Send As SMS

 



Monday, November 06, 2006

Meriden and Wallingford Town News and Events Early Nov. 2006

MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER
Meteorologist Art Horn will again visit the Senior Center to put on his latest weather show, “Weather, People and Health”. Art’s fun and informative show will be on Wednesday, November 8 from 10:30 - 11:30 AM in the first floor meeting room. His 45 minute slide show will cover such topics as how weather and climate affects people, the impact of summer heat waves, the depletion of the ozone layer, weather and allergies and how weather affects all aspects of our daily lives. Following his slide show Art will conduct a 10 to 15 minute question and answer session. Be sure not to miss “Weather, People and Health” with former TV weatherman Art Horn on Wednesday, November 8 at 10:30 AM!
* * * * * * * *
On Wednesday, November 29 at 10:30 AM the Meriden Triad Program and the Senior Center will present a program on “Holiday Scams and Personal Safety Tips for the Holiday Season” by Crime Prevention Officer Tom Cirillo from the Meriden Police Department. Officer Cirillo will discuss holiday season crimes that can victimize older people including frauds and scams, purse snatching, pickpocketing, theft of checks from the mail and identity theft as well as provide tips for walking, driving, parking and home safety during the holiday season. Refreshments will be served and four free door prizes of $5 gift certificates to Stop & Shop will be distributed courtesy of the Meriden Triad Program. Plan to attend this program in the first floor meeting room on Wednesday, November 29 at 10:30 AM to learn more about “Holiday Scams and Personal Safety Tips for the Holiday Season” sponsored by the Meriden Triad Program.
* * * * * * * *
The 2006 Senior Center Holiday Fair and Bake Sale will be on Wednesday, December 6 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Handmade items will be sold by the Knitting and Ceramic classes and bake sales and raffles will also be held. Senior Center members willing to bake for the Bake Sale are asked to sign-up in the main office – we appreciate your help! All proceeds will benefit the Meriden Senior Citizens’ Award Scholarship. The Holiday Fair is open to the public free of charge and we hope to see you there!
* * * * * * * *
Mayor Mark D. Benigni and the Meriden City Council have established a new Advisory Board on Aging for the City of Meriden. The Advisory Board will offer valuable input and ideas to the Mayor and the City Council on programs and services to benefit Meriden’s senior citizens in the years ahead. Congratulations to newly appointed Advisory Board members Peter Burch, John Clark, Lillie Green, Richard Hackbarth, Ruth Kahn, Geraldine Meoni, Donna Macri, Sister Georgeann Vumbaco, John Thorp, Bruce Fontanella, Celia Ramos, John Varley and Thomas Kraft!
* * * * * * * *
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

Wallingford Senior Center Newsletter Info for November
VETERANS’ DAY PROGRAM on Thursday, November 9, 11:00 a.m.
Join us as we salute our veterans on November 9, at 11:00 a.m. Our keynote speaker will be Connecticut State Senator Leonard Fasano. The program will also feature patriotic music by the Vintage Voices and participation by local veterans groups. Do come to honor all those who have served our nation.
WARTIME SERVICE MEDALS FOR CONNECTICUT VETERANS
The Honorable Leonard Fasano, State Senator from the 34th District and the Wallingford Senior Center are teaming together to assist wartime veterans receive the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal. If you are a veteran who served 90 days wartime service (unless the war or operation lasted less than 90 days) and you were honorably discharged from military service (or discharged due to injuries received in the line of duty), you are eligible to receive the Wartime Service Medal. Please sign up during the month of November, and you will be contacted regarding the application process.
JUST FOR MEN BREAKFAST
Wednesday, November 15, 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast this month includes a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich, hash brown potatoes, fruit, juice and coffee. Guest Vito DeVito, a former Yankee farm team second baseman and former Yale football coach, will “talk sports” following breakfast. Tickets are on sale through November 14, at $2.00 for Senior Center members and $3.00 for non-members.
GOD IS WITH US: SIGNS IN OUR LIVES
PROGRAM & BOOK SIGNING
Thursday, November 30, 11:00 a.m.
Joan M. Barbuto, Wallingford resident and member of our Senior Center, has had a book published entitled God Is With Us: Signs in Our Lives. Joan’s book offers evidence that there is a form of existence after death, a God who sometimes intercedes in near-death experiences, and death-related visions by noted psychologists and physicians. Joan will give a talk about her book on November 30, at 11:00 a.m. Copies of the book will be for sale following the presentation at the reduced cost of $10 for Senior Center members.
INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR: HEALTH NET MEDICARE PROGRAM
with Bonnie Maynard
Monday, November 13, 10:15 a.m.
Health Net is a Medicare Advantage Plan offering medical plans with and without built-in prescription drug coverage. Because not everyone is looking for the same coverage, Health Net offers a variety of plan options, each with different levels of coverage so you can select the plan that best meets your medical and drug needs. Their comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan premiums start as low as $0 a month. Most Medicare plans change from year to year. If you are not sure that you are getting the health and prescription drug coverage you need, or you want to compare your coverage with Health Net Medicare plans, mark your calendar to attend this seminar. Please call the Senior Center at 265-7753 to sign up. This program is open to the public.
MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 15
Take the Rx Enrollment Check-up Today
Get the Most Out of Your Medicare
Medicare’s open enrollment starts November 15. Now is the time to evaluate your current plan—has it met your needs this year? Medicare recommends taking this quick Rx Enrollment Check-up. If you are satisfied with your plan, you do not have to do anything to re-enroll. Take a few minutes now and ask yourself these three questions:
COST: Will your premium and costs change in 2007?
COVERAGE: Do you need more coverage in 2007? Will the prescription drugs you take be covered by your plan in 2007?
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Are you satisfied with your plan’s service?
Important Medicare Enrollment Dates
Mid-October—Prepare
Compare plans on www.medicare.gov
November 15—Open Enrollment Begins
December 31—Open Enrollment Ends
January 1—Coverage Begins
Enroll early to make sure you can get the prescriptions you need on January 1, 2007. Medicare is here to help you – online, on the phone, or at events in your community. You can also call the plans direct. For more information contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or research via their website at www.medicare.gov. Social Worker Marie Cunha is also available to help. Information obtained from: SHIPresourcecenter@air.org
CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2006-2007 HEATING SEASON
The Wallingford Senior Center takes applications for energy assistance for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. The program provides financial assistance to income-eligible households to pay for a portion of their heating costs during the winter months. First day for authorization of fuel delivery is November 1. Gas and electric customers can call beginning December 4 for an appointment. Income limits have been raised to: $27,867.32 for a single person and $36,441.88 for two people. There are asset limits.
Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies
of the following documents:
Year 2006 Social Security check amount (copy of recent check, or most recent bank statement showing deposited amount, or Social Security “2006 New Benefit” letter.);
Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents.
2006 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income.
Four most recent pay stubs, if employed.
Rental Income — rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account.
Driver’s license or birth certificate.
Most recent heat utility bill.
Electric bill.
Applications are by appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, call 265-7753.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE DATES WALLINGFORD SENIOR HOUSING
Tuesday, November 28
McKenna Court: 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Southside Terrace: 12:30 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 29
John Savage Commons: 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
East Side Terrace: 12:30 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 6
McGuire Court: 9 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
HEARING & HEARING LOSS on Thursday, November 16, 10:00 a.m.
Lori Charette, Senior Audiologist at the Gaylord Hearing Center, will present a program on hearing, hearing loss, and hearing aids, on November 16, at 10:00 a.m. Learn the facts about hearing loss and hearing aids, including how to determine IF you have a hearing loss and what you should know BEFORE you buy a hearing aid. Please call the Senior Center at 265-7753 to register. This program is open to the public.

Mayor’s Corner - Wallingford
Dear Citizens:
It is important that we as a community honor the men and women who have served and now serve in the United States military. We all have family members or friends who at one time or another were enrolled in a branch of military duty. While we are fortunate that at this time our military is staffed by volunteers, in many nations military duty is mandatory.
My Father served as a doctor in World War II, landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day plus 6. He was proud of the work performed by his unit - an evacuation hospital. My brother, sister and I grew up feeling that my Father had done something truly remarkable. That’s a good feeling. He could not talk about the wartime very often, but when he did we learned to appreciate the importance of military service.
Perhaps all of life is a battle over values. At times those conceptual battles became the stage for actual physical conflicts. It is those times when we realize how significant and necessary is the presence of a well-trained and motivated military. Freedom is real when men and women enforce the laws which embody its principles.
Veteran’s Day is a singular expression of honor and respect for men and women who gave so much of themselves for the protection of our great country. It is most appropriate that we remember them and the awesome example they represent. May God bless our veterans.
Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson, Jr.
Mayor of Wallingford


CITY OF MERIDEN NOVEMBER EVENTS
TURKEY HUNT
Tom the Turkey is trying something new! To avoid being found, he has chosen five hiding spots this year. Clues to the five locations will be given on the Recreation Activity Line (630-4279) on the following dates: 11/9, 11/13, 11/14, 11/15, & 11/16. Children ages 12 & under are asked to identify the locations on paper and submit them to the Parks & Recreation office (460 Liberty Street) by 4:00PM on Monday, November 20th. Entries can be mailed or delivered in-person and should contain the child’s full name, address, phone, school, and grade level. One winner will be selected by drawing to receive a special Thanksgiving prize package. Remember, Tom is not physically located at his hiding locations.
VETERANS’ DAY CEREMONY
The Meriden United Veterans Council will hold the 2006 Veterans’ Day Ceremony on Saturday, November 11th at the Stop & Shop Veterans’ Plaza (across from the Broad Street monuments) at 10:30AM. The public is invited & encouraged to show their appreciation to those who have given so much in protecting our freedom. Refreshments will be provided.
FESTIVAL OF SILVER LIGHTS ILLUMINATION CEREMONY
The 2006-2007 Festival of Silver Lights will kick off on Tuesday, November 21st with a special lighting ceremony at Hubbard Park’s pool parking lot at 6:00PM. The event will feature music, entertainment, costumed characters, refreshments, and the chance to see this year’s holiday lights illuminated for the very first time.
2006-2007 CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM
Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 & older take place every Tuesday night at Holy Angels Center in South Meriden from 6:00-9:00PM. The program runs through March 27th. A one-time $25.00 registration fee can be paid onsite any night the program is in session. Please note the program will not meet on Tuesday, November 14th.
INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM
The 2006-2007 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS pool on the following dates & times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM.
All interested participants must possess a valid 2006 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office, passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office in-person and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.


Wallingford Park and Recreation Events
Hip House Dance Series
Once again the Hip House Dance Series is back for another year of fun and excitement. The parks and
recreation department would like to welcome back all of the retuning 7th and 8th graders while also welcoming the new 6th graders. To ensure that you are able to attend all of the dances, you must purchase a photo ID pass. The dance pass allows you entry to the dance. No passes will be sold in the schools or on the
day of the dance. Photo ID’s will go on sale July 1st for $25.00. As of September 1st, all dance passes will be $35.00. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the discounted price. Participants will not be allowed to enter the dance without a photo ID pass.
The Party Place
Let the recreation department throw your child’s birthday party. We provide the decorations,
paper goods, party planner and fun. $125 per party (up to 10 children ages 4 to 10) $7 each additional child. Includes Party room, gymnastic room, streamers, table covers, balloons, party favor, party hats, ooey gooey craft, stickers, lolli pops a party coordinator to plan, set up, clean up and facilitate the party For more information, please contact the recreation department at 294-2120.
Ski Bums at Mt. Southington
Whether you’re a skier or a boarder, this is five nights of fun on the slopes that you do not want
to miss. Registration for all Ski Bum programs will begin on Wednesday, November 1st and will end November 17th at the recreation department. Each program will be limited to 100 participants. Complete fee schedule is not available as of this printing. Please call the recreation department in October for a complete listing of program options and fees. Any parent that is interested in becoming a chaperone should contact Michelle at the recreation department. Chaperones will have the opportunity to ski/snowboard at no cost. Please note that registration will only be held for two weeks during the dates provided above.
Program breakdown:
4th & 5th grades Wednesdays 4pm-8pm
6th, 7th & 8th grades Wednesdays 4pm-8pm
9th & 10th grades Wednesdays 4pm-8pm
9 AND A CHICKEN
This year’s hunt will be one for the ages. Participants will be required to go to the Recreation Department to pick up a packet of CERTIFIED clues. (We want to make sure that all participants start from the Recreation Department so everyone has a fair shot) These clues will lead you to 9 cardboard turkeys and the bonus chicken. All cardboard turkeys and chicken will be hidden on Wallingford town property. The object is to locate a turkey and return it to the Parks and Recreation for the gift certificate. Awards: “Turkey Baskets” from Sweet Nuts Ice Cream. Clues must be handed in at time of redemption.
When: November 17, 2006
Day: Friday Time: 7:00p.m.
Fee: Free
Where: Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department


Mayor’s Corner – Meriden
Dear Friends,
I hope you had a Happy Halloween and are anxiously awaiting the Thanksgiving holiday. I would like to congratulate the Meriden Raiders teams who will once again be competing for state championships. I would also like to thank Noah’s Arc of Hope for teaming up with the playground committee to bring a new handicap accessible playscape to Hubbard Park. This will be a great addition to beautiful Hubbard Park.
The Meriden City Council recently passed a resolution supporting universal healthcare. Statistics show eighty percent of our uninsured are working people. We have also seen the rising cost of medical benefits negatively impact small businesses. In the greatest country on earth, we must work together to find a way to provide healthcare for all our citizens. The linear trail is paved and the finishing touches are being put on the project. The beautiful scenic route along the Quinnipiac River is definitely worth the three mile round trip.
On Saturday afternoon October 21st, Hubbard Park was bustling with excitement during the annual Autumn Fest, a free event for children and families. This was a great day for children to pick a pumpkin, take a hay ride, eat a carmel apple, and help plan the future playscape. Thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors, and city staff for a job well done. While the weather cancelled the hayrides, the Silver City Diner Halloween party was still a lot of fun for the children in attendance. Pin the tail on the witch, ghost hunts, plenty of refreshments, and great costumes made for an enjoyable afternoon. Thank you to the Silver City Diner and staff.
Thank you to all the volunteers and entertainers who made the Hispanic Heritage reception a great success. Amy, Bria and I enjoyed the company, music, art and food. Thank you for helping Meriden celebrate our 200th birthday with a fun, educational event.
Hubbard Park is getting ready for the annual Silver City light display. So get ready to enjoy the lights as you take a ride through Hubbard Park.
Stay safe and enjoy the holiday!
Thanks,

Mark D. Benigni
Mayor

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Links to this post:

Create a Link

<< Home


The People's Press
PO Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
(203) 235-9333 Fax (203) 630-2581
peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com

All Text, Logos, Images and other content © Copyright DNA, LLC 1999-2006