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The March 2010 issue of The People's Press is now on-line!

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Your Stories March 2010

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Wallingford Resident Begins Peace Corps Service in Jamaica

Pamela VanderWeele, 63, of Wallingford, Conn., has been accepted into the Peace Corps.

VanderWeele will be departing for Jamaica on March 17 to begin pre-service training as a Youth as Promise Peace Corps volunteer. Upon graduation from volunteer training in June, VanderWeele will be working with the Jamaican Ministry of Education to support rural schools.

VanderWeele is the daughter of Allan and Lee Reynolds, and a graduate of Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville, Minn. She then attended Hope College in Holland, Mich., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology, graduating in 1968. VanderWeele previously worked at the Wallingford YMCA as the aquatic director.

�I have always wanted to join the Peace Corps since it was created in the 1960�s. The Peace Corps mission to share expertise while living with families in the host country is what attracted me,� VanderWeele said of her decision to join the Peace Corps.

During the first three months of her service, VanderWeele will live with a host family in Jamaica to become fully immersed in the country�s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist her community, VanderWeele will serve for two years in Jamaica, living in a manner similar to people in her host country.

VanderWeele joins the 108 Connecticut residents currently serving in the Peace Corps. More than 3,003 Connecticut residents have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.

Over 3,600 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Jamaica since the program was established in 1962. Volunteers in this Caribbean nation work in the areas of education, youth and community development, environmental and agricultural conservation, health and HIV/AIDS awareness, water sanitation and hygiene promotion, and business development. Many Volunteers working on HIV/AIDS prevention and care receive support from the U.S. President�s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. Jamaica is a pilot program for the Peace Corps 50+ initiative, an agency-wide effort to recruit older Americans to serve in the Peace Corps. Currently, 86 Volunteers are serving in Jamaica.

Today, 7,876 Americans serve in the Peace Corps. Of that total, 5.4 percent of currently serving volunteers are aged 50 or older. The Peace Corps regards older volunteers as a great asset, bringing both their professional and life experiences to help countries around the world meet their development needs. Volunteers over age 50 are currently serving in 58 of the 76 Peace Corps countries.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps volunteers are serving in 76 countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.

CALLA LILIES
Dorothy Gonick
The calla lily, or zantedeschia, is a native of South Africa that has been enjoyed for centuries and gives pleasure worldwide today. The unique form of this elegant flowering plant adds to its beauty. Florists favor calla lilies in floral arrangements and many brides choose these exquisite blooms for their bridal bouquets.

The calla lily is a hardy plant that grows from bulbous roots into a plant with very large leaves shaped like arrowheads, and a rather thick stem. Atop this stem a bud will unfurl its single leafy sheath, called a spathe, into a trumpet shaped bloom that is usually white. Some varieties bloom in other lovely colors. Sheltered within the spathe is a yellow, fleshy club-like spike called a spadix that is covered with minute flowers that will produce seeds. The plant contains poisonous oxalic acid that we must be aware of.

The calla lily is a hardy plant that will grow in most soils of a humid climate. The bulbs spread by producing many more bulbs which can be dug up and replanted in another location. In many countries where the calla lily is a native, the farmers consider it a weed and vigorously destroy the plants to create farmland for crops. Sacrificing beauty for livelihood.

This brings to mind the many swaths of land we have sacrificed in order to build cities and commercial developments to enrich our lives.

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Oh, Go Fly A Kite
~ george arndt ~

The winds of March were a blessing for those of us who enjoyed the thrill of sending that ten-cent kite flying high into the blue. When my two sons were just knee high to a grasshopper, I would take them kite flying. Part of the fun was assembling the kite�somehow I always managed to get the two thin pieces of wood inserted into the designated spots without snapping them in two. Ahhhh, and then came the tail�it had to be made with just the right cut of cloth. The length was optional, but it had to be just one and a half inches wide. Then came the short pieces of material for the ribbons�one had to have the skill to determine the spacing along the length of the tail for those specially designed cross ribbons.

With finished projects in hand and balls of string�off we headed to that wide open field with no trees to worry about. It took a bit of running to get that amazing thing called a kite, into the air. And, with the proper maneuvering by my little boys, those diamond-shaped pieces of paper soared like eagles. Now and then I would have to intervene to keep the kites on course. Oh, but as sometimes would happen, the wind would not cooperate, and I would hand the end of the string off to my son, and say�
�Here, Dougie, now you hold the string and run as hard as you can.�

Oh, but such sorrow should befall my poor little boy�the wind was dying and the kite was fluttering and soon, there it was�stuck in that far off tree�the same one that good ol� Charlie Brown always gets his kite entangled in.

And so, the venture ended in tones of blues and grays for my youngest son�he was only five years old. As we drove back home, he sat in the back seat pouting and blubbering about how his kite got stuck in a tree��..it was so sad hearing his pitiful words of disappointment. As we were driving along, the sad tears became tears of laughter as we talked and joked about how that nasty old tree ate his favored kite.
So, the next time someone tells you to go fly a kite�be a sport, and do just that�literally.
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Connecticut Outdoors
Written By: Paul Narducci

As we head into the month of march it is time start thinking about open water. It has truly been a long winter and I am ready to start fishing. For those of you who don�t know, I do not ice fish. To be very honest with you, I�m afraid of water. What? Yes, this is true. The fear of falling in will keep me off the ice forever. I am not a good swimmer at all and do not enjoy being in the water but love being on the water. It is time to start getting all your equipment ready. The first thing is to clean your rods and reels. You should replace all your old line with new. I like to use Ardent�s reel cleaner kit and butter grease. This will make sure your reels are in the best shape and will be protected through out the year. I will also take care of my St Croix rod handles by using windex on the cork which will make them look brand new. I spray this on a paper towel and rub into the cork itself. Always replace all your old line with new and I recommend trying Silver Thread fishing line. The next area to attack is your tackle box. I like to sharpen all my hooks on my lures even if I didn�t use them. If there are any rusty hooks now is the time to replace them. I will also take a good look at what I used and what I didn�t with the idea of making room for the new lures for 2010. Most companies already have come out with their new lines of lures .I love trying new lures because the fish haven�t seen them yet and something different always excites me. I love using my go to baits but I truly believe something new to a fish will also excite them. With my rods, reels and tackle box done I�m ready to fish.

Well not exactly? I forgot I have to get my fishing license, how much? Well, I�m not even going to get started on the increase and lack of care our state launches receive because this article is going to be a positive one. The other thing I�m going to discuss is your boat. If you own a boat hopefully you have been taking care of your batteries over the winter months. If you haven�t and they are old it may be wise to replace them. I have found that fooling around with cheap inexpensive batteries may not always be the smart way to go. I would recommend buying Optima Batteries and take any worries out of your mind. These batteries are top of the line and will keep you on the water. Some things you may be able to cut corners on but batteries shouldn�t be one of them. There is nothing worse than being on the water and your batteries don�t work. With hopefully the last month of winter on us it is a great time to take care of these basic things. It is important to take care of these things today so you don�t regret it tomorrow.

For those of you who enjoy boating be sure you check and replace if needed your life jackets. It is very important that you wear them . With the life jackets that are on the market there is no excuses for anyone. Every year I hear and read about people who don�t wear them and it completely baffles me why they don�t. I use a Sospender life jacket that cost $200.00 because I do not want to die. You can also get the same type of life jacket for under $100.00. It is well worth the money don�t you think! I hope everyone one is excited for the 2010 fishing season and take time today to have a great fishing trip tomorrow. We will also be airing a new show of Connecticut Outdoors sometime in March and running through April. As always the Team Of Connecticut Outdoors would like to wish everyone the best of luck and good fishing.
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JURY DUTY�
��an observation
by Ernie Larsen

I�ve noticed in the past few years that nothing strikes fear in the hearts of able bodied men and women more than a letter from the Jury Commission.

Well, something from the IRS would certainly trump a letter about jury duty, I�m sure � but jury duty seems to be a task people could do without. I�m sure there are a bunch of comparisons I could make � but while I�m writing this the curling team from Canada is soundly beating Norway in the gold medal match. Anyway, the call to serve as a juror seems to raise the angst of everyday folks to a level that instills an attitude of utter negativity and creates a mind-set that conjures up some very creative excuses that make �my dog ate my homework� seem primeval. I wondered why � I myself have answered the call and served my civic duty four times since 1972; just figuring it was something you were obligated to do. Never gave it a second thought when I was younger, the first time I served it was before the era of the one day, one trial scenario. Back then, jury duty was a 30 day obligation and I don�t recall many people trying to avoid their responsibility; however now, people seem less inclined to serve and try anything and everything to get out of even showing up to be available for the process. Seeing the lawmakers of CT had the wherewithal to institute a one day � one jury policy back in the 70�s or thereabouts � you really do not have to serve longer than that, well that is if you are not chosen to proceed on a case. Which I was back in �72 � as I recall, I was picked to be on 3 or 4 cases, none which went all the way where the jury had to decide. Familiar with the term �plea bargain� that was our fate, hearing all the testimony and then the two sides decide out of court � never telling us who got what, etc. And so it went.

My other jury experiences were of the one day variety � one in New Haven where I just waited all day � not called for a jury and the other in Meriden, another day making sure the chair in which I was ensconced didn�t go anywhere. Then there was another stint in Meriden when I was chosen for a voir dire that is questioning by both attorneys to decide if they wanted you on the jury for the individual they were either defending or prosecuting. This time I was so lucky - upon entering the courtroom I noticed that both attorneys were acquaintances of mine; no chance for me being chosen to serve and voila, I was excused; the downside I had to wait around until 4:00 PM, why � who knows.

My next summons was this past December, just before Christmas. I�ll give the jury commission one thing, they do give ample notice for those who are selected to serve. My reporting date was two months later in February. I was a bit apprehensive as the jury for one of the defendants in the Pettit case from Cheshire was being chosen in the court house where I had to report. So I started to do a bit of research and found out I was acquainted with a couple of the police officers from Cheshire from my freelance photographer days. Then I read the book about the case and found out one of the people who worked in the bank where the defendants forced Mrs. Pettit withdraw money was an acquaintance � I served in the Army with her brother and knew her from my high school days. And I have followed the case and really have made up my mind on the guilt of the two individuals. I figured I would not be chosen; then the defendant took sick and jury selection was suspended, whew! Well, back to the notice - you can plead your case for being dismissed from the jury pool; a medical condition is one of the choices or you can ask for a postponement to a later date. I decided to bite the bullet and filled out the questionnaire and awaited my fate. A week and a half before my designated appearance date I received a Juror Handbook, another questionnaire and directions to the Court and areas where jurors were afforded free parking. I have to say they were not that clear in pinpointing the free lots (I believe this may be one of the major reasons people don�t want to serve, lack of CONVENIENT and free parking) I know this was on my list of negatives for this summons. But, most importantly the mailing contained the phone number for the pre-recorded notice listing those who do not have to report on the designated day. You are instructed to all this number the evening before your service date and it was sort of like having the LOTTO numbers read to you � and if you�re anything like me you weren�t a winner. So, on a cold, bleak snow threatening Friday in February I was to report to the Superior Court at 235 Church Street in New Haven @8:00 A.M.

The courthouse is easy enough to reach from Meriden, jump on I-91 south and follow the instructions on your notification from the court. Plenty of parking areas (paid) in the vicinity � I never did see the free ones recommended by the court, Oh well, I used one on Audubon Street; just a couple of blocks from the court house. The court in New Haven has moved since I had been there in the 70�s � now it is in a somewhat sterile, non-descript, government building with no character, well none that I thought outstanding � looked like any other office building on the block.

Of course in this time of heightened security there was the mandatory security check � empty the pockets � walk through the metal detector � lo and behold, no surprise, I set it off � I guess it was my belt or suspenders � had to spread my arms and get �wanded�. After that and showing my belt etc. I was allowed to proceed to the 9th floor on the Juror Only elevators.

This is a huge, I mean HUGE area � enough seating for over, I would say, 200 individuals. Residing in one corner the Jury Office � check in there and take a seat and wait for further instructions.

Well, now the jury process takes on a persona that I relate to my stint in the U.S. Army � hurry up and wait! After checking in @7:35 A.M. (always like to be early) now I�m amongst a grouping of my peers waiting to decide the fate of other peers, or so we think. 8:45 A.M. rolls around and the clerk announces a gentleman�s name who will deliver a spiel why we�re there and what is expected of us. And following this pep talk there will be a video explaining the jury system in Connecticut. Our speaker keeps it short; goes over the highlights, tells us where we can and cannot go on our floor and what time we can have lunch - important stuff like that. Then the video � another overview of trial by jury in Connecticut and short spiels by former jurors and judges. So, I�m watching the presentation and recognize one of the judges � she presides in New Britain � really familiar and then I remember � she was on the news late last year � stopped for D.U.I., go figure, so I�m thinking this video is kind of old � and when it concludes the credits show it was made in 2004. I guess with the budget crunch you�ve got to use the old stuff � c�est la vie. Oh yes, and after all this the announcement was �time for break � be back in an hour�. We were allowed to go out of the building or just hang out in the jury area. I chose to stay in � going through security again � nah!

Break is over in an hour or so � around 10:00 A.M. a group of people come into the room and check in with the clerk � they were jurors picked for a case the previous day and are reporting for duty. So, it�s now a waiting game � every time some someone walks through the waiting room � 60 or - 70 heads strain to see who is invading �their� territory and if they were like me thinking the person may be a messenger bringing news that would let us be released from playing the waiting game. But, NO, one group was a bunch of lawyers � another just some unidentified court personnel, I reckon.

So we wait and wait � newspapers rustling, hushed cell phone (thankfully) conversations � Tweeter�s tweeting � Face Booker�s booking � some sleeping. A foursome plays setback another watches TV � but mostly everyone is in their own little world � waiting patiently for something to transpire.

Around 12:45 in comes the clerk with the announcement that there isn�t much action today and we can go to lunch a bit early but have to report back at 2:00. Most everyone relishes the chance of a change of scenery and the possibility of an early �retirement� from this ordeal. I ventured out and found a deli and bought a sandwich and had a bottle of green tea. Then just walked around, it was sunny but a bit chilly so I headed back to the courthouse and around 2:05 the clerk gave us our walking orders. So, the waiting game was over and the letter I just received from the court clerk, I�m not required to do this again for 3 years � I�m keeping that document in a safe place, you betcha!

So, that�s the tale of my latest jury duty experience, bearable, got to finish a novel I was reading and met a couple of interesting folks. It really is not that bad and if you are employed it is a day off from the �old grind�.

Here�s an interesting note; if you�re into serving on a jury pool the court does accept volunteers � just call your local Superior Court and they will hook you up; to each his/her own, eh?

Then when I began to write this piece I wondered if the person who coined the phrase �the wheels of justice turn slowly� actually spent some time on jury duty?
Think about it!
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THE THRILL OF COMMUNING WITH NATURE IN TROPICAL CLIMES
By Phyllis S. Donovan

By the time people get to be my age you'd think it would take an awful lot to actually thrill them. But guess what? The thrills keep coming!

Let me tell you about my last off-the-scale delightful adventure. Last month, my husband and I spent some time in the Cayman Islands to take a break from winter. He was pleased that soaking up some tropical sun and swimming in warm waters actually helped relieve his persistent back pain.

We didn't even know before we went that there are just three islands in the Cayman group. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman attract the scuba diving thrill seekers while Grand Cayman, where we stayed, boasts gorgeous beaches and less strenuous water sports...along with lovely shops, expensive restaurants and the ubiquitous banks which helped earn its reputation.

(A recent television series suggested that the Caymans are particularly noted for scuba diving and tax evasion. But neither figured into our plans which were far less demanding. Our bodies aren't robust enough for scuba diving and our finances aren't robust enough to warrant tax evasion.)

But back to my big thrill which involved getting into the water with 20 or 30 stingrays -- many measuring almost four feet across -- and actually frolicking with the graceful creatures. These particular Southern Stingrays, I should point out, are not the lethal kind which resulted in Australian naturalist Steve Irwin's untimely death. But when we were in the water and they started gliding silently toward us, I did wonder what I'd let myself in for.

Actually, the catamaran trips run by Red Sail Sports (which booked trips right from our hotel out to the stingray sandbar) rank right up there as special things to do in Grand Cayman. The story goes that in earlier days, Cayman fisherman would stop at a certain sandbar off the island's coast to clean their fish before coming back into port. The stingrays caught on that there was great food pickings near the sandbar so gathered there for the leavings. Years later, they still hang out there looking for food. Now they are protected by the government which forbids tourists from feeding them but old habits die hard.

As soon as the catamaran set anchor and we were allowed to climb down the back ladder into the waist deep water on the sandbar, the rays moved right in to investigate. With eyes on top of their triangle heads and a mouth on the underside, they can't see what they're eating but clearly wanted to check us out. The biggest ones are female, and very inquisitive, bumping against our legs and raising a flipper to touch us. They were sandpapery feeling on the top side but their white underbellies were silky smooth. We were warned to pat them like a cat, from head to tail, as they each have a sharp barb that lies flat above their tail which could cause a painful puncture.

The males and young rays are more shy and tend to swim deeper in the water, but we were surrounded by the big females who seemed to enjoy the encounter as much as we did. The fewer people in the water, the friendlier they got. We were so enchanted by them that we were the very last ones to reluctantly clamber back onto the boat.

For more information about swimming with stingrays, check out: www.redsailcayman.com.

On another day, we went out to the Cayman turtle farm at Boatswain Beach. Here they nurture and raise the great sea turtles which, at one point, were close to extinction as they were hunted for food. There they collect and care for the eggs laid on the beaches by the female turtles, protecting them from birds and other predators which decimate not only the eggs but dine on the baby turtles when they hatch out. Pens around the premises hold turtles of varying sizes from the smallest youngsters in one tank up through the middle size older turtles right up to the large full-grown turtles ready for mating. Since these turtles can live to be over 100 years old, this farm is already nurturing several generations of turtles to eventually be released into the sea.

Earlier in the month, on a Caribbean cruise with my sister, we had visited a butterfly farm on St. Martin. (Yes, we know there's a butterfly farm right up I-91 in Massachusetts, but we wanted to see the tropical varieties.) There we were toured through netted areas where rainbow-hued butterflies and moths flitted about and chrysalises hung from branches of host trees whose leaves were favored by the caterpillar stage of the different varieties. The butterflies and moths prefer different natural foods, we learned. Like our monarch butterflies prefer milkweed, some tropical kinds like banana or lime leaves.

Protective coloring and markings are of top importance to the otherwise defenseless butterfly or moth. One gorgeous butterfly had wings with markings like owl's eyes to discourage predators while the giant Atlas Moth sported what looked like miniature eagle heads on the ends of its wings.

We were encouraged, when we got home, to plant things in our yards which would appeal to and attract butterflies. For anyone interested in doing this, the information is available on their website: www.thebutterflyfarm.com.

Both in St. Martin and later at Grand Turk we had time to do some snorkeling and saw firsthand how unhealthy the Caribbean reefs are becoming. We didn't see anywhere near the numbers and varieties of the colorful reef fish we had seen as recently as five years ago and the reefs themselves looked cloudy and disintegrating. Concerted efforts are now underway to reverse this change and try to save these dying reefs. We only hope they are not too late.

On a side trip on St. Thomas, we visited the St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens high on a hilltop looking out over the Virgin Island chain. The house gave a rare insight into the more gracious side of island living but the grounds really captured our fancy, with a small stream splashing through a veritable rain forest filled with all kinds of exotic flowering plants. Along the way, tall jungle-style cages held preening lovebirds, lemon-crested cockatoos and brilliantly colorful macaws. One especially industrious macaw named Sandy was so intent on ripping strips of wood off his cage with his formidable beak, he couldn't be bothered to pose to have his photo taken. Later, as we relaxed at the outdoor refreshment bar, one of the cockatoos, perched prettily on his keeper's shoulder, devoured a whole banana, bite by dainty bite.

When our cruise ended in Port Everglades, we took a bus back to my sister's winter place in St. Petersburg crossing the old Alligator Alley, now the east-west portion of I-75. From the bus, we had almost a bird's eye view of the adjoining everglades waterways, filled with large white heron, black cormorants and occasionally a great blue heron. We had naturally also been on the lookout for alligators, expecting them to be large brownish green critters. Once we were told that the big black logs we'd been seeing strewn along the water's edge were actually the alligators, we saw too many to count on our trip west to Naples. What did we know, two kids from the Berkshire Hills who had never seen alligators in the wild before. To us, this was another thrill we couldn't have experienced at home.

The next week, we visited long-time friends in Punta Gorda (the same couple who introduced us several years ago to the charming, diminutive burrowing owls who were later featured in the movie, "Hoot.") This time, they had another natural wonder to share with us. At a nearby town park, a pair of bald eagles had built a nest on top of a warped tree not even as tall as a telephone pole. One baby eagle had hatched out in the large, scraggly nest and although people come regularly to watch its progress, the two adult birds take turns guarding the nest and searching the area for food to bring back to their eaglet. When we were there, he was big enough to be seen sitting up there in the nest and gobbling up whatever the parents brought to him. The wonder was that the trio paid no attention to the people who regularly camped out nearby to watch them as they went about their daily lives, free in the wild.

We came home from this trip reassured that nature, in all its forms, is indeed wonderfully amazing and we should do all we can to help preserve and nurture it for our grandchildren and generations to come to marvel over and enjoy.
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�Sheltering an Animal�s Perspective�
by
Gregory M. Simpson

Have you ever felt drawn to another time and place you have never visited? As a reluctant traveler, there are no places I desire to visit, save one � Egypt, more specifically, Bubastis, the site of the ancient temple of the cat goddess, Bastet. Today, it is called Tell Basta and is in the eastern delta.

The Cat in Ancient Egypt, by Jaromir Malek, describes that the earliest known remains of a cat in ancient Egypt come from the period before 4,000 B.C. Here the bones of a man were unearthed who had been buried with a cat, perhaps his pet.

Mummified cats do not appear before the first millennium B.C. My favorite birthday outing is to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan to view these cat mummies and other Egyptian antiquities. My wife patiently lets me marvel � or shall I say obsess � over my �connection� to these artifacts from thousands of years ago.

Cats stand alone as the animal that domesticated itself. As it moved first into communities and then into homes to kill rodents which threatened grain supplies, it became a beloved pet, and eventually a deity. The mutually beneficial relationship between cats and people dates back to 4000-2000 B.C. By 2000-1000 B.C., the cat was fully domesticated as a companion animal in the Egyptian household. Besides statues, they were depicted on many items, including necklaces, vase handles, rattles, amulets, cosmetic jars, pins, and plaques. Any likeness of Bastet, the cat goddess, was believed to bring good luck.

By 1000 � 350 A.D., cats were seen as manifestations of certain deities, especially Bastet, and cats were bred in large quantities in temple catteries. Bastet, or Bast, as she was also called, was a goddess believed to respond to personal situations and crises related to healing, intuition, protection, joy, pleasure, fertility, generosity, marriage, sensuality, and sexuality. It was during the Ptolemaic period of 332-30 B.C. that the cat�s popularity reached its peak in Egypt, where it was a familiar sight in most homes. Its popularity surpassed that of any other animal.

Egyptians� love of cats, and belief in the divinity of even household felines, was shown in many ways. The Greek historian, Herodotus, wrote that when an Egyptian house caught fire, those who lived there were more concerned about their cat�s safety than their possessions. He also noted that when a cat died, the inhabitants of a house would shave their eyebrows in mourning. Family members lamented loudly for hours. The cat would then be either embalmed and buried or placed in a sarcophagus, depending on the wealth of its owners. Cat cemeteries throughout Egypt date from 900 B.C. and it is estimated that hundreds of thousands, if not millions of cats, are buried there.

When Herodotus visited Egypt in the mid-fifth century B.C., he found that anyone who intentionally killed a cat was put to death. Even an accidental killing was punished by whatever penalty the temple priests selected. Anyone finding a dead cat in the street would avoid it, for fear of being suspected in its death. In 59 B.C., a visiting Roman accidentally killed a cat with his chariot and was lynched by an angry mob. Even the intercession of Egyptian King Ptolemy could not save him. It was told that the Persian conqueror, Cambyses, shielded his troops in battle with cats, resulting in the Egyptians losing a key battle for fear of harming the cats.

Thousands of years later, the cat still fares well in Egypt, where people are fond of cats and mostly treat them kindly. There are established charities to care for cats, the best known being that of the Sultan Baibars (1260-1277 A.D.), who left a garden near his mosque for the upkeep of Cairo cats. The streaks of yellow and cream fur of the Egyptian cat are described as the marks left when the Prophet Mohammed stroked it. It is said that he cut off a sleeve of his cloak rather than disturb a sleeping cat.

For most of my life, I have been fascinated with Egypt and dedicated to the welfare of cats. Could it be that my devotion is the result of an earlier life in ancient Egypt? If you believe in reincarnation, it just may be so.

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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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

Want to share your ideas? Upcoming topic:
Vacations that teens love�they�ll even go with you!

Please send your full name, address, and brief comments to:
myrnahaskell@gmail.com

Or visit:
http://home.roadrunner.com/~haskellfamily/myrna/

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Home Country
Slim Randles

When little Jimmy Crispin walked away from his home the other day, it was an earth-shaking calamity. Jimmy is three, you see, and Cheryl Crispin, his mom, is really a good mother, but we all know how quick a three-year-old can be. It was cold, and all he had was a sweater over his regular clothes. Blue-and-white. Knitted for him by his grandmother in the city.

Within an hour, it was on the radio stations in the valley. The high school closed at noon so students could help in the search. Steve and Dud saddled horses to hunt for the boy down along the river.

By lunch time, we had been informed by reporters just what Jimmy had for breakfast, what color shoes he was wearing, a good description including a small scar on his left ankle, and what are his favorite things to eat.

At the barber shop and down at the Curl Up �N Dye beauty salon, Jimmy was the only topic of conversation. Jimmy�s plight replaced even the weather and political discussions at the Mule Barn and the garage.

At least two local churches unlocked their doors so people could stop by and pray for the little boy�s safe return, and ladies from one church and the Ladies Literary League took hot dishes over to the Crispin house for the family.

About eight o�clock that night, Mrs. Shepherd went out in her backyard to see what her dog was barking at, and found little Jimmy huddled in a corner of her garage. He was cold and hungry and crying, but he was all right.

By eight thirty, everyone in the valley knew about it and gave prayers of thanks.

On the other side of the world, a disaster claimed tens of thousands of lives later that night. But in the morning, all we talked about was Jimmy. We all know a three-year-old boy. None of us knows tens of thousands of people.
We�ll just send some money and prayers and say isn�t that a shame.

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Brought to you by The Long Dark, An Alaska Winter�s Tale. Available at www.slimrandles.com.

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ICE
from Audrey Cable Linke

I never saw Dad cut ice, but my friend, LeRoy Hibbard, remembers seeing him and a crew of three or four men cutting ice on the pond below our house, next door to the Hibbards. LeRoy told me he saw Dad using a team of oxen pulling the blocks of ice up the hill to a shoot. The ice then went down the shoot to be loaded and taken up to the icehouse near Church's barn. The icehouse was in the shape of a corncrib and was probably built for that purpose originally. The layers of ice were covered with sawdust, which kept the ice from melting. Dad used an ice pick to cut into the size blocks he wanted, then carried the ice with ice tongs to our house and to the kitchen of his boss, Stephen B. Church, whose business was drilling wells.

Ray remembers going for ice with his little red wagon. The Linkes lived on Lilac Street in New Haven, and Ray, with a sister or two, went to the icehouse on Bassett Street to buy a piece of ice. The iceman would take a pick, chop a line across the ice and then tap it, the piece of ice would fall off the larger chunk exactly right. A ten-cent piece of ice would last the family the best part of a week..

My friend, Al Semmler, who grew up in Seymour, told about his first job, the winter after he graduated from high school in 1932. The depression was in full swing and jobs were impossible to find, but he heard they were hiring at Clark's pond in Woodbridge where ice was being cut. Al and his friend walked from Seymour to Woodbridge in the dark, at least five miles, as they had to be there before dawn; both were hired. Al's job was to guide the chunks of ice as they came toward the bridge, shoving them under the bridge with a long pole with a hook on it.

My brother-in-law, Jack Randel, got ice from Crowfoots, on the corner of the Oxford Road and West Street in Oxford. The Randels lived on Chestnut Tree Hill, summers. Jack would go for the ice with his goat wagon, riding in the wagon on the way to get the ice and part way back after he got it. Then he'd get out of the wagon when he and the goat got to the hill. The goat was trained and all Jack had to do was steer it. Jack said the cart was similar to the one in the picture (not shown), but the seat was raised, like a western wagon you see in old movies.

Jack lived in New York City during the school year and told how there were no elevators in apartment buildings with less than seven floors. People who wanted ice had a sign with big numbers on it. They would place the sign in a window with the numbers showing what size piece was needed. They could buy a ten-cent piece, a 25-cent piece, a 15-cent piece, or perhaps a 50-cent piece. The iceman would look up to the sixth floor windows, try to see the number on the sign, then lug the ice up to the apartment on the sixth or whatever floor the sign was on. A man could only carry two chunks of ice at a time so he climbed many a stairway to fulfill his job.

An icebox was usually a rather handsome piece of furniture, made of wood and lined with tin. Ice was kept in the upper part of the icebox, put in from the top. The lower part of the cabinet had shelves where food was kept. As the ice melted, the pan under the icebox was emptied, usually once a day. As our block of ice melted we put jars of homemade root beer next to it. That root beer was a welcome, delicious, refreshing drink for Dad when he came in from cutting brush or hay, and we all enjoyed it with our supper.

Ice was used to make homemade ice cream. The ice cream mixture was placed in a cylinder and the cylinder was placed in a wooden container. Crushed ice was added around the cylinder and coarse salt was added to help melt the ice---melting ice is what made the mixture get cold. Then the dasher in the cylinder was cranked by hand until the creamy mix became hard to move. The lid was then removed, the dasher taken out, and the cylinder returned to the ice where the ice cream continued to jell. This fabulous dessert was served on the Fourth of July and other special occasions. No ice cream ever tasted better than that, ever! Just thinking about it makes me smile.
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�Maggie�s Corner�
Make Room for �Oliver�
By: Maggie Griffin

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I�d walk right up to Heaven and bring all my dogs and cats home again. I know they are happy, being in a better place, but think of all those dogs and cats that are still here waiting to have a loving home. I always do, and now I am going to tell you why.

Since as long as I can remember, my love for animals was, and always will be, something special to me. From my first family dog when I was six years old, Tori, to my Cat Teresa that my Great - Uncle Frank and cousin Angelo gave me, my birds Fred and Ginger, then Tweedy, my Mini-poodles; Murphy and Tasha , and of course my adorable Beagle, Ben. To conclude; I certainly won�t leave out the guinea pigs. Let�s not forget there was Daisy, the goat my Dad won for wearing the best costume. All of those animals mean so much to me, still to this day.

Remembering when my parents brought Tori home, they were out visiting someone who had a litter of puppies. When my parents came home, my Dad was holding an open paper bag and told us all to get in the family room as he and Mom had a surprise for us. He then placed the paper bag down very carefully and out came Tori, a Poodle/Terrier mix.

When I was in second grade, Tori took a long walk, for two weeks, and how my entire family was so heartbroken and worried, even Mom cried for days, but we never gave up hope. My Dad placed ads in the paper constantly, until one night, at dinner time; the North Haven Animal Shelter called and said �We have a dog that fits this description�. At that time, it was closing hours, but the man heard our cry to let us all come down and see if that was our Tori. He let us. We all stopped what we were doing, left the dinner on the table and drove to the Animal Shelter. Sure enough, it was Tori. How I missed him, I was so happy to see Tori, looking into his Angel Eyes. That night we took him home. My Mom gave him a nice warm bath and a home cooked meal. Tori lived a long time, he was there when I got married, and he was there when I had my first child. Naturally, when I turned 22 years old, Tori passed away of natural causes.

Then for me, along came Murphy, a dog my husband and I adopted who was a full breed mini-poodle. We adopted him from a nice couple in Hamden who had to find Murphy a nice home because they just had a child and Murphy sort of had a hard time accepting that. Well, after Murphy, we wanted him to have a friend, so we adopted Tasha, another mini-poodle, as a puppy. When the two met, it was love at first site for Murphy. I thought to myself, �What a wonderful world for them�. Together they ate, walked, played, slept; all the things two dogs do together. But in 1999, Murphy passed away of a sudden stroke and again, it devastated me, my kids and even Tasha as she was alone without her companion and partner in mischief.

My kids were little and like me they were heartbroken when Murphy died. I told my children at that time �God needed Murphy now to guard the gates of Heaven�.

Following, I saw an ad in a local paper for another mini-poodle, but when I called, the poodle was already adopted. However during that same call, the North Haven Animal Shelter told me they just took in a Beagle. My son being; four years old; and my daughter turning 7 at that time, they begged me �Mommy please, can we see the dog�. Off we went.

Ben (whose previous name was Taco) was left out during a tropical storm from his previous owner who took a vacation. He was left with no food, no water, in a yard on a busy street. A good person who had a huge heart called the animal shelter to take him in, as I was told, this happened to him more than once from his previous owner. Not knowing who made that call, I knew I had to take Ben and give him the love and attention he deserved. Although his previous name was �Taco�, he didn�t look like a taco to me or my kids.

How did we change his name to Ben? Simple, Tommy named him. Prior to meeting �Taco�, that same week when Murphy passed away, my son enjoyed watching the movie �Ben� and loved the song �Ben� sung by young Michael Jackson at that time. Tommy being only 4 years old, heartbroken and lost without Murphy, he cared so much about Taco knowing he was left behind by what he called �a mean lady that left him in the cold and rain�. Tommy re-named �Taco� to be an official �Ben�. The difference in reference to the movie was to us Ben is a dog, not a mouse like in the movie. Ben took to his new name very quickly, learned so many tricks and he and my son were inseparable. If you ever heard the song �Ben�, then you�d understand why my son, at four years old at the time with a BIG heart, felt why his new dog�s name had to be �Ben�. Ben had a lot of spunk in him. The first thing my daughter, Stephanie, gave him was a red bandana to wear and her Disney Bean bag chair to lie on. Tasha was happy to have Ben be a part of our family as she too grieved the loss of Murphy in her own way as animals do. Then we moved to a larger home in 2002.

In 2003, along came Harley, a Boxer/Doberman Mix. She is such a Powder Puff, a lovable dog that loves to talk to her neighbors every day. Given she is 65 pounds now; Harley is a dog who is over friendly. She gets on her hind legs to tell you she wants to give you a hug. Very smart, she then was trained to help me during my battle of cancer. How did I get Harley? A friend of one of my clients told me about a litter of three, Harley being the little ball of snuggle out of that litter. The owner of the litter sent me a picture of Harley knowing how much I love animals. She then asked me if I would like to adopt Harley. I said, yes. Off to West Haven with my kids and my niece to pick up Harley. Harley loves the water, so much so we needed to buy her a kiddy pool for the summer months.

How did Harley get her name? Simple, when I brought her home, the first thing my husband did was look at her paws and said was �She is going to be a large dog�. But prior to that, he was talking about getting a Harley Davidson. Therefore, Tom being concerned about the size of how big the dog would get and wanting a Harley at the same time, compromising was the best option. Tom got his Harley and she is 65 pounds of a bundle of love.

Since 2003 to 2009, we have three dogs. Amazing how our family pets all got along. My oldest sister would call my pets �The Welcoming Committee� whenever she entered my home. Harley apparently is the president of the Welcoming Committee. But recently, back in September of 2009, Tasha the mini-poodle passed away at the age of 18 of simple old age. February of 2010, Ben passed away at the age of 13 of congestive heart failure. As a family, we all took care of them to the end because the fact is all our pets are a big part of our family. I cried for months about Tasha and I prayed so hard that she found Murphy in Heaven. I have to admit, I am still crying about Ben now too.

But prior to Ben passing away, after Tasha, irony in a few things took place. In between Tasha�s passing and Ben�s passing, about a month ago, I saw a beautiful Black Lab/Dalmatian mix. I was leaving a property I was showing at that time in Wallingford and saw him right in the middle of the fork of the road on Parker Farms Road where you would turn onto Hope Hill. I stopped and just looked at him for a moment. Seeing how he looked at me with those big brown eyes and how clean he was, I knew I had to help this dog. I guess he lost his collar along the way. I immediately put on my hazards, got out of the car where the fork to the road is on Parker Farms, while the driver behind me was very patient, she probably assumed I was trying to get a dog that belonged to me, when in actuality; I stopped to help this dog.

Easily this dog jumped into my car, which I was very happy about, that told me the dog loves to ride in the car and I knew even all the more that he is trained and he has a family that is looking for him; and must be worried about him. At that moment, I thought about the time when I was in second grade when Tori was missing and how my family and I felt, worrying and missing him so much. I somehow knew the family who owned this dog was feeling those same feelings of worry and missing him.

As I was driving, I noticed this dog licking my back seat. That told me he was hungry. So while I was on the road, I called my office and asked them to call The Wallingford Animal Shelter, where they spoke to Dean, to let them know I am on my way with a dog and how I found him. But I wasn�t going to let this dog go hungry, therefore, being hungry myself, we went through the drive thru at Subway since it was on the way to the Wallingford Animal Shelter. I have to admit, I had the best lunch date that entire month just eating subs in the car with this dog. He had a cold cut combo on wheat, no turkey. Wow - did he eat it.

As I was feeding him, and talking to him, I had to give him a name. So I called him �Bruce�. I told him that I can tell he has a family that is missing him and they are looking for him, but not to worry, he will be home with his family. He perked up his ears when I said �Family�. We finished our lunch and proceeded to The Wallingford Animal Shelter where they were waiting my arrival with the Dog. Dean was there. Not even a minute went by and Dean said to me �I just received a call and a flyer through the fax machine that matches the description of this dog�. I asked Dean �Is there a name for the dog on the flyer�? He said, �Yes, his name is Monkey�.

So I stood a while and kept calling the dog by the name on the flyer. Every time I called his name �Monkey�, he wagged his tail and came right to me. Meanwhile, Dean was on the phone with the owner and the owner was on his way to see if in fact that was his dog. Sure enough, that was his dog and Monkey is so happy to go home to his family.

Meanwhile, Ben was getting worse in his condition, so we knew. Ben passed away peacefully in my husband�s arms on February 5th. He was our little buddy, tears from our eyes flowed upon him while he peacefully passed on. How he loved to jump for a Milk Bone and give paw, just like Tasha and Murphy. His favorite thing was his Big Teddy Bear stuff animal, tennis balls and my socks. But with Ben passing away, now the loss of two dogs in less than 6 months really took its toll on my entire family, including Harley.

Two days later, I opened the Advisor and saw an ad for a Dog looking for a home. Talk about repeat history. That dog was spoken for already, but Erin at The Animal Haven in North Haven told me �we just took in a Toy poodle, would you like to see him�? There was no doubt in my mind I had to see this dog that they named �Angelo�, after his previous owner who recently passed away.

On February 7th, my husband and I went to see �Angelo�. Before us was another couple looking at Angelo and how I started to cry. Every Dog I looked at, a majority were already been spoken for, that is how much love, care and attention the animal shelters give to all of these pets, you can see it in the eyes of a Dog and a Cat.

But there is the coincidence about this dog, the poodle, they named after the owner who passed away. I felt strongly in my heart I had to take him home, I just knew he had to live in my home. Immediately, we went home to pick up Harley to meet Angelo. They clicked. Following, I started signing of the adoption papers. However, like Ben, I told my family �He does not look like an Angelo, what should we name him�? My daughter then said �Oliver�. I asked my husband, since February 7th was his birthday, if he wanted to name the dog. He then said, �I like the name Oliver and we can also call him Ollie for short�.

There was really something there, an immediate connection with Oliver. Turns out, Oliver, who they called Angelo at The Animal Haven because it was the name of his previous owner who passed away, turned out to be the same Angelo that is my Mother�s cousin; who he and his Dad, my great-uncle, also gave me my cat that I named �Teresa� after my God Mother, when I was 10 years old. My Great-Uncle Frank and Cousin Angelo and my Great-Aunt, all of whom lived in the same house, knew how much I love animals since I as far back as I can remember. How did I find out he was my Mom�s cousin�s Dog? I got all of Oliver�s paper work from the previous vets he went to, that is how I knew he was my Mother�s cousin�s dog. And knowing my Mother�s cousin, there was no doubt in my mind Oliver loves Italian Food and listening to guitar music as I took my lessons to play my guitar from my Great-Uncle Frank. My mother just couldn�t believe this. How incredible and coincidental this was since I have not seen her cousin Angelo in 20 years. I didn�t even know he passed away until my Mom told me during all of this.

I can be certain now that my Mom�s cousin heard my prayer and saw my tears over my dogs Tasha and Ben. Faith has is how I ended up with his dog. Oliver, being so small, can certainly jump heights, walk on his two hind legs and he just loves to tease Harley. He likes to be the boss. He is 8 pounds who enjoys going up to Harley and lick her nose, hop on her chair while she is on it and pushes her aside as if he was saying �Make Room for Oliver�.

Please, find it in your heart to give a dog or a cat a loving home, faith is one good reason why. Animals give us unconditional love and they communicate with humans simply by their eyes and actions. There are so many dogs and cats just waiting to be adopted. Donations are needed as well to these animal shelters, donations like dog or cat food, blankets, dishes, monetary to help keep these shelters running and caring for all those loving pets. They are God�s creatures too and they need you.

I will always love and miss all my pets that moved on and up to Animal Heaven, and I am thankful for the happiness they all gave to me and my family. But to me, giving another Dog a loving home is something I knew in my heart was worth more than 200% sure. When someone shows 100% love to an animal, those animals love you back 200% in return, unconditional love that is.

I�d like to thank The Animal Haven in North Haven, CT again, Ridge Hill Animal Hospital in North Haven for caring for all my pets, The Wallingford, CT Animal Shelter for bringing Monkey back to his home, Meriden Humane Society and all of the Animal Shelters in CT.

Most of all, like the person who finally helped Ben just by caring enough for him and called the Animal Shelter back in 1999 because he was left out for over a week during a tropical storm; remember, don�t be afraid to help an animal you see needs help; they tell you through their eyes. Our Animal Control Officers take good care of Animals that are in need of help, love and care. Most of all, they will bring those Animals home again; whether they are missing from a loving family or need a loving family to call their own.

There is a reason why a pet needs a loving home. Just look at my experience. Especially the thought that Oliver was already family before he came to live with my family. If I had my way, I�d adopt more animals, but then I�d have to find my Husband a Loving Home. Please find it in your heart to help by adopting a pet, donate, anything you can do. We, as humans, can talk for our loving animals and help them.

Visit: www.TheAnimalHaven.com , www.wallingfordanimalshelter.com , www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT20.html .

See the pets they are advertising on their sites, looking for a loving home. These shelters are known to be places where friendships are made. Trust me; call them too, there are more dogs and cats at all the shelters in Connecticut, and every state for that matter. New dogs and cats arrive every day. Donations are a very big help as well. These shelters can provide you a list of donations they accept to keep these shelters running and these animals fed and warm until they find good homes for these lovable animals who want a place in your heart where they will always be there to say to you �welcome home�.

And thank you God for giving me all the pets that are now with you guarding the gates of Heaven, they know how much they are still loved and missed, still to this day. Thank you Cousin Angelo for making sure I adopted your dog. In your way, you lead me to him. I promise to continue to play the guitar to him and once and a while treat him to Italian meatballs.

I would like to share with you, something someone sent to me, not once, but twice, to honor of my love for my family pets through the years; and all the pets of my family members, for the life they lived and the happiness they gave. This came to me after Tasha, my mini-poodle, passed away, then again recently when Ben passed away.

I need people to know, as a Real Estate Professional, home certainly is where the heart is, even for our loving pets. This letter, when reading it a second time, brought Oliver home to my family all the more.

To my Dearest Family,
There are some things I'd like to say. But first of all, to let you know, I arrived to Heaven okay. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there are no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I am out of your site. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night. That day, I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through; God picked me up and hugged me. God said to me, "I welcome you. It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on. I need you here badly; you're a part of my plan. There is so much we have to do, to help our mortal man." God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list is to watch and care for you. When you lie in bed at night after your day's chores are put to flight, God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years, because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you what God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over, I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead for you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day and step at a time. It was always my philosophy, as your family pet, what you give unto the world; the world will give to you. If you can help another dog, cat or any animal that�s in sorrow and pain; then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain." Now I am content. I want you to know that my life with you was worthwhile just knowing as I passed along the way I made you smile. So if you meet another dog or cat, any animal that is sad and feeling low; just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go. When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind; that�s only because I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And remember when it's time for you to go...from your body to be free. Remember you're not going....you're coming here to be with me. ~ Anonymous

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To read The People�s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct�s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!

Dear Housewives

Dear Readers, Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question andwe will answer it in the next issue.June and Flora

Dear Housewives,I can't share this with my friends so I am turning to you, my local 'go to gals'. I am in my late 60's and have grown children. They all went to college and have good jobs that pay well. My husband and I paid for them to attend college and that caused us to still have a mortgage on our home. I regret second mortgaging our home time and again for our children's college. I am still working to enjoy life and to pay my mortgage. Help me get this off my mind or figure out a plan. Thanks ladies. - Retired and tired of working in CT

FLORA: If your children do not know that you and your husband still are paying on a mortgage; it's time to tell them. Honestly, I think that children who have the means, should help their elders out. Here is a shout out: If you are reading this and your parents are senior citizens with a mortgage: Here Ye Here Ye. Gather up your siblings to come up with a plan to pool funds to assist your parents. You did not have student loans, but your parents are still struggling; give them a hand.

JUNE: I do agree with Flora except I would not say "Here Ye" and I don't know who Flora means by "elders" but I think children of means should help their parents to not have any financial burdens. No one in their late 60's should have to work if their children are living a well off life. Also, there is more than one grown child here so they can all easily pool some money. I say give them this article or come right out and tell them the situation. If you raised them right, they will offer before you can even ask.

Dear Housewives, I need some good entertainment, local and fun. Any ideas? - Looking for fun

JUNE: Of course, the library always has passes for museums and play places. For adult fun (clean adult fun) try a comedy show. Hartford sometimes have decent headliners visiting or see a big comic at the Oakdale (or whatever it is called now).

FLORA: Go to a local church's BINGO night! It is a lot of fun, not expensive and helps a good cause. St.Stan's in Meriden has a fun one on Saturday nights.Bingo is for ALL AGES.

JUNE: Great idea Flora!! I know a great girl who works there, all the proceeds benefit the school and all the workers are parents volunteering their time. Every Sat. Games start at 6:30 PM but doors open earlier. Food is sold as well.

Anniversary Wishes
Dear Andy, Dawn and The People's Press,We are so proud and pleased to be a part of the newspaper. Congratulations on your 125th issue! We wish you much continued success!

Sincerely,June and Flora

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Choose Something Like A Star

"So when at times the mob is swayedTo carry praise or blame too far,We may choose something like a starTo stay our minds on and be staid."

Those are the closing lines in one of my favorite poems by Robert Frost. It has a deeper meaning than I realized when I first became acquainted with this poem, which was in high school when I was in the a cappella choir. Randall Thompson set this poem to music, as well as others by Frost. It seems Frost was actually criticizing contemporary poets of the day, the stars of the time, and asking them to "Say something to us we can learn/ By heart and when alone repeat, " and to "Use language we can comprehend." I think the closing lines of his poem are suggesting that his poems have the requisite elements he is suggesting others have, and we can rely on their steadfast quality, and indeed they have stood the test of time.

Robert Frost was a star to me back in 5th grade. I was living in Amherst, Masschusetts, in 1959, and that fall I began 5th grade in a very small school that housed five grades, 1st through 5th, one room for each grade. Mary Whittaker was our teacher, and she was quite young. One of our assignments was to memorize a poem and recite it in front of the class. I chose Birches, a fairly long poem for a 10-year-old to memorize. It's a beautiful poem though, so it was not hard for me to do. Well, it was a little challenging, but I did it. Mrs. Whittaker knew I loved Frost's poetry, and encouraged me to memorize more.

I believe it was in the spring of 1960 that Mrs. Whittaker arranged for me, my twin sister Nancy, and one other classmate, Debbie, to attend a reading of poems by Robert Frost himself. Of course, I cannot tell you where this took place, but it seemed like a really large concert hall sort of room. There was a large stage with a podium, and there he was! How the next part was orchestrated, I have no memory of, but I believe Mrs. Whittaker asked if these three little girls could sit on the edge of the stage so that they could see better. I remember we were wearing little frilly kind of dresses and our best shoes, and I can remember sitting on the edge and looking up at this large, old man with white hair. Can you imagine how exciting it was to be sitting a few feet away from my favorite poet? I would not be able to recall exactly which of his poems he recited, but I am almost positive that they included Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, Mending Wall, The Road Not Taken, The Gift Outright, and Birches.
Listening to Robert Frost that evening was an event which was indelibly etched in my memory. He was and is definitely a star to stay my mind on and be staid.(The Wallingford Public Library has an audiotape entitled "Robert Frost Reads His Poetry" in case you would like to hear him for yourself. [Thanks, Earl, for letting me know.])

Barbara Sherburne
barndt49@yahoo.com

James Herbert Smith, author of WAH-SAY-LAN, gives a book reading and signing event at the Wallingford Public Library
By Priscilla Reynolds

The book, WAH-SAY-LAN, is an historic novel, James Smith's first novel, about the history of the Iroquois Indians in the American Revolution. The Community Room at the library was full of men, women and some children on the evening of February 24, 2010. Speaking for myself the author lifted my spirits as he read excerpts from his novel. (The evening seemed gloomy and if it hadn't been for my friends and their kindness in driving me, I would have missed out on an inspiring and interesting talk.)

James read excerpts from his book without letting his audience know the whole story. He explained that many of the conversations among the historical figures had actually taken place but perhaps at a different time or place, and the history of the Iroquois was authentic. He has added his own imaginative skills in the journey of his main characters. But even a few of them were based on historical figures. For example, the slave he called Freeman Trentham, had lived in Wallingford, Connecticut. I empathized with the slave when he was litterally dumped in New England and separated from his parents. He could not understand the English language but always recalled the first conversation of the men around him or rather one name mentioned in that conversation of Thomas Jefferson. I'm anxious to read the novel to see if Freeman tries to find Thomas Jefferson.

Wah-Say-Lan is a beautiful Seneca woman, just 17 at the beginning of the novel. She is the fictional main character and presents herself as a modern feminist. James Herbert read the first page of the novel that described this beautiful tall woman and the beloved island where the Senecas lived. One can visualize the two main characters, Freeman and Wah-Say-Lan becoming a couple.

Many people from the audience asked questions following the book reading. My friend, Margaret, wanted to know the slave's real name and what had actually happened to him. His real identity was Chatham Freeman and Margaret plans to see if his grave lies in Center Street Cemetery. Many were interested in the Rev. Samuel Andrews, also an abolitionist from Wallingford, who confronts George Washington in history and in this novel.

James H. Smith is executive editor of the NEW BRITAIN HERALD and the BRISTOL PRESS, and former editor for 14 years at the RECORD JOURNAL. He is a former president of the NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY OF NEWSPAPER EDITORS and a recipient of the distinguished Writing Award from the AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEWSPAPER EDITORS.

James and his lovely wife spent time afterwards talking with the fans and autographing his novel. The library offered everyone coffee or tea and tasty treats.

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Eagles at Hanover Pond Life along the Q River�

An Update from the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association

For awhile now a pair of mature, bald eagles, along with an occasional juvenile, has been spending time at Hanover Pond in South Meriden. On any given day they can be seen in the large trees on the island in the center of the pond, or else in the many big trees along the edge of the water. Most of the time they are just looking over the area, but every now and then you can see them in action, swooping down into the pond in search of a meal. Other times you can see them gliding on the thermal currents, floating over Hanover Pond with such ease.

The bald eagle is our national symbol and has been struggling for survival for the past fifty years. Loss of their habitat and the use of the pesticide, DDT resulted in severely depleted the eagles� numbers. The American Bald eagle was placed on the �Endangered� species list and was moved to �Threatened� in July of 1995 and through conservation and repopulation efforts was taken off the list in June of 2007.

The female, who is about 13 pounds with a wingspan of up to seven feet, is usually 25% bigger than the male, who, by contrast, is about 9 pounds with a five and a half foot wingspan. They have the trademark bald head, which is actually white feathers, with yellow talons and hooked beak and that takes about four years to achieve maturity, with a lifespan of twenty years.

According to QRWA President, Ginny Chirsky, �Because of the tremendous efforts to restore the Quinnipiac River throughout the state, Hanover Pond has now become a feeding ground for the eagles, who feed primarily on fish, small animals and water fowl. These big, beautiful birds would not hang around if there was not a substantial food source, which is a result of cleaner water.�

Both eagles may not be there for long. Bald eagles mate for life and in CT courtship begins in January. With any luck they will be nesting one to three eggs, usually two, that will a hatch sometime in April to May.

Their nest, which is called an aerie, is quite large and estimated at five feet wide by 2 feet deep. The nest needs a large and strong tree to sustain the weight of the nest and eagles. Large branches are used to make the nest and it is lined with twigs, grass, and moss. One bird sits on the eggs all the time to keep them warm while the other scouts for food.

Both parents will take turn feed the baby eagles, which are called eaglets, a diet of mostly fish, which is eaten by the parent and regurgitated into the mouths of their young. When the babies are about three months old they will begin to fly and search for their own food. They will stay in the nest until the end of the summer and then leave to find their own feeding area.

According to Mary Mushinsky, �In 2007, we celebrated the first record of bald eagles nesting on the Quinnipiac River in North Haven. They raised two young. The following year, the eagles abandoned the nest upon the start of construction for the North Haven Commons shopping mall.�

Mushinsky continues, �QRWA volunteers have participated in eagle counts in prior years, and our paddle program interns, along with local residents, have enjoyed the presence of 2 juvenile eagles for the last 2 summers at Hanover Pond.�

�Bald eagles in the Quinnipiac River watershed are a beautiful sight to see and give us hope for the future,� adds Peter Picone, CT DEP Wildlife Specialist and QRWA board member.

As stewards of the environment we ask you to observe these birds from a distance so as not to disturb them. This is especially true for the nesting areas, as the eagles just want to protect and care for their young. If we respect them, their feeding and nesting areas, these eagles will hopefully consider Hanover Pond their home for a long, long time.

Upcoming QRWA Events �April is a busy month with the Annual Fish Stocking at Red Bridge, usually the 3rd week in April just prior to Opening Day for Fishing Season on the 17th. QRWA, along with the Meriden Land Trust and Meriden Conservation Commission will be at the Daffodil Festival at Hubbard Park, April 24-25. Earth Day Celebrations with take place in Hamden and North Haven both on April 24.

Please check the website for specific dates and times.

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.

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!

Our Mother
Alyssa Duffourc

Mountains crumbling
Skies falling
Earth cracking
What is happening
To our mother earth and the people she cares for

No one knows why she is angry
Oh, But I do,
We have hurt our mother earth,
Now she is dying

Ice melting
People Dying
Children hurting
People crying

Too much hurt
Too much pain

STOP!
Stop the hurting
Stop the crying
Save our mother
Save our home
Help our mother!

We are the only ones who can
So what will you do?
Please don�t let her wilt
Don�t leave her to die.
Save our mother
For I know that I shall try

______________________________________________________________________________________To 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!

Love�s Perfect Alignment
By Diana Lewis
Chapter 1

Josie Foster raced across the meadow with her brother, Mark right behind her.
�That�s not fair,� he hollered as he galloped up beside her. �You left too quick.�
�You�re just a slow poke as usual,� stated Josie. They arrived at the barn as a wagon pulled up in their driveway. Pa wasn�t home so Mark dropped his horses reins and went to see the stranger.
�I�m looking for Miss Josephine Foster,� said the stranger.
�And who are you?� asked Mark.
�My name Jacob Hammond. Is she available for me to speak with her?� Josie had heard everything that the man had said and she walked forward.
�I am Josephine Foster. How can I help you,� she asked. He looked at her up and down because of the way she was dressed, with men�s pants and shirt.
�I would like to have a private word with you, if I may.� Curious about what he wanted to talk about she nodded and led the way to the house. Mark wanted to object but he knew it would be no use with his sister,

He was curious as well but he�s have to wait for her to tell him what it was all about.
�Come, we can use my father�s office.� They stepped in and shut the door,
�Is your father not here?�
�No, he�s away on a cattle drawn. He won�t be expected back till sometime next week.�
�Did he ever tell you that you were adopted?�
�Adopted? No, why?� He handed her a copy of her adoption papers and she looked at them. At first she didn�t want to believe it but with the adoption papers in her hands, she had to believe it.
�Because you were and your adopted mother has been looking for you for quite sometime. She would like to see you, if you will see her.�
�Is she planning to come here?�
�If you�d like or I could take you to her.�
�Where is she?�
�In Idaho, at the moment, on her way here but she lives in Montana.�
�When will she be here?�
�It shouldn�t be more than a week for her to get here.� Josie didn�t know what to think about all this. She was adopted by Frank Foster and now her birth mother wanted to see her. And with Papa being away, she knew he wouldn�t approve of this meeting. Maybe she should meet this woman herself.
�I think it might be best if I went to greet her as she comes, because if she comes when my father returns, there might be problems and I don�t want that. What are her plans when we do meet?�
�She would like you to return to Montana with her if you would consider it.�
�Alright, what should I bring with me?�
�That depends on whether you want to go to Montana or not.�
�Montana sounds intriguing. I probably will.�
�Then bring whatever you don�t want to leave behind. I just need to know how much it is so I get enough wagons and drivers.�
�I guess two should be plenty. I�ll not bring anything that isn�t definitely mine.�
�How long do you need to get ready to leave?�
�I think I can be ready to leave tomorrow.�
�Ten o�clock alright with you?�
�Fine, everything will be ready.� They rose from the chairs and Josie escorted Mr. Hammond to the door.
�What�s going on?� cried Mark.
�I�ll be leaving in the morning,� she simply stated.
�Leaving? What are you talking about?�
�Mark, did you know I was adopted?�
�No, that man told you that?�
�Yes, and he showed me the adoption papers. I�m going to see my birth mother.�
�Are you coming back?�
�Probably not. She wants me to go to Montana with her.�
�What�s Pa going to think?�
�Well, I�m hurt with him for not telling me I was adopted and I�m eighteen years old, so he can�t really stop me from leaving.�
�So, what do you want me to tell him when he comes back and you�re gone.�
�Nothing, I will write him a letter and you can give it to him when he gets home.� she stated. �But I need to get busy so I can be ready to leave in the morning.� She walked up the stairs to her room. She found a carpet bag in the closet and started packing her belongings. She pulled out a couple trunks that she spotted in the basement and brought them up and filled them as well. She found some empty boxes u in the attic and filled them as well. She brought open her piggy bank where she�s been saving every penny she got. She counted $200. That would help her get started where she was going.

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 News and Events March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The People's Press) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:12:00 +0000

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!

Next STEPs: Support and Training for
Educators and Parents

Wednesday evenings: March 17th, 24th, 17th and April 7th from 6:00pm until 9:00pm at the Child Guidance Clinic, Inc located at 384 Pratt Street, Meriden, CT 06450-8627.

WANTED: PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS!
Do you need help understanding your child�s special education program? Would you like to help others learn about special education?

The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) is bringing our Next STEPs parent training series to Meriden. This training will help parents navigate the special education system and develop their skills to effectively participate in developing their child�s educational program. Once trained, parents may choose to volunteer to be part of CPAC�s statewide network of Parent Advisors.

If you are interested in registering for this program please call CPAC at 1-800-445-2722 or email cpac@cpacinc.org. Parents committed to increasing their knowledge of special education and becoming active participants in the educational planning for their children are encouraged to register.

The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center, Inc. (CPAC) is a statewide non-profit organization that offers information and support to families of children with any disability or chronic illness, birth through age 21. It is CPAC�s mission to support families in their efforts on behalf of their children with disabilities.

WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN�S CLUB ANNOUNCES
3rd ANNUAL TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT � TRUCKS WANTED

The Wallingford Junior Woman's Club will sponsor its 3rd Annual Touch-a-Truck on May 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre, and trucks are needed. This is a hands-on activity for children and parents to experience their favorite big trucks up close by climbing into the driver�s seat, honking the horn, and pretending to steer.

WJWC invites local truck owners to provide trucks for display and touching. Truck owners must provide a current certificate of insurance, a truck attendant at all times, and a truck that may be touched and/or sat in. Truck owners may distribute family-friendly promotional materials with WJWC approval.

For more information, please call Ann Whitman, WJWC Touch-a-Truck Committee Co-Chairwoman, at 203-284-2376.

The Wallingford Junior Woman�s Club (WJWC) is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and a member of the Connecticut Junior Women, Inc. www.cjw.org.

WJWC was incorporated in 1954 and is a non-profit organization that promotes educational, philanthropic, community service work and provides its members with opportunities for personal enrichment, leadership and social interaction. WJWC projects include the Townwide Spelling Bee and Children�s Area at Celebrate Wallingford, and partnerships with the League of Women Voters of Wallingford & Cheshire, Wallingford Symphony Orchestra, Wallingford Emergency Shelter, and American Red Cross. In addition, WJWC has participated in and donated to several state projects overseen by CJW, including the current state project, Covenant to Care for Children, Inc., which provides direct assistance to Connecticut children who are neglected, abused or at-risk.

For more information about WJWC, call Jaime Bowen, Membership Chairwoman, at (203) 294-0017.

WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN�S CLUB ANNOUNCES
G.N.O. � GIRLS� NIGHT OUT AT JAKE�S TAVERN

G.N.O. � it�s a Girls� Night Out and a chance to Get to kNow Our club, the Wallingford Junior Woman�s Club � so join the fun with WJWC at Jake�s Tavern, 179 Center Street, Thursday, March 18, at 7 p.m. We will provide appetizers and an opportunity to meet women who are dedicated to community service in Wallingford; you purchase your own drinks.

The Wallingford Junior Woman�s Club (WJWC) is a non-profit civic and community service organization open to any Wallingford woman. WJWC�s diverse membership includes single women, stay-at-home moms, professionals, and retirees with a desire to improve the Wallingford community through volunteering their time and talents. The club provides members with opportunities for personal enrichment, and to improve leadership skills and form new and lasting friendships. More information is available by contacting Jaime Bowen, Membership, at 203-294-0017.

WJWC was incorporated in 1954 and is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and a member of the Connecticut Junior Women, Inc. www.cjw.org. WJWC projects include the annual Townwide Spelling Bee; the Children�s Game Area at Celebrate Wallingford; co-sponsoring Candidate�s Forum with the League of Women Voters; adopting a local family during the holidays; Cell Phones for Soldiers; the new Little Miss & Mister Wallingford Contest; and providing rehearsal snacks for the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra.

In addition, WJWC currently participates in the CJW state project, Covenant to Care for Children, Inc., which provides direct assistance to Connecticut children who are neglected, abused or at-risk.

Concert

Ismeros Arcok Ensemble will be performing at The Hungarian Community Club on Sunday March 28th at 7 pm. Ismeros Arcok's music can be characterized as mix of folk music, heavy metal, hard rock and jazz. Concert tickets are $30 for members, $35 for non-members. Dinner will be served at 6 pm for an additional $10. More information is available at our website: www.hccwallingford.org.

For reservations, please contact Louie (203) - 530-3557 or Linda (203) 634-0602. You can also email us at HCCofWallingford@gmail.com. The club is located at 147 Ward St, Wallingford.

Masonic Temple , Meriden World Famous Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
with Lots of Homemade Pies

Coffee re/dcaf, Tea, Soda reg/diet free Fundraiser for Westwood Court #5 Order of Amaranth
Saturday, March 13th 2010 from 5 to 7 PM Masonic Temple 112 East Main Street Meriden, Connecticut ( use rear entrance ) Adults $12.00, Children 5 to 12 $5.00 Children under 5 yrs Free Come Out & Join Us for a GREAT Dinner !
_______________________________________________________________________________March Events at the Augusta!

Augusta Curtis Concert Band Rehearsals
7pm-9pm on Mondays Any age or level of playing can join us!Rehearsals held at Lincoln Middle School Centennial Road, Meriden, CT. Planned concerts for band are April 18th at Hubbard Park and July 1st at Rosa Ponselle Garden beside the ACCC.

Annual Appeal Feb. through April We need your support! Donations appreciated and you can donate online at www.curtiscultualcenter.org or mail donations to ACCC, P.O. Box 4173 175 East Main StreetMeriden, CT 06450

Cabernet & Caberet Fun-raiserPresented by Chorale CTFriday, March 12th, 2010 7pm-9pmChorale CT Fun-raiser

Travelogue:"Classic Italy; from the tip of her boot to the top of her thigh"Presented by Peter & Sharon BurchSunday, March 28th, 2010 at 3pmAdmission free, donations to the Center appreciated!Narrated slideshow.

Red Cross Blood DriveWednesday, March 31, 2010Join us for our Annual Blood drive at the Center .....1:30 pm to 7pm

All above events will be held at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center at 175 East Main Street in Meriden, CT. More information about these events and other upcoming events can be found on our website at www.curtisculturalcenter.org
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To read The People�s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct�s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!

"One Is Not The Loneliest Number"
By: Lori Peck, Dedicated Volunteer

Have you ever thought about adopting a dog or cat, but dismissed the whole idea of it, because you didn't think it would be fair to the animal to be by themselves as an only pet? Well, PLEASE reconsider! We have many animals that would fair much better as, "The One and Only." Just like humans, there are cats and dogs who are either to shy, have been abandoned, are not social, or are just to darn arrogant to get along with others, but need to be loved none the less. So, "YES" we do want you to adopt them by themselves. These animals would make great one-on-one pets.

As far as dogs go, Diamond (what a beauty) is a young, female, medium sized Bull Terrier, Sheppard Mix. Diamond was brought in, on an extremely busy day at the MHS, ready to give birth. She had a difficult time, because her babies were so big and she was just a young pup herself. With the assistance of the staff and volunteers, everything went well. Diamonds puppies flourished and went to good homes. Diamond has not been so fortunate and still resides at the shelter, waiting for her forever home. She is currently receiving obedience training and would need to continue this training after being adopted. This poor girl's life was so rushed, that it is her turn now to get the T.L.C. and training, to make her the best pet she can be. Since Diamond presently has issues with being around other dogs, we would love to place her in a one pet household. Could she be the dog for you?

Shayna is only 10 months old and is such a sweetheart. A female German Shepherd/Chow Mix that loves to play.The thing is, Shayna doesn't realize how big she is and likes to jump and be on your lap. Because she is so cute, people tend to let her. She needs someone that will stick to the training that she is currently receiving, so that she can learn the right way to behave and play. She is very smart and is catching on quickly. Won't you please consider adopting Shayna, as an only pet.

As you can imagine, our feline friend's don't want to spend their lives in a cage. So, as soon as they feel comfortable being around other cat's, then they are sprung and free to roam the main cat room. This is not the case if you are a scaredy cat or don't play well with others. These cat's are let out by staff and volunteers for short periods of time, so they can walk around a bit, but not so long as to stress them out. They are waiting to go to a nice home, where they can walk around without any worries. Some of these cats are, Jezebel, a beautiful DSH Calico, Kimba, a very shy, full figured female, black tabby, Peanut, a DSH black, female, Dumpster, a gorgeous DLH female, black kitty and Neal (who is desperately seeking a home) a medium hair, blk/wht, male kitty with sooo much love to give. They'll be waiting for you!

We also have a couple of events coming up. Please join us on Saturday, March 20th from 8-11 a.m., at the Meriden Grange, 504 Broad St. for a Pancake Breakfast. Tickets: Adults-$8, Children (under 10) -$4. They can be purchased at MHS or call Cindy from the Grange at (203)-237-4617, by the 10th. Our annual photos with the Easter Bunny, will be hosted by Pet Playhouse this year. The North Shore Animal adoption bus will also be at this event. So, please mark your calendars for March 27th, from 10-4p.m., location 1656 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Plantsville, CT. Hope to see you there!

If you would like to make a donation of any kind, whether it be food, cleaning supplies or monetary, are lobby is open from 8-6 p.m., everyday and we are open to the public for animal viewing from 12-6, Wednesday-Sunday.

Thank you and see you at the shelter!
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Wallingford Rotary Turns 87

On Wednesday evening February 24, 2010, the Wallingford Rotary celebrated 87 years with a gathering at Brother�s restaurant. This Sunday Rotary International will turn 105. As part of the Rotary celebration, each member made a donation to help eradicate Polio in developing countries. Happy Birthday Rotary, keep up the good work!

The Rotary Club of Wallingford is composed of a collection of dedicated men and women who are part of Rotary International. Rotary International is the world's first service club organization. Its more than 1.2 million members volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.

Want to be a member or just want more information regarding Rotary? Visit our website at www.wallingfordrotary.org

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The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Meriden Chamber�s Marketing Committee has embarked on an exciting new testimonial campaign! The first of many testimonial boards was on display in the beginning of February at Meriden Schools Federal Credit Union chili cook off! Keep your eyes peeled for these boards that will be on display in different member locations throughout the area! We are looking forward to displaying them all at the Chamber�s 114th Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 8th at MountainRidge!

Speaking of the Annual Meeting, Dinner & Silent Auction, we�d like to congratulate the following businesses and individuals who will be recognized that evening with awards:

The recipient of the Eighteenth Annual Community Partnership Award, recognized for their extraordinary commitments to the Meriden Community is Larry Pelletier. - The recipient of the Fourteenth Annual Large Business Leadership Award recognized for outstanding private sector leadership in the Meriden Business Community is the Four Points Sheraton Meriden. - The recipient of the Ninth Annual Small Business Leadership Award recognized for outstanding private sector leadership in the Meriden Business Community is Bongiovanni Insurance & Financial, LLC. - The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is also pleased to announce that they will be awarding $8,000 to Meriden students in the form of the Sanford S. Shorr Education Awards. The students who were selected include: Returning College Student: Amber Jones (former Platt High School Graduate attending the Oral Roberts University); Lauren Andrea Gomez (graduating senior at Platt); Amanda Rivers (graduating senior at Platt); Ian T. Stankiewicz (graduating senior at Maloney). The Hispanic Member Outreach Committee of the Chamber raised funds for an additional 3 awards this year and the following students were selected for that award: Prisca Maebry (graduating senior at Mercy); Heather M. Vicenty (graduating senior at Sacred Heart); and Gabriella Reyes (graduating senior at Maloney). The Young Business Leaders group of the Chamber has raised funds for 1 Dan M. Hunter Community Service award this year which will be presented to Christina Ward (graduating senior at Platt).

We look forward to sharing MANY photos with you in the next issue � but the event IS OPEN to everyone in the community. Keep checking www.meridenchamber.com for pricing information, silent auction items, program time, format and more!

Become a FAN of Greater Meriden Chamber on Facebook! Join the over 100 Facebook Friends who are already FANS of the Greater Meriden Chamber!

The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is located at 3 Colony Street, Suite 301, Meriden, CT 06451. Ph.: 203.235.7901 / Fx.: 203.686.0172. Visit www.meridenchamber.com or email: info@meridenchamber.com

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HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE IS CELEBRATING OUR 2ND YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN MARCH! OUR THANKS TO ALL THAT HAVE SHOWN THEIR SUPPORT THROUGH THEIR DONATIONS, SERVICES AND PURCHASES. WE HAVE ALL MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS IN NEED IN THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS THE CHRYSALIS INC. FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

STOP IN MARCH 11TH(ON OUR ANNIVERSARY) AND ENJOY A PIECE OF CAKE, FREE GIFTS FOR THE CHILDREN PLUS TAKE 20% OFF ANYTHING IN THE STORE PRICED OVER $2.00!
OTHER SALES HAPPENING IN MARCH ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
WEDNESDAY MARCH 17TH- ST. PATRICKS DAY-
ALL PAPERBACK BOOKS BUY 1 GET 1 FREE.
VIDEOS ALL 50 CENTS EACH
ALL SMALL HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES PRICED OVER $2.00 ARE 20% OFF!
PLUS OUR REGULAR $5.00 BAG DAY SALE ON UNTAGGED CLOTHING
THURSDAY MARCH 18TH- 20% OFF ALL JEWELRY PRICED OVER $2.00
ALL GLASSWARE, KNICK KNACKS PRICED OVER $2.00 ARE 20% OFF!
THURSDAY MARCH 25TH- BUY 1 GET 1 HALF OFF ON ALL BRAND NEW DIFFERENT DEPARTMENT STORE TAGGED CLOTHING.
ALL PICTURES PRICED OVER $2.00 HALF OFF!
REMEMBER EVERY WEDNESDAY IS FILL A BAG WITH CLOTHING(EXCEPTIONS DO APPLY) FOR ONLY $5.00 WITH NO LIMIT ON HOW MANY BAGS YOU CAN PURCHASE!
WE ARE LOCATED AT 22 NORTH TURNPIKE ROAD IN WALLINGFORD. WE GLADLY ACCEPT CASH, VISA, DEBIT OR MASTERCARD. OUR STORE HOURS ARE TUESDAY- SATURDAY 9A.M.- 5P.M.. DONATIONS OF FURNITURE OR LARGE APPLIANCES IN GOOD, CLEAN WORKING CONDITION ARE IN NEED AND LOCAL PICK UPS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE.OUR TRUCK DRIVER WILL HAVE THE LAST SAY IF AN ITEM WILL BE ACCEPTED. DONATIONS ARE ALSO ACCEPTED AT THE STORE BASED ON AVAILABLE ROOM AND MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE STORE BY 4P.M. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FIRST.
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING WINTER CLOTHING. PLEASE REMEMBER US WHEN YOU ARE NO LONGER IN NEED OF OUTSIDE PLAY TOYS, BIKES, WAGONS, OUTSIDE FURNITURE OR OTHER SPRING/SUMMER ITEMS.
WATCH FOR OUR APRIL BARGAINS IN THE PEOPLES PRESS IN APRIL!
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Flower Sale

The East Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department will be holding their annual Easter Flower Sale at the Firehouse on 2 Kondracki Lane on the following dates:
Thursday April 1 from 5 PM to 8 PM
Friday April 2 from 8 AM to 8 PM
Saturday April 3 from 8 AM to 8 PM
Sunday 8 AM to Noon
We will have a wide assortment of quality Hanging Baskets, perennials and annuals.

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The Wallingford Junior Football League 2010 Registration Dates

Saturday, May 15, 2010, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Saturday, June 5, 2010, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and
Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

At the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department

Save the date for
The Second Annual Wallingford Vikings Golf Tournament Friday, June 25, 2010 The Tradition Golf Club

More information to come in the coming weeks

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PASSPORT DAY IN THE USA � MARCH 27, 2010

The Connecticut Passport Agency is hosting a Passport Fair in Norwalk, Connecticut on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. The Connecticut Passport Agency is joining the Department of State in celebrating Passport Day in the USA 2010, a national passport acceptance and outreach event.

U.S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air. U.S. citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government.

Information on the cost and how to apply for a U.S. passport is available at travel.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

Event: Passport Day in the USA Passport Fair
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Time: 10:00 am � 3:00 pm
Where: Connecticut Passport Agency 50 Washington Street Norwalk, CT 06854

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GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE, SOLD! - GREAT BARGAINS AT TEMPLE B�NAI ABRAHAM�S MARCH MADNESS GOODS AND SERVICES AUCTION

Back by popular demand, Temple B�nai Abraham will hold it�s March Madness Goods and Services Auction on March 13, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at 127 East Main Street in Meriden offering great bargains to please every member of the family. Some of the items to be auctioned include: gift certificates to some of your favorite restaurants, an overnight stay at the Four Points Sheraton, passes to wonderful area attractions, a round of golf at Lyman Orchards, an American Girl Doll (valued at $120), and so much more! These are just a few of the fantastic items to be auctioned. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for a preview and silent auction, followed by the live auction at 7:45 p.m. Admission is only $5 per person. We will also have a 50-50 drawing. Refreshments and drinks are available during the auction and dessert and coffee during intermission. For more information contact Linda Caplan at 203-235-2581.
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Sheehan Class of 85 Reunion Planned

Attention Mark T. Sheehan High School Class of 1985 grads: The 25th class reunion is planned for Friday, November 26, 2010. Additional information can be found online at: www.MTS85.info. Alumni are encouraged to register for reunion updates and information while visiting the site.

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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Spring Luncheon

The Meriden Intermediates Club will hold a Spring Luncheon on, Wednesday, March 10. The event will be held at the North Italian Club at 43 Thorpe Avenue in Meriden from 12:00 to 3:00. Guest speakers will be Scott Haney and Kara Sundlun. Kara and Scott are co-hosts of the TV show, Better Connecticut, which airs daily on Channel 3 at 10:00 a.m.

Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased from Carol Bonaiuto at (203) 634-1855.
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Class of 1985 - Orville Platt High School 25th Reunion
We will be having our Reunion July 24th, 2010 RSVP by May 31, 2010
Anyone interested in attending can contact Ida Zimmer (860) 621-0267 or email idazimmer@yahoo.com. You can register on classmates.com or join us on facebook.com for more information.
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At the next meeting of the Wallingford Garden Club award winning designer Kymrie A. Zaslow will lecture about and also create fresh floral arrangements.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 9 in the First Congrgational Church meeting room. The program will begin at 1:00 p.m. preceded by a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public for a fee of $5.

Zaslow began her floral design career in 1991 and has worked in shops in Ohio and Connecticut. Her experience covers retail flower shops, mass market floral management, design education, and the handling of fresh and permanent florals. Zaslow's extensive industry experience as well as her memberships in the Federated Garden Clubs of CT, West Hartford and Manchester Garden Clubs have given her the opportunity to share her knowledge as an educator, lecturer, and guest designer. In April 2005 she became a National Garden Club Accredited judge. She has designed live on WVIT Channel 30 and has had her designs and ideas published in CT Bride, Hartford and Living in West Hartford magazines. Zaslow was honored in 2008 with the Federated Garden Clubs of Ct Tribute Award in Design for her achievements and contributions in design.
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The Hungarian Community Club is now accepting orders for Home Style Sausage/Kolbasz and Stuffed Cabbage. The sausage/Kolbasz is $5 per pound and the Stuffed Cabbage is $16 per dozen. Orders will be accepted until Wednesday March 17, 2010 and no late orders will be accepted. Pickup is Saturday March 27, 2010 at the club, 147 Ward ST, Wallingford, from noon � 2:00 pm. Please bring containers for the stuffed cabbage. To place an order, please contact: Linda at (203)634-0602 or Barbara at (203)269-9768. Orders can also be emailed to HCCofWallingford@gmail.com

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The E & R U.C.C will sponsor a trip to Mohegan Sun, on Saturday, April 24, 2010.9am departure from the Wallingford Senior Center and return around 5:30pm.Advance Ticket Purchase only. To reserve your seat ASAP make out check to:
The Evangelical & Reformed U.C.C. and mail to: E. Tierney, P.O.Box 3, Wallingford, Ct. 06492.Ticket price: $30.00 inludes $30.00 casino bonus package.
All proceeds to benefit our April Fundraiser
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Wallingford Family YMCA hires NEW Aquatics Director

The Wallingford Family YMCA is pleased to announce the hiring of Lisa Hoover, as our new Aquatics Director. Lisa will join our YMCA family on Monday, March 1, 2010 and work with Keith Cargan, Aquatics Coordinator, myself and the Aquatics staff for a smooth transition of department leadership. We would also like to thank the YMCA search committee and Management staff for their time and effort devoted to this tough decision.

Lisa has been working in the YMCA movement for over 14 years with experience in all aspects of aquatic programming, membership development, staff development and training, establishing aquatic, safety and risk management standards as well as managing special events. Lisa most recently was Senior Program Director for the Stratford Family YMCA. We welcome Lisa her enthusiasm, experience and passion to our YMCA.

Lisa is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University. She has also been recently honored as a member of the YMCA of the USA Aquatic task force and Association of YMCA professionals Chapter 2 Membership chair. Lisa is certified as an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, Babysitter�s Training Instructor and Lifeguard Certified. She is also a representative on the Connecticut YMCA�s Membership and Program Networks as Aquatics and Membership Liaison.

Lisa is married, has one child and resides in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Please join me in welcoming Lisa to the team of the Wallingford Family YMCA. She can be reached at lshoov@aol.com.
Regards,
Sean Doherty
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Nunsense
by Dan Goggin presented Cabaret Dinner Style
You provide the food, we provide the fun!
Fridays & Saturdays March 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 7:30pm Sunday Matinees March 7 & 14 at 2:00pm
Reservations Required - Make Yours TODAY, visit www.castlecraig.org or call 203-634-6922. Admission $15
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Cabaret & Cabernet

Join Chorale Connecticut on Friday, March 12th, at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center on East Main Street in Meriden from 7 to 9 PM for its annual fundraiser �Cabaret & Cabernet,� and enjoy an evening of wine tasting, hors d�oeuvres and some special entertainment to be provided by members of Chorale Connecticut. Mayor Mike will be the emcee for the evening.

Come and support the Chorale and enjoy an evening of wine and song. Tickets may be obtained from Chorale members or by calling (860)621-1653. Suggested donation is $25 per person. More information is also available at choralect.org.

__________________________________________________________ Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford

Beth Israel Invites the Community to Free 2nd Night SederBeth Israel will again host its wildly popular free 2nd night seder on March 30th at 6:00 P.M., open to the Jewish community. Last year�s mouth-watering meals were better than any restaurant. The atmosphere was festive, friendly and educational. Many new friends were made � young and old. Please make reservations early � our room can only seat 80 and last year we had to turn people away. Please contact Mimi Bloch at 203-949-0651 or by email to mimibloch@aol.com to make your reservation. This will be a free event (donations are always welcome).

2. Beth Israel Synagogue Reaches Out to Ashlar VillageIn January of 2010 Beth Israel congregants Beryl and Mimi Bloch began leading monthly Shabbat services at Ashlar Village in Wallingford. "The program has been very well received by the residents," says Mrs. Bloch. "As the majority of the residents there no longer have their cars and have not had the chance to attend Jewish Services in quite some time, they were very appreciative of our being there. Beryl and I have made the commitment to continue to lead the services there as long as the residents are willing to attend." The next service at Ashlar Village will be held on March 12th at 2:00 P.M.

3. "Judaica Exchange" for Guatemalan JewsDo you have any extra Judaica and ritual objects looking for a good home? A fledgling congregation in Guatemala City called Casa Hillel can put them to good use -- and Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford is helping them out.Casa Hillel is a small synagogue composed of a few families that have embraced Judaism as Jews-by-choice. Its story was highlighted in Hadassah magazine in 2008: http://tinyurl.com/as2mx4Spearheading this collection effort is Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn � the multi-lingual spiritual leader of the New Reform Temple in Kansas City � who is mentoring Casa Hillel and other small congregations across Latin America. He calls this donation program the �Judaica Exchange.�Here are a few words from Rabbi Cukierkorn:This program came into existence out of the need of developing congregations in Central and South America to get Judaica for their use in observing Jewish holidays and rituals.Many of the people I work with either don't have the financial means or sometimes even the possibility of buying Judaica. Since many of them are Jews by choice, they also do not have Jewish family heirlooms. Thus, I came up with the idea of asking people to donate their unwanted new or used Judaica objects. When I travel to Latin America, I carry these items with me and they are very much appreciated.I suggest that you avoid collecting any breakable items and items that use electricity because they will not work over there. Also, please don�t send books that are not in Spanish.The best way to get the items to the people that need them, I must carry them with me on my flight. The cost is $100 per bag/box from the airline. If you are able to help defray that cost, it would be most appreciated.Sincerely,Rabbi Jacques Cukierkornrabbi94@hotmail.com www.rabbicukierkorn.comDonated items may be dropped off at Beth Israel Synagogue. For further info, feel free to contact Deb Nason, Beth Israel Synagogue, dnason@c4sb.com, 203-414-1600
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To read The People�s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct�s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!

FILIPEK FAMILY TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP
IN MEMORY OF WINTON S. FILIPEK, SR.

The Filipek Family is pleased to support student athletes in central Connecticut through a series of $250 - $1,000 scholarships, intended to honor the life of Winton S. Filipek, Sr. A well-rounded athlete in the Meriden area, it was tennis that held a special place in his heart. The Filipek family has presented $28,200 to deserving student-athletes in the past four years.

Applications can be obtained on line at: www.ymcafilipektennis.com
The completed scholarship package must be mailed NO LATER THAN April 15 to:

Mr. Winton R. Filipek, Jr.
230 Copper Ridge Road
Southington, CT 06489

Any questions contact Wint Filipek @ 860-621-5655/wrfilipek@hotmail.com

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Hi Friends,
It is my pleasure to announce our upcoming Bear Silent Auction to raise funds for the Salvation Army in Meriden! A free bear will be available at the end of February for those who wish to dress a bear for the auction. Call or email us to request your bear or for more information! Thanks for you assistance in spreading the news!

In His Service,
Captain Maria Stephenson Corps Officer/Pastor Meriden Corps Tel: 203-235-6532 Fax: 203-639-0422

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25th Annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction

The 25th Annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at the Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, Connecticut. The special anniversary celebration will feature many famous sports figures including Jim Calhoun and Sparky Anderson. This year the recipient of the Saint Francis Award will be George Grand. Mr. Grand is the former play by play television announcer for the Cincinnati Reds and ESPN�s first SportsCenter sportscaster.

Jim Calhoun, University of Connecticut Head Basketball Coach, will present the Jim Calhoun Community Service Award to Emmy Award winning broadcast journalist, Al Terzi. Mr. Terzi is a Channel 3 EyeWitness News anchor.

The Silent Auction will begin at 5:30 pm. Program and dinner will start at 6:30 pm. For more information call (203) 237-8084 or visit the web site www.flcenter.org.

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SOUTH MERIDEN BASEBALL
Youth Sports Resale

DON�T THROW IT OUT � DONATE YOUR CHILDS BASEBALL EQUIPMENT, CLEATS GENTLY USED CLOTHING TO THE LEAGUE.

Kids grow 'Oh So Fast'. Kids who are involved in sports usually outgrow their sports uniforms and accessories after one or two seasons. Seasonal resale events are a great way to earn extra cash for the SMYL League and purchase gently used kids clothing and accessories and at affordable prices.

SMYL - YSC offers you two simple ways to recycle your child's outgrown sports equipment and accessories and help the league.

All you have to do is do is bring your unwanted children�s sports items to Gina Pellegrino/Rob Mirabello at sign ups or contact us for drop off information. We will set the price, we do the work by setting up a �consignment sale� in early spring. We will also have them listed on the classified section of your SMYL website www.smbaseball.com

The consignment events are scheduled for early spring and summer. We will have lists of items at our meetings as well.

Please call with any questions Gina @ 2036318776 or Rob M. @ 2036312145.
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The Wallingford Historical Society will be hosting a free program on Wednesday, March 17. Dan DeLuca, author of The Old Leatherman will talk about the tramp who traveled a circuit between the Connecticut and Hudson Rivers. Copies of the book will be for sale and Mr. DeLuca will be signing them. The program begins at 7:30 pm at the First Baptist Church, 114 North Main St. Refreshments provided. All are welcome.
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Jim Backes Memorial Golf Tournament

The Wallingford Rotary is hosting its 21st annual Jim Backes Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, May 24th at The Farms Country Club in Wallingford. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Wallingford Foundation, the charitable arm of the Wallingford Rotary Club.

Over several years the Wallingford Foundation has donated to many local community
organizations, including the Children�s Reference Room at the Wallingford Library, the Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club, Master�s Manna, the YMCA Teen House, the Thanksgiving Community Day Dinner, the Homeless Shelter and the Fuel Assistance Program, just to name a few. The outreach of the Wallingford Foundation has also touched the international community and shipped an ambulance, generator and medical supplies to the Good Samaritan Hospital in the Dominican Republic.

For information regarding the golf tournament, contact jonathan.kaplan@edwardjones.com

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The CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center in Wallingford, a non profit organization, is
hosting its fourth annual Run for Autism on Sunday, May 2, 2010. This 5K Run will take
place on the private running field at Choate Rosemary Hall HS in Wallingford,
8:30 AM . Cash prize of $100 for the top overall finisher. High School students can
attain community service hours by soliciting donations and competing in the race.
Fee: $30 adults, $15 students through grade 12.

Registration form can be obtained by visiting our website, www.ctautismwalk.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!

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2010 Memorial Day Parade
To all, This is the first reminder for the 2010 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony for the City of Meriden. I want you to put it on your calendar now and save the date to pay honor to our deceased Veterans.

Who: The United Veterans Council of Meriden, CT and the 2010 Memorial Day Parade Committee

What: 2010 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony............ Parade theme this year is "The Forgotten War?", a tribute to the Korean War and its' Veterans

Where: Parade will form up at Washington Park on Liberty Street and the adjoining area side streets between 9:00 and 9:59 a.m. Parade route is West on Liberty St. turning left onto Cottage St., continuing to East Main St.turning right and continuing westward down to the Meriden City Hall area. A Memorial Day. Service (45 minutes) of ceremony, patriotic music, speeches and prayer will commence at 11:00 or immediately following the parade.

When: MONDAY, May 31, 2010, Parades steps of at 10:00 a.m. sharp. and

Why: to pay honor to our deceased Veterans. Originally Memorial Day was designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

Please alert all of the good citizens of Meriden and South Meriden, all of the Civic groups, the Churches and all of the Schools, Public and Parochial, Girl Scouts of America and the Boy Scouts of America of this important free event. Our committee will be attempting to contact as many of these personnel as possible over the coming 5 months. Please feel free to spread this invite to all that you come into contact. PS: Volunteers are needed on the committee and can contact me on my cell 203 631 3906 or can email me your contact information.

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SEE THE WORLD THROUGH AN ANIMAL�S EYES WITH CRITTERCAM INVENTOR GREG MARSHALL ON MARCH 19
Event is part of new �Faces of Our Planet� series, created by Sea Research Foundation, National Geographic Live and Garde Arts Center
MYSTIC, Conn. (February 23, 2010) � This March, experience life from an animal�s point of view during an evening with Crittercam inventor Greg Marshall at the Garde Arts Center on March 19 at 7:30 p.m. The event is part of the new �Faces of Our Planet� series, created by Sea Research Foundation, National Geographic Society and the Garde Arts Center to reveal the mysteries and discoveries of the world�s human, animal and geographic faces.

The five-part series consists of film, live performance and multimedia presentations � all at the nationally-recognized Garde Arts Center at 325 State St., New London. Greg Marshall�s presentation, titled �A Wild Point of View,� marks the third event in the series.

Marshall, a biologist and National Geographic filmmaker, will share his view of the world through the Crittercam, a device he invented in the 1980s while snorkeling in Belize. As he observed a small suckerfish that had attached itself to a shark, he imagined the fish�s unique perspective and came up with the idea of attaching a small video camera to an animal that would shift the point of view from researcher to subject.

Since then, the Crittercam has revolutionized marine biology while producing never-before-seen glimpses into the animal world. Marshall and his team have refined the device seven times, making it smaller, lighter and more powerful and expanding its use to more than 30 marine species, from great white sharks and sperm whales to emperor penguins and seals, as well as land animals. Crittercam footage has been seen in numerous films, including �March of the Penguins.�

Suitable for ages 10 and up, Marshall�s presentation will cover the invention and evolution of the Crittercam and will include video clips that show the world from an animal�s perspective. Marshall will also reveal how the Crittercam has changed scientists� and researchers� understanding of animals and the threats they face in the wild.

Future �Faces of Our Planet� events include presentations by Arctic photographer Paul Nicklen on April 16 and famed oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard on May 14. For more details on these events and the entire series, visit searesearch.org or call (860) 572-5955.

WHAT: Multimedia presentation by Greg Marshall, the inventor of the Crittercam. The event is part of the new �Faces of Our Planet� event series, created by Sea Research Foundation, National Geographic Society and the Garde Arts Center.

WHEN: Friday, March 19 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London, CT 06320

TICKETS: $24, Mystic Aquarium members - $20. VIP tickets - $54 (includes admission to pre-show reception with Greg Marshall at 6 p.m.)

For a complete list of ticket options, including discount packages, visit the Garde Arts Center Box Office at 325 State St., New London, or call (860) 444-7373 ext.1. Single tickets are available at the Garde Arts Center Box Office and online at gardearts.org. Special pricing is available for students, groups and Mystic Aquarium members.

About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Learning are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.

About Garde Arts Center
Founded in 1985, the Garde Arts Center was created to save and transform the historic Garde theatre into a non-profit regional center for the performing arts and education in the heart of downtown New London, serving greater Southeastern Connecticut, a region rich in geographic, economic, ethnic and cultural diversity. The Garde owns and operates the recently restored 1,450-seat Garde Theatre, a historic movie/vaudeville house built in 1926 and the new 130-seat Oasis Room.

About National Geographic Live!
National Geographic Live is the live events division of the National Geographic Society, featuring live concerts, films, and dynamic presentations by today's leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers, and photographers covering a wide range of topics including: exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat conservation; natural phenomena; and relevant issues such as climate change. Proceeds from speaker series ticket sales help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration, and education. For more information visit www.nglive.org.

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!

Town News and Events March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The People's Press) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:07:00 +0000

To read The People�s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct�s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!

Mayor�s Corner - Meriden

This month has us thinking about the arrival of spring which officially takes place on March 20th this year. �Spring Fever� takes over as we shake off a cold, snowy winter and welcome the sunny, warm days of spring. There is a renewed energy in the air.

The Mayor� Office is planning a number of spring initiatives and events to cleanup and beautify our city, showcase Meriden businesses, and have some fun!

On Saturday, May 15, we will host the Annual Mayor�s City Cleanup Day. We encourage residents, civic groups, and other organizations to join us for Meriden�s cleanup day. A free cookout at the Hub will finish off the day for the participants.

A new initiative to encourage and recognize area businesses for keeping their sidewalks clean will be launched as well. Official certificates will be awarded to participating businesses. The Flower Barrel Program will also swing into action along our Main Streets.

A �Faces and Places� program will showcase small business owners on our City Website and highlight their business presence in our community.

And finally, on Wednesday, June 2 there will be an Italian Night at Hubbard Park. This will feature live band performances of the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, and Dean Martin for listening and dancing pleasure. Pizza, Italian meatballs and sausages, and Italian Ice will be available for attendees.

More details on these events and activities will follow. Here�s to Spring!

Mike Rohde - Mayor of Meriden

Mayor�s Corner Wallingford

Dear Friends:

First, on behalf of the Town of Wallingford, we extend our Congratulations to Andy Reynolds and the People�s Press in celebration of their 125th issue � March 2010. You and your staff have done an outstanding job and we commend you for your efforts.

The Town of Wallingford is very excited to be one of six towns in the State of Connecticut selected by the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation to participate in the Statewide Pioneering Communities Initiative. The Activate America--Pioneering Healthy Communities initiative is addressing the issue of childhood obesity by promoting better lifestyles through strategies that will result in increased physical activity and healthier eating by children.

Coordinated by the Wallingford Family YMCA and in cooperation with various Town Departments and local agencies, a community action plan is being developed. Partners in this work include the Departments of Park and Recreation, Education Department, Health Department and the Youth and Social Services Department. Agencies involved in the planning process include the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, the Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club and Mid-State Medical Center. Examples of existing programs for children that focus on activity and healthy eating in Wallingford include the YMCA�s �Fit To Go� program for middle school youth and the �KidsMarathon� program held at Cook Hill Elementary School.

We are proud to be a part of the Activate America�Pioneering Healthy Communities initiative and look forward to helping the children in our community enjoy a healthier and more active way of life.
Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER

WSC GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Looking for a gift for your special senior? Consider purchasing a Wallingford Senior Center Gift Certificate for a family member or friend. Our gift certificates, which are available at the front desk, may be used toward senior center classes, trips, special events, and Lake View Caf� meals.

HATS & GLOVES TEA PARTY featuring THE VICTORIAN LADY
Wednesday, March 10, 2:00 PM
Wear your fanciest hat and your daintiest gloves (if you have them!) and bring your favorite tea cup. Be entertained as �The Victorian Lady� performs her one-woman show about life in the 1860�s. Her authentic costumes and informative presentation are always a Must See! Classic High Tea refreshments will follow the show. Prizes will be awarded for hats and tea cups! Tickets are on sale: $5.00 Members; $7.00 Non-members.

OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF WALLINGFORD LUNCHEON
Wednesday, March 24, 1:00 PM
In celebration of National Women�s History Month, the Wallingford Senior Center will recognize several local women for their many contributions to our community. The Outstanding Women of Wallingford Luncheon and Award Ceremony will be held March 24 in the Great Room. This year�s honorees include State Representative Mary G. Fritz, Lillian Blake, Carolyn Massoni, and Town Councilor Rosemary Rascati. The Wallingford Garden Club will be honored as well. A delicious grilled chicken breast luncheon, key note address, and award presentations are all part of this very special event. Tickets are $5.00 per person and are on sale through March 19. The first 100 people to purchase a ticket will receive a fabulous book celebrating women!

SHERRILL DOUGLAS STARS IN A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO PATSY CLINE
�CRAZY �BOUT PATSY�
Saturday, April 17, 7:30 PM
Don�t miss this incredible tribute to Patsy Cline featuring Sherrill Douglas and her outstanding band. The show features all of Patsy�s great hits including Crazy, Walking after Midnight, I Fall to Pieces, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Sweet Dreams of You, You Belong to Me, Tennessee Waltz and many more! The Wallingford Senior Center is pleased to present a show that has sold out in theaters across the country. Tickets are $10.00 per person and are available at the front desk.

9TH ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF ART
April 8 � 10, 2010
Display your artwork and original creations at the Wallingford Senior Center�s 9th Annual Showcase of Art & Talent, which will be held in conjunction with the Jordan Abeshouse Memorial Student Art Show, Thursday through Saturday, April 8 -10. Last year this joint show attracted hundreds of local residents and provided a wonderful opportunity for public exposure to our members� artwork. Please sign up by March 26 to participate.

2010 GOLF LEAGUE
Our Coed Golf League, held at Miner Hills Golf Course, will begin its 11th season in May. This year, there will be one sixteen-week session, running from May 18 through August 31. The cost for play and the final week cookout is $235.00 for members and $240.00 for non-members. Sign-up will begin in May. Additional details will follow.

DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM
Did you know that the Wallingford Senior Center offers a small structured, social-model day program designed for seniors with memory impairment? We offer companionship and support, developed and supervised by a Certified Recreation Therapist, an assistant, and many helpful volunteers. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Transportation is provided for Wallingford residents and is handicapped accessible. The daily fee includes participation in the program, lunch, snacks, out-trips, and live musical entertainment at the center. A sampling of programs offered include: News and Views, Word Games, Craft Corner, Pet Therapy, Spiritual Circle, Bocce, Tee Time Golf, Sing-A-Longs, Card Games, Baking/Cooking, and Daily Chair Exercise. Eligibility is based on the physical, mental, and social functioning of the prospective participant. If you know someone in need of socialization and guidance throughout the day and experiencing mild memory impairment, please contact Melinda Welch, D.A.I. Coordinator, for more information at: 203.265.7753 Ext 205.

SOCIAL SERVICES

MEDICATION SAFETY � NOT EVERY PILL IS PERFECT!
Monday, March 22
10:30 AM
Everyone has a medicine cabinet filled with pills, cr�mes, and lotions. At this month�s To Your Health! program by the VNA of Wallingford, you�ll learn why the medicine cabinet is NOT a good place to store medications, as well as other safety tips about topics like shelf life and cutting pills in half. Please sign up to attend.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CONNPACE
Please be aware that if you do not renew your ConnPACE when it is due, you will not be able to re-enroll until November 15th. This is due to changes that have been made in the ConnPACE program. New enrollment in the ConnPACE Program will be limited to November 15th through December 31st. A few exceptions do apply. You will be able to join ConnPACE 31 days after turning 65 or after becoming eligible for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or State Supplement Insurance (SSI).

WALLINGFORD ELDERLY NUTRITION INFORMATION
The Town of Wallingford is able to provide meals to seniors who meet the criteria. Call the Wallingford Program Planning Department at 203-294-2060 for more information.

FOOD PANTRIES IN WALLINGFORD
Need a little help with your food bill? Listed below are the names, addresses, and times you can visit.

�Angel Food Ministries: Get $75.00 worth of food for $30.00. See member interest table at the center, or call 203-284-8975 for additional information.

�Master�s Manna: 46 North Plains Road (in back). ID required (Photo ID, Birth Certificate or medical card). Distribution times: Tuesday & Thursday, 9-12; Fridays, 4-8 p.m.

�Good News Food Pantry: 46 John Street (Good News Church). Distribution time: Wednesday, 11:00 a. m. � 2:00 p.m.

�Local churches: Call your church to find out if there is a food pantry available.

CT MONEY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
CT Money School continues to provide educational programs to seniors. Below are two programs which provide ongoing education.

?On Your Own Again
Friday, March 12, 10:00 a.m. � 11:00 a.m.
Divorce and losing a spouse is very emotionally trying. Even under the best circumstances, certain financial steps need to be taken. This class explores the financial issues you need to consider if you find yourself suddenly single due to divorce or widowhood. To register for this program please call 203-265-7753

MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM
The Medicare Savings Program assists individuals who meet the income guidelines to pay their Medicare Part B premium. Income limits for a single person range from $1778.91 to $2091.67. For a couple, the income limits range from $2393.55 to $2816.67. There is no asset limit. If you fall within these guidelines, the State may be able to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Income verification is all that is necessary. This includes gross Social Security benefit (gross is before the $96.50 is taken out of the check), pension, dividends, interest, rental income, gross wages, etc. To schedule an appointment for completing the application, please call (203) 265 7753.

BENEFITS SCREENING
Tuesday, March 16, 10:00 a.m. � 12:00 noon
Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for any State or Federal programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for eligibility. Supporting Documents are not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Registration required. Call 265 7753 now to schedule an appointment.

FOOD STAMP PROGRAM (SNAP)
The State Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly the Food Stamp Program) has changed its eligibility criteria effective July 1, 2009. Income limits have been increased and there is no asset limit when applying for this program.
�Single Income: $1,669.00 month �Couple Income: $2,246.00 month

For more information or to schedule an appointment to apply for this program, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker at 265 7753.

VISIT our website at www.WLFDSENIORCTR.COM!

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MAX E. MURAVNICK
MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS� CENTER

The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens� Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver�s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Caf�. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!

On Wednesday, March 10 at 10:30 AM Wells Fargo/Wachovia Bank is sponsoring an informative program at the Senior Center. Attorney E. Jack Shorr will speak on �Estate Planning and Power of Attorney�, Ted Bell, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hancock Pharmacy, will discuss �Special Services Available for Seniors at Independent Pharmacies� and Joseph Ferraro, Certified Reverse Mortgage Consultant for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, will cover �Good Stories about Seniors who Benefited from a Reverse Mortgage�. Be sure not to miss this program about services for seniors with a variety of topics designed to meet your needs! The program will be held in the first floor meeting room and refreshments will be served.

The Senior Center has been designated as a Questionnaire Assistance Center by the U.S. Census Bureau to answer any questions you may have about the 2010 census. A census staff person will be here daily, except Fridays, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon starting March 22 until April 19. They can provide guides in other languages, help in filling out the form, answer questions about privacy and confidentiality issues and provide other services as needed related to Census 2010. If you have any questions about Census 2010 this is the place to ask!

The �Move and Soothe� gentle movement class taught by Susan Sandel, Dance/Movement Therapist, will resume on Tuesday afternoon March 16 at 12:30 PM in the mezzanine. New participants are welcome and should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and sneakers or rubber-soled shoes.

Appointments for free AARP Income Tax Assistance are still available at the Senior Center. The service is offered in the mezzanine each Wednesday until April 7. Also, there are openings for the AARP Driver Safety Class on April 21 & 23 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Appointments for both services may be made by calling (203) 237-0066 or stopping in the front office.

The Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut is seeking people 100 years of age or older, and those celebrating their 100th birthday in 2010, to be honored at the 24th annual Centenarian Luncheon on May 5, 2010. The event is held each year at the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge and is free for the centenarian and an escort. Last year 27 centenarians attended this special event. For further information or to register call Janiss Fowler at AASCC at 203.785.8533.

For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.
John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director

The Meriden Fire Department Local 1148 would like to remind everyone that Sunday March 14th at 2:00 am is the end of Daylight Saving Time. Don�t forget to change your clocks an hour ahead and change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Working smoke detectors save lives!
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Special Health and Wellness March 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The People's Press) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:38:00 +0000

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!

Making The Connection:
Good Nutrition Today, Good Health Tomorrow
By Lisa Zola, MS, MSN, APRN-BC

We have all heard the expression, �You are what you eat.� However, despite this very simple truth, most people do not make that connection. But how could it not be? One would not put diesel gasoline in a car that required unleaded fuel, because then the car would not run properly. The food we eat is the fuel for our body. If we put in unhealthy fuel, the body cannot perform properly, which ultimately leads to disease. On the other hand, if you feed your body good fuel, it is able to ward off disease. Not only that, but you feel better, are more vibrant and have more energy.

Eating healthy is certainly not without its challenges, especially with all the food choices that are available. We are constantly being bombarded with messages that tell us to eat this, not that. Quite frankly, it is very confusing for most people. What we think may be healthy or all natural may actually be loaded with chemicals, preservatives and artificial colors and flavors that wreak havoc in our bodies. In addition, convenience foods are often touted as being cheaper than healthy foods as well as being quick and easy. Manufactured foods are intentionally engineered to be addicting. The food industry is a business, with the bottom line being profit and what sells, not concern for your health.

Since the industrialization of farming and with the advent of big food manufacturers, we have strayed very far from the way our ancestors ate. Back in those days, people never heard of or ate food that came out of a box. These days, people are actually putting toxic foods into their bodies, sometimes without even knowing: foods that contain pesticides, chemicals, artificial ingredients, preservatives, refined and added sugars, refined grains, sodium, and hydrogenated fats. All of these can lead to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease, digestive disorders, allergies, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, birth defects, migraines, hormonal disorders, metabolic disorders, and high blood pressure. And this is just the short list! Many of these diseases are reaching, or are already at epidemic levels, and are continuing to rise despite all of the advances in modern medicine that have been made.

We seem to be overfed, yet we are malnourished, are sick, and have higher rates of chronic disease than most other countries. Although medication may be needed to help control the symptoms associated with disease, they are not fixing the root cause of the problem, and often only drive disease further into our bodies. Many people are often admitted to the hospital because of something that is ultimately linked to their nutritional status, and the alarming part about this is that they leave the hospital even more nutritionally compromised then when they were admitted. How can patients properly heal when they are served jello that contains sugar or artificial sweeteners and white bread?

Luckily, the body is very resilient and has an incredible ability to heal despite all the abuse we sometimes do to it. What can one do to achieve better nutrition? Simply start by returning to a whole foods based diet and begin by incorporating one healthy change at a time. Making lifestyle changes is a process that takes place over time and is often not without struggle and challenges, however, if embraced can ultimately be a process of self discovery and transformation. Quick fixes are not the answer, usually do not work, and if they do work, usually are not permanent. When you begin to eat more whole foods, you will find that you develop a preference for healthy foods. Best of all, you will be connected with and in tune with your nutrition. Eating a nutritious diet facilitates well being and promotes good health, reduces the risk of disease, and provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Hippocrates, referred to as the father of medicine, said it best, �Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.�

In addition, we need to remember that nutrition is not just for the body, but it is also for the mind and spirit. Dietary modification, physical activity, weight reduction, and stress reduction are all necessary components to good health. We also need to be accountable for our own food choices and take back responsibility for our own health. As a clinical nutritionist, I teach people how to weed through nutritional nonsense and achieve better health through nutrition. As part of my practice, I provide my patients with comprehensive nutrition recommendations that are easy to live with, uniquely tailored to each person�s specific biochemical, physiological and genetic makeup, and designed to help bring back a state of balance. Consultations include review and evaluation of dietary intake, personal and family medical history and discussion of goals. The dietary recommendations I make are manageable, simple to incorporate, and can easily be obtained by shopping at local markets. Follow up visits are spent teaching basic facts of good nutrition as well as the connection between diet and health, since knowledge is key to success. In addition to individual nutrition therapy, the following services are also offered: diabetes education classes, nutrition and wellness seminars, nutrition boot camp for high cholesterol, 12 weeks to mindful eating, nutrition 101 for teens, home exercise programs, private cooking lessons, Reiki, crystal light therapy, a lending library, and a free meditation group.

Lisa Zola, MS, MSN, APRN-BC is a board certified nurse practitioner who also holds a master�s degree in nutritional sciences. She is the owner of Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes LLC and the DOC Nutrition Clinic� which are located inside the Nutrition Center at 116 Center Street in downtown Wallingford. For further information please call 203.269.2952 or visit www.tlclisazola.com

Free Dental Clinic,
Free Dental Clinic, March 12 & 13, Middletown
Aetna Building, exit 21 off I-91 South.
No restrictions, free services regardless of income or age.
First come-First Serve, No appointments
FULL Services include x-rays, fillings, extractions, and oral surgery
Sponsored by the CT Dental Association
For more information call toll free 866-539-9372
Or www.csda.com
PERSONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ARRIVE EARLY, 8:00 am START
Volunteers needed too!

The Silent Partner in a Healthy Community: The Wallingford Health Department

Many people don�t realize all the things a local health department does �behind the scenes� to keep you healthy and safe. We�re often called the �silent� partner because when we�re doing our job, know one thinks about us. But if you get sick from something you eat or maybe you got an infection after visiting a nail salon, THEN you call us.

I want to thank Andy Reynolds for the opportunity to tell you who we are; actually it was more like he said �you have until tomorrow, so start writing�. Your local health department has the responsibility of overall protection of the public health. What is Public Health? Public Health is defined as the overall health of a community, including social and mental well being, not merely the absence of disease. OK, so that�s the text book answer, but what do we do?

Our �authority� to ensure your community health is based on law, the CT General Statutes, provides the full scope and authority for the enforcement of both public health statutes and the CT Public Health Code (CT PHC). It is important to note that violations of the CT PHC are deemed criminal misdemeanors. That�s� right, it�s a crime to violate Public Health laws! You don�t have the right to pollute or endanger the public�s health, or you could find yourself before a prosecuting attorney, or as the saying goes �tell it to the judge�.

I won�t bore you with all the regulation and code sections (there are many!), but I will provide you a glimpse of what we do:

Food Service Establishment Inspection, Subsurface Sewage Disposal (aka permitting of septic system), Building Additions, Accessory Structures, Change of Use (if you have a septic system) Private Water Well, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Case Management, Public Swimming Pool Inspection (if you live in a condo with a pool, we inspect it!), Public and Private Schools, General Nuisance and Abatement (garbage, odors, etc.) Rabies Prevention Program, Youth Camp Program inspections, Day Care Center Inspection,, Infectious Disease and Control, Hair and Nail Salons and Barber Shop Inspections, Health Education as it pertains to all services listed and Public Health Preparedness, Mass Dispensing (like the H1N1 vaccine).

We try our best to evaluate all complaints we received in a timely manner. In order to do that, we need actually addresses if you are reporting a problem. Why? It just makes sense. Think about it, how many �yellow house next to the blue house on the right side of the street� are there? We enter the property address into our files and review property ownership BEFORE we even leave the office, so a house number is required. We also need you information or we can�t call you back. Don�t worry, we are not permitted by law to release your name, we don�t want to fuel any neighborly feuds!

Next months I�ll share some humorous stories on �a day in the life of a health inspector�. If you have any questions, give us a call 203-294-2065.

Eloise Hazelwood - Wallingford Director of Health

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Biggest Winners Lose 79.7 Pounds So Far!

The Meriden YMCA is very excited to announce that our Biggest Winner Challenge participants have lost a total of 79.7 pounds at the halfway point of our weight loss challenge! Phylis Balogh, John Benigni, Rose Charpentier, Rich and Theresa Doolittle, Christine Fontaine, Cindy Johnson, Martha Leiva, Linda Mansolf, LeeAnn Rousseau, Tammy Szczepanski, Scott Tenney, and Melissa Visconti have been working very hard since January learning about healthy eating and exercising as part of the Meriden YMCA?s Get Real Weight Management class. The class meets on Monday nights 6:30 to 7:15 at our South Meriden facility at 145 Main Street. You can join the class at anytime and do not have to participate in the contest to attend the class. Workouts, nutrition, guest speakers and healthy cooking demos are all part of this program which is designed for both men and women. The class is free for members and $12 per month for nonmembers. Call Carrie at 235-6386 x18 for more information.

About the Meriden YMCA
Since1866 the Meriden YMCA has helped build strong kids, strong families, and a strong community. The Meriden YMCA is located at 110 West Main Street in Meriden.

Visit us on the web at www.meridenymca.org

What is energy medicine?

I am asked this question all the time. It is difficult to define. Energy medicine is something you need to experience to truly understand it.

In short, energy medicine is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that works to balance the subtle energies of the body. There are many forms of energy medicine � such as Reiki and acupuncture, which are the most commonly known. I practice a form of hands-on touch therapy called the W.I.S.E� Method (Wholistically Integrated Spiritual Energy), acupressure, and Reiki.

The body�s energies are the key to health, vitality, and well-being. When our body�s energy is in balance, we are healthy. But everyday stress, injury or surgery, traumatic events (physical or emotional), self-limiting thoughts and old belief systems are a few things that can disrupt the natural flow of our energy. Stagnant or blocked energy leads to dis-ease in the body, mind and spirit. Energy medicine helps remove blocks and re-establish healthy flow.

Below are popular ways clients find benefit from energy medicine.

Relaxation Session: We all need a break from day-to-day stress. This session is your time to completely relax while your energy is balanced to remove the effects of stress, tension and anxiety (such as headaches, sleeplessness, tense muscles, impaired immune system, lack of focus).

Improved Health/Healing (post surgical, emotional, chronic and acute illness): Energy medicine helps speed recovery from illness, injury and surgery by enhancing specific energy which increases the body�s ability to regenerate and heal itself. Many people who have chronic pain, such arthritis, knee pain, back pain, and fibromyalgia, find relief with energy sessions.

Support of Cancer Patients: There are specific energy healings for pre- and post surgery, operative and inoperative cancer, tumors, chemo and radiation treatments. Cancer patients also benefit from energetic support for the immune system and for the liver to help reduce the effects of medications, chemo, anesthesia.

End-of-Life Transition: Coming to terms with our passing or our loved one's passing is often difficult. Each end-of-life journey is sacred, and each person needs something different to pass on with peace in their heart.

Endocrine System/Hormonal Imbalances: Energy medicine can help balance the endocrine system, which regulates reproduction and other hormones. Energy medicine can also help with other fertility and menstrual issues, such a painful cramps, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis.

Pet Healing and Communication: Any of the healings for humans can be used for animals of any species. Stresses, traumas, surgeries, and even genetic predisposition all contribute to dis-ease in our animal companions. Also, animals are all-to-willing to take on its owner�s stress, tension, anxiety and illness. Animals respond very well to energy medicine. I share with you what I find in your pet�s energy field and body and ways that you can continue to help them on your own..

Energy medicine is a perfect complement to traditional medical care.

For More information: Carrie Purcell, www.carriepurcell.com, 203.623.7386

Healthy Eating 101 � A Monday Night �Refresher�

As part of the spring Monday Night Refresher Series, the Meriden Health Department will be hosting a presentation on healthy eating 101. The presentation will be held on March 15 from 6:00-7:00m at the Meriden Public Library, located at 105 Miller Street.

This program will review easy ways to reduce calorie intake while still enjoying your favorite foods and how to become more �mindful� of the food we eat. Attendees will receive free fast food and every day nutrition guides and healthy snacks will be served.

This event is free and open to the public. To register, please call Lea Crown, Community Health Educator, at 630-4238.

Have You Gotten Your Flu Vaccines Yet?

Flu season isn�t over yet! The Meriden Health Department still has a limited number of seasonal flu shots available. Vaccines will be administered on a first come, first serve basis by appointment at the Clinic office, located at 165 Miller Street.

The cost of the vaccine is $25.00. Medicare Part B will be accepted. Any persons allergic to eggs or any part of the seasonal flu vaccine are not eligible for the vaccination.

The seasonal flu vaccine is only effective against the seasonal flu virus and does not protect against the H1N1 influenza virus. Residents are encouraged to get the H1N1 flu vaccine as well as seasonal flu vaccination. Health Department Clinic staff can help you determine which version on the vaccine (nasal or injectable) you are eligible for depending on your age and health status. There is no charge for the H1N1 flu vaccine.

Please contact the Clinic office at 203-630-4234 for your appointment or if you have any questions. People can also view flu prevention information on the Meriden Health Department's website, www.meridenhealth.com.

Your Meriden Health Department

The Meriden Health Department is committed to the protection and promotion of the physical and environmental well-being of the citizens of Meriden through direct service, wellness promotion and active support of community efforts. Here is a brief description of the services we offer:

Clinic Services (203-630-4234) coordinates immunization services for children and adults, provides a variety of screenings, and is responsible for communicable disease tracking.

Community Health Education (203-630-4238) provides health information to help residents make voluntary health decisions to better improve their health. Smoking cessation services are available by calling 630-4104.

Environmental Health (203-630-4280) inspects and provides licensing to places which prepare and sell food such as restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries. They also investigate nuisance complaints such as rodents, stagnant water, and bulky waste.

HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing (203-630-4176) is available by appointment. Services are confidential. Educational materials are available as well.

The Max E. Muravnick Senior Center (203-630-4273) hosts programs for residents including mini-bus transportation, medical transportation, Meals-on-Wheels and various recreation activities and trips.

Meriden School Readiness (203-630-4236) provides access to affordable preschool programs to Meriden children. All-day or part-day options are available.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness (203-630-4240) works to develop strategies, policies, partnerships and plans to have a comprehensive response to any and all public health emergencies. An Emergency Planning Guide is available for Meriden residents.

School Health (203-630-4237) provides services to Meriden�s public and parochial schools, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Nurses conduct vision, hearing, and scoliosis testing, as well as provide emergency care and first aid to students in need.

Social Services (203-630-4222) provide a variety of services including health insurance counseling, geriatric assessment, and planning an developmental screenings for children 18 months to 4 years of age.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children, 203-630-4245) provides healthy foods and nutrition education to eligible participants, including pregnant women, mothers, and children under the age of 5.

The Youth Services Division (203-630-4225) offers counseling to youth and their families, provides juvenile assistance to youth who commit their first offense, and is a resource for community service opportunities.

Please visit the Meriden Health Department�s website at www.meridenhealth.com for more details on each office, information on public health news and emergencies, and a complete list of all upcoming programs. We value your input � comments and suggestions are always welcome!

Spend Time In Front of the Computer? Save Your Vision!

Did you know that the average adult spends eight and a half hours in front of a computer and/or television screen every day? Our children are not too far behind � they spend an average of 6 hours a day in front of a screen. Add mobile phones and video games to that and the numbers for both adults and children can rise up to 12 hours a day!

The Meriden Health Department, in honor of March being �Save Your Vision� month, would like to remind residents of all ages that this is a perfect time to review how spending long hours in front of a computer screen can have a negative effect on our eye health.

Whether you spend your entire work day on the computer or use it for leisure-time activities such as updating your Facebook status and shopping online, people who sit in front of a computer for long periods of time can experience headaches, neck strain, backaches and wrist pain. The most common symptoms of prolonged computer use are eye strain, blurred vision and dry eye.

Here are some simple tips that will help you protect your eyes while on your computer:

� If possible, decrease your time spent at the computer. Ideally it is best to rest your eyes every 20 minutes if you plan on being in front of the computer for a long period of time. This could be as easy as turning off your monitor and getting up from your desk.
� Rearrange your desk so that your monitor is below eye level, about 20 to 28 inches away from your face. Cut the glare by changing your lighting or rearranging your desk to cut down the glare from a window.
� Be kind to your eyes - wear glasses that are designed for the computer, blink forcefully and often to keep your eyes moist, and apply eye drops to your eyes to reduce dry eye if needed.
� Change your computer settings to best fit your eye vision. Increase the font size and brightness of the screen if needed.

You only have one set of eyes � take care of them! These tips can help to reduce eye problems and ensure more comfortable and enjoyable computer use. Contact your eye doctor for more information.

Sources: American Optometric Association, WebMD. Article written by Theresa Holda, Intern, Meriden Health Department
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The Meriden Firefighters� Local 1148 would like to remind everyone of the danger of using extension cords.

Extension Cord Don�ts
Do NOT use as permanent wiring
Do NOT use unapproved extension cords
Do NOT overload power capabilities of the cord during temporary use
Do NOT plug in multiple extension cords into one another
Do NOT use one surge protector/power strip to power another

Basic Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Extension Cords
Cords must be properly approved (by Underwriters Laboratory, etc.)
Approved cords must be for temporary use only
Extension cords may be used for remodeling and maintenance or repair of structures or equipment
It is permissible to use extension cords to light holiday decorations

___________________________________________________________________________________

Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council -MAWSAC

5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford
203-294-3591 mawac@aol.com
www.mawsac.org

Alcohol, tobacco, gambling and drugs are tough subjects to talk about and even tougher when they become problems in your life or in the lives of those you love. MAWSAC is a local prevention council that works with volunteer community members and organizations to bring information, education and access to treatment for anyone who requests help. Whether it is speaking to students and parents, participating in a health fair, or helping a family find a treatment facility, members of the Council are committed to helping our community become healthier and make informed decisions. Programs include Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies (B.A.B.E.S.) an in-school puppet program for first graders: �Soy Unica! �Soy Latina! for middle school girls and moms: the holiday Parranda: Teen Awareness cards: information resource library: TIPS training for alcohol servers: and a drug prevention website.

More information is as easy as picking up the phone or checking the MAWSAC website.

Combating the abuse of alcohol and drugs is more than �just say no!�

Phase One of MidState Medical Center�s New Emergency Department and Building Expansion Project Complete

MidState Medical Center is pleased to announce that the first phase of its $45 million expansion project is complete. With a new Emergency Department that has increased from 10,200 square feet to 23,300 square feet, new main entrance and lobby area, and additional inpatient unit, the project as a whole will add approximately 100,000 square feet of space to the hospital by September.

The new Emergency Department (ED) has been designed to provide patients with greater convenience and comfort, delivering quality, patient-focused service that allows for the most optimal patient experience. Additionally, the state-of-the-art design and technological capabilities provide clinical staff with a more efficient working environment to care for patients.

Enhanced features of the new ED include all private treatment spaces, an 11-bed Assessment Unit, private Behavioral Health Unit, and a dedicated and centrally located Radiology suite.

As the hospital moves into phase two of construction, the existing ED will be renovated and connected to the new department. After phase two of the project is complete in September, a full capacity of 53 treatment spaces will be available for patients needing care.

In addition, MidState�s new main entrance showcases a covered patient drop-off area and impressive lobby with a soothing water feature. Our newest inpatient unit, Pavilion E, adds 14 beds for increased patient care.

During the immediate transitional phase, additional Security officers and Volunteers will be on hand to direct patients and visitors.

The expansion of the hospital�s physical capacity, as well as the additional services offered, are evidence of MidState�s continued commitment to provide the community with the highest standards of care.

###

About MidState Medical Center

In quarterly patient satisfaction surveys, MidState consistently rates among the top hospitals in Connecticut and the nation. Conveniently located just minutes off Rte. 691 in Meriden, CT, MidState offers free and safe parking, as well as private inpatient rooms. Services include general surgery, emergency medicine, MidState Medical Group Walk-in Centers for urgent care needs, and state-of-the-art care in centers dedicated to Cancer Care, Family Birthing, Balance & Hearing, Digestive Health, Pain Management, and Cardiac Care. Outpatient services conveniently offered at 61 Pomeroy Avenue include the Diabetes Center & Outpatient Nutrition Counseling, Sleep Care Center, Infectious Disease & Travel Clinic, Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine and Weight Management Program. MidState Medical Center is a member of Hartford Healthcare, a large, diversified health care system throughout Connecticut.

Excellence in Care. And caring.

For information, call 203-694-8200, or visit www.midstatemedical.org.

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WE CARE Family Outreach Activities - Wallingford

WE CARE is beginning its spring 2010 activities with more playgroups and workshops. The playgroups are free and available to residents of Wallingford. Since the beginning of the WE CARE council {Wallingford Early Childhood Alliance Resource and Education] in 2002 thanks to a Discovery grant from the William Casper Graustein Memorial Fund of Hamden, CT the group has worked to improve the quality of early childhood programs in the community so that the overall well-being of each child would be enhanced.

The work has underscored the importance of the relationship between parents and children. Parents are the first and most important teacher in a child�s life. The playgroups that are offered underscore the importance of play and illustrate the key role of literacy in development. There are two playgroup opportunities offered by the WE CARE Council: the Playful Cruisers is offered at the WE CARE Family Resource Center in the Youth and Social Services department at 6 Fairfield Blvd {203-284-4019] several mornings each week. In addition Playful Cruisers is also offered one morning at the Wallingford Community Day Care Center, 80 Wharton Brook Drive. The second playgroup is Bebes Activos and is offered for the Spanish community. These sessions are held both at the Family Resource Center and at the Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club, 72 Grand Street. Play is the way children learn and it is one of the best ways for them to prepare for kindergarten. For more information call the WE CARE office: 203-284-4019.

WE CARE will also launch its parent and teacher educational workshops again this spring. The programs are designed to help parents understand the development needs of their preschool child and to participate fully in this development. It is hard work but it is also fun and very rewarding. Some of the workshops are offered for the professional preschool teachers in the community. Wallingford is fortunate to have 24 licensed child care centers and 36 licensed home care providers Each of these units have staff members committed to the goal of providing quality care and learning to preschool children. School readiness is not just a catch phrase but a meaningful description for the work needed to prepare a child for kindergarten. Some of the topics being offered this Spring 2010 [all details can be found in the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Spring 2010 brochure] include: Yoga for babies and parents; Early speech development; Behavior issues for preschoolers; Birth-to-Three programs for families. For more information you can call the Family Resource Center at 203-284-4019

WE CARE is always looking for parents who want to volunteer in the ongoing work of the council. Every parent can make a big difference in the success of his/her own child.

The time to start begins a birth and it never ends. The place to start if with friends and neighbors in the community. WE CARE invites you all to come and play with us.

Roberta Clouet
Project Coordinator
WE CARE
A Discovery Project
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Stroke Recovery� A Growing Short-Term Rehabilitation Market in our Community.

Over the past four years, Water�s Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation, located at 111 Church Street in Middletown, has implemented new programs and made changes to coincide with the evolving needs of the aging community in greater Middletown.

The �Passport Rehabilitation� program has been specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals requiring a short-term rehabilitative stay following hospitalization or an acute medical episode. While on their short-term �journey� with us, residents can take full advantage of the amenities and services the facility offers.

One of the niche markets in the community is for Stroke Recovery. Why? Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and in the last decade there has been rapid progress in the treatment and rehabilitation of stroke patients. Our therapists work closely with our interdisciplinary team to develop appropriate personalized care plans. According to administrator Lew Abramson, �our program uses advanced rehabilitative techniques that increases strength and mobility for optimal functional recovery after stroke. Rehabilitation is also offered 7 days a week so that patients can get the most benefit during their stay, recover quickly, and return home as soon as possible.�

In addition to 24 hour nursing care, residents in our stroke recovery program will receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy to assist with weakness or sensation loss on one side of the body, shoulder pain or muscle or joint tightness, and the inability to walk, talk or eat independently. Staff therapists work with residents up to seven days a week to assist with a variety of daily activities to improve quality of life. In addition to strengthening exercises, ultrasound and electromagnetic equipment is used by our staff to help decrease pain and loosen tight joints. Our therapy department is trained to utilize Accelerated Core Plus Programs to address a variety of stroke needs such as muscular weakness, sensory deficiency, and low muscle tone.

The short-term rehabilitation unit consists of a dedicated floor and a spacious rehabilitation gymnasium for those residents admitted for short-term intensive rehabilitation. The high number of residents discharged home following short-term rehabilitation is indicative of the commitment and dedication of the facilities specially trained staff.

Water�s Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation also provides other short-term rehab programs including wound care management, pulmonary rehabilitation and orthopedic recovery following surgery and hospitalization. After completing a major renovation to the building three years ago, the facility is also proud to offer an innovative, spacious, and nurturing dementia unit.

For more information on our services, please contact admissions at 860.347.7286 or visit our website at www.watersedgerehab.com.

March is upon us
Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom

March is upon us and that means that the birds chirp a little louder and the sun starts to shine a little brighter. Spring has a way of making me itch and I'm not talking about the winter dry kind that you scratch. This kind of itch will get under your fingernails and you'll be in serious need of a manicure, but dirt will do that.

I like to garden. It's fun, relaxing, and can keep the kids busy for hours. Gardening can also do one more thing that most people are not aware of, it can help you stay in shape. Yes, gardening, according to that crazy "Garden Guy" on HGTV's "Gardening by the Yard", is like a workout at a gym.

Some people who have raked a few leaves or tilled their own soil are probably rolling their eyes as if to say, hey, Kim, you are stating the obvious. Gardening is a lot of work, but it's mostly back breaking, it's no trip to the yoga studio.

I must say that I've done a little deep breathing with some of my gardening workouts, but most of that was due to my brother's dog digging up some freshly planted mums. All kidding aside, you really can stay in shape while taking care of your "garden by the yard". Gardening contains all three types of exercise, which are, endurance, flexibility, and strength, granted it's in the disguise of pruning, weeding, digging, and raking, but it is exercise none the less.

Gardening has heavy and light duties to it and you can alternate which type you are doing. As with any activity, including exercise, don�t overdo it. Jeff Restuccio, author of "Fitness the Dynamic Gardening Way", suggests 30-60 minute time limits, regardless as to whether or not all of your plant holes are dug.

In an article on WebMD entitled, Get Fit by Gardening, Restuccio goes further in saying that one should focus on deep breathing and exaggerated movements to get a good workout. Apparently Mr. Miyagi isn't the only one who can find great benefits in every day chores.

Some of you still might be rolling your eyes at all of this, thinking that gardening is more of a chore rather than something fun to do. That might be why State Garden Clubs and thousands of "Aerobic Gardeners" across America are making a statement on Monday, June 6, 2010 and calling it National Gardening Exercise Day. They want people to substitute the phrase "yard work" with "yard exercise" in hopes that people start to enjoy the outside a little more and get fit while doing it.

Plants are amazing living things that can brighten anyone's day, regardless as to whether or not you are the one that planted it. The gift of flowers seems to be a common site for any patient in the hospital. And some people like Sharon Lovejoy, author of "Country Living Gardener: A Blessing of Toads", point to studies that found a link between ADHD and > insufficient time outdoors.

These findings are interesting, however, studies are just that, and this information is inconclusive from what I can see. What is common knowledge, however, is that vitamin K is easy to absorb through the body from sunlight. The amount of time needed depends upon your skin, but the least amount is 15 minutes. And a sunblock is always a good idea.

So with that, I hope all of you get out there this spring and enjoy some gardening exercise. I also hope you can take a garden walk and try a little bird watching to catch some vitamin K rays. Happy Spring and Happy Health!__________________________________________________________________________________

Being Smart About Your Pets Health
By: Lori Peck, Meriden Humane Society

Believe it or not Spring is around the corner and with it bringing all of the pesky creatures that disrupt our pets lives. So, wouldn't it be a good idea to bring your pet in for an annual exam and stock up on your flea/tick and heartworm preventatives ahead of time. Your pet is a part of the family and deserves to have their health a priority as well.

Unfortunately, our four legged friends can't always let us know when something hurts or is bothering them, so they rely on us to take care of them. Not only do they need us to feed them, give them attention and walk them, they need us to take care of their health as well. We can do this by not only bringing our pets to the veterinarian for their shots when they need them, but by bringing them in for an annual checkup as well. Your veterinarian can check the animal�s ears, teeth, heart and many other things that we as pet owners wouldn't know what to look for. This way if something is wrong, the animal can get it treated early and not have to go through anything worse later.

Cats and kittens can start getting a flea treatment at 8 weeks and older and puppies about 7 weeks and older. But please consult your veterinarian first if you have any questions.

We can also help our pets by cleaning their bowls regularly, so that mold and germs do not build up in them. Keeping their beds vacuumed and cleaned, cleaning their litter boxes, kennels, cages and by keeping the yard free from unnecessary debris can also be helpful.

As the warm weather approaches, please remember that you may need to to get your pet to the groomer, so they can trim his coat and nails. Making sure your pet has fresh cool water and isn't overheated is very important, so please check on this as well.

If you can do these simple things for your pet�s health, then you should have a happy, healthy pet. Of course if your pet needs special care, please follow up with this as suggested by your veterinarian.
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AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION DIABETES EXPO COMES TO TOWN

Bringing the most comprehensive array of diabetes-related products,
Services and information available under one roof

On April 17, 2010 the American Diabetes Association (ADA) will once again host the Diabetes EXPO, an annual, one-day event showcasing the latest products and services for people with diabetes. This highly interactive event includes activities for people of all ages - including a fun Kids Corner with exciting activities and information for children with diabetes and their families. The Diabetes EXPO provides the public with a unique opportunity to talk with health care experts and obtain important medical and nutrition information.

"If you or a loved one has diabetes -- or is at high risk of developing diabetes -- Diabetes EXPO provides a fun, relaxed environment to learn a great deal about the important aspects of prevention and management of diabetes and its serious complications," said Donald Zettervall, RPH, EXPO Chair. �The Diabetes EXPO is for all people affected by diabetes as well as anyone interested in healthy eating and active living.�

Nearly 24 million adults and children in the U.S. � including over 240,000 in Connecticut � and an additional 57 million have pre-diabetes. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to manage the disease and lower the risk of complications. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes is critical. Unfortunately, many people living with diabetes do not even know it.

Over 50 exhibitors are participating in the Diabetes EXPO, which will be held Saturday, April 17th, 10am � 3pm, at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford. Stop by the ADA Experience and learn about local programs and events, advocacy activities and research being conducted in your community. Come participate in interactive cooking demonstrations, visit our health screening area, enjoy informative lectures, meet Chef Michel Nischan, visit the vendors, and speak personally with health care professionals.

The ADA thanks our local media sponsors for promoting this event: NBC Connecticut 30, WRCH 100.5FM radio, Identidad Latina, Northend Agents and Univision.

For more information about diabetes and the Diabetes EXPO, contact your local office at (203) 639-0385 x3532, or 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org/expohartford.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities.

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How to �Reset Your Metabolism� forever.

As we age your metabolism slows down; because of that the aging process begins with your hair, skin & body function including unstable sugar levels high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and most importantly unhealthy and dangerous weight gain.

Dr. Donald Layman, the father of metabolism with over 90 peer papers and studies helped develop a patented system called Metaboliq.

It is based on the concept of macrobalance�eating the right proportions of high-quality proteins, smart carbohydrates and intelligent portions of friendly fats. Getting these portions correctly balanced will forever stabilize your blood sugar, reduce typical energy crashes, eliminate cravings and halt hunger pangs.**

Your body is an amazing bio-machine that requires fuel to run. Although it has the ability to extract energy from a large variety of foods or �fuels,� the diet choices you make have a major impact on how well your body operates. Unfortunately, most of us are working against ourselves by relying far too much on foods high in carbohydrates, which do allow our bodies to survive, but not thrive in a healthy manner. Our bodies are not designed for carbohydrates to be a primary source of fuel in the long-term.
In fact, carbohydrate-rich diets have some significant unintended negative health consequences:

� They often create a hyper-insulin response leading to large blood sugar fluctuations�creating cravings, crashes and hypoglycemia.

� They cause our bodies to store fat continuously.

� They increase inflammatory conditions that lead to chronic health diseases.

� They may lead to syndrome X and early diabetes, and that�s just the beginning.

Your body�s ideal macrobalance blend�the vital balance of carbs, fats and proteins create and maintain your best health. Using the principles of Dr. Layman�s findings, the right system will help you rapidly achieve your macrobalance requirements and ultimately allow your body to rapidly re-establish its healthy baseline, reset your internal metabolic program and restart your physiological functioning.

While it�s not just about weight loss, it�s absolutely critical you lose the right weight�weight from fat and not from active tissues like muscles or organs. Many programs achieve dramatic weight loss, but it�s not healthy or sustainable. Often times dramatic weight loss is simply water weight or even muscle deterioration. The Metaboliq system is about improving your body�s ability to function and achieve optimal health. Weight loss will occur, but many other aspects of your health will also improve.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and is a critical component to your success in the system. Most people get this meal wrong by eating too many carbs. It�s important to remember that your food choices each morning will determine if your body will store or burn fat. In addition, your breakfast choices help determine whether you�ll feel hungry or satisfied, tired or energized. Even if you�re on the go, you can still get the nutrients and fuel your body needs to energize itself.

There is more to weight loss than losing weight.
The most important meal of the day (breakfast) sets the tone for the rest of the day. When the body is satisfied and functioning at optimum levels, it will give you the energy to perform your daily tasks and enhance brain function as well.

Learn to train your body to burn fat.

Breakfast can start the day at almost any time, but the first meal determines the timing for all other meals. Eating regularly keeps your metabolism going and gives you the energy you need, while preventing you from over-indulging at any one meal.

Fluids are an important part of weight control, and water is always the best choice. All other fluids must be used carefully. Often the body confuses the signals for hunger with the signals for thirst. This can lead to eating excess calories when really your body wants fluids. Likewise, the body often mistakes fluids like soda, juice and coffee for food, which stimulates the processes of digestion. If you drink these fluids at non- meal times, you will likely become hungry within 30 to 45 minutes. This often leads to snacking and additional unwanted calories.

Drinks like coffee and soda (sugar-free or not) should be restricted to 30 minutes before or after meals. Do not have coffee or a soda for a mid-morning pick-me-up. It will make you hungry. You may ask, �But what about my morning coffee or tea?� That first mug of coffee is something you will have to decide for yourself. It is strongly recommend you eliminate soda because of the sweet taste, and limit yourself to tea or coffee during weight loss. Again, whatever you choose to drink besides water should be restricted to 30 minutes before or after meals, never earlier or later.

Physical activity is an essential part of your daily routine. Remember to walk and stretch every day. The key to exercise is consistent daily participation. Exercise is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle, so make the commitment to establish time each day to do some physical activity. The good news is every little bit helps. Thirty minutes each day can have a big impact on your long-term goals. Taking three 10 minute walks is the same as a half hour walk and will make the same impact on your overall health benefits.Ten minutes of stretching in the morning and a couple of 10 minute walks will work as well. Remember, a lifetime of good health is always worth the investment of time and effort. Exercise is an essential ingredient for anti-aging and pain-free living.

It is never too late to make a commitment to your good health.
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Coffee and Conversation Program Back for 2010!

Join us for Coffee and Conversation on Monday, March 29 from 1:00-2:00pm in the first floor conference room at the Meriden Senior Center. This month�s program will be an �ode to spring� featuring spring poetry readings by prominent local authors Ruth Kahn and John Kenney. Coffee and refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Coffee and Conversation programs are jointly sponsored by the Center for Successful Aging and MidState�s LaPlanche Clinic, and are held once a month at the Senior Center. Call 203-630-4222 to RSVP or for more information.

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Carol Carbutti, The Owner Of Comfort Keepers In Wallingford, CT Believes These Six Keys To Regular Exercise Will Benefit Our At Home Elderly Seniors While Promoting A Healthy Aging Lifestyle

The benefits of being physically fit for in home healthy aging retirees are so numerous that it makes no sense not to encourage them to develop a reasonable level of fitness. As our baby boomer parents and retired grandparents age, keeping fit can become more of a challenge, but the benefits are even more numerous and rewarding. Here are six keys that every senior and their private caregiver should keep in mind as they are pursuing a fitness program:

1. Frequency � How often your elderly senior parents exercise is an important factor in a successful fitness program. Family caregivers and companions need to remind their senior parents who are pursuing a health related fitness program that they do not have to exercise all that often. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) says that excellent results can be achieved by aging seniors with 2 sessions per week of strength training and at least 3 days a week of aerobic exercise (walking, etc.).

2. Intensity � How hard your healthy aging parents push themselves is also important. Seniors looking for in home health related fitness don�t have to push too hard. For aerobic exercise your elderly mom or dad should aim to work at a heart rate of about 60 -70% of their target heart rate (220 minus their age). Strength training requires enough weight to challenge an at home senior clients muscles, but not so much that it makes them really uncomfortable. The �no pain, no gain� mentality is definitely not necessary for good results.

3. Duration � This refers to how long an elderly client�s exercise session lasts. For good health, the requirements are very reasonable. A good target for aerobic exercise is 30 minutes per day. A caregiver can encourage sessions of as little as 10 minutes and build up to 3 times a day. Following this healthy routine proves to create sufficient results. For strength training, duration is not too important. It�s more important that homecare family members to observe and make sure their senior mom or dad�s routine covers a variety of exercises that target all of your major muscle groups.

4. Stretching � As our retirees get older, most of them lose some of the flexibility in their joints. Regaining as much of this flexibility as our elderly seniors can is extremely beneficial. For our homebound and respite care clients I recommend that they try to do some stretching exercises every day. Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference.

5. Warm-up � Everyone including our active senior citizens should include at least a few minutes of warm-ups before they start their regular exercises. The goal of a simple warm-up is to simply loosen up the muscles which they are about to use and get some extra blood flowing. For strength training a warm-up might include a set of exercises with little or no weight. For aerobic exercise, have your elderly parents start their exercise at a slower rate at the beginning then gradually pick up the pace, you will find that this method works well. A warm-up before stretching is also a good idea. Just a few calisthenics can safely and gently move the joints for our aging parents.

6. Cool Down � This is overlooked by many healthy aging seniors. The principle is pretty much the opposite of a warm-up. When your senior parent is done exercising, they need to gradually slow down their movements for a few minutes to bring the body back to a more normal level. Caregivers should make sure their senior clients continue by slowing down their movements to bring their heart rate back down to a more normal level before they stop completely.

Using these keys will help our retired seniors to develop an exercise program that is both beneficial and easy for them to follow. Your in home elderly parents will feel the results in a few short months. This will make their effort well worth it. Keep in mind that an exercise program to improve their senior health is something they must plan on doing the rest of their life. Family Caregivers and private home aids need to remind their clients continuously that their effort to achieve a happy and healthy lifestyle is worth the time.

I know that some family caregivers do not have the extra time in their busy schedule to encourage this kind of physical activity, so you may want to ask some of your relatives and close friends to help out. Another option to look into would be to hire an in home non medical caregiver and companion for a few hours a week to perform some household duties, run errands and encourage activities with healthy interaction. You can find important information about our company by going to www.comfortkeepers.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!

Keep Kids Healthy As Winter Gives Way to Spring

When days get longer and the weather begins to warm up, it's a sure sign that spring is around the corner. After months of cold temperatures and gray skies, just about everyone looks forward to spending time outdoors taking in the sights, sounds and scents of the season. But with temperatures rising and flowers, trees and grasses beginning to bloom, it's also time to protect kids from seasonal allergies and sun exposure.

Here are some tips for keeping kids healthy all spring long.

* Look out for signs of seasonal allergies. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common problem in both infants and children. Common symptoms include repeated sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose with clear drainage or congestion, itchy eyes and nose, throat clearing, sore throat, and/or a cough that tends to worsen at night and in the morning. Kids with seasonal allergies also tend to breathe through their mouth a lot and may have dark circles under their eyes.

* Limit kids' exposure to common allergens. While it's impossible to keeps kids clear of all outdoor allergens, there are some common-sense steps that can help minimize their impact, such as keeping kids indoors and closing windows in the early morning when the spring tree pollen count is highest, not hanging clothes outside to dry and bathing kids at bedtime to help minimize nighttime allergies.

* Protect skin from the damaging effects of spring sun. After being indoors for much of the winter, kids are eager to spend as much time outdoors as possible. To protect their skin during the spring months, break out the sunscreen and their favorite hats. When choosing a sunscreen for a baby, toddler or young child, look for a product that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with a minimum SPF of between 15 and 30. Also consider a product that is water resistant and one that is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance.

* Don't forget about eye protection. The lenses of children's eyes are extremely sensitive. Just as taking care of kids' skin can help prevent skin cancer in adulthood, eye protection can protect kids' eyes from developing certain conditions, like cataracts and macular degeneration, later in life. Everyone, including kids, should wear sunglasses year-round, but especially during spring and summer. Make sure to choose sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection. Hats with brims large enough to shade the eyes, while not as effective as sunglasses, also offer moderate protection from the sun.

Spring is Ideal Time to Get Moving
After hibernating in your den or on your couch all winter, let those first warm breezes of spring be a call to action. There's no better time of year to stretch your mind and muscles -- and launch an exercise routine that will take you through the summer and into the fall. The key to developing a fitness routine that will help you reach your health and weight goals is simpler than you may have thought. There are only two firm rules: Keep it simple and keep it up. Simplicity is key Often, the hardest part of an exercise program is getting started -- particularly after a long and sedentary winter. So priority number one is to simply get moving by setting aside 20 minutes every day for some kind of physical activity. Spring days are great times to take a walk, go for a bike ride in the neighborhood or rake those leftover leaves from your lawn. If there's still a bit of winter in the air, stay inside and dance to your favorite tunes or do some chores to fast-paced music. Mopping, vacuuming, dusting can be good exercise if you do them continuously and at a moderately fast pace. The important thing is to keep yourself moving for 20 minutes. The following week, add an additional 10 minutes and change up your activities. After two weeks, you will have developed the habit of taking time to move, which is essential to making any exercise routine stick.

Consistency gets results The bottom line is this: Once you are in the habit of exercising, it's much more likely that you will stay with it. What you do during your exercise time isn't nearly as important as simply doing it -- and making it fun. If exercising outdoors with friends will help keep you moving on a regular basis, build an exercise routine that includes walking with others a few times each week. If it's solitude you seek, search out two or three walking routes that are quiet and serene. Building in variety is another key to keep your exercise plan going strong. Ask for help Building new habits is hard, and you don't have to do it alone. There are fitness resources galore both in your public library and on the Internet. It's also a good idea to consult your physician for any exercise tips or suggestions.

Spring Is Here and So Is Allergy Season
Spring is synonymous with many things. The return of baseball. The smell of freshly cut grass. Warmer weather. While many things we associate with spring give us good feelings, the dreaded return of allergy season is another thing that comes to mind when thoughts turn to spring. Sniffles, sneezing and general discomfort are all too common even for those with relatively mild allergies. Though allergies might be a nuisance, they don't necessarily have to be much more than that.

What Is an Allergy? An allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system that occurs when the immune system reacts to a usually harmless substance present in the environment. The substance is known as an allergen and, upon exposure, the body feels this substance is dangerous, releasing chemicals like histamine to protect itself. That release can result in sneezing, red and itchy eyes, rashes, or a runny nose, among other things. The body's response is an allergic reaction. One very different allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening response that requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a whole-body reaction, one that can include hives and itching all over the body, wheezing or shortness of breath, tightness or hoarseness in the throat, and even tingling feelings in the hands, lips, feet, or scalp.

What Might I Be Allergic To? A visit to the local allergist is always a good idea to determine what you might be allergic to. But keep in mind some of the more common things both kids and adults are allergic to:- dust mites- feathers- pollen- dairy- pet dander While things like pet dander and dairy aren't exclusive to spring, dust and pollen tend to be more prevalent and problematic throughout the spring season.

Won't I Outgrow My Allergy? According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, ongoing research indicates that food allergies are persisting longer into childhood. One study highlighted in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in late 2007 followed the progress of more than 800 children with milk allergy. In that study, only 1 out of 5 children outgrew milk allergy by age 4, and less than 50 percent had outgrown milk allergy by age 8. By age 16, nearly 80 percent had outgrown milk allergy. While this might be encouraging for parents of children with milk allergies, no two allergies are the same. Peanut allergy, for instance, does not necessarily disappear or weaken as a person gets older. So while it appears possible to outgrown an allergy, it's certainly not a guarantee, and those diagnosed with a given allergy should continue to consult with their physician.

What Triggers My Allergy? A host of preventable factors can trigger an allergy. * Pets. Those with an allergy to pet dander can avoid visiting friends or family members with pets. If that's not an option or if you have pets of your own, keep them out of the bedroom or off the furniture. * Dust. Dust allergies are common, and the best way to combat them is to keep a clean house. Place pillows in the dryer, wash sheets in hot water, use dust mite covers on mattresses and furniture, and vacuum regularly. Sweeping might help pick up random debris, but it's not effective on its own when fighting dust, as it will simply move the dust around the room. * Mold.

Many people are allergic to mold, and one can prevent exposure to this allergen by using a dehumidifier in damp areas, such as the basement, and running the bathroom or shower fan for up to 15 minutes after bathing. To learn more, visit the Allergy & Asthma Network at www.aanma.org.

Sleep Apnea Is Serious
Many people who think they simply have a snoring problem may actually be suffering from sleep apnea -- and ceasing to breathe hundreds of times per night.

Sleep apnea is a common condition that often goes undiagnosed unless a bed partner alerts a sufferer of the condition. It is one in which a person has one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while he or she sleeps. Greek for "without breath," apnea is usually chronic, occurring three or more times per week.

According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep apnea affects more than 12 million Americans. Sleep apnea sufferers generally feel tired and poorly rested during the day. This is because the person moves out of deep sleep into shallow sleep when breathing becomes compromised. With each apnea occurrence, the brain briefly arouses the person so he or she can resume breathing, but sleep is extremely fragmented. Therefore, a quality sleep is not achieved.

Sleep apnea may be obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, or mixed. OSA is when the airways become blocked or have collapsed during sleep. This type of apnea may be accompanied by snoring. That is because when you try to breathe, any air that squeezes past the blockage can cause loud snoring. Central sleep apnea is when the brain does not trigger the body to breathe correctly. It is much less common and doesn't usually have snoring associated with it. Mixed is a combination of the two.

Sleep apnea can contribute to or cause a number of conditions. High blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, headaches, and even death can all be the result of apnea.

Also, extreme daytime drowsiness may lead to poor performance at work, automobile accidents or other conditions from sleep deprivation. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be easily treated once it is diagnosed. The key is to have it properly diagnosed. As mentioned, it can be overlooked if a doctor is not alerted to the condition by someone who has witnessed the cessation of breathing at night.
When to See a Doctor * You snore loudly enough to wake others. * You awaken in the morning with a dry mouth and sore throat. * You repeatedly feel tired during the day despite a full night's sleep. * You have trouble staying asleep. * You frequently experience morning headaches. * Someone has witnessed your shortness of breath at night.

Cervical Cancer Screening and Information

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women. In the United States alone, it is estimated there were 11,270 new cases of cervical cancer in 2009 and 4,070 deaths from the disease. The two groups of women with the highest rates of cervical cancer are those from ages 35 to 39 and those from ages 60 to 64.

Early detection is the key to treatment and survival. Understanding HPV Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix, or the organ that connects the uterus to the vagina. It is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which up until recently was a little-known virus. It has since become a household name. This is a sexually transmitted virus that affects the mucous membranes in humans. HPV is spread through sexual skin-to-skin contact. Penetration is not necessary to spread the virus.

Men and women can be affected by HPV, and there are different strains. HPV that causes genital warts won't necessarily contribute to cervical cancer.

PAP Tests The only way to prevent HPV is to abstain from sexual contact. In recent years a vaccine has been approved for the prevention of HPV. Early detection of cervical cancer is also essential. This is obtained through a PAP test. The incidence of cervical cancer has decreased in developed countries around the world because of an increase in the use of screenings and appropriate follow-up treatment. The PAP test or PAP smear is named after Dr. George Papanicolaou who first developed the test. A sample of cervical cells are taken and observed under a microscope. A woman can have HPV for years and not know it. It stays in the body and can lead to cervical cancer years after infection. There are often no symptoms of HPV or cervical cancer, therefore PAPs are the single best way to detect it. If there are any symptoms, they may include unexplained bleeding or pain.

Treatment If cervical cancer is caught early, it can usually be treated successfully. A woman may still be able to have children even after the cancer is caught early enough. However, most treatments for cervical cancer make a woman unable to have children afterward. Depending on the stage of cancer treatments may include: * Cone biopsy to remove the cancer * Simple hysterectomy to remove the uterus and cervix * Hysterectomy and removal of pelvic lymph nodes with or without removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes * Radiation therapy, using high-dose X-rays or implants in the vaginal cavity to kill cancer cells * ChemotherapyRegular pelvic examinations and PAP tests can save a woman's life and prevent cervical cancer from developing. Women with any unusual symptoms should not hesitate to speak with their doctor.

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!

Making Oral Care Fun for Kids Year-Round

Children's oral care is something many parents are concerned about year-round, but there are also several times during the year when oral care is especially important. For example, Halloween, the winter holidays, Valentine's Day and Easter are all large candy-eating times in the year, making it essential to take the time now to teach children the importance of maintaining good oral health.

"Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, so it's important to teach children effective tooth brushing habits, especially around the holidays, when children are typically consuming more sweets than usual," says dentist and mom Dr. Jennifer Salzer. Oral care isn't usually a top priority for children and teeth cleaning may even be considered a chore to kids, which is why it is so important for parents to get involved and teach children the importance of proper oral care early on in their children's lives.

To make oral care more fun for children, Dr. Salzer offers some of her best tips: * Parents should brush their teeth with their child to set a good example. It also helps children to learn by watching and imitating their parent. * Sing your child's favorite song, like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," or play a song from their favorite singer for the two minutes while they are brushing their teeth. * Give your child a toothbrush that is designed to appeal to a toddler who is learning to brush and whose baby teeth are growing in, like Oral-B Stages 2, which is designed to effectively reach all teeth, with its narrow head, simple bristle pattern and

Power Tip. - For younger children, when their first teeth begin to appear, parents should brush teeth using a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush with a cushioned head to help protect babies' tender gums, like Oral-B Stage 1 toothbrush. * It's important that children two and older use fluoridated toothpaste to help prevent decay as their teeth continue to develop.

A Guide to Heart Disease
"Heart disease" is a broad term used to describe a number of ailments affecting the heart. When most people think of heart disease, they typically call to mind heart attacks. However, there are a number of conditions that can affect the heart.

Understanding them is key to preventing further complications down the line. Here is a listing of common heart conditions, symptoms and treatment.

Angina: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs in and around the heart when the muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It can be brought on by stress, exertion, emotion, extreme cold, or be a symptom of a deeper problem such as clogged arteries. There are three types of angina: stable, unstable, and variant. Stable angina follows a pattern and is generally the most common. Unstable angina doesn't follow a pattern. Variant angina occurs while you're at rest and is rare. Angina may be treated with rest and medicine. All heart pain should be checked by a doctor to see if it's a sign of something deeper.

Aneurysm: An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. Depending on where the aneurysm occurs (brain, aorta or abdomen, for example) there may be no pain or bulging. Aneurysms are serious, and if not caught early and treated, can lead to death.

Arteriosclerosis: This is any hardening or loss of elasticity of medium and large arteries, generally as a result of hypertension. The most common sites for arteriosclerosis are arteries in the brain, kidneys, heart, abdominal aorta, or legs. Symptoms of arteriosclerosis vary according to which arteries are affected. Risk factors for arteriosclerosis include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, stress, and diabetes.

Atherosclerosis: This is a condition when fatty material collects in the arterial walls. It can harden over time, causing calcium deposits and restriction of blood flow. Avoiding fatty, high cholesterol foods, exercising regularly, and getting routine checkups at the doctor are all ways to head off atherosclerosis at the pass.

Heart attack: Also known as cardiac arrest, this is the culmination of many heart conditions, such as angina, arteriosclerosis, and atherosclerosis. It occurs when blood and oxygen are not able to reach the heart. According to the American Heart Association, signs of cardiac arrest can include: 1. Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. 2. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. 3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. 4. Other signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

High cholesterol: High cholesterol can be a factor in a number of heart conditions. Therefore it is desirable to keep cholesterol levels low. Cholesterol is measured as Total cholesterol, HDL (the good cholesterol)and LDL (the bad cholesterol). Total cholesterol under 200 mg/DL is optimal. Less than 100 mg/DL of LDL and HDL levels of 60 mg/DL or more are desirable.

Hypertension: This is a term used to describe high blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in two readings, the systolic pressure, or the pressure created when the heart beats, and the diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the heart when it is at rest. Blood pressure higher than 120 over 80 is considered high and should be monitored. How much water and salt you have in your body; the condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels; and the levels of different body hormones can all cause hypertension. A change in diet or medication may be needed to control blood pressure.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD):PAD is when insufficient blood flow reaches the arteries that supply the limbs. Pain or immobility may occur due to lack of blood to meet demand. Generally PAD is a sign that atherosclerosis is taking place and medical intervention should be taken.

Stroke: This is an interruption of blood supply to any part of the brain. It can come on suddenly or display symptoms over time. Changes in alertness, sleepiness, trouble speaking, loss of coordination, trouble moving limbs, and many other symptoms can be indicative of stroke. A stroke may be mild and cause temporary conditions. A massive stroke may lead to paralysis, brain damage or even coma. A stroke is a medical emergency. It is important to get the person to the emergency room immediately to determine if the stroke is due to bleeding or a blood clot so appropriate treatment can be started within 3 hours of when the stroke began. Clot busters may be given if it is a clotting condition.

Food Guidelines for Good Health
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that individuals use the food pyramid for a balanced diet. For a 2,000-calorie diet, follow the recommendations below from each category. GRAINS: 6 ounces (3 ounces whole grains) dailyVEGETABLES: 21/2 cups dailyFRUITS: 2 cups dailyMILK: 3 cups low-fat milk products dailyMEAT & BEANS: 5 1/2 ounces dailyFATS, SUGARS AND SALT: Go sparingly

Resolve to Avoid Injury When Exercising This Year
Of the millions of New Year's resolutions made each year, perhaps none is more repeated than the resolution to get in better shape. Each year, millions of people resolve to shed a few extra pounds or simply get healthier, with varying degrees of success.

One of the ways to ensure the resolve to get healthier is successful is to exercise safely. Veteran athletes and seasoned professional trainers all note the importance of safety when it comes to exercise. Simply diving right into exercise can be a recipe for disaster, often leading to injury, especially for those people new to exercise or returning after a long layoff.

For those who have resolved to get in better shape this season, consider the following exercise safety tips.
* Don't push it. The body responds differently to exercise as it ages, and many people who were once exercise afficionados but stopped regularly exercising could likely make the mistake that they can still exercise as hard as they did in their youth.

However, pushing it after a long layoff is potentially dangerous and could result in a number of injuries. While you might one day be able to return to form, initially it's best to take it easy.

Stop exercising immediately if you begin to experience any of the following symptoms: - Dizziness - Nausea - Cold sweats - Muscle cramps - Pain or pressure in the chest (particularly left-chest or mid-chest) - Joint pain * Maintain proper breathing or cease exercising if you can't.

Whenever exercising, you should be able to walk without gasping for breath. If you cannot breathe properly, stop exercising immediately. Once your system has rebounded and you begin to feel better, if you're going to return to your exercise regimen, simply tone it down, performing each exercise more slowly. * Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated throughout an exercise routine will increase flexibility and replace the water you lose by sweating.

While some might feel this will counteract any weight loss, losing water weight is not the type of weight loss you should be aiming for. Be sure to drink lots of water before, during and after workouts.

* Remember the wisdom of Mom and Dad. Nearly everyone who ever went to the beach as a child recalls Mom and Dad advising them to stay out of the water after eating. That same advice you heard as a child is still applicable today as an adult. While it's acceptable to go for a light walk after a small meal, avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2 hours after eating a big meal.

* Wear appropriate attire. When working out, proper attire isn't whatever looks good on you. It's important to purchase sneakers that support weight-bearing activities and tops that promote movement but aren't too loose. If jogging outdoors, be sure to wear a knit cap in colder weather or a baseball cap in warmer temperatures. Both of these will help you maintain a proper body temperature and ward off harmful side effects such as cold, flu or sunburn.

* Stretch, stretch, stretch. Professional athletes make their living with their bodies, and they stretch extensively before each and every game. Just because you don't earn a ballplayer's paycheck doesn't mean you can avoid stretching. Stretching helps prevent muscle pulls, strains and other injuries, so make sure an adequate stretching routine is a part of your workout.

* Consult or hire a professional. Those who have had an extensive layoff from exercise might want to employ a personal trainer, at least until they get comfortable with a routine. In fact, many fitness clubs offer a handful of free personal training sessions to new members to ensure all members start off safe and avoid injury. Take advantage of such sessions if they're available. If not, hire one of the club's personal trainers, even if it's only for a few sessions, at the onset of your routine.

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!

Tackling Childhood Obesity

Obesity is now among one of the most widespread medical problems for children and adolescents.

The American Obesity Association reports that about 15 percent of adolescents (aged 12 to 19 years) and children (aged 6 to 11 years) are obese in the United States. Doctors say that obesity among children is one of the country's greatest health challenges.

Many health care providers define obesity in a child as weighing 20 percent or more over the healthy range. The percentage of body weight that is fat is also a good indicator of obesity. Boys over 25 percent fat and girls over 32 percent fat are considered obese. C

hildhood obesity puts youngsters at risk of being overweight adults. It also presents risk factors for other serious health concerns, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Overweight children can also experience psychological side effects. Bullying and teasing by peers may lead to poor self worth and even depression.

Some experts believe that breastfeeding and delaying solid foods for infants can help prevent obesity. Teaching children how to eat healthfully as they age is another way to promote healthy weight.

Here are some additional suggestions:
* Limit the time spent watching television, playing video games and surfing the Internet to no more than 7 hours per week.
* Encourage physical activity, such as sports leagues or simply playing outdoors with neighborhood friends.

* Set a good example by limiting the fattening foods you eat. Make healthy meals a family affair.

* Many people overlook the extra caloric intake of sodas and other soft drinks, not to mention the amount of sugar in these drinks. Serve water whenever possible.

* Have children avoid snacking or eating while watching television. They may eat subconsciously while distracted by the show -- and consequently eat much more than is recommended.

* Exercise as a family. Get outside and take walks, ride bicycles or swim. If exercise is done together, it's more likely to be continued.

* According to statistics, only one-third of students have regular physical activity at school. Speak to school officials about having more physical fitness incorporated into students' schedules.

* Pack your child's lunch so he is less likely to rely on processed or fast foods.

* Regular health checkups can determine if your child is in a healthy weight range. Doctors have the equipment to most accurately measure body mass index (BMI). You can also roughly calculate it at home: Multiply the child's weight in pounds by 705. Then divide by the child's height in inches. Divide this by the height in inches again.

Myths Abound When it comes to Diabetes
Be it a friend, family member, coworker, or even a passing acquaintance, chances are strong nearly everyone in the United States knows someone with diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, as of 2007 more than 23 million Americans have diabetes. That translates to roughly eight percent of the United States population, making diabetes one of the most prevalent diseases in the country, and the reason so many lives have been directly or indirectly affected.

As prevalent as the disease is, a mountain of misinformation is still out there, making diabetes not only one of the most common diseases suffered by Americans, but also one of the most misunderstood.

In an effort to dispel myths about this all-too-common disease, the American Diabetes Association makes note of the following myths commonly associated with the disease.

* Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. While being overweight increases a person's risk for developing type 2 diabetes, too much sugar does not cause diabetes. While it can be difficult to determine why one individual gets diabetes and another does not, it is known that family history and poor diet increase a person's risk factor. However, no evidence exists to suggest too much sugar causes the disease. Rather, diabetes can begin when the body is disrupted and its ability to turn food that's consumed into energy is put in jeopardy. The causes of diabetes, however, are different depending on the type, and none are the result of too much sugar. For example, type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin, leading to sugar piling up in the blood vessels. Research has indicated that type 1 diabetes could be related to difficulties with the immune system. Type 2 diabetes can also occur when the body cannot produce sufficient insulin, or result from insulin that simply does not function as it should. Overweight people have proven especially susceptible to type 2 diabetes. Hormone changes can also be at the root of diabetes, particularly in pregnant women who experience such changes that prevent insulin from working properly. This is know as gestational diabetes and could possibly resolve itself after childbirth.

* Myth: People with diabetes are more susceptible to colds and other ailments. People with diabetes are not, in fact, more susceptible to the common cold or other ailments. However, the American Diabetes Association advises all people with diabetes to get flu shots annually. That's because any infection can interfere with blood glucose management, and increase the risk for ketoacidosis for people with type 1 diabetes. Ketoacidosis is a condition that can cause the body to switch to starvation mode because the body isn't able to use sugar for energy thanks to insufficient insulin levels. This can set off a string of dangerous consequences, including blood in the urine, dehydration and possibly even death.

* Myth: People with diabetes can't have sweets or dessert. This isn't true. In fact, a person who doesn't have diabetes needs to follow the same rules with respect to sweets or dessert that a person with diabetes must follow. Simply put, sweets, chocolate and dessert can be enjoyed in moderation when combined with a healthy diet and an exercise regimen. This does not, however, mean diabetics should not be especially careful when it comes to eating sweets or dessert. Moderation, for instance, should equate to one scoop of ice cream instead of two. Also, prepare desserts with artificial sweeteners when possible, and make desserts using whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetable oil. Oftentimes, such adjustments do not lead to less taste.

* Myth: Diabetes is contagious. Even though questions arise as to why one person gets diabetes and another does not, diabetes is not contagious. This myth is likely rooted in the suspected genetic and ethnic link to diabetes, most notably type 2 diabetes. Diabetes researchers have long believed there is a genetic link to type 2 diabetes, as it appears to run in families (though it doesn't always, and a parent with type 2 diabetes will not necessarily see all or any of his or her children develop the disease). Research into the genetic link is ongoing, but doctors remain certain diabetes is not contagious. The American Diabetes Association also notes the connection between type 2 diabetes and race. Type 2 diabetes is more common among African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. Again, however, nothing exists to indicate the disease is contagious. To learn more about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association Web site at www.diabetes.org.

Misinformation About HIV/AIDS Still Prevalent

On June 5, 1981, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published a report of five cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia among five previously healthy young men in the Los Angeles area. Each of the men was described as homosexual, and two had already passed away.

Shortly after its publication, that report led to a response and research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Within 18 months, that research led to the definition of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Despite having been defined nearly 30 years ago, HIV/AIDS remains a mystery to many even today. Much of that mystery is thanks to fears and misinformation surrounding the disease's initial appearance in the early 1980s. In spite of advancements with respect to research and education since 1981, there are still some common misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the following are some of the more common misconceptions still surrounding HIV/AIDS.

* Blood transfusions or donating blood cause HIV/AIDS. While this might once have been probable, today the risk of getting HIV from receiving blood is extremely small. When blood is donated, that blood then goes through extensive testing to ensure it is safe. In addition, blood donors must undergo screening before being allowed to donate. Blood donors are also safe from the risks of getting HIV/AIDS when donating blood. That's because blood banks that accept blood use only sterile, disposable needles to draw blood, ensuring both the donor and the potential recipient the utmost safety.

* HIV can be spread through casual contact with infected persons. This was one of the more common fears throughout the 1980s, when the disease remained a mystery even to many in the medical profession. However, this fear is unfounded, as HIV is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, holding hands, casual kissing, or sharing silverware. Simply being around someone with HIV is not a risk of getting the disease yourself. A person can only get HIV by coming into contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is already infected. It is perfectly safe to share the same air, drink from the same water fountain and use the same exercise equipment as an HIV-infected person.

* Mosquito bites can cause HIV. Many heavily mosquito-infested areas of the world also have high instances of AIDS. Naturally, then, it's common to assume that mosquitoes could play a role in the spread of HIV/AIDS. However, even after extensive research into this possible link, no evidence exists to indicate that a human being can get HIV/AIDS from a mosquito bite. When a mosquito bites a person, that mosquito is not injecting the blood of the previous person or animal it bit. In addition, studies have shown that the HIV virus lives for only a very small period of time inside an insect, again lending credence to the belief that there is no connection between mosquitoes and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

* There is a cure for HIV/AIDS. This is a growing, and potentially very dangerous, misconception surrounding HIV/AIDS. Part of this misconception is no doubt rooted in the apparent health of former basketball star Magic Johnson, who abruptly retired from the game in 1991 after announcing that he had HIV. Today, nearly two decades after that announcement, Johnson appears energetic, vibrant and, at least publicly, to not be suffering any ill effects of his HIV infection. While Johnson's case is encouraging, it does not mean there is a vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS. Research is ongoing, but such a vaccine or cure does not yet exist. It's important to make this known, particularly among sexually active people, as the misconception that there is a cure or vaccine could possibly lead to many people acting irresponsibly.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS, visit the Department of Health and Human Services Web site at www.hhs.gov.

Learning About Lung Cancer Could Help Smokers

When it comes to personal health, more and more people have grown increasingly aware of how the choices they make today will have an impact for years to come. In addition to eating healthier, more people now include exercise in their weekly routines.

One lifestyle change many have attempted to make, with varying degrees of success, is to quit smoking. While it's often difficult and nerve wracking to stop smoking, it's certainly worth it, as the potential consequences of continuing, most notably lung cancer, should prove a strong enough motivating factor even for those who are struggling mightily to stop lighting. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), roughly 220,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in 2009, and more than 159,000 will lose their battles with lung cancer this year.

Those statistics are especially frightening when considering that many people who smoke are fully aware they are increasing their risk of lung cancer, but continue to smoke anyway. As education about lung cancer is often helpful for those attempting to quit, consider the following information if you or a loved one is attempting to make the lifestyle change that could very well someday save their life.

What is Lung Cancer?
A significant majority (roughly 99 percent) of lung cancer cases fall into two categories, which are classified based on the size of the cancerous tumor. * Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is, as its name suggests, associated with those cancers wherein the cancer cells are smaller than typical cancer cells. Instances of SCLC are less common, affecting only about 20 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer, but their comparatively tiny stature does not make them any less harmful. In fact, these cancer cells reproduce rapidly, forming large tumors quickly. As a result of that rapid reproduction, SCLCs, which are typically the result of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, have often spread to other parts of the body before they've even been initially diagnosed. * The most common type of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for roughly 80 percent of all lung cancer diagnoses. NSCLCs are actually classified into three different subcategories:- squamous cell carcinomas- adenocarcinomas- large cell carcinomas Squamous cell carcinomas originate along the respiratory tract, specifically in the thin, flat cells that line the respiratory passages.

Adenocarcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed form of lung cancer, accounting for 30-40 percent of all cases. This occurs when the cells that form the lining of the lungs become cancerous. Large cell carcinomas make up about 10 percent of all cases, and are those that appear large and abnormal upon examination under a microscope.

What are the Risks for Lung Cancer?
According to the Lung Cancer Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to providing support and advocacy for those with or at risk for lung cancer, more than 85 percent of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. Simply put, those who are still smoking are putting themselves at a heightened and ultimately unnecessary risk of lung cancer. Of the more than 4,000 chemicals contained in cigarette smoke, the majority have been linked to causing cancer. For those who are trying to quit, research has indicated that a person who quits smoking will have the same risk as a person who never smoked 15 years after quitting. That means a smoker who quits at 30 will, by the time he or she turns 45, have the same risk of lung cancer that a fellow 45-year-old who never smoked has.

But smoking isn't the only thing that increases a person's risk for lung cancer. One additional risk factor is exposure to radon, a carcinogen and byproduct of radium that is present in both indoor and outdoor air. This heightens the importance of having a home routinely tested for radon, as prolonged radon exposure increases the risk for lung cancer.

Other potential causes of lung cancer include exposure to asbestos (which can also lead to mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and stomach) and exposure to cancer-causing agents in the environment.

To learn more about lung cancer or for help with quitting smoking, visit the National Cancer Institute Web site at www.cancer.gov.

5 Ways to Banish Stress Feeling a bit stressed these days?
You're not alone. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), two-thirds of all visits to a family physician are stress-related. While stress may seem like something with which everyone must cope, it's actually a very real medical condition and one that should be taken seriously. Stress can be linked to many major causes of death -- heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.

According to HowStuffWorks.com, when under stress your brain sends messages to your body to release certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. The hormones cause your heart rate and blood pressure to rise, your muscles to tense up and your breathing to become short and shallow. Your digestive and immune systems shut down so that you can focus all your body's energy on the task at hand. Because the entire body can be affected by stress, it's difficult to pinpoint one symptom that can be indicative of the condition. Headaches, bodily aches and pains, insomnia, anxiety, etc. --all of these symptoms may be traced back to stress.

Stress can affect personal and professional lives. Sixty-two percent of Americans say work has a significant impact on stress levels, according to the APA, and job insecurity is a major factor. In light of mass layoffs and economic uncertainty, job stress has taken on even greater impact.

So how does one handle stress? Here are some suggestions for remaining calm.

1. Visualization: Many people find meditation or positive visualization a good way to tame stress. Envision a calm and peaceful place and take yourself there whenever you feel stress coming on. Even quietly chanting that the situation will pass soon can help calm nerves.

2. Remove yourself from the stressful situation: When possible, get away from the stress for a few moments. For example, if a work report is causing you to tear your hair out, leave the office, take a brief stroll and grab a snack. Coming back to the task rested and calm may bring a new perspective. This can also work for a parent agitated by a child. Instead of putting the child in a "time out," put yourself in one instead. Find a quiet spot (even a bathroom) and take a few deep breaths.

3. Try exercise: Exercise can be very good at pumping endorphins through the body, which provide a feel-good sensation. Exercise can also work the tension out of the body and give your mind something else to think about.

4. Do something you enjoy: Maybe you enjoy the pampering of a massage or pedicure, or the thrill of being out on the golf course. Turn your mind to a task you enjoy and take some time out to do it. A life balanced by work and enjoyable activities could be less stressful.

5. Talk to a doctor: Some bio-feedback or counseling may guide you through ways to alleviate stress. A family physician may also think it's a good idea to prescribe medication, primarily if stress is short-term from a traumatic event. You can work with doctors to develop a program that works for you and your overall health.

Stress is something everyone experiences, but can be managed with a variety of techniques.

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!

March 2010 Library News and Events

noreply@blogger.com (The People's Press) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

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!

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS AT WALLINGORD PUBLIC LIBRARY: All of our programs are free, all of the time!

Celebrate the Irish with tom callinan In Concert!
Wednesday, March 10 7: 00 p.m. Community Room
Join us for an evening of Irish music, song, and stories with Connecticut troubadour, Tom Callinan. Tom�s talents as a singer, song-writer, and storyteller have made him one of Wallingford�s favorite performers. Young and old enjoy his traditional and original songs; and everyone gets a chance to chuckle at his corny jokes. Please contact the library to reserve your seat!

Lunch and Learn: Late-Life Depression
Thursday, March 11 11:30 a.m. Community Room
Join us for a complementary lunch and learn more about this common illness that often goes undiagnosed in up to half of older adults. Dr. Rehan Aziz, M.D. and Director of Behavior Health at Masonicare will give a talk about symptoms and treatment for late-life depression. All are welcome to this free program however, advance registration is required. Please call the library or sign up online to make your reservation. This program is co-sponsored by Masonicare.

Career Express: Get on Board!
Tuesday, March 16 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Library Parking Lot
The Career Express is the Department of Labor�s mobile one-stop career center providing the latest workforce and job skills development services to individuals across the state.

It is equipped with eight computer workstations with Internet access, the latest audio-visual systems including a plasma TV with SMARTBoard technology and a hydraulic wheelchair lift to provide full access to persons with disabilities.

Information about the DOL/CT Works Career Centers is also available. Free, professional help is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Areas of expertise include:
� Online job searches
� Career exploration
� Finding good job sites
� Interviewing
� Resume writing

Brown Bag It: Social Security and Retirement
Tuesday, March 16 12:00 p.m. Community Room
Representatives from Wells Fargo Advisors and the Social Security Administration will discuss social security, Medicare, retirement, taxes, and other issues important to you and your future. Bring your lunch and paper and pen. You�ll want to take notes! All are welcome. Beverage and light dessert will be provided. Please sign up in advance by contacting the library.

Thursday Night Book Club: West with the Night by Beryl Markham
Thursday, March 18 7:00 p.m. Collins Room
Beryl Markham was born in England in 1902. When she was about four-years-old she was taken by her father to East Africa. She spent her childhood playing with native Maruni children and apprenticing with her father as a trainer and breeder of racehorses. In the 1930s, she became an African bush pilot, and in September 1936, became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west. West with the Night is both memoir and adventure story. Please join us for an informal discussion of Beryl Markham�s book and her interesting life. All are welcome for conversation, refreshment, and reader fellowship! A limited number of copies of the book are available from the Information Desk and from our library catalog.

Saturday Mornings with Poetry
Saturday, March 13: Irish Poetry and Saturday, March 27: Women�s Poetry
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Board Room
All are welcome to attend and share their original poetry and writing experiences with fellow poets and poetry lovers. Special features this month: In celebration of St. Patrick�s Day, Irish Poetry on March 13; and in celebration of National Women�s History Month, Women�s Poetry Mini-Festival on March 27.

Women�s History Month, Celebrating over 100 Years of Public Service: Presented by the Cheshire/Wallingford League of Women Voters
Wednesday, March 24 7:00 p.m. Community Room
Please call the library for program details.

The English Lady: Garden Earth Lecture
Wednesday, March 31 7:00 p.m. Community Room
We are delighted to present renowned landscaper and radio personality, Maureen Haseley-Jones: The English Lady. Learn how to reconnect with nature through mindful gardening. �The English Lady� is heard regularly on WRCH Radio Lite 100.5 FM. Please reserve your seat early! All attending will have the chance to win a laminated landscape plan.

MARCH COMPUTER CLASSES
Intermediate Word 2007 Tuesday, March 23 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Board Room
Take your word processing skills to the next level in our Intermediate Word 2007 class. You will learn how to insert images and tables as well as work with headers and footers. Class size is limited to 6, so please sign up early. You may register in person, online at www.wallingford.lioninc.org, or by calling the library at 203-265-6754.

COMPUTER TUTORING SESSIONS Thursday evenings: 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
One-on-one computer tutoring sessions are available at the Main Library on Thursday evenings. Computer novices are encouraged to sign up to learn keyboard or mouse skills, word processing, Internet searching, online job applications, or e-mail. Please call the Library or stop by the Information Desk for more details or to register for a session.

WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY FREE MOVIE EVENTS

Friday Night Flicks: Twilight: New Moon
Friday, March 26 6:30 p.m. Community RoomIn the second installment of Stephenie Meyer�s phenomenally successful Twilight series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of - only to find herself in greater peril than ever before. Rated PG.

AUTHOR EVENT: SAVE THE DATE FOR BINNIE KLEIN!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
7:00 p.m. in the Community Room
Binnie Klein, author of �Blows to the Head: How Boxing Changed My Mind�
Don�t miss this opportunity to meet a mid-life female psychotherapist who picked up a pair of boxing gloves for the first time and forever changed her life!

NEWS FROM WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY:

VISIT OUR BOOK SHOP: The Book Seller
The Book Seller at the Wallingford Public Library, 200 North Main Street, Wallingford offers gently used books, CDs, DVDs, videos and other materials for children, teens and adults. The expanded space is located in back of the library with plenty of room to browse. Look for the green awning. Store hours as follows:
Monday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

NEW HELP FOR JOB SEEKERS JOB NOW: Live Job Assistance
Wallingford Public Library has an exciting new service for job seekers and career changers: JobNow. This unique online service gives job seekers on-demand access to trained career coaches and job resources. JobNow�s free professional services are available on any of our public Internet computers; ask for more information at the Information Desk. Wallingford Library cardholders can also access JobNow from home by linking to http://main.wallingford.clc.jobnow.brainfuse.com. Job seekers should register for an account after using their Wallingford Library card to enter the site. JobNow is the first service of its kind to provide live career coaching from any computer with Internet access. Services available are live interview coaching, with interview tips and resources; a resume lab with sample templates, along with resume analysis within 24 hours by a JobNow expert; assistance with writing cover letters; and a career resource library that includes links to current job openings locally and nationally, as well as career and personality assessment instruments.

ADAPTIVE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
The Library now offers adaptive technology for our patrons with vision impairment. If you are interested in learning more, ask about the trackball mouse, large print keyboard, and iZoom screen magnifier/reader. They are available in the Adult Computer area. We also have an Optelec video magnifier for anyone wishing to manipulate the size of print while reading books, magazines, and newspapers. It is located by the Periodicals Area of the adult section.

CELL PHONE RECYCLING AND DON�T FORGET THE EYEGLASSES!
Remember that you can bring in your old cell phones for recycling. Drop them in the box near the copier across from the Circulation Desk. The Library receives a percentage for each phone. Thanks! Eyeglasses can be recycled too. The Lions Club collects all the eyeglasses collected at the library.

Just Fax It!
In response to popular demand, we have installed a self-service public fax machine next to the photocopier by the Circulation Desk. It transmits faxes for $1.50 per page with a credit or debit card, but does not receive faxes. Librarians at the Information Desk can help you get started.

LIBRARY FIND OF THE MONTH: Psychic Women in History
Sisters Maggie and Katie Fox (the �Rochester Rappers�), cracked their toe joints against the floor as they conjured up the �dear departed.� The year, 1848! In the ensuing decades, millions in the U.S. and abroad followed the careers of the Fox sisters, Madame Blatvartsky, Eva Bissono, and other female psychics. You can read all about these fascinating ladies from books at the Wallingford Public Library. Come in and take a look at The Spiritualists by Ruth Brandon (133.90973 BRA), Lily Dale: the true Story of a Town that Talks to the Dead by Christine Wicker (133.9097 WIC), or A World Beyond (133.93 Montgomery) and Here and Hereafter (291.23 Montgomery) both by Ruth Montgomery.

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MARCH PROGRAMS AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

ONCE BANNED, NOW CLASSIC BOOK DISCUSSION MARCH 23
Meriden Public Library and the Connecticut Humanities Council�s discussion series �Once banned, now classic� continues this month. On March 23, 2010 at 6:30 pm in the Griffin Room, �Native Son� by Richard Wright will be discussed. The final discussion in the series will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 and the featured selection is �The Awakening� by Kate Chopin.

Copies of the books are available at the Library. The program is free and all are welcome. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com to sign up for participation in the book discussion series.

SCRABBLE AT MERIDEN LIBRARY
The Meriden Public Library will be holding Scrabble sessions on Monday, March 8 and March 22 at 2:00 pm in the Friends Room.Come to practice or learn the game. Everyone is invited. If you have any questions about this or other programs at the library, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email us at comsvc@hotmail.com or stop by at any session.

WRITERS NETWORK MEETS MARCH 9 AND MARCH 24
The Writers Network will meet at Meriden Public Library on Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 pm in the Friends Room and on Wednesday, March 24 at 7:00 pm in the Griffin Room. Anyone who is serious about writing fiction or nonfiction, wants to learn the process of getting published, or needs support for writing a book proposal or query letter is welcome to attend. The Writers Network is for anyone who is looking for a support network to keep the motivation going, is interested in sharing their writing with others and is longing for the camaraderie of others who share a passion for writing. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions about any library program.

PICTURES OF OLD MERIDEN MARCH 10
The Meriden Historical Society and Meriden Public Library will be presenting �Pictures of Old Meriden� in the Griffin Room on Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 pm. View and help identify old structures, scenes and streets of Meriden.
This program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit the library�s website at www.meridenlibrary.org and select �Adult programs� to reserve a seat.

THURSDAY LUNCH TIME BOOK CLUB AT MERIDEN LIBRARY
Meriden Public Library�s lunch time book club continues on Thursday, March 11 at noon in the Seminar Room. Bring your bag lunch and enjoy some great discussions. All are welcome. The book that will be discussed in March 11 is Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez. Copies are available at the Meriden Library.

The schedule for the next few months will be as follows:
April 15 � The Sari Shop Widow by Shobhan Bantwal
May 13 � The Reader by Bernard Schlink
June 10 � Lit: a memoir by Mary Karr

Contact the Community Services at (203) 630-6349 or email comsvc@hotmail.com to join the book club.

HEALTHY COOKING WITH KIDS MARCH 16
�My City Kitchen� with Kashia Cave invites children between the ages of 6 to 17 to come to the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room on Tuesday, March 16 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm to take part in the program �Healthy Cooking With Kids.� Ms. Cave will be presenting a cooking demonstration that will show children how to make healthy choices in food that are delicious. Recipes and samples will be available at the end of the program. The program is free but seating is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit the library�s website at www.meridenlibrary.org and select �Adult programs� to reserve a seat.

SCRAPBOOKING ON A SHOESTRING MARCH 22
Have you ever wanted to scrapbook but felt you couldn�t afford it? Well, now you can! Com to Meriden Public Library�s Friends Room on Monday, March 22 from 5:15 to 8:00 pm and use our tools. You will have access to a die cut machine, decorative scissors, paper cutter, corner rounder, and stencils. Bring your photos, pages, an adhesive, and pens. Free handouts will be available and there will be a free
demonstration on how to shape up your scrapbook.

This free program is one of three to give you an opportunity to get those photos in an album once and for all. The other two programs will be held April 26 and May 24 in the Griffin Room. Registration is requested and free paper will be provided for those who pre-register by calling the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or sign up online at www.meridenlibrary.org under �Adult events.�

A TRIP THROUGH THE GI TRACT MARCH 22
Join Dr. Thomas Jung from Midstate Medical Center on Monday, March 22 at 6:30 pm in the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room for �A Trip Through the GI Tract.� Dr. Jung will cover the signs, symptoms, and treatments of everything from acid reflux to diverticulitis and much more. The program is free and all are welcome. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit the library�s website at www.meridenlibrary.org and select �Adult programs� to reserve a seat.

ANIME CLUB MEETS MARCH 26
The Teen Anime Club at the Meriden Public Library will meet on Friday, March 26th at 3:00 pm. We will be watching an anime based on the manga series, Tsubasa written by the female group Clamp. This program is for teens ages 13-18. Snacks will be provided. Sign up through our website at www.meridenlibrary.org or at the Information Desk. If you have any questions please call Melissa at (203) 238-2346

ACOUSTIC GUITARIST PROGRAM MARCH 27
Guitarist Peter Biedermann will be performing on Saturday, March 27 at 2:00 pm in the Meriden Public Library Griffin Room.. Mr. Biedermann is a guitarist that has been writing and performing original instrumental music for over 30 years. While his music covers a number of genres in the electronic and acoustic fields, the performance on the afternoon of Saturday, March 27th will focus on original acoustic fingerstyle pieces in unique tunings on various 6 and 12 string guitars. The program is free and all are welcome. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit the library�s website at www.meridenlibrary.org and select �Adult programs� to reserve a seat.

EDIBLE BOOK FESTIVAL MARCH 31
Calling all readers and bakers! Do you have a favorite book? Show off your creativity by bringing an edible book creation to the Meriden Public Library�s Edible Book Festival on Wednesday, March 31 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Bring in an edible creation that has something to do with books or is book shaped. It could represent the theme, title, or book cover of your favorite book. It can be made of cake, cookies, candy, nuts � whatever, as long as it is edible as we will be sampling your creation. This program is free and all are welcome to enjoy the edible books. The edible books will be sampled at 7:00 pm. Coffee and tea will be provided. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have questions about this festival and wish to sign up.

FREE ACT/SAT PRACTICE TEST APRIL 3
Would you like to take a practice SAT or ACT test? Kaplan Test Prep will be holding a practice test session at the Meriden Public Library on Saturday, April 3 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Griffin Room. The test is free. Reserve a seat by contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or visit the library�s website at www.meridenlibrary.org and select �Adult programs� to reserve a seat.

BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE
The Bookmobile, or Library on Wheels, will be visiting the following facilities in March:

Monday, Mar. 1 � Midstate Christian Academy 10:15 to 11:30 AM;

Tuesday, Mar. 2 � Lil� Rascals 9:15 to 10:00 AM;

Wed. Mar. 3 � Head Start (Liberty St.) 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM;

Thursday, Mar. 4 � Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 AM; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 AM; Connecticut Baptist Home (box drop-off) 3:00 to 3:30 PM;

Friday, Mar. 5 � St. Stan�s 9:30 to 10:15 AM; Meriden Center 10:30 to 11:30 AM;

Tuesday, Mar. 9 � Sunshine Daycare 10:15 to 10:45 AM;

Wed. Mar. 10 � Easter Seals (Broad St.) 9:00 to 10:00 AM; St. John�s 10:10 to 10:45 AM; Bradley Home 11:00 to 11:30 AM;

Thursday, Mar. 11 � YMCA Kid�s Campus 9:15 to 10:00 AM; St. John�s 10:15 to 11:00 AM; St. John�s 1:00 to 1:30 PM; YMCA Kid�s Campus 1:45 to 2:00 PM;

Friday, Mar. 12 � Stork Club 9:30 to 10:30 AM; Miller Memorial 10:45 to 11:30 AM;

Monday, Mar. 15 � Center Congregational Nursery School 9:30 to 10:00 AM; Women & Families Center 10:15 to 11:30 AM; Village at Kensington Place 1:30 to 2:00 PM;

Tuesday, Mar. 16 � Catholic Charities 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Kinder Garden Learning Center 10:15 to 11:00 AM;

Thursday, Mar. 18 � Kindercare 9:30 to 10:15 AM; The Right Place 10:30 to 11:00 AM;

Friday, Mar. 19 � Carriage House Day Care 9:30 to 10:15 AM; Meriden Child Care Center 10:30 to 11:30 AM;

Monday, Mar. 22 � Midstate Christian Academy 10:15 to 11:30 AM;

Wed. Mar. 24 � First Congregational Nursery School 9:15 to 10:15 AM and 1:00 to 1:30 PM;

Thursday, Mar. 25 � First Congregational Nursery School 9:15 to 10:15 AM;

Friday, Mar. 26 � St. Stan�s 9:30 to 10:15 AM; Curtis Home 10:30 to 11:00 AM;

Tuesday, Mar. 30 � Lil� Rascals 9:15 to 9:45 AM; Sunshine Daycare 10:15 to 10:45 AM;

Wed. Mar. 31 � Easter Seals (Broad St.) 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Bradley Home 10:15 to 10:45 AM.

SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME AT THE MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY DURING SPRING VACATION WEEK
In Celebration of National Library Week and Spring Vacation Week, Meriden Public Library will be presenting children's programs for all ages.On Tuesday April 13th at 10:30 AM. Come party, dance,and sing along with "Harry Gambardella". Harry brings his own party and you will sure to have a great time!On Wednesday April 14 at 11:00 AM. Watch in amazement, smile and laugh along with Meriden's own "Willy The Clown". Tickets will be available on April 1st. Stop by the Children's Library to pick up your tickets or call us for more information at (203) 630-6347.

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!

February 2010 Issue Now On-Line

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Your Stories February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The People's Press) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:48:00 +0000

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Jennifer�s House of Hair and St. Baldrick�s
St. Baldrick�s began as a casual conversation between friends and has exploded into the world's largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research, which started in 1999. Thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family. Tens of thousands of volunteers make St. Baldrick's happen, with the leadership of a board of directors and the support of a small staff. Volunteers organize each event, coached and equipped by the Foundation.

Every year more than 160,000 children around the world are diagnosed with cancer. In the US cancer kills more than any other disease, and because childhood cancers are different from adult�s cancers, the research must be specific to kids.

I was never aware of just how many children are affected by cancer and the research needs for children are different from adults. Curing cancer in children is so very important because they are the future. St. Baldrick�s being a volunteer based organization not only provides monies, it helps people realize, and become involved in something that they may not other wise be part of.

The St. Baldrick�s Foundation has made more than 200 grants totaling over $41 million for childhood cancer research since 2005, its first year as a foundation. In 2009 alone, over $12 million was funded � more than by any other foundation making grants for research to cure childhood cancers.

Just as the St. Baldrick�s community bands together to raise funds, the childhood cancer research community works together to find cures. In fact, childhood cancer led the way in creating �cooperative research groups� and as a result, children who had almost no chance of survival fifty years ago now have a survival rate of over 80%.

How we wish that statistic applied to all kids with cancer! Some types of the disease remain extremely hard to cure, and many treatments come with a steep price in life-long damage or risk to bodies and minds.
To cure even the most difficult cancers and improve the quality of life for every survivor, we need to do more than fund the experts of today. We need to encourage the best and brightest new doctors to choose childhood cancer research as a career. The truth is, other medical specialties often pay more, and pediatric cancer is not for the weak of heart.

In addition to the enthusiasm of participants and the generosity of donors, the St. Baldrick�s Foundation is grateful for the many childhood cancer researchers who give freely of their time and expertise � and sometimes their very hair!

We are honored to work with some of the most cutting-edge doctors and scientists in the world to see that every donor dollar is funding the most important research � the kind that will save precious young lives.

Jennifer�s House of Hair will be teaming up with DW Catering in hosting its 2nd �A Bash for Baldness�, which will be held at the salon, 437 Broad Street, Meriden. It will be held on Saturday, February 27th from 5p.m to 9p.m. We have local businesses, dedicated clients and friends that are going to be sponsoring tables of various types of beer and wine. We also paired up with DW Catering who will be cooking an assortment of hearty comfort foods, as people walk around and socialize. There will be music, a 50/50 drawing, Lucky Lotto Tree drawings, and lots of mingling! Tickets will be $22 per person. All 100% of the proceeds collected that night will be donated to the St. Baldrick�s Foundation. If you have any questions about this event please call the salon at 203.235.3166.

Jennifer�s House of Hair will also be collecting donations at the salon. You can stop by the salon and buy a St. Baldrick�s Circle, either in honor or in memory of someone.

We regret to inform you that we will not be shaving at the main event hosted by Quality Time on March 6th, 2010. Instead we will be attending the International Beauty Show in NYC that weekend to continue our education. We wish the Meriden Fire Dept. & Quality Time good luck at their event!
Be a Hero for kids with cancer!

Peoples Press February 2010
South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department is its 102 year of service to the Village of South Meriden and the City of Meriden. In 2009 the department responded to 760 calls of service to the community.

Point of information about the calls in 2009, approximately 69 % of the calls responded to where medicals and Motor Vehicle Accidents.

Health Tips
We urge all our residence to be careful during the winter months with shoveling snow. Take it easy do not over do it. Use a good shovel and do not over load it when you lift it. Also for those of you that have snow blowers please be extremely careful not to put your hands near the blades of the blower unit while it is running. You might say who would do that, but each year Meriden's emergency service responders respond to several of these calls each year and it isn't a pretty sight so please take precautions.

If you can and have the time and the energy may be you can help a neighbor who is a little older or might be ill, give them a hand clearing away the snow from their walkways or driveway. It feels real good to be able to help them out during the winter months. Each year we lose friends and neighbors to heart attacks during the winter months from over exerting themselves shoveling snow.

We also want to thank all of our friends that have been helping clearing snow and ice a way from fire hydrants during storms. This allows the fire department during fire emergencies to hook up to fire hydrants quicker to gain access to a water supply if the fire is one of a substantial size.
Do to the amount of snow we have been receiving, we still need your continuing help with clearing fire hydrants

Another health tip. If you are under a doctor�s care and take certain medications keep a list of these medications handy just in case you have the need to call 911 for during a medical emergency.

Also with this list you might want to give a little history of any medical conditions that you also might have. These are important things for emergency responders to have just in case you are unable to respond to our questions when we arrive at your home. A good place to keep this information is in an envelope on you refrigerator and note that it is Medical Info.

Membership Information
We are currently accepting applications for membership for individuals who live in Meriden over the age of 18 in good health and have a clean police records and can pass the application process. We are also accepting application for those individuals who might all ready be certified as a State of CT Firefighter/EMT and do not live in Meriden but are willing to fill night crew positions at our station. These individuals will need to meet our by-law requirements for drills, weekly night crew and duty crew assignments.

We are one of the only Volunteer fire stations in the State that have sleep-in crews at our fire station we presently cover 6 out of 7 nights. Our nightly in-house status allows us to service our customers you our neighbors quicker. Being a volunteer fire fighter takes a lot of commitment and time. Our members make a lot of personal sacrifices to belong to our department, but they get great satisfaction of being part of terrific tradition of saving lives and property. We train and work hard but we love serving and protecting our friends.

Applications can be picked up at our station at 31 Camp Street, South Meriden in the evenings. We are a DRUG FREE Department and we TEST all applicants.

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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AUTOBIOGRAPHY
OF LUKE (CORY) JASINSKI

My name is Luke (Corey) Jasinski and I am a Welsh Corgi, Cardigan Mix, at least that�s what I�ve been told.

My story begins in the little town of Murphy, NC which is a town of approx. 1,600 people as of the year 2000, located in Cherokee County, along the Hiwassee River in the western most part of NC right near the border of GA.

They say I was born on or about October 8, 2006, but of course, I don�t remember that.
I am primarily black in color with brown mixed in and I have some white on my chest and the tip of my tail, which I can�t stand and try to chase it every now and then. I also have white paws and have been told that I am a very handsome fellow.

My life has not been an easy one until recently. The Valley River Humane Society in Murphy had to rescue me from my owner, who was an elderly woman that hoarded animals but could not care for them properly. I lived in deplorable conditions and never had enough to eat. I rummaged through any garbage that was lying around to try and find enough food to survive. I lived in a house in the mountains of NC with 110 other dogs. Most of the other dogs I lived with were small dogs also, such as Chihuahua�s and Shih Tzu�s, but there were three (3) larger dogs in the basement. There were several lady dogs that were going to have puppies, but I can�t say whether or not I am the father of any of them. There were also about eight (8) puppies running around, which were annoying at times.

After being rescued from the house, I was brought to the Valley River Humane Society where I would spend the next several months, waiting for someone to take me home. It seemed as if no one wanted me, of course, I wasn�t much to look at. I was full of fleas and wasn�t very sociable and was always hungry. The Humane Society took care of me as much as possible, but with 110 other dogs to look after, my care was not a priority for them. I was finally shipped north to a Humane Society in Westport, CT. There I was cleaned up, vaccinated, and tested for several different things. I guess they found out that I had contracted a few things from the house I was living in, as I was given an anti-biotic to kill whatever it was. They also operated on me to make sure that I wouldn�t get any more females pregnant. That was probably the most painful thing I have had to endure.

I thought to myself that no one would want me up here either and I resigned myself to the fact that my days might be numbered. I made friends with the young girls that were working at the Humane Society and I looked forward to seeing them when it was time to eat. They had quite a few other animals here in CT also and many of them barked a lot and kept me awake. I was treated nicely and the food was good, but I never seemed to be satisfied with the amount they gave me. They say that I can�t have too much because of my shape. If I get too heavy, my back will start giving me problems. I don�t understand any of that, but it must be true.

The Humane Society in CT took my picture and put it on the computer, whatever that is?
I was only in CT a short time, when two people came in and started talking about me. They seemed interested in me, but I didn�t want anything to do with them. I was polite in the beginning and they came into my cage and started talking to me and petting me. One of my young female attendants took me from my cage and put me in a room with these two people, expecting me to get to know them. How silly is that? I totally ignored them and kept looking out the window in the door for my pretty female attendant to come back. I even peed the floor hoping that they would get disgusted and leave, but they didn�t. These two people kept trying to get my attention and forced me to sit with them for a few moments. I tried to ignore them, hoping that they would go away, but they didn�t. After awhile, my attendant came back and I was very excited. However, I soon learned that these two people were serious about wanting me. I didn�t know anything about these two and I was hoping that my attendant would play with me. But before I knew it, these two people were signing papers and my attendant was putting a collar and leash on me for these people to take me away. I didn�t know what was going on or where I was going.

I was taken outside, where I relieved myself. I do that a lot, as I am an Alfa male and like to mark my territory. Well, anyway, these people were pulling me towards a vehicle and telling me to get inside. Reluctantly, I got into their car and we started driving away from the shelter. I kept looking back, but realized that I might never see that place again. Now I was scarred and didn�t know what to expect. These people seemed nice enough, but what kind of a place were they taking me to. It was a long drive to their home and I knew that I would probably never find my way back to the shelter again.

We finally arrived at this little house way down in the back yard of a larger house that was out front. I wasn�t use to such a small house, other than the cages that I recently occupied. The house in NC was much larger than this but there didn�t seem to be any other animals around. This was very strange as I was use to being around other animals all of my life. After living with 110 other dogs and then going to two different shelters where there were other animals, it seemed rather quiet. I soon learned that there were two big dogs living next door and they liked to bark. They must have heard me as I was walking toward the house because they started barking at me through the fence that separated our yards.

Once inside the house, I had to check everything out. I found out that it was as small on the inside as it was on the outside. There were only three (3) rooms and there were no other animals in the house. This was kind of hard to get use to. Who would I play with during the day and where would I sleep? I wondered what kind of people these were? Would they yell at me and beat me if I didn�t do what they wanted me to do?

I was given some food and water, which of course, was never enough, but I ate it all and then decided to see what would happen if I went pee. I urinated on their rug and on their curtain, but soon learned that they were not going to put up with any of that. I was quickly put on a leash and taken outside to do my thing. It took some time, but I finally learned the rules and things steadily improved. I was taken out several times a day by the male of the house. He seemed to take control and I couldn�t get away with much when he was around. The female on the other hand was very loving and I could get almost anything I wanted from her. I mostly let her mush me and give me a back and neck rub. Boy, there isn�t anyone who does it better than her.

These two people genuinely cared about me and I eventually took to them. They bought me several different kinds of food, but they didn�t know that I had allergies and couldn�t have grain. It took a while, but they figured it out and changed my food and I am starting to get better. When you have allergies, as I did, your paws itch and you have to bite them all the time. Because of that, my paws smelled terrible and that�s when they smartened up and tried to find what made me stink.

They pamper me quite a bit, and I get to sleep on the bed with them at night. My dad bought me a furry toy that they call �ducky.� It squeaks and I really enjoy it as it is the first toy I�ve ever owned that I didn�t have to fight for. I also have my own blanket, which my mom & dad bought me for Christmas. I also have my own bed and they cover me over at night as they like to keep the heat off in the bedroom at night and it gets a little cold by morning. I usually lay on the couch with my mom, that�s what I think of her as now, and she will usually give me my nightly back and neck rub. It is so relaxing and I just curl up in her lap and sleep until it�s time to go to bed. During the day, my mom goes to work and I miss her a lot. My dad, as I now think of him, usually feeds me and plays with me during the day and we go for walks in the woods every now and then. I usually bug my dad to the point that he will take me for a walk in the yard several times a day. I�m still not use to being alone and I get bored very easy. Whenever my mom and dad are away, I try to find some trouble to get into. I am very agile and like to see what�s on the counter. Sometimes I get lucky and find some type of food that was left out and I tear it open and eat whatever it is before they come home. Sometimes things are wrapped up and I don�t know what�s in them until I tear them open. Most of the time it turns out not to be food and then I know I�m in trouble. I usually get scolded for being bad, but it doesn�t last long and for the most part, it�s worth it.

I really love my new home now and the two people that took me in are very nice people. They are Christians and are very involved with their church. They plan on starting a ministry and traveling around the country showing Christian films. They told me that I will be an important part of their ministry, but I may have to wear a silly backpack and carry tracks and lollipops. I just hope they give me one once in a while for all the work I will have to do. I will be helping them start conversations with people and will be inviting them to see the movie. I think it will be very exciting. I will get to travel a lot and will meet many new people and hopefully some new female dog friends.

I hope that you have enjoyed my story and I look forward to meeting with some of you and sharing more of my life with you in the future. I want to thank my dad for typing this story up as I haven�t learned how to type yet.

LUKE (Corey) JASINSKI

By the way, this is me, Luke (Corey) Jasinski

I live with my new mom & dad
James & Bessie Jasinski

I can be contacted at my mom & dad�s ministry address, which is:

MobileFilmMinistry@gmail.com

I hope you will write and let me know if you enjoyed my story. My dad hopes that the People�s Press News will print the story so that more people will know about me.
I sure hope that there aren�t too many stories like mine out there, as I wouldn�t want other dogs to have to go through what I went through. But I had a happy ending and I know that other dogs have similar stories also.

THANK YOU! AND GOD BLESS!

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!

ROBERT MILES AND DAVID S. MILES

I was in the Army for four years, one-and-a-half years on The Aleutian Islands in the Pacific. The wind was so bad we dug our huts in the ground. If we built them on top of the ground, the wind would have blown them away. There was snow all the time. We had to be dug out every day so we could go to the mess hall. It was cold but we had everything we needed to keep us warm. The weather was nice in July, but mostly it was cold and dark as the sun didn't come up. We learned a lot, and we came home.

My Mother was a 5 star mother with 5 sons in the service. We all came home except my brother David. The American Legion Hall in Oxford is named for him. He went down on the ship, the U.S.A.T. Dorchester with the Four Chaplains who have become quite famous.

Note: I knew Bob Miles in Grammar School. We met again recently at our 60th Seymour High School Class Reunion where Bob shared his experience in the Aleutian Islands during World War II.

.....Below, I quote from a news clip from The Advisor, dated February 13, 1996. The Advisor is published weekly in North Haven, Connecticut..

FOUR CHAPLAINS' MEMORIAL DAY PROCLAIMED IN NORTH HAVEN

Last week I was pleased to join with Wally Bassett, Religious Emphasis Chairman and Americanism Chairman. and the entire Murray Reynolds Post 76 American Legion in commemorating Four Chaplains' Day in North Haven. A special Memorial service took place at the Recreational Center on February 8th.

At the ceremony we recalled the account of the Four Chaplains' heroic sacrifices. On February 3, 1943, the U.S.A.T.. Dorchester, with 900 passengers, was torpedoed by an enemy submarine in the Atlantic Ocean, about one hundred miles off the coast of Greenland. The Dorchester was ill-equipped, with only twenty usable lifeboats and an inadequate supply of life jackets. Understanding that their own lives would not be saved, the Four Chaplains distributed the limited gear to their fellow seamen. They are credited with saving the lives of about 200 men.

The last survivors recalled this terrifying experience. Their final observation is that of the Four Chaplains submerged in the ocean, with their arms linked in prayer as the U.S.A.T. Dorchester went down in a blaze of steam and fire.

The Four Chaplains, representing different faiths, were united in their self-sacrifice, compassion and humanity. The Four Chaplains are First Lieutenant, Reverend Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformist; First Lieutenant, Reverend George I. Fox, Methodist; First Lieutenant, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, and Father Johnny P. Washington, a Catholic Priest.

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!

One For the Giver

Well, the holidays have taken a break for awhile, yet El Nino, this time, says winter is still with us. It's very confusing at times and hard to adjust to. There are a few things, however, that remain constant. One thing comes to mind is a recent birthday of a matriarch here in Meriden. A woman who has guided me from my childhood to present times. Withstanding the "test of time," this creative contributor of many diverse writings remains very much a survivor. With good care, she still looks forward to each and every day. Visitors, friends and relatives come by to take a bit of wisdom and the time spent with her serves her well. After all, she has given so very much throughout her on going life. The Record-Journal and yes, The People's Press as well as a host of other avenues for the written word have benefited from her writing. Keep in mind, this has been going on for almost a century! So, with this, let me give a birthday wish to Helen Dodge offered by her youngest son. Keep going Mom! You're good for Meriden and an inspiration to all who know you.
D.A. Dodge
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A TALE OF THE QUINNIPIAC RIVER

by Francis W. Lappert

According to Connecticut maps of the river systems of Connecticut, the Quinnipiac River originates in the north reaches of Plainville and empties into the Sound in East Haven Harbor. It has many feeder streams that empty into it, and keeps a well-balanced, level running water. Beginning with Southington, I know of Eight-Mile River and also Misery Brook. Then comes Ten-Mile River that originates in west Cheshire and joins the Quinnipiac in Mildale. Also Honey Pot Brook from Cheshire. Farther downstream is Ives Brook that begins above Johnson Avenue in Meriden. Also the overflow from Broad Brook Reservoir feeds the river. As the river flows through Meriden, it is joined by Harbor Brook, which flows into Hanover Pond, which is part of the river. I know of only one from Wallingford, Meeting House Brook. There are others I do not know about.
Since I was a young lad, I fished many of these smaller streams and caught many native brook trout. At this time the Quinnipiac River was not known as having any trout in it. That came much later. The river then was clean enough to swim in. Our favorite spot was call Charlie�s Rock, and we went there often. I remember when the river froze over in the winter, there was a group of men that would cut a large hole in the ice by Red Bridge and jump in the cold water. They called themselves the Polar Bears. They enjoyed showing off to the crowd who watched them.

In later years the State Board of Fisheries decided to stock trout in the river from Carpenter�s Dam down to Red Bridge. The fishermen in our area were quite happy about this. Shortly after, several fishermen from Meriden got together and formed the Quinnipiac River Water Association. I was invited to join the organization and was elected to represent Meriden on the commission. We had members from Southington, Cheshire, Meriden, Wallingford, and also North Haven. Our goal was to clean up as much of the river as we could and to improve the quality of the water.

Mike Roberts was also one of the group representing Meriden and was responsible for getting donations from all the towns to keep the organization going, and also getting new members to join. The State Board of Fisheries now stocks the river with a good many rainbow, brown, and brook trout.

The Meriden Rod and Gun Club also helps by putting many large sized trout in the river, and tags them so that when someone catches one, he will get a prize from one of the bait stores.
When the fishing starts in April, it is hard to find a likable place to fish as some of the fishermen set up camp the night before in their favorite spot. I do not go there on opening day, as it is too crowded.

I have been informed that the State is now stocking trout in the river from Yalesville to Wallingford, and a few fishermen have caught some nice trout from here.
I hope some day in the future the quality of the water in the river is made suitable for swimming also. I would like to see Hanover Pond dredged and made suitable for boating and swimming.believe...

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Chinese New Year of the Tiger
by Dorothy Gonick

The first new moon of the year signaled the beginning of another Chinese New Year. This is a very special celebration for me because I was born during the last Year of the Tiger.

I wanted everything to be ready, and had been glad to help Mother and Grandmother clean our house thoroughly to get rid of any bad fortune that might be hiding. When all was spotless we put away the brooms and brushes so we wouldn�t sweep away any of the good luck that would arrive. We�ve also put away knives and scissors so we wouldn�t cut away our good fortune. Vases of lovely plum blossoms make our carved chest even more beautiful. I�ve arranged bowls of golden oranges and trays of fruits and candies on our polished chest ready for welcoming our visitors. Father has hung red scrolls of �Good Luck� to decorate our doorways. Red is our symbol for happiness and the color red also scares away evil spirits. We have new red clothing ready to wear as we greet the New Year.

On New Year�s Eve we celebrated with many relatives by feasting on the traditional seafood, dumplings and special delicacies that Mother, Grandmother and my Aunts had prepared. Grandfather has taped the doors closed with red tape to prevent bad luck entering and everyone stayed awake until we would hear fireworks exploding at midnight. There was much talk about all the good times we would have during the next 15 days. We had fun playing games with our cousins and listening to our aunts tell fortunes while we waited for the fireworks. My fortune concerned the Tiger and how it would affect me. The tiger is the Chinese sign that wards off the three main disasters of a household: fire, thieves and ghosts. The tiger is one of the most beautiful animals with its golden fur and contrasting stripes, and its graceful movements. It is both feared and revered and can be gentle or quick-tempered. The tiger has great courage and is brave.

The tigress is a loving mother and tender-hearted. People born in this year will be respectful, smart,
good friends and natural leaders. They are optimistic and independent, often preferring to work alone. Sometimes they will get bored and lose interest if not challenged in their occupation. I was cautioned to keep these stories in mind and choose to become like the revered one: respectful, courageous and to strive for a good life. Suddenly, loud fireworks exploded and Father tore the red tape off the doorway and we all hurried out with our noisemakers to greet our friends and neighbors and wish them a Happy New Year! We raced with our friends up and down the street, making lots of noise and merriment while watching the beautiful colors exploding in the sky. I was sorry when the excitement came to an end.

The last 15 days have been wonderful. We�ve visited our relatives and friends and got many red envelopes of �lucky money�, and ate the candies and fruits we were offered. Yum! I liked giving gifts to the visitors who came to our home and offered them sweets too. We visited the temple and prayed for good health and much fortune. Each day was special as we waited for the 15th night; the Lantern Festival!! This was a very special night. I had a fancy lantern to carry and wave when we watched the Dragon dancing along the street. The fierce-looking dragon was made of bamboo, paper and silk and the young men holding it up roared and made fierce moves as they wound along the way. I waved my lantern at it as it passed by. It was such an exciting way to end the New Year.

______________________________________________________________________________ Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park

This absolutely makes my list of Great places to visit! The setting is amazing, a Brownstone quarry in Portland, CT that had been active from as early as the1690�s, is on the U.S. National Register of Historic and is an U.S. National Historic Landmark. The Brownstone keeps the water warm and the depth keeps the water clean. The staff keeps it fun. Brownstone offers adventure in every corner; SCUBA, zip lining, wakeboarding with lessons and for the more capable riders with their own board and helmet they have added both jumps and rails that will put some lift into your freestyle boarding. They also offer kayaking, cliff jumping, and inflatable climbing obstacles. Coming soon; more zip lines, rock climbing and repelling.

We stayed and played all day and I still had to drag them out of there as the park was closing for the evening at 7 pm. I would absolutely recommend this for adventurous kids age 8 and over though there is no age minimum for most activities. I had my six year old with us and he was able to do everything but wakeboard and SCUBA- we�ll save those for next time. It�s perfect for tweens, teens, young adults and mature adults who are still begging for an adrenaline rush and don�t mind a physical challenge to get it. In the words of my six year old, �This place rocks!�

Kid�s quotes

The staff was very friendly. I loved jumping off the cliff and the water slide was awesome!
Sierra Age 10

There was a zip line (70 feet off the water�s surface with a line 750 feet to the other side of the quarry) that was awesome-it took a really, really long time (in line) but it was really cool, �extreemo dreamo�! The slide, if you jump onto it you slide down super fast and land in the water �splash�! I did not jump off the big cliff (30ft) or the medium cliff (20ft) because it was too scary. I had fun on the little cliff (10ft) jumping off.
Shaunessy Age 6

Brownstone was great. There were these (cliff) jumps near this big slide (100ft ?)- they were really high (20 and 30ft). You have to jump onto the slide and it will blast you really fast into the water. Above the slide is a zip-line ride. You have to climb a cargo net ladder to the top of a (three story- 40ft) tower. It took a really long time in line. When you get to the bottom you bounce onto the water (land in the water) then swim the rest of the way backstroke (about 20ft) to the ladder and a person unhooks you.
Joshua Age 8

Have you ever been to Brownstone? I have and I think it is a really cool site to visit. There are many water activities like the ice berg. The ice berg is like a climbing wall, but in the water, and then you jump off of it once you reach the top of it. It is really fun. Then there is another fun activity where someone jumps on the mat to make the person at the other end launch up into the air. I had the life guard launch me it was so much fun. Then there was a water trampoline. However before I got there it popped so I didn�t get to go on it. They also had some cliffs you could jump off of. They had 10ft, 20f, and 30ft. I only jumped off of the 1000ft one. There is also a slide that is just a tarp, but is really fun. Then there is also a zip line that you could go down� it landed in the water, like every thing else. The ride is so fun there is a 2 and a half our wait, and first you had to climb a big cargo net. If you didn�t want to go on any fancy stuff you could just swim in the 65+ft lake (with a life jacket at all times.) Overall I would give Brownstone a 10! I would go back to Brownstone any day!
Caitlin Age 11

Extras and Important things to know:

**Scuba is included in the Adventure Sports Pass but equipment rental is extra- the Scuba Package; cylinder, weights, hood, gloves, wetsuit, BC, and regulators with gauges is $45 for the day)

29 acres of freshwater diving with depths between 20 to 85 feet. Submerged attractions include training platforms at 10, 20, and 50 feet; a navigation course with surface and underwater markers; some of the original quarry equipment has been identified; vehicles, boats and other artifacts have also been submerged for diving pleasure.
Brownstone Park offers a confined water area for training with a training platform at four and eight feet and a maximum depth of 20 feet.
At Brownstone they brag that 75 years of unchecked and protected marine life growth provides a unique opportunity to Connecticut River wild life in a natural setting. �You can see schools of trophy size large and small mouth bass, carp so wide that they cast shadows as they pass by, bluegills, perch by the hundreds and of course an occasional American eel. Ask anyone about how big the catfish are.�
Kayaking
For those who love to explore from the surface, Brownstone offers 29 acres to explore in a kayak or canoe. - You can bring your own or pay an extra fee to rent a kayak by the � hour or day

Examples of 2009 Pass Prices
General Swimming Daily Pass*
(Swimming, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Hiking, Biking, Access to Inflatable Challenges) $18
Adventure Sports Daily Pass*(Cliff Jumping, Zip Lines, Waterslide, Wakeboarding, Challenge Courses, Scuba Diving) $26
Family Adventure Sports Season Pass*(Cliff Jumping, Zip Lines, Waterslide, Wakeboarding, Challenge Courses, Scuba Diving) $495

**A life vest must be worn at all times and a waver is required to enter the park.

The best way to get more info for your own visit is at their web site www.brownstonepark.com.
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�Maggie�s Corner�
Haiti Needs Your Help
By: Maggie Griffin

Kim Cornell, a 2007 graduate of Eastern; and Chelsea Reilly, who will be graduating Eastern this year, are two Women who left Connecticut on January 3rd, with 8 other students, for Haiti to volunteer at an orphanage. Enjoying their purpose in why they both took this opportunity to volunteer as they are two humanitarians at heart, they both grew concern about the children, however, both did not predict the devastation that was about to happen in Haiti; an earthquake.

Chelsea returned to Connecticut within 3 days prior to the earthquake in Haiti, while Kim was still in Haiti during and after the earthquake hit.

�I was emergency evacuated from Haiti on Friday morning, and left behind 134 orphans with no food and water, and absolutely no aid. The name of the orphanage I volunteer at is Christian Haitian Outreach (www.christianhaitianoutreach.org) located in Mariani-Carrefour, right at the epicenter where the earthquake hit. The devastation is unimaginable, and there is no aid reaching the orphanage. The second level of the school collapsed, and the other buildings have not been assessed yet in order to know if they are safe enough to live in. The orphanage is in dire need of repair, and funds for food and clean water. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated;� said Cornell.

�We are currently meeting with several organizations to get the children out of Haiti as the compound of the orphanage is in trouble. There are thousands of survivors that are in desperate needs of medical aid, food and water�, both Reilly and Cornell emphasized.

Kim Cornell would like to share a link to the documentary she made almost a year ago. Christian Haitian Outreach is a non-profit organization and she can get a tax receipt to you if you would like; http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=55557327

Chelsea Reilly and Kim Cornell are devoting themselves to help the survivors and the children of Haiti. Since the tragedy, both women eat, sleep, talk and walk everything about what happened in Haiti and how desperate Haiti needs YOUR HELP. Please help Chelsea and Kim, two humanitarians, with their mission to help the people of Haiti.

Kim Cornell strongly emphasized "we plan on going back in May and reconstructing this orphanage and helping out in any way possible. When I was at the epicenter of the quake, almost 3 days after it hit, still there was absolutely no aid. It trouble me greatly how the news is portraying these Haitian people as animalistic-looting and trampling each other, when in reality, they are the most kind hearted, sweet, welcoming human beings. We are just taking way too long to provide relief."

Below are photos Chelsea Reilly and Kim Cornell would like to share with you, the people and children of Haiti, before the tragic earthquake took place. Please find it in your heart to view Kim�s documentary and reach out and help, any way you can.

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To read The People�s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct�s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!

Talk to the Friends

My mother used to constantly remind me, �You can pick your friends, but you can�t pick your relatives!� All of my friends� mothers said the same thing. We all took this to heart and into adulthood. Unfortunately, no one warned us that this didn�t include our children�s friends. So, we began picking out our kids� friends when they were toddlers. Well, maybe not the fathers out there. Mothers are more enthusiastic about friend picking. These friends we chose were usually the kids of our own friends, or the kids of the other mommies in the neighborhood who we deemed fun to hang out with. Things were simple back then. If you didn�t like how certain children were behaving in front of yours, you didn�t invite them over. I vividly recall one Cub Scout outing where a seven-year-old monster child tried to poke my son�s eye out with a piece of sharpened slate. That was the end of that relationship!

We didn�t realize until much later that friend �picking out� was a transient affair. Teens� friends are another story all together. They�re private territory and off-limits to parents - so say our teens.

So, what does one do when one is not exactly thrilled with the new friend? First, parents should be honest with themselves. What is it about the new friend? Is he sporting a nose ring? Does she talk in two-word sentences? Is he flunking math? Maybe you just don�t like her and you can�t put your finger on it. The first thing parents need to do is to be honest about �why� they don�t like the new friend. Are there legitimate reasons, such as drug abuse or the way this person treats your teen? Keep in mind that forbidding a friendship can make things worse, and chemistry is not something you can easily predict or manipulate.

It�s best to get to know the friends rather than making an instant character assessment. With younger teens, offer to drive them places and listen to their conversations. Invite your teen�s friends over to your house for dinner. Instead of grilling them about their grades, sit down and talk with them about their interests. You can learn a lot about a person if you�re able to engage him in a lengthy conversation.

If you still have concerns, it�s time to broach the subject with your teen. Sylvia LaFair, Ph.D., a psychologist and author of �Don't Bring It to Work: Breaking the Family Patterns that Limit Success� (Jossey-Bass, 2009), says, �The best way for parents to approach their teen if there is concern about a new friendship or new group of friends is directly.� She advises that parents ask questions such as, "How can we work together to minimize my concerns?� She says to keep the dialogue going until your teen begins to open up. �You will get more information when you talk together than if you give finger pointing directives,� she explains.

LaFaire warns that parents need to put their foot down if they feel their teen is in danger because of a new set of friends. �If you feel there is serious danger with your teen and questionable friends, it's time to take a stand. Would you let your two-year-old walk into traffic? Get serious with your teen, and let him know why certain dangerous friends are off-limits.�
Do�s and Don�ts:

Do observe his attitude toward adults.
Don�t look at her appearance alone.
Do look for signs of drug or alcohol abuse.
Don�t hover when friends come over � you want them to come back!
Do stick around if a friend of the opposite sex is over.
Don�t directly attack the friends. This will put your teen on the defensive. Ask him open-ended questions that are non-judgmental instead. You�ll keep the dialogue open.
Do talk to your teen about what makes a �good� friend.

TIPS AND TALES

�I would suggest that parents be really honest about their own friendship issues and pray that their teen learns from their own mistakes!
Gene Sottile � Light House Point, FL

�I�ve always had a great radar system. I�m honest and tell my daughters upfront if my radar senses something�s wrong. I try not to be too negative.�
Judy Burns � Poughkeepsie, NY

Want to share your ideas? Upcoming topic:
Your teen is a slob! How to cope & what to do.

Please send your full name, address, and brief comments to:
myrnahaskell@gmail.com

Or visit
http://home.roadrunner.com/~haskellfamily/myrna/
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"Our Hearts Are In The Right Place"Lori Peck, Dedicated VolunteerWe at the Meriden Humane Society feel that all of our animals deserve a second chance at finding a home and are determined to help them achieve this. Just because an animal didn't work out in one home, doesn't mean it won't be the perfect fit in another. We love all of our animals unconditionally and know that their forever homes are out there. Won't you please stop in to visit our animals before going to a pet store or breeder. I'm sure if it's a companion that you're looking for, that we can find one compatible for you. You can help bring happiness to a homeless animal and be rewarded with unconditional love.

Recently our shelter was broken into during the night and our donation receptacle was stolen from our lobby. Someone smashed our front door and broke the lock to get inside to do this. We are all heart broken over this and can't believe that someone could steal the money that other's donated for our animals and use it for themselves. On the previous day, we had a record number of potential adopters viewing animals at our shelter. So, to go from being very optimistic (for possible homes for the animals) one day and then having this happen the next, just shocks us. We are extremely grateful though, that no animals were harmed during this break in.

What we are asking from the public at this time, is to please vote for our shelter on the Animal Rescue Site's Shelter Challenge at www.theanimalrescuesite.com and help us possibly win $100,000. This would help us with vet bills, food and to make a safer environment for our animals, so that we wouldn't have to worry about break-ins anymore.

If you would like to donate from our wish list and cannot access our website @ www.meridenhs.petfinder.org, we are in need of the following: Purina Cat & Kitten Chow, canned wet cat food (no fish), Pedigree dry dog food, Lysol wipes, paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach, Simple Green, babyfood (meat flavors) and linens of all sorts (towels, bedspreads, blankets, etc.). You can bring any donations to the M.H.S. at 311 Murdock Ave. We are open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 12-6, but our lobby is always open on Mondays and Tuesdays for information or donation drop offs.

From all of us at the Meriden Humane Society who have their hearts in the right place, to all of you who do as well, thank you and "Happy Valentine's Day" from the animals, staff and volunteers. See you at the shelter!

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Shirley Gianotti Municipal Animal Shelter
If you never visited the Shirley Gianotti Municipal Animal Shelter, located in Wallingford, definitely put this on your �must do� list.

The Shelter was run for many years by Shirley Gianotti, a name most Wallingford residents are familiar with. She was the lady that was called when residents spotted a stray dog or cat, or when we were witness to an animal being mistreated---and Shirley always responded.

Since she retired, Lisa Seyler has taken over the Shelter, which she operates with her assistants, Dean, Rachel and Marci. When you walk into the shelter, you immediately feel the love and compassion that Lisa and her assistants have for the animals in their care. When Lisa is asked what can be done to help, her answer is �please say a prayer that my animals find a home�.

There are currently 18 dogs, numerous cats, turtles, a bunny and a bird in residence at the Shelter, all waiting for their �forever� home. Some of these animals were given to the shelter because their owners could no longer afford to take care of them due to the economic climate. Sadly, many of the animals have been mistreated and, thankfully, rescued by Lisa. It is heartbreaking to see the older dogs that have been discarded, found roaming in the Walmart Shopping plaza, or in the woods. You just know that they were wanted when they were cute puppies. These older dogs, often overlooked, actually make great pets. They seem to be very contented to just have a loving family to spend their latter years with.

The Shelter is always in need of donated food, leashes, collars, towels, blankets etc. But the goal of Lisa and her staff is to find a loving, suitable home for their pets.

The Shelter is located at 5 Pent Road in Wallingford.
You can reach Lisa and Dean at 203 294-2180

If you are interested in meeting the residents of the Shelter, please call Lisa to make an appointment.

Patricia Coppola
Wallingford Resident

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To read The People�s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct�s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
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_�Sheltering an Animal�s Perspective�
by
Gregory M. Simpson

A framed birthday card from a friend hangs in my study that reads, �If you want to know the character of a man, find out what his cat thinks of him.� Men and their companion cats�I am in good company.

Edgar Allen Poe was my favorite author during adolescence. He often worked with his cat sitting on his shoulder, and he describes, �Pluto � this was the cat�s name � was my favorite pet and playmate. I alone fed him, and he attended me wherever I went about the house. It was even with difficulty that I could prevent him from following me through the streets.�

Ernest Hemingway loved cats and lived with many at his Key West home. To this day, one can still adopt descendants of Hemingway�s felines. Hemingway was a man who could see that, �A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.�

Victor Hugo, Lord Byron, and detective story writer, Raymond Chandler, were all cat lovers. Chandler called his black Persian his �feline secretary,� to whom he always read the first drafts of his murder mysteries. Sir Walter Scott, Thoreau, Lewis Carroll, T.S. Eliot, James Thurber, Saki, Jules Verne, and George Bernard Shaw were other cat loving authors, and the list goes on, with the likes of Aldous Huxley, Henry James, Rudyard Kipling, and Alexandre Dumas. Charles Dickens asked, �What greater gift than the love of a cat?�

Mark Twain, who kept more than a dozen felines at his Hartford home, may have captured it best when he wrote, �A home without a cat � and a well-fed, well-petted, and properly revered cat � may be a perfect home, perhaps, but how can it prove title?�

Male cat lovers are found in all walks of life. Pope Gregory the Great withdrew into a monastery, giving away all his wealth to the poor, and taking his cat as his only companion. The prophet Mohammed fell asleep with a cat on the sleeve of his robe. When called to prayer, he cut off his sleeve rather than wake the cat. King Henry VIII�s chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey, took his cat to religious services and council meetings. French Cardinal Richelieu lived with many cats, said to number fourteen at the time of his death in 1642.

Presidential cat lovers include Teddy Roosevelt, who had a biography published about his cat, Tom Quartz. Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford both had Siamese cats. Presidents Hayes, Coolidge, Lincoln, Kennedy, and Reagan also had cat companions. Bill Clinton�s cat, Socks, was most the recent feline to inhabit the White House.

Artists are often fond of cats as their subjects. The 19th century artist, Theophile Steinlen, produced countless pictures from observing Parisian street cats. Auguste Renoir painted Girl with a Cat, which hangs in New York City�s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other artists with cat subjects include Matisse, Manet, Picasso, and Andy Warhol. Leonard da Vinci, who drew a page of cats, declared, �The smallest feline is a masterpiece.�

Composers and musicians love cats, too. Chopin�s inspiration for his �Cat Waltz� came partially from his pet cat that jumped onto his keyboard while he was composing. Other musical cat lovers include Alexander Borodin, Maurice Ravel, and of course, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose musical, Cats, is performed world-wide.

Scientists who loved cats include Darwin, whose companion was �Persian Snow.� Albert Einstein theorized that, �Contemporary physics is based on concepts somewhat analogous to the smile of the absent cat.� Sir Isaac Newton, who lived between 1642 and 1727, invented the cat-flap door for his cat and her kittens. Nobel Laureate and humanitarian, Albert Schweitzer, reflected that, �There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.�

Yes, indeed, men and cats make good company. As Fernand Mery wrote, �God made the cat in order that man might have the pleasure of caressing the tiger.� To my fellow men, then, I pose the question, �Have you loved a cat today?�

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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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!

February 2010 � Stream Flow Regulations
Life along the Q River� An Update from the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association

Recently, there has been much talk about the impending Stream Flow Regulations, currently being debated at the Legislator in Hartford. The gist of the debate is that the State wants to balance the water usage between nature and humans. Their intent is to classify flowing bodies of water, everything from brooks to streams into one of four classifications. These four classifications range from: One � pristine, greatly favored to nature; Two - still favorable to nature, but with some human use; Three � relatively balanced between nature and human use; and Four - strongly favored to human use. Class Four rivers would not take into account the wildlife and nature.

The wildlife in and around the Quinnipiac River needs a certain amount of water to survive and thrive. There are natural high and low periods based on the feed from the water source to the weather. By the same token many local municipalities and water companies take water from the Quinnipiac River to service their customers and many wells are fed from the river too.

How did this come about? In 2005 the CT legislature required statewide standards for water flow in its rivers. This was as result of the Shepaug River court case, in which the Town of Washington challenged the City of Waterbury for taking water too much water from the Shepaug River for human use.

Why is this important? The proposed Streamflow Regulations will decide the fate of water in the Quinnipiac and its streams, including Wharton Brook, Muddy River, Sodom Brook, Harbor Brook, Eight Mile River, and Ten Mile River. This is the first science-based effort to protect water flow in 40 years.

Why does this really mean? If the State classifies parts of the Q River as class Four the river won't be restored because they were historically abused. The Quinnipiac has been recovering from pollution in recent years, bringing back fish and bald eagles, ospreys and other wildlife that eat fish. Local residents now enjoy wildlife watching, fishing for stocked and wild trout, paddling, and hiking on river trails. Wallingford will soon have a fishway to help fish migrate up the Q River.

Like many things in life, it�s all balance. We CAN balance the needs of nature and humans. We encourage ALL users of the Q River to use it judiciously and with care. That means conservation from water companies, municipalities and well users. That means treating our Quinnipiac River with respect. That means being responsible for our water usage.

Our state is water-rich - with intelligent planning, there is enough water for both fish and faucet. Good management can provide water for us all to use and to enjoy with nature.

Upcoming QRWA Events � Sunday, February 21, 2010 � Annual Winter Wildlife Hike, Lead by Wildlife Biologist and QRWA board member Peter Picone. The hike begins at 1:30 PM sharp at the Quinnipiac River State Park. Please meet at end of Banton Street which is behind the gas station at Exit 63 off Route 15 in North Haven, CT.

The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the Quinnipiac for 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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BLANCA SANTANA, FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SCOW

Photo of Attorney General Richard Blumenthal with Blanca

Blanca Santana, former director of the Spanish Community of Wallingford, (SCOW) for 14 years, remembers her first office in 1995 as one room in the Wallingford Rail Road Station. She helped her clients adjust to an English speaking work force. She enjoyed her involvement in their lives. It became her personal mission to relieve the pain and suffering that immigrants encounter.

Blanca's mother and father, Higia and Hernando, brought their family to Hartford, CT from Peiria, Columbia when Blanca was four years old. Blanca is the oldest of four children. Her parents struggled to make a living and to adjust to a new language, new climate and new friends. Hernando became a gun smith at Colt Manufacturing in Hartford; Higia also worked there besides raising her family, Strong and honest people, they trained their children well. Blanca always kept a strong faith and to this day helps others to believe in a just God. Now Blanca has returned to helping her mother and father while looking for a new job.

I've known Blanca for over 15 years when my nephew, Alan, met her as a hostess at a dance. She cut a good figure on the dance floor--and still does, has excellent posture and large brown eyes that captivate her audience. What was striking about Blanca was her humility. She carefully listened to others. Born in a Spanish-speaking home, she learned English at a young age and has assisted her Spanish friends and clients to know both languages. She graduated from Bulkeley High in Hartford and Eastern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor degree in Communications.

During a shared lunch, she told me, "I had several part time jobs after college, at one time working for WVIT, Channel 30. I was laid off after four months. I also worked with a friend in photography in the Walmart stores. When I applied at the Spanish Community of Wallingford, I never thought I'd be hired, let alone, stay for 14 years.

Blanca was hired as director of SCOW in 1995. In the year, 2001, the town moved SCOW's office to the older Senior Center building where Blanca and two employees assisted over 500 Latino families. The facility gave the people more room to grow in computer skills, in counseling and in recreation. Blanca established collaboration with other agencies in Wallingford (e.g. Literacy Volunteers, Adult Learning Center, the Dare program, United Way member agencies, the youth officer of the Wallingford Police Department, the Wallingford school system and more.) Spanish families received help in immigration issues, learning English as a second language, computer training, legal services, health, employment, education, tutoring, clerical services, community participation, transportation, and entertainment. The quiet Blanca, I first knew, became an advocate for anyone in need. Other agencies admired her.

In a span of seven years, Blanca received five awards!

In 1999 Blanca was awarded 'WOMAN OF THE YEAR' by the Professional Business Woman Organization.

In the year, 2000, Eastern State University gave her THE ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED AWARD.

She was chosen above sixty other applicants for her contributions and received THE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD for the state on Jan. 16, 2006 at the 20th ANNUAL Libery Bell Celebration at the state capitol.

On April 18, 2006, again at the state capitol, she was honored as OUTSTANDING IMMIGRANT along with 21 other recipients from Connecticut by the CONNECTICUT IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COALITION.

On Sept. 15, 2007 the HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL NETWORK awarded Blanca the COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD.

I attended three out of the five ceremonies and admired Blanca Santana for her talents and her gifts. I called her recently to ask her permission to write this article.

She said, "I am very grateful for the partnerships and friendships that I cultivated in all the years I worked for the Spanish Community of Wallingford. It was an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to assist and guide anyone who needed help."
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Southington Genealogical Society In 1630 several hundred English Puritans under the leadership of John Winthrop came to establish the colony of Massachusetts Bay. This was the first group of sufficient size to establish a long-time sustainable and growing colony, which in only thirty years extended over much of the present state of Massachusetts, and into Connecticut and New Hampshire as well. But who were these people and what was their contribution to history?On January 26th, the Southington Genealogical Society welcomes Dr. Richard A Eppler who will speak on "The Founding of New England � The Winthrop Fleet of 1630". The meeting will take place in the meeting room of Southington Police Headquarters. Ample parking is available. Refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge and no obligation to become a member. No reservations are necessary. Dr. Eppler has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois, and has been involved in chemical and ceramic research and consulting for almost fifty years. He has been interested in genealogy for forty years or so, and has traced his mother's family back to several of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.The Southington Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization located in central Connecticut that promotes the accurate recording, research and preservation of family history. The society regularly meetsat 7:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of every month, except December, at Southington Police Headquarters, 69 Lazy Lane, Southington, Connecticut._______________________________________________________________

Barb�s Family

Submitted by Alan Murphy
Foster Adoptive Mission

You may have seen her on her way to work or in a grocery store and noticed her friendly and welcoming smile. She may look a lot like one of your friends or neighbors. She might even look a bit like you. What sets her apart is that this woman, Barbara, has been a foster parent since 2002.

�I always knew I wanted to work with children,� Barbara explains. �And the 30 years I spent teaching special education were tremendously gratifying. Yet I always wanted to do more. Being a foster parent has allowed me to make more of an impact. Together with my family, I have been able to change the lives of children from all different backgrounds and a variety of circumstances. There are challenges, to be sure�as every foster parent will tell you�but the rewards have been beyond what I would ever have expected.�

There are currently 513,000 children in the foster care system in the United States, and there is a dire need for committed, caring adults willing to take these children into their homes over the short or longer term. In her seven years as a foster parent, Barbara and her husband have taken in 25 children for stays ranging
from a few days to nine months. They have adopted two of these children (one a toddler and the other a teenager), who are now a permanent part of a family that also includes Barbara�s two college-age biological sons and, at present, one additional foster child.

After having done this for seven years, Barbara tells us: �Now, I wish we had made the decision to start even earlier. Each one of these children has contributed to our home and family life in a special way.�

Barbara is especially grateful for the FAST program, which sends professionals into foster homes to help address the children�s unique needs. She tells us that the first few days of a placement can be especially trying, as children act out in different ways and can be particularly needy when first separated from a parent. FAST provides the information and support Barbara and her family need to make the transition as smooth as possible. �The reward is when the child begins to trust you,� Barbara says. �The first time he comes to you for comfort or she places her head on you. Those are the moments that make everything worthwhile�just knowing that you have created a safe and loving place for this youngster. For some of these children, the time they spend in our home is their first experience of a healthy, nurturing environment. We show them the sort of home life they deserve. And I don�t mean with regard to home size or material possessions; I mean having a place to live where everyone has your best interests at heart. A place where you know from one moment to the next what to expect and don�t have to live with fear or hunger or neglect.�

Barbara�s eyes light up as she speaks of a three-year-old currently in her care: �She is so bright and says the funniest things. She has been identified as gifted by the teachers at the nursery school she attends, which doesn�t surprise me at all. I�ve met with this little girl�s mother, and she has so much potential. We are all hoping she will be able to turn things around and be reunited with her child. Until then, she knows her child is in a loving home.�

The most difficult part of being a foster parent, according to Barbara, is seeing the children leave, especially when there is no contact afterwards. �It�s not possible to adopt every child,� Barbara says, �and of course we worry about the children after they�ve left our home. We just have to take comfort in the fact that, for as long as we had them, we loved them and gave them a stable, structured family life. Sometimes, we are able to keep track of a child when he or she leaves. One of the children was adopted by her grandparent, and we get together and talk on the phone often. It is such a joy to know this child is in a caring home and is being given a good chance for a healthy and happy life.

�
What makes an ideal foster parent? According to Barbara, there is no one formula other than enjoying children, being able to provide a loving home, and being willing to fight for what they need. Barbara considers foster parenting her calling and encourages others to join her in providing a temporary home for one or more of the thousands of local children in need.

Foster parenting is a commitment�and an opportunity to make a big difference in a child�s life. FAM (Foster Adoptive Mission) has presented this vignette of Barbara�s experiences as a foster parent in hopes of encouraging other caring adults to reach out to children in difficult circumstances. If you have any interest in becoming a foster parent, please call FAM today for more information. There is no obligation. Your timing couldn�t be better: May is National Foster Care Month. Please call FAM at 860.949.4061 or 203.706.0101. There is a child out there who needs you.

Please note: To protect the privacy of children in the foster care system and their foster families, FAM (Foster Adoptive Mission) prefers they remain anonymous in most instances. In the case of this article we have omitted the last name of the foster parent and have been given permission to use the foster parent�s first name.
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Brio Academy Honors Dejlitko with Student Entrepreneur Award

Christine Dejlitko is working to secure her future by learning the art of cosmetology and at the same time how to become an accomplished business person while attending Brio Academy�s East Main Street school.

Dejlitko, a lifetime Meriden resident, is making her school days a Grade A, award-winning experience at the east-side salon, where she is a student and the current recipient of the Business Student of the Month award. With the honor, Dejlitko automatically is entered into the Nuts & Bolts National Business Student of the Year competition. Nuts &

Bolts is a professional business development program designed to give students a competitive edge and is exclusively offered at Brio Academy schools.

The award criteria includes attendance, delivering outstanding customer service, business building, influence on other students and focus and discipline towards becoming a successful business person in a chosen profession.

�I�m very excited and shocked,� Dejlitko said of winning the Nuts & Bolts award. �It feels good to have accomplished it.�

Dejlitko has demonstrated that she has the know-how to turn her education into a lucrative career, while setting the bar for her peers. �I always wanted to do hair,� said Dejlitko, who works as a full-time job coach with the mentally challenged. �It�s always been one of my dreams.� Dejlitko finds time to volunteer at St. Ann�s Church in Hamden and Master�s Manna food pantry in Wallingford. An active member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), her hobbies include securing animals for the Wallingford Shelter.

Dejlitko said she aspires to join the Brio Academy faculty after completing her school days.

Brio Academy of Cosmetology has eight school locations throughout Connecticut � newly opened Enfield, Hamden, Fairfield, East Hartford, Niantic, Willimantic, Torrington and Meriden. Corporate headquarters are located in Meriden. The Academy is a career training center specializing in hairstyling, barbering, cosmetology and esthetics.

All services are offered to the public at the school salons and provided by supervised students at a cost-saving rate. Brio�s Meriden hairstyling salon is located at 1231 East Main St. within Lowe�s Plaza. Brio Academy of Cosmetology has both day and evening classes available year-round. For more information contact admissions at (203) 237-6683 or go to www. brioacademy.edu.
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~ A Wintry Tale ~
- George Arndt -

The snow had started falling early that February morn. It came in on the nor�east wind,
like blistering shards of frozen wings. Winds that spared no earthly thing, nor cared what lay in its wake. Ice-encrusted fluttering flakes�danced like glistening crystal doves. Blustery gales a-howling -- from the valleys of sprawling glaciers, bouncing from the foreboding mountain crests�gave no hope to those who dared to smirk at its might.

The old lady and her bedraggled mate shivered alone in that creaky abode. Their only warmth was each other now -- and as the dwindling embers from the hearth were slowly dying, came the deepening sense of hopelessness, and the reality of mortality.

Cry -- she dared not, indeed, for such pittance of wretched human feelings would bring not a miracle, but the show of frailty of this forsaken pair.

The strength of the roaring winter fiend rose again to claim its privileged crown of frost and ice. As if its reason was merciless hate, came again with bony fingers stretching �cross the lonely plane�piling snow against itself, along each edge of its domain. Neither bird nor beast could be seen �round the blanket of white that covered acres and acres of this forgotten Montana farm.

There seemed no end, not the least reprise, from winter�s frigid grip�as all hope, it seemed, was surely fading fast for these two solitary folk. With what strength this creaky dame possessed, lifted her tiny frame and mate from off the bench�bashed the remaining wooden seat into splintered rays of glimmering hope.
Tossed into the fire pit ever so sparingly -- piece by piece as she held tightly to her chattering man. Watched and smiled as the fire glowed red, and then too soon -- it was dead.. Praying now was all they had for any semblance of warmth�just enough to keep them from freezing there on the weathered floor.

�Luke...get over here.�

Did she dare to think she heard a voice...someone's voice outside their battered door?

�I think there�s someone inside.�

She strained to listen�how could this be�who could be out there�out there in that frost, that bitter cold, she implored her soul?

Again came the voice.

�Come help me get this snow from off the door�I hear sobbing in there.�

She was crying now�she hugged her near frozen love�cried out in a weakened fragile voice.

�Yes�we�re in here�help us, help us, please�it�s so cold.�

With ample speed they dug�and soon�the door was cleared, and then the hikers stepped inside. The couple were bundled into one�nearly frozen, nearly dead.

�Wrap yourselves in these blankets�and here, take a sip of this warming broth.�

The pair grinned and nodded as they wrapped the cozy warm blanket �round their trembling selves. The broth was like the whispers of Heaven as each took sips from the thermoses of the daring hikers, who, by fate, stumbled upon this depleted raggedy old farmhouse.

And so a tale of bitter icy fears ended with the couple being saved from the curs�ed frigid winter�s rage.
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To read The People�s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct�s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!

Home Country
Slim Randles

One of the problems Marvin Pincus discovered about running the Fly Tying Love Center here in the valley is that there appeared to be more fly tying than love counseling going on.

This particular morning he was whipping up a nice fluffy Adams dry on a number 12 and wishing everyone�s love problems were as easy to solve as tying one of these. He realized he�s a pioneer in the field of combining fly tying and romance solutions, but that doesn�t mean he couldn�t quietly hope for his neighbors to have more love problems. His advice had worked well with Dewey (a lead-wire-wrapped wooly bugger leading to the suggestion he showers before he asks a girl out on a date), and with Randy Jones (a pheasant-tail nymph and a Parmachene Belle sending him on his way to girlfriend happiness with Katie Burchell). But there were others out there. There had to be others.

Other advice counselors, the ones who just sat there taking notes, managed to find any number of unhappy potential love victims, but the Fly Tying Love Center was noticeably short of them at the moment.

�Marjorie,� Marvin said over coffee, �maybe if I offered an incentive, you know? Some little extra that would bring them in for advice?�

�Like what, Honey?�

�Maybe taking some flies that I tied for them and making earrings out of them?�

�The men around here don�t really take to wearing earrings.�

�I mean, for the women � you know. Women are the emotional ones who need love advice the most. Everyone knows that.�

�How many clients have you had so far?�

�Well, two.�

�Both of them were �?�

�Men, true. But I�m not sure what I could offer the guys except the flies themselves to use to go fishing.�

�That sounds good.�

�And the earrings?�

�We could get you some of those fasteners for the earrings, and it would probably be a good idea to cut the points and barbs off them.�

�Good idea.�

�And I could wear a pair just to start the neighbor ladies talking about it.�

�Yeah! Good idea! I�ll tie you up a few right now.�

�In that case,� Marjorie told her husband, �I�ve got the ladies club luncheon today and I planned to wear the red outfit��

�Royal Coachman streamers on number fours! Honey, you�re the best.�
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Brought to you by the soon-to-be-announced syndicated radio program, �Home Country.� We thought you should be warned.

For a mug shot, cookie, or love advice, we�re here for you:

Slim Randles
7308 Painted Pony Trail NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
(505) 306-6009
ol_slim@yahoo.com
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One Down � Eleven to Go
by Ernie Larsen

By the time this is in print the month of January will have run its course. Now we are in February, the shortest month, so when it ends it too will seem like it was just yesterday we were hauling out the Christmas tree to the curb for recycling.

Usually the first month of the year reminds me of the doldrums, a sense of stagnation or that part of the ocean, near the equator, which is marked by calm. More or less of a month of nothing; unless you take the reins, making more of than it seems to offer. For instance, the first Federal holiday of the year is celebrated during January�s second week. Yep, Martin Luther King day and if you have the good fortune to work for a firm, company, government agency and have the day off you�ve got a three day weekend to make the most of; what to do???

One of our three day weekend likes is a theater trip to New York City. We usually plan to see a couple of shows, one drama or comedy and a musical. On our last visit, we had tickets for a production which was in previews. They were purchased through the Manhattan Theater Club and for really good mezzanine seats the tickets were only $38.00 each; and if you know Broadway pricing this is a deal. And for our second production, the next day we decided to hit the TKTS line on Broadway and 47th where theaters send their unsold ducats and most can be had for 50% off retail with a 2/3 dollar service charge. While I was on an errand, my spouse took a place in line and when I finished my obligations I joined her. Lo and behold � she asked me if I knew a certain person from Meriden whom she thought was waiting on line and there she was a colleague of hers who teaches at another school in town. Imagine that, a city of 8 million and you see someone from the old home town. Anyway, we finally made it to the ticket window and having a couple of choices in mind were offered tickets to MEMPHIS a high energy musical which takes place in the early 1950�s. The regular price a regular price orchestra ticket for this show was $130.00 and we got them for half off.

We also stayed in the City for two nights, in January hotel prices are extremely reasonable. I can highly recommend the Hotel at Times Square, interestingly this place is quite a distance from Times Square, but I digress � it is on 46th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues and quite convenient to the theater district.

46th Street is also known as Restaurant Row with a great selection of eateries offering almost any cuisine you could imagine. We regularly seem to end up at places featuring Italian menus and are teased about it by one of our gourmand offspring � so this trip we branched and tried a place which claims to be the only Chilean restaurant in the City. My wife had a chicken dish and for my entr�e I enjoyed a baked seafood soup. The chicken was plentiful, my offering would have been a nice appetizer � a bit of a stingy portion and a bit pricey for what it was, but we were in a tourist area and this is not unusual. All in all we did enjoy the change. And the next night we were back at our old stomping grounds, a nice, neighborhood Italian place over on 2nd Avenue in the 50�s. Somewhat off the beaten track, it was recco�d by a workmate who used to date the owners son. What a find � when we got out of the theater it was raining and we luckily hailed a taxi and made it cross town in a very short period of time. When we walked into the place a gentleman was playing the piano and there were only 6 or so others having an early dinner. When we handed the menus I remarked the prices were comparable to places where we regularly dine around this area. And the food, I had some of the best stuffed clams I�d ever experienced and both of our entrees were delicious and plentiful. We also enjoyed some classic Italian desserts, a great house wine and very good coffee and cappuccino. If you�re in the area check it out, it�s called Mimi�s right on the corner of 52nd and 2nd. Maybe we�ll see you there we definitely will be heading back.

If going out of town is not your cup of tea you don�t have to hibernate in the winter months. Lots of folks like to just hang around the house with the excuse �Oh, there�s nothing to do in the winter� � well there sure are lots of options. How about heading up to Hartford to the Wadsworth Atheneum � a museum with a varied collection of American and European art plus special exhibitions through out the year. Not up your alley � how about taking in a show at the Bushnell or the Hartford Stage? Or a concert � the Oakdale presents an eclectic mix of performers throughout the year or you could drive up to the casinos for some top notch entertainment. You may even be able to take in a local production at your hometowns community theater. Then there are the ubiquitous home shows at the Convention Center in Hartford or hunting and fishing expo�s in the same venues. Are you a sports fan? Even though they are very popular � there are always tickets available for college hoops at the Civic, oops! Excel Center or you could check some of the local colleges for the times and dates of their games � besides UConn there are some other great athletes playing their hearts out and you can be entertained for a few paltry dollars. Just using these suggestions to say there are lots of activities to keep people entertained. We used to head to Yale to watch some great hockey for around 4/5 dollars a game.

So, get yourself out from under that rock and get out and do something � check out the newspaper, there are always various entertainment offerings and much more going on every week. And if you want to see something really different, entertainment at its finest � check out when the next City Council meeting is scheduled � government in the raw � be sure you get there for the public comments, you cannot put a price on this type of activity.

Enjoy and see you next month.

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!

Town News and Events February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The People's Press) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:47:00 +0000

To read The People�s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct�s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!

Mayor�s Corner Meriden

We are in the dead of a New England winter and have already weathered several big snowstorms. During and after each storm, I receive numerous calls from angry and frustrated residents complaining of snowplows covering driveways and sidewalks with snow or not arriving at all for their street. I can appreciate these concerns and we do our best to remedy these situations if possible.

However, I offer some points to consider. Meriden has 190 miles of roadways to plow with 22 trucks. The first priority is major arteries followed by secondary streets, followed by sub divisions, and then cul-de-sacs. Due to these priorities, some residents must wait longer than others to get plowed out.

Additionally, the Meriden City Code stipulates that residents are responsible for clearing their walks after a snowstorm within 12 hours after sunrise unless it is a late storm and then the period carries over to the next day. Also, the code prohibits parking on public streets during a snow or ice storm from November 1 to March 15. And finally, the code prohibits pushing snow onto city streets. By following these regulations, residents can assist the city in the snow plowing efforts.

For more detailed information and tips about dealing with winter storms, check the city website at www.cityofmeriden.org and click special announcements.

Thank you for your assistance and patience during difficult storm related conditions.

Mike Rohde
Mayor

MAX E. MURAVNICK
MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS� CENTER

The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens� Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver�s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Caf�. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!

AARP�s trained volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are once again ready to help local seniors with income tax advice and actual preparation of your 2009 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Max Muravnick Senior Center each Wednesday, from Wednesday, February 3 until Wednesday, April 7. This free service is offered by appointment which may be made by calling the Senior Center at 203-237-0066.

The Meriden Antique Veterans, World Post #1, completed another outstanding year of service to the community in 2009. The group officiated with honor guards at a record 121 funeral services during the calendar year, exceeding the previous high of 114 funerals several years ago. Since 9/11 the group has taken part in 835 funeral services! Their participation in uniform with a rifle squad, service flags, a bugler and the folding and presentation of the American flag to the family is a great tribute to the departed veteran and a source of comfort and support to those left behind. The Meriden Antique Veterans were formed in 1996 and meet weekly each Thursday morning at 9:30 AM in the mezzanine level of the Meriden Senior Center. New members are always welcome and the meetings are open to any honorably discharged veteran, male or female, of any branch of the United States Armed Forces. Congratulations and thank you to the Meriden Antique Veterans for all you accomplished in 2009!

A Valentine Dinner Dance will be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, February 11 with music provided by Vinnie Carr. The dinner menu of roast beef, baked potato with chives and sour cream, peas with mushrooms, dessert and coffee will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 with dancing from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets are available now for Meriden residents at a cost $6 per person and may be purchased at the Senior Center.

The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center will be on Wednesday, April 21 and Friday, April 23 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Class participants will learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and much more in this 8-hour course. Successful completion of the classroom course also entitles you to a discount on your automobile insurance premiums. The course fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Reservations for the class are now being accepted by calling the Senior Center at 203-237-0066. Additional AARP Driver Safety Classes this year at the Senior Center will be held on July 21 & 23 and November 3 & 5, 2010.

The Elderly and Disabled Homeowners� Tax Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut has now started. Any elderly or disabled Meriden homeowner can apply for a credit to their local property taxes at the Meriden Tax Assessor�s Office at City Hall between February 1 and May 17, 2010. To be eligible applicants or their spouse must have been 65 or older by December 31, 2009 or be on Social Security Disability. You must own and live in the house for which you claim a tax credit and the income limits are $32,300 for a single person and $39,500 for a married couple. Applications for tax relief are also available for qualified veterans. For more information contact the Tax Assessor�s Office at 630-4065.

Save the date for a Reverse Mortgage Seminar on Wednesday, March 10 at 10:30 AM presented by Wells Fargo Home Mortagage. Learn how people aged 62 and over can convert some of their home�s equity into cash to help pay bills, cover healthcare costs, make home repairs, or address other financial needs. A free, no cost or obligation program in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center.

The 21st annual Walk for Warmth will be held on Saturday, March 6 at 10:00 AM in downtown Meriden to raise money for energy assistance for people in need in our community. Last year�s walk raised $20,000 and I raised $330 through your generous pledges. People willing to make a pledge again this year are asked to sign-up in the front office and I thank you for your support!

Meriden AARP Chapter #2954 will meet on the lower level of the Senior Center on February 10, 2010 at 12:30, general meeting at 1:30, and entertainment at 2:00. The program at 2:00 will be a slide show by Peter Burch with many wonderful pictures of his trip to Egypt and Jordan. There will also be a raffle of three Valentine�s Day baskets and more!

For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.

John F. Hogarth
Senior Center Director
January 29, 2010

Mayor�s Corner Wallingford

Dear Friends:
The Spring 2010 Wallingford Parks and Recreation Guide to Leisure and Fun has just arrived � a sure sign that warmer weather is on its way. There are numerous programs for every age group to enjoy.

Early childhood programs for our preschool children include Language Lingo and Flights of Fancy for 2 year olds with a parent. Children 6-11 can enjoy the February 15 � 19th school break with Winter Warriors. Hop on a bus and head out on trips for lots of fun. Spring Stingers provides children 6-11 an opportunity to go on trips during the spring school break which is scheduled for April 19 � 23rd. Voyager Trips this summer include a Radio City Backstage Tour, a tour of Fenway Park and a tour of the new Yankee Stadium.

New in Sports and Leagues for children ages 5-6 and 7-8 years old this year is Skyhawk Tennis an exciting new play format for learning tennis at an early age.

There are also instructions for a variety of sports including volleyball, baseball, basketball, football, fencing and martial arts.

There are many Health and Fitness classes to choose from tailored for most everyone�s needs. You can take ballroom dancing; learn swing, Latin, Country /Western and new this year the �Thrill of Dance� a tribute to the King of Pop Michael Jackson.

The Guide for 2010 is indeed a wonderful opportunity for �Leisure and Fun�. Sign up now!

Sincerely,

William W. Dickinson, Jr.
Mayor

jms
1/29/10

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER
FEBRUARY 2010 EDITION

WSC GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Looking for a gift for your special senior? Consider purchasing a Wallingford Senior Center Gift Certificate for a family member or friend. Our gift certificates, which are available at the front desk, may be used toward senior center classes, trips, special events, and Lake View Caf� meals.

VALENTINE�S CELEBRATION
Thursday, February 11, 10:30 AM
Don�t miss our annual salute to love at our Valentine�s Celebration on February 11. The festivities include fabulous musical entertainment provided by We Got Rhythm (back by popular demand), as well as Valentine�s Day treats and activities. Please sign up if you plan to attend.

VALENTINE LUNCHEON
Thursday, February 11, 12 Noon
Following our Valentine�s Celebration, Lake View Caf� will serve a special luncheon. The menu includes: Tossed Garden Salad with Creamy Dressing, Three Cheese Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Lemon Meringue Pie, and Coffee. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale through February 9.

SOCIAL SINGLES VALENTINES PARTY
Thursday, February 4, 6:00 � 9:00 PM
Attention singles aged 55+! Join us for a Valentine�s Day Party with DJ Todd from Jock in the Box featuring music of the 50�s and 60�s. Refreshments will include hors d�oeuvres, punch and dessert. Advance tickets are $10.00 ($12.00 at the door). Invite your single friends! For more information call Ruth at 203-269-5492. Visit the Social Singles website at www.socialsingles.wlfdseniorctr.com.

SOCIAL SINGLES VIRTUAL BOWLING
February 10 & 24, 1:30 PM
Social Singles now has its own Wii Bowling Team! We will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month in the Great Room from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Please sign up if you plan to participate. If you are interested in more information about Social Singles, please visit our website at www.socialsingles.wlfdseniorctr.com.

LIVING WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
Wednesday, February 17, 10:30 AM
Learn how Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is diagnosed and treated. This program, sponsored by MidState Medical Center, will be presented by Donna Jones, RN. Please sign up if you plan to attend.

LOVE YOUR HEART! � WOMEN & HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Monday, February 22, 10:30 AM
This month�s edition of �To Your Health� will focus on women and high blood pressure. Please sign up to attend this important program which is presented by the Visiting Nurse Association of Wallingford.

2010 GOLF LEAGUE
Our Coed Golf League, coordinated by Howard Griesing, and held at Miner Hills Golf Course, will begin its eleventh season in May. This year, instead of two ten-week sessions, there will be one sixteen-week session, running from May 18 through August 31. The cost for play and the final week cookout is $235.00 for members and $240.00 for non-members. Sign-up will begin in May. Additional details will follow.

SENIOR STARS FINAL UPDATE
The final Senior Stars Karaoke competition was held on YouTube in December, and our own John Ferreira, who sang �Barefootin��, was the statewide third place winner! Congratulations, John! And, congratulations to Cheryl Mrazik, who was a finalist in the karaoke competition.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Just a reminder that your Senior Center has many different activities and interest groups to keep you occupied during the long, cold winter! For the creative folks we offer quilting, ceramics, clay sculpture, wood carving, knitting and crocheting. Like games? Come play Wii sports, bridge, pinochle, setback, mah jongg, bunco, bingo, or Scrabble. Need activity? Try ping pong, billiards, tap dancing, dancing with DJ Donald, or our many fitness classes. We also have two singing groups, a current events discussion group, computer classes and a Bible discussion group. You could hang out with friends, have breakfast or lunch, relax and watch TV or listen to live music. Or, find out ways to volunteer. Come meet new friends and have fun at the Wallingford Senior Center!

SOCIAL SERVICES
IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SOCIAL WORKER, EILEEN FLYNN, AT 265 7753. THANK YOU.

FOOD PANTRIES IN WALLINGFORD
Need a little help with your food bill? Listed below are the names, addresses, and times you can visit.

�Angel Food Ministries: Get $75.00 worth of food for $30.00. See member interest table at the center, or call 203-284-8975 for additional information.

�Master�s Manna: 46 North Plains Road (in back). ID required (Photo ID, Birth Certificate or medical card). Distribution times: Tuesday & Thursday, 9-12; Fridays, 4-8 p.m.

�Good News Food Pantry: 46 John Street (Good News Church). Distribution time: Wednesday, 11:00 a. m. � 2:00 p.m.

�Elderly Nutrition Meals: The Town of Wallingford is able to provide meals to seniors who meet the criteria. Please call 203-294-2060 for additional information.

�Local churches: Call your church to find out if there is a food pantry available.

CONSUMER INFORMATION
Banks and Credit Union Overdraft Practices
Please be aware of banking practices such as: covering ATM withdrawals, debit card purchases and preauthorized electronic payment of bills. When there is not enough money in your account to cover your withdrawals, many banks will automatically cover your shortages BUT they will charge you exorbitant service charges, anywhere from $30.00 to $39.00 for each transaction. Be sure to check with your bank to see what your bank�s procedure is.

ASK AN ATTORNEY
Tuesday, February 11, 1:00 p.m. � 2:30 p.m.
Attorney Daniel O. Tully of Kilbourne & Tully, PC will be available to give free legal advice to those who have questions or need some direction with legal issues. Please call (203) 265 7753 to schedule an appointment.

LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP
Friday, February 19, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Please join us at our monthly meeting. New members are welcome. Topics of interest are presented by professionals. This group also offers an opportunity to learn about the newest forms of technology as well as provides a chance to exchange ideas about how to manage this lifestyle challenge. Please call (203) 265 7753 to sign up.

VETERANS SERVICES
Tuesday, February 23, 1:00 � 3:00 pm
George Messier, Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Wallingford, will be available to answer questions and assist with benefit information. An appointment is required. Please call 203-265-7753.

MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM
The Medicare Savings Program assists individuals who meet the income guidelines to pay their Medicare Part B premium. Income limits for a single person range from $1778.91 to $2091.67. For a couple, the income limits range from $2393.55 to $2816.67. There is no asset limit. If you fall within these guidelines, the State may be able to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Income verification is all that is necessary. This includes gross Social Security benefit (gross is before the $96.50 is taken out of the check), pension, dividends, interest, rental income, gross wages, etc. To schedule an appointment for completing the application, please call (203) 265 7753.

CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
2009-2010 HEATING SEASON
Appointments for assistance with fuel continue to be scheduled at the Wallingford Senior Center. Anyone 60 years of age and over is encouraged to apply. Income limits are $30,485.00 for a single person and $39,865.00 for a couple. Asset limits also apply. Liquid asset limit for homeowners: $10,000; non-homeowners $7,000. Please call 203-265-7753 to schedule an important.

BENEFITS SCREENING
Tuesday, February 16, 10:00 a.m. � 12:00 noon
Do you often wonder if you might be eligible for any State or Federal programs? Benefits QuickLINK is a free and confidential program which can quickly screen for eligibility. Supporting Documents are not required, but please bring the following information with you to your appointment: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest). 2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medical expenses not covered by health insurance). 3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Registration required. Call 265 7753 now to schedule an appointment.

FOOD STAMP PROGRAM (SNAP)
The State Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly the Food Stamp Program) has changed its eligibility criteria effective July 1, 2009. Income limits have been increased and there is no asset limit when applying for this program.
�Single Income: $1,669.00 month �Couple Income: $2,246.00 month
For more information or to schedule an appointment to apply for this program, please call Eileen Flynn, Social Worker at 265 7753.

HELP WITH SNOW REMOVAL
Need assistance with snow removal? The YOUTH JOB BANK of Wallingford�s Youth & Social Services Department can help. They will find a student from Wallingford to shovel snow for a fee you negotiate directly with the student. You can call the JOB BANK to request assistance before it snows, this way a student will be assigned to assist you prior to a snowfall. Please call 203-294-2175 to request a student or to get additional information.

VISIT our website at www.wlfdseniorctr.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!

Local News and Events February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (The People's Press) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:43:00 +0000

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!

What's Happening at Temple B'nai Abraham?

Temple B'nai Abraham in Meriden is a Conservative synagogue which provides religious, educational and social programming for all age groups in a warm, extended family atmosphere. Services are egalitarian, and feature congregational singing. All are welcome. We are located at 127 East Main Street. Weekly services are on Thursdays at 8:00 a.m., Friday nights (call for time), Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., and Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. (when religious school is in session.) Here is what is happening in February. Come visit us.
February 7th 9:15 a.m.- World Wide WrapThe World Wide Wrap is a program of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs that teaches Jews from around the world how to perform the mitzvah (commandment) of wrapping tefillin. Tefillin are two small square black boxes with leather straps attached to them. One box on the forehead and the other on the left arm (close to the heart). The boxes contain a scroll with selected verses from Deuteronomy and Exodus. Following the morning service the Rabbi will speak on the commandment to put on tefillin and why it is acceptable for women to do so

February 7th 1:00 p.m. - Family Bowling withTemple B'nai AbrahamJoin us for an afternoon of family fun on Sunday, February 7th at 1:00 p.m. at Colony Lanes in Wallingford. The cost is $11.00 per person which includes: 2 slices of cheese pizza, soda, shoe rental, and 2 hours of bowling. Please call 203-235-2581 to

RSVP. Snow date is February 14th.
February 12th 6:00 p.m. -Family Shabbat ServicePlease join us on Friday, February 12th at 7:30 p.m. as we celebrate Shabbat (the Sabbath). Saturday services are at 9:30 a.m.

February 27th 6:30 p.m. - Shake Your Groggers at Temple B'nai Abraham's Purim Party!Nosh some hamentaschen and shake your groggers at Temple B'nai Abraham's Purim Party on Saturday February 27th! Come in costume, join the parade, win prizes, and make some noise! Cheer for Esther and Mordecai! Boo Haman! What will Rabbi Kohn's costume be? Come and see! Megillah reading and Purim Party at 6:30 p.m. There will also be Purim Services Sunday morning February 28th at 9:30 a.m.February Adult Education Classes

Rabbi Michael Kohn continues his series of adult education classes. On Monday nights we are starting a Beginning Hebrew class (call for details). Wednesday nights alternate between Synagogue Service Class (Feb 3rd and 17th) and Torah/Haftorah/Megillah Class (Feb. 10th and 24th). Every Thursday at noon, come discuss the weekly Torah portion with us. And our discussion of Life Cycle Events continues on Sunday Feb. 14th from 11:00 to 12:30 with observances related death and mourning. All classes are open to the community and there is no charge to attend.

For more information about any of these services or events call 203-235-2581 or visit us on the web at www.meridentemple.org

Lincoln Middle School Pasta Dinner & Live Auction
Friday, March 5, 2010
Proceeds to benefit Lincoln Middle School�s Student Enrichment Activities

Special guest Auctioneer will be local children�s author EDDIE �SPAGHETTI� SIEBERT!

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the following locations: Lincoln Middle School, Tom�s Place - Main Street, S. Meriden, Salon Nathaniel - 1247 E. Main Street

Pasta Dinner
Time: 5:30-6:30
Location: Lincoln Cafe
Tickets: $5.00 pp (Price of ticket includes one auction paddle. Additional auction paddles are $1.00 each). $3.50 per child (age 10 and under)

Auction
Time: 6:30 Preview 7:00 Auction
Location: Lincoln Auditorium
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MARDI GRAS MADNESS
Chase away your winter blues at MARDI GRAS MADNESS at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Hall, 382 Hope Hill Road, Yalesville on Saturday, February 20 from 6:30PM until 9:30PM. Come as you are or in costume (the best one gets a prize). You provide your dinner; we provide dessert, punch, coffee, tea, surprises and the rollicking, live Dixieland music of the SUGARFOOT JAZZ BAND. Families and friends welcome! Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets available at the church after weekend masses (Sat. 4PM and Sun. 8:30AM and 10:30AM) beginning Jan. 30/31 or at the Rectory (203-265-0961). Sponsored by the Fatima Women�s Club. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll)!
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Sheehan Class of 85 Reunion Planned

Attention Mark T. Sheehan High School Class of 1985 grads: The 25th class reunion is planned for Friday, November 26, 2010. Additional information can be found online at: www.MTS85.info. Alumni are encouraged to register for reunion updates and information while visiting the site.

___________________________________________________________________________The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, Meriden will be hosting the following February events:

***Carabase Training's Fit Body Boot CampEvery Tuesday & Thursday evening 6pm to 7pmA workout program based on your own personal needs! Anyone can participate at any level....Personal Trainer Joe Carabase will be leading this fitness boot camp which is a fun alternative to the gym and is for everyone to join. If you are interested in joining call 860-918-3057 or e-mail joe@carabasetraining.com

***Augusta Curtis Concert Band RehearsalsRehearsal are held every Monday from 7pm-9pm except HolidaysAny age or level of playing can join us! Rehearsals held at Lincoln Middle School, Centennial Road, Meriden, CT. Just show up or call Jeff at 203-715-0855 for more info. The band will be playing on APril 18th in Hubbard Park and July 1st in the Rosa Ponselle Memorial Garden outside the Center.

***Annual AppealWe need your support! Please help us to continue to be Meriden's Arts & Cultural Center by donating to our Appeal. You can mail donations to ACCC, P.O. Box 4173 or visit our website at www.curtisculturalcenter.org home page and click on donate button to use credit card or paypal for your donation.. We appreciate your support.2/1/2010 to 4/1/2010
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SPRING 2010 REGISTRATION SET FOR JACK BARRY LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL

The Jack Barry Little League will be holding registration for the spring 2010 season on February 4th at the John Barry Elementary school (Lewis Ave, Meriden) and Dicks Sporting Goods (Westfield Mall, Lewis Ave, Meriden) February 17th . Sign-ups will be from 6:30 to 8 PM and are open to boys and girls 5-16 years of age. Birth certificate and proof of residency required for all players.
Please attend one of the earlier signups to avoid the �last minute rush�.

School closings or early dismissal due to bad weather will cancel registration that night. Call 235-8766 or visit us on-line at www.jbll.net for more information.

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Spring Luncheon

The Meriden Intermediates Club will hold a Spring Luncheon on, Wednesday, March 10. The event will be held at the North Italian Club at 43 Thorpe Avenue in Meriden from 12:00 to 3:00. Guest speakers will be Scott Haney and Kara Sundlun. Kara and Scott are co-hosts of the TV show, Better Connecticut, which airs daily on Channel 3 at 10:00 a.m.

Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased from Carol Bonaiuto at (203) 634-1855.
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MxCC Bowlathon coming to Wallingford Bowl

Get ready for �March Madness� � a Bowlathon fundraiser for Middlesex Community College to be held at Wallingford Bowl on Saturday, March 27.

The Bowlathon is designed to raise support for Student Activities at the college and for projects sponsored by the Middlesex Community College Foundation.

It�s a team event, with four bowlers per team. Each bowler on each team bowls two games. All participating bowlers and sponsors will be treated to pizza and soda.

Teams may be entered by sponsors, businesses, and groups of individuals. There is no limit to the number of teams a business or organization may enter. Team shirts are welcome, but not required.

Each bowler must raise a minimum of $30 to bowl, or $120 minimum per team. For PLEDGE FORMs, TEAM REGISTRATION FORMs and SPONSOR FORMs go to www.mxccfoundation.org. Business teams must enter as Alley Cat sponsors or higher.

Deadline for registration and collection of funds raised is March 12. Contributions from non-bowlers also welcome.

Trophies will be awarded to each member of the top scoring team (overall team champions) and to each member of the top fundraising team. MxCC teams will compete for a traveling trophy symbolic of campus champions; the winning team will enjoy campus �bragging rights� for a full year.

The Bowlathon has been designated an alcohol-free and smoke-free college activity. It is the first fundraising event held by the MxCC Foundation in the Meriden-Wallingford area. The MxCC Meriden Center now accounts for 22 percent of the college�s total enrollment.

For more information, please contact Greg Kline, director of Institutional Advancement at MxCC at 860-343-6914 or via email: gkline@mxcc.commnet.edu.

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!

Let the competition & March Madness begin!

The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its season of major events! Our committees are planning for the 114th Annual Meeting, Dinner & Silent Auction on Thursday, April 8th at MountainRidge; of course, the EXPO at the Daffodil Festival (inside the mega tent on the tennis courts) April 23-25; and the 23rd Annual Golf Tournament on June 9th. These events, as with all of the Chamber�s activities, all contain a piece of our four principles: Education, Leadership, Networking and Promotion. We look forward to sharing the stories from these events with you and encourage the readers of the People�s Press to learn more about the work of the chamber by visiting www.meridenchamber.com.

One of the four principles that the Greater Meriden Chamber�s work is based upon is Leadership. This organization takes a proactive leadership role in moving, improving and positively changing the communities we serve. Whether it is representing Meriden on the Workforce Alliance Board or Transportation Strategy Board, or participating in public comment at City Council meetings, we help to cause results and create a roadmap for our future. Below is the Greater Meriden Chamber�s Legislative Agenda, created by the chamber�s Government & Business Development Committee, that has been shared with our city, state and federal legislators.

In these improving but still uncertain economic times, Connecticut must continue to work to improve its economic competitiveness and build on its strengths. The 2010 Legislative Action Agenda lists priorities that are the keys to maintaining economic opportunity and creating sound business growth. With each vote we ask that our legislators consider the unique role of the private sector businesses in the economic recovery. We ask that our elected officials support an environment where:

Businesses would again make profits so tax revenues will again flow

Businesses would make investments in technology, machinery and equipment to provide new business opportunities and

Businesses could hire back the state residents in the private sector jobs that are necessary for a growing economy.

We ask that our legislators do no harm to business when offering, considering or passing legislation in 2010.

The Economic Development agenda: Pursue proposals which strengthen previous investment, whether public or private, and comply with state, regional and local development and transportation plans including the State Economic Development Strategic Plan and the Meriden Plan of Conservation and Development. Specifically, we need to seek funding to implement:
Hub Reuse / Intermodal Transit Center
Factory H Remediation and Reuse
Harbor Brook Flood Control Project
West Main Street Streetscape Project
Facilitate Undercliff Property Transfer to the City of Meriden

The Energy / Technology agenda: Encourage a competitive electricity procurement process and support development of alternative energy sources that ensure reliable and affordable sources of energy to reduce the burden of energy costs on business. Encourage new legislation in the changing communications industry which would expand competition, private-sector investment and improve consumer choice.

The Transportation agenda: Strengthen interstate and regional access by initiating commuter rail service between New Haven and Springfield, implementing priority projects to improve highway congestion and access including the I-691 Exit 5-6 Interchange Improvements and supporting mixed use TOD in Meriden and other opportunities along the rail line.

The Arts and Entertainment agenda: Increase state programs supporting affordable Artist housing in Meriden and urban centers. We recognize that as consolidation efforts continue, tourism, arts and culture are critical to enhancing the region's economic vitality and enriching the lives of our citizens. Cultivate the Recreational, Entertainment, Arts and Leisure interests in downtown Meriden.

The Workforce / Manufacturing: Keep the state workforce skilled and competitive by investing in training programs through existing Workforce Investment Boards to make Connecticut's businesses more productive and competitive. Recognize the changes in manufacturing and reassess and create incentives for manufacturers to ensure that business is supported by state and local government.

The Health Care agenda: Make quality health care available to businesses and all state residents by supporting initiatives that improve access to affordable and portable health insurance coverage. Advance initiatives to stabilize Connecticut�s medical malpractice liability environment including assessing the feasibility of adopting a non-adversarial system similar to the current workers compensation system. Control competitive costs of private insurance plans to encourage and maximize business participation. Improve health care and wellness education.

Additional agenda items:
Maintain Funding for Education with an emphasis on Regionalism as an integral part of the solution.

Seek financial support for implementing Meriden Children�s Zone project of the Meriden Early Learning Blueprint.

Our stellar, award-winning website, www.meridenchamber.com is always chock full of events, news, resources, photos and more! It is THE place to visit when you are looking for a product or service. All of our members are listed by category or they may be found through name searches. The site averages well over 32,000 unique visits per month and our most visited areas include the member directory, member news, and calendars of events!

November 2009 kicked off our NEW Breakfast Club Celebrates�Series! Attendance is averaging 65 at each event and it�s a GREAT way to start your day! Visit the special event pages for updates on www.meridenchamber.com. The series is also videotaped and will begin airing on Cox Channel 15 in January and the videos will also be available for viewing on the Chamber�s website!

Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele addressed over 65 members of the business community at the Breakfast Club Celebrates event on January 15th. Pictured here are Cindy Russo, MidState Medical Center (recipient of the January Shining Star Award); Vice Chairman of the Greater Meriden Chamber Board of Directors Atty. Thomas Welsh, Brown & Welsh, P.C.; Mayor Michael Rohde; Chamber President Sean W. Moore; Yvonne deAngeli Fontanez, Four Points by Sheraton; Lt. Gov. Fedele; and Chamber Board Chairman, Frank W. Ridley, F.W.R. Consulting, LLC. If you missed it, all of these breakfast events may be viewed on community access every Saturday at 5 p.m.!

The Breakfast Club Celebrates Series continues on Friday, Feb. 12th from 7:30 � 9 a.m. and features Health & Fitness Guru, Rob Nevins. This event is sponsored by Sam�s Club and The Idea Company and will be held at Four Points by Sheraton. All are welcome - $18 for Chamber Members; $25 for not yet members.

Many Other Upcoming Chamber Events to Keep YOU Connected With YOUR Community:
Tue., 2/9: Business After Hours at Caf� Dolce - 5-7 p.m., A gem in the heart of downtown Meriden � great networking, refreshments and more!
Thu., 2-11-10: SCORE at the Chamber � call 203.235.7901 today for an appointment!
Tue., 2-23-10: Special Event for Middle/High School Students & Parents: Ed Gerety, Nationally Recognized Motivational Speaker will present a program on the dangers of the internet & much more. 6-8:30 p.m. at Lincoln M.S. RSVP: edgeretyevent@meridenchamber.com
Wed.. 2-24-10: CT Business Day at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford � 7:30- noon.
Thu., 2-25-10: BAH � Grand Opening of Silver City Grill at Four Points by Sheraton. 5-7 p.m

Become a FAN of Greater Meriden Chamber on Facebook! Join the over 100 Facebook Friends who are already FANS of the Greater Meriden Chamber!

The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce is located at 3 Colony Street, Suite 301, Meriden, CT 06451. Ph.: 203.235.7901 / Fx.: 203.686.0172. Visit www.meridenchamber.com or email: info@meridenchamber.com
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NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) Interactive Workshop

The Southwest Conservation District will sponsor a Workshop for the general public on �Organic Landcare for Homeowners� on Thursday, March 4, 2010 6:30-8:00 at the Wallingford Senior Center, 238 Washington Street. NOFA will have a POWER POINT presentation with displays and handouts as well as a question and answer period. NOFA is the Northeast Organic Farming Association.

If unable to attend the first workshop on Wallingford, the following are in the area:

Sat, Mar 6 at Southington Library 10-11:30.

Wed Apr 21 at Cheshire Public Library 7:00-9:30.

Free�no preregistration required. For more information : 203-888-5146 or check the website at www.organiclandcare.net.

Picture by Ellie Tessmer of Boulder Knoll Organic Farm in Cheshire.

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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Volunteers are needed to visit frail, elderly people, to shop with or for an elder, to drive an elder to and from their medical appointment, and to provide respite care to family members caring for a loved one who needs constant care. All that is required is a warm, loving heart and one or two hours of your time each week. A two hour training event will provide you with information and basic skills to make a difference in someone�s life. The next training dates sponsored by Interfaith Volunteer Care Givers of Greater New Haven are: Tues. Feb. 16th 10:00-12:00 North Haven Recreation Center, 7 Linsley St. North Haven, Room 3; Sun. Feb 28th 1:30- 3:30 IVCG office, 30 Gillies Rd Hamden; Wed. March 17th 1:00-3:00 Canoe Brook Senior Center, 311 Cherry Hill Rd. Branford, Sliney Room. Please call IVCG at 203-230-8994 or email carenh@snet.net for more information and to register.
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Search is on for Connecticut senior poet laureate

Entries are now being accepted for regional winners in the 18th annual National Senior Poets Laureate Poetry Competition for American poets age 50 and older in which the Connecticut Senior Poet Laureate is sought. Deadline is June 30.

Winning poems of state senior poets laureate will be named in July, following which they advance to final rounds of competition from which the winner of $500 and the 2010 National Senior Poet Laureate title will be announced around Sept. 1.

Gloria D. Pond of Woodbury won the 2009 Connecticut Senior Poet Laureate Award with her poem
"Spinnaker." Winner of the 2009 National Senior Poet Laureate Award was Patricia Frolander, 66, rancher from Sundance, Wyo.

Co-sponsors Vera-Jane Goodin Schultz and Wanda Sue Parrott founded the contest administered by Amy Kitchener�s Angels Without Wings Fdn. in 1993. The 2009 winners can be seen in Golden Words Anthology, along with rules for the 2010 Senior Poets Laureate Contest, at www.amykitchenerfdn.org

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"Trashing Our Wildlife"

Donna L. Powers, a wildlife rehabilitation specialist will speak about "Trashing Our Wildlife" and the effects of litter on water birds and their environment at the next Wallingford Garden Club meeting on Tue. February 9 , at 1pm in the First Congregational Church meeting room.

Powers has been a wildlife rehabilitation specialist for 24 years and is the President and founder of Water n' Webs. She has honed her skills as an animal rehabilitator by being employed by veterinarians, consulting with avian experts and attending annual wildlife rehabilitation conferences all over the United States.

Powers has written a wildlife column for 9 years in the Northford Totoket Times and a waterfowl health column for the International Breeders Society and the Poultry Press. She is the owner of the Wild Bird Trail store at 600 N. Colony Street in Wallingford.

The meeting is open to the public for a fee of $5 and will be preceded by a luncheon at 11:30am.

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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Purim Preschool Story Time at Temple Beth David

On Sunday, February 28, from 11:00 a.m. until noon, Temple Beth David of Cheshire will host a Purim themed story time at the Doolittle School, 735 Cornwall Avenue, Cheshire. This interactive, high-energy program will explore the traditions and tastes of the Purim celebration. We will enjoy holiday stories, songs with Cantor Elana, crafts and snack-time. Story time activities are appropriate for children up to age 5 accompanied by a parent or other caregiver. Dress your child casually or bring along a smock (we may get messy!). The program is free and all preschoolers are invited to participate�you do not need to be a Temple member. Please email education@tbdcheshire.org to enroll, or call Jeri Butlien (860) 620-0307 with any questions.
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The Wallingford Family YMCA will be hosting Friday night indoor cycling rides for charity. The 2-hour rides will raise money for the YMCA Strong Kids, which provides YMCA programs for Wallingford Families in need, and The Spenceless Spinners Team, which has raised thousands of dollars for diabetes to date. Rides will take place on February 5th, 12th, and 26th, from 6-8 pm; February 19th will be a special "Push the Limits Triathlon" from 6-8 pm, which will include indoor cycling, running, and swimming.

These events are open to the public; some cycling experience is recommended. A $20 donation is suggested. Call 203-269-4497 to reserve a spot. The Wallingford Family YMCA is located at 81 S. Elm St., Wallingford, CT.""The Wallingford Family YMCA and Frontline Krav Maga CT have partnered together to offer a Women's Self Defense Seminar on Friday, February 5th, from 6-9 pm. This class is free for members, and open to the public for a small fee. Call 203-269-4497 to reserve a spot. The Wallingford Family YMCA is located at 81 S. Elm St., Wallingford, CT.""The Wallingford Family YMCA is offering a free nutrition seminar on Tuesday, February 9th, from 12-1 pm. Healthy Balance: The First Steps to Healthy Eating gives a great starting point to get your health back on track with information on how to incorporate healthy eating habits into your lifestyle. This seminar is open to the public. Call 203-269-4497 to reserve a spot. The Wallingford Family YMCA is located at 81 S. Elm St., Wallingford, CT."

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The Wallingford Family YMCA's Camp Ulbrich will be holding Early Bird Registration from February 15-28. Summer Camp is coming quick and if you register during this time you can save 5% off your camp balance. For more information, call (203)269-4497, go to www.wallingfordymca.org, or stop by the 81 S. Elm Street and pick up the 2010 Camp Ulbrich brochure today.
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Meriden �Girls Inc. is excited to announce that registration for the 2010 Strong, Smart, and Bold Girls Summer Camp will begin on Saturday, February 6th, at 9am. In-person Express Registration will be offered at the 130 Lincoln St. facility from 9am-11am. On-line registration will also be available for current Girls Inc. members beginning that same day. The 9-week summer camp offers a variety of activities for girls entering kindergarten thru age 15. Swimming, arts and crafts, and much more! The camp runs from 9am-3pm Monday- Friday and also offers before and after camp care for an additional fee. Financial Assistance is available to those that qualify. For more information please visit Girls Inc. at 130 Lincoln St., call (203) 235-7146, or visit us online at www.girlsincmeriden.org

Class of 1985 - Orville Platt High School 25th Reunion
We will be having our Reunion July 24th, 2010 RSVP by May 31, 2010Anyone interested in attending can contact Ida Zimmer (860) 621-0267 or email idazimmer@yahoo.com. You can register on classmates.com or join us on facebook.com for more information.

February Vacation Fun Club at the Meriden YMCA

The Meriden YMCA is offering School Vacation Fun Club during February break where your children will have a blast all day! Your children will enjoy a fun-filled vacation February 15th through 19th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities include swimming, crafts, games and sports in the gym, and movies! Registrations are being accepted now.The cost is $25 per day per child for YMCA members and $40 per day per child for non members. Call 203-235-6386 to register your child today.

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!

Meriden YMCA's Kids Illustration Contest

Calling all artists! The Meriden YMCA is having a really cool contest! Your drawing could be in our new Destination YMCA children�s book by author Eddie �Spaghetti� Siebert!

Draw your best picture and bring it to the YMCA by February 20th to enter. (Please use 8.5 X 11 white paper, magic markers, colored pencils, or crayons)

Winners will be invited to a special booksigning on April 10th Healthy Kids Day to autograph your artwork and enjoy a special artists reception!
Picture ideas:
1. Picture of the YMCA for the cover � whose drawing will be on the cover???
2. A family driving to the Y�packed and excited to go!
3. Mountain Mist Day Camp fun activities
4. Archery
5. Humongous pools � indoor pool down town, outdoor one at camp!
6. Zip line/climbing tower/ropes course
7. Kids playing sports (basketball, soccer, T-ball, gymnastics)
8. Swimming lessons
9. Lifeguards
10. Runners going around a track
11. Weight lifting
12. Karate
13. Youth theater � actors, singers, dancers
14. Family Festival or Halloween Happenings (painting pumpkins, hay ride)
Check out our photo gallery on our web site for ideas!
Be creative! Have a blast!
Questions? Call us at 203-235-6386.

Heart Health Awareness Lunch at Meriden YMCA

Join us on Friday February 12th at 12:00 for a special Heart Health Awareness Lunch celebrating Heart Health month. Our special guest speaker will be Debbie Kovac R.N., Program Co-coordinator for the MidState Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Department. The cost is $5.00 and includes lunch. We�ll also have some fun door prizes. RSVP to Carrie by February 8th by calling 203-235-6386 x18 or via email at cmarquardt@meridenymca.org For more information about our Cardiac Rehab and cardiac health programs at the Meriden YMCA call Carrie or visit our web site at www.meridenymca.org

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SEA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND GARDE ARTS CENTER PARTNER TO CREATE NEW �FACES OF OUR PLANET� SERIES
New series begins on February 2; brings art and science together through performance, film and presentations by artists and renowned explorers
MYSTIC, Conn. (January 13, 2010) � Beginning on February 2, 2010, audiences at the historic Garde Arts Center in New London will be transported around the world, to the ends of the Earth and into the ocean�s depths to discover the �Faces of Our Planet.� Created by the Mystic-based Sea Research Foundation, National Geographic Society and the Garde, this new five-part series reveals the mysteries and discoveries of the world�s human, animal and geographic faces through film, live performance and multimedia presentations.

The series builds on Sea Research�s long-standing relationship with National Geographic. Terry Garcia, senior vice president of mission programs for National Geographic Society, has been a long-time member of Sea Research�s Board of Trustees and was recently re-elected to a three-year term. In addition, National Geographic has supported Mystic Aquarium�s �Challenge of the Deep� exhibits and co-sponsored Institute for Exploration President and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Robert Ballard�s expeditions, many of which have been featured in National Geographic television specials.

�This series provides the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with National Geographic Society through a co-branding partnership with its National Geographic Live! speakers program,� said Sea Research President and CEO Dr. Stephen M. Coan. �The series also aligns directly with Sea Research�s mission to inspire people to care for and protect our oceans. In providing audiences with inspiring views of the world, we hope these events will foster a deeper appreciation of our planet.�

�We are excited about extending National Geographic�s relationship with Sea Research Foundation into the realm of events and embracing performing arts events that complement and deepen our shared mission,� said Andy van Duym, director of National Geographic Live! �Together with the Garde Arts Center, we look forward to presenting National Geographic�s top explorers to audiences in Connecticut. Patrons can anticipate dynamic events that feature fascinating people with truly captivating stories.�

The �Faces of Our Planet� series was finally realized with the selection of the non-profit Garde Arts Center as both the venue and the regional performing arts partner. The nationally-recognized Garde Arts Center, with its restored 1,450-seat Moroccan-themed movie palace, has decades of success as the regional presenter and host of diverse artistic, cultural and educational programming in southeastern Connecticut.

�We are proud to embark on this exhilarating new theatrical journey, integrating arts, technology, adventure and discovery,� said Garde Executive Director Steve Sigel. �By combining each of our institutions' audiences with our unique means of engaging, informing, inspiring and entertaining them, we believe we can even more deeply impact our understanding and appreciation of our common connection with and responsibility for the many facets of the planet we share.�

The �Faces of Our Planet� series consists of the following events, all at the Garde Arts Center:

Soweto Gospel Choir � February 2, 7:30 p.m.The series kicks off with a powerful performance by the acclaimed South African Soweto Gospel Choir, a 26-strong group of the best talents from Soweto-area churches. Their first album, �Voices of Heaven� hit No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Chart, and they have won three Grammy Awards, including �Best Movie Song� for �Down to Earth�, heard in Disney/Pixar�s Wall-E movie. Tickets: $35 (orchestra), $42 (loge), $30 (front balcony), $25 (rear balcony).

Penguin Party � February 20, 3 p.m.
Bring the family to party with African penguins from Mystic Aquarium, participate in penguin-related games and activities and enjoy Dreamworks� animated feature film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa on the Garde�s giant movie screen. The winner of the 2009 Nickelodeon Kids� Choice Awards for �Favorite Animated Film�, the movie tells the story of Central Park Zoo animals that end up in Madagascar, where adventures abound. Tickets: adults $12, children $6.

A Wild Point of View � March 19, 7:30 p.m.
Experience life through an animal�s eyes with biologist, inventor and National Geographic filmmaker Greg Marshall. His remarkable Crittercam has revolutionized marine biology while producing breathtaking glimpses into the animal world. Marshall and his team have refined the device, making it smaller, lighter and more powerful, expanding its use to more than 30 marine species, from sperm whales to Emperor penguins. Tickets: $24; VIP tickets: $54 (includes admission to pre-show reception).

Polar Obsession � April 16, 7:30 p.m.
Arctic biologist and photographer Paul Nicklen shares his self-deprecating humor, terrifying and awe-inspiring stories and magnificent screen images that bring audiences face-to-face with the predators that live at the ends of the Earth. Nicklen will also discuss what is truly at stake in the ongoing debates over global warming. After the program, Nicklen will sign copies of his new book, Polar Obsession, which features 160 of his latest and best polar images and critical new insights into animal behavior and climate change. Tickets: $24; VIP tickets: $54 (includes admission to pre-show reception).

Adventures in Deep-Sea Exploration � May 14, 7:30 p.m.
Best known for his 1985 discovery of the R.M.S. Titanic, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and Institute for Exploration President Dr. Robert Ballard is a veteran of more than 125 deep-sea expeditions. In this visually-gripping presentation, Dr. Ballard shares his stories of discoveries, his passion for the last great uncharted territory and his vision of how technology can continue to advance the frontiers of exploration. Dr. Ballard will sign copies of his book after the program. Tickets: $24; VIP tickets: $54 (includes admission to pre-show reception).

The Premier �Faces of Our Planet� Series ticket is $190 and includes preferred seating at all five events, admission to pre-show VIP receptions for Greg Marshall, Paul Nicklen and Dr. Robert Ballard and special acknowledgement in the playbill for each event. The �Faces of Our Planet� discount package provides up to a 28 percent discount off each ticket price with the purchase of three or more events.

Both are available at the Garde Arts Center Box Office at 325 State St., New London, in person or by phone at (860) 444-7373 ext. 1. Single tickets are available at the Garde Arts Center Box Office and online at www.gardearts.org. Special pricing is available for students, groups and Mystic Aquarium members.

For more information on these programs, visit www.searesearch.org.

About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Learning are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit 501(c)3organization. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.

About Garde Arts Center
Founded in 1985, the Garde Arts Center was created to save and transform the historic Garde theatre into a non-profit regional center for the performing arts and education in the heart of downtown New London, serving greater Southeastern Connecticut, a region rich in geographic, economic, ethnic and cultural diversity. The Garde owns and operates the recently restored 1,450-seat Garde Theatre, a historic movie/vaudeville house built in 1926 and the new 130-seat Oasis Room.

About National Geographic Live!
National Geographic Live is the live events division of the National Geographic Society, featuring live concerts, films, and dynamic presentations by today's leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers, and photographers covering a wide range of topics including: exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat conservation; natural phenomena; and relevant issues such as climate change. Proceeds from speaker series ticket sales help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration, and education. For more information visit www.nglive.org.

MYSTIC AQUARIUM TO HOST BITE WEEK FEBRUARY 14 TO 19
February vacation week activities focus on animals with teeth big and small; guests can also see Jetty the sea lion pup in Marine Theater shows
MYSTIC, Conn. Think you know who has the biggest set of chompers at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration? Guests during February school vacation week may be surprised. In celebration of National Children�s Dental Health Month, the aquarium is hosting Bite Week from February 14 to 19.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, kids will learn about the teeth of various marine animals and discover how they chew their food, the different ways they use their teeth and which don�t have teeth at all. Interactive activities include animal teeth displays, decorating foam fish frames and a game in which kids will learn how fish catch prey with their mouths by using household objects, such as tweezers, pipettes and pliers, to grab items. Kids will also meet reptiles up close and learn about their teeth and diets.
In the Marine Theater, guests can see the newest addition to the sea lion show, Jetty, the California sea lion pup who arrived last May and was named during a public naming contest in August. He recently joined the three sea lions in the Marine Theater, where he is slowly learning behaviors. While he doesn�t have an active role in the show yet, Jetty will slowly participate more as his training progresses. In the meantime, guests can enjoy his short attention span and playful antics while learning about sea lions, including their teeth.
WHEN: Sunday, February 14 to Friday, February 19
Activities take place at scheduled times between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day

WHERE: Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355

COST: Free with aquarium admission: Adults $26, seniors $23, kids (ages 3 to 17) $19, free for children 2 and under

For more information, call (860) 572-5955 or visit mysticaquarium.org.

About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Learning are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3organization. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.

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To read The People�s Press, Meriden and Wallingford Ct�s Newspaper in image or pdf form go to www.peoplespressnews.com . We are your NewsMagazine!
To all, This is the first reminder for the 2010 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony for the City of Meriden. I want you to put it on your calendar now and save the date to pay honor to our deceased Veterans. Who: The United Veterans Council of Meriden, CT and the 2010 Memorial Day Parade Committee What: 2010 Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony............ Parade theme this year is "The Forgotten War?", a tribute to the Korean War and its' Veterans Where: Parade will form up at Washington Park on Liberty Street and the adjoining area side streets between 9:00 and 9:59 a.m. Parade route is West on Liberty St. turning left onto Cottage St., continuing to East Main St.turning right and continuing westward down to the Meriden City Hall area. A Memorial Day Service (45 minutes) of ceremony, patriotic music, speeches and prayer will commence at 11:00 or immediately following the parade. When: MONDAY, May 31, 2010, Parades steps of at 10:00 a.m. sharp. and Why: to pay honor to our deceased Veterans. Originally Memorial Day was designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. Please alert all of the good citizens of Meriden and South Meriden, all of the Civic groups, the Churches and all of the Schools, Public and Parochial, Girl Scouts of America and the Boy Scouts of America of this important free event. Our committee will be attempting to contact as many of these personnel as possible over the coming 5 months. Please feel free to spread this invite to all that you come into contact. PS: Volunteers are needed on the committee and can contact me on my cell 203 631 3906 or can email me your contact information.

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Seven Pound Steamed Cheeseburger Eating Contest in Wallingford

Sara J's is bravely going where no Steamed Cheeseburger has gone before. Last week Sara J�s, a diner in Wallingford, announced that they will be unleashing a monster Steamed Cheeseburger Challenge on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 5:30pm.

To celebrate their new extended hours, Sara J�s will be choosing two lucky individuals at random to eat their way to Steamed Cheeseburger fame. The Super Steamed Cheeseburger includes 7 pounds of steamed ground beef, 2 pounds of gooey steamed cheddar and 1 pound of crispy bacon, and then topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. "This is going to be HUGE! Literally!" said Sara Kenny, daughter of the owner and employee, "I can�t wait to see everyone's reaction when we put this burger out on the counter."

Each lucky contestant will have 45 minutes to finish half of the 7 pound burger and additional toppings. The winner will receive bragging rights, $10 gift certificate to Sara J�s, a picture on the Sara J�s Wall of Fame, and a Sara J�s �I ate my half� t-shirt. Jennifer Fontanella, a Sara J�s frequenter said, "It's an awesome idea and whoever has the guts to take on this challenge, better have the stomach to back it up."

Sara J�s is currently accepting sign-ups until 2:00pm on Thursday, January 28, 2010. They ask that all contestants are 18 or older, and must sign a waiver agreeing to have their picture and/or video taken by Sara J�s who may use it however they choose, that Sara J's is not responsible if they get sick and that they are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

Winners will be announced on Friday, January 29, 2010 on Facebook, and will be contacted through phone or email. You do not have to be present to be picked. Sara J�s welcomes everyone to join them the evening of the challenge but reminds people to bring their strong stomachs.

Sara J�s has been owned and operated by the Kenny-Chasse family for several years. "I�m very excited about this,� says Karen Chasse, owner, �It�s a great way to bring in new people and get our name out there."

Sara J�s is located at 7 Ward Street in Wallingford. New hours of operation go into effect Friday, January 29, 2010: Mondays: 7:00am-10:30am; Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 7:00am-2:00pm; Thursdays and Fridays: 7am-2pm, 5:00pm-10:00; Saturdays: 7:00am-1:00pm; Sundays: Closed.

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!

IMMERSION LEARNING� BRINGS MARINE MAMMALS OF THE ARCTIC LIVE TO MYSTIC AQUARIUM & INSTITUTE FOR EXPLORATION
Live Webcasts on February 10 to 12 to reveal how scientists, native communities and animal trainers are working to understand and protect Arctic animals
MYSTIC, Conn. (January 19, 2010) � This February, venture to the ends of the earth to meet the fascinating animals that live there and the people who work with them. Immersion Learning�, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., brings the vast and exciting Arctic world live via webcast to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and many other Immersion sites across the country on February 10 to 12.
During the week of live Marine Mammals of the Arctic webcasts, viewers will have the opportunity to interact directly with scientists and trainers who work with marine mammals to better understand their behaviors and physiology, as well as the impact of humans and climate change on these animals. Kids watching the programs will also be able to participate in an online question-and-answer session and polling features as they hear from these experts and learn how they can help protect the oceans.
Viewers will get a firsthand look at polar bear research, seal rescue and rehabilitation efforts at the aquarium, satellite tagging and population surveys of ringed seals and beluga research that involves a unique collaboration between the people of Point Lay, Alaska, and researchers, including one based at Mystic Aquarium. Kids will also meet the three winners of Immersion�s first-ever Goldfish Training Contest, who will each serve as an �apprentice trainer� during one day of Webcasts and work closely with the aquarium�s beluga whales and professional trainers.
�Sea Research Foundation is devoted to protecting our ocean planet, and the Arctic is currently one of the most threatened places,� said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, president and CEO of Sea Research Foundation. �In providing kids an up-close look at these amazing animals and the dangers they are facing, we hope to inspire them to become ambassadors for the Arctic regions and beyond.�
The 30-minute live webcasts will take place in the Immersion Theater in the Challenge of the Deep exhibition at the following times:
Wednesday, February 10 and Friday, February 12: 10 and 11 a.m. and 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Thursday, February 11: 1, 2 and 3 p.m. (5 and 7 p.m. webcasts will be available online only)
The live webcast complements Immersion�s Marine Mammals of the Arctic multimedia program, developed for kids in grades 4 through 8 and designed to inspire them to be part of the world of marine science and conservation by helping to protect marine mammals and their ocean home. Program elements include hands-on activities and lesson plans for use in schools and after-school settings and online games, projects, videos and photos.
The live webcasts, a detailed webcast program guide and program resources will be available at immersionlearning.org.
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The Horvath Trio
The Hungarian Community Club is pleased to announce that the Horvath Trio will be back in Wallingford on Saturday February 13th, 7 pm!!! Come for some wonderful eats (soups, home made sausages, potato, dessert) and awesome music!!! Sing along with the band or dance to their beat....be entertained as the violinist stops at your table and plays for you. Don't miss this exciting evening!! Cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members. The club is located at 147 Ward St, Wallingford, CT. Reservations are REQUESTED!!! For more info, call Lajos at 203-530-3557 or Lenke at 203-634-0602. You can always email us at HCCofWallingford@gmail.com.. And check out our web site at www.hccwallingford.org.
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!