Health and Wellness 2010
Get Happy With It! By the People . . . For the People Serving Central Connecticut
www.peoplespressnews.com
March 2010 • Volume 10, Issue 125
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 obvi-
ous. 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 garden-
ing 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.
Wallingford Flower
& Gift Shoppe
190 Center Street. 203.265.1514
Photo by Jen Anderson
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, regard-
less 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 knowl-
edge, 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!
Page 2 March 2010
To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The
People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at
andy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power of positive for the read-
ers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment.

Happy Birthday!

Photo Art by James Winslow

Best wishes to our granddaughter Abby on your 14th birthday - March 5,

2010. May you have much success with your artistic ability. You have been
blessed with a great talent. Love always, Grammie Bobbie and Gump
Jimmy.

Meriden YMCA
Mountain Mist
Day Camp
Where There's Magic in the Mist!

Register now for Summer Camp

Preview Week: June 21 - June 25 Something for everyone:
Session One: June 28 - July 9 Traditional Camps, Fort Building, Rock Climbing
Session Two: July 12 - July 23 Up the Creek with A Paddle
Session Three: July 26 - August 6 Arts Camp, Band Camp, Hip Hop Camp
Session Four: August 9 - August 20 Fishing Camp, Space Camp
Ages 3 through grade 11 Fitness Camp, Journalism Camp
Extended am and pm hours available Adaptive Camp
Bring this ad and register by March 31st and your name
will be entered in our drawing to win a 3 month family membership.
203-235-6386 www.meridenymca.org

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 busi-
nesses, 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 celebra-
tion 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 bet-
ter 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 com-
munity enjoy a healthier and more active way of life.
Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor
Page 3 March 2010
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 proper-
ty 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 neighbor-
ly feuds!
Next months I'll share some humorous stories on "a day in the life of a health inspector". If you have any ques-
tions, give us a call 203-294-2065.
Eloise Hazelwood - Wallingford Director of Health
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 vol-
unteer 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
Page 4 March 2010
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 ener-
gies of the body. There are many forms of energy medicine - such as Reiki and acupuncture, which are the most com-
monly 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 recov-
ery 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 medi-
cine. 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.
Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~Hans Christian Anderson
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 cov-
ered with minute flowers that will produce seeds. The plant contains poiso-
nous oxalic acid that we must be aware of.
The calla lily is a hardy plant that will grow in most soils of a humid cli-
mate. 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 cre-
ate 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.
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 submission deadline for the April issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is
March 29th. Don't forget to send your celebration photo. Email your stories,
news, celebrations and photos to andy@peoplespressnews.com. Friend us on
Facebook. Sign up to be a subscriber at www.peoplespressnews.com.
Honored
Reynolds Honored With Award for Community Service
David Reynolds, principal of Konowitz, Kahn & Company, P.C., received
the Distinguished Alumni Award for community service from Quinnipiac
University on February 6.
A resident of Clinton who grew up on Wallingford, Mr. Reynolds has
been practicing accounting for nearly three decades. He received his
Bachelor's Degree in accounting from Quinnipiac University, and is both a
CPA and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).
Mr. Reynolds is very active in the community and serves in many capac-
ities. He is on the Quinnipiac University School of Business Advisory
Board and an avid supporter of their Leader Hall of Fame student recogni-
tion program. He is on the advisory board of Schooner, Inc., a non-profit
organization dedicated to preserving the Long Island Sound. He has held a
number of positions with the Middlesex United Way, including its president
and treasurer, and leadership roles in the Clinton Lions Club.
Within his profession, Mr. Reynolds is an active member of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Connecticut Society of
Certified Public Accountants, and he is currently vice president of the
Connecticut Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He
conducts presentations to various business, civic, and academic audiences
on detecting and preventing fraud and is often called upon for expert testi-
mony in fraud cases in court.
Konowitz, Kahn & Company, P.C. is a leading provider of accounting
and business advisory services including accounting, auditing, tax, wealth
management, business valuations, trust and estate accounting, forensic and
litigation support, family office services, and cost segregation. The firm has
been serving closely held mid-market businesses in diverse industries local-
ly and globally since 1936 and operates out of offices in North Haven and
Middlebury.
 Page 5 March 2010

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE, SOLD! -

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 Café 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!
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
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 cof-
fee during intermission. For more information contact Linda Caplan at 203-
235-2581.
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

Reiki 1 Class
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 physi-
cal, mental, and social functioning of the prospective participant. If you know someone in need of socialization and
March 27 - 28
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 Reiki is a Japanese touch therapy for
MEDICATION SAFETY - NOT EVERY PILL IS PERFECT! Monday, March 22 10:30 AM
Everyone has a medicine cabinet filled with pills, crèmes, and lotions. At this month's To Your Health! program by the
stress reduction and relaxation that also
VNA of Wallingford, you'll learn why the medicine cabinet is NOT a good place to store medications, as well as other promotes healing. Reiki I is a simple tech-
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
nique to learn to use for yourself, family
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 members, and pets. The two-day class is
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 eligi-
$125.00. Limited to 8 people. To register,
ble for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or State Supplement Insurance (SSI). call Carrie Purcell at 203-623-7386 or
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 informa- email cs_purcell@yahoo.com.
tion.
FOOD PANTRIES IN WALLINGFORD
Need a little help with your food bill? Listed below are the names, addresses, and times you can visit. For more information about Reiki and
oAngel 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.
energy medicine, please read the article
oMaster's Manna: 46 North Plains Road (in back). ID required (Photo ID, Birth Certificate or medical card). "What is Energy Medicine" in this issue.
Distribution times: Tuesday & Thursday, 9-12; Fridays, 4-8 p.m.
oGood News Food Pantry: 46 John Street (Good News Church). Distribution time: Wednesday, 11:00 a. m. - 2:00
p.m.
oLocal 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.
They’re Here!
St. Joseph
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

Zeppoli
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 guide-
lines 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 insur-
ance benefits). 4. A list of all current prescriptions. Registration required. Call 265 7753 now to schedule an appoint-
ment.
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.
oSingle Income: $1,669.00 month oCouple 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. St. Joseph’s Day is March 19th.
VISIT our website at www.WLFDSENIORCTR.COM!
Place your order today!
Home Style Sausage/Kolbasz and Stuffed Cabbage Voted #1
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
Bakery!
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
Life's not always fair. Sometimes you can get a splinter even sliding down a rainbow. ~Cherralea Morgen Hours: Monday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2

The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~Robert Byrne

Page 6 March 2010

MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER

Way To Go!
On Saturday February 20, 2010 a group of volunteers loaded a 40 foot truck
container with food, water, clothing and medical supplies. The supplies
will be shipped to Les Cayes, Haiti for disaster relief. This was truly a com-
munity effort with many of the volunteers from local churches, businesses,
local schools and Wallingford Rotary members.
All the supplies that were loaded had been dropped off at local churches
and businesses which had been collecting supplies since the Haiti earth-
quake. The supplies were stored at Maplewood self storage center located
on North Main Street Extension. The supplies filled up about five donated
storage bins, some up to the ceiling. It takes about 4 hours to fill a container
of this size.
It costs $5,000 to $7,000 to ship a container to Haiti. After the supplies
reach Haiti and are distributed, the container itself will be turned into hous-
ing. The money for the container was donated by churches, schools and
Wallingford Rotary. Plans are underway for a second container.
Thank you to all those who donated supplies and money. If anyone is
looking for a way to help, please visit BEM at www.bemhaiti.org for the
latest Haiti updates.
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 enti-
tling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is
offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!
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-fit-
ting, 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
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

People from all over the state know

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,
the best deli around... 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 disor-
ders, allergies, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, birth defects, migraines, hormonal disorders, metabolic disor-
ders, and high blood pressure. And this is just the short list! Many of these diseases are reaching, or are already at epi-
demic 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 prop-
erly 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 incor-
porating 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

Rosa’s
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
and now you do too! 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
Stop by and experience the best! 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
Rosa’s Caters 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
to Your and discussion of goals. The dietary recommendations I make are manageable, simple to incorporate, and can easily be
Party Needs! 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
For Your Family or following services are also offered: diabetes education classes, nutrition and wellness seminars, nutrition boot camp for
Company, Rosa’s is the high cholesterol, 12 weeks to mindful eating, nutrition 101 for teens, home exercise programs, private cooking lessons,
place to call to for all of Reiki, crystal light therapy, a lending library, and a free meditation group.
your special functions 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
Visit our website at rosasdeli.com 203.269.2952 or visit www.tlclisazola.com

Cabaret & Cabernet

Rosa’s Italian Deli, LLC
imported and domestic foods
party platters • hot and cold subs to go
Open Monday-Saturday 830-6 closed Sunday
Tel: 265-1487 • 57 North Colony Street,
Wallingford, CT 06492 •
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 mem-
bers or by calling (860)621-1653. Suggested donation is $25 per person. More information is also available at
choralect.org.
 Page 7 March 2010

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 screen-
ings, 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 transporta-
tion, 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 stu-
dents in need.
Social Services (203-630-4222) provide a variety of services including health insurance counseling, geriatric assess-
ment, 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 partici-
pants, 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!
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 any-
time 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.
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.

Connecticut Outdoors
Written By: Paul Narducci
New Spring Styles Are Here!
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 *Custom Window Treatments
the water but love being on the water. It is time to start getting all your equip- *Residential & Commercial
ment ready. The first thing is to clean your rods and reels. You should replace
*Expert Advice
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 pro- *Expert Measuring
tected through out the year. I will also take care of my St Croix rod handles *Expert Installation
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
Eileen C. Horton
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. Call for an appointment
Most companies already have come out with their new lines of lures .I love trying new lures because the fish haven't 203.237.8469
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 Now Celebrating 24 Years of
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
Exceptional Service with GREAT SAVINGS!
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
Filipek’s Kielbasa
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 You Can Taste The Difference!
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 Stop by today!
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.

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 communi-
ty 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.
S A V E .50 P E R l b . o n o u r
Combating the abuse of alcohol and drugs is more than "just say no!"

The Meriden Firefighters' Local 1148 would like to remind everyone of the danger of using extension cords.
famous Kielbasa
S A V E $1.00 P E R l b .
Extension Cord Don'ts
Do NOT use as permanent wiring
Do NOT use unapproved extension cords

FOR 10 lbs. OR MORE!

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
With this ad - Expires 3/31/10
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 262 Elm St., Meriden 203-237-3488
The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. ~Henry David Thoreau, Walden
Page 8 March 2010
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.
People’s Press Crossword by Ruth Gordon
Look for the answers in this issue.
ACROSS
1. One of the corners on a diamond.
5. "I think that I shall never see a
poem as lovely as a ______"
9. A high mountain.
12. A religious image of worship.
13. "______ cow!"
14. An untruth.
15. A portion of a DNA molecule
that serves as a basic unit of heredity.
16. Doing nothing.
17. Intense anger.
18. Automobile.
20. Seven multiplied by three, minus
five, divided by four, plus seven,
equals ______.
22. Sprinkled fine powder on sur-
faces in order to reveal fingerprints.
25. "Sugar and spice and everything
______."
26. Mimic.
28. Physician (abbr.)
29. Twelve ins. plus two ft.
31. 1999 pounds plus 16 ounces.
32. "Sow one's wild ______"
35. Seaport on SW Honshu, in SW
Japan.
37. Terminating; concluding.
39. Preposition used for expressing
direction, purpose or intention.
41. America.
42. She co-starred with W.C. Fields
in the 1940 film, My Little
Chickadee.
43. Regretted bitterly.
44. Robert Swan Mueller III is the
current Director of this U.S. Federal
Agency.
47. Beneath.
48. The belly; stomach; abdomen.
50. Areas in hospitals designated to
receive ambulance passengers for
treatment of very
urgent, unexpected medical
issues. (abbr.)
51. Former husband of Jane Fonda.
(initials)
53. Vim and vigor.
53. Insect that holds it's forelegs in
an upraised position as if in prayer; a
Praying _____.
55. Entertainer and composer, he
wrote Candle In The Wind as a trib-
ute to Princess
Diana.
Celebrations of
Life and Home
Happy 20th
Birthday Mark!
Have a great day -
3/03/90
Love, Mom, Dad, Jeannie
Booey and Pretty
57. Garret.
58. MLB team in Cincinnati.
59. Raleigh is the capital of this
southeast state. (abbr.)
DOWN
1. Large.
2. Summer fruit drink.
3. "_____ of a gun."
4. Vote into office.
5. "Close Encounters of the _______
kind."
6. A piece of fishing equipment.
7. She is the new judge on American
Idol.
8. A place to apply liner and shadow.
9. Vibrant, full of energy and spirit.
10. A monetary unit of Italy.
11. A Ball- ______ hammer is used
for beating metal.
19. Of the wing; occurring in the air;
birdlike.
21. Very light brown in color.
22. Sprinkled fine powder on sur-
faces in order to reveal fingerprints.
23. "Once _____ a time……."
24. Put forth.
27. Visitor from outer space.
29. Affirmative reply.
32. Representatives.
33. Type of throat infection.
35. An itemized estimate of expected
income and expenses.
37. Personal pronoun contraction.
39. Possessive case of we (pronoun)
41. Computer keyboard key (often
used in conjunction with Ctrl and
Delete to reboot).
44. Federal Agency which was noted
for its' slow response to Hurricane
Katrina.
45. Spoiled, ill behaved child.
46. "_______ it a shame," (contrac-
tion)
49. "Once _____ a time….".
52. A polite addition to a request or
command. (abbr.)
54. The seventh tone in the diatonic
scale.
55. He was Ralph's neighbor and
sidekick on the Honeymooners.
56. Fourteen year old Romanian
gymnast who won five medals at the
1976 Olympics.
(initials)
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 let-
ter 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 decid-
ed 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 notifi-
cation 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' territo-
ry 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!
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 schol-
arships, 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
 Wallingford Park and Recreation Health & Fitness
Register at our office located at 6 Fairfield Boulevard 203.294.2120
This is just a small portion of the programs we offer. For the full brochure check us out at www.town.wallingford.ct.us
2001.200 Freaky Physics, Forces & Flight!
grades 3 - 5The hand is faster than the eye! Can
magic really be a lesson in science?!? Learn the
“secrets” behind some famous magic tricks.
Discover how electricity follows a “circuit” as
you make buzzers buzz and make a firefly light
up! Have you ever wondered how a giant jumbo
jet stays up in the air? We’ll learn and experi-
ment with the principles of flight as you build
your own loop-flying stunt plane! Create your
own “wave inside a bottle” while learning about
water, waves and envi-ronment. Become a
junior engineer as you build shapes like trian-
gles, cyl-inders and arches that make houses and
skyscrapers. You will “spin and swirl” through
lots of fun activities and you’ll get to make and
take home some sweet projects!
When: Saturdays April 3rd - May 1st
10:00am - 11:00am for 5 weeks Fee: $85
Location: Exit 7AInstructor: Mad Science Staff
2063.201 Imagine your Life Without Limits
With so many things to consider, we are excited
to introduce a new resource for you, the
Imagine: Your Life Without Limits book. This
book is a fantastic tool to help you capture your
ideas, thoughts and dreams for what lies ahead.
Let the Imagine Book guide you as you visual-
ize your expectations, desires and wishes for the
future and put those ideas into words. Starting
with the Imagine book, we can help you com-
bine your unique plans for the next phase of
your life with a personal financial plan designed
to help you prepare for your future with confi-
dence.
When: Monday March 29th 6:30pm - 8:00pm
for one night
Fee: Free Location: Exit 2
Instructor: Michael Argiro, 4T
5200.200 Turbo Kick™
Turbo Kick™ is an addictive workout that com-
bines shadow boxing, kickboxing, sports drills,
dancing, yoga, and simple dance moves in a
party atmosphere. Turbo Kick™ is an interval
based class that allows participants of any fit-
ness level to participate and custom tailor their
workout.Instructor: Jessica Holloway, AFAA
certified
Date: 3/11-6/17 for 14 weeks
Class Time: Thursdays 5:15-6:00 PM
Location: Exit 16 Fee: $42
5332.201 Running Class Geared for Runners
& Triathletes
Coach Kelli will work on improving your run-
ning mechanics, speed, endurance, strength, and
pacing. Triathletes will also focus on what it
takes to run well off the bike and runners on
proper pacing. Learn how to train more effec-
tively and enjoy the energy of a group workout
to give you that extra motivation! This class
suits all abilities levels from beginner to experi-
enced runners and/or triathletes. Instructor: Kelli
Montgomery, Health&Fitness Supervisor, USA
Certified Triathlon coach,
Dates: 5/5-6/23 for 8 weeks
Class Time: Wednesdays 6:30-7:15PM
Location: Sheehan High School Track or Lyman
Hall School Track (TBD)Fee: $30
5032.200 Moderate Yoga
An all levels class balancing gentle opening
poses with more dynamic yoga poses and
sequences. Attention to breath & alignment and
depending on your own yoga practice, this class
In order to ensure the quality and availability of our Programs, we ask that all registrations are completed by the deadline specified for each individual program. We would like to thank you in
advance for your cooperation in this matter and appreciate your continued support for the Programs offered by the Wallingford Parks & Recreation Department.
is good for beginner students and practiced ones
alike-be surprised at what you can do!equipment
needed: Your own yoga mat Optional: Bring
your yoga mat.Instructor: Sally Noel, C.Y.T
Sally is founder of Raven’s Wing Yoga in
Branford, CT. She has been a yoga teacher for 8
years and a student of yoga for 15. She
approaches her teaching as helping the student
find their own yoga inside while sharing some
amazing techniques of stress reduction, flexibili-
ty and inner strength. equipment needed: Your
own yoga mat
Date: 3/12-6/18 for 12 weeks, no class 4/2, 4/23
Class Time: Fridays 9:30-10:45AM
Location: Exit 6 Fee: $65
2422.200 Hook a kid on Fishing
The Wallingford Parks and Rec. and The
Department of Environmental Protection invite
all children and adults to “Hook a Kid on
Fishing”. Participants will learn strategies and
techniques for both salt water and fresh water
fishing. Also cov-ered will be tackle terminolo-
gy, natural baits and how to use them, identify-
ing fish and care of the catch. All partici-pants
will receive an official D.E.P. diplo-ma upon
completion of the course.Children under 12
must be accompa-nied by an adult.
Tuesdays and Thursdays April 6th, 8th, 13th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Exit 1
Fee: Free/Non residents $5
Instructor: Department of Environmental
Protection Staff
9033.200 Radio City Backstage Tour
When: Saturday April 24th Bus Departs: Rec.
Dept. at 7:30am Returns: 7:30pm
Fee: $62 per person
Get an insiders view of Radio City Music Hall.
You will explore the beautiful art-deco interiors;
learn the secrets of the Great Stage - one of the
largest indoor performance stages in the world.
See the stage’s hydraulic system, still in opera-
tion since the 1930’s. as an exciting climax to
your tour, you will meet one of the world
famous Radio City Rockettes! After the tour,
enjoy free time in Rockefeller Center for shop-
ping and dining.
Babysitter Training ages 11 - 15
Teaches children ages 11-15 how to care for
infants and younger children. This class covers
preventing injuries, illness, first aid, basic child
care, finding babysitting jobs, and other babysit-
ting issues.
Instructor: American Red Cross
5060.201 Session I Class Time: Saturday 9:00-
4:00 PM Date: 4/3
Location: Exit 3 Fee: $67
5060.202 Session II
Class Time: Saturday 9:00-4:00 PM
Date: 5/1Location: Exit 3 Fee: $67
0041.200 Spring Stingers ages 6-11
Come join your friends in this very popular pro-
gram over April break. We will be hopping on
the bus this spring and we will be going on vari-
ous trips each day. This will be a fun filled week
for all participants ages 6-11. Trip schedule is
not available at time of print.
Program Date: April 19th - 23rd
8:30am - 4:30pm Fee: $185 per child.
Guaranteed T-Shirt for everyone registered by
Wednesday April 7th.
4335.200 Youth Power VolleyBall clinic
grades 4-8
This program will concentrate on the basic fun-
damentals of volleyball. Movement skills, fore-
arm passing, serving, serve receive, setting,
attacking and physical conditioning will be
introduced over the course of seven and one half
hour clinic style sessions. When registering
please indicate participants T-shirt size. Camp
Limited to 40 players.
When: Tuesdays 5:00-6:30pm
April 6th - May 6th for 5 weeks
Fee: $50 (includes T-shirt)
Location: Gym 1 & 2
Instructor: Camp Director Dave Jockle, Head
Coach for Bunnell High
4185.200 Adult Men’s 60+ yrs Slow Pitch
Softball
Practice and games tentatively scheduled for
Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:00am
– 11:00am. Travel to other towns is included
when competing against other senior teams.
Letters for registration were mailed out in the
month of December to the players from the pre-
vious year. Registration forms must be com-
pletely filled out and returned in person with
payment and a copy of a CT Drivers License to
the Parks and Recreation Department. Harry
Fazio is the new league commissioner. For more
information contact the Rec. Department at 294-
2120.
Start Date is Monday April 12th
Fee: $25 Residents/$30 Non-Residents
*Returning players registering after February 1st
$35 resident/ $45 non resident.
*new players are always welcome and can regis-
ter after January 1st $25 Residents/$35 non-resi-
dents.
4190.201 Junior Spring Golf Clinic • ages 7-
16
Come and join the golf professionals at The
Tradition Golf Club for this program for both
beginners or someone just looking to fine tune
their golf game. Topics to be covered include
grip, stance, full swing and short game work.
When: Fridays 4:00 – 5:00pm April 16th – May
7th for 4 weeks
Fee: $85 Location: Tradition Golf Club
Staff: Nick Rykoski, Golf Professional at
Tradition Golf Club and Staff
4190.200 Adult Spring Golf Clinic • 16+
Come and join the golf professionals at The
Tradition Golf Club for this program for both
beginners or someone just looking to fine tune
their golf game. Topics to be covered include
grip, stance, full swing and short game work.
When: Fridays 5:00 – 6:00pm
April 16th – May 7th for 4 weeks
Fee: $85 Location:
Tradition Golf Club
Staff: Nick Rykoski, Golf Professional at
Tradition Golf Club and Staff
Page 10 March 2010

ICE The Old Leatherman

from Audrey Cable Linke The Wallingford Historical Society will be hosting a free program on
I never saw Dad cut ice, but my friend, LeRoy Hibbard, remembers seeing him and a crew of three or four men cutting Wednesday, March 17. Dan DeLuca, author of The Old Leatherman will talk
ice on the pond below our house, next door to the Hibbards. LeRoy told me he saw Dad using a team of oxen pulling about the tramp who traveled a circuit between the Connecticut and Hudson
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 Rivers. Copies of the book will be for sale and Mr. DeLuca will be signing
near Church's barn. The icehouse was in the shape of a corncrib and was probably built for that purpose originally. them. The program begins at 7:30 pm at the First Baptist Church, 114 North
The layers of ice were covered with sawdust, which kept the ice from melting. Dad used an ice pick to cut into the size Main St. Refreshments provided. All are welcome.
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. Flower Sale
Ray remembers going for ice with his little red wagon. The Linkes lived on Lilac Street in New Haven, and Ray, The East Wallingford Volunteer Fire Department will be holding their annual
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 Easter Flower Sale at the Firehouse on 2 Kondracki Lane on the following
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 dates:
would last the family the best part of a week.. Thursday April 1 from 5 PM to 8 PM
My friend, Al Semmler, who grew up in Seymour, told about his first job, the winter after he graduated from high Friday April 2 from 8 AM to 8 PM
school in 1932. The depression was in full swing and jobs were impossible to find, but he heard they were hiring at Saturday April 3 from 8 AM to 8 PM
Clark's pond in Woodbridge where ice was being cut. Al and his friend walked from Seymour to Woodbridge in the Sunday 8 AM to Noon
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 We will have a wide assortment of quality Hanging Baskets, perennials and
as they came toward the bridge, shoving them under the bridge with a long pole with a hook on it. annuals.
My brother-in-law, Jack Randel, got ice from Crowfoots, on the corner of the Oxford Road and West Street in Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished.
Oxford. The Randels lived on Chestnut Tree Hill, summers. Jack would go for the ice with his goat wagon, riding in If you're alive, it isn't. ~Richard Bach
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

C+C
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

Unisex Barbershop
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 Open now at 74 South Broad Street in Meriden
ice melted, the pan under the icebox was emptied, usually once a day. As our block of ice melted we put jars of home- Moving Late March to 210 State Street in Meriden
made root beer next to it. That root beer was a welcome, delicious, refreshing drink for Dad when he came in from cut- We are a full service Barbershop & Salon.
ting brush or hay, and we all enjoyed it with our supper. We are here to take care of all your hair textures
Ice was used to make homemade ice cream. The ice cream mixture was placed in a cylinder and the cylinder was & needs.
placed in a wooden container. Crushed ice was added around the cylinder and coarse salt was added to help melt the
Weekly Specials
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 Mondays
where the ice cream continued to jell. This fabulous dessert was served on the Fourth of July and other special occa- Kids Haircuts $8.00
sions. No ice cream ever tasted better than that, ever! Just thinking about it makes me smile. Tuesdays
Special Effects Highlights $20.00
SOUTH MERIDEN BASEBALL Fresh Cut & Edgeup $20.00
Thursdays
Youth Sports Resale Shampoo, Haircut, Blow Dry, & Eyebrow Wax
DON'T THROW IT OUT - DONATE YOUR CHILDS BASEBALL EQUIPMENT, CLEATS GENTLY USED
$30.00
CLOTHING TO THE LEAGUE.
Kids grow 'Oh So Fast'. Kids who are involved in sports usually outgrow their sports uniforms and accessories after Call Casper or Cheryl for your
one or two seasons. Seasonal resale events are a great way to earn extra cash for the SMYL League and purchase gently appointment at (203)238-4444
used kids clothing and accessories and at affordable prices. Walk-In Clients
SMYL - YSC offers you two simple ways to recycle your child's outgrown sports equipment and accessories and help
the league.
Are Always Welcome
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. Sign Your Child Up Now
For Our Wonderful
Summer Camps!

Creative Art Camps

Nature Art Camps
& NEW Fiber Art Camp

EASEL WORKS
Creative Art Studio & Gallery

294-1548
2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford
 Page 11 March 2010

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 seri-
ous 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 shar-
ing 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 sam-
ples 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.meri-
denlibrary.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 web-
site 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.
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 dis-
rupt 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 both-
ering 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 some-
thing 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 veteri-
narian.
The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water,
but to walk on the earth. ~Chinese Proverb

PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never

known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of
God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-
tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-
sity. (Make your request). There are none
that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,
conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,
I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days
and then you must publish it and it will be
granted to you. Grateful Thanks. A.P.R.
Page 12 March 2010
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 manage-
ment 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 repre-
sentative 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
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.
Life is simple, it's just not easy. ~Author Unknown
Annual Meeting
Wallingford Land Trust Annual Meeting is March 25th 7:00-9:00 ‘The
Amazing Monarch Butterfly’ with Joyce Crebase at the Wallingford Senior
Center, 238 Washington St. Wallingford.
Learn about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly and follow its incredi-
ble migration of over 2,000 miles to spend the winter in Mexico. Joyce
Crebase will share her experiences of following the
Monarchs on their migration south and how human activities both in
Connecticut and Mexico have impacted their migration. For more info:
203-269-2653 swcd43emt@sbcglobal.net.
For more information on the Land Trust, please check out the website at
www.wallingfordlandtrust.org.
Photo by Liz Landow ‘Monarch on butterfly bush’
Hunter's Ambulance
Memorial EMT Class
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
This program is designed to prepare individuals to take
the State of Connecticut Emergency Medical Technician
- Basic certification examination.
Training is accomplished through both classroom and
practical skill building sessions using State of
Connecticut Certified Emergency Medical Services
Instructors, experienced EMS field personnel and other
specialized guest lecturers.
Deadline for applications is March 19,
2010. Classes begin in April and will be
held at the Hunter's Ambulance
Education and Vehicle Resource Center.
If you are interested in this course,
please contact: Stephanie Karpey
450 - 478 West Main Street in Meriden
203-514-5142
Dear Housewives - Central Connecticut’s Know It All Gals
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 and we 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
Choose Something Like A Star
"So when at times the mob is swayed
To carry praise or blame too far,
We may choose something like a star
To 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 defi-
nitely 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
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
 Page 13 March 2010
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS AT WALLINGORD PUBLIC LIBRARY: JUST FAX IT!
All of our programs are free, all of the time! In response to popular demand, we have installed a self-service public fax
CELEBRATE THE IRISH WITH TOM CALLINAN IN CONCERT! machine nextto the photocopier by the Circulation Desk. It transmits faxes for
Wednesday, March 10 7: 00 p.m. Community Room $1.50 per page with a credit or debit card, but does not receive faxes.
Join us for an evening of Irish music, song, and stories with Connecticut troubadour, Tom Callinan. Tom's talents as a Librarians at the Information Desk can help you get started.
singer, song-writer, and storyteller have made him one of Wallingford's favorite performers. Young and old enjoy his LIBRARY FIND OF THE MONTH: Psychic Women in History
traditional and original songs; and everyone gets a chance to chuckle at his corny jokes. Please contact the library to Sisters Maggie and Katie Fox (the "Rochester Rappers"), cracked their toe
reserve your seat! joints against the floor as they conjured up the "dear departed." The year,
LUNCH AND LEARN: LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION Thursday, March 11 11:30 a.m. Community Room 1848! In the ensuing decades, millions in the U.S. and abroad followed the
Join us for a complementary lunch and learn more about this common illness that often goes undiagnosed in up to half careers of the Fox sisters, Madame Blatvartsky, Eva Bissono, and other
of older adults. Dr. Rehan Aziz, M.D. and Director of Behavior Health at Masonicare will give a talk about symptoms female psychics. You can read all about these fascinating ladies from books at
and treatment for late-life depression. All are welcome to this free program however, advance registration is required. the Wallingford Public Library. Come in and take a look at The Spiritualists
Please call the library or sign up online to make your reservation. This program is co-sponsored by Masonicare. by Ruth Brandon (133.90973 BRA), Lily Dale: the true Story of a Town that
CAREER EXPRESS: GET ON BOARD! Tuesday, March 16 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Library Parking Lot Talks to the Dead by Christine Wicker (133.9097 WIC), or A World Beyond
The Career Express is the Department of Labor's mobile one-stop career center providing the latest workforce and job (133.93 Montgomery) and Here and Hereafter (291.23 Montgomery) both by
skills development services to individuals across the state. Ruth Montgomery.
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. I have a simple philosophy: Fill what's empty. Empty what's full.
Information about the DOL/CT Works Career Centers is also available. Free, professional help is available on a first- Scratch where it itches. ~Alice Roosevelt Longworth
come-first-served basis. Areas of expertise include:
" Online job searches
"
"
Career exploration
Finding good job sites
$ CASH PAID FOR $
"
"
Interviewing
Resume writing
Toyotas, Hondas, Nissan, Suzukis,
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,
Subarus, Geo - Any Condition.
Medicare, retirement, taxes, and other issues important to you and your future. Bring your lunch and paper and pen. Running or not crashed and burned.
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. Other makes and models -
THURSDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB: West with the Night by Beryl Markham
Thursday, March 18 7:00 p.m. Collins Room Motorcycles, ATVs and more.
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
Call 203-600-4431
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, refresh-
Get GREEN for Gold
ment, and reader fellowship! A limited number of copies of the book are available from the Information Desk and from
our library catalog. RICK’S
SATURDAY MORNINGS WITH POETRY Saturday, March 13: Irish Poetry and Saturday, March 27: Women's Always Buying Gold, Silver, Coins, Antiques, Collectibles,
Poetry 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Board Room Broken or Unwanted Jewelry - Anything of Value!
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 “New or Old”
National Women's History Month, Women's Poetry Mini-Festival on March 27. “INSTANT CASH”-“TOP PRICES PAID”
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, CELEBRATING OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE: PRESENTED
BY THE CHESHIRE/WALLINGFORD LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS Rick’s A ntiques & C oins
Wednesday, March 24 7:00 p.m. Community Room Please call the library for program details. 428 North Colony St. (Rt. 5) Wallingford - 203-269-9888
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. *** Over 30 Years In Business! ***
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 Happy 125th Issue People’s Press from your
plan.
MARCH COMPUTER CLASSES
friends at Kindermusik with Sandie!
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 Room
In 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 profes-
sional 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. We have the BEST Birthday Parties!
Page 14 March 2010

THE THRILL OF COMMUNING WITH NATURE IN TROPICAL CLIMES Oh, Go Fly A Kite
By Phyllis S. Donovan
~ george arndt ~
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
The winds of March were a blessing for those of us who enjoyed the thrill of
thrills keep coming!
sending that ten-cent kite flying high into the blue. When my two sons were
Let me tell you about my last off-the-scale delightful adventure. Last month, my husband and I spent some time in
just knee high to a grasshopper, I would take them kite flying. Part of the fun
the Cayman Islands to take a break from winter. He was pleased that soaking up some tropical sun and swimming in
was assembling the kite…somehow I always managed to get the two thin
warm waters actually helped relieve his persistent back pain.
pieces of wood inserted into the designated spots without snapping them in
We didn't even know before we went that there are just three islands in the Cayman group. Cayman Brac and Little
two. Ahhhh, and then came the tail…it had to be made with just the right cut
Cayman attract the scuba diving thrill seekers while Grand Cayman, where we stayed, boasts gorgeous beaches and
of cloth. The length was optional, but it had to be just one and a half inches
less strenuous water sports...along with lovely shops, expensive restaurants and the ubiquitous banks which helped
wide. Then came the short pieces of material for the ribbons…one had to
earn its reputation.
have the skill to determine the spacing along the length of the tail for those
(A recent television series suggested that the
specially designed cross ribbons.
Caymans are particularly noted for scuba diving
With finished projects in hand and balls of string…off we headed to that
and tax evasion. But neither figured into our plans
wide open field with no trees to worry about. It took a bit of running to get
which were far less demanding. Our bodies aren't
that amazing thing called a kite, into the air. And, with the proper maneuver-
robust enough for scuba diving and our finances
ing by my little boys, those diamond-shaped pieces of paper soared like
aren't robust enough to warrant tax evasion.)
eagles. Now and then I would have to intervene to keep the kites on course.
But back to my big thrill which involved get-
Oh, but as sometimes would happen, the wind would not cooperate, and I
ting into the water with 20 or 30 stingrays -- many
would hand the end of the string off to my son, and say…
measuring almost four feet across -- and actually
"Here, Dougie, now you hold the string and run as hard as you can."
frolicking with the graceful creatures. These par-
Oh, but such sorrow should befall my poor little boy…the wind was dying
ticular Southern Stingrays, I should point out, are
and the kite was fluttering and soon, there it was…stuck in that far off
not the lethal kind which resulted in Australian
tree…the same one that good ol' Charlie Brown always gets his kite entangled
naturalist Steve Irwin's untimely death. But when
in.
we were in the water and they started gliding
And so, the venture ended in tones of blues and grays for my youngest
silently toward us, I did wonder what I'd let
son…he was only five years old. As we drove back home, he sat in the back
myself in for.
seat pouting and blubbering about how his kite got stuck in a tree……..it was
Actually, the catamaran trips run by Red Sail
so sad hearing his pitiful words of disappointment. As we were driving along,
Sports (which booked trips right from our hotel
the sad tears became tears of laughter as we talked and joked about how that
out to the stingray sandbar) rank right up there as Bald eagles fly freely in Punta Gorda City Park. nasty old tree ate his favored kite.
special things to do in Grand Cayman. The story
So, the next time someone tells you to go fly a kite…be a sport, and do just
goes that in earlier days, Cayman fisherman would stop at a certain sandbar off the island's coast to clean their fish
that…literally.
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 Rest in Peace
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 Pedro M. Montijo - February 3, 1938 - January 30, 2007, who passed away
banana or lime leaves. 3 years ago. Sadly missed along life’s way. Quietly remembered every day.
Protective coloring and markings are of top importance to the otherwise defenseless butterfly or moth. One gorgeous No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts you’re always there. Love
butterfly had wings with markings like owl's eyes to discourage predators while the giant Atlas Moth sported what always, Sherry, Angie, Roberto, Tanya, Kimba, Angel, Grandchildren and
looked like miniature eagle heads on the ends of its wings. Great-grandchildren. Te Amo!
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 Rotary News
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 adjoin-
ing 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 Lori Gregan, Retail Operations Manager for Roses for Autism, and Julie
up whatever the parents brought to him. The wonder was that the trio paid no attention to the people who regularly Hipp, Marketing Director, were guest speakers at the Wallingford Rotary
camped out nearby to watch them as they went about their daily lives, free in the wild. on Wednesday, February 17th.
We came home from this trip reassured that nature, in all its forms, is indeed wonderfully amazing and we should
The Roses for Autism Program is the first business endeavor for Growing
do all we can to help preserve and nurture it for our grandchildren and generations to come to marvel over and enjoy.
Possibilities, a non profit social enterprise, dedicated to growing indepen-
Masonic Temple , Meriden World Famous Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner with dence for individuals with Autism and other disabilities.
Several fundraiser opportunities are available. For information, visit
Lots of Homemade Pies - Coffee re/dcaf, Tea, Soda reg/diet free Fundraiser for Westwood Court #5 Order of www.rosesforautism.com or call 203 453-2186.
AmaranthSaturday, March 13th 2010 from 5 to 7 PM Masonic Temple 112 East Main Street Meriden, Connecticut ( use In picture: Julie Hipp, Lori Gregan and Wallingford Rotary President
rear entrance ) Adults $12.00, Children 5 to 12 $5.00 Children under 5 yrs Free Come Out & Join Us for a GREAT Craig Fishbein
Dinner !
 Page 15 March 2010

Keep Kids Healthy As Winter Gives Way to Spring Food Guidelines for Good Health
When days get longer and the weather begins to warm up, it's a sure sign that spring is around the corner. After months The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that individuals use the
of cold temperatures and gray skies, just about everyone looks forward to spending time outdoors taking in the sights, food pyramid for a balanced diet. For a 2,000-calorie diet, follow the recom-
sounds and scents of the season. But with temperatures rising and flowers, trees and grasses beginning to bloom, it's mendations below from each category.
also time to protect kids from seasonal allergies and sun exposure. Here are some tips for keeping kids healthy all spring GRAINS: 6 ounces (3 ounces whole grains) daily
long. VEGETABLES: 21/2 cups daily
* Look out for signs of seasonal allergies. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common problem in both FRUITS: 2 cups daily
infants and children. Common symptoms include repeated sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose with clear drainage or con- MILK: 3 cups low-fat milk products daily
gestion, itchy eyes and nose, throat clearing, sore throat, and/or a cough that tends to worsen at night and in the morn- MEAT & BEANS: 5 1/2 ounces daily
ing. Kids with seasonal allergies also tend to breathe through their mouth a lot and may have dark circles under their FATS, SUGARS AND SALT: Go sparingly
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
Mohegan Sun Bus Trip
early morning when the spring tree pollen count is highest, not hanging clothes outside to dry and bathing kids at bed- The E & R U.C.C will sponsor a trip to Mohegan Sun, on Saturday, April 24,
time to help minimize nighttime allergies. 2010. 9am departure from the Wallingford Senior Center and return around
* Protect skin from the damaging effects of spring sun. After being indoors for much of the winter, kids are eager to 5:30pm. Advance Ticket Purchase only. To reserve your seat ASAP make
spend as much time outdoors as possible. To protect their skin during the spring months, break out the sunscreen and out check to:
their favorite hats. When choosing a sunscreen for a baby, toddler or young child, look for a product that offers broad- The Evangelical & Reformed U.C.C. and mail to: E. Tierney, P.O.Box 3,
spectrum UVA and UVB protection with a minimum SPF of between 15 and 30. Also consider a product that is water Wallingford, Ct. 06492.
resistant and one that is hypoallergenic and free of fragrance. Ticket price: $30.00 inludes $30.00 casino bonus package.
* Don't forget about eye protection. The lenses of children's eyes are extremely sensitive. Just as taking care of kids' All proceeds to benefit our April Fundraiser
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 pri-
ority 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
* Auto * Home * Business * Life
to making any exercise routine stick.
Consistency gets results John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency
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 208 Center Street, Wallingford
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
Office: (203) 269-2500
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
Life Insurance underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company Nationwide Mutual Insurance
library and on the Internet. It's also a good idea to consult your physician for any exercise tips or suggestions. Company and affiliated Companies Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220

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
AVANTI
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 Restaurant & Lounge
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 his-
tory 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 Open for Lunch and Dinner
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
Featuring:
Wah-Say-Lan becoming a couple. *Southern and Northern Italian Cuisine
Many people from the audience asked questions following the book reading. My friend, Margaret, wanted to know * Veal, Chicken & Seafood Specialties
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 abo- * Large Selection of Salads * Pizza *
litionist from Wallingford, who confronts George Washington in history and in this novel. Grinders * Homemade Burgers
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 NEWSPA-
* Specialty Wraps
PER EDITORS and a recipient of the distinguished Writing Award from the AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEWSPAPER We Make Your Events Special!
EDITORS.
James and his lovely wife spent time afterwards talking with the fans and autographing his novel. The library offered Plan your next party with us! Parties
everyone coffee or tea and tasty treats.
for up to 60 people are our specialty. We
WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB ANNOUNCES also offer off premises catering and
G.N.O. - GIRLS' NIGHT OUT AT JAKE'S TAVERN party platters to go.
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 “Come visit and enjoy one of our finely prepared meals
an opportunity to meet women who are dedicated to community service in Wallingford; you purchase your own drinks. in the comfort of our new dining and lounge areas”
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 pro- AVANTI
vides members with opportunities for personal enrichment, and to improve leadership skills and form new and lasting Restaurant & Lounge
friendships. More information is available by contacting Jaime Bowen, Membership, at 203-294-0017.
34 River Road * South Meriden
I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever 203-4
440-9
9990
dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer. ~Jim Carrey
Page 16 March 2010
Home Country
Slim Randles
Marjorie Pincus looked out the front window at her husband, Marvin, and
smiled. No matter how old he gets, she thought, he'll always be the boy I
remember, riding his bicycle through this town so many years ago.
Marvin had stopped picking out the nutgrass and was watching a small
group of children across the street in the park. Two of them had kites, and the
brisk wind of morning had them both up as high as string would allow. Soon,
Marvin had ambled across the street and was standing behind the children,
watching the taut dip in the string and listening to the rattle of the tight paper.
The first time Marvin Pincus flew a kite in this park, airplanes didn't go very
far or very fast. The other side of the moon was a mystery in those days, and
no one really thought man would ever go there and back. Not really.
And here these kids are, flying their kites the very same way, with the very
same rag tails, and looking up at the earth-tied fliers climbing with the gusts
and settling with the relaxation of the breezes.
Marjorie watched from across the street as the Herrera boy walked over to
Marvin, whispering something as Marvin leaned down to hear, and then
handed the stick with the kite string tied to it to the old man. His face beamed
as he controlled flight once again. The kids smiled, too, probably not realizing
kite flying was the same when Mr. Pincus was a kid, too.
But what about the dreams? Marjorie thought about this. What goes
through the minds of today's kite fliers who know what the surface of Mars
looks like, who know what the far side of the moon looks like, who know
there are human beings in a space station, living up there, right now? What
will their dreams be as the kites dance?
What dreams will dance now as they stand there and hold the miracle of
flight in their fingers? - Brought to you by The Long Dark, An Alaska
Winter's Tale. Available at www.slimrandles.com.
People’s Press Crossword March 2010
Answers. Puzzle by Ruth Gordon.
The Best Around...
Our Delicious
Cannolis
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Open Easter 7am-1pm
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Hours: Monday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2
"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 mar-
ried, 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 com-
panion 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 vaca-
tion. 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 ani-
mal 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 feel-
ings 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. Continued on Page 17

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 character-
ized 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.
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.
ROCK OUT! HAVE FUN!
PLAY DRUMS!
DRUM LESSONS
Attention Parents I give your
child focus & confidence!
Students are welcome from beginner to advanced by
Jon Peckman, author of the nationally renowned
book “Picture Yourself Drumming.” Lessons are
held conviently in the center of Wallingford.
Call 203.537.4112 or visit
www.myspace.com/jonpeckman
Page 17 March 2010
Continued from Page 16
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, ten-
nis 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 atten-
tion 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 car-
ing 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 pro-
vide 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 fam-
ily 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 ani-
mal 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
Page 18 March 2010
These Six Keys To Regular Exercise Will Benefit Our At
Home Elderly Seniors
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 pri-
vate 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 care-
giver 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 benefi-
cial 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 com-
panion for a few hours a week to perform some household duties, run errands and encourage activ-
ities with healthy interaction. You can find important information about our company by going to
www.comfortkeepers.com.
"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 sweet-
heart. 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 com-
fortable 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 des-
perately 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!
No man lives without jostling and being jostled; in all
ways he has to elbow himself through the world, giv-
ing and receiving offence. ~Thomas Carlyle, Sir
Walter Scott, in London and Westminster Review
 Page 19 March 2010
licensed home care providers Each of these units have staff members com-
Resolve to Avoid Injury When Exercising This Year mitted to the goal of providing quality care and learning to preschool chil-
Of the millions of New Year's resolutions made each year, perhaps none is more repeated than the resolution to get in dren. School readiness is not just a catch phrase but a meaningful description
better shape. Each year, millions of people resolve to shed a few extra pounds or simply get healthier, with varying for the work needed to prepare a child for kindergarten. Some of the topics
degrees of success. being offered this Spring 2010 [all details can be found in the Wallingford
One of the ways to ensure the resolve to get healthier is successful is to exercise safely. Veteran athletes and seasoned Parks and Recreation Spring 2010 brochure] include: Yoga for babies and
professional trainers all note the importance of safety when it comes to exercise. Simply diving right into exercise can parents; Early speech development; Behavior issues for preschoolers; Birth-
be a recipe for disaster, often leading to injury, especially for those people new to exercise or returning after a long lay- to-Three programs for families. For more information you can call the
off. Family Resource Center at 203-284-4019
For those who have resolved to get in better shape this season, consider the following exercise safety tips. WE CARE is always looking for parents who want to volunteer in the
* Don't push it. The body responds differently to exercise as it ages, and many people who were once exercise affi- ongoing work of the council. Every parent can make a big difference in the
cionados but stopped regularly exercising could likely make the mistake that they can still exercise as hard as they did success of his/her own child.
in their youth. However, pushing it after a long layoff is potentially dangerous and could result in a number of injuries. The time to start begins a birth and it never ends. The place to start if with
While you might one day be able to return to form, initially it's best to take it easy. Stop exercising immediately if you friends and neighbors in the community. WE CARE invites you all to come
begin to experience any of the following symptoms: and play with us.
- Dizziness Roberta Clouet Project Coordinator
- Nausea WE CARE A Discovery Project
- Cold sweats
- Muscle cramps Coffee and Conversation Program Back for 2010!
- Pain or pressure in the chest Join us for Coffee and Conversation on Monday, March 29 from 1:00-
(particularly left-chest or mid-chest) 2:00pm in the first floor conference room at the Meriden Senior Center. This
- Joint pain month's program will be an "ode to spring" featuring spring poetry readings
* Maintain proper breathing or cease exercising if you can't. Whenever exercising, you should be able to walk without by prominent local authors Ruth Kahn and John Kenney. Coffee and refresh-
gasping for breath. If you cannot breathe properly, stop exercising immediately. Once your system has rebounded and ments will be served. This event is free and open to the public.
you begin to feel better, if you're going to return to your exercise regimen, simply tone it down, performing each exer-
cise more slowly.
* Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated throughout an exercise routine will increase flexibility and replace the water you SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS
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.
COLLECTIBLES
* 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
STAMPS • COVERS • COINS • TOKENS
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 PAPER MONEY • POSTCARDS • HOBBY SUPPLIES
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
FIND OUT WHAT YOUR COLLECTION IS WORTH!
sneakers that support weight-bearing activities and tops that promote movement but aren't too loose. If jogging out- 41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451
doors, 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. (203) 235-7634
* 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 per-
sonal trainer, at least until they get comfortable with a routine. In fact, many fitness clubs offer a handful of free per-
sonal 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.
Servicing Transmissions Since 1952
WE CARE Family Outreach Activities - Wallingford 694 Old Colony Rd.
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 203-237-4379
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 Good fences make good
most important teacher in a child's life. The playgroups that are offered underscore the importance of play and illus-
trate the key role of literacy in development. There are two playgroup opportunities offered by the WE CARE
neighbors...Surveys from
Council: the Playful Cruisers is offered at the WE CARE Family Resource Center in the Youth and Social Services Stone Wall Boundaries, LLC
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 make even better ones.
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 STONE WALL BOUNDARIES,LLC
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
SURVEYING & MAPPING
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 profes- PAUL BUCKLEY REYNOLDS
sional preschool teachers in the community. Wallingford is fortunate to have 24 licensed child care centers and 36
PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR

* Boundary Surveys
COMFORT KEEPERS
WALLINGFORD * Historical Deed Research
Carol Carbutti - Owner
157 So. Orchard St., Wallingford
203-697-1030
* Construction Layouts

carolcarbutti@comfortkeepers.com * Specialized Mapping

www.comfortkeepers.com
A Land Surveyor Dedicated To Fulfilling
"I WANT TO STAY IN MY OWN HOME" The Needs Of The Property Owner
We are an in-home, non-medical care giving agency. We help people main-
tain independent lives in the comfort of their own homes or wherever our
loving caregivers are needed.
203-889-8564
P.O. BOX 4256 YALESVILLE, CT 06492

After this busy holiday season treat yourself to some well deserved time off.
Let's get together to bring one of our caregivers to meet the family and
establish a resource that will be here when you need the break.
We are an in-home, non-medical care giving, staffing agency.
Page 20 March 2010

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

Annual Plant Sale
Annual Plant Sale and Conservation Newsletter
The Southwest Conservation District will be having the Annual Shrub and
Perennial Plant Sale April 23th and 24th at Lockwood Farm in Hamden.
Available are: Evergreen bare root seedlings, native as well as ornamental
shrubs, and perennials. Plants to be featured are: variegated, fragrant, com-
pact and/or suitable for wildlife as well as bird and butterfly gardens.
Volunteer UCONN Certified Master Gardeners as well as North Haven,
Daytime Gardeners and Wallingford Garden Club members will be on hand
to assist the customers on site. Pre order forms are available from SWCD
office at 900 Northrop Rd Suite A in Wallingford CT 06492. 203-269-
7509. Call for a Newsletter and order form. Email address: swcd43@sbc-
global.net. The Spring Plant Sale Newsletter will be on the District's web-
site at www.conservect.org. Click on SWCD..then newsletters Also check
Focus on Gardening Interactive Newsletter which features some of the
plants as well as other gardening news.
Photo by Ellie Tessmer Rudbeckia
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 nega-
tive 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 get-
ting 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 need-
ed.
You only have one set of eyes - take care of them! These tips can help to reduce eye problems and ensure more com-
fortable 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
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 habi-

Do You Suffer From...

tat 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
*Tension / Pain *Sleeping Problems repopulation efforts was taken off the list in June of 2007.
Neck *Irritability / Mood Swings The female, who is about 13 pounds with a wingspan of up to seven feet, is usually 25% bigger than the male, who,
Shoulders *Digestive Troubles by contrast, is about 9 pounds with a five and a half foot wingspan. They have the trademark bald head, which is actu-
ally white feathers, with yellow talons and hooked beak and that takes about four years to achieve maturity, with a lifes-
Lower Back *Headaches
pan of twenty years.
Arms or Legs *Fatigue
According to QRWA President, Ginny Chirsky, "Because of the tremendous efforts to restore the Quinnipiac River
*Allergies / Sinus Problems throughout the state, Hanover Pond has now become a feeding ground for the eagles, who feed primarily on fish, small
Try Chiropractic! 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."
North Colony Both eagles may not be there for long. Bald eagles mate for life and in CT courtship begins in January. With any
Chiropractic & 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
Don’t Suffer with Rehabilitation Center 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
Pain, We Can
Dr. Timothy S. Pepin food.
Help You! Both parents will take turn feed the baby eagles, which are called eaglets, a diet of mostly fish, which is eaten by the
1245 S. Broad Street Chiropractic Physician parent and regurgitated into the mouths of their young. When the babies are about three months old they will begin to
Wallingford See How Chiropractic 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.
203-949-2225 Can Help You! 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."

You’ll get a charge 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."

from our service! "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.

March Events at the Augusta!

Augusta Curtis Concert Band Rehearsals
7pm-9pm on Mondays Any age or level of playing can join us!
Always growing to serve your needs.... 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.

Rousseau’s 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 Street

Auto Repair
Meriden, CT 06450
Cabernet & Caberet Fun-raiser Presented by Chorale CT Friday, March 12th, 2010 7pm-9pm
Chorale CT Fun-raiser
Complete Auto Repair Travelogue:"Classic Italy; from the tip of her boot to the top of her thigh" Presented by Peter & Sharon Burch
Family Owned... Family Friendly Since 1954 Sunday, March 28th, 2010 at 3pm Admission free, donations to the Center appreciated! Narrated slideshow.
Find Out Why by Stopping Down Today! Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, March 31, 2010 Join us for our Annual Blood drive at the Center .
1:30 pm to 7pm
369 Cook Ave., Meriden All above events will be held at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center at 175 East Main Street in Meriden, CT. More
235-2561 information about these events and other upcoming events can be found on our website at www.curtisculturalcenter.org
My grandfather always said that living is like licking honey off a thorn. ~Louis Adamic
 Page 21 March 2010
Jim Calhoun and Sparky Anderson. This year the recipient of the Saint Francis
Tackling Childhood Obesity Award will be George Grand. Mr. Grand is the former play by play television
Obesity is now among one of the most widespread medical problems for children and adolescents. The American announcer for the Cincinnati Reds and ESPN's first SportsCenter sportscaster.
Obesity Association reports that about 15 percent of adolescents (aged 12 to 19 years) and children (aged 6 to 11 years) Jim Calhoun, University of Connecticut Head Basketball Coach, will present
are obese in the United States. Doctors say that obesity among children is one of the country's greatest health chal- the Jim Calhoun Community Service Award to Emmy Award winning broad-
lenges. cast journalist, Al Terzi. Mr. Terzi is a Channel 3 EyeWitness News anchor.
Many health care providers define obesity in a child as weighing 20 percent or more over the healthy range. The per- The Silent Auction will begin at 5:30 pm. Program and dinner will start at
centage of body weight that is fat is also a good indicator of obesity. Boys over 25 percent fat and girls over 32 percent 6:30 pm. For more information call (203) 237-8084 or visit the web site
fat are considered obese. www.flcenter.org.
Childhood 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 To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The
effects. Bullying and teasing by peers may lead to poor self worth and even depression. People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at
Some experts believe that breastfeeding and delaying solid foods for infants can help prevent obesity. Teaching chil- andy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power of positive for the read-
dren how to eat healthfully as they age is another way to promote healthy weight. ers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment.
Here are some additional suggestions: Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com! The
* Limit the time spent watching television, playing video games and surfing the Internet to no more than 7 hours per deadline for our April issue is March 29th..
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.
Patient Satisfaction
* 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.

"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective"

by Gregory M. Simpson
MidState Medical Center Emergency Department recognized for patient
Have you ever felt drawn to another time and place you have never visited? As a reluctant traveler, there are no places
satisfaction
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. MidState Medical Center was recently recognized by Press Ganey, Inc.,
The Cat in Ancient Egypt, by Jaromir Malek, describes that the earliest known remains of a cat in ancient Egypt an independent organization who works with more than 7,000 healthcare
come from the period before 4,000 B.C. Here the bones of a man were unearthed who had been buried with a cat, per- facilities across the nation, for its significant improvements in patient satis-
haps his pet. faction with the Emergency Department. The significant increase reflects
Mummified cats do not appear before the first millennium B.C. My favorite birthday outing is to visit the responses to patient satisfaction surveys from October through December
Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan to view these cat mummies and other Egyptian antiquities. My wife 2009. Lucille Janatka, MidState President & CEO, presented Emergency
patiently lets me marvel - or shall I say obsess - over my "connection" to these artifacts from thousands of years ago. Department leadership and staff with a certificate of recognition on
Cats stand alone as the animal that domesticated itself. As it moved first into communities and then into homes to Tuesday, March 2nd, the same day operations were transferred to the hos-
kill rodents which threatened grain supplies, it became a beloved pet, and eventually a deity. The mutually beneficial pital's brand new Emergency Department. The certificate will be on display
relationship between cats and people dates back to 4000-2000 B.C. By 2000-1000 B.C., the cat was fully domesticated in the new space.
as a companion animal in the Egyptian household. Besides statues, they were depicted on many items, including neck- Pictured left to right are: Fred Tilden, MD, medical director, Emergency
laces, vase handles, rattles, amulets, cosmetic jars, pins, and plaques. Any likeness of Bastet, the cat goddess, was Department; Dave Cusick, RN, nurse manager, Emergency Department;
believed to bring good luck. Lynn Faria, Director, Community Relations & Community Wellness; Lynn
By 1000 - 350 A.D., cats were seen as manifestations of certain deities, especially Bastet, and cats were bred in large Amarante, RN, Director, Cardiac Service Line; Sue McGaughan, RN, nurs-
quantities in temple catteries. Bastet, or Bast, as she was also called, was a goddess believed to respond to personal sit- ing director, Emergency Department; Suzanne Casey, RN; Nurse Educator,
uations and crises related to healing, intuition, protection, joy, pleasure, fertility, generosity, marriage, sensuality, and Clinical Professional Development; Thomas Holmes, MD, Emergency
sexuality. It was during the Ptolemaic period of 332-30 B.C. that the cat's popularity reached its peak in Egypt, where Department; and Gary Tickey, MD, Emergency Department.
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 Come to Marianna’s for all
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.
of your favorites!
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 accidental-
ly 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
St. Joseph Zeppoli
lovers in the U.S. He is also a member of the Cat Writers' Association.
Hot Cross Buns
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
Irish Soda Bread
Club, Plantsville, Connecticut. The special anniversary celebration will feature many famous sports figures including
Rice, Wheat & Ham Pies
Easter Bread
Babkas
Open Easter 7am-1pm
Voted #1
Bakery!

Hours: Monday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2

Page 22 March 2010

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.
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.

Rousseau’s
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
Home Comfort Fuel 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.

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
Quality Service...Affordable Price 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,

203-235-2561
"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
The deadline for our April issue might be problems and I don't want that. What are her plans when we do meet?"

is March 26th! Don’t forget to

"She would like you to return to Montana with her if you would consider it."
"Alright, what should I bring with me?"
send some good news "That depends on whether you want to go to Montana or not."
"Montana sounds intriguing. I probably will."
that matters to you! "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."
If you have an upcoming event "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?"
in the months ahead send it in - "I think I can be ready to leave tomorrow."
it would be our honor to help "Ten o'clock alright with you?"
"Fine, everything will be ready." They rose from the chairs and Josie escorted Mr. Hammond to the door.
you AND we will send out each "What's going on?" cried Mark.
"I'll be leaving in the morning," she simply stated.
week’s events in our weekly "Leaving? What are you talking about?"
email newsletter to our on-line "Mark, did you know I was adopted?"
"No, that man told you that?"
subscribers to give you even "Yes, and he showed me the adoption papers. I'm going to see my birth mother."
"Are you coming back?"
more exposure. Sign up - it’s "Probably not. She wants me to go to Montana with her."
free! Go to "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
www.peoplespressnews.com leaving."
"So, what do you want me to tell him when he comes back and you're gone."
and click subsribe! "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
There are several ways to submit: 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
Email: andy@peoplespressnews.com 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
Web: www.peoplespressnews.com was going.
Mail: The People’s Press Look for Chapter 2 in our next issue
P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
Bear Silent Auction
For Advertising call Hi Friends,
203.235.9333 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
The People’s Press is now available to down- request your bear or for more information! Thanks for you assistance in spreading the news!
load in PDF form. Save it, Read it and Print In His Service,
Captain Maria Stephenson Corps Officer/Pastor Meriden Corps Tel: 203-235-6532 Fax: 203-639-0422
it. We are always finding new ways to serve
your needs because YOU matter most to us! I think I've discovered the secret of life - you just hang around until you get used to it. ~Charles Schulz
 Page 23 March 2010

The Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce Run For Autism

The Greater Meriden Chamber's Marketing Committee has embarked on an exciting new testimonial campaign! The The CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center in Wallingford, a non profit organi-
first of many testimonial boards was on display in the beginning of February at Meriden Schools Federal Credit Union zation, is hosting its fourth annual Run for Autism on Sunday, May 2, 2010.
chili cook off! Keep your eyes peeled for these boards that will be on display in different member locations through- This 5K Run will take place on the private running field at Choate Rosemary
out the area! We are looking forward to displaying them all at the Chamber's 114th Annual Meeting on Thursday, Hall HS in Wallingford, 8:30 AM . Cash prize of $100 for the top overall fin-
April 8th at MountainRidge! isher. High School students can attain community service hours by soliciting
Speaking of the Annual Meeting, Dinner & Silent Auction, we'd like to congratulate the following businesses and donations and competing in the race.Fee: $30 adults, $15 students through
individuals who will be recognized that evening with awards: grade 12. Registration form can be obtained by visiting our website,
The recipient of the Eighteenth Annual Community Partnership Award, recognized for their extraordinary commit- www.ctautismwalk.com
ments 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 Mardi Gras
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 addi-
tional 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

HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE

HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE IS CELEBRATING OUR 2ND YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN MARCH! OUR
Preschoolers at Carriage House Day Care pose for a picture during their
THANKS TO ALL THAT HAVE SHOWN THEIR SUPPORT THROUGH THEIR DONATIONS, SERVICES AND
Mardi Gras parade.
PURCHASES. WE HAVE ALL MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS IN NEED IN THE COMMU-
NITY 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:
Amore’ Pizza
WEDNESDAY MARCH 17TH- ST. PATRICKS DAY-
ALL PAPERBACK BOOKS BUY 1 GET 1 FREE.
Only The
VIDEOS ALL 50 CENTS EACH
ALL SMALL HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES PRICED OVER $2.00 ARE 20% OFF! Best - With
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!
Fast Free
THURSDAY MARCH 25TH- BUY 1 GET 1 HALF OFF ON ALL BRAND NEW DIFFERENT DEPARTMENT
STORE TAGGED CLOTHING. Delivery To
Your Door!
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.. DONA- 203-265-2379
TIONS OF FURNITURE OR LARGE APPLIANCES IN GOOD, CLEAN WORKING CONDITION ARE IN NEED
83 N. Turnpike Rd.
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 Wallingford
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!

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 condi-
tion 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 hor-
mones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. The hormones cause your heart rate and blood pressure to rise, your muscles to Now is the time to book Ruth for all of
tense up and your breathing to become short and shallow. Your digestive and immune systems shut down so that you your 2010 Events.
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 sensa-
tion. 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 enjoy-
able 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 physi-
cian 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.
Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can. ~Danny Kaye
Life is like a beautiful melody, only the lyrics are messed up. ~Author Unknown
Page 24 March 2010
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 navi-
gate the special education system and develop their skills to effectively partic-
ipate 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 mis-
sion to support families in their efforts on behalf of their children with dis-
abilities.
Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish,
but you only spend it once. ~Lillian Dickson
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* New and Existing Construction
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* 45’ Bucket Truck Service
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“No Job too Big or Too Small”
203-235-5653
Fully Insured and Licensed CT Lic. #104727
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 inter-
national 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
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.
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!
Beth Israel Synagogue in Wallingford
Beth Israel Invites the Community to Free 2nd Night Seder
Beth Israel will again host its wildly popular free 2nd night seder on March 30th at 6:00 P.M., open to the Jewish com-
munity. 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 mimi-
bloch@aol.com to make your reservation. This will be a free event (donations are always welcome).
Beth Israel Synagogue Reaches Out to Ashlar Village
In 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 majori-
ty 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.
"Judaica Exchange" for Guatemalan Jews
Do 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/as2mx4
Spearheading 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 Cukierkorn
rabbi94@hotmail.com www.rabbicukierkorn.com
Donated 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
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 con-
tact information.
Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.
~George Bernard Shaw, The Doctor's Dilemma, 1906
 Page 25 March 2010

Our Mother People crying How to "Reset Your Metabolism" forever.

Alyssa Duffourc As we age your metabolism slows down; because of that the aging process begins with your hair, skin & body function
Too much hurt
including unstable sugar levels high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and most importantly unhealthy and dangerous
Too much pain
Mountains crumbling weight gain.
Skies falling Dr. Donald Layman, the father of metabolism with over 90 peer papers and studies helped develop a patented system
STOP!
Earth cracking called Metaboliq.
Stop the hurting
What is happening It is based on the concept of macrobalance-eating the right proportions of high-quality proteins, smart carbohydrates
Stop the crying
To our mother earth and the people and intelligent portions of friendly fats. Getting these portions correctly balanced will forever stabilize your blood
Save our mother
she cares for sugar, reduce typical energy crashes, eliminate cravings and halt hunger pangs.**
Save our home
Your body is an amazing bio-machine that requires fuel to run. Although it has the ability to extract energy from a
Help our mother!
No one knows why she is angry large variety of foods or "fuels," the diet choices you make have a major impact on how well your body operates.
Oh, But I do, Unfortunately, most of us are working against ourselves by relying far too much on foods high in carbohydrates, which
We are the only ones who can
We have hurt our mother earth, do allow our bodies to survive, but not thrive in a healthy manner. Our bodies are not designed for carbohydrates to be
So what will you do?
Now she is dying a primary source of fuel in the long-term.
Please don't let her wilt
In fact, carbohydrate-rich diets have some significant unintended negative health consequences:
Don't leave her to die.
Ice melting " They often create a hyper-insulin response leading to large blood sugar fluctuations-creating cravings, crashes and
Save our mother
People Dying hypoglycemia.
For I know that I shall try
Children hurting " They cause our bodies to store fat continuously.
" They increase inflammatory conditions that lead to chronic health diseases.
Support Your Local Small Business! " They may lead to syndrome X and early diabetes, and that's just the beginning.
They support the local community! 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
They support the local economy! requirements and ultimately allow your body to rapidly re-establish its healthy baseline, reset your internal metabolic
They support local organizations 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
and non-profits! 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
They are the first to create NEW jobs! 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.
THEY SUPPORT YOU! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and is a critical component to your success in the system. Most peo-
ple 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
Good News! 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.

Students from the Interact Club and the International and Global Assistance
Club from Choate Rosemary Hall HS in Wallingford collected donations at
their school, and presented checks in the amount of $2,530 to the
Wallingford Rotary's Haitian relief efforts, and $400 for the Rotary's End
Polio Now program.
In picture, from Left: Students Peam Chiaravanond, Stephen Lartey,
Wallingford Rotary President Craig Fishbein, Nicole Adler, Rotary District
Governor Colin Gershon and Mary Pashley, Director of Community
Service, Choate Rosemary Hall HS.
The Maryheart
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 regu-
larly 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 calo-
ries 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 exer-
cise 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.

Crusaders Making Oral Care Fun for Kids Year-Round

Bookstore 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
Catholic Books * Religious Items Easter are all large candy-eating times in the year, making it essential to take the time now to teach children the impor-
tance of maintaining good oral health.
Gifts * Church Goods "Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, so it's important to teach children effective tooth brush-
ing habits, especially around the holidays, when children are typically consuming more sweets than usual," says dentist
531 West Main Street in Meriden 203-238-9735 and mom Dr. Jennifer Salzer.
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-2 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-bris-
tled 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.

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!
Page 26 March 2010
To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, The
People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at
andy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power of positive for the read-
ers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment.
Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com! The
deadline for our April issue is March 29th..
CT Jammers
Wallingford Rotary - Our guest speaker this week was Bud Harvey, coach,
and team player Drew Vilardo from the Connecticut Jammers Quad Rugby
Team, the state’s only quad rugby team. The Jammers compete in tourna-
ments throughout the United States and provides new competitive
opportunities for athletes with quadriplegia. The Connecticut Jammers is a
member of the United States Quad Rugby Association and supported by the
Sports Association of Gaylord Hospital.
They are currently looking for volunteers, if interested please contact Todd
Munn, Director of Sports Association Gaylord Hospital at 203 284-2772.
In picture, Drew Vilardo and Wallingford President Craig
Fishbein
This edition of “The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your
Views” serves the needs of the communities of Wallingford and Meriden,
Connecticut. For safety reasons we do not publish the last name of
artists/writers under the age of 15. 5% of all annual net proceeds are
donated in kind or in financial donation to local charities and organiza-
tions.
This newspaper is not affiliated with any other newspaper.
Publishers: Andrew& Dawn Reynolds
peoplespress@peoplespressnews.com
Managing Editor Dawn A. N.-Reynolds
dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com
Copy Editor Dawn A. N.-Reynolds
dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com
Advertising Andy Reynolds
andy@peoplespressnews.com
Web Site Web Solutions, LLC
Writers YOU WRITE IT....WE PRINT IT!!!
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publications are published by:
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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 agricultur-
al 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 experi-
ences 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.
Wallingford Park and Rec. GOLDEN EGG HUNT
The event will be held at Doolittle Park Playscape. (Across from the YMCA) The event will be divided into two age
groups children 1-5 and children 6-11/ Toy eggs along with 12 special GOLD EGGS for each group will be spread
throughout. Any child that finds ONE Gold Egg can redeem it for a special prize at the Golden Egg Redemption table
located at Doolittle Park.
Thursday March 25th Rain date Friday March 26, 2010
Younger children hunt will begin at 6:45p.m. Older children hunt will begin at 7:00p.m.***Please be considerate of
age breakdown we want everyone to have an equal opportunity. Parents should be aware that if they have a young
child and an older child two adults will be required to participate in both events. Parents are asked to bring a basket for
their children.
Dates Announced for the "Meriden Daffodil Festival"
Meriden's Largest and most colorful festival the "Meriden Daffodil Festival" will celebrate it's 32nd year during 2010.
The 2010 dates have been announced for 2010. Join us on Saturday April 24 and Sunday April 25, 2010, 600,001 daf-
fodils can't be wrong! They create a sea of fragrant yellow blossomsthroughout the 1,800-acre Hubbard Park in
Meriden, Connecticut each year.You'll not only see an amazing 61 different varieties of daffodils, there willalso be
crafts, amusement rides, food, entertainment,and a fireworks display for you to enjoy.
Wallingford Community Gardens
Information Growing From Comm unity Gardens…
Our Community Garden program is still growing. We have a wonderful space at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park
where we have been for over 20 years. We welcome you to come experience the satisfaction of growing delicious fruits
and veggies, or just some flowers to decorate your home. No experience necessary. Have fun, make new friends and get
some exercise in the fresh air and sunshine. Various plot sizes available. For more information please contact James
Sayre at 203-294-2120.
The submission deadline for the April issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is March 29th. Don't forget to send your
celebration photo. Email your stories, news, celebrations and photos to andy@peoplespressnews.com.
For Special Days, Birthdays and Holidays
Free Photo Form
Send One to a loved one!
Celebrations of
Life and Home
Ally my love
to my Grandma, Grandpa,
Mommy, Daddy and
Bootsie too!!!
Love, Alyssa
Message:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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If you would like the photo returned to you, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope! We do not publish
the last names of any photo submissions. Send to:The People’s Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
Deadline for our April issue is March 26th.
 Page 27 March 2010

My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the

morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy
myself as best I can. ~Cary Grant
Troop 10

Troop 10 First Court of Honor of 2010! Taken February 22nd at the First
Congregational Church located at 62 Colony Street in Meriden.

TOP THIS!
Photo Art by Jake Kilroy
SCREENED SEPTIC
TOP SOIL SERVICE
Sarah

* PROMPT * SEPTIC TANK

DELIVERY CLEANING
* INSTALLATION &
* FARM QUALITY
REPAIR
TOP SOIL
* SEWER
* STONE FREE
CONNECTIONS
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never
known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of
God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-

203.269.0135
tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-
sity. (Make your request). There are none
that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,
conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,
I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days
and then you must publish it and it will be
granted to you. Grateful Thanks. C.V.S.
Isn’t she the perfect valentine! 324 High Hill Road * Wallingford

3/31/10
3/31/10
Page 28 March 2010

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Exterior Wash, Under Carriage Wash, Wheel Brite, Sealer
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$134.99 15,000 SF
*With this Coupon. All specials expire 3/31/10 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details. $2.00 OFF!! Regular Price - $9.00
Includes: Exterior Wash, Under Carriage Wash
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