiest people have as many experts on their health team as possible. Harvest Park Naturopathic Medicine recently opened in Wallingford, CT, specializing in natural medicine to help people feel stronger, smarter, and more energetic.
Billions of dollars are spent every year on natural medicine, including acupuncture, nutrition, supplements, and botanicals. People are finding there are additional options to add to their current treatment regimen, which makes them feel better and healthier. Research is also being performed across the world and thousands of studies have been published proving that certain natural therapies are safe and effective. Most notably, fish oil, which ten years ago was just being discovered as a beneficial supplement for high cholesterol, is now also available as the pharmaceutical, Lovaza. The future will soon follow suit, and many people now are taking advantages of the benefits of nature.
Dr. Jared M. Skowron and Dr. Nicole Kerr recently opened a medical clinic in Wallingford that specializes in natural therapies. “Health insurance covers naturopathic medicine in the State of Connecticut, and that’s one of the major reasons we can help so many people,” Dr. Skowron explains. Harvest Park Naturopathic Medicine physicians are providers with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Connecticare, Healthnet, and United Healthcare, providing the highest quality natural medicine to the residents of Connecticut.
Dr. Skowron, author of Fundamentals of Naturopathic Pediatrics, the most up-to-date collection of scientific studies on natural remedies for children, is also faculty at University of Bridgeport, where he teaches pediatrics and is founder of the Pediatric & Autism clinic. He specializes in natural medicine for children, notably autism as a Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) doctor. “Huge successes in asthma, IBS, colic, eczema, ADHD, and autism are easy to obtain with natural medicine. By giving the body what it needs to work properly, symptoms disappear.” Dr. Skowron is a national lecturer and has appeared on CT News 30, CT News 12, and Animal Planet Dogs 101 as a medical advisor.
Dr. Kerr, recipient of the Golden Needle Award for expertise in acupuncture, specializes in migraines, IBS, fatigue, and women’s medicine, including PMS and menopausal symptoms. “Acupuncture is a wonderfully relaxing therapy. I wish everyone would experience it at least once in their lifetime,” Dr. Kerr insists. Each individual also responds differently to a specific choice of foods. They avoid dieting, but help people decrease pain with proper food choices.
A visit to Harvest Park Naturopathic Medicine is an enlightening experience. Both Dr. Skowron and Dr. Kerr take time to listen to your concerns and truly attempt to find the cause of the problem to provide the naturopathic answer. Many people are sensitive to foods, toxic with arsenic, or deficient in nutrients, such as Vitamin D, without knowing. Complete lab analyses are performed on everyone, and patients return from a visit healthier and happier.
Harvest Park Naturopathic Medicine is located at 101 N. Plains Industrial Rd #1B, and more information is on their website: www.NaturopathicAnswer.com. Appointments can be made by calling 203-500-5532.
TANYA'S WEDDING
By Cathy Short and Priscilla Reynolds
My daughter, Tanya, was married on March 14, 2010 to Brian Fritz at their new home in Apopka, Florida (about 40 miles east of Orlando). The day was beautiful---magically so!
The wedding took place at their home with the marriage ceremony directed by a Baptist minister on the right side of their yard. The reception followed on the land left of their lovely home.
The joy of preparing for this wedding became an act of Love. The wedding party assisted in decorating and cooking with Tanya's step mother, Sally, in charge. The yard was filled with beautiful, long-living plants (a symbol of a good marriage). A willing group of children and adults cooked the food and decorated the yard where wedding nuptials were held. The tables in the reception tent were made festive with additional decorations. Even the bride contributed to the centerpiece arrangement on each table, a bouquet of green apples, leaves and white ribbons with peach rose petals encircling the vases. Ron, Tanya's father, brewed the beer and made champagne before the wedding. The label on the champagne bottle read "In Commemoration Of The Marriage of Tanya Short and Brian Fritz on March 14, 2010".
Friends and mostly Florida family (Tanya's Connecticut family will celebrate later) filled the chairs set up by Brian's Dad, Bob, the ushers and "anxious to please" children. There were peach rose petals scattered on both sides of the white runner where Mothers, Father, and Grandmother were escorted to the front row; bridesmaids and ushers followed and finally the bride and her father, Ron, met Brian at the garden gate. Tanya and Brian were joined in marriage as they stood before a white arbor decorated with palm leaves and bright flowers. The temperature was in the low 70's and the sky was bright blue with fluffy white clouds.
May the rose petals be a symbol of their lives filled with LOVE!
Wallingford Animal Shelter
Carole Golitko
My support has always been for our Animal Shelter. I find it hard to believe there are still Wallingford residents who do not know it exists. When I talk about the great job & wonderful animals they have (i myself have 3) people say Wallingford has a shelter? Go & visit it’s NOT a pound. These people Lisa Dean & Rachael among the volunteers take wonderful care of those forgotten pets until they have their forever homes. Stop by volunteer bring supplies, if you help more money can go to help the injured for medical supplies. This department has also faced cuts just as we all have. Every time you shop pick up a bag of food a few cans both dog & cat. It helps so much & the appreciation you get from everyone warms your heart.
Easel Works
Easel Works is a small art studio and gallery in Wallingford over looking the train station green. It offers classes for adults and children ages 5+ weekly, monthly workshops , summer art camps, Art Talk and Inprov Painting. Located at 2 Quinnipiac Street - e-mail: easelworks1@snet.net - 203-294-1548
Autism, Learning with Music
Autism as it's known can affect a child in varying degrees. From having trouble in social areas to not speaking. From constantly spinning or flapping hands to not liking to be touched at all.
As parents, educators and neighbors we need to find ways to connect with children who have been diagnosed with Autism, Aspergers, PDD NOS or other labels. Every child can learn. We need to find the way that works for each child best. Every child (with a diagnosis or no label at all) learns in a particular way. Some children see in pictures, and like to figure out how things work. Some children learn by doing. Some by hearing. Some by touch.
Being Read to, flashcards, puzzles, sensory activities and music can make a difference in the lives of ALL children. Music, with it's layers of sound can flood a child's brain with ways to move. Music in it's written form can be processed spatially by the eye and mind and than transferred to an instrument. For some music actually has color, taste and odor. Exploring different instruments can help with both fine and gross motor skills, self control and ways to stimulate that are pleasing to all involved.
At Keys & Strings Music Studio/Kindermusik with Sandie we have had success with children of all levels of the spectrum in both group classes and private study on piano and violin. All children can learn.....we just need to find the way that's best for each child.
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!
Dear Housewives – Central CT Know It All Gals
Dear Readers,Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customerservice issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We willgive you our candid advice from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail – andy@peoplespressnews.com or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue.June and Flora
Dear Housewives,
I go to a doctor in Cheshire and I am thinking of leaving. Every I go there is an hour wait just to get in. I am always on time and my time is precious too. At least five of us have the same appointment time and I can't believe they book that many for the same time. Should I switch doctors? Time to go in Meriden
JUNE: I would first complain to the office manager to see if this is typical. If you always have this experience, you may want to consider going to an office that is more patient driven rather than money driven. Good luck, I hope you can find one.
FLORA: When new to a practice, and am booking an appointment, I ask: "Are you squeezing me in or do I have my own slot?" Insurance companies reimburse doctors so low, that to swing it, they over book. It is a loose-loose situation to me!
Have a happy spring to everyone. Get out and enjoy the nice weather.
CURLING
or how I spent a couple of weeks in February 2010!
By Ernie Larsen
Sweep - In the house – Stone – Hard – Sheet – Rock – Weight – Hammer – Steal -Yep Yep Yep!!!!
Any words in the list seem familiar?
They are but a few of a glossary of curling lingo that seems so foreign yet was for me once again a compelling pastime during this past Olympic Games from Vancouver. And this year I think there was more coverage of the sport than I remember from past years Olympics. All three of the NBC affiliated networks, NBC, CNBC and MSNBC, carried games at different times of the day practically took up all of my spare TV viewing time for a couple of weeks in February. And the list is a partial representation of the lingo of this mesmerizing game called curling. For the most part, curling seems out of place on an ice rink that may normally be used for a hockey game. The casual watcher or channel surfer could just pass it by as it isn’t the easiest game to understand. In fact it took me quite a while to figure out the scoring – maybe that’s why some just pass it by. Why it got and held my interest is really a mystery – maybe it was the concentration of the players, their almost slow motion sliding of the stone – or the enthusiasm of the sweepers and the crowd when the rock entered the house.. Who knows, but thank heaven for my DVR so I could record games played when I was not home or when early in the morning or late evenings depending on the time zones.
Or maybe it was watching men and women’s teams competing; with some of the women’s teams more competitive than the men’s. I wonder if they have mixed teams, men and women on a team.
Whatever, I always like to know the origin of things, whether it be words, traditions, games etc. I find that many competitive endeavors arise from routine daily activities. Take the biathlon, cross-country skiing and shooting. The skiing was a way to get around in the snowbound regions of Europe and while you were out might as well take the rifle and shoot some game for supper. And ski jumping – well, I can see Lars and Olaf back in Norway saying I could jump off the barn roof further than you and lo and behold another sport was born. Same goes for figure skating, luge, and bobsled – someone always saying I can do better than you.
But curling – sort of hard to figure this one out, who would say hey, I can slide a 42 pound rock down the ice into a 6 inch circle and get more points than you. Seems sort of obscure – some say it was invented the Scots in the 16th century when they slid odd shaped rocks called ‘loafies’ on the ice of the frozen lochs. And the sport was introduced to the US in the 1830’s by Scottish settlers in Michigan. Whatever the history lit now is a viable sport practiced worldwide.
So getting back to the Olympics, one thing I did notice, age had nothing to do with ability in curling. I think it was the Canadian team, whose senior member was 42 while one of the youngest was 19 or so. I’m still not sure what the big draw was for me – I did do some research and downloaded a few tidbits about curling and found out there is a curling club right here in Connecticut. Maybe someday I’ll take a field trip to check it out in person. Although as in any sport televised the coverage is so much better than you get when in person.
Boy, can’t wait until 2014 the next Olympics- well maybe I’ll just get off my duff and check out the Nutmeg Curling Center:
www.nutmegcurling.com
123 Glenwood AvenueBridgeport, CT 06610-1622(203) 615-0077
Curling – a really misunderstood sport, some call it a game – I found it mesmerizing!
See you next month. - Ernie Larsen
Meriden Feed & Supply
Meriden Feed & Supply was founded in 1986 by Chuck & Pat Collins and their four sons (Charlie, Ray, Bill & Kenn). Chuck and Pat had just purchased an "old time" feed store that had specialized mainly in horse, dairy, and poultry feeds. Having grown up on a farm and having been involved in the feed industry for many years, Chuck had always been around feed stores. He and Pat appreciated the casual, easygoing nature of an old feed store. When you walked in the door you were always made to feel welcome. Any question you happened to have was important and an answer was usually just a friendly conversation away. If you didn't see what you needed, it was ordered for you or the owner got it from "out back", for an old time feed store rarely had a large showroom and always had something hiding in the warehouse. When you were ready to leave, your purchases were loaded into your vehicle and you left knowing that your business was truly appreciated.
Chuck and Pat had started Meriden Feed & Supply knowing that times were changing and many of the farms in the area were being sold for development. They quickly began to offer larger selections of pet, garden and wild life supplies to suit their customers needs. Most of their additional product offerings came from customer requests and a desire to provide what their customers wanted. Their showroom grew and eventually they moved to Meriden Feed’s current location at 846 Old Colony Rd, Meriden.
Meriden Feed still has a strong line of products to help you take care of your horse, cow, goat, chickens, llamas or any farm animal. In addition, we specialize in natural and holistic pet foods. We have a full line of supplies for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, small animals and caged birds. In our store you’ll find a large selection of wild bird feed, feeders and houses. Small ponds are available to compliment your flowerbeds or wild bird sanctuary. We also carry mulch, soils, fertilizer and organic products to help you take care of your lawn and garden.
Meriden Feed is still owned by the Collins family and strives to maintain the traditions of the “old time” feed store. Charlie and the Meriden Feed crew (Alan, Dan, Adam, Dave, Tim and Justyn) work hard to provide a friendly, knowledge based, service oriented environment for our customers. Mom (Pat) is still around a few days a week to see our friends and keep us all on our toes. Our business is still centered on helping you take care of the horse, dog, cat, pet, garden or lawn that you love. Please feel free to call us at (203)237-4414. We would love to help you with your dog’s food allergy, your horse’s weight problem, the grubs in your backyard or any other issue you may have. If you don’t see what you need, please ask so we can get it for you. Who knows, we may even have it “out back”. We are open Monday – Friday 8am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm. You are always welcome! We are locate at 846 Old Colony Rd. in Meriden.
Publisher’s Note: One of our online subscribers had this to say “Meriden Feed and Supply have provided food for my horses for the past 26 years; they have always been reliable and friendly. The horses have never gone without the excellent high quality food they need to excel.
The Collins are like family instead of business acquaintances. Kudos to a great family and small business.” Eileen Hunter
My Favorite Time of Day
By Janet Althouse
Isn't God great? I think Easter is a really good time to praise Him. Do you ever stop and think about all the beauty in the world? God gave us so many feasts for our eyes. We should stop to think on that while we are having our Easter feasts.
No matter where you go in this world, there is always something of beauty that God created just for us. Be it at the extreme North Pole where everything is white, but so beautiful with the brilliant blue skies and the contrasting white snow and ice formations. It is also very colorful as can be seen with the ice bergs when the sun and shadows fall on them. Then we have the other extreme, the sweltering jungles with all their lush growths and mountains covered with verdant greens.
But I have, for most of my life, lived in the hills of Western Pennsylvania. Although we are told we live in the Allegheny Mountains, the small town where I live is nestled between tree covered hills. The hills wrap themselves around our little town and we feel sheltered and protected. They are not so high we can't hike to the top, but still they are majestic and a feast for the eyes. Every season brings a new kind of beauty.
But I ramble and I wanted to tell you about my favorite time of day. It is dusk. The first time I fell in love with this time of day was when I was a young girl. I lived in a different small town back then, in the south western part of Pennsylvania as apposed to the north western part where I now live, but it was just as beautiful. We lived more on the top of the hills there and were sometimes called "Ridge Runners". This one day has always stayed with me. Even though I was quite young, I still remember the awe of that moment. My mother had asked me to run to the grocery store for a couple items she needed for supper. It was winter and the snow was quite deep. Up to my knees. It was not far to the store and I trudged along but was suddenly aware of the glow that surrounded me. The sun was just setting and it cast an ethereal radiance over the mounds of snow. Everything was in shades of pink, lavender, yellow and many hues in between. So beautiful it made an lasting impression on my young soul.
Now I live in the north western part of the state, but dusk is still beautiful. Our town has streets that climb the hills. I live on the south side as you go up the hill and have a perfect view of those houses on the north side going up that hill. These two hills overlap with another hill going from south to north and where they meet on level ground, the sun sets. I can look out my windows and see the beautiful colors of the sunset, pinks, reds, oranges, glowing on the houses and buildings in the main part of town. The street lights and the house lights are just coming on and they add to the mixture and make up that ethereal glow and beauty I love. I especially love it at Christmas when the Holiday lights add their festiveness to the earthly glow and enhance the whole scene. It always has a calming effect on me. It is a peaceful and spiritual manifestation on which to feast your eyes. Check it out in your area and see if I'm not right about the awe and wonder of that time of day when day is ending and night is just beginning.
So, what is your favorite time of day? Or maybe you have a favorite season. Don't you want to share it with us? I'm glad I did and I hope you are too.
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!
Wallingford Optical
Jim Comeau is the owner of Wallingford Optical, a member of Wallingford Rotary, and is very involved in many community events and local sporting events.
Wallingford Optical was started in 1966 by the Smith family. Jim bought the store in 2004 and runs it with his sister, Diane Mintich. Both are Licensed Opticians. It is nice being an independent optical shop. We are not told we have to carry all frames by one manufacturer and if a patient is looking for a special frame we do our best to get it. Last year we had a customer who was traveling to Alaska and would be hiking on a glacier. We ordered his special frames that are designed for that area.
Jim also runs an eyeglass clinic on Wednesdays at the Masonic Home clinic. This clinic is special because the patients in the clinic are very grateful to have their eyeglasses adjusted and repaired right there. Many of the patients have had stokes and other problems which affect their vision. Many patients are in walkers and wheel chairs and would have a difficult time getting to Wallingford Optical.
Jim is also very involved in our community. He is a member of the Wallingford Rotary where he serves on the Board of Directors and works on the publicity team. Rotary is special to Jim because it lets him get involved in many local events like Celebrate Wallingford, The 21st Annual Jim Backes Golf Tournament this May 24th and the Quinnipiac River Cleanup. Jim is also involved with fellow Rotarian John Powers and members of the First Baptist Church of Wallingford who go on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic for 10 days during the summer. Jim makes this trip with his family to install Bio-Sand Water filters to the very poor people living in the bateys and also helps the different teams with construction, medical and teaching projects. Jim is also involved in Relay For Life.
Jim grew up in Wallingford and went to Mark T Sheehan High School (1980) and is married to his wife Sandy, they have been together since high school. They have two children JJ, a sophomore at the University of New Haven, and Megan, a junior at Sheehan. JJ and Megan are very involved at their schools and Jim can always be found at a school event or game.
Wallingford Optical is located at 58 Center Street at the corner of Meadow Street. Call us at 203-265-1541, email wallingfordoptical@sbcglobal.net or visit our new Wallingford Optical Facebook page
A BUS TRIP TO FORGETBy Phyllis S. Donovan
Did you know that there is a regular bus line that runs from the Gulf Coast of Florida directly to the ports serving the big cruise lines on the East Coast of that state?
That was news to me a couple of months ago when I agreed to accompany my sister on a cruise to the Caribbean. She was going with a group of neighbors from the Florida vacation community in St. Petersburg where she has a winter home and asked me to come along.
We flew into Tampa and spent a couple of pleasant days relaxing together at her place before leaving on the cruise. (She lives in the Western Massachusetts hill towns so we don't get a lot of chance to just "hang out" together.)
Thirty four people from her complex were going with us on the cruise and they even put on a 'Bon Voyage' breakfast the day before we left. The bus picked us up at 5:30 a.m. right at the community clubhouse and while we napped (it was still dark at that time) sped us south to Sarasota and Fort Myers where we picked up more people before heading east on I-75 across Alligator Alley to reach our destination in Port Everglades at 10:30 a.m. The bus trip took us five hours, with two stops, and we were there in plenty of time to check our bags with the porters and eventually board the Emerald Princess.
We can't say enough about the efficiency of Princess Cruises. From beginning to end, the entire operation ran like clockwork from the boarding procedure, life boat drills, dining room, entertainment, spa and exercise accommodations and off ship excursions. Everything was top drawer and carefully thought out making for a truly flawless experience.
Up until the very end...after we'd left the ship's protective wing.
We had been told on the way to the ship to wait on the last morning until everyone else had disembarked because people with flight and hotel reservations would be getting off first and our buses wouldn't be able to get into the port area to pick us up until later. Obviously Princess knew we were the Gulf Coast "bus people" because we were assigned as the last group to leave the ship. But they had to get ready for the next group of passengers. We sat in the main lobby until they finally told us we had to get off and then left the ship to claim our luggage (ours was all that was left from the thousands of bags that had been picked up earlier.)
Once we'd claimed our bags, we went out on the covered wharf where we sat and watched the people arriving for the next cruise as they left their bags with the porters as we had and filed their way onto the ship.
Where was our bus? There was a "dispatcher" on the wharf, a portly young woman who told us to be patient , but we sat there for over two hours...from 9:15 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. before a bus finally came for us. The young woman driving it busily loaded our bags into the hold of the bus but never offered a word of apology or explanation for her tardiness. It was noon before we settled down and thought we were on our way back to St. Petersburg. But no! Although our 34 was the largest group, we still had to pick up other smaller groups of folks who had come off three or four other ships around the port plus all their bags before we had a full load.
With most of the seats full, we felt encouraged. NOW we could head home. But another bus driver had told our driver that the front tire of our bus looked low and she shouldn't risk a cross-state high-speed trip without getting it checked out.
Still in the port area, we sought out a large parking lot and sat there waiting for a service truck which our driver had summoned to check out the tire. After a half hour or so, the sturdy service truck arrived and with all of us still on the bus, they jacked it up and changed the faulty tire.
We didn't leave Port Everglades until 2 in the afternoon and were told at that time by our driver that she was scheduled to make seven stops to let off people from Naples up along the West Coast. By then folks were grumbling that if they'd flown straight back to New England from Ft. Lauderdale, they'd have probably been home by then!
Slowly we made our way west and started north. By mid-afternoon our dispositions had turned grumpy and our stomachs were all grumbly as we hadn't eaten since an early breakfast onboard and had totally missed lunch.
Every one of our seven stops en route meant getting off the highway, finding the nearest MacDonalds and leaving off people who then had to summon friends or family to pick them up as they were now several hours overdue in arriving there.
At one of the MacDonalds, the driver agreed to let us disembark, use the facilities, order a snack and get right back on the bus as she didn't want to waste time letting us eat there. "But don't spill anything or drop any food," she cautioned us. "If you spill your drinks they'll leak right down into the hold and mess up your luggage. Also, I just had this bus fumigated for roaches and I don't want to deal with any more!" Well, THAT gave us warm fuzzy feeling of confidence. People started pulling up their feet and keeping them away from the floors.
We started feeling sorry for the people we left at the roadside stops as it was now getting dark and they looked like waifs standing there waiting for rides home. Our own final group was strife with grumblers who had expected to get home early enough in the afternoon to watch their beloved Colts win the game which would qualify them to play in the Super Bowl. They had to settle for tuning in to get the results on scratchy transistor radios.
At last, we reached our destination in St. Petersburg at 7:30 p.m. over ten hours after leaving the cruise boat. We never did learn the circumstance of why our particular bus trip was plagued by such a series of snafus but if this particular cruise service doesn't get and remain any better than that, nobody will be taking their buses.
Such a pity to end a cruise to remember with a bus trip we'd rather forget!
Women in Leadership Benefit Luncheon
On May 6, 2010, the Women and Families Center is once again holding the Women in Leadership Benefit Luncheon honoring several women of Meriden, Middlesex County and Greater New Haven for their contributions to the community and to their personal fields of expertise. This year’s winners are Eileen Bongiovanni (Meriden), Rosa Carrero (Middletown), Leah Beth Maille (Middletown), Mimi Rich (Middletown), Tari Marshall-Day (Durham and Meriden). The Volunteer of the Year is Michael Looney from CUNO, a 3M Company.
The awardees represent a variety of disciplines. Mimi Rich is being recognized for her work with families. Rosa Carrero is being honored for her advocacy for women and girls. Eileen Bongiovanni is recognized for her community service work. Tari Marshall-Day will receive recognition for her leadership in the business sector. Leah Beth Maille is being celebrated as our Young Woman in Leadership. We are also pleased to announce that the Connecticut Woman in Leadership of 2010 is Diane Smith, the Emmy award winning TV journalist, author and producer of the long running TV series Positively ConnecticutÔ.
Save the date—May 10, 2010—and join us as we celebrate the achievements of these noteworthy leaders. Please call (203) 235-9297 ext. 110 for more information. The 25th Annual Women in Leadership Luncheon is sponsored by the following: Carmody & Torrance, LLP, Liberty Bank, and Webster Bank.
Women and Families Center is a multi-faceted human service agency serving Meriden, Wallingford, Cheshire, Middlesex County and 12 towns in New Haven County. The Center is committed to eliminating injustice and to improving the quality of life for women and families, through services that foster empowerment and independence. Programs include school-readiness early childhood education, school-age programming, youth outreach and recreation, employment and training, and sexual assault crisis services. www.womenfamilies.org
The Wallingford Victorian Bed and Breakfast
The Wallingford Victorian Bed and Breakfast has new innkeepers, Jeff and Brenda Lee. Jeff works full time in Hartford and helps out on evenings and weekends. Brenda manages the bed and breakfast, welcomes guests, and prepares and serves breakfast. Having always desired to run her own business, the B&B is Brenda’s dream-come-true venture.
Serendipity is the word you could use to describe Brenda’s discovery and eventual ownership of The Wallingford Victorian Bed and Breakfast. While some long time residents of Wallingford are not aware of its existence, Brenda marveled its unique architecture when she came for a visit to Choate Rosemary Hall, passing it on her way to the town center. Later, when she searched for new homes on Realtor.com, she recognized the B&B listing as a residence. Her curiosity was piqued.
Brenda grew up working in a family business in the food industry, gaining first hand knowledge on running a small business and learning the fine art of cooking. After college, she worked in the computer industry as a market analyst in a product development group, acquiring computer and marketing experience she can tap into for running a B&B. She left to start a new career as full-time mother to three children and became embroiled in school activities and volunteer work. Fifteen years later, her children just about grown, she was contemplating on looking for work when the B&B came into her sight. Perfect timing!
Brenda enjoys cooking and entertaining. Most of all, she enjoys meeting and connecting with people, one of the prerequisites to being a successful innkeeper. In the six months since taking over the B&B, she has welcomed over 100 guests. Asked how she likes being an innkeeper, “I love it. The roll-out-of-bed commute is perfect. I love meeting people from different parts of the country, the world, and especially, from this area because I am learning more about Connecticut in the six months as an innkeeper than in the eight years I’ve lived in this state!” From this area? She has guests from this area?
Guests who have stayed at this B&B have come from all over the country like a couple from Minnesota who came to see a concert at the Chevrolet Theatre. They come from overseas to visit their children attending Choate Rosemary Hall or nearby colleges like Yale and Quinnipiac. But, an increasing number are from right here in Connecticut – guests from Hamden, Cheshire, Meriden and even its native town of Wallingford.
Guests like Jeannine and Chris Kremzar of Wallingford who have taken the opportunity to get away and spend a romantic night at the B&B. With friends and family babysitting their children, Jeannine and Chris celebrated Jeannine’s birthday by booking a suite for a night at the bed and breakfast. After a romantic dinner, the suite’s whirlpool tub provided them relaxation and respite from everyday life and some quiet time to share with each other. The beautiful wood paneled 1891 formal dining room is where guests are served breakfast in the morning. Jeannine and Chris were seated in an alcove surrounded by clear antique glass as the morning sunlight welcomed them. Over elegant china place settings on lace tablecloth, a scrumptious breakfast was personally prepared for them. Homemade buttermilk pancakes was a delightful surprise made special with birthday candles to celebrate Jeannine’s birthday. One would think it would end there but innkeepers, Jeff and Brenda, upon learning how Jeannine raise chickens, forged a business relationship to purchase eggs from Jeannine’s chickens. This is indeed a modern-day fairytale ending.
A suite with a small kitchenette is located on the top floor and provides an affordable option for a longer stay ($475/week, less for longer periods.) Just last month, a young resident from Wallingford, didn’t have room in her condo to accommodate her parents from Kansas for a weeklong stay. More affordable than extended-stay hotels, the B&B provided her parents with a wonderful alternative to sterile hotel rooms next to the Interstate.
Its proximity to Wallingford’s historic town center makes it very appealing to those looking for a place where restaurants and shops are just a pleasant stroll past lovely homes and beautiful historic public buildings. Recently the B&B began offering a newly renovated two bedroom, one and a half bath condo as another affordable option for businesspeople and others looking for accommodations of two weeks or longer. Pictures of the rooms, suites and condo can be viewed on the website, www.bedandbreakfastwallingford.com.
Rooms and suites run $159 to $169 per night and include full breakfast, freshly prepared and individualized to each guest. Brenda’s homemade buttermilk pancakes have received rave reviews. Her use of organic ingredients, whenever possible and Jeannine’s local fresh eggs are an added plus everyone enjoys.
13 Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)
8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:
1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.
Protection for you and your home
If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you. I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.
Wasp SprayA friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high-risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.
The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. Thought this was interesting and might be of use.
Wasp And Hornet SprayOn the heels of a break-in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self-defense experts have a tip that could save your life. Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School . For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.
Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."
Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "Spray the culprit in the eyes." It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.
"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out."
Maybe even save a life.
These ideas about wasp spray was interesting but is only one new way I recently heard some people have used to protect them. This is no endorsement by me or by the Peoples Press just informational point of interest Keith Gordon
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!
Club 24
5 Years, 20,000 Members
In early 2005 Club 24 opened as a small two room fitness center in Wallingford with as much equipment as they could fit and the lowest prices they could afford. After five years, several renovations, and three more locations they are celebrating their fifth birthday and another milestone. “We are rapidly approaching 20,000 members throughout the company” said Barbara Ralston, company General Manager. “We never dreamed it would grow to this level. It just seems like people really are excited about our product and especially our price.” Club 24 originally opened as a CardioExpress location which was a small express fitness club but soon realized they were running out of space. Luckily the building they were in offered additional warehouse space which they quickly renovated and doubled the size of the facility. Future locations were then opened in North Haven and Meriden to keep the locations from getting too crowded. As they moved away from the express concept they also moved away from the CardioExpress name. Club 24 was born and so was the 24 hour concept. “It’s a different world today. People just don’t work 9 to 5 anymore. Most people like to work out after work, but not everyone gets off work at the same time,” says Ralston. With the opening of the fourth club in Brookfield , CT Club 24 is moving into a new concept with Thrive Active. “Thrive Active offers all of the things that made Club 24 so popular with the addition of a dedicated personal training component. It is basically a fifteen thousand square foot personal training center with tons of equipment.” So what is the secret formula for their success? Ralston breaks it down to 3 core areas. “First, we focus on member service. This starts by simply saying hello and goodbye to every member every day. This may seem like a small thing but it really helps us build a relationship with our members. Then, if they have a problem or question, they will feel comfortable approaching a team member. If a member does have a problem, we have a crisis management team that kicks into action to help solve the problem. Second, we focus on club cleanliness. Each location has a full cleanliness inspection twice per week. Each manager receives a score at the end of each month which helps to determine their bonus or company advancement. Finally, we work on keeping our equipment in working order. This is the most challenging because sometimes we are at the mercy of our manufacturers to get us parts for repairs but we have set up systems to try to speed this process. In addition, we ask all of our members to join our advisory board where they grade us daily on these 3 core principles. If we are coming up short, we want to know immediately. These may not seem like huge goals but we have found over the years that this is what is important to members. They want a friendly club where they feel like they belong, they want the club to be as clean as their house, and they want to be able to use the equipment that they are paying for.” So when will they hit this 20,000 member mark? “We expect to see it happen sometime this Fall. Based on our current projections and growth rate it will definitely happen this year.’ Club 24 is celebration this fifth anniversary with a one week sale offering a 24 cent enrollment fee and only $10 per month. Look for the coupon in this issue.
FACEBOOK RECONNECTS WALKERS:
Diane Mintich
Among all the negative publicity Facebook gets, there is a lot of positive, as well. Just recently, I have been able to initiate two Walking Clubs, through Facebook.
It all started with my observance of friends postings....”Nice day for a walk” or “Just got back from a hike”, etc. It got me to thinking, hey...a lot of my friends seem to be doing this, individually, or with their family or pet. I wonder if they would like to do it as a group...
For the heck of it, I put it out there. I never expected to get over 30 hits, in the first couple of days! Our first walk, 6 days after the first posting had 12 adults, 4 teenagers and twin babies. We had a nice leisurely stroll while we chit-chatted, took in the scenery and exercised. Very nice! My friends seemed to enjoy it and spread the word, right away. They all expressed desire to continue in the future.
From there, my trainer in Berlin saw it as an opportunity to suggest even more exercise and recommended I start another club, this time in Berlin.
So I did. The first Walking Club is in the town I grew up and work, Wallingford. The second one is in the town in which I’ve lived for the last 15 years, Berlin.
Between the two groups, there are nearly 70 members...in just three weeks! Our goal is to have weekly walks on the group’s established night. They are pickup walks, meaning anyone can join in at any time. One needs not make a commitment, although many do, with hopes of other friends joining along. I just had a friend tell me the other night my Walking Club inspired him to initiate a similar one, in which his high school classmates will be gathering, as well. How cool is that?
Every week, we meet in a different place to vary the scenery up. So far, we’ve walked two linear trails. In the next couple of weeks, we will be walking another linear trail and, as well, walk the Uptown Wallingford District, high schools, etc,.. We walk in safe, established trails.
Finding trails was relatively simple. One can simply visit the Parks & Recreation building and pick up trail maps/literature of over 50 trails within a 50 mile vicinity from Wallingford, or the same information can be downloaded off the internet.
Technology has offered so much in our lives. Just look what it has done here!
Web Solutions
The Evolution of a Solution
Web technologies and leading-edge design work may not be the first things you think about when you think of Meriden, Connecticut, but if Tom Barton has his way, it soon will be.
After graduating from Quinnipiac University and spending a year living abroad in Romania, Barton returned home to Meriden in 1996 where he founded Web Solutions and began offering internet marketing services to local companies.
As use of the web and its technology evolved from early brochure-style web sites to what is now an essential business and marketing tool, Web Solutions excelled in what many traditional marketing firms were lacking – an in-depth knowledge of technology.
“In the early part of this decade, many clients began shifting the focus of their marketing efforts to electronic and web-based mediums and asked Web Solutions to develop or adapt their existing communications strategies around emerging technologies,” said Barton.
The company attacked its niche and never looked back. It has seen double-digit growth year after year and acquired three of other development firms along the way – Exposure.com (2004), JCM Internet Marketing (2007) and Garcia Creative (2008).
As the demand for technology-inclusive communications strategies grew, Web Solutions began to realize its full potential as a player in the state’s marketing community and after a series of tactical hires in recent years, the company now offers strategic consulting, interactive media, web technology, internet marketing, advertising, graphic design, copywriting and public relations services in support of its clients’ overall marketing efforts.
Today, with 14 employees and offices centrally located on Pomeroy Avenue, Web Solutions boasts more than 400 clients ranging from non-profits and small businesses to governmental entities and publicly traded corporations, making it one of Connecticut's leading web site design and marketing firms.
“I’d like to say we’ve been lucky but it has been a lot of long hours, dedication and hard work,” said Barton. “If we’re in the right place at the right time, it’s only because we’ve worked diligently to put ourselves in that position.”
At the core of the company’s success is a commitment to understanding every client’s needs and working with them to add creativity and innovation to every level of their organization.
“Every client has unique needs,” said Jonathan Fenwick, creative director at Web Solutions. “It’s not just about creating a web site anymore. It’s about creating a tool that drives each client’s objective, whether it’s sales, building the brand or reinforcing the overall marketing objective.”
The formerly home-based business now has a client list that includes Rutgers University, Middlesex Community College, Simoniz, St. Clements Castle and Magellan Petroleum Corporation, among others.
Despite his success, Barton has remained committed to the community he grew up in and those which the company serves. Through monetary sponsorships, pro-bono work and even some sweat equity, Web Solutions has made over $100,000 in contributions to non-profit organizations throughout Connecticut.
Additionally Web Solutions is a member of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), Connecticut Economic Development Association (CEDAS), Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce, Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, Meriden Rotary Club.
To learn more about Web Solutions, visit websolutions.com
The Joke's on Me
By Janet Althouse
I really love fudge, but don't love standing in front of the stove stirring, stirring and stirring until it boils. I get so tired and my back aches. So this year for Easter I wanted to try a new recipe and had the "brilliant" idea to get my husband involved. He enjoys doing things in the kitchen and has actually won awards for his chili and apple pies. He was quick to agree and I set him to stirring and I got out all the ingredients and put them in the pan. Everything was going smoothly. Everything was in the pan cooking away while Ed was stirring away. The recipe called for crushed cookies and we had added two cups to the mix and I was crushing one more cup to sprinkle over the top after we placed the mixture in a prepared pan. Then the phone rang. It was a friend calling to wish us Happy Easter. I was talking to her when I realized that Ed had taken the third cup of crushed cookies and added them to the mix. "Well"! I had a few things to say about that. But we put the mixture in the pan and put it in the refrigerator.
The next day when I checked it, it was like thick consomme. It tasted really good, but you had to eat it with a spoon. I checked the recipe, but everything looked fine. I decided it had to be that Ed had not stirred it long enough. He, of course, was not willing to accept that the failure was his fault. I took it to my daughters when we went for Easter dinner and her boy friend said it tasted good and would probably work well as a sauce for ice cream. Oh boy! I could not see me eating all those calories - Ice cream plus the soupy fudge. Any way he took a big container of it and we brought the rest home and stuck it back in the refrigerator.
BUT - my husband was not satisfied. He was sure there had to be a mistake in the recipe. He checked it again. And lo and behold, the recipe called for "1 can of milk - 5 oz." I mistakenly assumed this was the regular size can of milk. BUT - guess who was wrong. The regular size can of milk, which I used, was 15 oz. I should have put in a small can of milk which is 5 oz.
So - please remember when trying a new recipe to check all quantities of ingredients. You may not have a friend or husband to blame the failure on. Do I have egg on my face or what?
“Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective”
by Gregory M. Simpson
I am going to run the risk of stating the obvious. It doesn’t seem much of a risk, though, as many people behave as if what I’m about to note is news.
For instance, thanks to Oprah Winfrey, most people have now heard about puppy mills and the horrors that happen there. Still, droves of folks frequent pet stores, many of which are simply the end of the line retail outlets for the same puppy mills they would say that they abhor. Where is the missing link in the communication on this one? Only 15% of people obtain their dogs from shelters and less than 10% for cats. Stop. Think. Visit a shelter. Adopt a friend. Don’t indirectly subsidize puppy mills by buying an animal from a pet store. Be mindful that breeding only condemns to death an equal number of animals at a pound or shelter.
Another topic that sends my temperature rising is someone leaving a dog in the car during hot weather. On an 85-degree day, it takes only 10 minutes for a car’s interior to reach 102 degrees. Heat stroke and permanent brain damage can result. This one should be common sense, but it happens all too often. Further, when the bad idea is pointed out to the offending person, one is often met with hostility. Yet, if asked, I’m sure the offending individual would call himself or herself an animal lover. Again, stop and think.
A common misconception that can directly affect the amount of money an animal organization raises is the notion that shelters are government funded. Wish that it were so. We live in a society where federal taxes are allocated 28.5% to the military and 1.4% for environmental protection. Aside from your local dog pound and animal control officer, virtually all rescue groups and shelters are funded entirely by private donations, grants, and fundraisers.
Since shelters are generally funded through private donations, they are most often maintained by volunteers. For instance, Protectors of Animals, Inc. for which I am on the Board of Directors, is entirely volunteer run. Both the dog and cat divisions have volunteer team leaders. Each donated dollar goes directly to support the animals. Support those who do the most with your dollar.
Another common sense point, unfortunately often overlooked, regards microchips. Caring individuals who microchip their companion animals sometimes make one oversight. They neglect to record with the tracking company the microchip that they have their veterinarian implant.
Companion animals need health care just as their human counterparts do. Despite this rather obvious fact, 36% of companion cats and 17% of companion dogs do not visit a veterinarian. That is more than one of every three cats and almost one out of every five dogs. A companion animal means a lifetime commitment. Securing veterinary care is part of this responsibility.
Cats have been domesticated for thousands of years and need the same supervision that a young child or a companion dog requires. Yet many people let their cats roam at will and hope for the best. A 2001 Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) study found that two out of three veterinarians recommend keeping cats indoors, to avoid dangers ranging from vehicles to disease. Since an outdoor cat’s life span is, on average, one-third the length of an indoor cat, what common sense conclusion would one draw?
Do you consider yourself a cat lover? Then do not declaw. There are no benefits to cats from declawing – none. Veterinarians provide this option at substantial profit for people who care about their furniture more than they care about their cats. If you insist on having a declawed cat, visit a shelter, where you can find many from which to choose.
If you care about animals, chose your entertainment accordingly. For example, do not frequent circuses. Circus animals don’t perform because they want to. They do so because they are afraid not to perform. As another example, forego the city horse drawn carriages. These horses are known to drop from heat exhaustion.
Perhaps the most common sense point of all is to spay or neuter. It is the most thoughtful step one can take to reduce the misery that comes with overpopulation.
I could go on, but I think that you get the point. Take the time to think through your actions or inactions. An animal’s welfare depends on it.
For the animals, Gregory M. Simpson
Gregory Simpson’s animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S. He is also a member of the Cat Writers’ Association.
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Home Country
By Slim Randles
U.S. Census Bureau
Capture Center
Phoenix, AZ
Dear Census Bureau:
You can’t imagine my thrill as I drove up to the gate yesterday at my cabin in the middle of nowhere and found that you’d left me a census form to fill out for the place, addressed to S. Navajo Loop, Belen, NM.
This was accurate, by the way, since my little cabin (designated “red cabin” on the envelope) is the only one on S. Navajo Loop. Your designation of red cabin is only half correct, though, because the other half of the cabin is painted yellow. And when I get more yellow paint, I’ll finish the job. The cabin is called “The Birdhouse,” as Bird is the nickname of my buddy who gave me the cabin. This doesn’t mean that very many birds live there, however. In fact, the only resident birds I can think of nest under the house and hatch some babies every summer. I don’t expect them back from winter quarters for maybe another month though. They are brown and nondescript and could probably be classified as dickie birds.
They are only seasonal residents.
As for permanent residents, there is one very long-legged jackrabbit who is usually seen in the yard when I drive up, but runs off when I let the dogs out of the truck. I have no idea whether or not he got married and had pups recently. He doesn’t stick around long enough to ask.
Now for serious permanent residents, I’d have to include the prairie dogs. My acre and a half has three permanent prairie dog towns. Not too big … more like prairie dog villages. As for race … well, they’re a sort of nice New Mexico tan, and for religion, I’d have to say vegetarian, as they worship my baby trees and hope I continue to plant more.
There used to be frequent visits of diamondback rattlesnakes, whose existence was terminated by me as quickly as possible. That is why God made shovels. However, last summer I spent all season without seeing a single one. This is thanks to one of my dogs, a Treeing Walker coonhound named Rocky. On Rocky’s frequent visits to The Birdhouse, he has taken on the task of making certain every rock, every fence post, every bush and every prairie dog hole gets at least a squirt and a half of his attention.
The large water dish on the cabin’s porch is so Rocky can reload when necessary. Rattlesnakes being what they are, they don’t care for the smell of ammonia, so they have steered clear of the place quite nicely.
But of course there is never a clean victory in anything good because this also means the snakes steer clear of the prairie dog villages, so Mr. and Mrs. P. Dog are multiplying and replenishing the place at an astounding rate. This is fine for the population of prairie dogs, but plays hob with the population of Slim’s baby trees.
As for human residents, there are none. If there were, it would be me. I am 67, Protestant, Anglo, occupation newspaper columnist, don’t make enough money, dislocated my shoulder this fall while goose hunting, and must wear corrective lenses. But while The Birdhouse (whose official address is actually 6 Gobernador Street) is a hideout for an aging writer and cowboy who sneaks off as often as possible from the burdens of electricity and running water, I’m not really a resident. I live in Albuquerque with my lovely wife, Catherine, and we’re looking forward to filling out one of your forms when we get one here at the house. We have a mailbox.
I noticed on the envelope you left for me it says “Your Response is Required by Law.” Hey, I’m a law-abiding guy who loves his country. If you should have any more questions about the population down at The Birdhouse, you have only to leave me another note by the barbed-wire fence. And thank you, by the way, because in the eight years I’ve owned the place, this census form was the first mail I’ve ever received there.
Yours for a happy count of happy Americans,
Anthony V. “Slim” Randles
The Half-Red Cabin
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SATs, ACTs, Finals and More!
Does your teen start biting her nails to the bone at the thought of the impending spring testing frenzy? The obvious clue around our house is a lack of erasers. By late April, each and every pencil has lost the little pink thing at the end. This is the time of year when the pressures of back to back finals and standardized college entrance exams are enough to send the most confident teen into a tail spin. However, with the right preparation, your teen will realize that tests are nothing to lose sleep over.
Is your teen suffering from “test anxiety” or is he simply a bit nervous? Mike Malmon-Berg, Ph.D., a psychologist and Coordinator of Mental Health Services at The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, explains, “Test anxiety is a specific condition that results from the fear of a negative evaluation. It is similar to the anxiety experienced by employees who are about to be reviewed by a supervisor.” Malmon-Berg reports that virtually everyone experiences some form of nervousness while taking exams, but approximately 20% of students suffer from test anxiety, which he says is characterized by two distinct symptoms. Malmon-Berg describes the first as “a level of angst that is disproportionate to the actual threat or consequences.” The second characteristic is “a degree of distraction that has a significant
negative effect on the individual's performance.”
Parents shouldn’t feel helpless. There are many ways you can help your teen put testing in perspective. Malmon-Berg points out, “Parents can help in several ways. The first is to realize that their job is to help take pressure off their teen, not add to it with demands and quotas.” He warns not to make comments such as “Your college future depends on this grade.” He also adds, “Ironically, most students who experience test anxiety tend already to be fairly high achievers who put undue pressure on themselves. Parents can help by providing a perspective.” Malmon-Berg suggests that parents offer encouraging comments such as “You've always done well in this subject” or “I believe in you, even if sometimes you don't believe in yourself.” He explains, “These will go a long way toward taking a bit of the edge off.” He also advises that parents use humor to take the excess seriousness out of the situation. He suggests that parents remind their teen that one test is not life or death and that a less than desirable grade can be made up for in many other ways.
Even if your teen doesn’t have severe test anxiety, she will still benefit from any assistance and encouragement you can give, along with trying out specific strategies which will help ease her nerves before, during, and after the big test:
Before:
· Don’t cram – prepare well in advance with multiple study sessions
· Ask for help (from your teacher, professor, or competent student)
· Time yourself on practice tests to ease your worry about time constraints
· Lightly review an outline of basic facts shortly before the exam
· Prepare your body: a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast go a long way
· College entrance exams: enroll in a test preparation class
During:
· Take a deep breath
· Use positive “self talk”
· Scan the entire test briefly so there are no surprises as you go along
· Take your time and check your work
After:
· Take a walk
· Plan to go somewhere afterwards to take your mind off the test
· Keep mistakes and grades in perspective – what’s the worst that can happen?
TIPS AND TALES (from Teens)
“Most teachers take a lot of what they put on the tests and quizzes right into the exam. Look over previous tests to see what you did wrong and correct them. The morning of the exam, and before going to school, I take 10 to 15 minutes to rehash the things that I studied.”
Ammon Doney – Essex Junction, VT – 17
“I try not to over-cram my brain because I know I will lose all the material in my head. The one thing that I do that really calms me down and helps me out is chew gum. For some reason that always relaxes me.”Sammy Giansante – Berlin, NJ - 16
My Beloved Fluffyby Diana Lewis
Fluffy died on February 23, 2010. She was 17 years old----in cat years that was 119 years old.
This is the story of her life. I lived at Community Towers in Meriden, and a lady I met there, Ruth. Said I need a cat. She gave me her female cat which was pregnant. Cuddles and I fell instantly in loves. She would not leave my side during the birth. I made her a bed and put it by my bed so she could have her babies in it.
When she started having her babies she would not let me leave her sight. The first one she had was all gray. I called her Smokey, who died in 2007. The next one was a gray and white boy, She was really tired after delivering those two and she had one more to go. I had to get a home cloth and help her finish delivering Fluffy. I think that’s why Fluffy and I ended up being so close.
As Smokey and Fluffy grew, they became part of the family and were treated as such. Once in a while I would give them tuna as a treat, they loved it, but their most favorite treat of all was hostess chocolate donuts. Fluffy even knew the box and would try to get it when she saw it. Catnip was another treat they enjoyed.
At night when we’d go to bed, if Smokey was laying on my hip, then Fluffy would lay on my shoulder. Fluffy sometimes used to like to get under the blanket and have me rub her belly and she would kneed the blanket.
I went to take Fluffy for blood work and everything was fine except the white blood count was quite high but no sign of thyroid or diabetes which we suspected. The vet say it could be cancer.
I watched the next few weeks as she slowly went down hill with her health and knew that it was time to let her go even though I didn’t want to. I couldn’t let her suffer any longer.
Now she is where animals go after death and probably having a good ol’ time frolicking with her sister, Smokey, but she is quite missed here.
I love the poem that they sent back with her ashes and I would like to share it with you. . .. . . .
The Rainbow BridgeThere is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food, water, and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are whole again. They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved him on earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly looks up. The nose twitches! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!
You have been seen, and you and your special friend meet, you take or her into your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and you look into the eyes of your trusting pet. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
On April 23rd, monks from the Leverett Peace Pagoda will be walking through Wallingford as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the abolition of nuclear weapons. They and supporters are walking to inform and rally people for forthcoming Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty (NPT) Review taking place in New York City in May, as well as the Mayors for Peace program.
The NPT is the international treaty to limit proliferation and eventually abolish nuclear weapons, and promote disarmament and peace. President Obama has pledged support for the 5-year renewal of the treaty this year, and will be part of the international gathering at the United Nations in late April/early May.
The Mayors for Peace program, founded by the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1982, is committed to promote the elimination of nuclear weapons through the grassroots support of mayors around the world. It is an international program that currently has 3,488 member cities around the world – including 152 cities and towns in the United States.
From March 20 until the convening of the NPT, the Monks will be visiting towns throughout New England and beyond to gain support from Mayors along the route. The monks will be walking through cities and towns, trying to meet with someone from the Mayor's office to invite them to join the Mayors for Peace program.
The American Friends Service Committee (Western Massachusetts) is co-sponsoring the walk, and as a national organization AFSC is organizing around the NPT treaty review in May.
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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Love’s Perfect AlignmentBy Diana LewisChapter 2
The next morning when the wagons pulled in the driveway, Josie had everything ready for them to load. It took them about an hour to get everything loaded. She turned to Mark and hugged him.
“I will miss you.“ she whispered in between tears.
“You will write, won’t you?” asked Mark quietly. It was hard seeing his only sister leave. So what if she was adopted, she was still his sister.
“Sure, I’ll write every chance I get. I love you, Mark.” she kissed his cheek and turned to Mr. Hammond, who helped her up on the wagon and he climbed up himself and turned the wagon around. Mark watched them until they were no longer in sight. Then he ran to his room and cried.
“Do we have enough supplies to get to Idaho?” she asked Mr, Hammond.
“Yes, we took care of getting everything we need before we came to get you. I trust you can cook,” he smiled when he said that.
“Yes, I can cook. The cook taught me when I begged her to teach me.”
“That’s good,” he laughed, “because neither one of us can cook a can of beans.” She looked at him with unbelief.
“Well it looks like it’s a good thing I’m along or you would starve, I imagine.”
They traveled four days and they ran into her birth mother’s wagon train. Mr. Hammond had sent a runner ahead to find them and tell them they were coming, so the wagon trail halted till they arrived.
Mr Hammond introduced Josie to her birth mother, Abigail Warren. She had the same red hair as she did, the same pointed nose, she was almost the spitting imagine of her mother when she was younger and foolish. She sat Josie down beside the wagon wheel.
“I know you have many questions and I want to answer them for you, but let’s get supper out of the way and then we will sit and talk. Josie nodded and she and Abigail got supper going and when they were ready to, Amelia asked Mr. Hammond to bless the meal. Josie didn’t know at first what that meant but she saw everyone bow their heads, so she did the same. His prayer was short and he acted like he was talking to a friend. She wasn’t sure what to make of it, but she didn’t say anything. After the supper dishes were washed, Amelia sat down with Josie.
“I know you have all kinds of questions, dear and I want to answer all that I can.”
“Why didn’t Papa tell me I was adopted?”
“Oh Dear, I didn’t know he never told you. Now I’ve made a mess of things. He’s going to think I kidnaped you. I’m so sorry.”
“I left on my own, I left him a note that Mark will give him. He can’t get you for that.”
“Mama, why would you give your baby girl up?”
“I didn’t want to but I was young and my parents insisted since your father had run off that it was best to give you up for adoption so you would have a better life than I could give you. But then I married a wealthy ranch owner and he helped me find you and told me to bring you back to the ranch so we could be a family.”
“Do I have brothers and sisters?”
“Why, yes, you have four brother and four sisters, and they are going to love you, I miss them all and tomorrow she should starting to head home finally.”
“What are their names?” asked Josie.
“Alright, the oldest is Cameron, he’s 18, he helps his Pa with the ranch now, then there’s Jason, he’s 16, he helps his Pa too, then there’s Melissa, we call her Missie, she’s 15, and then there’s Amanda, she’s 14, and then there’s Paul, we call him, Paulie, he’s 13, and then there’s Jonathan, we call him Jonnie He’s 12, and then there’s Sadie, she’s 11, and then there’s Audrey, she’s 10, and I think that’s all of them.”
“Wow, I’m from a big family. I’m going to love this.” said Josie excitedly.
“They can’t wait to meet you. Well, we better get some sleep. We’re home tomorrow and we have a long way to go. We can talk again tomorrow for more of your questions.” She got up and headed for her wagon and Josie headed for hers.
Washington Park
Summer is coming and I can't help but have great memories of Washington Park in Meriden. As a young child, my parents took me there to fly a kite. As I got older, I learned how to wield a baseball bat and glove. My brother and I played there together with anyone we could find.
We watched the Puerto Rican League softball players as they played the game with great heart and enthusiasm. It was great fun watching these experts hone their craft!!!
One summer I had the privilege of being coached by a man who later played baseball in the New York Mets' farm system. He was extremely friendly and helpful as we watched his batting and fielding skills with awe!!!
My good friend, Joe K., even met a man there who played football in the American Football League!!! I was a lousy football player, but I did go on to play in the Jack Barry Little League, and then in P.O.N.Y. (Protect Our Nation's Youth) League. I played outfield and eventually became a pretty good hitter and pitcher. I'll never forget the time I pitched a two-hitter against a Maloney High School junior varsity picher!!!
A teammate (and also a good friend) , Joe G., eventually went to the University of Hartford with me and became a starter for the baseball team there!!! We once played shortstop and third base together. Our comical friend referred to us as the "Polish Connection".
As I've gotten older, I go to the park to walk and to watch the future sports stars of Meriden become better and better. Thank God that Meriden has Washington Park!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Joe Zaborowski
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Remembering "Big Boy" the Hubbard Park Goose.For years they called me "Big Boy" that is until the day my dead body was discovered. It was a Tuesday, January 12, 2010 to be exact. A cold day it was, with temperatures only reaching a high of a 34 degrees, just two degrees above freezing. The winter dead trees hovered above me while my broken body lay on the hard frozen ground, still spotted with dirty snow. The air and my body temperature were about the same, cold and damp and raw from death and a brittle chill.
It was the kind of day people avoided going outside unless they had to. A quick trip to the grocery store, at most, for stay at home mothers that planned on using the day to catch up on laundry or dust and vacuum or whip up that new soup recipe they cut out of Sunday’s paper after driving the kid’s to school. A day for commuters to start their cars and let them warm up before heading to the nearest Dunkin Donuts for a hot coffee or a cup of tea. It was the kind of day that construction workers and contractors wore their Carhartt coveralls along with a wool hat and thermal socks. It was a typical January day for most New Englanders but not for me.
You see the night before, just as cold, not that I minded, I wandered away from the others, lost in my own goose world, curiously scouting, maybe, however not afraid when a car had pulled into my residence, Hubbard Park, that’s where I lived. I never really knew why I lived there but I liked it just the same. The elderly would leisurely walk among us like one of our own. There were those that were really good at casting snacks, such as bread or crackers or dried cereal, over their heads and into the pond while me and my group raced to see who would be the lucky one. Children came by the eyefuls, boys and girls, big and small, some outgoing and some shy always like clock work. I miss them the most.
And then there was this car, probably a teenager, maybe a disgruntled person, I’m not really sure but someone with a calloused sense of right or wrong pulled into the park that night and ran me over- dead. Some would have called it an accident but the person responsible for killing me left a note.
“Killed with intent how pathetic we are as a species." I guess that means that killing me was intentional although I never found out why.
Remembering "Big Boy" the Hubbard Park Goose. ~ Coby Bass http://cobybass.blogspot.com/
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!
Home Country
Slim Randles
It was one of those evenings that makes you glad there’s an April. Bob Milford parked his truck in front of the Mule Barn truck stop, then changed his mind and drove the few blocks into town and parked in front of Sarah’s Read Me Now book store and got out.
The air was sweet like wine, warm and flowing over his body. The calves out on the Diamond W were healthy and frolicking all over the place and there had only been three difficult births where he’d had to pull the calves, and those were from first-calf heifers, so it was to be expected.
And he decided what he needed was to see how the rest of the world was waking up to spring, so he drove in from the ranch for the evening. Sarah was just locking up and visited with Bob for a few minutes before heading home for supper. Bob leaned against the wall and kept his eye on the square across the street. Two kids were playing with the cannon, shooting invisible invaders and making the world safe for suppertime in a small American town.
Dud and Anita Campbell were walking across the square, not talking, but just being with each other. Their hands were touching, but there was more there. They were touching each other in a silent way, sharing love and promises. Across the way, Doc and Mrs. Doc stood together, looking in the window of the now-closed hardware store. They looked tired tonight, Bob thought. Neither was that young any more.
Seeing these two couples made Bob a little sorry he wasn’t married, but he’d tried that once and it hadn’t worked out too well. She lived in the city now and was married to another fellow and had three kids.
Oh, he knew it had all happened for the best. He knew it. So he patted the cow dog in the back of his pickup and headed back down the road to the Mule Barn. He would order the special tonight. Maybe some pie, too.
Just the right thing for a warm April evening.
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Brought to you by www.pearsonranch.com/oranges, where, unlike episodic television, each segment is pure bliss.
“Maggie’s Corner”
Move over Beethoven……. Edwin Bartlett is taking over the keys.
Navigating to: Shoreline Out and About
By: Maggie Griffin
A face to face conversation with Edwin Bartlett, founder of Shore Line Out and About, is with no doubt, a conversation that lead me to places I never been. I felt as though I traveled Connecticut just talking to him. Edwin’s mission is a Mission proven possible that has come to life. That mission is building an online community for communities in Connecticut by launching community spirit the traditional way, bringing the tradition to the current and future internet media. Connecticut’s King of Navigation Change includes regionalization in Connecticut with many places to go, see, attend and know about in CT. In today’s economy, this is exactly what people look for, Community Spirit, and Edwin is delivering that spirit to all people. Edwin quoted a Sweet Emotion to my ears: “Our mission is to build an online community, launching the community spirit in Connecticut. Ann Nyberg has taken an interest in us as well because she has the same interests in linking communities throughout the State of Connecticut to.”
Currently Shoreline Out and About has over 50 online contributors who are committed in working with Edwin to produce Shore Line Out and About. On September 18th, the web site for Shoreline Out and About has been released. There you will find sources of weekend events, destinations, music, dining, entertainment, living, the marketplace and more. You will also be able to read columns written by several authors who take pride in writing about what it is they do, research and are committed to. Edwin’s target goal is to include the follow slide of videos. “Between Bruce Barber, Gary Choronzy and I, we certainly have a lot of interesting projects lined up” stated Edwin. As he was telling me about the idea of Bruce Barber bungee jumping, a sudden thought crossed my mind about me taking a challenge jump with Bruce, but only if I am guaranteed that Edwin will secure my cords.
Edwin enjoys absorbing the thoughts of many people through social networks and looking at Community Papers. It was a pleasure, and a compliment, to hear Edwin’s opinion about The People’s Press, a community paper that covers all of Central Connecticut. “The images I see when reading the People’s Press online are captivating. I can see that the owner and publisher does extremely well as a community paper online too because I easily found The People’s Press in a Google Search when searching for community papers online. I enjoy reading The People’s Press News because I enjoy reading the columns and how the images promote what a community is all about” said Edwin.
Part of Edwin’s mission, in bringing communities together, also includes charity work. For example, his support for Pam Landry’s charitable work and commitment to Animal Shelters, Pet adoption services and Animal Rescues. “I met Pam Landry through Ann Nyberg because of the charitable work we do and become interested in” Edwin stated.
Edwin also enjoys the “what is happening in Connecticut” simply by watching and reading community news sources. As for radio stations Edwin does enjoy listening to “The Wigmaster” on WPLR. Edwin stated: “The Wigmaster’s dog needs to become friends with Butch DaVisla” .
Let’s talk about social networks like facebook. The new group Shore Line Out and About on facebook has close to 2500 members and growing. Although social media has taken a leap within the past year from finding people to playing games such as Mafia Wars, Farmville, Café World, Fishville and others, groups such as Shoreline Out and About has extreme power to the goal of Navigation Change. When Edwin is on facebook, and other social networks, he reads every post simply to gather the moods of the people.
The athletic talent Edwin has not only encourages other athletes in many communities in CT, but makes him look forward to the upcoming baseball season as he always wanted to play professional baseball and football. At that point I thought it to be best not to tell him I had dinner with Franco Harris of the Pittsburg Steelers last August at the NTDC, worried about who his favorite football team was, therefore I’ll keep that secret to myself. But I am sure he will be pleased to know I had after dinner mints with Tommy Chong at The Westin. But Edwin’s love of sports reaches simple logic along with how the players play; for the love of the game. He is a New York Yankee’s Fan, and he chuckles when he sees Red Sox fans and Yankee fans argue during the baseball season for one reason: “Little do fans know that these players on both teams are friends, they even go to dinner together”, said Edwin.
How did the birth of Shoreline Out and About take place? When Edwin was born, it just came out of him later in life as his destiny. Edwin is a native of Guilford, CT back when only 12,000 people resided in Guilford. “Many people move to a town based on a town’s history. That is why bringing back the sense of a community is vital in values throughout the communities in Connecticut. New comer’s clubs in most areas are members for one year. Out on the shoreline, you can be a member for up to 7 years”, said Edwin.
Edwin’s spirit intrigues me. His goal to bring back traditional community spirit using the level of today’s internet technology certainly is the right step in the right direction for this generation and for generations to come. “It’s a brave new world out there, it’s time to re-write the rules”, Edwin emphasized.
Following my visit with Edwin, I had to stop and buy a dozen homemade cookies at Edwin’s favorite “Red Rooster Baking Company” in Guilford on Route One, where Kimberly Anatra Welch is the master of the dozen in cookies, and she is the owner of this incredible bakery. Those cookies are addictive, they are too good. I have to admit, whether I stop in the bakery or order her finest cookies online, it’s worth it.
I would like to thank Edwin for spending time with me; he is a man with heart, mind and soul with steps moving forward faster than the speed of light. He is an icon in the State of Connecticut who is personable where he truly cares about the people of our State and the communities within.
To conclude, if I take the opportunity to bungee jump with Bruce Barber, I will ask Edwin to hold onto my cords tight, as I will be saluting him before that jump; not just because he is a Veteran of the United State’s Marines, a body builder, bungee jumper, loves to bring people in the communities of Connecticut together along with his enthusiastic nature to explore many ventures; I’ll be saluting Edwin as my last prayer if I ever jump the same time as Bruce. A daring challenge that I am certain Andrew Reynolds, owner of The People’s Press News, will want to take pictures of for many to see as proof that I, Maggie Griffin, am a bungee jumper.
Visit www.ShorelineOutAndAbout.com to learn and see what’s more on this terrific website. Read posts, events and see the shift in Media through Navigation Change. This is a positive move through dynamic directions that Edwin, and the contributors who work with him in producing Shoreline Out and About, are bringing to Connecticut communities. Bringing back the values of each community within one great historical state through recognition of all areas along with topics and regionalization is a gifted goal that plants a growing foundation. This is what Edwin calls “Connecting Connecticut”.
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Spring has sprung at the QRWA
Life along the Q River…
An Update from the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association
With the recent warm weather signaling that spring is in the air, the QRWA has a number of events to welcome spring to the watershed area. We’re getting geared up and ready for a spectacular year for our membership and the community.
It all begins on Saturday, April 3rd, from 9am until noon, with the spring river cleanup of the Quinnipiac River and several of its tributaries. This annual event is being spearheaded by Rotary International and the local civic clubs will be along the Q River in Meriden, Wallingford, North Haven, New Haven and Cheshire.
Besides the Rotarians and devoted QRWA members, several youth groups and adult volunteers have signed up. Each town will have a staging area for signups, information, supplies and refreshments. Boots and old clothes are recommended for this adventurous task.
David James, QRWA VP, Secretary and River Cleanup Chair, is thrilled with the involvement of the Rotary Clubs. “We greatly appreciate the Rotary’s efforts. This project helps to meet their club goals and helps the QWRA by providing a willing group of volunteers all along the Q River. When we add in our other volunteers we are a greater force and we get more of the river cleaned up. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
On Saturday, April 10th, the Kiwanis Club helped prepare the Butterfly and Bee Garden as part of their “Kiwanis One Day”. On that day, many Kiwanis Clubs will participate in a local event in their community. Besides the Meriden Kiwanians, students of the local Key and Builders Clubs, who are under the guidance of the Kiwanis Club, will add to the effort, creating an interactive event, spanning generations.
The garden is the newest addition to the QRWA property and will create a sanctuary for butterflies and bees. JoAnne Grabinski, garden coordinator says, “I’m excited that the Kiwanis Club has offered to help get this garden ready for planting. A lot of work needs to be done and they graciously offered to take care of this challenging task.” Maureen Bilger, Kiwanis Past President added, “This is a great opportunity for our club to work together with our younger Key and Builder Club members. And this is such a great project; I can’t wait to see the garden when it’s planted. This will not only attract butterflies and bees but many visitors as well.”
Photographer Ian Christmann will be showing a photo exhibit of ‘Consider the Quinnipiac’ at the State Capital from April 16th through April 30th. Ian was the guest speaker at the QWRA’s Annual meeting this past September at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center. He spoke passionately about the 38 miles of the Quinnipiac River, the abundant views, recreational opportunities and the vital habitats for wildlife. Please visit www.considerthequinnipiac.com for more details.
Next on the list is stocking fish at Red Bridge in Meriden, which will be done during the week prior to Opening Day of Fishing Season on Saturday, April 17th. This has been an ongoing effort for at least 18 years, and we always invite families to help us unload the fish. “We stock rainbow trout, which do well in this area,” noted Mary Mushinsky, QRWA Executive Director. “This stocking effort helps to augment the fish in Hanover Pond and all along the Quinnipiac River.” The QRWA would like to thank board member Peter Picone, Mike Roberts, Meriden - Wallingford Rod and Gun Club and Jon Dingle for their organizing efforts to supplement CT DEP's stocking of trout in the Quinnipiac.
We have the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, which is officially April 22nd. Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. The QRWA is committed to bringing people in touch with nature through awareness, education and programs. Join us as we celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 24th within our watershed territory in North Haven and Hamden.
QRWA Coordinator Sandy Stetson said, “I’m looking forward to these Earth Day events as they bring people together and bring awareness about the QRWA. I get the opportunity to chat with so many people and share with them about what we do to help the environment and the many programs and events we offer to the public.”
And to round out the month of April, the QRWA will be at Meriden’s 32nd Annual Daffodil Festival, April 24th and 25th, again partnering with Meriden Land Trust and Meriden Conservation Commission. QRWA President Ginny Chirsky said, “This is a wonderful weekend for Meriden and its citizens. And of course we’re in great company with the Land Trust and the Conservation Commission, sharing information about the natural resources and recreational activities in Meriden.”
Upcoming QRWA Events – Sunday, May 16, 11 am, 30th Annual Canoe and Kayak Race, launch from the DOT lot on Route 322 in Southington.
The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the Quinnipiac for the health and enjoyment of all citizens and communities along its reach and to educate all students, families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river.
We provide water activities, events in education, outreach, advocacy, scientific monitoring, conservation, restoration, recreation and public access to the watershed area. To learn more about the QRWA and future events please visit our website at www.qrwa.org. Thank you for your support and remember your donations are tax deductable.
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Ace Oil: Serving customers since 1993
Jeffrey and Angela Doucette are serious when they say they own a family business. Ace Oil Co., LLC, of Meriden has employed several family members and a few friends since the start of the operation more than 17 years ago in Deep River.
Today, the company has more than 4,200 customers and has three trucks on the road at any given time. It serves Meriden, Wallingford, Southington, Cheshire, Middletown and the shoreline where the company originally began in 1993.
The Community Economic Development Fund, also based in Meriden, has had a hand in helping Ace Oil Co., LLC, grow over the last few years. CEDF provides flexible financing and support to small companies that have trouble for a variety of reasons finding a conventional loan from a bank. In 2002, with the help of CEDF, Jeff and Angela were able to purchase a new truck, which they needed badly – they were running the wheels off a 25-year-old truck. CEDF has helped many businesses with loans, lines of credit, counseling and business courses. This year the Doucettes’ plan on taking CEDF’s Quickbooks accounting software course. With each course they take, CEDF will reduce the interest rate on their loans one-quarter of one percent up to a total of three-quarters of one percent.
Recently Ace Oil has seen an increase in the state and federal assistance programs with the downturn in the economy. But the downturn also illustrates the best part of being in business, Doucette said. “Being self-employed is very important. We have been here in 17 years, and we won’t get fired or laid off tomorrow,” he said. “It is a seasonal business and your income drops during the summer. During the cold weather months we are busy 16-18 hours a day. But no matter what happens, when you own a business, you have something to look forward to every day.”
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March Forward to a Beautiful Lawn.By Clara Buitrago
Spring is finally here! Have you been looking out the window and wishing that you were out working in your yard, and being able to smell that nice earthy aroma, and having the warm sun on your shoulders? To get you started, here are a few tips on spring lawn care.
One of the first steps to having a healthy lawn is to test your soil. A basic soil test is simple and will let you know the acidity (pH) of the soil. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic. The University of Connecticut Department of Plant Science gives 4 simple steps on how to collecting a soil sample.
1. For each area you want tested, use a clean spade or trowel, and take 10 or more slices of soil from different spots throughout the area of interest. Dig from the surface on down to the depth shown here:For grass the depth should be 3 to 4 inches Flowers, vegetables and small fruits the depth should be 6 to 8 inches Trees and shrubs the depth should be 8 to 10 inches For lead testing only, the depth should be ½ to 2 inches.
2. Place the slices from each area you want tested in a clean bucket.
3. Mix thoroughly and remove ONE CUP of soil for testing.
4. Place the cup of soil in a plastic bag and seal securely with twist tie or "zipper" lock.
Follow steps 1 through 4 for each different area that you want tested. If you are sending in samples from more than one area, be sure to label each bag on the outside with a unique sample name or number. Your sample, along with questionnaire and fees may be sent in a mailing envelope or small box." www.soiltest.uconn.edu
If you see some bare spots on the lawn, planting grass seed is the best solution, the earlier in the spring the better. The overall best time to plant grass seed is in September, because there are cooler temperatures and is less weed competition then. If there is bare soil Mother Nature will fill a void, if there is bare soil she will plant a weed. So plan your year. What areas look good, what areas need real attention come September? You can feed the lawn by raking some compost into it. About a ¼ inch of compost on the lawn will be a good amount. A good compost that is free of weed seeds is best. Compost can be tested for weed seed by putting some in a pot, watering it and seeing what grows.
Compost will increase the amount of water absorbed and will decrease the need for watering frequency. You can also save money and contribute less to landfills by composting your own biodegradable materials.
The article is submitted by NOFA Organic Land Care Program. CT NOFA (Connecticut chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association) promotes methods of farming, gardening, and land care that respect biodiversity, soil, water, air and the needs of future generations through education, support, and advocacy. This seasonal lawn care article is meant to introduce homeowners to a more organic based care of lawns. Using organic methods will benefit lawns and gardens, as well as helping to protect our lakes, rivers, oceans, and sources of drinking water from being contaminated by synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that run off from our lawns or seep into ground water. The articles are made possible through the generous support from the Quinnipiac River Fund, The Watershed Fund, the Newman's Own Foundation,> and the Long Island Sound Future's Fund. The article is authored, in part, by Dwight Brooks a professional landscaper, and Clara Buitrago, Program Coordinator, who is not a professional landscaper.
Please visit our web site to find more information and a NOFA Organic Accredited Landscaper near you.
NOFA Organic Land Care program. www.organiclandcare.net________________________________________________________________
"The Joy of Being a Foster Family"Lori Peck, MHS Dedicated Volunteer April showers may bring May flowers, but Spring also brings with it kitten season as well. I can't tell you how many times I have oohd and aahd over a litter of new born kittens or what a rush of excitement you feel when you are there to assist and witness the births. Imagine being a part of this or just being able to keep the mother cat and kittens healthy, until they can be adopted.
If you or someone you know has experience with cats or fostering them, then we need you now! The kindest thing you can do for a pregnant mom or a nursing mom with kittens, is to have them be taken care of in a stress free, healthy and happy environment. Although we all love our kitties at the shelter, when they are young they are much more susceptible to germs and disease. And because they are so cute, it is very hard to make sure that everyone does not handle them. So, if you think you can provide a foster home for one of our mother cats, and then please contact our shelter. Imagine the joy and pride you will feel by being a part of this truly amazing experience.
At this time, I would also like to mention a few of our older cats and special needs cats that are also in need of foster homes. This wouldn't take much out of your everyday routine, just some love and t.l.c., that you will surely get back in return. A couple of our shy, older cats are Sunshine and St. Paddy. These girls actually came from the same home and would love to be fostered together or alone. They just need a quiet home and someone to love them. Sebastian and Pinky would love to go to a home with either no other pets, or maybe one other cat. They are truly just tolerating their feline roommates. Boris, Peanut, Alexia and Seamus are all really sweet cats, but have one thing in common; they need to eat special food. Is that so hard? These wonderful cats wouldn't have to stay in a cage (so that they don't eat the other cats food) if they could go to a foster home.
The staff and volunteers do an amazing job with these animals and would love to take them all home, but we all do have a number of our own animals. It's not easy to walk away from them and go home, but you can help us with that. Please think about fostering, adopting or sponsoring one of our pets. Times are hard right now, people are surrendering their adult pets and you can help.
Thank you for listening from your heart. Please view our animals at www.meridenhs.petfinder.org, visit the M.H.S. at 311 Murdock Ave, in Meriden or call us at (203)238-3650. You can also check out our fundraisers as well. See you at the shelter!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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A Day at the Shelter
V.J. Peregolise – Co-Founder Bikers Against Animal Cruelty
Recently a few of my B.A.A.C. friends and I had the privilege of spending a Saturday at the Meriden Humane Society. We were there to install a security camera system, and by 9am when we arrived, the place was in full swing. Dogs being walked, fed, crates and kennels being cleaned. All this organized chaos seemed to just flow around us, we knew we were in the way, but it really didn’t seem to effect the process unfolding in front of our eyes. Awesome dog after awesome dog was paraded by us to go for their morning walk. Little dogs, big dogs, old and young. Literally, after every dog I saw, and met, I would think to myself how on earth did this dog end up here, he’s great! Then again, I never really met a dog I didn’t like, but these guys were more then what the average person would expect in a shelter dog. They were friendly, obedient, and seemed genuinely happy, which is a huge feat, and a testament to everybody that works, and volunteers there. As the walks came to an end, the staff seemed to transition into the cleaning, organizing, and daily operations of the shelter. Plenty of families coming in looking for dogs or cats. Then a person came in surrendering their dog! I will just say the reason given was less then adequate and was very selfish. That’s when I had the question I had been asking myself about the dogs all morning answered, losers. A lot of these dogs ended up in the humane society, because somewhere along the way they got hooked up with a loser. Now I get it. As sad as I feel for any dog in a shelter, I started to think, maybe in some cases they were better off at the Humane Society. All the people there, genuinely cared for each and every one of them, walked’em and showed them affection. Plus they all had a chance at a better life
Dogs require very little to survive, but the one thing they really can’t thrive without, is love. Sure they need water, food, shelter, but to thrive, to really be a dog, they need to receive affection and love. It doesn’t have to be on a level in which they give love! Lord knows they really set the bar high when it comes to that. I believe the saying is, I can only hope to become the person my dog thinks I am. I have no idea of the numbers, such as how many animals are currently housed there. How many animals get adopted out of there every year. What I do know, is there needs to be more places like this, and more people like this staff to run them. Not only would it make a lot of animals lives better, it would make the world in general a better place. Doing the right thing always does.
It takes a certain kind of person to take on a task as important as this. As much as I admire the staff for the hard work, and the job well done they turn in day after day. I also admire them because they can do what they do, day in and day out, year after year. I honestly think it would break me, fast. I want to take all the dogs home. I also want to cause bodily harm to the abusers. For instance, while we were there, one of the volunteers had to run out to buy a bolt cutter, so he could cut a chain and master lock off the neck of a dog in the animal control office next door. Stuff like that enrages me. So, it just wouldn’t be a good fit for me, so thank god for the people that do it. They are all better people then me, and I know that. Of course, if you were to ask my dogs they would never agree.
www.BikersAgainstAnimalCruelty.org
Autism, Learning with Music
By Sandie Apuzzo
Autism as it's known can affect a child in varying degrees. From having trouble in social areas to not speaking. From constantly spinning or flapping hands to not liking to be touched at all.
As parents, educators and neighbors we need to find ways to connect with children who have been diagnosed with Autism, Aspergers, PDD NOS or other labels. Every child can learn. We need to find the way that works for each child best. Every child (with a diagnosis or no label at all) learns in a particular way. Some children see in pictures, and like to figure out how things work. Some children learn by doing. Some by hearing. Some by touch.
Being Read to, flashcards, puzzles, sensory activities and music can make a difference in the lives of ALL children. Music, with it's layers of sound can flood a child's brain with ways to move. Music in it's written form can be processed spatially by the eye and mind and than transferred to an instrument. For some music actually has color, taste and odor. Exploring different instruments can help with both fine and gross motor skills, self control and ways to stimulate that are pleasing to all involved.
At Keys & Strings Music Studio/Kindermusik with Sandie we have had success with children of all levels of the spectrum in both group classes and private study on piano and violin. All children can learn.....we just need to find the way that's best for each child.
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Keys & Strings Music Studio; Kindermusik with Sandie
Keys & Strings Music Studio/Kindermusik with Sandie offers music for all developmental levels and all ages. Starting from Birth through 7 years of age with and without parent we offer Kindermusik, the premier and longest running International Family Music Program. Kindermusik uses music as the tool to learning not only music, but social skills, fine and gross motor skills, language skills, reading skills and cognitive reasoning skills.
Private lessons on fiddle, violin, viola and piano are offered. Each child/parent and adult student meets or speaks with the instructor to determine the best way to teach based on the potential students learning style. No student is turned away based on development. Our educators always say "Let's Try!" Special Needs children in all of our offerings welcomed with Open Hearts and Musical Minds.
Summer intensives are offered for both Kindermusik (4 week sessions) and longer weeklong half day sessions on Native American Studies, Piano Encounters and Fiddle Camp. Baroque ensemble is also offered from October through June for those students interested in studying this era and learning how to work in a group.
To find out more about our programs please visit Keys & Strings Music Studio/Kindermusik with Sandie by appointment at 31 Hall Ave., Wallingford CT, online at www.musicboxwithsandie.com by phone at 203.265.1500, or follow us on facebook Kindermusik with Sandie @ Keys & Strings Music Studio. Keys & Strings Music Studio, where Love of Music is a Lesson Learned for Life!
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Frugal Living; Getting More for Less in Connecticut!
By Gina Juliano
In April of 2009, I was told I would be laid off from my job as an Assistant Principal in the Hartford Public Schools. I made over $100,000 a year, so it was pretty shocking when I was still unemployed that July and only bringing home $476 each week on unemployment. How was I going to pay my bills and eat? I took a really good look at my finances and decided I had to change some things.
I had always been a pretty good bargain shopper, but I thought there was a way I could do better. I had seen stories about others who used coupons and paid little or nothing for their groceries each week. I thought, “Hmmm. I can do that.” While surfing the Internet I started to stumble on blogs devoted to frugal living. The blogs spelled out very specifically how to use coupons, how to go about getting the best deals, and how to get things for free. Two of the first blogs I read regularly were Frugal Living and Having Fun (www.frugallivingandhavingfun.com) and Maven of Savin (www.mavenofsavin.com). Both of these blogs are written by stay at home moms in the greater Boston, MA area who use their couponing and deal seeking skills to stretch their family’s incomes.
By following their advice, I had soon cut my grocery and drug store purchases by almost 50%. However, I still wasn’t completely satisfied. I was always a bit frustrated when I would go to a store and the sales weren’t the same because the blogs I was following were not Connecticut specific. Over the course of the next few months, I searched the internet for a Connecticut Frugal Blog to no avail. Why was no one blogging about deals and being frugal in Connecticut? Then it hit me – I can do that!
In November of 2009, I started Gina’s Kokopelli (http://ginaskokopelli.blogspot.com). I focus on free samples; coupons; and how to score free merchandise (legally!) at Stop & Shop, Big Y [with the help of Frugality in the Making (http://frugalityinthemaking.blogspot.com)], Shop Rite, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS. Recently, I also added a category for teachers and search out freebies for them as well.
Since I started Gina’s Kokopelli, I have cut my grocery and drug store spending to an average of $50 per week for a family of four humans, two dogs, and seven cats. I have also managed to donate over $1100 worth of merchandise to Master’s Manna in Wallingford since January. Every single thing I’ve donated was something I was able to get for free or pennies. In addition, I have not spent a dime on deodorant, toothpaste, cold remedies, shampoos, conditioners, razors (the good ones!), toothbrushes, makeup, laundry detergent, body lotions, and so much more for at least six months. I picked up all of these things for free by watching the sales and using coupons. What’s more, I often MAKE MONEY by using coupons.
I’m sure a bunch of you reading this are shaking your heads and thinking, “I’m sure she does really well, but I just don’t have time for all that.” I want to assure you saving money does not take all that much time, especially when the frugal blogs do all the work for you. Here are some other myths about using coupons I want to dispel:
Myth: You only eat processed food and Hamburger Helper type stuff when you coupon.
Reality: Although you can buy those items, I have not sacrificed the quality of what I buy. I still buy lobster and steak.
Myth: Organic foods don’t have coupons.
Reality: LOTS of organic foods have coupons.
Myth: Couponing takes more time than it’s worth.
Reality: Frugal Bloggers do all the work for you. All you have to do is follow their instructions. You can start savings hundreds of dollars each month by putting in as little as an hour of your time per week. Also, think about the time you spend this way. If you put in an hour’s worth of work into making a list and clipping coupons and then you save $20-$30 at the store, didn’t you just MAKE $20-$30? AND you can do this watching TV. Where can you make $30/hr watching TV?
Myth: It takes more time to shop with coupons.
Reality: It actually takes me less time than it used to. I have my list, my coupons, and I know exactly what I’m buying. There is no more meandering through the store, throwing things into the cart. I also like that I’m not shocked by how much money I’ve spent when everything is totaled. I pretty much know what the total will be.
Now that I know all that I do about using coupons, I also help others do what I do. That’s what Gina’s Kokopelli is all about. I know I’m not the only one unemployed and trying to make ends meet. Please feel free to contact me at ginaskokopelli@yahoo.com if you have questions or are interested in having me teach a couponing class.
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We make TV on Mondays...
A Volunteer Team is producing On The Parade Ground at the Wallingford Public Access Station – the electronic Parade Ground. It is anticipated to be an anchor Community TV Program with Wallingford stories that connect the community with its past & future and neighbors at home and abroad. Informing conversations will begin at 7:30 PM. Call-ins begin at 7:45 PM
April 12th our guest is one of the community’s spiritual mothers, Nancy Freyberg of Parents & Kids Foundation. Nancy and host Paul Braccioforte will have a candid conversation about making connections in the service of others. So many of you have broken bread with her...what keeps inspiring after 30 years.
April 19th our guests, Sally Smith and Betty Berger will share stories about making dreams come true for those over 70 and the creation of everlasting smiles by making fresh memories. More info: www.seniorshavedreams.org
May 3rd our guest will share the latest about Relay for Life - how Wallingford participates in an international movement to end cancer.
On The Parade Ground is on Comcast Cable 18, U-verse 99 WPAA Community Building TV and internet streaming on www.wpaa.tv
Live Mondays at 7:30 PM. Call in 203-265-6310.
Replays Schedule-Monday 9:30-10:00 PMTuesday: 7:30-8PMWednesday: 1:30-2PMFriday: 4:30-5PMSaturday: 5-5:30PMSunday: 11-11:30AM
Absent from locally produced programs has been one that features facilitated civic conversation related to Wallingford specific stories … that is about to change.
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A New Page
Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom
Candles are something that I constantly use in my life. I like all colors, scents, and sizes becauseeach one has a purpose in my house. Some are used to deodorize certain rooms that tend to become a little unpleasant and I use others for meditation purposes. I was running low at one point and decided to buy locally in Middletown. A friend suggested a newly established store and I thought it would be a wonderful place to go to.
I must admit that I was a bit nervous upon walking in. The displays looked very inviting to me aswell as, my very young and inquisitive daughter. She is always touching things and I’m afraidthat those little hands will wind up dropping something one day. Yvette however, put me at ease with a smile and a, “Why don’t you take her over to the crystals? Every child seems to love those. She can touch and hold as many as she likes.”
A calm feeling came over me as I browsed. It could have been from the wonderful smells of the burning incense, or perhaps it was from the cozy fire and beat of the drums during circle. It may have even been from the beautiful displays of crystals, books, and other products geared to aid in the health of your mind, body, and spirit. The Tribal/Holistic online community that is connected to the store could also have something to do with my high spirits. I knew this was a store I’d come back to again and again, not only for candles, but for other products that would enhance my well being. Yvette Page opened A New Page doors on October 4, 2003 after a few setbacks in her life. A New Page was Yvette’s new chapter in life after recovery and a job layoff. She started this new path on Main Street in Middletown. It was a nice store filled with wonderful holistic products however, Yvette yearned for more. She wanted to tie holistic products with tribal healings, and so started the quest for a new store location. The new location was found recently and it boasts a huge outdoor space for Lunar Rhythm drum circle events. It also has a large interior for workshops on Reiki, Candle Making, and even Tarot sessions. A New Page has an online community page on Ning (http://anewpage.ning.com) and this gives one a sense of belonging as well. Yvette is a wonderful person who goes out of her way to provide great products and services to her consumers. I remember going there for some decorative bells that I keep by my front door. They may look pretty, but their purpose is for a much more practical reason. I have them there as an alarm. They let me know who’s opening the door and closing it, be that my husband, or my little ones. It’s a great product to have when you have small kids or even adults with Alzheimer’s that tend to wander. Yvette was nice enough to order a few more for me and I can’t wait to pick them up!
A New Page is easy to get to off of Route 9 South (Cromwell Exit 19) and Route 372. It’s located on Route 3 at 1060 Newfield Street in Middletown Connecticut.
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!
Connecticut Outdoors
Written By: Paul Narducci
Opening Day of trout fishing is April 17, 2010. With that in mind, lets get ready to fish! Like all outdoorsmen and women it has been a long winter and I am ready to fish. Trout fishing is something I truly love to do and look forward to every year. There is something about a rainbow trout that amazes me and they are simply a magnificent fish. For most people this day always seems to be filled with some sort of tradition. It is this that makes this day totally different than any other day. It is this reason why we all love opening day. For those of you who are new to this madness you may want to head to Uncle B’s Bait and Tackle or to the Fishing Factory in Southington to get some great advise on where to go and what to use. For those of you looking to use lures I have always been a huge fan of anything by Thomas Spinning Lures. My favorite lures to use are the little tiger, the buoyant, rough rider, the special or double spin, the ep spin ,the eel and the Colorado. These are all wonderful lures that catch fish. As always remember to take a kid fishing. They will remember this forever and continue this with their own one day. I hope you all have a happy and wonderful opening day. May you always cherish the memories that this day brings to you and your children. After all, isn’t that what it is really all about , memories of a lifetime.
With the state government in complete financial despair they thought it would be a good idea to increase the cost of a fishing license. Normally I would not have a problem with this until I read it was going into the general fund. Wrong answer!!!! This is a complete misuse of what and where these funds should go. I do not mind doing my share but when are state launches are a complete joke and at times we put ourselves as well as our boats at risk this is a shame. Wouldn’t it be nice to head to Haddam Meadows State park and see four or five boats launching at the same time, real bathrooms , lighted docks, and of course it redone so you don’t scrape your trailer when you pull out. Oh, silly me what was I thinking. Candlewood lake which is the states biggest lake also has wonderful state launches. Once again, what was I saying. These launches are an insult to the state and the people who live hear and use them. Do I really have to go into politics? I would pay more money if it went into the right places and wasn’t misused. I feel most people would feel the same. Unfortunately this isn’t the case so I have to pay more for the same terrible service. In most cases a business ran like this would have a going out of business sign on their front door.
If your looking to join a bass club and would like information log onto www.ctbass.com and all your questions and answers are a fingertip away. Other great fishing websites that will benefit today’s fisherman are www.ctfishtalk.com, www.ctfisherman.com These sites are filled with everything thing you need to fill your fishing appetite. For those fisherman and women who want an opportunity to fish for some big money log onto www.reynolds1859.com for info for their Second Annual Connecticut River Team Tournament which will be held June 12,2010. Frank and I will be there. Last year this tournament was Connecticut’s biggest open tournament of the year as I am sure it will be this year as well. They will have a cookout as well as a wonderful raffle and drawing. Did I mention what the payout for first place is? This is a great event held by some wonderful people from Reynolds Garage and Marine. If you want an opportunity to fish an excellent tournament on the river this is your chance to shine. I look forward to seeing you there. As always the team from Connecticut Outdoors wishes everyone a great opening day and I’ll see you on the river.
High Risk Situations
BY: Kristina SarcioneTeenagers should learn to stay out of high risk situations or should learn to make the right decisions when faced with a serious problem. Here are four ways that teenagers put themselves at risk: doing drugs, listening to peer pressure, having unprotected sex and under age drinking. Doing drugs is a poor way of influencing others especially younger brothers and sisters. Drugs affect the body by making people do things they wouldn’t do normally. Drugs can give people permanent mental damage. They can also cause people to commit crimes for money. If people use drugs it can also lead to an overdose which can cause death. Drugs are a serious problem that should be addressed in the society we live in today. Peer pressure is when one listens and is talked into doing something wrong. Sometimes a brother or sister will watch their older sibling and ask if they can do it too. Unprotected sex is very serious because people can catch STD’s and even die. You even put yourself at risk of becoming pregnant. Finding the right person to love is more important than putting yourself at risk. The younger the person starts drinking the more likely they are to become an alcoholic. People who abuse alcohol can become very abusive. People who drink a lot over a period of time, can also cause liver damage. Alcoholism is a disease that people have when they are addicted to alcohol. When we talk about high risk situations it’s always good to think things through. It is important to know what your values are and base your decisions on those values. Ones values usually comes from family, church and school. One shouldn’t have to worry about making good decisions if they are based on their values. I’m telling you this because you could regret doing things that you may wish you never got yourself involved in. I wrote this article because I hate seeing my friends and siblings getting into trouble. I hope everybody reads this so they think before they do something they will regret.
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!
Wallingford Center, Inc.
The central business district has developed over the past 300 years, with growth spurts during the turn of the last century and in the 1950’s. Architecturally, it is a mixture of styles, reflecting its slow but steady growth. Luckily, the district escaped any large scale remodeling and reconstruction efforts, except for the post office, the former town hall and a couple of other misguided modernization projects. By and large, the building facades have remained frozen in time and this is now seen as part of the charm of the district. We call it “authentic and historic”. One can trace the historic and economic growth of the district in the styles of the buildings.
In 1985, members of the Beautification Committee and Don Roe, the Town’s Economic Development Coordinator, began to look at the program called “National Main Street” which is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (based in Washington, DC).
In 1987, Wallingford Center, Inc. was incorporated as a private not for profit corporation and was reorganized under the National Main Street guidelines for such revitalization efforts. The Main Street program advocates preserving the historic facades and other unique features of the downtown area while also addressing other revitalization strategies such as promotion, business recruitment and retention, image enhancement, and a restoration of pride in the downtown as the heart of the community. It uses a 4-point approach: (1) Organization, (2) Economic Restructuring, (3) Promotion, and (4) Design. More detail on this program may be found in our Wallingford Center, Inc. brochure. WCI recommends this program to any and all downtown improvement groups. It works very well, and has been successful in Wallingford
WCI receives income from the Town of Wallingford and from private sources through fundraising efforts. It has a 15 member volunteer Board of Directors and currently one full time staff person. It receives support services from the Mayor of Wallingford, the Wallingford Town Council, the Wallingford Economic Development Commission, the Electric Division, the Public Works Department, the Parks and Recreation Department, and Police and Fire Services. There is a real pooling of the resources of many volunteer groups, corporations, small businesses, town departments, and town government. These resources are in the form of monetary donations and active service work.
The Mayor of Wallingford, William W. Dickinson, Jr., has been a supporter of the downtown revitalization effort from its inception, and this support cannot be under-emphasized. From 1985 to the present, the town has made extensive streetscape improvements, which include brick-lined sidewalks, ornamental trees, decorative street lamps and street furniture, and under grounding of utilities. The Historic Railroad Station has been restored, and the Railroad Green and the Parade Ground have been landscaped and accessorized. The gazebo at the Railroad Green has become a downtown focal point. The streetscape improvements have spurred many building owners to invest in facade improvements. This public/private investment partnership is one of the key elements of the program. Other decorative features have been added, including flower gardens planted and maintained by the Wallingford Garden Club, an old-fashioned wishing well replica donated by the Wallingford Wishing Well Association, banners purchased through fundraising efforts by WCI including a large donation by the Public Utilities Commission, holiday wreaths and lights funded by the town, and window decorations & window boxes paid for by the individual owners. Currently, Wallingford Center, Inc. has dressed the windows of the storefront at 156 Center Street to promote the many successful businesses in the downtown. A wonderful Victorian style clock was purchased by the American Legion Shaw-Sinon Post 73 and now stands in front of Town Hall. Pride in the town’s center has been restored and is evident in the cooperative efforts of many groups.
Along with the streetscape and facade improvements, effort is directed at the same time toward improving the economic conditions. The Wallingford Economic Development Commission works with WCI to develop development strategies such as business recruitment and retention and real estate development. The EDC and WCI offer an incentive package for new businesses that move into a vacant downtown space, as well as for existing businesses. We run ads in the local newspaper welcoming new businesses to the downtown, and the newspapers provide excellent feature articles on each and every new business.
This year, Wallingford Center, Inc. and the Economic Development Commission convened a focus group made up of a cross-section of interested downtown leaders. The group is discussing the issues facing the downtown, developing a vision for the future and working on practical goals and strategies.
We have assembled an information packet containing a list of available properties, incentives, demographics, other information, and local brochures. This is distributed to businesses, real estate firms, and to interested citizens upon request. We are also able to help businesses in many other ways through support, referrals, promotion, and group advertising. Occasionally, we produce a brochure of retail businesses in the downtown, but for the most current information, visit our blog.
The town’s center is charming, the streetscape is lovely, and the businesses are all owner-operated, offering excellent personal service. There is a good cluster of antique shops and restaurants. Choate School (with the Paul Mellon Arts Center) is within walking distance, as are The Historic Society’s Parsons House and the future American Silver Museum. The first phase of a linear trail along the Quinnipiac River has been completed and there could be a future linkage to a walking tour of the historic downtown. In the center of the district is a 6-acre historic town cemetery. Residential neighborhoods surround the town’s center, and there are many apartment rental units in the downtown buildings and surrounding areas. There is foot traffic in the downtown.
WCI hosts Celebrate Wallingford, a 2-day festival featuring the “Taste of Wallingford”, entertainment, craft show, children’s activities, and much more, held the first weekend in October. The Gardeners' Market, a newer event held on Saturday mornings in July, August and September has been growing in popularity.
Through these and other efforts the center of Wallingford is still the successful, vital heart of the community.
Find out more at http://www.wallingfordcenterinc.com
Local Motion & Stone Soup?By Andy Reynolds
One of my favorite stories is about Stone Soup. Where a stranger comes to town and the people ignore him until he starts a fire, places a stone in a pot of water and starts to cook it. Naturally, the members of the community slowly come out one by one curious at what it is that he’s making and one by one they add something from their own home to the Stone Soup. Before long its stock filled with veggies and turns into a wonderful soup, this simple Stone Soup.I am incredibly humbled by the amount of ingredients that you’ve shared for our little Stone Soup Newspaper “The People’s Press.” It is a true reflection of who you are and what our communities really stand for. I have received so many calls of support over the years – thank you all for that. Bottom line is that this paper is not about me – it’s about you. It’s not what’s important to me – it’s what’s important to you! Read the wonderful stories and look at the great photos in this issue. They are all about good news, pieces of your lives, and in the end a pretty good Stone Soup.
That does not mean there is not room to improve. If you have not shared the ingredients of your life – it’s about time you did. It could be a poem, a story, a photo, a recipe or some advice that would make a difference in someone else’s life. You will only add to the soup as every month more and more flavors come in and add to the taste.
If you are a community or civic group, we have always promoted your cause and will continue to do so. If you are on a mission, let us help you. If you want to celebrate what someone is or have done, let us help you. If you would like to wish someone a happy birthday or anniversary with a photo, let us help you. If your church has a fund raiser planned, let us help you. The People’s Press wants to give you the help you need before it happens, and not after.
What’s the cost for all of this? It’s FREE! Why is it free? It’s because of the LOCAL businesses that support this paper. They are the fire under the pot of Stone Soup that we cook every month. Notice that this is not a mall paper or jammed with 18,000,000 inserts. It’s just local business owners that love and support the towns that they work and live in. I hope you support them as they have supported you.
In the end, when all is said and done, this paper would be nothing without YOU! Thank you for making us Wallingford and Meriden’s True Community Newspaper! If you would like to add some ingredients to our next issue the deadline is the 28th. Be a part of the LocalMotion. These will be shared in print and on-line at http://www.peoplespressnews.com/. Don’t forget to send Mom a special photo wish or story. There are several ways to submit:
Email to: andy@peoplespressnews.com
Mail to: The People’s PressP.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492 Email to: andy@peoplespressnews.com
Website: www.peoplespressnews.com and click on the submit button. Life is Good!Sincerely,Andy Reynolds – Publisher of The People’s Press
“I’M THE BABY!”by Audrey Linke
The new mothers in the maternity ward passed around an innocent looking sewing box. When the nurses were out of the room each mother would locate the hidden make-up in the box and quickly transform their pale lips and cheeks to a healthy-looking pink. It was against hospital rules to wear make-up, but husbands and other family members would soon arrive and each mother wanted to look her best.Gram had come up from New York to take care of Bob, Jeannette, and Alice and they all came to the hospital with Papa to visit me and Mama. Bob had planned to ask Mama to send me back and get a boy, but when he saw me he changed his mind. “Let’s keep her,” he said, and from then on he was my willing slave. Bob was ten years old when I arrived, a devoted big brother. Jeannette, at eight, was my second mother, loving and attentive, always. She and Bob fought over who would carry me upstairs and they fought over who would carry me upstairs and they fought over who would carry me downstairs. Alice had mixed emotions—she was five and a half and used to having things pretty much her own way. She proclaimed that she “wasn’t going to be any ‘servant’ to that darned little baby!” Later, when she was finally allowed to start school she conceded that it was a “good thing that Mama had the baby or she would never let me go to school.” It was probably true-Mama didn’t like to be left home without a child to keep her company. Bob, Jeannette, and Alice had been born at home, but Doctor Harvey sent Mama to Griffin Hospital in Derby to await the arrival of her fourth child—me, Audrey Lucille Cable, and arrive I did, on May 20, 1923. Mama spent a whole week in the hospital waiting for me, and although she kept busy rolling bandages and helping in other ways, for her it was like a wonderful vacation, the rest Dr. Harvey knew she needed.
On May 29th, Mama’s 30th birthday, Dr. Harvey drove us home to the farm behind the Episcopal Church in Oxford Center. He said he wished he was taking home a baby just like me. Who could blame him?
Christine Ohlman playing at the Meriden Daffodil Festival
This queen of blue-eyed rock n' soul grew up loving equally the sweetness of a Memphis horn line and the raunch of an electric guitar riff, whether played by Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, or Pop Staples. Teased her blonde hair into a beehive in honor of Ronnie Spector and never looked back, picking up a guitar and forging a career as a songwriter in the process. She’s the current, long-time vocalist with the Saturday Night Live Band, who sang at SNL’s 25th Anniversary telecast, Bob Dylan's 30th Anniversary bash at The Garden (with George Harrison, Chrissie Hynde, and others), the 2009 Obama Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C., The Lincoln Center “American Songbook” series with Sting and Lou Reed, and the Central Park Summerstage Tribute To Janis Joplin (fronting both Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Kozmic Blues Band); appears on Grammy nominees A Tribute To Howlin' Wolf (with Taj Mahal and Lucinda Williams) and Charlie Musselwhite’s One Night In America (with Marty Stuart); sings the theme song for NBC’s 30 Rock; worked on a musical with the late Cy Coleman (who compared her sense of timing to Peggy Lee's); duets live whenever possible with the aforementioned Miss Spector, as well as with blues legends Eddie Kirkland and Hubert Sumlin; collaborated on critically-acclaimed tracks with Marshall Crenshaw (Labour Of Love: The Music of Nick Lowe), Big Al Anderson (Pawn Shop Guitars), and Ian Hunter (Shrunken Heads); edited legendary Rolling Stones producer Andrew Loog Oldham’s autobiography 2Stoned and is a cover-story-writing contributor to Elmore Magazine; and worked with Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder & others on the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Awards--all the while continuing to torch clubs up and down the Eastern Seaboard in support of her recordings (Strip, The Hard Way, Radio Queen, Wicked Time, 2008 career retrospective Re-Hive, and 2010’s The Deep End, her first CD of original material in five years, featuring special guests/duet partners Ian Hunter, Dion DiMucci, and Marshall Crenshaw, plus Levon Helm, GE Smith, Andy York, Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, Catherine Russell, Big Al Anderson, and others) with her band Rebel Montez (Michael Colbath-bass; Cliff Goodwin-guitar; Larry Donahue-drums). "I've come here tonight to set your souls on fire," she'll tell an audience. And she will.
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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